2015 NFL Draft Drama Could Be Brewing At 5th Pick

Jan 9, 2015; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen (left) and Washington Redskins new general manager Scot McCloughan pose for a picture at an introductory press conference for McCloughan at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not even March yet but already things have begun to take shape regarding what to expect at the 2015 NFL draft.  Granted, it’s still early and things change but common sense and a few rumors dictate some truths that have begun to appear.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Take A Quarterback

Does the release of a quarterback indicate that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take one with their #1 pick?  Not exactly, but it does offer some strong hints.  Josh McCown was the starter last year and his backup, Mike Glennon is now the only one on the roster with any experience.  If he couldn’t beat out McCown, why should anybody believe he’s the starter moving forward?  All signs point to them starting fresh with the best quarterback on the board, whomever they think that is.

Tennessee Titans Will Not

Two things back up the growing theory that the Tennessee Titans will pass on a quarterback with the #2 pick.  The last time they took a chance on one that high who had some questions, they took Jake Locker.  Also, head coach Ken Whisenhunt has a history of avoiding rookie quarterbacks with top picks, as he did in Arizona.  The general feeling is he wants to continue developing 2014 sixth rounder Zach Mettenberger.  This could open the door for the other quarterback, the one the Bucs don’t select to fall.

Washington Redskins Hold Prime Position At #5

Why is this so critical?  It’s clear the Jaguars at #3 and Raiders at #4 don’t need quarterbacks.  The one team that stands out in the top 10 that is almost certain to take one after that are the New York Jets at #6.  This means the Washington Redskins, who hold the 5^th pick could become Grand Central Station for teams looking to move up for that second quarterback.

The possible options are not thin:

• Louis Rams (10^th pick)
• Cleveland Browns (12^th pick)
• Philadelphia Eagles (20^th pick)

Those three are just the obvious teams that might make the move.  There is also the Chicago Bears at #7 who may develop a strong desire to get away from Jay Cutler or even the New Orleans Saints, who have begun the search for an understudy to the aging Drew Brees.

One thing is for sure.  If a big trade happens on opening night of the 2015 NFL draft, rest assured it will happen somewhere around the 5^th pick.