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Thanks a lot, Titans. I wasn't really planning on writing another mock draft, but the blockbuster first round trade convinced me it was time to take another shot.
1. Los Angeles Rams: QB Carson Wentz, NDSU
Though Wentz played at a FCS school, many people believe he's still more pro-ready than Goff. While he may have faced "weaker competition," Wentz had far more control of his team's offense. Wentz also ran a run-heavy offense at NDSU, which makes him the perfect candidate to run Los Angeles' run-oriented offense, led by second-year running back Todd Gurley.
2. Cleveland Browns: QB Jared Goff, California
Whether the Browns stay at number two or try and trade out of the pick, the second of the two quarterbacks will be taken here. If Los Angeles takes Goff, Wentz will come off the board here, whether to Cleveland or whichever team trades up to take him. Goff makes sense in Cleveland, because he's already shown he can take a beating. He was constantly under duress, especially in his rookie season at Cal, when the Golden Bears went 1-11. Goff turned around the program and eventually led his team to a bowl game victory in his junior year. Could he be the quarterback that finally helps the Browns turn the ship around?
3. San Diego Chargers: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon
Far too many draft experts believe San Diego will select Laremy Tunsil, but I just don't see it happening. The Chargers already have both of their starting tackles under contract, with King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale signed through 2018 and 2019, respectively. And while Jalen Ramsey could make sense, San Diego's secondary is already set too (the Chargers brought in a slot corner and two safeties in free agency). Buckner is the perfect fit for San Diego, as he'll line up opposite Corey Liuget and wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
4. Dallas Cowboys: FS Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
If the first three picks go the way I expect, Dallas has to wonder whether it's necessary to even take Jalen Ramsey. The Cowboys already have Byron Jones, who is perhaps the only corner who can effectively cover both wide receivers and tight ends. Would bringing in Ramsey, who is very similar to Jones, be necessary? Definitely not, but I don't think it would hurt. The Cowboys desperately need safety help, so Ramsey still makes sense to me.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: OLB Myles Jack, UCLA
I originally thought the Jaguars would take a corner, but they're already set after signing Prince Amukamara in free agency to be their third corner. He might only be under contract for a year, but his presence on the roster will allow Jacksonville to take the player they believe could be the future of their franchise and a centerpiece of their defense.
6. Baltimore Ravens: DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
Just like with the Chargers, the Ravens are locked in at offensive tackle, whether they like it or not. Eugene Monroe hasn't panned out the way Baltimore has hoped, but the Ravens would have to deal with a ton of dead cap space over the next few years to part ways with the tackle and select Laremy Tunsil. I don't see them eating that cost.
Bosa makes sense in Baltimore. With the Ravens' hiring of Joe Cullen as the new defensive line coach, there's a good chance of the team shifting back to the 4-3 defense. Bosa could either step in as a starter, or he could rotate with Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil if they both manage to stay healthy. Regardless, Ozzie Newsome will likely score with his pick, whether it's Bosa or not.
7. San Francisco 49ers: OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
The Niners need to start somewhere. With Wentz and Goff off the board, why not take the player who was originally supposed to be the first overall pick? Tunsil would be a fantastic fit in Chip Kelly's zone rushing attack, especially considering how poor the 49ers' offensive line performed last season.
8. Philadelphia Eagles: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
Elliott to the Eagles is one of those picks that is becoming so frequent that I'm almost scared it won't happen. Ryan Matthews is still a solid running back, and Darren Sproles isn't too bad himself. But Elliott is a more complete back than the two aforementioned players combined, so I could envision Philly taking him with the eighth pick.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida
Kevin Dodd would make a lot of sense here, but I have a hunch that the Buccaneers will take Hargreaves if he's still on the board. Tampa Bay just signed Robert Ayers in free agency, and 2013 fourth round pick William Gholston is in a contract year. The Bucs could let Gholston play out the year as a starter and take a defensive end later on in the draft as insurance. Signing Brent Grimes in free agency might indicate that the Bucs don't need another corner, but Grimes has shown serious signs of regression. Better safe than sorry.
10. New York Giants: OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
Six words: Marshall Newhouse starts at right tackle.
Laquon Treadwell could be an option here, but come on. Protect your quarterback, New York.
11. Chicago Bears: CB Eli Apple, Ohio State
Here's another for you: Tracy Porter is not only still in the NFL, but he's starting at corner for the Bears. He started 14 games last season and only picked off one pass. Chicago could plug in Eli Apple opposite Kyle Fuller and have itself one of the most intriguing cornerback tandems in football. I could also see the Bears going offensive tackle if Stanley is on the board or linebacker if they see it as a big enough need.
12. New Orleans Saints: DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
The Saints have no one opposite Cameron Jordan, so why not add the best edge rusher in the draft? Dodd has the perfect size of an NFL defensive end, and while he was a one-year-wonder in college, plenty of scouts believe he's pro-ready.
13. Miami Dolphins: CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
The Dolphins replaced Brent Grimes with Byron Maxwell, so they're still in need of a corner. In previous years, Miami has been great at identifying corner talent early on in the Draft (Vontae Davis, Sean Smith). Alexander, who was a lockdown corner in college, could be the next great Dolphins corner.
14. Oakland Raiders: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
All aboard the Raiders hype train. The Raiders have a 2012 Bengals feel to me; they have all the talent on the roster, but they've yet to put it all together. Corner could be a need in Oakland, but I'd love to see the Raiders take Ragland and pair him with Bruce Irvin and Malcolm Smith. Oakland doesn't have a middle linebacker after releasing Curtis Lofton, so Ragland makes sense here, too.
15. Tennessee Titans: DT A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama
Robinson is versatile enough to play anywhere on the defensive line, and the Titans need serious help there. Teaming up with Jurrell Casey and Brian Orakpo, Robinson could immediately become an impact-starter.
16. Detroit Lions: OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State
The Lions simply don't have a right tackle, and they haven't been shy of using first-rounders on offensive linemen in the past. Conklin wouldn't have to travel far to his new job, which would be a nice plus. On the flip side, it's Detroit.
17. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
I really want to see Atlanta take a tight end early in the Draft, and I think they will. But putting Hunter Henry at pick 17 seemed a bit high. Instead, why not bolster a weak linebacking corps with one of the most electric linebackers in this year's Draft class?
18. Indianapolis Colts: OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
If they're smart, the Colts will take a pass-rusher early in the draft. Robert Mathis and Trent Cole aren't long-term solutions, but I question whether they're even suited to be bridge players at this point.
19. Buffalo Bills: DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
I said it before, but he's a younger version of Kyle Williams. Buffalo needs an eventual replacement at defensive tackle, and they haven't taken a defensive lineman in the draft since 2011. The Bills need to get over it and take one already. Rex Ryan would love Rankins, as the defensive tackle can play both the run and the pass.
20. New York Jets: OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
They may have brought in Ryan Clady to replace the retired D'Brickashaw Ferguson, but I could still see New York taking a tackle if there aren't any top linebackers left on the board. The Jets haven't gone offense in first round of the draft since taking Mark Sanchez in 2009. Before Sanchez, it was Ferguson who was the last offensive player selected in the first round of the draft. If Clady proves he can stay healthy, Decker can simply play on the right side in place of Breno Giacomini.
21. Washington Redskins: C Ryan Kelly, Alabama
I don't know what it is, but the NFC East loves taking offensive linemen in the first round. I see that trend continuing this year, not only in New York but also in Washington, where the Redskins are desperate for an upgrade at the center position. The Redskins also have needs at defensive tackle and wide receiver, but protecting Kirk Cousins should be the number one priority.
22. Houston Texans: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
The Texans have only drafted an offensive player in the first round in 3 of 14 drafts in team history, and there's a need at defensive tackle, with Vince Wilfork's dropoff in production. I'm not buying a wide receiver here; to me, the Texans seem confident in Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphery, both of whom they selected in the middle rounds of last year's draft. Jarran Reed is a fantastic run defender, and he'll command attention from opposing offensive lines. J.J. Watt would be ecstatic to see this happen.
23. Minnesota Vikings: WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
If Treadwell is still on the board here, he seems like an obvious choice. Treadwell might not have great speed, but he's still able to use technique to gain separation downfield, and he does everything else very well. Plenty of receivers, including A.J. Green, have been able to succeed as their team's top wideouts despite not having speed that scouts love. I believe he's the best receiver in this year's draft class.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech
Laquon Treadwell, Vernon Butler and Andrew Billings are the three guys I think the Bengals have the best chance of taking in the first round. I could also get on board with Darron Lee or a corner. Aside from Treadwell, however, I wouldn't take a wide receiver in the first round. I fully believe Brandon LaFell will be the Bengals' number two receiver this season, whether they draft a rookie wideout in Round 1 or not. Personally, I'd like to see Butler come in and push for rotational snaps on the defensive line, eventually making a case to be the team's long-term starter at nose tackle.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB William Jackson III, Houston
I could see the Steelers thinking about taking Billings here, but they already have a young defensive tackle in Daniel McCullers who needs a chance to prove himself before the team deems him a liability. After all, Pittsburgh let Steve McLendon walk in free agency; that has to indicate at least some sense of confidence in the guy. The Steelers might want to find another defensive end to add to the rotation, but there isn't really anyone who would fit their scheme at pick 25. I could totally be wrong about the team drafting a corner here, but I just think it makes the most sense. Don't be surprised if Pittsburgh trades back or takes an offensive tackle here; that could make a lot of sense too.
26. Seattle Seahawks: DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
John Schneider is one of the NFL's best when it comes to evaluating talent in the Draft, so I think it would be hard for him to pass up on Nkemdiche. Will offensive line coach Tom Cable try to convince Pete Carroll that Nkemdiche is a perfect fit at left tackle? Probably, but Nkemdiche is better off suited playing defense.
27. Green Bay Packers: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor
Take a look at the Packers roster and try to find a need. Hint: there isn't one. Green Bay definitely needs to take a guard in the Draft, but there's enough talent to wait on a guard until the second or third round. If Billings goes in the first round, I'd think the Packers would be the team to pick him. Billings could sit behind Leroy Guion for a year as he matures, eventually filling in at nose tackle and becoming the player Green Bay had hoped B.J. Raji would've been able to become.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Chris Jones, Mississippi State
The Chiefs need a corner, but it would be a reach to take a guy like Kendall Fuller or Artie Burns this high. The Chiefs should plug in Jones alongside Jaye Howard on the defensive line and hope that a guy like Fuller or Burns can fall to them in the second round.
29. Arizona Cardinals: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Last season, Dwight Freeney and Markus Golden were far from spectacular at outside linebacker. In 2016, Chandler Jones and Shaq Lawson could prove major upgrades. Lawson is versatile enough to play 3-4 outside linebacker, and he would immediately bring energy to a Cardinals pass rush that disappointed in 2015.
30. Carolina Panthers: DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
The Panthers didn't like having Greg Hardy on the roster, but he seemed a lot more quiet in Carolina in Dallas. Why not take a guy who was once troubled in hopes that he can become a star? Spence doesn't have character concerns anywhere close to where Hardy's were, and he could be just as good of a player under the right tutelage.
31. Denver Broncos: FS Keanu Neal, Florida
Darian Stewart is in a contract year, and David Bruton just walked in free agency. Quarterback remains a need, but it's possible John Elway thinks he has a quarterback-proof roster. After all, Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler weren't great last year, and Sanchez has already played in two AFC Championships.