As the NFL playoffs arrive and the remaining teams are on their quest for a championship, NFL scouts from all over are looking to the Draft. Here are my predictions on what each team needs to address for the 2016 NFL Draft.
Arizona- With the 13-3 Cardinals, Carson Palmer and company has certainly given the NFL a reason to fear the Cardinals. A balanced squad, the Cards have a solid offense and O-Line with experience. Flip the ball over and you see the defense that can shut people down. CB Tyrann Mathieu was a steal in his draft class (3rd round) and CB Patrick Peterson is in the elite class of corners. Although my concern is that D-Line for the Cards. Age is becoming a factor for the Cards so drafting a defensive lineman or edge rusher will add depth to the line.
Potential target(s)- DE Shawn Oakman (Baylor), DT Jarron Reed (Alabama)
Atlanta- Matt Ryan and Julio Jones is a connection that can go a long way on the gridiron. Jones is a beast on the gridiron but who is opposite of him? We understand what Hester brings and rookie Justin Hardy is a speedster but another big bodied receiver like Julio would be essential to this thriving offense when Jones gets the ball rolling. Another big time WR would be key to the Atlanta Falcons. Maybe trading up for Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss) would be big time for the Falcons and pay off during the season.
Potential target(s)- WR Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss), WR Michael Thomas (Ohio State)
Baltimore- An offense that needs some work but can wait later in draft to fix, the Ravens need another safety. S Matt Elam and Will Hill could use another elite safety in that backfield. Getting the top rated safety would give Baltimore some relief in the passing game and certainly help in the rushing game with the safety blitzing from the outside. A larger safety would be key to the Ravens and how they execute the defense.
Potential target(s)- S Jalen Ramsey (Florida St)
Buffalo- A team that has evolved on defense over the years, the Bills need to look on the offensive side for the draft but can draft a defensive lineman later in the draft. An offensive lineman would be crucial for the Bills to protect dual threat QB Tyrod Taylor. Nonetheless, maybe the Bills go defense and draft a defensive lineman wouldn’t hurt due to Mario Williams and his shenanigans. We will see what Rex Ryan pulls this time.
Potential target(s)- OT Jack Conklin (Michigan St) , OT Taylor Decker (Ohio State)
Carolina- A dynamic offensive team, Carolina is led by QB Cam Newton, who is a huge dual threat QB literally (6’5 250 pounds). He has the weapons he needs but if you look on that defense, S Roman Harper only has a few years left in the tank but is giving his all. The lack of depth for safeties calls for Ron Rivera to find a safety who can be reliable and clutch. Near the bottom of the first round, maybe finding a 2/3rd round safety and bringing him up could be worth it. But getting a solid safety is what the Panthers need.
Potential target(s)- S Jeremy Cash (Duke) , S Jayron Kearse (Clemson)
Chicago- The Bears need to improve their defense. 22nd against the rush, the Bears could use another edge rusher who flows well against the run. A speedy DE would be perfect for the Bears as they can address further problems later in the draft.
Potential target(s)- DE Emmanuel Ogbah (Oklahoma State), DE DeForest Buckner (Oregon)
Cincinnati- A defense that was phenomenal, the Bengals could turn to the offensive side of the ball in the first round. Possibly a guard or tackle could give the Bengals more depth in protecting Dalton/McCarron and running backs Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard. Safe move with smart tactics here.
Potential target(s)- G/OT Vadal Alexander (LSU), OT Jerald Hawkins (LSU)
Cleveland- Coach Mike Pettine has had his share in Cleveland and it is time to move on from the Johnny Manziel situation. Josh McCown is a veteran QB who knows the system but a fresh start to Cleveland is what they need as of right now with the #2 pick. A QB couldn’t hurt but all the QB’s they have drafted from the previous decade, turned out to be average or below average. If I were the Browns GM, take the best rated QB who has been in a PRO style offense and can stay in the uptempo pace of the NFL. To me, Memphis QB Paxton Lynch is ready to arrive in Cleveland with his 6’7 height and his rocket arm.
Potential target(s)- QB Paxton Lynch (Memphis)
Dallas- An offense that was crushed when Tony Romo hit the sidelines, the Cowboys have some voids to fill. With the 4th pick this year (rare to see Dallas this high up), I believe Dallas will take the best athlete they can find. This could range from DE Joey Bosa to OLB Myles Jack or to make the offensive line more of a brick wall, draft OT Ronnie Stanley. Whatever Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett decide to do, they just need an athlete that is versatile and could possibly be an hybrid of multiple positions. Myles Jack could be the guy they could rely on at the goal line for bull rushing the ball in and being a reliable outside linebacker with speed to burn.
Potential target(s)- OLB/RB Myles Jack (UCLA), DE Joey Bosa (Ohio State)
Denver- The Broncos are an interesting team to watch in the first round. I think defense is where they could bulk up at, the secondary in particular. A safety couldn’t hurt the secondary or a corner. At the bottom of the first round, possibly scooping up Iowa DB Desmond King would balance out where Chris Harris and Bradley Roby are and give Denver leverage in the secondary. King is aggressive and fits the Bronco’s D style.
Potential target(s)- CB Desmond King (Iowa)
Detroit- The Lions have had their low moments this year. QB Matthew Stafford had a solid year dealing with a crop of receivers that could use more help. RB Ameer Abdullah provided a running game, which from a rookie, was phenomenal. Calvin Johnson is aging and on the verge of retirement and another wide receiver could be helpful to the Lions with Golden Tate on the other side and ready to take up the #1 wide receiver position on the football team and Corey Fuller is taking on a bigger role. But taking a wide receiver if Treadwell is gone can be helpful for Detroit and fill up their other needs later in the draft.
Potential target(s)- WR Will Fuller (Notre Dame), WR Tyler Boyd (Pittsburgh)
Green Bay- Jordy Nelson’s absence hasn’t killed the Packer’s playoff hopes but they could of used him during the season after Nelson suffered a torn ACL before the season. WR Davante Adams stepped up in the receiving game and delivered when it mattered most along with Randall Cobb. My pick for Green Bay would possibly be a defensive tackle or a OLB due to Clay Matthews stuffing the middle and there is no extremely fast linebacker on his team. Since Green Bay is yet another team towards the bottom, they would have to find a prospect projected in the 2/3 rounds that could potentially deliver the key clutch moments. LB Jaylon Smith from Notre Dame could easily drop in the draft due to his injuries that are very severe and could potentially end his tenure in the NFL if they linger on in the professionals. Smith nonetheless is a terrific football player with intangibles that remind me of Jerod Mayo, Patriots LB.
Potential target(s)- LB Scooby Wright III (Arizona), LB Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame)
Houston- Every NFL fan would say that the Houston Texans need a QB and I couldn’t agree more. This would get another QB familiar with the system and this could lead to terrific outcomes. A QB that could fit Houston is a QB that can throw the deep ball (DeAndre Hopkins) and is steady in the pocket and patient. Hoyer/Mallet/Yates were uncomfortable in the pocket although Yates will be the backup in my eyes. The Texans need the bright light through the tunnel and it starts at the helm of the offense.
Potential target(s)- QB Connor Cook (Michigan State), QB Jared Goff (Cal)
Indianapolis- The Colts have issues in multiple places (QB’s) but to ensure they get the right player, I believe Indy needs to boost up that O-line. Injuries have plagued the Colts and the offensive line position would be the safe and smart pick to help protect the QB’s that have been floating around ever since Andrew Luck went down with injuries.
Potential target(s)- OT Jack Conklin (Michigan St) , OT Taylor Decker (Ohio State), OT Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame)
Jacksonville- The Jaguars surprisingly have a offense that shows promise for the future. Blake Bortles has his interception problems but his touchdown ratio is impressive for his age. The wide receiving core is I believe, top 10 in the league (A.Robinson, A.Hurns). Coach Gus Bradley has done well with the Jags but with the 5th pick this year, I would go with a cornerback to ensure depth. Jacksonville has been known to grab homestate products so I say they continue the tradition and select Vernon Hargreaves from Florida.
Potential target(s)- CB Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida), CB/S Jalen Ramsey (Florida St)
Kansas City- A defense that is vigorous and tough, the Chiefs are thinning on the D-line and could pick up a solid defensive lineman. The reason why is because the offense seems to be clicking fine but the D-line is really been Dontari Poe stuffing the run. They could use another key lineman to tag team with Poe on stuffing the run.
Potential target(s)- DT A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama), DT Kenny Clark (UCLA), DT Andrew Billings (Baylor)
Miami- The Dolphins can find guys on defense later on in the draft but in the first round, an offensive lineman is a must. Miscommunication and below par blocking is what got the best of Tannehill.
Potential target(s)- G/OT Vadal Alexander (LSU), OT Jack Conklin (Michigan State)
Minnesota- The Vikings are very young and well rounded. I think if I were the Vikings, I would trade your 1st round pick. Your a well-rounded team with lots of potential but with your 1st round pick, I’d try and move down and wait for the later rounds to select your players. But later on in the draft, the Vikings should aim maybe for another safety or a running back possibly. Competition for Adrian Peterson’s backup, the Vikings could be the darkhorse team to watch for the running back position.
Potential target(s)- RB Derrick Henry (Alabama), RB C.J. Procise (Notre Dame), S Jayron Kearse (Clemson)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS!!!!- Well after losing the first round pick to Deflategate, the Patriots are known for unknown talent rising in the midst of the season. They could go for the secondary for sure to complement with McCourty and Ryan. Then again, the Patriots could go for the offensive line once again but they could base their draft on the defense.
Potential target(s)- DB Justin Simmons (Boston College), CB Mackenzie Alexander (Clemson)
New Orleans- The Saints are a mystery on the defense. Injuries have plagued the Saints D and could be revamped with a corner/safety with energy and not plagued by injuries. Definitely go with a defensive player if you are New Orleans.
Potential target(s)- CB Kendall Fuller (Virginia Tech), CB/S Jalen Ramsey (Florida State)
New York Giants- The G-Men drafted OBJ last year and it paid off well. The wide receiving core is solid but at running back is where Ezekiel Elliot’s name could pop up. I am not entirely on board with the G-Men taking Elliott with the 10th pick but it is something the newly looked Giants (Coughlin out) may do and wait to revamp the defense later.
Potential target(s)- RB Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State), TE Hunter Henry (Arkansas)
New York Jets- Ryan Fitzpatrick helped the jets through the season with his Harvard mind guiding them through. His receiving core is great and the running back situation like the Giants, could use another back with Ivory. Another inside linebacker for the jets couldn’t hurt either. Calvin Pace is almost at the end and almost every linebacker for the Jets are on the older side. Get a fresh face at linebacker.
Potential target(s)- RB Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State), ILB Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame), ILB Reggie Ragland (Alabama)
Oakland- Derek Carr flew under the radar this year and had a great connection with former Bama standout WR Amari Cooper. The offense was in solid shape and with LB sensation Khalil Mack being unhuman on the other side of the ball, this Raiders team is destined for great things in the future. But for a 1st round pick, the Raiders should go with the secondary or offensive line.
Potential target(s)- S Jeremy Cash (Duke), CB/S Tony Connor (Ole Miss), OT Jerald Hawkins (LSU)
Philadelphia- This is where things get dicey. Chip Kelly is gone and the Eagles struggled this season with a 6-10 record. The defense was the main part of the problem. They need to address the secondary.
Potential target(s)- CB Kendall Fuller (Virginia Tech), CB/S Jalen Ramsey (Florida St)
Pittsburgh- The Steel City has a offense that can go the distance with Big Ben and Antonio Brown. What they need to focus on is also defense in the first round. Like the majority of these teams, defense is a key part of how Pittsburgh operates. Secondary and the front seven could use some touching up to do but the linebackers are in tip top shape with Shazier and Dupree.
Potential target(s)- DT Kenny Clark (UCLA), DT Andrew Billings (Baylor), CB Tre’Davious White (LSU)
San Diego- The Chargers have the #3 pick in the 2016 draft. They have a vast amount of options to choose from but the one option that makes the most sense is DE Joey Bosa from Ohio State. Bosa brings all around talent and speed to the Chargers, who don’t have a legitimate edge rusher, and can help out the Chargers on the run and drop back in coverage to cover bigger receivers. Smart decision here.
Potential target(s)- DE Joey Bosa (Ohio State)
San Francisco- The 49ers need help! I usually don’t say this but the 49ers should take the best rated player that falls into their lap. Anyone could do.
Potential target(s)- Anyone
Seattle- The Seahawks were the team to beat a few years ago and now where is it they need to improve? Pete Carroll and company should look at the O-line and address what they need during the later rounds. An solid offensive lineman late could be worth wild next season if a key starter falls.
Potential target(s)- OT Jerald Hawkins (LSU), OT Jason Springs (Ohio State)
St.Louis- The Rams have a terrific front 7 but the linebacker core could use another top product in their system to help out James Laurinaitis. Take a linebacker in my opinion it’s well worth it.
Potential target(s)- LB Scooby Wright III (Arizona), LB Jaraad Davis (Florida)
Tampa Bay- The offense is in good shape with Winston and Mike Evans. The Bucs O-line is very underrated in my opinion and they have good balance. TE Austin Seferian Jenkins will develop into a Pro-Bowler down the road and so will Mike Evans. On the other side, defense is a need. Go for the secondary or a defensive tackle with this pick.
Potential target(s)- CB Kendall Fuller (Virginia Tech), DT Kenny Clark (UCLA)
Tennessee- The #1 pick belongs to the Titans. I say select Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil and he will be your franchise left or right tackle. Th safest and smartest pick right here.
Potential target(s)- OT Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss)
Washington- A pass rusher with legitimate intangibles would be crucal to this Redskins team. A Chandler Jones type player can help the Redskins gain further leverage in he crucial moments that matter.
Potential target(s)- DE Shawn Oakman (Baylor)
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