Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Final Mock Draft- Mashup with You're on the Clock's Iron Mike

1. Los Angeles Rams-
(Mike+Matt) QB Jared Goff, California


2. Philadelphia Eagles-
  (Mike) RB Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State
  (Matt) QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State


3. San Diego Chargers-
(Mike) DE Deforest Buckner, Oregon
(Matt) OL Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi


4. Dallas Cowboys-
(Mike+Matt) CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State


5. Jacksonville Jaguars-
(Mike+Matt) OLB Myles Jack, UCLA


6. Baltimore Ravens-
(Mike) OT Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi
(Matt) DL Joey Bosa, Ohio State


7. San Fransisco 49ers-
(Mike) DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
(Matt) DL Deforest Buckner, Oregon


8. Cleveland  Browns-
(Mike+Matt) Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley


9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-
(Matt+Mike) Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves

10. New York Giants-
(Mike+Matt) Georgia OLB Leonard Floyd


11. Chicago Bears-
(Mike) OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State
(Matt) DL Shaq Lawson, Clemson


12. New Orleans Saints-
(Mike) DT A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama
(Matt) DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville


13. Miami Dolphins-
(Mike) ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
(Matt) RB Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State


14. Oakland Raiders-
(Mike) OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
(Matt) LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama


15. Tennessee Titans-
(Mike) OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
(Matt) OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State


16. Detriot Lions-
(Mike) WR Laquan Treadwell, Mississippi
(Matt) DL A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama


17. Atlanta Falcons-
(Mike) DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
(Matt) LB Darron Lee, Ohio State


18. Indianapolis Colts-
(Mike) DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
(Matt) OL Taylor Decker, Ohio State


19. Buffalo Bills-
(Mike+Matt) DL Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky


20. New York Jets-
(Mike) DT Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi
(Matt) QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis


21. Washington Redskins-
(Mike) DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
(Matt) DL Jarran Reed, Alabama


22. Houston Texans-
(Mike) WR Will Fuller, Notre Dame
(Matt) WR Corey Coleman, Baylor


23. Minnesota Vikings-
(Mike) WR Corey Coleman, Baylor
(Matt) WR Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi


24. Cincinnati Bengals-
(Mike+Matt) WR Josh Doctson, TCU


25. Pittsburgh Steelers-
(Mike) OL Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
(Matt) CB William Jackson III, Houston


26. Seattle Seahwaks-
(Mike+Matt) DT Chris Jones, Mississippi State


27. Green Bay Packers-
(Mike) DT Vernon Butler, Lousiana Tech
(Matt) DT Andrew Billings, Baylor


28. Kansas City Chiefs-
(Mike+Matt) DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson


29. Arizona Cardinals-
(Mike) TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
(Matt) DL Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi


30. Carolina Panthers-
(Mike) RB Derrick Henry, Alabama
(Matt) S Karl Joseph, West Virginia


31. Denver Broncos-
(Mike) OT Le'Raven Clark, Texas Tech
(Matt) DL Kenny Clark, UCLA

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Mock Draft 3.0- Post Rams-Titans Trade

A new team now owns the first overall selection, and they gave up a small army of picks to obtain it. The Rams traded away a first, two second-round picks, and a third in 2016; and another first and third in 2017. I believe they gave away way too much in the trade, but the teams' "owner" wanted a new face of the franchise for their new town, in their new stadium, with their new guy on display when they star in "Hard Knocks" this offseason. Here is how I believe things shape out.

Update: Literally as i was adding the finishing touches, the Eagles and Browns agreed to a trade. It took another 4 hours for me to figure out what the fuck to do with this.


1. Los Angeles Rams- Jared Goff, QB (California)

The Rams cannot miss when they select first overall. They've given away too much already, and even without the pick being made, have likely set themselves back two or three years. I don't think Wentz is the better fit, on or off the field, largely due to the lack of talent he has played against, paired with the fact that he'd have to grow into a professional very fast, in one of the biggest spotlights in pro-sports. Goff seems to be more pro-ready, and should be able to handle the spotlight. Whoever the quarterback is, they have their work cut out for them.


2. Philadelphia Eagles (via trade with Browns)- Carson Wentz, QB (North Dakota State)

I couldn't even finish writing the article, talking about how Cleveland expressed interest in trading down, and that the Eagles were a likely candidate. The trade has been made, and while the Eagles didn't give up as much as the Rams did, they still mortgaged their teams future to draft a quarterback that could be Tim Couch with a better arm.

3. San Diego Chargers- Jalen Ramsey, DB (Florida State)

The Chargers could use some help on the offensive line, but the idea of replacing the departed Eric Weddle with Ramsey is too good to be true. Ramsey is considered by many, including myself, as the top prospect in this years' class. The Chargers are really one of the biggest winners in the Rams trade, because now they have the option of selecting one of the three best players in the class.


4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DL (Ohio State)

Dallas is in love with Jalen Ramsey, and although they aren't able to select him, they still get arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft with the fourth pick. The Cowboys need to address the hole that was opened when Greg Hardy wasn't re-signed, and Bosa could be a defensive cornerstone for a very long time in JerryLand.


5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Laremy Tunsil, OL (Mississippi)

Jacksonville looks to add talented players to a young improving team, and Tunsil would be the best player available. Keeping Blake Bortles from being sacked is a priority, and wether or not Tunsil breaks into the league at left tackle doesn't matter. Wether he's playing tackle or guard early in his career, he will be a difference maker for the Jags.


6. Baltimore Ravens- Deforest Buckner, DL (Oregon)

Buckner will be a starter from day one in Baltimore, and should add talent and youth to an aging defense. A front seven that features Bucker, Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumerville should have AFC North quarterbacks worried.


7. San Fransisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, OL (Notre Dame)

Joe Staley is 31 years old, and the 49ers will eventually have to find a successor to the left tackle position. Stanley will likely play right side until his retirement.


8. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Eagles)- Myles Jack, LB (UCLA)

Not only does Cleveland add a stockpile of picks, but they get one of the most talented players in the draft in the process. There is still questions about Jack's health, but if it works out, they could get a player that could be the best in the class.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, DB (Florida)

The Buccaneers roster features a slew of under performers at cornerback. Hargreaves would come in and be an immediate starter, and should excel in the Tampa 2. He shows exceptional press coverage skills, and can lock-up in man coverage if asked. Hargreaves would be an early leader for defensive rookie of the year if he lands in Tampa.


10. New York Giants- Jack Conklin, OL (Michigan State)

The Giants wind up getting screwed by the Eagles before the season starts. The shakeup atop the draft leads to them drafting Conklin a bit too high, even though offensive line help is a necessity. Conklin is good, but they miss out on the top two tackles by an inch.

11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, EDGE (Georgia)

The Bears have gone out and added two talented inside linebackers in free agency (Jurrell Freeman and Danny Trevathon), but lack a real force as a pure outside pass-rusher. Pernell McPhee hasn't been what they wanted since signing, and Lamar Houston is in the back end of his twenties. Floyd could be the most athletic and purely talented linebacker in this draft class, and would be a great addition to an improving Chicago defense.


12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, DL (Louisville)

The Saints are in dire need of help along the defensive line. Pairing Rankins with Cameron Jordan could help sure up the holes that have been void for some time.


13. Miami Dolphins (via trade with Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliot, RB (Ohio State)

The Dolphins probably didn't see this scenario panning out the way it has when they let Lamar Miller walk in free-agency. They didn't have to overpay for a workhorse, and get the best running back in the class. Elliot will be a difference maker for Miami.


14. Oakland Raiders- William Jackson III, CB (Houston)

Leave it up to Oakland to stretch for a player. Jackson is a talented player, but I'm not sold on him being a first round talent. The skills that he has scream "Raider" and that is what will likely land him in the first round. The Raiders already signed Sean Smith in the offseason, and the trio of Smith, David Amerson and Jackson could eventually be one of the tops in the league.


15. Tennessee Titans- Taylor Decker, OL (Ohio State)

The Titans are still winners after trading out of the first spot, getting a reliable and talented offensive lineman to protect Marcus Mariota.


16. Detroit Lions- Laquon Treadwell, WR (Mississippi)

The Lions would like to add firepower on offense to help replace the production that was left behind when Calvin Johnson retired. Treadwell was a little disappointing in his combine and pro-day, and while some scouts say he could drop down to the third receiver taken, I believe he would be a good fit paired with Marvin Jones, Golden Tate and Matthew Stafford.


17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, LB (Ohio State)

The Falcons could use some speed and aggression in the linebacking corps, and Lee would bring exactly that. In Dan Quinn's defensive system, he would be allowed to roam freely and use his high motor and instincts to make plays, which should allow him to reach his full potential. This pairing could be a match made in heaven.


18. Indianapolis Colts- Noah Spence, DL (Eastern Kentucky)

The Colts miss out on offensive lineman yet again, but turn instead to a true difference maker on the defensive side. Spence has his share of question marks off the field, but the talent is too good to pass on.


19. Buffalo Bills- Reggie Ragland, LB (Alabama)

The Bills let a bunch of linebackers go through free-agency and trades, and need to gain back the hard-nosed identity of Rex Ryan. Enter Reggie Ragland: the enforcer of the 2016 draft class. Ragland will give Ryan his man inside the defense and add a tough streak to a defense thats remodeling.


20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, QB (Memphis)

The Jets would ideally re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick and have him under center to start the season, but while he is demanding a ton of money, the Jets have to have a backup plan. Assuming at the moment that Fitz isn't around, the Jets need a reliable signal caller, or someone they could trust in the future. Bryce Petty could be that guy, but the Jets should be intrigued by the multi-dimensional Lynch.


21. Washington Redskins- Jarran Reed, DL (Alabama)

The 'Skins need a difference maker on the defensive line, and Reed could be the guy. Reed is a prototype nose tackle, and adds toughness to the run-game and has a decent knack for getting pressure on the quarterback too.


22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, WR (Notre Dame)

Adding the speedster receiver to an improving receiving corps will make newly signed millionaire Brock Osweiler very happy. Fuller adds a dynamic to the offense that nobody on their roster is capable of, and he could be one of the unsung talents in the class.


23. Minnesota Vikings- Josh Doctson, WR (TCU)

Minnesota has done an amazing job at drafting quality players over the last few years, and should use this pick to get a little flashy. It's not to say that they couldn't use a receiver, though. Charles Johnson is a hit-or-miss player, and Stefon Diggs should be a compliment type player. Doctson would give the Vikings a true number one receiver, and open up the passing game more for Teddy Bridgewater.


24. Cincinnati Bengals- Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor)

The Bengals aren't going to miss Marvin Jones and Mohammad Sanu much after seeing Coleman in tiger stripes. Coleman adds a dynamic to the Cincy offense that works perfect opposite AJ Green, being able to blow the top off of defenses. Add Tyler Eifert to the mix and Andy Dalton's hair will literally combust into flames.


25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Artie Burns, CB (Miami)

There are a ton of talented corners in this class, and the Steelers will surely draft one of them. The problem: I have no idea who it is. Burns is very talented, but so are Eli Apple, Mackensie Alexander and many others. Hopefully Pittsburgh has done their homework so they don't wind up making the wrong selection.


26. Seattle Seahawks- Chris Jones, DL (Mississippi State)

Seattle is yet another team that could use some help on the offensive line, but this deep into the first round, addressing that need is a huge reach. Seattle will take a luxury pick here and take the best player available, and a guy that seems to be a fit for Seattle. Jones would be rotated into the defensive line and eventually replace Ahtyba Rubin.


27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, DL (Baylor)

With the retirement of BJ Raji coming as a bit of a surprise, it seems likely that they'd try to find a replacement. Billings is a guy that could be a perfect fit in Green Bay, and would be a great professional nose tackle.


28. Kansas City Chiefs- Kevin Dodd, DL (Clemson)

The Chiefs are paper thin on the defensive line, so adding Dodd would mean he'd almost instantly make an impact. Adding Dodd to an already impressive defense surely helps the Chiefs stay in contention.


29. Arizona Cardinals- Robert Nkemdiche, DL (Mississippi)

The Cardinals have a loaded roster top-to-bottom, and could take a shot on a player like Nkemdiche. With some questions about his personal life, he could find himself out of the league if he doesn't make a 90 degree turn. Arizona would love to have the talent, and shouldn't be afraid to take the leap.


30. Carolina Panthers- Shaq Lawson, DL (Clemson)

Carolina literally just rescinded the franchise tag from Josh Norman, and might use this pick to fill the void. I don't think they could pass on the talent of Lawson, who could absolutely be a top-15 pick.


31. Denver Broncos- Kenny Clark, DL (UCLA)

Denver will surely look to replace the departed Malik Jackson. Clark is an eater of worlds in the run game and would definitely help plug up the middle for a recovering Denver defense.