NFL Draft's Three Biggest Questions

NFL Draft's Three Biggest Questions

Ryan Knuppel
3 years ago
2 min read

NFL Draft Week is here, yet it sure feels like there are still more questions than answers. As more and more mocks and reports hit the internet, these are just three of the biggest questions to keep an eye on during one of the most important nights of the year for football teams and fans alike.

Let's take a closer look at the three questions in mind.

1. Sewell or Chase for the Bengals?

For a while, it felt like a foregone conclusion that Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell would go to the Cincinnati Bengals with the fifth pick. However, it seems more and more likely that Cincinnati will draft a weapon for Joe Burrow rather than protection.

That weapon is LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who has solidified himself as the top receiver in this draft class. Not only could he develop into a true number one receiver, but he also already has a connection with Burrow from their time in Baton Rouge.

Perhaps Sewell opting out of the 2020 season is giving Cincinnati some hesitation with selecting him in the top five. Or perhaps they still go Sewell with the need to protect Burrow still so great. But regardless, it seems like one of these two players will be the pick for the Bengals on Thursday night.

2. Where will Fields land?

There might be no quarterback with the level of variance that Ohio State QB Justin Fields has. He has seen his stock boom into the top-three at times while also falling well outside the top-10 plenty of other times.

Thought to be in the mix for the San Francisco 49ers at third overall, reports now have the 49ers targeting either Trey Lance or Mac Jones. Assuming the Atlanta Falcons take Kyle Pitts as expected, that could push a pair of quarterbacks, including Fields, down to at least the ninth pick, where the Denver Broncos might seek a quarterback. 

That means barring a trade-up, Fields could find himself still on the board by the time the 15th pick rolls around, where the New England Patriots currently reside. But the Buckeye signal-caller will hear his name called on Thursday; it’s just a matter of when.

3. First linebacker after Parsons?

Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons is the consensus top linebacker in the draft. As a result, it’s all but assured he’ll be the first linebacker to hear his name called on Thursday. But which LB will go after Parsons, and could it be the Cleveland Browns who select him?

There are a few interesting options at linebacker when you get past Parsons. Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is one who many see as the second-best linebacker. There is also Tulsa’s Zaven Collins and Kentucky’s Jamin Davis, the latter of whom has risen recently into a first-round pick discussion.

With Myles Garrett and Jadaveon Clowney manning the edges and a young secondary ready to grow, getting an immediate starting linebacker can help improve a Cleveland defense that took significant strides in 2020. And if there is a guy Owusu-Koramoah who they reportedly like a lot, don’t rule out a trade-up to get him.
 

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