Wednesday 26 April 2017 13:08, UK
We're almost here. The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and speculation is running wild about how day one in Philadelphia will pan out.
Will the Cleveland Browns take Myles Garrett or a quarterback with the number one pick? When will the first passer be selected? Which name will be called? We take a closer look at the most valuable positions and the prospects who are likely to shake up the first round.
Last year, it became clear early in the weeks leading up to draft day that there was going to be a race for the top-rated quarterbacks. Before the first pick was made, both the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles sold the farm to acquire Jared Goff and Carson Wentz respectively.
However, 2017 is different. We have a group of 'potential' first-round picks, but no clear-cut players at the top. It's a difficult situation to be in as a QB-needy franchise.
No team wants to put their future in the hands of an 'unknown' at the most important position in the sport, so some teams have settled for one of the top veterans available on the free agent market.
However, it's all but certain we will still see some organisations reach for quarterbacks of a higher standard than perhaps they should, because they are always in such high demand.
Below are four players who are hoping they can convince an NFL team to call their name early in the NFL Draft.
Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina
A late bloomer, Trubisky spent two seasons as the backup in North Carolina before taking the reins in 2016. It was worth the wait, as he set single-season school records in a number of passing categories (including yards and touchdowns), and solidified himself as one of the top quarterbacks for 2017.
Trubisky is an accurate passer, capable of making all of the 'NFL throws', and right now seems to be the lead candidate to be the first quarterback taken. On the field, he also displays great mobility, and proved his athleticism at the NFL Combine, clocking a 4.67 40-yard dash time.
However, NFL teams will have their concerns. Did the mistakes he made come from inexperience, or will he be exposed by pro-level defences? Can he read the field, and how will he cope when his primary target is regularly covered? These are questions teams must ask before spending a high draft pick on such an unproven asset.
Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Watson was by far the most successful quarterback in this year's crop, having been selected as a Heisman Trophy finalist on two occasions, and last year leading Clemson to their first National Championship since 1981.
In the college playoff final against Alabama, his team managed to put up 35 points against the best defence in the country that included a number of top NFL prospects. Watson stunned the previous champions by leading a game-winning drive with two minutes to go on the biggest stage in college.
In his final two years in college, he only lost two games. During his full three years, he threw a whopping 90 touchdowns, while adding an extra 26 scores as a runner. It's clear he has the experience that Trubisky doesn't, and it could push him ahead of the one-year starter.
Why isn't he the clear number one? Despite his production, he's been inconsistent and might simply be the beneficiary of playing for a great college team. Too often he missed simple throws, put the ball behind a moving target, or made ill-advised throws into coverage. While some teams view these things as coachable for Trubisky, they could be seen as fundamental weaknesses for Watson.
DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
A player who was viewed as a potential first overall pick at the beginning of the 2016 season, Kizer suffered through a difficult year but still decided to enter the NFL Draft. Despite boasting a strong arm and big body (6ft 4in and 233 pounds), he is a wildcard when it comes to draft position. While the talent might be there, even his own college coach Brian Kelly said he's not a finished product, and suggested he should have stayed with the Fighting Irish for another year.
Even with his physical strength, some glaring weaknesses might prevent him from being selected highly. He's a typical 'raw' quarterback who can make all the throws, but struggled with reading defences and making decisions; both of which will only get harder at the next level.
We might see an NFL team fall in love with the big arm and draft him early, but it would be smart for him to sit behind a veteran for a year rather than being thrown into the fire. He might be the most likely name here to fall to the second round, but it also wouldn't be a huge surprise if he finds his way into the first.
Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech
The former Texas Tech Raider is picking up a lot of steam as we approach draft day, having recently visited a number of teams with high picks, including the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. Sports Illustrated's Peter King also recently highlighted the Arizona Cardinals (who pick at number 13) as a potential spot for Mahomes, as the team "may love him".
He's not always been talked about with the top quarterbacks in the class, because many don't believe his college production will translate to NFL success. The "Air Raid Offence" is designed in a way that boosts its quarterbacks - so much so that he individually accounted for 819 yards in one single game against Oklahoma! In 2016, he accounted for the most total yards (5,337) and touchdowns (53) in college football.
With a strong arm (his father was a major league baseball pitcher), quick delivery and 'all the tools', Mahomes will be a hot name in draft rooms. There will be coaches throughout the league who will bang the table for him based on his tremendous potential. He's an extremely exciting player who could hear his name called very early on the 27th, and don't be surprised if he ends up being the first taken at the position.
You can follow all the action, reaction and news from the 2017 NFL Draft with Sky Sports. Watch every pick and follow our live blog as every franchise makes their move.
