Journal of the first 26 picks of the 2016 NFL draft
Since it is the consensus that dynasties in the NFL and built and maintained through the draft, I will chronicle this year’s first round. Due to time constraints, I am only going to do the first 25. First up, the LA Rams.
1. The Los Angeles Rams (traded with the Tennessee Titans from #15)
Top needs: QB, WR, MLB, DB
Pre-talk: After giving up a king’s ransom to move up from #15 to #1, it is safe to assume the Rams will take a QB with the first pick. Word on the street is that they are leaning toward Jared Goff, a QB from the University of California. The decision is between him or Carson Wentz, a QB from North Dakota State University. Carson is perceived by most scouts as a raw talent with upside… somewhere between Joe Flacco, Ben Rotheslberger, and David Gerrard. Meanwhile Jared is seen as the prospect with quicker and sharper decision making skills. Scouts also view Jared as someone who will need to put on some weight in order to improve both his arm strength and ability to absorb NFL hits; which lands him the category of the last QB the Rams took with the #1 pick, Sam Bradford. If the Rams wanted to shock the world, they would probably take the UCLA standout, Myles Jack. He would replace their longtime veteran at LB, James Laurnites as a defensive playmaker and incentivize college football fans to the new stadium as he is from the local university. That being said, I see them taking Goff.
During/after talk: It is still being widely reported that Goff will go #1, we will find out soon… after ~7 min we see Goodell and the pick is… Jared Goff. I am 1 for 1.
2. The Philadelphia Eagles (traded with the Cleveland Browns from #8)
Top needs: DB, LB, DL, QB (I guess)
Pre-talk: The Eagles also gave up a lot to move up in the draft, from #8 to #2. Their GM has publicly said that they intend to use the #2 pick on a QB, so it appears they will take whomever the Rams do not. I think that moving up was not a wise decision as they have both Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel on the roster and a lot of needs elsewhere. Again, I have not seen either QB play extensively so I might be missing something. I would rather them take Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner to pair on their defensive line with budding star Fletcher Cox, but I see them taking Wentz here.
During/after talk: Again, all the talk is that the Eagles will take Wentz, let’s see if the Eagles are going to wait or take him immediately. They are a little quicker to the draw and they select Carson Wentz; I am 2-2.
3. The San Diego Chargers:
Top needs: DB, OL, DL
Pre-talk: This is the best situation that could have happened for the Chargers i.e. the two teams ahead of them take a QB (something they do not need) and now they have the option of taking the best non-QB available. They can take Jalen Ramesey, the versatile DB from Florida State to replace Eric Weedle or play on the opposite side of Jason Varrett; Laremey Tunsil, the “consensus best tackle prospect” in the draft to help solidify their offensive line, or Bosa to help generate a consistent pass rush. I like Ramsey here due to his versatileness and the fact that the Chargers need more interior line help instead of a tackle.
During/after talk: Again, this pick will have the biggest impact on the first 10 picks as San Diego can go with a few different players and that is exactly what the analysts are saying, here is Goodell… they take – Joey Bosa. My first missed pick which will throw a wrench in the rest of my picks, but I like the pick for the Bolts.
4. The Dallas Cowboys
Top needs: DL, DB, LB
Pre-talk: Before the Cowboys signed Alfred Morris, it was widely thought that they would be selecting Ezekial Elliott, the RB from Ohio State, here; now it is looking like they will take the best defensive talent available. They will have the pleasure of deciding between Bosa, Jack and possibly Ramsey, if the Chargers decide to take Tunsil or Bosa. I think they will take Bosa, who will be a valuable pass rusher and hopefully replicate what DeMarcus Ware was able to do for them a few years ago.
During/after talk: Since Ramsey is available, I think the Cowboys will either take him or trade down a few spots and still be in range to take Elliott. They are entering the 2-minute mark to make their selection, a trade might be on the horizon. The pick is in… and they take Elliott! Looks like Jerry thinks he has found the next Emmitt Smith.
5. The Jacksonville Jaguars
Top needs: DB, LB, OL
Pre-talk: The Jaguars could end the slide of Tunsil from the consensus #1 pick when the Titans owned it, but I think they will instead opt for the consensus top linebacker in the draft: Myles Jack. Their front-seven is missing the player that roams the box and makes plays sideline-to-sideline, Jack with be that player. He also played at RB for UCLA so I would not be surprised to see him on the field during offense, maybe not at RB but as TE in goal-line situations.
During/after talk: I think the Jags are choosing between 1 and 1a with both Ramsey and Tunsil available. I think that since Gus Bradley is defensive minded, they will go with Ramsey, but if they take Tunsil to help keep Bortles upright, I would not be surprised. The pick is in, here we go… they take the in-state star Jalen Ramsey.
6. The Baltimore Ravens
Top needs: DL, LB, OL
Pre-talk: The Ravens were ravaged by injuries last year and are looking to rebound in a big way and thanks to the teams that traded up to take QB’s, they will be able to do that. They can do that by taking Buckner the defensive linemen from Oregon or Laremey Tunsil. I think they will end Tunsil’s slide and thank the powers that be he fell to them.
During/after talk: With Tunsil still available, the Ravens might trade down with a team that is desperate for offensive line help. Otherwise I think they will take either Tunsil for themselves. The clock is down to about 3 minutes, could we see our first trade of the day? Nope to both. The Ravens choose Ronnie Stanley the tackle from Notre Dame over Tunsil. There are some concerns over Tunsil’s character and that may have been why they chose Stanley.
7. The San Francesco 49ers
Top needs: DL, OL, LB, DB
Pre-talk: The 49ers have a lot of needs as they are still recovering from the sudden retirements of key players two years ago. They just hired Chip Kelly as their head-coach and I would not be surprised if he convinced the brain-trust to select Buckner, as he recruited Buckner to Oregon when he was the head-coach there. Also, I would not be surprised if they traded down in order to stock-pile late round picks to fill in all of their needs.
During/after talk: I still see Buckner going here or the 49ers trading down, but really… I have no idea.
NEWS UPDATE: Tunsil’s twitter account posted a picture of what is presumably Tunsil smoking a gas mask-bong, which would explain his current slide. He may fall another five spots because of that post.
Back to the draft: The pick is in and the 49ers take Deforest Buckner.
8. The Tennessee Titans
Top needs: OL, LB, DT
Pre-talk: After trading down for this selection the Browns hope to make a selection in the first round that will pan-out better than their recent selections. They need help on offense but aside from Elliot, I do not feel that another skill position player is worth the pick and the Browns already have two young RB’s in Duke Johnson and Issiah Crowell. If the Browns want to move-on from Justin Gilbert, they may take Vernon Hargraves here, the CB from Florida but I think they will take Ronnie Stanley, the tackle from Notre Dame and groom him to take over once All-Pro Joe Thomas leaves either via free agency or a trade.
During/after talk: The Browns have traded down to the Tennessee Titans, who will likely select Tunsil or Conklin; the pick is in and they have selected Conklin. Looks like Tunsil’s slide will continue.
9. The Chicago Bears
Top needs: LB, DL, OL
Pre-talk: The Bucs improved dramatically last year, in the most part due to Jamesis Winston, but the resurgence of Doug Martin and Mike Evans helped as well. They can keep that going through solidifying the offensive line or improving their defense. I think they will choose the defensive side of the ball and target either Hargraves or Shaq Lawson, a DE from Clemson.
During/after talk: With Myles Jack still available here, I think that is where they will go. Scratch that, they have traded with the Chicago Bears, who will probably take the aforementioned linebacker. The pick is in and da newest Bear is Leonard Floyd, the linebacker from Georgia – another swing and a miss by me.
10. The New York Giants
Top needs: LB, OL, DB
Pre-talk: The Giants will look to either the offensive line or running back position here. They need another starting tackle, but with Elliot available, they might look to find the RB of the future for them instead of relying on the combination of Shane Vereen and Rashad Jennings. If they look to the defensive side of the ball, they would likely target Hargraves. I think they will take Elliott in order to replace the oft-injured pair they currently have.
During/after talk: The decision for the Giants will be between Hargraves, Jack and Tunsil. The pick is in and I am wrong again. The Giants select Eli Apple, the CB from OSU.
9. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top needs: DL, LB, DB
Pre-talk: The Bears have quite a few needs, so it would not surprise me if they traded back to get more picks, but if they keep it they will likely take an offensive linemen or linebacker. I like Reggie Ragland the LB from Alabama here.
During/after talk: The Bucs are picking here, after switching with the Bears and I am going to sound like a broken record, but I think the decision is between Tunsil, Jack and Hargraves. All the talking heads are screaming about Tunsil’s decision making. The pick is in and the Bucs select Hargraves.
12. The New Orleans Saints
Top needs: OL, WR, DB
Pre-talk: The Saints could go a lot of places here. They could take the first WR of the draft by selecting Josh Doctson or Laquan Tredwell. I think that is the way they will go and take Tredwell who will try to fill the role of the big receiver that Colston has done for many years.
During/after talk: Are the Saints going to be the team to take Tunsil? I do not think so. I think the will look to improve at WR via Tredwell or LB via Jack. The pick is in and they shock the room by taking Sheldon Rankins, the defensive linemen from Louisville. Man, I have been WAY off today.
13. The Miami Dolphins
Top needs: RB, DB, OL
Pre-talk: I would not be surprised if the Dolphins moved up a few spots in order to take Elliott, but if they do not, I think they will take the best cornerback available, in this case either William Jackson or Karl Joseph.
During/after talk: Needing the help at RB, will they take Jack due to his ability to play both offensive and defense? I doubt it. I think they will take Karl Joseph or William Jackson. Wrong again. The Fins take Tunsil… the one time I don’t predict it.
14. The Oakland Raiders
Top needs: LB, DL, DB
Pre-talk: The Raiders are an up-and-coming team and will look to solidify their defense by taking the best-available player on that side of the ball. I think they will take the lengthy cornerback William Jackson.
During/after talk: Thinking of Miles Jack and Kalil Mack on the same defense makes me salivate, and I’m far from a Raiders fan. I think they will take either him or Karl Joseph. They decide on Joseph who is known as the hardest hitting DB in the draft.
8. The Cleveland Browns
Top needs: QB, WR, OL
Pre-talk: After trading down from the #1 pick, the Titans will be happy one of the top offensive linemen prospects is available and will likely take Jack Conklin.
During/after talk: I could see them taking Myles Jack or Tredwell here. The pick is in and they select Corey Coleman, the WR from Baylor. That means that they will have RG3, Josh Gordon and Coleman, all from Baylor - I hope their team chemistry was good in college.
16. The Detroit Lions
Top needs: OL, LB, CB
Pre-talk: After reeling from the news of Calvin Johnson retiring, the Lions look to still be playoff contenders moving forward. That being said, I think they will make a “boring” pick here and take Taylor Decker the offensive tackle from Ohio State.
During/after talk: With all the excitement that has happened via trades, I think the Lions will tamp things down by taking the player everyone expects them the take, Taylor Decker… and they do.
17. The Atlanta Falcons
Top needs: DB, TE, LB
Pre-talk: The Falcons have been known to take players with a checkered past and may do the same this year by taking the linebacker Noah Spence. I doubt that will happen and they will take the CB Eli Apple.
During/after talk: With Apple gone and a need for a LB, this could be the landing spot for Jack. We shall see though… the pick is in very quickly, it looks like they ran to make the pick, and they have taken Keanu Neal… wait, what? Who? This was the first real shocker of the draft but they needed a safety/DB and Neal fills that role.
18. The Indianapolis Colts
Top needs: LB, OL, DB
Pre-talk: After their season ending when Andrew Luck was ruled out for the remainder of the season, I think the Colts will begin to focus on protecting him. I think they will opt for the best interior linemen and take the center Ryan Kelly.
During/after talk: They have the tough choice between Jack and Ryan Kelly. I think they will focus on the offensive line and take Kelly. ESPN just showed a shot of Jack alone in the green room… I hate seeing that, but I don't think he is getting the call from Indy. Here comes Goodell and the pick is Ryan Kelly.
19. The Buffalo Bills
Top needs: DL, LB, DB
Pre-talk: After a surprisingly good season last year, the Bills are looking to make that final move to take them to the playoffs but also need to find some replacements on the defensive line. I think they will take Sheldon Rankins here to help fill the void Mario Williams left.
During/after talk: With Rankins gone, I see them going with Darron Lee, Miles Jack (please, someone, take him) or Shaw Lawson. Rex Ryan can really groom linebackers so taking Jack here and then letting him blossom under Rex would be fun to see. Ryan has ties to Clemson though so he may opt for the DE Shaq Lawson. The Bills go with Lawson who will help the Bills move on from Mario Williams.
20. New York Jets
Top needs: LB, OL, QB
Pre-talk: The Jets do are still in negotiations with Ryan Fitzpatrick and I am confident that he will end up back under center for them. I think that they will go with a defensive player here and take the linebacker Darron Lee.
During/after talk: This selection was a lot of the talk going into today/night. Do the Jets reach for Paxton Lynch or another QB, or do they take the best available defensive player. I think they will opt for the latter and take Myles Jack as they have taken a defensive player in the first round for the past 7 years and no one expected Jack to still be available. The pick is in and the J-E-T-S have taken Darron Lee.
22. Houston Texans
Top needs: DB, DL, TE, WR
Pre-talk: Since there is not a standout safety in this draft, I think Washington will take the best available LB or DL here. In this case it would be A’Shawn Robinson.
During/after talk: Washington has traded the pick to the Texans, the team right behind them. The two teams have similar needs so the Texans might be moving up to get either William Jackson or someone they did not expect to be available, i.e. Myles Jack. I think they will go with Jack as they need a star at the second level, and Jack has that potential; although they might not want to have rookie sit his first year, like Clowney. The analysts are saying they will take a WR… Goodell is on-stage and informs us that the Texans have taken Will Fuller, the WR from Notre Dame.
21. The Washington Football team
Top needs: DB, DL, LB
Pre-talk: Similarly to Washington, the Texans would love to take a safety here, but there is not a player in this draft that would justify a first round selection. I think they will either trade down or take Karl Joseph.
During/after talk: I think they will go defense here with William Jackson or Myles Jack. I think they will go defense here with William Jackson or Myles Jack. I think they will go defense here with William Jackson or Myles Jack. Whoops – the track was skipping and needed to be turned over… but seriously, I see Washington taking either Jackson, Jack. Instead, Washington takes the WR Josh Doctson. Looks like I have under-estimated the interest in WRs.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Top needs: WR, LB, DB
Pre-talk: The Vikings will have their pick of WR prospects here to pair with their young duo of Stefon Diggs and Teddy Bridgewater. I think they will take Josh Doctson.
During/after talk: With two WR’s going with the past two picks, I see the Vikings continuing the trend and taking Tredwell, although the combination of Jack and Anthony Barr makes me drool. The Vikings unsurprisingly take Tredwell.
24. The Cincinnati Bengals
Top needs: WR, DL, LB
Pre-talk: The Bengals are looking to find a solid #2 option at WR to match with the superstar AJ Green. I think Michael Thomas from Ohio State would be a great fit, and he from right down the road.
During/after talk: I think the Bengals will make it four-straight WR’s by selecting Michael Thomas or make a trade as the WR they were targeting may have been taken. Another surprise, they select William Jackson, the big cornerback from Houston. Their secondary is older than most so this pick makes sense.
25. The Pittsburgh Steelers
Top needs: DB, DL, OL
Pre-talk: It is slim-pickings if they want to take a DB and I see the Steelers instead choosing to find some suitable replacements for their often-injured offensive line – taking Joshua Garnett here.
During/after talk: The Steelers picked quicker than any other team and selected Artie Burns, a corner from the University of Miami. I thought they would go with an offensive lineman due to depth issues, but the Steelers need the most help in their secondary. Artie was one of the fastest players at the NFL combine but that doesn’t always translate to being a good player.
And that concludes my coverage of the draft.
