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.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
NFL Draft Picks 11-15
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
NFL Draft Picks 6-10
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.
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.
Friday, January 15, 2016
NFL Draft Analysis Picks 1-5
So now it is time for me to discuss my personal favorite part of the NFL year: the Draft. Personally, I love getting to see the look on the draftees' faces as their name is called and they realized their dream of becoming an NFL player after years of hard work. It will become their official high point until they become a Super Bowl Champion.
Since they entire line-up has yet to be set for the teams involved in the playoffs, I will be discussing groupings of teams, their needs, and how they can address them in the draft. I may or may not take into account some free-agency activity that could occur for each team as well.
1. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
Needs: OT, CB, LB
OT Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss)
The Titans now have the first pick of the draft and are officially on the clock. The Titans are still looking for their HC, so it is difficult to say what they will bring to the table.
The Titans knocked it out of the park last year drafting Marcus Mariota with the 2nd overall pick. Due to injuries, Mariota did not finish the season. With a lack of a running game and Mariota's injury, their is only one way to go with the first pick: Offensive Tackle.
Laremy Tunsil is billed as the best OT in College Football. He has been one of the leaders on the Ole Miss offense that is full of NFL talent. Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the year due to accepting gifts from boosters. When he came back to play against Texas A&M, Tunsil helped the team gain 240 yards on the ground (more than any other game against an FBS opponent). Truly an impact player.
2. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
Needs: QB, WR, OL
QB Jared Goff (Cal)
Ah the Browns: forever the butt of any and all NFL jokes. After another mediocre season by Cleveland, they arrive at the second overall pick, the highest they've been in the past 10 years.
The easier question for the Browns would be "what don't they need?" The answer is probably Safety and Tight End and that's it. So with the best lineman gone, where do the Browns go?
They go for the best available player at their most needed position: Quarterback. Enter Jared Goff. Goff led Cal to an 8-5 season, capping it off with a win over Air Force in their bowl game. This past year, Goff was third in passing yards (4719) and touchdowns (43) in FBS, but led for the Power 5 teams. While he has been compared to Aaron Rodgers, I believe it has little to do with his skill and more with the fact that they both went to Cal. Still Goff is a good quarterback and is close to being NFL ready.
3. San Diego Chargers (4-12)
Needs: OL, DE, WR
DE Joey Bosa (Ohio State)
What happened to the Chargers? Injuries killed their chances of contending in the AFC West this year. With their top three receivers gone by week 14, who would trust a team when your WR1 is Dontrelle Inman?
Melvin Gordon, the Charger's first pick last year, did not do much either. He only played 14 games and never saw 100-yards or the endzone. Clearly they need help on the line. Problem: the best OL is gone. But who is available?
Try the best player in the draft: Joey Bosa. Bosa could be the key to the San Diego defense now that Eric Weddle is leaving. Bosa is disruptive in the passing game and can basically shut down a running back if they jump to the outside. While it is not what they need out of the gate, it would be the smartest move for the organization.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Needs: LB, RB, QB, DE
?????
Dallas is my team, but I have no clue what they will do in the draft. For Dallas, this is a very lucrative position. They were hurt this year by the loss of Dez Bryant, Tony Romo, and Orlando Scandrick. If those guys stay healthy, Dallas is ready for a run at the Super Bowl.
Who will be their next cornerstone player? Maybe Paxton Lynch, grabbing their quarterback of the future? Jalen Ramsey, the best DB in the draft? DeForest Bunkner, the 6-7 monster at defensive end? Jaylon Smith, the top-linebacker with the knee injury?
For Dallas, it will depend on what they do with Greg Hardy, Rolando McClain, and Morris Claibourne. Claibourne will most likely be leaving Dallas after a pitiful season at CB. McClain could go back into retirement. Hardy could be off to greener pastures. And God knows what is going to happen with Johnny Manziel.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
Needs: CB, OG, S
DB Jalen Ramsey (FSU)
Jacksonville was so close to making out of the top-5 picks this year. Oh well. The Jags offense has been very good this year with the Allen Brothers and Bortles connecting for over 2400 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Defensive help is needed badly for the Jags. They lost out on using Dante Fowler Jr. last year due to an ACL tear at the start of practice. The Jags need to use this pick to put a great DB in the back so they can make a play.
Jalen Ramsey of FSU is the perfect choice here. He has played at corner and safety during college and can be anywhere on the field. In college, if you were covered by Ramsey, you did not expect to see any passes come your way.
Since they entire line-up has yet to be set for the teams involved in the playoffs, I will be discussing groupings of teams, their needs, and how they can address them in the draft. I may or may not take into account some free-agency activity that could occur for each team as well.
1. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
Needs: OT, CB, LB
OT Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss)
The Titans now have the first pick of the draft and are officially on the clock. The Titans are still looking for their HC, so it is difficult to say what they will bring to the table.
The Titans knocked it out of the park last year drafting Marcus Mariota with the 2nd overall pick. Due to injuries, Mariota did not finish the season. With a lack of a running game and Mariota's injury, their is only one way to go with the first pick: Offensive Tackle.
Laremy Tunsil is billed as the best OT in College Football. He has been one of the leaders on the Ole Miss offense that is full of NFL talent. Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the year due to accepting gifts from boosters. When he came back to play against Texas A&M, Tunsil helped the team gain 240 yards on the ground (more than any other game against an FBS opponent). Truly an impact player.
2. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
Needs: QB, WR, OL
QB Jared Goff (Cal)
Ah the Browns: forever the butt of any and all NFL jokes. After another mediocre season by Cleveland, they arrive at the second overall pick, the highest they've been in the past 10 years.
The easier question for the Browns would be "what don't they need?" The answer is probably Safety and Tight End and that's it. So with the best lineman gone, where do the Browns go?
They go for the best available player at their most needed position: Quarterback. Enter Jared Goff. Goff led Cal to an 8-5 season, capping it off with a win over Air Force in their bowl game. This past year, Goff was third in passing yards (4719) and touchdowns (43) in FBS, but led for the Power 5 teams. While he has been compared to Aaron Rodgers, I believe it has little to do with his skill and more with the fact that they both went to Cal. Still Goff is a good quarterback and is close to being NFL ready.
3. San Diego Chargers (4-12)
Needs: OL, DE, WR
DE Joey Bosa (Ohio State)
What happened to the Chargers? Injuries killed their chances of contending in the AFC West this year. With their top three receivers gone by week 14, who would trust a team when your WR1 is Dontrelle Inman?
Melvin Gordon, the Charger's first pick last year, did not do much either. He only played 14 games and never saw 100-yards or the endzone. Clearly they need help on the line. Problem: the best OL is gone. But who is available?
Try the best player in the draft: Joey Bosa. Bosa could be the key to the San Diego defense now that Eric Weddle is leaving. Bosa is disruptive in the passing game and can basically shut down a running back if they jump to the outside. While it is not what they need out of the gate, it would be the smartest move for the organization.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Needs: LB, RB, QB, DE
?????
Dallas is my team, but I have no clue what they will do in the draft. For Dallas, this is a very lucrative position. They were hurt this year by the loss of Dez Bryant, Tony Romo, and Orlando Scandrick. If those guys stay healthy, Dallas is ready for a run at the Super Bowl.
Who will be their next cornerstone player? Maybe Paxton Lynch, grabbing their quarterback of the future? Jalen Ramsey, the best DB in the draft? DeForest Bunkner, the 6-7 monster at defensive end? Jaylon Smith, the top-linebacker with the knee injury?
For Dallas, it will depend on what they do with Greg Hardy, Rolando McClain, and Morris Claibourne. Claibourne will most likely be leaving Dallas after a pitiful season at CB. McClain could go back into retirement. Hardy could be off to greener pastures. And God knows what is going to happen with Johnny Manziel.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
Needs: CB, OG, S
DB Jalen Ramsey (FSU)
Jacksonville was so close to making out of the top-5 picks this year. Oh well. The Jags offense has been very good this year with the Allen Brothers and Bortles connecting for over 2400 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Defensive help is needed badly for the Jags. They lost out on using Dante Fowler Jr. last year due to an ACL tear at the start of practice. The Jags need to use this pick to put a great DB in the back so they can make a play.
Jalen Ramsey of FSU is the perfect choice here. He has played at corner and safety during college and can be anywhere on the field. In college, if you were covered by Ramsey, you did not expect to see any passes come your way.
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