This strange NFL draft season will only get stranger Friday night. This might be the first draft where the second round has just as many big names and intrigue as the first round. Let's take a look at where the top names could land.
Geno Smith
Most likely: New York Jets
Dark horse: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Greg Schiano doesn't seem fully on board with Josh Freeman. The Bucs have sniffed around the quarterback market this year, but they haven't found anyone at their price. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Bucs want to trade back into Round 2. Perhaps for Smith? Â
Other contenders: Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals
The Jaguars have a huge need, but NFL.com's Ian Rapoport indicates they like Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib. The Cardinals also have a need, and Smith's arm could fit with Bruce Arians' offense. It's hard to get a read of how the Eagles view Smith, but the value is right in the second round.
Matt Barkley
Most likely: Oakland Raiders
No other team has been closely tied to Barkley. The Raiders could use the pick acquired in their first-round trade down to draft Barkley at No. 42.
Dark horse: Jacksonville Jaguars
Perhaps they would take the plunge if Barkley fell to Round 3.
Other contenders: Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, team needing a backup
Manti Te'o
Most likely: Detroit Lions
The Lions pick at No. 35, and they did a lot of work on Te'o before the draft. Stephen Tulloch is year to year, and Te'o could upgrade a mediocre linebacker group.
Dark horse: Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals owner Mike Brown loves to snatch big-name players who slide in the draft. The team brought back Rey Maualuga but only at a low-cost, year-to-year rate.
Other contenders: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, New York Giants
All three teams have a need at inside linebacker and were rumored to have some Te'o interest in the first round.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
