2016 Mock Drafts

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Rivals 2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney | Rivals.com

No. 1 Tennessee Titans
Farrell: OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
The Titans should trade down and add some picks here, but the need for a blindside protector for Marcus Mariota is also key.

Gorney
: OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
Tunsil missed time this season because of an NCAA investigation. That won’t matter. The Titans need somebody to protect Mariota and the former five-star from Ole Miss is by far the best option.

No. 2 Cleveland Browns

Farrell: QB Jared Goff, Cal
It will be interesting to see how Goff and Carson Wentz compete for this, ahem, honor. The guy with the better resume against much better competition wins out.

Gorney
: QB Jared Goff, Cal
I don’t care about Goff having small hands because it has never, ever been an issue as he sliced and diced his way to a phenomenal college career. The Browns need a proven quarterback and the four-star from Cal is the best choice.

No. 3 San Diego Chargers

Farrell: DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
The Chargers need a lot on offense and defense and might be tempted to go OL here with Ronnie Stanley, but that’s a reach and they play it safe with the best pass rusher in the draft.

Gorney
: DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
The Chargers will probably go defense here whether it’s on the line or in the secondary. If it’s at defensive end, it could be Oregon’s DeForest Buckner but I like Bosa, a four-star from Ohio State, more. His motor is off the charts and he could be a superstar.

No. 4 Dallas Cowboys

Farrell: CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
This is too high for a guy who could end up as a safety, but the Cowboys need help in the secondary and there isn’t a quarterback or running back up this high they should feel comfortable with.

Gorney
: QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
If Wentz falls to four, essentially if the Browns choose Goff over him, the Cowboys should gobble him up. Tony Romo can’t be around for much longer – start the celebration Dallas fans – and Wentz could be outstanding. The NDSU QB was phenomenal at the Senior Bowl.

No. 5 Jacksonville Jaguars

Farrell: CB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida
The Jags likely really wanted Ramsey here and the Cowboys could sucker them into trading up, but if the Cowboys pick Ramsey the Jaguars have to go with another corner and reach on Hargreaves, who is not a top 5 value.

Gorney:
DB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
The knock on Ramsey, a five-star from Florida State, is that no one is sure whether he’s a corner or safety long term. That’s perfect for the Jaguars who need somebody, anybody, in the back end to make plays. If Ramsey is still alive here, Jacksonville grabs him.

No. 6 Baltimore Ravens

Farrell: OL Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
A linebacker would be tempting here but the Ravens need offensive line help and after Stanley there is a big drop off in talent.

Gorney
: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon
The Ravens need help and Farrell makes a good point on Stanley, who bolsters the offensive line. But is he tough and mean enough for John Harbaugh? Buckner, a four-star from Oregon, might not be either, but he’s insanely athletic and productive at defensive end.

No. 7 San Francisco 49ers

Farrell: LB Myles Jack, UCLA
Taking Wentz here will be tempting if he’s available as the quarterback situation is a mess, but the 49ers can probably still land a solid quarterback in round two or three and with Stanley gone Jack is next best thing as far as need.

Gorney
: LB Myles Jack, UCLA
The 49ers don't look quarterback here because they’re going to pay Colin Kaepernick nearly $12 million next year, though reports surfaced Thursday that Kaeprnick had requested a trade. Jack is coming off injury and won’t be a full participant at the combine. Big deal. The four-star from UCLA runs like a deer and hits like a truck and is versatile in any defense. Take him as soon as possible.

No. 8 Miami Dolphins

Farrell: CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
A shocker? Perhaps. The Dolphins would have loved to see Ramsey or Hargreaves fall to them here or Jack, but at this point it’s either reach on an offensive lineman, reach a bit on Reggie Ragland or Jaylon Smith or go for broke at corner where it’s a top heavy group.

Gorney
: OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
If Stanley drops to the Dolphins, they should take him. Miami needs defensive help and there are linebackers on the board, but Stanley, a four-star from Notre Dame, is a skilled offensive tackle who could keep Ryan Tannehill upright and in the pocket.

No. 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Farrell: DE Deforest Buckner, Oregon
The Bucs need a rush end and Buckner is a freak. They are likely hoping he falls to him and will snatch him up quickly.

Gorney
: CB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida
It will be interesting to see what Tampa Bay does if Buckner and Hargreaves are available (unlikely) because the Bucs need help in a lot of places. If the five-star from Florida who is the purest cornerback in this draft is available, swipe him up and figure out the defensive front in free agency.

No. 10 New York Giants

Farrell: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Another elite pass rusher where the need is evident, going on Noah Spence here would be tempting but off field concerns could be too great.

Gorney
: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
The Giants need help in the defensive front and Lawson is a beast. It could be argued he should be more in the Bosa range, so New York could view this as a steal. The four-star out of Clemson could have an immediate impact.

No. 11 Chicago Bears

Farrell: LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
Despite the injury and the patience the Bears will need to show, Smith would be the pick here with Jack likely gone. They need an outside disrupter, something they haven’t had since Brian Urlacher, and they hope Smith can be that guy.

Gorney
: LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
It will be interesting to see if the Bears take someone like Reggie Ragland this high because he’s a sideline-to-sideline playmaker, too, but if Smith is still available then how can you pass him up? He is so long and athletic (seeing him post-injury will be important) but the five-star from Notre Dame should be fine long term.

No. 12 New Orleans Saints

Farrell: DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama
The Saints need a ton of help on defense and starting in the middle with an athletic pocket pusher like Robinson isn’t a bad start.

Gorney
: CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
The Saints need to fix their defense. A lot of people think that means to take an interior defensive lineman but if Alexander, a four-star from Clemson, is available swipe him up. He can shut down one side of the field.

No. 13 Philadelphia Eagles

Farrell: QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
The Eagles could be tempted to go offensive line here but the need at quarterback is great and taking a chance on Wentz here is boom or bust but the right thing to do.

Gorney
: OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
Offensive line is a huge issue for the Eagles, so addressing that issue is a priority. My guess is that Decker, a four-star out of Ohio State, has a hugely impressive combine and pro day and moves up a lot of lists. It could be a risk taking him, but Philadelphia needs major help.

No. 14 Oakland Raiders

Farrell: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
The Raiders had their eye on Alexander and are probably stunned he’s gone, so they take a dynamic back to help an offense that they hope boasts triplets in Derrick Carr, Amani Cooper and now Elliott.

Gorney
: CB Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech
The offense is making strides in Oakland. The defense has not. Fuller, a five-star from Virginia Tech is a smart, skilled cornerback who can help make stops. His knee injury might scare off Oakland this high, but picking up a talented defensive back would be a huge help.

No. 15 Los Angeles Rams

Farrell: QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis
This is the guy they wanted here because they assumed Goff and Wentz would be gone. The quarterback situation with the Rams is awful and Lynch is a project, but he is boom or bust like Wentz and could be a franchise guy.

Gorney
: WR Michael Thomas, Ohio State
The Rams don't take Lynch this high and if Goff and Wentz are off the board then receiver makes sense. Thomas will impress at the combine and pro day and he’s a better athlete on the outside than Laquon Treadwell. He could be moving up draft boards soon.

No. 16 Detroit Lions

Farrell: DT Sheldon Rankins, Missouri
Offensive line is a more pressing need but coupling Rankins on the inside with Ziggy Ansah on the outside could be too tempting. Jarran Reed is also available but Rankins could be the guy with Jim Caldwell and his advisors ACC comfort level.

Gorney
: DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
It seems like the Lions are going to rebuild the interior of the defensive line. Where I’m in the minority is the pick as I think Nkemdiche is going to answer any off-the-field questions and turn in a dynamite performance at the combine and pro day. The former No. 1 overall player is a unique inside/outside talent that cannot be passed up at this point.

No. 17 Atlanta Falcons

Farrell: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
An outside guy would be more tempting, but having taken Vic Beasley last year, taking guys like Darron Lee or Leonard Floyd would be risky. Take the best inside linebacker in the draft and help that awful defense.

Gorney
: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Atlanta needs playmakers on its defense and Ragland (if he’s not already gone higher in the first round) could be an absolute steal. The former No. 1 inside linebacker and four-star from Alabama proved all year and at the Senior Bowl that he goes sideline-to-sideline and is involved in almost every tackle.

No. 18 Indianapolis Colts

Farrell: OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
Is there any doubt the Colts want an offensive lineman here after the beating Andrew Luck has taken? Jack Conklin could be the pick as well but I see him as less athletic and more of a future inside guy. Decker didn’t get much better staying in school but he’s big and an outside guy and that’s what they need.

Gorney
: OL Jack Conklin, Michigan State
I agree that the Colts need more bodies to protect Luck especially after his injury but Michigan State’s Jack Conklin will still be on the board and will get taken here. I agree with Farrell that he could end up being an inside guy, but he can also play tackle and the Colts will give it a shot.

No. 19 Buffalo Bills

Farrell: DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
Logic would say take Conklin or another offensive lineman, but Rex Ryan is a gambler and Nkemdiche is the biggest gamble in the draft. He could be a superstar and franchise player or be a bust, but Rex will roll the dice.

Gorney
: DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
The Bills are getting better but need help on the defensive line and if Spence is still available, then Buffalo should take him. There are major off-the-field questions with the five-star who transferred to Eastern Kentucky from Ohio State so there is a risk in taking Spence but if coach Rex Ryan plays it right, he could have a star on his hands.

No. 20 New York Jets

Farrell: LB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
With a great defensive line, the Jets want to add another weapon and Floyd can be a hybrid guy who can take things to the next level. Ezekiel Elliott would have been nice here, but with him gone look for the Jets to look outside on defense at linebacker.

Gorney
: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
I’m not sold on Elliott being gone yet, so the Jets could nab him here. Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell had nice seasons with the Jets, but Elliott could be the back of the future and the four-star from Ohio State would be a steal this late in the first round.

No. 21 Washington Redskins

Farrell: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
With Robinson, Rankins and Nkemdiche gone, Reed is the choice here as help is still needed in the middle on defense and, luckily for the Redskins, this is a deep draft at that position.

Gorney
: DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama
The thinking here is similar to Farrell but with a different Alabama stud. The Redskins need youth on the defensive line and Robinson is a perfect fit. The former five-star is a difference-maker that Washington needs and they could swipe him up if given the chance.

No. 22 Houston Texans

Farrell: LB Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
They wanted one of the three quarterbacks to fall to them here or perhaps Elliott or Decker, but with everyone gone they roll the dice on Spence to play opposite of J.J. Watt and allow Watt to move around the line a bit more. A risky pick, but it could be the home run of the draft.

Gorney
: QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis
The Texans were an embarrassment at quarterback last season and if Lynch is on the board, this could be a tremendous pick. There is always free agency or Bill O’Brien’s trust in Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg but if Lynch is available the three-star from Memphis would be hard to pass up.

No. 23 Minnesota Vikings

Farrell: OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State
Conklin could be a right tackle or an elite run-blocking guard and could surprise and play left tackle as well so at a position of need, he’s a versatile choice.

Gorney
: OG Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
Whitehair had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and also proved he could be one of the first offensive guards taken off the board. The play in Minnesota is to protect QB Teddy Bridgewater, the former three-star from Kansas State could be the answer and so this pick makes sense.

No. 24 Cincinnati Bengals

Farrell: WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
The Bengals were hoping Treadwell would slide this far down and he does and they don’t hesitate on him for a second.

Gorney
: WR Corey Coleman, Baylor
Treadwell is still available but I think the Bengals want a speedier receiver to complement that offense and that’s why I picked Coleman here. I could also see TCU’s Josh Doctson as the pick but Coleman, a four-star from Baylor, is the bet I’m making.

No. 25 Pittsburgh Steelers

Farrell: CB Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech
Eli Apple might be tempting here because he has more size and could play safety worst case scenario and the Steelers need defensive backs. But Fuller is the most talented by far and would have been in the Ramsey, Hargreaves, Alexander area without his injury.

Gorney
: CB Eli Apple, Ohio State
With Fuller already off the board, I can see the Steelers taking Eli Apple with this pick. He’s long, rangy and aggressive and should fit the needs of that defense well. The four-star from Ohio State has great ball skills even if he still has room to get better.

No. 26 Seattle Seahawks

Farrell: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor
A bit of a surprise here as Billings is a run stuffer but isn’t an overly athletic guy or a pass rusher, but there is no one more stout in the middle and the Seahawks could use that.

Gorney
: DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
I’m in the minority thinking that Rankins falls this low in the first round, but I’ll stick with my guns (so far). If he’s available, there’s little doubt the Seahawks wouldn’t snatch up the three-star from Louisville. My thinking is that other defensive tackles like Nkemdiche and Robinson go sooner and Seattle gets a steal.

No. 27 Green Bay Packers

Farrell: DT Kenny Clark, UCLA
Yet another defensive tackle goes in the first round as there is an embarrassment of riches here. The Packers need that inside presence as well as help at linebacker, but the linebackers available don’t bring as much value.

Gorney
: WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Smart people think Green Bay goes with a defensive lineman here, but if Treadwell is available this late how can the Packers pass him up? Another weapon for QB Aaron Rodgers never hurts and Treadwell’s seeming lack of speed might not be as big of an issue with Randall Cobb in that offense.

No. 28 Kansas City Chiefs

Farrell: DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
The title game really helped Dodd’s stock rise and having him as a pass-rushing threat opposite Justin Houston is too tempting for the Chiefs as they build their defense.

Gorney
: OT Jason Spriggs, Indiana
This is a shot in the dark pick because it seems Kansas City is looking to take a defensive lineman or defensive back here but Spriggs is someone who could shoot up the charts at the combine and at his pro day. He’s a long, athletic, physical former three-star from Indiana who could bolster the Chiefs’ offensive front.

No. 29 Arizona Cardinals

Farrell: OG Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
The Cardinals go offensive line here over a tempting option at wide receiver in Corey Coleman because they want to get more physical and nasty up front. Whitehair fits the bill.

Gorney
: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
The Cardinals are looking to get more physical and nasty up front all right but they’re going to do it on the defensive end. An edge rusher could be the pick but with former three-star Jarran Reed from Alabama still on the board, Arizona cannot pass him up.

No. 30 Carolina Panthers

Farrell: OT Shon Coleman, Auburn
Cam Newton needs protection at tackle, that was clear in the Super Bowl. Coleman is an elite athlete, hails from the same program as Newton and could be a surprise pick here. If so, it will show how much power Newton wields.

Gorney
: DE Jonathan Bullard, Florida
There will soon be a need for top defensive linemen in Carolina and this class has a boatload of them. One who will emerge in the coming weeks is this former Florida five-star because he’s an absolute wrecking machine. Clemson’s Kevin Dodd would also be intriguing.

No. 31 Denver Broncos

Farrell: DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech
They could use help along the offensive line, but too many elite guys have gone already and anything else would be a reach. You can’t hurt yourself adding a defensive tackle and Butler could be a steal here.

Gorney
: OG Josh Garnett, Stanford
Denver could be searching for an offensive tackle here, but if Peyton Manning comes back the Broncos could be running more and who better to take than a Stanford lineman? Garnett, a former four-star, is smart, physically-punishing and can dominate at times.

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These guys have always been douches to me and this seals it.
 
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L.T. Fan

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That too, but here is was gone at 2,
Understand. Others seem to think Wentz goes to Cleveland. If that does happen there's a good chance Goff is around for 4. I don't know whether Dallas has any desire for him or if they are staying stealth on him to not appear he might be a choice. Just food for thought.
 

fortsbest

DCC 4Life
Joined
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Understand. Others seem to think Wentz goes to Cleveland. If that does happen there's a good chance Goff is around for 4. I don't know whether Dallas has any desire for him or if they are staying stealth on him to not appear he might be a choice. Just food for thought.
In that case trade back, get Lynch or Zeke and get more picks.
 

dallen

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Mel Kiper's 2016 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Free agency doesn't change draft evaluations, only the occasional need. And I don't think it shifts need dramatically, because it's the rare team that will tell you after the free-agency period that it was able to truly fix problems on the free market. In the draft you want core players you expect to be with the organization for years to come. You don't see these guys as fixes to immediate problems. Teams use rookies, but they don't want to have to depend on them. Free agents, on the other hand, you simply don't expect to be around for a long time.

With free agency the hot topic over the next week, here's an updated mock, and a note on how free agency could change the pick.

A player with an asterisk next to his name has a year of eligibility remaining. Two asterisks implies two years.


1. Tennessee Titans

*Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

The top left tackle in the draft goes to a team where offensive line help is a must. I'm certain the Titans will continue to shop this pick, but it could be difficult to get a good offer.

Free-agency effect: As usual, free agency isn't exactly flush with offensive tackle help. The Titans can shop elsewhere knowing they have a tackle option here. While it's not a free-agency move, the addition of DeMarco Murray is another reminder the O-line should be a priority.


2. Cleveland Browns

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

I wouldn't rule out Cleveland taking a non-quarterback here and then getting one with the No. 32 pick, but Wentz would make sense here as a super physical talent at the position who Hue Jackson can develop.

Free-agency effect: Is there a QB in free agency clearly better than a healthy Josh McCown who they want to pay big dollars for? Right now I doubt the Browns make a splash there.


3. San Diego Chargers

*Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

The offensive line has been a major problem area going on a few years, and Stanley can be plugged in immediately. The Chargers need D-line help as well, but the draft is much deeper at that position.

Free-agency effect: If the Chargers find O-line help in free agency, it could shift the thinking here if they have players graded similarly.


4. Dallas Cowboys


DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

A good combination of clear need and a really good player available. Buckner brings versatility and the ability to disrupt the pocket.

Free-agency effect: There are some decent pass-rushers in free agency, but the Cowboys don't have the cap space to win bidding wars.



5. Jacksonville Jaguars

*Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

If there's a debate among evaluators on Ramsey, it's whether he'll end up at cornerback or safety. I think a little patience with him at cornerback will go a long way. He has star potential. Jacksonville should be thrilled if he's available here.

Free-agency effect: The Jags have the money to get multiple players in free agency, and should target the secondary. But when it comes to the draft, I think they should be taking the best player available, period.


6. Baltimore Ravens

*Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The Ravens need help in the secondary and on the O-line, but it's hard to pass on a talent as complete as Bosa at this spot. A great pass-rusher does as much for a secondary as a good corner.

Free-agency effect: With Kelechi Osemele headed elsewhere via free agency, the offensive line could be in play here, but the value is a question if Stanley is off the board.


7. San Francisco 49ers

*Jared Goff, QB, California

Even if Colin Kaepernick remains at quarterback I don't know if Goff would be out of the equation here. I think he could develop into something special for Chip Kelly and would provide insurance for Kap.

Free-agency effect: While a rebuilding team needs to be thinking "best player available" here, the 49ers have a lot of money to spend -- and needs all over -- so I do think priorities could shift.


8. Miami Dolphins

*Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

A top-five player on my board, I think Jack could benefit any team in the league thanks to his skill set at linebacker and special ability to cover from that position.

Free-agency effect: The Dolphins could be in the market for a pass-rusher if Olivier Vernon is too expensive, and that could push a guy like Shaq Lawson up the board.


9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

*Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

No change here from the previous mock. Hargreaves is highly regarded throughout the league and could certainly be drafted before this point.

Free-agency effect: The Bucs could get secondary help in free agency, but Hargreaves at this point would be hard to pass up, too.


10. New York Giants

*Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

Even if Jason Pierre-Paul were to return, the Giants would be wise to add pass-rushing talent, and Lawson is a good fit here. Like JPP, he's also underrated as a complete defensive end in that he's good against the run.

Free-agency effect: The Giants do have some shopping to do, and if they add pass rush help perhaps this pick becomes a cornerback such as Hargreaves, if available.


11. Chicago Bears

*Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

The Bears did work on the interior of the defensive line in the 2015 draft, but they need pass-rushers and Floyd is a big-time upside play.

Free-agency effect: The Bears could have a tough time winning the services of a top pass-rusher in free agency given other areas where they need to spend money, which includes retaining talent. They want to build through the draft.


12. New Orleans Saints

Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville

A big man with the quickness to create havoc in the backfield working from the interior, Rankins is a guy you draft to get better on defense, period, and that's what the Saints need to do.

Free-agency effect: Given their cap squeeze, the Saints can't be too aggressive in free agency and need to add defenders in the draft.


13. Philadelphia Eagles

*Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

If you just go on tape and forget pure potential, you would put Conklin much closer to the No. 1 and No. 3 picks in this mock draft. The Eagles can't go wrong in drafting even a couple good offensive linemen.

Free-agency effect: Philadelphia won't solve O-line depth issues in free agency alone. The makeover is ongoing, but the Eagles need to add young O-line talent.


14. Oakland Raiders

**Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

A high-upside cornerback with size, Apple might deal with some growing pains, but he's an impressive combination of size, athleticism and natural gifts for the position.

Free-agency effect: The Raiders can throw their money around this offseason, but they need major work in the secondary, so they'll need to draft help here regardless.


15. Los Angeles Rams

*Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

The Rams might actually find an upgrade at QB in free agency, but even if they don't add one, they also need somebody to catch the ball. It's not often you can get the top pass-catching prospect in the draft at No. 15.

Free-agency effect: The list of free-agent wide receivers isn't exactly stacked, with the top guy certain to stay put, so the Rams are going to get one at some point.


16. Detroit Lions

*A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama

The Lions improved defensively during the second half of the season, but "best interior defensive lineman" would be a solid strategy here; Robinson matches up as a value just on overall ability at this point, even if you forget the need.

Free-agency effect: I don't think the Lions can fix the D-line needs in free agency alone, especially if they spend money on an offensive tackle.


17. Atlanta Falcons

**Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

Nobody was better at the NFL combine, and Lee has plenty of good tape as well. An explosive, versatile player is a good value here, and Atlanta has a need for a playmaker at linebacker.

Free-agency effect: If the Falcons add a guy such as Danny Trevathan in free agency, Lee might not be the best pick for immediate help. If they don't add any pass rush help, you could see them go that direction.


18. Indianapolis Colts

Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

I think "best offensive lineman available" would be a smart strategy here, and Decker would join former teammate Jack Mewhort. The Colts would obviously move him off left tackle, but he's a good athlete and could transition.

Free-agency effect: Indianapolis could go a few ways in free agency, and I'm not sure any of them would change the reality that young talent on the O-line is a priority.


19. Buffalo Bills

*Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss

A special talent and incredible athlete at his size, Nkemdiche could play a big part in getting Rex (and Rob) Ryan's defense back to where it should be after an awful 2015. He's a character risk, but a top-five talent.

Free-agency effect: Buffalo is freeing up some cap money, but the Bills will have a tough time outbidding people for top talent. I wouldn't expect free agency to alter draft plans.


20. New York Jets

*Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

While I think Elliott could certainly qualify as "best player available" here, I'm not sure the Jets would take a running back this high. But that will be the question for every team, and Elliott sure would see the field for them.

Free-agency effect: Chris Ivory is likely to be gone, so even if it's not at this spot, I would expect the Jets to grab a running back at some point. I'll say this: If Ryan Fitzpatrick leaves, this is a dark horse spot for a QB.


21. Washington Redskins

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Last year's draft was all about getting tougher and more physical on both sides of the ball. Ragland continues that trend, fills a need, and is ready to play. Solid value here.

Free-agency effect: I think the defensive line will be a bigger priority than linebacker in free agency.


22. Houston Texans

*Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

DeAndre Hopkins had 97 more targets than any other player on the Texans last season, and they need to find someone who can take some pressure off. Fuller is the No. 1 guy in this draft if you want to take the top off a defense.

Free-agency effect: Houston could add a wideout in free agency, but nobody available has quite the upside of Fuller. The real question is whether the Texans get a QB, and if that influences this pick.


23. Minnesota Vikings

Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

Stefon Diggs was a great value, and as they move indoors the Vikings need to add another weapon in the passing game. Doctson is great after the catch and would be a great fit in the offense.

Free-agency effect: The Vikings should spend money on the offensive line in free agency, but that could be a target here as well if they don't do enough.


24. Cincinnati Bengals

*Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky

Secondary is an emerging need for the Bengals, and I also think they'd grab Fuller or Doctson here if they have high grades on either, but Spence is a potential stud in the pass rush and would be a good value here.

Free-agency effect: The depth of departures at wide receiver and in the secondary could shift the strategy for a "win now" team.


25. Pittsburgh Steelers

William Jackson III, CB, Houston

The Steelers are an improved secondary away from contending for a Super Bowl, and the addition of another young talent to go with (hopefully) a solid debut for Senquez Golson could help.

Free-agency effect: The Steelers won't have the flexibility to do much in free agency and will need to bolster the team through the draft.


26. Seattle Seahawks

*Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Defensive line is going to be a need area, but Fuller becomes a value at this point, and the defensive line class in this draft is going to produce starters well into day three. Get the best player.

Free-agency effect: If Jeremy Lane departs this is a legit need area, so free agency will be something to watch.


27. Green Bay Packers

*Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State

The Packers need weapons in the passing game, but with the top three wide receivers gone and a middling tight end class, getting a pass-rusher is never a bad option. Correa is an absolute blur off the edge.

Free-agency effect: If you know anything about the Packers, you know free agency isn't an area where they do much business. I doubt it changes anything with their draft strategy, in all seriousness.


28. Kansas City Chiefs

Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama

The Chiefs need to add impact talent on the interior of the defensive line, and I'm not sure there's a player who is consistently better stopping the run than Reed. He would be a good get here.

Free-agency effect: The Chiefs could see some turnover on defense, and I think they could draft heavily on that side regardless of what happens in free agency.


29. Arizona Cardinals

*Emmanuel Ogbah, DE/OLB, Oklahoma State

The Cardinals need to add a pass-rusher -- look at how much they relied on Dwight Freeney late in the season -- and to get the supremely athletic Ogbah at this point would be rare in most years, but they could benefit from the glut of D-line talent in this class.

Free-agency effect: Nothing Arizona will be able to do in free agency will change the fact that it needs good young talent on the defensive line.


30. Carolina Panthers

*Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

The Panthers could look at either cornerback or safety here, but the way the board breaks in this instance getting the top safety would be a sensible value at No. 30.

Free-agency effect: Carolina is out of cap jail, but it won't exactly be winning bidding wars. If the Panthers get secondary help, maybe that pushes them toward a pass-rusher here. But it all depends on who is available.


31. Denver Broncos

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

Spriggs is a great athlete who will need a little developmental work, but is the kind of guy who could thrive under Gary Kubiak in this system.

Free-agency effect: Denver is going to be in a retention battle, and you could see that factoring in here, particularly if the Broncos lose Malik Jackson.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/14921404/mel-kiper-third-mock-draft-2016-free-agency-considered-pick-nfl
 

Genghis Khan

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I'm just not feeling Buckner. I just don't see "top 5 pick" in hin.
 

Simpleton

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Buckner is more enticing to me as a DT than a DE. He has great size at 6-7, 300 but still has athleticism/flexibility to rush the passer from the interior. In our scheme I think he'd only play DE in short yardage/goal line situations.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Buckner is more enticing to me as a DT than a DE. He has great size at 6-7, 300 but still has athleticism/flexibility to rush the passer from the interior. In our scheme I think he'd only play DE in short yardage/goal line situations.
Yep I see a Jason Hatcher with more upside in our defense.
 

boozeman

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I'm just not feeling Buckner. I just don't see "top 5 pick" in hin.
Go watch his game against Michigan State. That will make up your mind even more. Conklin controlled him pretty well.
 

Cotton

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Buckner is more enticing to me as a DT than a DE. He has great size at 6-7, 300 but still has athleticism/flexibility to rush the passer from the interior. In our scheme I think he'd only play DE in short yardage/goal line situations.
But... he has HUGE HANDS!
 

Cowboysrock55

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Interesting to see Leonard Floyd so high now, that's a pretty big jump.
Yeah I don't see it. I know it could happen but I'm not sure why in the hell a team would take him that high or really in the first round at all. He isn't really much of a fit for our defense any way so the higher he goes the better in my opinion.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Go watch his game against Michigan State. That will make up your mind even more. Conklin controlled him pretty well.
That's only one game. I think you have to be careful about getting too excited or too down on a player based off the performance in one game.
 

VA Cowboy

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I'm just not feeling Buckner. I just don't see "top 5 pick" in hin.
I agree. But, the same thing can be said about everyone this year other than Tunsil.

Bosa is a LDE, Ramsey not a true CB or S, Jack is a non-pass rushing LB, Wentz and Goff are only mentioned in the top 5 due to needs and there being no other elite QB in this class.

Unless we trade down we have to take someone in the top 5, even if they aren't typical top 5 talent. That said, I'd go Bosa over Buckner if we go DL.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Unless we trade down we have to take someone in the top 5, even if they aren't typical top 5 talent. That said, I'd go Bosa over Buckner if we go DL.
6'7" 290 pounds with double digit sacks is pretty impressive. There is a lot more to like there then people give credit because they think he is just a 3-4 DE type.
 

Genghis Khan

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I agree. But, the same thing can be said about everyone this year other than Tunsil.

Bosa is a LDE, Ramsey not a true CB or S, Jack is a non-pass rushing LB, Wentz and Goff are only mentioned in the top 5 due to needs and there being no other elite QB in this class.

Unless we trade down we have to take someone in the top 5, even if they aren't typical top 5 talent. That said, I'd go Bosa over Buckner if we go DL.
Right, I agree. But that is exactly why we need to take the chance I'm on the quarterbacks. They might not be top 5 players but they're legit top 10 prospects. You take the chance on the most important position in football,Somebody who could keep you competitive For the next decade.
 
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