(Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports)
A special to USA TODAY Fantasy Sports from DraftWire
With the Senior Bowl in the books, my third mock draft offers a much more well-rounded perspective after seeing many of these prospects in person. Several quarterbacks should come off the board in the first 15 picks, while many of the more talented prospects could slide into the back end of the first round as a result. As always, this mock draft is what I think teams WILL DO, not necessarily what I believe they SHOULD DO. Judge accordingly.
1. Tennessee Titans: OT Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi Rebels
Scouting Report
Overview: I’ve gone back and forth countless times between Tunsil and Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, but I think the opportunity to add the best player in the draft will be too tempting for Tennessee. Tunsil’s presence will allow them to move Taylor Lewan to the right side, giving the team one of the better young tackle pairings in the league.
2. Cleveland Browns: QB Jared Goff, California Golden Bears
Scouting Report
Overview: With the hiring of Hue Jackson helping to end the Johnny Manziel era in Cleveland, the Browns will again be on the lookout for a quarterback in the 2016 draft. I don’t value any passer in this class in the top ten picks, but a couple will go that high based on the value of the position. Goff is the most NFL-ready passer in the draft, showing poise in the pocket and enough arm strength to be successful down the field. North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz could also be strongly considered here.
3. San Diego Chargers: S Jalen Ramsey, Florida State Seminoles
Scouting Report
Overview: The Chargers need help along the offensive and defensive lines, but the team can’t afford to pass on a talent like Ramsey in the secondary. The Florida State defensive back would help replace Eric Weddle, giving San Diego an exceptional athlete with physicality and range on the back end. If the team was interested, Ramsey also has an exceptional ceiling at cornerback, where his length and fluidity would allow him to play in multiple coverage schemes.
4. Dallas Cowboys: QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State Bison
Scouting Report
Overview: Ultimately I think Dallas will trade down from no. 4, but if they can’t, Wentz makes a lot of sense as a developmental prospect they can sit behind Tony Romo. The Cowboys don’t have that many needs, and with Ramsey off the board, staying at no. 4 likely means deciding between the best quarterback available and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State Buckeyes
Scouting Report
Overview: Could the Jaguars really stand pat and take the second best player in the draft at no. 5? It’s certainly possible, as Dallas has plenty of defensive end options and Ramsey is a better fit in San Diego’s defense than Bosa would be. I think a number of suitors would try and vault Jacksonville if they could swing a deal with Dallas, but if not, Bosa gives the Jaguars an immediate starter to bookend Dante Fowler off the edge.
6. Baltimore Ravens: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon Ducks
Scouting Report
Overview: I think Baltimore will have a tough decision to make if the board falls this way, as Buckner, OT Ronnie Stanley, and WR Laquon Treadwell will all be attractive candidates. Buckner doesn’t fill the biggest need, but I expect him to be rated highly on Baltimore’s board this spring. Chris Canty is aging, and Buckner’s length and physicality make him an obvious fit as a five technique in Baltimore.
7. San Francisco 49ers: OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Scouting Report
Overview: With Chip Kelly in charge now, the 49ers appear to be set to give Colin Kaepernick one last crack at this quarterback thing, which is good news for the Eagles, Rams, and Texans further down the board. The 49ers have plenty of needs, and Laquon Treadwell or a cornerback could be options here, but in the end Ronnie Stanley’s promise is too great for San Francisco to pass up. The 49ers desperately need to find an immediate replacement for Erik Pears and an eventual replacement for Joe Staley on the left side, making Stanley the perfect fit. The Notre Dame product has the length, athleticism, and well-rounded game teams are looking for, he just has to make technical strides and continue to get stronger.
8. Miami Dolphins: DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky Colonels
(EKUSports Comm.)
Scouting Report
Overview: With Olivier Vernon set to take the money in free agency, Spence landing in the Dolphins lap could be a dream scenario for Miami. Cameron Wake is aging and recovering from an Achilles rupture, but Spence’s presence would give the Dolphins much-needed quickness off the edge. The versatile pass rusher can fit in a 3-4 or 4-3 front, and has improved his counter game and ability to rush with power if Senior Bowl week is any evidence.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson Tigers
Scouting Report
Overview: I think Tampa Bay ends up happy with either Lawson or Spence falling to them at no. 9, as both players would fill a big void across from Jacquies Smith on the defensive line. Lawson is one of the best run-stopping defenders in the draft, but also offers the ability to win as a pass rusher in a variety of ways. He’s a day one starter due to his ability to read, diagnose, and get off blocks quickly at the point of attack.
10. New York Giants: LB Myles Jack, UCLA Bruins
Scouting Report
Overview: Jack’s health will be crucial to his draft stock, but if his meniscus is fully healed, he might not last this long. Few linebackers can offer the balance of coverage skills and run-stopping ability that Jack can, and the UCLA junior plays the game with a violence that coaches will love. The Giants have needed linebacker help for a long time, but the secondary and the defensive line deserve consideration as well. New York remains one of the toughest teams to select for in mock drafts due to the bevy of free agents currently on their roster, and the massive amount of needs the team currently has.
11. Chicago Bears: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama Crimson Tide
Scouting Report
Overview: This is a match made in heaven, as the Bears finally get the replacement they have longed for in the middle of their defense since Brian Urlacher retired. Ragland can absolutely play three downs at the next level, giving teams a physical, instinctive run-stopper and an agile zone defender who can also rush off the edge on passing downs. Ragland is just a football player, and should become one of the best players in the 2016 class when it is all said and done.
12. New Orleans Saints: DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville Cardinals
Scouting Report
Overview: The Saints need a replacement for the ancient Kevin Williams up front, and Rankins could end up being one of the bigger steals in the draft at no. 12. His quickness and deadly arsenal of rush moves should make the New Orleans’ defensive line a terrifying unit on passing downs, while Rankins first step burst and power will allow him to be successful as a one-gapping presence against the run.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State Buckeyes
Scouting Report
Overview: It is anyone’s guess what the Eagles next move will be after hiring Doug Pederson as their head coach, but the roster is in good shape from a talent perspective. Needs exist at offensive guard and quarterback if Sam Bradford departs as a free agent, but Decker could be the eventual replacement to Jason Peters, who turned 34 just over a week ago. The massive 6’8 tackle has the length and physicality to develop into an eventual starter on either side of the line of scrimmage, allowing the team to be flexible with newly re-signed Lane Johnson if the veteran is more comfortable at right tackle.
14. Oakland Raiders: LB Jaylon Smith, UCLA Bruins
Scouting Report
Overview: With Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller recently reporting that Jaylon Smith is expected to be ready for action Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season, expect the linebacker’s stock to take a little bump if the information proves to be true. The Raiders have potential needs at offensive tackle if Donald Penn departs, and in the secondary, but Smith’s ability to play sideline-to-sideline would be a welcome addition to the weakest aspect of Oakland’s roster.
15. St. Louis Rams: QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis Tigers
Scouting Report
Overview: The Rams simply cannot make progress as an organization until they address the quarterback situation, so they should be praying either Lynch, Goff, or Wentz fall to them at no. 15. If that appears as if it won’t happen, I expect St. Louis to attempt to move up, but in this scenario Lynch drops to them halfway through the first round. The big-armed quarterback isn’t quite ready to start, but with the right coaching and preparation, he very well may become the best passer in the 2016 class.
16. Detroit Lions: WR Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi Rebels
Scouting Report
Overview: The Detroit offensive and defensive lines need plenty of help, but the recent news that Calvin Johnson is retiring at age 30 leaves the Lions with a massive void at wide receiver. Enter Treadwell, whose free-fall finally stops with the Lions. I think Treadwell is a great player, but with so many talented receivers in the league today, many of the top 15 teams simply have more pressing needs. The Lions could potentially stand pat at no. 16 and get a top 5-8 player in the 2016 class if Treadwell’s combine performance isn’t other-worldly.
17. Atlanta Falcons: LB Darron Lee, Ohio State Buckeyes
Scouting Report
Overview: The Falcons desperately need help at linebacker, as their current group lacks athleticism and coverage ability on passing downs. Lee is versatile enough to play multiple linebacker spots, but where his value really kicks in is on third downs. The explosive playmaker moves well in space and is extremely physical at the point of attack, giving the Falcons the three-down presence they’ve needed for some time.
18. Indianapolis Colts: CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida Gators
Scouting Report
Overview: This pick will likely come down to either Vernon Hargreaves or Ezekiel Elliot for Indianapolis, and the team really can’t go wrong with either player. In the end Hargreaves’ value might be a little higher in a strong running back class, as the corner offers NFL-ready skills and technique. The Florida product can play outside or in the slot for the Colts, giving the team the versatility needed to keep Vontae Davis on the opponent’s best receiver without worrying about a drop-off elsewhere.
19. Buffalo Bills: OT Jason Spriggs, Indiana Hoosiers
Scouting Report
Overview: The Bills have very few needs thanks to a roster loaded with talent, but with Cordy Glenn facing free agency and Cyrus Kouandjio and Seantrel Henderson disappointing thus far in their careers, Spriggs looks like a tantalizing option at no. 19. One of the more athletic tackles in the draft, Spriggs has all the traits scouts look for (length, quickness, power, physicality, toughness) but has struggled with consistency in four years as a starter at Indiana. If Glenn is re-signed, Spriggs should be granted the opportunity to learn before being thrust into the lineup.
20. New York Jets: EDGE Leonard Floyd, Georgia
Scouting Report
Overview: The Jets pick could ultimately come down to whether or not the team re-signs Ryan Fitzpatrick, which I think they basically have to do given the way the quarterback situation should play out in the draft this April. Chris Ivory, Muhammed Wilkerson, and Calvin Pace are also free agents, which could make running back and edge rusher the top two needs for the Jets this offseason. I expect the team to re-sign Ivory, but finding pass rushing help could be a bit more difficult. Floyd is undersized, but has the length and quickness to get to the quarterback off the edge consistently. Auburn offensive tackle Shon Coleman could be an option as well.
21. Washington Redskins: DL A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama Crimson Tide
Scouting Report
Overview: I wouldn’t take Robinson in the first round, but for what Washington asks their defensive linemen to do, the Alabama junior is a good fit at defensive end. Two-gapping is what Robinson does best, space eating with his length and anchor to keep offenses from successfully running the ball inside. Washington doesn’t have many needs if Kirk Cousins is re-signed, but Jarran Reed and Andrew Billings could be valid options here as well.
22. Houston Texans: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State Buckeyes
Scouting Report
Overview: One look at the Texans roster, and you have to marvel at the job Bill O’Brien did this season, regardless of the division. The most crying need is at quarterback, where the Texans went through a plethora of passers this year only to emerge with a bigger void than when the season began. Connor Cook may be tempting here, but the Texans need to emerge with an immediate difference maker on offense, and Elliott’s fit is too tempting to pass on here. The well-rounded back can operate behind any blocking scheme, and has the hands to be an adept receiver as well. Houston can look at Cook, Cardale Jones or perhaps even Christian Hackenberg in later rounds.
23. Minnesota Vikings: OG Joshua Garnett, Stanford Cardinal
Scouting Report
Overview: The Vikings have to improve their offensive line play in 2016, and Stanford guard Joshua Garnett is Mike Zimmer’s type of player. A hulking finisher with the tenacity of road-grader in the run game, Adrian Peterson will benefit greatly from running behind the powerful Garnett, who can operate in a zone or gap scheme at the next level. Garnett is also improving rapidly in pass protection, showing a strong punch and improved balance to mirror rushers from his guard spot.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kenny Clark, UCLA Bruins
Scouting Report
Overview: The time has finally come to replace the underachieving Domata Peko, and Clark’s addition next to Geno Atkins could give the Bengals a formidable duo in the middle of their defensive line. Clark has the power to anchor against the run and the quick hands to stack-and-shed blockers as well. The Bengals love to get pressure with four, so Clark’s ability to be an every-down player could be another selling point for his draft stock.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: S Darian Thompson, Boise State Broncos
Scouting Report
Overview: The Steelers almost never stray from the Power Five conferences when drafting first round players, but for Thompson’s well-rounded skill set, they need to make an exception. The Broncos safety is experienced, smart, athletic, and versatile, with the ability to play everywhere from single high to in the box. Thompson’s ball skills on the back end and physicality against the run match what Pittsburgh looks for in their safety prospects, making this selection a great fit for a franchise that needs to add help in the secondary.
26. Seattle Seahawks: DL Jonathan Bullard, Florida Gators
Scouting Report
Overview: Bullard fits beautifully in Seattle, where he can play a number of techniques along their multiple front defense. The explosive Gators defender can attack gaps in a disruptive fashion, bursting off the football with eye-popping quickness and physicality. His violent playing style is what Seattle looks for in their defensive linemen, but Bullard can also two-gap and hold the point of attack when necessary as well.
27. Green Bay Packers: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama Crimson Tide
Scouting Report
Overview: The rich get richer on the back end of the first round, as Jarran Reed is a legitimately dominant nose tackle with the athleticism to play multiple techniques along the defensive front. He’s straight-up immovable at the point of attack, and is probably a top 15 talent in this year’s draft. Not a sexy pick, but the perfect replacement for B.J. Raji in the Green Bay defense.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: OG Cody Whitehair, Kansas State Wildcats
Scouting Report
Overview: The Chiefs have to get better up front, and it starts with fortifying the interior offensive line. Ben Grubbs is aging and Jeff Allen is a free agent, while Whitehair offers the technical prowess and NFL-ready skill set to start right away for Kansas City. The hometown kid also has the versatility to play perhaps any offensive line spot, and could kick out to tackle in a pinch if Andy Reid needed him to.
29. Arizona Cardinals: CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson Tigers
Scouting Report
Overview: Alexander is my no. 1 cornerback, but he feels like the kind of prospect whose likely solid, but unspectacular workout numbers will be overanalyzed by teams during the pre-draft process. Their loss could be Arizona’s gain however, as Alexander offers the physicality, instinctiveness, and quick feet to replace Jerraud Powers immediately in the Cardinals secondary.
30. New England Patriots: N/A
Overview: The Patriots will forfeit their pick in this draft due to allegations of their involvement in deflating footballs during the AFC Championship game after last season. The Patriots won the game, and eventually, the Super Bowl, but the Colts made the accusations afterward, creating the biggest news item of the offseason. Tom Brady’s suspension was eventually overturned, but is still being contested.
31. Denver Broncos: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas Razorbacks
Scouting Report
Overview: The Broncos could use offensive line help, but getting Ryan Clady and last year’s rookie tackle Ty Sambrailo back from injury will be a huge help for Denver’s up front. The team doesn’t have a lot of crying needs if they can re-sign Von Miller, which allows them to fill the hole at tight end that Vernon Davis has been unable to do down the stretch this season. Henry would give Denver a big target with sure hands and developed route-running skills to help take attention off of Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas in the passing game.
32. Carolina Panthers: CB Eli Apple, Ohio State Buckeyes
Scouting Report
Overview: The Panthers have to get younger at the cornerback position, and have the luxury to fortify their secondary thanks to a loaded roster. Bene’ Benwikere played well this year, but Apple’s developmental promise behind the two-year corner and Josh Norman could make him an excellent contributor someday. He’s a bit raw and needs to improve as a tackler, but Apple’s skill set fits well in Carolina, where the team is always looking to build depth on defense.
For more awesome NFL draft content, please visit USA TODAY’s DraftWire.