Final Mock Draft
Well guys, it's one of my favorite days of the year. Outside of opening day for College football, NFL football, my birthday, and whenever school gets out, the NFL Draft begins tonight.
Hundreds of young men have been suiting up for years, trying to prove their worth to coaches, recruiters, and organizations. This all culminates over this weekend as we will hear over 250 names called up to the big leagues to achieve their dream of playing in the National Football League.
Tonight, we will see 31 of these dreams come true. After the past two weeks filled with trades and changes in the top 10 picks, we come to the first overall pick. Will more trades happen? Who knows!? Maybe the Seahawks trade out and don't take a first round pick for the fourth-straight year? Will Colin Kaepernick or Sam Bradford still be with their teams next fall? Either way, this is my final prediction going into tonight.
1. Los Angeles Rams (Traded with Titans) QB Jared Goff, University of California
Bring the Novato kid down about six hours from where he grew up and get him to play for your newly branded franchise. It is not only the smart pick talent wise, it is also the smart pick financially.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (Traded with Browns) QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State University
Wentz played 76% of his game in the shotgun formation. This is perfect for the passing attack the Eagles are known for today. At 6-5, 235 lbs, he looks like the prototype of an elite quarterback.
3. San Diego Chargers OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
The Chargers had a four rushing touchdowns last year, none from Melvin Gordon. They need talent up front. Stanely is the best guy for the job at this time. With the current legal situation with Laremy Tunsil, the Chargers may want to take a pass for now. Either way, this is the area of need for the Chargers. San Diego could not have asked for anything more.
4. Dallas Cowboys DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State University
Dallas needs help on the defensive line badly. With the recent suspensions of Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence, Dallas will be weak at the DE position for the first four games of the season (barring any appeal made by either player). Bosa will fit more into the scheme that Buckner would and the Cowboys could move Lawrence back to his original position at defensive tackle. This would make for a young D-line that would grow together under the leadership of Sean Lee and DC Ron Marinelli.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars CB/S Jalen Ramsey, Florida State University
The Jags have had a need at all secondary positions for a few years, ever since Rashid Mathis left for Detroit. After the signings of CB Prince Amukamara and S Teshaun Gibson, it would be time to bring in a hybrid player in the secondary. Ramsey can play anywhere in the secondary and is even capable of coming off the edge in a blitz package. Reuniting him with former Seminoles Terrance Smith and Rashad Greene would also be a bonus.
6. Baltimore Ravens Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
After the loss of Kelechi Osemele on the offensive line in Free Agency, the Ravens could take a chance here on Tunsil. The former Rebel is currently being sued by his step-father on assault charges. These reports came out two days before the draft, making the motive for this questionable. If the Chargers do not take the chance, I expect the Ravens to jump on this opportunity.
7. San Francisco 49ers DE DeForest Buckner, University of Oregon
After all of the players who left San Fran, no one pick was going to put them back into the playoff race. With new Head Coach Chip Kelly, the offense could be ready for a revamp with players they already have at their disposal. Therefore, time to draft another Oregon player. He and the Niners' first round pick from last year, Arik Armstead, can get back to terrorizing offensive lines together.
8. Cleveland Browns (Trade from Eagles via Dolphins) OLB Myles Jack, University of California Los Angeles
Browns need help everywhere and one pick won't change this team into a contender. Jack could be a building block though. With the loss of Karlos Dansby this off season, Jack would fill one of the bigger needs. UCLA is known for producing great linebacker's as of late (Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks); why not continue the trend?
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CB Vernon Hargraves II, University of Florida
The Bucs defense was very inconsistent last year, especially in the passing game. While they did sign Brent Grimes in Free Agency, adding a young CB with him and Verner would help solidify their secondary. Grimes is the best, pure corner in this draft and played very well for Florida over his tenure in Gainesville.
10. New York Giants OLB Leonard Floyd, University of Georgia
The Giants made some great pick-ups on the defensive line with signings of Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison. Now it is time to address the depleted linebacker core. With Beason's retirement and the sting of injuries at the position over the years, Floyd will be the answer in the middle. Floyd was the best defender for the Bulldogs over the past few years and he can be a solid, young player to help get the team back on track.
11. Chicago Bears RB Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State University
Elliot said earlier this week that the Bears loved him. If he does fall this far, he will end up here. Other teams would have their chance, but they have more pressing needs than running back. Having Jeremy Langford and Elliot in the backfield would create a great one-two punch for the Bears courtesy of the BIG 10.
12. New Orleans Saints DT Sheldon Rankin, University of Louisville
The Saints had the worst defense this past season. Last year, they ranked in the bottom fourth of almost every defensive category. ESPN had a graphic that place two stats side-by-side for quarterbacks. One of these was Tom Brady. The other was the average of every quarterback that faced the Saints defense. They were basically equal. Rankin would be a solid pick to clog the middle of the field. The Saints ranked last in yards allowed per carry with 4.9. In a division that contains Doug Martin, Cam Newton, and Devonta Freeman, this teams needs to be able to attack the run.
13. Miami Dolphins (Trade with Philadelphia) CB William Jackson III, University of Houston
Miami lost Grimes and McCain and gained Maxwell. They need someone better. Jackson has an impressive amount of athleticism. He's not very tall (6-0), but had the fastest time of all of the defensive backs on the 40-yard dash (4.37). He can adjust to coverage quickly and has very fluid motion off the the snap. He would be a smart pick for the fins.
14. Oakland Raiders DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson University
Justin Tuck retired and Mario Edwards' future is unclear due to a neck injury he sustained in week 15 against the Packers. With all of the other great pick-ups by Oakland this off season like Reggie Nelson and Bruce Irvin, the Raiders should readdress their defensive line, just to be safe. Lawson was the quickest of the lineman at the combine, running a 4.7 flat. His speed can help this team not only get a winning record next season, but could very well get them to the playoffs.
15. Tennessee Titans (Trade with Rams) OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State University
The Titans were smart to move back in the draft. The plan was to improve the offensive line. This has not changed. The Titans can get one of the top guys to improve their protection of Mariota. Conklin would be a good fit to line up next to Taylor Lewan at Guard.
16. Detroit Lions C Ryan Kelly, University of Alabama
The Lions need help to get their rushing game going. Without Calvin Johnson in the passing game, Stafford cannot just throw the ball up and hope that Johnson is in the area where it will land. Stafford needs time in the pocket and that starts with the center. Kelly was the leader of the Tide's line and is a main reason why Derrick Henry had the year he did. When a center is drafted in the first round, it is usually due to his high level of talent. The last center to be drafted in the first round and start at the position? Wisconsin's Travis Fredrick to the Cowboys, the two-time Pro-Bowler in three seasons.
17. Atlanta Falcons DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson University
The Falcons ranked last this past season in sacks, managing a measly 19. They simply need pass rushers. Robert Nkimdiche could be an option here, but something tells me the Falcons will want to keep their distance due to recent off-field issues. Dodd was ranked fifth in sacks this year for the Tigers with his buddy Shaq Lawson at third. Adding another Clemson product to the defense could greatly increase the effectiveness of this defense.
18. Indianapolis Colts OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State University
The Colts were horrible on pass protection this year. They got almost every quarterback that took a snap injured, including Andrew Luck. Indy needs to draft offensive linemen. Decker is simply the best available. While this class is deep at the position, the Colts should use this draft to get a new line to protect their future.
19. Buffalo Bills ILB Darron Lee, Ohio State University
The Bills lost a few of their bigger players on defense. Williams, McKelvin, Tarpley. They need to get a really good player here. Getting the top inside linebacker could be the answer. Lee has jumped from a second round talent to a mid-first rounder. Playing in the BIG 10, he is accustom to harsh weather and physical play, exactly what Rex Ryan likes in a defense.
20, New York Jets QB Paxton Lynch, University of Memphis
The Jets have yet to agree to a deal with any quarterback in Free Agency. There is a slight possibility they could trade for Sam Bradford, but Lynch could be around at this point. At 6-7, Lynch towers over opposing quarterbacks and can see clear over the offensive line. While not the most mobile, he has shown impressive accuracy and arm strength. Pairing him with Decker and Marshall could be just what Todd Bowles needs to get another good season in order for the Jets.
21. Washington Redskins DT Robert Nkimdiche, Ole Miss
After the retirement of Jason Hatcher and the loss of Terrance Knighton, the skins are incredibly week at defensive tackle. With a major risk being taken on Kirk Cousins this season, they may add one more, drafting Nkimdiche. Before his drug bust, Nkimdiche was touted as one of the top defensive linemen in the draft, likely to go top five. The skins are despite for talent upfront, so this can be a high-risk, high-reward scenario.
22. Houston Texans WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
The Texans are solid on defense, but outside of Hopkins, their offense could stall. Giving Osweiler another weapon will only increase his chances of being the guy for Houston. This is also a case of best player available. Treadwell is still the best receiver on the board. Even if he does not have the speed, he has the playmaking ability, much like Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings
WR Josh Doctson, Texas Christian University
The Vikings are very much like the Texans this year: solid defense, but need more offensive weapons. Stefon Diggs will likely become the top target for Bridgewater and Doctson can line-up on the other side. At 6-2 and running a 4.4, the Vikings would not want to pass on this guy to help their young quarterback.
24. Cincinnati Bengals WR Corey Coleman, Baylor University
The Bengals lost Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu in free agency. While they did get Brandon LaFell, they still need another guy to complement AJ Green. Coleman has the speed and footwork needed to balance out Green's taller game. Green, Coleman, LaFell, and Eifort could be one of the scariest cores of receivers this fall.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers CB Eli Apple, Ohio State University
The Steelers have been known for drafting linebackers in the first round. They have taken one in each of the last three drafts. It is time to build up a depleted secondary. Apple has shown great ball skills and is incredibly disruptive with receivers in man coverage. While he is not a quick fix to the problems in the Pittsburgh secondary, it's a start.
26. Seattle Seahawks OT Jason Spriggs, University of Indiana
The Seahawks just lost their left tackle and right guard to free agency. They need a line in order to help Wilson in the passing game and Rawls to stay healthy. Wilson cannot be running out of the pocket every play. Taking any O-lineman would be good here. Spriggs is the best player available for Seattle.
27. Green Bay Packers DT Jarren Reed, University of Alabama
BJ Raji is taking a break from football (he never said he officially retired). Reed would fill the only area of need for the Pack. He's big, he clogs up the middle of the field, and he can have a day with some of the poorer offensive linemen that he will face in Detroit and Chicago.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
CB Mackenzie Alexander, Clemson University
After losing Sean Smith in Free Agency, the Chiefs need someone opposite of Marcus Peters. Alexander has gone from being the third best corner to not being seen in some first round mock drafts. There has been no negative press on him. He was a great corner at Clemson and he will continue to be in KC.
29. Arizona Cardinals LB Reggie Ragland, University of Alabama
Why do the Cards need more defense? Because they lost Sean Weatherspoon and Rashad Johnson. Ragland was one of the key pieces of the Tide's run to the Championship this year. He looked like Luke Kuechly flocking to the ball. He would be a great addition to the team, especially in a division where there is a great dependency on the run game.
30. Carolina Panthers CB Artie Burns, University of Miami
With the loss of Josh Norman at the last minute, draft plans may have changed for Carolina. They will need someone to fill Norman's role. Grabbing Burns at the end of the first round could be a steal for them. While their are needs on the offensive line, this is a deep class for linemen and the top five are gone. No need to waste a pick at this point.
31. Denver Broncos DT A'Shawn Robinson, University of Alabama
The Broncos were lucky they only lost two defenders. With Trevathan and Jackson gone, they have holes to fill. Trevathan's spot will likely be filled with last year's first round pick, Shane Ray. Jackson will have his hole filled by Robinson. While not very fast, running just over a 5.1 in the 40, he has impressive strength. He is going to be the guy that could break through a double team on the line no problem.
