ARLINGTON- According to the latest information, the Browns, Giants and Jets are all expected to take quarterbacks early on. This means that all three teams could pass up on the best available talent. In fact, in the Browns case, they will likely take Sam Darnold or Josh Allen just the Giants and Jets won’t be able to select the quarterback that Cleveland wants. Why will these three teams pass up North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb, Penn State running back Saquon Barkley and Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson?
The age-old draft question is still a classic that fans will debate in their homes, local bars and taverns, restaurants and draft parties. Should teams picking in the top three select the best player available or pick according to team need? This is always a part of the fun heading up to draft time.
Does this also mean the Giants have no intention of drafting Chubb to take the place of Jason Pierre-Paul? This seems to be a strange circumstance regarding the second overall pick. It would seem obvious that Chubb would be the second overall pick without any second thoughts. However, Josh Rosen could be the second player selected.
This of course still means the Jets will get Darnold, Allen or Rosen. If all of this goes according to expectations, three quarterbacks will be taken first, second and third overall.
Running backs do not typically have their names called before the fourth pick but Barkley would fit in nicely with Jets running back Bilal Powell. They certainly need a quarterback but passing on Barkley could come back to haunt them.
When it’s all said and done, the Browns will probably end up drafting Chubb or Barkley with the fourth pick. They will end up with a quarterback and one of the top overall players. What if they take Allen and Barkley? Cleveland would have two dual threat quarterbacks with Tyrod Taylor and Allen. This would help both Carlos Hyde and Barkley if the Browns pick him. Scrambling quarterbacks usually help the running backs as defenses have to prepare for a solid group of runners.
This puts more pressure on the Giants and Jets to make the best picks for their teams. The Giants could take Chubb so the quarterback talk could be another smoke screen. There are politics in the draft every year as teams tend to provide false information. The draft starts at 8:00 pm Eastern Time this Thursday.