10 Thoughts on Round 1 of the NFL Draft

Well, last night was a weird first round.  Between attempted blackmail, prospects falling, cut off dress shirts, reaches, and the Cowboys, a lot of unexpected things went down.  Here are the 10 big takeaways I had from Draft Night 1, and none of them involve the QBs taken at 1 or 2.

1.  The Cowboys went for star power over need.  Don't get me wrong here- Ezekiel Elliot is a great prospect.  Hands down the best back coming out of college.  Yet he doesn't fit any real need on Dallas.  They have Darren McFadden and added my man Alfred Morris.  That should be more than enough to keep their high powered offense going, if Romo can stay healthy of course.  What they needed was help on the defense.  They were middle of the road in every sense of the word last year, and they have lost Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory.  I get that Joey Bosa went to the Chargers and he should have been the pick, but Jalen Ramsey or Deforest Buckner would have filled a bigger need that Elliot.

2.  That was an interesting evening for Laremy Tunsil, huh?  10 minutes before the draft starts, someone hacks his account and posts an old video of him smoking weed out of a gas mask.  Suddenly, he sees Ronnie Stanley and Jack Conklin get taken before him, and the presumptive #1 pick a month ago falls to #13.  He lost millions of dollars.  Next, the hackers post text messages of him asking coaches at Ole Miss for money to pay for his mother's electric bill.  The idiocy of NCAA players not getting paid aside, this means Tunsil had to address those questions after being drafted, and said he did get money from them.  I am unsure if this is different from the event which led to his suspension for improper benefits, but it is still a concern for a team.  Now, however, he claims to be drug and issue free.  For his sake, I hope so.  South Beach isn't the best place for a guys with issues.  The Dolphins are taking a risk on an extremely talented kid.  If his issues are only with the NCAA rules and not with the NFL going forward, then getting Tunsil at 13 was a steal.

3.  The first pick for the 49ers under Chip Kelly seemed to make some sense.  DeForest Buckner is a great talent, played at Oregon, and fits a need.  To be honest, the 49ers have needs everywhere.  So I have no issue with that pick.  I am extraordinarily confused, however, with trading back into the 1st round to take Joshua Garnett, the guard from Stanford.  He or Cody Whitehair (who I like more) would have been there in the 2nd Round where they were picking (pick 37 overall).  With all the great defensive talent that fell, there wasn't going to be a run on guards.  To give up two picks, including a second, to move up was foolish.

4.  Speaking of reaches, everyone seems to dislike the Giants pick of Eli Apple at 10. I had him going at 13, so it wasn't as much of a stretch to me.  Where I had the problem was that they could have taken Vernon Hargreaves, or fit a more important need, like taking Tunsil to keep Eli Manning upright.  If they were able, they could have traded back and probably still gotten Apple.  Like I said, not as much of a stretch for me, but at least they now lead the NFL in guys named Eli.

5.  The Titans won Round 1.  By trading back from the #1 pick, they got a mighty haul, including a 1st and 3rd next year from the Rams.  Then, they were still able to move up and get Jack Conklin, one of the top 3 tackles in the Draft.  There is no denying Conklin's ability- just look at how good Michigan State was both running and passing behind him.  He handled the likes of Bosa and Buckner quite easily.  The question was where he was graded vs Tunsil.  It seems like it was close enough that Tunsil's red flags pushed Conklin past him, since Conklin in an ultimate character guy.  Now the Titans have him and Taylor Lewan entrenched at OT for years to come, making sure their franchise QB Marcus Mariota stays upright and healthy.  A great draft so far.

6.  Something about Ole Miss players and character issues, huh?  Robert Nkemdiche's off the field issues were apparently supposed to cost him his chance at being drafted in Round 1.  The Cardinals felt differently, and got a Top 5 talent (when he wants to play) at pick 29.  Paired with Calais Campbell and Chandler Jones, Nkemdiche could make the Cardinals D-line the best in football.  But the issues off the field for Robert (and possibly Jones too) have to be monitored.  Its a boom or bust pick.  If he can concentrate on the job paying him millions of dollars, then he should make fans in Arizona very happy.

7.  Myles Jack is still on the board.  This shocks me.  I understand that he has some fairly significant questions about his knee.  I also know he is a Top 10 talent.  This isn't necessarily like Jaylon Smith, where teams aren't sure he'd ever be able to run at a high level again.  Jack is running right now.  The question is whether or not he needs microfracture surgery down the road.  Now that he has fallen to Round 2, I think he is a complete steal.  Long-term durability can be a concern for a guy in Round 1.  Round 2, it is more than worth the risk.  Expect Jack to be off the board fast.  I'd personally like it (for my team) if he fell to the Redskins, but he won't last that long.

8.  There was a run on WRs in the early 20s.  The Texans traded up 1 pick (just to make sure another team didn't?) to draft speedster Will Fuller out of Notre Dame.  The Redskins, now at pick 22, surprised everyone and took Josh Doctson from TCU, perhaps the most complete WR in the draft.  I was very confused at first.  WR isn't the biggest need the team had, but when a player like that comes to you, what harm is there in adding another weapon.  Plus, Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson will both be free agents after the 2016 season.  I doubt Washington will keep both of them, and even re-signing one may not be possible.  Doctson comes in, can gain experience behind those veterans, then team with Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed, and Kirk Cousins to form an excellent young passing attach.  The Vikings didn't have to move at all and still got Laquon Treadwell from Ole Miss.  They have Stefon Diggs as a deep threat, but needed that Anquan Boldin-type possession WR.  Treadwell should build a great chemistry with Teddy Bridgewater.  The surprise WR pick was Baylor's Corey Coleman to the Browns at 15.  I'd put Coleman as the #4 WR at best, and had Cleveland getting him in the 2nd Round.  He doesn't run routes well, and had too many drops in college.  However, his speed and playmaking ability is undeniable, and he certainly fits a massive need for the Browns.  Maybe RG3 convinced them to reach for his fellow Baylor Bear instead of going with a safer pick like Doctson or Treadwell?

9.  The Broncos found their QB of the future, and his name is Brock Osweiler 2.0... I mean Paxton Lynch.  Yes, the man who is comparable to Osweiler in his measurable is now under the tutelage of John Elway and Gary Kubiak.  I thought the best spot for Paxton would be the Cardinals, since he has to sit for a while and learn how to play the NFL game.  Now, unless the Broncos are prepared to enter the season with Mark Sanchez as their starter, they are going to have to throw the kid to the fire sooner than expected.  Lynch has all the physical tools and a great mindset.  The issues is adjusting to the NFL game.  A Super Bowl championship certainly buys the franchise some time to take calculated risks, and this was a 6'7" one.

10.  There are still some great players available.  Myles Jack, Jarran Reed, A'Shawn Robinson, Andrew Billings, Reggie Ragland, Mackensie Alexander, Noah Spence, Vonn Bell... And that's just on defense!  Heisman winner Derrick Henry is on the board.  My top guard Cody Whitehair is still there too.  QBs like Connor Cook and Christian Hackenberg need a home.  A lot of talented guys will hear there names called on Day 2.


Hope you enjoyed last night's weirdness.  Rounds 2 and 3 start tonight at 7 pm ET.  I'll try to type up my reactions tomorrow tonight or during Day 3.  Have a great weekend everyone!

JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 7

Here it is.  The end of the line, and of weeks of work.  Round 7.  Thank you all for reading.

Round 7

1 (222). Tennessee Titans- Aaron Green, RB, TCU

2 (223). Cleveland Browns- Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Miss

3 (224). San Diego Chargers- Kevin Peterson, CB, Oklahoma State

4 (225). Seattle Seahawks- Mike Bercovici, QB, Arizona State

5 (226). Jacksonville Jaguars- Trae Elston, S, Ole Miss

6 (227). Miami Dolphins- Deiondre' Hall, CB, Northern Iowa

7 (228). Denver Broncos- David Morgan II, TE, Texas-San Antonio

8 (229). Pittsburgh Steelers- Darion Griswold, TE, Arkansas State

9 (230). Chicago Bears- Pearce Slater, OT, San Diego State

10 (231). Miami Dolphins- Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan

11 (232). Washington Redskins- DJ Pettway, DE, Alabama

12 (233). Philadelphia Eagles- Nile Lawrence-Stample, DE, Florida State

13 (234). Oakland Raiders- Caleb Bennenoch, OT, UCLA

14 (235). New York Jets- LeShaun Simms, CB, Southern Utah

15 (236). Detroit Pistons- Parker Ehinger, OG, Cincinnati

16 (237). New Orleans Saints- Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Drew Brees won't be there forever.  It may be time to find his heir.

17 (238). Atlanta Falcons- Jordan Walsh, OG, Iowa

18 (239). Indianapolis Colts- Jake Rudock, QB, Michigan
Jim Harbaugh's old QB now gets backed up by his most recent QB.

19 (240). Minnesota Vikings- DJ Foster, RB, Arizona State

20 (241). New York Jets- Clayton Fejedelem, S, Illinois

21 (242). Washington Redskins- Luke Rhodes, ILB, William & Mary

22 (243). New England Patriots- Jake Coker, QB, Alabama

23 (244). Minnesota Vikings- Cre'von LeBlanc, CB, Florida Atlantic

24 (245). Cincinnati Bengals- Antwione Williams, OLB, Georgia Southern

25 (246). Pittsburgh Steelers- Anthony Zettel, DT/DE, Penn State

26 (247). Seattle Seahawks- Dan Vitale, FB/HB/TE, Northwestern

27 (248). Green Bay Packers- Tre Madden, RB, USC

28 (249). Kansas City Chiefs- Nick Richter, OT, Richmond

29 (250). New England Patriots- Nila Kasitati, OG, Oklahoma

30 (251). Philadelphia Eagles- Elijah Shumate, S, Notre Dame

31 (252). Carolina Panthers- Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon

32 (253). Denver Broncos- Chris Swain, FB, Navy



That's it!  All 7 rounds in the books!  Thank you so much for following along.  Most of these picks will be wrong.  Some will be right.  I hope that your team gets better, and that your favorite players from college find a place in the NFL.  Enjoy the 2016 NFL Draft everyone!

JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 6

Almost done.  Here we go.

Round 6

1 (176). Cleveland Browns- Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas

2 (177). Los Angeles Rams- Austin Blyth, OC, Iowa

3 (178). San Francisco 49ers- Ben Braunecker, TE, Harvard

4 (179). San Diego Chargers- Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple

5 (180). Minnesota Vikings- De'Vondre Campbell, OLB, Minnesota

6 (181). Jacksonville Jaguars- Ron Thompson, DE, Syracuse
First Orangeman gone!  Hope at least one guy from my Alma Mater is taken.

7 (182). Baltimore Ravens- Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook

8 (183). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA

9 (184). New York Giants- Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State

10 (185). Chicago Bears- Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State

11 (186). Miami Dolphins- Jared Norris, ILB, Utah

12 (187). Washington Redskins- Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford
The Skins need to develop a young QB just in case Kirk doesn't pan out. Bringing in a local product (Hail Gonzaga!) would be a smart move.

13 (188). Philadelphia Eagles- Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois

14 (189). Dallas Cowboys- Cody Core, WR, Ole Miss

15 (190). Los Angeles Rams- DeMarcus Robinson, WR, Florida

16 (191). Detroit Lions- Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State

17 (192). Buffalo Bills- Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech

18 (193). Tennessee Titans- Rees Odhiambo, OG, Boise State

19 (194). Oakland Raiders- Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State

20 (195). Houston Texans- Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky

21 (196). New England Patriots- Romeo Okwara, DE, Notre Dame

22 (197). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia

23 (198). San Diego Chargers- DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech

24 (199). Cincinnati Bengals- De"Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State

25 (200). Green Bay Packers- Donte Deayon, CB, Boise State

26 (201). Jacksonville Jaguars- Avery Young, OT, Auburn

27 (202). Detroit Lions- Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana

28 (203). Kansas City Chiefs- DJ Reader, DT, Clemson

29 (204). New England Patriots- Jordan Lucas, S, Penn State

30 (205). Arizona Cardinals- Kyle Friend, OC, Temple

31 (206). Chicago Bears- James Crowder, DE, Southern Utah

32 (207). San Francisco- Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia

33 (208). New England Patriots- Jayden Mickens, WR, Washington

34 (209). Baltimore Ravens- Geronimo Allison, WR, Illinois

35 (210). Detroit Lions- Dadi Lhomme Nicolas, OLB, Virginia Tech

36 (211). San Francisco 49ers- Cody Kessler, QB, USC
I know, I had them take Hackenberg.  I don't trust him, and Kessler would provide an experienced alternative who was a winner in college.

37 (212). Dallas Cowboys- Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia

38 (213). San Francisco 49ers- Adam Gotsis, DT, Georgia Tech

39 (214). New England Patriots- Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia

40 (215). Seattle Seahawks- Joe Thuney, OG, NC State

41 (216). Dallas Cowboys- Tyrius Powell, S, Ohio State

42 (217). Dallas Cowboys- Henry Kriegercoble, TE, Iowa

43 (218). Buffalo Bills- Ka'imi Fairbairn, K, UCLA

44 (219). Denver Broncos- Kavon Frazier, S, Central Michigan

45 (220). Pittsburgh Steelers- Aziz Shittu, DE, Stanford

46 (221). New England Patriots- Keenan Reynolds, RB/WR/QB, Navy
The best player in NCAA last year gets his name called by one of the premier franchises.  He deserves to be drafted, and could be the next great weapon for the Patriots.  They also need all the positive press they can get.


Almost done.  One more round to go.

JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 5

Another day, another round of the Draft.  After all, its only one more sleep til Draft Day!

Round 5

1 (140). Tennessee Titans- Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah

2 (141). Cleveland Browns- Evan Boehm, OC, Missouri

3 (142). San Francisco 49ers- Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama

4 (143). Oakland Raiders- Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford

5 (144). Denver Broncos- Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa

6 (145). San Francisco 49ers- Malick Collins, DT, Nebraska

7 (146). Jacksonville Jaguars- Bralon Addison, WR, Oregon

8 (147). Miami Dolphins- Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina

9 (148). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska

10 (149). New York Giants- Jayron Kearse, S, Clemson

11 (150). Chicago Bears- Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
He would have been a 1st Round pick if he came out after winning the National Championship. Now he goes late, but gets to sit behind Jay Cutler for a bit and refine his game. If Cutler struggles, the Bears fans may start clamoring for Jones.

12 (151). Detroit Lions- Harlan Miller, CB, SE Louisiana

13 (152). New Orleans Saints- Travis Feeney, OLB, Washington

14 (153). Philadelphia Eagles- Kevon Seymour, CB, USC

15 (154). Oakland Raiders- Roger Lewis, WR, Bowling Green

16 (155). Indianapolis Colts- DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, William & Mary

17 (156). Buffalo Bills- Briean Boddy-Calhoun, CB, Minnesota

18 (157). Denver Broncos- James Bradberry, CB, Samford

19 (158). Washington Redskins- KJ Dillon, S, West Virginia

20 (159). Houston Texans- Morgan Burns, CB, Kansas State

21 (160). Minnesota Vikings- Tom Hackett, P, Utah
Punters are people too!

22 (161). Cincinnati Bengals- Justin Simmons, S, Boston College

23 (162). Kansas City Chiefs- Jocoby Brissett, QB, NC State

24 (163). Green Bay Packers- Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia

25 (164). Philadelphia Eagles- Denver Kirkland, OG, Arkansas

26 (165). Kansas City Chiefs- CJ Prosise, RB, Notre Dame

27 (166). Houston Texans- Daniel Lasco, RB, Cal

28 (167). Arizona Cardinals- Glenn Gronkowski, FB/HB/TE, Kansas State
Mini Gronk goes to add even more weapons to an explosive Cardinals offense.

29 (168). Carolina Panthers- Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State

30 (169). Detroit Lions- Kelvin Ferguson, RB, Florida

31 (170). Arizona Cardinals- Jatavis Brown, OLB, Akron

32 (171). Seattle Seahawks- Paul McRoberts, WR, SE Missouri State

33 (172). Cleveland Browns- Tavon Young, CB, Temple

34 (173). Cleveland Browns- Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU
Winner of the "Name of the Draft" award

35 (174). San Francisco 49ers- Kevin Crawley, CB, Colorado

36 (175). San Diego Chargers- Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State


Only two more rounds to go!  Has your favorite college player gone yet?  Where will all the remaining QBs go?  We'll find out shortly.

JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 4

Keep rolling along.

Round 4

1 (99). Cleveland Browns- Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

2 (100). Cleveland Browns- Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
I love this guy.  Outside of Zeke Eliiot, the best all-purpose back in the draft in my opinion.

3 (101). Dallas Cowboys- Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame

4 (102). San Diego Chargers- Leonte Carrou, WR, Rutgers

5 (103). Jacksonville Jaguars- Spencer Drango, OG, Baylor

6 (104). Baltimore Ravens- Cole Toner, OT, Harvard

7 (105). San Francisco 49ers- Tyler Matakevich, ILB, Temple

8 (106). Chicago Bears- Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia

9 (107). Miami Dolphins- Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas

10 (108). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Darian Thompson, S, Boise State

11 (109). New York Giants- Joe Dahl, OG, Washington Stsate

12 (110). Los Angeles Rams- Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma

13 (111). Detroit Lions- Willie Beavers, OT, Western Michigan

14 (112). New Orleans Saints- Kenny Lawler, WR, Cal

15 (113). Los Angeles Rams- Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State

16 (114). Oakland Raiders- DJ White, CB, Georgia Tech

17 (115). Atlanta Falcons- Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky

18 (116). Indianapolis Colts- Keivarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame

19 (117). Buffalo Bills- Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia

20 (118). New York Jets- Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
I think Dak has the talent to be a NFL QB. If he sits for a year and learns, I expect good things.  Certainly a leader with all the intangibles a franchise would want.

21 (119). Houston Texans- Jerrell Adams, TE, South Carolina

22 (120). Washington Redskins- Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass

23 (121). Minnesota Vikings- Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma

24 (122). Cincinnati Bengals- Max Tuerk, OC, USC

25 (123). Pittsburgh Steelers- Graham Glasgow, OG/C, Michigan

26 (124). Seattle Seahawks- Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma

27 (125). Green Bay Packers- Bryce Williams, TE, East Carolina

28 (126). Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State

29 (127). Chicago Bears- Kolby Listenbee, WR, TCU

30 (128). Arizona Cardinals- Johnathan Jones, CB, Arizona

31 (129). Carolina Panthers- Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

32 (130). Baltimore Ravens- Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota

33 (131). Green Bay Packers- Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss

34 (132). Baltimore Ravens- Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State

35 (133). San Francisco 49ers- Issac Seamalo, OG, Oregon State

36 (134). Baltimore Ravens- Sean Davis, S, Maryland

37 (135). Dallas Cowboys- Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin

38 (136). Denver Broncos- Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas

39 (137). Green Bay Packers- Jordan Peyton, WR, UCLA

40 (138). Cleveland Browns- Nick Vigil, ILB, Utah State

41 (139). Buffalo Bills- Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU


Round 4 in the books.  Round 5 coming up next, with some more familiar names, and some future late-round superstars.

JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 3

Here we go with Round 3.  There will be less analysis in all the rounds going forward, but I will make sure to comment on the big names that go.

Round 3

1 (64). Tennessee Titans- Christian Westerman, OG/C, Arizona State

2 (65). Cleveland Browns- Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU

3 (66). San Diego Chargers- Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas

4 (67). Dallas Cowboys- Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor

5 (68). San Francisco 49ers- Jeremy Cash, S, Duke

6 (69). Jacksonville Jaguars- Nick Martin, OC, Notre Dame

7 (70). Baltimore Ravens- Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay say he has the best hands in the draft.

8 (71). New York Giants- Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU

9 (72). Chicago Bears- Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana

10 (73). Miami Dolphins- Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

11 (74). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State
Kicker!  The Bucs needed help at that position, why not take the best guy available?

12 (75). Oakland Raiders- Devonte Booker, RG, Utah

13 (76). Tennessee Titans- Willie Henry, DT, Michigan

14 (77). Cleveland Browns- Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State

15 (78). New Orleans Saints- Landon Turner, OG, UNC

16 (79). Philadelphia Eagles- Charone Peake, WR, Clemson

17 (80). Buffalo Bills- John Theus, OT, Georgia

18 (81). Atlanta Falcons- Keanu Neal, S, Florida

19 (82). Indianapolis Colts- Deion Jones, OLB, LSU

20 (83). New York Jets- Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford

21 (84). Washington Redskins- Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
Josh Norman fits the need, but you can never have too many CBs.

22 (85). Houston Texans- Jack Allen, OC, Michigan State

23 (86). Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford

24 (87). Cincinnati Bengals- Kentrell Brothers, ILB, Missouri

25 (88). Green Bay Packers- Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State

26 (89). Pittsburgh Steelers- Jalen Mills, FS, LSU
Has the cover skills a thumper like Su'a Cravens lacks.

27 (90). Seattle Seahawks- Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU

28 (91). New England Patriots- Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama

29 (92). Arizona Cardinals- TJ Green, S, Clemson

30 (93). Carolina Panthers- Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
Could also be an option for the Skins if they decide to go the safety route.

31 (94). Denver Broncos- Connor McGovern, OT/G, Missouri

32 (95). Detroit Lions- Dominique Alexander, ILB, Oklahoma

33 (96). New England Patriots- Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech

34 (97). Seattle Seahawks- Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State

35 (98). Denver Broncos- Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas


There we go.  Count down the seconds til the Draft starts.  Round 4 coming soon!

JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 2

Back for more with Round 2 of the 2016 NFL Mock Draft!

1 (32). Cleveland Browns- Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
The Browns need WRs.  Desperately.  Why not get RG3 another Baylor man?

2 (33). Tennessee Titans- William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Flying up draft boards.  Could go in Round 1.  A steal here for a Titans team that needs secondary help.

3 (34). Dallas Cowboys- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
The heir to Tony Romo is picked.  If he had Kirk Cousins' intangibles, he'd be one of the top QBs.

4 (35). San Diego Chargers- Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Antonio Gates isn't getting any younger.  Henry can learn from the best before taking over.

5 (36). Baltimore Ravens- Noah Spence, OLB/DE, Eastern Kentucky
Ravens double down on the pass rush. Spence can work outside while Buckner stays in.

6 (37). San Francisco 49ers- Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
That's right. Chip takes a QB that he thinks he can fix.  Shell-shocked Hackenberg tries to get his mojo back.

7 (38). Jacksonville Jaguars- Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
A solid pass rusher to work off the end opposite Dante Fowler.

8. (39). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
More pass rush for a team that needs to stop 3 great offenses.

9 (40). New York Giants- Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Eli needs more weapon?  MORE WEAPONS! OBJ gets a running mate as well.  Don't worry, the D will come soon.

10 (41). Chicago Bears- Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Bears defense really is bad.  They need to draft more help.

11 (42). Miami Dolphins- Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida
Pass rush for those days Suh takes off.

12 (43). Tennessee Titans- Karl Joseph, SS, WVU
Titans get the top true safety on the board

13 (44). Oakland Raiders- Vonn Bell, SS, Ohio State
Tweener, could be a CB, but help in the secondary regardless.

14 (45). Tennessee Titans- Tyler Boyd, WR, Pitt
More help for Mariota.  A consistent threat with a ton of experience, excellent hands, and great body control in the air.

15 (46). Detroit Lions- Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
D-line help may be their biggest need.  Someone needs to take pressure off Zeke Ansah

16 (47). New Orleans Saints- Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Another Fuller in the NFL.  He should be a solid CB. Helps a dismal Saints secondary.

17 (48). Indianapolis Colts- Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
More offensive line help.  Protect Andrew Luck at all costs.

18 (49). Buffalo Bills- Pharoh Copper, WR, South Carolina
A weapon opposite Sammy Watkins.  More of a possession guy than a playmaker, but a good compliment.

19 (50). Atlanta Falcons- Scooby Wright, ILB, Arizona
A 1st round pick until he hurt his knee.  His recovery has gone well.  He could be a steal here.

20 (51). New York Jets- Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
They got Ferguson's replacement in Ryan Clady. Coleman adds depth.

21 (52). Houston Texans- Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Clowney hasn't panned out yet, and Watt needs help on that line.

22 (53). Washington Redskins- Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Could be a 1st rounder.  Fits a need for a team that couldn't stop the run.

23 (54). Minnesota Vikings- Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
Almost as good as Cody Whitehair. A plug-and-play guy.

24 (55). Cincinnati Bengals- Sterling Shephard, WR, Oklahoma
Bengals lost Sanu and Marvin Jones.  They need help at wideout.

25 (56). Seattle Seahawks- Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Here is the Heisman winner.  It is a perfect fit.  He is a one-cut, downhill runner, who can pick up where Marshawn Lynch left off.

26 (57). Green Bay Packers- Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
BJ Raji walking away leaves a giant hole in the middle of that line.

27 (58). Pittsburgh Steelers- Su'a Cravens, S/LB, USC
He will smack you in the mouth and make you like it. The perfect cover guy that can play up in the box.

28 (59). Kansas City Chiefs- Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame
If Smith doesn't get hurt, he is a Top 5 pick.  Every team is worried about his knee, but I think that the Chiefs are deep enough to take a risk on a super talented guy here.

29 (60). New England Patriots- Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Tom Brady got destroyed by the Broncos pass rush.  Luckily, he is now suspended for the first 4 games, so he will have extra time to recover.  Clark will help protect Jimmy Garoppolo instead.

30 (61). New England Patriots- Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
Second of their back to back picks finds a replacement passrusher for Chandler Jones.

31 (62). Carolina Panthers- Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Josh Norman leaving for DC leaves a huge void in that secondary.  Burns is the best available.

32 (63). Denver Broncos- Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State
Another defensive player helping to fill holes caused by free agency.


There is Round 2!  Feel free to comment or reach out.  Tell me picks you love, picks you hate, anything like that.  Watch for Rounds 3-7 the rest of the week!

JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 1

Well, here it is, the moment we've all been waiting for.  Finally, after a year, an exciting season, a crazy offseason that just got weirder with Deflate-Gate coming back, the 2016 NFL Draft is almost upon us.  There have been crazy trades which have caused me to pull out some of my hair and redo my mock twice.  All of the drama may be gone with the first two picks now that the Rams and Eagles have said they will take quarterbacks.  The rest of the Draft, however, is up in the air completely.  This is my best attempt to prognosticate what may happen, and is the first part of a full 7 Round Mock Draft.  I hope you enjoy it, and I hope there are no more trades.  To be clear, I do not project any trades in this mock, though I'd really like to.  For example, I'd love to say that Sam Bradford gets traded to the 49ers, or that Colin Kaepernick gets traded to the Broncos.  But I cannot, because that would just make my life harder.  So, this is what you get.  Thank you so much for reading.  Here we go.  With the 1st pick in the 2016 NFL Draft....

1. Los Angeles Rams- Jared Goff, QB, Cal
It seems to be the worst kept secret in the league right now.  The Rams gave up a hefty ransom to move up and select a QB.  The feel like they can win right now if they get consistent QB play, which they haven't gotten from Nick Foles or Case Keenum.  Goff provides the experience that Carson Wentz does not have, and will be ready to go sooner.  He should be the starter by Week 5, if not right out of the gate.

2. Philadelphia Eagles- Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
The Eagles say they are happy with whoever the Rams don't take.  I hope that is true, because while Wentz is talented, he is not that experienced.  It is a move that makes some sense when you are willing to sit him for more of the first year, if not all of it, while Doug Pederson teaches Wentz how to be a NFL QB.  However, with Sam Bradford demanding a trade today, it is possible Wentz will be thrown to the fire earlier than expected.

3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
This pick makes so much sense to me it isn't even funny.  Yes, they have a need in the secondary, but the Chargers have committed to Phillip Rivers long term.  They need to keep him upright and get the most out of their rapidly closing window.  Tunsil has the biggest upside, moves fluidly, and can dominate the line of scrimmage.  If any questions about his motor prove to be unfounded, then the Chargers may have the foundation of their O-line for the next decade.

4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Greg Hardy gone.  Randy Gregory suspended.  Why is anyone in Dallas talking about taking a running back?  Yes, I think Ezekiel Elliot will be a great player.  But I think that the Cowboys have a bigger need along that defensive line.  Bosa is a safe pick who could give Eli, Kirk, and Wentz fits for years.  You have to take him if he is there.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
The Jags had a massive offseason, adding Malik Jackson, Chris Ivory, Tashaun Gipson, and Prince Amukamara.  They are looking to solidify a mediocre defense so that they can compete in a division with Andrew Luck, Marcus Mariota, and Houston's shiny new toy, Brock Osweiler.  Ramsey can play either safety or corner, and has excellent cover skills, even if he doesn't always pick the ball off.  Adding him could be the final piece in an overhaul that bring Jacksonville back to the playoffs.

6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
I had Ronnie Stanley hear in each of my first two mocks.  I think he is the right pick.  However, Baltimore gave Eugene Monroe a bunch of money to play left tackle.  Plus Stanley may not transition to right tackle well.  And hey, its the Ravens.  They are defined by defense.  DeForest Buckner is a physical freak, super athletic, and will fit right in with that culture in the Ravens locker room.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
So, you know how I said Stanley may not be a great right tackle?  Don't tell Chip Kelly that.  Chip will play him wherever he wants to.  I do think there is something very special about Stanley, who is more of a finesse tackle that Tunsil is.  However, as he matures, and Joe Staley gets older, the move may be to switch Staley over to the right side.  Which ever way they choose to play it, the 49ers should have solid bookend tackles protecting whoever the hell is playing QB for them.

8. Cleveland Browns- Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Browns got a nice haul of picks from the Eagles, and are able to take a little bit of a risk here.  There is some concern about Jack's knee, but if the Browns doctor approves, then they could get the best overall player in the draft.  Jack can go sideline to sideline, tackle, and rush the passer.  He would be the heart of that Browns defense.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
The Buccaneers main need is in the secondary.  If Ramsey falls this far (he won't), he would be the obvious pick.  Here, they take the best pure corner that can start right away.  With Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan in the same conference, the Bucs need someone to stop the pass just as much as they need Jameis Winston to go out there and sling it.

10. New York Giants- Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
If Elliot is here at 10, the Dolphins will do almost anything to trade up and take him.  But like I said, I don't project trades.  Plus, the Giants could use Elliot too.  The running back by committee that the Giants have now isn't bad, but they have the chance to draft the clear #1 RB on the board, as well as the best player available.  Pair him with Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr?  As as fan of the Washington football team, I know I don't want to see that twice a year.

11. Chicago Bears- Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
The Bears used to be defined by their defense.  Now they cannot stop anyone.  Lee is the best pass rusher available, only a hair below Myles Jack, and ahead of him if Jack's knee turns out to be a problem.  He'd come in and give O-linemen fits.  This is the first step in getting the Bears back to being the Monsters of the Midway.

12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
I've got to say, this is the most consistent pick in all the mock drafts I have seen outside of the the QBs at the top.  The Saints just couldn't stop anyone.  Rankins can stuff the run and be a mainstay on their defensive line for years.  Of course, this is the Saints, so if they don't take a defensive lineman, I am sure they'd just take another weapon for Drew Brees.

13. Miami Dolphins- Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
No Elliot, and the Dolphins are crushed.  They need guys that can play everywhere except for at DT.  So, why not go with a guy in the secondary from possibly the most talented team in college last year?  Eli Apple is a bit raw, but has the size and speed that projects well to the next level.  He was already a 2nd team All Big Ten corner as a red shirt sophomore, and can develop into a true shutdown corner at the NFL level.

14. Oakland Raiders- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Oakland Raiders have made some big strides recently.  They have a franchise QB in Derek Carr.  They have a go-to WR in Amari Cooper.  They signed some key free agents in Kelichi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, and Sean Smith.  Now, they can draft a franchise left (or right) tackle to keep their QB upright and competing.  The last thing they want is for Derek to get shell-shocked like his older brother David was in Houston from taking too many sacks.  Conklin is rising up draft boards fast, and could be taken before Stanley in the Top 10.

15. Tennessee Titans- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Titans may trade back up to get Stanley, Tunsil, or Conklin.  But if they stay at 15 and still land Decker, they they will have already won the draft with 1 pick.  Like the Raiders, the Titans have a young franchise QB that they need to keep healthy.  Marcus Mariota got hit way too much last season.  Plug in Decker on the opposite side of Taylor Lewan, and he should be upright for much longer.

16. Detroit Lions- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Let's see, what happened to the Lions this offseason... Oh yeah, their best player decided to retire.  No more Megatron.  That leaves a pretty damn big hole on the outside.  Treadwell doesn't have the elite speed that Calvin Johnson did coming out of college, but he is a playmaker.  He can pair well with Matt Stafford, who frankly needs all the help he can get in that division.  Golden Tate and Marvin Jones cannot do it by themselves.  Treadwell would compliment their speed with his hands and size.

17. Atlanta Falcons- Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
According to ESPN's draft gurus Todd McShay and the king, Mel Kiper Jr, seeing Floyd around this late would be a massive surprise.  I am not one to disagree with them often, but I just don't see Top 10 in this guy.  I think that the Falcons would be a great spot for him.  They could pair him with Vic Beasley on the opposite side to get after those great QBs in the NFC South.  Plus, it never hurts to sell season tickets to a new stadium in Atlanta opening in 2017 then with a former Georgia Bulldog as a defensive star.

18. Indianapolis Colts- Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
The Colts need to draft offensive linemen.  They need to draft a lot of offensive linemen.  They may need to draft an entire new offensive line.  Unless they trade up to take one of the Top 4 tackles, or trade back to get one of the second tier guys, they will be stuck without an option at tackle.  Ryan Kelly is an option, but they need guards just as much (if not moreso) than a center.  Whitehair is the #1 guard on the board, and fits a need.  Think Zach Martin or Brandon Scherff- plug in, play, and be happy you don't hear his name for mistakes often.

19. Buffalo Bills- Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The Bills are a Rex Ryan team.  They will be built around defense.  Depending on who you talk to, Reed is even better than Sheldon Rankins, who went to the Saints at 12.  He could stuff the run and anchor the defensive line for Rex.  Yes, they have Marcel Dareus, but Kyle Williams is older, and is coming back from a knee injury.  Another option?  The guy that is taken next.

20. New York Jets- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Yes, Shaq would also be a smart choice for Buffalo, what with the departure of Mario Williams.  But he fits in with the Jets too.  They need a solid pass rusher on the opposite side of last year's #1 pick, Leonard Williams.  They could be a dominant force in the AFC if they are able to come together.  Now if they only had a quarterback.

21. Washington Redskins- Ryan Kelly, OC, Alabama
The surprise signing of Josh Norman means that corner isn't a top need.  The free agent signing of Kendall Reyes added depth along the D-line, though they cold still draft there.  But the reason the Redskins were able to succeed last year was because Kirk Cousins played well.  Getting Ryan Kelly to anchor that offensive line would be the perfect pick to help in his development.  Plug him in next to Brandon Scherff.  Rebuild the Hogs.  Do it!

22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
The Texans have a truly great playmaking wideout in DeAndre Hopkins.  They also have a new QB in Brock Osweiler.  But they don't have a great second option to stretch the field.  This is why Will Fuller is the perfect pick.  He is a speedster than help take advantage of Brock's big arm.  He will also force safeties to play deeper, taking the double team off Hopkins and opening up the middle of the field for intermediate routes by tight ends.  He dropped some easy balls with the Irish, but Bill O'Brien should be able to coach him up into a true threat.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Vikings may get the best all around wideout in the draft.  He is an excellent route runner, though he wasn't asked to do it that much in TCU's spread offense.  He has great hands, good speed, and would compliment Stefon Diggs well.  Teddy Bridgewater would be a very happy man with those two WRs.

24. Cincinnati Bengals- Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
When you play in the same division with the Steelers and Ravens, you are going to have to stop the run.  Billings is a super athlete for his size, who can stop the run and even get to the passer on the inside.  He also has elite power to collapse the pocket from the middle.  The Bengals don't really have a glaring need that fits with the player available, and the thought of Billings next to Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap should make Marvin Lewis grin.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson
All players in the NFL draft have the ability to make it in the NFL.  Not everyone has the confidence.  This does not apply to Alexander.  To say his self-confidence is high would be an understatement.  He has the right ability and the right swagger to fit in with the Steelers, who are in desperate need for secondary help.

26. Seattle Seahawks- A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Seahawks lost Brandon Mebane in free agency.  If Robinson falls to them, they get his immediate replacement.  Robinson is a big body in the middle, with one scout saying his proportion was "beautiful for an interior lineman".  Nick Saban has made some pretty good guys on both the O and D lines.  Robinson could be another in that long list.

27. Green Bay Packers- Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Packers are doing backflips with this pick.  Ragland was one of the leaders of that National Championship defense. and will start immediately in the middle of that Packers defense.  Plus, his addition would mean they cold move Clay Matthews back to an outside rusher, creating the havoc he became known for a few years ago.

28. Kansas City Chiefs- Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
The Chiefs can never have enough pass rushers, and Tamba Hali isn't a spring chicken.  This is a pick for depth with a quality player in Dodd.  He had three sacks in the National Championship game against Alabama, and has been compared to Michael Bennett.  It would be foolish of a team like the Chiefs to pass on that kind of talent this late in the 1st round.

29. Arizona Cardinals- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Yes, a 3rd QB in Round 1.  I am sure someone is going to trade back into the 1st Round to take him and he won't be there for Arizona, but the Cardinals are certainly the best fit for Lynch.  Taking his raw talent, size, and ability, letting him sit behind Carson Palmer, and learn under Bruce Arians?  Cardinals fans should be doing cartwheels if he is the pick.

30. Carolina Panthers- Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Michael Oher was fine during the regular season last year.  Then the Super Bowl happened, and Cam got knocked around.  The Panthers need to develop another tackle if they want to stay on top of the NFC.  Ifedi is raw, but super-talented.

31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
If it wasn't for some character questions, Nkemdiche would be a Top 5 pick, maybe even #1 overall before trades.  I think that Denver and John Elway know how to win a title with defense, and see a top talent available at 31.  They will take a chance on him being behaved, because if he is, he is the steal of the draft.  Plug him in to replace Malik Jackson, sit back, and worry about the offense.


There is Round 1!  I will update it if there are any massive trades before Thursday.  I really hope there aren't.  The next few rounds will not have as much of a breakdown, though will highlight important picks or players with  few words.  I hope you enjoy.  Keep an eye out for the rest of the mock this week!

NFL Mock Draft Coming Soon!

My yearly labor of love, the JFLANland Mock Draft, will be dropping soon.  With only 5 days until the first pick, the tension is building...  well, maybe not with the top 2, but everything after that is in flux.  The blockbuster trades by the Rams and Eagles have forced me to redo my mock twice now, hence its late arrival.  I will try to get all seven rounds to you, my faithful few readers, as soon as possible.