The NFL draft is not only one of the most enthralling prospects for fans around the globe but it can be a life-changing moment for so many young athletes.
The draft matters. If you get drafted high, you get paid. First overall pick this year, Fernando Mendoza is expected to earn over $50 million from being the number one off the board.
Not everyone wins, however, a mistake selecting on a first-round pick can affect a franchise for years to come. With that said, who came out on top for this years editon?
Winner: Las Vegas Raiders
This pick never seemed in any doubt. Mendoza had a stellar final college season, as he led underdogs Indiana to the College Football Playoff championship and was the most decorated player in college football. He also won the Heisman.
This could go one of two ways, but the Raider nation will be hoping it goes swimmingly and that they have finally found their Franchise Quarterback after years in limbo between several backups.
That being said, the Raiders do have a history of poor selection with JaMarcus Russell being the stand out among them.
Loser: Los Angeles Rams
Fresh from making the NFC championship game with NFL MVP Matthew Stafford at the helm last season. Los Angeles has signalled a clear transition by taking Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick.
The question is, why?
Fans around the world have been confused by the pick. Stafford is clearly at the peak of his powers, the roster is incredibly strong, why not build on that now?
And why Simpson? This is by consensus quite a poor quarterback class without Mendoza so many are confused that the Rams did not wait for an Arch Manning or someone with a little more acclaim. Overall just quite puzzling.
Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Everyone else might hate to see it but the Cowboys may well have just secured themselves the steal of the draft.
Some may be confused how someone being the 11th pick could be a steal, anyone to have watched Caleb Downs play however will not be.
The only reason the safety fell so low was due to positional value and other teams having different priorities. Look for a huge season for the player widely regarded as the best prospect from this draft class.
