Cody Stewart’s NFL Mock Draft 2.0
In less than three weeks, tables in Chicago will be filled with the next batch of NFL Superstars. All of which, will be anxiously awaiting to hear their name called. The only thing they don’t know is which team they will be playing for to start their NFL
- Tennessee Titans – Jalen Ramsey, S Florida State
It’s a toss-up here for Tennessee. This franchise can go in many directions. Jalen Ramsey is this best prospect in this year’s draft, and they would be silly to pass him up. They will be able to find pass protection in the second round.
2. Cleveland Browns – Carson Wentz, QB North Dakota State
Like Tennessee, Cleveland can go in many directions with their first round selection. The Browns signed RGIII this offseason, but many feel like that is just to bridge the gap. Look for Hue Jackson to get his franchise QB early into his coaching career.
3. San Diego Chargers – Deforest Buckner, DE Oregon
San Diego may be hanging their heads because they weren’t able to replace Eric Weddle for Jalen Ramsey, but they get a nice consolation prize. Deforest Buckner is the best DE in this year’s draft and it just so happens San Diego needs help along their Defensive Line.
4. Dallas Cowboys – Myles Jack, LB UCLA
Probably the hardest pick to make is here with Dallas. This team could draft a QB to groom behind Romo, or they could draft a RB like Ezekiel Elliott that would give this offense a boost. After thoughts of the possibility of trading down, look for Dallas to go with Myles Jack, who will learn a lot from Sean Lee and be a high caliber player in this league.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Laremy Tunsil, OT Ole Miss
The fall for Tunsil finally stops in Jacksonville. After a great offseason building up their defense, look for Jacksonville to give more protection for their franchise QB, Blake Bortles.
*TRADE*
6. Los Angeles Rams (From Baltimore) – Jared Goff, QB California
We have our first trade in the 2016 draft. It’s no secret the Rams have needed a QB for the past decade. With the uncertainty of what San Francisco will do with their pick, look for Los Angeles to swoop in at the last second and get in front of their division rival.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Joey Bosa, DE Ohio State
The 49ers defense took a beating last year due to retirements and poor play. Joey Bosa has a motor like no other and could fit the role that Justin Smith left.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – Ezekiel Elliott, RB Ohio State
This is setting up perfectly for Philadelphia and new head coach Doug Pederson. After trading their top free agent acquisition from a year ago to the Titans, there is no way the Eagles stick with Ryan Matthews and Darren Sproles as their lead backs. Matthews was in many trade rumors about a month ago, and many around the league think that he will still be traded. Elliott will give this offense a jolt it hasn’t seen since Brian Westbrook was carrying the load.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jack Conklin, OT Michigan State
Franchise QB? Check. Franchise WR? Check. Franchise RB? Check. The only thing this offense is missing is protection. That will change with the pick of Jack Conklin. A fierce, hard nosed OT, that doesn’t mind getting dirty.
10. New York Giants – Vernon Hargreaves III, CB Florida
A huge contract was giving to CB Janoris Jenkins this offseason, but that won’t stop the Giants from adding a great DB. With an aging Roger-Cromartie, Hargreaves will give the Giants some security.
11. Chicago Bears – Mackenzie Alexander, CB Clemson
Another CB comes off the board. Chicago has struggled with their secondary for the past couple of years. Pairing Alexander with Fuller could spell trouble for opposing NFC North QBs.
12. New Orleans Saints – Shaq Lawson, DE Clemson
The Saints didn’t miss the playoffs last year because of their offense. The defense was atrocious and the main focus needs to be on getting pressure on opposing QBs. Shaq Lawson is just the man to do that.
*TRADE*
13. Detroit Lions (From Miami) – Josh Doctson, WR TCU
With the heartbreaking news of Calvin Johnson retiring, Detroit has a huge hole at WR. This team won’t be able to compete with only Golden Tate. Josh Doctson, who is 6’2” 215 pounds, is a freak athlete. He posted a 41 inch vertical at the combine. Detroit will be more than pleased to have him on their team.
14. Oakland Raiders – Darron Lee, LB Ohio State
The rich keep getting richer, and by that I mean this nasty defense. Oakland has made strides the last couple of years in assembling a smash mouth defense. Darron Lee is the icing on the cake. Lee can step in day one and make plays not only in the run, but the pass too.
15. Baltimore Ravens (From Los Angeles) – Ronnie Stanley, OT Notre Dame
Baltimore gets a steal on day one. Not only were they able to gain extra picks, they also gain protection for Joe Flacco. Stanley will step in day one and help solidify this offensive line.
16. Miami Dolphins (From Detroit) – Eli Apple, CB Ohio State
Adding Byron Maxwell was a start, but this secondary in Miami is still a work in progress. Eli Apple was solid for the Buckeyes last year, and has big play ability because of his smarts. He is a perfect fit for this defense.
17. Atlanta Falcons – Noah Spence, DE Eastern Kentucky
Many knock Spence because of his great play at a small school. If there is anybody in the NFL that can get the very best out of Spence, it’s Dan Quinn. Vic Beasley and Noah Spence could be a tandem no QB wants to see.
18. Indianapolis Colts – Kevin Dodd, DE Clemson
The Colts defense has been atrocious for years. If not for their offense the past decade, this team would be picking top 5 every year. Like the Saints, this group needs to get pressure on the QB. Kevin Dodd is just the man to help.
19. Buffalo Bills – Leonard Floyd, DE Georgia
Losing Mario Williams, even on a down statistical year, is big for Buffalo. His spot needs to be filled quickly. Leonard Floyd has a motor and has a knack for getting to the QB.
20. New York Jets – Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis
The third QB is off the board. Even with a great year last year, Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t getting younger. Actually, he still hasn’t re-signed with New York, but it’ll happen eventually. The Jets have to think long term with a pretty good QB class this year. Lynch might sit just like Aaron Rodgers did when he came into the league, but it will be for the best.
21. Washington Redskins – Jarran Reed, DT Alabama
Losing Terrance Knighton to the Patriots this offseason leaves a hole in the middle of this defensive line. The physical play that Reed provided last year for Alabama, will transition well to the NFL, more importantly, the Washington Redskins.
22. Houston Texans – Laquon Treadwell, WR Ole Miss
Outside of Deandre Hopkins, the Texans don’t have any playmaking WRs. While his combine numbers weren’t the best, Treadwell will make an instant impact in this league. He has the size to dominate smaller CBs, and will be a red zone threat from the start. This Houston offense is pointing in the right direction.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Cory Coleman, WR Baylor
Unlike Houston, Minnesota has no playmaking WRs. Stefon Diggs came on late in the season last year, but was still inconsistent. Teddy Bridgewater has his RB, and a good offensive line, now he just needs an athletic, playmaking WR to throw to. Cory Coleman is just the man.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Thomas, WR Ohio State
A CB could be taken here, but after losing Muhammed Sanu and Marvin Jones via free Agency, WR becomes an instant need. Pairing AJ Green with an athlete like Michael Thomas could give Andy Dalton the spark to get the Bengals to the second week of the playoffs.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – A’Shawn Robinson, DT Alabama
Last year in the draft, Pittsburgh got off to a good start by drafting Bud Dupree, and trying to get that defensive line straight. This year, Pittsburgh will give Dupree a big, fierce DT in Robinson to cause havoc on opposing QBs.
26. Seattle Seahawks – Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State
After losing Russell Okung to the Broncos, Seattle needs an OT to protect Russell Wilson. Seattle will only go as far as Wilson takes them.
27. Green Bay Packers – Reggie Ragland, LB Alabama
The Packers defense hasn’t had leadership at MLB since Nick Perry was manning the ship. That will all change with Reggie Ragland. He led this Alabama defense to great measures and accomplishments in 2015.
28. Kansas City Chiefs – Kendall Fuller, CB Virginia Tech
With Sean Smith heading to Oakland, Kansas City is now in need of a CB to pair up with DROY Marcus Peters. Virginia Tech has made a name for CB play in the past decade, and Kendall Fuller will keep that tradition alive.
*TRADE*
29. San Diego Chargers (From Arizona) – Karl Joseph, S West Virginia
Although they weren’t able to get Jalen Ramsey, San Diego still gets a good, playmaking Safety. It’ll cost them a few picks in the later rounds, but Joseph is worth it. He will instantly step up and try to fill the void Eric Weddle left.
30. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Rankins, DT Louisville
Star Lotulelei is a force to be reckoned with on that Carolina defensive line. Pairing him up with a player like Sheldon Rankins would force opposing RBs to run east and west.
*TRADE*
31. Dallas Cowboys (From Denver) – Derrick Henry, RB Alabama
What a way to end the first day of the draft. With the Cleveland Browns just ahead of Dallas in the Second Round, Dallas has to make a move if they want a RB. Alfred Morris was signed this offseason, but he is hardly the solution. Darren McFadden had a good year, but he is only getting older. Derrick Henry is a hard runner, and behind that Dallas offensive line, the sky is the limit.
