Since the Rams traded up with the Titans, I thought that Wentz was their target based on information from the Senior Bowl and some recent minor clues. However, teams sources told me that the Rams will be choosing Goff. Thus, he's the pick here even though I think they're making a mistake in taking Goff over Wentz.
In 2015, Goff completed 64 percent of his passes for 4,719 yards with 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He has a quality, accurate arm with field vision. Goff also has functional mobility to avoid rushers and pick up some yards on the ground. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder is lanky and could use more weight. He also could have some issues with getting rattled and handling the rush in the NFL. Holding up against the pass rush led to him having some mechanical issues that he's working on fixing.
Goff enjoyed a breakout 2014 season. The sophomore completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,973 yards with 35 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He displayed real pocket-passing potential while playing with a less-than-ideal supporting cast. Goff became the starter as a freshman in 2013 and completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The Eagles gave up the farm for Carson Wentz, and I think developing him as a backup will be good for his long-term success.
In 2015, Wentz completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,669 yards with 16 touchdowns and two interceptions while missing six games with a broken wrist. He also had four rushing touchdowns. Sources say that Wentz (6-5, 233) is a prospect who has everything you want in a potential quarterback. He demonstrated that at the Senior Bowl with a strong week that showed off his arm talent. At the combine, Wentz was the most impressive quarterback at throwing the ball.
Multiple teams have told me they had given Wentz a high first-round grade and think that he is the real deal. They say that Wentz has a good arm, size and athleticism, plus they love him off the field. They like his pocket presence, field vision, experience under center, ability to make play calls in the huddle, and potential to grow in the NFL. They also believe that Wentz will fill out his frame in a NFL strength and conditioning program. Scouts from multiple teams have raved about Wentz on and off the field with his play recall and football I.Q. Sources said the big challenge for him will be the drastic change in the speed of the game coming from North Dakota State's opponents compared to the NFL.
As a junior, Wentz completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,111 yard with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. He had six touchdowns on the ground.
I'm torn on who to project to the Chargers. Taking Jalen Ramsey to replace Eric Weddle makes sense, while the offensive line had a lot of problems last year. San Diego has signed offensive tackles to contracts with significant guaranteed money over the past two offseasons though. I've heard from team sources a variety of names including Ramsey, Laremy Tunsil, Ronnie Stanley, and one said they think San Diego is leaning toward Joey Bosa. However, Buckner is the name that comes up the most as being in the running. The Chargers have a huge need on the defensive line with problems stopping the run and rushing the passer. Buckner addresses both issues.
Buckner has a serious combination of strength, speed and size. He showed more pass-rushing skills in 2015 and looks like he could be an impact-making defender at the next level. Buckner would be a perfect five-technique in a 3-4 defense. In a 4-3, he could play end and move inside to tackle in passing situations. Sources say that Buckner is great off the field as well.
In 2015, Buckner totaled 76 tackles with 16 for a loss, 9.5 sacks and five passes batted. The 6-foot-7, 291-pounder has a similar skill set to former teammate Arik Armstead. Buckner recorded 81 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, four sacks and four passes broken up in 2014.
Supposedly, the Cowboys are hot for Ramsey, and if he gets to their pick, he's a slam-dunk selection. Dallas would play Ramsey at corner, but also could move him to safety depending on the situation.
Sources with multiple playoff teams have told me they have given Ramsey a second-round grade. They say that they feel that Ramsey is more special at safety and prefer him there to cornerback. A few teams picking in the top 10 told me they have Ramsey in the top 10 on their board, so while opinions vary among evaluators, it only takes one team to fall in love and there are teams out there that love him, including the Titans. Ramsey spent 2015 at cornerback and totaled 50 tackles, 10 passes broken up, zero interceptions and a fumble returned for a touchdown there.
Ramsey showed that he can be a press-man corner, but isn't great in off-man or zone. He struggles to prevent separation from speed receivers and sudden route-runners. The game tapes against South Florida, Clemson and Miami, among others, illustrate those issues. Ramsey's okay to go against a big receiver like Brandon Marshall, but he will have issues with a small, fast receiver like T.Y. Hilton. Teams feel Ramsey is a big press-man corner like the Seahawks use. As a safety, he could be a difference-maker as he has tremendous instincts to be a play-maker. If Ramsey plays safety in the NFL, he could stand to add more weight to tackle power running backs in the second level.
Ramsey (6-1, 209) was one of Florida State's best defenders in 2014 as a safety, notching a lot of clutch tackles. He totaled 79 stops, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 12 passes broken up, two interceptions and two forced fumbles on the year. As a freshman in 2013, Ramsey started on the Seminoles' National Championship team at safety and cornerback. He recorded 49 tackles and an interception that season.
From what I've heard from sources, Jacksonville would be happy with either Bosa or Myles Jack. If both are available, the Jaguars would go with Bosa because they want to improve their pass rush and value an edge rusher over a linebacker.
After missing the 2015 season opener with a suspension because he refused to take a drug test, Bosa totaled 51 tackles with 16 for a loss and five sacks on the year. While he didn't play poorly, he wasn't as tenacious as he was in 2014, despite seeing some single-block pass-rushing opportunities. Bosa looked better as a run defender. He achieved pressure on the quarterback, but wasn't prolific in the pass rush. Sources say that Bosa is like another Ryan Kerrigan for the NFL and the media has overhyped him. However unlike Kerrigan, teams have some minor off-the-field concerns with Bosa such as being a partier and liking to go to raves.
During 2014, Bosa recorded 55 tackles with 13.5 sacks, 21 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and a pass defended. He simply lived in opponents' backfields. The 6-foot-5, 269-pounder has some speed to go with natural strength. He possesses a burst off the snap and can turn the corner, but isn't a true speed demon off the edge. As a sophomore, Bosa also showed good hands to shed blocks while working upfield. He racked up 44 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble that season.
The Ravens get their long-term left tackle and land the best player in the 2016 NFL Draft. This is absolute theft for Baltimore to land Tunsil with the sixth pick.
In 2015, Tunsil demonstrated his phenomenal quickness, athleticism and abilities to bend and mirror. He has a ton of natural talent to be a blind-side protector. Tunsil was dominant in 2014 and arguably the best left tackle in the nation. Not only can he shut down pass-rushers, he gets movement in the ground game.
After being suspended for seven games to start 2015, Tunsil returned to the field impressively for Ole Miss against Texas A&M and speed rusher Myles Garrett. Tunsil had some issues with Auburn's Carl Lawson in his second game, but still was solid. He was excellent against LSU and finished the year in fine fashion.
Tunsil (6-5, 310) was one of the top recruits in the nation coming out of high school. As a freshman, he validated the hype when he broke into the starting lineup and became an All-SEC Second-Team selection by the AP. The conference's coaches had him as an All-Freshman performer, and he was also named a Freshman All-American according to many media outlets.
San Francisco needs a lot of help on the offensive line, and obviously, that position has particular importance for Chip Kelly. His first draft pick for the Eagles was along the line with Lane Johnson, who has some similarities to Stanley. Stanley could start out at guard or right tackle. Joe Staley is 31 with an expensive contract, and in a year or two, Stanley could replace him at left tackle.
Stanley has the potential to be a franchise left tackle. He is very athletic and quick for his size. Stanley possesses good length to him and sustains his blocks pretty well. He also has the speed and agility to mirror speed rushers, and therefore is a skilled blind-side protector. His significant athleticism allows him to hit blocks downfield as well.
However, Stanley needs to add more power and play with more of a mean streak, and he has to improve his ability to avoid mental mistakes with penalties. Stanley can struggle with physical defensive linemen - see Clemson and Shaq Lawson.
Stanley (6-5, 312) generated a ton of late-season buzz in 2014, and he put an exclamation point on it by getting the better of the top 2015 NFL Draft-eligible defensive lineman in USC's Leonard Williams in limited plays against each other. In 2013, Stanley started at right tackle and was part of a line that allowed only eight sacks on the season.
Cleveland could go a variety of directions with this pick, but I do think the Browns are going to lean to taking the best player available regardless of position. In this case, that would make their options Jack or Ezekiel Elliott. Jack is the rarer prospect, while the Browns have a promising young back in Duke Johnson. Additionally, Cleveland has extra picks to land one of the stud backs in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Jack's natural pass-coverage skills are extremely rare. He has the speed and athleticism of a defensive back in the body of a linebacker. NFL evaluators love what he can do in the passing game, and he even played nickel corner at UCLA. Don't be surprised if the 6-foot-1, 245-pounder improves annually with his huge upside.
Jack notched 15 tackles, one interception and a pass broken up in his shortened 2015 season. He also had two carries for seven yards and a touchdown on offense. The junior suffered a knee injury in practice that ended his year early. As a sophomore, Jack racked up 87 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, seven passes broken up, one interception and one forced fumble. While only a freshman starter in 2013, Jack became a superstar who was named the Pac-12's Offensive AND Defensive Freshman of the Year. On the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 75 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two interceptions. His pass-coverage skills for a freshman were outstanding. Jack ran for 267 yards on 38 carries (7.0 average) with seven touchdowns, too.
In speaking with sources, the Bucs love Jalen Ramsey but he won't make it to their pick. Tampa Bay has to improve the talent in its secondary and defensive line, so here's a Plan B to address the edge rush if Ramsey is off the board.
If the draft plays out like this, Tampa Bay could consider edge rushers like Floyd and Noah Spence. Floyd is graded higher and in the Bucs' 4-3 defense, he would play Sam (strongside) linebacker on run downs and rush the passer off the edge in passing situations.
Floyd totaled 74 tackles with 10.5 for a loss and 4.5 sacks in 2015. He is a speedy defender who is just scratching the surface of his potential. Floyd is a natural pass-rusher with agility and a knack for getting to the quarterback. His ability to bend around the corner is extremely rare.
In 2014, the sophomore had 55 tackles with six sacks, two forced fumbles and 8.5 tackles for a loss. Floyd's run defense was a liability, and it caused him to get benched for a short time. He totaled 55 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2013. The 6-foot-6, 244-pounder played at Hargrave Military Academy for a season after high school.
If Ronnie Stanley is available, I think he'll be the Giants pick. But following the trades in the top two picks, I think there is a good chance that Stanley goes to the 49ers or Browns. New York still needs a third cornerback for the defense and Hargreaves is ready to play Day 1. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is 30 with a big contract, and Hargreaves can start out as the nickel and eventually replace Rodgers-Cromartie.
In 2015, Hargreaves totaled 33 tackles, four pass broken up, four interceptions and a forced fumble - off Leonard Fournette. Hargreaves was having a good season before slumping late in the year. Sources have felt that Hargreaves can get bumped around and out-physicaled along with giving up some ground to deep speed. He could stand to improve on that in the NFL. However in terms of a natural cover corner to prevent separation, Hargreaves is the best in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Overall, Hargreaves was a true cover corner during his collegiate career. He totaled 50 tackles, three interceptions and 13 passes broken up in 2014. Hargreaves went toe to toe with Amari Cooper that season and held his own. Both players showcased their elite skills and proved to be top prospects for the NFL. Cooper made some catches over Hargreaves, but unlike other defensive backs, Cooper wasn't getting separation or burning the Gator cover corner.
The 5-foot-10, 204-pound Hargreaves has natural cover skills to run with wideouts and not allow separation. He can play off man, press man, and zone. Sources have said that Hargreaves is a star off the field as well as a good teammate, worker and citizen. As a true freshman in 2013, he recorded interceptions in his first three college games while totaling 11 pass breakups and 38 tackles for the year.
I don't like projecting the Bears to take a running back considering Jeremy Langford played well as a rookie. But they have a thin backfield, their offensive line isn't great - good running backs help that problem, and if you want to win with Jay Cutler, a strong running game makes sense. Plus, Elliott is the best player available and the Bears have shown lots of interest in him. Thus, he's the pick for Chicago for now.
Elliott averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2015 for 1,821 yards with 23 touchdowns. He had 27 receptions for 206 yards as well. In all but one game in 2015, Elliott exceeded 100 yards. The junior was tremendous with his burst, vision, balance and ability to rip off yards in chunks. He would hit the hole quickly and explode to the second level. In the passing game, Elliott showed nice blocking and receiving skills. Sources say he's a first-rounder.
The 5-foot-11, 225-pounder was the workhorse who carried the Buckeyes to the National Championship in 2014. He destroyed Wisconsin (20-220-2), Alabama (20-230-2) and Oregon (36-246-4) in the final three games to lead Ohio State. Elliott averaged 6.9 yards per carry on the year for 1,878 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 28 receptions for 220 yards, too. Elliott showed speed, cutting ability and a knack to pick up yards after contact. He worked out well on the field at the combine, but he didn't impress teams in the interviews.
Shortly after the Titans made the trade with the Rams, sources told me offensive tackle would be the preferred option for Tennessee at pick No. 15. The slight preference is for Michigan State's Jack Conklin, but they have him and Decker close together. Either one should step in and bolster the Titans at right tackle.
Conklin is a well-balanced blocker who is effective at protecting the passer and opening holes in the ground game. He turned in impressive back-to-back seasons as the blind-side protector for Connor Cook. Conklin is short of elite traits in terms of athleticism and speed to be viewed as a franchise left tackle.
The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Conklin could use a little more power for the next level, but he should add that in an NFL strength and conditioning program. He probably isn't going to become more quick or athletic though. In speaking with sources from multiple teams, they feel that Conklin would be better off as a right tackle in the NFL. They say a team could get away with him at left tackle, but ultimately would be looking for an upgrade who is more athletic.
Atlanta has a lot of needs, with some improved linebackers being one of the most important. The Falcons could use a sideline-to-sideline, difference-making, fast defender who will bring an identity to their defense.
In 2015, Lee totaled 66 tackles with 11 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, two passes broken up, two forced fumbles and one interception - returned 41 yards for a touchdown. The 6-foot-1, 232-pounder was the Buckeyes' replacement for Ryan Shazier in 2014, and while Lee wasn't as good as Shazier, Lee had a superb debut for Ohio State with plenty of upside to make strides in the future. He totaled 81 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, three passes broken up, two interceptions and 7.5 sacks for the season. Lee had a great combine performance with a lightning 4.47-second time in the 40-yard dash and a strong showing in the field work.
Obviously, the Colts need to upgrade their offensive line, but they have missed out on the lineman worthy of going this high. Indianapolis needs help on defense as well, so the organization could improve that unit. Robinson would give the Colts a disruptor with tons of upside who could play at a variety of spots up front.
Sources say that Robinson is a tremendous athlete who has a freakish speed/strength combination. He would be a contender for the No. 1-overall pick if he were more consistent. Aside from the consistency, teams say that Robinson is a decent kid, but they wonder about his passion for football and his poor combine interviews could cause him to slide in the draft. Robinson has the flexibility to play nose tackle or end in a 3-4 defense. He also could play nose tackle or three-technique in a 4-3. Robinson has a ton of athletic upside.
In 2015, Robinson recorded 46 tackles with seven for a loss and three sacks. He is a stout defender at the point of attack who can get after the quarterback. The 6-foot-3, 307-pounder recorded 49 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and two passes batted in his sophomore season. In 2013 as a freshman, he was too good to keep on the sideline. Robinson was an impressive defender for the Crimson Tide with 38 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks.
The Bills are targeting a player for the defensive front seven in the first round. They could use help at inside linebacker, and Ragland would be able to play immediately.
Ragland totaled 102 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, seven pass breakups, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2015. His man coverage on tight ends like Arkansas' Hunter Henry and Ole Miss' Evan Engram was particularly impressive. That, in combination with Ragland's pass rush as a defensive end, illustrates his three-down starting potential for the NFL. In 2014, Ragland notched 95 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, three passes broken up, one interception, one forced fumble and 1.5 sacks. The 6-foot-1, 247-pounder is a big, physical in-the-box defender.
I had the Redskins going with William Jackson III prior to the Josh Norman signing. I felt safe with that pick, but obviously the Norman signing changes everything. The Redskins want to get younger and more athletic on their defensive front, so they easily could go defense here and I think their preference is either Jarran Reed or A'Shawn Robinson. However, the draft is deep on the defensive line. so they could take Kelly in the first round to finish off their offensive line and make it really good. Then, Washington would draw on the deep defensive line class on Day 2.
Alabama had a ton of success with Kelly opening holes for Derrick Henry in 2015. Kelly (6-4, 311) was an effective blocker over the past few years and has added weight to his frame for the NFL. In pass protection, he is a technician and a stable force in the middle of the line. Kelly is smart, intelligent blocker who should be able to compete immediately at the next level. On top of being smart and toughness, he is an above-average athlete. Sources have compared him to Nick Mangold. Kelly could play guard or center.
After getting rid of Mike Wallace, the Vikings could use a big receiver to pair with Stefon Diggs. Teddy Bridgewater could use a possession receiver for his conservative style of passing, plus Treadwell would be a great fit as a run blocker for Adrian Peterson.
The 6-foot-2, 221-pound Treadwell is a natural receiver who is good at winning 50-50 passes and running after the catch. However, he lacks the speed to separate from most NFL cornerbacks. Thus, he's not a prospect on a par with A.J. Green, Julio Jones or Amari Cooper. The big wideout does a phenomenal job as blocker though.
In 2015, Treadwell had 82 receptions for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. He recorded 48 receptions for 632 yards and five touchdowns in 2014 before an ugly injury ended his season. Treadwell caught 72 receptions for 608 yards with five scores in 2013.
The Bengals could use another receiver to replace what they lost in Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Cincinnati has shown a lot of interest in Coleman.
The 5-foot-10, 194-pound Coleman is one of the top speed receivers for the 2016 NFL Draft with Notre Dame's Will Fuller. Less than halfway through 2015, he set a school record for touchdown catches in a single season. Coleman totaled 74 receptions for 1,363 yards with 20 touchdowns on the year. As a sophomore, he totaled 64 catches for 1,119 yards and 11 touchdowns. Some sources have said that they graded Coleman as a 2-3 - for Round 2 or 3 - while others have him higher. There is even some vigorous debate about Coleman inside of teams' scouting departments. Thus, he faces a pretty wide range of where he could come off the board.
The Seahawks need to upgrade their interior pass rush after losing Brandon Mebane. Seattle likes rare athletes and has shown a lot of interest in Nkemdiche. Plus, Nkemdiche is a highly rated SPARQ defensive lineman for the 2016 NFL Draft and the Seahawks rely heavily on those ratings.
Multiple teams have told me that they have off-the-field concerns with Nkemdiche. One team labelled him as having serious baggage. Another said that Nkemdiche loves the limelight and wants to be a movie star. They'd like to see him have the desire to dominate on the field.
Nkemdiche had to go to the hospital in December after jumping off the fourth floor of a hotel while in the process of getting arrested for marijuana possession. The arrest landed him with a suspension for Ole Miss' bowl game. Between the off-the-field issues and Nkemdiche's overrated play, I have him sliding in the 2016 NFL Draft.
I've spoken with GMs who share my opinion that Nkemdiche is one of the most overrated players in this draft class. In his career with Ole Miss, he would consistently break into the backfield, but rarely ever finish a play. Part of the reason for that is Nkemdiche has poor awareness. He also lacks pass-rushing moves. NFL sources say that while Nkemdiche has a great skill set, he just isn't a natural pass-rusher, and that can be seen in his pathetic sack production.
There is no doubt that Nkemdiche (6-3, 294) has a tremendous skill set with the speed and agility of a linebacker. For the NFL, he has the ability to be a disruptive presence at the point of attack if nothing else.
In 2015, Nkemdiche totaled 29 tackles, seven for a loss and three sacks, plus he caught a 31-yard touchdown pass. Nkemdiche recorded 35 tackles with two sacks in 2014. He flashed, but lacked consistency. As a freshman, Nkemdiche totaled 34 tackles with two sacks and eight tackles for a loss. He totaled seven sacks in his collegiate career.
The Packers could consider some defensive line talent in the first round. Butler would be a perfect replacement for B.J. Raji and has a ton of upside to develop.
Butler was a bit of sleeper prospect, but that ended when he showed extremely well at the Senior Bowl. In the pass-rushing one-on-ones, Butler was too fast for the offensive lineman and showed nice strength to bull rush. Sources say that Butler has all the physical tools, but doesn't know how to play the game yet. They say his play doesn't match his potential, but they feel he has upside at a premium position.
In 2015, Butler recorded 50 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss and three sacks. As a junior, he totaled 55 tackles with 13 for a loss and one sack. Butler (6-3, 316) would be a nice fit as a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense. He also has experience playing elsewhere on the line so he could play in a 3-4 as a five-technique or as a nose tackle who moves to rush over guards in passing situations.
Lynch could easily go in the top 20 considering we've already had a run on quarterbacks and the draft hasn't even started. Lynch could land with the Bills, Jets, Chiefs, Cardinals or Broncos. I wouldn't be surprised if Andy Reid is aggressive to land Paxton Lynch. Kansas City can develop Lynch behind Alex Smith for a year or two and then have Lynch ready to be the long-term starter.
To me, Lynch looks like a mix of Blake Bortles and Brock Osweiler as a prospect in terms of athletic skill set. In 2015, Lynch completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,778 yards with 28 touchdowns and three interceptions. His arm can make all the throws for the pro game, and he flashed the ability to pass accurately with precise completions into tight windows. Additionally, Lynch has the athleticism to make plays with his feet and throw on the run.
However, the redshirt junior is a project for the NFL. Sources said that Lynch (6-6, 244) has been taught next to nothing in terms of NFL X's and O's. Lynch has a great skill set, but needs work as a pocket passer with developing his field vision and understanding coverage. He also can get rattled by the pass rush, which impacts his field vision and accuracy. Lynch probably will go in the top 25 of the 2016 NFL Draft out of need and demand. In terms of physical skill sets, Lynch is worthy of being a first-round pick.
This pick falls into the category of what I think a team will do and not what they should do. I know a bunch of teams that have second- to third-round grades on Whitehair and one franchise that has him even lower. However, some teams really like him. Arizona also has drafted players in the first round in the past two years - Deone Bucannon and D.J. Humphries - who other teams graded on Day 2. The Cardinals have a big hole at center, and Whitehair could move there for them. I would have Arizona take Robert Nkemdiche or Ryan Kelly, but they're both off the board so I think the organization would take Whitehair in that instance.
Whitehair (6-3, 300) played left tackle for the Wildcats, but he should move to guard or center in the NFL. Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah illustrated that. Whitehair also could use more power for the next level, but he is a good technician who is a reliable blocker in the ground game and in pass protection.
Denver lost Malik Jackson in free agency and could use more defensive line help. The Broncos were wise to re-sign Derek Wolfe, and Jared Crick is just a backup. Here's more talent for Denver up front. Jones has a lot of upside and could play a variety of techniques for Wade Phillips.
Jones has the ability to play defensive end and tackle. The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has a great combination of size, speed, length and athleticism. Team sources say that Jones has one of the best skill sets of any defensive lineman in this draft class, but they do have questions about his maturity and passion for the game. Sources also don't like that Jones underachieved and didn't produce as much as he should have in college given his skill set. Thus, Jones panning out could depend on him landing with the right team that will keep him motivated.
Jones had 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and four passes broken up in 2015. The year before, he recorded 26 tackles with three sacks and two passes batted. Jones commanded a lot of blocking attention in 2014, and that helped free up teammates Preston Smith and Caleb Eulls. Jones showed some serious potential as a true freshman in 2013, totaling 32 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, three sacks and three passes broken up.
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