Trust me. I get the feeling because I have it as well. The excitement is beyond bearable and I'm just glad that the draft is back in all of it's wonderful glory.
But before we get to the draft, we have an important matter to discuss and I think you know what it is.
That's right!
IT'S TIME FOR MY FINAL MOCK DRAFT OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
As most of you know, I kind of pride myself on how accurate my mock draft's are from time to time. While far from 100% accurate, my mock drafts actually do relatively well in comparison to some of the experts when you look back at them. That and the fact that I absolutely love the draft is what keeps me going year-in and year-out.
So, no more small talk.
I know why you're here.
You know why I'm here.
Let's cut out the foreplay already.......
Ultimate Sports Blog's
2016 NFL Mock Draft
1. Los Angeles Rams - Jared Goff (QB), California
This one is pretty easy and the Rams made it that way when they decided to gamble on a potential franchise quarterback. Apparently the Rams finally got the memo that you need a franchise quarterback to win in the NFL and they are tired of going 7-9 and 8-8 each year and made a huge trade to try and fix that problem. Now, which quarterback will the Rams take? That one is also pretty easy if you ask me. Jared Goff is a better prospect than Carson Wentz in my opinion and if I had the Rams' golden ticket in my hand, he's the one I'm cashing it in on.
2. Philadelphia Eagles - Carson Wentz (QB), North Dakota State
This one is also easy. Much like the Rams, the Eagles made a big trade up in this draft because they obviously fell in love with both quarterback prospects and are perfectly fine getting whatever one the Rams decide they don't want. Personally, I'm a little confused as to why the Eagles did this trade myself. Once they draft Wentz, the Eagles will have a ridiculous amount of money spent towards the quarterback position and that's fine until you remember that two of those guys will barely see any time on-the-field. Why make this trade and bring in Chase Daniel in free agency as well? Why not bring in Daniel to compete with Bradford for a year and see what happens? Does anyone else get the sense that Philly has no idea what they are doing? Good luck in that environment Carson Wentz.
3. San Diego Chargers -Joey Bosa (DE), Ohio State
This is when the draft really starts to get interesting. No one knows what the Chargers are going to do, yet whatever they do decide is totally going to change the landscape of the draft as a whole. I could honestly see them taking either Jalen Ramsey, DeForest Buckner, Laremy Tunsil, or perhaps the guy I have them taking...Joey Bosa of THE Ohio State Buckeyes. Bosa was long considered the best overall prospect in this draft and he's about as close as you can get to a "can't miss prospect" as there is in this draft. And let's face facts here people. The Chargers need as many "safe" draft picks as they can get this year if they want to remain competitive with the likes of the Broncos, Chiefs, and the rising Raiders in the AFC West.
4. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Ramsey (CB), Florida State
The perfect situation for the Cowboys. Ramsey is probably either 1 or 2 on their draft board and one would have to think that if he's sitting there available, the Cowboys are going to snag him. It's no secret that the Cowboys really need some help in the secondary and the addition of Ramsey would shore up almost any position they choose (the kid can play either corner or safety). Dallas also might be tempted to take a flier on Ezekiel Elliott as I honestly feel the addition of Elliott to the Cowboys would be a nightmare for the rest of the league. The signing of Alfred Morris in the off-season makes me think it probably won't happen, but it has to be tempting for Dallas. That is an absolute perfect fit and would no doubt extend the life of Tony Romo and get that offense buzzing.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Laremy Tunsil (OT), Ole Miss
The Jaguars selected offensive tackle Luke Joeckel with the #2 pick in the draft a few years back and he's been a bust in the NFL ever since and they need an upgrade. The arrow for the Jaguars offense is pointing up right now and the addition of offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil would be HUGE for the future of Blake Bortles. The Jaguars offense has some really good playmakers and they just need to shore up that offensive line and a potential return to the playoffs may not be that far out of sight for Jacksonville. The team might also be tempted to take linebacker Myles Jack as all signs point to the Jags absolutely loving him (and they need defensive playmakers), but medical concerns could scare teams away from drafting Jack this high.
6. Baltimore Ravens - DeForest Buckner (DL), Oregon
A perfect marriage for both teams. The Ravens are in desperate need of a pass-rusher. They reportedly love them some DeForest Buckner. And Buckner goes to a team that has a history of nailing defensive draft picks. Maybe I'm just secretly hoping this happens for Buckner's sake as an Oregon fan, but I'm all in on this one. The Ravens may also decide they love Ezekiel Elliott (RB), Ronnie Stanley (OT), or Myles Jack as well so Baltimore's pick is definitely going to be an intriguing one as they could go a number of different ways.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Corey Coleman (WR), Baylor
Who the hell knows what Chip Kelly and the San Francisco 49ers are thinking? The one thing we know about the 49ers is, they are severely lacking a lot of talent and could go a number of different ways with this pick. Ideally, they would love for Joey Bosa, DeForest Buckner, Jalen Ramsey, or Jared Goff to fall here...but that's likely not happening. In this scenario, Chip Kelly gets a guy who is an all-around wide receiver to pair along with the downfield threat that is Torrey Smith (who is looking to bounce back after a horrible season). If the unhappy Colin Kaepernick is going to be the 49ers QB, you should get the guy as many weapons as you can. Plus, Chip loves him some offense so it all makes sense.
8. Cleveland Browns - Ezekiel Elliott (RB), Ohio State
The Browns went from the 2 spot all the way to the 8 spot in the draft and that left a lot of people scratching their heads. Cleveland badly needs a QB and there were two pretty good prospects sitting at the top of the draft that were primed for a picking. Instead, the Browns decided to trade back and now we are left guessing what they plan to do. Well, I think they have a little bit of a master plan myself. I think the master plan involves Hue Jackson unleashing a re-mixed version of Robert Griffin III along with the best running back in the draft on to the NFL next year. It may not be the most successful plan in the world, but god damn, it would be entertaining at least. Maybe I'm giving Cleveland way too much credit and instead they blow this pick on Paxton Lynch (a decent QB prospect who should NOT get drafted in the top 15)? Ya, that's probably what will end up happening.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vernon Hargreaves (CB), Florida
Tampa Bay badly needs help in the secondary. Alterraun Verner's play took a huge dip last season and the rest of the group isn't much better. They brought in Brent Grimes and his nagging wife in the off-season, but ask the Miami Dolphins how much of an upgrade that is. To me, the local kid from the University of Florida would provide a huge upgrade for the Bucs and he would also immediately become their best corner. That's how bad the rest of them suck.
10. New York Giants - Ronnie Stanley (OT), Notre Dame
The Giants are in dire need of help along the offensive line. Eli Manning isn't a puppy anymore and as we saw with his brother, players can start to break down at a rapid pace as they get older. The guy needs protection. The Giants took Ereck Flowers in the first-round last year, but that was a big-time reach and it showed as Flowers struggled all year. Ronnie Stanley at the 10 spot isn't a reach, it's a steal. This is a guy who could have gone in the first-round last year, but decided to go back to school and only got better. This one just makes too much sense to me.
11. Chicago Bears - Sheldon Rankins (DT), Louisville
Chicago is close to becoming a respectable team in the NFL once again. Sure, "Smoking" Jay Cutler is still in town, but the arrow with the Bears is starting to point up. They still have some holes to fill in their defensive front seven though and at this point, Sheldon Rankins would help fill those holes massively. No, that wasn't a sex joke.
12. New Orleans Saints - Shaq Lawson (DE), Clemson
The Saints were garbage on defense last year. Pure and utter stinky garbage. It's time for a complete re-haul of their defense and Shaq Lawson would be a tremendous starting point. Pairing him up with Cameron Jordan could end up giving the Saints a tremendous 1-2 punch to get after the quarterback. As we all saw with the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl, if you can get after the other team's QB, you can give them problems. The Saints might be able to hide the other weaknesses on defense if they can manage to build their defensive front seven into an absolute monster.
13. Miami Dolphins - William Jackson III (CB), Houston
Much like a lot other teams in the NFL, the Dolphins need help in the secondary bad. Yes, they traded for Byron Maxwell in the off-season, but he was awful last season. So awful that the Philadelphia Eagles decided to ship him out of town after only one season. While I'm sure the Dolphins would love for Vernon Hargreaves to potentially fall to them, William Jackson would be a hell of a consolation prize. He may quietly become the best corner in this draft. Yes, I said it.
14. Oakland Raiders - Chris Jones (DT), Mississippi State
It pains me to say this, but the Raiders are quickly becoming a good NFL team again. After some successful drafts and some good pick-ups in free agency this year, hopes are high once again in Oakland. Something tells me that Reggie McKenzie will once again nail this draft pick. And by nailing it, I mean taking the massive Chris Jones out of Mississippi State. Jones' stock has risen since the NFL combine and it now seems very likely that he will go in the top 15 of the draft. That works out for the Raiders who need help and youth along their defensive line. Jones + Dan Williams + Khalil Mack = Yikes.
15. Tennessee Titans - Josh Doctson (WR), TCU
Tennessee could very well be in play to move up in the draft and get one of the elite offensive tackles (Tunsil or Stanley), but if they aren't available, the Titans could look elsewhere. And by elsewhere, I mean Josh Doctson who is probably the most complete wide receiver in the draft. Tennessee needs to give Marcus Mariota another weapon and Doctson would be absolutely perfect. I still think the Titans move out of this spot and either trade up or down, but in this mock...they are taking Doctson and making my boy happy (LOVE YOU MARCUS!).
16. Detroit Lions - Jack Conklin (OT), Michigan State
Detroit could go a number of different ways with this pick. At this spot, they could be tempted to take Myles Jack who might end up paying HUGE dividends for a team at this point in the draft. However, Jack Conklin would be a much safer pick for the Lions in my opinion. Detroit needs help at the offensive tackle position and they also need a safe pick in the draft. I would also point out that Conklin played at MICHIGAN STATE which makes the fit even more perfect, but I'll leave that one to you guys to figure out.
17. Atlanta Falcons - Leonard Floyd (LB), Georgia
There is some real "top 10" hype surrounding Leonard Floyd right now. A lot of experts feel that he's the best outside linebacker in the draft and he could end up becoming a pass-rushing nightmare in the NFL in no time at all. This is a dream scenario for the Falcons who would have their pick between Floyd and Myles Jack in this situation. Floyd is the better fit and is also probably the safer pick as well. Either guy is tremendous value at this point though.
18. Indianapolis Colts - Myles Jack (LB), UCLA
Myles Jack would be a steal at #18 for the Colts. He could honestly be drafted anywhere from the 5th spot to anywhere in the 20's thanks to the question marks surrounding him. Jack was long considered a top 10 pick in this draft, but medical issues are scaring some teams away from him. There are rumors and concerns that he may not even make it to his second NFL contract due to how torn up his knee already is. At this point though, the Colts would be wise to gamble on Jack because if he manages to stay healthy, they will have ended up with one of the best defensive players in this draft.
19. Buffalo Bills - Cody Whitehair (OG), Kansas State
Not the sexiest pick by any means for Bills fans, but Buffalo really needs some help on the offensive line and Cody Whitehair would provide an immediate impact player. The Bills are sooooo close to returning to the playoffs. If they can manage to solidify that offensive line, Rex Ryan and his boys may finally see some post-season play for the first time in years.
20. New York Jets - Paxton Lynch (QB), Memphis
Yes, I did it. Paxton Lynch is going somewhere in the first-round (rumors are he could even go in the top 10, which I think is a huge mistake), so let's give him to the Jets who don't even have a starting quarterback at the moment. Ryan Fitzpatrick is still a free agent. Geno Smith still sucks. And I personally think Lynch's ceiling is higher than that of Bryce Petty. Lynch to the Jets automatically becomes an extremely interesting story.
21. Washington Redskins - Karl Joseph (S), West Virginia
The Redskins have the luxury of going a number of different ways due to the amount of holes they have, especially on the defensive side. I could honestly see Washington targeting one of the defensive linemen (Jarran Reed or Kevin Dodd would be great selections at this point), but a guy who is starting to get a lot of hype recently is Karl Joseph. There are a little injury concerns regarding Joseph, but at this point he would fill a huge need for a team who hasn't had good safety play for awhile now.
22. Houston Texans - Sterling Shepard (WR), Oklahoma
Did you see the Texans playoff game against the Chiefs? The Texans were shut out in embarrassing fashion in large part because they lacked offensive playmakers. With new QB Brock Osweiler in town, the Texans need to put him in the best position to succeed and that would be drafting a guy who would be a perfect compliment to DeAndre Hopkins. Sterling Shepard is a guy who isn't getting a ton of first-round hype, but if you put on the tape...you can see that he's the real deal. Something tells me the Texans have watched tape on this kid and they like what they see.
23. Minnesota Vikings - Laquon Treadwell (WR), Ole Miss
Laquon Treadwell was long considered the best wide receiver prospect in this draft by a lot of people, but his stock has took a dip in the last few weeks. You know who benefits from that? Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings, that's who. If you watched the Vikings last season, it's pretty obvious what this team needs. Bridgewater only managed to throw 14 touchdowns last season and that's just unacceptable for NFL QB starters. Give him Treadwell and watch the magic happen.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - Will Fuller (WR), Notre Dame
It's a wide receiver bonanza right now! Unfortunately for the Bengals, they get the guy that I'm personally the least excited about as far as the potential first-round wide receivers go. There are a lot of experts who are high on the speedy Will Fuller, but do you know who most of them compare him to? Mike Wallace. Ya. That guy. Is that really supposed to get anyone excited? Someone's going to take Fuller in the first-round though, so it might as well be DEM BENGALS.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarran Reed (DT), Alabama
The perfect scenario for the Steelers. Reed is an extremely safe pick as he is ready to play in the NFL right now and Pittsburgh is looking for some help in their front seven.
26. Seattle Seahawks - Ryan Kelly (C), Alabama
Seattle's offensive line was absolutely atrocious last year. Ryan Kelly is the highest graded offensive interior lineman in this draft and this would be an amazing selection for Seattle. The Seahawks have nailed the draft the last few years and somehow getting their hands on Ryan Kelly in the first-round would only continue that trend. The rich get richer.
27. Green Bay Packers - Robert Nkemdiche (DT), Ole Miss
Someone's taking the kid in the first-round, right? I mean, I know he has his off-the-field issues, but the former #1 overall high school recruit has a ceiling that is off-the-charts. If he can't get his shit together in Green Bay and have a successful NFL career, than much like Johnny Manziel...he's a lost cause. If I'm the Packers, I would gamble on Nkemdiche at this point.
28. Kansas City Chiefs - Eli Apple (CB), Ohio State
Corner became a huge need for the Chiefs when starting corner Sean Smith bolted town and went to the Raiders. Smith was an excellent player and will be extremely missed in KC. A player like Eli Apple would help soften the loss of Smith. The Chiefs managed to grab an excellent corner in the first-round of the draft last year (NFL defensive rookie of the year Marcus Peters) and if they can do it again, watch out!
29. Arizona Cardinals - Reggie Ragland (LB), Alabama
This is a big-time steal for the Cardinals at this point. Reggie Ragland fills a huge need for the Cardinals and Arizona gets a player to help fortify that already talented defense.
30. Carolina Panthers - Mackensie Alexander (CB), Clemson
The Panthers needed a corner even before Josh Norman left town and with him gone, that's obviously their biggest need. Alexander is the best available at this point.
31. Denver Broncos - Connor Cook (QB), Michigan State
Surprise! Yes, I have four QB's going in the first-round, but the crazy thing is...there are rumors that FIVE could go in the first! That's what makes the NFL Draft such a fun event. No one really knows what's going to happen, but it sure as shit is fun to try and guess, right?
Enjoy the draft tonight everyone and make sure to come back for my NFL DRAFT LIVE BLOG later today!!!!
Enjoy the draft tonight everyone and make sure to come back for my NFL DRAFT LIVE BLOG later today!!!!
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