Draft Day Is Finally Here and the Top Five Is About to Get Messy

It's draft day. The NFL's official Annual Player Selection Meeting is happening right now, and if you're not locked in, you just don't love football. The intel is flowing, the rumors are swirling, and the first five picks are about to flip the league upside down.

The Jets Are Making Their Move at No. 2

Once the Raiders take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, sources are pointing to the Jets making a decisive move. New York is zeroing in on Texas Tech edge David Bailey at No. 2. The Jets have been all over Bailey for months, and the connection runs deep. Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich was Stanford's interim head coach right after Bailey entered the transfer portal, which gives New York insider intel that most teams don't have. Yeah, the market has floated Arvell Reese as a possibility, but Bailey is the play here.

Arizona's Running Back Gamble Could Define Their Draft

The real draft starts at No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals, and this is where things get wild. Arizona has made it clear they're open to trading out of the pick, but finding a partner in this draft is no easy task. If they stay put, sources say they're seriously eyeing RB Jeremiyah Love, and that decision is raising eyebrows across the league.

Here's the issue: Love would be guaranteed $50.5 million if the Cardinals take him at No. 3, which is significantly more than any other running back in the entire NFL. Meanwhile, Arizona already has Tyler Allgeier, who just signed a two-year deal with $8 million guaranteed after splitting carries in Atlanta. They also have James Conner coming back from injury, former third-round pick Trey Benson, and Bam Knight on a minimum deal. That's a lot of bodies at one position for a team that won one game all season.

But here's the flip side: taking an offensive weapon like Love sends energy through the fanbase and moves jerseys and tickets. One NFC executive put it bluntly: "Love could go to Arizona if they are looking for ticket sales and that's driven by ownership as a sexy pick." An agent defended the move differently, noting that Love's route-running ability as a slot receiver justifies the investment, even if the team won't publicly admit it.

Tennessee Waits and Watches

The Titans' pick at No. 4 hinges entirely on what Arizona does. For weeks, it looked like Tennessee would prioritize defense under head coach Robert Saleh, but that conviction is wavering. If GM Mike Borgonzi believes Love can ease the load on Cam Ward in Year 2, the running back math might actually work. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles remains in the conversation as a difference-maker on defense, but Tennessee's move depends on Arizona's decision first.

The dominoes are about to fall. Stay locked in.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.