Each player will have a link to a website where you can see their film so it’s easier for the readers to do their own video scouting. As always, this is not a mock draft of what this author would do. It’s a mock draft based on what the team is likely to do based on the current perceptions of the prospects in college football.
8. Miami Dolphins: MacKensie Alexander, DB Clemson
The Dolphins need a lot of things, but corner should be very high on their list. Alexander might not be as good as Hargreaves or Ramsey, but he should develop into a solid outside cover corner a la Sam Shields.
However, if they deal Tannehill away, then all bets are off for whom they would take. In that scenario, if they don’t sign a free agent or make a trade they will be looking to move up for Lynch.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis
Things are still in flux with the 49ers after axing their coaching staff, but they do need a QB. Kaepernick is on his way out(Philly? Cleveland? New Orleans? Miami? Houston?) and Blaine Gabbert is still Blaine Gabbert.
Lynch shouldn’t play early, but he probably will to get the fanbase excited again. He’s much like Brock Osweiler, but Osweiler learned to how take his long arms and make a more compact delivery.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OL Notre Dame
Stanley is a “well, there’s no one else” pick for the Ravens. They would want Ramsey or Bosa or maybe deal up for Bosa or Tunsil if possible. They would be looking to deal out of this pick if stuck here because Stanley isn’t great value for them here.
Basically, they’d be replacing Eugene Monroe with a younger version of himself. Which isn’t a good plan for a top 10 pick.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, DB Florida State
The Jags would be happy with either Hargreaves or Ramsey here. With Fowler coming back from injury, they largely just need better defensive back play to maximize the potential of their defense.
Ramsey starts for them tomorrow at free safety, the nickelback/slot role and injects much needed talent. Now if they can just tank in 2017 for Derwin James to go with him.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Vernon Hargreaves III, DB Florida
This author doesn’t believe the “Dallas is taking a QB high” hype. They have plenty of other major needs and options at QB if they want to pick up Romo’s successor(like Manziel or RG3). Hargeaves fixes a lot of problems for them.
He allows them to move on from Morris Claiborne and that alone makes him more worthy of this pick than Ramsey.
3. San Diego Chargers: Joey Bosa, DL Ohio State
Bosa is far and away the premier player in this draft, and there’s still a 50/50 chance he goes #1 or 2 overall. The Chargers won’t hesitate to jump on him here.For the Los Angeles Chargers, Bosa will play inside and out: playing as a 5 tech end and as an edge rusher at the OLB spot. He should thrive no matter where he plays and be the cornerstone of their defense for years to come.
2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB California
A moment for Goff’s NFL career. Going to Cleveland is a tough ask for any prospect to do and Goff needs to hope that Cleveland hires a quality QB coach and offensive coordinator if he will have any chance of success in Cleveland.
Goff is also not a blue chip type prospect, but there’s a lot to like in his game. He has a nice, clean release with good arm talent. It’s just curious why he throws so many interceptions.
1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OL Ole Miss
This pick should be Bosa. He’s far and away their best option, but their offensive line is a total wreck. Tunsil might not be a franchise left tackle in the Boselli mold but he should be much better than Joeckel or Eric Fisher.
The Titans need stability on their line or Mariota will be ruined much like RG3 was with knee injuries. Tunsil and Lewan maybe aren’t a legendary pair of tackles, but they should be good enough to keep Mariota clean.