It’s finally (almost) here. With the Los Angeles Rams on the clock with the No. 1 pick in Chicago tomorrow night, here’s our final mock draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams: Cal QB Jared Goff — Reports indicate that this is now a formality. Apologies to those who love draft-night drama.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: North Dakota St. QB Carson Wentz — No-brainer here, as there’s no other explanation for that trade.
3. San Diego Chargers: Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil — I wouldn’t fault them if they took Jalen Ramsey, who might be the best overall player in the draft and would certainly have a chance to bolster that defense in a big way. That said, Tunsil could become a stud and that offensive line is one of the worst in football.
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. They could make a trade or take Joey Bosa, but I’m going with Ramsey.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ohio State DE Joey Bosa — This is another big potential trade spot, but if the Jags stay put I think they go best player available. That’s either Myles Jack or Bosa, but Bosa has no major injury concerns.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Oregon DE DeForest Buckner — Buckner is a perfect fit on the edge in Baltimore.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Memphis QB Paxton Lynch — I think they try to trade out if Bosa and Buckner are gone. Regardless, I get the feeling someone takes Lynch in this spot, just ahead of Cleveland.
8. Miami Dolphins: UCLA LB Myles Jack — If Jack drops this low, somebody will offer the Browns another nice haul in order to move up and take arguably the most talented front-seven defender in the draft. I’m betting that somebody is Miami.
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. Cleveland Browns: Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley — Cleveland winds up with a the second-best offensive lineman in the draft, and a player many expected them to take in the No. 8 spot.
14. Oakland Raiders: Ohio State CB Eli Apple — 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: Louisville DT Sheldon Rankins — Laquon Treadwell makes a lot of sense but I’m starting to believe they’ll smartly go with the best player available, and Rankins has star potential up front.
