The 2016 NFL draft season has been one crazy time for franchises around the league but we have finally reached the day that will put an end to the anticipation experienced by fans all over the country.
Let's get to it!
1. Los Angeles Rams: QB Jared Goff, California
The Rams traded a boatload of picks to get up to this spot. The franchise is moving and they pick up their signal caller of the future here in Goff. While the former Golden Bear does not have incredible arm strength or athleticism, his accuracy and poise is hard to pass up. While he might not have the upside of a guy like Wentz, he certainly is less of a risk. In a division like the NFC West, it's so important to have an accurate, pro-ready quarterback.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
The Eagles, like Los Angeles, traded up to the second slot to pass over some other quarterback needy teams. They have the benefit of taking whichever of the two elite passers the Rams pass on. I believe that will be the North Dakota State prospect. QB is the only position that the Eagles really need to address on offense, beside running back, and I see GM Howie Roseman addressing that need here while taking the uber-talented Wentz. The former Buffalo has shown amazing arm strength, good footwork and superior athleticism.
3. San Diego Chargers: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon
This slot was a really difficult one for me. I feel that San Diego can go in three different directions. One, they could take Laremy Tunsil, which would secure them a long-term solution at offensive tackle and significantly improve their struggling run game. Second they could go with Jalen Ramsey, whose draft stock is fluctuating but he remains one of the only elite defensive back prospects. The third option is to draft defensive lineman DeForest Buckner from Oregon, who fits in their 3-4 scheme and would be a dominant presence along the front three. San Diego had a historically horrible run defense last year, and Buckner knows how to clog the running lanes while also adding pressure on the quarterback from the interior.
4. Dallas Cowboys: DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
The Cowboys make the smart choice here and land an elite pass rusher with a strong, tall frame, speed and experience dominating as a 4-3 defensive end Gone is Greg Hardy and that opens up yet another hole in this defense. Make the right move, Jerry Jones.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB/FS Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
The Jaguars are in an interesting situation here. They could go with Tunsil here, however their priority is to continue to rebuild the defense. Ramsey is a versatile defensive back and can be used anywhere from free safety to corner and be a vocal leader for this young defense.
6. Baltimore Ravens: OT Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi
General Manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best in the business for the scouting and drafting of players. Rarely does he have the chance to select a player this early the draft, and trust me he will take advantage of it. Here he grabs the best player in the entire draft class and a future perennial Pro-Bowler in Laremy Tunsil from Ole Miss. Tunsil is a monster with incredible strength and leverage. He will immediately upgrade the run game and allow Joe Flacco more time to roam in the pocket and throw the bombs that makes him such a great signal caller.
7. San Francisco 49ers: QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Another quarterback taken? No way! Well reports are saying teams will need to jump ahead of San Fran in order to get their hands on Lynch. The 49ers are going nowhere with Kaepernick throwing the football and they are in need of a franchise-changing player. Lynch has all the upside in the world. He has an incredible 6-6 frame which he uses to extend plays and and view routes all over the field. There is a lot of great football left in this kid.
8. Cleveland Browns: LB Myles Jack, UCLA
The Browns are in a tough position here. They missed out on the top three quarterbacks and it would be better for them to wait for Day 2 to grab a thrower to compete in camp. They can't grab a guy like Ramsey to upgrade their safety position. However, the Browns go with Jack here to grab someone to improve on their lackluster run defense. Jack is a beast in run defense and is probably the best coverage linebacker, which is always a plus.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida
The Buccaneers get their man in Hargreaves, a speedy cornerback who excelled asa zone cover savant at Florida. He is best when operating in space and the Bucs are lacking a cornerback with his skillset. The Buccaneers continue to add to their defensive arsenal with the perfect fit in Hargreaves. This would be a huge coup for GM Jason Licht.
10. New York Giants: OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
The Giants need to address their linebacker problem as well as their lack of playmakers on offense not named Odell Beckham Jr. The team has a history of struggling in pass protection and this is also a value pick as Stanley is one of the best players available at this point. GM Jerry Reese has been on the hot seat but this seems like a good fit and one that could benefit the Giants for years to come.
11. Chicago Bears: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
While GM Ryan Pace doesn't have a lot of experience at the helm, he has proven to be a great decision-maker on draft day, both in Chicago and in his past stint in New Orleans. The bears are in dire need of an effective pass rusher. Lawson not only was the leader of the top defense in the nation, but he was one of the best in the country in getting to the quarterback. He fits nicely here as an edge defender and can anchor the Bears pass rushing group.
12. New Orleans Saints: DL Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
This pick is reportedly pretty much locked in. GM Mickey Loomis and the front office loves this guy and he's one of the top players on their board. Barring any major shakeup among the elite defensive prospects, the Saints grab a defensive lineman here and Rankins is their favorite player in that position.
13. Miami Dolphins: RB Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State
The Dolphins need a game-changer on offense in the backfield and who else than Elliot, While I personally am not a huge fan of his, I do believe he is one of the the only running backs in this class who is able to come in immediately and tear apart opposing defenses.
14. Oakland Raiders: LB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Buckeye Nation gets to watch two of their former stars taken back to back here as Lee finds his new home in Oakland. GM Reggie McKenzie has done a phenomenal job with the Raiders, as he has built the premier up-and-coming offense with Derek Carr and Amari Cooper running the show. Now he turns his focus to his young defensive front seven. Khalil Mack is an absolute beast and he can get another dominant linebacker here if the Raiders are able to nab Lee.
15. Tennessee Titans: WR Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi
A lot of analysts think the Titans go offensive tackle here. That makes complete sense, as they need to protect franchise quarterback. However, this offense just needs a jump start and addition of electric playmakers. The Titans received Demarco Murray in a trade, and add the top receiver Treadwell here to allow some help for Mariota. The Titans have a very capable left tackle in Taylor Lewan on the roster right now, and they can address the right side on Day 2.
16. Detroit Lions: OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State
The Lions have ignored the offensive line for too long, and it is starting to show, Riley Reiff is not a very talented bookend, and the Lions have struggled to protect their quarterback as well as support the running game. Conklin was a mainstay for the Spartans and will be a reliable tackle for the Lions as well. Quality pickup by new general manager Bob Quinn and Co.
17. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
The Falcons only have five picks in this years draft, so GM Thomas Dimitroff better make the most of them. He spent last year's first round pick on Vic Beasley to upgrade the edge rushers, but more is needed to really elevate the play of the front seven. Another way they could go is to take a player from the talented pool of defensive linemen but with so few picks, addressing a need here is important.
18. Indianapolis Colts: CB William Jackson III, Houston
The Colts need an effective cornerback, and get a quality one here in Jackson III. The cover man excelled at Houston and showed his sub 4.4 speed as well as solid coverage skills. GM Ryan Grigson is known for addressing needs early, and this one is pretty easy to see.
19. Buffalo Bills: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Much to my dismay, (as a Packer fan), here goes Ragland. An absolute beast between the sticks, Ragland rarely misses tackles and can take down even the strongest runners. While he is a liability in coverage, that doesn't keep him from being a can't-miss prospect. While linebacker isn't necessarily a huge need for Buffalo, continuing to add talent to their front seven can never hurt.
20. New York Jets: OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
The Jets address their biggest need while also taking one of the best players available here in Decker. GM Mike Maccagnan is smart to not reach on a quarterback here and wait to get a quality arm in the second round. Todd Bowles is a smart coach and he knows the importance of getting an experienced and talented offensive tackle to inject talent in run support.
The Jets address their biggest need while also taking one of the best players available here in Decker. GM Mike Maccagnan is smart to not reach on a quarterback here and wait to get a quality arm in the second round. Todd Bowles is a smart coach and he knows the importance of getting an experienced and talented offensive tackle to inject talent in run support.
21. Washington Redskins: DT A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama
22. Houston Texans: WR Josh Doctson, Texas Christian
Josh Doctson is an athletic freak, having run a 4.43 as well as utilizing his 6-2, 202 pound frame. Imagine Doctson, a dominant possession receiver, complementing DeAndre Hopkins for new quarterback Brock Osweiler. If I was a Texans fan, I would be quite excited. GM Rick Smith is building momentum down in Houston.
23. Minnesota Vikings: CB Eli Apple, Ohio State
A late riser, Apple crashes the first round here and is yet another addition to an ever-improving secondary in Minnesota. The defending NFC North champs need all the help they can get back there in order to keep up with Rodgers and Co. GM Rick Spielman could go wide receiver here but opts to address his defense once again and adds depth to his back four.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
The Bengals reap the reward on the big defensive line talent dropping into the 20's. A former JUCO player, Reed dominated on the biggest stage in college football. While he competed for looks with A'Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen joining him on the defensive line, Reed shined and showed he can dominate in the NFL too.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: SS Keanu Neal, Florida
Another late-rising defensive back, Neal is getting a lot of looks late in the draft process. GM Kevin Colbert has earned his keep finding guys like this who fall through the cracks. Neal is a strong, in the box safety that can help any team in need of upgrades for the run defense.
26. Seattle Seahawks: C Ryan Kelly, Alabama
27. Green Bay Packers: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor
The Packers waited and saw how their board shook out. They weren't able to grab Ragland, but they can address that position in the second or third round. Billings can fill Raji's shoes at nose tackle and can actually exceed the play of the troubled lineman. Billings is a massive player, but had a knack for being a quick player with a great first step. Billings would mostly provide support in the run game, and take pressure and blockers off their inexperienced inside linebackers. That is exactly what the Packers need.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Corey Coleman, Baylor
The New England Patriots 29th pick was forfeited by the NFL.
29. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
The Cardinals grab a troubled, but extremely talented defensive player in Spence here. They do not have a ton of needs, so they have the freedom to draft whoever they feel is the best player. The Cards also were running low on pass rushers and this is a great pick to inject talent and depth into the edge position.
30. Carolina Panthers: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
The Panthers add to their talented defensive line here with Ogbah, a strong and quick end who could be a talented rotational pass rusher for the 4-3 Panthers defense. The Panthers have flexibility here, and they grab a talented defender here.
31. Denver Broncos: QB Connor Cook, Michigan State
The Denver Broncos are in deep trouble at the quarterback position with the loss of Peyton Manning to retirement and Brock Osweiler to the Texans. John Elway will like to go out and grab a pro-ready smart and capable quarterback. Connor Cook checks all the boxes and while his upside isn't as high as other prospects, he would bring a positive influence in the locker room after successfully leading the Spartans.
Second Round
32. Cleveland Browns: WR Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh
33.Tennessee Titans: DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech
34.Dallas Cowboys: CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
35. San Diego Chargers: CB Tre'Davious White, LSU
36. Baltimore Ravens: DE Jonathan Allen, Alabama
37. San Francisco: WR Will Fuller, Notre Dame
38. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
40. New York Giants: OLB Kamalei Correa, Boise State
41. Chicago Bears: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
42. Miami Dolphins: DE Jonathan Bullard, Florida
43. Tennessee Titans: WR Michael Thomas, Ohio State
44. Oakland Raiders: OT Jason Spriggs, Indiana
45. Tennessee Titans: SS Karl Joseph, West Virginia
46. Detroit Lions: DT Kenny Clark, UCLA
| \ |
