That seems like a best-case scenario for both teams, but it is the NFL and things almost never make that much sense. Here, the Falcons get the top quarterback on the board and a face of the franchise. And guess what? The team Matt Ryan will go to have a stable of backs, none of whom are talented enough to be featured, to go along with an average set of receivers, and an OK offensive line...sound familiar?
BC football fans are nodding.
4. Oakland Raiders (4-12) Needs: OL, WR, SS, DL, DB
Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
The smart bet seems like to draft Chris Long at a position of need, taking the son of a former Raider great and immediately endearing yourselves to your fan base once again. Not Al Davis. While this may aggravate old school Raider fans, to be fair, Chris Long does not need the added pressure of playing for the same team his father made a Hall of Fame career with.
Instead, the silver and black will get this draft's most explosive player and a potential game changer. It is not as though the Raiders already paid Justin Fargas to be their franchise running back, or have Dominic Rhodes, Lamont Jordan, or Michael Bush on their roster...nope that is exactly what they have.
This would be the first really bonehead play of the first round and surprise surprise, Al Davis and co. will likely make it.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) Needs: OL, DL, WR, QB, DB
Chris Long DE Virginia
I keep hearing Brandon Albert and I simply do not see it, particularly if Sedrick Ellis and/or Chris Long are still on the board. The Chiefs fell in love with Ellis at the Senior Bowl and would love to add him to their roster. However, having trading Jared Allen, defensive end suddenly becomes a huge position of weakness and Long happens to also be the best player on the board.
Long and Allen have similar games and ironically the Chiefs will likely have to pay Long similar money. As silly as it seems to trade your best defensive end and then draft one in the top 5, the Chiefs will not be able to pass up the chance to draft the best pass rusher in the draft.
The offensive tackles in the AFC West are weak and Long could have a monster season for the Chiefs.
6. New York Jets (4-12) Needs: DL, WR, CB, QB, TE
Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
The Jets would love to get McFadden here, but short of a trade into the top 3, the Jets will have to settle for the defensive player with the highest ceiling in this draft. New York loves this former Buckeye and Gholston probably sits at #2 on the Jets wish list. The former Buckeye has been compared to hybrids like DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman with his outstanding athletic tools and physical presence.
Jake Long will not like to see this pick by the Jets, as Gholston was one of the only players in college able to give Long trouble. This pairing would set up awesome match ups and would give us a reason to watch a Jets Dolphins game.
7. New England Patriots F/ 49ers Needs: CB, LB, S, RB, OL
Keith Rivers LB USC
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