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.
11. Chicago Bears
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – University of Georgia – Leonard Floyd
The Chicago Bears cannot rush the passer whatsoever. They will address that issue by drafting diet Von Miller with their first selection. Floyd will by dynamic off the edge but will struggle early in his career to anchor against the run. If the Bears can work him in so he can hone that skill, you have another solid edge rusher for years to come.
12. New Orleans Saints
Offensive Tackle – Michigan State University – Jack Conklin
The Saints have their franchise Left Tackle in Terron Armstead and will have him locked down for some time to come. Right Tackle Zach Streif isn’t getting any younger. They could use Conklin at Right Tackle and slide Streif inside to a guard spot or start Conklin off slow at guard. However it plays out, this pick is a win for the Saints.
13. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia Eagles)
Cornerback – University of Houston – William Jackson
The Dolphins cut Brent Grimes because of his bat shit crazy wife and his high cap number. They need to find his replacement. Jackson is big and fast but is a bit raw at the finer points of the game. That is something that can be easily coached up. You can’t coach the kind of speed/size combo that Jackson possesses.
14. Oakland Raiders
Defensive Tackle – University of Louisville – Sheldon Rankins
The Raiders have an absolute lack of talent on the Defensive Line outside of Khalil Mack. They should probably address that gaping hole as soon as possible.
15. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams)
Offensive Tackle – The Ohio State University – Taylor Decker
Another reach necessitated by having a huge need at a keystone position. Decker isn’t likely going to be able to serve as a franchise Left Tackle, but he sertantly has to be better than Taylor Lewan, who’s been an absolute bust. Either way they’ll get an upgrade at a postion of need.
16. Detroit Lions
Defensive End – University of Clemson – Shaq Lawson
The Detroit Lions need help getting to the passer, there is no doubt about that. Shaq Lawson when paired with Ziggy Ansah is going to make Quarterbacks in the NFC North shit their pants. Imagine that, Aaron Rodgers with a Brown stain on his yellow pants. That’d be hilarious. The Lions could also go offensive tackle here if Conklin, Tunsil, or Stanley fall this far.
17. Atlanta Falcons
Linebacker – The Ohio State University – Darron Lee
The Atlanta Falcons are very short staffed at Linebacker. Why not take the best one in the draft? Darron Lee will fit perfectly with what they want to do there in Atlanta. He’s fast as hell and is a hitter. Atlanta will be very happy with Darron Lee.
18. Indianapolis Colts
Offensive Tackle – Indiana University Bloomington – Jason Spriggs
The Colts offensive line consists of Anthony Castanzo and four bums. The Colts will reduce the amount of bums by drafting one out of their home state, Indiana Left Tackle Jason Spriggs. Spriggs will likely start as either a Left Guard or Right Tackle but could have a quality career everywhere but at Center. However the Colts choose to use him, he will be a quality player for them.
19. Buffalo Bills
Linebacker – University of Alabama – Reggie Ragland
The Jets could use a linebacker that is a beast at stopping the run. Currently their linebacking corps is weak and undermanned. They will need to add at least two on draft day why not start the day off by adding the scheme versatile Ragland.
20. New York Jets
Quarterback – University of Memphis – Paxton Lynch
Geno Smith blows and the Jets still haven’t re-signed stop gap Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick, who is older than dirt. They need to take their Quarterback situation seriously and draft the long term answer. Paxton Lynch is the best guy left, so he’ll be their guy right here.
I’ve broken this into three parts for bandwidth’s sake. Find part one and three by clicking the arrows next to the post.
21. Washington Redskins
Cornerback – University of Florida – Vernon Hargreaves
Hargraeves was all the way up at number ten in my rough draft. With Jalen Ramsey falling out of the top three set off a domino effect that tosses Hargraeves all the way back to number 21. The Redskins did get Josh Norman late in the process and still have DeAngelo Hall, but they will need a long term partner with Josh Norman. Hall is a 10 year veteran who will be 33 years old shortly. Having Hall as a mentor to help ease the transition will do will for the Redskins.
22. Houston Texans
Defensive End/Tackle – University of Mississippi – Robert Nkemdiche
Robert Nkemdiche has the talent of a top ten pick but is such a clown he could actually fall out of the first round. The Houston Texans need a 3-4 end to go opposite of J.J. Watt to play alongside the aging Vince Wilfork. Nkemdiche can be just as good as Watt (probably not, but still very good) if he keeps his head out of his ass. Houston will take the gamble and gobble him up quickly.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Wide Receiver – Texas Christian University – Josh Doctson
Here is where the run on wide receivers begins. Josh Doctson is the perfect blend of size and speed that the Vikings need on the outside. The wrist injury last year is a bit scary, but Doctson should be ready to go fully by the start of training camp and should help make the Vikings offense quite dynamic.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Wide Receiver – Baylor University – Corey Coleman
The Cincinnati Bengals lost a lot of speed outside this off-season when Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu left for greener pastures. They should look to replace some of that lost speed with Baylor’s Corey Coleman. He can help stretch the field and take some of the pressure off of A.J. Green and help keep Tyler Eifert open over the middle. Andy Dalton would be very pleased with this pick.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
Wide Receiver – University of Mississippi – Laquon Treadwell
With the suspension of Martavis Bryant, the Steelers desperately need some size at Wide Receiver. Bryant isn’t the fastest of the group by far, but Pittsburgh already has a deep ball burner in Antonio Brown. He will give that over the middle, possession type threat that the offense needs.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Cornerback – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – Kendall Fuller
Kendall Fuller was once talked about being a top five selection, but injuries and lackluster performances have made his stock fall. All the potential in the world is there and the Seahawks would love to add him to the Legion of Boom. The Seahawks would go offensive line here, if there were any worthy one’s left.
27. Green Bay Packers
Wide Receiver – University of Notre Dame – Will Fuller
They brought back James Jones from the dead. Randall Cobb is a nice secondary option but can’t handle it on his own. Jordy Nelson will be back, but he isn’t getting any younger or faster. Time to add some more speed to a rather unspectacular wide receiver group.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
Cornerback – The Ohio State University – Eli Apple
The Chiefs need a corner to pair with Marcus Peters. Eli Apple is big and strong, but raw as a quality defensive back. Give him time and he could be a good one.
29. Arizona Cardinals
Center – University of Alabama – Ryan Kelly
The Cardinals have gone way to long without a competent Center, which has held back what used to be a very solid running game. That will last no longer with them selecting Alabama’s Ryan Kelly with their first round pick.
30. Carolina Panthers
Offensive Line – Kansas State University – Cody Whitehair
Whitehear isn’t tall enough to play Tackle at this level, but should be more than adequate at any of the interior three. He could play tackle in a pinch, but should provide immediate depth in year one before taking over as a starter in year two.
31. Denver Broncos
Safety – University of West Virginia – Karl Joseph
This is assuming the Broncos trade for Sam Bradford or sign Brian Hoyer before they pick. If that is the case, they will gamble on a QB later in the draft or wait till next year. They also have a glaring need at Safety and Karl Joseph is a great day one fit.