Imagining the NFL Draft with the Premier League's stars of the season
Thursday 28 April 2016 06:27, UK
The NFL Draft takes place in Chicago on Thursday night, when the best players in collegiate football will find out which NFL team they will end up representing.
That led us to thinking what might happen if another sport's players were also subject to a draft before they entered the league.
So, with a little bit (okay, a lot!) of artistic licence, let's take a look at which Premier League players would be selected if the National 'Football' League drafted association footballers.
1. Los Angeles Rams select Riyad Mahrez (FW - Leicester Foxes) - The Rams need an exciting playmaker, and who better than the PFA/Heisman Player of the Year with his 17 goals and 11 assists. He'll fit in well in Hollywood as well.
2. Philadelphia Eagles select Mesut Ozil (MF - Arsenal Gunners) - Another team needing an offensive spark, and he will create chances galore for the Eagles offense - at a record level, perhaps?
3. San Diego Chargers select Harry Kane (FW - Tottenham Hotspurs) - They need a points scorer and there is no one better available in this draft.
4. Dallas Cowboys select Wes Morgan (DF - Leicester Foxes) - Nobody's stock has risen more in the last 12 months than Big Wesley. He's ideal for the Cowboys who need a stopper in the heart of their defense.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars select Ngolo Kante (MF - Leicester Foxes) - The Foxes are dominating the draft and Kante gives the Jaguars a huge boost on both sides of the ball. He will rack up the tackles on defense but can also play on offence as well.
6. Baltimore Ravens select Sergio Aguero (FW - Manchester Citizens) - He comes with a few injury questions, but the talent is unquestioned. Should be able to finish off plenty of scoring plays in his rookie season.
7. San Francisco 49ers select Toby Alderweireld (DF - Tottenham Hotspurs) - Another team with plenty of holes to fill but the one-season Spurs man has done enough to prove he is one of the most talented defenders available.
8. Cleveland Browns select Jamie Vardy (FW - Leicester Foxes) - They traded down in the hope of still getting an offensive spark, and it worked to perfection. He went under the radar early in his career but no doubting him anymore.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Hector Bellerin (DF - Arsenal Gunners) - They need defensive help, especially down the flanks, and the Spanish graduate has impressed many with his play at both ends of the field.
10. New York Giants select David De Gea (GK - Manchester Red Devils) - Protection, protection, protection - that's what the Giants need, and it's exactly what they get.
11. Chicago Bears select Dele Alli (MF - Tottenham Hotspurs) - Surprising to see him drop to the Bears, given his undoubted talent. Maybe recent temperamental issues caused teams to take him off their board?
12. New Orleans Saints select Robert Huth (DF - Leicester Foxes) - Another team in need of a big guy down the middle. Huth might be a bit of a reach here, but the talent pool in his position is pretty thin at the moment.
13. Miami Dolphins select Dimitri Payet (MF - West Hammers) - Dream scenario for the Dolphins, who needed an offensive spark and a special teams whizz. They get it, all rolled into one French package.
14. Oakland Raiders select Eden Hazard (FW - Chelsea Blues) - It's like Al Davis is alive still. So much talent to pick from and the Raiders pick a player who has almost disappeared this season. Will he be another Raiders first-round disappointment?
15. Tennessee Titans select Alexis Sanchez (MF - Arsenal Gunners) - Marcus Mariota needs someone to connect with and the little Chilean should be a perfect complement.
