There are a few options for the Titans
with the first pick, but Laremy Tunsil is the man that stands
out. He’s the top tackle option in the class, as he possesses
a great combination of finesse and power. The Titans drafted the
face of their franchise in Marcus Mariota last season, and they
need to find a way to keep him upright, as they gave up more sacks
than anyone in the NFL in 2015. Drafting Tunsil would allow Tennessee
to move Taylor Lewan to right tackle, to form a potentially elite
tackle pair for the next 5-7 years.
Previous Pick: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi
2. Cleveland Browns – Carson Wentz,
QB, North Dakota State
Wentz didn’t face elite defenses in college, as North Dakota
State is part of the FCS, which is essentially the league below
the FBS and Power Five conferences. With that being said, Wentz
displays all of the traits an NFL quarterback needs to be successful.
He’s big, with exceptional athleticism, and displays a tremendous
combination of accuracy and strength when throwing the ball. The
Browns have a clear need at the position, as the Johnny Manziel
experiment failed to work out and Robert Griffin III isn’t
the savoir of the franchise. They have their pick of the quarterback
group, and Wentz has the upside to be a multi-time Pro Bowler.
Previous Pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
3. San Diego Chargers – Jalen Ramsey,
CB, Florida State
Jalen Ramsey is quickly working his way up the draft boards,
and it wouldn’t be surprising if he was the first overall
pick in the draft. He’s a big cornerback with good speed
and incredible athleticism, which could allow him to become a
playmaker in the NFL for years to come. The Chargers don’t
have a huge need at cornerback, but they do have a major need
at safety, which is a position Ramsey can also play. He is the
type of player that has the potential to shut down elite wide
receivers or he can provide run support. He also dominated at
the Combine, which has solidified his spot among the top-five
picks in the draft.
Previous Pick: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State
4. Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, DE,
Ohio State
There has been plenty of talk about Ezekiel Elloitt jumping into
the top-5, and the Cowboys would be the likeliest destination.
With that being said, it’s tough to imagine they would pass
on someone as talented as Joey Bosa. Reports are saying Bosa is
currently sliding down draft boards, although one report said
that the Titans may select him with the first overall pick. This
is likely smoke, as the Titans want to trade down, but it’s
still noteworthy. Bosa is an NFL ready player, and with the clock
ticking on Tony Romo, the Cowboys are looking to make a Super
Bowl run now. Dallas is likely going to completely part ways with
Greg Hardy, while Randy Gregory has also been a troubled player.
Bosa would fill a need and upgrade the Cowboys defense immediately
in their hopes to win a Super Bowl in the Romo era.
Gus Bradley loves upgrading the defense, and that’s going
to be the focus of the Jaguars this offseason. Buckner is a versatile
player, as he has the speed to play defensive end and the power
to play defensive tackle. Bradley tends to use players that have
the ability to contribute at multiple positions, and Buckner will
immediately upgrade the Jags defensive line. He also plays with
tons of passion, and Buckner hasn’t even scratched the surface
of his potential. The Jags are an up and coming team, and Buckner
can immediately contribute, while also becoming another great,
young piece for the future.
Previous Pick: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon
6. Baltimore Ravens – Myles Jack,
OLB, UCLA
The Ravens have a serious need at outside linebacker, as Courtney
Upshaw is a free agent, while Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil
are aging and significantly less effective pass rushers than they
were in their prime. Jack is one of the most athletic players
in the NFL draft, as he played both outside linebacker and running
back at an elite level for UCLA. He has the speed to run down
running backs from anywhere on the field, and he could immediately
help the Ravens defense. He can play multiple positions, and the
Ravens are one of a few teams that could utilize Jack in multiple
different packages, which would help him hit his full potential.
Previous Pick: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
7. San Francisco 49ers – Jared Goff,
QB, California
It’s impossible to predict what Chip Kelly will convince
the 49ers to do, but a quarterback here makes a lot of sense.
Colin Kaepernick recently requested to seek a trade and Blaine
Gabbert isn’t the answer at the postion. Goff is seen as
the most NFL ready quarterback in the draft, and he’s the
easy option with Wentz off the board. He has a tremendous arm,
and can throw every type of route in the NFL. The 49ers roster
is in shambles after multiple retirements, but they could draft
their quarterback of the future with this pick.
Previous Pick: Jared Goff, QB, California
The Eagles have a need at RB making Ezekiel
Elliott a likely target for new head coach Doug Pederson.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – Ezekiel Elliott,
RB, Ohio State
The Eagles struck a goldmine of a deal for this pick, and one
has to wonder who they are trading up to get. At first I thought
they were jumping the Bears for Ronnie Stanely, but it’s
more likely they are jumping the Dolphins for Zeke Elliott. Elliott
is an elite running back, and there are reports that he could
go in the top-5. The Eagles are transitioning away from the Chip
Kelly gamble, and it would be wise to get a workhorse back who
can carry the team. Elliott also displayed great hands during
his workouts, which likely certified himself as a top-10 pick.
Previous Pick: Miami - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon
Hargreaves, CB, Florida
The Bucs recently signed Brent Grimes, but they still have a
blow average secondary. On top of that, a few of their corners
are aging and on the decline. They face three elite passing offenses
twice a season, and cornerback is one of the most important positions
in the NFC South. Hargreaves posted a less than ideal 40-yard
dash time, but he has an elite vertical jump, which helps him
make plays on contested balls. He has the ability to play press,
off, or zone coverage, and he also isn’t afraid to help
in the run game. He should immediately help the Bucs secondary.
Previous Pick: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
10. New York Giants – Ronnie Stanley,
OT, Notre Dame
The Giants have a serious need at tackle, as they are set to
start the season with Marshall Newhouse on the right side. Stanley
is athletic, and has the ability to excel at both pass and run
blocking. He will likely be a day one starter for the Giants,
and he would pair with Erick Flowers to make a great, young tackle
combination. They would be able to start for the next 10 years,
as well as filling a hole that is needed right now.
Previous Pick: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
11. Chicago Bears – Leonard Floyd,
OLB, Georgia
The Bears just missed out on Stanley, who would likely be their
first choice here. Luckily for them, they have multiple different
holes on their rosters, so they can comfortably take the edge
rusher. Floyd blew up the NFL Combine and has tremendous upside.
This may be a bit high for him, as he isn’t quite NFL ready,
but he has the ability to be an elite pass rusher for the next
10 years. The Bears desperately are in need of a pass rush, and
Floyd would be a huge upgrade.
Previous Pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
12. New Orleans Saints – A’Shawn
Robinson, DT, Alabama
New Orleans needs help along the defensive line, and this pick
came down to Robinson and Sheldon Rankins. Ultimately, Robinson
is the pick because he’s a more NFL ready prospect, and
the Saints only have a couple of years left with Drew Brees. Robinson
is a powerful defensive linemen, who can impact the inside run
game at an elite level from day one. He also has the ability attack
the quarterback on passing downs, which is a rare trait for interior
defensive linemen. Robinson also comes from Alabama, which is
seen as an NFL ready school, and Robinson will immediately help
the Saints run defense.
Previous Pick: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
13. Miami Dolphins – Eli Apple, CB,
Ohio State
This pick came down to three different cornerbacks, but ultimately
Eli Apple is the selection. The stock for the position is on the
rise and Apple is one of the most talented in the draft class.
He’s an extremely fast player, who continued to progress
through his years at Ohio State, and he likely hasn’t scratched
the surface of his true potential. The Dolphins have a huge need
in the secondary, and Apple would give them a young piece with
tremendous upside for the future.
The Raiders cornerback situation is ugly at the moment, as D.J.
Hayden and David Amerson are currently penciled in as the starters.
Alexander is currently on the rise in the draft community, and
it wouldn’t be surprising to see him taken before Eli Apple.
He is coming off a great season at Clemson, and he was able to
shut down some of the best wide receivers in the NCAA. He’s
a bit short to cover red zone targets like Martavis Bryant, but
he competes on every throw, and he could be the franchise cornerback
the Raiders have been searching for.
Previous Pick: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15. Los Angeles Rams – Laquon Treadwell,
WR, Mississippi
The Rams need to find their future signal caller, but they likely
won’t be reaching on Paxton Lynch, who seems destined for
a draft day slide. Instead, they will continue to spend high draft
picks on wide receivers, and this draft it will be Laquon Treadwell.
Treadwell is seen as the best wide receiver prospect in the draft,
and he would easily be a top-10 pick if he were a bit faster.
He recently ran a slow 40-yard dash (4.63) at his Pro Day, but
that likely isn’t going to affect his stock, as everyone
knew he was slow. The Rams could use a true number one receiver,
and Treadwell fits the bill.
Previous Pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16. Detroit Lions – Jack Conklin,
OT, Michigan State
The Lions have a few needs on their team, but they are going
to have to protect Stafford if they want to find success this
season. Conklin is a tackle that plays from whistle to whistle
and has great technique. He isn’t quite as athletic as the
top two tackles in this draft, but he makes up for it with leadership
and passion. The Lions would sure up their young offensive line
with Conklin, and they would have a great, young line to work
with for the next 10 years.
Previous Pick: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
17. Atlanta Falcons – Reggie Ragland,
ILB, Alabama
The Falcons clearly need to focus on defense in this draft, and
inside linebacker is one of the biggest needs. Ragland solidified
his spot in the first round, as he led an elite Alabama defense
and won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year this last season.
He is a tremendous run stopper, and the Falcons allowed the most
rushing touchdowns in the NFL last season. Ragland would immediately
be an upgrade to their linebackers, and he could eventually become
the leader of the Atlanta defense.
Previous Pick: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
18. Indianapolis Colts – Taylor Decker,
OT, Ohio State
This might be a bit high for Decker, but the Colts need to address
their offensive line and he’s the best available lineman
on the board. Indianapolis has their franchise quarterback in
Andrew Luck, but it’s impossible for him to win the game
if he’s consistently being hit, which causes injuries. Decker
is talented enough to start at right tackle from day one, and
he has shown a great ability to pass block in college. He was
a leader for one of the best teams in the nation last season,
and he plays with a team mentality, as he returned for his senior
year even though he would have been a first round pick in last
years draft.
Rankins is a bit of an undersized defensive tackle, which is
why he’s a perfect fit for the Bills. He can be a part time
player in his rookie season while hitting the gym and adding more
muscle to his frame. He’s an explosive athlete, who has
elite quickness for an interior defensive lineman. He tested well
at the Combine, and he’s coming off a great career for Louisville.
Rankins has the ability to be great in the right opportunity,
and the Bills are a perfect fit that will allow Rankins to develop
early in his career.
Previous Pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
20. New York Jets – Darron Lee, OLB,
Ohio State
The Jets always seem to favor defense in the draft, and this
year will be no different. Lee is one of the most athletic players
in this class, and he has the potential to be a top-5 player from
this draft in a few years. He also has the ability to play every
linebacker position, which could help him get playing time on
a complex Jets defense. Lee has the pure talent to be drafted
higher, but the right opportunity didn’t come until New
York’s pick.
Previous Pick: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
21. Washington Redskins – William
Jackson III, CB, Houston
Jackson is a cornerback that is flying up the draft boards, and
he is in the conversation with Apple and Alexander as the third
best cornerback in the draft. The Redskins have a few needs on
defense and the secondary is one of them. Jackson is a big corner,
who posted a great 40-yard dash (4.37) at the NFL Combine. He
also posted good results during his Pro Day, and he’s arguably
the fastest rising player in the draft process right now. He may
have been a higher pick if he went to a bigger school, but the
Redskins will scoop him up if he’s available.
Previous Pick: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
22. Houston Texans – Will Fuller,
WR, Notre Dame
The Texans are in desperate need of a quarterback but this may
be a bit high for Paxton Lynch. Instead, Houston will need to
look at finding a speedy wide receiver to stretch the field opposite
DeAndre Hopkins. Will Fuller is the exact type of wide receiver
to do that, as he may have worked his way into the first round
with a ridiculous 4.32 40-yard dash at the Combine. He has the
ability to take the top off of defenses, but he also can turn
screens and short passes into huge gains. Fuller would be a lock
for the top-20 if he didn’t struggle with drops, which is
what caused him to fall to the Texans.
Previous Pick: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
23. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Doctson,
WR, TCU
Minnesota is another team that is in need of a second receiver
to pair opposite of Stefon Diggs. Doctson is big (6-2, 202 lbs)
with unbelievably strong hands. He can high point the ball as
well as anyone in this draft, and he’s the type of receiver
that could easily develop into the number one option on a team
for the next ten years. He’s coming off a tremendous performance
at the Combine, in which he was the top performer in the vertical
jump, broad jump, 20-yard shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle. He also
ran a respectable 4.50 40-yard dash. He fell a little because
of the system he played for in college, but he has more than enough
talent to be a dominant force in the NFL.
The Bengals don’t have a major hole on their team, but
they did see Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones leave via free agency.
It has been rumored they won’t re-sign Mohamed Sanu and
Marvin Jones will likely receive a paycheck bigger than the Bengals
want to hand out. That means they will be in need of a wide receiver
to take the pressure off of A.J. Green. Corey Coleman was a dominant
force at Baylor, and he rarely saw single coverage on any given
play. He has more than enough speed to take the top off of a defense,
but he’s also quick enough to dominate on short and intermediate
routes. He’s an electric player that would add another dimension
to the Bengals offense.
Previous Pick: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kevin Dodd,
DE, Clemson
This is a bit of a slide for Dodd, as he was recently projected
to be a top-10 pick. He only has one elite year of film at Clemson,
but he displayed that he is a detailed player, as he focuses on
his responsibilities each game. He could come in and start on
day one for the Steelers, who had one of the worst pass defenses
in the NFL last season. Dodd will help other players attack the
quarterback more, as he is a tough blocking assignment. Dodd is
too good of a player for Pittsburgh to pass up with this pick.
Previous Pick: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
26. Seattle Seahawks – Noah Spence,
DE, Eastern Kentucky
Seattle is always in the business of upgrading their defense,
and I expect them to do that again in this draft. Spence is an
elite player, who had the potential to be a top-10 pick, but he
has dealt with a few off-field issues throughout his career. He
hasn’t been in trouble recently, and it seems as if he understands
his mistakes. The Seahawks could use him as a situational player
to begin his career, which could send him on the path to greatness.
This would be an ideal spot for Spence to be drafted.
Previous Pick: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
27. Green Bay Packers – Jarran Reed,
DT, Alabama
Green Bay was able to re-sign Letroy Giuon, but B.J. Raji retired.
It was a bit of a shock, and has left a hole in Green Bay’s
defense. Reed is another great prospect in a loaded defensive
line draft class. He is a much more of a run specialist than a
pass rusher, which can be expected at his position. He was part
of the best defense in the NCAA last season, and SEC players tend
to be more NFL ready than the other conference. Reed could immediately
help the Packers interior defensive line.
Previous Pick: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
28. Kansas City Chiefs – Robert Nkemdiche,
DT, Ole Miss
There could be an argument made for Nkemdiche being the best
player in this draft. He’s likely going to fall on draft
day because of off the field issues. If you don’t know the
story, Google search Nkemdiche and synthetic marijuana. The Chiefs
are a team that don’t seem to care as much about off the
field issues as some other teams in the NFL. He would fill a need
while giving them essentially a top-five talent late in the draft.
If he cleans up his act off the field, Nkemdiche will be one of
the best defensive linemen in the NFL in a few years.
Previous Pick: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
29. Arizona Cardinals – Shaq Lawson,
DE, Clemson
Lawson’s stock is falling, but Arizona will stop that fall.
They have a few players who are aging on the defensive line and
it has yet to be seen if Chandler Jones is interested in signing
an extension with them. Lawson is a great run stopper, who has
the ability to develop a consistent pass rush. He has great upside
for a late first round pick, and the Cardinals have the ability
to wait and develop him into the player they want on defense.
Previous Pick: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
30. Carolina Panthers – Cody Whitehair,
OG, Kansas State
Whitehair will likely move to guard in the NFL, but he played
his last two season at Kansas State at left tackle. He’s
a versatile player, which will give the Panthers a little flexibility
with their o-line. He was a hard worker in college, and he’ll
likely bring that mentality to the NFL. The Panthers don’t
need to play him right away, so they can groom him into his position,
or they could multi-train him at different positions as a sixth
lineman until he’s ready to be a full time starter.
Previous Pick: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
31. Denver Broncos – Paxton Lynch,
QB, Memphis
The Broncos are in need of a quarterback, as Mark Sanchez is
currently sitting atop their depth chart. They are trying to acquire
Colin Kaepernick, but he is refusing to renegotiate his contract,
and that trade looks unlikely. Paxton Lynch was recently in talks
with Wentz and Goff as the best quarterback in the draft, but
has since fallen out of that conversation. He has a powerful arm,
but he tends to struggle with accuracy on occasion. He’s
athletic and has the potential to be a future franchise player
at the position.
Previous Pick: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Note: The Patriots do not have a first-round pick in the
2016 draft (or a third-round pick in the 2017 draft) thanks to
Deflategate.
