3-Wide: Which quarterback will be taken 1st in NFL draft?
3-Wide is a weekly feature in which theScore's NFL editors debate the hot topics around the league. Grab a cold towel and brace for hot takes.
Which prospect has been the most underrated leading into the draft?
Dan Wilkins: It's reasonable that Corey Davis, John Ross, and Mike Williams are generating the majority of the attention at wide receiver. There are plenty of others to be excited about in the stacked position group, though, and it all starts with Chris Godwin. The former Penn State star is quietly one of the most complete pass-catchers making the transition to the NFL this year. Considering his impressive athletic profile, polished route-running, and an established dominance at the catch point, it should come as no surprise if he ends up as one of the most productive receivers in this class.
Arun Srinivasan: Northwestern's Anthony Walker Jr. may end up being the best inside linebacker in this year's class and hasn't received anything close to top billing. Recording 105 tackles during his junior season, Walker is pro-ready and could provide immediate help for a team looking to fortify the middle of the field. Although Walker doesn't boast the name recognition as Alabama's Reuben Foster or Ohio State's Raekwon McMillan, it shouldn't be a shock if he emerges with the best pro career among his peers.
Jack Browne: In a running back class that has quickly seemed to unravel, Marlon Mack is a forgotten man, but he sure as hell shouldn't be. Pegged as a third- or fourth-round pick, Mack is going to be a steal for someone. He possesses outstanding athletic ability, and if he can play with more patience and vision, he could be a starting-caliber back.
Who will be the star of this season's 'Hard Knocks'?
Srinivasan: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" documentary series, a team boasting a number of compelling personalities. Gerald McCoy will likely steal the show with his humor and loquacious demeanor made for television. McCoy's always been candid about whichever subject has been presented to him, whether it's about his own ability, the strengths of his opponent, or the world at large around him. It's no surprise that arguably the team's most important defensive player will also star again come August.
Browne: Dirk Koetter doesn't seem that thrilled his Bucs are this year's team, but he might actually be one of the most entertaining parts of the show. The head coach, instead of playing up to the cameras, will likely steal hearts for his say-it-like-I-see-it attitude and disdain for the film crew getting in the way of his preparation. Few know much about Koetter outside of Tampa Bay, so it'll be fascinating to delve into his mind, especially after sitting through Jeff Fisher last season.
Wilkins: How about DeSean Jackson? The speedy wide receiver was a major addition for Tampa Bay this offseason, giving Jameis Winston another option to stretch the field opposite Mike Evans. His added playmaking ability will make him a focus of the training camp series from a football perspective, and here's to wagering a guess that the enigmatic receiver's personality stands out, as well.
Which quarterback will be taken 1st at NFL draft?
Browne: Mitchell Trubisky has everything you want in an NFL quarterback prospect, aside from experience. Well, everything NFL teams want. And that's why he's a lock to be the first quarterback off the board. Teams will see his strong arm, good size, skills as a pocket passer, and solid mechanics and peg him as the most well-rounded prospect. The other top quarterbacks have bigger question marks, and while Trubisky's lack of starts is a significant negative for some, he showed sufficient poise and leadership for teams to overlook that.
Wilkins: Not having the luxury of a can't-miss quarterback prospect, teams with a need at the position should be opting for the player with the greatest upside. That's DeShone Kizer. A down 2016 season is working against the Notre Dame standout during the pre-draft process, and justifiably so. But there should be no shortage of offensive coordinators and quarterback coaches that believe they can again bring the best out of his raw abilities, all of which demonstrated throughout a stellar sophomore campaign. Kizer makes good reads, has the arm to complete every throw on the field, and he operates well under pressure. That's a rare skill set and entirely deserving of a top-10 pick.
Srinivasan: Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes has been ascending through draft boards over the past two months and he'll be the first to reach the podium on April 27. Mahomes impressed scouts with his arm strength and velocity and may possess the highest ceiling out of any quarterback in this draft. In a year where there isn't a surefire franchise quarterback, Mahomes is the most intriguing player of the group and we will hear his name called early next Thursday.