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RunSoHard
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1. Tennessee Titans – Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss – The Titans have the chance to draft the consensus, best player in the draft in Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil has the potential to be an annual pro-bowl section on the offensive line. The Titans should look to give sophomore Quarterback, Marcus Mariota more protection. Mariota missed four games last season due to injury. You want to see your franchise quarterback out there every game. Tunsil will be a huge help to keeping Mariota healthy and developing. Let’s also not forget the offseason acquisition of Demarco Murray. He’ll plug right in from day one.
2. Cleveland Browns – Cameron Wentz, QB, North Dakota State – It is well known that the Browns have already added a quarterback this offseason in signing Robert Griffin III after his release from the Redskins. There has been some circulation that Cleveland signed RGIII as a talent fail-safe. This way if Wentz isn’t what he’s cracked up to be, they have RGIII. Who doesn’t want to see RGIII in another quarterback competition? All I know is that Wentz’s name has been tossed around with similarities to Andrew Luck. You just have to take that guy you’ve been searching two decades for. Tennessee would take him if they didn’t know Mariota.
3. San Diego Chargers – Jalen Ramsey, CB/FS, Florida State – Ramsey does it all. He can play corner and safety at the highest level. He will be a lock-down corner in the NFL. Lock-Down corners are extremely hard to find. Look at the teams who made a deep run into the playoffs. Panthers have Josh Norman, Seahawks have Richard Sherman, and the Denver Broncos have Aqib Talib. Every top level team needs a shut-down corner and that’s the type of guy Ramsey can be in the NFL. Ramsey and Tunsil are interchangeable as the top prospect in this year’s NFL draft.
4. Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State – This seems to be a pretty safe bet to me if Bosa is sitting there at number four. For the longest time, Bosa was the highest rated prospect in this year’s draft. With some character issues he’s fallen down the boards a bit. Where else would be better to find yourself than Jerry World if you were Bosa? Bosa and Buckner are the two highest rated defensive end prospects. Bosa is a better 4-3 end than Buckner who is better in the 3-4. The Cowboys run a 4-3 and Bosa would fit perfectly at the end rushing in on Kirk Cousins, Sam Bradford and Eli Manning.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Jack, LB, UCLA – UCLA has produced some great linebackers in previous years with Anthony Barr coming to the Vikings in 2014. The Jaguars have obviously targeted upgrading their defense this offseason after signing defensive tackle Malik Jackson from the defending Superbowl Champions, Denver Broncos. They also added Prince Amukamara (CB), Tashaun Gipson (S), Abry Jones (DT), Ryan Davis (DE) and Josh Johnson (CB). Jack is the best linebacker available in a defensive heavy draft-class. Jack missed the majority of the season last year but is expected to be ready to start training camp. Jack will fit perfectly into the Jaguars defense from day one.
6. Baltimore Ravens – DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon – The Baltimore Ravens are known for this fierce defense and elusive defensive players. The Ravens defense will never return to what it used to be but over the past couple of years, their defense has been dwindling. They can get back on track with drafting the 6’7’’ defensive end. For the longest time, Joey Bosa seemed to be the best selection atop the draft and atop the defensive lineman. Bosa seems to fit a 4-3 defense better than a 3-4 and that is what the Ravens run. Bucker’s defensive grade of +62.7 is over three more points than Bosa’s +59.4.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Jared Goff, QB, California – Rumors are circulating that if Colin Kaepernick takes a paycut , he’s on his way to Denver. Kap’s met with John Elway at least three times since March 15th. That means the 49ers will have to start all over again, which is a scary thought. If Goff is there at seven, the 49ers will not pass on him. Remember the last time they passed on a bay-native California quarterback? He’s sense been one of the best in the league in Aaron Rodgers. Let’s hope the Niners and newly assigned head coach Chip Kelly can get their quarterback of the future.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis – I know the Eagles inked Sam Bradford to 2 year/$36 million dollar contract where $26 million is guaranteed. They also signed Chase Daniels to a 3 Years/$21 million dollar contract. However, Bradford’s deal is just two years, we’re talking short term options here. Daniels is an unproven career backup who Eagles’ new head coach Doug Pederson coached in Kansas City before coming over. The last time something like that happened, Mallet was going to Houston with Franklin. They have a few years to develop a guy is what I’m getting to. If Pederson is this quarterback guru everyone says he is, Lynch can develop into a great NFL quarterback if he sits for a while. Bradford wouldn’t be the worst person to learn behind.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida – Hargreaves is one of those names that is quickly climbing the draft board as draft. He may be the drafts premier corner if you count Ramsey as a safety. He’s an outstanding corner and can guard their opponent’s top guy. Tampa’s secondary was not horrible last year as they were ranked in the middle of the league in passing yards per game. You just can’t pass on the ability to upgrade your defense and that is what the Bucs plan to do with their pick.
10. New York Giants - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame - The New York Giants may be the winners of the NFL Free Agency thus far. They’ve improved their defense greatly by adding defensive lineman, Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison while also adding cornerback Janoris Jankins. They also re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul. Now it’s time to help their offense out. Eli Manning was sacked 27 times last year and the Giants 19th in total rushing per game. Stanley, opposite of Ereck Flowers on the offensive line would be great for years to come.
11. Chicago Bears – Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State – The bears have had the fortune of Matt Forte playing runningback for them over the past 8 seasons. They’re used to having one of the best receiving backs in the NFL. Now that Forte is in New York with the Jets, it’s time to get Cutler and the Bears a new back. Elliot is as good as they get when it comes to running back prospects. He’s the clear-cut choice out of this draft by a long shot. That’s why the Bears can’t pass him up at 11. Elliot has the perfect mixture of power and quickness, hits his holes perfectly and is too elusive to track down. He single handedly won Ohio State a title two years ago.
12. New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville – There was not a single bright spot for the Saints defense during their 2015 campaign. They were ranked 31st in total yards allowed, passing yards allowed per game and rushing yards allowed out of 32 teams. Their secondary seemed to be the major issue but a big portion of the blame must lie on the front seven, specifically the defensive line. They were unable to get to the quarterback nor were they able to put any sort of pressure into the backfield. Adding a big presence upfront to push the offensive line back is much needed, especially with the top ranked inside defensive lineman left on the board. The Saints face Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston twice a season, they must get more disruptive in the backfield.
13. Miami Dolphins – Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State – The Dolphins have reshaped their roster as well during the off season. They lost Olivier Vernon but added Mario Williams. They traded from their eigth overall pick to the 13th with the Eagles as well as acquiring Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell. They could go cornerback here as well but they are in desperate need of some outside pass rushers. Suh was pretty ineffective last year because the outside rushers could be handled allowing the offensive line to focus on Suh. If they get a pass rusher who can get around the corner, especially now opposite of Mario Williams on the field, it’ll open the middle of the line to allow Suh and Earl Mitchell to get into the backfield more often.
14. Oakland Raiders – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama – The Oakland Raiders had themselves a pretty great free agency adding the likes of Bruce Irvin (LB), Sean Smith (CB) and Kelechi Osemele (OT). The only part of their defense that they didn’t drastically improve was their defensive line. They run an 4-3 defense and their two defensive tackles are Dan Williams and Justin Ellis who aren’t anything to write home about. Adding the 6’4” 307 Pound Alabama would be an upgrade for sure. He’s explosive in the run game and will acquire attention from the opposing offensive line freeing up lanes for the likes of Irvin and Khalil Mack.
15. Los Angeles Rams - Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss – The Rams are back in LA and need to help their imagine. They’ve been one of those teams that have been a quarterback away from a playoffs team since the departure of Kurt Warner many years ago. At 15, there won’t be a quarterback worth selecting. There is the best skill player, outside of maybe Ezekiel Elliot, left on the board. The Rams have been looking for that dominate receiver for a long time now. They have a great slot guy in Tavon Austin, matching Austin up with Treadwell would give whomever is quarterbacking the team a dangerous duo to work with.
16. Detroit Lions - Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama – The Lions have been unable to replace Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairly over the past two seasons. They’ll have the opportunity to do so here with taking Reed at 16. The 6’3’’, 307 pound defensive tackle will slot right into the middle of their defensive line. I have his former teammate and defensive line partner in A’Shawn Robinson going two picks prior.
17. Atlanta Falcons – Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson – Lawson is fresh off a collegiate season that saw him and the Clemson Tigers fall to Alabama in the Title game. The Falcons’ defense last season under Mike Nolan is defiantly getting better. They have the likes of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman on the offensive side of the ball. They have what it takes in a weak NFC South to win offensively, they just need to improve defensively and that is where the selection of Lawson comes from.
18. Indianapolis Colts - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan – Andrew Luck missed the majority of the 2015 season and that cannot happen for the Colts ever again. They had some 70 year old dude player quarterback most the season, team was a mess. Now Luck will be back for the 2016 campaign and they Colts need to help keep the pressure off of him. Face it; if you say a Colts’ game last year, you talked about how bad their line was at least once. Their line is one of, if not the worst in the entire league. They have the future king of the quarterback position; they just need to give him some help.
19. Buffalo Bills - Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss – Nkemdiche is a top tier talent with a bottom tier character. If anyone can fix the young man, it’s ol’ Rex Ryan. Nkemdiche was one of the top prospects in this draft at one time. The Bills lost Mario Williams and Nkemdiche can fill that vacancy from day one. The big and bad Bills defense was exposed all of last season, they need some help.
20. New York Jets - Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama – The Jets have not done much addressing their linebacker weakness during free agency. They have the opportunity to draft the top inside linebacker option in this draft. The Jets are alright offensively outside of their quarterback situation which we won’t get into. They have a stellar defense and adding a great addition to the inside of their linebacking quartet in their 3-4 defense.
21. Washington Redskins – Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor – The Redskins didn’t bring back Terrance Knighton so their obviously going to be looking for a better long-term option. Billings was the center of a brilliant Baylor front four. The Redskins need to add to their defense in the draft in hopes of repeating as NFC East Champions.
22. Houston Texans – Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor – Baylor may see back-to-back picks if the Texans look to add to their weapons. They’ve made one of the biggest offseason acquisitions with paying former Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler 12 million a year. They also departed with Arian Foster but added Lamar Miller. Their defense is already one of the best in the league so they need to help out their newly signed quarterback with another top tier talent opposite Deandre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame – We may be seeing back-to-back receivers being selected at 22 and 23. The Vikings are in the same boat as the Texans. They have one of the top young arms in Teddy Bridgewater who led them to the playoffs last year. They obviously have Adrian Peterson but not much talent out wide. They need to help Bridgewater out and give him some more weapons.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Josh Doctson, WR, TCU – A three-peat at receiver for picks 22-24. The Bengals lost their 2nd and 3rd receivers from a year ago in free agency. They still have AJ Green but need to get him a running mate to help Andy Dalton and their hopes of returning to the playoffs. Doctson is one of the top receivers in the draft talent wise but has been recovering from a long-term injury.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State – Outside of Ramsey and Hargreaves, Apple is the second best true corner in the draft. If the Steelers’ cards are played right, Apple will fall to them at 25. Apple could easily go higher in this draft, even up into the teens. But, if he’s there at 25, the Steelers would love to be able to add him to their weak secondary.
26. Seattle Seahawks – Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State – The Seahawks lost Russell Okung in free agency and need to fill that hole right away. Their offense desperately needs a strong defensive line to roll efficiently. Decker would be a great addition especially at the 26th pick.
27. Green Bay Packers – Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech – The Packers lost long time Nose tackle BJ Raji to retirement this offseason and will look to replace him in the draft. There are better options than Butler but the 6’4’’ 323 pound defensive tackle will be a monster in the middle of their defensive front 3.
28. Kansas City Cheifs – Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson – Another one of the players who played for the runner-up Clemson in this most recent year. If Apple doesn’t fall to Pittsburgh at 25, look for the Steelers to take Alexander and the Chiefs to select William Jackson III out of Houston. They have a real need at corner.
29. New England Patriots – Pick Forfeited
30. Arizona Cardinals – Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia – The Cardinals are nearly superbowl contenders. They were one game away last season and will look to go even deeper in the season to come. They recently acquired Chandler Jones from the Patriots so they won’t need a defensive end. However, they do need a pass-rushing outside linebacker and Floyd is just that.
31. Carolina Panthers – Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky – The Carolina Panthers are fresh off of a Superbowl defeat. They had the most productive offense in the NFL last year and could use some depth on their defensive front to help get them back there next year.
32. Denver Broncos – Chris Jones, DE/DT, Mississippi State – Jones is climbing the draft bored with his ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle. The Broncos won the Superbowl last year but lost a few pieces to their dominate defense of a year ago. Adding Jones will give them great depth on the defensive line as he can plug into twom spots.
2. Cleveland Browns – Cameron Wentz, QB, North Dakota State – It is well known that the Browns have already added a quarterback this offseason in signing Robert Griffin III after his release from the Redskins. There has been some circulation that Cleveland signed RGIII as a talent fail-safe. This way if Wentz isn’t what he’s cracked up to be, they have RGIII. Who doesn’t want to see RGIII in another quarterback competition? All I know is that Wentz’s name has been tossed around with similarities to Andrew Luck. You just have to take that guy you’ve been searching two decades for. Tennessee would take him if they didn’t know Mariota.
3. San Diego Chargers – Jalen Ramsey, CB/FS, Florida State – Ramsey does it all. He can play corner and safety at the highest level. He will be a lock-down corner in the NFL. Lock-Down corners are extremely hard to find. Look at the teams who made a deep run into the playoffs. Panthers have Josh Norman, Seahawks have Richard Sherman, and the Denver Broncos have Aqib Talib. Every top level team needs a shut-down corner and that’s the type of guy Ramsey can be in the NFL. Ramsey and Tunsil are interchangeable as the top prospect in this year’s NFL draft.
4. Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State – This seems to be a pretty safe bet to me if Bosa is sitting there at number four. For the longest time, Bosa was the highest rated prospect in this year’s draft. With some character issues he’s fallen down the boards a bit. Where else would be better to find yourself than Jerry World if you were Bosa? Bosa and Buckner are the two highest rated defensive end prospects. Bosa is a better 4-3 end than Buckner who is better in the 3-4. The Cowboys run a 4-3 and Bosa would fit perfectly at the end rushing in on Kirk Cousins, Sam Bradford and Eli Manning.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Jack, LB, UCLA – UCLA has produced some great linebackers in previous years with Anthony Barr coming to the Vikings in 2014. The Jaguars have obviously targeted upgrading their defense this offseason after signing defensive tackle Malik Jackson from the defending Superbowl Champions, Denver Broncos. They also added Prince Amukamara (CB), Tashaun Gipson (S), Abry Jones (DT), Ryan Davis (DE) and Josh Johnson (CB). Jack is the best linebacker available in a defensive heavy draft-class. Jack missed the majority of the season last year but is expected to be ready to start training camp. Jack will fit perfectly into the Jaguars defense from day one.
6. Baltimore Ravens – DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon – The Baltimore Ravens are known for this fierce defense and elusive defensive players. The Ravens defense will never return to what it used to be but over the past couple of years, their defense has been dwindling. They can get back on track with drafting the 6’7’’ defensive end. For the longest time, Joey Bosa seemed to be the best selection atop the draft and atop the defensive lineman. Bosa seems to fit a 4-3 defense better than a 3-4 and that is what the Ravens run. Bucker’s defensive grade of +62.7 is over three more points than Bosa’s +59.4.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Jared Goff, QB, California – Rumors are circulating that if Colin Kaepernick takes a paycut , he’s on his way to Denver. Kap’s met with John Elway at least three times since March 15th. That means the 49ers will have to start all over again, which is a scary thought. If Goff is there at seven, the 49ers will not pass on him. Remember the last time they passed on a bay-native California quarterback? He’s sense been one of the best in the league in Aaron Rodgers. Let’s hope the Niners and newly assigned head coach Chip Kelly can get their quarterback of the future.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis – I know the Eagles inked Sam Bradford to 2 year/$36 million dollar contract where $26 million is guaranteed. They also signed Chase Daniels to a 3 Years/$21 million dollar contract. However, Bradford’s deal is just two years, we’re talking short term options here. Daniels is an unproven career backup who Eagles’ new head coach Doug Pederson coached in Kansas City before coming over. The last time something like that happened, Mallet was going to Houston with Franklin. They have a few years to develop a guy is what I’m getting to. If Pederson is this quarterback guru everyone says he is, Lynch can develop into a great NFL quarterback if he sits for a while. Bradford wouldn’t be the worst person to learn behind.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida – Hargreaves is one of those names that is quickly climbing the draft board as draft. He may be the drafts premier corner if you count Ramsey as a safety. He’s an outstanding corner and can guard their opponent’s top guy. Tampa’s secondary was not horrible last year as they were ranked in the middle of the league in passing yards per game. You just can’t pass on the ability to upgrade your defense and that is what the Bucs plan to do with their pick.
10. New York Giants - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame - The New York Giants may be the winners of the NFL Free Agency thus far. They’ve improved their defense greatly by adding defensive lineman, Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison while also adding cornerback Janoris Jankins. They also re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul. Now it’s time to help their offense out. Eli Manning was sacked 27 times last year and the Giants 19th in total rushing per game. Stanley, opposite of Ereck Flowers on the offensive line would be great for years to come.
11. Chicago Bears – Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State – The bears have had the fortune of Matt Forte playing runningback for them over the past 8 seasons. They’re used to having one of the best receiving backs in the NFL. Now that Forte is in New York with the Jets, it’s time to get Cutler and the Bears a new back. Elliot is as good as they get when it comes to running back prospects. He’s the clear-cut choice out of this draft by a long shot. That’s why the Bears can’t pass him up at 11. Elliot has the perfect mixture of power and quickness, hits his holes perfectly and is too elusive to track down. He single handedly won Ohio State a title two years ago.
12. New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville – There was not a single bright spot for the Saints defense during their 2015 campaign. They were ranked 31st in total yards allowed, passing yards allowed per game and rushing yards allowed out of 32 teams. Their secondary seemed to be the major issue but a big portion of the blame must lie on the front seven, specifically the defensive line. They were unable to get to the quarterback nor were they able to put any sort of pressure into the backfield. Adding a big presence upfront to push the offensive line back is much needed, especially with the top ranked inside defensive lineman left on the board. The Saints face Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston twice a season, they must get more disruptive in the backfield.
13. Miami Dolphins – Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State – The Dolphins have reshaped their roster as well during the off season. They lost Olivier Vernon but added Mario Williams. They traded from their eigth overall pick to the 13th with the Eagles as well as acquiring Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell. They could go cornerback here as well but they are in desperate need of some outside pass rushers. Suh was pretty ineffective last year because the outside rushers could be handled allowing the offensive line to focus on Suh. If they get a pass rusher who can get around the corner, especially now opposite of Mario Williams on the field, it’ll open the middle of the line to allow Suh and Earl Mitchell to get into the backfield more often.
14. Oakland Raiders – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama – The Oakland Raiders had themselves a pretty great free agency adding the likes of Bruce Irvin (LB), Sean Smith (CB) and Kelechi Osemele (OT). The only part of their defense that they didn’t drastically improve was their defensive line. They run an 4-3 defense and their two defensive tackles are Dan Williams and Justin Ellis who aren’t anything to write home about. Adding the 6’4” 307 Pound Alabama would be an upgrade for sure. He’s explosive in the run game and will acquire attention from the opposing offensive line freeing up lanes for the likes of Irvin and Khalil Mack.
15. Los Angeles Rams - Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss – The Rams are back in LA and need to help their imagine. They’ve been one of those teams that have been a quarterback away from a playoffs team since the departure of Kurt Warner many years ago. At 15, there won’t be a quarterback worth selecting. There is the best skill player, outside of maybe Ezekiel Elliot, left on the board. The Rams have been looking for that dominate receiver for a long time now. They have a great slot guy in Tavon Austin, matching Austin up with Treadwell would give whomever is quarterbacking the team a dangerous duo to work with.
16. Detroit Lions - Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama – The Lions have been unable to replace Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairly over the past two seasons. They’ll have the opportunity to do so here with taking Reed at 16. The 6’3’’, 307 pound defensive tackle will slot right into the middle of their defensive line. I have his former teammate and defensive line partner in A’Shawn Robinson going two picks prior.
17. Atlanta Falcons – Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson – Lawson is fresh off a collegiate season that saw him and the Clemson Tigers fall to Alabama in the Title game. The Falcons’ defense last season under Mike Nolan is defiantly getting better. They have the likes of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman on the offensive side of the ball. They have what it takes in a weak NFC South to win offensively, they just need to improve defensively and that is where the selection of Lawson comes from.
18. Indianapolis Colts - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan – Andrew Luck missed the majority of the 2015 season and that cannot happen for the Colts ever again. They had some 70 year old dude player quarterback most the season, team was a mess. Now Luck will be back for the 2016 campaign and they Colts need to help keep the pressure off of him. Face it; if you say a Colts’ game last year, you talked about how bad their line was at least once. Their line is one of, if not the worst in the entire league. They have the future king of the quarterback position; they just need to give him some help.
19. Buffalo Bills - Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss – Nkemdiche is a top tier talent with a bottom tier character. If anyone can fix the young man, it’s ol’ Rex Ryan. Nkemdiche was one of the top prospects in this draft at one time. The Bills lost Mario Williams and Nkemdiche can fill that vacancy from day one. The big and bad Bills defense was exposed all of last season, they need some help.
20. New York Jets - Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama – The Jets have not done much addressing their linebacker weakness during free agency. They have the opportunity to draft the top inside linebacker option in this draft. The Jets are alright offensively outside of their quarterback situation which we won’t get into. They have a stellar defense and adding a great addition to the inside of their linebacking quartet in their 3-4 defense.
21. Washington Redskins – Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor – The Redskins didn’t bring back Terrance Knighton so their obviously going to be looking for a better long-term option. Billings was the center of a brilliant Baylor front four. The Redskins need to add to their defense in the draft in hopes of repeating as NFC East Champions.
22. Houston Texans – Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor – Baylor may see back-to-back picks if the Texans look to add to their weapons. They’ve made one of the biggest offseason acquisitions with paying former Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler 12 million a year. They also departed with Arian Foster but added Lamar Miller. Their defense is already one of the best in the league so they need to help out their newly signed quarterback with another top tier talent opposite Deandre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame – We may be seeing back-to-back receivers being selected at 22 and 23. The Vikings are in the same boat as the Texans. They have one of the top young arms in Teddy Bridgewater who led them to the playoffs last year. They obviously have Adrian Peterson but not much talent out wide. They need to help Bridgewater out and give him some more weapons.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Josh Doctson, WR, TCU – A three-peat at receiver for picks 22-24. The Bengals lost their 2nd and 3rd receivers from a year ago in free agency. They still have AJ Green but need to get him a running mate to help Andy Dalton and their hopes of returning to the playoffs. Doctson is one of the top receivers in the draft talent wise but has been recovering from a long-term injury.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State – Outside of Ramsey and Hargreaves, Apple is the second best true corner in the draft. If the Steelers’ cards are played right, Apple will fall to them at 25. Apple could easily go higher in this draft, even up into the teens. But, if he’s there at 25, the Steelers would love to be able to add him to their weak secondary.
26. Seattle Seahawks – Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State – The Seahawks lost Russell Okung in free agency and need to fill that hole right away. Their offense desperately needs a strong defensive line to roll efficiently. Decker would be a great addition especially at the 26th pick.
27. Green Bay Packers – Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech – The Packers lost long time Nose tackle BJ Raji to retirement this offseason and will look to replace him in the draft. There are better options than Butler but the 6’4’’ 323 pound defensive tackle will be a monster in the middle of their defensive front 3.
28. Kansas City Cheifs – Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson – Another one of the players who played for the runner-up Clemson in this most recent year. If Apple doesn’t fall to Pittsburgh at 25, look for the Steelers to take Alexander and the Chiefs to select William Jackson III out of Houston. They have a real need at corner.
29. New England Patriots – Pick Forfeited
30. Arizona Cardinals – Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia – The Cardinals are nearly superbowl contenders. They were one game away last season and will look to go even deeper in the season to come. They recently acquired Chandler Jones from the Patriots so they won’t need a defensive end. However, they do need a pass-rushing outside linebacker and Floyd is just that.
31. Carolina Panthers – Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky – The Carolina Panthers are fresh off of a Superbowl defeat. They had the most productive offense in the NFL last year and could use some depth on their defensive front to help get them back there next year.
32. Denver Broncos – Chris Jones, DE/DT, Mississippi State – Jones is climbing the draft bored with his ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle. The Broncos won the Superbowl last year but lost a few pieces to their dominate defense of a year ago. Adding Jones will give them great depth on the defensive line as he can plug into twom spots.
