For all but two teams in the NFL, attention has shifted to two things; the NFL CBA and the NFL DRAFT. That being said, here are my projected top five picks for this year's draft. A lot can change between now and draft, including the NFL Combine, private workouts, and interview; but this is how I (for the time being at least) see the top five shaping up.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
Projected pick: DT Nick Fairley (University of Auburn). It seems strange that a team whose largest contributing factor to earning this pick was an abysmal offense will draft a defensive player. However, with Andrew Luck earning his degree next season, there simply is not an offensive talent that could compete against the wave of defensive lineman available. Fairley and Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers could easily be interchangeable at this point. It is evident however, that Carolina has no choice but to draft a pass rushing, playmaking defensive lineman. Right now, coming off of a great national championship performance, Fairley has the hot hand.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12)
Projected pick: CB Patrick Peterson (Louisiana State University). A once proud franchise was recently decimated by the poor judgment calls of an over ambitious and outspoken head coach and personnel man. Denver's defense, a problem over the last decade, hit rock bottom this year finishing dead last in every relevant defensive category. The front seven was the largest problem with this defense. It is anticipated that new head coach John Fox will transition the defense back to a 4-3 scheme. That being said, outstanding pass rusher Elvis Dumervil will likely be converted back to RE. The seventeenth overall pick from two years ago, Robert Ayers, played defensive line in college at Tennessee. His size made him versatile as an edge rusher and an inside option on passing downshttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2367182159301305624. Considering that Champ Bailey's return is in question, and the recent legal troubles of rookie standout Parish Cox, Peterson is a great choice as a lockdown corner who could start as a rookie.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12)
Projected pick: DE Da'quan Bowers (Clemson). Buffalo has a number of options at the third pick. Ultimately, Bowers is too good to pass up at the third pick overall. Bowers has the size to play the five technique in Chan Gailey's 3-4 scheme. He also has the play making ability to rival any DE in the league. A consistent pass rush will improve this defense drastically, putting less pressure on CBs Leodis McKlevin and Terrance McGee.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Projected pick: QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri). It is my belief that Mike Brown is putting on a public face regarding Carson Palmer's requested trade. Once the CBA is in place, I anticipate that Palmer will likely be traded to one of five options that I'll chronicle in a blog later. That being said, this franchise will be restarting at the QB position. Gabbert may not be Andrew Luck, but he's the next best thing in this year's draft. I could see the Bengals opt to trade down in hopes of acquiring Cameron Newton from Auburn. Or, in the even that Brown does stand strong regarding Palmer, They'll need a big play weapon to keep him happy. In that case, they'd draft Georgia WR A.J. Green.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Projected picks: MLB Von Miller (Texas A&M). Arizona is one of the potential destinations for Carson Palmer. It is more likely that the Cards will trade down for a Jake Locker in this situation. But assuming they stick with the fifth pick, defense is a major need. The front seven struggled a lot this season and Von Miller is quickly climbing a number of draft boards. A good combine could solidify this stud as a top five pick.
What's the Baseline?
This year's NFL Draft is more open at the top than any in recent memory. With Luck staying at Stanford, there is no clear no.1 pick, and Carolina's choice will have a drastic trickle down effect on the rest of the draft. Another deciding factor in this draft will be a new CBA. Remember, existing player contracts cannot be traded until a CBA is in effect. Moving draft picks will likely be more difficult this draft than any other in NFL history. The next five picks are coming up here at Baseline sports, so check in soon.
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