Division Rivals Flood Top of the Draft Order

As if making a top selection doesn't come with enough pressure for coaches and front offices in the NFL, the top 10 picks of this years draft is riddled with division rivals picking one after the other which will obviously at a minimum spark debate amongst the teams rabid fanbase. With the Falcons winning the coin flip yesterday for the third spot, the table is now set.

PICKS 4 and 5, CHIEFS AND RAIDERS
Only the Broncos inclusion could make these picks more contentious. The Chiefs primary need is offensive line and defensive help and while the Raiders aren't necessarily set on offense, it's the defensive line that needs to be addressed. With both teams seemingly looking for help on the opposite side of the ball with their first pick, there will be no need for the Raiders to try and maneuver ahead of the their division rival. At least not yet.

PICKS 6 and 7, JETS AND PATRIOTS
Here is where the fireworks will begin. Vernon Gholston has Patriot written all over him, but he'd be a valuable asset for Belichick disciple Eric Mangini in New York as well. Both teams figure to target defense in the first round, with Gholston likely being the number one choice for both clubs. Pioli and Belichick may feel the urge to hop Tannenbaum and Mangini to get their man which should make this very interesting. Complicating matters would be if Gholston and McFadden are somehow both on the board when the Jets are on the clock.

PICKS 8 and 9, RAVENS AND BENGALS
Compared to the Jets and Pats, the Ravens/Bengals rivalry isn't as exciting. But it does feature one time front office partners Ozzie Newsome and Phil Savage. Both teams need an infuse of help defensively, but with the Bengals set at QB with Palmer, the Ravens won't have to worry about Matt Ryan being selected just ahead of them.


Of course teams shouldn't make picks worried about what other teams are going to do, but it's only human to wonder if you have two players graded the same, how that other player would fit on your opponents team. No one wants to miss judge a player, then watch the player flourish in a division rivals system. This is just another thing to watch as the smoke screens and sham interviews get underway after the combine.