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Mel Kiper releases NFL Mock Draft version 1.0

By Jonathan Bass

Oct 4, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) celebrates after sacking Maryland Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown (not pictured) in the second quarter at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) celebrates after sacking Maryland Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown (not pictured) in the second quarter at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mel Kiper has released his first NFL Mock Draft for 2016; here’s a look in at what’s cookin’

With the NFL now in postseason play, fans of all but a handful of teams have started looking towards the offseason. More pointedly, toward draft season – that small period of optimism and uncertainty where hope springs eternal, and the best college players in the country are all up for grabs.

Next: NFL Mock Draft: Divisional Round Edition

This also means that it’s the time of year where we can get reacquainted with our good friends at ESPN Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. As for the former, he released NFL Mock Draft 1.0 on Thursday. For draftniks and NFL junkies alike it’s a late Christmas serving of goodness. Here’s a gander at Kiper’s top five.

Tennessee Titans – Joey Bosa

Right out of the gate, this is a pretty big surprise. Marcus Mariota was killed all season long, and he desperately needs help on the offensive line. Kiper’s logic is that if there’s a transcendent talent at the end on defense then you take it. Bosa might very well be the best player in the draft, but taking one of the top tackles seems like a more safe investment given that it would protect a franchise player.

Cleveland Browns – Jared Goff

Pretty easy and safe pick here. The Browns need a quarterback, they just hired an offensive-minded coach and there are three legitimate first-round caliber players. Goff is the safest of the lot – moreso than either Paxton Lynch or Connor Cook – and the analytics brain trust assembled in Cleveland likely appreciates his strong accuracy. Kiper likes Goff’s upside and resiliency.

San Diego Los Angeles Chargers – Laremy Tunsil

Throw a dart and you’ll hit a need for the Chargers. Seeing Tunsil at No. 3 is interesting, as many have him going No. 1 overall. The Chargers don’t even bat an eye, and have their pick in before Roger Goodell can even leave the stage following the Browns’ pick. Kiper pegs Tunsil as an immediate starter and a mouth-watering selection for new offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

Dallas Cowboys – DeForest Buckner

Kiper likes Buckner’s “major motor” and views the big defensive end out of Oregon as an instant impact player ready to light up quarterbacks in the NFC East. This pick is a lot earlier than many mock drafts have Buckner going.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Ramsey

There was little question that the Jags would take a player for their defensive secondary, only which stud from within the state of Florida they’d go with – Jalen Ramsey or Vernon Hargreaves. Kiper likes Ramsey for his versatility to play both corner and safety.

Other interesting picks by Kiper include the Lions taking Jarran Reed – pundits have gone back and forth over whether Reed or teammate A’Shawn Robinson is the better prospect from Alabama’s line. The Eagles, after all of their controversy last offseason, bring aboard talented but troubled defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche. And the Jets select Jaylon Smith – a savvy late-round gamble on a wildly talented player who suffered a gruesome injury during bowl season, and required reconstructive knee surgery.

For the entirety of Kiper’s list and explanations, click here (paywall).

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