ALEX HAND @HAND7ALEX
Los Angeles Ram – Jared Goff – QB – Cal
The only reason any team jumps from 15 to number one overall in the draft is in the search for a quarterback. Goff meets every requirement, plus he gets to stay in his hometown of SoCal.
Philadelphia Eagles – Carson Wentz – QB – North Dakota State
Similarly to the Los Angeles Rams, a team only trades up so far before their motive for a quarterback becomes crystal. Head coach Doug Pederson has raved about the small school signal caller for a while now, and now that he will get his wish, it will be his job to turn Wentz into an elite NFL quarterback.
San Diego Chargers – Laremy Tunsil – OT – Ole Miss
This pick is a true blessing for Mike McCoy and the Chargers who luck out with Tunsil falling right into their lap. Philip Rivers was sacked 40 times in 2015, hence the need for a new tackle regardless of the money currently invested into the position.
Dallas Cowboys – Ezekiel Elliot – RB – Ohio State
The Cowboys have been high on players like Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner, but these positions have been solved with serviceable free agents. Given the team has been negligent in drafting Tony Romo’s replacement early on, the team likely believes that they could make a playoff push with a run game beginning with Elliot.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Joey Bosa – DE – Ohio State
While Myles Jack might have been a terrific fit in Jacksonville, Bosa is simply too talented to pass up if he falls to the #5 overall pick. The thought for the rest of the AFC South having to face a combination attack rush including Bosa and a healthy Dante Fowler Jr. is one that could inspire nightmares.
Baltimore Ravens – Jalen Ramsey – DB – Florida State
The Ravens need secondary help badly, and they are in prime position to select the best defensive back in the draft. Not to mention that they have already spoken with the Florida State product at the combine as well as had an interview in Baltimore.
San Francisco 49ers – DeForest Buckner – DE – Oregon
While I originally claimed Chip Kelly would take Laquon Treadwell here, he is now able to select another one of his former Oregon Ducks with this pick; and outside of defensive familiarity, it would benefit San Francisco greatly to rebuild its defense with an elite 5-technique defensive end.
Cleveland Browns – Myles Jack – LB – UCLA
The Browns gave up a top five pick in their trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, and in doing so risked losing all above average talent. However, they will still be able to draft the ultra-talented Jack due to how the chips have fallen. Cleveland has already held a private interview with the UCLA product.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon Hargreaves – CB – Florida
Hargreaves is a great defensive back that should greatly assist the anemic defense in Tampa, and would be another player who could luck out by staying within his school state.
New York Giants – Ronnie Stanley – OT – Notre Dame
Ereck Flowers performed okay during his first season, but with the loss of Geoff Schwartz and Will Beatty, another offensive lineman is in order; preferably one that could play at either the left or right tackle spot.
Chicago Bears – Shaq Lawson – OLB – Clemson
Chicago has not completely transformed into a 3-4 defense and still requires the personnel to do so. The team has yet to draft its own pass rusher, instead choosing to survive off a bevy of decently talented free agents, but now, one of the nation’s best is at their selection.
New Orleans Saints – Jarran Reed – DT – Alabama
Jarran Reed has been highly ranked on the Saints’ draft board, and now they will be able to get their prized pick. Nick Fairly is a great insurance policy in the case of injury, but even-front teams have a tendency to always load up the front line.
Miami Dolphins – Eli Apple – CB – Ohio State
Brent Grimes aged heavily last season and he was still the most productive defensive back on the Dolphins roster. While Miami did receive Byron Maxwell in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, no team can survive on a single cornerback alone; Apple – who has already held a private workout with the team – should compliment Maxwell nicely.
Oakland Raiders – Vernon Butler – DT – Louisiana Tech
Vernon Butler is a name that the Raiders will be high on during draft night, and given that the team does not possess an uber-talented interior defensive lineman, the next jump for the franchise could lie in an inside pass rush to help compliment Khalil Mack off the edge.
Tennessee Titans – Jack Conklin – OT – Michigan State
A dream come true scenario for the Titans, as they would still be capable of patching up their offensive line that allowed Marcus Mariota to be sacked 38 times within 12 games last season. Jeremiah Poutasi would likely be kicked inside to guard as Conklin’s best play is expected to come at right tackle.
Detroit Lions – Taylor Decker – OT – Ohio State
The Lions desperately need offensive line help, and at #16 overall, most of the great talent has been drafted. The Lions cannot afford an injury toward Matt Stafford if this team plans on being a serious contender inside the NFC North, and therefor will need all the upward support they can manage.
Atlanta Falcons – Reggie Ragland – MLB – Alabama
The linebacking core prior to the start of 2015 was high on expectations, but the dreams that fluttered in the summer slowly perished in the winter. Tape proved that Atlanta needs a playmaker and leader at the middle linebacker position for Dan Quinn’s defense to be complete.
Indianapolis Colts – Leonard Floyd – OLB – Georgia
The Colts need pass rusher help just about as bad as they need offensive line help. Floyd is severely underweight for the position, plus his inability to drop into coverage regularly and effectively could force him strictly into the 3-4 rush linebacker position. Thankfully, veterans Trent Cole and Robert Mathis will be there to help him beef up and hone his craft.
Buffalo Bills – Sheldon Rankins – DE – Louisville
Rankins’ NFL.com draft profile states that he “screams winning football player”, but he also screams ‘Rex Ryan-type player’. He is just a hair shorter than most teams would feel comfortable with, but his body and game are similar to that of Sheldon Richardson, making him an ideal fit as a Ryan-preferred 3-4 defensive end.
New York Jets – Noah Spence – OLB – Eastern Kentucky
Paxton Lynch could be available here, but Mike Maccagnan is a best-player-available type of general manager and would likely have the stellar pass rusher ranked higher than any quarterback after Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are off the board. Despite the team’s addition of rookie Lorenzo Mauldin, it would be greatly beneficial to have another young and talented edge rusher.
Washington Redskins – A’Shawn Robinson – DL – Alabama
Clearly, the best player available at #21 and the highest ranked player that Washington has hosted as of late. The team lost Jason Hatcher as well as Terrence Knighton to free agency, so it would be wise to ensure the trenches with a player that can play both positions in an odd-front defense.
Houston Texans – Germain Ifedi – OT – Texas A&M
The Texans would be in prime position to select the top ranked tight end in Hunter Henry, but they have yet to interview the Arkansas-product. However, Houston has worked out and held a private interview with Ifedi, a player that could come in handy either as a tackle or guard.
Minnesota Vikings – Laquon Treadwell – WR – Ole Miss
Teddy Bridgewater either needs more weapons, more protection, or both if the Vikings would like to keep him around as their long-term, franchise quarterback. The club has held a private interview with Treadwell and if they are able to draft him at #23, his talents would certainly maximize the potential of Bridgewater.
Cincinnati Bengals – Corey Coleman – WR – Baylor
Mohammed Sanu and Marvin Jones left to sign with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, respectively. As talented as A.J. Green is, Andy Dalton will always need multiple weapons to succeed, and Coleman possesses the ability to complement Green incredibly well.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Keanu Neal – SS – Florida
This may appear as a bit of a reach, but Neal would be greatly assisting an NFL secondary that has been subpar for some time. The team has already visited Neal’s pro day and invited him to their facility for a private interview.
Seattle Seahawks – Le’Raven Clark – OG – Texas Tech
Seattle cannot afford to keep losing offensive lineman and rely so heavily off of Russell Wilson’s mobility. Clark, like his draft competitor, Germain Ifedi, could honestly learn either guard or tackle and perform decently well at said positions if called upon.
Green Bay Packers – Jaylon Smith – ILB – Notre Dame
Both Clay Mathews and Julius Peppers are aging, and Smith has already had a meeting with the Packers during the combine. It is highly unlikely Peppers will repeat the success he had in 2015, which makes the need for a replacement pass rusher, at either inside or outside, all the more pressing.
Kansas City Chiefs – Cody Whitehair – OG – Kansas State
Head coach Andy Reid allowed Jeff Allen to walk in free agency and Whitehair is the undisputed top ranked guard in this year’s draft.
Arizona Cardinals – Emmanuel Ogbah – OLB – Oklahoma State
Markus Golden performed okay as a rookie, but there is always the possibility that Chandler Jones does not transfer to outside linebacker from defensive end successfully, or Golden tanks after year one. Ogbah would add great rotational flexibility to defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s squad.
Carolina Panthers – Kevin Dodd – DE – Clemson
The Panthers were unable to successfully fill the void at defensive end after the release of Greg Hardy, and Jared Allen was only a temporary fix. Dodd should be able to come in and contribute immediately on coordinator Sean McDermott’s defense.
Denver Broncos – Paxton Lynch – QB – Memphis
While anticlimactic and fitting, Lynch would be saving the rears of Denver’s brass after they failed to reach an agreement with Brock Osweiler. Everyone is aware of Mark Sanchez’s inability to perfect an entire season, and will need a quality backup likely sooner rather than later.
GEOFF STEINEMANN @GSTEINEMANN
Rams: Carson Wentz- I feel that the Rams will go with the Wentz here as the better long term prospect. They are milking the limelight to capture West coast season ticket holders and know that Foles and Keenum are as good as Wentz and Goff in the short term.
Eagles: Jared Goff- The Eagles are locked into a QB after what they gave up to move here. Roseman used up his get out of jail free card and got rid of the power hungry Chip Kelly, now his job is on the line and in the undersized hands of Goff (Cal stat 23 fumbles in 3 seasons)
Chargers: Laremy Tunsil- The Chargers have the perfect situation, they do not have to even consider the QB prospects and can take their choice of impact players. As their QB ages they need to keep him upright. BPA just might be the OT over Deforest Buckner but wouldn’t be surprised if they took the DL here.
Cowboys: Joey Bosa-The cowboys have the board even better set up as they have all temptation for a QB taken off the board and with SD choosing OT they can have their choice of impact players at CB, DL, or LB. They probably should go Ramsey here, but I think they have fallen in love with Bosa being a potential elite rusher. I also think the Dal brain trust thinks their secondary is better than it is.
Jaguars: DeForest Buckner- The Jaguars are finally a team on the rise. The have some good elemental pieces and could pull it all together as early as this season in a weak division. They have three good players still on the board, all in positions of need in Ramsey, Buckner, and Jack. They will take a good long look at Ramsey but choose Buckner to anchor up front and try to get a CB/FS after June 1st cuts.
Ravens: Jalen Ramsey- In a BPA of need, Bal will take Ramsey in the hopes that he gives an anchor in their secondary in an immediate and long term way that Myles Jack will not. They will take a look at OT Conklin and Stanley but decide Ramsey is too good to pass up.
49ers: Ronnie Stanley- The 49ers are in a very weird position. They are not good and have suffered an intense loss of talent in a very difficult division. They are at the top of the draft but have been leapfrogged for all QBs, so an obvious re-boot is not in the cards. My thought here is to get elemental pieces and draft for the future- they have 12 picks to try and re-stock. They could go for Jack but the better long term move is at premium tackle and Stanley and Conklin will still be on the board, go for them or trade back for need.
Browns: Ezekiel Elliott- I still believe that the new Cle regime will trade back from this position as they are bad everywhere and they play in a division where they are in 4th position by a lot- even worse than SF. If they stay, they will take Elliott and hope that they recreate what Todd Gurley did for Rams. This will theoretically take pressure off of RG3 or whatever mediocre QB they have behind an OL that should have under construction yellow tape and orange cones around it and little to no receiving corps.
Bucs: Vernon Hargreaves- TB also has lots of needs and will look at OT and WR1 like Treadwell but will ultimately take a BPA and secondary need with Hargreaves on the board.
Giants: Laquan Treadwell- NYG have a lot of needs on D, where they usually concentrate but they committed a lot of FA money to the front and signed Janoris Jenkins to the secondary. Their secondary was woeful in 2015 and Jenkins is not the answer, but ultimately pairing an impact receiver with Odell Beckham will take pressure off of the aging Eli Manning and free up rec options at TE slot and of course make Beckham that much harder to cover. This will make the offense much more potent and with a league average D or better they could be a good bet in a relatively weak division.
Bears: Leonard Floyd- I still think Chi trades back from here with players like the falling Myles Jack, Shaq Lawson, Darron Lee and several WR and OT prospects still baiting trades. If they stay they probably pick what the need/want most, an edge rusher Floyd fits the bill with a few question marks.
Saints: Myles Jack- NO finally ends the free fall out of the top ten for Jack. He will come into league with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. By all accounts this is probably a good thing for his future productivity. This could be a good match or a forgettable pick in three seasons. The Saints are not on the rise and have to squeeze out as much as they can get from an aging Brees with little cap room, they have kicked the can and down the road is now, so draft defense and hope for the best on all counts.
Dolphins: Shaq Lawson- Mia has a terrible secondary and a shaky offensive line protecting a QB that makes bad decisions and needs as much time as he can get and a defense that will keep the game low-scoring in Tanehill. Still with a strong DL they will be too tempted by Shaq Lawson’s potential especially with the loss of Vernon. They will look hard at OT, CB, and S. I also wouldn’t be surprised if they went after Corey Coleman here.
Raiders: Darron Lee- Oak is a team on the rise with needs all over the place. QB is settled and they drafted a wide receiver last year. They will consider Coleman and Fuller to pair WR2 and I think they feel a strong tug by Jack Conklin, but ultimately they will plug Lee in a defense that is probably one or two players away from having elite potential.
Titans: Corey Coleman- Tenn. may very well trade back from here, especially if a team gets QB itchy and moves up to draft Lynch- read NYJ and Den. They also are rumored to move back up into the top 10 to potentially drafty OT Tunsil. If they stay the best fit is a WR for Mariota to throw to. Will Fuller could also be a good fit for their roster and style.
Lions: Jack Conklin- Det will consider all the players left on the board to replenish the depleted defensive front but Conklin fills a huge need to protect the unreliable Stafford and went to Michigan St, so will be looking for DL and LB in second and third rounds where there should be several prospects in this draft.
Falcons: Reggie Ragland- Atl needs a pass rusher but will not reach for Ogbah, also doesn’t make sense in first round for TE Henry or S prospects. Ragland should produce in HC Quinn’s system and have meaningful impact right away.
Colts: Taylor Decker- Hard to believe this many OT in top 20 in a draft featuring so many impactful front 7 type Def players, but Indy needs to fix a horrid OL that allowed QB1 Luck to get hit throughout his rookie contract- see lacerated kidney and broken ribs. Now he gets paid so need to draft smart and protect the asset- need then BPA at that position brings Decker. Consider all GM Grigson’s picks and acquisitions from now on to be an appeal for his job.
Bills: Kevin Dodd- I believe the Bills should go after DL prospects Rankins or Robinson, but Train Rex will push for Clemson product Kevin Dodd, claiming inside knowledge of his heart and intangibles. They can probably get him in the second round but he will also probably be productive in Rex’s system. In any case he is probably auditioning for a new coach as early as 2017, the wheels might come off this season on the serially under prepared Ryan with a QB and offense that will regress and a very difficult schedule coming up. If the GM is not swayed, then Bill could be a landing spot for QB Lynch if he is still on board or a trade back candidate.
Jets: Paxton Lynch- All picks after the first two are by definition speculative, but this is the shakiest on my board. I do not actually believe this player will still be here at 20. I also think the Jets a likely to trade up regardless- see Chi at 11. The Jets will also look at WR Doctson and Fuller, and there are tons of DL and LB prospects still available on my board. The outside pick if they stay at 20 and Lynch is off is Noah Spence as they desperately need someone to get after the QB and make life easier for a great front 7 and secondary filled with potential question marks coming up on a difficult schedule- the first 8 games are reminiscent of 2014 when they faced top QBs for 6 straight weeks started 1-8 and finished 4-12. They are probably due a setback season but should have cap room and be in position for a developed roster with a good draft pick in 2017.
Redskins: Sheldon Rankins- Wash will have their choice of good prospects on DL and their GM is probably the best evaluator of talent in the NFL. Robinson and Nkemediche will be considered but Rankins will probably be the best player of the three. In any case I expect McCloughan to pick an impact player here.
Texans: Josh Doctson- Hou could really draft anywhere here, they could try to go INT DL and figure Watt will stay all world and Clowney will finally produce and take a chance on forming an elite defense to make up for a pedestrian offense. The O needs help everywhere so they go WR here to give Osweiler someone to throw to and try to make an impact on that side of the ball. The D is going to keep them in the game regardless. They have a weak division and a favorable schedule to try for the playoffs again so this pick needs to be good.
Vikings: Will Fuller- Minn has a team on the rise and seemed poised to make the leap to true contender so they could pick one of the impact D players left like Nkemdiche or Robinson, or a CB like Apple. I believe they will go WR to try to make a leap forward on O and keep pace in the division. If they don’t make the playoffs or win a playoff game it will be a disappointment so this pick really matters to decision makers and job futures.
Bengals: A’Shawn Robinson- Cincy has a great team that need their QB to show up in the playoffs either not be injured or don’t implode. The D is already good but need INT DL, there are several to choose from including Nkemdiche, but will go with BPA by need and take Robinson who will impact from day 1.
Steelers: William Jackson- Pitt is usually a good drafter and has a good track record with this type of pick. Jackson joins a depleted secondary that desperately needs an infusion of youth and athleticism. Need is the pick here and the player is a fit.
Seahawks: Robert Nkemdiche- Seattle needs a cornerback and replacement LB after losing some talent to FA and to compete in a very tough division. However, Nkemdiche will be the BPA on the board and will fit right in and get playing time from day one on a defense that still puts the boom on most offenses in the league. If he is actually on the board this late he could be a steal.
Packers: Beniquez Brown- Green Bay is probably the best run franchise in the league and typically drafts very well. They are stocked with talent and not over leveraged in cap room. They can afford to take a reach and treat this like a really early second round pick, they can sit the player or play them right away, so no pressure just produce for a team likely to be playing extended January football again. I could see them taking a chance on Jaylon Smith and not caring about missing a whole season but probably don’t want to do that in first/second round so they project for a little discussed ILB prospect in Brown who could produce up the middle right away if they are guessing right. Most other teams would probably look at Brown in second round or later if at all, but most other teams are not the Packers.
Chiefs: Kamalei Correa- KC needs an OLB, HC Reid is great at coaching up this type of player and this guy is probably best OLB left on board. It seems like a fit all around. Other players will be a reach and not as good a fit, like DL Jarran Reed and CB Eli Apple, S and WR prospects look in second or third round.
Cardinals: Keanu Neal- Arizona has a very strong defense and can afford to take on a SS project like Neal. Thumpers up the middle have been very hit or miss picks as passing game has evolved but this defense is heavy on CB responsibilities and could effectively use an athletic Strong Safety if Neal can make the mental leap he could be a big contributor to a team that expects to compete for a championship again next year.
Panthers: Eli Apple- I really didn’t think Apple would go in first round, but after Josh Norman disaster Carolina gets to pick between Apple and Mackensie Alexander. Either way they are poised to dominate their division and make a deep run in January no other player left on board will change that, so draft for need works.
31. Broncos: Christian Hackenberg- The wild card of QB prospects meets the wild card of the QB offseason in a perfect match of need and projection. After losing out on Osweiler, failing to trade for Kaepernick, and essentially rejecting Fitzpatrick and Hoyer, but trading for Mark Sanchez, the 31. Broncos might stay pat and take Hackenberg to compete with Sanchez and assume that defense will put whatever caretaker they choose back into the Super Bowl. The Broncos can look at 2000 Ravens and 2002 Bucs and say- would Hackenberg and Sanchez be worse than Trent Dilfer and Tony Banks or Brad Johnson or even 2015 Peyton Manning? Or they could scrap all of this and trade up with Titans to Draft Brock Osweiler 2.0 Paxton Lynch.
ALBERTO TORRES @ALTORRES87
1. LOS ANGELES RAMS (Via Trade with Titans)* Jared Goff QB- New City means new expectations for this Rams team. They trade up with Tennessee to draft who could be their future Franchise QB in Goff.
2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (Via Trade with Brown)* Carson Wentz QB- Just a week ago the Eagles were going to pick at #8 but made a blockbuster trade with Cleveland for the #2 spot in the first round and to acquire a potential Franchise QB. The Eagles do so as they select Wentz to help lead this team back to its winning ways.
3. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Laremy Tunsil OT- The Chargers can thank the Eagles & the Rams for trading up for a QB and letting arguably the best OT in the draft fall to their laps. Tunsil is the best tackle in some time and he will start immediately to help protect QB Phillip Rivers.
4. DALLAS COWBOYS Jalen Ramsey CB/S- The Cowboys are a wild card they could go either way here and it will benefit them regardless. They have a lot of needs going into the draft but none bigger then in the secondary. Ramsey is clear cut the best DB in this years draft and there is none that come close. A team in a division that plays Desean Jackson, Odell Beckham, Jordan Matthews twice each year you best believe the Cowboys will want to shore up the best talent for there secondary.
5. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS JOEY BOSA DE- The Jags are on the rise as a whole unit under Gus Bradley. Since Defense helps win Championships the Jags go with a Defensive player in Joey Bosa. Bosa is ranked as a top pass rusher and you can’t really have too many pass rushers now can you? Bosa is the pick and he will be a fan favorite down in Jacksonville.
6. BALTIMORE RAVENS Myles Jack LB- Myles Jack is a Jack of all trades he is relentless and gets after the QB. Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs is getting up there in age and who better then to mold into his likeness then in a player with Myles caliber of play.
7. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Deforest Buckner DE- Chip Kelly gets a familiar face in Buckner and helps the 49ers build a formidable defense with the addition of Buckner.
8. CLEVELAND BROWNS Ezekiel Elliott RB- The Browns trade down after getting a few draft picks in return from the Eagles who moved up to #2. The Browns have many holes to fill and even though they are rumored to maybe move down even more in the draft to acquire more draft picks they stay pat and draft the best RB in the draft in Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott is a 3 down back with comparisons to Adrian Peterson and what way for Cleveland to try and build a solid team with the addition of Elliot.
10. NEW YORK GIANTS RONNIE STANLEY OT- Giants help bolster up their O-Line by getting arguably the 2nd best OT in the draft to help protect Eli Manning and get the team back into the playoffs.
11. CHICAGO BEARS KEVIN DODD DE- Kevin Dodd has been rising up the ranks the past few months and for good reason he is a QB nightmare. John Fox known as a very good Defensive minded HC will help build Chicago Defense to what it once was back to prominence.
12. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS A’SHAWN ROBINSON DL- The Saints shore up their Defensive line by drafting Robinson and help the line become a strong point like it once was.
13. MIAMI DOLPHINS ELI APPLE CB- Cornerback is still a need after losing Grimes this past offseason. Look for Miami to have a formidable backfield.
14. OAKLAND RAIDERS SHELDON RANKINS DL- The Raiders are back and they want to show they are real. Raiders draft Rankins to help bolster that already strong defensive line. Rankins helps Raiders get into the post season with his play.
15. TENNESSEE TITANS JOSH DOCTSON WR- Marcus Mariota needs more weapons. The Titans traded for Demarco Murray in the offseason to make it easier for Mariota. The Titans do the same by getting one of the best Wideouts in this years draft.
16. DETROIT LIONS JACK CONKLIN OT- In my personal opinion Jack Conklin is the best OT after Tunsil. He is nasty in his approach and will help out Matthew Stafford play to his full potential by protecting and blocking for him.
17. ATLANTA FALCONS EMMANUEL OGBAH DE- Once again you can not have enough pass rushers. Atlanta grabs a pass rusher in Ogbah to help out the defense become a top tier squad.
18. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS TAYLOR DECKER OT- Colts help out their Franchise QB Andrew Luck by protecting him at the line of scrimmage.
19. BUFFALO BILLS REGGIE RAGLAND LB- The Bills have been decimated with loss after loss at the Linebacker position the trend ends in the draft when they land Reggie Ragland to help fill the void left at LB.
20. NEW YORK JETS PAXTON LYNCH QB- Fitz Who? Lynch is the guy the NYJ grab at 20. He has such a high ceiling and who better to help him grow in the process then OC guru Chan Gailey. OC Chan Gailey got the best out of Fitz last year and i wouldn't expect anything different with Lynch under Chan’s tutelage.
21. WASHINGTON REDSKINS ANDREW BILLINGS NT If the Washington Redskins want to stay on top of the NFC East and make the playoffs year in and year out they need to solidify there Defense. They do so by adding a monster NT in Andrew Billings.
22. HOUSTON TEXANS LAQUAN TREADWELL WR- With new QB Brock Osweiler it would make sense that the team helps there new QB with some new toys in the form of WR Laquan Treadwell.
23. MINNESTOA VIKINGS COREY COLEMAN WR- The Vikings want to get over the hump and finally win in the playoffs they try to when they draft Corey Coleman. Coleman could be that X factor that the Vikings may need to get over the hump.
24. CINCINATTI BENGALS WILL FULLER WR- Gone are Mohamad Sanu and Marvin Jones. No fear Will Fuller will make up for the loss of both those players combined. Yes Fuller is that good and will compliment AJ Green very well.
25. PITTSBURGH STEELERS MACKENSIE ALEXANDER CB- Steelers need help in the secondary and haven't had a good secondary since Troy Polumalu last played for the Steelers. Insert Alexander not a safety but a CB that meets a dire need for this teams secondary. Alexander should be expected to fight for a starting spot or start in the slot but should make an immediate impact.
26. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS LEONARD FLOYD OLB- You must think i am crazy that a talent like Leonard Floyd Falls to #26 but things happen in the NFL and players you don't expect to fall or rise do thats what makes the NFL Draft that dynamic. The Seahawks get a steal with this pick and it shores up there already tough defense. Floyd could be that player that helps get the Seahawks another SB ring.
27. GREEN BAY PACKERS JARRAN REED DT The Packers go back to what they have been lacking a Stellar Defense. Jarran Reed is an automatic starter for the Packers and will reek havoc on opposing offenses.
28. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS NOAH SPENCE OLB- Another Steal as Noah Spence falls down to the Chiefs. OLB is a need for this team and Noah Spence fits right into what the Chiefs do best.
29. ARIZONA CARDINALS DARRON LEE OLB- The Cards get an excellent LB/Pass-rusher in Darron Lee. Darren Lee expects to contribute right away and keep the Cards Defense in the top 10 in all categories through out.
30. CAROLINA PANTHERS J. SPRIGGS OT- Cam Newton was the MVP of that impressive run with the Panthers last year. Sacks and pressure and lack of weapons is what ended a great season for the Panthers in SB 50. Springs is the man that will come in and help protect Cam Newton.
31. DENVER BRONCOS V. BUTLER DT- Anything can happen when Denver is on the clock. The Broncos need a QB but i am going to go out on a limb and say they will Address the QB position by trading for someone lets say Sam Bradford so in doing so the Broncos will help shore up there already talented Defense by drafting Butler. A heavy dose of Butler, Ware, Miller is a nightmare for any and all offenses they face. Broncos want to sustain the same success so they do so by drafting and building up that defense.
RAJ CHUDGAR @RAJPC1
1) LA RAMS- JARED GOFF QB (CAL)
While analysts like to debate Goff vs. Wentz, this one was obvious from the minute the Rams pulled the trigger on their trade up. The Goff pick is meant to resuscitate a team from the depths of Jeff Fisher-induced-7-9-every-year-mediocrity to new heights in a new city. Goff is widely heralded as the best quarterback in an average class. More on the Bortles, Bridgewater scale than the Winston-Mariota scale. Regardless, Goff has the potential to develop into a competent, plus starter in time.
Pro Comparison: Matt Ryan (note player comparisons aren’t meant to signify ceilings, rather similar style of play)
2) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- CARSON WENTZ QB (NDSU)
The Eagles selecting Carson Wentz is the second obvious choice here when they traded up at significant cost with the Cleveland Browns. Howie Roseman is not only hoping Wentz is the long-term answer at QB—he’s banking on it. Roseman is tying all his hard won political capital after the Chip-Kelly power struggle to Wentz, betting he’s the franchise QB the Eagles didn’t believe Sam Bradford was.
Pro Comparison: Blake Bortles
3) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS- DEFOREST BUCKNER DE (OREGON)
Most mocks I’ve seen have Laremy Tunsil headed to the Chargers, but re-signing King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale, while drafting D.J. Fluker in 2013 would mean someone they’ve invested highly in is riding the pine. While the Cowboys have recently proved that you can’t draft enough offensive linemen, I don’t think the Chargers defense can pass up a talent like Deforest Buckner, who was Pro Football Focus’ top-rated interior defender in 2015.
Pro Comparison: Calais Campbell
4) DALLAS COWBOYS- JALEN RAMSEY CB/S (FLORIDA STATE)
The back-end of the Cowboys is in pretty decent shape with Orlando Scandrick, Byron Jones, Brandon Carr, and Morris Claiborne—when healthy. This presents a nice case for Jalen Ramsey, who’s being lauded as the best DB prospect since Patrick Peterson in 2011. Ramsey profiles as either a safety or cornerback, matching Byron Jones’ versatility. While Jerruh might relish Bosa given the Boys’ pass-rushing needs, Ramsey is the much more talented player.
Pro Comparison: Tyrann Mathieu
5) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- MYLES Jack OLB (UCLA)
Jack was destined to be a top-5 draft pick before tearing his meniscus early in the CFB season, but I still think he makes the cut on Thursday. As NFL defenses gravitate away from traditional base alignments in favor of more frequent sub-packages, defenders like Jack will be in high demand. The days of the two-down linebacker are over. Jack is a rangy, instinctual sideline-to-sideline backer who ran with slot receivers in college. While he won’t be covering Julian Edelman in the NFL, you can bet he’ll have a hand in covering a guy like Rob Gronkowski.
Pro Comparison: Bobby Wagner
6) BALTIMORE RAVENS- LAREMY TUNSIL OT (OLE MISS)
Originally expected to go to the Titans first overall, Tunsil’s stock (and pockets) took a hit as he slides to 6th overall. Interestingly enough, this seems to parallel Leonard Williams’ fall last year. Both players might be the best overall players in their respective draft classes. According to Pro Football Focus, Tunsil allowed just 5 pressures in 185 pass blocking attempts. He also does a great job at getting to the second level on run plays. Tunsil’s strong technique, light feet, and long frame will make him an impact starter from day 1.
Pro Comparison: Tyron Smith
7) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Ronnie Stanley OT (NOTRE DAME)
Some reports have indicated teams picking early on prefer Stanley to Tunsil, which is right out of Draft Smokescreens 101. Tunsil is obviously the better prospect, but Stanley lays fair claim to the #2 positional ranking. An exceptional pass protector at Notre Dame, Stanley does well to mirror a pass-rusher’s every move. He’s not as powerful of a run blocker as Tunsil, but he will do well by Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn.
Pro Comparison: D’Brickashaw Ferguson
8) CLEVELAND BROWNS - PAXTON LYNCH QB (MEMPHIS)
The Browns received a haul of picks from the Eagles when they traded down to the #8 spot and will still land the #2 QB on their board and mine. While Goff is the top QB prospect of the class, I prefer Lynch to Wentz. Some will argue Wentz ran a pro-style offense, and that automatically puts him ahead of Lynch. I couldn’t disagree more—while Lynch is a project, he performed better at what his coaches asked him to do then Wentz did while displaying more throwing ability and field awareness as well. While Cleveland is bereft of skill position talent, that will be RG3’s problem for at least this year. Lynch will have time to sit back and let RG3 take the lumps as the Browns continue to add playmakers over the next two drafts.
Pro Comparison: Joe Flacco
9) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- JOEY BOSA DE (OHIO State)
Bosa is not a JJ Watt clone as some TV analysts led you to believe during the college football playoffs. He’s simply not the same level, athletically. However, Bosa is still a very good prospect. People who think he’s suited for a 3-4 defense are mistaken, as Bosa doesn’t profile as a 5-tech or a true edge rusher. He’s a hand in the dirt, 4-3 DE who will benefit from lining up next to Gerald McCoy. Bosa lived in opponent’s backfields at Ohio State, and while I don’t think he’ll be as prolific in the NFL, he’ll find consistent success.
Pro Comparison: Cam Jordan
10) NEW YORK GIANTS- LEONARD FLOYD OLB (UGA)
As much as I want the Giants to swing and miss on another OT prospect like Jack Conklin, I see them looking to continue to revamp their defense as Jerry Reese and Co. look to go all in during Eli’s twilight years. Floyd has been panned by a large section of the NFL twitterverse as he reminds them of a Dion Jordan type, a somewhat lanky/long speed rusher. The Jordan comparison isn’t off base, and Floyd’s ultimate success will depend on how the team that drafts him uses him. Floyd isn’t a 3-4 edge rusher in the typical sense. He’s similar to Myles Jack in that he’s more suited to be an off-ball linebacker, albeit he’s much less polished and more raw than Jack.
Pro Comparison: Anthony Barr
11) CHICAGO BEARS- SHAQ LAWSON DE (CLEMSON)
12) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- A’SHAWN ROBINSON DT (ALABAMA)
13) MIAMI DOLPHINS- EZEKIEL ELLIOT RB (OHIO STATE)
14) OAKLAND RAIDERS- VERNON HARGREAVES III CB (FLORIDA)
15) TENNESSEE TITANS- JOSH DOCTSON WR (TCU)
16) DETRIOT LIONS- SHELDON RANKINS DT (LOUISVILLE)
17) ATLANTA FALCONS- DARRON LEE OLB (OHIO STATE)
18) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- JACK CONKLIN OT (MICHIGAN STATE)
19) BUFFALO BILLS- NOAH SPENCE DE (EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY)
20) NEW YORK JETS- TAYLOR DECKER OT (OHIO STATE)
The Jets are sniped by the Buffalo Bills yet again with Spence being taken off the board at 19th overall. The Jets desperately need a true edge rushing presence to take their defense to another level, but will likely look to round 2 for a pass-rusher. Despite trading for Ryan Clady, the Jets badly need to invest in their offensive line after years of neglect. Decker would be the first offensive-lineman taken in round 1 by the Jets in ten years after fellow Ohio State alum Nick Mangold was taken with the 29th selection of the 2006 draft. While he needs to polish his pass protection technique, he’s nasty competitor who will look to pancake anyone in his path on run plays. Decker will start his career with Gang Green as a Breno Giacomini replacement at RT before transitioning to LT after Clady’s tenure ends.
Pro Comparison: Sebastian Vollmer
21) WASHINGTON REDSKINS- RYAN KELLY C (ALABAMA)
22) HOUSTON TEXANS- WILL FULLER WR (NOTRE DAME)
23) MINNESOTA VIKINGS- COREY COLEMAN WR (BAYLOR)
24) CINCINATTI BENGALS- LAQUON TREADWELL WR (OLE MISS)
25) PITTSBURGH STEELERS-ELI APPLE CB (OHIO STATE)
26) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- GERMAIN IFEDI OT (TEXAS A&M)
27) GREEN BAY PACKERS- REGGIE RAGLAND ILB (ALABAMA)
28) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- WILLIAM JACKSON III CB (HOUSTON)
29) ARIZONA CARDINALS- MACKENSIE ALEXANDER CB (CLEMSON)
30) CAROLINA PANTHERS- KEVIN DODD DE (CLEMSON)
31) DENVER BRONCOS- VERNON BUTLER DT (LOUISIANA TECH)
FRANKIE VITTORINI @FRANKIEVITT
1. Los Angeles Rams - QB Jared Goff
2. Philadelphia Eagles - QB Carson Wentz
3. San Diego Chargers - CB/S Jalen Ramsey
4. Dallas Cowboys - RB Ezekiel Ellliott
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - DL Joey Bosa
6. Baltimore Ravens - OL Laremy Tunsil
7. San Francisco 49ers - DE DeForest Buckner
8. Cleveland Browns - LB Myles Jack
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OL Ronnie Stanley
10. New York Giants - DE/OLB Shaq Lawson
11. Chicago Bears - OLB Leonard Floyd
12. New Orleans Saints - WR Laquon Treadwell
13. Miami Dolphins - CB Vernon Hargreaves III
14. Oakland Raiders - OT Jack Conklin
15. Tennessee Titans - DE Robert Nkemdiche
16. Detroit Lions - LB Darron Lee
17. Atlanta Falcons - LB Reggie Ragland
18. Indianapolis Colts - OT Taylor Decker
19. Buffalo Bills - QB Paxton Lynch
20. New York Jets - DE/OLB Noah Spence
21. Washington Redskins - WR Corey Coleman
22. Houston Texans - WR Will Fuller
23. Minnesota Vikings - CB Eli Apple
24. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Sheldon Rankins
25. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Williams Jackson III
26. Seattle Seahawks - C Ryan Kelly
27. Green Bay Packers - WR Josh Doctson
28. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Jason Spriggs
29. Arizona Cardinals - DT Jarran Reed
30. Carolina Panthers - CB Mackensie Alexander
31. Denver Broncos - RB Derrick Henry