With the 2016 NFL Draft just two weeks away, the Los Angeles Rams now own the first overall pick following a trade with the Tennessee Titans. That means it’s time for a fresh TGS mock draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams: Cal QB Jared Goff — Just a hunch that they’re going to go with the more NFL-ready California kid.
2. Cleveland Browns: North Dakota St. QB Carson Wentz — This is a bit more of a wild card now, especially since we don’t know what this new regime might be planning. But if they stay put, it just makes sense that they’d take the quarterback LA doesn’t select.
3. San Diego Chargers: Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil — The Chargers, who need to shore on that mess of an offensive line, might have been the biggest winners coming out of the Rams-Titans trade. Now they’re very likely to have a choice between Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Florida State DB Jalen Ramsey — Wouldn’t be surprised at all if Dallas traded this pick, but Ramsey could have the highest ceiling in the draft and would have a chance to excel immediately with the Cowboys.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: UCLA LB Myles Jack — Nothing’s changed from before free agency. The defense looks better, but they need more playmakers.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Oregon DE DeForest Buckner — Buckner is a perfect fit on the edge in Baltimore.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Ohio State DE Joey Bosa — Buckner and Bosa would be great options for the 49ers as they attempt to rebuild their defense. That said, wouldn’t be surprised if they traded down a bit and took Paxton Lynch or a second-tier quarterback.
8. Philadelphia Eagles: Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley — Howie Roseman is back in control, and he has always emphasized building that line. If Philly doesn’t trade up or down and take a quarterback (doubt it considering it already traded for this pick), I’d expect a guy like Stanley in a spot like this.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Clemson DE Shaq Lawson — They already have the key pieces on offense. Lawson could put that defensive front seven over the top.
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: Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott — I do think they’ll be leaning defense, but if Elliott does slide past the Eagles and Giants, it’ll be impossible for Chicago to resist. What a perfect transition from Matt Forte to this guy.
12. New Orleans Saints: Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III — I’ve been saying it probably has to be best defensive player available for the Saints. Hargreaves represents the best value here.
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. Tennessee Titans: Michigan State OT Jack Conklin — General manager Jon Robinson has suggested they could make another trade. If they don’t, the best guess is a high-value offensive tackle here.
16. Detroit Lions: Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell — They should be adding support here for Matthew Stafford, and Treadwell can help replace Calvin Johnson.
