The NFL draft is only — only? — nine weeks away. Here, ladies and gentleman, is exactly what will happen on April 28, 2016.
Click here for the second half of the first round
1. Tennessee Titans: Oregon DE DeForest Buckner — I just don’t think Tennessee needs to use another top pick on an offensive tackle and instead needs to add a game-changer on defense. If they don’t think Buckner can shine as a 4-3 end, they could also take Joey Bosa or make a deal.
2. Cleveland Browns: Cal QB Jared Goff — I just think Goff is more prepared to excel early than Carson Wentz, which is probably something that will tempt the panicky Browns.
3. San Diego Chargers: Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil — I think the Chargers would gamble here on getting a defensive player with their next pick in a draft filled with great front-seven defenders. Instead, they can shore up that mess of an offensive line with arguably the best player in this class.
4. Dallas Cowboys: North Dakota St. QB Carson Wentz — This is probably going to be a popular potential trade-up spot. But if the Cowboys stick, it might be time to finally pull the trigger on Tony Romo’s likely successor.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Florida State DB Jalen Ramsey — It’s time to bring in a defensive playmaker.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ohio State DE Joey Bosa — The stud pass-rusher was tailor-made to play in Baltimore.
7. San Francisco 49ers: UCLA LB Myles Jack — Paxton Lynch would be a temptation here for the quarterback-needy 49ers, but I think they’ll wait and go with the clear top player available on D.
8. Miami Dolphins: Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith — He’s obviously coming back from a major injury, but the Dolphins have the depth to give Smith some time.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves — Just keep building up that defense with best players available, man. With the top pass-rushing options gone, Hargreaves makes the most sense here.
10. New York Giants: Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott — New York needs to keep adding support for Eli Manning, and that running game just hasn’t been very good in a long time.
11. Chicago Bears: Georgia LB Leonard Floyd — Could be a long-term leader for a defense that has lacked that in recent years. Reggie Ragland makes a lot of sense too, but Floyd may have more playmaking potential.
12. New Orleans Saints: Alabama DT A’Shawn Robinson — New Orleans has to be thinking best defensive player available unless that player is a safety.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: Memphis QB Paxton Lynch — Let the quarterback competition begin.
14. Oakland Raiders: Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander — With Charles Woodson gone and nobody else standing out in the secondary, this makes too much sense.
15. Los Angeles Rams: Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell — I’m gambling that they find their quarterback before this and have shifted their attention to adding weapons.
16. Detroit Lions: Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley — Good value here, and a chance to give Matthew Stafford some much-needed support while moving Riley Reiff out of the left tackle spot ASAP.
