With the draft order changing since the last two mock drafts (Click here for The Pug’s Mock Draft 1.0 and here for The Pug’s Mock Draft 2.0), the Pug proudly presents the final mock draft before the actual draft on Thursday. Don’t forget to jot down the promo code in the banner above and join us at The Scrum Sports Draft Party at Gator’s Dockside in Tampa.
Round 1
Pick 1: Los Angeles Rams *Acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans
2015 Record: 7-9 3rd Place NFC West
Team Needs: QB, WR, C, MLB, DB
Pick: Jared Goff, QB, California
No surprise here. The Rams traded with the Titans to get their 1st (1), 4th (113) and 6th round picks (177) this year. It was a costly move for the Rams, who gave up their 1st (15), two 2nd’s (43 and 45) and a 3rd round pick (76) this year, as well as their 1st and 3rd round picks next year. The reason? To select Jared Goff with the first overall pick and bring excitement in finding a franchise quarterback for the city of Los Angeles.
Pick 2: Philadelphia Eagles *Acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns
2015 Record: 7-9 2nd Place NFC East
Team Needs: QB, RB, OL, CB
Pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Another no brainer. The Eagles, much like the Rams gave up a lot to move to the top of the draft board. The Eagles received the number two pick from the Browns this year and a 4th round pick next year in exchange for the Eagles 1st (8) 3rd (77) and 4th round picks this year (100), a 1st round pick next year, and a 2nd round pick in 2018. Better hope they hit with Wentz or the future is bleak.
Pick 3: San Diego Chargers
2015 Record: 4-12 4th Place AFC West
Team Needs: OT, DT, DE, S
Pick: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi
One of the big winners of the trades for the top two picks, Tunsil now falls to the three spot because the top two spots are set in stone with QB’s. The Chargers get the best offensive lineman in the draft class and fill a huge need to help protect Philip Rivers in the process. He is polished to jump right in and make an immediate impact on a Chargers team that is poised to compete again this year.
Pick 4: Dallas Cowboys
2015 Record: 4-12 4th Place NFC East
Team Needs: RB, DE, CB, S
Pick: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
This was the first pick requiring some thought. The temptation for the Cowboys, who have been saying all along they are picking on best prospect available and not need at the number four spot, to pick Ezekiel Elliot is there. In the end, it seems the Cowboys are quite enamored with Joey Bosa, and get an instant boost to a pass rush that ranked 27th last year in team sacks.
Pick 5: Jacksonville Jaguars
2015 Record: 5-11 3rd Place AFC South
Team Needs: OL, ILB, OLB, CB
Pick: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
Jacksonville is a team on the rise, and they are essentially getting two first round picks this year with the return from injury of Dante Fowler Jr. There has been much speculation of the health of Myles Jack’s knee, but the Jags could use Jack to become a formidable defense, even if it is a gamble. There is a chance the status of Jack’s injury scares the Jag’s off, but overall Jack gives the Jags the chance to take the defense, and team overall to the next level.
Pick 6: Baltimore Ravens
2015 Record: 5-11 3rd Place AFC North
Team Needs: OL, DE, ILB, CB, SS
Pick: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State
The Raves strike gold at six, another winner due to the shake up at the top of the draft. Ramsey had consideration of going 1st or 2nd overall, but slip to the Ravens here. The Cowboys at four could possibly chase the Florida State product, but the Ravens will fill a huge need in the secondary but drafting the athletic Ramsey.
Pick 7: San Francisco 49ers
2015 Record: 5-11 4th Place NFC West
Team Needs: QB, OT, WR, DE, ILB, CB
Pick: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Although defensive end is San Francisco’s most pressing need, it’s hard to pass up on the talent of Buckner. He is NFL ready and is poised to be a superstar one day in this league. Buckner could actually be a better talent than Bosa, just without all the hype. The 49ers select the best available player with Buckner here.
Pick 8: Cleveland Browns *Aquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles
2015 Record: 3-13 4th Place AFC North
Team Needs: QB, WR, RB, C, T, DE, S
Pick Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Browns have a ton of needs. Although they may consider Vernon Hargreaves here, the Browns would be wise to consider a solid pass rush makes the entire defense better. Lawson is built like a tank, and could also transition as a 3-4 linebacker, allowing the Browns some flexibility. Then again it wouldn’t be crazy for them to consider Elliot here….
Pick 9: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2015 Record: 6-10 4th Place NFC South
Team Needs: C, DE, CB, S
Pick: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
The need to improve on the defensive side of the ball for the Bucs is real, especially in their secondary. Adding Bret Grimes in free agency is a start, and adding Hargreaves is the end. They may be tempted to go after a defensive end, but with the top three ends off the board already, the Bucs get more value going after Hargreaves, who is believed by many to possibly be a better cover corner than Ramsey.
Pick 10: New York Giants
2015 Record: 6-10 3rd Place NFC East
Team Needs: OL, DE, LB, FS
Pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Norte Dame
The Giants have a gaping hole at the linebacker position even after spending big time offensive dollars to revamp their defense this off season. They also have a huge need at tackle, and with Stanley still on the board, the Giants pull the trigger here without much thought. Stanley is an excellent pass protector that should give Eli more time to dish the rock to OBJ and Victor Cruz.
Pick 11: Chicago Bears
2015 Record: 6-10 4th Place NFC North
Team Needs: OT, TE, OLB, CB
Pick: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
Via trade and free agency, the Bears have done a good job of getting back to their roots; defense. Expect them to look that way again in the draft, and find the best value in taking Leonard Floyd. Although considered undersized at the position, there is no denying Floyd’s athleticism that allows him to get after the quarterback. That’s exactly what the Bears are looking for to help complete a defensive overhaul. The Bears have always been successful with quality linebackers, and Danny Trevathan and Floyd should become a formidable duo.
Pick 12: New Orleans Saints
2015 Record: 7-9 3rd Place NFC South
Team Needs: OG, WR, DL, CB
Pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
The Saints need help on defense and have an obvious need for defensive lineman. With the top rated defensive tackle still available at 12, the Saints pounce. Rankins has a great frame for a defensive tackle and fills holes nicely. Rankins plugs into a Saints defense as an instant starter and the beginning of trying to improve the league’s worst defense.
Pick 13: Miami Dolphins
2015 Record: 7-9 4th Place AFC East
Team Needs: RB, OT, DE, OLB
Pick: Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
After swinging and missing at a few of the free agent running backs this off season, the Dolphins are the team that pulls the trigger on the running back that many teams before them considered. A pure three down back, Elliot will slide right to the top of the depth chart with Jay Ajayi backing him up. Could wind up being a scary 1-2 punch.
Pick 14: Oakland Raiders
2015 Record: 7-9 3rd Place AFC West
Team Needs: OT, DT, ILB, CB, S
Pick: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Raiders have finally succeeded in creating a formidable offense, as Derek Carr and Amari Cooper seem to be the real deal. The addition of Bruce Irvin to the outside paired with them picking the best interior linebacker in the draft Reggie Ragland, starts to see the construction of a Raiders team that might be ready to take a shot at contention for years to come.
Pick 15: Tennessee Titans * Acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams
2015 Record: 3-13 4th Place AFC South
Team Needs: OT, WR, OLB, CB, S
Pick: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Titasn will be absolutely thrilled that Conklin will see be on the board at 15, making trading away the number one overall pick that much sweeter. Although Conklin is no Tunsil, getting possibly the second best tackle in the draft and receiving a whole slew of extra picks to fill other needs in the process is a huge draft day win for the Titans. Look for Conklinn to be a day one starter.
Pick 16: Detroit Lions
2015 Record: 7-9 3rd Place NFC North
Team Needs: OT, DE, MLB, CB, SS
Pick: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
The Lions may be tempted to go after Taylor Decker, but Dodd fills a huge need and is even considered by some to wind up having a more successful career than his position mate Shaq Lawson. The Lions team has a mountain to climb to become successful again, but the pick of Dodd will only help that.
Pick 17:Atlanta Falcons
2015 Record: 8-8 2nd Place NFC South
Team Needs: OT, DT, DE, OLB, ILB, S
Pick: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
Since the Falcons need inside and outside help at the linebacker position, why not take a guy who can play both? Although listed as an outside linebacker, Lee is more than able to play both positions, and is believed by some to wind up being a better interior linebacker than Ragland. Lee has an uncanny ability to rush through gaps and find the quarterback, something the Falcons will fall in love with next season. Darron Lee and Vic Beasley? Yes please!
Pick 18: Indianapolis Colts
2015 Record: 8-8 2nd Place AFC South
Team Needs: C, DT, LB, CB
Pick: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
An 8-8 season for the Colts was a disappointing season last year for a team that was a Super Bowl favorite. Remember though, Andrew Luck was injured most of last year, and the Colts are going to bounce back. They have the luxury to draft based on their few needs, and since they are able to scoop up the best center in the draft at 18, which also happens to be their biggest need, that’s the route they will go. Kelly goes out and finds his block and has very quick feet which usually equate to a successful career as a center.
Pick 19: Buffalo Bills
2015 Record: 8-8 3rd Place AFC East
Team Needs: QB, OT, DL, OLB
Pick: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Rex Ryan loves to draft his defense. Although defensive end is a bigger need, especially with the departure of Mario Williams, they big names are all off the board when Buffalo picks at 19. Robinson is considered by many as the best interior defensive lineman in the draft, and Ryan loves his beefy interior lineman. Don’t be surprised for them to give Paxton Lynch a lookover.
Pick 20: New York Jets
2015 Record 10-6 2nd Place AFC East
Team Needs: QB, OT, ILB, OLB
Pick: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Jets have two main needs, offensive line depth and linebacker depth. The Jets did trade for Ryan Clady which is a temporary fix to the retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson. They also have Bruce Carter and Erin Henderson as temporary fillers at the linebacker position. With all the first round linebacker talent off the board at 20, the jets decide to draft Decker, who could bump Breno Giacomini back on the depth chart to start the season. Enough with them drafting a QB talk, Fitzpatrick will eventually be back, and Bryce Petty is their future.
Pick 21: Washington Redskins
2015 Record: 9-7 1st Place NFC East
Team Needs: WR, C, DL, ILB
Pick: Laquon Tredwell, WR, Mississippi
A big bodied receiver, Tredwell will do wonders for opening up the field for Kirk Cousins who had a break out year last season. The addition of Josh Norman followed by the draft pick of Tredwell only proves the Redskins are done rebuilding, and looking to stay competitive in the NFC East for years to come.
Pick 22: Houston Texans
2015 Record: 9-7 1st place AFC South
Team Needs: WR, TE, OG, DL, FS
Pick: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Although the Texans could give Hunter Henry an extended look, getting a speedy receiver to give new quarterback Brock Osweiler a weapon, that should open up rising star DeAndre Hopkins more, can bring this offense to the next level. With Hopkins attracting most of the attention, it is possible that Coleman could see success in this offense right away.
Pick 23: Minnesota Vikings
2015 Record: 11-5 1st Place NFC North
Team Needs: WR, OL
Pick: Will Fuller, WR, Norte Dame
The Vikings bring in Will Fuller in hopes of improving a pass offense that was ranked 2nd to last in 2015. With the emergence of Stefon Diggs last season, Fuller could slide right into the WR1 or WR2 position and help Diggs and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater continue their progressions. A speedster, Fuller could also help on special teams immediately.
Pick 24: Cincinnati Bengals
2015 Record: 12-4 1st Place AFC North
Team Needs: WR, OL, DT, OLB
Pick: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Four wide receivers in a row! The Bengals signed Brandon LaFell this offseason after losing some of their receivers to free agency, but he is better suited out of the slot. Doctson has great hands and acceleration off the line, which is going to make opposing defenses take notice. This will provide more one on one coverage’s for A.J. Green, who wins in that situation more often than not. Andy Dalton had a breakout year last year before injuring his hand, and will pick up where he left off with his new toy on offense.
Pick 25: Pittsburgh Steelers
2015 Record: 10-6 2nd Place AFC North
Team Needs: OT, TE, NT, CB
Pick: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
The Steelers may get a gift with the ability to take Apple at pick 25. The weakness of a strong Pittsburgh Steelers team from last year was their secondary, and Apple looks to boost the secondary immediately. This is a rare iron clad pick this late, as the Steelers will draft a cornerback, whether it’s Apple or William Jackson III if Apple gets scooped up before the Steelers pick.
Pick 26: Seattle Seahawks
2015 Record: 10-6 2nd Place NFC West
Team Needs: OL, DT, CB
Pick: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
With the Legion of Boom coming back to the surface towards the end of the 2015 campaign, Nkemdiche could be the most successful defensive lineman in this draft because of the plethora of talent around him. Great athleticism and build, Nkemdiche didn’t put up the numbers last season that is talent allots, which is why he slips down to the bottom of the first round for the Seahawks.
Pick 27: Green Bay Packers
2015 Record: 10-6 2nd Place NFC North
Team Needs: TE, DE, OLB
Pick: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
By far the cream of the crop in the tight end department, the Packers who went 10-6 last season is about to upgrade their offense in a scary way. They get lead receiver Jordy Nelson back from a season ending injury and add the dynamic pass catching tight end that is Henry. Good luck to the defenses trying to slow down Aaron Rodgers this season.
Pick 28: Kansas City Chiefs
2015 Record: 11-5 2nd Place AFC West
Team Needs: WR, OG, OLB, CB
Pick: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
The Chiefs will attempt to bolster their secondary and create a scary defense by drafting seemingly underrated Jackson. He has great a great speed and size combination at the cornerback position, but needs to learn how to jam NFL caliber receivers before he can be truly successful.
Pick 29: Arizona Cardinals
2015 Record: 13-3 1st Place NFC West
Team Needs: C, DT, CB, S
Pick: Artie Burns, CB, Miami
The Cardinals don’t have many holes to fill as they are one of the premiere teams in the NFC, but they do manage to find a gem towards the end of the first round. A guy who has been shooting up the draft boards all off season, Burns has a great combination of size and speed. He looks a little raw on tape, but Bruce Arians is a fantastic mentor, and should be able to bring out the best of Burns.
Pick 30: Carolina Panthers
2015 Record: 15-1 1st Place NFC South
Team Needs: RB, OT, DE, CB
Pick: Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
This was a tough one. With the sudden departure of Josh Norman, cornerback is a need. Also don’t be surprised to see the Panthers give a thought to Alabama and Heisman award winner Derrick Henry to pair up with Jonathan Stewart. In the end, the Panthers decide to bolster their offensive line with Clark and protect their most prized possession, Cam Newton.
Pick 31: Denver Broncos
2015 Record: 12-4 1st Place AFC West
Team Needs: QB, OT, DE, ILB
Pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
After many teams consider Lynch, the Broncos decide to make him the final pick on Thursday. Mark Sanchez isn’t the long term answer in Denver, a pass first quarterback despite quick footwork to escape trouble; Denver could develop Lynch the way they developed Brock Osweiler, only hoping he stays in town of course.
The New England Patriots forfeit their first round pick as a result of the leagues’ judgment with Deflategate.
