Mock draft 5.0: How trades could shake up first round – USA TODAY
Russ Lande breaks down his top 10 players in the upcoming draft. USA TODAY Sports
The NFL draft is only a few weeks away. And with free agency fizzled out and the pro day circuit complete, we’ve entered the waiting period where speculation hits a full boil as the smokescreens billow and the rumors flare during this liars’ season. So why not have a bit of fun and shake up our latest mock draft with a few trades that (we think) make sense?
1. (PROPOSED TRADE) San Francisco 49ers (from Tennessee Titans) – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State: Jumping into the top spot from No. 7 may not seem like far to go for San Francisco, but it would be a fairly rich move — perhaps requiring the 2016 first rounder in addition to swapping the Round 1 selections this year. But with a league-high 12 picks, the Niners have the resources to get it done, a willing trade partner in Titans GM Jon Robinson and the need to address the quarterback position whether or not enigmatic Colin Kaepernick remains on the roster (and we’ll guess he won’t). Wentz has all the tools (size, accuracy, arm strength, decision making) new coach Chip Kelly covets, not to mention far superior athleticism than the triggermen (Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez, Sam Bradford) he had in Philadelphia.
2. Cleveland Browns – Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State: They’ve been widely linked to Wentz throughout the pre-draft process, even after signing Robert Griffin III. And Hue Jackson and Co. would surely still strongly consider Cal QB Jared Goff in this scenario. But the Browns seem to be years away from contending and will probably have several more prime opportunities to draft a quarterback early in the coming years. So maybe the new, analytics-driven regime opts for Ramsey, arguably the No. 1 prospect in this draft and someone who’d address a primary need in a pass-heavy division for a roster with needs at both corner and safety.
3. San Diego Chargers – Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi: If he actually fell into the Bolts’ laps, you could bet QB Philip Rivers would be sending up a few prayers after being sacked an average of 39 times over the past four seasons. Tunsil would also be a welcome asset to the AFC’s worst run game and could help get disappointing 2015 first-round RB Melvin Gordon going in the right direction — upfield.
4. Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State: Goff would be a tantalizing option after Dallas got a glimpse of life without Tony Romo in 2015. But if the Cowboys are serious about supporting Romo’s quest to capture a Lombardi Trophy, they need to bring in premier talent that can help them win now, and Bosa would certainly qualify — especially for a defense with such a poor pass rush.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Jack, LB, UCLA: The Jags’ have a young, exciting offense that could be poised for a huge year. The same can’t currently be said of the defense, but that could change by teaming the versatile and explosive Jack with 2015 first-round DE Dante Fowler and newcomers Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson.
6. (PROPOSED TRADE) Los Angeles Rams (from Baltimore Ravens) – Jared Goff, QB, California: This team is only a quarterback away from serious contention. The Rams only have six picks this year, but they own three of the top 45 selections — plenty to barter with Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, who’s never far from his phone. Pairing Goff with RB Todd Gurley could instantly legitimize a team with a nasty defense while also importing additional star power that would play well in L.A. And Gurley’s ability should give Goff a nice cushion to grow into the role of leading man.
7. (PROPOSED TRADE) Titans (from 49ers) – Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame: Despite leaving the leadoff spot, Tennessee still reels in a first-rate bodyguard who can protect QB Marcus Mariota’s blind side while providing daylight to RB DeMarco Murray. It’s an outcome Robinson would surely take, especially since it would mean he’s hauled in more badly needed high picks.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State: Philly has already moved up after sending CB Byron Maxwell and LB Kiko Alonso to Miami. Unfortunately, it may not be high enough to get one of the elite quarterbacks the Eagles have been closely investigating. Still, Elliott is hardly a consolation prize. In fact, this three-down stud could probably serve as the offensive centerpiece, something QB Sam Bradford (or Chase Daniel) might not be equipped to do.
9. (PROPOSED TRADE) Chicago Bears (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon: He’s probably the last elite player on the board at this point and seems ideally suited as a five-technique for the Bears as they continue to install a 3-4 defense, so it’s perfectly reasonable to think Chicago would deal up two spots rather than let Buckner slip through their claws.
10. New York Giants – Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida: The league’s worst pass defense added CB Janoris Jenkins in free agency but doesn’t have much behind him and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Hargreaves could jump right into the nickelback role as he begins what should be a promising career.
VIDEO: Late-round steals
Russ Lande has five players in mind that could be great steals in the later rounds of the draft. USA TODAY Sports
11. (PROPOSED TRADE) Buccaneers (from Bears) – Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson: The Bucs need to boost their pass rush, and Lawson could make offenses pay immediately for double-teaming DT Gerald McCoy.
12. New Orleans Saints – Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi: We know, the defense gave up the most points in the league and needs reinforcements. But QB Drew Brees could also use a big, reliable target after losing former mainstays Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston in successive offseasons. Treadwell fits that mold and brings a nice skill set that would complement those of jitterbug WR Brandin Cooks.
13. Miami Dolphins – Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama: He would solidify the AFC’s second-worst run defense and seems to have enough wiggle to make life difficult over the middle for the Rob Gronkowskis of the world. Addressing the middle with Ragland would also enable Alonso to shift outside, where he seems to be more effective.
14. Oakland Raiders – Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama: Their edge presence has improved with the addition of LB Bruce Irvin, while the presumed return of Aldon Smith would be a bonus. Meanwhile, Reed can create some trouble inside, which could be another way to shake DE Khalil Mack loose more often while perhaps upgrading the run defense from average to excellent.
15. (PROPOSED TRADE) Ravens (from Rams) – Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia: Despite dropping into the middle of the round, Baltimore still lands the impact player its defense needs while becoming better positioned to address other shortfalls. Floyd wouldn’t need to start immediately, perhaps focusing his tremendous pass-rush skills on sub packages as a rookie. But given Terrell Suggs is coming off another Achilles’ tear and will be 34 this season while fellow OLB Elvis Dumervil is 32, outside linebacker is clearly an area where the Ravens must get younger.
16. Detroit Lions – Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State: They need only look to East Lansing to pluck a player who could really help an offensive in transition. Conklin is probably a better option at left tackle than Riley Reiff, who could flip to the right side, and would bring an edge to an offense that was the league’s most futile running the ball in 2015.
17. Atlanta Falcons – Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State: For this defense to take its next step forward under Dan Quinn, it must bolster the athleticism and playmaking at the second level. The rangy Lee checks both boxes.
18. Indianapolis Colts – Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State: It’s perfectly reasonable to think QB Andrew Luck and RB Frank Gore are whispering, “best available tackle” into each ear of GM Ryan Grigson given the team’s protection issues and lackluster ground game in 2015.
19. (PROPOSED TRADE) Arizona Cardinals (from Buffalo Bills) – Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis: Much like the 2015 Cowboys, the 2014 Cardinals witnessed how fast a team can unravel without its veteran quarterback. Lynch has the deep arm coach Bruce Arians values plus the mobility of previous disciples like Ben Roethlisberger and Luck. By jumping in front of the quarterback-deprived Jets, the Cards secure their long-term future at the position given the contract of Carson Palmer, 36, could void as soon as 2018.
20. New York Jets – Andrew Billings, DL, Baylor: With no quarterback worth taking here, they revert to bolstering the strength of the team — defensive line. Billings could be even better on the nose than departed NT Damon Harrison, allowing the Jets to remain stout against the run while linemates Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams overwhelm blocking schemes.
21. Washington Redskins – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama: GM Scot McCloughan opted not to re-sign veteran NT Terrance Knighton, perfectly reasonable given the depth of D-line talent available this year. Robinson could be a far superior player to Knighton if Washington can fully harness the 21-year-old’s significant ability.
22. Houston Texans – Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame: The fastest wideout at the combine (4.32 in the 40), Fuller may not catch 50 passes in his first year but would still draw attention away from WR DeAndre Hopkins and the Lamar Miller-led running game given his ability to quickly get behind the safeties.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Doctson, WR, Texas Christian: Pairing him with second-year WR Stefon Diggs would give QB Teddy Bridgewater a capable pair of receivers to bond with while enabling the offense to evolve for the day when it loses aging RB Adrian Peterson.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor: Like Notre Dame’s Fuller, this speedster could open the field for WR A.J. Green and TE Tyler Eifert while replenishing the wideout depth Cincinnati lost during free agency.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State: The Steel City has always welcomed big, physical corners, and the Steelers could certainly use a new one after allowing the most passing yards in the AFC in 2015.
26. Seattle Seahawks – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville: He’s a slippery one who, like Michael Bennett, can play inside and out. Seattle definitely needs to reload its D-line, which takes this unit to another level when it can constantly rotate capable bodies.
27. Green Bay Packers – Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech: The Pack were far more susceptible to the run than pass in 2015, allowing at least 100 rushing yards in their final six regular-season games. The massive Butler (6-4, 323) should help resolve the problem while allowing the team to move on from retired-for-now B.J. Raji.
28. Kansas City Chiefs – William Jackson III, CB, Houston: Lots of good receivers in the AFC West, so the Chiefs would be wise to reload at corner after letting Sean Smith go to the division rival Raiders.
29. (PROPOSED TRADE) Bills (from Cardinals) – Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Mississippi: No one questions this guy’s talent. But can Nkemdiche maintain his focus on the field and off? If Rex and Rob Ryan get him moving in the right direction, Nkemdiche could be a steal this low … while the Bills steal extra picks to restock their disappointing D.
30. Carolina Panthers – Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia: He’s smallish (5-10, 205), but aggressive and rangy — perhaps a bit of a cross between Earl Thomas and Bob Sanders, assuming he reaches his potential after battling injuries in college. If so, Joseph could definitely bring another scary dimension to an already formidable Carolina D.
31. Denver Broncos – Germain Ifedi, G, Texas A&M: The reigning champs let both of their starting guards from Super Bowl 50 (Evan Mathis and Louis Vasquez) go during the offseason. Despite his size (6-6, 324), Ifedi appears to have enough movement skill to thrive in Gary Kubiak’s zone-blocking attack. He could also eventually find himself playing tackle after manning both positons for the Aggies.
Note: New England Patriots were stripped of their first-round pick for their alleged role in Deflategate
***
Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis
PHOTOS: Top NFL draft prospects
