Here’s my first mock draft of the offseason. I’ll update this as we get deeper into free agency as needs change/become clearer. For the time being when we look at that 13th pick, I think it really boils down to who is available between the lineman, pass rushers and corners.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
I’ve resisted this for a long time saying Mariota was going first instead. At this point though it seems the Bucs are locked and loaded on Winston. I’m surprised, honestly. I can’t believe a guy with that many red flags and character question marks, regardless of talent, would be considered 1st overall. I wonder if the Bucs would make this same selection if the rookie salaries didn’t drop significantly years ago.
2. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
There’s a lot of consensus here, Williams is the best defensive player in the draft. I think many teams would select him first overall.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
The Jaguars were 6th in the NFL in sacks last year. The notion that this is a big need is misguided. But Fowler’s combine was off the charts and this should get the local fans excited. I still think there’s a really strong chance they go offensive line, though. There isn’t a lineman worthy of a 3rd overall pick, but the Jags could move down or really surprise some people. For now I’ll say Fowler.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
This comes down to Kevin White and Cooper. Everyone seems to think the Raiders want to give Derek Carr some help. White is gaining momentum because of his blazing 40 time but if you watch the tape, Cooper is unstoppable.
5. Washington Redskins: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
This will shock some people, and yes this is high, but I think Waynes is going to go much higher than most expect. The Redskins have the worst pass defense in the NFL and even if they add talent in free agency, they need depth. Waynes had a fantastic combine cementing himself as the draft’s best corner. I’ve had him as the Saints pick at 13 in some mocks, but I don’t think he’ll fall that far.
6. New York Jets: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Geno Smith is not the answer and while having Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker as your receivers is nice, it means nothing if you don’t have someone who can throw it to them.
7. Chicago Bears: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Bears feel they hit the jackpot with Ray falling to 7 and they are thrilled.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Osi Umenyiora was the best pass rusher last year. They desperately need a pass rusher.
9. New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, T, Iowa
In my opinion Scherff is the best lineman in the draft and has the versatility to play multiple positions. The Giants have to keep Eli Manning upright.
10. St. Louis Rams: Andrus Peat, T, Stanford
This is between Kevin White and Peat (or maybe La’El Collins) for me. Peat is a beast, though, and the Rams need help up front. I also think they think twice about taking a receiver since they just took Tavon Austin in the 1st round recently.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
White probably won’t drop this far. If he does, though, this is a no brainer. Teddy Bridgewater loves this pick. And when you play the Packers and Lions twice a year, you have to have the firepower on offense to match their scores.
12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
With Josh Gordon suspended again the Browns need to give Manziel, or whoever ends up as their starter, some help.
13. New Orleans Saints: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
You like this mock, right? The unthinkable has happened. Shelton and Beasley have both dropped to 13 and the Saints can have their pick. So tough to decide! I’m going with sacks and hoping John Jenkins can become the reliable plug in the middle. Passing on Shelton hurts, though.
14. Miami Dolphins: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
They’re possibly losing Jared Odrick and the value is just too good. This possibly changes if/when Suh becomes official.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
The scary 49ers defense could get scarier.
16. Houston Texans: La’El Collins, T, LSU
The value of this pick is too good to pass up. Collins is a top talent.
17. San Diego Chargers: Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
He’s raw but his explosiveness will help the Chargers’s woeful pass rush.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
With Dwayne Bowe on the outs, Alex Smith needs a new guy to throw to.
19. Cleveland Browns: Ereck Flowers, T, Miami
With their receiver need covered they boost their protection up front.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Their secondary is a must to improve, it’s holding the team back from being a contender.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Eli Harold, DE/OLB, Virginia
Pass rush is a must for the Bengals no matter what.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
If the Steelers lose Jason Worilds they will need to replace him.
23. Detroit Lions: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
With Suh and Fairley hitting free agency, they could lose both. The Lions are thrilled Brown falls to them.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Many mocks have this pick going this way and I agree. Andre Ellington is a good player but he needs someone to help pace the running game. And Carson Palmer’s health demands less pressure on the passing game.
25. Carolina Panthers: T. J. Clemmings, T, Pitt
Don’t like the Oher signing fool you, they desperately need o-line help. If Gordon falls to them, though, that could be the pick.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona
Joe Flacco needs more weapons.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
It’s a character risk but if he has his head screwed on right he’s arguably the best cover talent in the draft.
28. Denver Broncos: A. J. Cann, G, South Carolina
He’s the best interior lineman in the draft and the Broncos need to make sure Peyton Manning survives what should be his final season.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
The need is there and the value is too good to pass up.
30. Green Bay Packers: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
B. J. Raji is likely leaving and the Packers have to improve on defense. Denzel Perryman is under big consideration here too.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
This may be a bit of a surprise but Russell Wilson needs a go to security valve target over the middle.
32. New England Patriots: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The Pats like LSU players and they need a possible replacement for Revis.
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