A lot has changed since the last time we ran through the entire first round of the NFL Draft, most importantly the Eagles are now picking five spots higher after sending Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso to Miami. But have any moves by the remaining seven NFL teams picking ahead of the Eagles effected who could be available by the time the Eagles are on the clock? It’s time to take a closer look as we run through our second Full NFL Mock Draft.
1) Tennessee Titans: OLE MISS OT Laremy Tunsil
Unless the Titans can find a partner to trade back with, they will most likely choose to protect their franchise quarterback with the best Offensive Lineman in the draft. Tunsil will come in right away and provide top notch protection for the blindside of Marcus Mariota.
Comparison: Tyron Smith
Previous Selection: Laremy Tunsil
2) Cleveland Browns: NORTH DAKOTA STATE QB Carson Wentz
No one knows what the Browns are doing this offseason. Something is telling me to bet against the norm with this pick, but logic says Hue Jackson wants his QB of the future. Carson Wentz has the best mix of talent and potential at the quarterback position in this year’s draft and with scouts rating him so highly, Wentz could well become the new face of the Cleveland Browns
Comparison: Poor Man’s Cam Newton
Previous Selection: Jared Goff
3) San Diego Chargers: FLORIDA STATE FS Jalen Ramsey
The Chargers just lost their franchise Safety and Quarterback of the defense, Eric Weddle to the Ravens. His replacement, Jalen Ramsey, is the best player in the draft and can be the centerpiece of the Chargers defensive rebuild.
Comparison: Ed Reed
Previous Selection: Joey Bosa
4) Dallas Cowboys: OHIO STATE DE Joey Bosa
Jerry Jones and Co. might want to select a Quarterback here to replace the aging Tony Romo, but I have a feeling that Jones wants to win now. The Cowboys need a lot of help on the other side of the ball and Defensive End Joey Bosa could well be their most effective option. Bosa is a beast and he will be haunting Eagles quarterbacks for years to come.
Comparison: Jared Allen
Previous Selection: DeForest Buckner
5) Jacksonville Jaguars: UCLA OLB Myles Jack
Gus Bradley finally has an opportunity to coach a team that has a legitimate chance of making some noise in the AFC. Luckily for the Jags, a game changer like Jack has fallen into their lap. The UCLA product is rehabbing an injury that caused him to miss last season, but he is a freak athlete and a linebacker who could eventually challenge Luke Kuechly’s supremacy (yes, he is that good). Don’t look now but the Jaguars could be dangerous in 2016.
Comparison: NaVorro Bowman
Previous Selection: Jalen Ramsey
6) Baltimore Ravens: OREGON DE DeForest Buckner
GM Ozzie Newsome has had some great drafts in the last decade and he needs another one this year if the Ravens want to battle in the tough AFC North. Buckner is a hybrid pass rusher who can line up anywhere and eventually take over for the aging Terrell Suggs.
Comparison: Calais Campbell
Previous Selection: Ronnie Staley
7) San Francisco 49ers: OLE MISS WR Laquon Treadwell
In the first major surprise of the draft, the Niners pass on QB Jared Goff and opt instead to grab the top wide receiver in the draft. Chip Kelly has shown that he loves to invest high draft picks in pass catchers and he continues that trend. Treadwell has special talent and in Kelly’s system, he should really thrive.
Comparison: DeAndre Hopkins
Previous Selection: A’Shawn Robinson
8) (via Dolphins) Philadelphia Eagles: FLORIDA CB Vernon Hargreaves
A great trade by Howie Roseman has the Eagles with a pick inside the top ten. With Notre Dame OT Ronnie Staley and Hargreaves still on the board, this could go either way. Stanley has the potential to be a bookend tackle for many years and that is so important in today’s NFL; however, I believe that investing your valuable resources on potentially two Pro Bowl tackles (Lane Johnson) is not the right move. Honestly, and this is once Jason Peters retires and Johnson switches from right tackle to left, the right tackle spot does not need to be filled with a high profile player.
Having two top notch tackles is great but shutdown corners rule the league in today’s NFL. It is pretty tough to name some offensive tackles who played in the last three Super Bowls, but you may recognize these cornerbacks: Josh Norman, Richard Sherman, Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and Darrelle Revis. That just goes to show you how important having a lockdown corner is to a team’s success.
Howie notices this recent trend and opts to take the playmaking Vernon Hargreaves. He might be undersized but man is he talented. He is one of the best competitors in the draft, and his ball skills are excellent. Do not worry, he is not Byron Maxwell or Nnamdi Asomugha, this kid can definitely play, physically too..making him a perfect fit in the Eagles new Defense. Pairing him with Eric Rowe would solidify this defensive backfield for the foreseeable future.
Comparison: Josh Norman
Previous Selection: Carson Wentz
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NOTRE DAME OT Ronnie Stanley
This pick is between Stanley and Clemson DE Shaq Lawson. The Bucs choose Stanley, mainly because he is too good of a talent to pass up on and protecting Jaemis Winston should be one of their main objectives this offseason.
Comparison: Lane Johnson
Previous Selection: Mackenzie Alexander
10) New York Giants: NOTRE DAME LB Jaylon Smith
The Giants absolutely splurged on free agency this year, focusing on the defensive side of the ball. I am not saying I am necessarily a fan of those moves, but it did take care of so many of their defensive needs. Smith is a rangy linebacker who could spearhead this defensive rebuild. If somehow this investment into defense works out for the Giants, the NFC East had better watch out.
Comparison: Thomas Davis
Previous Selection: Myles Jack
11) Chicago Bears: CLEMSON DE Shaq Lawson
The Bears solidified their biggest hole when they signed inside linebacker Danny Trevathan. Now John Fox is going to want to continue to add pieces to his Defense. Lawson is not the speed edge rusher that has become vogue in the NFL but he is built like a truck and his ability to get to the quarterback is unquestioned.
Comparison: Ziggy Ansah
Previous Selection: Jaylon Smith
12) New Orleans Saints: ALABAMA DT A’Shawn Robinson
Sean Payton and the Saints need to squeeze everything out of the Drew Brees era while the quarterback is still playing at a high level. Time is running out, but the addition of a player like Robinson could really help their Defense out. Robinson is not necessarily a polished player yet, but he has the kind of upside that will force the Saints hand.
Comparison: Muhammed Wilkerson
Previous Selection: Shaq Lawson
13) (via Eagles) Miami Dolphins: OHIO STATE RB Ezekiel Elliot
Once the Dolphins are on the clock, they cannot get their pick in fast enough. Losing Lamar Miller was a blow to an emerging Dolphins offense, but what better way to heal than to select a replacement that might be the best back in football in a couple of years. Elliot would provide head coach Adam Gase with a playmaking bell-cow back who can do it all, and do it excellently.
Comparison: Mix of Le’Veon Bell and Arian Foster
Previous Selection: Vernon Hargreaves III
14) (Projected Trade with OAK Raiders) New York Jets: CALIFORNIA QB Jared Goff
Whether or not the Jets retain Ryan Fitzpatrick, they need a future franchise quarterback. They know this so they trade up with the Raiders to jump the QB needy LA Rams. Goff finally is picked at 14 and is an absolute steal in the middle of the first round. Goff is not necessarily a project nor is he a day 1 slam dunk starter, but he has the makeup to be a franchise quarterback.
Comparison: Matt Ryan
Previous Selection: Darron Lee
15) Los Angeles Rams: MEMPHIS QB Paxton Lynch
The Rams, maybe other than the Browns, is the most quarterback needy team in the draft. They might prefer Goff, but they should be very happy that Lynch fell into their lap this late in the first round. The Memphis star is a project and the Rams can let him learn under Nick Foles as the former Eagle rides out his last year of his contract.
Comparison: Blake Bortles
Previous Selection: Paxton Lynch
16) Detroit Lions: MICHIGAN STATE OT Jake Conklin
The Lions’ Offense is not going to contain the same aerial attack we have come to expect from Matthew Stafford and Megatron. Now that Calvin Johnson has retired, it is time for the Lions to reassess their offensive strategy. They begin the switch with a very solid offensive tackle in Conklin. Building a team through offensive line can be quite successful, the Lions understand that and grab the Michigan State tackle.
Comparison: Doug Free
Previous Selection: LaQuon Treadwell
17) Atlanta Falcons: OLE MISS DE/DT Robert Nkemdiche
The Falcons and Coach Dan Quinn select possibly the most intriguing player in the draft in Nkemdiche. The Ole Miss product has a high ceiling due to his eye popping athleticism but his off the field issues and lack of production also gives him a pretty low floor. If he even sniffs his ceiling, he would be the steal of the draft.
Comparison: Michael Bennett
Previous Selection: Robert Nkemdiche
18) Indianapolis Colts: OHIO STATE OT Taylor Decker
With a huge extension on the way for QB Andrew Luck, it would make sense to draft someone to assist the Pro Bowl quarterback. After the top three tackles, there is a bit of a drop off, but Decker offers solid production for many years.
Comparison: Jake Long
Previous Selection: Jake Conklin
19) Buffalo Bills: OHIO STATE LB Darron Lee
Rex Ryan lost perhaps his most talented defensive weapon in Mario Williams, but Darron Lee might actually be a better fit. Williams is a true pass rusher and when Ryan dropped him into coverage, which he did a lot, Williams was not nearly as effective. Lee is more of a hybrid who can rush the passer and then the next play, fake the rush and lock down the tight end.
Comparison: Daryl Washington
Previous Selection: Taylor Decker
20) (Projected trade with NY Jets) Oakland Raiders: ALABAMA LB Reggie Ragland
The Raiders get some mid round picks from the Jets and move back in the first. In the end they end up with a guy that they might well have selected at 14 anyway. The Raiders, similar to the Jaguars, are finally on the rise. The offense is growing and the Defense will be tough with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin rushing the passer. Ragland is another young piece that the Raiders will choose to add to the puzzle. The Alabama product is a downhill backer who is excellent against the run.
Comparison: Brandon Spikes
Previous Selection: Reggie Ragland
21) Washington Redskins: BAYLOR DT Andrew Billings
The Redskins have a solid opportunity to build on their surprise NFC East title. The powerful Billings could turn out to be a quality steal at this stage in the draft, and he has the ability to free up the pass rush for guys like Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith with his immense strength.
Comparison: Star Lotulelei
Previous Selection: Andrew Billings
22) Houston Texans: BAYLOR WR Corey Coleman
The Texans shocked the NFL when they outbid for the services of Brock Osweiler and they made a great under-the-radar signing of up and coming running back Lamar Miller. The defense is already stacked so the Texans will focus and adding weapons for Osweiler. A burner like Coleman is the perfect fit alongside DeAndre Hopkins.
Comparison: T.Y. Hilton/John Brown
Previous Selection: Ezekiel Elliot
23) Minnesota Vikings: TCU WR Josh Doctson
After cutting Mike Wallace, there is a hole at wide receiver for the Vikings. Doctson is somewhat of a ways away from hitting his potential but his ball skills and route running are impressive enough for the Vikings to settle on him and pair him with second year wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Comparison: Allen Hurns
Previous Selection: Corey Coleman
24) Cincinnati Bengals: NOTRE DAME WR Will Fuller
The Bengals took quite a hit at wide receiver in free agency when Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu both bolted for big contracts elsewhere. Fuller is the best deep threat outside of Corey Coleman and he is worth a look at this pick. The Roman Catholic product has some scary downsides though. He tends to catch the ball with his body instead of his heads, which is a big no-no. Nonetheless, his speed could work well with A.J. Green alongside of him.
Comparison: Mike Wallace/Ted Ginn Jr.
Previous Selection: Michael Thomas
25) Pittsburgh Steelers: KANSAS STATE OG Cody Whitehair
The Steelers offense is absolutely loaded. They have the best running back and wide receiver in the AFC to go along with an elite experienced quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The problem however is that Big Ben has had trouble staying healthy. In comes Cody Whitehair. He is easily the best guard in the class.
Comparison: Zack Martin
Previous Selection: Jarran Reed
26) Seattle Seahawks: INDIANA OT Jason Spriggs
Russell Okung is probably on his way out and the Seahawks would be smart to find his replacement. Spriggs had a great combine and entices the Seahawks enough for the selection. He can provide adequate protection for Russell Wilson for the foreseeable future.
Comparison: Nate Solder
Previous Selection: Shonn Coleman
27) Green Bay Packers: GEORGIA OLB Leonard Floyd
Finally the first true “edge rusher” comes off the board. Floyd has a pretty high ceiling and the Packers could afford to focus on defense here while Jordy Nelson returns to the offense. Floyd needs to grow a little bit more to reach that ceiling but given time, he could be a perennial double digit sack guy.
Comparison: Barkevious Mingo
Previous Selection: Leonard Floyd
28) Kansas City Chiefs: OHIO STATE CB Eli Apple
The Chiefs just lost cornerback Sean Smith to the Raiders, and they will look for his replacement in the first round. Apple is not Hargreaves or Alexander but he should be an above average starter in the NFL.
Comparison: Stephen Gilmore
Previous Selection: Josh Doctson
29) Arizona Cardinals: ALABAMA C Ryan Kelly
The Cardinals are one of the best all-around teams in the NFC. They do not have many holes but after shipping interior offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper to the Patriots, Kelly is a great replacement. Centers rarely get selected in the first round, but that does not mean that there aren’t elite talents at that position. Kelly has the chance to be one of the better centers in the league.
Comparison: Bryan Stork
Previous Selection: Eli Apple
30) Carolina Panthers: EASTERN KENTUCKY DE Noah Spence
Spence falls all the way down here even though some believe he has top ten talent. The Panthers miss out on the top four wide receivers so they instead go for the pass rusher who could really help this defense. The defense is stout already but you can never have too many guys to rush the quarterback.
Comparison: Vinny Curry
Previous Selection: Noah Spence
31) (Projected Trade with Denver Broncos) San Francisco 49ers: MICHIGAN STATE QB Connor Cook
Kelly needs his quarterback and after passing on Goff, FM Trent Baalke and Chip move up from their second round pick to secure the selection of Cook. The Broncos slide back, add a mid-round pick and settle with one of the second tier quarterbacks (Dak Prescott, Christian Hackenberg) to groom under Sanchez.
Cook is not a sure thing, but Chip Kelly has done a good job with his quarterbacks. Blaine Gabbert might start day 1 but sooner or later, Cook will take over the reins.
Comparison: Ryan Fitzpatrick
