Three-Point Stance: Draft questions, freaks, steals
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Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell’s Three-Point Stance is here with 10 burning questions heading into the NFL Draft, five physical freaks expected to go in the first round and five players that have surprisingly fallen out of the draft's first night.
1. TEN BURNING DRAFT QUESTIONS
It’s draft day and the first round will take place tonight. Here are 10 burning questions heading into Round 1.
1. Will Kyler Murray go No. 1? There’s a lot of different information out there and with Josh Rosen still on the roster it makes you wonder even more, but I’m sticking with Murray to Arizona. But it wouldn’t stun me if the Cardinals have been playing with us all along.
2. What will be the quarterback order after Murray? I think it goes Daniel Jones, Drew Lock and Dwayne Haskins in that order, but I’m one of the few who think that way. I’ve heard rumors of Haskins sliding but I still have him going No. 11 to the Bengals.
3. Who will be the first DT off the board, Quinnen Williams or Ed Oliver? To me it’s a no-brainer as Williams is longer and brings more to the table overall.
4. How much will Haskins and Rashan Gary slide? I’ve already mentioned Haskins and his slide is minimal, down from No. 6 at the Giants to No. 11 and the Bengals. Gary I have sliding down to No. 17 and the Giants, which isn’t bad either. It’s not in the top 10 but it’s still pretty high.
5. Will the first cornerback be taken in the 20s? Yes, I think Greedy Williams goes No. 20 to the Steelers, which is surprising because corners with his size and length usually go much higher. The rush for quarterbacks and the depth at defensive causes the slide.
6. Will a running back be taken? Yes, I have Alabama running back Josh Jacobs going No. 25 overall to the Eagles. If the Eagles pass on him, the Colts will take him No. 26.
7. How many receivers will be taken? I only have two wide receivers – Marquise Brown and A.J. Brown – going in the first round and a ton of talent left on the board heading into Friday.
8. Who will be the surprise pick of the first round? OG Chris Lindstrom at No. 19 to Tennessee. He’s a 10-year pro at least and a nasty interior lineman out of Boston College.
9. Which Devin will go first at linebacker? I’ve got Devin White going ahead of Devin Bush, but it will be close.
10. What team will boast the most first-rounders? Clemson, Alabama and Oklahoma should all have three first-rounders.
2. FIVE PHYSICAL FREAKS THAT WILL BE DRAFTED
Sometimes it’s not the best player that gets taken in the first round but the most physically impressive. Here are five guys who are being drafted based on testing numbers more than production, although some won’t make it into round one…
WR DK Metcalf, Ole Miss – Metcalf has been injured and not overly productive at Ole Miss, but his size and testing numbers are amazing. Still, I think he slides to the top of the second round
DE Rashan Gary, Michigan – Gary is a physical freak despite the lack of sacks at Michigan and he lands squarely in the first round.
WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State – Campbell’s awesome 40 time will land him in the second round but while his final season at Ohio State was productive he didn’t stretch the field much with that speed.
DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State — OK, Sweat had 23.5 sacks his last two years of college, but there’s no way we’d be talking about him so high without his testing numbers.
CB Jamel Dean, Auburn – Dean had two career interceptions but his size and impressive 40 time will likely land him in the second round.
3. FIVE SURPRISING PLAYERS THAT ARE SLIPPING
My final Mock Draft has five guys slipping to Round 2 that will be NFL stars. It’s hard for me to believe they will be passed up in round one, but that’s the way it looks. Here they are…
WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State – I have Harry as the best wide receiver in this class but I think he slides down to the second round for whatever reason.
OT Greg Little, Ole Miss – Little wasn’t impressive at the combine but his film is excellent and I think he’s a great value in Round 2.
S Jonathan Abram, Mississippi State – I really like Abram as a player and think he will be a Friday steal for someone.
TE Noah Fant, Iowa – Fant is arguably the most athletic tight end in the draft and will be available in the second round.
S Juan Thornhill, Virginia – I love Thornhill and his smarts and think he’s a first-round talent that will be available on Friday.