The NFL season is nearing its end, and we're getting closer and closer to the NFL Draft. It's time for another mock draft, since the fans of teams that are struggling badly this season might have already turned their focus to the Draft. This is also a wonderful opportunity to indulge the unhealthy obsession I have with the Draft. The first versions were well received, so it's time for volume seven.
The order is based on the current NFL Draft order (as of December 2nd). The actual order will assuredly look much different come April, so don't put too much stock into where teams are drafting. This is an exercise in trying to project team needs and where prospects could end up going. I don't have a full list of team needs, but I'll get to that once the season is closer to ending.
If you hate what I wrote (or agree, but c'mon this is the internet) or just want to talk NFL Draft, hit me up on Twitter. With all that out of the way, let's dive into the picks.
1. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Ramsey, CB, FSU
The Titans have major needs in the secondary. Ramsey and Vernon Hargreaves will compete to be the first corner off the board. Either one would make sense. The Titans won't spend this pick on QB, but could trade it to a team that needs one.
2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, California
If this is how the draft order breaks down, that means Johnny Manziel's time as the starting QB didn't go very well. If that's the case, the Browns MUST spend the first overall pick on a QB. Goff is far from the perfect QB prospect, but he's the favorite to be the first off the board.
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
I'd be surprised if the Chargers were picking this early, but adding a stud tackle makes sense. It's too early for any of the outside linebackers, and the team needs offensive line help. Tunsil will compete with Ronnie Stanley to be the first OT off the board and either would be a good pick. Joey Bosa could be an option here, too.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
With Romo hurt again, I'd strongly considering grabbing a QB if I were in charge of Dallas. But if Dallas grabbed Nkedmiche here, it would still be a great pick. He could be the top player off the board come April. He'd do wonders in Dallas' defense and would fill a need.
5. San Francisco 49ers: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
It's starting to look more and more like Colin Kaepernick is done with the 49ers. Blaine Gabbert has played well, but it's tough to trust him after his time in Jacksonville. Lynch has been a big riser this season and has a ton of potential.
NOW READ: The Top 6 QB Prospects For The 2016 Draft
6. Miami Dolphins: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
This is the right range for Hargreaves and it fills a need. It's a strong match.
7. Philadelphia Eagles: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The Eagles need offensive line help, and Stanley is great value here. Joey Bosa makes a ton of sense as well.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Steve Smith is likely going to retire, while Breshad Perriman has yet to contribute. Treadwell is a very different player than Perriman, and the duo could be a good fit. A pass rusher or corner is also an option.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joey Bosa, DE, OSU
The Jaguars need some pass rushing help and Bosa is a complete steal here. He could easily go in the Top 5 and would help the Jags' defensive line right away.
10. New Orleans Saints: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
The Saints defense needs help everywhere, and Smith is the best defensive player left on the board. He could start right away at linebacker. He reminds me of Patrick Willis.
11. St. Louis Rams: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Rams need more weapons, and Doctson should be a first rounder. He's looked great this season and has really helped his stock. A wrist injury that will cost Doctson the rest of the regular season won't be a concern for NFL teams. This might be a bit too high for him.
12. Detroit Lions: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Lions could use help in the trenches, but also need corner help. This might be a bit high for Fuller, who is coming off a knee injury. However, he should be healthy in time for the season.
13. New York Giants: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, OSU
There's a real chance Elliott won't last this long, but the Giants shouldn't let him slip further. They've been using an ineffective running back by committee all season long. Elliott can be the workhorse back the team needs.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
The Bucs would love an offensive lineman, but the top two are gone and the other options aren't worth taking here. The Bucs could use some interior d-line help, and Clark has a lot of talent.
15. Oakland Raiders: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Raiders really, really need corner help, but Jack fills a need too. Despite coming off a knee injury, Jack should be a Top 20 pick. He'd make a wonderful partner for Khalil Mack.
16. Buffalo Bills: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
The Bills are loaded at multiple positions, but could use some depth on the defensive line. Buckner could be a 4-3 DT, although his best fit is as a 3-4 DE. With Rex Ryan in charge, the Bills could move to that front in the future.
17. Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd, OLB, UGA
Floyd fills a major need, as the Bears must find 3-4 pass rushers this offseason. This might be a bit too high for him, but pass rushers often rise during the Draft process.
18. Atlanta Falcons: Reggie Ragland, MLB, Alabama
The Falcons need an upgrade at MLB and that's what Ragland can provide. Adding another pass rusher could be an option.
19. New York Jets: Shaq Lawson, OLB, Clemson
Lawson can give the Jets the pass rusher they need. I strongly considered Penn State's Christian Hackenberg, but the Jets might elect to not spend a first rounder on a QB. Still, Hackenberg could go in Round One.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
Corner is a big need for the Steelers and White is a worthy of a first round pick. Expect this pick to be spent on the defensive side of the ball.
21. Houston Texans: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
There aren't any QBs worth taking here, although that is the Texans' biggest need. The team could use some help on the defensive line, so taking Robinson makes sense.
NOW READ: 7 Biggest 1st Round QB Busts Since 2010
22. Seattle Seahawks: Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
The Seahawk offensive line has not look good this season. Alexander is the best OG in the draft and he'd be an upgrade right away. This might be a bit too early for him, but Seattle really needs help.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Taylor Decker, OT, OSU
Decker could replace Eric Fisher, who is rapidly approaching bust status. Decker is a great value here and he could go before this.
24. Green Bay Packers: Emmanuel Ogbah, OLB, Oklahoma State
The Packers could use some pass rushing help, especially since Julius Peppers is aging. This is Ogbah's first appearance in one of my mocks, but he's been close several times before.
25. Indianapolis Colts: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
For the sake of Andrew Luck, the Colts need to upgrade their offensive line. Somebody needs to protect Luck, and Conklin might be able to start right away.
26. Washington Redskins: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Alexander is just a redshirt sophomore, but should enter the draft. He could go off the board before this, so it's solid value for Washington. The Redskins need to add at least one corner this offseason.
27. Minnesota Vikings: Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
The Vikings are close to being a dangerous team. Stefon Diggs has emerged, but Teddy Bridgewater needs more weapons. Boyd could be one of the first WRs off the board.
28. Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
The Cardinals need another pass rusher and Jenkins could be a first rounder.
29. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Billings is the best defensive player on Baylor, and yes, that includes Shawn Oakman. Billings would be an incredible compliment to Geno Atkins.
30. Denver Broncos: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The Broncos could use an offensive lineman, but the pickings are slim. With limited needs, the Broncos can take the best player on the board. That could be Collins, who would add depth and provide a replacement if the team losses a free agent. He's a DT for Alabama, but could shift out and be a 3-4 DE.
31. Carolina Panthers: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
The Panthers should not be starting Michael Oher. Cam Newton needs better protection. Ifedi might not be able to make it as a left tackle, but he'd help the Panthers O-line in some form.
32. New England Patriots: No Draft Pick
The Patriots were stripped of their first round pick as punishment for deflating footballs.
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