NFC Draft Breakdown: 16 takes for each NFC Team

With the NFL Draft less than a week away, sports fans around the country are more clued in than ever. Desperate for sports coverage of any kind, even casual football fans are deep diving on the draft like never before, clinging to every rumor or mock draft with baited breath.

Well, my contribution to the football loving community are my takes on what each team might/should do in the first round. And of course like all fans, I'm convinced I'm absolutely right.

Washington Redskins: Is Haskins Still Worth Betting On?

I was baffled by the idea last year that Arizona would start over at QB one season into their young passer’s career. But if we're being honest, it worked. Arizona made the right move to reset with their new coaching staff.

Considering the poor play and leadership red flags from rookie QB Dwayne Haskins last season, is it that crazy to think they should consider Tua? Even if it is indeed crazy, Washington should be doing everything in their power to convince the Dolphins and Chargers they might take him to illicit a trade market.

DE Chase Young is an incredible talent, and would be an easy pick, but their real needs are in other areas, and the value could be in sliding down and amassing a larger haul. Or, don't get cute like I'm suggesting and just take your new franchise defender.

Also, when are we gonna move LT Trent Williams? Are they waiting for a desperate team like the Bucs or Dolphins if they miss out on the drafts top OT’s? Maybe. But it’s a risky proposition with the change to the virtual draft to try and deal a player during the draft. Lots of financial factors and details.

Detroit Lions: A trade down, or best Buckeye available?

If I’m Detroit I’m hoping one of two scenarios play out:

1. A team does trade with Washington to take a QB at #2 so DE Chase Young is on the board. This is the dream scenario I'd imagine.

2. A team like Miami or LAC offers a trade to take a QB, possibly still leaving CB Jeff Okudah or even LB/S Isaiah Simmons available to us at a later spot with some extra picks in our back pocket.

If they have to stick at #3 and pick, then I'd lean towards Okudah. Signing free agent CB Desmond Trufant is not as exciting as the name suggests in 2020, and they'll need to replace the role CB Darius Slay played in Patricia's defense after his trade to Philly.

If the Lions don't get lucky and have Chase Young fall into their lap, could they also enter the Yannick Ngakoue sweepstakes and make trade with Jacksonville for the disgruntled pass rusher? Could be interesting to see!

New York Giants: Jones isn't a total disaster, now let's protect him.

The above picture is of QB Daniel Jones against the Arizona Cardinals. A game in which he was sacked eight times. I REPEAT! EIGHT. FREAKING. TIMES. My man has PTSD imagining Chandler Jones coming around the corner again.

I know the report is that the Giants are enamored with LB/S Isaiah Simmons, who’s awesome, but how do you not make a move to protect your young developing quarterback?

I think they have to go Offensive Line with both Jedrick Wills or Tristian Wirfs as both safe, dependable picks. I prefer Wills as a pure OT, but I also know Joe Judge has talked about valuing versatility which might favor Wirfs due to his flexibility to play OT or OG. Either way, keep the poor kid out of Duke alive long enough to see if he's actually worth being a franchise quarterback.

Also, either sign Jadaveon Clowney or make the move for Ngakoue. Do whatever you want, but you need to do something about that pass rush. Wouldn't it be a nice change of pace to watch the opposing QB get sacked for a change?

Carolina Panthers: Should Matt Ruhl go get his franchise QB?

Carolina is a wildcard. I’m going to assume they go Defense, but I can’t shake the feeling that they could make a play to get new head coach Matt Ruhl a premier signal caller.

Imagine if they take QB Tua Tagavailoa, via trading up or getting a fortunate slip down the board. You’ve got a perfect bridge quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater until Tua is ready to roll. And Tua would be a great fit for the RPO-based offense that Ruhl and new hotshot Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady are going to run. He’s a perfect point guard, and would be great as a distributor to Christian McCaffery and company.

Assuming they don’t get wild though, I see them as a big possible trade down candidate, and ultimately I think they want more help on the DL. DT is a position of need and either Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw would be great fits.

Arizona Cardinals: The Hopkins trade provides awesome Round 1 leverage

I really like Arizona’s position in this draft. They’ve got a lot of control where they’re at.

At #8 they'll almost certainly have their choice of one of the top OT’s, and they might even be bold and bolster their defense with a guy like DT Derrick Brown. All realistic options.

And say the run on QB’s happens, and multiple great OT/DT’s are still on the board? Slide back with a team desperate for their shot at one of these QB's like Jordan Love or Justin Herbert, or a team looking for their first choice of these WR’s.

The Hopkins trade was perfect for many reasons, but an overlooked aspect is how much it gives them the ability to be calm and collected on draft night, rather than scrambling to fill that need. They’ll almost certainly get a big man to make them better without really needing to sweat.

San Francisco 49ners: Build on your strength, or build your team speed

I think all of us (who aren’t fans of a competing NFC West team) are dying to see HC Kyle Shanahan with one of these blue chip WR’s. That being said, I also don’t hate the idea of continuing to stack their Defensive Line. A guy like DT Javon Kinlaw could be a monster inside. They could also make a move at corner if CJ Henderson is a guy they like.

If they go receiver then I’d love to see them take Henry Ruggs III. Shanahan has always prioritized speed, and Ruggs would give them their own Tyreek Hill to play with. Jerry Jeudy would also be fun since he’s such a technician as a route runner, but I think Kyle saw exactly how dangerous 4.2 speed can be in the Super Bowl and he’ll want some himself.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: You made the move for Brady, now make a move to protect him

If you’re Tampa can you afford to sit and wait for one of these top OT’s? Best case scenario is there's a top tackle like Andrew Thomas on the board at #14, but it's just not worth the risk. I think they need to be prepared to make a move with a team like Jacksonville or Arizona.

Tom Brady is not as shifty in the pocket as he once was, and you’ve made a short term investment to give yourself a possible Super Bowl window. Double down on that investment. If you can’t get a top OT, just trade back and amass capital.

But let’s be real though. If they can’t find a way to snag an OT at #14, it’ll be a terrible start to Brady’s tenure. General Manager Jason Licht is drafting for his job, he needs to get aggressive and make it happen.

Atlanta Falcons: Whether it's a trade up or down, ATL figures to be a key cog in draft night drama

The scuttlebutt right now around draft twitter is Atlanta is pondering a trade up for a top player. I have to imagine that player is on defense. If I’m Atlanta I’m waiting to see if Okudah, Brown, or Kinlaw drops to a spot where I can move up to snag one of them. All would give them a premier player to reignite the defense that helped HC Dan Quinn desires.

If that doesn’t work, then they could be a major lynch pin in this draft going backwards. If a top WR or OT is still there at #16, teams like the Dolphins, Jaguars, Eagles, or Vikings would all be frothing at the bit to jump up. Atlanta would be smart in that scenario to slide back a bit, where a lot of their top needs are at a better value.

That said, if Atlanta stays at #16, I like DE K’Lavon Chaisson or CB CJ Henderson here.

Dallas Cowboys: With multiple defensive needs, what do the Cowboys attack first?

I feel like a lot of mocks are ambiguous on Dallas so they just give them a safety here and move on. And don’t get me wrong, Xavier McKinney is a good pick here if it happens.

That being said, I think there’s a steeper drop at pass rusher and corner. Similar to Atlanta, try to get a guy like DE K'Lavon Chaisson out of LSU to develop across from Demarcus Ware or a CB to replace Byron Jones. Dallas might also be a big contender for a trade back here. I think Jerry Jones will be all in on a player with the physical tools like Chaisson, but we'll see. You never know what'll come out of Jerry world on draft night.

Philadelphia Eagles: Wentz and Jefferson feel like a perfect marriage

It’s frustrating as a Vikings fan to have Philly pick right before us, as we share the same 2 biggest needs at WR and CB. If I’m Philly I’m also very aware of Minnesota’s needs right behind us, and might be wary of getting jumped and missing out on our preferred option at either position.

WR Justin Jefferson seems to be the universal choice here by draft fans, and I think he’s a perfect fit. He’s reliable and gives a major red zone option and chain mover for Carson Wentz. He's athletic, silky smooth as a route runner, and has dependable hands in the clutch, something the Eagles have been lacking. (Looking at you Agholor) And there's been some detractors who say that he exclusively lined up in the slot last season, but with 4.43 speed and decent size at 6'1, I think he can absolutely develop into an outside guy as well if he can learn to get off press.

That being said, if they are willing to make a move up? I realize I peg every team to have a fit with him, but Henry Ruggs III would be Desean Jackson 2.0, except in a more compact and thick frame. I’d love to see the creativity in the Eagles offense with Ruggs as a chess piece.

Minnesota Vikings: Could they get aggressive on offense, or stay patient on Draft Night?

With needs at OL, WR, CB, DT, and DE; Minnesota has plenty of options to take best player available. That being said, as I’ve eluded to plenty in this piece, I’m a proponent of being aggressive if the right guy is involved.

Think of it this way. If a guy who’s top 10 on your board is there at #16, then you’re paying the cost of moving to #16 for the value of a top 10 pick! If the run on WR’s or OT’s holds off until the mid teens, then I think it’s worth it.

If they stay at #22 and #25 however, I want CB Jeff Gladney. Tough, tenacious, and scrappy; Gladney is one of my favorite players in this draft. He’s not a Mike Zimmer physical prototype in the mold of Xavier Rhodes, but he’s tough and will absolutely make an early impact.

After Gladney it’s a bit of a crapshoot to me. #25 feels a bit too early for the next tier of OT’s (Ezra Cleveland, Josh Jones, Isaiah Wilson) and I’m not overly interested in any of the next tier of WR’s yet if Justin Jefferson is gone either. #25 feels like a potential trade back spot, possibly to the top of the 2nd where a guy like Austin Jackson or Ezra Cleveland make more sense. If they absolutely need to pick at #25 then I like OG/C Cesar Ruiz. A bit of a reach, but a high floor pick that's a safe bet in the back half of the 1st round.

New Orleans Saints: When are they going to find the heir apparent to Drew Brees?

It’s odd, but almost more so with them than with the Patriots I could see New Orleans taking their swing at a QB. And New Orleans actually still has their hall of famer on the team.

They don’t have any obvious, desperate needs to fill though; and I don’t know if they really believe in offensive wildcard Taysom Hill as a full time QB. He's every Saints fan's favorite player, but he's sneaky old at 29 and New Orleans never had the confidence to give him significant reps even when Brees was out last season. On the other hand, a guy like Utah State QB Jordan Love needs development, is Sean Payton willing to take that time?

For the record, I'm not high on Jordan Love in general. But under Sean Peyton's tutelage? That's a whole separate conversation. If anyone can cater an offense to his play maker's skill set, it's Sean Peyton.

All that said, Linebacker is also a need and either Patrick Queen or Kenneth Murray would be great fits here. I could also see them taking a WR to give a speedy option to compliment Michael Thomas. It might be a little early, but Brandon Aiyuk out of Arizona State would be awesome in this offense.

Seattle Seahawks: Pass Rusher or Pass Protector?

Pass Rush is the biggest need here. Assuming they don’t flirt with Jadaveon Clowney again, they need someone to get after the quarterback at defensive end. Yetur Gross-Matos or AJ Epenesa could both fit that billing.

Seattle hasn’t shown any fear in taking developmental offensive tackles in the past though. What about a guy like Georgia OT Isaiah Wilson? A huge hulking mauler in the run game with upside as a pass protector. He could immediately produce in Seattle’s run heavy scheme as he develops the other parts of his game.

Green Bay Packers: Can they find a Robin to Davante Adams' Batman?

Ah the hated Cheeseheads. When they aren’t busy convincing themselves Rodgers’ mustache doesn’t make him look like the kind of guy who buys beer for high school girls on the weekends; they’re probably hoping that a quality receiver like Denzel Mims or Brandon Aiyuk is on the board at #30. Both give Rodgers a speedy play maker to compliment Davante Adams.

They could also bolster the interior of their defensive line with a guy like Ross Blacklock from TCU or Neville Galimore from Oklahoma. Corner is even an outside possibility if they like a guy that slides to them.

I don’t know who they’re going to take, I just know every hick in Wisconsin is gonna be convinced they’ve picked the next Hall of Famer and go overdose on mayo and cheese curds afterwards.

Of course, my smack talk is just rooted in jealousy and bitterness Packer's fans. I stand by everything I said as fact, but it's only because I'm bitter about your almost 3 decades of Hall of Fame quarterback play that I bring it up.

Los Angeles Rams: Without a 1st round pick, how can they rebuild this top heavy roster?

The Rams attacked their perceived Super Bowl window and almost climbed the mountain top. Now they’re paying the price with a very top heavy roster.

They aren’t picking until all the way at pick #52, making it all the more important to hit on their limited draft capital. Defense is where they need play makers most, and if I’m Les Snead I’m targeting a guy like Willie Gay Jr. our of Mississippi State. Fast, instinctive and a great leader; he’d be a great addition on the field and in the locker room.

Chicago Bears: Bolster the defense, give the offense an identity.

Chicago may not have a 1st round pick, but they have a chance to snag two starters in the second round.

There are a variety of quality second round safeties, highlighted by small school standout Jeremy Chinn. He's a versatile player, and many scouts are calling him a poor man's Isaiah Simmons. He could be an awesome value if he can elevate to this level of competition. They also have needs at corner and interior offensive line; which could be easily attacked in round 2.

But honestly, if they really want to utilize HC Matt Nagy’s scheme to its fullest, get another explosive target for QB Nick Foles (Sorry Mitch). An explosive playmaker like KJ Hamler could be a great fit for Matt Nagy.

Final Thoughts:

The NFC was incredibly deep last season, and I think looking ahead to next season there's a wide variety of teams that will be competing for playoff spots, even with an expanded playoff field. The class of the NFC is undoubtedly New Orleans and San Francisco, however there's a variety of teams that could cement themselves as playoff caliber teams with solid drafts. Tampa Bay, Seattle, Minnesota, are a few examples; and I even consider a team like Arizona as a dark horse despite a tough division.

But the reality is that next Thursday every NFL fan feels like they've got a chance. Hope springs eternal on Draft Night, and its the drama and unpredictability is what's so enticing. So put on your jerseys, get that mute button ready for every time Mel Kiper or Booger McFarland start to talk, and get ready for what is undoubtedly the most bizarre and unique draft we'll have ever experienced!

Stay tuned for a follow up piece on the AFC later this week. Until then, later homers!