[ESPN Insider] Todd McShay Mock 3.0

sammy · Apr 18, 2016

We need more weapons. I'm fine with Sterling but not sure about Miller.

zeeshan2 · Apr 18, 2016

sammy said: ↑

We need more weapons. I'm fine with Sterling but not sure about Miller.
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I like Sterling too:

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/3/1/11132686/2016-nfl-draft-scouting-reports-wide-receiver-laquon-treadwell?_ga=1.128605964.1053805776.1456163186

Sterling Shepard is special. His knock is his size. Now when I tell you that is all anyone can find on him, I truly mean that is all there is to not like. He is really fast. I mean he can really run. Though his speed is terribly underrated. But more importantly he’s quick. Folks this is the best route runner in the draft. Some may remember how crazy about Deandre Hopkins I was due to his route running. Well this is a faster, quicker, version of Hopkins. Someone is going to get a straight up baller. He catches everything. He can jump out of the stadium and go up and get the ball. A great hands catcher. He just snatches it. He has great field awareness using the sideline as a friend. No one in the draft can make catches on the sideline or corner of the end zone like him. Picture Antonio Brown, who’s an average athlete, being an elite athlete. Picture that, and that is what you have in Shepard. He’s a workaholic, that already has natural born talent.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sterling Shepard posted a near-perfect WR rating on go and post routes (right column). Not just an underneath threat <a href="https://t.co/leGmRhJUWu">pic.twitter.com/leGmRhJUWu</a></p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/721835995449192449">April 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Aydge · Apr 18, 2016

zeeshan2 said: ↑

I like Sterling too:

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/3/1/11132686/2016-nfl-draft-scouting-reports-wide-receiver-laquon-treadwell?_ga=1.128605964.1053805776.1456163186

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sterling Shepard posted a near-perfect WR rating on go and post routes (right column). Not just an underneath threat <a href="https://t.co/leGmRhJUWu">pic.twitter.com/leGmRhJUWu</a></p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/721835995449192449">April 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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I don't know about WR rating, but if you watch him on draftbreakdown, dude is open EVERY. SINGLE. PLAY.

Nimo · Apr 18, 2016

Shepherd and Boyd have been my picks for WR for this team. Hopefully one of them will be available In the 2nd round.

Rudyc281 · Apr 18, 2016

Nimo said: ↑

Shepherd and Boyd have been my picks for WR for this team. Hopefully one of them will be available In the 2nd round.
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Boyd more than likely than shepherd imo.

houstonstime · Apr 18, 2016

Nimo said: ↑

Shepherd and Boyd have been my picks for WR for this team. Hopefully one of them will be available In the 2nd round.
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I love Boyd, but isn't he a little too much like Strong? I mean a little lacking in speed, but can go up and catch the ball? I would rather have the speedy slot. But I don't think Coleman or Fuller can be trusted to catch the ball, I say Shepard, he makes up for being .1 sec slower by actually catching everything.

Nimo · Apr 18, 2016

houstonstime said: ↑

I love Boyd, but isn't he a little too much like Strong? I mean a little lacking in speed, but can go up and catch the ball? I would rather have the speedy slot. But I don't think Coleman or Fuller can be trusted to catch the ball, I say Shepard, he makes up for being .1 sec slower by actually catching everything.
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speedy slot means getting to his spot fast, catching the ball, and yards after catch. That is Boyd. He is going to make people miss.

Doctson actually seems to have very good hands too but he'll be gone pretty quickly.

houstonstime · Apr 18, 2016

Nimo said: ↑

speedy slot means getting to his spot fast, catching the ball, and yards after catch. That is Boyd. He is going to make people miss.

Doctson actually seems to have very good hands too but he'll be gone pretty quickly.
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I would LOVE a draft with someone like Kelly, Conklin, or a DE in the first, then one of Boyd or Shepard in the second. Where do you go third? Hunter wont be there.

Nimo · Apr 18, 2016

houstonstime said: ↑

I would LOVE a draft with someone like Kelly, Conklin, or a DE in the first, then one of Boyd or Shepard in the second. Where do you go third? Hunter wont be there.
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If you don't get Kelly in the first, you can go after Tuerk or Allen in the 3rd. You could also go after a safety like Cravens if he is still there. There is also the chance of getting a tight end like Hooper or Adams if they don't get a TE in the 1st two rounds.

whag00 · Apr 18, 2016

I like the idea of getting the best dlineman on the board at 22. Get your receiver in the 2nd (Michael Thomas would be a steal if still available). You can get a "playmaker with speed" like Kenyan Drake in the 4th.

If the Texans are going to draft a receiver hopefully it's one that's a good route runner. They don't need the next Dorial Green Beckham or Jacoby Jones.

Ottomaton · Apr 18, 2016

Guy flying under the radar:

http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Rutgers-WR-Leonte-Carroo-visiting-Texans-on-7252843.php

Great hands. Good size. Nice burst off the line. I'd put him next to any of the 2nd round WR's. You'll see people knock his deep speed, but he was playing on a bad ankle all year.

Also, look at Jihad Ward in the third if they haven't taken a DE by then. Anthony Weaver was at pro day watching him, and he fits as the "measurables" guy that RAC likes to develop. Was a WR as a freshman.

zeeshan2 · Apr 18, 2016

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">QB Nate Sudfeld (Indiana) is scheduled to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> tomorrow.</p>— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/caplannfl/status/722139257155006464">April 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Chamillionaire · Apr 18, 2016

OL or DT 1st round
WR in 2nd round
OL or DT 3rd round
S in 4th
LB in 5th

El_Conquistador · Apr 18, 2016

If Tunsil slips past the Chargers, then a nice OL like Stanley or Conklin could fall in our lap. Worse things could happen to us, especially with Duane Brown aging and coming off a major injury and then the loss of Brooks and Jones. Oh, and the fact that RT has been a sore spot for years and Su'a Filo was a whiff.

Two Sandwiches · Apr 18, 2016

If the draft were tomorrow, and I were Rick Smith, this is what I would hope would happen:

1. Jack Conklin or Ryan Kelly
2. Sterling Shepard
3. Javon Hargrave
4. Nick Vannett
5. Daniel Lasco
5. Safety
6. Mortiz Boehringer

Shark44 · Apr 18, 2016

EddieWasSnubbed said: ↑

If the draft were tomorrow, and I were Rick Smith, this is what I would hope would happen:

1. Jack Conklin or Ryan Kelly
2. Sterling Shepard
3. Javon Hargrave
4. Nick Vannett
5. Daniel Lasco
5. Safety
6. Mortiz Boehringer
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I like Ryan Kelly at #22 as well. He seems like a guy we can pencil in for a decade and strengthens the middle of our OL for Brock and Lamar. If he's gone, I'd like a guy like Billings who would do the same thing for the middle of our DL.

In rd 2 I'd love Sterling, but I have a suspicion he'll go much higher than he's being mocked.

gucci888 · Apr 19, 2016

Shark44 said: ↑

I like Ryan Kelly at #22 as well. He seems like a guy we can pencil in for a decade and strengthens the middle of our OL for Brock and Lamar. If he's gone, I'd like a guy like Billings who would do the same thing for the middle of our DL.

In rd 2 I'd love Sterling, but I have a suspicion he'll go much higher than he's being mocked.
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Ya Sterling is flying a little too under the radar. Thinking teams are purposely being ho hum on him right now. But there's always one player in the draft that falls for no big apparent reason. Strong was the guy last year and thinking Fuller maybe this year's.

Kelly or Billings would be solid picks at #22.

zeeshan2 · Apr 19, 2016

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">South Florida tight end Sean Price to visit the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> on Friday. <a href="https://t.co/8AcU2nMngl">https://t.co/8AcU2nMngl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USF?src=hash">#USF</a> <a href="https://t.co/8z0EcU2Bcs">pic.twitter.com/8z0EcU2Bcs</a></p>— PDS (@PatDStat) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatDStat/status/722257719449636864">April 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel visited the Texans on Tuesday</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/722435296361459713">April 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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J.R. · Apr 19, 2016

Mel Kiper Jr.'s three-round 'Grade: A' mock draft

Houston Texans

Round 1 (22): Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Round 2 (52): Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
Round 3 (85): Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Analysis: Free agency didn't net the Texans a formidable No. 2 option in the passing game behind DeAndre Hopkins, and I suspect the draft will provide the needed insurance. In this situation both Treadwell and Josh are off the board, so I have the choice of either Coleman or Will Fuller, and I'm going with Coleman, who offers tremendous speed and play-making ability with a better set of hands. The addition of Brock Osweiler takes QB out of the equation in Round 1, but not Round 2, and Hackenberg provides familiarity given his history with my head coach and the potential to challenge Osweiler, not to mention a meager price tag at that position. Calhoun addresses a significant need at defensive end and jumps right into the mix for significant snaps.
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This piece was supposed to be launched on Thursday of last week -- about exactly the same time when the Rams and Titans essentially blew up the 2016 NFL draft as we knew it. So I took things back to the lab -- well, my basement office -- and reworked things. The concept is simple: I'm the GM for each team at each pick. This isn't me projecting picks; this is me making them, for three full rounds, based on what's best for each team at that slot.

The usual ground rules:

1. At each slot, I make a pick in the best interest of only the team with the pick. I won't pass on a player at No. 4 just because I like the team better at No. 5.

2. No trades unless they're already done. I try to address team needs, but like the draft, value can supersede need.

3. Again: I'm not projecting. It's more a look at where I see value up and down the board.

4. Jaylon Smith: Let's be clear -- he's one of the best players in the draft. But I'm leaving him out because his draft range is all over the place right now based on his medical re-checks. I'll learn more between now and the draft.

There's a team-by-team look below, as well as a pick-by-pick version so you can see how the order of the picks progressed and get an idea of who was off the board when each team selected.

Los Angeles Rams

Round 1 (1): Jared Goff, QB, Cal

Analysis: Well, this situation changed just a wee bit. Before the trade, I had the Rams getting a wide receiver (Josh Doctson) in the middle of Round 1 and adding quarterback Paxton Lynch in Round 2. They're now the only team with just one pick over the first three rounds, but I do think Goff is the top-rated quarterback in this draft. That's why I selected him here. If the Rams do select Goff first overall, it's critical that they play him when he's truly ready, not when they simply want to show flashes of a potentially bright future.

Cleveland Browns

Round 1 (2): Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
Round 2 (32): Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Round 3 (65): Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

Analysis: Since I'm drafting for the Browns here, I'd be disappointed that Goff isn't available, but excited to give Hue Jackson a player such as Wentz, particularly because he's in such a solid developmental situation, thanks to the addition of Robert Griffin III in free agency. Reed gives the Browns a gifted run-stuffer to pair with Danny Shelton on the interior -- I think Shelton could use the help to take off some pressure -- and the addition of Miller in Round 3 is a big-time upside play. My bet: He develops faster than many believe. And don't think he's just a slot guy; the size is there, which could help him become something more.

San Diego Chargers

Round 1 (3): Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss 
Round 2 (35): Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Round 3 (66): Charone Peake, WR, Clemson

Analysis: When I put together this draft before the trade between the Rams and Titans, I had Tunsil off the board at No. 1. In this new scenario, the quarterbacks go in the first two slots, and the Chargers win big. This could be the exact scenario in the real draft. Great player, exactly where you need him. Ward offers up some pass-rushing help in Round 2, and Peake becomes a potential weapon in the passing game, where San Diego needs some youth and upside to mix in with a veteran group.

Dallas Cowboys
Round 1 (4): Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Round 2 (34): Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Round 3 (67): D.J. White, CB, Georgia Tech

Analysis: The debate for me here is between Ramsey and Joey Bosa, and with both guys at what I consider need positions, it's a good time to trust the board. Ramsey is going to be special, and I love the addition of him and Byron Jones over a two-year stretch. Regarding Elliott, it's much better to take a running back at No. 34 than at No. 4. I know this isn't a realistic draft scenario, but it's a glimpse at how I'd draft at running back. In Round 3, I get a needed addition to the secondary. White has a chance to compete for a starting role in nickel packages early on.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1 (5): Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Round 2 (38): Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
Round 3 (69): Max Tuerk, C, USC

Analysis: This defense has added a bunch of help in free agency, but we know that process can offer up a lot of fool's gold, and after ranking 31st in defense last year, the Jags shouldn't be done on that side of the ball. Jack gives us an immediate starter, a brilliant cover linebacker who isn't shy at the line of scrimmage. Plug him in. We get stronger against the run up front with the addition of Clark, and with him, Malik Jackson and Dante Fowler Jr., I'm starting to feel a little better about life for that defense. Tuerk is a solid center -- a clear need spot -- and a reasonable value, and could be the starter at that position in Week 1.

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1 (6): Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Round 2 (36): Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Round 3 (70): Vadal Alexander, G, LSU

Analysis: In order of need the offensive line comes first, but the Ravens also need a pass-rusher and if Bosa falls in your lap at No. 6 overall it doesn't take much time for the Commish to get to the podium on our behalf. Bosa can rush, set the edge, flip inside -- honestly, there's not much he can't do. He also has a good record of health and joins a team that could use it after a year wrecked by injuries. Mackensie Alexander will be on the field in Week 1 in some form -- that's a good value early in Round 2 -- and Vadal Alexander comes in and competes for an early role along the offensive line.

San Francisco 49ers

Round 1 (7): Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (37): Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Round 3 (68): Nick Kwiatkoski, LB, West Virginia

Analysis: This is a tough spot at No. 7. The way the board breaks -- with Cleveland taking Wentz -- I'm not left with my first choice for the Niners, which is to draft a quarterback. Stanley not only hits a clear need at offensive tackle, but he's a very good athlete who could thrive under Kelly. If he didn't come off the board here, he's gone at one of the next couple spots. So I get my quarterback in Round 2. If you say Lynch is a developmental guy, you're absolutely right. This gives me a year to see how it works with Chip Kelly and Colin Kaepernick, and Lynch is close to nothing against the cap at this spot. Kwiatkoski is an immediate help at inside linebacker, where we need it here.

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1 (8): DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Round 3 (77): Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
Round 3 (79): Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas

Analysis: Those of you clamoring for Ezekiel Elliott, sorry. When I'm picking we're just not touching a running back this high. What we will do is get a gifted defensive lineman who could be scary on the same line as Fletcher Cox in the short term, and could end up being extremely valuable if we decide not to open the vault for Cox in the future. I'd at least think about Jack Conklin at No. 8, but Buckner is a steal there and could be a big piece of the puzzle going forward. We need to get an offensive lineman, so Hawkins gets the call in Round 3. (Remember, no second-round pick.) I like the physical talent, he just needs some coaching. Collins has had occasional ball-security issues, but in terms of raw ability he's much closer to Elliott than many realize.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1 (9): Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Round 2 (39): Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (74): Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida

Analysis: Protect. The. Franchise. I have my quarterback of the future coming off a good rookie season, and the one way he's going to regress is if my shaky offensive line doesn't get better and provide more running lanes (better down and distance football) and more time for my franchise QB. Conklin might not ever be a great NFL left tackle, but he can certainly challenge for that role and probably end up as a very good right tackle. Either way I'm getting better up front. Fuller hits what is arguably the top need, and if he's 100 percent he could be a steal. He tried to play hurt during his last season at Virginia Tech but had to shut it down. Bullard is a disruptive, versatile defensive lineman who can be a part of the rotation immediately.

New York Giants

Round 1 (10): Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
Round 2 (40): Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Round 3 (71): Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech

Analysis: I imagine some Giants fans will find this first pick surprising, but as the GM in this scenario I look at my wide receivers and see that my No. 2 is Victor Cruz, who turns 30 this fall and hasn't played in a regular-season game since October 2014. Eli Manning is 35 and with the value poor at O-line in this slot, I'm going to help him in another way and get the top wide receiver in the draft. Even if you question whether Treadwell is a true No. 1 -- does he have to be given that other guy from the Ole Miss-LSU rivalry on this roster at wideout? Spence is a no-brainer as a pass-rusher in Round 2. Free agency helped, but we need another one. And I love the versatility of Dixon in Round 3. Good value range to take a back who can help right away.

Chicago Bears

Round 1 (11): Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Round 2 (41): Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford
Round 3 (72): Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin

Analysis: This is a tricky spot, because with the top three offensive lineman gone and better pure value at defensive line over cornerback, I feel like I have to go with the highly-disruptive interior presence. The Bears upgraded the D-line in last year's draft, but neither Eddie Goldman nor Will Sutton have the kind of juice Rankins does, and everybody gets better when we can rotate more and win battles up front deep into games. Garnett is an immediate starter at guard, and we get some pass-rushing help in Round 3 with the highly-productive Schobert. I'd like a cornerback, but the draft doesn't end at Round 3 and my defensive line is now better. Interceptions start with pressure, not coverage.

New Orleans Saints

Round 1 (12): William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Round 2 (47): Deion Jones, LB, LSU
Round 3 (78): Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

Analysis: Sense a theme here? At every pick slot I thought this: "Which player on the board has a bunch of upside and could potentially help my defense right away?" That's it. Yeah, I'd like another receiver, and yeah, I'd like to add a guard. But the Saints didn't make the playoffs last year not just because they couldn't stop good offenses, but because they made bad offenses look good. Jackson is major talent at cornerback, and steps into the mix right away. Jones is a little undersized based on traditional standards at linebacker, but he can fly and helps at a need spot at outside linebacker. Washington adds to the rotation depth on the defensive line. Offense? We have Drew Brees for that.

Miami Dolphins

Round 1 (13): Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Round 2 (42): Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
Round 3 (73): Kenny Lawler, WR, Cal

Analysis: McShay will give me grief for taking Lee this high, but I like his upside and think he fits in early on as an outside linebacker who can get into gaps as a blitzer, cover in space and be a disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball. There are going to be growing pains, but I'm betting on Lee. We have a clear need at cornerback and Howard is a fit in the second round. He's not coming in to fix the cornerback situation overnight, but that doesn't happen even with the top corners in the draft, and the physical tools are there to develop. Lawler offers some insurance for Adam Gase in the passing game, and I wasn't in love with the offensive tackle value on the board at that spot anyway.

Oakland Raiders

Round 1 (14): Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
Round 2 (44): Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Round 3 (75): Keanu Neal, S, Florida

Analysis: I rarely say this in regards to free agency, but the Raiders have accomplished some things on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Where they still need help is in the secondary, and I simply can't pass on Hargreaves at No. 14. He has been the best pure cover corner in college football for the past two years on the aggregate, and even if you have questions about the size and speed, the tape makes up the difference. He can help. Henry isn't really a luxury pick in Round 2 even though I don't like drafting running backs early. Behind an improved O-line he's a great fit here and gives them a guy who can step in right away next to Latavius Murray. Neal isn't a star in coverage, but he turns tackles into turnovers as a physical presence coming downhill.

Tennessee Titans

Round 1 (15): Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Round 2 (33): Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
Round 2 (43): Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Round 2 (45): Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
Round 3 (64): Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Round 3 (76): Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota

Analysis: I think the Titans could move back up and get one of the top two or three tackles. But I'm not simulating trades here. In this case, I'd still look at this group and say wow -- look at all the talent. We did a lot to help Marcus Mariota, with a pair of tackles who could emerge as starters and a pair of outstanding receivers. Joseph is a Round 1 talent available in the second and hits a clear need at safety, and I'm giving Mariota another potential starter along the offensive line with Clark. Murray is just a good value here at cornerback, where at last check, 32 out of 32 teams need help. I hit a ton of needs here, and made it clear I'm building around my quarterback.

Detroit Lions

Round 1 (16): Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (46): Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
Round 3 (95): Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas

Analysis: I'd like to get an offensive tackle, but I'm not going to reach in Round 1 and instead get a polished defensive end who can jump into the rotation and take some pass-rushing pressure off Ziggy Ansah. Lawson was a machine creating negative plays at Clemson last season -- he led the country in tackles for loss -- and has the frame to hold up immediately. Coleman gives me starting potential at tackle, and Ridgeway can jump into the rotation immediately as a defensive tackle.

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1 (17): Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Round 2 (50): Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Round 3 (81): Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State

Analysis: Needs on the defensive side of the ball are clear, so it's really an opportunity to take the best player on the board at No. 17, and Ragland is an immediate help. He has the instincts and the experience to start right away and would be on the short list for defensive rookie of the year if he lands here. The addition of Mohamed Sanu in free agency helps in the passing game, but Jacob Tamme is the best tight end on the roster and getting the best tight end in a light draft class at the position is a value in Round 2. Nassib adds needed depth to the pass rush in Round 3 coming off a season where he was highly productive.

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1 (18): Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Round 2 (48): Su'a Cravens, S/LB, USC
Round 3 (82): Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State

Analysis: I have offensive line as a need if I'm the GM here, and Decker makes sense at No. 18. He played both left tackle and right tackle for Ohio State, and while you don't assume he's going to simply come in and lock down the left side, I'm drafting with idea that I can't go wrong by adding O-line help. It's all about getting better in front of my franchise player both in the running game and in pass protection. With Cravens I'm getting the good kind of "tweener" -- a guy who could be a safety or an undersized outside linebacker, but I consider both of those need positions on this roster, and the talent is significant here. Johnson steps in as rotation help early on as an interior defender on the defensive line.

Buffalo Bills

Round 1 (19): Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
Round 2 (49): Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Round 3 (80): Willie Beavers, G, Western Michigan

Analysis: Mario Williams might have been a disappointment last season, but it's not as if the roster was packed with pass-rushers who could keep him in the sidelines, and Ogbah comes in with tremendous upside (and college production) at a position of need. The defense was the reason we weren't in the playoffs last season, and he can see the field and help that unit. Thomas is a tremendous physical talent at wide receiver and could be the No. 2 wideout I need behind Sammy Watkins. That's another need position filled. Beavers is more upside than polish as a tackle, but in Round 3 that's what you're going to find, and we need another offensive tackle.

New York Jets

Round 1 (20): Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Round 2 (51): Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Round 3 (83): Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State

Analysis: The situation at quarterback is completely unsettled as of this writing, but with the top two quarterbacks off the board early I'm not going to reach at No. 20 and will instead get an offensive lineman with the upside of a starting left tackle and the potential to step in immediately at guard or compete for a starting role at right tackle. Ifedi has tremendous size and physical skills. Cook is a backup if Ryan Fitzpatrick returns (or another veteran QB arrives via trade) and has the tools to become a starter, and Vannett helps at a clear need position in Round 3. I'd like to add an edge rusher, but when Ogbah came off the board at No. 19 to the Bills, the offensive lineman made the most sense.

Washington Redskins

Round 1 (21): Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
Round 2 (53): Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
Round 3 (84): Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama

Analysis: Center is arguably the biggest immediate need, so while you don't see many come off the board this early, the ones who do are usually plug-and-play guys, and Kelly certainly fits the bill. And while it's not a sexy pick, addressing the top need with the best available player is no-brainer. I can see Kelly coming off the board before No. 21 in a real draft-day scenario, so he makes plenty of sense here. On pure talent, Nkemdiche is arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft, so getting him late in Round 2 isn't a scary roll of the dice. We have a clear need at cornerback, and Jones comes in ready to jump into the rotation.

Houston Texans

Round 1 (22): Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Round 2 (52): Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
Round 3 (85): Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Analysis: Free agency didn't net the Texans a formidable No. 2 option in the passing game behind DeAndre Hopkins, and I suspect the draft will provide the needed insurance. In this situation both Treadwell and Josh are off the board, so I have the choice of either Coleman or Will Fuller, and I'm going with Coleman, who offers tremendous speed and play-making ability with a better set of hands. The addition of Brock Osweiler takes QB out of the equation in Round 1, but not Round 2, and Hackenberg provides familiarity given his history with my head coach and the potential to challenge Osweiler, not to mention a meager price tag at that position. Calhoun addresses a significant need at defensive end and jumps right into the mix for significant snaps.

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1 (23): Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
Round 2 (54): Jalen Mills, S, LSU
Round 3 (86): Nick Martin, C/G, Notre Dame

Analysis: The "clear need at wide receiver" situation isn't a bad one at this spot on the board, because there's a good chance I'm getting either Coleman or Fuller. In this instance, the Vikings get arguably the best deep threat in the draft, a dangerous player who takes pressure off Stefon Diggs in the passing game. He needs to be more consistent catching the ball, but it's about concentration, not a lack of ability. There's a need for depth at both cornerback and safety, and Mills has the the ability to provide in both roles. Martin is a versatile interior offensive lineman who can play both center and guard, and could start at guard as a rookie.

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1 (24): A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Round 2 (55): Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
Round 3 (87): Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State

Analysis: Free agency made a dent in the wide receiver depth chart, but with the top four options off the board (two in the previous two picks), I'm going with Robinson in Round 1 as an immediate help on the defensive line. This has been a roster built on good drafting and development, and taking a really good player at a perpetual need position for any roster is never a bad thing. I get the wide receiver help in Round 2 with Boyd, who could start early on opposite A.J. Green. Perry could help a linebacking corps that is aging and also faces the early-season suspension of Vontaze Burfict.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 1 (25): Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Round 2 (58): Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State
Round 3 (89): Jeremy Cash, S, Duke

Analysis: The secondary is the top priority in this draft if I'm drafting, and the availability of Apple late in Round 1 makes him an easy call. He has length, outstanding athletic ability and a willingness to tackle. He needs to refine his cover skills, but that goes for just about any young cornerback, and Apple has tremendous talent. Westerman fills a need at guard where the Steelers could use a rookie with the ability to compete for a starting spot, and Cash is an outstanding box safety. The secondary could be the difference between playoff contention and Super Bowl contention, so I'm hitting it hard.

Seattle Seahawks

Round 1 (26): Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Round 2 (56): Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
Round 3 (90): Dominique Robertson, OT, West Georgia
Round 3 (97): Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma

Analysis: It's obvious that the offensive line is the biggest question mark right now for this roster, but in the draft you can't just pass up great talent in the hope that you're getting immediate help at a need area by drafting lesser talent, because in most cases rookies simply don't upgrade any situation. That's why I don't pass on Burns in Round 1, or Butler in Round 2. Cornerback is a need, and Burns has tremendous upside. Defensive line help is also a need, and Butler late in Round 2 is a steal. I'll add Robertson in Round 3 and hope that Tom Cable can coach him up. With the compensatory pick in Round 3 I'll get Tapper, who shores up depth at defensive end.

Green Bay Packers

Round 1 (27): Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
Round 2 (57): Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
Round 3 (88): Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia

Analysis: Clay Matthews is an incredible talent who has masked a clear need at inside linebacker while still maintaining his role as a major presence in Green Bay's ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. In this case there is pass-rushing talent available, so I'm going with Correa at No. 27. He's a burner on the edge and can help when getting to the quarterback is a necessity. Adams provides a weapon for Aaron Rodgers in the passing game as an athletic tight end with run-after-catch ability. Canady is a talented corner who helps offset the loss of Casey Hayward.

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1 (28): Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
Round 2 (59): Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers

Analysis: I would have looked at Kamalei Correa at No. 28 given the need for added depth at outside linebacker, but after he came off the board with the previous pick I'm going to grab the top safety in the draft. You can't go wrong with versatility in the secondary, and Bell has the best cover skills of any safety in the draft. In nickel packages he's an immediate help, and for that reason he has a chance to be on the field much of the time. Carroo is a good value at No. 59 and also hits a clear need for another weapon in the passing game at wide receiver after Jeremy Maclin.

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1 (29): Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
Round 3 (92): Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan

Analysis: This draft is off to a good start already thanks to the addition of Chandler Jones, who represents that second-round pick that was shipped to New England. While safety is a clear need, with Vonn Bell off the board it makes sense to grab Floyd, who provides needed pass-rushing ability. There aren't gaping holes, but I don't need to reach for a needed center in Round 1 at the cost of passing on a high-upside pass-rusher like Floyd, and I'm able to grab Glasgow in Round 3.

Carolina Panthers

Round 1 (30): Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (62): Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State
Round 3 (93): Darian Thompson, S, Boise State

Analysis: Without clear value at offensive tackle at No. 30 -- we made it to the Super Bowl despite the question mark at that position -- I'm going with pass-rush help at No. 30. Dodd can immediately step into the defensive end rotation, where Charles Johnson is being counted on again in his age-30 season. Burbridge is insurance at wide receiver, which looks better thanks to the return of Kelvin Benjamin but still isn't a deep spot on the roster. Thompson is a great value in Round 3; depth is a clear need at safety,

Denver Broncos

Round 1 (31): Cody Whitehair, G/C, Kansas State
Round 2 (63): Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Round 3 (94): Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona
Round 3 (98): Sean Davis, S, Maryland

Analysis: The need for stability at quarterback is a clear issue, but there isn't a likely Week 1 starter available at No. 31, and there's still time to make a trade to help the situation there. What I do have is an obvious need for another offensive lineman, and Whitehair is a potential starter at guard, where there is a clear need, with experience at tackle. Others have Billings rated higher than I do at defensive tackle, but he's a steal at the end of Round 2 at another position where added depth is a necessity. Wright fills a need at linebacker and Davis provides insurance and the ability to start early in his career if needed at safety.

New England Patriots

Round 2 (60): Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Round 2 (61): Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
Round 3 (91): Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
Round 3 (96): Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma

Analysis: The departure of Dominique Easley on the defensive line is mitigated with the addition of Jones, a disruptive interior presence. Cooper is a wide receiver who creates space with his explosiveness off the snap and could become a go-to target for Tom Brady early in his career. He could emerge as another valuable asset in the slot. Booker is a versatile running back, where a clear need exists, and has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Sanchez provides needed depth at cornerback who will see the field as a nickel corner early on.
Click to expand...

Nimo · Apr 19, 2016

^^^
Wow! What a draft by the Browns and Cowboys.
The Texans better not take Hackenberg over Butler, Adams, and Nick Martin.

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