I usually do three or four of theses things every year. This year somehow the only one I will do is the one to be released just a few hours before the draft begins. Where did the time go?
1. Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee Titans)
Quarterback – University of California – Berkeley – Jared Goff
The Rams made a trade that may go down as one of the worst in NFL history trading up from number 15 overall to number one. The haul of picks they gave up for the rights to Jared Goff or Carson Wentz is unfathomable. It’s not like either one is the second coming of Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. With that being said, the Rams reportedly covet Jared Goff. The rest of the NFL football universe wonders why.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland Browns)
Quarterback – North Dakota State University – Carson Wentz
Another head scratcher considering the off-season moves of re-signing Sam Bradford and the free agent signing of Chase Daniel. What are the Eagles doing trading up to the number two pick? Apparently they want to draft Carson Wentz assuming the Rams don’t grab him first. I don’t get the love fest for Wentz myself, but since this draft is being made for accuracy of the actual picks and not my recommendations. That style will fade the deeper you go down the page.
3. San Diego Chargers
Offensive Tackle – University of Notre Dame – Ronnie Stanley
Late breaking reports say that the Chargers have fallen in love with Ronnie Stanley. He is the third best offensive tackle in this class if you ask me. But if they love him, they love him. I just think he’s Will Beatty, and that’s not necessarily a complement.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Running Back – The Ohio State University – Ezekiel Elliott
Dallas will be Dallas and again will draft a luxury player when they have needs everywhere but on the offensive line. Demarco Murray was damn good behind that group and maybe Zeke Elliott will be even better. But Dallas would be much wiser to go elsewhere.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Linebacker – The University of California – Los Angeles – Miles Jack
If Miles Jack’s knee wasn’t so potentially problematic, you could see him going first overall in any given year despite playing the linebacker position. He’s probably the best pound for pound athlete coming out of college since Jadeveon Clowney, but Jack is a much more polished football player. Don’t be surprised if the knee issue scares that Jags’ out of taking him and he falls way down the draft list.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Offensive Tackle – University of Mississippi – Laremy Tunsil
The Baltimore Ravens have employed mediocre Left Tackle after mediocre Left Tackle ever since Jonathan Ogden retired. It’s time to change that and breath life back into a stale running game and keep their franchise QB Joe Flacco upright and hurling the ball deep down field. Laremy Tunsil has “character” issues, meaning he didn’t participate in the charade of being a “student/athlete”. He’s a pro football player and you shouldn’t need to worry about him as a professional.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Defensive End – University of Oregon – DeForest Buckner
I can just see it again. Chip Kelly drafting yet another Oregon player. Buckner is a workout warrior who’s never proven to be dominate against elite competition. After watching Michigan State’s Jack Conklin own him in back to back years, I have some reservations about taking him this high. But if anyone can get the best out of a raw, but supremely physically talented player, it’s Chip Kelly and the San Francisco 49ers.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles through Miami Dolphins)
Quarterback – Michigan State University – Connor Cook
Another late breaking report says that the Browns are all about Connor Cook. Even as a Michigan State guy myself, he isn’t worthy of this selection. But when you need a quarterback, you are forced to reach and take a guy that isn’t deserving of the selection. You gotta do what you gotta do.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Defensive End – The Ohio State University – Joey Bosa
This is as far as I see Joey Bosa tumbling. If it wasn’t for the alleged issues with ecstasy and the known issues with marijuana, you know damn well he’d go higher. The Buccaneers need another defensive end which is a shame with the amount of resources invested in the position lately that the cupboard is so bare.
10. New York Giants
Defensive Back – Florida State University – Jalen Ramsey
The Giants lost Prince Amukamara to free agency and have the worst defensive backfield known to man. They will have to address it early and often in this draft despite spending buckets of money on defense in free agency this off-season.
I’ve broken this into three parts for bandwidth’s sake. Find part two and three by clicking the arrows next to the post.
