Jump to content

Mel Kiper's 2016 NFL Mock Draft 3.0


#90

Recommended Posts

1. Tennessee Titans

*Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

The top left tackle in the draft goes to a team where offensive line help is a must. I'm certain the Titans will continue to shop this pick, but it could be difficult to get a good offer.

Free-agency effect: As usual, free agency isn't exactly flush with offensive tackle help. The Titans can shop elsewhere knowing they have a tackle option here. While it's not a free-agency move, the addition of DeMarco Murray is another reminder the O-line should be a priority.


2. Cleveland Browns

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

I wouldn't rule out Cleveland taking a non-quarterback here and then getting one with the No. 32 pick, but Wentz would make sense here as a super physical talent whom new coach Hue Jackson can develop.

Free-agency effect: Is there a QB in free agency clearly better than a healthy Josh McCown, one they want to pay big dollars for? Right now, I doubt the Browns make a splash there.


3. San Diego Chargers

*Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

The offensive line has been a major problem area going on a few years, and Stanley can be plugged in immediately. The Chargers need D-line help as well, but the draft is much deeper at that position.

Free-agency effect: If the Chargers find O-line help in free agency, it could shift the thinking here if they have players graded similarly.


4. Dallas Cowboys


DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

A good combination of clear need and a really good player available. Buckner brings versatility and the ability to disrupt the pocket.

Free-agency effect: There are some decent pass-rushers in free agency, but the Cowboys don't have the cap space to win bidding wars.


5. Jacksonville Jaguars

*Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

If there's a debate among evaluators on Ramsey, it's whether he'll end up at cornerback or safety. I think a little patience with him at cornerback will go a long way. He has star potential. Jacksonville should be thrilled if he's available here.

Free-agency effect: The Jags have the money to get multiple players in free agency, and should target the secondary. But when it comes to the draft, I think they should be taking the best player available, period.


6. Baltimore Ravens

*Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The Ravens need help in the secondary and on the O-line, but it's hard to pass on a talent as complete as Bosa at this spot. A great pass-rusher does as much for a secondary as a good corner.

Free-agency effect: With Kelechi Osemele headed elsewhere via free agency, the offensive line could be in play here, but the value is a question if Stanley is off the board.


7. San Francisco 49ers

*Jared Goff, QB, California

Even if Colin Kaepernick remains at quarterback, I don't know if Goff would be out of the equation here. I think he could develop into something special for coach Chip Kelly and would provide insurance for Kap.

Free-agency effect: While a rebuilding team needs to be thinking "best player available" here, the 49ers have a lot of money to spend -- and needs all over -- so I do think priorities could shift.


8. Miami Dolphins

*Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

A top-five player on my board, I think Jack could benefit any team in the league, thanks to his skill set at linebacker and special ability to cover from that position.

Free-agency effect: The Dolphins could be in the market for a pass-rusher if Olivier Vernon is too expensive, and that could push a guy like Shaq Lawson up the board.


9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

*Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

No change here from the previous mock. Hargreaves is highly regarded throughout the league and certainly could be drafted before this point.

Free-agency effect: The Bucs could get secondary help in free agency, but Hargreaves at this point would be hard to pass up, too.


10. New York Giants

*Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

Even if Jason Pierre-Paul were to return, the Giants would be wise to add pass-rushing talent, and Lawson is a good fit here. Like JPP, he's also underrated as a complete defensive end in that he's good against the run.

Free-agency effect: The Giants do have some shopping to do, and if they add pass-rush help, perhaps this pick becomes a cornerback such as Hargreaves, if available.


11. Chicago Bears

*Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

The Bears did work on the interior of the defensive line in the 2015 draft, but they need pass-rushers, and Floyd is a big-time upside play.

Free-agency effect: The Bears could have a tough time winning the services of a top pass-rusher in free agency, given other areas where they need to spend money, which includes retaining talent. They want to build through the draft.


12. New Orleans Saints

Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville

A big man with the quickness to create havoc in the backfield working from the interior, Rankins is a guy you draft to get better on defense, period, and that's what the Saints need to do.

Free-agency effect: Given their cap squeeze, the Saints can't be too aggressive in free agency, and they need to add defenders in the draft.


13. Philadelphia Eagles

*Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

If you just go on tape and forget pure potential, you would put Conklin much closer to the No. 1 and No. 3 picks in this mock draft. The Eagles can't go wrong in drafting even a couple of good offensive linemen.

Free-agency effect: Philadelphia won't solve O-line depth issues in free agency alone. The makeover is ongoing, but the Eagles need to add young O-line talent.


14. Oakland Raiders

**Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

A high-upside cornerback with size, Apple might deal with some growing pains, but he's an impressive combination of size, athleticism and natural gifts for the position.

Free-agency effect: The Raiders can throw their money around this offseason, but they need major work in the secondary, so they'll need to draft help here regardless.


15. Los Angeles Rams

*Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

The Rams might actually find an upgrade at QB in free agency, but even if they don't add one, they also need somebody to catch the ball. It's not often you can get the top pass-catching prospect in the draft at No. 15.

Free-agency effect: The list of free-agent wide receivers isn't exactly stacked, with the top guy certain to stay put, so the Rams are going to get one at some point.


16. Detroit Lions

*A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama

The Lions improved defensively during the second half of the season, but "best interior defensive lineman" would be a solid strategy here; Robinson matches up as a value just on overall ability at this point, even if you forget the need.

Free-agency effect: I don't think the Lions can fix the D-line needs in free agency alone, especially if they spend money on an offensive tackle.


17. Atlanta Falcons

**Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

Nobody was better at the NFL combine, and Lee has plenty of good tape as well. An explosive, versatile player is a good value here, and Atlanta has a need for a playmaker at linebacker.

Free-agency effect: If the Falcons add a guy such as Danny Trevathan in free agency, Lee might not be the best pick for immediate help. If they don't add any pass-rush help, you could see them go that direction.


18. Indianapolis Colts

Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

I think "best offensive lineman available" would be a smart strategy here, and Decker would join former teammate Jack Mewhort. The Colts would obviously move him off left tackle, but he's a good athlete and could transition.

Free-agency effect: Indianapolis could go a few ways in free agency, but I'm not sure any of them would change the reality that young talent on the O-line is a priority.


19. Buffalo Bills

*Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss

A special talent and incredible athlete at his size, Nkemdiche could play a big part in getting Rex (and Rob) Ryan's defense back to where it should be after an awful 2015. He's a character risk, but a top-five talent.

Free-agency effect: The Bills are freeing up some cap money, but they will have a tough time outbidding people for top talent. I wouldn't expect free agency to alter draft plans.


20. New York Jets

*Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

While I think Elliott could certainly qualify as "best player available" here, I'm not sure the Jets would take a running back this high. But that will be the question for every team, and Elliott sure would see the field for them.

Free-agency effect: Chris Ivory is likely to be gone, so even if it's not at this spot, I would expect the Jets to grab a running back at some point. I'll say this: If Ryan Fitzpatrick leaves, this is a dark-horse spot for a QB.


21. Washington Redskins

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Last year's draft was all about getting tougher and more physical on both sides of the ball. Ragland continues that trend, fills a need and is ready to play. Solid value here.

Free-agency effect: I think the defensive line will be a bigger priority than linebacker in free agency.


22. Houston Texans

*Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

DeAndre Hopkins had 97 more targets than any other player on the Texans last season, and they need to find someone who can take some pressure off. Fuller is the No. 1 guy in this draft if you want to take the top off a defense.

Free-agency effect: Houston could add a wideout in free agency, but nobody available has quite the upside of Fuller. The real question is whether the Texans get a QB, and if that influences this pick.


23. Minnesota Vikings

Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

Stefon Diggs was a great value, and as they move indoors the Vikings need to add another weapon in the passing game. Doctson is great after the catch and would be a great fit in the offense.

Free-agency effect: The Vikings should spend money on the offensive line in free agency, but that could be a target here as well if they don't do enough.


24. Cincinnati Bengals

*Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky

Secondary is an emerging need for the Bengals, and I also think they'd grab Kendall Fuller or Doctson here if they have high grades on either, but Spence is a potential stud in the pass rush and would be a good value here.

Free-agency effect: The depth of departures at wide receiver and in the secondary could shift the strategy for a "win now" team.


25. Pittsburgh Steelers

William Jackson III, CB, Houston

The Steelers are an improved secondary away from contending for a Super Bowl, and the addition of another young talent to go with (hopefully) a solid debut for Senquez Golson could help.

Free-agency effect: The Steelers won't have the flexibility to do much in free agency and will need to bolster the team through the draft.


26. Seattle Seahawks

*Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Defensive line is going to be a need area, but Fuller becomes a value at this point, and the defensive-line class in this draft is going to produce starters well into Day 3. Get the best player.

Free-agency effect: If Jeremy Lane departs, this is a legit need area, so free agency will be something to watch.


27. Green Bay Packers

*Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State

The Packers need weapons in the passing game, but with the top three wide receivers gone and a middling tight end class, getting a pass-rusher is never a bad option. Correa is an absolute blur off the edge.

Free-agency effect: If you know anything about the Packers, you know free agency isn't an area where they do much business. I doubt it changes anything with their draft strategy, in all seriousness.


28. Kansas City Chiefs

Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama

The Chiefs need to add impact talent on the interior of the defensive line, and I'm not sure there's a player who is consistently better stopping the run than Reed. He would be a good get here.

Free-agency effect: The Chiefs could see some turnover on defense, and I think they could draft heavily on that side regardless of what happens in free agency.


29. Arizona Cardinals

*Emmanuel Ogbah, DE/OLB, Oklahoma State

The Cardinals need to add a pass-rusher -- look at how much they relied on Dwight Freeney late in the season -- and to get the supremely athletic Ogbah at this point would be rare in most years, but they could benefit from the glut of D-line talent in this class.

Free-agency effect: Nothing Arizona will be able to do in free agency will change the fact that it needs good young talent on the defensive line.


30. Carolina Panthers

*Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

The Panthers could look at either cornerback or safety here, but the way the board breaks in this instance, getting the top safety would be a sensible value at No. 30.

Free-agency effect: Carolina is out of cap jail, but it won't exactly be winning bidding wars. If the Panthers get secondary help, maybe that pushes them toward a pass-rusher here. But it all depends on who is available.


31. Denver Broncos

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

Spriggs is a great athlete who will need a little developmental work but is the kind of guy who could thrive under coach Gary Kubiak in this system.

Free-agency effect: Denver is going to be in a retention battle, and you could see that factoring in here, particularly if the Broncos lose Malik Jackson.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like Goff more than Wentz. Watched Goff this year and he is the most pro ready QB this year. Wentz because of injury didn't play as much this year but size and arm and athletic has all the tools but needs to develop. Love Paxton Lynch. It is funny with these so called experts. Lynch in the middle of the year was the talk of College Football and was guaranteed number 1 overall. Than he loses a few games and the interest falls. Did anyone watch these games. Navy beat them because of their defense and Paxton really didn't have that great talent around him. Kiper is a moron. I have Wentz and Lynch basically a tie as the 2nd best Qb prospect. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the Jets take a RB at 20 with all the freaking holes on this team, after signing Matt Forte.  I will yell at my TV set and wag my finger in disgust.  I will more than likely lose all faith in  Big Mac's ability to build a roster.

It's moronic.  Literally, moronic to draft a RB in the first round unless he's a next generation talent and Elliot certainly is not that type of player.  It's literally the most irrelevant positoin in the game. 

And when was the last time a skills player from Ohio St. actually turned out to be worth a sh*t (other than my man Holmes of course)?  Eddie George?  Cris Carter? Terry Glenn?

Luckily, I dont thin Mac is that dumb. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My mock draft today. It could change since free agency could change it. 

              1. Tennessee.      -         Laremy  Tunsil    OT 

              2.  San Francisco  -       Jared Goff   Trade up.

              3.  San Diego -              A'shown Robinson   DT 

              4.  Dallas         -              Jalen Ramsey  CB 

              5.  Jacksonville -             Vernon Hargreaves   CB

              6.  Baltimore     -              Rony Staly     OT 

              7.  Cleveland    -               Carson  Wentz    QB 

              8.  Philadelphia  -.           Laquan  Tredwell    WR 

.             9.  Tampa Bay  -.             Joey  Bosa     DE 

.           10.  New York Giants -.      Reggie Ragland   MLB 

.           11.  Chicago.             -.       Shaq Lawson    DE 

.           12.  New Orleans.     -         Deforest Buckner    DE DT 

.           13.  Miami.                -         Eli Apple      CB 

.           14.  Oakland.    -                 Emmanuel  Ogbah   DE 

.            15.  L.A Rams.     -             Ryan Kelly .    Center

.            16.  Detroit.       -               Jordan Reed.    DT

.            17.  Atlanta .     -                Will Fuller.         Wr .     

             18.  Indianapolis. -             Noah Spence    DE LB

.            19.  Buffalo.         -             Jonathan Ballard.   DE

.            20.  NEW YORK JETS. -     PAXTON LYNCH  QB

.            21.  Washington.          -     Myles Jack   OLB

.            22.  Houston.            -        Corey Coleman. Wr 

.            23.  Minnesota.     -            Kenny Clark.  DT 

.            24.   Cincinnati      -             Robert Kdeminche  DT

             25.  Pittsburgh       -             Hunter Henry     TE 

             26.  Seattle             -             Jack Conklin    OT 

             27.   Green Bay   -               Darren Lee  OLB 

             28.  Kansas City  -               Jason Spriggs or Taylor Decker

             29.  Arizona        -                 Kendrell Brothers    MLB 

             30.  Carolina   -                     Jason Spriggs or Taylor Decker whoever is left.

             31. Denver     -                    Connor Cook  QB 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, JiF said:

If the Jets take a RB at 20 with all the freaking holes on this team, after signing Matt Forte.  I will yell at my TV set and wag my finger in disgust.  I will more than likely lose all faith in  Big Mac's ability to build a roster.

It's moronic.  Literally, moronic to draft a RB in the first round unless he's a next generation talent and Elliot certainly is not that type of player.  It's literally the most irrelevant positoin in the game. 

And when was the last time a skills player from Ohio St. actually turned out to be worth a sh*t (other than my man Holmes of course)?  Eddie George?  Cris Carter? Terry Glenn?

Luckily, I dont thin Mac is that dumb. 

I tend to agree. While I wanted the jets to take Elliot,  now that we have Forte, there is no need to waste a 1st round pick on another RB. I'd rather go pass rusher/ILB/QB/OL with that pick and then go for a RB in the later rounds to split carries with Forte and eventually take over for Forte. T

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, JoJoTownsell1 said:

I tend to agree. While I wanted the jets to take Elliot,  now that we have Forte, there is no need to waste a 1st round pick on another RB. I'd rather go pass rusher/ILB/QB/OL with that pick and then go for a RB in the later rounds to split carries with Forte and eventually take over for Forte. T

Well, luckily Big Mac agreed too.  Forte-Powell-Robinson pretty much closes the door on Elliot at 20.  Thank god. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...