Post NFL writer Bart Hubbuch breaks down the 10 biggest story lines heading into this week’s draft:
1. Will Chip Kelly trade up for Marcus Mariota?
It’s been the draft’s burning question ever since Kelly began his surprising offseason demolition of the Eagles’ core, and few would be shocked if the former Oregon coach moves up to reunite with the Ducks’ Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback.
The only intrigue about such a move would be the price Kelly paid, because it would likely be very steep considering Philadelphia is currently at No. 20 and Mariota could go second overall to the Titans.
2. Are the Buccaneers as sold on Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick as they look?
Yes.
Based on all the legwork Tampa Bay’s front office has done to investigate the Florida State quarterback, its continued raves about his personality and the Bucs’ glaring need at that position, it now seems unthinkable they will take anyone but Winston.
Another apparent “tell” about Tampa’s intentions is its refusal to speak to the woman who alleged Winston raped her two years ago and is now embroiled in a civil suit against him.
That omission — glaring in light of the exhaustive background work NFL teams are capable of — indicates team officials are afraid of details that might conflict with the upbeat public portrait they continue to paint of Winston.
3. Will the Chargers trade Philip Rivers to the Titans?
It would be extremely complicated thanks to Rivers’ contract situation, but there sure seems to be a lot of smoke to this rumor.
Rivers reportedly is tired of the Chargers spinning their wheels and wants a change of scenery, while the Titans would solve their quarterback woes instantly with a Pro Bowl starter and San Diego could start over with Mariota.
4. Will the Vikings trade Adrian Peterson before the draft?
Perhaps, but only if they get a blockbuster offer — think multiple high picks — for the troubled 30-year-old running back.
That doesn’t appear likely, at least before the draft, considering Peterson’s age, hefty contract and his high NFL mileage (2,054 carries and 2,262 overall “touches” in eight seasons).
The Cowboys are still the ones to watch when it comes to acquiring Peterson, but Jerry Jones has calmed down in recent years (witness his decision to take a guard instead of Johnny Manziel last year) and now seems unlikely to mortgage his team’s future for an aging player at a devalued position.
5. How many receivers get drafted in the first round?
Thanks to Odell Beckham Jr. & Co. combined with another deep class at this position, don’t be surprised if five or even six wideouts hear their names called Thursday night.
Not only did Beckham’s incredible rookie year in 2014 turn heads, but the overall 2014 receiver class was so productive that it could go down as the best in draft history.
There is plenty of talent in this year’s class, too, led by Alabama’s Amari Cooper, West Virginia’s Kevin White, Louisville’s DeVante Parker, Central Florida’s Breshad Perriman and Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong.
Considering the NFL has become overwhelmingly a passing league, look for teams to scoop up receivers early.
6. Where will Randy Gregory be drafted?
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Gregory is considered by some scouts to be the most promising pass rusher available in this year’s draft — and its biggest knucklehead.
Teams are still shaking their heads that Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine, considering how much was at stake and he knew he would be tested. Gregory also reportedly has come off poorly in club interviews and even publicly bashed the city of New Orleans.
Prolific pass rushers are hard to find, so it’s doubtful Gregory will fall out of the first round entirely. But he could be waiting long into Thursday night to hear his name.
7. Will the Browns use their two first-round picks to trade up?
The Saints also have two choices in the first round, but the focus will be on Cleveland because their picks are better (12th and 19th, compared to New Orleans’ 13th and 31st) and the Browns are desperate for quarterback and receiver help.
Considering how much of a disaster his first round was last year (Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel), GM Ray Farmer will probably play it safe this time. But it’s the Browns, so you never know.
8. Will a running back be drafted in the first round?
Probably not.
No running back has gone in the first round since 2012, and the fact that the last to do so was Browns bust Trent Richardson only underscores the reluctance of teams to use a high pick on this position.
Running back has fallen out of favor in the age of three- and four-receiver sets, and teams now favor a committee approach to the role instead of a featured back. That lessens the workload on one player, and teams can challenge defenses with a variety of running styles.
This year’s top two prospects, Georgia’s Todd Gurley and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon, also come with question marks — Gurley with his surgically repaired knee and Gordon with his fumbling woes.
9. How badly did Marcus Peters and Dorial Green-Beckham hurt their stock?
Both are top-flight prospects who would be high first-rounders if not for their troubled college careers.
Peters, a shutdown cornerback, was kicked off the team at Washington in the middle of last season for numerous disciplinary problems, while Green-Beckham was booted by Missouri after the talented wideout’s numerous drug incidents and an alleged instance of domestic violence.
Several teams reportedly have taken both players off their draft boards entirely. It could be a long draft-weekend wait for each.
10. How many times will Bill Belichick trade down?
The Patriots boss seems to have a trademark on moving down to stockpile picks.
But with New England badly in need of cornerbacks after losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency, Belichick might actually stand pat this time, considering five corners in this year’s class have first- or second-round grades.