The NFL season is not yet at its halfway point, but that doesn't mean it's too early to look ahead to the next NFL Draft. This is also a wonderful opportunity to indulge the unhealthy obsession I have with the Draft. The first three versions were well received, so it's time for volume four.
I'm switching up the order by basing it on the Vegas Super Bowl Odds. The actual NFL Draft order will assuredly look much different come April, so don't put too much stock into where teams are drafting. After Week 8, I'll switch to using the actual NFL Draft Order that's based on current records. This is an exercise in trying to project team needs and where prospects could end up going. I don't have a full list of team needs, but I'll get to that once the season begins to wind down.
If you hate what I wrote (or agree, but c'mon this is the internet) or just want to talk NFL Draft, hit me up on Twitter. With all that out of the way, let's dive into the picks.
1. Detroit Lions: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
I'm not the Lions will pick this high, but if they do, they'd likely jump all over the chance to taken an elite DT prospect. A corner like Vernon Hargreaves is also an option, as is an OT. The Lions miss Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh, and Nkedmiche is more than talented enough to be the No. 1 overall pick.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
The Bucs desperately need offensive line help and Tunsil gets the nod after Stanley had some minor issues against Clemson. Either player would fill a huge need and be a great pick.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
The 49ers need better players at corner, and Hargreaves is my favorite CB in the class. While Hagreaves isn't as long as GM Trent Baalke likes, he's a heck of a player.
4. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, California
If this is how the draft order breaks down, the Browns have to spend the fourth overall pick on QB. Goff, despite an awful game against Utah, still looks like the Draft's top QB.
5. Chicago Bears: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Bosa isn't a perfect fit in Chicago, but he's worthy of a Top 5 pick. He'd give the Bears a needed pass rushing boost. A 3-4 outside linebacker would be preferred, but there might not be one worth taking this early.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Steve Smith is going to retire, while Breshad Perriman has yet to contribute. Treadwell is a very different player than Perriman, and the duo could be a good fit. A pass rusher or corner is also an option.
7. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Ramsey, CB, FSU
The Titans have major needs in the secondary and Ramsey might be the best player left on the board. This fills a need and is good value.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
If Stanley is still on the board at this point, the Jaguars have to pull the trigger. Luke Joeckel has struggled, as has Jermey Parnell. Stanley would be an upgrade over either player.
9. San Diego Chargers: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
This might be a tad early for Floyd, but he fills a need. Floyd's partner in crime, Jordan Jenkins, could also be a high pick. However, I'm not confident that Floyd will end up going so high.
10. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
The rest of the top players that fit the Chiefs' needs are off the board, while Smith could eventually replace Derrick Johnson. Smith would be an immediate upgrade over Josh Mauga. Smith is one of my favorite prospects in the Draft and reminds me of Patrick Willis.
11. Houston Texans: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
I got a chance to watch more of Lynch, and I was impressed. He's not perfect, but he has a strong arm and the potential is there. QB guru Bill O'Brien could do wonders with him. Still, this might be a tad high for Lynch.
12. Washington Redskins: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
Clark continues to rise, and for good reason. This is more of a value pick for the Redskins, although the new regime likes to build from the trenches. The Redskins need a QB, plus secondary and offensive line help, but Clark gives them a building block on the defensive line.
13. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson, OLB, Clemson
The Bills are loaded at multiple positions, but could use some depth at outside linebacker. I like Lawson, who played well against Notre Dame. Rex Ryan loves pass rushers, although this might be a bit high for Lawson.
14. Oakland Raiders: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
Jack and Khalil Mack would give the Raiders one of the, if not the, best LB duos in the NFL. He's already turned pro, and should be a first rounder even with his knee injury.
15. New Orleans Saints: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Buckner is a strong value here, and he helps a Saints defense that has major holes. Defense is likely where the Saints spend this pick, and they might just take the best player on the board.
16. Miami Dolphins: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
This is an odd position for the Dolphins, as their needs and the players on the board don't exactly match. I'd left Fuller out of previous editions because he blew out his knee at the end of September, but I think he'll recover in time to be a mid-first rounder if he turns pro.
17. Dallas Cowboys: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Cowboys still need help on the defensive line, especially at DT. Nick Hayden shouldn't be getting playing time. Robinson would a perfect fit next to Tyrone Crawford.
18. St. Louis Rams: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Rams need more weapons, and Doctson should be a first rounder. He's looked great this season and has really helped his stock.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Eagles need offensive line help, as shown by their failure to effectively move the ball on offense. This might be a tad too high for Decker, but he's one of the last OTs truly worth a first rounder.
20. Minnesota Vikings: Tyle Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
The Vikings are close to being a dangerous team. Stefon Diggs has emerged, but Teddy Bridgewater needs more weapons. Boyd could be one of the first WRs off the board.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
I like Lawrence Timmons, but he's got a $15 million cap hit next season and might not be back, especially at that price. Ragland can step in and replace Timmons. Corner is also a big need for the Steelers.
22. New York Jets: Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
Jenkins can provide the Jets with the pass rusher they need. I strongly considered Penn State's Christian Hackenberg, but the Jets might elect to not spend a first rounder on a QB. Still, Hackenberg could go in Round One.
23. New York Giants: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Elliott is the clear top RB in this year's class and the only one truly worth a first round pick. Shane Vereen is a solid third down back, but Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams haven't looked like anything special this season.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
For the sake of Andrew Luck, the Colts need to upgrade their offensive line. Somebody needs to protect Luck, and Conklin could start right away.
25. Atlanta Falcons: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Lee is a Ryan Shazier clone. The Falcons need help at LB and Lee would be great value and fit at this point.
26. Carolina Panthers: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
The Panthers should not be starting Michael Oher. Cam Newton needs better protection.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
The Seahawks offensive line has not look good this season. Alexander is the best OG in the draft and he'd be an upgrade right away.
28. Denver Broncos: Adolphus Washington, DE, Ohio State
The Broncos could use an offensive lineman, but the pickings are slim. With limited needs, the Broncos can take the best player on the board. That could be Washington, who would add depth to the Denver line.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Shilique Calhoun, OLB, Michigan State
The Cardinals need another pass rusher and Calhoun could be a first rounder.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Billings is the best defensive player on Baylor, and yes, that includes Shawn Oakman. Billings would be an incredible compliment to Geno Atkins.
31. Green Bay Packers: Austin Johnson, DL, Penn State
The Packers could lose Mike Daniels this offseason. Even if they bring him back, adding some more depth won't hurt. Another LB could be an option too.
32. New England Patriots: No Draft Pick
The Patriots were stripped of their first round pick as punishment for deflating footballs.
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