It’s April! We all know one thing is certain, and that is that this draft is sure to include forkballs and sliders, because in many positions there’s no clear-cut #1 player.
There could be a lot of moving in the top 10. Especially considering that Goff and Wentz could fall if some picks were change around. A lot of players could fall because of certain players like Ronnie Stanley, Lequan Treadwell, the RBs, and even the QBs. We begin at #1!
1. Tennessee Titans- FS Jalen Ramsey/Florida State
The Titans really can’t go wrong with either Laremy Tunsil or Jalen Ramsey. I’m just a big believer in the depth at OL. Ramsey is one of those guys that can move to other spots and excel. Think of Devin McCourty or Antrel Rolle because as a FS he would fare much better than CB.
2. Cleveland Browns- QB Carson Wentz/North Dakota State
Carson Wentz looked dynamite at his pro day. He is clearly head and shoulders above the competition and definitely solidified his status as this draft’s #1 QB. His only weakness is his ability throwing to his right. I also don’t believe for one second that RGIII will change this pick whatsoever. But it is Cleveland…
3. San Diego Chargers- OT Laremy Tunsil/Ole Miss
Tunsil, in my opinion, has shown that he’s worthy of being the top OT in the draft, not much more to add-on that. The Chargers need OL help for Philip Rivers and RB Melvin Gordon. They could also draft Buckner or Bosa if Tunsil is off the board although Ramsey would be the consensus here in that scenario.
4. Dallas Cowboys- DE/DT DeForest Buckner/Oregon
Buckner might just be too big but the Cowboys have taken the line of scrimmage seriously in past drafts. I think Bosa/Buckner/Jack become the three in play here and all three offer a different package. Buckner can also offer some pass rush from the interior, which they’ve missed.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- OLB Myles Jack/UCLA
Myles Jack has been talked about by some teams about playing S because he’s that good in coverage, of course I think he can give you a lot of the characteristics that Jamie Collins has brought to New England but Jack isn’t necessarily a SAM LB. The Jaguars have a lot of ways they could go but this is BPA (best player available).
6. Baltimore Ravens- CB Vernon Hargreaves/Florida
I pray that the Ravens don’t take Ronnie Stanley. It’s just a bad pick from any angle you think of. Hargreaves fills an immediate help, and also plays to the style they like. Plus the depth at OT in this draft is pretty good, I’ll likely place Clark/Coleman/Drango to them in round 2.
7. San Francisco 49ers- QB Jared Goff/California
Newly hired head coach Chip Kelly has a lot on his mind. Goff is getting compared to Rodgers but some people in that base and it’s scary. Kaep is nothing better than average and has been stupid to not trade him, he has no motivation with the way he’s asked for a trade.
8. Philadelphia Eagles- RB Ezekiel Elliot/Ohio State
If there’s one thing I noticed with Andy Reid’s old offense was how vital Brian Westbrook was and I firmly believe that they could see Elliot as that kind of player. You can still pair Elliot with Mathews/Sproles but Elliot is still a better runner than Mathews.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Joey Bosa/Ohio State
Talk about a free fall for one of the top prospects in the Draft. First, Bosa was supposed to be the first player/Buckeye taken now he could take a dive if he falls past Dallas at #4. Bosa is still the kind of player who might be able to man who DE spot for them. Gerald McCoy simply can’t do it by himself.
10. New York Giants- OT Ronnie Stanley/Notre Dame
The Giants spent enough money on defense to not have to draft a defensive player here at #10. Stanley would still be going to high in my opinion but he could really develop as a good RT opposite of Ereck Flowers. Protecting Eli Manning should be a priority.
11. Chicago Bears- OT Jack Conklin/Michigan State
The Bears need to get help at LT after releasing Jermon Bushrod. Conklin is the better OT than Stanley and could really have everything in that group fall into place. The Bears could also look at CB, LB, even DL, but don’t worry Bears fans, you won’t be drafting a WR.
12. New Orleans Saints- DE/OLB Leonard Floyd/Georgia
Leonard Floyd and the New Orleans are almost a match made in heaven. The team needs pass-rush that they lost with Junior Galette being released and Floyd fits the scheme entirely. The Saints could look at Treadwell, Rankins, or if Bosa/Buckner falls they would certainly be selected.
13. Miami Dolphins- CB William Jackson/Houston
Jackson, in my mind, should be a mid to late 1st round pick. He’s a very similar CB to that of Antonio Cromartie when he was in San Diego. Jackson may not be the most physical CB but opposite of Byron Maxwell; you’ll be in need of a true cover CB. Brice McCain in the nickel makes this pick a benefit for the depth chart.
14. Oakland Raiders- LB Reggie Ragland/Alabama
Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith could be a duo in the future. But Ragland could be the man in the middle the Raiders have missed since Kirk Morrison and maybe even as far back as Matt Millen because I couldn’t think of others. Ragland’s being questioned but his ILB skills make him valuable.
15. Los Angeles Rams- WR Lequan Treadwell/Ole Miss
Treadwell has to be the pick in this scenario unless they want to reach for a QB like Lynch, Cook or another player. Treadwell could offset what Austin gives you and have a downfield threat for a play action game. Todd Gurley is already a stud and Treadwell could be the #1 WR.
16. Detroit Lions- DT Jarran Reed/Alabama
Jarran Reed was the best defensive player for the Tide down the stretch; he and A’Shawn Robinson drew double teams and forced blocking schemes to be adjusted in the middle of games. Reed could fill the void left behind by Fairley and Suh, who bolted the Motor City last off-season.
17. Atlanta Falcons- DT Sheldon Rankins/Louisville
Rankins impressed in the Senior Bowl until injury and is projected to go top 15 and is great value here. With Reed and Upshaw now in the fold, adding an interior presence with Hageman could complete that front seven. Dmitroff can’t afford another letdown season.
18. Indianapolis Colts- DE/OLB Shaq Lawson/Clemson
The Colts haven’t had much of a pass rush in a while. Lawson is a perceived top 15 talent and falls here because of other needs or team fits. Lawson provided a huge punch for Brett Venables the last two seasons and might be able to fill the shoes of Robert Mathis at some point.
19. Buffalo Bills- LB Darron Lee/Ohio State
Lee is the most versatile LB in this draft not named Myles Jack. The Bills let go of Nigel Bradham and Rex likes LBs who can play all over the line of scrimmage. Lee and Josh Perry were unsung heroes for the Buckeyes and Lee with Preston Brown could make it interesting.
20. New York Jets- OT Taylor Decker/Ohio State
The Jets just lost Ferguson to retirement and now have to draft a OT, even though they traded for Ryan Clady. He can be their Sebastian Vollmer or even their LT next season if they have to. Decker was one of the top senior prospects in the draft and has been consistently mocked in the 1st round.
21. Washington Redskins- DT Andrew Billings/Baylor
Andrew Billings was projected here in my last mock. I have Billings rated above Robinson on my board and the combine solidified that and I do think Billings is a top 20 prospect, so there’s value here. The Redskins lost Terrance Knighton and think Billings can fill the hole.
22. Houston Texans- WR Corey Coleman/Baylor
Coleman was a TD machine and once he runs his 40-time at his pro day we will know he has got some speed. Coleman, Strong, and Hopkins could form a core similar to what Billy O had as the OC in New England. The Texans can give Osweiler the best core possible.
23. Minnesota Vikings- OG Cody Whitehair/Kansas State
The signing of Andre Smith should heavily boost the right side of the line. Whitehair will add a brute run blocker in the interior, especially when you have Adrian Peterson, the best RB in the NFL. Whitehair did play OT at Kansas State, but he’ll definitely be an OG.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Will Fuller/Notre Dame
Not a huge fan of Fuller but with Coleman off the board and Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu gone, they need a WR with some flash. Fuller could play in the slot and eventually beat out Brandon Lafell, who was horrible last season. Fuller has problems with drops.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- CB MacKenzie Alexander/Clemson
Alexandermight be the overrated DB in the draft, as well as Apple. Alexander does however fit their system and they have a big need at the position. Alexander however did not record an interception. I also think the fact he’s a redshirt sophomore can bring upon maturity issues.
26. Seattle Seahawks- DE Emmanuel Ogbah/Oklahoma State
I agree with my friend Chris Ransom on Spriggs but Ogbah falling to this part of the draft changes the ballgame completely. Ogbah was once as high as #8 when Miami had that pick but his workouts haven’t been as good as they should be with his physical skills.
27. Green Bay Packers- TE Hunter Henry/Arkansas
Henry is by far the best TE in this draft class. Henry could also be the missing piece to an offense that has missed Jermichael Finley for some time. Henry played for a scheme in Arkansas that needed a TE to run block, the scary thing with Henry is that he can be a complete TE especially in the passing game.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- CB Eli Apple/Ohio State
I think this is an easy pick seeing as that Sean Smith bolted to the Raiders in the beginning of free agency. Marcus Peters turned out to be a wise move by Andy Reid last year. Apple does well in man coverage but there’s always 3-4 plays in which you can turn your head cause you know he made a mistake.
29. Arizona Cardinals- C Ryan Kelly/Alabama
Keeping Carson Palmer is much more important for the Cardinals more than ever before because they traded Jonathan Cooper to get that pass rusher in Chandler Jones. Kelly is a proven C much the way that the Pouncey brothers were at Florida. He already has the experience and the intelligence to play day one.
30. Carolina Panthers- RB Derrick Henry/Alabama
Derrick Henry is an animal and in this pick, the rich get richer. If you saw SB L, you’d notice that Jonathan Stewart once again got injured and simply can’t be the feature back any longer. Henry could pair with Stewart and give them an explosive young RB going forward. I don’t think this team is going anywhere.
31. Denver Broncos- QB Paxton Lynch/Memphis
I think Lynch has a lot of talent and could be good in time. But Gary Kubiak could likely get him in as soon as the week after the draft and groom him. Lynch reminds me of Flacco at that stage. Remember the Ole Miss game, that game alone could get him to go in the 1st round, especially with Denver’s option being Mark Sanchez.
Round 2:
32. Cleveland Browns- WR Michael Thomas/Ohio State
The Browns have been a dumpster fire and need to bring in some form of leadership. Of course they could still shop LT Joe Thomas for a pick but I do think that’ll tell with time. Thomas has the best overall skill set of any WR in this class besides Treadwell. Wentz could use a route runner and develop some chemistry. I also think Josh Gordon coming back will help.
33. Tennessee Titans- OT Jason Spriggs/Indiana
Spriggs and Drango are my #4 and #5 OT’s and I do think Spriggs should go in round 1 because Nate Solder, who I compared him to, went 17th to the Patriots in 2011. But Spriggs gets into a better fit by falling to a young Titans roster with Murray, Mariota, DGB and a defense that added Ramsey in round 1.
34. Dallas Cowboys- DE/OLB Noah Spence/Eastern Kentucky
I have no doubt in my mind it’s either RB/WR/DE with this pick from Dallas. Spence with Hardy gone, Lawrence on side, and Gregory suspended need depth. Spence was at OSU before a drug issue sent him south to the bluegrass state, but if Tressel and Meyer vouch for him, I’ll believe it.
35. San Diego Chargers- C Nick Martin/Notre Dame
Replacing Nick Hardwick is no easy task but Martin has the lineage, the production, and the versatility to be a day one starter for the Chargers, especially since they drafted Melvin Gordon and resigned Philip Rivers. Give them a chance and Martin/Tunsil can do that.
36. Baltimore Ravens- S Karl Joseph/West Virginia
I firmly believe the secondary is the biggest weakness with Will Hill being released after suspension. I’d rather not keep Webb past June 1st and this scenario Joseph is still on the board. Joseph and Hargreaves could both start and be productive from day one.
37. San Francisco 49ers- CB Artie Burns/Miami
If Chip learned anything from his time in Philly, he’d recommend drafting CBs that can cover after all San Fran had a great defense until free agency and retirements stepped in and shook the personnel around. Burns is a high-character guy with good athleticism as well as sound cover skills.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE Vernon Butler/Louisiana Tech
They picked Myles Jack in round 1 in this mock and I still believe this pick is a LB or CB if Buckner is taken at 5. Butler provides a similar skill set and was dominant for the Bulldogs. Jacksonville’s defense can use the size inside, especially stopping the run.
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- S Jeremy Cash/Duke
It’s almost crazy that in two straight years we’ve seen a Duke player get drafted in football… Tampa’s secondary was an absolute embarrassment for the past two seasons and it’s time for youth to come in. Maybe Cash can develop into a really good S like a Weddle.
40. New York Giants- WR Tyler Boyd/Pittsburgh
Boyd could very well be the man at this point the Giants take a look at. He’s a great talent but his character concerns have been a concern. But I believe with a team like the Giants who have veterans and young leaders at the helm that Boyd will not feel like an outsider. Plus he would benefit greatly with a QB like Eli Manning.
41. Chicago Bears- RB Devontae Booker/Utah
The Bears had a great year offensively but OC Adam Gase is now the HC in Miami. They also lost Matt Forte and Booker has some similar traits. Booker is my #3 RB in this class and as value here and could be a starter out of camp. He’s got ability to catch the ball and be a game-breaker.
42. Miami Dolphins- DE Kevin Dodd/Clemson
Dodd isn’t a first rounder by any means. He’s just a one-year wonder who benefited from Lawson’s presence. But Dodd has ability to create some havoc but has to develop. Dodd also has the size, and Mario Williams and Cameron Wake aren’t long-term guys at this point.
43. Los Angeles Rams- QB Connor Cook/Michigan State
QBs always get drafted higher because the position is the be-all-end-all of the Goodell era of football. Cook is a 4th rounder in my mind because of the attitude and leadership flaws noted by others. But I believe a few teams will look at the tape and see the kid is tough and shows up in crunch time. He’s a winner and that does mean something.
44. Oakland Raiders- S/LB Su’a Cravens/USC
Reggie McKenzie has completely turned the fortunes around. Cravens will be behind Reggie Nelson at S but he might be great in subsets and we all know the Black Hole is no stranger to rooting for USC players. Cravens has a diverse skill set that makes him almost impossible to pass on here.
45. Los Angeles Rams- OG Vadal Alexander/LSU
This would be a pick that would slide Saffold to RT or force them to sign a RT on the market. But I think Alexander can give them a starter that boosts their run game led by Todd Gurley. Protecting the QB is also a priority, there’s proof of that in the Super Bowl and in the playoffs.
46. Detroit Lions- S Darian Thompson/Boise State
I wasn’t a fan of Chris Petersen’s Boise State teams but recently I’ve liked what the Broncos players bring to the table. Thompson has a Delmas type of skill set that I believe Detroit will value. They’ve had to replace Calvin Johnson, Suh, Mosley, Tulloch, Fairley, and Delmas and I believe Jones and Thompson could make the losses less significant.
47. New Orleans Saints- DT Aldophus Washington/Ohio State
Washington and Alabama’s A’Shawn Robinson had me torn on this pick but Washington would be better based on athleticism and intensity. Robinson has shown in games he’s slouchy. Washington has his faults but the Saints have to create a cushion for Cameron Jordan and the pass rushers.
48. Indianapolis Colts- OT Joe Thuney/NC State
I was watching Jacoby Brissett’s film and noticed Thuney on a few great blocks. I look him up and he’s mentioned as a 4th/5th round pick. A guy that can G/T is not just 4th rounder. PFF mentioned he was a top 20 G in 2014, and a top-5 OT in 2015. The Colts need OL help, Luck may not stay if they don’t get him help.
49. Buffalo Bills- S Vonn Bell/Ohio State
Rex Ryan and the Bills seem like a team that would be in need of S with Aaron Williams injuries and the ineffectiveness of the group last season with Rex’s new scheme. Rob and Rex like big hitters, so this pick is either Keanu Neal and Vonn Bell both can fit this scheme.
50. Atlanta Falcons- WR Sterling Sheppard/Oklahoma
Atlanta let go of WR Roddy White and it was time to do so, can’t argue that. Sheppard is a solid WR who can run all the routes in the route tree while deflecting the coverage away from the beast Julio Jones, who might be the best WR in the NFL. Atlanta could go OL too but I think Alex Mack’s signing may postpone that.
51. New York Jets- OLB Joshua Perry/Ohio State
Calvin Pace has been in the league for a very long time, and with the failure to develop Quentin Coples, they need to draft another EDGE rusher. The beauty of this pick is that the Jets can play Perry inside and outside LB effectively and for Todd Bowles, that’s always a plus.
52. Houston Texans- DT/DE Chris Jones/Mississippi State
Houston needs more beef on the defensive line. Chris Jones has been a high riser but I’m not sold on him as a player that belongs in the first two rounds but his versatility is a plus for Romeo Crennel who may see him as a 3 technique or 5 technique. Houston could also target a S but I like to see that in round 3 when there’s more options.
53. Washington Redskins- CB Kendall Fuller/Virginia Tech
This is absolutely pathetic that Fuller falls this far in the draft it really is. But this is not only a steal; but some theft. Fuller was an All-ACC selection and highly talented as a CB. DeAngelo Hall once was a stud but he can’t play CB anymore and isn’t a S by any means.
54. Minnesota Vikings- DE Shalique Calhoun/Michigan State
Calhoun has shown good pass-rushing skills in the past as a junior. But as a senior he didn’t have the same success. Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison, and Eversen Griffen can all bring different facets to the edge and Calhoun’s size and ability can change some things.
55. Cincinnati Bengals- DE Jonathan Bullard/Florida
Bullard is a hell of a player, I really like him either as DT/DE in the 4-3 or a 3-4 DE, Cincinnati can use either spot and I’m sure the depth they already have at some position just makes this pick solidify the position. Bullard and Fowler were deadly two years ago, and Florida’s defense remained stout this season.
56. Seattle Seahawks- OT Germain Ifedi/Texas A&M
Russell Okung is a goner, and headed to Denver. Ifedi can play G or T so this helps Seattle protect the $20-million plus QB Russell Wilson. A&M has had a new come lineage of OTs drafted with Joekel, Matthews, and Ogbuehi last season. Ifedi may not be a LT, but possibly a G.
57. Green Bay Packers- DT Austin Johnson/Penn State
In my opinion, he’s the best of any of the Penn St. DL men. The Packers get Henry and Johnson to replace Finley (few years late), and BJ Raji (who they already to replace). The Packers get two players with experience that can be day-one impact players. Can’t ask for much better.
58. Pittsburgh Steelers- S Keanu Neal/Florida
The Steelers drafted Shamarko Thomas and he couldn’t make a statement. Keanu Neal plays a hard-hitting style that suits the defense that the Steelers have traditionally had. Neal has played box safety in the past and although he improved his deep coverage, he’ll need to be developed further.
59. Kansas City Chiefs- OT La’Raven Clark/Texas Tech
The Chiefs have clearly missed Brandon Albert and realized that Eric Fisher isn’t very good. Clark could develop as a LT of the future for whomever the QB will be going forward. Clark has really risen up boards and could possibly be picked in the 30’s or 40’s.
60. New England Patriots- RB Alex Collins/Arkansas
Collins is simply a beast. He’s one of three RB’s in SEC history to record 1,000 rushing yards in three consecutive years. The Patriots also have lost LeGarrette Blount and James White is not a runner at all. Collins, with Dion Lewis, and form a duo for years to come that’ll make defenses puke.
61. New England Patriots- CB Cyrus Jones/Alabama
Cyrus Jones is a kid from Baltimore, who just happened to star with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Patriots are paper-thin at CB after Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler (both of whom are FA’s next offseason). Jones will likely be a slot CB as a rookie and can build from that.
62. Carolina Panthers- OT Shon Coleman/Auburn
Coleman is injured at that moment. But I believe his tape is solid and should be considered with this pick. Michael Oher started at OT last season but his success isn’t sustainable. Coleman could be behind Oher and start in a year or two. That would be the best scenario for the Panthers.
63. Denver Broncos- LB Kentrell Brothers/Missouri
The Broncos lost a valuable piece to their championship defense in Danny Trevathan to the Chicago Bears. Kentrell Brothers would also be the kind of players who can slide into that role on the inside. He’s great in coverage and knows how to close a gap too.