The NFL Draft is tomorrow and we’ve seen this draft board alter quite a bit during the draft process. In October 2015, I projected seven Buckeyes to be selected in the 1st round, now there are four Buckeyes in the 1st round.
Now, thanks to trades by the LA Rams and Philadelphia Eagles we will once again have QBs selected 1-2 in the 2016 NFL Draft. Wentz and Goff are benefiting from the NFL’s overall lack of talent at the QB position.
The first two picks are virtual locks at this point. So the draft will likely start at #3.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Titans)- QB Jared Goff/California
Stan Kroenke and the crooked Roger Goodell got their way in taking the Rams out of St. Louis and going to glamourous Los Angeles. They traded up to market the new team with a new “star” QB. It would only make sense that the California golden boy would find his way to Los Angeles. It’s a good fit if they switch to a spread style, with Gurley and Austin there.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Browns)- QB Carson Wentz/North Dakota State
The boy from Fargo has come a long way, and I couldn’t be happier for him. The Eagles are taking a gamble here but I think Wentz is the ideal QB for Doug Pederson and I do think Wentz being redshirted like Carson Palmer was will only benefit Wentz in the long run. The Eagles did give up too much only to keep Sam Bradford on the roster.
3. San Diego Chargers- S/CB Jalen Ramsey/Florida State
The draft begins with the San Diego Chargers and to be honest, Ramsey would be a perfect fit for San Diego, so this couldn’t have gone better for them realistically. They may decide between Tunsil, Ramsey, Bosa, and Buckner when it comes down to it. Ramsey can play Weddle’s spot and help the team replace him.
4. Dallas Cowboys- RB Ezekiel Elliot/Ohio State
This pick should likely be for a DT but with reports swirling from the Cowboys that they like Ezekiel Elliot and Jalen Ramsey the most may force their hand here and reach for Elliot. Elliot would join Lance Dunbar, Alfred Morris, and Darren McFadden in the backfield. It’s a stupid pick but that’s what has been said.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- DT Deforest Buckner/Oregon
Buckner is a mammoth of a human being and honestly could be a great addition with the pass rush in Jacksonville adding 2015 3rd overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. The Jags could go Joey Bosa and that’s fine but Gus Bradley could do a lot with him at DT because of his athleticism.
6. Baltimore Ravens- OT Laremy Tunsil/Ole Miss
This is a dream scenario for the Ravens, Eugene Monroe is a fine player but he’s old and not a player that I see as a part of the future. Tunsil was once a lock at the #1 pick and now is this year’s Leonard Williams, the Ravens really did get this pick in the right year.
7. San Francisco 49ers- OT Ronnie Stanley/Notre Dame
The 49ers are rumored to want to trade up for Jalen Ramsey but they may be stuck with getting Stanley because Tunsil will be gone for certain. Stanley is an overrated prospect but in San Fran’s scheme he’d fit nicely. I also believe Anthony Davis could play a role in this pick.
8. Cleveland Browns (via PHI, via MIA)- DE Joey Bosa/Ohio State
Cleveland made a brilliant move to trade back. They didn’t get a Rams type package but it can help them build. Fix the offense later, let’s give them Bosa as an option for the DL, an OSU guy will be a great sell for fans in the state. He also could be a big pass rusher for them.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- EDGE Leonard Floyd/Georgia
Walter Football has this projection as well and I was thinking of this pick today. Floyd has a lot of traits that Tamba Hali and Justin Houston have. That’s a good thing for Tampa Bay that hasn’t had a premier pass rusher in ages. Floyd can team up with Gerald McCoy and wreck havoc.
10. New York Giants- OT Jack Conklin/Michigan State
The Giants would probably prefer golden-domer Ronnie Stanley because many Giants fans root for Notre Dame and it’s an easier sell but Conklin is definitely the better player, especially at RT. Conklin was Cook’s blind side guy for the past two years and was a walk on, work-ethic is huge with him. The team WILL NOT draft Myles Jack.
11. Chicago Bears- CB Vernon Hargreaves/Florida
Kyle Fuller and Vernon Hargreaves would be a dynamic duo at CB for years to come in this scenario. I think this pick is a no brainer at this juncture. Hargreaves was great at Florida and I rate him as my #1 CB. The Bears young secondary definitely needs another piece.
12. New Orleans Saints- DT Sheldon Rankins/Louisville
New Orleans may want a CB or DE but I think Rankins or Jarran Reed would be the best pick for this time. Rankins can be very disruptive in this 3-4 scheme. The Saints could also target William Jackson from Houston, but I’ve also seen Floyd and Lawson at this pick also.
13. Miami Dolphins (via PHI)- CB William Jackson/Houston
I’ve seen Eli Apple mocked here and that’s fine if you like him, I believe Apple is going to be a bust, he looks the part but is just too raw for me to value with a high pick like this. The Dolphins made the right move letting Miller go but can’t get Elliot. William Jackson can blossom as a star and help Miami right away.
14. Oakland Raiders- DT Jarran Reed/Alabama
If Sheldon Rankins was still on the board he’d be the pick but in my opinion Reed, Lee and Conklin along with Ragland could be the targets with this pick. Reed was Alabama’s best defensive player last season and his work ethic and motor are a symbol of that. Complimenting pass rushers won’t be a new thing for Reed as he played alongside Tim Williams and DJ Pettway.
15. Tennessee Titans (via LA)- LB Myles Jack/UCLA
The Titans need star power and Jack or Hargreaves falling would be the best case scenario for them. A young LB with top 5 talent would be too good to resist here at this juncture. The Titans however could go ANYWHERE with this pick because they have a lot of needs.
16. Detroit Lions- OT Taylor Decker/Ohio State
I think Decker might be a reach here but the Lions have to think that protecting Stafford is a priority. The Lions could look DL but not WR, I think Detroit is going to look defense and OL early and often. Decker at LT or RT makes them a better football team.
17. Atlanta Falcons- EDGE Shaq Lawson/Clemson
The Falcons did draft Vic Beasley last year at #7, now let’s add another Clemson pass-rusher and let ‘em rip. DT could be the pick also but Atlanta could trade up for Bullard in the 30’s, I don’t believe he’ll be a 1st round pick, I’ve also been seeing that Darron Lee and Reggie Ragland haven’t been as keen on them as previously thought.
18. Indianapolis Colts- OC Ryan Kelly/Alabama
Jim Irsay and Ryan Grigson have been pathetic in terms of building a team around Andrew Luck, I mean PAH-THETIC. Kelly, Mewhort, and Castanzo as a trio could help immensely for Luck and any hope of a running game at Indy. Kelly can do that as he proved at Bama.
19. Buffalo Bills- LB Reggie Ragland/Alabama
Rex Ryan may have been wearing a Clemson helmet at a press conference lately but Ragland would be the kind of LB that Buffalo missed. In Rex’s case he lost Nigel Bradham and it’s a need and he can start right away. Ragland will definitely be a run stuffer.
20. New York Jets- QB Paxton Lynch/Memphis
Teams are pouncing on Paxton Lynch so I doubt he’ll even be here but if any team has shown in the past they’ll trade up for a QB, it would be the Jets. I think Lynch is two years away from being at the level he needs to be, but there aren’t many good QBs and this league and the last two drafts show this.
21. Washington ReIndskins- DT Andrew Billings/Baylor
I believe Billings would be a wonderful fit in the Redskins defense, Pot Roast took his talents to NE after being cut, so that spot is definitely in need of some fresh blood. Billings can be a gap penetrator and if you need proof go back and watch the Russell Athletic Bowl.
22. Houston Texans- WR Corey Coleman/Baylor
This pick could be Will Fuller and that may be the case but Coleman is the better WR and I don’t think anyone would notice that with how little 1st round hype Fuller got before he ran his 40. Both have been what experts call “a limited route tree” but I look 20TDs and see that there’s little concern.
23. Minnesota Vikings- WR Lequan Treadwell/Ole Miss
I think Treadwell is one of the most gifted WRs in this draft, he has what it takes to be an effective possession WR and for Norv Turner that’s a good mix with Diggs, Patterson, and Wright. Treadwell’s 40 time shouldn’t be a concern but the “Goodell NFL” saturated the WR position.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- S Karl Joseph/West Virginia
I don’t know what the Bengals will do at all, but to believe this pick could be a WR or a DB would be a wise suggestion. I think Reggie Nelson was an underrated leader for them and losing him could be bad. Joseph might be the best S not named Ramsey in this draft and he has the tape to prove it.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- CB Eli Apple/Ohio State
I may be committing Buckeye on Buckeye crime here but Apple has to be the most overhyped prospect in this draft and its not even close. He was a liability and just mistake-ridden in certain games last year. Apple will go this high because his athleticism. Had he returned to school next year he could’ve merited more praise.
26. Seattle Seahawks- OT/G Germain Ifedi/Texas A&M
Ifedi was in the 1st round of my original two mocks in September and October but fell off a bit in my view. This would be 4 years in a row in which an A&M OT has gone in the 1st round. Ifedi wouldn’t be the 1st guy Seattle has reached for in a sense. Bruce Irvin and James Carpenter were others. Schneider has been solid for them as GM.
27. Green Bay Packers- ILB Darron Lee/Ohio State
People are concerned about Darron Lee because he’s undersized or “would be picked lower if he wasn’t a Buckeye,” people will go to extreme lengths on certain players. Lee would allow Matthews to move back outside where he’s best suited for Dom Capers.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- CB Kendall Fuller/Virginia Tech
The last time the Chiefs drafted a CB from Va Tech it was Brandon Flowers. He was pretty good! Fuller has all the skills to be developed into a #1 CB but he might not have to with Marcus Peters there. Both are willing in run support and after losing Sean Smith, this is needed.
29. Arizona Cardinals- DE/OLB Noah Spence/Eastern Kentucky
After talking to some people in my inner circle, the more I believe Spence is better off in Arizona than anywhere else. They need pass rush and that could take their defense to the next level and Spence will be an environment where he’ll be around guys he can trust. Watch out if he ends up here!
30. Carolina Panthers- CB MacKenzie Alexander/Clemson
I’m not going to compare any CB to Josh Norman but Alexander may flourish in the system in place and I would also say the same for Kendall Fuller. Alexander falling here is a blessing. Carolina can take care of the offense in round 2 or 3. Alexander didn’t have an INT but he’s got his own swagger.
31. Denver Broncos- DT Vernon Butler/Louisiana Tech
Denver needs to take best player available and that’s Vernon Butler, a player who can add some beef to the defensive line that lost Malik Jackson. Butler is a workhorse and the kind of player that Wade Phillips is accustomed to having on the line.
2nd round
32. Cleveland Browns- QB Connor Cook/Michigan State
Cleveland has to go QB here if it’s not Lynch it has to be somebody. Denver may try to trade up to secure this Big Ten signal caller. I do have concern that Cook may not be the leader that is needed to win big games. The Browns look like they’re building a Big Ten All-Star Team.
33. Tennessee Titans- OT Jason Spriggs/Indiana
Tennessee needs to learn from division rival Indy and build an offensive line for Mariota. With Spriggs at LT, which I think he can play, it allows Lewan to move over the RT spot and Jeremiah Poutasi to LG or RG. A young core is being built in Tennessee.
34. Dallas Cowboys- DE Emmanuel Ogbah/Oklahoma State
Dallas passed on Bosa in round 1 and I would say it’s the right move, Elliot or Ramsey could be a star for them instantly. Ogbah would be a player opposite of Lawrence/Gregory to give a solid chance of creating some pass rush.
35. San Diego Chargers- WR Josh Doctson/TCU
Two excellent draft picks between Ramsey and Doctson and this provides some spark to make the margin of error that much slimmer for the Chargers. Doctson also could be the red-zone threat that they’ll soon miss when Malcom Floyd finally steps away from the game. Excellent VALUE.
36. Baltimore Ravens- CB Artie Burns/Miami
Artie Burns does have some physical abilities that CBs don’t usually have and in time could be a good CB. Plus let’s be real, Baltimore has never been shy of taking Miami players. Burns fills a need immediately.
37. San Francisco 49ers- LB Jaylon Smith/Notre Dame
I think Jaylon Smith would’ve been a top 3 pick if the knee injury never happened. Baalke has taken plenty of chances in the past and this one would be one worth taking because you could be a star LB next to Bowman.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars- S Keanu Neal/Florida
Keanu Neal is a multi-purpose S and next Cyprien, Neal could be a finishing piece for that defensive backfield. Along with Prince Amukamara and Aaron Colvin, this secondary looks built to match up with the AFC’s best.
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- S Vonn Bell/Ohio State
Bell has been talked about as a CB/S combo, and could be the player to patrol the middle of the defense for the first time in a long time. Bell and Floyd could be the players to add what Smith and Winston could be the offense.
40. New York Giants- LB Deion Jones/LSU
The Giants need a LB and I feel I’ve been saying this since Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Deion Jones might be the ideal player to fill the void that was left when they won the Super Bowl.
41. Chicago Bears- OG Cody Whitehair/Kansas State
I’d love to have Kyle Long at OG, but having Kyle Long at RT and Whitehair at G would be as beneficial as Brandon Scherff was for the Redskins last season.
42. Miami Dolphins- RB Devontae Booker/Utah
Booker is a better fit for this offense than Lamar Miller ever was and Booker also is much more physical than Miller. Miami needs to stop being soft.
43. Tennessee Titans- TE Hunter Henry/Arkansas
Henry is the best TE to come out since Eifert a couple of years ago, but the main difference that exists is that he’s just not valued as that. Titans could use double TE spots.
44. Oakland Raiders- OLB/S Su’a Cravens/USC
Another Cali-kid to a Cali-team and this guy would be picture-perfect for the Raider defense. Cravens is a multi-faceted defensive player who can be a star in the right spot.
45. Tennessee Titans- DT Jonathan Bullard/Florida
Bullard is a workhorse in the interior defensive line, and the Titans, a team looking for depth and this guy may be a starter.
46. Detroit Lions- OT Jerald Hawkins/LSU
The Lions need an OT and Hawkins is my highest rated OT at this juncture. Reiff could still be at LT and Hawkins at RT.
47. New Orleans Saints- DT Robert Nkemdiche/Ole Miss
I’d have to think the Saints have to beef up on the DLine and Nkemdiche falls right to their lap. I believe he’s a top 20 prospect; so this is a steal.
48. Indianapolis Colts- OG Joshua Garnett/Stanford
The Colts have drafted Stanford players as much as the Patriots have drafted Rutgers players. Garnett was the Outland Trophy Winner and a huge need for the Colts.
49. Buffalo Bills- DT A’Shawn Robinson/Alabama
Teaming with former Crimson Tide DT Marcel Dareus may do him some good. Rumor has it he’s lazy and I do think his film has shown instances of that.
50. Atlanta Falcons- S Jeremy Cash/Duke
It’s almost crazy that in two straight years we’ve seen a Duke player get drafted in football… But Tomlinson in ’15 and Cash now make that a reality. Cash can be perfect to replace William Moore at some point.
51. New York Jets- ILB Kentrell Brothers/Missouri
He plays like David Harris and that’s the kind of guy you need at LB. He’s a great tackler and Todd Bowles can use that.
52. Houston Texans- DT Kenny Clark/UCLA
You’ve probably noticed some big names are still on the board. That’s crazy but Clark can play opposite of Watt and take away the double team, or play NT and replace old man Wilfork.
53. Washington Redskins- RB Derrick Henry/Alabama
I know they have other needs including S but c’mon Henry should be a 1st round pick. Anywho, the Skins just got themselves Eddie George (best case scenario.
54. Minnesota Vikings- DE Kevin Dodd/Clemson
The Vikings may not need a pass rusher but if this is how it falls they must take Dodd, at this point throw him opposite of Everson Griffin and go after Stafford, Cutler, and Rodgers.
55. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Michael Thomas/Ohio State
Thomas is the quintessential possession WR, a role that Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu shared at Cincy. This gives Dalton a target with size and strength, as well as the ability to contribute right away.
56. Seattle Seahawks- RB Alex Collins/Arkansas
Most mocks don’t have Collins in round 2 but i like Collins (A LOT), Collins and Rawls could be a dangerous pairing. Especially since many seem to forgot Marshawn Lynch.
57. Green Bay Packers- DT Austin Johnson/Penn State
I like Johnson and believe he’ll be the best NFL player of anyone on that Penn State defense last year. In GB, he could play opposite of Mike Daniels and make things happen.
58. Pittsburgh Steelers- S/CB Sean Davis/Maryland
Davis’s ability to play both CB and S can help the Steelers big time, they do have Eli Apple in the 1st round with this scenario. Davis at FS could be a big game-changer.
59. Kansas City Chiefs- WR Tyler Boyd/Pittsburgh
Boyd is too good to be on the board here but false concerns and bad scouting led to KC getting their possible future #2 opposite of Jeremy Maclin.
60. New England Patriots- DT Chris Jones/Mississippi State
Chris Jones is another prospect that got way too much love, but I think the hype has died down and the Patriots will pick him here.
61. New England Patriots- CB Cyrus Jones/Alabama
Cyrus Jones is a dynamic PR/KR and can play nickel CB right away, Logan Ryan is a UFA next year and this could be a depth pick.
62. Carolina Panthers- DE Shalique Calhoun/Michigan State
Calhoun got pushed around against Bama but playing in this defense could be a blessing for him. Let him go!
63. Denver Broncos- OT Le’Raven Clark/Texas Tech
Clark can go higher but he’s another high upside guy who’s potential is still yet to be seen. Denver lost Clady so another OT is definitely in order.