The silly season is about to begin. The Combine is over, the heart of free agency is behind us and the 2016 NFL draft is just six weeks away. Here’s our latest mock…
1. Tennessee Titans: Ohio State DE Joey Bosa — I really don’t think that you need to take an offensive lineman when you have Taylor Lewan and Chance Warmack, but Tennessee could really use a game-changer on defense. Of course, it wouldn’t surprise anybody if this pick were traded to a quarterback-needy team.
2. Cleveland Browns: Cal QB Jared Goff — I just think Goff is more prepared to excel early than Carson Wentz, but it’s really a toss-up until we get a better feel for what the Browns are thinking. Regardless, based on their offseason thus far, it’d be surprising if they didn’t draft a quarterback here.
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, especially with Bosa already off the board. Instead, they can shore up that mess of an offensive line with arguably the best player in this class.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott — Wouldn’t be surprised to see a trade here, too. Regardless, the Cowboys have said they aren’t taking a quarterback here, so we’ll take them at their word (for now). I think they’ll ultimately be tempted by the chance to add the lightning-quick Elliott to the fray in an attempt to recapture the glory from 2014.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Florida State DB Jalen Ramsey — Nothing’s changed from before free agency. The defense looks better, but they need more playmakers.
6. Baltimore Ravens: UCLA LB Myles Jack — Baltimore would love to have a choice between Jack and DeForest Buckner, but I think Jack has more upside
7. San Francisco 49ers: North Dakota St. QB Carson Wentz — I don’t think Wentz drops this far, but if he does San Francisco will be all over it, especially if Colin Kaepernick is no longer on the roster.
8. Philadelphia Eagles: Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III — It’s either him or offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, but they still have Jason Peters and Lane Johnson could be the long-term answer on the blind side.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley — I’m sure they’d be tempted by a rusher like DeForest Buckner, but ultimately Stanley will be too hard to pass up as they keep trying to add support for Jameis Winston.
10. New York Giants: Alabama LB Reggie Ragland — The versatile linebacker is a perfect fit for the Giants, who still need a lot of help in the second level.
11. Chicago Bears: Oregon DE DeForest Buckner — This would be a dream for the Bears, who are rebuilding their defense. Buckner is a perfect fit on the edge and easily the best player available here.
12. New Orleans Saints: Clemson DE Shaq Lawson — I’ve been saying it probably has to be best defensive player available for the Saints. Lawson could anchor that front seven for years to come.
13. Miami Dolphins: Ohio State CB Eli Apple — They’ve used free agency to address practically every position except cornerback. Brent Grimes is gone and they need an influx of talent at corner.
14. Oakland Raiders: Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander — A long-term answer to team up with and eventually replace Sean Smith. This is exactly what Oakland needs.
15. Los Angeles Rams: Memphis QB Paxton Lynch — This could change if they don’t bring in Robert Griffin III, Ryan Fitzpatrick or Colin Kaepernick.
16. Detroit Lions: Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell — Either him or offensive tackle Jack Conklin. Either way, they should be adding support here for Matthew Stafford.
