With less than a month to go before the 2012 NFL Draft, here is what we know for certain: the Cleveland Browns have a sick amount of power over how this event will turn out.
Depending on what Mike Holmgren does, the entire rest of the top 10 will end up falling like dominoes. If Cleveland selects Justin Blackmon, it will impact how quickly the other available wide receivers are snatched up. If Trent Richardson gets his name called, it will impact how quickly the other available running backs will go (but to a much lesser degree than what would happen with receivers). If Ryan Tannehill ends up going at No. 4, all hell will break loose because of how terrible of a pick that would be.
Beyond what the Browns do, there are also big question marks in regards to several other teams within the top seven. Do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe that LeGarrette Blount is smart/capable enough to justify passing up Richardson? How badly do the St. Louis Rams want a wide receiver for Sam Bradford to throw to? Are the Jacksonville Jaguars still looking to make a Tim Tebow-esque splash to wow potential ticketholders, or do they want to make the sound football move?
As impactful as Cleveland’s decision will ultimately be all the way down the draft, don't discount the importance of these other teams' selections.
With all that in mind, here is how we envision picks Nos. 1-7 going.
And here are picks 8-15.
And here are picks 16-23.
And here are picks 24-32.
(Note: Tune in on Tuesday to the Bottom Line Sports Show as they talk all things NFL, and have one lucky NFL Draft prospect on to discuss what the future holds.)
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