The NFL playoff picture is starting to come together, as is the draft order for 2016. Here’s a breakdown with two weeks remaining…
1. Titans (3-12): A Week 17 loss will automatically give Tennessee the top pick for the first time since they took Earl Campbell in 1978. They’d be out of the quarterback sweepstakes, though, so a trade would be possible.
2. Browns (3-12): They’ll have the second pick if the Titans win and they lose to the Steelers (both likely). And then they’d have a huge decision to make regarding a potential quarterback.
3. Chargers (4-11): They’re virtually guaranteed to have a top-five pick to kick off what should be a new era in Los Angeles. Would they be looking for a replacement for Philip Rivers? San Diego hasn’t picked in the top five since getting Rivers in 2004.
4. Cowboys (4-11): Because they’re the Cowboys, you just know they’re going to wind up beating the Redskins to squander a top-four pick. This would be a strong trade possibility anyway. Dallas hasn’t picked in the top five since taking Terence Newman fifth in 2003.
5. 49ers (4-11): Big quarterback spot. This would be their first top-five pick since they took Alex Smith first overall in 2005, and I’d expect them to take another pivot here.
6. Dolphins (5-10): And we’d have another quarterback conundrum here.
7. Jaguars (5-10): The Jags are just too talented to be picking this high. I’d expect them to add some talent on the defensive side of the ball or trade down. What a luxury.
8. Ravens (5-10): This would mark the first time this century the Ravens have picked in the top 10. But it won’t happen if they upset the Bengals in Week 17.
