Masters Power Rankings 3.0

By: Jack Nutting

Writer’s Note: This is a weekly report on the players most likely to win the Green Jacket in April. It is not necessarily a ranking of the best players in the world, but simply if the Masters were being held tomorrow, who would be most likely to win the event.
Editor’s Note: Due to travel, midterms, and other dumb things, this is the first time we have published The Power Rankings in three tournaments.

1. Jason Day- Since we last wrote on the state of the Masters, Day had yet to win in 2016 on the PGA TOUR. But, while many players were in the middle of the West Coast Swing or the Swing through the Middle East, A.K.A. the money swing, Day was resting quietly in Ohio. So far, his 2016 results are the following: T-10, cut, T-11, T-23, win, win. The two wins have each come the last two weeks, last week being at the solid field of the Arnold Palmer Invitational and this past weekend at the WGC-Dell Match Play in Austin, which featured 62 of the top 64 ranked players in the world. Right now, he is clearly the best golfer in the world. His long game is longer than anybody in the world, including Rory Mcilroy. His short game is having NBC Golf announcers induce on air nostalgia over Tiger Woods short game from the early 2000s. In the most simple of terms, if you have the longest and most powerful game off the tee, and can avoid all danger around the greens due to superior short game skills, it’s really hard to see how he can lose a tournament right now.      

2. Rory Mcilroy- The number two spot for most people is likely much more up in the air than the number one spot right now. But, I have a really hard time placing anybody in front of Mcilroy other than Day in these rankings. People really enjoy shitting on Rory for a variety of reasons, from his social life to his decision to switch clubs to his on course decision making and overall play inside the ropes. But really, it’s all noise with him. Since coming onto the scene, critics have always tried to put Rory in the Tiger mode, where every little thing matters and impacts him. Everyone is always in constant chatter about how tournament A will effect tournament B for the guy. Momentum is a classic one people like to bring up with him. My view is more that Rory just does Rory and doesn’t really care what others think. He BLEW UP in the 2011 Masters and then won, in a hurricane fashion, the US Open two months later. Between winning the Honda in late February of 2012, and the PGA Championship in August of the same year, Mcilroy racked up four missed cuts, lost his number one ranking, and then wins the PGA by eight strokes, no big deal. He has peaks and valleys for sure, but I think he is on an upward slope right now. Look for him to be contending on Sunday.

3. Jordan Spieth- I have written about this before, but Spieth’s Masters results since turning pro are the following: T-2, win. He has a great track record at Augusta, and he has really done anything to dispel with that notion yet this season. He already has a win from the Hyundai and probably played a little too much taking cash grabs in the Middle East and Asia, but he appeared more rested and ready to roll this past weekend, advancing through the group stage of the Match Play. For Spieth, the more concerning thing is probably the two horses in front him. Spieth is long by every notion of being a professional golfer, but Day and Mcilroy are otherworldly long off the tee. In few scenarios can he hang with them with the big sticks come out of the bag. Now, of course this doesn’t really matter because the guy won TWO MAJORs last year! But, the strain that the two in front of him can put on a course is brutal, and a potential roadblock moving forward Jordan Spieth. (Again, though, he is long, it’s just that Day was hitting 9 iron into 570 yard par 5s this weekend!)

4. Adam Scott- Scotty won the Cadillac since the last rankings, netting him two wins on tour this year. He is primed for the Masters this year. If he can keep the flat stick hot, or at least warm, his dominate iron game sets him up to be in contention again this year, looking for another win at Augusta.

200. Tiger Woods- There are literally 199 players more likely to win this thing than Big Cat. Please, just get healthy, take the year off, learn how to play golf again and come back next year. (Side note- I really, really, miss the guy. Just look at this- he won that US Open by 15 strokes -how can you not get amped for this?)

Dispatches from the PGA TOUR

1. Tony Finau won the Puerto Rico Open in the opposite field event today. This guy is long off the tee, and look for him to keep making some noise in the months and years to come.

2. Tim Finchem, the PGA TOUR Commissioner, signed a contract extension that takes him through next spring, but he is still expected to step down at the end of the year.   

3. Next week is the first major on the LPGA TOUR calendar, the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, CA.

4. Bill Simmons and his group have launched a new golf centered podcast called ShackHouse. I recommend checking it out.

5. The new match play site is very good. It’s a great course for match play and the players seemed to enjoy playing on the track. The city of Austin appeared to really embrace the TOUR swinging through town. The date could be better, but it’s not horrible. But, my goodness, the format still needs a lot of work. I am not going to go into the detail here, but consider these articles in shaping your viewpoint. I certainly believe a world exists where we can have a really good format for this event.  

2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 - Post-Free Agent Frenzy

The free agent frenzy period has passed, and more money was tossed around in the first few weeks of this year's free agency period than ever before.  As the landscape of the NFL has drastically changed, so have some teams' draft plans.

I'll spare you the pleasantries and just say: Let's see who's plans changed and what players might see a meteoric rise or crushing fall.  Here's the picks:

1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

The Ole Miss tackle seems to be the consensus pick if the Titans keep the top pick, and with good reason.  The team has to protect its most valuable asset, Marcus Mariota, especially when they have to play J.J. Watt twice every season.

Tunsil is an athletic, All-American tackle that played in a very talented SEC and played well. Most scouts believe that the transition to the NFL will be a generally smooth one.

2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, California

The first QB off the board goes to the most QB-needy team in the last decade, most people are calling this one.  The addition of RGIII is by no means a fail-safe; he's there to compete and likely be a backup.

Goff is the most pro-ready quarterback in the draft, and that's what the Browns NEED.  

3. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida St.

If Tunsil doesn't make it to San Diego at 3 (or the team doesn't trade up for him), the Chargers may simply go with the best player on the board.  Ramsey would not only be the one of the best on the board, but would help fill the void left by Eric Weddle's departure to Baltimore. 

Mock 1.0: Joey Bosa, EDGE, Ohio St.

4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, EDGE, Ohio St.

The Cowboys have been adamant that they will not be picking a QB with the 4th overall selection.  The next most likely pick would be one that helps fill the spot left by Greg Hardy's fall from grace and Randy Gregory's four game suspension.

Bosa is one of the most talented edge rushers in the draft, and should not make it out of the top 5.  Also: Doesn't he just seem like a Jerry Jones guy?

Mock 1.0: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

The Jags went out and spent heavily on improving their defense, with the additions of Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, and Prince Amukamara.  One position they have yet to address in their defensive rebuild is linebacker.

Jack is another player that shouldn't make it out of the top 5.  He has the upside to be one of the best LB's in the game someday.

Mock 1.0: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida St.

6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

The Ravens need to protect their number one asset - Joe Flacco.  The team lost veteran guard Kelechi Osemele in free agency, and starting left tackle Eugene Monroe has missed 15 games in the last two seasons.

Stanley is long and athletic and has the ability to get downfield.  He is easily the next best option behind Tunsil in this year's draft.

7. San Fransisco 49ers: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Chip Kelly can't go into this season banking on Blaine Gabbert as his starting quarterback.  And even though he's seemingly a perfect fit for Chip's offense, it doesn't seem that Kaep will be sticking around.

Wentz has really impressed scouts both on and off the field.  Chip gets a quarterback with play-calling experience and a clear ability to handle a complex system like Chip's, both athletically (10 rushing TDs in last 2 seasons) and intellectually.

8. Philadelphia Eagles: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.

As part of a roster overhaul for new coach Doug Pederson, Philly shed itself of Demarco Murray.  With Murray gone, the team is in need of a new bell-cow back.

Elliott is a popular pick for the Eagles, with good reason.  Zeke is the type of workhorse back that would fit right into Pederson's offense.

Mock 1.0: Miami Dolphins pick Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon

The Bucs' had the No. 26 pass defense, per Football Outsiders' DVOA.  The reason for the team's deficiency was a combination of a horrendous secondary and a lackluster pass-rush.

Buckner has the ability to play both inside and outside.  He also has a domineering frame (6'7, 290 lbs.) to pair with his strength and athletic ability.  At this point, it appears that he could go anywhere in the top 10.

10. New York Giants: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia

This pick is the one nearest to my heart...like the shrapnel in Iron Man's chest - one false move could ruin me.  We know what the Giants will do: BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE.  However, who they see as best isn't always in line with everyone else's opinion.

Leonard Floyd is the type of freakish athlete that the Giants love.  He's 6'6", 244 lbs., and is athletic as they come in this draft.  Does this remind anyone else of that massive, crazy athletic kid that the Giants "reached for" back in 2010?  However, Floyd has the agility to be much more than the rusher he was in college, and could prove to be a jack of all trades for coach Ben McAdoo

Mock 1.0: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

11. Chicago Bears: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.

The Bears have added tackle Bobbie Massie via free agency, but that isn't enough to say the line is good to go.  It would be ideal to snag another starting tackle and allow Kyle Long to shift inside to his more natural position at guard.

Jack Conklin has been impressive in pre-draft workouts and has the tape to support his case for being one of the top tackles taken in this draft.

Mock 1.0: A'Shawn Robinson, DT/NT, Alabama

12. New Orleans Saints: Kevin Dodd, EDGE, Clemson

The Saints are trying to recover from the dismantling they received at the hands of former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.  The team finished 27th in sacks (31) last season and could use someone to pair along with Pro-Bowl end Cameron Jordan.

Dodd rode the pine for his first two years at Clemson, but once he got his shot he didn't disappoint.  Dodd had a tremendous year with 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, which he capped off with three sacks in the National Championship game.

Mock 1.0: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

13. Miami Dolphins: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

Miami cut loose aging CB Brent Grimes and added the Philly train wreck that is Byron Maxwell; so yeah, they still need some help.

In Hargreaves, the 'phins get the best pure corner in the draft and keep the Tampa, FL native close to home.  This is a bit of a fall for him, but the fit couldn't be better.

Mock 1.0: Philadelphia Eagels pick Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.

14. Oakland Raiders: Robert Nkemdiche, DT/DE, Ole Miss

The Raiders offense has taken great form and looks ready to take on the world - now it's time for the defense to catch up.  The team found someone to slot opposite their monster, Khalil Mack, in FA signing Bruce Irvin, but need someone to occupy the middle of that line.

I expected Nkemdiche's character issues to cause a drop-off for him, but it seems that teams are very interested in the one-time top high school recruit.  It's very possible that a team might want to take a chance on this kid with the ideal NFL build and abilities.

Mock 1.0: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

15. Los Angeles Rams: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

The Rams could certainly use a QB, but I don't see them using pick 15 to address that need.  I suspect that the Rams will look to rebuild their defense after losing players like Janoris Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, James Laurinaitis, and Chris Long.

The Rams have already had Alexander in for a private meeting, after meeting with him once already at the Combine.  Alexander is a confident young man with excellent press coverage skills and somewhat suspect size (5'11", 185 lbs.).

Mock 1.0: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

16. Detroit Lions: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

The departures of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley left both a figurative and physical hole in the Lions defense.  Ziggy Ansah has really come into his own and could use a running mate that could stop the run.

Jarran Reed is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Lions.  He's a 311-pound point-of-attack, run stuffing, gap filling, mass of a man.  He earned his chops in Saban's Alabama defense and earned himself a reputation in the best conference in college football.

17. Atlanta Falcons: Shaq Lawson, EDGE, Clemson

Atlanta ranked dead least in the NFL with 19 sacks in 2015.  In fact, the team only had one player, rookie Vic Beasley, in the top 100 in sacks; and he only had 4.0.  This isn't an isolated incident: the team has been in the bottom five in sacks each of the last four seasons.

For a second straight year, the Falcons go with a Clemson rusher with their first choice.  In his one season as a starter at Clemson, Lawson earned All-American honors with 12.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss.

Mock 1.0: Kevin Dodd, EDGE, Clemson

18. Indianapolis Colts: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St.

Protect Andrew Luck - it's that simple.

The Colts need a right tackle, and fortunately, that's what Ohio State's Taylor Decker projects to be at the next level.  Decker has athleticism and solid power to go along with his prototype NFL frame.

Mock 1.0: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

19. Buffalo Bills: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

The Bills just released their premier pass-rusher in Mario Williams, leaving an even greater need for a pass-rusher.  The Bills defensive line, without Willams, amassed only 10.5 sacks amongst 8 players.

Rankins is very agile for his large frame.  He can use this agility to fill holes and cause havoc in the backfield.

Mock 1.0: Noah Spence, EDGE, Eastern Kentucky

20. New York Jets: Noah Spence, EDGE, Eastern Kentucky

If there's one thing the Jets know more than anyone else in this league it's that you need to put pressure on Tom Brady in order to even have a chance in the division.

Noah Spence's college career has been riddled with character issues, but on the field he knows how to get after the passer.  The Jets are taking a hard look at the Ohio State transfer.  It all comes down to deciding if the potential risk is worth the potential reward with Spence.

Mock 1.0: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.

21.  Washington Redskins: A'Shawn Robinson, DT/DE, Alabama

Overall, the Redskins ranked in the bottom third of the league in total, passing, and rushing defense (28th, 25th, and 26th, respectively).  They may certainly look to their defensive line to help remedy their defensive woes.

Robinson has been knocked for being inconsistent at times, but he has an ideal frame (6'4", 307 lbs.) and has the versatility to play multiple positions in multiple systems.  He could certainly help Washington shore up the middle of its line.

Mock 1.0: Robert Nkrmdiche, DT/DE, Ole Miss

22. Houston Texans:  Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

Well, the Texans went out and got themselves a new young backfield duo in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller.  Keeping with the theme of offensive improvement, I would expect the Texans to target someone to help take pressure off of DeAndre Hopkins.

Treadwell did not wow at the Combine or his pro day, but he didn't disappoint either.  The tape shows that Treadwell wins with his toughness and route-running.  This one is a pick 'em and start 'em type of pick.

Mock 1.0: Karl Joseph, SS, West Virginia

23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

The Vikings are looking at a number of top WR's in this year's draft, including Josh Doctson.  Teddy Touchdown needs someone to stretch the field when teams sell out to stop Adrian Peterson.  While Stefon Diggs proved that he can certainly do that, when he is covered options are limited to say the least.

Though he doesn't fully utilize his 6'2" size, Josh Doctson can get in and out of breaks quickly and has a knack for separating from defenders downfield.

Mock 1.0: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas St.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings, NT/DT, Baylor

The Bengals have a dominant pass-rushing duo in the form of DT Geno Atkins and DE Carlos Dunlap.  However, their resident nose tackle, Domata Peko, struggled to stop the run this past year and will be 33 at next season's start.

Billings has the power and agility to be a dominant force at the point of attack.  Billings' Combine performance should open some eyes and help bump him into the first round conversation for teams seeking an anchor up the middle.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

The Steelers allowed the third most passing yards in the NFL in 2015, due in large part to a revolving door of sub-par corners.  The Steelers need to bolster their secondary with the likes of A.J. Green in their division, who averaged 107 yards and a touchdown in 3 games against Pittsburgh in 2015.

Apple has the footwork to be a more than component man corner, but more than that, his toughness and physically allow him to knock receivers off their routes.  He will need to refine his physicality to avoid costly penalties at the pro-level, but his sound technique should allow him to do so.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas St.

Seattle has to keep Russell Wilson protected in order to maximize its offensive potential; stopping the bits and pieces method of building an o-line could help do that.

Whitehair is a tough competitor that can play both guard and tackle.  He could represent a long-term body guard for Wilson for years to come.

Mock 1.0: William Jackson III, CB, Houston

27. Green Bay Packers: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

The Packers have plans to return Clay Matthews to the outside, where he belongs.  This will leave an open spot up the middle, where there already was a sizable hole.

The Pack have shown interest in Reggie Ragland, the top inside linebacker on the board behind Myles Jack.  Ragland is run-stopping stalwart with the great instincts required by his position.

Mock 1.0: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia

28. Kansas City Chiefs: William Jackson III, CB, Houston

The Chiefs held on to safety Eric Berry, but lost starting CB Sean Smith to the Raiders, leaving a need for the KC defense.

Jackson isn't a finished product, but he had an excellent Combine and has solid measurables.  The Chiefs will look to make a young 1-2 punch with their Rookie of the Year, Marcus Peters.

Mock 1.0: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

29. Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

Arizona addressed two of its most pressing needs in its defense by adding Chandler Jones and Tyvon Branch through trade and free agency, respectively.  The team could look to add a long-term solution to the offensive line in the draft.

Kelly is the best center available in the draft, according to many scouts.  He has the skills and football IQ to be a starter on Day 1.

Mock 1.0: Shaq Lawson, EDGE, Clemson

30. Carolina Panthers: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

If the Super Bowl proved anything, it proved that there's room for improvement on the Carolina offensive line.  The primary area of concern along the line for the NFC champs is the tackle position.  According to Pro Football Focus, no tackle graded nearly as poorly as Michael Oher in 2015.  Admittedly, it's not a glaring weakness, but a team that just went 17-2 shouldn't really have glaring weaknesses.

Ifedi could sneak his way into the first day's selections if we see a run on lineman.  He is flexible enough to play both tackle or guard at the next level

Mock 1.0: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio St.

31. Denver Broncos: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Peyton? - Nope.  Brock? - Nope.  RGIII? - Nope.  Fitz? - SHOULD be back with the Jets.  The Sanchize? - I hope not.  At this point, the Broncos might see if Uncle Rico still has enough to "throw it over them mountains" in Denver.

Paxton Lynch has drawn comparisons to former Broncos QB Brock Osweiler, mainly due to his size.  Lynch needs some time to develop as a pocket passer and could benefit from a red shirt year, which he would be unlikely to get in Denver.  But with the right coaching and patience (HA! Not in this league.) he could be the next $70 million QB to leave Denver after 7 starts.

Mock 1.0: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio St.

**NOTE: The draft only has 31 picks because the New England Patriots were stripped of their 2016 first round pick.
                                                                                                                                                 

Who dropped out?:

Karl Joseph, SS, West Virginia (21st overall in Mock 1.0):
Deserves to be first rounder in my opinion, but it didn't break right for him here

Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame (28th overall in Mock 1.0):
Scouts have been underwhelmed with his pre-draft work.

Darron Lee, LB, Ohio St. (31st overall in Mock 1.0):
Could very easily find himself in first round, just needs the right circumstances.

Stay up-to-date with all of my sports and other mindless banter on Twitter.

Cinderella Watch: Schools Destined to Fit the Glass Slipper

By: Sal Pellone
     Let's face it, all we care about is picking the underdog. Yes, picking the right Final Four and Champion is fun, but that's not why we fill out brackets. We want to be the only one to pick the school that nobody else believed in or even knew about in the first place. We want to be apart of the one percent of people that picked some obscure school with a nickname like the Mocs. Sports fans crave upsets. Grab your pen, I present to you my first round upsets...

(14) Stephen F. Austin over (3) West Virginia

I'm coming out guns blazing, no cupcakes. The Lumberjacks out of Nacogdoches, Texas are no fresh blood to the tournament. This is their third straight year dancing. They are led by senior forward Thomas Walkup, who's having his best year yet, leading the team in almost every statistical category from points to steals. Yes, they play in the Southland, which isn't the greatest conference, but the Lumberjacks are rolling into the dance on a 20-game win streak. They have no easy task, though. Bob Huggins' Mountaineers are one of the only teams in the tournament that are going give full court pressure all game. And they cause a ton of turnovers for opponents. Against Oklahoma in the Big 12 tournament, this pressure-heavy defense forced 21 turnovers and held leading scorer Buddy Hield to a measly 6 points. Eventually, Thomas Walkup and the Lumberjacks will find leaks in this defense, as they only average 12 turnovers per game and are second in the nation in assists. Get to know Stephen F. Austin and Thomas Walkup, this team can potentially make a Sweet 16 run.

(11) Northern Iowa over (5) Texas

You'll best remember the Panthers from 2010, when they upset 1 seed Kansas and made it to the Sweet 16. Northern Iowa has the ability to do so once again. They've proven so with big wins over Stephen F. Austin, then number 1 North Carolina, then number 5 Iowa State, and 2 wins over Wichita State. The Panthers of Cedar Falls, Iowa, lost some shaky games against no-name teams, but the games against big time opponents were won convincingly. Senior guard Wes Washpun is the name to keep an eye on in this upset. He is the leading scorer of the team, dropping 21 against UNC, 28 against Iowa State, and recently 20 against a defensive-minded Wichita State. What really stands out is their defense, though. Ranked 11th in the nation for points allowed, they hold opponents to an average 62 points per game. They should keep Texas, ranked 222nd in the nation in points per game, to a minimal margin. Texas coach Shaka Smart was usually the one doing the upsetting when he was at VCU. Now, it's time for him to get a taste of his own medicine.

(14) Green Bay over (3) Texas A&M

Many experts are looking at Texas A&M going deep in this tournament. I don't blame them. The Aggies have a well-rounded team from head to toe and just lost a close one to Kentucky for the SEC title. However, is the SEC really that tough of a conference? I'm not sold on it since the SEC only produced three teams into the tourney, one being Vanderbilt in the First Four. Do not get ahead of yourselves Texas A&M, you have to get by Green Bay first, and they can score. I mean SCORE. The Phoenix scored the most points in the entire nation all season. They average the most points out of all 68 teams in the tournament at 84.2 a game. Expect a big outcome from senior guard and leading scorer Carrington Love. If you watch some replays of Texas A&M they can get lackadaisical at times,  Green Bay's potent scoring attack will eat this alive.

(12) South Dakota State over (5) Maryland 

The Jackrabbits are led by senior guard tandem Deondre Parks and George Marshall and freshman center Mike Daum. All three account for 44 of the average 76 points per game. So they are kind of a big deal. South Dakota State has done fairly well against teams that are in this tournament, beating Florida Gulf Coast, Weber State, and Middle Tennessee State. It doesn't say much about them, but it shows promise. Maryland on the other hand, 25-8 on the year, can be deceiving. The Terps have struggled of late, dropping five of their last eight games, which leads me to believe this can be an early exit for guard Melo Trimble. You never want to enter this tournament cold.

(12) Yale over (5) Baylor 

There's something so intriguing with Ivy League schools in the tournament. Yale is having one of the best seasons in school history and it's being overshadowed by a sexual misconduct case. Captain Jack Montague was kicked off the team in early February for accusations; that didn't stop the Bulldogs from winning, only falling once in conference play all season. The Bulldogs are a bunch of bulldogs on defense, ranked 12th in the nation in points allowed. Baylor, another team entering the tournament cold, went 2-4 in their last six games. They are loaded with stretch forwards who have dominated all season, but Yale can match that with senior forwards Justin Sears and Brandon Sherrod. The future CEOs will rally around the loss of their captain, like they have done all season.

Minor Upsets
(9) Butler over (8) Texas Tech
When Butler's on, they are on. They are shooting a solid .387 from behind the arc, led by Kris Dunham shooting a hot .428 from three. I can see the Bulldogs advancing to another Sweet 16.

(9) Providence over (8) USC
The Friars are led by NBA-ready Kris Dunn and he doesn't even lead the team in scoring. Forward Ben Bentil leads the team with an average 21 points per game. USC has been horrible of late, 3-7 of their last 10.

(9) Connecticut over (8) Colorado
UCONN sneaks in from another conference championship, I've heard this one before. Kevin Ollie has the Huskies bound to make another run, yet again.

I almost pulled the trigger, but couldn't 
(16) Hampton over (1) Virginia 
I really really really want to say Hampton over Virginia, but Virginia will pull this game out close. That Hampton team that lost to Kentucky by 23 last year, really didn't lose that bad, especially coming from an undefeated Wildcats team. The Pirates thrive from tearing down boards, ranked 7th in the nation averaging 41 per game. Where does Virginia get killed the most? Yup, on the boards, ranked 329th in nation for rebounds per game. With the Cavaliers' slow-the-game-down tempo, it could keep Hampton lurking around deep into the game. I'm not saying Hampton wins, but I'm just going to keep this right here.

Post-Combine 2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

The Underwear Olympics are over.  The final 40s have been run.  Rich Eisen broke his personal best (and raised some money for St. Jude's).  What does all this mean?  It means that its time for me to throw my hat in the ring.  Its time for me to try to predict the most unpredictable event on the NFL calendar - the NFL Draft.

I'm not going to flood you with mocks every week - there's no point in doing that when the draft is still two months out.  But, seeing as the Combine is the first real hype-generator for the draft, I figured a mock was warranted here.

A few ground rules: (1) Trades are not considered; I may comment about them, but the mocks will not feature them.  (2) Picks are based on team needs without considering impending free agents; i.e. Linebacker isn't a need for the Broncos because Treveathen and Marshall are impending FA's.  This will be the only time that rule 2 is in effect, as my next mock will be a post-free agent frenzy mock.

I doubt many of you actually read the above, so let's get to some picks, shall we?

1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

The Ole Miss tackle seems to be the consensus pick if the Titans keep the top pick, and with good reason.  The team has to protect its most valuable asset, Marcus Mariota, especially when they have to play J.J. Watt twice every season.

Tunsil is an athletic, All-American tackle that played in a very talented SEC and played well. Most scouts believe that the transition to the NFL will be a generally smooth one.

2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, California

The first QB off the board goes to the most QB-needy team in the last decade, most people are calling this one.  However, Jared Goff isn't the guy that most mocks have standing at the podium with Goddell after the second pick.

Goff is the most pro-ready quarterback in the draft, and that's what the Browns NEED.  This team doesn't need another guy that has "some learning to do" or "some adjustments to make" before he's a viable starter.  The Browns need a Day 1 starter, and Goff is just the guy to provide the stability that Cleveland tries so desperately to avoid.

3. San Diego Chargers: Joey Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State

The (still) San Diego Chargers need to revamp their 3-4 defense, and Bosa fits in here perfectly.  He can clearly assist the pass-rush, but also showed at the Combine that he can drop back into coverage and support a Chargers defense that muddled in the middle of the league in almost all passing categories last season. 

Bosa will also fit right in because he sounds like Jeff Spicoli when he talks - you decide if that's a compliment.

4. Dallas Cowboys: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Another QB off the board.  The Cowboys have to pick a QB here because, with their team at full health, they can't expect to be back this high in the draft any time soon.  Finding a suitable successor to Tony Romo, who has played only 12 games both of the last two seasons, now could give the Cowboys what I'm calling "The Rodgers Effect".

Am I forgetting someone? I know, Lynch is a somewhat surprising here, but don't be surprised if the swaggy Memphis kid starts rising up teams' draft boards.  He has the measurables that someone could want, was dominant in college (28 TDs, 3 INTs in '15), and he's athletic.  The complaint? He's not a finished product; he needs time to learn and refine before he'll be ready to start.  Man, if only he could go to a team where he could sit behind an established, All-Pro QB that could teach him up and give him time to get ready for the pro game.....oh wait!

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State

The Jags have more needs than any other team in the draft.  Its time to draft the best player on the board, and that's Ramsey in this case.

Ramsey proved that he is uber athletic at the Combine (4.42 40, 41.5 vert., 11.25 ft. broad jump).  On top of the athleticism, Ramsey showed in his time as a 'Nole that he can adequately play both safety and corner, which has led to a dilemma for some teams in pegging his ideal position.  In the Jags case, Ramsey's versatility works to their advantage.  Their defense is still a work in progress, so having multi-functionality can be extremely helpful.

6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

The Ravens could use an injection of youth in their offensive line (29 avg. age), especially after extending franchise QB Joe Flacco for another 3 years.  This team needs to protect the new highest-paid player in the NFL.  Furthermore, starting left tackle Eugene Monroe has missed 15 games in the last two seasons.

Stanley is long and athletic and has the ability to get downfield.  His strength can be suspect at times, but he has been a staple in a vert talented Notre Dame line for the last 3 seasons.  He is easily the next best option behind Tunsil in this year's draft.

7. San Fransisco 49ers: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

SEE, I didn't forget about him!  The 49ers are another team, like the Browns, that may very well be in need of a Game 1 signal-caller.  New head coach Chip Kelly will be looking for someone to run his unique system and though it would seem that he already has the perfect guy to run it in Colin Kaepernick, it doesn't seem Kaep' will be sticking around.

Wentz has really impressed scouts both on and off the field.  The reason for his fall here is simply need-based.  If I took trades into account this pick could easily be made at the third spot.  Either way, Chip gets a quarterback with play-calling experience and a clear ability to handle a complex system like Chip's, both athletically (10 rushing TDs in last 2 seasons) and intellectually.

8. Miami Dolphins: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

The Dolphins could use both a immediate and long-term boost in their secondary, with the team's #1, Brent Grimes, in the final stages of his career.  In Hargreaves the 'phins get the best pure corner in the draft and keep the Tampa, FL native close to home.

Hargreaves didn't wow with his measurables at the Combine, but he didn't disappoint either; he really showed his superiority in the on-field drills.  Hargreaves' instincts are top-notch and  he can get in and out of breaks with fluidity.  He is far from a finished product, but he will be good enough to start Day 1 and can grow into the #1 role.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon

The Bucs' had the No. 26 pass defense, per Football Outsiders' DVOA.  The reason for the team's deficiency was a combination of a horrendous secondary and a lackluster pass-rush.

Buckner has the ability to play both inside and outside.  He also has a domineering frame (6'7, 290 lbs.) to pair with his strength and athletic ability.  At this point, it appears that he could go anywhere in the top 10.

10. New York Giants: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

This pick is the one nearest to my heart...like the shrapnel in Iron Man's chest - one false move could ruin me.  The Giants haven't had a legitimate star-quality linebacker since Antonio Pierce left the team in 2010.  Many scouts don't see Jack falling to the 10th pick, but based on who's picking before them, I think the Giants could be faced with this no-brainer on draft night.

Jack has great upside; it's entirely possible that we hadn't seen his full potential before his junior year ACL tear.  He really showed his star potential when he won the Pac-10's Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year.  His cover abilities would be like a breathe of fresh air for Giants fans begging for their first 1st round LB since Carl Banks.

11. Chicago Bears: A'Shawn Robinson, DT/NT, Alabama

The Bears defense was suspect up the middle last season, ranking three from the bottom of the league in yards per-carry last season (4.5 YPC).  Though second-round pick Eddie Goldman played well in his first season at NT, the Bears need more help at the point of attack.

Enter: A'Shawn Robinson.  Robinson has the size (6'4, 320 lbs.) to be a run stuffer, while also having the agility to play 3-4 end and get after the quarterback.

12. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

The Saints are trying to recover from the dismantling they received at the hands of former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.  The team finished 27th in sacks (31) last season and could use someone to pair along with Pro-Bowl end Cameron Jordan.

Rankins is a tackle with some solid wheels, and that speed lets him get after the passer.  His best season came in his junior year when he was paired with Jets' 2015 second-round pick Lorenzo Mauldin (9 sacks, 14.5 TFL).  The Saints could try to recreate this effect with Jordan to take the pressure off and let Rankins put the pressure on.

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

The Eagles could use some help at the guard position and their rock at tackle, Jason Peters, will be 34 this season and is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning.

This could be seen as a few picks early for Conklin, but he had a strong showing at the Combine and that could bump his stock for sure.  Conklin has the versatility to start inside while he awaits his opportunity to shift outside upon Peters' departure.

14. Oakland Raiders: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

The Raiders offense has taken great form and looks ready to take on the world - now it's time for the defense to catch up.  The team needs to build around their monster, Khalil Mack.  A corner would address the most glaring weakness on the defensive side of the ball.

The reports on Alexander are extremely mixed.  Some say he can be a first-rounder, others say he could go in the third or fourth.  Some say he is a nickel, others see him as a straight-up cover corner.  Far be it for the Raiders to be risk-averse.  It's boom or bust with this one, sort of like when the team took D.J. Hayden 12th overall in 2013.

15. Los Angeles Rams: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

The Rams will almost certainly go after a QB at some point in the draft, but at this point it doesn't make sense.  A case could be made that the Rams would look to reload their defense after the recent cap casualties and impending FA's, but it's L.A, it's showtime!  So the team opts to go for a star-studded 1-2 punch with Gurley and Treadwell in back-to-back years.

Treadwell has moments on film that really make you go "WOW!"  He's as tough as they come, he wins the 50-50 plays, and he's a disciplined route-runner.  Some qualms come up about his speed relative to past first-round picks, but he makes up for it with his playmaking abilities.

16. Detroit Lions: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

The departures of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley left both a figurative and physical hole in the Lions defense.  Ziggy Ansah has really come into his own and could use a running mate that could stop the run.

Jarran Reed is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Lions.  He's a 311-pound point-of-attack, run stuffing, gap filling, mass of a man.  He earned his chops in Saban's Alabama defense and earned himself a reputation in the best conference in college football.

17. Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Dodd, EDGE, Clemson

Atlanta ranked dead least in the NFL with 19 sacks in 2015.  In fact, the team only had one player, rookie Vic Beasley, in the top 100 in sacks; and he only had 4.0.  This isn't an isolated incident: the team has been in the bottom five in sacks each of the last four seasons.

For a second straight year, the Falcons go with a Clemson rusher with their first choice.  Dodd rode the pine for his first two years at Clemson, but once he got his shot he didn't disappoint.  Dodd had a tremendous year with 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, which he capped off with three sacks in the National Championship game.

18. Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

The Colts two inside linebackers are past their prime - Freeman at 29 years old and Jackson at 32 years old.  The entire Indy defense could use an injection of youth.

Reggie Ragland can be exactly what a team that allowed 120 rushing yards per game last season needs.  He's a downhill thumper; a real throwback to the run-stopping backers of the past.  His ability to handle speed can be suspect at times, but he is ready to start now.  With time, he has the skill and intangibles to become an anchor for a defense.

19. Buffalo Bills: Noah Spence, EDGE, Eastern Kentucky

The Bills just released their premier pass-rusher in Mario Williams, leaving an even greater need for a pass-rusher.  The Bills defensive line, without Willams, amassed only 10.5 sacks amongst 8 players.  In this situation, Rex and the boys take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward edge rusher.

Spence is clearly a talented young man: He racked up 8 sacks for Ohio State as a sophomore, earning himself first team All-Big Ten honors.  Then in 2015, Spence recorded 14.5 sacks (23.5 TFL) for EKU.  The reason for his transfer to EKU: Spence failed two drug tests while at Ohio State, and was banned from Big Ten play.  He was then arrested for drunk driving in his time at EKU.  Spence and this around him swear that he has matured and will be a solution, not a problem, at the NFL level.

20. New York Jets: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

Say it with me Jets fans: "ZEEEEEEEKE!"  In this scenario, the Jets follow the lead of their cross-town rivals and go with the best available option.  The team seems to have found its answer at wideout with Marshall and Decker, and while the quarterback position needs addressing, this spot is not the place to do it.  Instead, the Jets get another dynamic piece to add to their QB-less offense, and get a more than capable replacement for Chris Ivory.

Zeke has all of the abilities to be a legitimate three-down back in the NFL.  He offers a unique combination of size and speed.  He's an elusive, agile, hard-nosed runner.  As for his pass-protection abilities, Urban Meyer had this to say about the young man (per NBCSports): "He’s the best player I’ve ever coached without the ball in his hands. Think about that for a minute."  That kind of praise is music to any coach's ears.

21.  Washington Redskins: Robert Nkemdiche, DT/DE, Ole Miss

This pick will almost certainly change.  The Redskins need help with their aging defensive line: their line does not feature a single player under 27 years old.  Overall, the team ranked in the bottom third of the league in total, passing, and rushing yards per game (28th, 25th, and 26th, respectively).  The Redskins may certainly look to their defensive line to help remedy their defensive woes.

Nkemdiche could be a top-10 pick or he could find himself still looking for a team on Day 2.  He has a ideal NFL build and set of abilities.  However, his production did not match his potential in his three years as a starter - he recorded only 6.5 sacks in three years.  If that wasn't enough, his character issues (prior arrest and team suspension from bowl game) are dropping him off some teams' boards.

22. Houston Texans:  Karl Joseph, SS, West Virginia

The Texans could use a QB at some point (*cough* Hackenburg *cough*), but for now they address the glaring need on their defense - safety.  This team has swung and missed on both drafting safeties (D.J. Swearinger) and signing them (Ed Reed, Rahim Moore).  Last year the team was forced to bits-and-piece its safeties together, with 2014 seventh-rounder Dre Hal and career special-teamer Quintin Demps starting the season at safety.

This spot may be a bit of a reach for Karl Joseph, but not as much as many of you may think.  Joseph is Mike Mayock's #1 safety in this year's draft, and with good reason.  He is as competitive as they come, is able to cover or sit back, and efficiently channels his aggression on the field to make big plays.  Can you tell that I like this guy?  Concerns among teams come from an ACL injury that he sustained in a non-contact drill during what looked to be his best season yet (led FBS with 5 INTs through first four weeks of his senior season).  However, this pick has the potential to finally be a homerun for Houston if Joseph has a successful recovery.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State

Coach Mike Zimmer stated that the entire offensive line is open to competition going into the upcoming season.  The team has some promising pieces in Matt Kalil and T.J. Clemmings at tackle, but could use some new blood up the gut of their line.  The offensive line needs to be the backbone of this team if they are to allow AP to get into space and if they want to protect Teddy Touchdown.

Whitehair is being classified as a "safe pick"; he is technically sound and displayed tons of versatility in his college (played every position but center).  He is a hard worker, a team captain, workout warrior that will keep his head on straight and earn his keep in the trenches every Sunday.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings, NT/DT, Baylor

The Bengals have a dominant pass-rushing duo in the form of DT Geno Atkins and DE Carlos Dunlap.  However, their resident nose tackle, Domata Peko, struggled to stop the run this past year and will be 33 at next season's start.  The Bengals need to take action to ensure that their defensive line continues to be the force that helped the team tally 42 sacks and 21 INTs last season.

Billings has the power and agility to be a dominant force at the point of attack.  He displayed his power at the combine by putting up 31 bench press reps (most of any prospect) at only 20 years old.  Billings' Combine performance should open some eyes and help bump him into the first round conversation for teams seeking an anchor up the middle.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

The Steelers allowed the third most passing yards in the NFL in 2015, due in large part to a revolving door of sub-par corners.  The Steelers need to bolster their secondary with the likes of A.J. Green in their division, who averaged 107 yards and a touchdown in 3 games against Pittsburgh in 2015.

Apple has the footwork to be a more than component man corner, but more than that, his toughness and physically allow him to knock receivers off their routes.  He will need to refine his physicality to avoid costly penalties at the pro-level, but his sound technique should allow him to do so.  His 4.4 speed at the Combine only furthered his case to be a first-round corner.

26. Seattle Seahawks: William Jackson III, CB, Houston

This pick may surprise some; after all, it this is the team heralded for it Legion of Boom in the secondary.  However, this past year the Legion was missing a counterpart to its leader, Richard Sherman.  To be fair, the team still ranked second in passing yards allowed per game.  If this team wants to maintain its core competency, its secondary, it needs to continue to bolster it with new talent.

William Jackson wasn't getting into anybody's first round prior to the Combine.  But, after he ran a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash and performed well in on-field drills, people began to take a second look at the lengthy corner out of Houston.  Jackson isn't a finished product yet, but he has the raw talent and measurables that make him the archetype of what Seattle seeks in its corners.

27. Green Bay Packers: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia

The Packers have plans to return Clay Matthews to the outside, where he belongs.  This will leave an open spot in the Packers roster where there already was a sizable hole.  The Pack need to add a few pieces to their weakening linebacker core, and the draft could be a viable route for improvement.

Floyd is projected to be an outside, rushing backer in the NFL.  However, many scouts feel that he has the sideline-to-sideline and open field quickness to play in the middle as well.  His versatility would benefit the Packers, as they would be able to try him at both inside and outside linebacker as they reconfigure their defense.  Floyd also dominated the Combine, ranking in the top-five amongst linebackers in all three events he completed - 40 (4.6), broad (127 in.), and vertical (39.5 in.).

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

It's getting old at this point, isn't it?  The Chiefs need receivers.  Maclin proved to be good enough to handle #1 duties in Andy Reid's offense, but he can't do it alone.  Adding a second wide receiver that can stretch the field could take some pressure off of Maclin and TE Travis Kelce.

Will Fuller was the fastest wideout at this year's Combine (4.32).  The Fighting Irish alum uses all of that speed on the field to break off big plays - he averaged 20.1 yards per catch in 2015.  Fuller can be boom or bust due to some technique issues, but he has a knack for stretching the field and finding the endzone (15 TDs in '14, 14 in '15).  He doesn't have the chops to go over the middle, and should be in a situation where he not often asked to go there (like the Chiefs).

29. Arizona Cardinals: Shaq Lawson, EDGE, Clemson

The Arizona Cardinals made it a point to get after the passer this season; they had the highest blitz rate of any NFL team.  Unfortunately, this added pressure translated to a underwhelming 21st ranking in sacks (36).  The Cardinals need to be able to generate pressure in order to let their ball-hawking secondary utilize its big play abilities.

Shaq Lawson is best fit to play 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.  He isn't necessarily a pure pass-rusher, but he is hard to block, which allows him to be a disruptive force in the backfield in both passing and rushing situations.  In his one season as a starter at Clemson, Lawson earned All-American honors with 12.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss.

30. Carolina Panthers: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

If the Super Bowl proved anything, it proved that there's room for improvement on the Carolina offensive line.  The primary area of concern along the line for the NFC champs is the tackle position.  According to Pro Football Focus, no tackle graded nearly as poorly as Michael Oher in 2015.  Admittedly, it's not a glaring weakness, but a team that just went 17-2 shouldn't really have glaring weaknesses.

Decker has athleticism and solid power to go along with his prototype NFL frame.  He has a good head for the game, is tough, and has developed good habits in his three years as a starter.  His technique may be suspect at times, but one NFL scout said (per NFL.com), "he'll be a long-time starting tackle in this league for years."

31. Denver Broncos: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

The Broncos need to maintain the machine that won them a championship - that defense.  One would have to believe, with the amount of free agents the Broncos have to re-sign, that they won't have their full stock of linebackers from this year's championship team.

Darron Lee is a confident, rangy young backer that knows how to fill up the stat sheet.  His range and fluid movement allow him to make plays in space.  Lee is a bit undersized, but he has room to easily add to his frame as he adjusts to the NFL game.

**NOTE: The draft only has 31 picks because the New England Patriots were stripped of their 2016 first round pick.
                                                                                                                                                 

Alright, we're done - phew.  Stay tuned to see which players rise/fall after the dust settles from the first few weeks of free agency (set to open on March 7th).

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