Dallas Cowboys

Mike Reynolds 2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

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  1. Tennessee Titans: Ronnie Stanley, OT Notre Dame
  2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB California
  3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT Ole Miss
  4. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Nkemdiche, DT Ole Miss
  5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, FS/CB FSU
  6. Baltimore Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves, CB Florida
  7. San Francisco 49ers: Joey Bosa, DE Ohio State
  8. Miami Dolphins: Jaylon Smith, ILB Notre Dame
  9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LaQuon Treadwell, WR Ole Miss
  10. New York Giants: Shaq Lawson, EDGE Clemson
  11. Chicago Bears: Deforest Buckner, DE Oregon
  12. New Orleans: Saints: Kenny Clark, NT UCLA
  13. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Doctson, WR TCU
  14. Oakland Raiders: Reggie Ragland, ILB Alabama
  15. St. Louis: Rams: Corey Coleman, WR Baylor
  16. Detroit Lions: A’Shawn Robinson, DT Alabama
  17. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Jack, OLB UCLA
  18. Indianapolis: Colts: Desmond King, CB Iowa
  19. Buffalo Bills: Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State
  20. New York Jets: Ezekiel Elliot, RB Ohio State
  21. Minnesota Vikings: Su’a Cravens, SS/LB
  22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Austin Johnson, NT Penn State
  23. Seattle Seahawks: Sheldon Rankins, DT Louisville
  24. Kansas: City Chiefs: Landon Turner, OG UNC
  25. Washington Redskins: Darian Thompson, FS Boise State
  26. Houston Texans: Connor Cook, QB Michigan State
  27. Green Bay Packers: Jack Conklin, OT Michigan State
  28. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Boyd, WR Pittsburgh
  29. Arizona Cardinals: Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis
  30. Denver Broncos: Jason Spriggs, OT Indiana
  31. Carolina Panthers: Mackensie Alexander, CB Clemson

(New England forfeits their pick)

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Jordan Katz- 2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

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It’s that time of year! With the NFL regular season completed, it is officially mock draft season. We still have a long way to go until the NFL Draft, and most of my analysis of players will change with further scouting. This first mock draft is based on the tape that I’ve seen of guys thus far.

*Seeds 21-32 are based on the team’s records heading into the postseason, while taking seeding into account. For instance, because the Washington Redskins own the 21, the 10-6 Seattle Seahawks got the 23, not the 10-6 Green Bay Packers. In terms of the matchups where the teams have the same record, the higher seed gets the later pick.

 ROUND ONE

1) Tennessee Titans- Ronnie Stanley, OT Notre Dame- The Titans need defensive help, and they could go there with this pick. However, I don’t think Joey Bosa is a good scheme fit here, and taking a safety like Jalen Ramsey is a bit of a reach.

Stanley gives the Titans two bookend tackles to protect their franchise quarterback, Marcus Mariota.

2) Cleveland Browns- Jared Goff, QB California- Goff is the only quarterback in this draft class that I gave a first round grade. While I do think this is a major reach, the Browns are so desperate for a franchise quarterback.

3) San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, OT Ole Miss- The Chargers couldn’t block for Phillip Rivers at all this season, so offensive line is definitely a need. Tunsil is one of the top players in this draft because of his size and athleticism at tackle.

4) Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DE Ohio State- I highly doubt the Cowboys bring back Greg Hardy next year. Therefore, even though they have Randy Gregory waiting, they need a pass rusher.

Bosa is the best player in the draft, in my opinion. His ability to stop the run, and rush off the edge makes him an outstanding collegiate prospect.

5) Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, CB/S Florida State- This seems like a match made in heaven. The Jaguars need a game changing secondary player, and Ramsey can fix a need at corner or free safety, depending on how Gus Bradley wants to use him.

6) Baltimore Ravens- Desmond King, CB Iowa- Most have the top corner in this draft as Vernon Hargreaves, but I think King has the ability to be a shut down corner. His ability to mirror receivers and play man-to-man defense is incredibly impressive. I think he would be a terrific addition to the Ravens secondary.

7) San Francisco 49ers- Vernon Hargreaves, CB Florida- Yes, the Niners need a quarterback. However, if they draft one here it would be completely unnecessary and a massive reach.

Hargreaves is the best player available at a position of need. He plays solid in both zone and man, and possesses great instincts. The Niners take him, and address quarterback with their next pick.

8) Miami Dolphins- Myles Jack, OLB UCLA- A few days ago this pick would’ve been Jaylon Smith. However, with his knee injury pending diagnosis, the Dolphins take Jack instead.

Jack is an interesting scout because I’ve never seen a player quite like him. His athleticism is unexplainable, but he doesn’t jump off the page in terms of the amount of plays he makes. Having said that, he’s terrific in coverage and disciplined versus the run, so I expect him to have a long, productive career.

9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Laquon Treadwell, WR Ole Miss- I have Treadwell and Josh Doctson neck and neck right now for my top wide receiver in this draft. In terms of this pick, Treadwell is a little more polished, which is why I have him here instead of Doctson.

10) St. Louis Rams via New York Giants- Josh Doctson, WR TCU- I think the Giants are a team that could move up or down in this draft, depending on how the board falls. In this case, they have plenty of options, so they can afford to slide down.

The Rams desperately need a true number one wide receiver and I think Doctson has that ability. He’s incredible when the ball is in the air, and his route running is significantly better than people think.

11) Chicago Bears- DeForest Buckner, DE Oregon- This pick is easy. The Bears need defensive line help desperately. Buckner is not only a game changing defensive player, but he’s the only 3-4 defensive end worthy of a first round selection.

12) New Orleans Saints- Kenny Clark, NT UCLA- The Saints should take the best player available that plays defense and fits their scheme. For me, that’s Kenny Clark. He’s a space eating nose tackle and he will help New Orleans stop the run.

13) Seattle Seahawks via Philadelphia Eagles- Robert Nkemdiche, DT Ole Miss- This could be a home run deal for Seattle, but let’s start with the Eagles decision to move down. I think Philadelphia should look to trade out on draft day. The personnel they possess are unlikely to match with the incoming head coach. If they find the right deal, they should take it.

Seattle is going to need a replacement for Brandon Mebane, who should leave via free agency. Nkemdiche has the talent of a top five player in this draft. If his off the field issues can be silenced, this could be a massive addition to the Seahawks defense.

14) Oakland Raiders- Mackensie Alexander, CB Clemson- Alexander can be an immediate boost to the Raiders secondary. He can play in the slot, as well as on the outside, and his technique is what allows him to be strong at both.

15) New York Giants via St. Louis Rams- Shaq Lawson, DE Clemson- The Giants could not have played this draft better. They trade down, pick up an extra draft pick, and still select the game changing pass rusher they would have taken at the 10.

16) Detroit Lions- A’Shawn Robinson, DT Alabama- The Lions need to get better on defense, and A’Shawn Robinson can produce from day one. He’s an athletic defensive tackle who stops the run very well. He does have some developing to do, but he’s going to contribute right away.

17) Atlanta Falcons- Jaylon Smith, OLB Notre Dame- This may not please Falcons fans who want a defensive player that can play right away, but at some point you just take talent and figure it out later.

Smith has top five talent, so even if his knee injury is bad, he should still be a first round pick. After all, Todd Gurley missed four games to start the year, and he went 10th.

18) Indianapolis Colts- Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE Oklahoma State- Anything on defense for the Colts will do just fine here on draft day. Ogbah has good speed off the edge and can help bolster Indy’s pass rush.

19) Buffalo Bills- Jonathan Bullard, EDGE Florida- It sounds like Buffalo is going to cut Mario Williams, which makes edge rusher a priority. Bullard has the versatility to line up on the edge and inside the tackles, something Rex Ryan values in a defensive player.

20) New York Jets- Ezekiel Elliott, RB Ohio State- For Jets fans wondering why this pick isn’t a quarterback, don’t overreact to one game. Ryan Fitzpatrick played excellent this season, and deserves to be back under center next year (especially during a year where the quarterback class in the draft is below average).

‘Zeke Elliott would be a terrific replacement for Chris Ivory, a free agent to be. His size and athleticism make him tough to bring down, and he’s more of a “do-it-all,” back than he gets credit for.

21) Washington Redskins- Reggie Ragland, ILB Alabama- The Redskins could use a middle linebacker that can do… well, anything. Ragland covers well, and has great range from sideline to sideline. Plus, and I can’t stress this enough, his presence would mean the benching of Mason Foster. That is what you call a great draft pick.

22) Houston Texans- Carson Wentz, QB North Dakota State- The easy answer here is to give Bill O’Brien his Penn State quarterback, Christian Hackenburg. However, I think Wentz is actually a better fit for what Houston wants to do.

Wentz has great size and arm strength, just like Hackenburg. Where I think Wentz separates himself is his accuracy and mobility. Wentz showed better touch on tape, and he’s also the most mobile quarterback among the top five.

Since the Texans can afford to let both learn while playing (they’re 9-7 with four different quarterbacks), I think Wentz should be the selection on draft day.

23) Philadelphia Eagles via Seattle Seahawks- Corey Coleman, WR Baylor- Even though the Eagles drafted Nelson Agholor last season, they should still look for a playmaker at receiver.

Coleman was a beast this season at Baylor, but it’s his sharp cuts and route running ability that makes me think he can succeed in the NFL.

24) San Francisco 49ers via Pittsburgh Steelers- Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis- The Steelers don’t take first round cornerbacks, which means that there isn’t much for them to do here except trade down.

In terms of the Niners selection, Lynch is an interesting case. On the one hand, he’s massive, with great mobility, and a cannon for an arm.

On the other hand, his accuracy is questionable, and he has a tendency to force throws.

I think he’s got good upside, but he’s a work in progress for sure.

25) Green Bay Packers- Carl Lawson, EDGE Auburn- I really liked the Packers defense when they had Clay Matthews at inside linebacker. Lawson’s pass rushing ability off the edge would allow Matthews to go back to being a menace in the middle of the field.

26) Kansas City Chiefs- Leontae Carroo, WR Rutgers- It might be too much to ask of the Chiefs to add a wide out in consecutive years. However, I am running this draft based on what I would do.

Carroo seems like a very good fit in Andy Reid’s offense. He’s a solid route runner who does great things with the ball in his hands. He also has big play ability, something the Chiefs currently are missing in their offense.

27) Minnesota Vikings- Michael Thomas, WR Ohio State- Thomas has a tendency to commit some bad focus drops, but he’s a strong route runner and makes plays with the ball in his hands, two traits that are vital in Norv Turner’s current offense.

28) Cincinnati Bengals- Austin Johnson, DT/NT Penn State- Austin Johnson could be a terrific fit in Cincy. He’s a nose tackle that has the athleticism to pass rush out of a zero tech in a 4-3. Domata Peko, the Bengals current zero tech, is a like cap casualty that would save the Bengals close to four million dollars.

29) New England Patriots- (Forefeit)

30) Arizona Cardinals- Christian Hackenburg, QB Penn State- Carson Palmer isn’t getting any younger, and his backup will have to be taken eventually. Hackenburg had an awful final two seasons at Penn State, but James Franklin’s system didn’t benefit his skill set. If he gets an opportunity to sit and learn during his first NFL season, he could become the star that scouts thought he was going to be.

31) Denver Broncos- Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State- Decker has limited upside, but he’s a good option at right tackle right away. The Broncos are desperate for offensive line help, so this fit makes sense.

32) Carolina Panthers- Tre’Davius White, CB LSU- Josh Norman has been unbelievable this season, but his counterpart, Bene Benwikere, is probably best served as a nickel corner. White would give them some cornerback depth, and another solid man cover guy.

 

TRADES

1) St. Louis Rams trade the #15 and the #79 to the New York Giants for the #10.

2) Seattle Seahawks trade the #23, #55 and a 2017 4th rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for the #13.

3) San Francisco trades the #39 and the #71 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the #24.

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2015 NFL Draft Grades: NFC

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One of the best sports weekends ever has come and went, and with it, the NFL Draft has been completed. The NFL Draft has become a spectacle in recent years, and while some fans may not know every player their favorite team selected, every fan has the same question after the draft ends. “How did my team do?” Well, here are my 2015 NFL Draft Grades for the NFC teams.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys (C)

Picks: CB Byron Jones (27th), DE Randy Gregory (60th), OG Chaz Green (91st), LB Damien Wilson (127th), DE Ryan Russell (163rd), LB Mark Nzeocha (236th), OL Laurence Gibson (243rd), TE Goeff Swain (246th)- The Cowboys messed up this draft by not addressing their need for a number one running back. This draft class was incredibly deep at running back and they managed to not get one. Now, Byron Jones and Randy Gregory are both good value picks and good fits in the Cowboys scheme. Other than that, this draft had no value, and failed to address their biggest need.

New York Giants (B-)

Picks: OT Ereck Flowers (9th), S Landon Collins (33rd), DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa (74th), S Mykkele Thompson (144th), WR Geremy Davis (186th), OL Bobby Hart (226th)- The Giants draft was really hot and cold for me. They got two impact defensive players in Digi and Landon Collins. However, I had Ereck Flowers with a second round grade, and the Giants drafted him in the top ten. They also didn’t get any day three value picks. Despite this, Collins and Digi keep this draft at a decent grade.

Washington Redskins (C-)

Picks: OT Brandon Scherff (5th), DE/OLB Preston Smith (38th), RB Matt Jones (95th), WR Jamison Crowder (105th), OG Arie Kouandijo (112th), LB Martell Spaight (141st), S Kyshoen Jarrett (181st), CB Tevin Mitchel (182nd), WR Evan Spencer (187th), C Austin Reiter (222nd)- Everyone has debated Brandon Scherff over Leonard Williams for over a week now, and I can’t help but agree. Scherff is better suited as a guard, and I have a hard time justifying a guard in the top five. Preston Smith rated well for me as a 3-4 defensive end, assuming he bulks up, so I have no problem with that pick. After that though, I have a problem with the whole draft. Matt Jones was beyond a reach, Jamison Crowder had an incredibly poor day at the combine, and there were no value picks in rounds four through seven.

Philadelphia Eagles (B-)

Picks: WR Nelson Agholor (20th), CB/S Eric Rowe (47th), LB Jordan Hicks (84th), CB JaCorey Sheperd (191st), CB Randall Evans (196th), DE Brian Mihalik (237th)- The Eagles hit a home run with Nelson Agholor, who will be dynamic in Chip Kelly’s offense. I did have Jaelen Strong slightly higher than Agholor, but the margin was so close that I have no objection to the Eagles taking Agholor. Eric Rowe may have been a bit of a reach, but the Eagles desperately need secondary help. Rowe can play both corner and safety, and the Eagles need both. Again, not a lot of value late, but the Eagles had two big needs, and addressed them both. I’ll also be the first to say, it’s a good thing they didn’t give the farm for Marcus Mariota. It would’ve been way too much and they might need those picks if the Chip Kelly experiment fails.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers (B-)

Picks: S Damarious Randall (30th), CB Quinten Rollins (62nd), WR Ty Montgomery (94th), OLB Jake Ryan (129th), QB Brett Hundley (147th), FB Aaron Ripkowski (206th), DE Christian Ringo (210th), TE Kennard Backman (213th)- The Packers draft kind of puzzled me. They needed someone in the middle of their defense to help stop the run, and the failed to address that. Their first round selection was a free ranging cover safety who can play both cover one and cover two. What’s odd about it is that I’m not talking about last year’s selection of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. I think Damarious Randall is a solid fit in the Packers scheme because they play double high, but I think it limits Clinton-Dix’s ability to roam the field. Quinten Rollins was a great pick. I think he has great upside and he can immediately be a nickel cornerback. The Packers draft will hinge on their third and fourth round picks. Montgomery was a highly touted prospect, but he struggled in his last year at Stanford. Ryan is a fiery player who plays hard on every down and can get to the passer. If both pan out, this could prove to be a big draft class. If not, this draft will hinge upon Randall’s success (and potentially Hundley’s).

Minnesota Vikings (A-)

Picks: CB Trae Waynes (11th), ILB Eric Kendricks (45th), DE Danielle Hunter (88th), OT T.J Clemmings (110th), TE MyCole Pruitt (143rd), WR Stefon Diggs (146th), OL Tyrus Thompson (185th), DE B.J Dubose (193rd), OL Austin Shepherd (228th), LB Edmond Robinson (232nd)- If I could give a draft an “A” in this draft class, this would be one of the ones I would give it to. Unfortunately, this draft class didn’t have enough talent for me to give an “A.” Waynes is a necessity opposite Xavier Rhodes, and even though he was a bit of a reach for me, it was a need. Eric Kendricks is an impact linebacker, something the Vikings have needed for a while. Danielle Hunter was better served in a 3-4, but he’s a good edge rusher and needs some time to develop anyway (in that time he can bulk up). Clemmings fell in the draft, but the Vikings were the beneficiaries of that when they scooped him in the fourth round. MyCole Pruitt had a great combine and shows some serious upside, and Stefon Diggs has a ton of upside as well, despite the fact he didn’t produce at Maryland. This was an incredible draft.

Chicago Bears (A-)

Picks: WR Kevin White (7th), NT Eddie Goldman (39th), C Hroniss Grasu (71st), RB Jeremy Langford (106th) S Adrian Amos (142nd), OL Tayo Fabuluje (183rd)- This is another draft I would give an “A” to, but as I previously stated I don’t think there was enough talent in the draft class to give anyone an “A.” The Bears got their impact wide receiver and their starting nose tackle of the future in the first two rounds. They added a starting center and a power back to compliment Matt Forte. The only place they may have missed is not having enough picks to find all the talent in this draft. New General Manager Ryan Pace is off to a great start in the windy city.

Detroit Lions (B)

Picks: OG Laken Tomlinson (28th), RB Ameer Abdullah (54th), CB Alex Carter (80th), DT Gabe Wright (113th), FB Michael Burton (168th), CB Quandre Diggs (200th), OL Corey Robinson (240th)- The Lions had an interesting draft. They addressed their big needs (guard, running back, cornerback, defensive tackle), however some of their picks were reaches. Tomlinson is a solid player, but he was a reach. Alex Carter is a decent cover corner, but, he was a reach as well. Still, it was a solid draft class for Detroit.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons (B+)

Picks: OLB Vic Beasley (8th), CB Jalen Collins (42nd), RB Tevin Coleman (73rd), WR Justin Hardy (107th), DT/NT Grady Jarrett (137th), OL Jake Rodgers (225th), DB Akeem King (249th)- The Falcons had a great draft, minus Jalen Collins. Their first round pick, Vic Beasley, is the impact pass rusher they have needed for years. Tevin Coleman will compete for the starting job as early as day one. Justin Hardy will immediately replace Harry Douglas in the slot, and Grady Jarrett is good rotational depth for Paul Soliai in the middle of the Falcons defense. Jalen Collins is the only thing that prevents this draft from being an “A-minus.”

Carolina Panthers (C-)

Picks: OLB Shaq Thompson (25th), WR Devin Funchess (41st), OL Daryl Williams (102nd), LB David Mayo (169th), RB Cameron Artis-Payne (174th)- The Panthers draft started off great. Many people think that Shaq Thompson was a reach, but I love his versatility. He can cover a tight end one on one, and stops the run well. It may not have been a true need, but he will replace A.J Klein from day one. After that, the draft takes a nosedive. Funchess was not only a reach, but he’s a project because of his drops and incomplete route tree. Daryl Williams is a positional need, but I don’t think he has great value, and David Mayo was just unnecessary. Overall, this was a sub par draft.

New Orleans Saints (B)

Picks: OT Andrus Peat (13th), ILB Stephone Anthony (31st), OLB Hau’oli Kikaha (44th), QB Garrett Grayson (75th), CB P.J Williams (78th), ILB Davis Tull (148th), NT Tyeler Davidson (154th), CB Damian Swann (167th), RB Marcus Murphy (230th)- I thought the Saints had a solid draft. Their first four picks were exactly what they needed. Peat will allow Zach Strief to go to guard, where he will presumably be more effective. Anthony was one of my favorite players in the draft, and he will be well worth the first round selection. Kikaha is a solid edge rusher and Grayson could be the quarterback of the future. Grayson was one of two quarterbacks in this draft that I thought could become a starter after sitting a few years. After that, the draft was below average. P.J Williams has upside, but throughout his career at Florida State I saw a corner who wouldn’t produce in the NFL. There weren’t any late round value picks either, but I still thought this was a solid draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (B)

Picks: QB Jameis Winston (1st), OT/OG Donovan Smith (34th), OG Ali Marpet (61st), ILB Kwon Alexander (124th), WR Kenny Bell (162nd), WR Kaelin Clay (184th), RB Joey Iosefa (231st)- The Buccaneers draft after Jameis Winston may not have sparkled, but it was affective. Donovan Smith could prove to be a good right tackle, and if nothing else he should make a smooth transition to guard. Ali Marpet will probably be the offensive tackle that transitions to guard, and I expect him to do it well. The Bucs also added Kwon Alexander, who has the potential to shine in Lovie Smith’s defense. I think the Buccaneers did a good job of getting better this offseason.

NFC West

St. Louis Rams (D)

Picks: RB Todd Gurley (10th), OT Rob Havenstein (57th), OL Jamon Brown (72nd), QB Sean Mannion (89th), OL Andrew Donnal (119th), WR Bud Sasser (201st), OL Cody Wichmann (215th), LB Bryce Hager (224th), DE Martin Ifedi (227th)- This draft is pathetic minus Gurley and Havenstein, and amazingly their two good picks were reaches. I’m just moving on to the next team.

San Francisco 49ers (B)

Picks: DE Arik Armstead (17th), SS Jaquiski Tartt (46th), OLB Eli Harold (79th), TE Blake Bell (117th), RB Mike Davis (126th), WR DeAndre Smelter (132nd), P Bradley Pinion (165th), OL Ian Silberman (190th), OL Trenton Brown (244th), TE Busta Anderson (254th)- Like the Saints, the Niners first four picks were solid. Armstead has a lot of upside, and despite the fact he is raw, I had him at a first round grade. Tartt and Harold will also be impact defensive players, especially Eli Harold, who was a steal in round three. I even like the Niners drafting the quarterback turned tight end in Blake Bell. There wasn’t a lot of value late, but the Niners draft was solid.

Arizona Cardinals (B)

Picks: OT D.J Humphries (24th), OLB Markus Golden (58th), RB David Johnson (86th), OL Rodney Gunter (116th), OLB Shaquille Riddick (158th), WR J.J Nelson (159th), TE Gerald Christian (256th)- Many people love the Cardinals draft, but I’m not as impressed as most. I like D.J Humphries, but I still think he’s a right tackle, and not the best tackle in the draft. Markus Golden is absolutely useless. I don’t see what everyone else does in him. David Johnson was a great pick, however. Johnson could wind up be the starting guard as early as this season. I actually really liked the J.J Nelson selection as well, even if the Cardinals don’t need a receiver right now. Don’t get me wrong, the Cardinals draft is good, but I don’t think it was great.

Seattle Seahawks (C-)

Picks: DE Frank Clark (63rd), WR Tyler Lockett (69th), OL Terry Poole (130th), OL Mark Glowsinki (134th), CB Tye Smith (170th), DE Obum Gwacham (209th), DT Kristjan Sokoli (214th) S Ryan Murphy (248th)- Like the St. Louis Rams, this draft isn’t worth talking about it, minus Tyler Lockett. Having said that, I can’t give this worse than a “C-minus” because they did turn one of their picks in a horrifically weak draft class into Jimmy Graham.

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