Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston throws a pass against Oregon in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif. His next uniform could be that of the Tampa Bay Bucs, barring any last minute trades.(Photo: AP)
NEW YORK The NFL draft heads to Chicago this year, with the top overall choice in our mock draft not planning to be on hand. No matter: Tampa Bay will already have let its selection know when the crowd in the Windy City gets, uh, wind of the pick.
Barring trades, wholesale nfl jerseys a mock look at Thursday night’s first round:
1. Tampa Bay (2 14)
Player character and behavior should be even more of a deciding issue in this year’s draft. The Bucs, desperate for a quarterback, say they are convinced the guy they choose is not a bad apple and is a great prospect.
JAMEIS WINSTON, QB FLORIDA STATE
2. Tennessee Titans (2 14)
Do the Titans also go QB, or pull the trigger on a trade with someone eager to move up to get one? Hard to believe they see sixth rounder Zach Mettenberger as the real deal, but they also love this crop’s top defensive player, Leonard Williams. Barring a deal
MARCUS MARIOTA, QB, OREGON
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (3 13)
The Jaguars are going defense here no matter who goes in the first two slots. And that best defensive player is available
LEONARD WILLIAMS, DE DT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
4. Oakland Raiders (3 13)
Al Davis would be proud of the folks now running his team if they select a breakaway threat receiver exactly what he would have done. Philosophy hasn’t changed much in Oakland.
KEVIN WHITE, WR, WEST VIRGINIA
5. Washington Redskins (4 12)
Like Jacksonville, the Redskins are thinking defense, defense, defense. Perfect for a team representing Washington.
DANTE FOWLER JR., LB, FLORIDA
6. New York Jets (4 12)
Did we mention that many teams at the top of these proceedings are eager to bolster their defense? And will we mention it again? Uh, yeah.
VIC BEASLEY, LB, CLEMSON
7. Chicago Bears (5 11)
Trading Brandon Marshall to the Jets opened the door for one of the college wideouts to blow into Chicago and start. Receiver is a deep position in this draft, and the Bears bite immediately.
AMARI COOPER, WR, ALABAMA
8. Atlanta Falcons (6 10)
Yes, we’re beginning to sound repetitive on this, but defense is the focal point again. The Falcons can score, but they allowed 417 points last season.