By Andrew Rosario
There will be no bear hugs or high fives when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the 2020 draft picks tonight. Unlike last year when the draft was held in Tennessee where more than 600,000 people flooded the streets for the 3 day event, this years event was to be held in Las Vegas the new home of the Raiders. Due to the pandemic that has caused world wide social distancing, the draft will be held in a virtual format as all league and club facilities will be closed. So when Goodell announces the number 1 pick that is owned by the Cincinnati Bengals, he will see that player (expected to be quarterback Joe Burrow from LSU) on screen as he will be with a small faction of his family in some hotel room or in the confines of his home.
Washington, Detroit, Giants and Miami will pick after the Bengals with trade possibilities that could impact where the other top prospects will land. The other New York team, the Jets, have the number 11 pick and need help on both sides of the ball. Do they add a offensive lineman to help protect 3rd year quarterback Sam Darnold or do they look to give him more help offensively by picking a wide receiver or tight end?
Because of the Coronavirus, teams could not follow up with players after the combine that took place in February. It put general managers in a precarious situation when evaluating players they think can help them immediately. Where does that leave the other top prospects? The most intriguing, quarterback from Alabama Tua Tagovailoa who is coming off injuries that are giving teams a reason not to pick him. Tag has released videos of recent workouts and has been cleared by independent doctors saying that he is healthy. Playing against college players is one thing. Playing against professional men is totally different.
Teams looking to bolster their defense have options as there are at least 4 players who can make an immediate impact starting with Chase Young from Ohio State. Linebacker Isaiah Simmons from Clemson, cornerback Jeff Okudah Ohio State and defensive tackle Derrick Brown from Auburn are high on the list.
With Tom Brady taking his talent to Tampa, will his ex-head coach Bill Belichick trade up and draft a quarterback? They have 12 overall picks. The Dolphins have 14 picks themselves and are wiling to listen to offers. Tua is on their radar although they need help on the offensive line.
For one night, top college prospects looked forward to be in the audience with their families when their name was called by the commissioner. It would be followed by a big bear hug and a high five as they put on a cap and displayed the jersey of the team that picked them. Not this year as Covid-19 changed all of that. The league and the fans are hoping it will not have effect on the start of training camp or the regular season.
Recent Comments