In addition, I have had the time to watch more tape on more of these players, so my opinions on where exactly they fall on my draft board have changed. This impacts what I would do as the GM of each team when on the clock.
Finally, remember, this is what I think should happen on draft weekend, not what I think will happen. Lets roll three rounds deep this time. Tampa Bay is on the clock.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
My concerns with drafting Winston first overall still lie with his immaturity, and off the field concerns. If you are going to be the face of a professional football team, you have to carry yourself professionally. I'm not sure if Jameis can do that. Still, he is the most talented QB in this class, and the Bucs really need some help. Maybe I pick him and hire Derrick Brooks to be his personal shadow.
2. Tennessee Titans - Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Williams is still the top overall player on my board, and I suspect the weak defensive front of the Titans will get better with his addition. He has the skills to play inside on a 4-3 front, or he can set the edge for the 3-4 fronts. This flexibility, plus his overall skill set make him an easy choice for Tennessee here.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dante Fowler Jr, LB, Florida
If I was calling the shots in Jacksonville, I would shop this pick to see who wants to move up for Marriota. Since this mock does not allow trades, I instead select Fowler. He is an excellent athlete, and shows good positional skills for a linebacker. He is the top rated LB on my board, and he can become the cornerstone this defense will ultimately build around.
4. Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
This was a very difficult selection for me. I discussed in an article last week why I have Cooper rated higher than White. The challenge in this pick wasn't Cooper vs White. It was Cooper vs Trae Waynes. Oakland has desprate needs for playmakers at both positions, and both are worthy of this selection. In the end I chose Cooper because one of the things their young QB needs is targets, and allowing these two to develop together creates more synergy for the Raiders than Carr plus Waynes.
5. Washington Redskins - Randy Gregory, LB, Nebraska
For the Skins, this pick comes down to potential. Randy Gregory has some of the best upside in this draft class, and although there is some risk, the gamble seems worth it for a team in need of some stars. Gregory needs to put on some weight, but he shows the promise to develop into an excellent pass rusher off the edge. The team needs to replace the production Orakpo brought a few years back, and Gregory gives them an excellent chance for that.
6. New York Jets - Marcus Mariotta, QB, Jets
Many said when the Jets added Fitzpatrick that it proved they would not be in the market for a QB this draft. I say the exact opposite. In my mind, who better to mentor a young, talented QB, with exceptional skills than a Harvard graduate with years of experience in the new OC's system? Bottom line here is that I do not believe in Geno, and I think with Mariotta learning from the Beard, this could be an excellent situation for the Jets next season.
7. Chicago Bears - Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas
Last mock I had Malcolm Brown falling all the way to the Lions near the back end of round 1. After watching more tape, I say no possible way. Brown is just way too talented, and I suspect he could help a Chicago defense in desperate need of some skills in the middle of their defensive front. Although he is not as big as Danny Shelton, I think he is easily the better player, and in the end, I suspect John Fox would rather have more talent than more beef.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
I know that many will call me crazy with their need at pass rush, the availability of Vic Beasley, and the fact that the Falcons drafted Jake Matthews last year, but let me tell you why I would make this pick. The Falcons added two good, not great pieces during free agency to try and shore up the linebacker positions. Justin Durant and Brook Reed were both signed with the idea that they could help make something happen in Dan Quinn's defense. This doen't preclude them from Beasley, but it does make Sherff the better pick. Atlanta's line was a mess last year, even after adding Matthews. Besides, with Matthews on the left and Sherff on the right, Matty Ice stays upright more, and the Falcons have the bookends they need to build a Dallas-like line.
9. New York Giants - Vic Beasley, LB, Clemson
The Giants would absolutely take either Sherff or Brown if they were available here, but in this scenario, neither are. They have serious needs on both fronts, so La'el Collins will be a real consideration with this pick too. With a hole at OLB though, Vic Beasley is too talented for the Giants to pass on. He comes in as a starter from day one, and provides a pass rushing ability that will make the whole defense better.
10. St Louis Rams - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
My article last week went into detail about what my concerns are with White. Having said that, he is still a receiver with excellent measurables and prototypical size on a team with a real need for a game changer at the position. This is a risk/reward selection, and the upside is too large to pass on.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Devante Parker, WR, Louisville
Another pick that I know I am going to get beaten up over. I know the team added Mike Wallace from Miami last week, and with him and Patterson they have the potential to be an excellent tandem. Unfortunately, Bridgewater is young, and the team does not have the luxury to give him one target who is fast but takes himself out of games, and another who is fast but cannot see to figure out how to run pro routes. Bridgwater has a familiarity with Parker from their days in Louisville, and with Jennings already cut, Parker still fills a need for Minnesota.
12. Cleveland Browns - Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Cleveland has all kinds of holes they need to fill during this draft, so having multiple first round picks is a godsend this year. One of those holes in at NT, and Danny Shelton is a big boy who plugs holes. I don't see Shelton as a future superstar, but I do see him as a consistent starting level contributor and right now that is a huge improvement for the Browns.
13. New Orleans Saints - Eli Harold, LB, Virginia
The rebuild has begun in New Orleans, and as Mickey Loomis said following the Jimmy Graham trade, they really needed to do this to build their defense. Eli Harold has the makings of a good ballplayer, and I suspect he would fit in quite well on this defense which has some gaping holes at linebacker. They have another pick at the end of this round which they can also use to fast forward this rebuild.
14. Miami Dolphins - Jalen Strong, WR, Arizona State
The Dolphins spent a lot of money this offseason, adding the grand prize in Ndmakung Suh to their defense front. That is good, but after that move (and some others) this team has needs at OG, LB, and WR. I think if Eli Harold were still on the board, the Phish would pick him, but with him gone they instead give Tannehill another weapon with Strong. I think Strong has all of the tools to be an excellent receiver at the next level. He is fast, shows excellent route running, and catches what is thrown at him. Along with Jarvis Landry, Tannehill would have a really nice pair of young options.
15. San Francisco 49ers - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
My lord have the 9ers had a rough start to this offseason. After playing in the NFC title game 15 months ago, this team is really a shell of itself. With the retirements of Willis and Borland, many will be clamoring for San Fran to draft a LB, but the truth is they have holes all over this defense, and the fourth best player on my overall board is still available. Waynes is easily the best corner in this class, and has the makings to be a serious shut down player in short order. Oh, yeah, and the Niners have a need here too.
16. Houston Texans - Dorial Green Beckham, WR, Missouri
The best player in the history of the Houston Texans has now moved on. It is my understanding that the brass in Houston told him it was because they wanted him to take a smaller role on this offense. Now I know they have Nuk Hopkins as their one, but they really need a 2... and a QB,,, and some defensive help too. Since they wont get everything all with this one pick, they take the most talented guy still available. Green Beckham has had some behavioral issues, but I think this team has a coaching staff that could keep him in line, and there are very few receivers who have his game.
17. San Diego Chargers - Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Last week the Chargers watched their top RB bolt (pun intended) for Philly. That really leaves the cupboard bare for Phillip Rivers and company. Melvin Gordon is one of my favorite overall players in this draft class, and I see him as a true home run hitter for the Chargers. I think this is an excellent fir for both team and player, and it solidifies San Diego as a legit threat to the AFC crown.
18. Kansas City Chiefs - Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The situation that KC Safety, Eric Berry is having to deal with is awful, and my payers are with him. Unfortunately, when you lose one of the top Safeties in the league, it is a hole that has to be filled. The team still needs some help at WR, but the addition of Maclin reduces the bleeding enough for them to add the best safety in this class. If Berry is ever able to return to the Chiefs, they will have an embarrassment of riches at the position, but until then, Collins fills a big need.
19. Cleveland Browns via Buffalo - Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami
As discussed earlier, the Browns have needs all over the field. After adding Shelton up front to eat up the middle, they now need some youth to help patrol the middle of the defense and make plays. Many experts have Perryman rated a bit lower on their boards, but I think this kid is a football player. He has excellent instincts and takes good angles to the ball, which don't show up in measurements at the combine. He is the top insider backer on my board, and I think the fans in Cleveland will love him.
20. Philadelphia Eagles - Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Last week I discussed some of my concerns with Shane Ray, mainly his one-dimensional speed rusher skill set. This is why on this draft I still have him available where the rest of the world projects him as a top 10 selection. The Eagles need to be able to get after the passer, and Ray is fast and shows good burst. If the Mad Scientist is going to get the most out of Ray though, he is going to have to teach him some additional moves to add to his repertoire.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Bud Dupree, LB, Kentucky
Dupree is another one-note pass rushing player that I have some concerns about. Since the signing of Michael Johnson though, the Bengals need to get some pressure from the backers, and that is where Dupree excels.
22. Pittsburgh Panthers - Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Over the last few seasons the Steelers have begun to focus on adding some talented young players to their aging defense. They have done a good job in the front seven, but now it is time to add some youth to the secondary. Jalen Collins is an excellent corner. He does everything well, and will add an element of speed which has been missing from some time from this defensive backfield.
23. Detroit Lions - Eddie Goldman, DT, FSU
When you lose both of your starters from the DT position, you are going to have a need. With both Suh and Fairly on to new teams, the Lions made an excellent move to add Haloti Ngata from the cap-strapped Baltimore Ravens. This is a fantastic addition, but they still need more. Goldman was another talented piece on an exceptionally talented Seminoles team, and paired with Nagata could keep this as one of the better running defenses in the league.
24. Arizona Cardinals - Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
The Cards were one of the bright spots in the NFL for the first 12 weeks of the season, until injuries overran them. This team obviously has to get deeper, and the linebacking corp is one of the primary areas this team needs to focus on. McKinney is a thick, strong linebacker who plays very well at the point of attack. I think he will be very good against the run, and he will fit in well in Arizona.
25. Carolina Panthers - La'el Collins, OT, LSU
For Collins to still be available at this point in the draft would be a major coup for the Panthers. They have a greater need at corner in my opinion, however, they are not set at OT by any means. The addition of Oher will become a nice depth move for this team if they add Collins, who is rated by many at the top OT in this class.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Baltimore is a good team, but they lost a lot in the offseason in terms of talent. Two such talents who walked out the door were Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones. This leaves the receivers as the old (but still OK) Steve Smith Sr, and Marlon Brown. Funchess would step in immediately and give this team some size at the position. He is still learning to play wide out, but when he figures it all out, his size and body control combination will make him very difficult to cover.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
After having traded down from Demarco Murray to Darren McFadden in their backfield some will want the Boys to take the talented Todd Gurley. That would be unwise. This team has real holes on the defense that was covered up with smoke, mirrors, and other Rod Marinelli magic last year. They have to improve the roster on this side of the ball and Odighizuwa is one of my favorite players in this class. He is long, lean, and has the skill set to be an excellent 4-3 DE for many years. Dallas really needs this kid.
28. Denver Broncos - Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
With this being Peyton Manning's final season, I am quite surprised at how little Denver has added, and how much they have lost in what has to be one-last-run for the crown. Adding Eric Kendrick here gives them a defensive presence in the middle which should help shore things up a bit. Its is surprising that a team that has been this good for this long, and spent so aggressively last offseason is left with this many holes.
29. Indianapolis Colts - Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
It is my opinion that so far, the Colts have had the best offseason of anyone in the league. This was a very good team at the end of last year, and adding players like Andre Johnson, Trent Cole, Kendall Langford, and Frank Gore make this team better. The addition of Gore allows for Indy to add their RB of the future in the immensely talented Gurley without have to rush him onto the field. They can let him heal up completely, then spell Gore as the season grows long, and eventually replace him fully next season.
30. Green Bay Packers - Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
The Packers best moves in free agency this year was ensuring they kept both Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga. Now they can focus on improving rather than replacing. One of the holes this team had was in the middle of their defensive front, and with BJ Raji not expected to return, the addition of the big bodied Jordan Phillips will be a welcome one indeed. Phillips can plug holes, and help occupy blockers so the linebackers can make plays.
31. New Orleans Saints via Seattle - Paul Dawson, LB, TCU
This pick comes to New Orleans, along with very good Center Max Unger, in the Jimmy Graham deal. Having already added Eli Harold on defense, the Saints would be best served to continue to add defensive pieces, and Paul Dawson would be an excellent one at this point. I would suspect like Harold, Dawson would step in as an opening day starter for this team, replacing Curtis Lofton. Of all of the inside backers in this draft, Dawson has the best upside, so grabbing him here is a real value.
32. New England Patriots - Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
Long term stalwart, Vince Wilfork has moved on to Texas this offseason, and the Pats have to do something to replace him. Armstead is not cut in the same mold as Wilfork, but would be a valuable piece to the Super Bowl Champs puzzle, if he shows that his performance in the National Title game was the beginning of him reaching his potential, and not just a spark of something to never be seen again. Armstead has all of the tools, but to date has been an under performer. If anyone can get the best out of him though, it would be Bill Belichick.
33. Tennessee Titans - DJ Humphries, OT, Florida
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
35. Oakland Raiders - Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
36. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
37. New York Jets - Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
38. Washington Redskins - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
39. Chicago Bears - Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
40. New York Giants - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, TAMU
41. St Louis Rams - Cameron Erving, C, FSU
42. Atlanta Falcons - Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
43. Cleveland Browns - Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
44. New Orleans Saints - Tre Jackson, OG, FSU
45. Minnesota Vikings - Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
46. San Francisco 49ers - Mario Edwards, DE, FSU
47. Miami Dolphins - Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
48. San Diego Chargers - Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke
49. Kansas City Chiefs - Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
50. Buffalo Bills - Hau'oli Kikaha, LB, Washington
51. Houston Texans - AJ Cann, OG, South Carolina
52. Philadelphia Eagles - Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
53. Cincinnati Bengals - Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
54. Detroit Lions - PJ Williams, CB, FSU
55. Arizona Cardinals - Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
56. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ellis McCarthy, NT, UCLA
57. Carolina Panthers - Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
58. Baltimore Ravens - Michael Bennett, DE, Ohio State
59. Denver Broncos - James Sample, S, Louisville
60. Dallas Cowboys - Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
61. Indianapolis Colts - Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
62. Green Bay Packers - Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia
63. Seattle Seahawks - Josue Matias, OG, FSU
64. New England Patriots - John Miller, OG, Louisville
65. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas
66. Tennessee Titans - Grady Jarrett, NT, Clemson
67. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
68. Oakland Raiders - Nate Orchard, DE, Utah
69. Washington Redskins - Demarius Randall, S, Arizona State
70. New York Jets - Lorenzo Mauldin, LB, Louisville
71. Chicago Bears - Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford
72. St Louis Rams - Rob Havenstein, OT, Wisconsin
73. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan
74. New York Giants - Bobby Richardson, DT, Indiana
75. New Orleans Saints - Clive Walford, TE, Miami
76. Minnesota Vikings - Jarvis Harrison, OG, TAMU
77. Cleveland Browns - Nick O'Leary, TE, FSU
78. New Orleans Saints via Miami - Byron Jones, CB, UConn
79. San Francisco 49ers - Haynes Pullard, LB, USC
80. Kansas City Chiefs - BJ Finney, C, Kansas State
81. Buffalo Bills - Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
82. Houston Texans - Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU
83. San Diego Chargers - Gabe Wright, NT, Auburn
84. Philadelphia Eagles - Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart
85. Cincinnati Bengals - Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
86. Arizona Cardinals - Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU
87. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cedric Thompson, S, Minnesota
88. Detroit Lions - Arie Kuandjio, G, Alabama
89. Carolina Panthers - Justin Hardy, WR, ECU
90. Baltimore Ravens - Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
91. Dallas Cowboys - Jordan Hicks, OLB, Texas
92. Denver Broncos - Darrius Philon, DT, Arkansas
93. Indianapolis Colts - Durell Eskridge, S, Syracuse
94. Green Bay Packers - Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
95. Seattle Seahawks - Reese Dismukes, C, Auburn
96. New England Patriots - TJ Yeldon, RB, Alabama
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