Advertisement

NFL Mock Draft: San Diego Chargers pull stunner, Miami Dolphins return to No. 8

By Dane Brugler, The Sports Xchange
Miami Dolphins fans celebrate in Miami, Florida on November 24, 2013. File photo by Susan Knowles/UPI
Miami Dolphins fans celebrate in Miami, Florida on November 24, 2013. File photo by Susan Knowles/UPI | License Photo

The Miami Dolphins started the offseason with pick No. 8 in the 2016 NFL Draft before trading back five spots to No. 13, swapping selections with the Philadelphia Eagles and gaining cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso in the trade. But Miami might be returning to the No. 8 spot if the price is right and running back Ezekiel Elliott is still available.

The Cleveland Browns, who have already traded back from the No. 2 pick, are open for business at No. 8 and if Elliott gets past the Dallas Cowboys at No. 4 (big "if") then he should fall to the eighth spot. In return, Cleveland will likely receive a 2016 third-rounder or 2017 second-rounder. For the Dolphins, that is a small price to pay for a playmaker like Elliott who instantly upgrades the offense.:

Advertisement
Advertisement

NFL First Round Mock Draft:

1. Los Angeles Rams: (7-9) Jared Goff, QB, California - With explosive weapons Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin in place on offense and the NFL's most ferocious defensive line, the Rams are only an improved passing game away from competing in the NFC West, finishing 4-2 in the division a year ago, including 2-0 against the Seattle Seahawks and 1-1 against the defending divisional champion Arizona Cardinals. Goff may lack the ideal build of an NFL quarterback at a relatively slim 6-4, 215 pound but he possesses terrific awareness, anticipation and accuracy - the three most important traits for success at the next level. Further, the California native offers the regional appeal to excite the fan base in LA.

2. Philadelphia Eagles: (7-9) Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State - Even with former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford and free agent addition Chase Daniel already on the roster, the Eagles showed their commitment towards improving at quarterback with the splashy trade up to No. 2 overall, guaranteeing either Goff or Wentz. Showing not only all of the physical talent scouts are looking for in a franchise quarterback but the leadership and composure as well, Wentz eased concerns about his level of competition at NDSU with stellar performances at the Senior Bowl, Combine and his March 24 Pro Day. The last time an FCS player was selected in the top three came back in 1995, when the late Steve McNair was selected third overall out of Alcorn State by the then-Houston Oilers.

Advertisement

3. San Diego Chargers: (4-12) Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame - Stanley over Laremy Tunsil? I don't understand it either, but the draft winds seem to be blowing in that direction. The Chargers would love to trade back in the top 10 and still get their guy, but if that isn't an option then San Diego will just take him here.

4. Dallas Cowboys: (4-12) Jalen Ramsey, FS, Florida State - Up until the Cowboys turn in the card, there will be several voices in the Dallas war room pushing for Ezekiel Elliott with this pick and they might win out. But the consensus in the Cowboys' front office seems to be that Jalen Ramsey is the best player available and it also fills a long-term need.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: (5-11) Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State - If the doctors sign off, then UCLA linebacker Myles Jack is the pick, but with his knee injury concerns, the Jaguars might not be able to pull the trigger. Bosa is a nice consolation prize, a pass rusher who strengthens the front-seven from day one.

6. Baltimore Ravens: (5-11) Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss - With Eugene Monroe's injury history, offensive tackle is a need area for the Ravens and the best player in this draft falls in Baltimore's lap, similar to Leonard Williams and the New York Jets in last year's first round.

Advertisement

7. San Francisco 49ers: (5-11) DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon - The narrative will be - "there goes Chip Kelly, acquiring his former Oregon players again." But for the 49ers, this pick makes sense as Buckner is arguably the best player available and it fills a need.

8. Miami Dolphins (from Cleveland): (6-10) Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State - So who do the Browns draft at No. 8? The most likely candidate could be a trade down as Cleveland looks to add picks in next year's draft. The Dolphins are looking for a playmaker in the backfield and trade up five spots to their original drafting spot to secure Elliott.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (6-10) Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville - Defensive tackle isn't the No. 1 need on the Buccaneers' wish list, but Tampa really likes Rankins and might not be able to pass. He adds immediate depth across the Bucs' defensive line and gives that front some flexibility.

10. NY Giants: (6-10) Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia - On tape, Floyd is more of a second-round talent, but pass rush is king and that will push him up the draft board. A prospect very reminiscent of Barkevious Mingo, Floyd can play linebacker or put his hand on the ground.

Advertisement

11. Chicago Bears: (6-10) Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida - The Bears' defense needs help at every level, including cornerback. Hargreaves has the mindset and skill-set that fits what the Bears want at the position.

12. New Orleans Saints: (7-9) Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA - A true wildcard, Jack is a top-five pick based on talent, but the uncertainty of his knee injury will push his value down boards. The Saints need help on defense and are in "win-now" mode, so this is a possible fit.

13. Cleveland Browns (from Miami): (3-13) Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss - The Browns will target several playmakers in this draft, including possibly at this pick if they trade back. Treadwell is a 4.6 athlete, but his catch radius, physicality and ballskills are why he can be a difference-maker in the NFL.

14. Oakland Raiders: (7-9) Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama - The Raiders need an upgrade at middle linebacker and although there are questions about his ability to hold up vs. the pass, Ragland has all the ingredients to start from Day One.

15. Tennessee Titans: (3-13) Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State - With the Titans moving back to No. 15, the goal of protecting Marcus Mariota should remain top priority. Conklin would make sense as a player who can play right tackle from day one, but also add versatility inside at guard, keeping Taylor Lewan at left tackle.

Advertisement

16. Detroit Lions: (7-9) Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State - Detroit has drafted a first round offensive lineman two of the past four years, but right tackle is still a trouble area. Decker can struggle with some speed rushers, but his balance to sink and neutralize power or quickness fits what the Lions need on the right side.

17. Atlanta Falcons: (8-8) Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State - The Falcons lack playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, especially at linebacker. Lee has explosive speed to be a three-down player, playing both the run and the pass.

18. Indianapolis Colts: (8-8) Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky - The Colts need to address their mediocre pass rush and as long as they are comfortable with his character, Spence would be terrific value at this pick.

19. Buffalo Bills: (8-8) A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama - With Kyle Williams coming off meniscus surgery and about to turn 33 years old, the Bills need to find his successor. Along with Marcel Dareus, Robinson would give Buffalo an all-Alabama defensive interior.

Advertisement

20. NY Jets: (10-6) Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis - If Lynch is still available at this point in the first round, pick No. 20 could be the sweet spot for a trade... unless the Jets, who brought the Memphis quarterback in for a visit, see the future of the franchise with Lynch.

21. Washington Redskins: (9-7) Karl Joseph, SS, West Virginia - An undisciplined version of Earl Thomas, Joseph flies around the field and is always hunting. His missed tackles and knee injury are concerns, but he brings something special to the secondary.

22. Houston Texans: (9-7) Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame - Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.

23. Minnesota Vikings: (11-5) Josh Doctson, WR, TCU - The Vikings need to surround Teddy Bridgewater with more playmakers on the outside, and Doctson has the body control and ball-skills to make beautiful catches.

Advertisement

24. Cincinnati Bengals: (12-4) Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor - With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Coleman needs work, but his competitive temperament and athleticism suggest it is only a matter of time before he finds NFL success.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: (10-6) William Jackson III, CB, Houston - All 32 teams need more cornerback help, but especially the Steelers. Jackson has the height, length and speed that NFL teams covet and he is the best corner in this draft with his back to the ball.

26. Seattle Seahawks: (10-6) Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M - With Russell Okung signing with Denver, the Seahawks need fresh blood at offensive tackle. Ifedi has chaotic technique and balance issues, but his light feet and size, including 36-inch arms, will likely land him in the first round.

27. Green Bay Packers: (10-6) Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama - With B.J. Raji taking a hiatus this season, Reed is a plug-and-play nose tackle who offers versatility on the Packers defensive line.

Advertisement

28. Kansas City Chiefs: (11-5) Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State - With Sean Smith signing with the division-rival Raiders, the Chiefs will be open to drafting a cornerback in the early rounds. Apple has the size, length and speed combination that the Chiefs covet at the position.

29. New England Patriots: (12-4) The Patriots forfeited this selection along with their fourth-round pick in 2017 as part of the "Deflategate" penalties.

30. Arizona Cardinals: (13-3) Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama - The Cardinals desperately need to upgrade the center position and Kelly is the best available. He is NFL-ready and will help stabilize the interior of Arizona's offensive line.

31. Carolina Panthers: (15-1) Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson - Kony Ealy has flashed in his young career, but the Panthers could use another pass rusher opposite him with Charles Johnson on a one-year deal. Lawson might not be a long-armed, twitchy rusher, but he plays with power and instincts.

32. Denver Broncos: (12-4) Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida - The Broncos signed Jared Crick, but could use more talent up front to help fill the shoes of the departed Malik Jackson. Bullard can play inside or outside and has the snap quickness to penetrate the backfield.

Advertisement

--Dane Brugler is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, a property of The Sports Xchange.

Latest Headlines