Unlike 2012, when the first two picks of the draft were predetermined, this year’s draft is a guessing game. Many blame the uncertainty on lack of star power in this year’s draft class, but regardless of the reason, Thursday night’s first round will be an exciting one.
2013 NFL draft news: Eric Fisher No. 1, possible trades and more
The NFL Draft is just hours away, and thanks to a high level of uncertainty, there are plenty of rumors floating around, including on who could go first overall.
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For months, Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel has been the consensus No. 1 overall pick. However, many draft analysts believe that the Chiefs will use their first overall pick on Central Michigan left tackle Eric Fisher instead. It's also being reported that the Chiefs are trying to trade Branden Albert to the Dolphins.
Arrowhead Pride: 7-round Chiefs mock draft
Many believe the Jets' biggest need is a quarterback to replace Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow. However, even though they now have two first-round selections, they're reportedly not looking to select a quarterback in the first round. This could be nothing more than another smokescreen, though.
D.J. Fluker was connected to a tweet bearing his name in which he claimed he accepted money while playing at Alabama. The tweet was deleted, and both he and his agent claimed his account was hacked. On Wednesday, Fluker spoke at a pre-draft event and denied he ever accepted any money while with Alabama.
The St. Louis Rams may be looking to trade up in the draft in order to get their hands on West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin, according to reports. The Rams have two first-round picks, which they could use to secure Austin if they want to surround Sam Bradford with another talented receiver.
Former BYU defensive end Ziggy Ansah could find himself being selected in the first five picks on Thursday night, according to several analysts. While the first two picks seem to belong to Joeckel and Fisher, the next three teams could use help on the defensive line.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly very high on former USC quarterback Matt Barkley. Their first-round pick could either be Fisher or Joeckel, depending on who the Chiefs select, but many believe they could use the No. 64 pick on a quarterback. Blaine Gabbert has had enough growing pains that selecting Barkley is a real possibility.
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There is more than one rumor involving Tavon Austin, as it appears the Philadelphia Eagles could use their No. 4 overall selection on the wide receiver. Chip Kelly’s offense could use another talented receiver.
Former Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel has received a lot of attention over the last few weeks and could possibly be selected in the top 20 picks in the draft on Thursday night. Manuel has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects along with West Virginia’s Geno Smith.
The defending Super Bowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens, could look to trade up in the draft, according to reports. The target would be Lane Johnson, who's considered to be the third-ranked offensive tackle in this year's draft class. The Ravens need help on both sides of the ball after losing many of the players that helped them win Super Bowl XLVII.
This year’s draft class isn’t very strong when it comes to the quarterback position. In fact, many analysts believe that there isn’t a quarterback worthy of a first-round pick. However, some believe that former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib could be selected anywhere from the first round to the fourth.
The Raiders have the third-overall pick, and while they need help at several positions, they will not be drafting for need. Instead they'll be selecting the best player available, which will likely be a defensive tackle if both Joeckel and Fisher are the first and second picks.
Silver and Black Pride: Raiders draft radar
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