NFL Mock Draft 2016: Edition 5 (Final Edition)
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| Jared Goff to Los Angeles |
For awhile, it looked like the Rams would stick with mediocrity at quarterback for a little bit longer and continue with the Case Keenum/Nick Foles situation. Instead, the Rams decided to mortgage their future on this pick and likely select a new, franchise signal-caller. Goff is the better prospect than Wentz and a better fit; his arm strength and feel for the game are special and he has a more complete body of work. The only issue is the fact he almost never took snaps under center while at Cal, but the Rams won't and shouldn't rush him.
Previous Selection: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss (at No.15)
Other Possibility: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
2. Philadelphia Eagles Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
The Eagles also decided to ignore some glaring weaknesses throughout their roster to trade up and select a new franchise quarterback. They might miss out on Goff, but Wentz would be a great fit for them. The former NDSU QB has a high ceiling and underrated athleticism, and he could adjust to the higher speed of the NFL as a backup to Sam Bradford.
Previous Selection: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (at No. 8)
Other Possibility: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
3. San Diego Chargers Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
One of the biggest winners of the Eagles and Rams trades was San Diego. The Chargers now have their choice of a long group of elite prospects, including Jalen Ramsey, Joey Bosa, Myles Jack or Laremy Tunsil. They could use all of these guys, but Tunsil may be the best selection. San Diego's offensive line has been an issue for a long time, and Tunsil is by and far the best tackle in this draft.
Previous Selection: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Other Possibility: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
4. Dallas Cowboys Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Dallas' defense was far from great a year ago, and to make matters worse their two best pass rushers, Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence, will be suspended to begin 2016-2017. Some people worry about character concerns for Joey Bosa, but his versatility (he can interior defensive line, defensive end or outside linebacker) and high motor makes him a perfect pick for the Cowboys.
Previous Selection: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
5. Jacksonville Jaguars Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
While the Jaguars will improve defensively with the return of Dante Fowler, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, they still have significant holes. Their secondary is mediocre at best, so having Ramsey drop to them would be a major steal. The former Florida State playmaker can do it all, and adds an entire new dimension to this defense.
Previous Selection: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Other Possibility: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
6. Baltimore Ravens Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Expect the Ravens to look to improve their offensive line here, but if Tunsil is off the board they could wait until later rounds. Baltimore still needs long term solutions on their defense, and Myles Jack is as talented as any defender in this draft, if he recovers from his torn meniscus. Pairing him next to stud C.J. Mosley would form a fantastic 1-2 punch for years to come.
Previous Selection: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
Other Possibility: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
7. San Francisco 49ers DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
The 49ers need help everywhere, but expect them to start their rebuild on the defensive side of the ball, where GM Trent Baalke once had a front seven with Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, Navarro Bowman and Justin Smith. Bowman is the only player that remains, and he hasn't been quite the same since his knee injury. Buckner is a physical freak who is only scratching the surface of what he can be as a pass rusher.
Previous Selection: Jared Goff, QB, California
Other Possibility: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
8. Cleveland Browns Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
For what seems like the 100th time since the franchise moved back to Cleveland, the Browns are stripping it all down and starting all over. They made the right move in trading back, as they are more than one player away from being a contender. Their offensive line lost Mitchell Schwartz over the offseason and Joe Thomas isn't getting any younger. Stanley isn't without his flaws, but a 6'6" tackle with his footwork is a prize.
Previous Selection: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State (at No.2)
Other Possibility: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
Hargreaves III isn't without his flaws (he's only 5'10", and has short arms) but he was terrific from the moment he stepped in Gainesville, and Tampa could use a proven playmaker in their secondary, and the shutdown corner could fit that mold.
Previous Selection: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
Other Possibility: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
10. New York Giants Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Giants poured $85 million into Olivier Vernon this offseason and also will have Jason Pierre-Paul back after the rough season he had a year ago. However, Pierre-Paul has been a shell of what he once was, and his future is a question mark. Lawson could fall anywhere in this draft because of the large abundance of pass rushers in this draft, but he has the talent to help the Giants from the get-go.
Previous Selection: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
11. Chicago Bears Leonard Floyd, DE/LB, Georgia
Outside of the solid Pernell McPhee, Chicago lacks any type of pass rush. They have a ton of options to choose from at this spot, but don't be surprised if they take the dynamic Floyd. Floyd has been shooting up draft boards for weeks and could even find a spot in the Top 10. His impressive size and motor have NFL stud written all over him.
Previous Selection: A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
Other Possibility: A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
12. New Orleans Saints Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
For too long, New Orleans' defense has lagged well behind their elite offense, and that was never more true this past season. They need help across their defensive line and they can get a quick fix in Rankins, who fits any type of scheme. Although he won't wow you with his stats or intangibles, few players are as NFL ready or will contribute as quickly as Rankins.
Previous Selection: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Other Possibility: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
13. Miami Dolphins Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Elliott will have his fair share of suitors throughout the first round, possibly even Dallas at No.4. However, taking a running back in the Top 10 is a risky business, even if they are as rock-solid as Elliott. If he does slip, Miami would be eager to snatch him up, as they have no clear solution for the now-departed Lamar Miller right now.
Previous Selection: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
14. Oakland Raiders William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Although they did sign stout Sean Smith and powerful Reggie Nelson over the offseason, it would not be surprising to see Oakland continue to improve their defensive backfield, considering it was lacking a year ago and that was before Charles Woodson retired. Jackson could fall anywhere, but his superb athleticism and high ceiling could force the Raiders to possibly reach a little.
Previous Selection: Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
Other Possibility: A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
15. Tennessee Titans Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Titans have had a tremendous offseason, snatching up Demarco Murray and acquiring plenty of future picks while keeping decent draft position. They may miss out on Laremy Tunsil, but Conklin is seen by many as a Top 10 prospect and he would be a superb consolation prize for Tennessee.
Previous Selection: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss (at No. 1)
Other Possibility: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
16. Detroit Lions Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
He isn't flashy, but Detroit would be getting a great pickup in selecting Reed here. He is a rock-solid, hard-nosed run stopper and the Lions have expressed plenty of interest, for good reason. The Lions are desperately lacking in the interior of their D-Line, ever since Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley left last offseason.
Previous Selection: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Other Possibility: A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
17. Atlanta Falcons Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Few defenders in this draft possess the closing speed and range of Darron Lee, which would make him a great fit in Atlanta. The Falcons' pass rush has been weak for too long, and second-year head coach Dan Quinn loves versatile defenders.
Previous Selection: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
18. Indianapolis Colts Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Colts have been very quiet this offseason after last season's spending spree for Andre Johnson and Frank Gore failed miserably. Expect GM Ryan Grigson to focus on either trench in this draft, particularly the O-Line, in order to keep Andew Luck afloat. The Colts would love Conklin to drop, but Decker would work very well too.
Previous Selection: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Noah Spence, DE/LB, Eastern Kentucky
19. Buffalo Bills Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
The Bills traded away Kiko Alonso last season in the Lesean McCoy trade, and will miss Nigel Bradham, who signed with Philadelphia this offseason. That should force Rex Ryan to improve his linebacker corps, and Ragland is a great pick. He is a great run defender and has a defensive mind that the Ryan brothers would appreciate.
Previous Selection: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
20. New York Jets Noah Spence, DE/LB, Eastern Kentucky
Spence is probably the most interesting prospect in the entire draft. He might be the best pure pass rusher in a draft loaded with them, but his substance abuse past raises more than just a few worries, and he played at the FCS level the past year. Even so, New York scouts defensive talent as great as anyone, and they could use another pass rusher, especially with Muhammad Wilkerson possibly leaving soon.
Previous Selection: Leonard Floyd, DE/LB, Georgia
Other Possibility: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
21. Washington Redskins A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
With a draft so heavy on defensive linemen, more than a few are going to drop farther than they should, and that might be the case for Robinson here. That is good news for Washington who will look to add an interior linemen with Terrance Knighton gone.
Previous Selection: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Other Possibility: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
22. Houston Texans Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Already armed with one of the NFL's best pass-catchers in DeAndre Hopkins, Houston will try to add weapons around Brock Osweiler that also complement Hopkins. That should push them to pick Coleman, a burner whose deep threat ability will open up plenty of lanes and windows for Hopkins to work with.
Previous Selection: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Other Possibility: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
23. Minnesota Vikings Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Just a month ago, Treadwell was viewed as by far and away the best receiver in the 2016 Draft and possibly a Top 10 pick. Poor showings at the Combine and his Pro Day have hurt, but Treadwell is still a good enough prospect that this is a steal for Minnesota, who is desperate to add playmakers to help Teddy Bridgewater.
Previous Selection: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Other Possibility: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
24. Cincinnati Bengals Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Bengals would continue the run of receivers here by selecting Doctson, a well-rounded weapon out of TCU. Beyond A.J. Green and tight end Tyler Eifert, the Bengals lack playmakers, particularly with Marvin Jones out of the mix. Doctson's speed and size could be the perfect complement to Green.
Previous Selection: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
25. Pittsburgh Steelers Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The Steelers need a secondary piece, especially with the recent cutting of corner Cortez Allen, and there remains a chance two of the best true corners in this draft, Eli Apple and Mackensie Alexander, could drop to them. Alexander is slightly more experienced, but both offer extreme potential, and it could be a toss-up between them.
Previous Selection: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Other Possibility: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
26. Seattle Seahawks Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M
Another year, another highly touted Texas A&M offensive linemen. Seattle's offensive line is a major problem, and they need some help in this draft. Ifedi would not only be an asset at tackle, he has experience in the interior, where the Seahawks have had issues ever since they dealt away Max Unger in the Jimmy Graham deal.
Previous Selection: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Other Possibility: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
27. Green Bay Packers Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
B.J. Raji was never overly dominant but the Packers will miss his presence inside, and will also look for further defensive line help. Butler has the raw tools and strength to be a first-rounder and will continue to grow and evolve as a pass rusher.
Previous Selection: Chris Jones, DL, Mississippi State
Other Possibility: Kentrell Brothers, LB, Missouri
28. Kansas City Chiefs Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
The Chiefs got a steal on Marcus Peters, as the former Washington Husky was probably the NFL's best rookie defender last season. While they will hope he will continue to grow, they need another corner with Sean Smith gone. Eli Apple could fall anywhere, and has the talent and incredible athleticism to be a valuable helper for anyone.
Previous Selection: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Other Possibility: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
29. Arizona Cardinals T.J. Green, S, Clemson
The Cardinals fixed their defensive line issues by adding Chandler Jones, and should continue to shore up their secondary here. Green is a terrific safety with a proven work ethic who could assist Tyrann Mathieu in the back.
Previous Selection: Noah Spence, DE/LB, Eastern Kentucky
Other Possibility: Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
30. Carolina Panthers Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Gone is Josh Norman, just a few months after a breakout year. Though, that doesn't mean Carolina needs to overreact and reach on a corner here if Apple, Jackson nor Alexander is available here. Sometimes the best secondary is a strong pass rush, and the Panthers can secure that by picking up the underrated Dodd, yet another Clemson Tiger.
Previous Selection: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Other Possibility: Emmanuel Ogbah, DL, Oklahoma State
31. Denver Broncos Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
While it is generally accepted that Wentz and Goff will likely go No. 1 and 2 in the draft or at least in the Top 10, Lynch is a mystery. He could go to Kansas City, the Jets or even Cleveland could trade up from the second round. By the end, however, I think he'll end up in Denver. He would be a great fit and wouldn't have a ton of pressure on him, considering Mark Sanchez can help out and the Broncos have the NFL's best defense.
Previous Selection: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Other Possibility: Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
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