Merry Christmas, everyone! With our sometimes not-so-beloved Browns wallowing in the quagmire of ineptitude, I thought I’d take a look at the top of the 2016 NFL draft in hopes of getting our spirits in the holiday season.
Looking at what appears to be a consensus of the top 32 players, I came across a few points of interest. Here’s how it breaks down in class . . . One fifth year Senior, five true Seniors, nine redshirt Juniors, sixteen true Juniors (including eight of the top eleven overall) and one redshirt Sophomore. I don’t know about you, but that seems pretty top heavy with underclassmen to me. Granted, the redshirt Juniors have been in their respective programs four full years; so that somewhat balances things out. Here’s the breakdown by conference . . .
SEC (13), Big Ten (6), PAC 12 (4), ACC (3), Big 12 (3), AAC (1) and 2 from Notre Dame; which is (of course) Independent.
Here’s the breakdown by position . . .
Defensive End (6), Defensive Tackle (5), Offensive Tackle (5), Cornerback (4), Quarterback (3), Linebacker (4), Wide Receiver (3) and Running Back (2).
As for predicting an initial mock draft, I’d only try a top ten at this point of the season. That being said, here goes nothing. The draft positions are as of Christmas Eve, 2015.
Tennessee Titans: Joey Bosa – DE – Ohio State. Tennessee already has their quarterback of the future in Marcus Mariota, and many comments have been made concerning the need to protect their investment. All this even after taking Taylor Lewan previously. And while the O-line play needs improvement, I think they’ll see that improvement with two of their current starters getting more seasoning. I also suspect with the new regime will also come a new defensive scheme that will best utilize Bosa’s skills as a pass rusher.
Cleveland Browns: Paxton Lynch – QB – Memphis. Something tells me this selection will not be made by either Ray Farmer or Mike Pettine because they’ll both be relieved of their duties – although nothing is official at this time. Sooner or later (and the sooner, the better) the Browns will cut ties with the diminutive Johnny Manziel (and the three ring circus that comes with it) for a legitimate NFL sized franchise quarterback – much to the dismay of all the Man-zealots out there. At a legitimate 6′-6″ and 240 lbs., Lynch would finally give the Browns a franchise caliber QB capable of reading NFL defenses and making all the required throws from the pocket. He also provides the ability to stretch plays with his mobility inside and outside of the pocket.
Baltimore Ravens: Laremy Tunsil – OT – Mississippi. Ozzie Newsome understands the value of protecting your franchise quarterback, and the best OT in the draft falls into their lap. Sometimes it’s just that simple.
San Diego Chargers: Ronnie Staley – OT – Notre Dame. The Bolts’ issues with their O-line are well documented. Here’s a blue chipper to throw into that mix.
Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Ramsey – CB – Florida State. When it comes to the top talent, you either pick them or you play against them. Choose wisely.
San Francisco 49ers: Jared Goff – QB – California. Colin Kaepernick has digressed to the point where Jaguars draft bust Blaine Gabbert is starting ahead of him. How are the mighty fallen.
Miami Dolphins: Myles Jack – OLB – UCLA. Ndamukong Suh cannot take on the opposing offense all by himself. An O-lineman wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibilities here either.
Jacksonville Jaguars: DeForest Buckner – DE – Oregon. Pass rushers are at a premium in this league, and the Jags need one.
New Orleans Saints: Robert Nkemdiche – DT – Mississippi. The Saints defense has been abysmal this year and they need to put more pressure in the opposing QB’s face.
Chicago Bears: Laquon Treadwell – WR – Mississippi. Giving Jay Cutler another weapon will do wonders for their offense.
Well, there you have it for the ADD/ADHD version of the 2016 NFL mock draft – just a snippet to satisfy your hunger until the regular season is over. Let me know what you think.