The NFL landscape is constantly changing, which in turn changes our mocks. Since our last mock was released, NFL free agency began. The start of free agency was a wild dash of signings and startling contracts. Since, teams have been methodical in their approach and have shifted their focus back to the draft prospects.
As for the prospects, pro days have been taking place across the country. This is yet another chance for scouts to evaluate players. We’ve been doing that to. So we’ll be taking another crack at the draft here today. Greg will start with the opening pick but Andrew then gets two. They’ll take turns selecting twice in a row until the draft is complete. Let’s begin:
The Sports Guys 2016 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans select: Laremy Tunsil (OT, Ole Miss)
1st and 2nd Mock: Laremy Tunsil (OT, Ole Miss)
The only thing holding Tunsil back from being the first overall pick (besides a trade) is a disastrous pro day or a major injury between now and the draft. The more you hear from the Titans, the more it seems that either Tunsil will be the pick or the pick will be traded. Since the Titans are asking for “a King’s Ransom” for the pick, Tunsil looks like a sure thing here.
2. Cleveland Browns select: Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
1st and 2nd Mock: Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
The Browns added quarterback Robert Griffin III in free agency this week. However, the best bet is that they will still end up using this pick on a quarterback. RGIII’s deal was just two years, and their head coach already said it wouldn’t change their draft plans. Wentz is the top quarterback prospect in my estimation, especially after his pro day this week that the Browns attended. He can make all the throws and possesses a lot of athleticism.
3. San Diego Chargers select: Jalen Ramsey (DB, Florida State)
2nd Mock: Jalen Ramsey (DB, Florida State)
1st Mock: DeForest Buckner (DL, Oregon)
This pick didn’t change since our last mock. Ramsey still makes the most sense after the first wave of free agency. The Chargers improved up front by adding Mebane, but they haven’t replaced Eric Weddle in the least. Ramsey is the top player in the secondary and has the versatility to help out at multiple positions. I personally like him as the top overall prospect and I don’t think they can afford to pass him up for other players or needs.
4. Dallas Cowboys select: DeForest Buckner (DL, Oregon)
2nd Mock: DeForest Buckner (DL, Oregon)
1st Mock: Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
Need and value come together to get the Cowboys my top player left on the draft board. Buckner will be a jack of all trades on the defensive line and a player that every opposing offense will have to gameplan against going forward. This will help the Cowboys’ defense overall and help their entire team improve.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Mackensie Alexander (CB, Clemson)
1st Mock: Jalen Ramsey (DB, Florida State)
The Jaguars did really well in free agency. They did so well that it is difficult to look at the draft board and find a player that could come in and start for them right away. I looked at Ronnie Stanley, but the Jags just signed Kelvin Beachum and have Luke Joeckel at the other tackle position. Ezekiel Elliott would be another option, but with the combo of T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory he doesn’t really fit either. Bosa fits the most, though all that does is initiate a position battle between Bosa and Jared Odrick for the DE position opposite Dante Fowler, Jr. That does make their team better though as it inserts another talented defensive lineman into the mix with the departure of Chris Clemons. Oh, and they just added Malik Jackson. The league is on notice.
6. Baltimore Ravens select: Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame)
Lots of solid options for the Ravens but improving the offensive line must take priority. There is a reason Flacco was injured last year, and they need to protect him better. Losing Osemele in free agency is yet another reason why the offensive line should be targeted at this position next month. Stanley has as much upside as Tunsil, who is projected to be the #1 pick. Love the the value and need fit here.
7. San Francisco 49ers select: Jared Goff (QB, California)
2nd Mock: Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
1st Mock: Jared Goff (QB, California)
The 49ers continue to toss around trade options for Kaepernick, which makes me think they will ultimately take a quarterback here. If they don’t like Goff, Myles Jack is still on the board and makes a lot of sense. But since quarterbacks are king in the NFL, Goff seems to be the most likely selection.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami) select: Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
The Eagles released LB Demeco Ryans this offseason and need a long term replacement at the position. Jack can come in and play right away and address that need. The Eagles have had their identity rooted in their offense since the beginning of Chip Kelly’s tenure. It is time they drafted on the other side of the ball with Peterson now in charge.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Jack Conklin (OT, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Shaq Lawson (DE, Clemson)
1st Mock: Jack Conklin (OT, Michigan State)
Tampa needs to continue to solidify their offensive line in front of Jameis Winston. Conklin has a nice tough demeanor that will help to replace what the Buccaneers lost in Logan Mankins this offseason. I believe that Conklin will be a very good player for a long time in this league and will help Jameis Winston become a better player, which is ultimately going to help this team win more games. And with the moves made in free agency, it gives them freedom to make this pick.
10. New York Giants select: Ezekiel Elliot (RB, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Vernon Hargreaves III (CB, Florida)
1st Mock: A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
Elliot will be an option for many teams in the top ten, but he definitely won’t make it passed the Giants. This is a team that wants to run the ball better and Elliot is clearly a stud prospect. With them going heavy on defense in free agency, they should be aggressive on offense in the draft. If I am wrong, it’s because they go with a CB, but I doubt that happens if the draft develops in this manner.
11. Chicago Bears select: Vernon Hargreaves III (CB, Florida)
2nd Mock: Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
1st Mock: Mackensie Alexander (CB, Clemson)
The Bears’ biggest need is on the defensive line as they will be looking to add a starter at DE. But with Buckner off the table and this draft containing so many good players up front, the Bears won’t force the issue here. The best player available is likely Hargreaves, as he is the #1 corner on the board for most teams. The Bears re-signed Tracy Porter, but he isn’t the long-term answer and the team still needs a third corner for nickel situations. Hargreaves gives them a corner to pair with Fuller for years to come, and all three guys will be on the field a lot anyways.
12. New Orleans Saints select: A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Jared Goff (QB, California)
1st Mock: Jaylon Smith (LB, Notre Dame)
The Saints have all kinds of problems on defense, but adding a frontline anchor like Robinson is a great way to start fixing them. Robinson is never going to be a star, but he’s going to be one of those guys who plays in the league for 10-12 years and is highly productive with a pro bowl or two mixed in. They could do worse with the 12th overall pick.
13. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia) select: Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
2nd Mock: Noah Spence (OLB, Eastern Kentucky)
1st Mock: Shaq Lawson (DE, Clemson)
Adam Gase must feel comfortable with Jay Ajayi in his backfield since they opted to let Lamar Miller walk. A RB is a possible pick at this spot, but I feel Treadwell is one of the top 7-8 players in this draft. He reminds me a lot of Alshon Jeffery, but he stays healthier. If they pair him with DeVante Parker and Jarvis Landry, the Dolphins offense has a chance to be one of the best in the league in the years to come.
14. Oakland Raiders select: Reggie Ragland (ILB, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Jack Conklin (OT, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Vernon Hargreaves III (CB, Florida)
The Raiders hit a home run in free agency helping themselves on both sides of the ball. I still believe they can improve at middle linebacker however. Ragland would be a perfect fit for this team, as he could help stop the run and direct traffic in the middle of the defense. His style compliments Mack and newly acquired Bruce Irvin very nicely.
15. Los Angeles Rams select: Mackensie Alexander (CB, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
1st Mock: Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
Despite franchising Trumaine Johnson, the Rams secondary took a beating in free agency. So having Alexander last until this pick is a blessing, as he’s my #2 corner in this draft. Pairing he and Johnson up could make for a dynamic duo for years to come. Obviously, the Rams would love to take a quarterback here, but nobody is worthy with the top two guys taken already.
16. Detroit Lions select: Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
1st Mock: Robert Nkemdiche (DT, Ole Miss)
Lee is an instant starter in Detroit and really can improve that position. He starts over Josh Burns immediately and can have a Lance Briggs type of career in Detroit if he stays healthy. He’s going to be a good player that is extremely underrated overall.
17. Atlanta Falcons select: Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville)
2nd Mock: Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Reggie Ragland (ILB, Alabama)
The Falcons had a somewhat porous run defense last year ranking 14th in that category. Rankins is a player that can come in and be a 3-down defensive lineman who can stop the run and rush the passer. He’s a pretty classic 3-technique defensive lineman, and in Dan Quinn’s scheme he could be what Henry Melton was to the Bears a few years ago.
18. Indianapolis Colts select: Taylor Decker (OT, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Robert Nkemdiche (DL, Ole Miss)
1st Mock: Taylor Decker (OT, Ohio State)
Since the Colts did nothing in free agency, they still have to address their greatest need: offensive line. Decker is the best guy left, so he’s the obvious pick.
19. Buffalo Bills select: Noah Spence (OLB, Eastern Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville)
1st Mock: Noah Spence (OLB, Eastern Kentucky)
With Mario Williams gone, the Bills could be hurting on the edge this season. Spence would be a step towards changing that. He’d be a great fit within the scheme, and I like him as the top OLB pass rusher in this class. There are some question marks surrounding Spence, but there are with a lot of ultra-talented players in this class. He’s worth the risk for Rex Ryan.
20. New York Jets select: Shaq Lawson (DE, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
The rich get richer on the defensive line. Lawson joins Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Leonard Williams on what should be the NFL’s most feared defensive line. The Jets need some help in the secondary, and short of actually adding a player there, adding a defensive lineman with 25.5 TFL in one season is a pretty good alternative, especially since they lost Damon Harrison in free agency.
21. Washington Redskins select: Andrew Billings (DT, Baylor)
1st and 2nd Mock: Jarran Reed (DT, Alabama)
Big space eater at 311 pounds. He’s got good movement for his size, and should come in and replace Pot Roast immediately if Washington decides not to re-sign him. Seeing as no deal is done yet, I doubt it happens.
22. Houston Texans select: Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
Heading into the offseason, the Texans knew they needed to improve their offense. In free agency, they’ve added Lamar Miller, Brock Osweiler, and two key offensive linemen. Now they need a speedster to be a deep threat to help free up Hopkins and Strong (a draft pick from last year). Fuller is the fastest receiver in the draft, and possesses a lot of upside. I think this makes a lot of sense.
23. Minnesota Vikings select: Josh Doctson (WR, TCU)
2nd Mock: Taylor Decker (OT, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Josh Doctson (WR, TCU)
Wide receiver was a need before the cut Mike Wallace, now this is a must add position. I think Doctson is the second best wideout in this draft class, and I think he’d give Bridgewater a very consistent option to throw to. Diggs exploded for them last year, but Doctson would quickly overtake him as the #1 guy in my opinion. The team would benefit a lot from that.
24. Cincinnati Bengals select: Vonn Bell (S, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Reggie Ragland (ILB, Alabama)
1st Mock: Emmanuel Ogbah (DE, Oklahoma State)
This could change if the Bengals bring back Reggie Nelson, but Bell would be a capable starter if the team does not decide to bring him back. Bell’s strength is his ability to cover, and with the rest of the Bengals defense being tough-minded tacklers, that should help Bell work through his weakness in that area.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Jarran Reed (DL, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia)
1st Mock: Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
Defensive tackle is maybe the weakest position that the Steelers have on their team at the moment. Reed was highly productive as a starter for Alabama and is the type of player that Mike Tomlin will love. When you read a scout’s evaluation of him you come away with phrases like “Physical tone setter. Shows a lot of toughness holding his ground and fighting through double teams. “ and “Absolute beast versus the run. Thick and bullishly strong two-gap run plugger...Excellent gap discipline. Does his job first, and then looks to make a play.” Mike Tomlin will be ecstatic to get a player of his type.
26. Seattle Seahawks select: Robert Nkemdiche (DL, Ole Miss)
2nd Mock: Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville)
Despite character concerns and red flags, I still believe somebody will take a chance on Nkemdiche in the first round. The talent is so high and he is likely a Top 5 pick if you look at just football stuff. Seattle is a team that could take that chance and it may pay off as he would be a great player at defensive tackle for them.
27. Green Bay Packers select: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia)
1st and 2nd Mock: Andrew Billings (DT, Baylor)
We’ve had the Packers adding to their defensive line in the last two mocks. While that’s still a decent option, they also need to improve at linebacker. In this mock, the value is better at that position at this point. Floyd is an extremely talented player and would likely make more of an immediate impact than people realize. It would also make their linebacking corps much younger… that’s a good thing.
28. Kansas City Chiefs select: Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Josh Doctson (WR, TCU)
1st Mock: Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio State)
The Chiefs had a great offseason in free agency as they re-signed most of their key players and added an excellent tackle in Mitchell Schwartz. The one guy they parted with was Sean Smith. That’s why Eli Apple makes perfect sense as he’s a very similar player and can have a similar impact right away.
29. Arizona Cardinals select: Kamalei Correa (OLB, Boise State)
2nd Mock: Jaylon Smith (LB, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia)
The Cardinals really want to improve their front seven. Obviously, added Chandler Jones a couple weeks ago helps, but Correa will help as well. This may be a little high, but the fit is nice.
30. Carolina Panthers select: William Jackson III (CB, Houston)
2nd Mock: Su’a Cravens (LB/S, USC)
1st Mock: Kevin Dodd (DE, Clemson)
The Panthers need to get younger at certain spots on defense. One of those is cornerback as they used guys like Tillman and Finnegan opposite Norman. Jackson has a ton of upside and is clearly a younger option. Some mocks are starting to put him in the top 20, so getting him here could end up being good value.
31. Denver Broncos select: Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
2nd Mock: Cody Whitehair (OG, Kansas State)
1st Mock: Hunter Henry (TE, Arkansas)
Denver lost both of their starting quarterbacks in the last month and can’t afford to enter the season without better options. I could see the Broncos drafting two guys, starting with Lynch here at the end of the first round. He’s got tremendous size and sneaky athleticism along with a nice arm. Similar to Osweiler in many ways actually.
NOTE: Due to “Deflategate”, the Patriots forfeited their first round pick this year leaving only 31 spots in the First Round.
Second Round
NOTE: Our First Mock didn’t include the Second Round
32. Cleveland Browns select: Vernon Butler (DT, Louisiana Tech)
2nd Mock: Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
33. Tennessee Titans select: Hunter Henry (TE, Arkansas)
2nd Mock: Kendall Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
34. Dallas Cowboys select: Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Tyler Boyd (WR, Pittsburgh)
35. San Diego Chargers select: Jason Spriggs (OT, Indiana)
2nd Mock: Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)
36. Baltimore Ravens select: Kendall Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
2nd Mock: Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama)
37. San Francisco 49ers select: Germain Ifedi (OG, Texas A&M)
2nd Mock: Hunter Henry (TE, Arkansas)
38. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Cody Whitehair (OG, Kansas State)
2nd Mock: Kevin Dodd (DE, Clemson)
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)
2nd Mock: William Jackson III (CB, Houston)
40. New York Giants select: Kevin Dodd (DE, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Emmanuel Ogbah (DE, Oklahoma State)
41. Chicago Bears select: Ryan Kelly (C, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Shilique Calhoun (DE/OLB, Michigan State)
42. Miami Dolphins select: Emmanuel Ogbah (DE, Oklahoma State)
2nd Mock: Scooby Wright (LB, Arizona)
43. Los Angeles Rams (from Philadelphia) select: Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Ryan Kelly (C, Alabama)
44. Oakland Raiders select: Sterling Shepard (WR, Oklahoma)
2nd Mock: Miles Killebrew (S, Southern Utah)
45. Los Angeles Rams select: Adolphus Washington (DT, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State)
46. Detroit Lions select: Le’Raven Clark (OT, Texas Tech)
2nd Mock: Le’Raven Clark (OT, Texas Tech)
47. New Orleans Saints select: Shilique Calhoun (DE/OLB, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Vernon Butler (DT, Louisiana Tech)
48. Indianapolis Colts select: Keanu Neal (S, Florida)
2nd Mock: Germain Ifedi (OG, Texas A&M)
49. Buffalo Bills select: Jaylon Smith (LB, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Chris Jones (DT, Mississippi State)
50. Atlanta Falcons select: Darian Thompson (S, Boise State)
2nd Mock: Carl Nassib (DE, Penn State)
51. New York Jets select: Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Kenyan Drake (RB, Alabama)
52. Houston Texans select: Christian Hackenberg (QB, Penn State)
2nd Mock: Christian Hackenberg (QB, Penn State)
53. Washington Redskins select: Braxton Miller (WR, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Jordan Howard (RB, Washington)
54. Minnesota Vikings select: Carl Nassib (DE, Penn State)
2nd Mock: Vonn Bell (S, Ohio State)
55. Cincinnati Bengals select: Tyler Boyd (WR, Pitt)
2nd Mock: Pharoh Cooper (WR, South Carolina)
56. Seattle Seahawks select: Joshua Garnett (OG, Stanford)
2nd Mock: Austin Johnson (DT, Penn State)
57. Green Bay Packers select: Kenny Clark (DT, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Jason Spriggs (OT, Indiana)
58. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Artie Burns (CB, Miami)
2nd Mock: Keanu Neal (S, Florida)
59. Kansas City Chiefs select: Kyler Fackrell (OLB, Utah State)
2nd Mock: Kamalei Correa (OLB, Boise State)
60. New England Patriots select: Jordan Howard (RB, Indiana)
2nd Mock: Harlan Miller (DB, SE Louisiana)
61. New England Patriots (from Arizona) select: Austin Johnson (DT, Penn State)
2nd Mock: Kyler Fackrell (OLB, Utah State)
62. Carolina Panthers select: Shawn Oakman (DE, Baylor)
2nd Mock: Shawn Oakman (DE, Baylor)
63. Denver Broncos select: Cardale Jones (QB, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Jordan Jenkins (OLB, Georgia)
Hope you enjoyed our third mock draft. Pay attention to those pro days and rumors. Will be fun leading up to the draft!
By: The Sports Guys
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