NFL Mock Draft 2016: Edition 4
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| Carson Wentz to Cleveland |
Rumors of Tennessee possibly selecting Florida State's Jalen Ramsey are understandable. The defensive back is the best overall player in the draft, and the Titans secondary is far from strong. Despite this, Tennessee would be best suited to stick with Laremy Tunsil at the No. 1 spot. They certainly could entertain the option of trading down, but Tunsil fits a need and is one of the best offensive tackles we've seen come out college in a long time.
Previous Selection: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Other Possibility: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
2. Cleveland Browns Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Robert Griffin III has arrived in Cleveland, hoping to resurrect a career that appears to be on its last legs. Despite the addition of RG3, I don't believe it will have any impact on the Browns' move here. They need a long term quarterback who can stay healthy, and Wentz has locked down the No. 1 quarterback spot in this draft with a strong Pro Day and Combine.
Previous Selection: Carson Wenz, QB, North Dakota State
Other Possibility: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
3. San Diego Chargers Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Eric Weddle is now officially a Baltimore Raven, officially closing a long and terrific career in San Diego. The Chargers are right to move on; Weddle was declining severely and Jalen Ramsey would be an immediate upgrade, if he lasts on the board this long. The versatility of Ramsey and his electrifying playmaking will immediately add credibility to a weak San Diego secondary.
Previous Selection: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Other Possibility: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
4. Dallas Cowboys Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Last season, Dallas leaned heavily on the services of Greg Hardy and rookie Randy Gregory. One (Hardy) is a complete locker room distraction and a symbol for domestic abuse, while Gregory was arrested weeks before last year's draft for drug possession. Dallas would be wise to strengthen the position by selecting Bosa, who should be the top player available. Character concerns also loom over the Ohio State product, but are very mild when compared to Hardy, who shouldn't be back.
Previous Selection: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Other Possibility: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
5. Jacksonville Jaguars Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Jaguars possess crazy amounts of talent on their offense, but their defense continues to need work. Selecting Jack would immediately upgrade the defensive side of the ball, as Jack can help in run support and is the best coverage linebacker in this year's draft. Teams will be eager to see how Jack can return from his torn ACL earlier this season, but the ceiling for this guy is incredible.
Previous Selection: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
6. Baltimore Ravens DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
There were many reasons why Baltimore limped to a 5-11 mark last season, including injuries and poor running back play. Just as critical, however, was their lack of a true, dominant pass rusher. Adding DeForest Buckner would immediately solve that issue. Buckner brings an absolute menacing presence off the edge who was absolutely dominant at times throughout his tenure at Oregon.
Previous Selection: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
Other Possibility: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
7. San Francisco 49ers Jared Goff, QB, California
No matter what happens in the long Colin Kaepernick saga, San Francisco needs to move somewhere fresh at their most important position. Goff has the arm strength and pocket poise to be special, and he could really rack up yardage in Chip Kelly's up-tempo offensive scheme.
Previous Selection: Jared Goff, QB, California
Other Possibility: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
8. Philadelphia Eagles Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Philadelphia has spent much of this offseason backtracking from the Chip Kelly era, dealing away busts like Demarco Murray, Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell, and looking towards the future. The departure of Murray leaves the Eagles without a true, dominant back and their trade-up allows them to take a stab at Elliott, who is by far and away the best back in this draft.
Previous Selection: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis (previously No. 13 pick)
Other Possibility: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
Overall, Tampa Bay made major strides last season, improving from 2-14 to 6-10 and they appear to be a dark horse entering 2016. They still need reinforcements in their defensive backfield, and Hargreaves could be a perfect solution. Hargreaves was absolutely shutdown throughout his time with the Gators, and Tampa has really lacked a No. 1 corner for awhile.
Previous Selection: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
Other Possibility: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
10. New York Giants Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The Giants have lagged in the trenches for too long, and they need to strike on either defensive line or offensive line in this year's draft. The good news is Stanley could drop to them at 10, a steal considering that the massive Stanley is widely viewed as the second best offensive tackle this year.
Previous Selection: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Other Possibility: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
11. Chicago Bears A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
One thing that Chicago has really lacked over the past few years has been a truly dominant defensive linemen. They've signed guys like Julius Peppers and Jared Allen over the past couple of years, with minimal results. A'Shawn Robinson has the chance to be an absolutely dominant D-Linemen, whether it be as a defensive tackle stuffing runners or as a dangerous pass rusher off the edge.
Previous Selection: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
12. New Orleans Saints Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
New Orleans allowed a whooping 4.9 yards per carry this past season, and it is clear they need to continue to overhaul their defensive line. The signing of Nick Fairley was a start, but it was only a one year deal and is just a short term solution. Rankins has been steadily rising up draft boards and could be the disruptive force in the interior of the defensive line the Saints have lacked.
Previous Selection: A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
Other Possibility: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
13. Miami Dolphins Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
The Dolphins couldn't wait to get rid of Brent Grimes, opting to release the once-Pro Bowler early in free agency. They traded for Byron Maxwell from Philadelphia, but that does little to erase their massive problems in the secondary. Eli Apple has cemented himself as a first-round prospect, with ideal speed and athleticism.
Previous Selection: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
Other Possibility: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
14. Oakland Raiders Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
The talent throughout the Raiders' roster is increasing in a big way, but that doesn't mean Oakland doesn't have major holes. The scary injury to Mario Edwards' neck this past season has only confirmed the Raiders need to fix their defensive line issues. Reed isn't the best prospect available here, but his motor and tenacity would add some more bite to the Oakland front seven.
Previous Selection: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Other Possibility: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15. Los Angeles Rams Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
For the time being, the Rams appear content with the Nick Foles/Case Keenum era at quarterback. They may search for a quarterback later in this draft, but don't be surprised to see them go elsewhere here. Receiver would be logical; the Rams have lacked a true No. 1 wideout for a very long time and while his rough showing at his Pro Day and at the Combine have hurt him, Treadwell is still the best wide receiver in this year's draft.
Previous Selection: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Other Possibility: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16. Detroit Lions Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Detroit could be any number of ways with this selection, but the smartest one would be improving their offensive line. Riley Rieff is a mystery beyond this season, and the rest of the unit could use some reinforcements. Conklin is a steady, stable veteran who played college ball inside the state and fit in nicely with the Lions.
Previous Selection: Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
Other Possibility: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
17. Atlanta Falcons Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Due to their weak rush defense and average pass rush, it has long been established Atlanta could be looking linebacker in this spot. I've had Reggie Ragland mocked here for awhile, but I could see the Falcons taking a chance at Lee. Lee has incredible athleticism and range and offers head coach Dan Quinn more versatility than Ragland.
Previous Selection: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
18. Indianapolis Colts Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Colts' offensive line woes became apparent last season when Andrew Luck was injured and Frank Gore could not find any running room. There is some talent there, but adding another young promising linemen like Decker could go a long way. Not only is Decker a proven run blocker, but he has the versatility to fill in at a number of positions throughout the unit.
Previous Selection: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
19. Buffalo Bills Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Guys like Darron Lee, Myles Jack and Leonard Floyd may be flashier and more exciting, but there isn't a more rock-steady linebacker prospect than Ragland in this draft. He is a smart, well-rounded linebacker who would be a major help to Rex Ryan and the Bills, as their linebacker corps desperately missed Kiko Alonso last year.
Previous Selection: Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
Other Possibility: Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
20. New York Jets Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
Expect the Jets to continue stocking up their front seven this season, particularly if an intriguing talent like Leonard Floyd is available here. Floyd is an attacking, physical specimen off the edge who would be a great fit in coach Todd Bowles' scheme.
Previous Selection: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
21. Washington Redskins Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
For a long time Washington has been shopping for a disruptive defensive tackle presence. It has led them to overpay for Albert Haynesworth and Terrance Knighton (who they just let go) over the past few years. Expect them to finally make some progress on the goal by picking Billings, who could be a sneaky good prospect. Billings is chunky and doesn't move well but he plugs gaps as well as anybody.
Previous Selection: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Other Possibility: Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA
22. Houston Texans Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
At the time of my lack mock draft (all the way back in late February), I felt certain the Texans were finally going to go out and draft a quarterback. Instead, they opted to plunge big money into Brock Osweiler in the free agent market. They should make the smart move and improve his weapons now and the prolific Coleman would be a natural fit. His speed and deep threat ability could be a great complement to DeAndre Hopkins.
Previous Selection: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Other Possibility: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
23. Minnesota Vikings Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Before a wrist injury ended his season prematurely, Doctson was one of the most dominant players in all of college football at TCU. The Vikings could certainly use his explosiveness and reliability, especially considering Mike Wallace is officially gone.
Previous Selection: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
24. Cincinnati Bengals Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu are officially out of Cincinnati, and while A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert are superb, Andy Dalton could still use one more receiver. Michael Thomas is a lot like Green; great hands, great size and an excellent route runner. He should be a solid No. 2 weapon for years to come.
Previous Selection: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Other Possibility: Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
25. Pittsburgh Steelers Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The Steelers have managed to get by with a secondary composed of veterans and journeymen for a long time, but at some point they need to draft a shutdown corner. There are a plethora of options here in the late first round, but Alexander is a Top 10 talent who had his dominant moments at Clemson.
Previous Selection: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Other Possibility: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
26. Seattle Seahawks Jason Spriggs, OL, Indiana
It is pretty clear by now that Russell Wilson is on the short list of best quarterbacks in the NFL. The priority now for the Seahawks is continuing to surround him with talent and protect him. The losses of Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy make an offensive linemen selection very important. Spriggs isn't flashy but he is well-rounded and well-built.
Previous Selection: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Other Possibility; Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
27. Green Bay Packers Chris Jones, DL, Mississippi State
B.J. Raji made an unexpected retirement this offseason, and the Packers have long been average on the defensive line. GM Ted Thompson should invest in Chris Jones, a talented prospect rising up boards out of Mississippi State who doesn't have the character concerns of Robert Nkemdiche or others.
Previous Selection: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
28. Kansas City Chiefs William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Last year's first round selection Marcus Peters was an absolute stud this season for Kansas City. Unfortunately, the corner opposite him, Sean Smith, left in free agency. Expect the Chiefs to snatch up Jackson, who continues to rise after a terrific showing at the Combine.
Previous Selection: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Other Possibility: Artie Burns, CB, Miami
29. Arizona Cardinals Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
Spence continues to fluctuate up, down and all over my draft boards. He has all the talent to be absolutely dominant at the next level, but players with character concerns always seem to drop like stones on draft day (ahem, Randy Gregory). Spence would be a great fit in Arizona, and the Cards could use him after Dwight Freeney, who was a revelation this past season, retired.
Previous Selection: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Other Possibility: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
30. Carolina Panthers Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Shaq Lawson is yet another player that could go nearly anywhere in this first round. He had his moments at Clemson, but questions about his effort and scheme fit could drop him a little bit. Carolina would be getting a steal here as the local product proved he could get after the QB while at Clemson.
Previous Selection: Emmanuel Ogbah, DL, Oklahoma State
Other Possibility: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
31. Denver Broncos Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
The Broncos acquired Mark Sanchez this offseason and very well could still trade for Colin Kaepernick, after Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler left. Even so, the Broncos should get their man of the future in Lynch, who very well could slip. Denver loved Osweiler's size and arm strength; Lynch is 6'7" and has a proven deep arm.
Previous Selection: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
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