Today I release part one of my six part series analyzing the 2016 NFL Draft. Teams drafting 1-5 will be analyzed today, while the other 22 teams will be analyzed over the next few weeks. Each team will receive two levels of analysis; what I would do if I were their General Manager, and what I think that they will do on draft day.
- Tennessee Titians –
If I was the General Manager: Tennessee needs secondary help as well as offensive line help, but I wouldn’t want to draft either of those first overall. If you take a look at recent offensive linemen drafted first or second overall, you will see that the investment simply wasn’t worth it (Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel, Jake Long). And if you look back at history no defensive back has ever been taken with the first overall draft choice. I believe that trend continues this year. I would first look to try and trade this pick. No single player in this draft matches the needs of this team in a way that screams first overall pick. I doubt any team in the NFL would want to make this trade with me; therefore, I would draft Laremy Tunsil with the first pick of the 2016 NFL draft. Last year the Titans drafted Marcus Mariota, and he showed signs of promise (until he got injured). In order to protect Mariota from getting hurt again, and open up lanes for their brand new running back, Demarco Murray, Laremy Tunsil is the obvious choice for me.
Who I think they will pick: Laremy Tunsil. I think they will pick him for the same reason I stated above, to protect Mariota and open up holes for Murray.
- Cleveland Browns –
If I was the General Manager: The list of failed quarterbacks in Cleveland is an anomaly. Cleveland finds a way to ruin every quarterback they draft. The Browns just signed Robert Griffin III, and seem to be set on moving forward with him. I don’t feel extremely confident that any of the top-tier quarterbacks would mesh well with Cleveland. I would then draft Laquon Treadwell with the second overall pick. In doing this Cleveland would get an extremely talented wide receiver who would fill the gap of Josh Gordon, who’s suspension has no end in sight. It would provide a much needed verticle threat for RGIII.
Who I think they will pick: DeForest Buckner. Cleveland is notorious for taking midlevel quarterbacks in the early first round, the most recent of which being Johnny Manziel. The quarterback position is now filled by Robert Griffin III, so I think this might be the year Cleveland passes on a Quaterback. They will instead look to aquire an effective pass rusher to go after Big Ben, Flacco, and Dalton. Buckner is extremely athletic and has very quick feet. His ability to get of the line so quick is why the Browns will take him her instead of the bull rushing Joey Bosa.
- San Diego Chargers –
If I was the General Manager: The offensive line for the Chargers is an absolute mess. The Chargers have had recent runs of success cut short because of trouble along the offensive line. Two years ago the Chargers had a legitimate chance at the AFC West division title, but when their offensive line experienced a little bit of injury turmoil, they fell apart. Assuming Laremy Tunsil doesn’t miraculously fall this far down, I would look to draft Ronnie Stanley. He would provide much needed help and stability along the offensive line, and he is as NFL ready as any prospect available in the draft at any position.
Who I think they will pick: Ronnie Stanley. There is no way around the fact their offensive line is absolutely trash. For the reasons I stated above, Ronnie Stanley should be the pick here.
- Dallas Cowboys –
If I was the General Manager: The Cowboys are in a unique position. They are drafting in the top five, but aren’t a bottom five team. Their two best players (Tony Romo, and Dez Bryant) were out for the majority of the season. Two years ago the Dallas Cowboys were a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They were able to be a contender because they could run the football extremely well, and they weren’t injured. They will be 100% healthy going into this season, but they lack a serious running back. I know they just signed Alfred Morris, but I think he is a better change of pace back than he is a starting running back. I would draft Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas needs to return to the power run game that made them so unbelievably good in 2014. Demarco Murray was incredible in 2014. He was the reason the Dallas Cowboys were one of the NFL’s most feared running games the NFL has seen in the recent years. Ezekiel Elliott is the best power runner available in this draft.
Who I think they will pick: Joey Bosa. Dallas will probably feel okay moving forward with the running backs that they have. I am not sure how Alfred Morris will do, but I do not feel he is the power runner that Dallas needs to return to 2014 form. Dallas will probably look to improve their defensive line and pass rush, and Joey Bosa is the best pass rusher in the draft and maybe even the best overall talent in the draft.
- Jacksonville Jaguars –
If I was the General Manager: Here is a sentence I never thought I would say, “Jacksonville is set at skill positions on offense”. For the first time in a long time, Jacksonville can move into the NFL draft and not focus on offensive skill players. The Jaguars need help in the secondary and they desperately need a pass rusher. They have Dante Fowler coming back off injury, but it would be unfair to put all the pressure on Fowler to deliver quarterback pressure. I would draft Myles Jack. I think drafting Jack gives Jacksonville a golden opportunity to grab another pass rusher to go along side Fowler, and develop a defensive front to be reckoned with for years to come.
Who I think they will pick: Jalen Ramsey. I think a pass rusher is a great option here, but secondary is also a desperate need for the Jaguars. Jalen Ramsey is an extremely versatile athlete who can play safety or cornerback. This will go a long way in helping the Jaguars became a contender. Cannot go wrong with Ramsey or a pass rusher here.