Will Elliott get past the Boys at 4? Where will Paxton
Lynch land? Are the Browns done trading? Is Kaepernick and/or Bradford going to
be dealt? How many trades in the first round? All these questions and more will
be answered come primetime Thursday night.
Predicting the NFL Draft is about as easy as predicting an
NCAA tournament bracket. Teams, specifically management, have different
blueprints on the players and plans they want to pursue to improve their
respective teams. In turn, it creates so much uncertainty surrounding such an
exciting event. And that is what makes this mock drafting so fun. This time
around, my brother and I jump into the GM spot for one day, picking players we
feel would benefit teams at each spot.
So with that, here’s our picks on how the top-half of draft
night may shake out, without predicting any trades (which is inevitably bound
to happen).
1. Los
Angeles Rams (From TEN) – Jared Goff, QB, California
Austin - After giving up a bunch to take over the top spot,
Los Angeles is banking on the local product to be their franchise guy. After
not having a QB since the legendary Kurt Warner, it seems like it is the only
position keeping this team from being more prominent. Goff definitely has the
attributes, but the biggest question will be if he can deliver on the biggest
stage. For what the Rams gave up, they better hope so.
Ayden - Los Angeles sold the house to grab the number one
selection and I can’t see any circumstance where they wouldn’t take a
quarterback here. The Rams are trying to make a big splash in their first
season in Los Angeles and they certainly have done so by giving up six draft
picks to go get their franchise QB. Goff seems to be the more proven
quarterback at this point and it seems that the Rams are going to take him with
this selection.
2.
Philadelphia Eagles (From CLE) – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Austin - Philadelphia made the jump to acquire one of the
top two quarterbacks in the draft. Already having Sam Bradford (who now wants
out), and the highest paid back-up in Chase Daniels, this makes for an
interesting move. They obviously see a franchise-caliber player able to
ultimately take over the reins. Wentz is one of the more athletic quarterbacks
to come into the draft in the last few years, and may be just the guy to propel
Doug Peterson’s group.
Ayden - Philadelphia seems to be jumping in on the ‘grabbing
a franchise quarterback’ train. It seems that they will select the best
available quarterback which will be dependent upon the Rams selection. It seems
that Wentz can be a guy that can sit and develop for a few years which is
exactly what the Eagles want with an uncertain future in both Bradford and
Daniels. One thing is for certain: the Eagles are trying to find a franchise
quarterback for the next decade, so having Wentz sit for a year or two may not
be the worst thing. For Philly fans however, they may have to do something they're unaccustomed to doing: be patient.
3. San
Diego Chargers
Austin - DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Rumor has it that the Chargers really like Ronnie Stanley.
Better yet, the buzz is rising on Buckner. Who in the world knows what they’ll
do with this pick. They’d throw a shocking wrench if they were to snag Stanley.
Sure the O-line is a rough patch, but how about the D-line, who surrendered
2,000 rushing yards and 17 TD’s (most since 1985) in 2015. Buckner would
provide an interior pass rush and immensely improve the run D.
Ayden – Laremy Tunsil, OT, San Diego
The Chargers need help in a lot of areas and with the loss
of Eric Weddle, Cornerback Jalen Ramsey seems to be a nice fit considering his
versatility. However, San Diego needs to solidify their offensive line, and
picking this high in the draft they have the opportunity to do that. A few days
ago Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was the no brainer number one left tackle.
However, over the last few days Ronnie Stanley’s (Notre Dame) stock has been
rising. I think the Chargers grab a tackle with this pick, but I think they
stay with the SEC’s Tunsil.
4.
Dallas Cowboys
Austin – Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
This is an interesting spot for Dallas and with Jerry Jones
it seems they could go a number of ways. But the Boys tied for 25th
in sacks a year ago and ranked 31st in quarterback hurries.
Selecting a player like Bosa could help change that in a significant way. Elliot
is also floating around here, but the immediate need lies on defense. That's why bringing
in Ramsey would solidify a major need as well. He's set on playing corner, but
with his versatility, he could play Safety, defend the slot, or even
develop into an elite press corner. In this spot, take the best available
player. That’s Ramsey.
Ayden – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
At this point the Cowboys could go one of two ways, they
can get help for Romo by adding an Ezekiel Elliot or they can get a defender
that they desperately need and draft Elliot’s teammate Joey Bosa or highly
touted cornerback Jalen Ramsey. However, I think the Cowboys will draft on need
and snag Bosa. The Cowboys Defensive front is reeling, the Greg Hardy
experiment seems to be failing, and amidst that the Demarcus Lawrence and Randy
Gregory were both hit with four game suspensions. There’s no doubt that Bosa’s
athletic ability can help the Cowboys, but if he adds to the off field issues
this pick could be a major bust.
5. Jacksonville
Jaguars
Austin – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
I could actually see the Jaguars trying to trade with the
Chargers if they favored Ramsey. Otherwise, settling for a linebacker or edge
rusher wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize. If Bosa plays to his ability and
stays out of trouble, he’ll be a big time impact player. He has all the
abilities to be an effective pro. It’s also important to note that the Jags
return Dante Fowler, last year’s first rounder, from injury. Throwing Bosa in
the mix only deepens their pass rush.
Ayden - Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
If Jacksonville looks past the injury concerns, Jack could
help solidify a major hole. Jacksonville needs defensive playmakers, and he
can be that guy based upon his extreme athleticism and great instincts. He
would help this young roster develop and instantly improve a team that was 27th
in turnovers and 28th in passing yards allowed per game.
6.
Baltimore Ravens
Austin - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
One of the biggest winners from the Rams and Eagles trading
up has to be the Ravens, as they are now likely to land a top 5 prospect. If
Bosa is available, I’m convinced he’ll be there guy. If not, maybe another edge
rusher. Here, Ozzie Newsome strikes gold again and grabs the best player
available, a starting tackle for the next decade.
Ayden - Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State
Baltimore needs help on the defensive side of the ball and
If Jalen Ramsey is still available at this point in the draft, I think
Baltimore has no choice but to snag him. They struggled in the secondary giving
up thirty touchdowns through the air, while only intercepting six. If the
Ravens can groom Ramsey into a safety he has the potential to be the heir
apparent of Ed Reed. However, if they use Ramsey as a corner, not many
receivers should be able to get past him considering his quickness.
7. San
Francisco 49ers – Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Austin - You never know what Chip Kelly is going to do. He
certainly doesn’t have the reins he had in Philly, but he still has insight on
the move he’d like to make. Paxton Lynch this high? I would never put it past
him, especially if they deal Kaepernick. But Ronnie Stanley fills an immediate
need and gives the Niners O-line some stability.
Ayden - San Fran has plenty of questions at quarterback,
but taking Paxton Lynch here may be a bit of stretch. Instead they should
bolster either their offensive or defensive line. Although there are many
valuable defensive linemen available, the Niners need to address their offensive
line which gave up the second most sacks last season. With Ronnie Stanley’s
draft status rising this may be where he lands.
8.
Cleveland Browns (From PHI)
Austin - Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
This seems like another trade possibility. The Browns are
in full rebuild mode, and maximizing picks isn’t a bad thing. I could see a
team jumping up to land Elliot or maybe even Paxton Lynch. At some point
however, the Browns need to make picks. And this may sound crazy, but TWENTY-FOUR
different starting quarterbacks since
they’ve returned, including seven alone in the past three seasons. In my
opinion, Lynch isn’t far off from the top two in this class. Rebuilding a
franchise starts at QB, and Hue Jackson and the Browns desperately need
stability at the position. I’m sorry, but RGIII isn’t the long-term answer (or
maybe even short-term for that matter). Lynch very well may be the guy. After
all, they have 11 more selections to fill other positions in this draft.
Ayden - DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
If Cleveland wanted to select a quarterback in the first
round they wouldn’t have stock piled their picks for future drafts. Cleveland’s
mentality seems to be anything but “Win now”. Instead they are focusing on the
future. But this Cleveland roster needs all sorts of help. I think Cleveland
may look to trade down even further and grab Paxton Lynch to compete with
RGIII, however there may be too many good defensive players available at this
point. I think Cleveland may go with the best available player, who to me would
be, the 2015 Pac-12 Defensive player of the year, DeForest Buckner. He is the
athletic workhorse that Cleveland needs to have consistent Defensive Line play.
9.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Austin - Tampa Bay allowed opponents to complete passes at
a whopping rate of 70%, dead last in the NFL. The Bucs certainly have other
needs, but finding a player to help improve their secondary is a must.
Ayden - Tampa Bay is in a similar spot as Jacksonville: a team
with an improving offense that needs help on the defensive side of the ball. I
think Tampa will either grab a cornerback or a defensive lineman. Hargreaves
can give a secondary which gave up 70% of opposing quarterbacks passes much needed
help.
10.
New York Giants
Austin - Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Giants go with the best available player on the board. His
knee issue scares many, but with a line-backing corp that needs help, the risk
is worth it for the G-men. Jack is seen as one of the top prospects when
healthy, and if that’s the case, he has all-pro written all over him.
Ayden - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Giants may be intrigued if Elliot is still available at
this point but they have to establish a strong Offensive Line that can keep
Manning upright and can help in assisting an offense that struggled to run the
ball effectively. They punched in just five rushing touchdowns last season.
Conklin may be the run blocking tackle that the Giants need. He could probably
start day one on the right side, or eventually be groomed into a left tackle.
11.
Chicago Bears
Austin - Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
Bringing in speed and explosiveness at linebacker is
certainly something John Fox and the Bears could use. Floyd will be a playmaker
from day one.
Ayden - Shaq Lawson, OLB/DE, Clemson
Elliot may also be intriguing to a Bears team that lost
their leading rusher, but I think if Lawson is available he may be who the
Bears take here. Chicago could land a three down D-lineman that could
compliment their current roster and help a defense that gave up nearly six
yards per play last season.
12. New
Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Austin - Taking Paxton Lynch here wouldn’t surprise me if
he fell. But there wasn’t a worse defense in 2015. Dreadful against the pass,
not much better against the run. Rankins is a stuffer, with stop-gap ability,
who would instantly improve this woeful D.
Ayden - It seems that a lot of teams need help on the
defensive side of the ball. New Orleans offense could keep up with a lot of their
opponents, but the defense was woeful; they allowed opposing quarterbacks to
have a 116.7 passer rating, while giving up nearly 5 yards a carry to opposing
rushers. I think the Saints take Rankins, as he could be an every down tackle
that is extremely athletic for his size. He would help in the run game by
shedding off blockers or drawing double teams.
13.
Miami Dolphins – Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
Austin - Part of the reason I have Elliot dropping in this
mock is because I’d love to see it happen (being a Dolphins fan). In no way do
I see this coming to fruition, but this would fill a huge need for the Phins.
Losing Lamar Miller in the off-season was a major blow to the backfield, and bringing
in a three-down complete back would be a huge addition for Miami. With Elliott not available, look for an edge rusher, defensive back, or linebacker - all positions that need improvement.
Ayden - Miami traded away a top ten pick to try to add some
depth at key defensive positions. That means if Elliot is somehow available at
this point Miami would jump all over it, especially with the loss of Lamar
Miller in the offseason. Miami needs a playmaker that can take pressure off
Tannehill, and also be a key attribute in the passing game as a blocker. If
Elliot is gone I expect the Dolphins to grab a linebacker, maybe Elliot’s Buckeye
teammate, Darron Lee.
14.
Oakland Raiders
Austin - William Jackson III, CB, Houston
The Raiders seem to be headed in the right direction.
Finding a way to improve their 26th ranked pass defense is a major
step in reaching new success. Drafting a defensive back who can match the
physicality of the D-line would be big. Jackson would be a perfect fit for the
black hole.
Ayden - Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
The Raiders are another team that has an improving offense
that needs help on the other side of the ball. Robert Nkemdiche is an extremely
talented defensive lineman that can help the Raiders bolster their defensive
line and can help take some of the pressure off of Khalil Mack. Nkemdiche has
all of the physical tools necessary but will that translate?
15.
Tennessee Titans (From LA)
Austin - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St
Wouldn’t this be ideal for Tennessee? After giving up the
number one pick, in which they were bound to draft Tunsil, the Titans still
manage to snag an impressive tackle to help improve the O-line. If he’s not available,
OT Taylor Decker would be another quality option.
Ayden - Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Tennessee gave up a league high 54 sacks last season, and
if they want to keep Mariota off his back, they are going to need help. Decker
is a very good run blocker, but if he can develop his pass blocking skills more
effectively, he could be a staple for Tennessee down the road.
Wild-Card Selections
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Austin - Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Bengals lost Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in the offseason. They're in dire need of another playmaker alongside A.J. Green. The rangy and athletic 6'4" Doctson would be the perfect fit. If he's not available, the next in line is bound to be the pick, as Cincy undoubtedly needs a receiver.
25. Pittsburgh
Steelers
Ayden - Karl Joseph, DB, West Virginia
The Steelers absolutely need help in the secondary, more
specifically at cornerback. Pittsburgh has lacked that lockdown corner that
they desperately need. They have been building a solid front seven that has
steadily improved throughout the past few seasons. However, the secondary is in
dire need of some help. The Steelers ranked 30th in passing yards
allowed last season (271.9 per game). Shamarko Thomas and other mid round picks
have yet to pan out. One thing is certain, Pittsburgh is likely to take an Ohio
State Buckeye at some point in this draft. Five out of the last six drafts has
seen the Steel City grab a Buckeye. I don’t think Eli Apple will be available
at this point, but Vonn Bell, or Karl Joseph could also fit into Pittsburgh’s
scheme. I think if the Steelers overcome the injury at play with Joseph he
would be a great addition to a smash mouth defense.
Welcome to the 2016 NFL Draft. The one time fans can renew
their love for football and be optimistic that the future will bring wins to
their franchise and, for a select few, a championship. Let the countdown begin.
