AMES, IA – AUGUST 30: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the North Dakota State Bison throws the ball in the second half of play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Ames, Iowa. North Dakota State defeated Iowa State 34-14. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)

Just a month away from the 2016 NFL Draft, this class’s strengths and quarterback projections have begun to come into focus. North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz has become the poster boy for the draft, but this class features as many as five potential first-round quarterbacks, though none are worth top-10 overall picks on my board.

Jared Goff slides, defensive and offensive lineman dominate round one, the Dolphins gets a dynamic offensive playmaker and more in this two-round mock draft.

Note: The New England Patriots forfeited their 2016 first-round pick due to a DeflateGate ruling by the Commissioner.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Laremy Tunsil #78 of the Mississippi Rebels scores runs in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Laremy Tunsil #78 of the Mississippi Rebels scores runs in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
  1. Tennessee Titans – Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

Surprisingly, the Titans may actually have viable trade scenarios for a team hunting for the draft’s perceived top quarterback: Carson Wentz. That said, safe money is on the Titans holding firm with the first overall pick and landing either the best left tackle in the last five years in Tunsil or the best defensive athlete of the last ten years in Jalen Ramsey.

Tunsil provides question marks about the ability to keep Taylor Lewan long-term, but can give Mariota an elite left tackle presence for the future. Giving Mariota bookend tackles for at least the next two years should do wonders for his development.

  1. Cleveland Browns – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Despite the fact that Wentz isn’t nearly as NFL ready as many have projected and the Browns would be passing on six really special talents if they go quarterback, all signs point to Carson Wentz being the pick at #2 overall.

Wentz offers awesome arm talent and the potential to develop into a highly capable, vertically-stretching passer. Cleveland’s approach to solving their long-running quarterback issue to throw as many darts at the dartboard as possible and hope to luck into a bulls eye at some point. Wentz needs time before he can become a capable NFL starter, and he’ll thankfully get that (for at least a short while) behind Robert Griffin.

  1. San Diego Chargers – DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

Luckily for the Chargers, they might be able to get the top player on their board despite picking at #3 overall. While it’s still to be determined on if they prefer Jalen Ramsey or Buckner, they’ll likely have their choice rather than have it determined for them.

The Chargers don’t have a pressing need at cornerback, and it’s unclear whether they’re one of the few teams that feel (like I do) that he could be a more special safety than cornerback. Buckner addresses the team’s most pressing need on the defensive line, and is perceived as a franchise-defining defensive lineman to build around from those in the league.

  1. Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

While Lance Zierlin of NFL.com believes the Cowboys won’t take Bosa, I’ll still stand by what I’ve been told for sometime in the process and leave Bosa here at pick #4. He’s a plus fit for a defense that values three-down defensive ends who can finish in isolation opportunities and can keep linebackers clean.

If Bosa isn’t the pick, Myles Jack or Ezekiel Elliott are both in play, with the latter less likely. Jack is the best coverage linebacker I’ve evaluated out of the college game, and he should quickly become the Cowboys best linebacker.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State

An ideal scenario for the Jaguars, they would love the opportunity to decide between Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack. While Jack is an easier fit within the defense as he can slide Paul Posluszny to a rotational run defense role, Ramsey may be too valuable of a versatile chess piece for the defense to not covet.

Ramsey could slide into a versatile safety role for the Jaguars, likely offering immediate nickel and strong safety starter upside and still offering moldable upside for Gus Bradley to develop.

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 22:   Linebacker Myles Jack #30 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after the Bruins stopped the USC Trojans on fourth down on the five yard line to take over on downs on the final play of the first quarter at the Rose Bowl on November 22, 2014 in Pasadena, California.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Myles Jack #30 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after the Bruins stopped the USC Trojans on fourth down on the five yard line to take over on downs on the final play of the first quarter at the Rose Bowl on November 22, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
  1. Baltimore Ravens – Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

As a team that covets elite talents and doesn’t let character or scheme fit entirely dissuade their evaluation, the Ravens will likely sit back and let the best talent fall into their laps. However, Jack would be their ideal option with CJ Mosley needing a running man at their inside linebacker spot.

While having two first-round inside linebackers isn’t a must, Jack offers coverage and athleticism upside like few defenders can. That said, adding Jalen Ramsey might be ideal for the Ravens, especially after cutting Will Hill.

  1. San Francisco 49ers – Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

The 49ers have tried to address their cornerback issues with mid-round picks for too long, and it’s time they invest in a first-round cornerback to get this defense back on track.

San Francisco, like Baltimore before them, covets elite talents, so Darron Lee, Eli Apple and Ezekiel Elliott could all be in play. But if they value Hargreaves, despite his length limitations, in their tier, Hargreaves would the most logical pick. Quarterback is an option, but if they keep Kaepernick, they may (wisely) pass on Jared Goff in the top-10.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles – Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

Philadelphia moved up from 13 to 8 by trading two quality (albeit over-valued) assets because they (supposedly) have a prospect or two in mind that they wanted to get their hands on.

After investing in their offensive line and receiving corps in free agency along with paying two quarterbacks fringe-starter money, it’s unlikely they moved up fro Jared Goff. Lee is a highly level athlete who’s viewed as a better prospect than former Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier and is a sleeper (yet, for me, an expected) top-10 pick.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

The Bucs have continued to solidify their defensive front seven in free agency, led by the addition of Robert Ayers in free agency. But they need to continue to add defensive talent to keep this young unit as one of the best the NFC has to offer.

Lawson is just a notch below the six elite talents in this class, as he offers awesome edge-setting ability, powerful rushing upside and a devastating spin move. Adding Lawson would continue the plan to give Jameis Winston a complete defense to keep scores low and him in a position to win games early in his career.

  1. New York Giants – Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

After investing heavily in their defense in free agency, the Giants should aim to improve Eli Manning’s support group on offense. They could look for a feature back to take over for their current platoon (like Ezekiel Elliott), a feature receiver to play opposite Odell Beckham Jr. (like Laquon Treadwell) or opt to bolster their offensive line.

While Elliott or Treadwell would be better values based n my board, Ronnie Stanley is more the Giants style when looking how they want to build. Stanley offers awesome pass blocking upside but has concerns about his passion and desire to be elite. If they can get the most out of him, the Giants may have finally solved their offensive line woes.

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  1. Chicago Bears – Jared Goff, QB, California

Jay Cutler is highly unlikely to be the Bears quarterback of the future. And based on the fact that the Bears can cut him after the 2016 season for only a $2 million cap hit, the 2016 draft is the time to find his replacement.

I don’t believe Jared Goff is worth a high first-round pick because of the offense he plays in, the struggles he’ll have early on against pressure and a relative lack of ideal build or arm strength. That said, I can get on board with him sliding behind Cutler for a year before assuming the starting job in 2017. 

  1. New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

The Saints are a defense in transition, looking for as many top talents and versatile presences as they can get. Rankins isn’t the highest ranked defensive player on my board at this point, but the fit makes sense for multiple reasons.

Rankins can offer value at both interior defensive line spots and plays with active penetration ability regardless of whether he’s facing one or two blockers. The Saints need immediate starters that also possess plus-upside, and Rankins’s fits that bill.

  1. Miami Dolphins– Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

With major needs at linebacker, cornerback and running back, the Dolphins would love if any/all of the Buckeye prospects are available for them: Darron Lee, Eli Apple or Ezekiel Elliott.

While the Dolphins already have some sort of running back situation in place, neither Jay Ajayi or CJ Spiller are viable, reliable starters. Elliott would be an ideal pick for the Dolphins, and I wouldn’t rule out Miami trading up to the top-seven for Elliott, as they were interested in Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon a year ago.

  1. Oakland Raiders – Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

Oakland has built their defense well through the draft, but they’re still in need of an added starter at all three levels of their defense. Defensive tackle and linebacker depth are needed, but finding a feature cornerback is a must for the Raiders sooner rather than later.

Apple is a fringe top-10 talent and offers ideal length, hip fluidity and vertical coverage upside. Oakland isn’t far from being one of the best defenses in the NFL, and adding Apple could give this team high-upside talents at every level of their defense moving forward.

  1. Los Angeles Rams – Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

This link makes too much sense. The Rams are in dire need of a quarterback, as Case Keenaum and Nick Foles aren’t capable starters at the NFL level. The Rams have a running back in place to keep defenses honest and are best designed to run a horizontally spread passing attack, similar to what Lynch ran at Memphis.

Most importantly, the Rams need a quarterback who can grow with his franchise as they move to LA. Lynch was the catalyst of the Memphis Tigers rebuild process and has the toughness and intuition to make plays with pressure and when things break down. The Rams have substantial interest in Lynch, from what I’ve been told.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Laquon Treadwell #1 of the Mississippi Rebels celebrates scoring a 14-yard touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the fourth quarter of the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Laquon Treadwell #1 of the Mississippi Rebels celebrates scoring a 14-yard touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the fourth quarter of the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
  1. Detroit Lions – Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

Replacing Calvin Johnson won’t be an easy task, and one that Laquon Treadwell can’t do himself. That said, if Detroit can get the draft’s best receiver and a high-pointing threat like Treadwell to fill at least some of the void Johnson left behind, it’d be a major coup.

Treadwell doesn’t offer elite receiver capabilities but, in the right context, can be a team’s feature receiver and demand more than just single coverage long-term. Matt Stafford would certainly welcome and appreciate his addition.

  1. Atlanta Falcons – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

Despite the team’s consistent free agent additions each off-season, the Falcons’ needs along the defensive line persist. Dan Quinn is still trying to make his inherited defensive puzzle pieces fit into his master plan, and while he has some talent to work with, he should still be advocating for ideal fits.

Robinson’s NFL position isn’t yet defined, as he played across the Alabama defensive line this past season and offers awesome knee bend for a taller defensive lineman with still raw pass-rushing upside. The 21-year-old rookie has ample tools to work and is a worthwhile still-developing defensive line talent.

  1. Indianapolis Colts – Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

The Jack Conklin-Indianapolis Colts link is one I’ve heard for some time, and based on GM Ryan Grigson’s draft history of preferring safe prospects to fill immediate roles, the fit makes sense.

Conklin isn’t the sexiest of the 2016 offensive tackle prospects, he has been a reliable left tackle in a pro-style offense the last two years and offers immediate starter upside to protect Andrew Luck for the long term.

  1. Buffalo Bills – Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

With Kyle Williams potentially a cap casualty next year and the Bills lacking depth on their defensive line after the loss of Mario Williams, adding to their defensive line is a must.

Chris Jones is a bit raw as a defensive lineman, lacking refined rush moves or the consistent use of his awesome length and short-area power. But with Rex Ryan at the helm of his development, Jones could quickly grow into a Muhammad Wilkerson talent, and offers some of the highest upside of any defensive line prospect in the 2016 class.

  1. New York Jets – Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

The Jets have remained non-committal on D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s future as the team’s left tackle, and it’s clear they’ve already begun planning for his eventual departure. While they should be in the market for a long-term answer at quarterback, if they can’t land Paxton Lynch or Jared Goff, it’d be wise to invest in a left tackle of the future.

Spriggs was a four-year starter at Indiana who tested very well at the NFL Scouting Combine, and has the potential to be the second-best offensive tackle in the draft class. He can fill in at left guard or right tackle early in his career as well.

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 11: Jarran Reed #90 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a play against the Clemson Tigers during the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 11: Jarran Reed #90 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a play against the Clemson Tigers during the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
  1. Washington Redskins – Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

The Redskins are likely to draft conservatively in the first-round and stay in the trenches, just like they did last year with Brandon Scherff. Reed has been a highly capable nose tackle for the Alabama defense and should offer immediate nose tackle starting potential.

The Redskins could consider a receiver or defensive back here as well, but Reed solves arguably their biggest need and is a true first-round value thanks to surprising balance and lateral explosiveness.

  1. Houston Texans – Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

Even after the Brock Osweiler signing, there’s still a real possibility the Texans draft Christian Hackenberg in round one, as Ben Allbright of 1340 AM in Denver and I discussed on twitter last week.

The Hackenberg-Texans link is more than just connecting the dots, but something that I’ve been told has been in play the moment that O’Brien left Penn State, based on Texans and Penn State sources. Osweiler’s contract is entirely guaranteed for the first two seasons, but they can move on after that with some ease. Maybe Hackenberg can sit behind Osweiler and if in two years he outplays Osweiler, then he takes over.

  1. Minnesota Vikings – Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

While the Vikings could use support across their defense and offensive line, they have no greater need than providing support for Teddy Bridgwater in the passing game.

Thomas has detractors that wonder about his mental aptitude to handle an NFL playbook, but his acceleration and vertical abilities should be highly coveted on draft day. Thomas is the best fit for Bridgewater’s skill set, but Josh Doctson should be in play as well.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals – Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

Thanks to the loss of Mohammed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency, the Bengals are in need of at least one receiver early in the draft to potentially fill a starter roll. Luckily, it seems likely they’ll have one of the four top receivers in the class available by the time they pick.

Coleman could very well go in the top-20 picks, but concerns about drops and route separation outside of the Baylor offense should push him to the 20s.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

Adding to their offensive line is a must for the Steelers, particularly when looking to finally find themselves a long-term answer at left tackle that hasn’t been filled since Max Starks left.

Decker isn’t far off from perceived top-10 values Tunsil and Stanley and would be a plus value for the Steelers looking for an immediate starter at left tackle. The long-term left tackle at Ohio State could potentially kick inside to left guard if necessary as well. 

  1. Seattle Seahawks – Kevin Dodd, DE/OLB, Clemson

Seattle would love to find a left tackle that fits their athleticism thresholds and that could learn from Tom Cable, arguably the best offensive line coach in the NFL. Le’Raven Clark of Texas Tech and Germain Ifedi fit that description, but they may be worthy values for a first-round pick.

If they pass on an offensive tackle, I’d expect them to add a top defensive athlete to keep their defensive front seven a strength. Dodd can fill a number of roles for the Seahawks defense and should fit what they like in their front-seven athletes.

  1. Green Bay Packers – Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

Green Bay is in dire need of defensive lineman, especially with BJ Raji’s retirement. While the Packers rarely feel pressed to draft for need, the Packers need to find a starter. Thankfully, the 2016 class is the deepest defensive tackle group in some time.

Butler’s most apparent comparison is Muhammad Wilkerson, as his lateral activeness and strength when he plays with plus hand placement showcases his upside, while his need for refinement and more overall control should make him a delayed starter.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs – Cody Whitehair, OG/OT, Kansas State

The Chiefs have three or four strong offensive lineman, but where they’ll play is still very much up for grabs. Adding Mitchell Schwartz with Eric Fisher and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif gives the Chiefs three capable tackle options, but adding Whitehair gives this team another tackle-capable option who can slide into left guard.

Jarrod Pughsley is currently slated to be the team’s left guard starter, and he’s clearly upgradeable. Whitehair is a logical inside-kicking guard prospect, and is highly viewed as the draft’s best interior offensive lineman.

  1. Arizona Cardinals – Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

Arizona added Chandler Jones to bolster their pass-rush this off-season, but they shouldn’t remain content at the position for the future. They value length at outside linebacker, and if Leonard Floyd is available, he may be the best fit.

For all of his length, coverage ability and natural flexibility, concerns about Floyd’s explosive upside and NFL fit is very much to be determined. Floyd looks the part, but it’s hard to see if he can slide into a 3-4 outside linebacker role. That said, the Cardinals are known for utilizing unique athletes, and Floyd fits their prototype. 

  1. Carolina Panthers – Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

Even after signing Brandon Boykin to a one-year deal, the Panthers could still stand to add some youth to their secondary. Josh Norman was phenomenal last year, but long-term they could use a high-upside talent opposite him.

Alexander is still raw in his footwork and hand placement, but offers rare hip fluidity and activeness against bigger receivers as he works down the field. 

  1. Denver Broncos – Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

Connor Cook would make FIVE quarterbacks in round one which would be the first time that’s happened since the 1999 draft that saw busts like Tim Couch, Akili Smith and Cade McNown.

That said, the Broncos don’t have a quarterback who can fit their offense long term, and Cook may be the most natural fit for Gary Kubiak’s offense of the passers available at 31. Christian Hackenberg could be a fit as well.

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