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.
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