For football fans, this is the second best day of the year, behind only the Super Bowl. It is a day where names being read on a stage once every ten minutes is high drama, causing millions around the country to sweat, rejoice, or cry at the name being read. Anything is possible on draft day, an idea that Kevin Costner built a whole movie around. Super Bowl winners crumble, cellar dwellers rise from the ashes to become Super Bowl winners, and the cycle repeats. It is statistically a crapshoot, but thousands, including myself, believe they know exactly what is going to go down. Though probably through five picks, that feeling will be gone. Without further ado, here are my predictions for the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
To read our mock for all nine Packers draft picks, click here.
- Los Angeles Rams – Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State
Despite most reports stating that Cal’s Jared Goff will be the selection here, the argument behind Carson Wentz as the first overall pick makes more sense. The Rams have kept this pick quiet up until the time of this writing, leaving the football world in the dark about who will be cast in the role of franchise quarterback for Hollywood’s new/old team. Since there has been overwhelming reporting that Goff is going #1, then the Rams would gain nothing by keeping this pick in the dark, and lose valuable contract negotiating time with Goff’s agent. However, the primary reason behind Wentz being the pick is that he is simply a better prospect. Since the Combine, I haven’t seen a single prospect ranking in which Goff was rated higher than Wentz. Wentz has the agility/arm strength/size combination in the mold of a Bortles or Roethlisberger, but is more accurate than Bortles and a better downfield runner than Roethlisberger. The North Dakota State product seemed to have cemented his status as the top signal caller in this draft when he completed 62 of 65 passes at his already-legendary pro day, though the knock on him remains NDSU’s relative lack of competition. Yet the Fargo, ND product was not fazed by the bright lights of the Senior Bowl or the Combine, and he won two national championships with the Bison. Also, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is not one to shy away from small school quarterbacks, most notably riding Alcorn State’s Steve McNair to within a yard of a Super Bowl title. The selling point for Wentz being the pick here for me is that Cleveland traded away the second pick to Philadelphia. Wentz had always been favored by the Browns front office, and it would be unlikely that they would trade away the chance to take him unless they felt confident the Rams would select him.
Other options: Jared Goff, QB, California
I’d put the odds at 55 percent Wentz, 45 percent Goff.
2nd Round Pick(s): None
- Philadelphia Eagles – Jared Goff, Quarterback, California
Despite shelling out big money this offseason for incumbent Sam Bradford and for former Chiefs backup Chase Daniel, new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has begun his full overhaul of the Eagles after the disaster of the Chip Kelly era. And what better way to buy yourself some time from the front office than to bring in and develop a rookie QB? Bradford, while he showed flashes last season, is too injury prone to be relied on as a franchise quarterback. While not as athletic as Wentz, Goff is the safer of the two, building an impressive body of work at Cal since winning the starting job as a freshman. Goff is a prototypical pocket quarterback with the size, accuracy, and leadership skills coaches dream for. However, the “Bear Raid” offense he played in led to him taking few snaps under center, a cause for concern for NFL teams along with his smaller hands.
Other Options: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
While far-fetched, the Eagles have gotten rid of DeMarco Murray and placed Ryan Mathews on the trade block, and Pederson places a high value on running backs. The Cowboys have shown interest in the Ohio State back, so this could’ve been to leapfrog their rival.
2nd Round Pick(s): None
- San Diego Chargers – Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State
When an athletic defensive back comes out of Florida State, the Deion Sanders comparisons are quick to follow. While the Hall of Famer left some big shoes to fill at Doak Campbell Stadium, Ramsey was the only cornerback to earn a starting job as a freshman other than Prime Time himself. A guy who can play fill the role of lockdown corner and ballhawking safety, Ramsey is the top rated player on many teams’ boards. While the Chargers are set at cornerback, the departure of Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle leaves a gaping hole on the back end. Ramsey will be an instant contributor for San Diego. However, San Diego has been looking to move this pick, so I would be surprised if they stayed at #3.
Other Options: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi; DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Tunsil is the only other player in the top tier with Ramsey and offensive line is a need for San Diego, but DJ Fluker and Joseph Barksdale’s hefty contracts make it unlikely for him to be drafted there. Buckner is the dark horse contender, though the lanky end is not a polished a prospect as Ramsey.
2nd Round Pick(s): #35- Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
The best player available at #35, Butler will step into the vacant DE spot in the Chargers’ 3-4.
- Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
Formerly the consensus top prospect on the board, Bosa’s stock has fallen considerably after a junior year where he posted only five sacks and was ejected from the Buckeyes’ playoff game. He performed well at the Combine (posting the best measurements for his position in the broad jump, 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle) and at his pro day, but he could land anywhere from here to the Buccaneers at #9. Luckily for Bosa, the Cowboys have been in desperate need of an edge rusher even before losing Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence to suspensions. Bosa has been in the spotlight since his freshman year, so being plugged into the starting lineup immediately for the league’s most storied franchise wouldn’t faze him.
Other Options: Ezekiel Elliott; DeForest Buckner; Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys have reportedly been in love with Elliott, though the signing of Alfred Morris could complicate that situation. Buckner isn’t as pure of a pass rusher as Bosa, and is more raw of a prospect. I think Jack is the most likely option of this group, but with Sean Lee coming back (we’ll see how long he lasts) rushing the quarterback is more pressing of a need than a weak-side linebacker.
2nd Round Pick(s): #34- Artie Burns, CB, Miami
The secondary is a perennial weakness for Dallas, the lanky Burns can contribute in nickel situations immediately.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Jack, Linebacker, UCLA
The third-rated prospect on my board, Jack will become an impact player in the middle of a Jaguars defense that is starting to look formidable. Athletic enough to also start at running back for UCLA, Jack is a high energy player who can make plays in all situations. The biggest concern teams have about Jack was a knee injury suffered three games into the 2015-16 season, which caused him to miss most of his final season at UCLA as well as preventing full participation at the combine. However, Jack believes he is back to full health, and the Jaguars will get a front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year and a possible star with this selection.
Other Options: DeForest Buckner; Laremy Tunsil; Trade Up for Ramsey
Even though they signed Malik Jackson from Denver, the Jaguars could use another big defensive lineman. Tunsil would fit in well with Jacksonville, but the contract situations of former #2 pick Luke Joeckel and free agent signing Kelvin Beachum make it unlikely they would take him. A trade up for Ramsey could very well occur, as San Diego is looking to move back and the secondary is Jacksonville’s biggest weakness.
2nd Round Pick(s): #38- Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida
Capable of playing both end and tackle, Bullard is one of the best players on the board and fills a need across from Jackson.
- Baltimore Ravens – Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi
When Tennessee held the first overall pick, Tunsil was thought to be the the selection. Unfortunately for him, the Rams and the Eagles turned the draft upside down, leaving him to likely fall to #6. Tunsil was the most effective run-blocker in all of college football last season, and is strong in pass protection as well. He did miss some time in his college career due to injuries and a suspension, but he checked out well at the combine. Tunsil compares favorably to Philadelphia’s Jason Peters, who has been one of the most reliable left tackles of the past decade. Expect Tunsil to solidify a shaky Ravens line, and to team up with Marshal Yanda and Eugene Monroe to keep Joe Flacco upright for a long time.
Other Options: DeForest Buckner; Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
The Ravens defense is far from the glory days of the Ray Lewis era, and could be addressed by either Buckner or the best pure cover corner in this draft in Hargreaves.
2nd Round Pick(s): #36 Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
The Ravens have gambled on “character concerns” in the past, and Spence is way too good of a player to pass up here.
- San Francisco 49ers – DeForest Buckner, Defensive Lineman, Oregon
To little surprise, Chip Kelly announces his presence in the Bay Area by selecting a former Oregon Duck. However, Buckner is the best player available, and can be a building block for an eroded defense. Buckner is an oversized defensive end in the mold of Arizona’s Calais Campbell, and he has speed that one would be surprised to see out of a 6’7”, 290 pound guy. The constant critique on Buckner is that he plays with his pad level too high, though that is something easily coachable. The 49ers are weak in the trenches, and the addition of Buckner would bolster a lethargic unit. Though don’t be shocked if they trade down to stockpile picks.
Other Options: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame; Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Stanley’s stock has dropped due to character concerns, though the 49ers are in need of O-Linemen. Lynch is far from a top-ten prospect, but San Francisco’s QB situation is a mess and reaching for a passer isn’t uncommon in today’s NFL.
2nd Round Pick(s): #37 – Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
As previously mentioned, the 49ers have a sieve of an offensive line. Garnett is a plug-and-play guy.
- Cleveland Browns – Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State
It would shock me if the Browns are still picking here at #8. General manager Sashi Brown said the Browns were locked in onto one player, and would trade if he wasn’t available, according to Pro Football Talk. My guess is that player is Myles Jack, but Elliott is also seriously in play there as well. The Ohio State product has drawn comparisons to Adrian Peterson, and is considered one of the safest bets in the draft. Elliott is a complete back, able to catch passes out of the backfield and pound the rock between the tackles. Teams are worried about how much Ohio State used him, but he should be a strong player for quite some time.
Other Options: Ronnie Stanley; Paxton Lynch; Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi; Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB, Georgia
Any offensive position is in demand in Cleveland. Joe Thomas is getting up there in age, so even a tackle isn’t out of the question. They’re not much better at rushing the passer, and Floyd would be a good scheme fit.
2nd Round Pick(s): #32 – Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Double-dipping on Buckeyes, Thomas will attempt to fill the vacancy left by the once-again suspended Josh Gordon.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson
Lawson was one of the most productive players in college football last year, putting up 25.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks and earning All-American honors during Clemson’s title game run. He can play in both a 3-4 or a 4-3, and has ideal build for a pass rusher. However, he is an average athlete, which could cause teams to shy away. The Bucs are in desperate need of a pass rusher, especially when they face Cam Newton, Drew Brees, or Matt Ryan six times per season. Adding Robert Ayers in free agency helps, but William Gholston isn’t scaring anyone. They’ll need to force pressure on opposing QBs if they hope to unseat the Panthers.
Other Options: Vernon Hargreaves III; Leonard Floyd
The back end is a big issue for Tampa Bay as well, but pass rushers are more impactful in today’s NFL. I believe Lawson would be better for Tampa’s 4-3 scheme than Floyd, but it wouldn’t be a shock if they selected the latter.
2nd Round Pick(s): #39 – Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
Great value here at the top of the second round. The hard hitting safety would give life to a depleted secondary.
- New York Giants – Leonard Floyd, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Georgia
Even with the massive signing of Olivier Vernon, the Giants are still in the market for someone to line up across from him. Robert Ayers departed in free agency, and Floyd fits the bill for his replacement. A quintessential 3-4 edge rusher, he is athletic and can make plays all over the field. However, Floyd weighs just 244 pounds despite standing 6’6”, which puts him at a significant disadvantage against 300-plus pound offensive tackles. He has also been criticized for looking better than he plays, as he put up just 4.5 sacks last year.
Other Options: Ronnie Stanley; Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State; Laquon Treadwell
The Giants have had offensive line issues for years, but their salary cap issues coupled with the fact that they used last years first rounder on a tackle make it unlikely they’d select another. Treadwell would be very productive alongside OBJ, but he would be a reach here.
2nd Round Pick(s): #40- Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Spriggs can provide depth behind the tackles and will take over at RT when Ereck Flowers shifts to the left side.
- Chicago Bears – Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame
The Bears are currently starting the embattled Bobby Massie at right tackle and the relatively unknown Charles Leno at left tackle. A change is necessary if they want to keep Jay Cutler as the twilight of his career approaches. Stanley is probably the best pass protector in this draft class, with a quick first step necessary to stifle the Von Miller and Khalil Mack’s of the world. There have been rumblings about his motivation for football recently, and a slide is possible.
Other Options: Vernon Hargreaves III; Jack Conklin; A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Hargreaves is only just slightly behind Stanley in the running to be selected here, as the Bears have struggled mightily on the back end. The Bears drafted Eddie Goldman last year to replace Henry Melton on the defensive line, but Robinson could be a worthwhile selection.
2nd Round Pick(s): #41- Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
Howard would step into the nickel corner slot behind Tracy Porter and Kyle Fuller.
- New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville
The Saints desperately need help on the interior of their defensive line, and pretty much anywhere else on defense too. Rankins is a good start for their rebuilding process, as he is one of the top prospects on the board. He’s a tad undersized for the position, but he’s quick and has a great motor, presenting a tough matchup for most offensive guards. Rankins would likely step into the starting lineup from the get-go, but don’t be surprised if they play him from a variety of different places. However, the Saints could be looking to trade back, as all of their targets (Rankins, Robinson, Treadwell, and Ohio State corner Eli Apple) could be had at later selections in this draft.
Other Options: A’Shawn Robinson; Laquon Treadwell; Eli Apple
Treadwell is reminiscent of the recently retired Marques Colston, and could fill that void. The Saints had the worst secondary in the league last year so corner would be a point of interest.
2nd Round Pick(s): #47- Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Fuller could start immediately and would be great value at #47.
- Miami Dolphins – Vernon Hargreaves III, Cornerback, Florida
While the Dolphins’ prayers for Ezekiel Elliott are unanswered, their second target falls to them at 13. Hargreaves is the best pure cover corner in this draft, who assuages concerns about his height with his stunning 39-inch vertical leap. While he might run into trouble covering bigger receivers like Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas, he is quick and has great technique. Hargreaves’ presence in the Miami secondary would allow Jamar Taylor to move into slot duties, his more natural position.
Other Options: Jack Conklin; Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Since the departure of Jake Long a few years back, the Dolphins’ line hasn’t been the same. Dodd would replace Vernon.
2nd Round Pick(s): #42 – Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
The Dolphins find a replacement for Lamar Miller with the bruising Heisman winner.
- Oakland Raiders – Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State
Likely the best player on the board at this juncture, Conklin would be tasked with keeping promising quarterback Derek Carr on his feet. Conklin is technically sound and is notoriously tough, and perhaps most importantly, can play both guard and tackle. He might not be the most physically gifted player, but he will be a reliable contributor for years. Donald Penn is getting up there in age and Austin Howard is unproven, so bringing in another tackle would be a smart decision. Yet the Silver and Black could go many different directions with this pick.
Other Options: Eli Apple; William Jackson III, CB, Houston; Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
The secondary is a pressing need for Oakland, even after the signing of Sean Smith. Ragland is one of the best players on the board, but Curtis Lofton has a few years left in the tank.
2nd Round Pick(s): #44- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
One of the most talented players in the draft, character concerns will cause him to drop to Day 2.
- Tennessee Titans – Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State
Tennessee traded away the first overall pick in the draft to Los Angeles for a huge bounty of picks. With all the needs they have on both sides of the ball, that was necessary. Sadly for them, Conklin gets drafted right before their pick. Cornerback is still a primary need for Tennessee, and Apple is the best one on the board. One of the many Ohio State players in this draft, Apple has the skill set to be a #1 corner. Standing at 6’1”, Apple has the frame and the toughness to match up with the bigger wide receivers in the league. But his strength is his weakness, as he is often “grabby” with wide receivers. The Titans have little depth at cornerback, so he would be expected to contribute early.
Other Options: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State; A’Shawn Robinson, Reggie Ragland
Decker would be a bit of a reach, but protecting Marcus Mariota is priority #1. The Titans could use any help they can get on the defensive side of the ball.
2nd Round Pick(s): #33 – Cody Whitehair, OL, Kansas State; #43 – Keanu Neal, S, Florida; #45 – Emmanuel Ogbah, DE/OLB, Oklahoma State
All three will be expected to play significant time from Week One.
- Detroit Lions- A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Lions are still trying to replace Ndamukong Suh, as Haloti Ngata has not been the same player he was in Baltimore. Nick Fairley left in free agency as well, leaving Tyrunn Walker in the starting role next to Ngata. Robinson is one of the better players in this draft, and would provide a serious interior presence. He’s a great athlete for his size and has the ideal frame for an NFL two-technique.
Other Options: Laquon Treadwell; William Jackson III; Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Treadwell would be a good replacement for the retired Calvin Johnson, though those would be tough shoes to fill for a rookie.
2nd Round Pick(s): #46 – Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
The rangy receiver will be a good complement for Golden Tate.
- Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
As the position of “money-backer” continues to gain prevalence in NFL circles, Lee is the top prospect at the reinvented position. The Cardinals created matchup nightmares for teams last season by utilizing the oversized safety Deone Bucannon in certain packages, and the Falcons would like to do the same. Dan Quinn is an intelligent defensive-minded coach; seeing a linebacker with 4.47 forty yard dash speed must be intriguing at the least. The Falcons could use a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, as outside of cornerback Desmond Trufant, there isn’t a whole lot of promise.
Other Options: Reggie Ragland; Kevin Dodd; Taylor Decker
A more traditional player, Ragland could be the heart of this defense.
2nd Round Pick(s): #50 – Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M
The offensive line could use some work; this team is only relevant when Matt Ryan is under center.
- Indianapolis Colts – Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
While Decker may not be the best prospect on the board, the offensive line is the priority for the Colts. It was evident by the Colts disaster of a season last year that keeping Andrew Luck healthy is imperative to the team’s success, though Matt Hasselbeck performed admirably. Decker is not as polished in pass protection as he is a run blocker, though his 6’7” frame would allow him to develop well.
Other Options: Reggie Ragland; Kevin Dodd; Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
The Colts don’t have a spectacular defense, and could address it in the first round if they go for the best available player
2nd Round Pick(s): #48 – Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
The Colts could use a playmaker other than Vontae Davis in the secondary.
- Buffalo Bills- Reggie Ragland, Linebacker, Alabama
While Rex Ryan has caused some rumors about Paxton Lynch being the pick here, Ragland is the best player on the board and fills a serious need. The Bills currently have just three linebackers under contract after letting Nigel Bradham walk in free agency. Ragland would start as they simply don’t have any other players that can. Under Ryan, Ragland would be a tackling machine. He may not have the speed that most defensive coordinators covet, but he’s a hard hitter and wraps up tackles well.
Other Options: Paxton Lynch; Kevin Dodd; Jarran Reed
I think if the Bills want Lynch, they’ll have to trade up to get him. Dodd is also very much in the running to be selected here.
2nd Round Pick(s): #49 – Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
While I disagree wholeheartedly with this pick, I think they will take a QB early in this draft.
- New York Jets – Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis
I am 99% certain that this will not occur. That doesn’t mean Lynch won’t become a New York Jet, but if past history is any indication, the team that drafts him will have to trade up. In a scenario where no further trading occurs, this is where the former Memphis Tiger would land. With a rocket arm and above average mobility, Lynch is viewed as the QB with the most upside in this draft. However, he is a very raw prospect, and would likely need to sit behind a veteran for a year or two. But with the Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick still far apart on contract talks, a quarterback could be in the works.
Other Options: Noah Spence; Kevin Dodd; Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
A pass rusher is of importance here, though the loss of Damon Harrison and the potential loss of Muhammad Wilkerson could see a interior D-Lineman selected at #20.
2nd Round Pick(s): #51-Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
I think Todd Bowles is a smart enough coach to take the risk on Smith. He won’t be able to play in 2016, but the way I look at is the Jets are trading a 2nd rounder this year for a top ten pick in next year’s draft. Smith is an absolute steal here. Not to mention the Jets could use a linebacker.
- Washington Redskins – Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Redskins addressed their cornerback needs a few days ago when they were able to sign surprise free agent Josh Norman, who had his franchise tag rescinded by Panthers GM David Gettleman. With Norman taking away opposing teams’ vertical weapons, the focus shifts onto fixing the defensive line. The loss of Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton leaves a hole open in the middle of the line, which will be filled by Reed. Though he makes little impact rushing the passer, Reed was arguably the best defensive lineman against the run in college football. His former linemate A’Shawn Robinson may take away some of the attention, but Reed is legit.
Other Options: Andrew Billings; Karl Joseph
This would be as high as Joseph would likely go, but don’t be shocked if it happens.
2nd Round Pick(s): #53 – Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
The ‘Skins don’t have a whole lot going for them at safety; they were forced to move DeAngelo Hall there but they could use a young player there.
- Houston Texans – Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor
Coleman stays in the state of Texas as he fills the role of #2 receiver behind the great DeAndre Hopkins. With Nate Washington moving on to New England, there is a need for a complementary wideout, though Hopkins showed he had the ability to carry the workload himself last year. Coleman is a straight burner, though he has the quickness and agility to make people miss in the open field. He plays in the style of Percy Harvin, able to carry the ball out of the backfield and to take a bubble screen the length of the field. Teams worry, however, about how much Art Briles’ system at Baylor can translate to the NFL. Nonetheless, Coleman should instantly prevent opponents from double teaming Hopkins on every play.
Other Options: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame; Ryan Kelly
With the departure of C Ben Jones, the Texans could use a new center. Kelly will be tempting here as the best player on the board.
2nd Round Pick(s): #52 – Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
They need someone to pick up the slack from the loss of Jared Crick. TE Hunter Henry would be a great pick here too.
- Minnesota Vikings – Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Mississippi
And finally, the best receiver in this class comes off the board. For a player who is constantly compared to Dez Bryant and Michael Irvin, one would think he would be selected earlier. However, his slow 40-yard dash at the Combine (4.63 seconds) cost him his status as a top ten prospect. I think this is a steal at #23, as Treadwell has a combination of size, strength, hands, agility and technique that would produce a star regardless of speed. Teams have noted that Treadwell plays faster than he actually is, a sign of a future star. He steps into a situation where he will be the top target of an up-and-coming quarterback on a contending team.
Other Options: Josh Doctson, WR, Texas Christian; Karl Joseph
While Harrison Smith is one of the best safeties in the league, Joseph could step in at strong safety.
2nd Round Pick(s): #54 – Su’a Cravens, LB/S, USC
Another moneybacker, Cravens could be an X-factor for an already scary defense.
- Cincinnati Bengals – Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver, Texas Christian
The Bengals needed a #2 wideout to complement AJ Green even before Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu left via free agency. Doctson would present a legitimate threat even as a rookie, and would draw coverage away from Green. Though he doesn’t have the speed of a Coleman or Fuller or the size of a Treadwell, Doctson’s ball skills are unparalleled. He is very sound technically, and should be a contributor for years.
Other Options: Andrew Billings; Karl Joseph
Domata Peko is starting to wear down, so expect the Bengals to address the interior of their defensive line during this draft.
2nd Round Pick(s): #55 – Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
This is where the help for Peko comes in.
- Pittsburgh Steelers – William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston
Pittsburgh hasn’t selected a cornerback in the first round of the draft since the nineties, and that needs to change. Jackson is one of the best players on the board at this point, and fills a serious need. Ross Cockrell is currently starting for them, which is evidence enough that an upgrade is warranted. Jackson has risen after a strong Combine performance, as he possesses the size and measurables to be a #1 corner in the league. He turned in a 4.37 forty yard dash at the Combine, and to have that kind of speed coupled with a 6’0” frame at the corner position could be a lethal combination.
Other Options: Jason Spriggs; Emmanuel Ogbah; Noah Spence
The Steelers’ line is once again in flux, and could use another tackle such as Spriggs.
2nd Round Pick(s): #58 – Kamalei Correa, DE/OLB, Boise State
The Steelers are always adding pash rushers.
- Seattle Seahawks – Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama
The best player available also happens to fill a gaping hole in the Seahawks roster. Russell Wilson has gotten shelled by defenders over the last two years, and something needs to be done to upgrade his protection. There aren’t any stellar tackles available here, but Kelly is versatile enough to play both guard spots as well as center. He has risen in the last few weeks, going from a Day Two prospect to a surefire first-rounder. Kelly is a gritty player, and was a three-year starter for those ground-and-pound Alabama teams. Teams have concerns about his size, though Jeff Saturday didn’t even weigh 300 pounds when he played.
Other Options: Noah Spence; Robert Nkemdiche; Jason Spriggs
Pete Carroll isn’t afraid to take on a potential head case, and Spence and Nkemdiche have some of the highest upsides in this class.
2nd Round Pick(s): #56 – Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
They need to replace Brandon Mebane, and Washington is the best DT available.
- Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Nose Tackle, Baylor
The retirement of beloved nose tackle B.J. Raji surprised many, causing defensive tackle to shoot up the list of Green Bay’s weaknesses. Luckily, Billings is the best player available at this spot. He should be able to contribute from the get-go. A former weightlifter, Billings is one of the strongest players in this draft, and should be able to gain leverage from his 6’1” frame.
Other Options: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas; Cody Whitehair, OL, Kansas State; Artie Burns
The Packers have holes along the offensive line, at tight end, and in the secondary.
2nd Round Pick(s): #57 -Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
This might take some serious luck, but it is definitely a possibility. They might have to trade up a little in order to get him, however.
- Kansas City Chiefs – Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
While Jeremy Maclin was an impact player last season, they aren’t long removed from a season in which a touchdown pass to a wide receiver never occurred. Maclin is a classic possession receiver, so Fuller is a perfect complement. Fuller ran the fastest forty yard dash at the Combine, clocking a 4.32. He does have an issue with drops and isn’t the best route runner, but he is the best deep threat in this draft class.
Other Options: Cody Whitehair; Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Even with Marcus Peters winning DROY, a corner must be in the works following Sean Smith’s departure.
2nd Round Pick(s): #59- Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
The interior of the Chiefs’ offensive line could use an upgrade.
- Arizona Cardinals – Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson
Possibly the player with the most volatile draft stock in this class, Dodd could go anywhere from ninth overall to the 2nd Round. Dodd only received playing time this past year, but the tandem of him and Shaq Lawson terrorized college offenses. His presence was most heavily felt by Alabama in the national championship game, as Dodd put up three sacks on Alabama’s highly touted offensive line. He is a player in the mold of Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, a relentless 4-3 defensive end who never mails it in. The Cardinals pass rush desperately needs a boost, and Dodd will provide that.
Other Options: Cody Whitehair; Hunter Henry
The Cardinals don’t really have major holes, they will likely go with the best available player.
2nd Round Pick(s): None
- Carolina Panthers- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson
Even before the departure of their superstar cornerback Josh Norman, the Super Bowl runners-up were in the market for a cornerback. Last year they were forced to bring in grizzled veterans Charles Tillman and Cortland Finnegan. The Panthers can’t expect to make another Super Bowl run with Bene Benikwere and Robert McClain starting at cornerback. Alexander should make his presence felt quickly in Charlotte, as he has the makings of a lockdown corner. While teams gripe about the fact that he didn’t have an interception in his two years as a starter, he also didn’t let up a single touchdown.
Other Options: Jason Spriggs; Artie Burns
Mike Remmers’ struggles against Von Miller in the Super Bowl put the Panthers’ pass protection issues into the spotlight.
2nd Round Pick(s): #62- Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
Despite having a bout with leukemia earlier in his college career, Coleman is back.
- Denver Broncos – Connor Cook, Quarterback, Michigan State
Do they have another choice here? Despite winning the Super Bowl last year, Denver isn’t looking like a mere playoff team. Mark Sanchez did lead the Jets to back to back AFC Championship games while riding the coattails of a great defense, but they need to groom a young quarterback. Cook, for such a polished product, has received a great deal of hate from the media as well as teams. Most notably, he was not named captain of Michigan State’s team despite being a three-year starter at the most important position on the field. But this is a pick Denver has to make unless they are able to land Colin Kaepernick or Ryan Fitzpatrick by tomorrow night.
Other Options: Dak Prescott
They do have a lot of holes, but there will be at least four QBs selected in the first round.
2nd Round Pick(s): #63 – Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
They lost Owen Daniels and Jacob Tamme, and need a safety blanket for their new QB.
***New England Patriots- First Round Pick Forfeited
2nd Round Pick(s): #60 – Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma, #61- Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Shepard is a vertical threat, which would be valuable for Garoppolo/Brady. Ward will be expected to pick up the slack for the departed Chandler Jones. Don’t be surprised if the Pats take a running back, such as Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon, with one of the two picks.
Photo courtesy of patriots.com.