Ads by Google
By Niles Pender: A lot of teams are fighting for playoff berths heading into the final two weeks of the season. However, a lot of teams are fighting for pride and/or a better position in the draft. While no coach wants to deliberately tank the final two games of the season, getting a higher draft pick is always nice. Who has the inside track to the number one pick this year?
Two Teams Most Likely To Get The First Pick:
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)
Jacksonville has had a rough year. It started when MJD decided that he wasn’t going to report to training camp unless he got a pay increase. Not only did he not get a pay increase, he actually had to pay the team a large fine. From there, things only got worse for the Jaguars. Blaine Gabbert was ineffective until finally being put on IR. Justin Blackmon has not had a great year outside of a game vs Houston when he had over 200 yards receiving. If any team needs to just lay down, the Jags are it.
Jacksonville Drafts First If: They finish the season with two losses and Kansas City wins at least one game.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-12)
Nothing has gone right for the Chiefs this season. It took them more than seven games to hold their first lead in regulation. If it were not for a last second field goal against New Orleans, they would only have one win this season. With games against Indianapolis and Denver to close the season, they have a good chance of finishing with the first overall pick. Maybe getting that franchise quarterback will be the fresh start that the franchise needs after falling so far and dealing with so much this season.
Kansas City Drafts First If: They lose out to finish the season due to a weaker strength of schedule.
In The Hunt:
Detroit Lions (4-10)
If the Lions lose out and the Jags and Chiefs win out, it is possible that the Lions could go from a playoff team to the team with the first overall pick. It is highly likely that the Lions will get a top five pick in this draft. It is quite a stunning fall from grace for Detroit.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-10)
The Eagles are most likely getting a new coach next year. It might be a good idea to get a new quarterback as well. Nick Foles is probably not the answer even if he plays well for the rest of the season. It is better to get a franchise guy who can lead the team to good things right away.
Oakland Raiders (4-10)
Oakland is not a good football team right now. When you lose to Cleveland at home, it says a lot about the talent level of the players playing right now. Hopefully, Oakland will use that top pick on a defensive talent or a lineman to keep Palmer or Pryor upright next season.
The Lions, Eagles and Raiders were certainly not expecting to be in the conversation for drafting first in 2013. For the Jags and Chiefs, it isn’t really surprising that they have had down years. The Chiefs weren’t a great team last year and the Jags don’t have the offense that can help the defense win games. The good news is that just one top-flight player can turn a franchise around. Hopefully, the team who drafts number one will find that player.
About the Author: Niles Pender is a huge fan of the NFL. He highly recommends FansEdge for all your Super Bowl merchandise needs.
Niles Pender
Latest posts by Niles Pender (see all)
- 2013 NHL Playoff Teams To Beat And Players To Watch - April 29, 2013
- 2013 NBA’s Regular Season Award Winners - April 19, 2013
- Men’s 2013 NCAA Basketball Championship Game Recap - April 9, 2013
Tags: 
