2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Round 1
It’s finally mock draft time again! These are my favorite posts of the season, so I apologize in advance for more mock drafts then anyone needs. Like the last few years, I’m going to start with just the first three rounds in versions one & two and then expand to full seven rounders as we get closer to the draft. I’ll also have a few Bears-only seven rounders over the next two months.
With just under three month until the 2016 NFL Draft (April 28-30) a lot will change between now and then. Players still have to participate in individual pro days and of course the combine will impact draft stocks significantly. Every year a few players boost their stock with better than expected combine results and every year a few players drop out of the draft completely by failing their drug test at the combine. This mock may look way different in a few months, but I will be releasing new versions roughly every two to three weeks.
More from Chicago Bears Draft
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- What Chicago Bears could expect in trade down with Indianapolis Colts
- 3 stats to know about Chicago Bears potential pick Jalen Carter
- Is this Big Ten linebacker on the Chicago Bears draft radar?
If you have any questions, suggestions, or complaints hit me up in the comments below or on Twitter (@MikeFlannery_)
Mock Draft 1.0: Round 1
1.) Tennessee Titans – OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
Rookie QB Marcus Mariota flashed legit starter potential, but couldn’t stay healthy because the Titans couldn’t protect him. Drafting Tunsil would allow the Titans to move 2013 1st rounder Taylor Lewan to the right side where he is a better fit. Tunsil would also improve a struggling Titans run game.
2) Cleveland Browns – QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota St
The hype train has pushed Wentz to the top QB in the draft and it’s hard to argue after watching him in the Senior Bowl. He’s an above-average athlete with ideal size (6’6| 238) and the best arm of any QB in this draft. It may take a year or two for Wentz to adjust to the huge leap in defensive speed between DII and the NFL, but the talent is there for the Browns to finally have a legit #1 QB.
3.) San Diego Chargers – OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
QB Philip Rivers got hit way too often last season and the Chargers could use upgrades at either tackle position. Stanley has the ability to play on the left side, but worst case should be an excellent right tackle. He should be able to step in right away and improve both the run and pass game for the Chargers.
4.) Dallas Cowboys – QB Jared Goff, California
Tony Romo has had a good run at QB for the Cowboys, but hasn’t been able to play a full season for two years in a row and at 35 years old is just about done. The Cowboys need a QB for the future and who knows when the Cowboys will be picking this high again. Goff reminds me of Jay Cutler, with a cannon arm, underrated athleticism, sloppy mechanics under pressure, but the arm to make all the throws.
5.) Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Joey Bosa, Ohio St
The Jags pass rush has been one of the worst in the league the last two seasons and they have to be happy to see Bosa still on the board with the 5th pick. There has been some talk about Bosa being overrated, but when healthy Bosa is a relentless pass rusher. He could team with last year’s first round pick Donte Fowler Jr, to transform the Jags pass rush.
6.) Baltimore Ravens – DB Jalen Ramsey, Florida St
The Ravens secondary has been a mess for the last two years and Ramsey can make an immediate impact at either safety or corner. He’s an elite athlete and could be a play-maker as a rookie.