After the dust of the first round settled I wanted to take a look and see which teams will be pursuing Kolb when free agency starts. Let's take a look at the first 15 picks and see which teams still need QBs:
1. Panthers - QB Cam Newton
2. Broncos - LB Von Miller
3. Bills - DT Marcell Dareus <--- Needs a QB
4. Bengals - WR A.J. Green <--- Needs a QB if Palmer leaves
5. Cardinals - CB Patrick Peterson <--- Needs a QB
6. Falcons - WR Julio Jones
7. Niners - DE Aldon Smith <--- Needs a QB
8. Titans - QB Jake Locker
9. Cowboys - OT Tyron Smith
10. Jaguars - QB Blaine Gabbert
11. Texans - DE J.J. Watt
12. Vikings - QB Christian Ponder <--- Still think they need a QB
13. Lions - DT Nick Fairley
14. Rams - DE Robert Quinn
15. Dolphins - G Mike Pouncey
So of these 5 teams, let's dive a little deeper
Buffalo Bills - definitely more than a QB away from becoming a contender. They wouldn't mortgage part of their future to have Kolb lead a team that wouldn't be ready for the next 3 years or so (or ever... it is Buffalo). Trading for Kolb makes no sense. They'll go for a QB in the later rounds and add a veteran when free agency starts. Verdict: Not a trade partner for Kolb.
Cincinnati Bengals - Interesting choice here with A.J. Green. Could entice Palmer to stay, but if he doesn't, they'll definitely need a QB. Will probably draft one in the later rounds to begin the grooming process, but I would still consider Cincinnati to be a viable trade partner for Kolb. The only thing that would make me think otherwise is because they're in a division with Baltimore and Pittsburgh and wouldn't be competing any time soon. Verdict: Possible Kolb destination.
Arizona Cardinals - Boy, what an interesting pick. For a QB-needy team that has enough other pieces in place to win their division, they chose a CB. The Cardinals aren't naive enough to think they could win the division without a QB. They know they can compete and win it next year. They plan to trade for McNabb, Palmer or Kolb. McNabb and Palmer are clearly "rent" options, while Kolb would be more of an investment for their future. Peterson was an obvious choice at this pick. No one would fault them for taking arguably the best football player in the draft. However, something tells me it was a bit of a smokescreen. The Cardinals are solid at CB with McFadden and Rodgers-Cromartie and even if the position was a big weakness, QB is still more important. The other heavy favorite to land Kolb is division rival 9ers. I don't think the Cardinals want them to get him. I think Reid contacted the Cardinals before the draft, knowing that they couldn't trade for picks, but putting a deal in place that would swap Kolb for the 5th pick. He told the Cardinals to take Peterson so that when the CBA is finally resolved and free agency begins, a Kolb for Peterson deal could happen. Verdict: When the CBA is settled, Kolb for Peterson. Book it.
San Francisco 49ers - Even though Harbaugh has stated that Alex Smith will probably be one of the QBs on the roster come training camp, no one in this organization is naive enough to think he's still the future (I hope). The 9ers need a QB and badly. They will definitely consider taking one in the later rounds -- someone like Andy Dalton or Pat Devlin -- but neither are even close to sure things. The 49ers will also be major players in the McNabb/Palmer/Kolb frenzy. Two of those players are on the decline and would only serve as a short-term rental. Harbaugh is thinking long-term. The best deal the Niners could offer for Kolb at this point would be future 2012 draft picks (probably a 1 and 4). If you were offered Patrick Peterson or a 2012 1st and 4th round draft choice what would you choose? Doesn't even seem like a choice. Verdict: Likely Kolb destination, but can't match Cardinals best offer.
Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings just took a QB in the 1st round. Why would they still need one? Ponder isn't exactly lighting the world on fire. He was the 4th overall QB taken in the draft. He's a prospect. Someone to groom. He needs a strong veteran to show him the ropes. For this reason I just see McNabb as a Viking. I think the 9ers or Cardinals -- whoever doesn't get Kolb -- will land Palmer. Verdict: Possible, but unlikely.
