Well we have our final battle: the Carolina Panthers will face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. The seasoned veteran versus the young, new-age MVP candidate. The leagues best defenses will be on display two weeks from now. Who will win? Will Payton get his second ring? Will Cam Newton only make his legacy in Carolina stronger?
It doesn't matter on this post, this is about the draft! Let's continue where we last left off:
11. Chicago Bears (6-10)
Needs: DE, CB, S
LB Reggie Ragland (Alabama)
The Bears had another bad season this year. Matt Forte was injured for the better part of the back end of the season. Kevin White, Chicago's first round pick last year, did not play due to the injury to his foot. Let's not forget that awful defense that they have today.
With the only consistent play coming from two former Florida State defenders, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and inside linebacker Christian Jones, they need another top defensive player.
Reggie Ragland is one of the top defenders in college football today. He is very good at tackling running backs for short gains. He is also a top defender whey he is put back into coverage. With the top corners gone, Chicago needs to get the most versatile player available. Ragland is that guy.
12. New Orleans Saints (7-9)
Needs: DL, CB, TE
DL A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama)
New Orleans has been on the decline ever since the 2010 Super Bowl. Only one playoff appearance and no wins since their win over the Colts. Brees still has a bit in the tank, but how much longer can the Purdue-product last? Especially in what is soon to become a very competitive NFC South.
The Saints have had problems on defense for the past 4 years. They are 31st in passing defense, rushing defense, and receiving defense. So it is safe to say that the Saints will probably take the best defender available.
Robinson was a force to be reckoned with on the Alabama line. He is surprisingly fast for a lineman which helps in a division that includes Cam Newton, DeVonta Freeman, and Doug Martin. This is the best place for Robinson to end up as well, considering how bad they need him. I would expect to see Robinson in the starting lineup come week one.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (7-9)
Needs: OL, DL, LB
OT Jack Conklin (MSU)
The Chip Kelly Era in Philly is over. Thank God. We can finally move on. The Eagles had a problem running the ball this year. This says that there is a problem when your running back core includes three Pro Bowl running backs.
Where oh where do we need help then? The Offensive line.
At this point, you just take the top lineman available. Conklin helped MSU provide a solid line for Conner Cook to be protected and for London to run the ball. While his performance in the Playoff may not have been very enticing, the Eagles need someone to replace Evan Mathis on the line.
14. Oakland Raiders (7-9)
Needs: OT, DL, CB
CB Mackenzie Alexander (Clemson)
The Raiders looked pretty good this year. This has been their best record since 2011 (8-8). Over the past two drafts, their first and second round picks have become stars (LB Kalil Mack and QB Derek Carr [2014], WR Amari Cooper and DE Mario Edwards Jr. [2015]). They are close to becoming a contender.
They are losing Charles Woodson. Also known as the life-blood of their defense. The man played for years upon years and was consistently one of the top defenders in the league.
To replace him, Oakland needs to draft Alexander. He was the top corner at Clemson. If you were to look at his stats on ESPN.com you would see a lot of zeros. This is because he is a shutdown corner and no one will throw towards him. On a team where your best corner is retiring and your CB2 probably wouldn't be starting for another franchise, this would be the best case scenario for the Raiders.
15. Los Angeles Rams (7-9)
Needs: WR, QB, S
WR Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss)
The Los Angeles Rams. That's gonna be weird for me to say. They've been in St.Louis since I was born. With the team moving, they need to make an impact. Todd Gurley was the one of the best rookies last year and a ROTY candidate. Their defense is stout as always, but they need more help on offense in order to have a well balanced team.
In receiving yard totals, the Rams were dead last in the league. They had 11 receiving touchdowns this year. Eight of those were from their starters. There are 19 players with more receiving touchdowns by themselves this year than the Rams starters. This means there is only one place to go.
Grab. Laquon. Treadwell. He is 6-2 and is the best receiver in this draft class. Eleven touchdowns and over 1,000 yards this season for Ole Miss. Their "top" receiver, Tavon Austin, is 5-8. While Kenny Britt is 6-3, he is inconsistent with catching the ball (~ 2 drops per game). Treadwell NEEDS to be a Ram because the Rams need him.
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