Two round mock draft - pre combine

TWO ROUND MOCK


1.       Tennessee Titans – OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss.

                While I don’t think Tunsil is a better player than Bosa or Ramsey, I think the Titans would be wise to grab a stud lineman to protect their most important investment, last year’s number one overall pick Marcus Mariota. 

2.       Cleveland Browns – QB Jared Goff, Cal 

                I prefer Wentz to Goff at this point but not by a far enough margin to think this is a bad selection. Goff is pretty much a finished product and definitely justifies a look at the second overall selection. The only question is whether Hue Jackson does what the Bengals did while he was there and goes with a stud at a different position and a quality starter later, with the A.J. Green round 1, Dalton round 2 selections, respectively.

 
3.      San Diego Chargers – DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State

                I think the Chargers would prefer if Tunsil was here and Tennessee took Bosa, but you are never disappointed when you get the best player in a draft. Bosa can play in a three or four man front and be a dominant player. San Diego has a lot of holes and adding Bosa will do nothing but help that team.

 
4.       Dallas Cowboys – DB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State            

                The sexy pick here would be to take Wentz from North Dakota State, but Jones in recent years has gone with the smarter safer selections in round one. Here taking Ramsey is what they should do and I think what they will do. He’s an absolute stud and pairing him with Byron Jones in the secondary means you have tremendous athleticism and versatility back there. He’s the best player left on the board.

5.       Jacksonville Jaguars – DL Deforest Buckner, Oregon

                I think Jacksonville would prefer if Ramsey or Bosa were available here but since they aren’t Gus Bradley and company will grab the versatile Buckner. Like Bosa, Buckner can play anywhere along a defensive line. The Jags desperately need to be able to rush the passer better and with Dante Fowler Jr. back and healthy and the addition of Buckner, the Jags front seven should be much improved.

 
6.       Baltimore Ravens – OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame

                I’m not sure what Baltimore would do here, I think Treadwell would be a consideration. However, considering they invested a first rounder last year at the wide receiver position and they had a couple guys emerge as quality players there last season, I think they grab a very solid Stanley. He can play right or left tackle and gives them a virtual guaranteed hit, which is an Ozzie Newsome special.

7.       San Francisco 49ers – LB Myles Jack, UCLA

                While I considered Wentz here, and think he could flourish in Kelly’s system, I went defense here. Kelly believes that he can get a lot out of quarterbacks and therefore I don’t think he invests the 7^th overall pick on one here. Jack is a guy who can really run and an underrated guy who played well in Kelly’s scheme last year in Philly, Jordan Hicks, is like a lesser version of Jack. Jack could be a triple digit tackle guy in that scheme and so Kelly and Baalke go there at 7.

 
8.       Miami Dolphins – CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida

                I think this would be a position where Miami would look to trade down, and a team that is in desperate need of a quarterback might jump up. In this scenario Wentz is still there and Miami could get a haul for the 8^th selection with a team like LA, Houston, or the Jets. However, we can’t do trades in a mock draft so I’m going Hargreaves here. Miami’s best corner, Brent Grimes turns 33 this year and the rest of the roster isn’t tremendous there. Tackle is a big need but the top two are off the board and the others would be a BIG reach here. Hargreaves can start right away and be a really solid guy for them.

1. 9.       Tampa Bay Bucaneers – CB Mackenzie Alexander, Clemson

                While this is probably a reach for him, again this is a major trade down scenario for Tampa. You aren’t going to use the 9^th overall pick on a guard, and the safeties in this draft are late first or second round guys so what do you do here? Treadwell could be a consideration but the secondary is in desperate need of help so you grab Alexander here. If Hargreaves falls here you jump on it, but if not look to trade back or take Alexander who is a good player in his own right. If you don’t love Alexander maybe I could see them reaching, in my opinion a lot, on Eli Apple.

10.   New York Giants – LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame

                I know he was injured and I know their biggest need by far is pass rush, but it seem too rich to take Lawson or Ogbah here and Spence is so risky with his off the field red flags. Therefore the Giants grab Smith would was the number one ranked guy on my board until he tore his knee up. He wasn’t asked to blitz or rush a ton for the Irish but when he did he was damn good at doing so. He’s a great player when healthy and could also help defend Witten, Reed, and Ertz in that division.

 
11Chicago Bears – LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

                Put quite simply the Bears need help all over the place and Ragland could provide that at their biggest need. Ragland can take on blockers, make tackles, rush from the inside or outside and is a solid piece. He would be a good fit in John Fox’s defense and as someone who is a good tackler he could instantly improve this defense.

  

12.   New Orleans Saints – DL A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama

                I considered Sheldon Rankins here as well, but ultimately settled on Robinson. I think Robinson being able to play 34 DE or 43 DT means his position versatility is a bit better than Rankins. Robinson is a freak for his size and can really move sideline to sideline. I think his ability to push the pocket as well as collapse and set the edge makes him a really nice fit on a completely rebuilding defense.

  

13.   Philadelphia Eagles – OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State

                While I think this is a bit of a reach for Decker, losing Jason Peters potentially means the Eagles are in desperate need of a tackle right now. While I think there may be some growing pains, if the Eagles draft Decker or Michigan State’s Jack Conklin, they could have their tackle situation settled for the next five seasons, a major luxury in the NFL.

 
14.   Oakland Raiders – DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville

                I considered a couple different pieces here but Rankins is an explosive interior pass rusher who can give teams fits. I think at this point he is a good value and gives the Raiders defense an Aaron Donald light to pair with Mack on the outside. This pick is partly because they have the explosive outside rusher in Mack, and having someone on the inside as well could be an exceptionally difficult problem to solve for opposing offenses.

15.   Los Angeles Rams – QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State

                There is no way Wentz lasts this long as I’m sure someone will move up to get him, but if he does LA will snatch him up in a heartbeat. The Rams need a signal caller and with Wentz’s ability to move he could be the new age Steve McNair for Jeff Fisher. This would be a no-brainer if he lasts to 15, and LA would have to be considered the first round winner if they get him and don’t have to give up anything for it.

16.   Detroit Lions – WR Laquan Treadwell, Ole Miss

                I almost put Treadwell here simply because someone has to have taken him by this point as well. However, with Calvin Johnson retiring and Haloti Ngata saying he’s staying in Detroit, the Lions sntach up the draft’s best receiver. Treadwell is a really nice player and adding him with Ebron and Tate makes Megatron’s departure a bit easier to swallow for Lions’ fans.

17.   Atlanta Falcons – DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

                It would have been really fun to pair Shaq Lawson with former teammate Vic Beasley but I have Spence ranked a touch higher at this point so pulled the trigger on him here. Likely both Lawson and Spence could make it to this point so Atlanta, in desperate need of a pass rusher, could stand pat and get a really nice player at 17 at its biggest position of need.

18.   Indianapolis Colts – OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State

                Personally, I think Ryan Grigson is the worst GM in the NFL, and he will likely screw this pick up. I’m not a huge Conklin guy but he’s a really solid player and the Colts HAVE to address their offensive line. This could be Conklin, Ryan Kelly, hell even any of the top three guards would be okay here, but this has to be an offensive line pick and Conklin is a tackle and therefore carries more value here.

19.   Buffalo Bills – DE Shaw Lawson, Clemson

                I thought about Kevin Dodd here as well, but Lawson’s ability to stand up and rush the passer as well as do it from a two point stance gives him a slight edge at this point. The Bills have to improve their pass rush, which disintegrated under Rex Ryan last season. Lawson is a nice pass rusher who does a better job against the run than people give him credit for. This is a good value at a position of need with some upside, a nice pick for the Bills.

20.   New York Jets -  RB Ezekial Elliot, Ohio State

                The Jets grab the best back in the draft by snagging Elliot. He is a do it all back and with the Jets likely moving on from solid Chris Ivory, they are in need of a lead back. Elliot is the best blocking running back I’ve ever scouted, runs with a purpose, and can carry the load for a team that needs quarterback help.

21.   Washington Redskins – DL Jarran Reid, Alabama

                The Redskins need some help on the interior and Reid is a really good football player. He’s extremely difficult to move on the inside and his sideline to sideline speed is much better than people think. He can rush from the interior or you can play him at a 34 or 43 defensive end spot at times. He’s going to be a good pro, and Washington probably took the best player available at a position of need. 

22.   Houston Texans – QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis

                While I’d be surprised if Lynch lasts this long on draft day, the Texans would be ecstatic to FINALLY get their signal caller of the future. Lynch is probably going to struggle a bit at the start of his career but long-term he has all the tools to be a successful quarterback. Lynch has good mobility, size, and arm strength. While the game gets a bit fast for him at times, he’d likely be the day one starter in Houston for the next decade.

23.   Minnesota Vikings – OG Cody Whitehair, Kansas State

                I think the Vikings would probably prefer if any of the four top tackles fall this far, Whitehair is a great consolation prize. He played tackle in college but projects as a really good guard in the NFL. In order for Teddy Bridgewater to continue is ascension they have to protect him better as a whole, and Whitehair would be a nice start to that.

24.   Cincinnati Bengals – WR Braxton Miller, Ohio State

                I grabbed Miller from Ohio State here for a couple of reasons. Number one they need someone opposite of AJ Green, number two they are likely going to lose both their other receiver options, three the Bengals had a lot of success with Mohammad Sanu who converted from quarterback, and finally Braxton Miller is from Ohio State and staying in state would be great for the fans. We have to always be cognizant that the NFL is a business. Miller could end up being an absolute beast in the league but it may take him a while to develop. Doctson, Coleman, and a couple others could be in play here as well. 

25.   Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Eli Apple, Ohio State

                I don’t know if Apple is really this good or not to be taken this early but a lot of people believe he is. Apple would go to a Pittsburgh team in desperate need of secondary help and would be a starter immediately for the Black and Gold. Apple can run and make plays and would possibly be their best corner from day one of training camp. 

26.   Seattle Seahawks – DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss

                A guy who was number one on my board headed into the season almost found his way out of the first round. He’s got a great combination of H/W/S but his love of the game is in question as is his off the field issues. Seattle has shown they aren’t opposed to taking chances on people’s characters and the reward definitely outweighs the risk at 26 overall. If he falls this far Seattle could get the best value out of round one.

  

27.   Green Bay Packers – TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas

                This was a gut wrenching pick for me here. I had to choose between Henry, the clear best tight end in this class or Darron Lee who could help move Clay Matthews back outside and fill two areas of need with one selection. I went with Henry because the Packers offense just wasn’t the same last year and the need for them to give Rodgers another weapon was evident. While there are some other solid inside linebackers later in this draft, Henry was head and shoulders as a prospect ahead of the other tight ends.

  

28.   Kansas City Chiefs – WR Josh Doctson, TCU

                This would be exceptional for the Chiefs. Doctson is a really nice player who can do everything you would want out of a number two receiver in the league. Pairing him up with Maclin would give the Chiefs one of the most dangerous and explosive offenses in the league, lead by a quarterback who doesn’t make mistakes and a really good defense. This would be a great move for KC.

29.   Arizona Cardinals – OLB Kamelei Correa, Boise State

                I think this might be a touch rich for Correa, but he’s the best outside pass rusher left on the board and his style fits Arizona perfectly. He could play the position they want and need and offer immediate productivity above what they had this past season. For a team with very little holes, and a serious chance to hoist a Lombardi trophy, take a good player at a position of need.

30.   Carolina Panthers – DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson

                The Panthers could probably go wide receiver here or corner but getting their number two corner and best wide receiver back from injury means I will go elsewhere in round one. The Panthers need someone to come off the edge opposite of emerging Kony Ealy and Dodd could be the answer. He’s a really quality player who can play both run and pass. I think this would be a good fit and good value for him for the defending NFC champs.

31.   Denver Broncos – OT Jason Spriggs, Indiana

                The defending Super Bowl champs aren’t without their share of warts, particularly on the offensive line. Carolina really didn’t have much in terms of a pass rush and they still got to the quarterback frequently in that game. Bringing in the athletic Spriggs would be a nice pick up to coach Gary Kubiak’s zone heavy scheme and would help immediately at right tackle. Spriggs ultimately will probably slide over to the blind-side at some point but regardless he provides and instant upgrade on an offensive line in need of some help.

Round 2

32.   Cleveland Browns – DT Vernon Butler, Lousiana Tech

The best player available on my board after round one, Butler is a really nice player and putting him next to Shelton could help address the Browns atrocious run defense.

33.   Tennessee Titans – WR Corey Coleman, Baylor

While I think the Titans probably have some decent down field threats, they don’t really have anyone like Coleman. Again Tennessee’s first job should be to help Mariota develop.

34.   Dallas Cowboys – LB Darron Lee, Ohio State

He’s too good to leave on the board at this point, and the Cowboys just keep adding quality defensive pieces. They can add a backup quarterback next round.

35.   San Diego Chargers – C Ryan Kelly, Alabama

Kelly is a really good player and the Chargers have to address the offensive line. Kelly would step right in and be a quality starter from day one.

36.   Baltimore Ravens – DE/OLB Emmanual Ogbah, Oklahoma State

I’m not sure exactly where they would play him, and cornerback is a definite possibility here but they have to generate a better pass rush and Obgah is the best pass rusher left.

37.   San Francisco 49ers – WR Michael Thomas, Ohio State

Thomas fits exactly what Chip Kelly likes to do offensively. He can run, block, and can play multiple receiver positions. After taking a defensive player in the first round, they add a chess piece offensively.

38.   Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech

Finally Gus Bradley gets a corner that can play the cover three the way he wants. While an offensive lineman was a thought here, Bradley needs an upgrade to a porous defense. Fuller can play the scheme that Bradley brought over from Seattle immediately.

39.   Tampa Bay Bucaneers- WR Will Fuller, Notre Dame

After grabbing a corner in round one, they draft the eventual replacement for Vincent Jackson. Fuller is a really nice player and adds a good playmaker for sophomore Jameis Winston.

40.   New York Giants – S Vonn Bell, Ohio State

The Giants were not good at safety last season, and while Landon Collins was solid and improved throughout the season as a rookie, they could definitely upgrade the other spot. Bell is the best true safety in this class and provides really nice value at the start of round 2.

41.   Chicago Bears – G Nick Martin, Notre Dame

There were a few spots that I could have gone with here but I think Martin is going to cruise up draft boards. He’s a really good player who can play center, guard, or potentially tackle later in his career. Grabbing Ragland and Martin means you likely have two guaranteed starters for the next ten years, that’s a victory in draft land.

42.   Miami Dolphins -  LB Joshua Perry, Ohio State

The Dolphins could go tackle here but the value probably isn’t there so they grab a tackling machine at inside linebacker. Perry is a really solid player who had the lowest missed tackle percentage in all of college football last year.

43.   Los Angeles Rams – WR Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh

This is assuming after the three cuts they just made that they can resign their two young stud corners. If not then corner is the play here, but with Boyd they get rookie Carson Wentz a deep threat who can kill teams with speed. Him and Tavon Austin means a lot of two deep looks which should open it up for Gurley in the run game.

44.   Oakland Raiders – DB Jalen Mills, LSU

Mills is supremely talented and can play both safety and corner. This gives him added versatility to a defensive backfield that could use some serious immediate help.

45.   Los Angeles Rams – S Darian Thompson, Boise State

Jeff Fisher likes playmakers on defense and Thompson is a turnover machine back there. He can make plays everywhere and would add a nice piece to a young and emerging secondary.

46.   Detroit Lions – DL Kenny Clark, UCLA

While I’m not as high on Clark as some others, getting him at 46 is a nice grab for the Lions. He’s a good player who can take on double teams and let the young linebackers for Detroit run.

47.   New Orleans Saints – CB Will Redmond, Mississippi State

This is probably a reach here but they need a cornerback pretty badly. After getting a really solid defensive lineman early they grab a quality player in Redmond. While probably never a star in the league this guy could be a good piece for a while.

48.   Indianapolis Colts – S Jeremy Cash, Duke

The Colts need help at free safety and Cash is a good solid player. I think he can help them immediately back there. A running back is a possibility as well here as an offensive tackle.

49.   Buffalo Bills – OT Vadal Alexander, LSU

I don’t really like any of the tackles that much after the top 4, but some are going to go in round two, so I took Alexander here, there are a handful of others but the Bills need help over there so here is where they go.

50.   Atlanta Falcons – S Su’a Cravens, USC

While he played both safety and linebacker for the Trojans, Cravens will play the Kam Chancellor role for Dan Quinn in the ATL.

51.   New York Jets – OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia

I seriously doubt Floyd is still available here on draft day but if he is the Jets are ecstatic. They would have grabbed a stud feature running back and a legitimate pass rushing threat in round two without having to move anywhere to do it.

52.   Houston Texans – RB Derrick Henry, Alabama

While I think there would be considerations for more versatile backs like Indiana’s Jordan Howard, or Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon, Henry is a bruiser who can wear down opposing defenses. That’s exactly what O’Brien wants to do offensively.

53.   Washington Redskins – C Max Tuerk, USC

I like Tuerk as a player and while he’s more of a round three guy to me in terms of overall talent, he’s a good pickup here for the Skins. I think he can be a nice player and his ability to move a bit as well as create seems and pass protect means he’d be a big upgrade for Washington.

54.   Minnesota Vikings – WR Leontee Carroo, Rutgers

Carroo is a guy who can do a lot of things and was someone who could go deep or run underneath routes. He’s not tall but he’s built well at about 5’11 and 215 pounds. While there is some off field baggage, he is a guy who could help Bridgewater develop.

55.   Cincinnati Bengals – DT Aldolphus Washington, Ohio State

The Bengals are going to take the best player on their board at this point and that’s Washington. Cincinnati isn’t scared of going after people with baggage if the upside is worth it, at 55 it’s worth it here for AW.

56.   Seattle Seahawks – OT Jermain Ifedi, Texas A&M

The Seahawks always go off script at least once and while I’m not super high on Ifedi some teams and scouts are. I could see him going in round two to someone and while the Justin Britt experiment failed, as I predicted, maybe they take another shot at a tackle here.

57.   Green Bay Packers – ILB Scooby Wright, Arizona

Wright isn’t super athletic but he’s a really solid player who does a lot of good things. While there is some injury risk there and perhaps he’s not a three down linebacker, he allows Matthews to move outside without a major drop-off inside.

58.   Pittsburgh Steelers – G Joshua Garnett, Stanford

You pair one of the best guards in the league with another Stanford guard and watch out league. If they grab Garnett I predict the Steelers will easily lead the league in total offense and points in 2016.

59.   Kansas City Chiefs – QB Dak Prescott, Mississippi State

Chase Daniel is gone in free agency and someone is going to take these quarterbacks. Prescott would be a really good fit for Andy Reid’s offense.

60.   New England Patriots – DE/OLB Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State

While there would be obvious temptation to grab a wide receiver or a tackle here the Patriots take the best player on the board, and someone who can play multiple positions like they like.

61.   Arizona Cardinals – QB Christian Hackenberg, Penn State

A big armed quarterback to groom behind Carson Palmer on a team without many needs. It’s an obvious fit.

62.   Carolina Panthers – DE Jordan Bullard, Florida

I picked him here because there’s no way he gets out of round two is there? Plus just because they had one in round one doesn’t mean they won’t double help. They did it at DT a couple years ago and got two beasts.

63.   Denver Broncos – QB Connor Cook, Michigan State

A guy who would be perfect to play in Kubiak’s system. Not knowing what will happen at quarterback this offseason, I felt like Cook couldn’t escape round two. Hell he might not escape round one in the real draft.