The NFL draft is one of the next major events in the sports world, and is always an exciting time of the year to see everyone’s favorite college players advance to the next stage of the game. With all of the picks set, there are definitely some teams that could utilize theirs and create a playoff contending team, despite having a bad season last year. If the Draft goes how analysts intend it will, teams like the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets will be able to improve their records and have a shot at contending for a Super Bowl.
The Bears are the most hyped up team going into the draft, with the first and ninth picks. They recently traded their star quarterback, Justin Fields, for a 2025 sixth-round pick that goes to a fourth-round pick based on playtime. The Bears are also bringing in a new offensive coordinator, while keeping their head coach, Matt Eberflus. The search for a new Offensive Coordinator will either make or break their new offense, and would lead to either a deep run into playoffs, or another mediocre season with so much potential at the start.
The Cardinals, though not as talked about, still have the fourth and 27th picks in the draft. With a weapon like Kyler Murray as your quarterback, it’s hard to imagine a team going 4-11. What’s even harder to imagine is Arizona not taking someone like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers with the fourth overall pick in the draft. With either of those players, the Cardinals could continue to build up the team and I guarantee, in the next three to four years the Cardinals will be right back to playing playoff football. Arizona is led by head coach Jonathan Gannon, a 15-year veteran who isn’t new to the game. He’s spoken to Murray and he expresses the need for a wide receiver often, which is something that the fans can also see. The Bears also have the 27th pick, which could be good to pick up a possible lineman.
The fact that the Jets had such a lackluster season last year still amazes me considering the depth they had. With players like Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and Sauce Gardner, along with many other skilled players, it’s hard to see how this team did poorly. Sure, the early in-season injury to quarerback Aaron Rodgers affected them negatively and may have brought down some spirits, but with the veteran quarterback returning next season and the Jets having the 10th overall pick in the draft, they are sure to show the league what they can do when they are healthy.
Of course, these are all just predictions… But I was right about Harbaugh leaving for the NFL, and I have a feeling I’ll be right this time as well.
