NFL Mock Draft (Part 1)

The 1^st Round of the 2016 NFL Draft is just 9 days away.  In this multi-part series we’ll take a look at how I envision the draft shaking out:

Los Angeles Rams (Round 1, Pick 1): 

Carson Wentz – Quarterback, North Dakota State

After acquiring this pick from the Titans late last week, it is clear that the Rams are going to select whom they hope to be their future franchise QB.  The only two QB prospects that justify being selected with this pick are Carson Wentz and Jared Goff.  Though Goff appears to have the higher floor of the two, Wentz’s potential alone makes him the pick.  The offense ran by Wentz at NDSU is very similar to that employed by the Rams under OC Rob Boras, meaning Wentz will come into training camp quite comfortable with the playbook and schematic concepts.  At 6′ 5″ and weighing in at 237 lbs., Wentz has the prototypical NFL QB frame; and pairs that with impressive athleticism. 

NFL Player Comparison: Blake Bortles 

Cleveland Browns (Round 1, Pick 2): 

Jared Goff – Quarterback, UC Berkeley (“Cal”)

The most polished QB prospect in the draft, Goff will almost certainly be picked at #2 (assuming Wentz is off the board).  The real question is whether or not it will be by the Cleveland Browns, as the organization may be looking to trade the pick.  Though the team that drafts him will hope to add some build to Goff’s slender frame, Goff looks the part of an NFL QB. With the necessary arm, athleticism and intangibles displayed throughout his career at Cal; Goff becomes a no-brainer at the #2 pick, given the QB-centric nature of today’s NFL.

NFL Player Comparison: Matt Ryan

San Diego Chargers (Round 1, Pick 3): 

Jalen Ramsey – Cornerback/Safety, Florida State

You could make a case for either OT Laremy Tunsil or CB/S Jalen Ramsey being the best available player here.  The Chargers have allocated a significant amount of their cap-space to the OT position (~15% of 2017 projected cap-space), with King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale due to receive guaranteed money through 2018.  Though Tunsil may be the best overall player in the draft, the Chargers are unlikely to want to allocate additional resources to the position.

With the selection of Ramsey, the Chargers add an immediate playmaker to a secondary that already boasts the likes of Brandon Flowers, Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward.  Ramsey is a rare blend of speed and athleticism that will allow him to slot in all over the secondary.  Having a player that can line up across from pass-catching tight ends and wide receivers alike is crucial in today’s NFL.  The Chargers hope Ramsey can fill the void left behind when pro-bowl safety Eric Weddle signed with Baltimore this off-season.

NFL Player Comparison: Tyrann Mathieu

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.  Please like and comment if you enjoyed the article, and make sure to check back for the rest of Round 1.