I'm a huge Bucs fan, and I like some of you guys, so I'm gonna leak some draft intel I've gotten from a friend I grew up with who now happens to work in the league. Won't incriminate a good friend just to prove my validity. Believe me or don't, I won't care either way lol.
Anyways, here goes...
At least 3 teams are all in on Darnold: CLE, NE, and NYG.
From what I'm hearing, New England is aggressively looking to obtain #1. Should the trade go down, the Pats would likely give up both #1s, both #2s, and their #1 in 2019. Sounds crazy, but think about it, when was the last time New England rolled into a season without a viable backup? Kraft forced Garoppolo out the door. That wasn't a Belichek move. The Patriots want a seamless transition post-Brady and in order for that to happen they have to take advantage of their draft capital and get a franchise caliber QB this year.
Problem for New England is Cleveland likes Darnold too. They probably would take the picks however, IF they feel comfortable with taking the 4th QB whether it be Mayfield/Rosen. I don't know if Cleveland has made that determination yet. Personally, I think they would be happy with Mayfield, but if they were left with Rosen, they would probably be kicking themselves in the ass.
Whether it's to the Patriots or Browns, Darnold will likely be the first player taken this year. Once this happens, the Giants - fresh losers of the Darnold sweepstakes - will ship #2 to BUF who can't turn the card in fast enough for Josh Allen.
I have gotten conflicting reports out of the Jets camp as to whether they would prefer Mayfield or Rosen. My guess is Rosen. He's more polished, ready to start day one, whereas Baker may have a bigger learning curve. The Jets believe they can compete this year, so I'll say Rosen is the call.
Should CLE take Darnold, this pick will likely be between Chubb and Barkley. I'll go out on a limb and say Chubb is the pick in that scenario, as an edge rusher is harder to find than a RB. If they trade number 1 to New England, and Mayfield is still on the board at 4, the Browns will be absolutely ecstatic. If the Jets take Mayfield though, don't count on Cleveland settling for Rosen. They would likely take Chubb, then look to move back up for Lamar Jackson.
With Denver, the hype surrounding Derwin James is real. They really like him, but not at 5. If they can't move down a few spots and get an extra pick or two they will stay put and draft Quenton Nelson, provided Chubb is no longer available.
Indianapolis wants Chubb, but he won't make it past Denver, if he even makes it past Cleveland. They will end up taking Saquon Barkley.
Which brings us to Tampa.
Option A) Quenton Nelson
*BPA
Option B) Trade Up to 5 for Barkley
*As mentioned, Denver likes Derwin. The trade up would cost our 4th round pick, or maybe something more creative like a 6th round pick and Desean Jackson. A lot of fans would likely groan, but I wouldn't put it past Licht to make the move for an instant, day-one gamechanger.
I don't see a trade down option.
Rosen, Darnold, Allen and Mayfield will be long gone before 7.
Cue the 'mah sources' jokes...
