And what a thrilling NFL Draft it was this year. In this scenario, the Tennessee Titans would pull the trigger on Cam Ward, the University of Miami QB, with the first overall pick. Ward’s 39 touchdown passes led the nation and he racked up 4,313 passing yards. His historic season paved the way for the Hurricanes’ impressive 10-3 record last year, which won the program’s first Coastal Division Title. His phenomenal play made his case to be included as a top prospect. The Titans are hoping he can serve that same role — leadership-wise, at least — as their starting quarterback as early as next season with Tannehill.
That all changed in a big way shortly after it started thanks to a big move from the Jacksonville Jaguars. They used that No. 2 pick of the Cleveland Browns and drafted Colorado standout two-way player, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. The highly-coveted Hunter is a true dual threat type of player, capable of making game changing plays on both offense and defense. His selection is indicative of the Jaguars’ desire to supplement their roster as they push for a playoff push and strong season.
The New York Giants followed closely behind the Jaguars. Then they picked Abdul Carter, an edge rusher from Penn State, with their 4th pick (Atlanta) at the end of the 1st round. Carter should immediately improve the Giants’ defensive line and their pass rush, helping them stop the run and get to the quarterback more effectively.
With that newly 5th pick, they went out and took Mason Graham, an elite defensive tackle from Michigan. This pick further illustrates how serious they are about bolstering their defensive front seven, particularly on the line. Browns general Andrew Berry said he was happy with this approach.
“We felt like it was a fantastic opportunity for our organization to go down three spots and add a player in the trenches,” – Andrew Berry
The Las Vegas Raiders home run swung at 6. With that selection, they took Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty’s playmaking ability would add a new dimension to the Raiders’ dull backfield.
With pick No 7, the New York Jets picked Armand Membou of Missouri, an offensive tackle. With Membou’s addition, the Jets hope to state their offensive line — keeping their QB more safe than before.
The Carolina Panthers were on the clock after that. With that selection they gave Hendon Hooker another weapon, taking Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the 8th pick. With McMillan, the Panthers would add a dynamic playmaker with versatility to line up all over their still-young receiving corps.
The Arizona Cardinals went with Walter Nolen, the Mississippi defensive tackle, at No 9. Nolen’s arrival will help shore up the Cardinals’ defensive line, where they’ll need to make a big improvement.
The Cincinnati Bengals finished off the top ten picks by selecting Shemar Stewart, an edge rusher from Texas A&M. Stewart’s athleticism and skill set are anticipated to enhance the Bengals’ defensive strategies.
The Seattle Seahawks chose North Dakota St. Kicker Grey Zabel with their 11th pick. He will be joining the Celtics as an offensive guard. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, #12 Overall Take the Buccaneers at No 12. The Denver Broncos would like Jahdae Barron, a cornerback from Texas, to fall to No 13. Finally, the NFL franchise of Pittsburgh Steelers finished off the first round by selecting the common name for a defensive tackle born Derrick Harmon, of Oregon.