Back-to-back days of posts? Yes, you are reading this correctly. Couldn't post on Monday so I posted yesterday and now we are back on schedule! So let us not dilly dally.
Just a reminder of the previous 15 picks:
1. Tennessee Titans - OT Laramy Tunsil
2. Cleveland Browns - QB Jared Goff
3. San Diego Chargers - DE Joey Bosa
4. Dallas Cowboys - ???? (Maybe QB Carson Wentz)
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - DB Jalen Ramsey
6. Baltimore Ravens - DB Vernon Hargraves II
7. San Francisco 49ers - DE DeForest Buckner
8. Miami Dolphins - OT Ronnie Stanley
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Shaq Lawson
10. New York Giants - OLB Myles Jack
11. Chicago Bears - LB Reggie Ragland
12. New Orleans Saints - DL A'Shawn Robinson
13. Philadelphia Eagles - OT Jack Conklin
14. Oakland Raiders - DB Mackenzie Alexander
15. Los Angeles Rams - WR Laquon Treadwell
Now that we've had our refresher... MOVING ON!
16. Detroit Lions (7-9)
Needs: DL, CB, OT
DL Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss)
The Lions were the most inconsistent team this year. They lost their first five games (one of those being to the Chargers in week one), then they win three, including one against Green Bay. Their defense would allow 14 in one game, and 42 the next week. Their running backs never saw a 100 yard game.
With so many problems, it will take more than one pick. An with retirement looming for Calvin Johnson, they need to act fast. Detroit would not want to take a wide out with this pick considering the best one is off the board and there is a big gap between one and two (Corey Coleman of Baylor).
Let's get the next Suh out here. The loss of Suh was apparent on Detroit's line this year, even with the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata in the off season. Robert Nkemdiche was billed as the second best lineman in this draft. His stock was hurt when he was found with weed after falling out of a third story window. He was suspended for the bowl game promptly afterward. Otherwise, he is a great player and was a huge factor on defense. He even saw a few offensive snaps, catching a 31-yard touchdown for the Rebels. If Nkemdiche falls this far, Detroit needs to grab him.
17. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
Needs: DL, LB, CB
DE Kevin Dodd (Clemson)
The Falcons had a legitimate shot to make the playoffs this year. After winning 6 of 7, the Falcons took a noes dive. They lost their next six, including one overtime and a shutout to Carolina. DeVonta Freeman helped propel the offense, but their defense is still a work in progress.
Vic Beasley was a decent pick last year (7th overall). But he needs more help in order to be a good linebacker. Every position on the Atlanta defense needs help in some way, shape, or form. The only question is now on who to draft.
Kevin Dodd was tied for fifth this season in sacks (Teammate Shaq Lawson #3). Mel Kiper says that Dodd could help add depth to the line. Considering the line does not have any huge playmakers on it, the 275 pounder could be one of the keys to fixing their team.
18. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
Needs: OL, DL, CB
C Ryan Kelly (Alabama)
The Colts were my pick to go to the Super Bowl this year to represent the AFC. Boy, was I wrong? Andrew Luck did not even play half of the season. The injury ridden Colts need to have one mindset this offseason: Protect. Andrew. Luck. This guy is the future of the franchise and the Colts have done little to nothing over his tenure in Indy to keep him protected.
We can also look at the revolving door of running backs used by the Colts because they keep getting injured. Gore was able to stay healthy, but how many years does he have left? It is time to get some protection, and it starts with the guy snapping the ball.
Ryan Kelly was a commander on the Alabama line. When it comes to who puts out the best of a type of player from a college, Alabama is one of the top places for offensive linemen. While it may be taken with a grain of salt that the Tide did have the Heisman Trophy winner at running back, they still rely heavily on their line. Look at the Cowboy's line. The Colts need to take Kelly in the first round. But I could see the Colts trading back and still be able to get Kelly in the first round.
19. Buffalo Bills (8-8)
Needs: DL, WR, QB
DE Jonathan Bullard (Florida)
The Bills were a surprise this year. Their defense was stout, but their offense kept them in the game. Tyrod Taylor would win my breakout star of the year if I gave awards (new post idea!). LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams are one of the scariest double-teams i have seen. They were overall, a very good team that just needs to win two more games a year.
Sources say that defensive end Mario Williams is likely to be cut by the draft. Apparently, Williams and Rex Ryan do not see eye-to-eye and it may cost Williams his job. If this is so, I expect the Bills to draft his replacement right here.
Jonathan Bullard is not talked about as often as other defensive linemen, but he is a top 5 defensive end. At Florida, he and Hargraves were a threat to every quarterback they faced. He fits into the 3-4 defensive scheme that Ryan runs. His broad shoulders make him a threat for two O-line man to block him, opening up holes for a linebacker to run through to disrupt the quarterback. This would be the smartest pick here for the Bills, if Williams leaves.
20. New York Jets (10-6)
Needs: LB, TE, QB
LB Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame)
The Jets were another surprise team this year. It was the first winning season since 2010. Maybe IK Enemkpali punching Geno Smith was the best thing that could have happened to the team. They had a top defense this year, ranked 4th behind Denver, Seattle, and Houston. Now they have to maintain that dominance.
But where to go? According to Mel Kiper, due to free agency, the Jets are going to have exactly 0 linebackers under contract next year - outside or inside. That means it is time to resign, hire, and draft some guys.
Jaylon Smith was billed to be the top linebacker coming into the draft this year. In earlier mocks, he was going as high as 4th overall to the Cowboys. Smith sustained an injury in the Fiesta Bowl and his stock has fallen greatly. No one knows just how severe the injury is at this point. If it keeps him from going to the combine, I would expect his stock to drop even lower. If he does fall to this point, the Jets would be smart to take him. He is a very versatile linebacker who can drop into coverage and rush the quarterback. A gem on any defense to have, if he can play at 100 percent.
Alright, on Friday I will dive into the playoff teams 21-25.
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