So, it's that time of year again, when the NFL chooses it's plunder from College Football and this year we've decided to have a go at predicting some selections. Each of the guys produced their own lists, then debated and discussed the merits of each one. Here follows the mess that we expect come this weekend. Here's Rich Eisen to explain how the draft operates in case you are unfamiliar with the lengthy and often times highly nerdy process.
Click on each choice to view a highlight video on the YouTubes. We deeply apologise for the almost criminal musical choices in the following highlight videos, unfortunately not everyone has taste. Thank to the NFL and various YouTube wannabe directors for the videos.
1 - Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee)
Jared Goff, QB, Cal
The Rams traded up to get him. They need a franchise QB, and that is neither Nick Foles, Sean Mannion nor Case Keenum. Goff looked the polished pro prospect in his final year in Berkley, and although the school has a history of producing NFL starting caliber QBs, Goff is the natural pick and he set school records in passing yards and touchdowns while only trailing Aaron Rodgers in QB rating. He's a California kid, and will be the face of the franchise after their decampment from St. Louis. Goff's accuracy will be key if he is to succeed in the NFL, as Los Angeles don't have much in the way of elite talent at wide receiver. Todd Gurley's outstanding rookie year will give Goff confidence and an elite back to lean on throughout the season. (unanimous choice)
2 - Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland)
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Whereas the Rams are in desperate need of a QB to start life anew in Los Angeles, the Eagles are looking for a fresh start in lieu of a division title just three seasons ago. They fired Chip Kelly, snatching Doug Pederson from KC, and traded away Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso, DeMarco Murray and Mark Sanchez. Wentz would benefit from backing up Sam Bradford for a year, but as the Eagles well into full on implosion mode partway through 2015, he might not get that chance. Although he played in the FCS in college, Wentz ran a pro-style offense and showed glimpses that he may be ready to start on Sundays sooner than most and although some experts project a pro comparison of Andrew Luck upon the former Bison, we felt he was more akin to Cam Newton. Watch out NFC East. (unanimous choice)
3 - San Diego Super Keiths
DeForest Buckner, DT, Oregon
Buckner is a beast, he has elite size at 6'7" and was the 2015 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. He ran a 5.05s forty yard dash at the combine which is pretty scary at 291lbs. He has quickness to get off the line and raw power to overwhelm tackles while showing touches of finesse during his time in Eugene. He should fit right in to the Chargers 3-4 system and could make an impact immediately. His 10.5 sacks last year should be a target for his first year in the league and drafting an elite pass-rusher is a definite need for the soon-to-be Los Angeles/Las Vegas/Who Knows Where Chargers.
4 - Dallas Cowboys
Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State
Arguably the most talented player in the draft, this selection is purely a best available selection for the Cowboys. He has serious speed, and the versatility to slot in at corner coupled with his pure athletic ability that led him to ACC long jump honours in 2015. The Cowboys need help on the back end, and Ramsey would be a major piece in the rebuild.
5 - Jacksonville Jaguras
Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Jack only played 3 games in his senior year before tearing his meniscus. As a result he missed the combine, but impressed at his pro day. The Jags picked a linebacker in the top 5 last year, but Dante Fowler missed the year with a torn ACL. Jack has the range and speed to move to safety or play the nickel and his inside presence would solidfy Fowler's return to the team. The Jags secondary was a mess last year and with Jack as the central figure, they won't be giving up any more 87 yard QB draw plays.
6 - Baltimore Ravens
Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Yes, that's right, I linked a highlights package of an offensive tackle. Tunsil could've beenm the first overall pick if Tennessee kept their pick, but this is a nice pick-up for an offense that stunk last year. Tunsil has excellent footwork and his technique held up despite playing some of the best defensive fronts in the country in college. Character issues aside, this is Baltimore where anything goes, Tunsil has run blocking ability and the only real knock is that he could do with another 10-15lbs of bulk to play at the next level.
7 - San Francisco 49ers
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Stanley has played at either end of the offensive line and looked comfortable in both spots. He has a quick first step that allows him to counter the rush in pass protection and get the jump when in come to run blocking. He showed improvement in technique in his senior year and if nothing else, never gives up on a play. That quality will be important for this 49ers team that is in the midst of a major transformation. We don't know who will play at QB, but having a solid tackle to protect him is an absolute must.
8 - Cleveland Broons (from Miami via Philadelphia)
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
The first of many players in this mock to be drafted out of that school down South, and surprisingly for an Urban Meyer coached team, a lack of character concerns. Well, that's a relative term at Ohio State as Bosa was suspended from the first game of 2015 for undisclosed reasons. Joey arguably is more talented than his father or his uncle who were both taken with the 16th pick in 87 and 88 respectively. He's ready to go, has a quick initial burst and possesses the strength and definition to make it in the NFL, but struggles at time with physical tackles and allows himself to be pulled in to a wrestling match. Cleveland need help all over the field, so this is just the first step.
9 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Tampa needs a cornerback. Hargreaves is the best available. Simple pick. (unanimous choice)
10 - New York Football Giants
Leonard Floyd, DE, Georgia
Floyd is an athletic monster, he's quick, so can play as a 3-4 OLB as well as a 4-3 DE and has the size to dominate at both positions. He's fast off the line and will chase down anything in the backfield. That's exactly what the Giants need as Captain Hook is no longer the dominant force he was and after signing a one year extension, Floyd can be the long term successor.
11 - Chicago Bears
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
The Bears lost Matt Forte to free agency and although Jeremy Langford is a credible replacement based on the glimpses he showed last year, Chicago should pick up the former Buckeye as they need all the running game they can get given they have Jay Cutler signed up for another five years. It will be a slow progression, but Elliott could have the same kind of rookie impact that David Johnson had in Arizona last year.
12 - New Orleans Saints
Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Saints are in dire cap trouble, but their defense was terrible last year, comfortably the worst in terms of points allowed. Consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback is a must, and Lawson provides that. He's a big man and can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3 without much difficulty. He's an able run stopper too, and the Saints are in dearth need to lower their yards/attempt from a league worst 4.9 yards.
13 - Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia)
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
The Dolphins need a stud to play across from the recently acquired Byron Maxwell. Apple fits the scheme and has great closing speed to make up for his rookie mistakes. (unanimous selection)
14 - Oakland Raiders
Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
The Raiders defense has been getting sneaky good and Khalil Mack finshed second to JJ Watt in sacks last year. Adding an interior presence like Rankins will help beef up the defensive line that lost veteran Justin Tuck to retirement.
15 -Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles)
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Protecting their franchise quarterback is a must for Tennessee, and the porous offensive line needs help. Enter Jack Conklin, who ably dealt with DeForest Buckner last year. The Titans can address other needs with the plethora of picks they got from Los Angeles.
16 - Detroit Lions
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Detroit lost Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley last off-season. The Lions thought they could cope without them. They couldn't. Robinson was part of a fearsome Crimson Tide unit last year and fits in here perfectly.
17 - Atlanta Falcons
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Atlanta needs to upgrade it's linebacking corps. Lee is an athletic freak and has a high football IQ. He could be better in run defense, but his pass coverage is excellent and he diagnoses a lot at the point of scrimmage. (unanimous selection)
18 - Indianapolis Colts
Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Indianapolis have a horrible offensive line, Decker helps a lot with his ability to play either tackle. Expect him to line up on the right side and try to keep a rebounding Andrew Luck on his feet.
19 - Buffalo Bills
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Buffalo struggled at linebacker last year, especially in stopping the run. Ragland is a thumper, he hits the gap, hits the man, and if he makes it to the NFL, will probably hit his girlfriend. He doesn't have top end speed, but he only missed 3 tackles in 2015, and that will be crucial for the Bills.
20 - New York Jets
Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
Muhammad Wilkerson is on his way. He's made it clear he wants out of New Jersey, so the Jets need a replacement on the defensive line. Add Butler to Leonard Williams and Todd Bowles will be salivating.
21 - Washington Native Americans
Jarran Reid, DT, Alabama
A stud defensive tackle to replace Pot Roast? We like that. (unanimous selection)
22 - Houston Texans
Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
Nuk Hopkins need a buddy. Incoming QB Brock Osweiler will enjoy Fuller and his ability to stretch the defesnive vertically. This should lead to a whole lot more targets for Hopkins in space, and with two excellent receivers, defenses can no longer afford to ignore the second option. Fuller has excellent separation from his break, and although he lacks the size and physicality to play across the middle, he's an excellent outside option.
23 - Minnesota Vikings
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
The Shovelmaker had a couple of excellent games last year, but the Vikings need a consistent threat to take the attention away from Adrian Peterson. Treadwell's speed didn't show up at the combine, so his size will be crucial in order to make catches over the top of opposing corners. He's uber competitive, and that's not something that you can just turn on with the flick of a switch.
24 - Cincinnati Begnals
Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Begnals lost Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency, although Tyler Eifert and AJ Green combined for 23 touchdowns. Add in Doctson who made Treyvone Boykin look like Marcus Mariota and combine him with fit-again, fellow TCU alum Andy Dalton and the Bengals will be dangerous again.
25 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Artie Burns, CB, Miami
Pittsburgh's secondary was abysmal last year. They need a lot of help. Burns is a stellar athlete, he has speed and agililty by the buckload. That closing speed will be useful as Pittsburgh struggled last year without Dick LeBeau, and he won't be getting much help from the safeties.
26 - Seattle Seahawks
Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
This guy kept Johnny Manziel out of trouble, at least on the field. Wilson isn't as disorganised as Manziel, but he does require the same level of protection as he evolves into a more comfortable pocket passer. Ifedi has also played at guard which may be his long term position, and that versatility will be helpful as the interior of the Seahawks line has struggled recently.
27 - Green Bay Packers
Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
When Jordy Nelson went down with a torn ACL last year, Aaron Rodgers was left with Randall Cobb and a bunch of scrubs. Coleman is rapid off the line, and will be able to find space downfield to capitalise on the cannon arm Rodgers has. Coleman's incredible leap will make up for his inability to make cuts at top speed, but he should be viewed as a long term option in the Packers' offense.
28 - Kansas City Chiefs
Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Shaq Lawson gets all the plaudits from Clemson's 2015 team, but Dodd is no joke. He's huge and although Clemson lost to Alabama in the National Championship game, Dodd put up 3 sacks and dominated the Crimson Tide offensive line. He always has a eye on where the ball is and will continue until the whistle, he's a smart player and will integrate himself into an already fearsome front 7 in Missouri.
29 - Arizona Cardinals
William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Better than the first two William Jacksons the former Cougar is a great option as a cover corner. He anticipates throws and times his leap well to disrupt a lot of passes. The only knock on him is that he struggled in press coverage and may be exposed by bigger receivers. Arizona struggled in pass coverage after Honey Badger's injury, so the opportunity to bolster their DB corps after already upgrading at defensive end with the acquisition of Chandler Jones. The Cardinals should be competitive at the top of the NFC for at least another year.
30 - Carolina Panthers
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Carolina need to replace a fiery, shutdown corner in Josh Norman and that's what they can get in Mackensie Alexander. He is smart and uses the sideline well to make up for his lack of size. He's chippy and sticks to receivers well no matter where they try to go. He'd be a perfect fit in Charlotte.
31 - Denver Broncos
Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
What do you get for the defense that has everything? A nose tackle to occupy a center and guard and allow Vonn Miller even more space to attack the quarterback. Although he was arrested last year for marijuana possession, that won't be a problem for him in Colorado, but his lack of a second option when stuffed at the line might be. If Wade Phillips gives him just one task to accomplish during plays, then he may turn out to be a steal at the end of the first round.
New England Patriots
Roger screwed Bill
