Last Minute NFL Mock Draft (with trades)
I've been working on this, making changes, but never finishing it for the past few weeks. Today being the last day, I decided to finally make my final adjustments and post it as record of what I think will happen in the first round of the NFL Draft. This was by far the hardest mock draft I have ever done, and there is a good chance I am going to be way off. It was still a blast to do, and I will be looking back to see how awful I did next week.
1.
Cleveland Browns – MITCHELL TRUBISKY QB, UNC
2016 record: 1-15 (.549)
Top needs: QB, pass rusher, DB
Analysis: Myles Garrett is a sure thing for the #1 pick, but Cleveland is picking. They’ve spent the past few days figuring out how they can take Garrett and move up from #12 to take Trubisky. They’ve figured out they aren’t going be able to get high enough to take him, without paying a crazy price. The draft is deep on the DL and at DB, two positions of need, and they regret passing on Wentz. I think they talk themselves into taking Trubisky, and get the best defensive player at 12. The goal is still to get Garrett at #1, and move up for Trubisky.
2016 record: 1-15 (.549)
Top needs: QB, pass rusher, DB
Analysis: Myles Garrett is a sure thing for the #1 pick, but Cleveland is picking. They’ve spent the past few days figuring out how they can take Garrett and move up from #12 to take Trubisky. They’ve figured out they aren’t going be able to get high enough to take him, without paying a crazy price. The draft is deep on the DL and at DB, two positions of need, and they regret passing on Wentz. I think they talk themselves into taking Trubisky, and get the best defensive player at 12. The goal is still to get Garrett at #1, and move up for Trubisky.
*TRADE*
2.
Los Angeles Chargers (trade with 49ers) – MYLES GARRETT DE, TEXAS A&M
2016 record: 5-11 (.543)
Top needs: WR, DE, OG
Analysis: The transition to a 4-3 requires another DE in LA, and they trade up to get the best one. San Francisco hits the jackpot with Cleveland passing on Garrett. They have 7-8 guys they would be happy taking at 2, including Garrett. So they trade back, get extra picks to help the rebuild, and will still end up with a player they want. Meanwhile, the Chargers of Los Angeles pair Garrett with Joey Bosa to form one of the best young duo of pass rushers in the NFL.
2016 record: 5-11 (.543)
Top needs: WR, DE, OG
Analysis: The transition to a 4-3 requires another DE in LA, and they trade up to get the best one. San Francisco hits the jackpot with Cleveland passing on Garrett. They have 7-8 guys they would be happy taking at 2, including Garrett. So they trade back, get extra picks to help the rebuild, and will still end up with a player they want. Meanwhile, the Chargers of Los Angeles pair Garrett with Joey Bosa to form one of the best young duo of pass rushers in the NFL.
3.
Chicago Bears –
JAMAL ADAMS S, LSU
2016 record: 3-13 (.521)
Top needs: DB, OL, TE
Analysis: The Bears signed Mike Glennon, so they can address another need here. Bears may take a QB later (spoiler), next year, but they are going to give Glennon a chance now. Either way, they go defense, and pick the second best player in this draft, and the future leader on that side of the ball. Adams is going to be a Pro Bowler every year, and will be the highest drafed safety ever.
2016 record: 3-13 (.521)
Top needs: DB, OL, TE
Analysis: The Bears signed Mike Glennon, so they can address another need here. Bears may take a QB later (spoiler), next year, but they are going to give Glennon a chance now. Either way, they go defense, and pick the second best player in this draft, and the future leader on that side of the ball. Adams is going to be a Pro Bowler every year, and will be the highest drafed safety ever.
4.
Jacksonville Jaguars - JONATHAN ALLEN DT, ALABAMA 2016 record: 3-13 (.527)
Top needs: TE, DT, OL
Analysis: Jags could go a lot of different directions with this pick. Like a lot of other teams, they are trade down candidates, but I think they’ll have to stay put. Like the 49ers I think there are 7 guys or so the Jags could take. I’m torn between them pulling the trigger on Fournette, or going defense. I’m going to go Allen here because Coughlin likes to build from the lines out, and the Jags D is close to being really good.
Top needs: TE, DT, OL
Analysis: Jags could go a lot of different directions with this pick. Like a lot of other teams, they are trade down candidates, but I think they’ll have to stay put. Like the 49ers I think there are 7 guys or so the Jags could take. I’m torn between them pulling the trigger on Fournette, or going defense. I’m going to go Allen here because Coughlin likes to build from the lines out, and the Jags D is close to being really good.
5.
Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams) – MIKE WILLIAMS WR,
CLEMSON
2016 record: 9-7 (.465)
Top needs: CB, WR, ILB
Analysis: The Titans end up with a great pick from the Rams trade. I think the most obvious positions they need to address with their 2 first round picks are DB and WR. I think Williams is drastically underrated, and is going to be an absolute beast in the NFL. His combine wasn’t great, but his tape is phenomenal. He reminds me of Mike Evans, and I’m not passing on a guy that reminds me of Mike Evans. Defense is deep in this draft, and they will get someone good with their next pick.
2016 record: 9-7 (.465)
Top needs: CB, WR, ILB
Analysis: The Titans end up with a great pick from the Rams trade. I think the most obvious positions they need to address with their 2 first round picks are DB and WR. I think Williams is drastically underrated, and is going to be an absolute beast in the NFL. His combine wasn’t great, but his tape is phenomenal. He reminds me of Mike Evans, and I’m not passing on a guy that reminds me of Mike Evans. Defense is deep in this draft, and they will get someone good with their next pick.
6.
New York Jets –
LEONARD FOURNETTE RB, LSU
2016 record: 5-11 (.518)
Top needs: QB, OLB, CB
Analysis: The Jets have a lot of needs, and probably should look at defensive back here. OJ Howard could be an option as well. I just don’t see them passing on Fournette if he’s still on the board at 6. Jets are also a serious trade back candidate. If Cleveland does take Garrett with the first pick, I think this will be where the Browns want to make a move to get Trubisky. The Jets would be glad to slide back to 12 and add assets. I just don’t see it shaking out that way right now.
2016 record: 5-11 (.518)
Top needs: QB, OLB, CB
Analysis: The Jets have a lot of needs, and probably should look at defensive back here. OJ Howard could be an option as well. I just don’t see them passing on Fournette if he’s still on the board at 6. Jets are also a serious trade back candidate. If Cleveland does take Garrett with the first pick, I think this will be where the Browns want to make a move to get Trubisky. The Jets would be glad to slide back to 12 and add assets. I just don’t see it shaking out that way right now.
7.
San Francisco 49ers – SOLOMON THOMAS DE, STANFORD
2016 record: 2-14 (.504)
Top needs: QB, OLB, OL
Analysis: Again, 49ers hit the jackpot here. Solomon Thomas could be the second pick in this draft if the Niners stay put. Instead, they trade back with the Chargers, add extra picks, and still get their guy. Lynch will choose a fellow Stanford alum with his first choice as GM, while looking very smart doing it.
2016 record: 2-14 (.504)
Top needs: QB, OLB, OL
Analysis: Again, 49ers hit the jackpot here. Solomon Thomas could be the second pick in this draft if the Niners stay put. Instead, they trade back with the Chargers, add extra picks, and still get their guy. Lynch will choose a fellow Stanford alum with his first choice as GM, while looking very smart doing it.
8.
Carolina Panthers – CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, RB STANFORD
2016 record: 6-10 (.518)
Top needs: OT, DE, RB
Analysis: Carolina could trade up for Fournette, they could take a DE to mold behind returning home Julius Peppers, or they could take a guy who has seen his stock rise drastically. McCaffrey proved himself at the combine to not be just a RB/WR tweener, but a legit option as an all around back. Early on, he could pair well with a healthy Jonathan Stewart, before he really takes over. He’s going to be a matchup nightmare that helps Cam Newton a lot.
Top needs: OT, DE, RB
Analysis: Carolina could trade up for Fournette, they could take a DE to mold behind returning home Julius Peppers, or they could take a guy who has seen his stock rise drastically. McCaffrey proved himself at the combine to not be just a RB/WR tweener, but a legit option as an all around back. Early on, he could pair well with a healthy Jonathan Stewart, before he really takes over. He’s going to be a matchup nightmare that helps Cam Newton a lot.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – HAASON REDDICK LB,
TEMPLE
2016 record: 6-9-1 (.521)
Top needs: OL, LB, Edge
Analysis: The Bengals are going to want a RB in this talented draft, and if Fournette is available they will take him, but I don’t see any way he will be. WR is another possible choice, and I think John Ross could be the pick. A guy who can stretch the field across from AJ Green would be a great addition. However, I think the Bengals want to get nasty on defense again, and Haason Reddick looks like a great fit for the Bengals. I’ve had Foster here forever, and I am not saying Cincinnati wouldn’t take him, but I think Reddick has put himself close enough to Foster that maybe this time the Bengals don’t go with the immature player. I like Reddick’s game a lot, and he’s been rising for a reason, but Foster is the best LB in this draft. That’s not a debate.
2016 record: 6-9-1 (.521)
Top needs: OL, LB, Edge
Analysis: The Bengals are going to want a RB in this talented draft, and if Fournette is available they will take him, but I don’t see any way he will be. WR is another possible choice, and I think John Ross could be the pick. A guy who can stretch the field across from AJ Green would be a great addition. However, I think the Bengals want to get nasty on defense again, and Haason Reddick looks like a great fit for the Bengals. I’ve had Foster here forever, and I am not saying Cincinnati wouldn’t take him, but I think Reddick has put himself close enough to Foster that maybe this time the Bengals don’t go with the immature player. I like Reddick’s game a lot, and he’s been rising for a reason, but Foster is the best LB in this draft. That’s not a debate.
10.
Buffalo Bills –
MARSHON LATTIMORE CB, OHIO STATE
2016 record: 7-9 (.482)
Top needs: DB, WR, OT
Analysis: The Bills will be pretty stoked if the best player available at their biggest position of need is there at 10. Stephon Gilmore has gone to the rival Patriots, and they were weak at CB even with him on the roster. Lattimore could go as high as 2 in this draft, so the Bills should be stoked to get him. They need help at WR, and I think Mike Williams could be the choice if he’s available.
2016 record: 7-9 (.482)
Top needs: DB, WR, OT
Analysis: The Bills will be pretty stoked if the best player available at their biggest position of need is there at 10. Stephon Gilmore has gone to the rival Patriots, and they were weak at CB even with him on the roster. Lattimore could go as high as 2 in this draft, so the Bills should be stoked to get him. They need help at WR, and I think Mike Williams could be the choice if he’s available.
11.
New Orleans Saints – MARLON HUMPHREY CB, ALABAMA
2016 record: 7-9 (.523)
Top needs: DB, DE, WR
Analysis: Saints are another team with two first round picks and two obvious positions to address. Defensive end and defensive back will be the positions, but in what order? I think there’s more value at the back of the round for DE, so I think the Saints go with who could be the best corner on the board after Lattimore, and will take the best DE available at 32.
2016 record: 7-9 (.523)
Top needs: DB, DE, WR
Analysis: Saints are another team with two first round picks and two obvious positions to address. Defensive end and defensive back will be the positions, but in what order? I think there’s more value at the back of the round for DE, so I think the Saints go with who could be the best corner on the board after Lattimore, and will take the best DE available at 32.
12.
Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles) – MALIK HOOKER S,
ALABAMA
2016 record: 1-15 (.549)
Top needs: QB, pass rusher, DB
Analysis: Cleveland can pick almost any position here, and I can make it make sense. In my mock, they caved and took Trubisky with the first overall pick. They could pick an edge rusher here, or maybe OJ Howard to get a new weapon for their new QB. If Malik Hooker falls to them however, I think he’s the pick. Hooker and Adams went back and forth with me for who was the second best player in this draft. I’m not worried about the injury, and Hooker is a ball hawking playmaker. The Ed Reed comparisons are legit, and this would be a great pick for Cleveland.
2016 record: 1-15 (.549)
Top needs: QB, pass rusher, DB
Analysis: Cleveland can pick almost any position here, and I can make it make sense. In my mock, they caved and took Trubisky with the first overall pick. They could pick an edge rusher here, or maybe OJ Howard to get a new weapon for their new QB. If Malik Hooker falls to them however, I think he’s the pick. Hooker and Adams went back and forth with me for who was the second best player in this draft. I’m not worried about the injury, and Hooker is a ball hawking playmaker. The Ed Reed comparisons are legit, and this would be a great pick for Cleveland.
13.
Arizona Cardinals – REUBEN FOSTER LB, ALABAMA
2016 record: 7-8-1 (.463)
Top needs: ILB, QB, DB
Analysis: Cardinals need a DB, and the future QB to take over Carson Palmer. You can’t go QB here, even though I’ve seen some slot Kizer here. NO!!! If Reddick/Foster are here, they are the pick. In this case it’s Reuben Foster, and this may the best thing to happen to him. The Cards have chosen players like Nkendiche and Mathieu in previous drafts, and I think they have great leadership with players to coaching staff. Foster is nasty, and in the right situation he’s going to be one of the best in the league. I think this is the right situation. I could flip flop these picks between the Bengals and Cardinals, but right now this is my guess.
2016 record: 7-8-1 (.463)
Top needs: ILB, QB, DB
Analysis: Cardinals need a DB, and the future QB to take over Carson Palmer. You can’t go QB here, even though I’ve seen some slot Kizer here. NO!!! If Reddick/Foster are here, they are the pick. In this case it’s Reuben Foster, and this may the best thing to happen to him. The Cards have chosen players like Nkendiche and Mathieu in previous drafts, and I think they have great leadership with players to coaching staff. Foster is nasty, and in the right situation he’s going to be one of the best in the league. I think this is the right situation. I could flip flop these picks between the Bengals and Cardinals, but right now this is my guess.
14.
Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings) – DALVIN COOK RB,
FLORIDA STATE
2016 record: 7-9 (.559)
Top needs: CB, RB, DE
Analysis: The draft is in Philly this year, so the team better make a pick the fans like, because otherwise they are going to hear about it. Honestly, that better not be a motivating factor, just a point to make. Philly needs to address the secondary and add some help on the edge. OJ Howard is still on the board somehow and could be the pick here. The crowd would boo because of the depth they already have at TE, but it would be a good pick. Instead, the fans will cheer because the Eagles will draft Dalvin Cook. I’ll be honest, I think he is overrated, and there are some serious red flags on and off the field. However, he could be the next Jamal Charles and make me look stupid.
2016 record: 7-9 (.559)
Top needs: CB, RB, DE
Analysis: The draft is in Philly this year, so the team better make a pick the fans like, because otherwise they are going to hear about it. Honestly, that better not be a motivating factor, just a point to make. Philly needs to address the secondary and add some help on the edge. OJ Howard is still on the board somehow and could be the pick here. The crowd would boo because of the depth they already have at TE, but it would be a good pick. Instead, the fans will cheer because the Eagles will draft Dalvin Cook. I’ll be honest, I think he is overrated, and there are some serious red flags on and off the field. However, he could be the next Jamal Charles and make me look stupid.
15.
Indianapolis Colts – DEREK BARNETT DE, TENNESSEE
2016 record: 8-8 (.492)
Top needs: OL, DL, RB
Analysis: Colts have needs all over, and a new GM to try and fill them. The strategy here will be lines out. They need a better offensive line to protect Andrew Luck, and more edge pressure to get after opposing QB’s. I am going with the DE for the Colts, because Derek Barnett is a top 10 talent, and fills a massive need.
2016 record: 8-8 (.492)
Top needs: OL, DL, RB
Analysis: Colts have needs all over, and a new GM to try and fill them. The strategy here will be lines out. They need a better offensive line to protect Andrew Luck, and more edge pressure to get after opposing QB’s. I am going with the DE for the Colts, because Derek Barnett is a top 10 talent, and fills a massive need.
16.
Baltimore Ravens – COREY DAVIS WR, WESTERN MICHIGAN
2016 record: 8-8 (.498)
Top needs: OLB, WR, CB
Analysis: The Ravens are hoping one of the elite LB’s or DB’s falls to them. In my mock, they don’t. I think they could be a serious trade down candidate, where they could take Cam Robinson from Bama. They could very well take him here either way, but I think they go with the all-around receiver from Kalamazoo in Corey Davis. Ross is an option is well, but I think they’d take Davis. Mike Williams would be the pick if he somehow fell to them.
2016 record: 8-8 (.498)
Top needs: OLB, WR, CB
Analysis: The Ravens are hoping one of the elite LB’s or DB’s falls to them. In my mock, they don’t. I think they could be a serious trade down candidate, where they could take Cam Robinson from Bama. They could very well take him here either way, but I think they go with the all-around receiver from Kalamazoo in Corey Davis. Ross is an option is well, but I think they’d take Davis. Mike Williams would be the pick if he somehow fell to them.
17.
Washington Redskins – JARRED DAVIS LB, FLORIDA
2016 record: 8-7-1 (.516)
Top needs: ILB, S, RB
Analysis: Another team I think is hoping Foster slips in this draft. They could go a few different ways with this pick. I think cornerback is an option, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see RB if one of the top 3 guys are there. Washington needs someone aggressive in the middle, and Davis is one of my more underrated prospects.
2016 record: 8-7-1 (.516)
Top needs: ILB, S, RB
Analysis: Another team I think is hoping Foster slips in this draft. They could go a few different ways with this pick. I think cornerback is an option, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see RB if one of the top 3 guys are there. Washington needs someone aggressive in the middle, and Davis is one of my more underrated prospects.
18.
Tennessee Titans – ADOREE JACKSON CB, USC
2016 record: 9-7 (.465)
Top needs: CB, WR, ILB
Analysis: As I said before, Titans need to go DB/WR or WR/DB. In my mock they took their future WR1 in Mike Williams, and now can turn to corner. I think the Titans are hoping a guy like Humphrey will slide to them, but Jackson is a guy moving up and I wouldn’t be shocked if he was chosen here.
2016 record: 9-7 (.465)
Top needs: CB, WR, ILB
Analysis: As I said before, Titans need to go DB/WR or WR/DB. In my mock they took their future WR1 in Mike Williams, and now can turn to corner. I think the Titans are hoping a guy like Humphrey will slide to them, but Jackson is a guy moving up and I wouldn’t be shocked if he was chosen here.
*TRADE*
19.
Pittsburgh Steelers (trade with Buccaneers) – OJ HOWARD TE, ALABAMA
2016 record: 11-5 (.494)
Top needs: ILB, OLB, WR
Analysis: This doesn't seem like a Steelers move, but I couldn’t help myself. If Big Ben is coming back, and is going to play for as long as Pittsburgh wants, they need to get him that safety net TE he covets. OJ Howard is on the board, and he’s the perfect blend of old and new school. This would be such a good fit, it’s ridiculous. No idea if this could happen, but like I said, I couldn’t help myself.
2016 record: 11-5 (.494)
Top needs: ILB, OLB, WR
Analysis: This doesn't seem like a Steelers move, but I couldn’t help myself. If Big Ben is coming back, and is going to play for as long as Pittsburgh wants, they need to get him that safety net TE he covets. OJ Howard is on the board, and he’s the perfect blend of old and new school. This would be such a good fit, it’s ridiculous. No idea if this could happen, but like I said, I couldn’t help myself.
20.
Denver Broncos – GARETT BOLLES OT, UTAH
2016 record: 9-7 (.549)
Top needs: OT, ILB, DE
Analysis: The Broncos need to improve what his rarely week in Denver, the offensive line. Possibly the best OT in this draft is sitting there at 20, so they take him. He may not fall this far, as teams could jump up to get him. If Reddick is on the board, he’s 100% the pick. If Bolles and Reddick are gone, they may trade down or pick a different LB.
2016 record: 9-7 (.549)
Top needs: OT, ILB, DE
Analysis: The Broncos need to improve what his rarely week in Denver, the offensive line. Possibly the best OT in this draft is sitting there at 20, so they take him. He may not fall this far, as teams could jump up to get him. If Reddick is on the board, he’s 100% the pick. If Bolles and Reddick are gone, they may trade down or pick a different LB.
21.
Detroit Lions –
TJ WATT LB, WISCONSIN 2016 record: 9-7 (.475) Top needs: Pass rusher, LB, WR Analysis: Lions need help on defense, especially at LB. The thought
seems to be defensive end, and that very well could be the pick, but I think
they need to go a with a linebacker who can also rush the passer, check two boxes if
you will. TJ Watt is exactly that player, because he is someone who can play
every down, and even put his hands in the dirt if he needs to.
22.
Miami Dolphins – DAVID NJOKU TE, MIAMI
2016 record: 10-6 (.455)
Top needs: LB, OG, CB Analysis: Miami is kind of an enigma for me this year. I struggled to find a pick for them I really liked. There are a bunch of defensive players they could target, but for some reason I can’t shake David Njoku from my mind. He wouldn’t have far to travel, as he would play his pro ball in the same stadium he played college.
2016 record: 10-6 (.455)
Top needs: LB, OG, CB Analysis: Miami is kind of an enigma for me this year. I struggled to find a pick for them I really liked. There are a bunch of defensive players they could target, but for some reason I can’t shake David Njoku from my mind. He wouldn’t have far to travel, as he would play his pro ball in the same stadium he played college.
23.
New York Giants – CAM ROBINSON OT, ALABAMA
2016 record: 11-5 (.486)
Top needs: LT, MLB, QB
Analysis: The Giants have to get better at LT. Linebacker is also a position of need, so I could see someone like Zach Cunningham here. New York has always loved defensive ends, so that could be the pick as well. Lots of options, but if there is a legit option to protect Eli Manning, I think that’s the pick.
2016 record: 11-5 (.486)
Top needs: LT, MLB, QB
Analysis: The Giants have to get better at LT. Linebacker is also a position of need, so I could see someone like Zach Cunningham here. New York has always loved defensive ends, so that could be the pick as well. Lots of options, but if there is a legit option to protect Eli Manning, I think that’s the pick.
24.
Oakland Raiders – JOHN ROSS WR, WASHINGTON
2016 record: 12-4 (.504)
Top needs: MLB, DT, CB
Analysis: The assumption is Raiders will go defense with this pick, and that’s probably the assumption I should make, but I think the future Las Vegas team will gamble on getting defensive help later and take John Ross. The speedster would give them a slot threat that was non-existent last season, and give Oakland a pretty dynamic WR group for Derek Carr, who now has beast mode standing behind him as well. Cornerback or linebacker makes the most sense, but I like this pick.
2016 record: 12-4 (.504)
Top needs: MLB, DT, CB
Analysis: The assumption is Raiders will go defense with this pick, and that’s probably the assumption I should make, but I think the future Las Vegas team will gamble on getting defensive help later and take John Ross. The speedster would give them a slot threat that was non-existent last season, and give Oakland a pretty dynamic WR group for Derek Carr, who now has beast mode standing behind him as well. Cornerback or linebacker makes the most sense, but I like this pick.
25.
Houston Texans – PAT MAHOMES QB, TEXAS TECH
2016 record: 9-7 (.502)
Top needs: QB, OL, LB
Analysis: Mahomes to the Texans is a pick I’ve had for a long time, and I’m sticking to it. Houston could go offensive line here, or linebacker. I think they want to take a QB they like early, and I think they like Mahomes. Watson could be the pick here if he’s still available, and there’s a chance he won’t be.
2016 record: 9-7 (.502)
Top needs: QB, OL, LB
Analysis: Mahomes to the Texans is a pick I’ve had for a long time, and I’m sticking to it. Houston could go offensive line here, or linebacker. I think they want to take a QB they like early, and I think they like Mahomes. Watson could be the pick here if he’s still available, and there’s a chance he won’t be.
*TRADE*
26.
Chicago Bears (trade with Seahawks) – DESHAUN WATSON QB, CLEMSON
2016 record: 10-5-1 (.441)
Top needs: OT, DT, CB
Analysis: Seattle desperately needs to improve tackle play, but the two guys they want are gone. They take this opportunity to trade back to the 4th pick of the second round where they can get a guy like Ramczyk from Wisconsin, and add some picks in the process. Chicago can’t help itself after Houston passes on Watson. They got an elite leader on defense in Jamal Adams, and now they take the guy many think is the best QB in this draft. He has a lot of experience, including big games with two National Championship appearances, and a game winning drive in the most recent one. Watson can wait a few years, or challenge Glennon right away. Either way, the Bears make this move if they can.
2016 record: 10-5-1 (.441)
Top needs: OT, DT, CB
Analysis: Seattle desperately needs to improve tackle play, but the two guys they want are gone. They take this opportunity to trade back to the 4th pick of the second round where they can get a guy like Ramczyk from Wisconsin, and add some picks in the process. Chicago can’t help itself after Houston passes on Watson. They got an elite leader on defense in Jamal Adams, and now they take the guy many think is the best QB in this draft. He has a lot of experience, including big games with two National Championship appearances, and a game winning drive in the most recent one. Watson can wait a few years, or challenge Glennon right away. Either way, the Bears make this move if they can.
27.
Kansas City Chiefs – ZACH CUNNINGHAM LB, VANDERBILT
2016 record: 12-4 (.508)
Top needs: ILB, DL, CB
Analysis: Kansas City will be intrigued to take Forrest Lamp if he was still available, but Zach Cunningham is another player I don’t think the Chiefs planned on seeing. They are in a good spot to hit a home run. Someone they want will likely fall to them and give them huge value.
2016 record: 12-4 (.508)
Top needs: ILB, DL, CB
Analysis: Kansas City will be intrigued to take Forrest Lamp if he was still available, but Zach Cunningham is another player I don’t think the Chiefs planned on seeing. They are in a good spot to hit a home run. Someone they want will likely fall to them and give them huge value.
28.
Dallas Cowboys – GAREON CONLEY CB, OHIO STATE
2016 record: 13-3 (.471)
Top needs: DB, DE, TE
Analysis: Conley was moving up draft boards before rape allegations came out in Cleveland. Now, there have been reports that teams who have done in depth research believe he will not be charged, and some video evidence seems to contradict his accuser’s story. I don’t want to dig too much into it, but I’ve heard Dallas will target Conley here, and if they believe he won’t be charged, they make the pick.
2016 record: 13-3 (.471)
Top needs: DB, DE, TE
Analysis: Conley was moving up draft boards before rape allegations came out in Cleveland. Now, there have been reports that teams who have done in depth research believe he will not be charged, and some video evidence seems to contradict his accuser’s story. I don’t want to dig too much into it, but I’ve heard Dallas will target Conley here, and if they believe he won’t be charged, they make the pick.
29.
Green Bay Packers – JOE MIXON RB, OKLAHOMA
2016 record: 10-6 (.508)
Top needs: CB, pass rusher, RB
Analysis: Lots of options for the Packers here. This is another one I don’t want to talk about too much. There’s no doubt Mixon is talented, and one of the best running backs in this draft. I think he gets picked in the first round, and I think Green Bay could take him. The Packers are a great organization and I hope they work with Mixon to create some positives out of what has been a terrible situation.
2016 record: 10-6 (.508)
Top needs: CB, pass rusher, RB
Analysis: Lots of options for the Packers here. This is another one I don’t want to talk about too much. There’s no doubt Mixon is talented, and one of the best running backs in this draft. I think he gets picked in the first round, and I think Green Bay could take him. The Packers are a great organization and I hope they work with Mixon to create some positives out of what has been a terrible situation.
30.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (trade with Steelers) – OBI MELIFONWU S, UCONN 2016 record: 9-7 (.492) Top needs: DL, S, RB Analysis: Tampa traded back in this mock and it worked out very well.
The darling of the combine Obi Melifonwu is sitting at 30, and fills a need for
the Bucs. Don’t think this is just a matter of a combine hype machine either.
Melifonwu is a fantastic prospect that people did not hear a lot about, but
they will in the next few years when he’s making plays in the NFL.
31.
Atlanta Falcons – TAKK MCKINLEY LB/DE, UCLA 2016 record: 11-5 (.480) Top needs: OG, DE, DT Analysis: 28-3. The Patriots exposed Atlanta’s greatest weakness in that
amazing Super Bowl comeback, defensive depth. Atlanta needs a G, and Forrest
Lamp is still on the board. However, so is Takk McKinley from UCLA. This would
be an absolute steal for them. McKinley would give Atlanta a perfect partner in
crime for Vic Beasley. These two could wreak havoc on QB’s for years to come.
32.
New
Orleans Saints (from New England Patriots) – TACO CHARLTON DE,
MICHIGAN
2016 record: 7-9 (.523)
Top needs: DB, DE, WR
Analysis: Like I said I think the Saints go DE/DB or DB/DE, and this mock it has played out perfectly for them. Taco could easily be the 11th pick in this draft. Everyone keeps calling him a late bloomer, but that’s not the whole story. Charlton really turned it on at Michigan after getting healthy last season, but his junior year, he was rated #1 for applying pressure to the QB in his limited snaps. Getting Humphrey and Charlton would be an absolute haul for the Saints, and drastically improve a defense in need of improving.
2016 record: 7-9 (.523)
Top needs: DB, DE, WR
Analysis: Like I said I think the Saints go DE/DB or DB/DE, and this mock it has played out perfectly for them. Taco could easily be the 11th pick in this draft. Everyone keeps calling him a late bloomer, but that’s not the whole story. Charlton really turned it on at Michigan after getting healthy last season, but his junior year, he was rated #1 for applying pressure to the QB in his limited snaps. Getting Humphrey and Charlton would be an absolute haul for the Saints, and drastically improve a defense in need of improving.
Los
Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and New England Patriots do not have first
round draft picks. All three are candidates to trade into the round, with a lot
of teams candidates looking to trade back.
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