By Josh Suppes ’17
There are only 4 days until the NFL draft. Two huge trades wentdown in recent days as the Los Angeles Rams acquired the first overall pick, andthe Philadelphia Eagles acquired the second overall pick. Read below for a one round mock with a description after the round about the most important picks during the round.
1. Los Angeles Rams-Jared Goff, Quarterback, California
2. Philadelphia Eagles-Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State
3. San Diego Chargers-Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi
4. Dallas Cowboys-Jalen Ramsey, Safety/Cornerback, Florida State
5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Myles Jack, Linebacker, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens-Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State
7. San Francisco 49ers-Deforest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon
8. Cleveland Browns-Vernon Hargreaves III-Cornerback, Florida
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Sheldon Rankins, Defensive End, Louisville
10. New York Giants-Ezekiel Elliot, Running Back, Ohio State
11. Chicago Bears-Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson
12. New Orleans Saints-Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor
13. Miami Dolphins-Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame
14. Oakland Raiders-Darron Lee, Linebacker, Ohio State
15. Tennessee Titans-Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State
16. Detroit Lions-Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State
17. Atlanta Falcons-Reggie Ragland, Linebacker, Alabama
18. Indianapolis Colts-Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
19. Buffalo Bills-Leonard Floyd, Defensive End, Georgia
20. New York Jets-Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis
21. Washington Redskins-Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
22. Houston Texans-Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
23. Minnesota Vikings-Laquan Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Mississippi
24. Cincinnati Bengals-Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver, Texas Christian
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Mackenzie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson
26. Seattle Seahawks-Kevin Dodd, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
27. Green Bay Packers-Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End, Oklahoma State
28. Kansas City Chiefs-Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor
29. Arizona Cardinals-Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama
30. Carolina Panthers-William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston
31. Denver Broncos-A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The first round will be interesting. With the first two picks have likely been acquired with quarterbacks in mind, the Chargers will have their pick of the non-quarterback talent. The more interesting dilemma belongs to the Cowboys, but taking Jalen Ramsey, the best player in the draft, would be the smartest move for the team. The Cleveland Browns now have the 8th pick in the draft after trading down and have a big decision in front of them – they could trade down again and select Paxton Lynch , or keep the pick and select the best player, which I think they will do. The New York Giants are also in a tough position, as they have spent a ton of money for the defense in the offseason, yet still have many holes. Look for the Giants to pick the best available player, which also fills a position of need – running back. They could go with a defensive end if they don’t take Elliot or if Elliot has already been selected. The Miami Dolphins also are in need of defense – in particular cornerback – but if Stanley falls to them at 13 there is no doubt they should pick him, as he can help improve their line and protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The New York Jets may trade up to get a quarterback but they might not have to if Paxton Lynch falls to them at 20. The Jets might trade up to make sure they get Lynch, even if they sign a free agent quarterback. The Texans are in need of help at the receiver position. Despite already having Deandre Hopkins, they could use extra help. Will Fuller is the best deep threat receiver and would be a great complement to Hopkins. Finally, the Carolina Panthers are in need of a cornerback, after making a confusing move to allow All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman depart. Selecting William Jackson III would be an amazing pick by the Panthers. If he doesn’t, expect another top cornerback to be available for the Panthers.