NFL draft rumors are heating up as it approaches, specifically surrounding this year's quarterback class. Cam Ward is the consensus top guy, while Shedeur Sanders could go anywhere from second overall to second round.
At the top of the draft, there seems to be three teams who obviously need a quarterback. The Tennessee Titans, who are expected to take Ward, the Cleveland Browns, and the New York Giants.
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However, there are other teams who could take a quarterback in the first round who aren't talked about enough, mainly due to who is currently the starting quarterback.
Here are three teams who could pull an Atlanta Falcons and surprisingly draft a quarterback in the first round.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders acquired Geno Smith to be the starting quarterback this offseason, which quelled the initial rumors they were interested in drafting Shedeur Sanders. However, Geno is 34 years old, which means the team should still consider a young quarterback early in the draft.
With recent reports and mock drafts suggesting a potential fall from the top three, Sanders could be the pick for Raiders at pick No. 6 to start off behind Smith on the depth chart.
It wouldn't be crazy for the team to acquire a quarterback in both free agency and the draft, just as the Falcons did last year.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are another team with an older starting quarterback, Derek Carr, who would benefit from a younger option for the long term. Similar to the Raiders, Sanders could fall to the Saints, which would cause them to have to make a big decision.
Another interesting thought to consider is the Saints could also be interested in a different quarterback at pick No. 9, such as Jaxon Dart. Dart is coming out of Ole Miss, which would mean he wouldn't have to go far to join the Saints.
If the team really likes Dart as a prospect, taking him would make a lot of sense, even as high as ninth overall, although taking Sanders if he falls seems more likely.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have 37-year-old Matthew Stafford at quarterback right now. Although he seems like a viable starter for the next few seasons, taking a young quarterback to learn from him seems like a smart move, whether that means Sanders falling dramatically, Dart, or another quarterback.
The Rams are in an interesting spot where they have a talented young defense and some good young pieces on offense.
Adding a young quarterback into the mix could make sense, as when Stafford is gone, the team could seamlessly transition into a new era without any down seasons.
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About the writer
Seth Quinn is a contributing sports writer based in Massachusetts. His focus is on sports, primarily the NFL and NBA. He has in depth ... Read more