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NFL Draft: Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Project Mitchell Trubisky over Myles Garrett at No. 1

By Matthew Bartlett

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of football fans in the stands during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of football fans in the stands during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Draft analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have recently flipped their projections for the top pick from Myles Garrett to Mitchell Trubisky. Don’t buy it.

Who goes to see a movie when your friend has already spoiled the surprise ending? You might, but you the anticipation plummets when the mystery gets out. That’s exactly what’s happening with the draft rumors that have started to circulate in the last 24 hours.

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Myles Garrett was the prohibitive favorite to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the number one pick of the 2017 NFL draft for several months. In fact, a source in the Browns organization confirmed that they’ve had the decision made for two weeks. As recently as last week the betting markets had Garrett as the sure-fire top pick, and Trubsiky wasn’t even a close second.

So, why the drama now?

It could perhaps be a reaction to Garrett’s unwillingness to cooperate with the ESPN “carwash” process. He chose to skip out on an interview with Booger McFarland at the last moment, citing Booger’s negativity as a driving reason.

More likely still is the desire to get eyeballs. ESPN, just like every other sports media outlet (including this one), lives and dies on clicks and views. There’s nothing exciting about saying that the guy who was supposed to be the top pick in January is still the top pick in April.

Don’t read into the smoke screen. The Cleveland Browns might not be the most effectively run franchise in the NFL, but they haven’t thrown away their draft board on the eve of the draft. This is nothing but a juicey rumor to drive up interest.

Myles Garrett is going to be the number one pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. I’m not going to believe otherwise until I hear differently from the mouth of Roger Goodell. Good luck Mr. Garrett. Gig’em