Which team is in the best position to negotiate?
Chris Burke, Lions Beat Writer: The Jets, at number 2, if they continue with Darnold or possibly adding Deshaun Watson. Otherwise, the answers are Miami, because it is right in front of Atlanta; and Detroit, because it is right in front of Carolina. Both Falcons and Panthers can target a QB earlier, which means that other interested teams will want to put them on the line. Dolphins, especially, are in an enviable position if they want to accumulate more picks.
Which team out of the top 10 seems most likely to switch to a QB?
Burke: Probably San Francisco, if for no other reason than the jump from 12th to top 10 would not cost them a ton of future capital. The 49ers at least had a go at Matthew Stafford, before the Lions negotiated with the Rams, so it’s not exactly a secret right now that they’re trying to get away from Jimmy Garoppolo.
Keep an eye on New England too. Bill Belichick just learned the hard way in 2020 how difficult life can be without Tom Brady at the center. He can see an opening to find his new QB franchise.
Is there a potential non-QB customer who could deserve an exchange between the top 10?
Burke: There may be several of them, in case some teams fall in love with the receivers or cornerbacks. At the top of this list, however, are the first two offensive tackles projected: Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater. Tackle remains a premium position in the draft, and each of these perspectives looks like it could be a long-term anchor for an offensive line. It is a deep OT class – day 2 must be occupied in that position – but the Sewell-Slater combo stands out as the top level.
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