The NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, as teams finalise their draft boards, mull trade scenarios and lock in on their wanted players.
This year’s draft is shaping up to be a fascinating weekend, with a strong quarterback class set to dominate proceedings, meaning the potential from trades is cranked up.
The Chicago Bears head to Detroit in possession of the first pick and look like near-certainties to select Caleb Williams, but what are the key decisions that will dictate how the rest of the first round looks?
Here is a look at a few of those key points that teams will be wrestling with between now and April 25.
Daniels or Maye to the Commanders?
As mentioned above, the Bears looked locked in on Williams, so what do the Washington Commanders do at number two when it comes to selecting between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye?
The general consensus is that Daniels and Maye will be going second and third, so the Commanders need to decide if they prefer the dual-threat potential of Daniels or the strength and pro-ready frame of Maye.
Who trades out?
With this being a highly-touted quarterback class, it means we will likely see QB-needy teams ready big trade offers to move up to the top of the first round.
While the Patriots do need a new franchise quarterback, their roster has plenty of holes, so could they be swayed to pass on Daniels or Maye and trade their number three pick for a bounty of selections that can help kickstart the post-Belichick era?
Behind them, the Cardinals in the number four slot already have their quarterback in Kyler Murray, so they are likely to listen if teams want to talk trades. The LA Chargers at five also have their franchise quarterback in place and a number of areas to address on their roster.
Who trades up?
And if teams are willing to move down, who trades up?
The New York Giants saw Daniel Jones struggle with form and injury last season and wouldn’t have to move heaven and earth from their sixth position to move up and grab a top-tier QB, should they decide Jones isn’t their man going forward.
The Denver Broncos certainly need a new man under centre after calling time on the Russell Wilson era, but with the 12th overall pick and no second-round selection this year, may struggle to put together a package.
That leaves the Minnesota Vikings as another strong candidate to move up, as they look to fill the void left by Kirk Cousins’ free agency exit.
Does the J.J. McCarthy hype continue?
While the trio of Williams, Daniels and Maye have long been seen as locks for the first three selections in this year’s draft, Former Michigan standout J.J. McCarthy has been the subject of growing hype over the past couple of weeks.
Has a team fallen for him? Or is the buzz all a smokescreen and misdirection, as you often see at this time of year? We likely won’t have to wait too long on the opening night to find out, especially if the presumptive first three picks all go as expected.
What about the receivers?
The wide receiver position is another loaded group this year. Teams have had success drafting wideouts in the first round in recent years, so expect plenty to go on the opening night.
Marvin Harrison, Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze look slam dunks to go early in the first round and if we see a run on quarterbacks early doors, someone could land themselves an excellent prospect outside of the top ten.
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