1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston
I keep changing my mind as to which of the top quarterbacks will be heading to Tampa. Mariota seems to be a systematic player, and Winston seems to be the one more pro-ready. Winston can make more pro throws, and has pretty good pocket presence. Winston needs to wow scouts in his pro day, and front offices in his meetings to come off the board, but i do believe this is an accurate pick.
2. Tennessee Titans- Leonard Williams (DL, USC)
Rumors coming out of Tennessee are that they will not take a quarterback here, and like Zach Mettenberger enough to give him a shot to start out of the gate in the season opener. Leonard Williams, in my opinion, is the best prospect in this years draft. Taking a versatile lineman like Williams will give the Titans the option of moving Jurrell Casey to defensive end, and start to solidify a top tier defensive line.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Randy Gregory (DL, NEB)
Jacksonville was sixth in the league in sacks last season, but adding a player of Gregory's talent should be too hard to pass up. The Jags could potentially lose two defensive starters in Tyson Alualu and Geno Hayes, and adding Gregory would be an upgrade to either player. Gregory might be asked to play outside linebacker in the NFL, but certainly has the athleticism to do so, and should preform well from either position.
4. Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
The Raiders are on the rise, being led by quarterback Derek Carr. Adding another weapon to the offense would be smart. Copper is regarded as the best receiver in this class, and is a more polished route runner than any other player in the draft. Pairing Cooper with Carr could be a match made in heaven for Oakland, and could give them a serious boost on offense.
5. Washington Redskins- Dante Fowler Jr. (EDGE, Florida)
Washington was tied for 21st in the league in sacks last year, and could potentially lose LB Brian Orakpo in free agency. The defense needs play makers, and Fowler is just that. Fowler could be the prototypical pass-rushing outside linebacker in the NFL. He has unique size and speed while using great technique to get to the quarterback. Washington needs to address their defense in the draft, and Fowler should be a cornerstone in their rebuilding process.
6. New York Jets- Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
The Jets will be in a tight spot when they get on the clock picking here. They need help in too many spots, and may be forced to take Mariota. I don't think Mariota is a good fit for the Jets due to the offense they'll be running. Ideally, the Jets should field offers and look to trade back, but if they can't do that, then picking him might be the only option. Mariota has potential to be a good starter in the NFL, but it may take longer then the Jets can wait. They are ready to give up on Geno Smith after two years, and I believe it'll take even longer to develop Mariota.
7. Chicago Bears- Danny Shelton (DT, WASH)
The Bears have a number of holes on the defensive front, and need to fix the gap the was left after Henry Melton signed with Dallas. Shelton is a huge interior lineman, and is deceptively quick for his size. He has gotten comparisons to Haloti Ngata, but i don't think he's as athletic. He does however do an amazing job at plugging holes in the run game. Chicago needs to fix their run defense before addressing any other holes in their roster.
8. Atlanta Falcons- Shane Ray (EDGE- MIZZ)
Atlanta has not had a pass rush in a number of years. Bringing in free-agents and rookies have not worked well in recent years, and they ranked 30th in the NFL in sacks last year. Shane Ray may need to get bigger, but there is no questioning his ability to rush the passer. Going against some elite talent in the SEC will help his stock, as he competed against some of the best offensive lineman in college. This could be a perfect match if Atlanta can get the most out of Shane Ray.
9. New York Giants- Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
The Giants need to continue to build on a young talented offensive line through the draft this year. Flowers, like many of the other offensive tackles in this draft, can play multiple positions along the line, so letting him adapt to the pro game while playing guard or right tackle would be ideal.
10. St. Louis Rams- Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
The Rams could address a few positions with this pick. Adding a versatile lineman like Peat gives more flexibility to an already stable line. Taking Peat will more than likely mean putting him inside at right guard and switching Greg Robinson to right tackle. Putting more talented players on the line would be huge for Sam Bradford's safety, and help solidify an improving rushing attack.
11. Minnesota Vikings- Kevin White (WR, WVU)
Minnesota can save some cap space but cutting under-achieving receiver Greg Jennings this off-season. Bringing in Kevion White to pair with the likes of Charles Johnson and Kyle Rudolph could potentially make a monster of an offense ran by Teddy Bridgewater. White has size and speed, and exception hands, making him a potential superstar.
12. Cleveland Browns- Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
Even With Joe Haden and an improving secondary, the Browns still finished 25th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. I Believe pairing Collins with Tyshaun Gipson could drastically improve the defense next season. Collins is, in my opinion the best defensive back in this years class. He moves well both laterally and vertically, and has exceptional ball skills. He can also come up and provide run support and hits with surprising power for a defensive back.
13. New Orleans Saints- Trae Waynes (CB, MSU)
New Orleans was pretty good against the pass last season, but should look to add depth at corner. Waynes is tall and athletic, can make plays on the ball, and is probably the best corner in the draft at helping in run support.
14. Miami Dolphins- Eddie Goldman (DT, FSU)
Adding a defensive tackle would fill a huge gap for the Dolphins. Goldman would be an upgrade from a majority of the players already on their defense. He is an asset in stopping the run, and is capable of being on the field on passing downs as well.
15. San Fransisco 49ers- DaVante Parker (WR, LOUIS)
Word out of the Niners office is that Michael Crabtree won't return next season, or at least test the market. Other than an aging Anquan Boldin and an upsettingly underperforming Vernon Davis, there are virtually no pass catchers on the roster. If not for another great class of receivers Parker could've been the first receiver off the board this year. Parker may need to polish his route running a little more to be compared to Cooper and White, though.
16. Houston Texans- Marcus Peters (CB, WASH)
Houston ranked in the top half of the league in passing last season, but will be losing Kareem Jackson in free-agency. Peters brings a lot of luggage to the table, but his on field presence is undeniable. He is by far the most talented corner in the draft, but will have to convince NFL execs he won't be a burden to any team drafting him.
17. San Diego Chargers- La'el Collins (OT, LSU)
San Diego is aging on offense and should look to add young depth during the draft. Collins has a huge frame with long arms, and quick feet for someone his size. Bringing in someone with his talent should be very welcoming for Phillip Rivers.
18. Kansas City Chiefs- Vic Beasley (OLB, CLEMSON)
Kansas City is more than likely using the franchise tag on sack-master Justin Houston, but should look to bolster their pass-rush with the 18th pick. Beasley is relentless when rushing the quarterback. His high motor and speed should make up for the fact that he's slightly undersized, although he will more than likely add some weight before the draft.
19. Cleveland Browns- Jaelen Strong (WR, ASU)
Josh Gordon may never play for the Browns, or even in the NFL again. Cleveland needs to add a receiver otherwise they'll be fielding Miles Austin, Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel week one. Jaelen Strong has a massive frame and doesn't hesitate when going to get the ball. He could be an immediate impact in the red-zone, which will be needed since the Browns will be without Gordon for the year, and may be without Jordan Cameron also.
20. Philadelphia Eagles- Jaelen Collins (CB, LSU)
The Eagles ranked 2nd in the NFL in passing yards per game, but gave up 30 touchdowns. Bradley Fletcher is a free-agent and more than likely won't return. Carey Williams could be a valuable piece, but they should look to upgrade. Adding Collins means letting him play in nickel packages until he gets used to playing against NFL talent, but it shouldn't be long before he's starting on the outside.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Bud Dupree (EDGE, Kentucky)
The Bengals ranked dead last in sacks last season. There isn't much on their roster, and adding a pass-rusher should be a MUST. Dupree excels in getting to the quarterback, and shows flashes of skill in run support.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Shaq Thompson (LB/S, WASH)
Pittsburgh needs to upgrade the talent on the defensive side. Thompson is a unique talent, who played both outside linebacker and safety in college. Whichever position he translates to at the pro level, he should be an added asset to the Steelers defense. Thompson will add versatility to the defense, being able to provide run support and pass coverage at a high level.
23. Detroit Lions- Malcolm Brown (DT, Texas)
Detroit is on the brink of losing both Ndamkong Suh and Nick Fairley. It is almost certain one or both will not return. The Lions defense will need to add a defensive tackle in order to compete, and Malcolm Brown is the best available in this spot.
24. Arizona Cardinals- Eric Kendricks (LB, UCLA)
Arizona has been terrible in the last few years at covering tight ends. Both Karlos Dansby and Daryl Washington have missed time, and neither are particularly great in coverage. Kendricks is a versatile linebacker with better speed and athleticism than most inside backers.
25. Carolina Panthers- TJ Clemmings (OT, COLO)
Carolina needs to put people around Cam Newton that will protect him. Carolina was 13th worst at protecting the quarterback, so drafting a tackle is a necessity. Clemmings has been shooting up draft boards, and although i feel there are tackles that are better than him, i think the hype around him is enough for Carolina to take a shot.
26. Baltimore Ravens- PJ Williams (CB, FSU)
Baltimore should be looking to tighten up their secondary come May. Ladarius Webb needs help in the secondary, and there isn't anyone else on the roster capable of playing on the outside. Williams has prototypical NFL size and speed and should be able to handle his own against most receivers.
27. Dallas Cowboys- Michael Bennett (DT, OSU)
Dallas had problems on the defensive line last season, and just cut ties with Henry Melton. Bennett plays well for his size, and is good at controlling gaps in the run game. Most of the Cowboys draft should revolve around adding to their rebuilding defense, and Bennett would be a great start.
28. Denver Broncos- Benardrick McKinney (ILB, A&M)
Denver does not have many gaps to fill. Bolstering their run defense should be something Denver looks to address. McKinney adds speed and versatility to any defense, and the Broncos could use a player of his caliber.
29. Indianapolis Colts- Melvin Gordon (RB, WISC)
The Colts should address the running game this offseason. Trent Richardson isn't returning, and Zurlon Tipton, Ahmad Bradshaw and Dan Herron aren't every down backs. Gordon is the best back in the draft, and adds a pro-ready run style to the Colts backfield.
30. Green Bay Packers- Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
Letroy Guion is going to jail for a long time, so the Packers are without a starting defensive tackle. Phillips is a big frame player, who can eat gaps while making space for linebackers to make plays. He will likely be a two-down player early in his career until he can develop his stamina to adapt to the pro game.
31. Seattle Seahawks- Sammie Coates (WR, AUB)
The NFC Champion Seahawks need to give Russell Wilson more weapons. Luke Willson and Chris Matthews could potentially turn into valuable assets, but adding another receiver would help a depleted receiving corps. Coates is a big-bodied burner, and will beat corners due to his deceptive speed.
32. New England Patriots- Devin Funchess (WR/TE, MICH)
The Super Bowl Champs love trading picks away, but i won't mock a trade. Brady proved he can still play, but the Pats should build more on putting weapons around him. Funchess has size and speed, and is a prototypical Bill Bellicheck type player. Funchess is versatile and has great hands, and can also be used as a receiver or tight end, like the Patriots used Aaron Hernandez.
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