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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Pete Fiutak’s First Look After Super Bowl
2016 NFL Mock Draft: With the football season over, what’s up next for the offseason projections? How will everyone get better? Here’s what every team in the first round needs and the most likely options
February 8, 2016
With the football season over, what’s up next for the 2016 NFL Draft? How will everyone get better? Here’s what every team in the first round needs and the most likely options.
NFL Mock Draft No. 1: Picking Every First Round Spot
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1. Tennessee Titans
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Tackle, 2) Running Back, 3) Defensive Back
Three Most Likely Options: 1) OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss, 2) DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State, 3) DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon
The Pick Will Be: OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
2. Cleveland Browns
The Team Needs … 1) Quarterback, 2) Defensive Tackle, 3) Linebacker
Three Most Likely Options: 1) QB Jared Goff, California, 2) QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, 3) DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
The Pick Will Be: QB Jared Goff, California
It’ll be the debate leading up to the draft: Wentz or Goff. After the Johnny Manziel disaster, the decision will mean everything to the franchise desperate for a special quarterback.
3. San Diego Chargers
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive End, 2) Wide Receiver, 3) Defensive Back
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State, 2) OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss, 3) DeForest Buckner, Oregon
The Pick Will Be: DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
It’s easy. Cleveland is a mortal lock to take a quarterback, San Diego chooses between Tunsil, Bosa and Buckner. There’s no need to overthink this.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The Team Needs … 1) Running Back, 2) Quarterback, 3) Linebacker
Three Most Likely Options: 1) QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, 2) DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State, 3) QB Jared Goff, California
The Pick Will Be: QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
Here’s the problem. Jerry Jones wants to win immediately, and to do that his Cowboys need more playmakers on offense and could use a nasty defensive lineman to become an anchor. The smart move for the long haul, though, is Wentz. Tony Romo has a few years left, let Wentz work out the kinks, and there’s your star quarterback for down the road – and to fit in when Romo gets hurt again.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Back, 2) Linebacker, 3) Offensive Line
Three Most Likely Options: 1) CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State, 2) OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss, 3) CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida
The Pick Will Be: CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
The offense is coming around, and now it’s up to the Jaguars to find their lockdown corner. It’ll end up being between Ramsey and Hargreaves – Jacksonville will go with the bigger option.
6. Baltimore Ravens
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Tackle, 2) Wide Receiver, 3) Cornerback
Three Most Likely Options: 1) OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame, 2) CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State, 3) CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida
The Pick Will Be: OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
The killer cornerback would be nice, and Ramsey or Hargreaves would be a great fit if either one is there, but the line needs a boost in a huge way and could use a young tackle to help fit into the mix up front.
7. San Francisco 49ers
The Team Needs … 1) Quarterback, 2) Wide Receiver, 3) Defensive Tackle
Three Most Likely Options: 1) QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, 2) WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss, 3) QB Jared Goff, California
The Pick Will Be: WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Chip Kelly needs a quarterback he can believe in, but Goff and Wentz will likely be long gone. He also needs a No. 1 target for his offense to work around, and Treadwell is the standout in the pack.
8. Miami Dolphins
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Line, 2) Cornerback, 3) Linebacker
Three Most Likely Options: 1) OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame, 2) CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida, 3) CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
The Pick Will Be: CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida
The two top corners aren’t going to be gone. One of them will be, but not both. Getting some help up front to keep Ryan Tannehill upright is a must at some point in the draft, but Hargreaves or Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander makes perfect sense.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Three Most Likely Options: 1) Offensive Line, 2) Cornerback, 3) Defensive End
The Team Needs … 1) DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon, 2) DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 3) CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida
The Pick Will Be: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon
Call this a mega-steal. The Bucs will look hard at Mackenzie Alexander or Hargreaves if either star corner is there, but Buckner won’t slide any further. He’s not a desperate need pick, but he’ll drop just enough to be a great value.
10. New York Giants
The Team Needs … 1) Running Back, 2) Defensive End, 3) Offensive Tackle
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 2 DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon, 3) Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
The Pick Will Be: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
The hope beyond reasonable hope will be for Buckner to be here, but Lawson is hardly a consolation prize. Elliott might be the sexier pick, but it’s a deep crop of running backs after the first round – there’s no need to take one here. The Giants were built on rushing the passer, and getting a top end like Lawson would be terrific.
11. Chicago Bears
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive End, 2) Wide Receiver, 3) Defensive Back
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 2) WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss, 3) LB Myles Jack, UCLA
The Pick Will Be: LB Myles Jack, UCLA
You name the position and the Bears could probably use a boost. Once he’s 100% healthy – which he’s supposed to be to start the season – Jack brings the versatility to the linebacking corps the front seven needs. However, after Kevin White’s redshirt season, there might not be much fire to take an injury risk.
12. New Orleans Saints
The Team Needs … 1) Quarterback, 2) Defensive Tackle, 3) Defensive Back
Three Most Likely Options: 1) CB Mackenzie Alexander, Clemson, 2) DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama. 3) DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
The Pick Will Be: CB Mackenzie Alexander, Clemson
The Saints need speed and quickness at linebacker, and needs help for the offensive interior, but they also need more options in the secondary. Alexander, Jalen Ramsey, or Vernon Hargreaves will be here.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Line, 2) Quarterback, 3) Defensive End
Three Most Likely Options: 1) OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State, 2) OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame, 3) OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
The Pick Will Be: OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State
If Carson Wentz falls here, it’s done. Paxton Lynch could be an option, too, but the Eagles have to get help right away for the offensive line. If Stanley falls … done. Flip a coin between Conklin and Decker.
14. Oakland Raiders
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Back, 2) Linebacker, 3) Defensive Tackle
Three Most Likely Options: 1) CB Mackenzie Alexander, Clemson, 2) DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama, 3) DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
The Pick Will Be: DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama
The Raiders would love to have one of the top corners slide down here, and there’s a chance they could go to an offensive tackle like Jack Conklin or Taylor Decker, but the defense is starting to rise up and Robinson is an anchor to keep building around inside.
15. Los Angeles Rams
The Team Needs … 1) Quarterback, 2) Wide Receiver, 3) Cornerback
Three Most Likely Options: 1) QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis, 2) QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, 3) WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
The Pick Will Be: QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Yoink. The Rams can’t make the move they’re making without a franchise quarterback to build everything around. The receiving corps needs to be addressed at some point, and there’s help needed in the defensive backfield, but Lynch is desperate need pick. Don’t be shocked if a move is made to get up in the draft to go after Carson Wentz.
16. Detroit Lions
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Tackle, 2) Cornerback, 3) Defensive Tackle
Three Most Likely Options: 1) OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State, 2) OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State, 3) DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama
The Pick Will Be: OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
It would be great if a shutdown corner falls down to 16, but if Mackenzie Alexander isn’t around, it might not happen. Finding help at offensive tackle is the other must, taking either Decker or Conklin, whichever one is still on the board.
17. Atlanta Falcons
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Back, 2) Defensive End, 3) Linebacker
Three Most Likely Options: 1) LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama, 2) CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida, 3) LB Myles Jack, Alabama
The Pick Will Be: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Here you go, Atlanta. You need even more of a presence on the inside? Here you go. Ragland can also be moved to the outside, too. He’s showing more versatility in offseason workouts.
18. Indianapolis Colts
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Tackle, 2) Defensive Back, 3) Running Back
Three Most Likely Options: 1) OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State, 2) OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State, 3) LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
The Pick Will Be: LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
It’s a chance on greatness considering the knee injury is still a question mark. It might take a year or so to get right, but once he’s ready to roll, he’s a top five-caliber pick who’ll slide. With the top offensive tackles gone, Smith fits.
19. Buffalo Bills
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Tackle, 2) Quarterback, 3) Offensive Tackle
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss, 2) DT Jarran Reed, Alabama, 3) DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
The Pick Will Be: DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
The Bills need more playmakers on both sides of the ball, but Rex Ryan will keep on building with the defensive front. Put Nkemdiche next to Marcell Dareus, and look out.
20. New York Jets
The Team Needs … 1) Linebacker, 2) Quarterback, 3) Offensive Tackle
Three Most Likely Options: 1) LB Darron Lee, Ohio State, 2) LB Myles Jack, UCLA, 3) LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
The Pick Will Be: LB Darron Lee, Ohio State
It’ll be interesting if Jack or Jaylon Smith end up falling a bit, but Lee is quickly growing into a star prospect with the speed skill to be a gamechanger on the outside. All of a sudden, the Jets might be set with something special up front if Lee can be a pass rushing terror.
21. Washington Redskins
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Line, 2) Wide Receiver, 3) Offensive Line
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville, 2) DT Jarran Reed, Alabama, 3) DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
The Pick Will Be: DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
It’s too far for Rankins to fall any further. He’s growing into a top 15-caliber pick and talent, but he should drop a bit considering the needs in the top 20. The offense can go after receiver later.
22. Houston Texans
The Team Needs … 1) Quarterback, 2) Running Back, 3) Defensive Tackle
Three Most Likely Options: 1) RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, 2) QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis, 3) DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
The Pick Will Be: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
Boom. The Texans have to go with a quarterback at some point, but there are a few good options likely to be there in the second round. Is this too early for Connor Cook? No, but the Texans need a running back, too, and Elliott would be a dream this low.
23. Minnesota Vikings
The Team Needs … 1) Wide Receiver, 2) Offensive Line, 3) Linebacker
Three Most Likely Options: 1) LB Leonard Floyd, Georgia, Ole Miss, 2) LB Darron Lee, Ohio State, 3) WR Josh Doctson, TCU
The Pick Will Be: LB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
The Vikings need lots of help for the offensive side with more explosive options, here’s a chance to come up with an amazing option for the defensive side. Take Floyd, pair him with Anthony Barr, and look out.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Tackle, 2) Safety, 3) Offensive Line
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DT Andrew Billings, Baylor, 2) DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech, 3) DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
The Pick Will Be: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor
When in doubt, go with the big, strong anchor. The Bengals have defensive tackles, but getting a true nose option like Billings is a rich-get-richer pick. They can go after the offensive line and receiver later.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Back, 2) Linebacker, 3) Offensive Line
Three Most Likely Options: 1) CB Eli Apple, Ohio State, 2) CB Mackenzie Alexander, Clemson, 3) LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
The Pick Will Be: CB Eli Apple, Ohio State
Just outside of the first batch of corners – Alexander, Jalen Ramsey, Vernon Hargreaves – Apple is a very good, very talented young option to mix into the fold. The Steelers will have their share of great defensive options at this spot – they can go with the Best Player Available.
26. Seattle Seahawks
The Team Needs … 1) Running Back, 2) Defensive Tackle, 3) Cornerback
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DT Jarran Reed, Alabama, 2) DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech, 3) DE Jonathan Bullard, Florida
The Pick Will Be: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
Running back is a big need now, but is it too early for Derrick Henry? Finding another corner would be nice, and Ezekiel Elliott falling here would be a dream, but cranking up the defensive interior with more reinforcements is a must.
27. Green Bay Packers
The Team Needs … 1) Defensive Line, 2) Offensive Line, 3) Tight End
Three Most Likely Options: 1) LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame, 2) TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas, 3) LB Darron Lee, Ohio State
The Pick Will Be: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
The Green Bay offensive line needs a big boost after almost got Aaron Rodgers killed late in the season, but as it turned out, the offense needed more weapons. Henry is the No. 1 tight end by far and an instant best friend of No. 12.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Line, 2) Wide Receiver, 3) Defensive Line
Three Most Likely Options: 1) DE Jonathan Bullard, Florida, 2) DT Andrew Billings, Baylor, 3) LB/DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
The Pick Will Be: DE Jonathan Bullard, Florida
More receivers would be great, and the O line needs a boost, but there should be plenty of good defensive options falling deep into the first round. Bullard is going to be one of the hot prospects in the process – this is a great value spot with his size and versatility.
29. Arizona Cardinals
The Team Needs … 1) Linebacker, 2) Quarterback, 3) Defensive End
Three Most Likely Options: 1) LB/DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky, 2) LB Leonard Floyd, Georgia, 3) LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
The Pick Will Be: LB/DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
On talent, Spence is a top 15 talent. There are just enough issues to fall, but considering Arizona needs a hybrid pass rusher, it’s the right guy for the right spot. Getting a top-shelf running back could on the table, too.
30. Carolina Panthers
The Team Needs … 1) Wide Receiver, 2) Offensive Tackle, 3) Defensive End
Three Most Likely Options: 1) LB/DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky, 2) DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State, 3) WR Josh Doctson, TCU
The Pick Will Be: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
The Panthers need wide receiver help more than any other area, but they can load up on them later. Getting help at left tackle is also a possibility, but adding another pass rusher works into what the team’s philosophy is. Ogbah is a top 15-caliber riser who should fall.
31. Denver Broncos
The Team Needs … 1) Offensive Line, 2) Running Back, 3) Tight End
Three Most Likely Options: 1) TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas, 2) QB Connor Cook, Michigan State, 3) LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
The Pick Will Be: QB Connor Cook, Michigan State
Do the Broncos believe in Brock Osweiler? That’s a big, big, chance to take with a potential franchise quarterback sitting there late in the first round. With a guy with the attitude and talent of Cook, he’d be going into the right spot with the right coaching staff and GM.
