Sep 21, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) against the SMU Mustangs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jacksonville (Trade with Houston) – QB Johnny Manziel – Jacksonville
The Jags have to make a splash and getting Manziel would do it, the magic man would be running for his life but is the one player who would spike interest in a down franchise and vastly improve the position. They likely wouldn’t have to give up much to jump two spots and what ever they do give up they could recoup from a team looking to trade up in the second where they hold the 7th pick.
2. St. Louis – LT Jake Matthews
Jeff Fisher knows that left tackles are at a premium, so he takes Matthews who starts at RT and is the heir to Jake Long at left tackle. Some are saying that St. Louis is set a the offensive line, calling for another pass catcher, but in a division with the defenses they face, a great Oline is key to survival.
3. Houston – DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney
The only thing I don’t like about Clowney to the Texans is that they play a 3-4, but if he stays motivated it won’t matter which spot DC Romeo Crennel sends him. He showed during the season and at his pro day that he is a once every 10 year athletic specimen. Houston can move back into the first or stay put in the second to select a quarterback.
4. Tampa Bay (Trade with CLE) – WR Sammy Watkins
Jumping Oakland and continuing their aggressive offseason the Bucs get a trouble free receiver to run with Vincent Jackson. Watkins is one of my pro ready, dare I say “can’t miss” prospects who can catch, block, run, and return kicks. The receiver class is deep but there are only a few guys that can contribute right away like Watkins will.
5. Oakland – WR Mike Evans
The first somewhat shock, the Radiers get a big target for new quarterback Matt Schaub. There isn’t a defensive back in the league that can consistently compete with Evans for the ball. He was dominate at A&M using his large frame and catching radius to come down with contested catches on a regular basis.
6. Atlanta – LB/DE Khalil Mack
Mack is one of the cleanest most pro ready prospects in the draft and it wouldn’t surprise me if he were already gone at this point. A disruptive force from linebacker or defensive end Mack’s tape is fun to watch. He’s a day 1 starter and pro ready.
7. Cleveland – QB Derek Carr
Whaaaat, there are rumblings that Carr is Cleveland’s guy and they justify the selection by a trade with Atlanta moving out of the top five. With this selection Cleveland should start eyeing the 2016 QB class.
8. Minnesota – QB Blake Bortles
I think the Vikings have a plan to wait until the second round to get their quarterback and draft Khalil Mack. With Mack gone and Bortles on the board could they pass? I don’t think so for a team that hasn’t had a consistent signal caller since Donte Culpepper.
9. Buffalo – LT Greg Robinson
Robinson would fill both a need and be the best player available. This selection would give the Bills some flexibility on their line as Robinson could play either tackle spot.
10. Detroit – LT Taylor Lewan
The former Wolverine is supposedly full of “question marks” and is in for a draft day fall, says “sources”. If I’m the Lions I keep Lewan in the state of Michigan let him play LT or RT to help keep my high dollar quarterback up right.