Bonsignore: NFL Mock Draft with one month to go has Tunsil No. 1, Rams trading up
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Bonsignore: NFL Mock Draft with one month to go has Tunsil No. 1, Rams trading up
Offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss is projected by many as the top pick in next month’s NFL Draft. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
POSTED: 03/27/16, 10:03 PM PDT | UPDATED: 40 SECS AGO 0 COMMENTS
With the scouting combine complete, the first phase of free agency in the books and various Pro Days come and gone, it’s time to predict how the first round of the NFL Draft unfolds.
1. TITANS
LAREMY TUNSIL, OT, Ole Miss
The Titans have spread the word they are open to trading the top pick in the draft, but are equally clear they have zeroed in on an elite group of players and it will take a significant offer for them to trade down and risk missing out on their top targets. The Titans will continue to listen to offers, but with no trade partner willing to meet their demands, the overall No. 1 pick will come down to Florida State CB Jalen Ramsey or Tunsil. The deciding factor is protecting franchise QB Marcus Mariota.
2. BROWNS
CARSON WENTZ, QB, North Dakota State
It’s tempting to think Browns head coach and noted quarterback whisperer Hue Jackson is convinced he’ll turn around Robert Griffin III, whom the Browns recently signed to a two-year deal. The Browns will turn attention to the boatload of holes with the second overall pick as a result. But that would mean Jackson walking a high wire. The danger being, if RG3 bombs and the Browns miss out on a franchise QB, the fall for Jackson will be sudden and far. Best-case scenario is RG3 re-establishing himself under Jackson, Wentz developing behind him for a year, and the Browns flipping RG3 after the 2016 season to anoint Wentz as the starter in 2017.
3. CHARGERS
JALEN RAMSEY, CB/S, Florida State
The QB-starved Browns create the perfect situation for the Chargers, who benefit by landing arguably the best overall player in the draft.
4. COWBOYS
MYLES JACK, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys are tempted to find the heir apparent to Tony Romo in Cal’s Jared Goff, but ultimately pull the trigger on the best linebacker in the draft in the versatile former Bruin.
5. JAGUARS
JOEY BOSA, DE, Ohio State
The Jaguars are poised to be aggressive in this draft, so don’t rule out a trade up to get a crack at Jack. But with the Chargers and Cowboys staying put, Jacksonville will gladly pull the trigger on the most complete defensive lineman in the draft.
6. RAMS (VIA RAVENS)
JARED GOFF, QB, Cal
The Rams believe Wentz and Goff can be immediate starters in the NFL, but while the asking price to get in position to draft Wentz is too steep, they have the nerve and ammunition to give up the 15th pick in the first round, the 43rd pick in the second and next year’s No. 1 to grab their quarterback of the future.
7. 49ERS
DEFOREST BUCKNER, DE, Oregon
The 49ers had their eye on Goff, but the Rams beat them to the punch. New San Francisco coach Chip Kelly gets the chance to fix Colin Kaepernick and add an elite defensive end in Buckner.
8. EAGLES
EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, RB, Ohio State
The Eagles take a long look at Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley here, but ultimately decide on Elliott, who can run, block and be a weapon in the pass game.
9. BUCCANEERS
SHAQ LAWSON, DE, Clemson
The Bucs need plenty of help defensively, and Lawson gives them an immediate shot in the arm as a playmaking defensive end.
10. GIANTS
SHELDON RANKINS, DT, Louisville
The G-Men’s defensive transformation continues with the draft’s best interior defensive lineman. And just like that, an area of weakness turns into one of strength.
11. BEARS
REGGIE RAGLAND, LB, Alabama
The Bears’ long history of elite middle linebackers continues with Ragland, a fierce, versatile playmaker who adds speed, toughness and instincts to the Bears defense.
12. SAINTS
VERNON HARGREAVES, CB, Florida
The Saints will give the three first-round caliber wide receivers consideration here, and Drew Brees will be in their ear asking for one of them. But the bigger need is on defense, and adding a cornerback the likes of this Florida standout is too prudent to pass up.
13. DOLPHINS
MACKENSIE ALEXANDER, CB, Clemson
The Dolphins can go a number of directions here, they failed to fill their glaring hole at cornerback through free agency and happily scoop up one of the best in the draft in Alexander.
14. RAIDERS
RONNIE STANLEY, OT, Notre Dame
The Raiders can’t believe their good fortune when Stanley, a top-five caliber player, falls to them thanks to the Ravens trading down with the Rams.
15. RAVENS
JACK CONKLIN, OT, Michigan State
The Ravens were close to their dream scenario: trading down with the Rams, picking up a second-rounder this year and a first-rounder next and having the guy they wanted all along in Stanley still on the board at 15. Alas, the Raiders throw a monkey wrench in things. But that’s OK, the Raven still end up with a coveted offensive tackle who will start on day one.
16. LIONS
NOAH SPENCE, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
The Lions are rolling the dice a bit here on Spence, who has had some well-publicized off-field issues. But the man can flat-out rush the passer, and that is just too much to pass up.
17. FALCONS
DARRON LEE, LB, Ohio State
The Falcons give in-state linebacker Leonard Floyd a good look here, but Lee’s best football is ahead of him and his intelligence, instincts and playmaking making him an ideal pick for the present and the future.
18. COLTS
TAYLOR DECKER, OT, Ohio State
Decker doesn’t get the hype of Stanley and Conklin, but he’ll start from the get-go, protect Andrew Luck and provide the type of run blocking that profiles perfectly at the next level.
19. BILLS
A’SHAWN ROBINSON, DT, Alabama
Rex Ryan understands the foundation of any great defense is a great defensive line. Robinson is a beast, and Ryan is the perfect coach for him.
20. JETS
VERNON BUTLER, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Jets could go offense here — and who knows, Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook might be in play considering the lack of urgency getting Ryan Fitzpatrick re-signed. Butler has too much upside as a havoc-creating interior lineman to pass on him here.
21. REDSKINS
LAQUON TREADWELL, WR, Ole Miss
Washington has its quarterback in Kirk Cousins, now it’s time to go get him some help. Treadwell isn’t a speed burner, but he runs great routes, catches everything and is the best overall receiver in the draft.
22. TEXANS
JOSH DOCTSON, WR, TCU
The Texans were hoping Treadwell would fall to them, but Doctson isn’t a bad fall-back option by any means.
23. VIKINGS
COREY COLEMAN, WR, Baylor
The run on receivers continues with the Vikings providing Teddy Bridgewater with an elite weapon on the outside.
24. BENGALS
ANDREW BILLINGS, DT, Baylor
A converted offensive lineman, Billings has shown steady improvement on the defensive side of the ball. That growth and development will only continue in the NFL.
25. STEELERS
ELI APPLE, CB, Ohio State
The Steelers do what they do best — sit back and pluck the best player left on the board. Apple fits a big area of need on the back end of the Pittsburgh defense.
26. SEAHAWKS
EMMANUEL OGBAH, DE, Oklahoma St.
The Seahawks soften the blow of losing playmaking edge rusher Bruce Irvin by nabbing Ogbah, a defensive end with huge upside. In other words, right up Pete Carroll’s alley.
27. PACKERS
ROBERT NKEMDICHE, DT, Mississippi
With B.J. Raji retiring, the Packers have a huge need along the defensive line. Nkemdiche has some issues, but the rewards far outweigh the risk for such a promising player.
28. CHIEFS
WILL FULLER, WR, Notre Dame
Fuller is the fastest of the top-rated receivers and gives the Chiefs a perimeter weapon who can elevate their ability to put the ball in the end zone.
29. CARDINALS
WILLIAM JACKSON, CB, Houston
Jackson is moving up draft boards, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he supplanted some of the higher ranked cornerbacks come draft day, For now, the Cardinals happily bring him into the fold.
30. PANTHERS
LEONARD FLOYD, OLB, Georgia
The Panthers don’t have an obvious need at linebacker, but they remain true to their board and pick the best player available.
31. BRONCOS
PAXTON LYNCH, QB, Memphis
Connor Cook is probably the safer pick in terms of getting on the field quicker, but the marriage of Lynch and Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak is just too intriguing to let slip away. If anyone is capable of getting Lynch on the field sooner, it’s Kubiak.
Bonsignore: NFL Mock Draft with one month to go has Tunsil No. 1, Rams trading up
Offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss is projected by many as the top pick in next month’s NFL Draft. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
POSTED: 03/27/16, 10:03 PM PDT | UPDATED: 40 SECS AGO 0 COMMENTS
With the scouting combine complete, the first phase of free agency in the books and various Pro Days come and gone, it’s time to predict how the first round of the NFL Draft unfolds.
1. TITANS
LAREMY TUNSIL, OT, Ole Miss
The Titans have spread the word they are open to trading the top pick in the draft, but are equally clear they have zeroed in on an elite group of players and it will take a significant offer for them to trade down and risk missing out on their top targets. The Titans will continue to listen to offers, but with no trade partner willing to meet their demands, the overall No. 1 pick will come down to Florida State CB Jalen Ramsey or Tunsil. The deciding factor is protecting franchise QB Marcus Mariota.
2. BROWNS
CARSON WENTZ, QB, North Dakota State
It’s tempting to think Browns head coach and noted quarterback whisperer Hue Jackson is convinced he’ll turn around Robert Griffin III, whom the Browns recently signed to a two-year deal. The Browns will turn attention to the boatload of holes with the second overall pick as a result. But that would mean Jackson walking a high wire. The danger being, if RG3 bombs and the Browns miss out on a franchise QB, the fall for Jackson will be sudden and far. Best-case scenario is RG3 re-establishing himself under Jackson, Wentz developing behind him for a year, and the Browns flipping RG3 after the 2016 season to anoint Wentz as the starter in 2017.
3. CHARGERS
JALEN RAMSEY, CB/S, Florida State
The QB-starved Browns create the perfect situation for the Chargers, who benefit by landing arguably the best overall player in the draft.
4. COWBOYS
MYLES JACK, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys are tempted to find the heir apparent to Tony Romo in Cal’s Jared Goff, but ultimately pull the trigger on the best linebacker in the draft in the versatile former Bruin.
5. JAGUARS
JOEY BOSA, DE, Ohio State
The Jaguars are poised to be aggressive in this draft, so don’t rule out a trade up to get a crack at Jack. But with the Chargers and Cowboys staying put, Jacksonville will gladly pull the trigger on the most complete defensive lineman in the draft.
6. RAMS (VIA RAVENS)
JARED GOFF, QB, Cal
The Rams believe Wentz and Goff can be immediate starters in the NFL, but while the asking price to get in position to draft Wentz is too steep, they have the nerve and ammunition to give up the 15th pick in the first round, the 43rd pick in the second and next year’s No. 1 to grab their quarterback of the future.
7. 49ERS
DEFOREST BUCKNER, DE, Oregon
The 49ers had their eye on Goff, but the Rams beat them to the punch. New San Francisco coach Chip Kelly gets the chance to fix Colin Kaepernick and add an elite defensive end in Buckner.
8. EAGLES
EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, RB, Ohio State
The Eagles take a long look at Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley here, but ultimately decide on Elliott, who can run, block and be a weapon in the pass game.
9. BUCCANEERS
SHAQ LAWSON, DE, Clemson
The Bucs need plenty of help defensively, and Lawson gives them an immediate shot in the arm as a playmaking defensive end.
10. GIANTS
SHELDON RANKINS, DT, Louisville
The G-Men’s defensive transformation continues with the draft’s best interior defensive lineman. And just like that, an area of weakness turns into one of strength.
11. BEARS
REGGIE RAGLAND, LB, Alabama
The Bears’ long history of elite middle linebackers continues with Ragland, a fierce, versatile playmaker who adds speed, toughness and instincts to the Bears defense.
12. SAINTS
VERNON HARGREAVES, CB, Florida
The Saints will give the three first-round caliber wide receivers consideration here, and Drew Brees will be in their ear asking for one of them. But the bigger need is on defense, and adding a cornerback the likes of this Florida standout is too prudent to pass up.
13. DOLPHINS
MACKENSIE ALEXANDER, CB, Clemson
The Dolphins can go a number of directions here, they failed to fill their glaring hole at cornerback through free agency and happily scoop up one of the best in the draft in Alexander.
14. RAIDERS
RONNIE STANLEY, OT, Notre Dame
The Raiders can’t believe their good fortune when Stanley, a top-five caliber player, falls to them thanks to the Ravens trading down with the Rams.
15. RAVENS
JACK CONKLIN, OT, Michigan State
The Ravens were close to their dream scenario: trading down with the Rams, picking up a second-rounder this year and a first-rounder next and having the guy they wanted all along in Stanley still on the board at 15. Alas, the Raiders throw a monkey wrench in things. But that’s OK, the Raven still end up with a coveted offensive tackle who will start on day one.
16. LIONS
NOAH SPENCE, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
The Lions are rolling the dice a bit here on Spence, who has had some well-publicized off-field issues. But the man can flat-out rush the passer, and that is just too much to pass up.
17. FALCONS
DARRON LEE, LB, Ohio State
The Falcons give in-state linebacker Leonard Floyd a good look here, but Lee’s best football is ahead of him and his intelligence, instincts and playmaking making him an ideal pick for the present and the future.
18. COLTS
TAYLOR DECKER, OT, Ohio State
Decker doesn’t get the hype of Stanley and Conklin, but he’ll start from the get-go, protect Andrew Luck and provide the type of run blocking that profiles perfectly at the next level.
19. BILLS
A’SHAWN ROBINSON, DT, Alabama
Rex Ryan understands the foundation of any great defense is a great defensive line. Robinson is a beast, and Ryan is the perfect coach for him.
20. JETS
VERNON BUTLER, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Jets could go offense here — and who knows, Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook might be in play considering the lack of urgency getting Ryan Fitzpatrick re-signed. Butler has too much upside as a havoc-creating interior lineman to pass on him here.
21. REDSKINS
LAQUON TREADWELL, WR, Ole Miss
Washington has its quarterback in Kirk Cousins, now it’s time to go get him some help. Treadwell isn’t a speed burner, but he runs great routes, catches everything and is the best overall receiver in the draft.
22. TEXANS
JOSH DOCTSON, WR, TCU
The Texans were hoping Treadwell would fall to them, but Doctson isn’t a bad fall-back option by any means.
23. VIKINGS
COREY COLEMAN, WR, Baylor
The run on receivers continues with the Vikings providing Teddy Bridgewater with an elite weapon on the outside.
24. BENGALS
ANDREW BILLINGS, DT, Baylor
A converted offensive lineman, Billings has shown steady improvement on the defensive side of the ball. That growth and development will only continue in the NFL.
25. STEELERS
ELI APPLE, CB, Ohio State
The Steelers do what they do best — sit back and pluck the best player left on the board. Apple fits a big area of need on the back end of the Pittsburgh defense.
26. SEAHAWKS
EMMANUEL OGBAH, DE, Oklahoma St.
The Seahawks soften the blow of losing playmaking edge rusher Bruce Irvin by nabbing Ogbah, a defensive end with huge upside. In other words, right up Pete Carroll’s alley.
27. PACKERS
ROBERT NKEMDICHE, DT, Mississippi
With B.J. Raji retiring, the Packers have a huge need along the defensive line. Nkemdiche has some issues, but the rewards far outweigh the risk for such a promising player.
28. CHIEFS
WILL FULLER, WR, Notre Dame
Fuller is the fastest of the top-rated receivers and gives the Chiefs a perimeter weapon who can elevate their ability to put the ball in the end zone.
29. CARDINALS
WILLIAM JACKSON, CB, Houston
Jackson is moving up draft boards, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he supplanted some of the higher ranked cornerbacks come draft day, For now, the Cardinals happily bring him into the fold.
30. PANTHERS
LEONARD FLOYD, OLB, Georgia
The Panthers don’t have an obvious need at linebacker, but they remain true to their board and pick the best player available.
31. BRONCOS
PAXTON LYNCH, QB, Memphis
Connor Cook is probably the safer pick in terms of getting on the field quicker, but the marriage of Lynch and Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak is just too intriguing to let slip away. If anyone is capable of getting Lynch on the field sooner, it’s Kubiak.