Predictions and Analysis for each pick in Round 1 of the 2016 NFL Draft
Draft time is finally upon us. After scouring countless ‘expert’ mock drafts and NFL depth charts for the better part of a month, I have come up with my final picks for the 2016 NFL draft, while also providing justification for each selection. Disclaimer: I will not be projecting any trades.
1) Los Angeles Rams — QB Jared Goff
The Rams have many if not all of the neccasary pieces in place to make a playoff push for the 2016 with the exception of a QB. With a stout run game and elite defense by his side, Goff can be inserted into the lineup day 1 as a result of his exceptional pocket poise and ability to read defenses.
2) Philadelphia Eagles — QB Carson Wentz
The Eagles have made it clear they are preparing to invest in their future; and taking the QB with the highest upside in this draft is a good way to start. Wentz has a tremendous amount of athleticism and arm strength that will bode well for him in the NFC East.
3) San Diego Chargers — CB/S Jalen Ramsey
It is tempting to go left tackle here, but selecting either OT Leremy Tunsil or Ronnie Stanley at this spot has the potential to create a log jam, as King Dunlap has recently been given a fairly sizable contract extension. Clearly, a logjam is not a position you want to be in with the 3rd overall pick. With the departure of Eric Weddle, the secondary is just as much a need for the Chargers as offensive line, and the freakishly athletic Ramsey fills that need and then some.
4) Dallas Cowboys — DE Joey Bosa
Jerry Jones can say what he wants about how the upcoming suspensions of Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory won’t effect his draft intensions, but I’m not buying it: there will be no individual (let alone individuals) on the Cowboys roster worthy of lining up to rush the opposing team’s QB on Day 1 if they do not address that need with this pick. Fortunately for the Cowboys, Bosa is by no means a reach at #4 overall; as his perpetual high motor and relentless work ethic will legitimize their pass rush in a hurry.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars — ILB Myles Jack
You may be thinking that I haven’t been brought up to speed with Jack’s recent medical reports, but I assure you I have. The consensus is that Jack’s meniscus is not a concern, but rather, if his knee will stay in one piece long term. “Long term” is a relative term in the NFL, and dare I say the Jaguars are finally ready to be in win-now mode? With a potent passing attack, the return of Dante Fowler JR, and the signing of Malik Jackson, Myles Jack will will add an almost unprecedented amount of athleticism at the line backer position for the Jaguars; even if it is for a shorter period of time than some expect.
6) Baltimore Ravens — OT Laremy Tunsil
Ozzie is renowned for his “best player available” philosophy, even so, it is with great reluctancy that the Ravens do not take one of their coveted elite defenders off the board with the #6 pick. With current left tackle Eugene Monroe often injured and Flacco coming back from a torn ACL, adding an elite anchor to the Ravens offensive line makes a ton of sense.
7) San Francisco 49ers — DE Deforest Buckner
The 49ers could go in any number of directions here. They are one of the NFL’s most talent-depleted rosters due to the shocking amount of player departures in the past 2 years. One of their biggest needs, however, is stopping the run, and Deforest Buckner provides that better than any player in the draft. On top of that, we all know the fondness Chip Kelly has for Oregon players.
8) Cleveland Browns — QB Paxton Lynch
This is perhaps my first ‘shocker’ of the mock draft, as many pundits would say this is a reach; but would it really be the 1st time the Browns have reached for a QB? Word on the street is that Hue Jackson values Paxton Lynch more than he did Wentz or Goff, the reason he traded out of the #2 overall pick in the first place. In addition, both Lynch and the Browns orginization would be creating an ideal situation for one another. Despite Lynch’s cannon arm and high athleticism, the consensus is that he will need 1–2 years of mentoring before he is ready to start. RGIII, conveniently enough, has recently signed a team friendly 2 year deal with the Browns. A match made in heaven?
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — OT Ronnie Stanley
This is a fortunate situation where a need coincides with the best player still on the board. The Bucaneers would be wise to keep their franchise QB Jameis Winston upright as frequently as possible, and Ronnie Stanley certainly will do his part. Stanley is easily the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft, and using that athleticism to protect Winston’s blindside is good for all involved.
10) New York Giants — RB Ezekiel Elliot
Rashad Jennings isn’t getting any younger and Andre Williams struggles immensely with catching balls out of the backfield. Ezekiel Elliot solves both of those issues quick, fast, and in a hurry. Elliot is the definition of a 3-down NFL running back; with his overall speed, quickness, and ability to catch and pass protect. Eli Manning, Ezekiel Elliot, and Odell Beckham Jr could be the triplets to watch out for in 2016.
11) Chicago Bears — OLB Leonard Floyd
The Bears have a number of holes on their defense, and perhaps no hole is worth addressing more immediately than pass rush. Floyd has rocketed up draft boards in the past week, as he has finally put on the neccasary weight to shed blockers at the next level. Floyd has the potential to make an immense impact for the Bears in 2016.
12) New Orleans Saints — DE Shaq Lawson
As QBs are desperately sought after due to their scarcity, so are quality edge rushers, and Shaq Lawson certainly fits that bill. The Saints were historically bad on the defensive side of the ball in 2015, and I don’t use that word lightly in this scenario. Adding as dynamic a talent as Lawson makes a ton of sense here.
13) Miami Dolphins — CB Vernon Hargreaves
While there are concerns about Hargreaves’ size and 4.4+ 40 yard dash, there are no concerns about his knack for being around the ball making plays. The instincts are there, and if the Dolphins are able to line Hargreaves up against the right receivers, he has the potential to be a shut-down corner for years to come.
14) Oakland Raiders — ILB Reggie Ragland
The Radiers are finally ready to contend, as they are coming into this draft without a whole lot of glaring needs. One position they could bolster, however, would be at inside linebacker. Ragland is potentially the most physical inside linebacker in the entire draft; a trait that both the front office and Raiders faithful covet in the Black Hole.
15) Tennessee Titans — OT Jack Conklin
QB Marcus Mariota found himself scrambling for his life before finally getting shut down at the end of 2015 due to an ailing knee. Here, the Titans are able to address their biggest need by drafting an athletic left (or possibly right) tackle to protect Mariota for years to come. This is a big win for Tennessee, as they were able to get their man while also accumulating several other early round picks for making the historic trade with St. Louis several weeks ago.
16) Detroit Lions — OT Taylor Decker
The final NFL-ready offensive tackle comes off the board here, as the Lions need to keep Matthew Stafford healthy as well as enhance their lackluster run game from 2015. While the Lions do have some major needs on the defensive side of the ball, the value for the remaining players available at #16 overall simply isn’t there.
17) Atlanta Falcons — OLB Darron Lee
When you think about the Falcon’s top 3 needs, you think pass rush, pass rush, and pass rush. While Lee will also come in handy for chasing down backs and receivers with his blazing sideline to sideline speed, he has the athleticism neccasary to embarrass offensive lineman at the next level, provided he is in the right scheme. This pick fits like a glove.
18) Indianapolis Colts — C Ryan Kelly
The best interior offensive lineman in the draft is now off the board at #18. While the Colts would have been overjoyed had Conklin or Decker fallen to them, they will make whatever pick is necessary in order to ensure that Andrew Luck’s recent injuries do not become habit. Kelly’s athleticism will go a long way in ensuring that defensive tackles are kept in check while Luck is under center, while also bolstering their run game that underperformed in 2015.
19) Buffalo Bills — DT Sheldon Rankins
Rex Ryan will have all kinds of fun with this pick, as Rankins is one of the most disruptive defensive lineman in the draft. The Bills defense of 2015 didn’t live up to the hype, as they were expected to be one of the best, but clearly fell short. With Rankins coming off the board at #19, however, the Bills will be well on their way to redeeming themselves.
20) New York Jets — DE Kevin Dodd
This pick for the Jets is pretty simple; they were fortunate to have a pass rusher of this caliber fall into their lap, as this also happens to be one of their biggest needs. It is true that Dodd lacks polish and ample starting experience, but Todd Bowles is the defensive guru this young man needs in order to succeed at the next level.
21) Washington Redskins — DT Robert Nkemdiche
The Redskins are in dire need of defensive lineman, and are ready to make a splash. Nkemdiche’s off the field antics are the reason someone of his talent has fallen to the 21st pick. With that being said, his raw power and tenacity can be harnassed if he enters the right scenario: the Redskins will do everything in their power to ensure his talents are properly nurtured.
22) Houston Texans — WR Corey Coleman
It’s amazing to think that it took this long for a reciever to be taken, but the Houston Texans couldn’t be happier. DeAndre Hopkins needs help, and Coleman brings the necassary vertical threat to deliver. Brock Osweiler could very well have the strongest arm in the NFL; Coleman will be the one able to take advantage.
23) Minnesota Vikings — WR Laquon Treadwell
Of all the potential matches in the later part of the draft, this one is the most ideal. Treadwell was made to play in this offense. If you throw the ball in his area, he’ll snatch it. He isn’t particularly quick, but he doesn’t need to be. Teddy Bridgewater has one of the more modest arms in the NFL and, as a result, the Vikings generally don’t stretch the field. A Diggs/Treadwell 1–2 punch is exactly what this offense needs to really start churning.
24) Cincinnati Bengals — WR Will Fuller
You can’t coach 4.32 speed. Fuller’s lightning fast legs will be the quickest way for coaches and fans alike to forget the names Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. This is a good style contrast to AJ Green and Tyler Eifert, who have some of the best hands in the NFL, but aren’t as quick. Make no mistake, Andy Dalton is salivating at this pick.
25) Pittsburgh Steelers — S Karl Joseph
The Steelers secondary as a whole has been a disaster for several years and needs to be strengthened in a hurry. While the popular selection for many pundits here is cornerback, it is widely known that cornerback is one of the more difficult positions to adapt to at the NFL level, and the Steelers need help in the secondary straight away. Joseph is considered by many to be the most NFL ready defensive back in the draft. Run this pick up to the commissioner.
26) Seattle Seahawks — DT Jarran Reed
Teams ahead of Seattle with greater needs is the only reason someone of Reed’s talent falls this far. With no offensive lineman at a good value with this pick, the Seahawks cross off another one of their substantial needs while also taking the best player available.
27) Green Bay Packers — NT Andrew Billings
The Packers want to make sure they don’t miss BJ Raji for too long, and Billings is the perfect replacement. Incredibly athletic for his size, Billings will be clogging the middle while creating interior pressure on opposing QBs for years to come.
28) Kansas City Chiefs — WR Josh Doctson
Docston’s modest 40 time won’t be an issue here, as Alex Smith doesn’t have the arm to bomb passes down the field anyway. This pick will surely take a fair chunk of coverage off Jeremy Maclin, as Doctson could very well have the best hands in this draft class.
29) Arizona Cardinals — CB Eli Apple
Despite Apple’s clear lack of discipline at his position, the talent is there. He arrives at a perfect landing spot in Arizona, as Patrick Peterson will be more than ready to take him under his All-Pro wing. It worked with Tyrann Mathieu, it will work here.
30) Carolina Panthers — CB William Jackson III
The suprising departure of Josh Norman creates an immediate and substantial need at cornerback for the Panthers. Jackson has the necassary size and speed to translate to the next level fairly quickly, which will be crucial for this team.
31) Denver Broncos — QB Connor Cook
Although the Broncos lost some players in free agency, their defense is still elite, therefore, they need a steady game manager to keep themselves in championship contention: Cook fits the bill. Mark Sanchez is prone to turning the ball over frequently, while cook could very well be the last QB in this draft class you could make the case for starting year 1.