2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Titans land Bosa, Browns opt for QB
The NFL season has officially come to a close, kick-starting the offseason and thus a countdown to the 2016 draft.
This year's class features an intriguing amount of top-end talent, particularly at all three levels of the defensive side.
With the Patriots having forfeited their first-round selection as part of the league's Deflategate discipline, here's an early look at projections for the 31 teams with a pick on opening night.
1. Tennessee Titans - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Having already landed their quarterback of the future in last year's draft, the Titans can go in any direction with the No. 1 overall pick. The most sensible solution is bolstering the defensive front with the top pass-rusher in this class.
2. Cleveland Browns - Jared Goff, QB, Cal
Hue Jackson wasn't shy about saying the Browns should use their first-round pick on a quarterback. The organization may not have the best history when it comes to selecting signal-callers, but Goff has the potential to be the franchise QB Cleveland's been yearning for.
3. San Diego Chargers - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
The Chargers have to find a way to protect Philip Rivers if they hope to compete in the latter years of his career. Landing Tunsil, a likely Day 1 starter at left tackle, would be a good place to start.
4. Dallas Cowboys - Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Treadwell's physicality has earned him comparisons to Cowboys star wideout Dez Bryant. With a significant void on the opposite side of the field, why not make it nearly impossible for opposing defenses to defend the pass?
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State
Ramsey is one of the most complete safety prospects to enter the draft in quite some time. The Jaguars have other needs, but this pick could solidify their defensive backfield for the foreseeable future.
6. Baltimore Ravens - Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
Baltimore's pass defense was an issue throughout the 2015 campaign due largely to a lack of depth at the cornerback position. Hargreaves would give the team a player to pair with Jimmy Smith, cementing the position long term.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Colin Kaepernick's time with the 49ers appears to be nearing an end, and Chip Kelly isn't going to go into his first year at the helm with Blaine Gabbert under center. Kelly goes with Lynch in his first chance to handpick a top quarterback prospect as an NFL head coach.
8. Miami Dolphins - Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Dolphins need a playmaker at linebacker in the worst way. Jack should be just that, and more, at the next level. If he passes all medical exams leading up to the draft, getting him in this spot would be a steal.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Cornerback is the top priority for the Bucs, who allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete a higher percentage of passes than any other team last season. Alexander would likely start immediately in Mike Smith's defense.
10. New York Giants - DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
New York should be addressing the defensive side of the ball early and often in this year's draft. With the top three defensive backs off the board, the opportunity to select Buckner in this spot would be too good to pass up.