"Another one.": Its seems to be the trend of this iteration of our NFL Mock Draft series. Another trade, another quarterback, another mock draft - another one.
The Eagles gave up a haul to move up to the No. 2 spot in the draft in a move that they hope will bring in their "major key" (I had to.) at quarterback. However, as with all moves at the top of the draft, this one will have an impact on the entire board.
So, all egregious Khaled references aside, here's the picks:
1. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB, California
The Eagles trade is telling of who the league thinks L.A. will go with at No. 1. Philly seems to be infatuated with Wentz and presumably wouldn't have made this trade unless they felt they would see their infatuation fulfilled.
Goff is the most pro-ready passer in the draft; he has accuracy, field vision, and a solid arm. His skill set is certainly deserving of being the first QB off the board.
Mock 3.0: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
Eagles Howie Roseman, who's title is longer than his name, has already stated that the team will be taking a quarterback at 2. Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson has said that Carson Wentz is an "elite" prospect who is "everything you want in a quarterback" (Original report). I'm simply connecting the dots here.
Wentz has garnered high praise during this draft process, and has shown that the gap between he and Goff is slim, if there is one at all.
Mock 3.0: Browns pick Jared Goff, QB, California
3. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida St.
After taking a deeper look at San Diego's current situation, I have been second-guessing my conviction that Tunsil will be the pick here. The Chargers have been working on improving the defensive side of the ball this offseason, signing Brandon Mebane, Casey Hayward, and Dwight Lowery. That trend may very well continue in the draft, where the Chargers will have their pick of the top defensive players.
Ramsey may be the most talented player in the draft, and he has the ability to play both corner or safety. The Chargers could find their long-term replacement for S Eric Weddle in him.
Mock 3.0: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, EDGE, Ohio St.
There has been a good deal of speculation that Elliott will be the pick for the Cowboys, but I don't see that happening with McFadden and Morris already in the backfield. The Cowboys are still searching for a force to replace DeMarcus Ware and the guy they hoped might be that, Randy Gregory, is suspended for the first four weeks of the season.
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?
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon
The Jaguars are focused on improving their defense this year, particularly their front seven. In a division that now features Andrew Luck, Marcus Mariota, and Brock Osweiler, the Jags will be looking to put pressure on the quarterback; I'd expect them to go after a pass rusher at some point, and No. 5 might be the spot.
Rand Getlin is reporting that DeForest Buckner has said the Jaguars have been in close contact with him leading up to the draft. Buckner is strong, athletic, and versatile, a day one starter for Jacksonville.
Mock 3.0: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
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. Turning down the best tackle in the draft, who was possibly a first overall selection just a few weeks ago, could be a big mistake.
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.
Mock 3.0: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida St.
7. San Fransisco 49ers: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The lineage of great linebackers going to the Niners continues. San Fran is still working to pick up the pieces of its defense, and nabbing the most talented linebacker on the board could be an excellent next step.
Jack's medicals were somewhat perplexing, with doctors saying he will play in 2016, but being unclear about his health beyond next season. When healthy, Jack has superior instincts and excellent coverage skills. He could be an absolute steal at seven.
Mock 3.0: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon
8. Cleveland Browns: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Quarterback remains the primary need for the Browns, and now the team has stockpiled draft picks and still has the chance to pick the QB of the future.
Reports suggest that the Browns are taking a hard look at making Lynch the selection at No. 8. The Memphis product may need the most work of the top three QB's, but with time he could easily prove to be the most talented.
Mock 3.0: Eagles pick Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
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; I could see the team going for either here.
In Hargreaves, the Bucs get the best pure corner in the draft and keep the Tampa, FL native close to home. Vernon will be a Day 1 starter with the potential to quickly become the team's #1 corner.
10. New York Giants: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
We know what the Giants will do: BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE. That philosophy just happens to coincide with a massive need for the G-Men in this scenario. Even after spending numerous top picks on the offensive line, the Giants are still in need of multiple lineman.
Stanley isn't quite the athlete that Tunsil is, but he's quick enough to get off the ball and get to the second level. He will be similar to Ereck Flowers in that he will start right away, but still has room and potential to grow.
11. Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
Ezekiel Elliott could certainly tempt the Bears here, but John Fox is a defense-first coach. The Bears will likely look to continue the revamp of their defense, particularly at the front seven.
Floyd is a tenacious pass rusher with a freakish frame (6'6", 244 lbs.) and top of the class athleticism. He has the ability to help the Bears get after the quarterback and drop-off into coverage.
Mock 3.0: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
12. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
The Saints need to bolster their defensive line at either position. The team finished 27th in sacks (31) last season and could use someone to pair along with Pro-Bowl end Cameron Jordan.
Rankins is surprisingly agile for his large frame. He can be disruptive in the run-game and can get after the quarterback with some regularity (14 sacks in last two seasons).
Mock 3.0: Kevin Dodd, EDGE, Clemson
13. Miami Dolphins: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.
Miami lost its young stud running back to the Houston Texans this offseason and missed out on his replacement when Denver matched the Dolphins offer for C.J. Anderson.
The Dolphins would be ecstatic with this selection should it be there on draft day. Elliott has speed, agility, and a hard-nosed style - not to mention, he is one of the best blocking backs to come out of college in recent years. He will provide an instant injection of talent for Head Coach Adam Gase.
Mock 3.0: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
14. Oakland Raiders: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
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. After signing Sean Smith, the team could really reshape its secondary by adding a top corner.
Jackson's stock continues to rise as we approach the draft. He has excellent coverage skills (ranked second-highest in the class by Pro Football Focus) and plays with physicality. WJ3 isn't a finished product, but he has first round skills and promise.
Mock 3.0: Robert Nkemdiche, DT/DE, Ole Miss
15. Tennessee Titans: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.
The philosophy remains the same: protect Marcus Mariota; with this pick, the Titans accomplish just that and grab an instant upgrade at right tackle.
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.
16. Detroit Lions: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The departures of Suh and Fairley are still being felt in Detroit. Ziggy Ansah has really come into his own and could use a running mate that can stop help 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 a reputation as one of the best run-stoppers in all of 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.
Another Clemson Tiger to play alongside Vic Beasley. In his one season as a starter at Clemson, Lawson earned All-American honors with 12.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss. He would provide an instant boost to the lackluster Falcons rush.
Mock 3.0: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
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 prototypical NFL frame.
19. Buffalo Bills: Noah Spence, EDGE, Eastern Kentucky
The Bills are in desperate need of someone who can get after the quarterback. The team's defensive line, without new Dolphin Mario Willams, amassed only 10.5 sacks amongst 8 players.
And the Spence wagon circles back 'round again. He is one of the best rushers in this draft and, were it not for his character concerns, he would be a top-10 pick. Rex could take a chance (Would you be surprised?) and go for broke with Spence here.
Mock 3.0: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
20. New York Jets: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
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 AFC East.
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 3.0: Shaq Lawson, EDGE, Clemson
21. Washington Redskins: Reggie Ragland, LB, 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.
Ragland would certainly help Washington in the run-game, as he is a throwback, downhill thumper at inside linebacker. He's also more than serviceable in coverage where he utilizes his great instincts.
Mock 3.0: A'Shawn Robinson, DT/DE, Alabama
22. Houston Texans: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
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.
Coleman's speed and agility will make him a problem for corners at the next level and have earned him much praise leading up to the draft. His speed and vertical route-running would be a nice complement to DeAndre Hopkins.
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.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
The receiver run continues! The Bengals have shown interest in a number of top receivers leading up to the draft after losing Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency.
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.
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 3.0: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
27. Green Bay Packers: Andrew Billings, DT/NT, Baylor
The Packers need help filling the massive hole (literally) left by B.J. Raji's retirement.
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.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The Chiefs held on to safety Eric Berry, but lost starting CB Sean Smith to the Raiders, leaving a need for the KC defense.
Alexander is considered by some to be the best cover corner in the draft. He is a confident young man with excellent press coverage skills and somewhat suspect size (5'11", 185 lbs.). However, recent reports have come out saying that his reputation a bad locker room presence, which could cause him to drop, as he did here.
Mock 3.0: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
29. Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
This pick hasn't changed at all for me. 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.
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 has seen increasing interest as the draft draws nearer and could sneak in the back-end of the first round. He is flexible enough to play both tackle or guard at the next level.
Mock 3.0: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
31. Denver Broncos: Darron Lee
The Broncos need to maintain the machine that won them a championship - that defense. Replenishing the team's linebacker core should be a part of that plan.
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.
Mock 3.0: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
**NOTE: The draft only has 31 picks because the New England Patriots were stripped of their 2016 first round pick.
Who dropped out?:
Robert Nkemdiche, DT/DE, Ole Miss (14th overall in Mock 3.0):
I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the first round, but character issues and unfulfilled college expectations have knocked him down the boards.
A'Shawn Robinson, DT/DE, Alabama (21st overall in Mock 3.0):
Expectations of his draft stock are somewhat all over; could be a high pick on Day 1 or Day 2.
Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana (30th overall in Mock 3.0):
Day 2 is really where he belongs; his elite athleticism could make him a reach in the early rounds.
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