Alright guys, we are getting closer and closer to the Super Bowl! Will Brady and the Pats head back to the big game for a 2nd straight? Can Manning shake off the cobwebs and get the Broncos to the Championship? Which Heisman trophy winner will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl?
We will be answering none of these questions here. Why? Because this is a draft based post. Less than 100 days people! Just like last week, we are going in groups of five to see who certain teams will select for the upcoming draft.
6. Baltimore Ravens (5-11)
Needs: CB, OT, WR
CB Vernon Hargraves II (UF)
The Ravens endured an abysmal season. Suggs, Smith, Flacco, Pitta, Elam, Forsett, Perriman. All out at one point or another. But once they were out, they never came back. Hard to believe this team won the Super Bowl 3 years ago.
But with a healthy team next year, the possibilities could be very sweet. Getting their high pick could be the push they need in order to catapult themselves back into the title race. That is, if Flacco can be consistent for a full season.
The Ravens need a star cornerback. Hargraves is the best true corner in the draft and if he is still available, he should be taken here. The Ravens need someone that will contest other receivers. Webb does not have much longer in the league and they need playmakers fast.
7. San Francisco 49ers (5-11)
Needs: Everything
DE DeForest Buckner (Oregon)
San Fran was awful this year. They lost star after star last offseason at almost every position. One player was not going to do it for the team. So they went with Arik Armstead from Oregon last year. He had 19 tackles and two sacks this year. Not so great for a first round pick.
With Chip Kelly in charge now, I expect to see the same ole Chip do what he does best: get players from Oregon on his team.
Buckner was great in college. Stopped the run. Sacked the quarterback. He is also 6-7. Imagine how many passes could get swatted away when we see him play. In a division like the NFC West with Russel Wilson and Todd Gurley, they will need someone with his skill set.
8. Miami Dolphins (6-10)
Needs: LB, OT, QB
OT Ronnie Stanley (ND)
Miami was on a roller coaster of disappointment this year. Scoring over 20 points in only three games this season. Two of those were the first two game the team was under Dan Campbell as a head coach. They played to the level of their opponent or lower.
Lots of places to go here, but the fins really need to build up their O-line. Rushing, Miami had only three games where a back had over 100 yards. Those games were against some of the worst defenses in the league (i.e. Baltimore and Tennessee). The Dolphins are also tied for 8th in most sacks allowed.
Stanley is seen as the 2nd best offensive lineman in this current class. Considering he had to help block for a team that had a shot at a national title this year, I would say this would be a smart pick for the South Beach team.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)
Needs: CB, S, OL
DE Shaq Lawson (Clemson)
The Bucs tripled their wins this year under Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback. Despite never having their starting lineup of receivers healthy, the Bucs put together a decent season based on their personnel. A big thing for the Bucs is that all of their rookies played amazing ball this year.
With the 9th pick, they are kind of in limbo here. The best corners are gone, it is too early to draft a safety, and the top linemen are gone. What to do, what to do? Draft the best available player.
Shaq Lawson was one of the unstoppable forces in college football this year. Stopping backs like Cook (FSU) and Perine (OU) while also destroying quarterbacks. With Michael Johnson and Gerald McCoy to back him up, this could be a very scary O-Line next year.
10. New York Giants (6-10)
Needs: LB, DL, WR
OLB Myles Jack (UCLA)
The G-men had a rough year. If you look at the games against the Falcons, Cowboys, and Patriots, the Giants were less than a football minute away from going to the playoffs. All of these games were lost due to the defense's inability to close out games.
So who should you chose to be that difference maker on the defensive side? Jaylon Smith is too much of a risk with his knee injury. Robert Nkemdiche is a flight risk due to his trouble with drugs.
Jack could be a great addition to the team. UCLA has put out great Linebackers in Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks the past two years. Both are now starters for the Vikings, one of the best teams at stopping the run. Maybe Myles Jack could be the key to helping out our nine-fingered JPP.
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