As the NFL regular season comes to a close and teams prepare for the postseason, the first round draft order is beginning to take shape. With the deadline for underclassmen to declare approaching next week, coaches and scouts are focusing on potential top quarterback prospects and their impact on the draft.

In this thought exercise, it becomes evident that teams may need to trade up to secure one of the highly regarded quarterbacks in the draft. While the consensus seems to be that three quarterbacks will be taken in Round 1, it remains to be seen which teams will make the move and in what order.

However, the mock draft projection also indicates a notable absence in the first round: running backs. According to the analysis, no running backs are expected to be selected in the opening round. This is a departure from previous drafts where running backs often found themselves as first-round picks.

Instead, the focus of Round 1 seems to be on wide receivers and offensive tackles. These positions are projected to witness a run on talent, highlighting their importance to teams in need of playmakers and protection for their quarterbacks.

These early selections have the potential to shape the rest of the draft, as teams look to address other positions of need later on. The impact of these choices on team strategies and player availability will undoubtedly unfold as draft night approaches in April.

For more comprehensive draft coverage, football enthusiasts can tune in to "With the First Pick," a coveted NFL Draft podcast featuring expert analysis from NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. Available on various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more, the podcast delves into the intricacies of the draft process and provides valuable insights for fans and experts alike.

With the regular season now concluded and the focus shifting towards the draft, anticipation builds as football fans eagerly await the unveiling of the future stars of the NFL.