April 27, 2016 - Greg Gabriel
Gabriel's Final 2016 Mock Draft
A month ago we never would have thought that QB’s would be the first two picks of the 2016 NFL Draft. After trades we all know that it’s now a lock.
Los Angeles Rams – Jared Goff – QB – California – Personally, I like Wentz better but I’m hearing that Goff is the Rams guy
Philadelphia Eagles – Carson Wentz – QB - North Dakota St – I think that the Eagles wanted Wentz all along as he is the best upside of the two quarterbacks.
San Diego Chargers – Leremy Tunsil – OT - Mississippi - This could very well be a defensive pick but for now the Chargers get a player who can help keep Philip Rivers on his feet.
Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa – DE – Ohio State – A week ago I would have gone with Myles Jack, but with both Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence getting suspended, the Cowboys don’t have a pass rusher.
Jacksonville Jaquars – Jaylon Ramsey – DC – Florida State – David Caldwell adds another strong player to the defensive side of the ball.
Baltimore Ravens – Ron Stanley – OT – Notre Dame – The selection not only fills a need, but gives the Ravens the best player available.
San Francisco 49ers – Myles Jack – LB – UCLA – If there wasn’t a question about Jacks knee, he may have gone a few slots higher.
Cleveland Browns – Ezekiel Elliott – RB – Ohio State – I think Elliott goes in this slot but it may not be to the Browns.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon Hargreaves III – DC – Florida – Hargreaves is from the Tampa area so this will be a very popular selection in the Tampa Bay area. And by the way, it also fills an important need.
New York Giants – DeForest Buckner – DT – Oregon - The Giants took care of defense in free agency and may go offensive tackle here but Buckner is too good to pass on.
Chicago Bears – Shaq Lawson– OLB – Clemson – A strong edge pass rusher that the Bears need. A big 5-technique could also be in play here.
New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins – DT- Louisville – Rankins gives the Saints a versatile defensive lineman who can be an explosive inside pass rusher.
Miami Dolphins – Derrick Henry – RB – Alabama – I know, this is a surprise but the Dolphins need a RB and I’m a big fan of Henry’s
Oakland Raiders – Reggie Ragland – ILB – Alabama – Personally I feel this is too high for Ragland, but the Raiders are said to be enthralled with his traits.
Tennessee Titans – Jack Conklin – OT – Michigan State – The Titans would have selected a tackle had they stayed at one, Conklin is the best one available, though he probably goes higher.
Detroit Lions – Leonard Floyd - LB – Georgia – Floyd gives the Lions and combo OLB/Edge pass rusher. The Lions could go for a pure DE here also.
Atlanta Falcons – Darron Lee – LB – Ohio State – Lee is in the mold of Myles Jack, an athletic versatile playmaker.
Indianapolis Colts – Eli Apple – DC – Ohio State – The Colts would prefer an O-Linemen, but the top ones are gone. Apple gives them a tall, long corner who matches up well against the taller receivers in the league.
Buffalo Bills – Kevin Dodd – DE – Clemson – With Mario Williams gone, the Bills have a strong need for an edge rusher. Dodd gives them an excellent replacement.
New York Jets – William Jackson III – DC – Houston – The Jets would prefer a quarterback, but there is not one worth taking at this time.
Washington Redskins – A’Shawn Robinson – DT – Alabama – Robinson has the versatility to play the 5-tech or on the nose.
Houston Texans – Corey Coleman – WR – Baylor – Coming from the Baylor offense, Coleman isn’t the most polished receiver, but he has by far the most talent.
Minnesota Vikings – Josh Doctson – WR – TCU – Docson is the most ready to play receiver in this draft class. He can help the Vikings right away.
Cincinnati Bengals – Jarran Reed – DT – Alabama – Reed will be an excellent complement to Geno Atkins in the Bengals front four.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Mackenzie Alexander – DC – Clemson – The Steelers have don an inordinate amount of work on corners. Alexander is the best corner available.
Seattle Seahawks – Chris Jones – DT – DT – Mississippi State – Jones is a bit raw, but has tremendous upside. The Seahawks can afford to wait on that talent.
Green Bay Packers – Emanuel Ogbah – DE – Oklahoma State – Ogbah can play OLB or at the 5-tech in the Green Bay defense. He is one of the better natural pass rushers in this draft.
Kansas City Chiefs – Artie Burns – DC – Miami – Burns replaces Sean Smith who was lost to the Raiders in free agency.
Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Kelly – OC – Alabama – Kelly is the highest rated interior offensive lineman in the draft. Can play center or guard and will start right away.
Carolina Panthers – Vernon Butler – DT – Louisiana Tech – The Panthers would love to take a corner here, but there are none rated high enough to take at this time.
Denver Broncos – Connor Cook – QB – Denver doesn’t have a quarterback who is good enough to start in the NFL. Cook is by far the best quarterback left on the board and has starter traits.