4 Teams That Are Absolutely Going to Blow it With Their First-Round Draft Pick
By Brady Williams
There are plenty of notable names expected to be selected early at the 2020 NFL Draft, but just because a player has built a reputation doesn't guarantee him success in the pros. Each year at least a few teams are left kicking themselves after their first-round pick failed to pan out. With that in mind, here are four teams at risk of blowing it in the first round this season.
4. Detroit Lions
At the No. 3 spot, the Lions will have a large pool of talent available for the taking. However, Detroit has so many needs after a lifetime of bleeding that they may need to trade down. Their pick has a ton of value and they may be better served dealing it to a quarterback-needy team like the Dolphins or Chargers in order to stock up on further draft capital. Picking a lock like Jeff Okudah at No. 5 or 6 overall is less of a gamble than going with Tua third overall, but the Lions may end up taking the risk.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Philip Rivers is done in Los Angeles. The Chargers need a franchise quarterback, and they need one now. Justin Herbert dominated the Combine and his draft stock is surely on the rise. However, with the Dolphins picking fifth overall, the Chargers may be forced to trade up in order to land the Oregon signal caller. They need to play this carefully, and knowing the Chargers they'll do exactly the opposite.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will have some prime wide receivers waiting for them in the draft. After the Antonio Brown fiasco, they need weapons. Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb have unreal talent, but Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock like to throw curveballs. With a quarterback change a strong possibility with the move to Vegas, picking up a young stud at wideout is the right move for the Raiders, but that doesn't mean they won't take a gamble at another position.
1. Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins have the second pick, and as such, there is no logical excuse for them ignoring Chase Young. But if the owner Dan Snyder has proven anything over the years, it's that he doesn't care about logic. Every now and then, he gets an idea and runs with it. Don't be surprised if he decides to take over and force the 'Skins to pick up Tua Tagovailoa. Hopefully, Ron Rivera can stand up for himself.