Each year as the next NFL Draft starts to come into focus, anticipation grows for teams and fans interested in what comes next. Matt Miller, an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, has been following team needs and possible draft strategies like a hawk. The draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and speculation about first-round picks intensifies.
Miller’s analysis uncovers a significant match between the Minnesota Vikings and South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori. Throughout the last two weeks, the Vikings have had their eyes set heavily on defensive backs. This is a strong indication of their clear, strategic priorities to really harden their secondary. In addition, the Vikings have been often discussed as trade-back candidates, supporting the notion that they would be interested in trying to get more draft capital.
Beyond the Vikings, a handful of other teams are catching eyes as we continue along towards the 2021 draft. The San Francisco 49ers recently hosted Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham on a predraft visit. This further highlights their ongoing pursuit of game-changing defensive talent. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Jahdae Barron is another great fit for the Buccaneers. The front office has had its feelers out on the defensive side of things, looking for any kind of help.
Perhaps no team has been more aggressive than the Green Bay Packers as they prepare for the draft. Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who has apparently committed to them, is a strong initial sign that they want to shore up their offensive line depth. When it comes to the Miami Dolphins, they’re on the same UV approach of targeting offensive tackle, safety and cornerback. Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan recently broke out into the Dolphins’ radar.
Check out edge rusher Abdul Carter, a potential Seahawks stud. His ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage on the defensive front makes him one of the best in this year’s draft. Experts are saying “they need to draft a rusher,” highlighting the immediate task at hand for the Seahawks to add reeling of their pass rush.
Besides these guys, Shedeur Sanders, the QB from Colorado, still sorta kinda maybe could be there for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On a desperate search for a franchise quarterback, Pittsburgh could eventually want Sanders as the face of their QB future. THE LOS ANGELES RAMS ARE HOPING OLE MISS CORNER TARY AMOS CAN HELP REINFORCE THEIR YOUNG SECONDARY
Additionally, James Pearce Jr. is earning recognition as a sleeper target of the Atlanta Falcons. Like the rest of us, the Falcons are looking to improve their roster as best as they can before the season begins. Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is a favorite among Dallas Cowboys fans. The new team is obviously looking to upgrade the offensive line after a miserable one a year ago.
As teams finalize their strategies and prepare for the draft, analysts like Miller provide invaluable insights into potential selections and trends.
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