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This draft looks to be very interesting early on. I've seen reports suggesting that as many as 6 of the first 10 draft picks may be used on linemen. I think that is overstating things, but I'd say easily 3 of 10 and likely 4 of 10 will happen. Many draft pundits are predicting Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson to likely all be in the top 5 picks. I think some trading happens that changes this, but I could see that actually happening.
After last year's bumper crop of rookie QB's, this year is in appearances not nearly so reliable. If I was a team needing a QB I'd be thinking long and hard about moving down if I was in the early to mid picks of the first round. I don't think there is a "lock" in the bunch. While it is almost hard to believe, there may only be 1 QB taken in the first round this year. Wouldn't surprise me to see a panic pick where 2-3 QB's are drafted in the first round, but I'd sure hate to be that GM. I suspect someone reaches for Geno Smith in the 1st round because there just aren't many other options at the moment.
I suspect there will be a lot of wheeling and dealing going on throughout this draft. There are a handful of teams with 9 or more picks, and I can see a few of them at least bundling to move up for specific needs/players. Both the San Francisco 49'ers and Baltimore Ravens are well positioned with picks and I can see them getting some really good values or future considerations depending on what is left on the board. My home state Minnesota Vikings snuck into the playoffs but have a lot of holes to fill. They might be the one team with a lot of picks who looks to use most of them for needs. If they can combine a pick or two though & get a good replacement for Percy Harvin it will help soften the blow of his departure to the Seattle Seahawks this off season.
Other things of interest:
Manti Te'o - where does he go and would you want him on your team? As a Vikings fan, I'm really hoping they don't bite here if he's available. I don't think he's as good as he's been hyped.
Is there a running back in this draft worth springing early for?
Who gets the infamous distinction of being the last player selected?
Other reading material to prime the pump: