In other news, the two least competent franchises in the NFL made a deal that sent the #2 pick to a team that already has two capable Quarterbacks and in another deal, the Los Angeles Rams waited for the NBA to be at it's most talked about so that the NFL could steal some sports headlines again when they picked up the #1 overall pick for a treasure chest full of slightly smaller, less shiny gold doubloons. The Titans and new-look Browns are better off for making these deals and at least one (if not both) of these two teams at the top likely just pissed away the next four years. As past history tells us, whenever there are multiple Quarterbacks in discussions for the #1 overall pick, one of those two is bound to disappoint. Whether that man is Robert Griffin III, Ryan Leaf or Akili Smith, he is real and his name is either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. I realize I just ignored last year's 2/2 on start on the position but, it's a bit early to claim any victories when RGIII fell off so dramatically after his rookie season.
Mock drafts are another annual installation in the guessing game that is sports and are only really fun to look at afterwards as the accuracy is 10/32 at best. Let's begin...
#1. Los Angeles Rams - QB Jared Goff (California)
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| Pictured above: Jared "Freakishly tiny hands" Goff |
Who Else Might They Take?: QB Carson Wentz, CB Jalen Ramsey
Congratulations on the new team, city that has everything besides snow. Here is your locally-grown quarterback (he was born closer to San Francisco but, who cares? It's all California so it's all relevant) with freakishly tiny hands (ALLEGEDLY). Sure, this team is now best friends with the league office but, aren't they still a lot more than just a quarterback away from the Super Bowl? Last I checked, Jeff Fisher has been .500 since pangea began drifting apart and every receiver this team selects turns into some gimmick that's good for a top ten highlight annually and nothing else (best of luck to Stedman Bailey by the way). Goff's accuracy was very real at California but his deep ball leaves room for desire. Goff and former Cal QB Aaron Rodgers have a lot in common in that they both throw right-handed and have four working limbs. That's where the comparisons stop though as Goff's mobility is average and his accuracy needs a lot of improvement to match one of the greatest to ever play the game, which is what L.A. needs to make the Super Bowl anytime soon.
#2. Philadelphia Eagles - QB Carson Wentz (North Dakota State)
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| "Why me!?" Wentz exclaimed as Philly reached it's next step in the transformation to becoming Cleveland 2. |
Who Else Might They Take?: CB Jalen Ramsey, OT Laremy Tunsil
Things in Philadelphia that are preventing the Eagles from ever winning a Super Bowl: Jeffrey Lurie, the fans, Howie Roseman and the ghost of Andy Reid's past. Will this team really improve on their 7-9 record with Doug Pederson (a first time head coach) at the helm? Of course not. They made plenty of decent moves this offseason (signing CB Leodis McKelvin for cheap, G Brandon Brooks, LB Nigel Bradham and S Rodney McLeod) but, when it comes to this draft, the Eagles have already lost by dealing away CB Byron Maxwell, LB Kiko Alonso, RB DeMarco Murray, their 2017 1st rounder, their 2018 2nd rounder, their 2016 3rd rounder and their 2016 4th rounder just to move up from pick #13 to pick #2 to draft a position they already had filled. I get it, it's 2016 and Quarterbacks are everything but, Peyton Manning just won a damn Super Bowl with a wooden leg, an eye patch and PED rumors. Philly's time would have been better spent at #8 where they could potentially land a shutdown corner (like the last four Super Bowl champs have had) or an above-average pass-rusher (like seemingly every Super Bowl champion ever has had). Nope, this is still the Eagles and they are still relentlessly determined to fuck things up as fascinatingly as possible. I like Wentz by the way. He'll probably have to wait a year to start on this team unless they do find a trading partner for Bradford because good luck like that always happens in Philadelphia sports.
#3. San Diego Chargers - OT Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss)
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| Tunsil's injury was the open floodgate in Ole Miss's 2014 bowl game massacre by TCU. |
Who Else Might They Take?: CB Jalen Ramsey, DE DeForest Buckner, Joey Bosa or Emmanuel Ogbah
Once thought of as the Titans' #1 draft pick before the desperate GM's sold their early stocks in Apple for two quarterbacks who either have small hands or won't start over Chase Daniel, Tunsil is supposedly Jonathan Ogden reincarnated. With that type of hype, he sure sounds like a sure thing. Warning for all of the Charger fans out there... Tony Mandarich was a sure thing. It's nothing new saying that the draft is a total crapshoot and considering this fact, San Diego shouldn't dig for need (Linebacker? Safety? Defensive End?) and should just settle for the best available player since they are still miles away from postseason contention after an uninspiring offseason. Tunsil won't take back the division for San Diego or save their team from moving but, he can give Philip Rivers a few extra years under center and help Melvin Gordon finally break out of his "Wait a minute... this isn't the Badgers offensive line!" funk. They can deal current starting LT King Dunlap for a late pick or two if necessary to make room for the monster that made Bo Wallace a thing for three months.
#4. Dallas Cowboys - CB Jalen Ramsey (Florida State)
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| Getty ImagesWith the confidence radiating off of Ramsey, of course Dallas will take him. |
Who else might they take?: DEs Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner, RB Ezekiel Elliott
Jalen Ramsey thinks he's the #1 pick or at least should be and he probably is going to be the best player to emerge from this draft if Tunsil struggles to adjust. Dallas did just take a defensive back last season in UCONN's Byron Jones but, he has moved to Free Safety which frees up the possibility for another impact Cornerback to be added. Ramsey is a behemoth of a human being and is the surest player to succeed in the 2016 draft. He was just as vital to the Seminoles' title run three years ago as Jameis Winston. Dallas is likely over the three mediocre to bad seasons they received from Morris Claiborne and have finally redone Brandon Carr's contract so that he is only slightly overpaid and not one of the worst contracts in the NFL. This all signals toward the team looking at a new face for their defensive backfield while Orlando Scandrick works his way back to being an above-average corner while returning from an ACL tear. They might have originally been thinking about Goff or Wentz here but, Jerry's just going to have to keep it in his pants for one more round until the Hackenbergs and Cooks of the world are available.
#5. Jacksonville Jaguars - OLB Leonard Floyd (Georgia)
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| The man with two first names might be the only healthy Linebacker worth taking in the top ten. |
Who else might they take?: DEs DeForest Buckner & Joey Bosa, OLB Myles Jack
This was definitely the spot for Myles Jack until his knee got an expiration date. Now, instead of waiting on another injured defensive player with crazy high potential, the Jags should take a player at the same position who can get to the quarterback even though he doesn't always wrap up the quarterback. Floyd is the type of pass-rusher that will disrupt a play and make an opposing QB throw an inaccurate pass without a 15-sack season. Floyd's best comparison is a healthy Brian Orakpo as they are both certainly above-average pass-rushers but neither is challenging J.J. Watt for sacks. Jacksonville's lone hole on defense is at outside linebacker and Floyd is the safest option to succeed this season.
#6. Baltimore Ravens - DE DeForest Buckner (Oregon)
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| Baltimore's defense has never needed a Defensive End like Buckner more than they do now. |
Who else might they take?: DE Joey Bosa, CBs Vernon Hargreaves III or Mackensie Alexander
This might seem like an obvious selection for GM Ozzie Newsome but, with all of the issues the Ravens have had with defensive backs since their Super Bowl win in 2013, there are really two options here. Either Jalen Ramsey miraculously falls into their laps or they make the coin flip between Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner. If they need Buckner to play at outside linebacker, that might work as well. Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are both likely past their primes and it would not hurt to add another giant who can track down a quarterback. Baltimore has zero starting defensive ends at the moment and this pick should be an easy one.
#7. San Francisco 49ers - OT Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame)
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| Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Now that Chip Kelly isn't a GM, maybe his team will be interested in taking an Offensive Lineman |
Who else might they take?: CB Vernon Hargreaves III, OLB Myles Jack, DE Joey Bosa, WRs Laquon Treadwell, Corey Coleman & Josh Doctson
This team is very unpredictable right now with a quarterback maybe on the trading block (Colin Kaepernick), two offensive tackles probably on the block (Staley and Davis) and Chip Kelly's system now being the focal point of their offense. The 49ers were unable to sign any big name free agents as a result of Kelly's hiring and now there are holes everywhere on the roster. The one thing that most seriously hampered the success of Kelly's Eagles these past two years was the lack of an offensive line and GM Trent Baalke is enough of a smart roster manager that he will notice that the 49ers desperately need an offensive tackle in order to succeed at all this year and potentially move Staley or Davis with a replacement ready to play. Ronnie Stanley had to move from right tackle to left tackle once current Cowboy Zack Martin left the Fighting Irish and nothing changed about the Irish's offensive success because Stanley effortlessly turned into one of the best left tackles in college football. Carlos Hyde is supposed to be a really good running back but has yet to experience his breakthrough 1,000 yard season because the line in front of him has been constantly injured. Hopefully Baalke takes Stanley so that we can at least get the fantasy breakout everyone has been waiting for from Hyde.
#8. Cleveland Browns - OLB Myles Jack (UCLA)
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| (Danny Moloshok, Associated Press) Don't expect the Browns to use Jack as a running back even though he occasionally played offense at UCLA. |
Who else might they take?: RB Ezekiel Elliott, DE Joey Bosa, CB Vernon Hargreaves III
There are plenty of local, Ohio State talents that Cleveland could select here and look totally reasonable but, I get the feeling that one of the NFL's worst defenses from 2015 is ready to move on from both Kruger and Mingo as failed experiments from the prior front office in charge. This perennially idiotic team invested in a good new head coach (Hue Jackson went 8-8 in his one year in Oakland) and added former Oakland-based moneyballer Paul DePodesta to try and fix the unfixable franchise. Ownership is still a mess and the stench of Josh Gordon's marijuana is still present but, all is not lost with smarter people running the team and a new quarterback with prior success (Robert Griffin III). Jack is an injury risk and might have to sit out some of 2016 as his knee may or may not be a time-bomb ready to explode but, he's the best talent available. Knowing Cleveland sports history, his knee probably will explode. Pray for Myles Jack if this pick does happen.
#9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida)
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| (Rob Foldy/Getty Images) Hargreaves would be the second Florida native taken in the first by Tampa in two years. |
Who else might they take?: DE Joey Bosa, CB Mackensie Alexander, WR Laquon Treadwell
The Buccaneers drafted four quality starters last season in QB Jameis Winston, OT Donovan Smith, G Ali Marpet and ILB Kwon Alexander. They might not have quite that much luck in this draft but, they will certainly find a starting caliber player ninth overall in Hargreaves. He's a rich person's Alterraun Verner and they already own Alterraun Verner. Their defensive backfield was a mess again last season with injuries wreaking their havoc as always and the team ended up turning to un-drafted rookies like Jude Adjei-Barimah. The now Dirk Koetter-led team did manage to sign veteran Pro Bowler Brent Grimes but, his time in the NFL is coming to an end as he is starting to get burned more and grab highlight reel interceptions less. The Bucs are basically one defensive back (corner or safety) away from serious playoff contention and there aren't any natural safeties worth taking this early so, in steps Florida Gator Vernon Hargreaves III to complete this defense.
#10. New York Giants - DE Joey Bosa (Ohio State)
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| Long thought to be the #1 pick, Bosa's stock has slipped since January. |
Who else might they take?: RB Ezekiel Elliott, ILB Reggie Ragland, OT Jack Conklin
Oh hey Joey Bosa, I did not forget you. Cleveland Browns' fans were begging the team to tank for the #1 pick so that they might draft local Ohio State Buckeye Bosa. Alas, teams are beginning to get the idea that Bosa is as good as he's ever going to get (which is still pretty damn good) and that players like DeForest Buckner and Emmanuel Ogbah might have the higher ceilings. The Giants have rarely shied away from selecting pass-rushers in the first round (see: JPP & Mathias Kiwanuka) and stacking up on defensive ends even when they already have two great starters (see: JPP while Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck were already on the roster). Bosa may have to wait a year or move to outside linebacker (the more likely result for 2016) but Giants fans will be thankful in the long run for reaching for a position they don't necessarily need right away.
#11. Chicago Bears - DE Kevin Dodd (Clemson)
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| Photo via: Bart Boatright "Hey Marqise, can I uhh... get that ball from you?" Dodd probably politely asked |
Who else might they take?: RB Ezekiel Elliott, CB Mackensie Alexander, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, OT Jack Conklin
Dodd was the lesser talked about of the two defensive ends from last year's runner-up Clemson Tiger team (the other being DE/OLB Shaq Lawson). Dodd is a traditional defensive end that's far too portly to line up at linebacker and try to chase down running backs which is completely fine for the Bears now that they have gained legitimacy in their linebacker corps this offseason. The Bears are not winning the Super Bowl under Jay Cutler but, can stay in the NFC North race with a few more defensive players (They still need a defensive back or two) and some luck.
#12. New Orleans Saints - CB Mackensie Alexander (Clemson)
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| AP Photo/David J. Phillip Alexander left the Championship with a hamstring injury after making an impact anyway. |
Who else might they take?: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, WR Laquon Treadwell, DTs Robert Nkemdiche or A'Shawn Robinson
Brandon Browner was a disaster for this team last season and despite the emergence of Breaux and return of Lewis, the Saints still need a backup plan since Kyle Wilson, at this point, is a lost cause. Mackensie Alexander is a shorter defensive back in a draft full of cornerbacks and yet, the Saints have had such solid luck with shorter defensive backs in the Sean Payton-era that I believe this would be the best fit for Alexander. He might not even have to start right away as Keenan Lewis could be fully healthy by opening weekend after all of his ailments near the end of 2015. Given the time to develop, Alexander might grab some interceptions finally after going pick-less through his two seasons at Clemson.
#13. Miami Dolphins - RB Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State)
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| Sports Illustrated It's either going to be Elliott or Arian Foster carrying the ball for Miami this season. |
Who else might they take?: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, CBs William Jackson III, OT Jack Conklin
Losing Lamar Miller to the Houston Texans killed the Dolphins before they could truly begin living (Woah bro, that's deep). Jay Ajayi was an intriguing prospect in last season's draft but over time, his stock fell from being a late first rounder to a fifth rounder and he showed that on the field last season. Ajayi is shaky as a starter at the moment and given time, might be able to carry the entire workload but, there is no reason for a team right in the vicinity of getting a wildcard spot to stick with this collection of running backs. If the excellent pass-blocker/great power-running Elliott does not fall to Miami, they will likely look into signing a veteran like Arian Foster if they can find the spare change in between their couch cushions.
#14. Oakland Raiders - ILB Reggie Ragland (Alabama)
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| Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports Ragland is the #1 prototypical middle linebacker in this year's draft. |
Who else might they take?: RB Derrick Henry, DTs A'Shawn Robinson or Robert Nkemdiche
The Raiders' defense was one of the more underrated units in the sport last season and after signing CB Sean Smith, FS Reggie Nelson and OLB Bruce Irvin, they are one or two pieces away from winning the AFC West based on defense alone (Hey, the Broncos just did it). Ragland is by far the best HEALTHY middle linebacker in the draft and if Jaylon Smith never recovers from his ACL and LCL tears, Ragland will be the best overall middle linebacker from the 2016 class. Alabama MLBs are typically safe bets (see: C.J. Mosley) to clog up holes and shut down opposing run games and Ragland is no different. One side-note I have is that the Raiders are not convinced by Latavius Murray and there is a chance they look into another running back early in the draft. They probably realize that there are bigger concerns on this team (Ben Heeney starting at ILB and Justin Ellis starting at d-tackle) and the safest possible selection here is Ragland.
#15. Tennessee Titans - DE Emmanuel Ogbah (Oklahoma State)
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| Tim Heitman - USA TODAY Sports Ogbah can play either defensive end or outside linebacker for the team that traded down from #1. |
Who else might they take?: OT Jack Conklin, DE/OLB Shaq Lawson, DE Noah Spence
The Titans' stock is about to rise in a major way after not only seeing a nice start to QB Marcus Mariota's career but also, by dealing out of the #1 overall pick for a boatload of draft picks. Now, they can finally fill all of the holes that led them to a 3-13 season despite the positive vibes radiating from Nashville. The Titans have acquired a ton of experienced players and are only one defensive end away from looking like a complete NFL team of real players. Ogbah is the new Nigerian Nightmare (sorry Christian Okoye) and just like Okoye, Ogbah seems like a super nice guy who might be soft on the field of play. Umm... no. He was one of the more intimidating players in college football last season and made many explosive plays in big games. The only problems Ogbah had for Oklahoma State last season came against Laremy Tunsil, a man I have being drafted #3 overall.
#16. Detroit Lions - WR Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss)
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| Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Treadwell reminds me a lot of Calvin Johnson with an injury history. |
Who else might they take?: WRs William Fuller, Corey Coleman & Josh Doctson, ILB Jaylon Smith, CB William Jackson III
The city of Detroit is trying to erase it's label as a desolate reminder of what once was one of the popular cities in America. One of the reasons this hasn't worked the last fifty years is because the Lions are a team desolate of any reason for existing the past five decades. I'm sure there are still some Barry Sanders highlights on VHS tapes that Lions fans have been watching for the past 17 years but, it's time for the team to actually win something or blow it all up again (starting with you, Matthew Stafford). Nothing would be more perfect than for this team to draft the best receiver available as a replacement for the prematurely retired Calvin Johnson. Linebacker would also appear to be a huge need for this team and they will certainly look for one in the second round as Treadwell is far too talented to pass up ESPECIALLY with Detroit's two division rivals (Minnesota and Green Bay) salivating at the thought of this kid falling to their positions in the draft. Treadwell made some incredible leaping receptions at Ole Miss, even after tearing up one of his legs in 2014. He is the #1 receiver on my draft board and could be better than Amari Cooper was for Oakland last season.
#17. Atlanta Falcons - WR Corey Coleman (Baylor)
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| Ray Carlin - USA TODAY Sports Coleman's final season at Baylor was incredible no matter what the strength of his conference's defenses were. |
Who else might they take?: WR Josh Doctson, OT Jack Conklin, CB William Jackson III
Might I interest you in a consensus All-American who caught 74 passes for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdown in twelve games last season? I'm sure the Falcons will have their interests in the superstar receiver out of Baylor as they need to replace the production they once got from Roddy White. Granted, they did not pay Mohamed Sanu to a five-year deal worth $32.5 million to be Matt Ryan's third option but, Thomas Dimitroff has previously decided that having a great duo of starting receivers was of utmost importance when he took Julio Jones while White was still in his prime.
#18. Indianapolis Colts - DE Noah Spence (Eastern Kentucky)
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| Spence spent his last season of college football at Eastern Kentucky after three years at Ohio State. |
Who else might they take?: DE Shaq Lawson, RB Derrick Henry, WR Josh Doctson
The Colts have always had a big-name pass rusher while controlled by owner Jim Irsay and both Dwight Freeney (Syracuse) and Robert Mathis (Alabama A&M) did not come from the biggest football schools around. Indianapolis thought they had something when they signed excellent pass rush specialist Trent Cole away from Philadelphia but, alas that signing turned into a colossal disappointment. Speaking of disappointments, Spence disappointed Buckeye nation when he was ruled ineligible by the Big Ten after failing multiple drug tests at Ohio State. Spence ended up transferring to Eastern Kentucky last season and recorded 11.5 sacks. This player is mega-talented and seems to be off ecstasy and whatever other drugs he might have been on two years ago so, why not Noah Spence?
#19. Buffalo Bills - DE Shaq Lawson (Clemson)
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| The second part in our two-part series on Clemson defensive ends focuses on Shaq Lawson to Buffalo. |
Current Depth: (DE) Jerry Hughes (veteran, average starter), I.K. Enemkpali (doesn't have a puncher's chance of starting this year, listed as a starter right now), Jarius Wynn (body), Lavar Edwards (body), T.J. Barnes (body), Cedric Reed (body)
Who else might they take?: QB Paxton Lynch, OLB Kyler Fackrell, DT Robert Nkemdiche
Buffalo is in the rare situation where they need both a defensive end and outside linebacker desperately and if Lawson is available, they could take him and fill either hole depending on who else they find in the draft or in late free agency. A combine superstar, Lawson recorded 12.5 sacks en route to the National Championship Game and showed impressive versatility throughout his college career. Rex Ryan cannot function without a good defense and this team needs a replacement for Mario Williams (now a Dolphin) if they want to get close to last year's defensive success.
#20. New York Jets - QB Paxton Lynch (Memphis)
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| Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports Lynch is the biggest wildcard in the draft and the Jets are most likely to trade up to take the QB. |
Who else might they take?: DTs Robert Nkemdiche & A'Shawn Robinson, QBs Cardale Jones or Christian Hackenberg
Paxton Lynch is an enigma. I watched him succeed at Memphis last season and I still could not tell the masses whether or not he will translate to the NFL. I certainly do not see him as a week one starter. The Jets should start the year with either Geno Smith (the known) or Bryce Petty (the unknown) under center and if either of those two fail with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker as targets, then Todd Bowles can hand over the driver's seat to Lynch. Of course, the NFL Draft is a crap-shoot and Buffalo might just take Lynch one pick ahead of their AFC East rivals and the Jets might look into dealing for Colin Kaepernick or Sam Bradford. This is a Jet team that just lost their All-Pro left tackle and it will not be as easy for whoever steps in as it was for Ryan Fitzpatrick last season. The one thing the top two teams in the draft have in common is that they've given Bradford a chance and are now looking into kids with less injury-filled pasts so, maybe the Jets should avoid both him and the wildly inconsistent Kaepernick.
#21. Washington's NFL Team - DT A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama)
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| This is the face of a 21-year old drafted by Dan Snyder. |
Who else might they take?: DT Chris Jones, ILB Jaylon Smith, WR Josh Doctson
Signing star cornerback Josh Norman eliminated one need for the Washington defense and narrowed their options at the 21st pick. Robert Nkemdiche might be the most talented defensive tackle left on the board but, Robinson doesn't have the so-called "character concerns" that Nkemdiche's narrative at this point. The last time Washington had a defensive tackle with "character concerns", it was Albert "worst contract ever paid to a face-stomper" Haynesworth. Robinson is the next surest thing with great ability as a run-stuffer and above-average pass rushing skills.
#22. Houston Texans - DT Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss)
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| Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press The one thing missing from Houston's team: a big dude to get at the opposing quarterback. -sarcasm noted- |
Who else might they take?: OT Jack Conklin, G Cody Whitehair, DT Chris Jones
The last thing the Texans NEED is another great pass rusher after taking J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney in the first rounds of the last five years. This pick would be much better utilized on rebuilding their offensive line after dumping both G Brandon Brooks and C Ben Jones. The one problem with this draft is there aren't any first round-worthy interior lineman outside of Cody Whitehair and if Nkemdiche falls to #22 because he got caught with a little bit of marijuana last December, the Texans should be all over beefing up the beefiest line in the NFL with Vince Wilfork likely gone after this season.
#23. Minnesota Vikings - OT Jack Conklin (Michigan State)
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| The Vikings need a force on the left side to better protect Teddy Bridgewater and Conklin might be their man. |
Who else might they take?: WRs Josh Doctson & William Fuller, OLBs Jaylon Smith & Darron Lee
The minute that Phil Loadholt tore is Achilles last off-season, the Vikings hope for a breakout season statistically from sophomore QB Teddy Bridgewater was erased as the line then struggled all season long. Loadholt is back but, he's now on the wrong side of 30. Matt Kalil might be in his final year with the team after he never replicated is rookie season success and Andre Smith is only under contract for one year. Sure, things will be a bit crowded at the tackle position but, they can move some players around and get Conklin in the lineup if his game immediately translates to the NFL. He was certainly one of the best tackles in college last year, helping players like Connor Cook and L.J. Scott boost their draft values.
#24. Cincinnati Bengals - WR Josh Doctson (TCU)
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| Erich Schlegel - USA TODAY Sports At moments last season, Doctson was the lone healthy weapon on TCU's offense. |
Who else might they take?: WRs Michael Thomas & Will Fuller, OLBs Jaylon Smith & Darron Lee
This choice is a fairly simple one for Marvin Lewis and company. Nobody should trust Brandon LaFell with the same duties as BOTH Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu (whom both left this spring). Josh Doctson is a receiver with good hands and great play-making ability. When he was off the field last season late in the year due to a wrist injury, TCU's offense was completely stagnant. The Bengals need to pick up another receiving option before Dalton regresses the way Carson Palmer did a decade ago.
#25. Pittsburgh Steelers - DT Chris Jones (Mississippi State)
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| Getty Images Opinions are scattered on the Mississippi State defensive tackle. |
Who else might they take?: DT Sheldon Rankins, CBs Eli Apple & William Jackson III
The Steelers defense used to be the defining unit of the Pittsburgh-based franchise. Over the last few seasons, Mike Tomlin's passing game and the additions of Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams have turned this team into an offensive powerhouse. The Rooney family and GM Kevin Colbert have slowly tried rebuilding the defense by taking DE Cameron Heyward, OLB Jarvis Jones, ILB Ryan Shazier, OLB Bud Dupree. So far, not so good. The team seems to be a victim of their own greatness as they never have a pick while the obvious can't-miss defenders are available (see: J.J. Watt, Aldon Smith, Patrick Peterson, etc.). Certainly, the Steelers could just do a better job at scouting and reach for a Richard Sherman or a Vontaze Burfict but, first rounders should still work out with the right coaching in most cases. I originally had Chris Jones being taken #8 by Cleveland and could see him falling to the second round as well, he is just that divisive of a player. He's shown plenty of explosiveness when going for the quarterback but, many question his dedication and ability against the run game.
#26. Seattle Seahawks - OT Le'Raven Clark (Texas Tech)
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| Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports Le'Raven will be picked by the Le'Seahawks. |
Who else might they take?: OLB Jaylon Smith, G Cody Whitehair, OT Taylor Decker
This is still an elite team that is only one or two bodies at left tackle and outside linebacker away from the NFC Championship. Clark had more mixed results in college than prior tackle selections (duh, it's the late first-round, very few are still available in the top tier of prospects). His pass-blocking really helped Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes look like 2012 Colin Kaepernick at moments and any time Clark was off the field, his absence was very apparent. Clark probably is not ready to start at left tackle and could see his career begin as a guard. Either way, Seattle needs offensive line help immediately.
#27. Green Bay Packers - DT Sheldon Rankins (Louisville)
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| Rankins is a fat guy who can chase down the runner, what's not to like? |
Who else might they take? OLB Kyler Fackrell, DTs Andrew Billings & Jonathan Bullard
Unless they have a top-ten pick, the Packers are not going to do anything terribly exciting here and will take a defensive tackle that has a 50/50 chance at working out. The pick might be Justin Harrell/Jamaal Reynolds or Rankins will turn into another slept on defensive lineman who's really an all-pro like Green Bay loves to create (see: Mike Daniels, Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins, etc.). Either way, Packer fans should learn to love GM Ted Thompson because he's the best GM not named John Schneider (a former student of Thompson's) around. Before the postseason, most would have bet money on the team taking a wide receiver or tight end to avoid thinning out dramatically at the position like they did last season. Alas, Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis are the same receiver and both carried the green and yellow to overtime against one of the best defenses in the Cardinals. With Ty Montgomery, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams all healthy along with the two I already mentioned, they are more than prepared for any short-term injuries at that position. They also signed Jared Cook for some reason and will not be taking a Tight End, not that there are any worth selecting this early.
#28. Kansas City Chiefs - G Cody Whitehair (Kansas State)
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| AP Photo/Charlie Riedel Whitehair is the lone natural guard worth a first-round draft pick. |
Who else might they take?: OLB Jaylon Smith, CBs Eli Apple or William Jackson III, OLB Darron Lee
Even after taking All-Pro CB Marcus Peters last season, the Chiefs are still in need of some assistance on the other end of their defense as Jamell Fleming is currently listed as their #2 cornerback. With all of that said, I think this team trusts their defensive coordinator "Hi, my name is... who? my name is... what? my name is -beatboxes-" Bob Sutton to develop talent drafted in any round and turn them into viable starters as he has every single year he's been employed by Kansas City. The guards the team has right now are very average or worse and by taking the top guard available, the Chiefs would get a huge upgrade at the position and over many teams still in need at the position.
#29. Arizona Cardinals - CB Eli Apple (Ohio State)
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| The Blade Comparing Eli Apple to Apples is a very difficult task, let's just look at his football skills. |
Who else might they take?: CB William Jackson III, OLB Jaylon Smith, QB Christian Hackenberg, TE Hunter Henry
Looking at Arizona's cornerbacks as they stand right now, it's mind-boggling how this defense's backfield didn't get exploited more often. Of course, just looking at the current defensive backs would be ignoring the fact that Jerraud Powers was not re-signed and remains unsigned as of this posting. Apple is the smallest potential first-round cornerback and has had all sorts of media spout-offs with anonymous scouts for weird things like asking if he was gay or criticizing his cooking. All these tidbits do is prove is that NFL scouting has gone too far. Can Eli Apple play football? Yes. That's good enough for Bruce Arians and GM Steve Keim.
#30. Carolina Panthers - CB William Jackson III (Houston)
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| Jonathan Dyer - USA TODAY Sports Out of all the thirds to enter the league recently, William Jackson is definitely one of them. |
Who else might they take? CB Kendall Fuller, OT Taylor Decker, RB Derrick Henry
Did Carolina go into last week thinking they would take a cornerback in the first round this year? Probably but, nobody else seemed ready for the shocking news that they had rescinded Josh Norman's franchise tag and allowed him to sign with Washington's professional football team. Now, it's practically a given that if the draft goes exactly according to plan up to this point (and it never does), that the Panthers will take one of William Jackson III, Xavien Howard or Kendall Fuller to fill the fresh void. I did notice the Boykin pickup and believe that he will revive his career in Carolina and I think Jackson III will combine with Boykin to at least make up for the current absence of two trustworthy corners. Jackson III was the most impressive player on the field for last year's miraculous Houston Cougar team. He might need a year or two to fully develop but, the ceiling is higher on him than say... Eli Apple.
#31. Denver Broncos - ILB Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame)
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| Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images The Broncos can take as many chances as they'd like with a fresh, sparkly ring on everyone's finger. |
Who else might they take?: QB Christian Hackenberg, literally anybody that's left on the board
The Broncos can take anybody they please and suck as much as they'd like now that John Elway's squad just won Super Bowl 50. I have Smith falling this far but, they could just as easily trade up a few picks to get him as he is the biggest wildcard in the draft, coming off his torn ACL and LCL. Smith might go any pick between #7 and #200 and it would not stun anyone.
Good luck to your team and may you all enjoy the draft while booing Roger Goodell in Chicago, at home, at the bar, or into your car radio! just make sure to not take any of it too seriously because sports are supposed to be fun.
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