Godfather of Sports Mock Draft IV: Here we go again... again
With the draft finally upon us this week I decided to call in reinforcements from former Utica College teammate and 90's football guru Ben Atwood. We split this draft up 16 teams a piece to lend extra perspective, change things up and the results were... well here ya go.
1. Los Angeles Rams: Jarred Goff, QB, California
They traded up for a reason. And the reason is to rebuild this franchise ground up. Starting with the new face of the LA Rams, Jared Goff. Most likely Nick Foles and Case Keenum will get the start Week 1. But, come weeks 14 and up... we shall see.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Another team that is looking to start start fresh. Either Goff will go first or Wentz... who knows. The fact is both will be gone by pick number three. Both are solid options that can step in hopefully a year down the road after sitting on the bench for one season, Ala Carson Palmer when Cincy first drafted him. (Also, these guys are jumping for joy that neither will be a Brown next year)
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Even if they didn't need a left tackle they still would draft him (but, they do, so it still makes sense.) Tunsil is a rare plug-and-play talent that Philip Rivers will welcome with open arms to protect his blind side. They needed front seven guys... but that will have to come in rounds 2-7.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Ramsey, FS/DB, Florida State University
A lot of people see them taking Ezekiel Elliot here. That is a possibility... but not in this draft. Ramsey can play safety, can cover man to man. Is a ball magnet. Lets put it this way. Dallas can use all the help they can get and Ramsey is quite a lot of help.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DeForest Buckner, DE/OLB, Oregon
Myles Jack is the popular choice. However, a lot of talk about his knee has been circulating recently AND it would be insane for them to pass on Buckner at the five spot. He can be a difference maker off the edge and can help in underneath coverage if need be.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
This could be defensive line pick in Joey Bosa. But, I think after the QB carousel that the Ravens dealt with last year they are looking to protect Joe Flacco in 2016. Also, Stanley is solid in both pass and run blocking which makes this a need and a value pick at the same time.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Joey Bosa, DE/OLB, Ohio State University
This is strictly value here. And we all expect Chip Kelly to draft QB-RB-QB-RB but I think him and the 49ers can look past the offense to pick up such a dynamic defensive end. Plus, to take Paxton Lynch this high would be.... well f*cking insane.
8. Cleveland Browns (MIA-PHI): Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
This means Robert Griffin III or Josh McCown is their 'guy' for this season. Worst case they can scoop up a second tier QB in the later rounds. Luckily, the Browns have a lot of picks to replace the 7,000 starters they lost this off-season.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vernon Hargreaves III, DB, Florida
Nothing splashy here, this is just a straight up draft for need. The Buccaneers need edge rush and secondary. Picking at nine, the two other ends like Shaq Lawson or counter part Kevin Dood are too much of a reach. And Hargreaves is a great cover corner... which Tampa Bay hasn't had since... umm... get back to me on that one.
10. New York Giants: Ezkiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State University
There is one thing I know for sure. The top ten guys that have been selected will all go in the top ten. Maybe in this order, maybe in a different order. But, the consensus is that they will all be gone by pick 11. Elliot is the ONLY franchise type back in the entire draft. And there will not be another back taken until the second round. Period.
11. Chicago Bears: Will Jackson III, CB, Houston
Mr. Atwood went corner here. I say linebacker... but what the hell, why not!? This is fiction after all. I mean if I wanted to I could have the Bears taking Ricky Ricardo here if I felt like it. Babalu Chicago!
12. New Orleans Saints: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State University
I know this will be a linebacker and now I am 97% sure it will be Darron Lee. The Saints also maybe looking for a future quarterback, but, lets just say that is something that will be saved for a later round. Maybe...
13. Miami Dolphins: Laquan Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Something needs to change on the the most mediocre offense in the NFL. The loss of RB Lamar Miller was huge but there isn't another top back to take here. So. Add some offense firepower through the air! Treadwell could be a rare talent and be the rookie of the year or could be signing with the New York Dragons (AFL) three seasons from now.
14. Oakland Raiders: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
The Raiders have a 'franchise' quarterback for first time since Rich Gannon was under center. Give the kid some more weapons and see if the old silver and black can finally get back into the playoffs... which was in 2002 when they lost to the Bucs in Super Bowl 37 (HEY HEY TAMPA BAY!)
15. Tennessee Titans: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Give me a break here alright? There is a reason he has fallen in major ESPN, CBS, FOX mock drafts.... his knee. Drafting high for a guy that could be riding the bench/IR for all of 2016 is sometimes franchise crippling. Just ask Houston and Jadeveon Clowney. That guy ties his cleats and could tear his MCL.
16. Detroit Lions: Shaq Lawson, DE/OLB, Clemson
This makes more sense to me than Lawson going in the top ten. He is solid but wasn't a long time starter and has a few question marks surrounding him. But, mid-first round is perfect. He could be an pass rush specialist right off the bat for the Lions.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Sheldon Rankins, DT/DE, Louisville
Matt Ryan isn't getting any younger and the NFC South isn't getting any easier. Rankins can help bolster a Falcons mediocre front seven. Rankins can play both defensive end on regular downs and tackle on passing downs.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
I can count on two things every NFL season. Matt Stafford getting injured and the Colts' defense being one of the worst in the league. Ragland is a solid inside backer that can come up and stop the run like a boss. He is solid in underneath zone coverage but being matched up man-to-man maybe his only drawback.
19. Buffalo Bills: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
It is a given at this point that the Bills will be taking a guy for their front seven with this pick (and most likely many other picks as well.) He will fit well in Rob Ryan's defense and will be starting week one. Puking + drunk + puking again + the cold in November + Jim Kelly - Drew Bledsoe x Super Bowl loses = joke about the Bills.
20. New York Jets: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Geno Smith is not the answer and maybe gone in the last round of cuts. They don't want to pay Ryan Fitzpatrick. So, here comes the solution in Lynch. He is mobile, can throw on the run and is a sought after QB in a draft where it is SUPER lite at his position. No need to 'boooo' here Jets and it will be time to update that Chad Pennington jersey finally.
21. Washington Redskins: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State University
They paid Kirk Cousins to a big-boy deal and want to make sure he stays healthy. Also, the Skins want to replace the loss of Alfred Morris who they lost to Dallas in free agency BUT Derrick Henry is a tad of a reach here. And! I would like to go ahead and say that Josh Norman will be a major bust here because Dan Snyder still doesn't know how to sign players.
22. Houston Texans: Leonard Floyd, LB, University of Georgia
Will he fall this far? Maybe. Maybe not. But, either way the Texans need help on defense. What? Yeah, they do, J.J. Watt isn't a one man defense and the Colts, Titans and Jaguars aren't going to be a pushovers on offense this year either. Upside, they spent billions in free agency and that always works out....Looking at you 2011 Eagles.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Kelly, C/OG, Alabama
They picked up a few guys in free agency but keeping their offense healthy in Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson is their number one focus. And you can NEVER have enough depth on the offense line. AND AND training camp position battles are always healthy for a playoff bound team. This could also be a receiver or corner.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Doctson, WR, Texas Christian
Just what the Bengals love. A fast sub six-foot receiver. Though, I am sure Andy Dalton is hoping this would be a offense tackle of sorts after being KO'ed last year and then having to watch his team implode last year in the playoffs.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State University
I have done a bunch of drafts and re-drafts and read a lot... and Apple seems to be the popular choice for Pittsburgh. And it makes sense. He fits well in their scheme, he could start right away as a slot guy, and hasn't have any qualms about coming up on run support.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
With Taylor Decker gone and no other first round talent to replace Russell Okung the Hawks will look for the safest pick here in Reed. There really isn't a huge gamble on defensive linemen. Best case, they are a starter and you hit a home run. Worst case, they come in to spell a starter and come in on goal line packages.
27. Green Bay Packers: Noah Spence, LB/DE, Eastern Kentucky
Spence is here because he has high upside as am edge rush guy and also because he had some... 'issues' in the past. But, the Packers need help ASAP at end and outside backer. So, just close your eyes and hope for the best with this one.
28. Kansas City: Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Andy Reid is a god send for this franchise. He has turned them from the butt of many a joke to a playoff contender. Now, age on defense is something he cannot fix through coaching, he just as to draft new younger guys and hope they buy into his system. And with teams like the Raiders on the up-and-coming and the Broncos coming off a Super Bowl high a solid cover corner is never a bad thing to have.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Dodd, DE/OLB, Clemson
The 20's is right around when Dodd will come off the board. Dodd, like Lawson, are raw and need to be fine tuned before they can become an every-down guy. The Cards know this is pretty much it for them this year with Larry Fitzgerald turning 33 in August and Carson Palmer to be 37 this December. The window is closing...
30. Carolina Panthers: Arite Burns, CB, University of Miami
Panthers say hello to your 'replacement' for Josh Norman, Artie Burns. (And somehow it just wouldn't be right without a guy from The U not going in the first round) Burns is good-ish and is on the cusp of being a first to second round guy. If it isn't Burns it will most defiantly be Derrick Henry.
31. Denver Broncos: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
He is a gamble, he has had multiple off the field issues and maybe a bust. Or, he could be what he was touted to be going into last season, a top tier talent at the defensive tackle position. In the right organization, which I think Denver is, he could get some veteran tutelage and develop into a solid defensive talent. I am normally a Negative Nancy when it comes to guys like this but, I am willing to put in a scrap of faith here.
Coming up tomorrow is round two! And on Thursday I give it my best shot as I hack through a round three mock up... buckle up for that one...
Stats, facts, and figures: ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, CBSSports.com, NFL.com
1. Los Angeles Rams: Jarred Goff, QB, California
They traded up for a reason. And the reason is to rebuild this franchise ground up. Starting with the new face of the LA Rams, Jared Goff. Most likely Nick Foles and Case Keenum will get the start Week 1. But, come weeks 14 and up... we shall see.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Another team that is looking to start start fresh. Either Goff will go first or Wentz... who knows. The fact is both will be gone by pick number three. Both are solid options that can step in hopefully a year down the road after sitting on the bench for one season, Ala Carson Palmer when Cincy first drafted him. (Also, these guys are jumping for joy that neither will be a Brown next year)
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Even if they didn't need a left tackle they still would draft him (but, they do, so it still makes sense.) Tunsil is a rare plug-and-play talent that Philip Rivers will welcome with open arms to protect his blind side. They needed front seven guys... but that will have to come in rounds 2-7.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Ramsey, FS/DB, Florida State University
A lot of people see them taking Ezekiel Elliot here. That is a possibility... but not in this draft. Ramsey can play safety, can cover man to man. Is a ball magnet. Lets put it this way. Dallas can use all the help they can get and Ramsey is quite a lot of help.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DeForest Buckner, DE/OLB, Oregon
Myles Jack is the popular choice. However, a lot of talk about his knee has been circulating recently AND it would be insane for them to pass on Buckner at the five spot. He can be a difference maker off the edge and can help in underneath coverage if need be.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
This could be defensive line pick in Joey Bosa. But, I think after the QB carousel that the Ravens dealt with last year they are looking to protect Joe Flacco in 2016. Also, Stanley is solid in both pass and run blocking which makes this a need and a value pick at the same time.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Joey Bosa, DE/OLB, Ohio State University
This is strictly value here. And we all expect Chip Kelly to draft QB-RB-QB-RB but I think him and the 49ers can look past the offense to pick up such a dynamic defensive end. Plus, to take Paxton Lynch this high would be.... well f*cking insane.
8. Cleveland Browns (MIA-PHI): Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
This means Robert Griffin III or Josh McCown is their 'guy' for this season. Worst case they can scoop up a second tier QB in the later rounds. Luckily, the Browns have a lot of picks to replace the 7,000 starters they lost this off-season.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vernon Hargreaves III, DB, Florida
Nothing splashy here, this is just a straight up draft for need. The Buccaneers need edge rush and secondary. Picking at nine, the two other ends like Shaq Lawson or counter part Kevin Dood are too much of a reach. And Hargreaves is a great cover corner... which Tampa Bay hasn't had since... umm... get back to me on that one.
10. New York Giants: Ezkiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State University
There is one thing I know for sure. The top ten guys that have been selected will all go in the top ten. Maybe in this order, maybe in a different order. But, the consensus is that they will all be gone by pick 11. Elliot is the ONLY franchise type back in the entire draft. And there will not be another back taken until the second round. Period.
11. Chicago Bears: Will Jackson III, CB, Houston
Mr. Atwood went corner here. I say linebacker... but what the hell, why not!? This is fiction after all. I mean if I wanted to I could have the Bears taking Ricky Ricardo here if I felt like it. Babalu Chicago!
12. New Orleans Saints: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State University
I know this will be a linebacker and now I am 97% sure it will be Darron Lee. The Saints also maybe looking for a future quarterback, but, lets just say that is something that will be saved for a later round. Maybe...
13. Miami Dolphins: Laquan Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Something needs to change on the the most mediocre offense in the NFL. The loss of RB Lamar Miller was huge but there isn't another top back to take here. So. Add some offense firepower through the air! Treadwell could be a rare talent and be the rookie of the year or could be signing with the New York Dragons (AFL) three seasons from now.
14. Oakland Raiders: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
The Raiders have a 'franchise' quarterback for first time since Rich Gannon was under center. Give the kid some more weapons and see if the old silver and black can finally get back into the playoffs... which was in 2002 when they lost to the Bucs in Super Bowl 37 (HEY HEY TAMPA BAY!)
15. Tennessee Titans: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Give me a break here alright? There is a reason he has fallen in major ESPN, CBS, FOX mock drafts.... his knee. Drafting high for a guy that could be riding the bench/IR for all of 2016 is sometimes franchise crippling. Just ask Houston and Jadeveon Clowney. That guy ties his cleats and could tear his MCL.
16. Detroit Lions: Shaq Lawson, DE/OLB, Clemson
This makes more sense to me than Lawson going in the top ten. He is solid but wasn't a long time starter and has a few question marks surrounding him. But, mid-first round is perfect. He could be an pass rush specialist right off the bat for the Lions.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Sheldon Rankins, DT/DE, Louisville
Matt Ryan isn't getting any younger and the NFC South isn't getting any easier. Rankins can help bolster a Falcons mediocre front seven. Rankins can play both defensive end on regular downs and tackle on passing downs.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
I can count on two things every NFL season. Matt Stafford getting injured and the Colts' defense being one of the worst in the league. Ragland is a solid inside backer that can come up and stop the run like a boss. He is solid in underneath zone coverage but being matched up man-to-man maybe his only drawback.
19. Buffalo Bills: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
It is a given at this point that the Bills will be taking a guy for their front seven with this pick (and most likely many other picks as well.) He will fit well in Rob Ryan's defense and will be starting week one. Puking + drunk + puking again + the cold in November + Jim Kelly - Drew Bledsoe x Super Bowl loses = joke about the Bills.
20. New York Jets: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Geno Smith is not the answer and maybe gone in the last round of cuts. They don't want to pay Ryan Fitzpatrick. So, here comes the solution in Lynch. He is mobile, can throw on the run and is a sought after QB in a draft where it is SUPER lite at his position. No need to 'boooo' here Jets and it will be time to update that Chad Pennington jersey finally.
21. Washington Redskins: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State University
They paid Kirk Cousins to a big-boy deal and want to make sure he stays healthy. Also, the Skins want to replace the loss of Alfred Morris who they lost to Dallas in free agency BUT Derrick Henry is a tad of a reach here. And! I would like to go ahead and say that Josh Norman will be a major bust here because Dan Snyder still doesn't know how to sign players.
22. Houston Texans: Leonard Floyd, LB, University of Georgia
Will he fall this far? Maybe. Maybe not. But, either way the Texans need help on defense. What? Yeah, they do, J.J. Watt isn't a one man defense and the Colts, Titans and Jaguars aren't going to be a pushovers on offense this year either. Upside, they spent billions in free agency and that always works out....Looking at you 2011 Eagles.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Kelly, C/OG, Alabama
They picked up a few guys in free agency but keeping their offense healthy in Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson is their number one focus. And you can NEVER have enough depth on the offense line. AND AND training camp position battles are always healthy for a playoff bound team. This could also be a receiver or corner.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Doctson, WR, Texas Christian
Just what the Bengals love. A fast sub six-foot receiver. Though, I am sure Andy Dalton is hoping this would be a offense tackle of sorts after being KO'ed last year and then having to watch his team implode last year in the playoffs.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State University
I have done a bunch of drafts and re-drafts and read a lot... and Apple seems to be the popular choice for Pittsburgh. And it makes sense. He fits well in their scheme, he could start right away as a slot guy, and hasn't have any qualms about coming up on run support.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
With Taylor Decker gone and no other first round talent to replace Russell Okung the Hawks will look for the safest pick here in Reed. There really isn't a huge gamble on defensive linemen. Best case, they are a starter and you hit a home run. Worst case, they come in to spell a starter and come in on goal line packages.
27. Green Bay Packers: Noah Spence, LB/DE, Eastern Kentucky
Spence is here because he has high upside as am edge rush guy and also because he had some... 'issues' in the past. But, the Packers need help ASAP at end and outside backer. So, just close your eyes and hope for the best with this one.
28. Kansas City: Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Andy Reid is a god send for this franchise. He has turned them from the butt of many a joke to a playoff contender. Now, age on defense is something he cannot fix through coaching, he just as to draft new younger guys and hope they buy into his system. And with teams like the Raiders on the up-and-coming and the Broncos coming off a Super Bowl high a solid cover corner is never a bad thing to have.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Dodd, DE/OLB, Clemson
The 20's is right around when Dodd will come off the board. Dodd, like Lawson, are raw and need to be fine tuned before they can become an every-down guy. The Cards know this is pretty much it for them this year with Larry Fitzgerald turning 33 in August and Carson Palmer to be 37 this December. The window is closing...
30. Carolina Panthers: Arite Burns, CB, University of Miami
Panthers say hello to your 'replacement' for Josh Norman, Artie Burns. (And somehow it just wouldn't be right without a guy from The U not going in the first round) Burns is good-ish and is on the cusp of being a first to second round guy. If it isn't Burns it will most defiantly be Derrick Henry.
31. Denver Broncos: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
He is a gamble, he has had multiple off the field issues and maybe a bust. Or, he could be what he was touted to be going into last season, a top tier talent at the defensive tackle position. In the right organization, which I think Denver is, he could get some veteran tutelage and develop into a solid defensive talent. I am normally a Negative Nancy when it comes to guys like this but, I am willing to put in a scrap of faith here.
Coming up tomorrow is round two! And on Thursday I give it my best shot as I hack through a round three mock up... buckle up for that one...
Stats, facts, and figures: ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, CBSSports.com, NFL.com
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