Cole’s Corner: NFL fans questions finally answered

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With the NFL Draft later this week, these are the answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding this year’s draft.

 

Who goes number two?

This is probably the most burning question of the draft. Leonard Williams, Marcus Mariota, or someone else? Who will it be? Realistically speaking, this selection will come down to two prospects if Tennessee is on the board, Mariota or Williams. In my opinion, Williams is the better choice. He’s more pro ready and fits the hybrid defense in Tennessee terrifically well. Mariota wouldn’t be a bad selection though, he could be a standout NFL quarterback once he gets adjusted to a new system. Williams’ instant impact would hold much high value than Mariota’s.

 

Who is on the board at two?

The next big question of course is, who will have the number two overall selection? The general consensus is that this selection will be Mariota and it will be traded. Tennessee and Mariota don’t fit as well as many would like to think and the Titans should and will probably trade out of the selection. Of the teams that will make a run for number two, you could make a list. Washington, New York (Jets), Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, and Philadelphia are all teams who could select Mariota at two. Cleveland makes the most sense of any team to trade up. They have the firepower, and according to most reports, they like Mariota. While it works, I can’t see them abandoning Johnny Manziel so shortly after drafting him. I really think of all the teams who are in play for Mariota, Philadelphia wants him the most. He’d be a beautiful fit for Chip Kelly’s offense and a great player regardless. At the same time, it’d be hard for them to pull off a trade without “mortgaging the franchise,” like Kelly once said. I could see them getting another team involved, but three team trades are very rare in today’s NFL. Bottom line, expect a top-15 team to be involved in a trade for Mariota, but don’t be surprise if the Eagles make a big run for him in the end.

 

Are the top running backs worth a first round selection?

It really depends on your take on running backs. If you’re someone who believes running backs offer a lot to a team and hold a lot of value, there are potentially a plethora of backs who could be considered first round talents. If you think backs can wait to be selected…then…well, you already know how many “first round talent.” In my opinion though, there are two running backs: Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon. Gurley is probably the best back in the class and has everything a coach looks for in an every-down back. He’s got size, speed, vision, and power. He can also catch out of the backfield and return kicks. Gordon is another player who could be an every-down back, but he’s a bit more one-dimensional. His speed and vision are his best assets, but he can’t run for power like Gurley can and that’s why he’s not the top back in the class. Ultimately though, both players hold a lot of value and could be taken on the first day of the draft.

 

Who rises/falls with their selection?

A very generic question, but still one with many answers. A lot of players rise and fall on draft boards throughout the process, but these are the players who will really be affected.

 

Riser: DeVante Parker, Wide Receiver, Louisville

Parker had honestly been steady throughout the process, but his talents have been coming to fruition as of late and many are expecting him to be a top-10 selection.

 

Riser: Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

Before the draft process, no one was even sure of Green-Beckham declaring, now he could be a top-10 selection on draft night. His speed and size is scary, but his maturity is what is really allowing teams to gush over his talents.

 

Riser: Vic Beasley, Defensive End/Outer Linebacker, Clemson

Beasley removed all questions after a standout combine. His athleticism and natural pass rushing abilities make a potent mix of a player.

 

Faller: Randy Gregory, Defensive End/Outer Linebacker, Nebraska

Gregory’s weight issues were one thing, but now a failed drug test at the combine could possibly drop him out of a selection in the top-10. The talent is there, but Gregory will need to get his act together.

 

Faller: Shaq Thompson, Outer Linebacker/Safety/Running Back, Washington

Thompson was highly valued at the start of the draft process as an athlete. He played all over the field in college and did well wherever he played, but his combine and pro day numbers were short of impressive. This led teams to question him and ultimately leave him out of first round discussion.

 

Faller: Landon Collins, Safety, Alabama

Collins is, by far, the best safety in the class. All of his talent is real, but teams are starting to wonder if he is overvalued considering the lack of talent behind him.