Alabama RB Josh Jacobs. Photo via: Alabama/Facebook
1. Cardinals- Kyler Murray Oklahoma
There has been a lot of talk about will they or won't they.... but they will.
2. 49ers- Nick Bosa Ohio State
One of the prospects with the highest floors goes second to a team who loves to take defensive linemen.
3. Jets- Quinnen Williams Alabama
The Jets could try to move out of this pick, but with no takers, they take my top-rated player of 2019.
4. Raiders- Ed Oliver Houston
This is a bit of surprise but it's believed the Raiders carry a high grade on the explosive interior penetrator
5. Buccaneers- Devin White LSU
This one should come down to Devin White against Josh Allen, and we'll take a shot that it's the alpha linebacker.
6. Giants- Josh Allen Kentucky
The Giants could be looking to scoop up either White or Allen if they fall to 6th. Of course there is that QB thing too.
7. Jaguars- Jawaan Taylor Florida
Tough call here between Hockenson and Taylor, but Taylor is physical and will get the running game cranked up.
8. TRADE- Redskins- Dwayne Haskins Ohio State
The Lions want to move out and the Redskins want Haskins so this trade would make plenty of sense.
9. Bills- T.J. Hockenson Iowa
The Bills would be very happy to see Hockenson fall to them here. If he's gone, then Jonah Williams could be the guy.
10. Broncos- Devin Bush Michigan
The Broncos are a tough read, but they have an opening at inside linebacker and this is a weak year outside of the top two.
11. Bengals- Montez Sweat Miss State
Montez Sweat is said to have some love from the Bengals and this could be one of the surprise picks of the early portion of the draft.
12. Packers- Andre Dillard Washington State
The Packers could go in a number of directions, but ultimately may ask Dillard to slide to the right side to help the protection
13. Dolphins- Christian Wilkins Clemson
The Dolphins defensive line coach was Wilkins college coach for his first two years, so this could be an easy sell.
14. Falcons- Jonah Williams Alabama
Williams offers versatility up and down the offensive line and would help opening up run lanes once again.
15. TRADE- Lions- Clelin Ferrell Clemson
The Lions have a need along the edge and Ferrell fits a similar mold of what Matt Patricia worked with in New England at DE.
16. Panthers- Rashan Gary Michigan
The torn labrum causes him to slide, but not beyond the edge needy Panthers.
17. Giants- Daniel Jones Duke
The Giants get their quarterback of the future whether Giants fans like it or not.
18. Vikings- Cody Ford Oklahoma
The Vikings could end up seeing Ford as a tackle/guard prospect who offers additional value because of his flexibility.
19. Titans- Brian Burns Florida State
The FSU speedster gives the Titans an edge burner (pun intended) to attack the likes of Watson, Luck and Foles.
20. Steelers- Greedy Williams LSU
The Steelers could go in a number of directions - even at CB - however, I'll take the best of the bunch here.
21. Seahawks- DK Metcalf Ole Miss
Seattle has love for height, weight and speed and they happen to have a need for those traits at outside receiver.
22. Ravens- Garrett Bradbury NC State
Bradbury to the Ravens might be a perfect scenario for an offense that needs interior blocking.
23. Texans- Greg Little Ole Miss
The Texans need both cornerback and tackle so this is a difficult choice, but let's take one of the few left tackles in this draft.
24. Raiders- Josh Jacobs Alabama
With Marshawn Lynch calling it quits, this might be an easy card for the Raiders to run up to the podium.
25. Eagles- Darnell Savage Maryland
The Maryland ballhawk has been a red-hot name in NFL circles of late and the Eagles could take him to invigorate the backend.
26. Colts- Jeffery Simmons Miss State
Chris Ballard loves drafting in the trenches. He also believes in patience and process. He steals one of the best players in the draft here.
27. Raiders- Marquise Brown Oklahoma
"Hollywood" is smaller than some teams would like, but he's also game-ready and able to attack all three levels of the field.
28. Chargers- Byron Murphy Washington
He's under 6'0 and he runs a 4.55, but Murphy is extremely instinctive and as tough as you want them at corner.
29. Seahawks- Dexter Lawrence Clemson
Big Dexter is still raw but has elite size and potential with more experience.
30. Packers- Noah Fant Iowa
While the Packers need a wide receiver, Fant might be too tough to pass up on as he's basically a big receiver in the slot.
31. Rams- Chris Lindstrom Boston College
Hard-nosed grinder who can thrive in a variety of run schemes. The Rams want to upgrade the guard spot and he should do it.
32. Patriots- Drew Lock Missouri
Pats grab a QB to learn behind Brady.
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Exploring the ripple effect if Astros become sellers this offseason
Dec 11, 2024, 11:33 am
The Houston Rockets (16-8) face the Golden State Warriors (14-9) at home on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EST, with the Warriors aiming to snap their three-game road losing streak. The game pits two Western Conference contenders looking to solidify their standings as the season progresses.
Key Matchup
The Rockets, currently third in the West, have excelled in second-chance opportunities, leading the conference with 14.2 offensive rebounds per game. Alperen Sengun anchors this effort, averaging 3.4 offensive boards per game alongside his strong all-around performance of 18.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Houston will look to exploit this strength against a Golden State team ranked second in the league in total rebounds per game (48.7), thanks in part to Kevon Looney’s steady 7.9 boards per game.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, fifth in the standings, continue to rely on Stephen Curry's leadership. Curry is averaging 23 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, but Golden State’s struggles on the road and a recent shooting slump (42.9% over the last 10 games) have hindered their consistency.
Offense and Defense
Golden State’s strength from beyond the arc will be tested against Houston’s perimeter defense. The Warriors are averaging 15.2 made three-pointers per game, a sharp contrast to the 11.8 threes allowed by the Rockets. On the other end, Houston will aim to exploit Golden State’s slightly generous defensive field goal percentage of 43.8%.
The Rockets come into the game having gone 6-4 in their last 10 outings, averaging 112.3 points and a stifling defensive effort that has limited opponents to just 107.3 points per game. The Warriors, meanwhile, are 4-6 over the same stretch, struggling offensively with just 107 points per game.
Injury Updates
Houston may be without key contributors Tari Eason (concussion protocol) and Fred VanVleet (knee). The Warriors list Andrew Wiggins as day-to-day with an ankle issue, while De’Anthony Melton remains sidelined for the season.
Betting Odds
The Rockets are slight favorites at -2.5 according to BetMGM Sportsbook, with the total points over/under set at 221.5. Houston’s home-court advantage and rebounding dominance may prove decisive against a Warriors team seeking to find its rhythm.
Both teams have much to prove in this matchup of Western heavyweights. Houston’s continued rise and Golden State’s resolve to end their road struggles will define this pivotal contest.
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