Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Giants: Top-Five Picks Leanings — Could the Rams Be the Wild Card?

As the NFL draft buzz hits its peak on this April morning, the chatter isn’t just echoing through team facilities in Florham Park or Glendale—it’s reverberating down the streets of Austin, Texas, where Longhorns fans are dissecting every mock pick with the same intensity they bring to a fourth-and-goal at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. With the Raiders locked in to take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 the real drama begins at pick No. 2, where the New York Jets face a tantalizing dilemma: do they take the versatile Arvell Reese from Ohio State or the pure pass-rushing specialist David Bailey from Texas Tech? That very question—Reese versus Bailey—has become the morning’s hot topic on Austin sports talk radio, particularly on shows broadcasting from the drag near Guadalupe Street, where alumni debate whether Reese’s ability to drop into coverage better fits defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s vision for a modern, hybrid front seven.

The ripple effect of that Jets decision stretches far beyond New Jersey. If New York opts for Reese, Bailey likely slides to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3, a move that would directly address Arizona’s need for a dynamic edge rusher who can also contribute in coverage—a perfect fit for retaining defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’s scheme. That scenario would then push Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame running back, to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4, a pick that makes sense as Tennessee looks to revitalize a backfield that has leaned too heavily on an aging Tony Pollard. Love’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield would complement Cam Wells in Brian Daboll’s offense, adding a much-needed dimension to a unit that ranked near the bottom in yards after catch among running backs last season. Meanwhile, the New York Giants at No. 5 remain a wild card, though recent mock projections from The Sporting News have them targeting Jordyn Tyson, a development that would signal Considerable Blue’s continued investment in rebuilding their receiving corps through the draft.

Further down the board, the potential trade involving the Los Angeles Rams adds another layer of intrigue for Austinites who follow the NFC West. Should the Rams decide to move up from their current position, they could target a player like Makai Lemon, projecting him as a future anchor for their defensive line—a move that would not only shock Rams fans but also send shockwaves through Austin’s growing community of former St. Louis Rams supporters who still gather annually at The Victory Pub on South Congress to watch games and reminisce about the Greatest Present on Turf era.

Given my background in sports journalism and community engagement, if this draft volatility impacts your weekend plans or sparks conversations at your favorite Austin haunt—whether it’s grabbing breakfast at Kerbey Lane Cafe after a mock draft debate or discussing potential trades over pints at The Draught House—here are three types of local professionals you might want to connect with:

• Sports Media Analysts & Commentators: Look for individuals with proven experience breaking down NFL talent, ideally those who have contributed to local outlets like the Austin American-Statesman or hosted segments on KVUE or Fox 7 Austin. Prioritize analysts who demonstrate deep knowledge of both college film evaluation and NFL scheme fit, rather than those who rely solely on hype or highlight reels.
• Event Hosts & Moderators for Sports-Themed Gatherings: Seek professionals who specialize in creating engaging, inclusive environments for game-day or draft-day events at venues like Scholz Garten or Waterloo Park. The best candidates will have experience managing crowd dynamics, facilitating respectful debate among rival fans, and partnering with local charities or youth sports organizations for events that give back to the community.
• Content Creators Focused on Local Sports Narratives: Consider videographers, podcasters, or writers who excel at telling Austin-specific sports stories—those who highlight the intersection of national trends (like draft buzz) with local culture, such as how UT alumni influence team loyalties or how Hyde Park bars become impromptu war rooms during draft weekend. Look for creators who prioritize authenticity over production gloss and who actively engage with neighborhood associations or school booster clubs.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated experts in the Austin area today.