In terms of pure talent, Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon should be one of the first backs taken in the NFL Draft and an unquestioned first round pick. However, a 2014 incident in which he punched a woman in the face is severely impacting his draft stock - though some think he'll end up in the first round anyways. What teams could take a chance on him? Here are the four teams most likely to do so tonight in the first round:
Green Bay Packers
There are already some reports that the Packers are considering Mixon with the pick. They have a major need at the running back position, and Mixon would be a steal for them talent wise. Plus, he'd be another weapon for Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. Are they willing to look past his off-field issues?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are expected to be targeting a running back in this draft with the uncertain future of Doug Martin with the team, and Mixon is someone who could come in and take over as a three-down back. He ran mostly out of shotgun sets at Oklahoma, but has proven to be effective running both between the tackles and on the outside. Plus, his pass-catching ability would give this explosive offense another dangerous weapon - and give Jameis Winston a reliable checkdown option.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philly still has Mixon on their draft board and are "very interested" in him, according to reports. They won't pick him with the No. 14 pick, but if they trade down, they will do so with Mixon in mind. They need a running back with Darren Sproles approaching the end of his career and Ryan Mathews underperforming. Carson Wentz needs a reliable running game to help take some pressure off of him, and drafting Mixon would certainly help in that regard.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland needs help where ever they can get it, so they may be willing to look past Mixon's off-field history because of what he can provide for them on the football field. Isaiah Crowell is firmly entrenched as their starting running back, but he's not a burner and is still developing as a receiving threat out of the backfield. They would need to trade back into the end of the first round to make this happen, but it's certainly a possibility.