Written by Dan Kadar at SBNation.com
Free agency begins this week, which will provide much more clarity for the 2016 NFL Draft. Some of the picks that have become commonplace in mock drafts will be rendered redundant depending on which veterans teams sign. The flip side is needs opening up with players departing.
This week’s mock draft assumes several departures in free agency and how teams can address them in the draft.
One common name missing from the first round this week is Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. If he happens to fall all the way to the 22nd overall pick and the Texansdecide to pass, where does he make the most sense in the first round? Let us know in the comments.
1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
The early career success of first-round offensive tackles can be argued, but picking Tunsil first overall isn’t totally about next season. It’s about the next five seasons where he and quarterback Marcus Mariota can mature together before pushing for playoff contention.
2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, California
Goff has been my pick for the Browns because of all the little things he does well — mainly manipulating and reading defenders and stepping up in the pocket. But it won’t be a surprise if Carson Wentz of North Dakota State is the pick. Despite what new head coach Hue Jackson has said, quarterback has to be the pick for the Browns. Of course, that changes if they overpay Brock Osweiler in free agency.
3. San Diego Chargers: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
The Chargers have to get better against the run, and Buckner was incredibly productive in that area at Oregon. Despite seeing multiple blockers, Buckner had 83 tackles last season, including 17 for a loss. With his size, and powerful playing style, Buckner will be fine working inside if the Chargers use four-man fronts on defense.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
With Greg Hardy’s time in Dallas over, the Cowboys could strike with another pass rusher like Bosa. Opposite DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys would have a good pair of young pass rushers to build the defense around.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
If the Cowboys pass on Ramsey with the fourth pick and Bosa and Buckner are gone, Ramsey is a good pick for the Jaguars. Ramsey could play either free safety or cornerback in Jacksonville, and he’ll be a star at either.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele is a high-priority free agent for the Ravens, and what happens with him will dictate what Baltimore does with the sixth pick. If he leaves, left tackle is priority No. 1. But even if he comes back, Osemele has spent the majority of his career at guard. He played well at left tackle for three games last season, but having him inside next to Stanley would give the Ravens a potent left side.
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