Titans – DL Joey Bosa – 6’5 275, Ohio State: I have a general rule for the top pick in the draft. Take the best player available! Tunsil would be a nice fit at LT but likely won’t have the immediate impact of Bosa.
Browns – WR Laquon Treadwell – 6’3 215, Ole Miss: The Browns lacked playmakers at WR. Benjamin is a #3 at best, Hartline lacks explosiveness, and Bowe was a complete bust. Treadwell is a much needed impact player for the Browns and new coach Hue Jackson.
Chargers – OT Laremy Tunsil – 6’5 305, Ole Miss: Phillip Rivers isn’t getting any younger and needs better protection. Tunsil can be a force at LT for years to come.
Cowboys – Ezekiel Elliott – 6’0 225, Ohio State: You can’t take a RB this high…this is the narrative over the last decade or so. I believe that you should take a player that fits an area of need and has the talent to support the pick. Elliott fits the bill at #4 for Dallas.
Jaguars – CB Vernon Hargreaves – 5’10 195, Florida: Jacksonville gets a quality cover CB for Gus Bradley’s scheme. Exotic blitzes and zone shifts are now in play for the north Florida cats.
Ravens – OT Ronnie Staley – 6’6 315, Notre Dame: Interesting to think that a team with Marshall Yanda has offensive line issues. Stanley’s ability to play either OT position protects the team’s biggest investment…Joe Flacco.
49ers – WR Corey Coleman – 5’10 190, Baylor: Chip Kelly is the new coach in the Bay Area. As the GM I have to supply him with the tools necessary to win. With Tunsil off the board, I have to go with a dynamic playmaker on an offense that lacked this ability.
Dolphins – DB Jalen Ramsey – 6’2 200, Florida State: Ramsey is a scheme diverse DB that reminds me of Malcolm Jenkins. I would put him next to Reshad Jones at FS and have a tandem that could dominate the backend.
Buccaneers – CB Mackensie Alexander – 5’11 195, Clemson: The Bucs needed help all across the defense but Alexander is an immediate impact player on the backend. He allows a natural step down in position for Verner to boundary and Banks to backup.
Giants – DE Shaq Lawson – 6’3 270, Clemson: I highly doubt a resigning of JPP unless he moves off his number. Even if he signs, the Giants were at their best with depth rushing the passer. Lawson’s rushing ability would alleviate pressure on a porous secondary.
Bears – DL Robert Nkemdiche – 6’4 295, Ole Miss: The Bears have played with 3 & 4 man fronts over the last few seasons. They’ve also drafted multiple defensive lineman that were backups in my opinion. This guy’s talent is unquestioned and would be an immediate help to a defense that couldn’t get pressure.
Saints – LB Jaylon Smith – 6’3 240, Notre Dame: The Saints need defensive playmakers more than any particular position. Smith can play alongside Anthony at ILB or be a situational edge rusher. His versatility is the main reason for this selection.
Eagles – OG Cody Whitehair 6’4 300, Kansas State: Whitehair’s ability to play anywhere along the line is a welcomed addition for an offensive unit that struggled to open holes. He should start at LG day 1 of the 2016 season.
Raiders – DL A’Shawn Robinson – 6’3 312, Alabama: Athleticism, versatility, and strength describe Robinson at this stage. He has to clean up some things with his technique but he has the most upside of the top DT prospects.
Rams – WR Michael Thomas – 6’3 210, Ohio State: The Rams struggled getting the ball down the field and it wasn’t as much the fault of the QB position as the WR position. Inconsistency by Kenny Britt, the issues with Stedman Bailey, and the limitations of Tavon Austin call for this selection.
Lions – OT Taylor Decker – 6’7 315, Ohio State: The retirement of Calvin Johnson couldn’t move me off this selection. Decker is a great fit on the Lions front line and will allow Reiff to move from LT.
Falcons – LB Myles Jack – 6’1 230, UCLA: Atlanta needs more athletic LBs for Dan Quinn’s defense to work properly. Jack can plan any of the LB spots on this multiple defense.
Colts – DL DeForest Buckner – 6’7 290, Oregon: Buckner’s strength will go quite far on a Colts defensive line that played better than expected in 2015. This is the best fit for Buckner in the second 10 in my opinion.
Bills – DE Emmanuel Ogbah – 6’3 275, Oklahoma State: Mario Williams is out the door (or at least he would be if I were the GM) to cut cap cost. Ogbah will be a welcomed edge rushing presence from the left side.
Jets – OLB Noah Spence – 6’3 250, Eastern Kentucky: Spence was able to recapture the attention of NFL team’s with a great 2015 campaign at Eastern Kentucky. He will be the edge rusher the Jets have been looking for the last few years. He’s a more talented Calvin Pace.
Redskins – ILB Reggie Ragland – 6’1 260, Alabama: The last time a Redskins defense had this caliber a signal caller was a half-decade ago. Ragland’s leadership and playmaking should galvanize a defense with scattered talent.
Texans – NT Sheldon Rankins – 6’2 304, Louisville: The nose tackle position was manned by Vince Wilfork in solid fashion during the 2015 season. Rankins is extremely active for his size and should slide nicely into that position once Wilfork is transitioned out of the starting lineup.
Vikings – WR Tyler Boyd – 6’2 200, Pitt: The Vikings WR corps seemed solid heading into 2015 yet production was spotty outside of Diggs. Boyd will balance coverages as Bridgewater is allowed to pass more this season.
Bengals – LB Darron Lee – 6’1 235, Ohio State: I’ll get this out of the way…Burfict needs to go and it needs to happen ASAP. He’s too good to just let go with a quality replacement. Lee isn’t as football savvy as Burfict but he’s more athletic and that goes a long way.
Steelers – CB Darryl Worley – 6’2 195, West Virginia: The Steelers get back Golson who missed the 2015 season due to injury; I think he should play safety to take advantage of his ball hawking ability. Worley is the 2nd best man to man defender in this year’s draft.
Seahawks: OT Jack Conklin – 6’6 318, Michigan State: They will likely lose Russell Okung in the offseason and struggled to protect Wilson when he dropped back to pass (Wilson had the worst pass blocking line of any young QB in the entire league, not Luck). You have to take care of the guy paid to lead the squad and 2 former defensive lineman won’t get that done.
Packers – OLB Leonard Floyd – 6’3 240, Georgia: The Packers want someone that allows Clay Matthews to go back to OLB. With Ragland off the board, you have to get someone to fill the void at edge rusher. Floyd has one of the quickest first steps in the 2016 draft.
Chiefs – WR Braxton Miller – 6’2 215, Ohio State: Andy Reid loves play makers and the void at WR is glaring. Miller isn’t a polished product at WR but his willingness to learn and unrivaled athleticism speak to this selection.
New England Patriots: FORFEIT
Cardinals – C Ryan Kelly – 6’4 297, Alabama: Taking a C in the 1st round is another taboo unless his last name is Pouncey. Kelly may be one of the 25 best players in the entire draft but he’s definitely a welcomed site for a team with a hole in the middle of the offensive line.
Panthers – RB Derrick Henry – 6’3 240, Alabama: At first glance it doesn’t seem like the Panthers need a RB but I watched the Super Bowl…they need a guy that can ACTUALLY stay healthy. Henry doesn’t have elite suddenness but that won’t matter in this scheme. It also doesn’t hurt to have 2 guys that look like they were ‘create a players’ on Madden in the backfield.
Broncos – QB Cardale Jones – 6’5 250, Ohio State: As the GM it’s my job to provide my team with the best opportunity to win the Super Bowl. The Broncos won the ‘ship with an aged Peyton Manning…I don’t expect them to pull it off with a full season of Brock. Jones is a guy that shows up big in big moments and worst case scenario is a quality back up for 4 to 5 years should Brock prove to be the guy.
Round 2
Browns: DL Jarran Reed 6’3 311, Alabama – The defensive front of the Browns was underwhelming to say the least in 2015. Reed is one of the most technically sound DTs in the 2016 class and an instant upgrade.
Titans: OL Vadal Alexander – 6’5 336, LSU: Protection of Mariota wasn’t marginal in 2015 and he suffered multiple knee injuries. Alexander would be an instant starter at LG while Warmack manned the RG spot.
Cowboys: DT Andrew Billings – 6’1 310, Baylor: The Cowboys need someone to play the nose even though they utilize a 4 man front. Billings has the ability to take on 2 men every play which will keep the LB level clean.
Chargers: DT Kenny Clark – 6’2 310, UCLA: A defense with names like Kendall Reyes & Corey Liuget on the line sounds like a good one but the 2015 Chargers couldn’t boast that claim. They were unable to get much pressure on the opposing QB, which is Clark’s strength.
Ravens: DB Jalen Mills – 6’0 194, LSU: The necessity of a playmaker in the secondary almost inspired me to take Ramsey in the 1st but Mills is a better fit. He can play FS, in the box, and man up on TEs split out wide.
49ers: OT Germain Ifedi – 6’5 325, Texas A&M: The ability to operate on the move as a blocker is big in Kelly’s scheme. Ifedi will help out and function well on the right side.
Jaguars: OT Jason Spriggs – 6’6 301, Indiana: Blake Bortles played well last season but still took too many hits. Luke Joeckel didn’t hold up at LT and may need to spend some time as a backup…insert Spriggs.
Bucs: DE Kevin Dodd – 6’4 275, Clemson: Dodd led the nation in tackles for loss during the 2015 FBS season. He’s the second defensive Clemson player selected in as many selection. He should be able to get pressure initially as a situational rusher.
Giants: CB Eli Apple – 6’1 200, Ohio State: He played well as a redshirt sophomore on one of the nation’s top defenses. The Giants CB unit could lose Amukamara in the offseason causing Apple to step in sooner than later.
Bears: SS Su’a Cravens – 6’1 215, USC: Cravens versatility lends itself to a Bears defense that desperately needs playmakers. He can play on the backend or the second level.
Dolphins: QB Dak Prescott 6’2 230, Mississippi State: Tannehill has proved to be a solid NFL QB but that’s not good enough. The baggage has lends and my general lack of faith in his ability to lead allows me to bring in a guy that gives me no concerns in either department.
Rams: QB Connor Cook – 6’4 220, Michigan State: The Rams are in need of a QB. I’m not a fan of taking a reach on a guy in the 1st round but can deal with it in the 2nd if he fits a certain situation. Cook is a Jeff Fisher like QB that should be an upgrade to Foles or Keenum.
Raiders: FS Darian Thompson – 6’2 215, Boise State: Charles Woodson’s retirement from a defense that lacked playmakers in the secondary calls for this selection. Thompson should sure up things as a center fielder.
Rams: OG Joshua Garnett – 6’5 317, Stanford: The Rams have made loads of blunders on the offensive line over the last few years. Garnett can play OG and does it quite well. He’s an upgrade to what’s already on the roster.
Lions: WR Pharoh Cooper – 5’11 208, South Carolina: There is no way to address the impact of losing Calvin Johnson. What Cooper will do is provide a WR who can run all routes in the tree. This move also allows Tate to remain as a quick screen and deep threat for now.
Saints: DL Jonathan Bullard – 6’3 283, Georgia: Another player with multiple uses for the Saints is Bullard. He can play DE or DT in the 4-3 or DE in the 3-4. Dennis Allen will love having a cog with this level of versatility.
Colts: RB Kenneth Dixon – 5’10 212, Louisiana Tech: The commentary remains that Luck doesn’t have enough weapons around him. I’m willing to dispel this narrative by adding quality players via the draft.
Bills: LB Eric Striker – 5’11 228, Oklahoma: Striker is undersized for his general skill set. I think this level of small mindedness doesn’t apply to a guy like Rex Ryan. He’ll get a situational rusher and a guy with the athleticism to play on the second level.
Falcons: TE Hunter Henry – 6’5 253, Arkansas: Jacob Tamme played solid football last season but he’s a backup compared to Henry. Ryan will love a target like this running down the seam.
Jets: RB Alex Collins – 5’11 218, Arkansas: Chris Ivory will likely be a large cap hit in 2016 so you should brace yourself if you’re to part ways.
Texans: QB Paxton Lynch – 6’7 243, Memphis: I’m not 100% sure that Lynch is the answer for the Texans; I am 100% sure that the QB of the future is not on this roster. Lynch has a rare combination of size and athleticism that O’Brien will covet. Hoyer’s presence will also provide him with competition as he moves along.
Redskins: CB Kendall Fuller – 6’0 195, Virginia Tech: An increased level of depth at CB is necessary for a squad that is severely lacking. Fuller should give them a field side CB with ball skills.
Vikings: OT Jerald Hawkins – 6’6 305, LSU: I’m a believer in getting players of like abilities should those fit your scheme. Hawkins reminds me of Phil Loadholt who is currently on the roster.
Bengals: WR Sterling Shepard – 5’10 193, Oklahoma: The Bengals could lose multiple WRs this offseason if the numbers don’t work out. Shepard would serve as an excellent #2 option for this roster.
Seahawks: C Kyle Friend – 6’2 305, Temple: I’m still of the mindset that you acquire talent that protects your biggest investment. Friend would instantly be the best C on the roster.
Packers: OT Willie Beavers – 6’5 324, Western Michigan: Beavers has played great football during his time at Western Michigan. His familiarity with a scheme similar to that used in Green Bay is a huge deal.
Steelers: S Karl Joseph – 5’11 197, West Virginia: I’m a big fan of making things better when they’re a glaring deficiency. Joseph would be another ball hawk on a defense that needs them.
Chiefs: LB Kentrell Brothers – 6’1 249, Missouri: Derrick Johnson is still playing at a pro bowl level but how long will this last? Brothers isn’t read to be the leader of a defense but he has quality traits to make this happen.
Patriots: CB Cyrus Jones – 5’10 196, Alabama: The Patriots didn’t have a 1st round pick but they got a 2 for 1 deal with Jones. He should make his way onto the field as a CB in time but make an immediate impact in the return game. The upside of Jones will be a draw for Belichick.
Cardinals: DE Shilique Calhoun – 6’5 252, Michigan State: The addition of another edge rusher for a team in need is huge. Calhoun isn’t a sudden athlete but he is a continuous motor player.
Panthers: SS Jeremy Cash – 6’1 212, Duke: I’ll start by saying I love the effort Roman Harper gives but he’s a liability in coverage. Cash can play in both phases of the defense and the Panther D won’t miss a beat.
Broncos: C Jack Allen – 6’2 297, Michigan State: The battery of an offense is the QB/C combo. Whether Osweiler or Cardale Jones, they need a C with a full skill set in front of them.
Round 3
Titans: WR Rashard Higgins – 6’2 188, Colorado State: A Biletnikoff Award finalist in 2014 he has great hands and runs quality routes. The biggest problem with the Titans WR core’s biggest problem was a lack of consistency; Higgins should help with that issue.
Browns: QB Carson Wentz – 6’5 235, North Dakota State: Listen, I’ve seen the Browns organization make multiple poor choices with 1st round QBs. Whether it was due to a lack of ability (Weeden) or a lack of character (Manziel), they’ve put themselves in a hole. Wentz is a great pick up at this stage in the draft. He’s pro ready from a mental standpoint and has adequate physical ability.
Chargers: C Nick Martin – 6’4 296, Notre Dame: The Chargers need an upgrade at C, plain and simple.
Cowboys: WR Josh Doctson – 6’2 195, TCU: After a less than adequate output from the WR core, an upgrade was necessary. Terrance Williams proved to be a liability in big moments. Doctson should serve well as a #2 to Dez Bryant.
49ers: QB Vernon Adams – 5’11 205, Oregon: It all fits in so nicely. Adams is a playmaker with the ability to run Kelly’s offense. Kaeparnick is a sizable ‘Kaep’ hit in 2016. We even have the requisite Ducks tie in (even though Adams has no affiliation with Kelly).
Jaguars: K Roberto Aguayo – 6’0 204, Florida State: It’s simple, the Jags have drafted well over the last few years and are poised to be the next Bengals squad. The biggest area of concern was the kicking game. Meyers missed a couple of game winners in 2015 that could have won the division. Aguayo on the other hand, simply doesn’t miss.
Ravens: RB Devonte Booker – 5’11 212, Utah: Forsett broke his arm, Taliaferro was also injured, and Allen was a marginal presence. Booker is an upgrade over all three players and should be the next starter in Baltimore.
Giants: RB Kenyan Drake – 6’0 210, Alabama: The missing piece to the Giants backfield in 2015 was explosiveness. There may not be a more explosive player in the country that Drake.
Bears: OG Landon Turner – 6’3 325, North Carolina: Whether they move Kyle Long back to OG, where he played as an All Pro level, or leave him at RT…they need help at OG.
Dolphins: LB Tyler Matakevich – 6’1 235, Temple: The Kelvin Shepard project may just be that, a project. The Dolphins need better play at ILB and Matakevich is an upgrade. They need someone to help stop the run.
Buccaneers: WR Will Fuller – 6’0 184, Notre Dame: The Bucs WR core was decimated by injury in 2015. Even before the injuries, they had a severe lack of explosiveness, something Fuller has in spades.
Raiders: S Vonn Bell – 5’11 205, Ohio State: Why not double down on the safety position for a team that needs help up the middle of the defense. Bell flies to the ball no matter the situation.
Rams: C Max Tuerk – 6’5 285, USC: The protection of the QB and buoying the run game is necessary in Los Angeles. The defense is stout but a lack of time (and consistency) killed the Rams offensive attack.
Eagles: QB Jared Goff – 6’4 212, California: It’s funny to think that Goff could replace the player he is favorably compared to in Bradford. I think the Eagles give Bradford another chance with a short term deal. Goff would be the future as he mentally catches up to his physical ability.
Saints: CB Harlan Miller – 6’0 182, Southeastern Louisiana: We’ve now attacked all 3 levels of the Saints defense with versatile players. Miller’s large frame and mirroring ability allows him to play in the slot, on the outside, or deep in situation passing downs.
Eagles: CB Tavon Young- 5’10 181, Temple: The Eagles have been searching for a lock down CB for years and Young has that ability. He’s “undersized” but that isn’t a concern on my end. He will play nicely across from Byron Maxwell.
Bills: TE Austin Hooper – 6’3 248, Stanford: Charles Clay has great athleticism but hasn’t done the job as an in line TE. Hooper should be able to aid a Bills offense that needs more depth (and output in general) from this position.
Falcons: DT Sheldon Day – 6’1 290, Notre Dame: The defensive line didn’t play well at the midpoint of the season. Day should add more depth to a unit that needs more consistency.
Colts: OT Shon Coleman – 6’6 313, Auburn: Protecting Luck is a priority at this point so we’re adding another offensive lineman with talent. Coleman should threaten for a starting job from day one.
Jets: OG Spencer Drango – 6’6 320, Baylor : The ability to drive players down the field is huge. Drango is very strong at the point of attack, a trait that the Jets will covet.
Redskins: QB Christian Hackenberg – 6’4 225, Penn State: The Redskins have likely found their QB of the future in Cousins. That being said, he’s a free agent that will want a bug deal. Let’s get some insurance from a talented player in the form of ‘former #1 overall prospect” Hackenberg.
Texans: RB Aaron Green – 5’11 205, TCU: Arian Foster’s days in Houston could be numbered at this point. The Texans backfield was mediocre without Foster and needs an upgrade. Green will be the best RB on the squad should they decide to part ways with Foster.
Vikings: LB Deion Jones – 6’1 220, LSU: Anthony Barr and Chad Greenway are play makers. We don’t know how things will go moving forward with Greenway. Jones has been overlooked for years at LSU but won’t be on the next level.
Bengals: CB Artie Burns – 6’0 193, Miami: Pacman is making nearly $10,000,000 in 2016, which could prove to be too much for the production. Burns is quality CB with better than realized coverage skills.
Packers: TE Tyler Higbee – 6’5 233, Western Kentucky: Richard Rodgers did a solid job as a TE last year but isn’t the answer as a solo TE. Higbee’s athleticism gives the Packers a situational pass catcher at TE that would complement Rodgers nicely.
Steelers: OLB Jordan Jenkins – 6’3 257, Georgia: Adding a pass rusher via the draft seems to be the norm in Pittsburgh. Jenkins should be a welcomed addition to a squad that finally started to come around by season’s end.
Seahawks: SS Jayron Kearse – 6’4 220, Clemson: The big bodied SS would be a great fit in a Seahawks’ defensive backfield that sponsors intimidation over coverage. He will also play as a bargaining chip should the Chancellor situation not go to plan.
Chiefs: OT Connor McGovern – 6’4 305, Missouri: The offensive line needed an upgrade at LT since Fisher has been seen more on a milk carton than the field. There wasn’t a suitable addition at OT so we went with the best offensive lineman available.
Patriots: WR Leonte Carroo – 5’11 210, Rutgers: The Patriots need an upgrade at WR. The slot position is in good standing with Edleman and Amendola if restructured. Carroo will be an upgrade to LaFell.
Cardinals: DE Shawn Oakman – 6’9 270, Baylor: He should be a great player to learn from Calais Campbell as his skill set catches up to his physique.
Panthers: WR Paul McRoberts – 6’2 202, Southeast Missouri State: Kelvin Benjamin coming back will be huge for this WR core. As I see it, he is a #1 WR with Funchess as a #3 and Ginn as a #4. All they’re missing for Newton is a sure handed #2…insert McRoberts
Broncos: TE Nick Vannett – 6’6 256, Ohio State: Owen Daniels did an admirable job as starting TE last year but he’s not the future. You also had the player formerly known as Vernon Davis who left his hands in San Francisco. This will be a helpful addition to the offense. Doesn’t hurt that he’s familiar with the 1st round QB Cardale Jones.
Questions? Comments?
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Email: cjames@footballgameplan.com