NFL Draft

[jersey cubs fan]

We are two months away from the NFL draft.

 

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/2/29/11131196/2016-nfl-mock-draft-combine-joey-bosa-jared-goff

For as much ballyhoo as the NFL Scouting Combine receives, the impact it's had on the 2016 NFL Draft has been somewhat minimal. There wasn't a single player who came out of nowhere at the Combine to vault high into the first round.

 

The Combine did offer some clarity for the direction some teams will be making this offseason. How that effects the draft will come much more into focus after free agency begins.

[Derwood]

Someone on Mike & Mike said that Carson Wentz (sp?) DID really stand out

[jersey cubs fan]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/insider/story/_/id/14875583/todd-mcshay-2016-nfl-mock-draft-30

 

McShay

[Derwood]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/insider/story/_/id/14875583/todd-mcshay-2016-nfl-mock-draft-30

 

McShay

 

Care to post it here? I have no Insider so I can't see past the top 3 picks

[imb]

also i saw that man's dick

[OleMissCub]

1. Tennessee Titans

Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi

 

Tunsil is the most talented offensive lineman in the draft, so if Tennessee is interested in filling its biggest need -- and protecting QB Marcus Mariota for the long term -- he would be a great choice. If a QB-needy team is looking to leapfrog Cleveland and trade up to the No. 1 spot, then the Titans could stockpile some extra picks and still potentially get a really good second option at tackle in Ronnie Stanley.

 

2. Cleveland Browns

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

 

The Browns have a lot of needs, but none of them matter much until they find a long-term answer at QB. Wentz and Cal's Jared Goff continued to separate themselves from the rest of the QB class at the NFL combine. The decision here will come down to personal preference. Wentz has better athleticism and bigger hands to grip the ball in bad weather. Goff has more experience against high-level competition and a stronger arm. I give Wentz the edge for now, but it's close.

 

3. San Diego Chargers

DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

 

Offensive tackle is certainly an option here, with Philip Rivers aging and the line continuing to struggle last season. But Buckner would give San Diego a much-needed scheme-versatile defender who is a disruptive force against the run. He made great strides as a pass-rusher last season, finishing the Pac-12 season with 8.0 sacks in nine games. At 6-foot-7 and 291 pounds, Buckner is a perfect 5-technique in a 3-4.

 

 

4. Dallas Cowboys

Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

 

Bosa plays with great leverage and is masterful at using his hands to shed blockers. He didn't have the best showing at the combine, but once you turn on the film, it's clear that Bosa is a top-tier player in this draft. Dallas needs impact defenders, and Bosa would be ready to start from Day 1 in Rod Marinelli's 4-3 scheme. CB Jalen Ramsey is another option here.

 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State

 

The Jaguars have needs at both corner and safety. The solution? Draft Ramsey and figure out which hole you want him to plug. The Florida State product has the lateral quickness and natural athleticism to play cornerback in the NFL, and the frame (6-foot-1, 209 pounds), top-end speed (4.41 40-yard dash) and run-stuffing ability to excel at safety. He tested off the charts in Indy and is one of the safest prospects in this draft.

 

6. Baltimore Ravens

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

 

Stanley didn't test off the charts at the combine, but his long arms (just over 35½ inches) and big frame (6-foot-6, 312 pounds) are what you're looking for in a left tackle prospect. The Ravens would have the luxury of easing Stanley into his role at left tackle with Eugene Monroe still under contract. Two other options the Ravens could look at here: 1) RB Ezekiel Elliott and 2) Trading back. Ozzie Newsome loves to stockpile picks and a team like the Rams could be tempted to jump ahead of San Francisco and take Jared Goff.

 

7. San Francisco 49ers

Jared Goff, QB, Cal

 

There's a lot still to be hashed out between the 49ers and Colin Kaepernick. But if Chip Kelly is looking to draft his QB of the future and Goff falls to No. 7, the 49ers might just pull the trigger. Goff is a naturally accurate thrower who displays above-average anticipation. His smooth release would fit perfectly within Kelly's scheme, which counts on the quarterback getting the ball out on time and on target.

 

8. Miami Dolphins

Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

 

Jack, who is still recovering from an early-season knee injury, didn't participate in drills at the combine. But his tape shows a twitched-up athlete who thrives in coverage and can make plays all over the field versus the run. If the Dolphins are looking to add a much-needed playmaker to the second level, Jack is their best bet.

 

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

 

It's not often the best pure cover corner in the draft falls to No. 9 overall, but here we are. Hargreaves wins in man-to-man coverage with elite quickness and footwork, and he showed off excellent ball skills during his time at Florida (10 career interceptions in 37 games). Playing in a division against Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, the Bucs need to continue to upgrade their secondary.

 

10. New York Giants

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

 

Defense -- specifically DE, LB and CB -- are all bigger needs, and Clemson DE Shaq Lawson could be a good fit if the Giants are unable to lure Jason Pierre-Paul back to New York. However, after a good performance in Indianapolis, I think there's a strong chance Elliott goes in the top 10, whether it's to the Giants or via a team trading up. At 6-foot and 225 pounds, he has the frame and skill set to be an every-down back in the pros. And his 4.47 40-yard dash at the combine confirmed what we saw on tape: Elliott has breakaway speed once he gets a crease.

 

11. Chicago Bears

Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

 

The Bears need more impact players on defense, and Lawson -- who led the FBS with 25.5 tackles for loss last season -- fits the bill. He plays with a good mixture of relentlessness, technique and discipline. Lawson isn't the best athlete on tape, but he tested well at the combine and has a good first step.

 

12. New Orleans Saints

A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

 

Robinson is never going to be a guy who puts up huge numbers or blows away the athletic tests in Indy, but if you're looking for an interior D-lineman to plug holes and occupy blockers, this is your guy. On tape, he consistently stands up opposing linemen and pushes them into the backfield. He does a good job of tracking the ball and redirecting for someone who's 307 pounds. Tough, physical and imposing, Robinson is exactly the type of player the Saints need to change their identity on defense.

 

13. Philadelphia Eagles

Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

 

This would be an ideal situation for Conklin. Based on the tape I've watched, he has the skill set of a right tackle. But his athletic testing at the combine -- 5.0-second 40-yard dash, 7.63 three-cone and 4.57 short shuttle -- and his long arms (35 inches) suggest he could potentially be a left tackle someday. If he went to Philly, Conklin wouldn't be pressured to protect the QB's blind side from Day 1, given that the Eagles just signed Lane Johnson to an extension.

 

14. Oakland Raiders

Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

 

A true 6-foot-1 and 199 pounds, Apple has the size NFL teams covet in their corners. He played a lot of press-man coverage at Ohio State and has the speed (4.40 40-yard dash at the combine) to turn and run with faster wideouts. Apple still needs to refine his ball skills, but there's a lot to like about his raw skill set.

 

15. Los Angeles Rams

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi

 

Would the Rams pull the trigger on Memphis QB Paxton Lynch if he's still on the board here? I'm guessing they'd pass. Would they try to package some picks and move up to, say, No. 6 to snag Goff or Wentz? Perhaps. For now, I'll give them Treadwell. Wide receiver is another top need. He didn't run at the combine, and I'm interested to see his time at his pro day on March 28, but his game isn't built on pure speed. He's a big, strong receiver with a very good combination of athletic ability, body control and ball skills.

 

16. Detroit Lions

Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

 

Matthew Stafford was sacked 89 times the past two seasons, so the Lions have to address their offensive line somehow this offseason. Decker has good experience and is a solid fit at right tackle -- a specific need for Detroit up front. A highly efficient run-blocker, Decker plays with enough toughness and range to hold up in pass protection at the next level.

 

17. Atlanta Falcons

Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

 

The Falcons were the worst defense in the NFL at covering running backs and tight ends last season, allowing 213 combined completions, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Selecting Lee -- a very good cover linebacker with 4.47 speed -- would go a long way toward addressing that weakness. The former Buckeye fits into today's NFL very well and would provide an immediate upgrade to Atlanta's LB corps.

 

18. Indianapolis Colts

Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

 

If Laremy Tunsil, Ronnie Stanley, Jack Conklin and Taylor Decker are all off the board, the Colts will have to decide whether to reach for an O-lineman (Jason Spriggs and Germain Ifedi are next up on my board) or take an impact player elsewhere. Floyd would give Indianapolis an athlete who can pressure the QB and drop into coverage. He's not a finished product, so that might scare off some talent evaluators, but Floyd has the raw tools to develop into a playmaker.

 

19. Buffalo Bills

Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

 

You have to think Rex Ryan would be pretty happy if Rankins fell to No. 19 overall. He's not Sheldon Richardson, but the Louisville product would fill that type of role playing alongside Marcell Dareus in Ryan's defense. Rankins has a unique combination of quickness and power for someone who weighs 299 pounds. One of the most underrated players in this class, Rankins brings a lot of scheme versatility to the table.

 

20. New York Jets

Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky

 

How the Jets handle free agency will dictate the importance of drafting a running back or a quarterback (Paxton Lynch?) here. With a ton of dominoes still to fall, I'll give them Spence, who turned in a disappointing performance at the combine after showing rare quickness and bend around the edge at the Senior Bowl. He's a confounding prospect, especially when it comes to his personal character, but some team is going to fall in love with his ceiling.

 

21. Washington Redskins

Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

 

Reed has the skill set to be the centerpiece in a 3-4 front. At 6-foot-3 and 307 pounds, the Crimson Tide product maintains great leverage and is hard to move off the ball. While he is never going to be a consistent threat to rush the passer from the interior, Reed maintains very good gap discipline versus the run, showing the ability to beat double-teams and penetrate the backfield.

 

22. Houston Texans

Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

 

While they might be tempted to take Paxton Lynch or Christian Hackenberg here, I think the Texans will wait until Round 2 to snag a QB, even if it means they have to move up a little bit. Houston's defense was outstanding down the stretch, but J.J. Watt needs some help up front. Butler has the versatility to play nose tackle or 5-technique DE. His tape is a lot better than his athletic testing at the combine indicated. Butler has the size (6-4, 323), length (35-plus-inch arms) and upper-body power (26 reps on the bench) to wreak havoc up front.

 

23. Minnesota Vikings

Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

 

WR Josh Doctson would make sense here too, but this is a pure value pick. Bell is currently No. 17 on our board, and the Vikings are in need of a playmaker opposite of Harrison Smith. With nine career interceptions, Bell has elite cover skills for a safety. He shows good recovery speed when needed and can match up with most slot wide receivers and tight ends one-on-one. Bell is ready to start from Day 1.

 

24. Cincinnati Bengals

Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

 

Doctson is the best WR in this year's class at attacking the ball when it's in the air. With a good frame (6-2, 202), a wide catch radius (41-inch vertical) and big hands (nearly 10 inches), the former Horned Frog has a chance to develop into a reliable deep threat at the next level. If Vernon Butler and/or Jarran Reed fell this far, they would both be possibilities since depth is a question in the middle of the Bengals' defense.

 

25. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

 

Tight end is a need, and we have a first-round grade on Hunter Henry, but you have to think the Steelers are going to spend this pick on a defender. Quick-twitched, instinctive and capable versus the run, Alexander is a really good all-around player. But he finished college with zero interceptions and lacks ideal length; he measured 5-foot-10 with arms less than 31½ inches at the combine. Houston CB William Jackson III, who had an impressive combine workout and has really underrated tape, is another possibility here.

 

26. Seattle Seahawks

Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi

 

The Seahawks have shown a willingness to take a chance on risk/reward prospects in the past, and Nkemdiche, who comes with plenty of off-field baggage, certainly fits that bill. Even though his tape is inconsistent, he has top-10 talent, and his combine workout confirmed his rare athletic ability. According to ESPN Stats & Information data, Nkemdiche is just the fifth defensive lineman since 2006 to weigh in at 290-plus pounds, run a sub-5.00 40-yard dash and jump at least 35 inches in the vertical.

 

27. Green Bay Packers

Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

 

With Clay Matthews set to move back to OLB, you'd have to think the Packers would jump at the chance to take the No. 14 overall player on our board -- and the best ILB in the class -- at pick No. 27. I wouldn't be surprised if Ragland went a little earlier to the Bears, Falcons, Jets or Bengals, but he could fall due to team needs and positional value. Ragland's football intelligence, toughness and straight-line speed will be an asset to whichever team takes him.

 

28. Kansas City Chiefs

Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

 

With so many key defenders set to be free agents, the Chiefs' focus with this pick could change greatly over the coming months. Kansas City could gamble on LB Jaylon Smith here, who is one of the most talented players in this class but suffered a significant injury at the worst time. Jones comes with risk too. He plays with an inconsistent motor, and there's some concern about his overall work ethic. But his freakish combination of length, strength and straight-line burst gives him a high ceiling.

 

29. Arizona Cardinals

Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State

 

This would be an interesting -- and ideal -- situation for Paxton Lynch, who would have a chance to sit behind and learn from Carson Palmer. If they don't pull the trigger on a QB in Round 1, look for the Cardinals to take a developmental prospect like Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg on Day 2. Arizona also needs to address its pass rush, which is where Correa comes in. With 19 sacks in his final two seasons, Correa is a dynamic athlete with the versatility to rush the QB and hold up in coverage.

 

30. Carolina Panthers

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

 

The Panthers will be in the market for more depth at cornerback, so you'd have to think William Jackson III and Kendall Fuller would be in the mix here too. And while Ogbah had a terrific combine, his motor runs hot and cold on tape, which is a concern. When he decides to cut loose as a pass-rusher, he has an outstanding combination of length, quickness and power.

 

31. Denver Broncos

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

 

Spriggs was one of the big winners in Indy. He's inconsistent on tape, but his size (just over 6-foot-5½) and athleticism (he crushed the short shuttle and 40 at the combine) make him an appealing prospect, especially in Denver's zone-blocking scheme. Adding depth up front will be one of the Broncos' top offseason priorities.

 

 

Best prospects remaining

1. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas

2. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

3. Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

4. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

5. Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

6. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame

7. Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

8. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

9. Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State

10. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

11. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

12. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

13. Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

14. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

15. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

16. Ryan Kelly, OC, Alabama

17. William Jackson III, CB, Houston

18. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas

19. Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina

20. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

[jersey cubs fan]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

[jersey cubs fan]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

[OleMissCub]

What the hell? There is no one in this draft that is worth that.

[UMFan83]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

What in the hell? I might not do that even if this was the Peyton Manning draft and I knew how Peyton's career was going to turn out.

[Banedon]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

[WrigleyField 22]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

What in the hell? I might not do that even if this was the Peyton Manning draft and I knew how Peyton's career was going to turn out.

Well that's the silliest thing ever said.

[UMFan83]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

What in the hell? I might not do that even if this was the Peyton Manning draft and I knew how Peyton's career was going to turn out.

Well that's the silliest thing ever said.

 

I feel like much of NSBB struggles with understanding hyperbole :)

[OleMissCub]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

What in the hell? I might not do that even if this was the Peyton Manning draft and I knew how Peyton's career was going to turn out.

Well that's the silliest thing ever said.

 

No kidding. This a QB driven league. You don't win without one. I would make that trade all day if it would assure me a top 15 QB in the league, much less a Peyton Manning.

[jersey cubs fan]

 

What in the hell? I might not do that even if this was the Peyton Manning draft and I knew how Peyton's career was going to turn out.

Well that's the silliest thing ever said.

 

No kidding. This a QB driven league. You don't win without one. I would make that trade all day if it would assure me a top 15 QB in the league, much less a Peyton Manning.

 

therein lies the:

http://scene7.targetimg1.com/is/image/Target/14706846?wid=480&hei=480

[WrigleyField 22]

 

What in the hell? I might not do that even if this was the Peyton Manning draft and I knew how Peyton's career was going to turn out.

Well that's the silliest thing ever said.

 

I feel like much of NSBB struggles with understanding hyperbole :)

So much so they can't produce good hyberbole?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

"It's the Rams, dude."

[jersey cubs fan]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

[jersey cubs fan]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

[Derwood]

First two teams know exactly who they're taking, but the networks will demand they get their twenty minutes of jibber jabber. We could be on pick 3 at 7:02 god dammit

[WrigleyField 22]

First (mild) surprise.

[UMFan83]

Good I don't have to have that awkward thing where I have to root for an OSU guy

[NOLA]

LOL Cowboys. Nevermind getting a pass rusher or DB. Get another RB with the 4th horsefeathering overall pick. Jerry gonna Jerry.

[WrigleyField 22]

We have Dallas on our schedule this year don't we? We gonna be run over.

[Derwood]

Did the NFL try to make Goff vs Wentz at 1 a thing? NFL.com's tag made it seem that way.

 

They told the Rams not to say who they were picking ahead of the draft, so yes, they were trying to create drama