BILL WUNKLE’S FINAL 2016 NFL MOCK DRAFT

Greetings and happy draft day, everyone! This is Bill Wunkle reporting from “The Padded Cell” on my favorite day of the entire NFL season. Within hours of posting my previous mock, Sashi Brown finalized the trade that screwed up – not only my mock – but everyone else’s. How closely will this one resemble reality? That, my friends, is anyone’s guess; so we’ll have to wait and see.

Here are the rules . . . three rounds plus the Browns projected picks afterwards. Trades are possible, and maybe even likely. With that said, I submit for your amusement my final 2016 NFL mock draft. I hope that you at least find it entertaining, if not thought provoking.

ROUND ONE . . .

1: Rams Jared Goff – QB – California

If this pick was REALLY about which quarterback is the most NFL ready, then it would be North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz . Unfortunately, the marketing people will have their nose in this pick; saying that he’ll sell more jerseys.

2: Eagles Carson Wentz – QB – North Dakota State 

The Cleveland Browns front office was too afraid to take a franchise quarterback here, but the Eagles aren’t and put up what it took to trade up. His advantages over Jared Goff . . . (A) Wentz is more physically gifted in terms of size, frame and arm strength (B) he ran a true West Coast pro style offense where he called plays, protection, audible out of a bad play and into a good one (C) experience taking snaps from under center – this is important because the footwork is different from taking snaps from the spread (D) his ability to process information and do it quickly – he’s a two-time academic All-American (E) servant leadership . . . .Carson Wentz is NOT a “me guy”. The only advantage that Jared Goff has over Carson Wentz is in his accuracy. And while that is important, the difference in accuracy is minimal.

3: Chargers  Jalen Ramsey – DB – Florida State

The chargers just lost All-Pro safety Eric Weddle to free agency. Play Ramsey at corner or you can play him at safety because it really doesn’t matter. He’s simply that phenomenal defensive back. Other possible picks here would be Mississippi OT Laremy Tunsil or Oregon DE DeForest Buckner. The Chargers have also been fielding a ton of calls to see if they’re interested in trading  down. If indeed they do, it’ll be the first time in NFL history that the teams which earned the top three picks by their record all trade down.

4: Cowboys  Joey Bosa – DE – Ohio State

Bosa is a perfect fit as a 4-3 DE for the Cowboys, almost to the extent where it’s a match made in heaven.

5: Jaguars Myles Jack – OLB – UCLA

If Jack’s knee checks out and team doctors give management the green light, then Jack will have an immediate impact on the Jaguars defense. The pick remains the same.

6: Ravens  Laremy Tunsil – OT – Mississippi

One way or another, the Ozzie Newsome was going to take a trench worker here. It just so happens that they get the highest ranked OT in the entire draft.

7: 49ers  DeForest Buckner– DE – Oregon

This is a prefect fit schematically, although I have flashbacks of Ezekiel Elliott and the Buckeyes O-line having their way with the Oregon defense.

8:  Titans  Ronnie Stanley – OT – Notre Dame

Trade with Cleveland – After receiving a king’s ransom from the Rams, the Titans pull the trigger on draft day to get a franchise left tackle. Taylor Lewan moves over to the right side because of this move. In exchange for moving down, the Browns receive the Titans first two picks (#15 and #33) plus a fifth rounder (#140). Should the Browns keep the pick, then Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott is a real possibility here because he’s a touchdown maker.

9: Bucs Vernon Hargreaves – CB – Florida

Well, he doesn’t need to travel far from where he played his college ball. Hargreaves instantly secures one side of the field. The pick remains the same.

10: Giants:  Ezekiel Elliott – RB – Ohio State

It’s a situation where the BPA fills a big need. Sometimes it’s just that simple.

11: Bears A’Shawn Robinson – DT – Alabama

With the two top offensive tackles off the board, Da-Bears opt to improve the trenches on the other side of the football.

12: Saints Leonard Floyd – OLB – Georgia

Everyone in football knows that the problem was not on the offensive side of the football. Floyd will provide an immediate edge rush to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The pick remains the same – again.

13: Dolphins Reggie Ragland – ILB – Alabama

The Fins need a linebacker to sure up the middle of the defense. Ragland fits the need and he’s the best player available on the board. The pick remains the same – yet again.

14: Raiders  Andrew Billings – NT – Baylor

The Raiders need help stopping the run, and that starts up front. No change here either.

15: Browns  Laquon Treadwell – WR – Mississippi

Trade with Tennessee – No other quarterbacks carry a first round grade, so Sashi and the Harvard committee get their current quarterbacks a legitimate weapon outside. Josh Gordon might as well be six down and three across for not being able to stay off the chronic. Sooner or later this team needs to start drafting playmakers. Why not start here and now?

16: Lions  Kevin Dodd – DE – Clemson

With the Browns screwing up their plans on taking a replacement for the retired Calvin Johnson, the Lions prepare to bolster a defense which ranked 24th overall last season.

17: Falcons Shaq Lawson – DE – Clemson

The Falcons are still looking for a pass rusher, and the think they’ve found one in Lawson. Tiger bookends go off the board back-to-back.

18: Colts Jack Conklin – OT – Michigan State

The Colts really need to protect Andrew Luck and keep him upright if they have any plans on getting back to the playoffs this season.

19: Bills Robert Nkemdiche – DT – Mississippi

This is just the kind of move that Rex Ryan would want to make. It’s brilliant if it works, but woefully bad if it fails. The thing is that Rex is the kind of personality and defensive mind that could make this work big time.

20: Jets Paxton Lynch – QB – Memphis

Their quarterback position is in a state of limbo. I’m not so sure that Lynch is the answer, but I do believe that this pick here is a huge reach – almost Christian Ponder-esque.

21: Redskins Chris Jones – DT – Mississippi State

Sometimes you get lucky and the BPA is in a position of need.

22: Texans  Mackensie Alexander – CB – Clemson

Another Tiger goes off the board in round one. That’s three so far.

23: Vikings  Jarran Reed – DT – Alabama

I want to give then an OT or a WR, but it’s a bit of a stretch here.

24: Bengals Sheldon Rankins – DT – Louisville

Still a bit of a stretch to take a receiver here.

25: Steelers Vernon Butler – NT – Louisiana Tech

A stretch? Maybe, but he fills a need in a HUGE way.

26: Seahawks Emanuel Ogbah – DE – Oklahoma State

He’s a 4-3 DE and he fits their scheme perfectly.

27: Packers Hassan Ridgeway – DT – Texas

Their top three needs are all on defense.

28: Chiefs Will Fuller – WR -Notre Dame

They need a complimentary receiver for lining up opposite Jeremy Macklin. This kid is a nice receiver and a burner.

29: Cardinals Jonathan Bullard – DT – Florida

Two of the Cards’ top three needs are defensively.

30: Panthers Noah Spence – DE- Eastern Kentucky

The former Ohio State player got his act together and is now a first round draft pick.

31: Broncos Cody Whitehair – OG – Kansas State

I’ve been asked repeatedly why Denver doesn’t take a QB here. And while it’s possible that one – or maybe even two more could go – I’m holding firm to my belief that only two quarterbacks in this year’s draft merit a first round rating. So don’t give me any crap about Paxton Lynch being a top ten pick, okay? He went 20th overall in this mock draft, and it was a reach there. When you become a front page contributor, you can write up your own mock draft and pick the players to go where you want them to go. But this is my mock draft and I can pick whosoever I want. You don’t have to like it, just deal with it. By the way . . . opinions are highly overrated, but that’s what we’ve got to share. Hitting on half – let alone all – of the top 32 picks is next to impossible because of trades alone; some of which you don’t even see coming until midway through the morning on Draft Day.

ROUND TWO . . .

32: Browns Connor Cook- QB – Michigan State

But Wunkle, you said that only two QB’s in this year’s draft carry a first round grade. You’re right, I did say that. So, what’s up with taking Cook with this  pick? We’re not in the first round anymore. Cook is still very much a project, but a talented one that will need a year or two of work behind the scenes and holding a clipboard on game day. I’ve heard rumblings that the Browns may even move back into the first in order to secure a quarterback. (Not to mention names, but the one involved in that chatter went to the Jets in this mock 20th overall.) Excuse me, but haven’t we seen that show in Cleveland before?

33: Browns Tyler Boyd – WR – Pittsburgh

Trade with Tennessee – I know, I know . . . But Wunkle, you took Laquon Treadwell 15th overall. Yes, you’re right, I did. Let me explain the logic behind this pick. Treadwell is a legitimate #1 receiver at the next level. Boyd has the softest hands in the draft. Together as a one-two punch, the field just got a lot more difficult for opposing defenses to cover. Besides, when was the last time that the Browns had two legitimate threats at WR on the field at the same time – three if you count TE Gary Barnidge? It’s time to get our starting quarterback – whoever he ends up being – some weapons and help keep our defense better rested and off the field for longer periods of time. For those of you who are fans of the Browns getting some big grunts up front, your time is coming soon.

34: Cowboys Hunter Henry – TE – Arkansas

The running game can get some help later in the draft.

35: Chargers  Le’Raven Clark – OT – Texas Tech

The O-line just got a shot in the arm with this creature.

36: Ravens  Darron Lee – OLB – Ohio State

Baltimore’s D needs a pass rusher.

37: 49ers  Corey Coleman – WR Baylor

It’s time for the Niners to get a playmaker.

38: Jaguars Rashard Robinson – CB – LSU

He’s a bit light in the pants, but he can play.

39: Bucs Willie Henry – DT – Michigan

The D-line needs to be addressed as well. Henry is a solid 3-technique.

40: Giants:  Su’a Cravens – OLB – USC

The Giants begin to address their defensive front seven.

41: Bears Taylor Decker – OT – Ohio State

Whether or not Jay Cutler is a franchise QB is up for debate, but the fact still remains that Chicago needs to do a better job of protecting their passer – whoever he ends up being.

42: Dolphins Austin Johnson – DT – Penn State

The tweaking of the front seven continues.

43:  Titans  Eli Apple – CB – Ohio State

Personally, I think this is still a bit of a reach. However, Buckeye honks will be wondering what took me so long to take him off the board. You can’t please everyone, so deal with it.

44: Raiders  Kyler Fackrell – LB – Utah State

More reinforcements for the front seven.

45:  Titans  Josh Doctson – WR – TCU

I cannot in good conscience keep him on the board for much longer. This kid is a legitimate threat. Marcus Mariota will love this pick.

46: Lions  Charone Peake – WR – Clemson

Replacing the retired Calvin Johnson is a tough act to fill. They may need to draft a pair of receivers to help fill the void.

47: Saints Kenny Clark – NT – UCLA

With a pass rusher secured in round one, the reconstructive surgery on the defense continues.

48: Colts Jordan Howard – RB – Indiana

How about some help with the running game to help take some pressure off Andrew Luck? It certainly couldn’t hurt.

49: Bills Jordan Jenkins – OLB – Georgia

Rex still needs some help along the front seven. I would’ve given him USC’s Su’a Cravens, but he’s a bit light in the pants to play 3-4 OLB at the NFL level.

50: Falcons Michael Thomas – WR – Ohio State

I’ve heard it said that Thomas is the type of receiver that will be better as a pro than as a collegiate. That remains to be seen.

51: Jets Derrick Henry – RB – Alabama

This kid is a human battering ram.

52: Texans  Shon Coleman – OT– Auburn

Now that they’ve apparently solved the QB position, they need to solidify the O-line.

53: Redskins Su’a Cravens – OLB – USC

From a talent perspective, he should’ve gone earlier. However, the NFL is as much about fit.

54: Vikings  Sterling Shepard – WR – Oklahoma

Teddy Bridgewater needs a playmaker on the edge.

55: Bengals Germain Ifedi – OG – Texas A&M

The Bengals have built the roster by taking the BPA regardless of position.

56: Seahawks Scooby Wright III – LB – Arizona

Now all they need is to find an  OT named “Shaggy”.

57: Packers Kentrell Brothers – LB – Missouri

They’ll continue to strengthen the front seven.

58: Steelers Keneu Neal – S – Florida

It seems as if they’re always needing to help out the secondary.

59: Chiefs Artie Burns – CB – Miami (FL)

They’re always looking for a playmaker, regardless of which side of the football he plays.

60: Patriots  Joshua Garnett – OG – Stanford

I know their defense sucks, but they’ve got to do a better job of protecting Tom Brady when he comes back from his suspension.

61: Patriots  Harlan Miller- CB – SE Louisiana

The Hoodie gets another corner to help out a much beleaguered secondary.

62: Panthers Xavien Howard – CB – Baylor

The knock is that the big 12 doesn’t play any defense. We’ll see.

63: Broncos Shaquille Calhoun – DE – Michigan State

You figured that they’d eventually restock defensive players in this draft to replaces those they lost to free agency.

ROUND THREE . . .

64:  Titans  Austin Hooper – TE – Stanford

When in doubt, give your franchise quarterback a weapon.

65: Browns Nick Vannett – TE – Ohio State

While there are some O-linemen I could’ve taken here, I’m not so sure that Vannett would still be on the board when the Browns are on the clock at #77. This kid was so underutilized because of the system and all the other weapons Buckeye quarterbacks had at their disposal.

66: Chargers  Shawn Oakman – DE – Baylor

Is this a reach pick? Probably, especially when you consider problems off the field.

67: Cowboys Devontae Booker – RB – Utah

The running game just got some help.

68: 49ers  Christian Westerman – OG – Arizona State

The loss of Alex Boone will be felt. This will hopefully soften the blow.

69: Jaguars Ryan Kelly – OC – Alabama

Luke Bowanko is the inly center on their roster. Need I say more?

70: Ravens  William Jackson III- CB – Houston

Here’s another corner that’s got some length, but is a little light in the pants. He’s got excellent recovery speed, which is just one trait you need to play the position.

71: Giants:  Rees Odhiambo – OG – Boise State

If you have a franchise quarterback and draft a feature running back in the first round, you need to strengthen the O-line as well.

72: Bears Paul Perkins – RB – UCLA

You just addressed the trenches on both sides of the football. Maybe it’s time to get your quarterback someone to deliver the mail.

73: Dolphins Alex Collins- RB – Arkansas

Speaking of getting some help for the running game, here’s some for the Fins.

74: Bucs Demarcus Robinson – WR – Florida

With no edge rusher in immediate sight, the Bucs opt to give their franchise quarterback another weapon.

75: Raiders  Vonn Bell – S – Ohio State

The secondary still needs help.

76: Titans Braxton Miller – WR – Ohio State

Taking a page from the Browns draft plan, the Titans double up on the wide receiver position.

77: Browns Nick Martin – OC/OG – Notre Dame

After Cameron Erving’s noticeably less than stellar 2015, and the departure of two starting linemen; I was determined to get one of the top three O-linemen that can play center . . . in spite of any improvements Erving may have made this off-season. My first preference went off the board to Jacksonville at #69.

78: Saints Tyler Higbee – TE/WR – Western Kentucky

It’s about time to give Drew Brees another weapon. The Saints can flex Higbee out in the slot to get a favorable matchup.

79: Eagles Kendall Fuller- CB – Virginia Tech

The Eagles finally get to make another pick after selling the farm to get their QB.

80: Bills Carl Nassib – DE – Penn State

Rex would have a field day if he actually gets all three players I’ve got him taking so far.

81: Falcons Kenneth Dixon – RB – Louisiana Tech

This pick give the Falcons some versatility in the backfield.

82: Colts Miles Killebrew – S – Southern Utah

Sooner or later they have to address a defense that was ranked 21st overall.

83: Jets Pharoh Cooper – WR – South Carolina

The Jets continue to add offensive firepower.

84: Redskins Will Redmond – CB – Mississippi State

I know they just picked up Josh Norman, but this pick is a good fit.

85: Texans  Landon Turner – OG – North Carolina

With the selection of Turner to go with Coleman, the Texans have two young O-linemen to groom from this draft.

86: Vikings  Max Tuerk – OC – USC

Big, tall and athletic; Tuerk has a nick combination of skills for the position.

87: Bengals Kamelei Correa – DE – Boise State

The Bengals continue to build the roster by taking the BPA regardless of position.

88: Packers Jeremy Cash – S – Duke

The back end of the defense gets another warm body.

89: Steelers Thomas Duarte – TE – UCLA

They seem to find good TE’s with regularity.

90: Seahawks Jason Spriggs – OT – Indiana

He’s not “Shaggy”, but he’ll do.

91: Patriots  Dominique Alexander- LB – Oklahoma

The Hoodie gets a linebacker to help with the front seven.

92: Cardinals KeiVarae Russell – CB – Notre Dame

So much for the two top defensive needs, they can now focus on the offensive side of the football.

93: Panthers Jerald Hawkins – OT – LSU

The O-line gets some help for the running game and to protect Cameron Newton.

94: Broncos Willie Beavers – OT – Western Michigan

Whoever ends up being the starting QB, that guy is going to need some protection.

95: Lions  Jonathan Williams – RB – Arkansas

Here’s a player to throw into the mix at running back.

96: Patriots  Jihad Ward- DE – Illinois

Legal problems aside, this kid can play.

97: Seahawks DJ White – CB – Georgia Tech

Some help for the secondary.

98: Broncos Maliek Collins – DT – Nebraska

You keep drafting the best player available regardless of position, and you’ll be able to sustain success once it’s achieved.

OTHER BROWNS PICKS . . .

99: Adolphus Washington – DT – Ohio State

In a 3-4 he’ll line up at the 5 technique to utilize his quickness off the snap of the ball.

100: DeAndre Houston-Carson – S – William & Mary

They let Donte Whitner this offseason, so they’ll need to replace him somewhere on the roster.

138: Sean Davis – CB – Maryland

I like how this kid goes out there and looks for someone to hit.

140: Kenyan Drake – RB – Alabama

Trade with Tennessee. I’ve got the sense that they’ll take a running back somewhere in this draft. And if not early, then this is as good a time as any. Drake has the speed to make the big play.

141: Cyrus Jones – CB – Alabama

He’s a little on the small side at 5′-10″, but not too small.

172: Jake Coker – QB – Alabama

Suddenly there’s a rush of Alabama players going to Cleveland. All I can say is that success breeds success. Besides, Coker is coming into the league with a big chip on his shoulder from not being invited to the combine.

173: Victor Ochi – DE/OLB – Stony Brook

All I can remember from Senior Bowl practice is that nobody was able to keep him out of the backfield. If nothing else, he begins as a pass rushing specialist and special teams player.

176: Joe Haeg – OT – North Dakota State

I had my hopes set on the Browns taking Carson Wentz second overall. Well, so much for that. However, in watching a ton of Bison football film; I discovered that this kid actually shows some nice technique.  Naturally, he’ll need to develop more physically; but that will come in time.

223: Andy Janovich – FB – Nebraska

They don’t have a true fullback on the roster. I don’t know how much head coach Hue Jackson uses a fullback, but I believe that there’s still a place for the position in the NFL. Maybe I’m a dinosaur when it comes to that kind of stuff, but that’s what I believe.

THIS AND THAT . . .

Trade rumors concerning the Browns trading down again in round one are still spreading like wildfire. Some of the speculation is that they’ll trade down to 13th (Miami – gaining #42), then to 17th (Atlanta – picking up a third next year) where they’ll finally take . . . Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch. The analytics crew wants to increase their odds on hitting on most of these picks by the sheer volume of them. If you’re bent on taking Lynch, then it does make sense to do so before the Jets take him at 20th; so why not pick up some extra picks in the process? Oops, I said the “P” word.

Speaking of extra draft picks . . . at a charity event held just last night, Browns perennial All Pro left tackle Joe Thomas referred to himself as a valuable chip in a possible trade. Evidently, the Browns front office has told him something to the affect that they’re looking to trade him for more assets – in spite of the fact that he’s stated several times that he doesn’t want to leave Cleveland. By the time the Browns are competitive within their own division, Thomas will be at least 34 years old.  If they’re going to deal him – not that I’m advocating it – they might as well do it when they can get the most in exchange for him. I just hope that the Harvard committee knows what they’re doing.

That’s all for now. This is Bill Wunkle signing off from the padded cell. Happy Draft Day everyone!