The NFL version of “America’s Got Talent” is just around the corner as the NFL Draft returns to primetime on Thursday, April 25 at 8 PM ET. That will be followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26 at 6:30 PM ET with rounds 4-7 being held Saturday, April 27 at 12 PM ET. This year’s draft is expected to see several offensive and defensive linemen go early in the selection process.
Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel is poised to make history if the Kansas City Chiefs take him first overall. Joeckel played an instrumental role in helping QB Johnny Manziel win the Heisman Trophy.
Since 1936, teams have selected a quarterback with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft 29 times. However when it comes to offensive tackles, only three players have been taken with that first overall pick – Ron Yary, Orlando Pace and Jake Long.
No Signal Callers?
The last time a QB wasn’t drafted in the first round came in 1996, when the St. Louis Rams made Tony Banks out of Michigan State the first quarterback selected at No. 42 overall.
In the 16 drafts since, 44 quarterbacks have been taken in the first round, including four last year and in 2012.
Many of the teams thought to be considering a rookie passer, however, have since attempted to fill the position with veterans. That means that players like Geno Smith of West Virginia and USC’s Matt Barkley could still be available in the second round.
Some online sportsbooks have posted props on when Smith will be drafted. He has been listed at pick number 10.5 overall. If you think he will be drafted lower than the 11th spot, you would bet the under at a price of -125. If you think Smith will be drafted 11th or higher, the price is +100. The O/U on Barkley is listed at 32.5 with the over +115 and the under at -125.
The Eagles and Jets remain possible first-round suitors for Smith and Barkley. However no one is quite sure what to expect from new Eagles head coach Chip Kelly or the always unpredictable Rex Ryan on draft day.
Medical
Talent is the most important aspect that scouts look for on draft day. Durability rates a close second.
A poor medical evaluation can be devastating. Medical testing – not the infamous 40-yard dash, vertical jump or bench press – is the main reason why more than 300 potential NFL players are annually invited to Indianapolis for the mental and physical interrogation known as the NFL Scouting Combine.
Compared to a player’s medical history, his mental state is harder to get. Two players who have had highly publicized off field issues are Tyrann Matteiu of LSU and Manti Te’o of Notre Dame. Matteiu isn’t expected to be a first round selection but if you disagree you can get the Honey Badger at a whopping +2000. Te’o is listed +1000 to go in the first round.