Mel Kiper releases NFL Mock Draft 2.0
A look at Mel Kiper’s recently released NFL Mock Draft 2.0
The NFL as a whole is kicking things into high gear for the NFL offseason, which means that it’s also time to gear up for mock draft season. Everyone everywhere is putting together how they think the 2016 NFL Draft will go down at the end of April. Fans can get excited about the bevy of prospects that their teams could bring in through the draft to help the cause.
One of the most highly debated mock drafts of the season, though, is always Mel Kiper Jr.’s of ESPN, who just released his 2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 on Thursday morning. For those who can’t get enough of mock draft season and what ESPN’s expert thinks about the draft, here’s a look at Kiper’s top-10.
1. Tennessee Titans – Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss, OT
Kiper originally had the Titans picking defensive end Joey Bosa in his Mock Draft 1.0, but this makes much more sense as Tennessee needs to sure up their offensive line to help protect their biggest asset in quarterback Marcus Mariota
2. Cleveland Browns – Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, QB
There’s no question that the Browns will go quarterback with the No. 2 pick, but the question on everyone’s mind here is Wentz or Jared Goff. After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Kiper seems to give the edge to the North Dakota State product.
3. San Diego Chargers – DeForest Buckner, Oregon, DE
The Chargers defensive line is a wreck right now and adding a defensive end makes sense. The biggest surprise, though, is to see Buckner vault ahead of Bosa who Kiper had at No. 1 in his initial mock.
4. Dallas Cowboys – Jared Goff, California, QB
Quite frankly, no one knows what the Cowboys are going to do next because that’s been the status quo in recent years. However, backing up Tony Romo after the debacle that ensued when he went down last season seems like a safe bet as to the direction they might go.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Ramsey, Florida State, DB
Again, it’s a surprise to not see Bosa going off the board here given where Kiper had him previously, but it’s hard to argue with the Jaguars bolstering their pass coverage with the most talented and versatile defensive back in the draft.
6. Baltimore Ravens – Joey Bosa, Ohio State, DE
Bosa finally makes an appearance and in a spot that makes sense. The Ravens need to add highly talented prospects on their defense with an aging core and Bosa more than fits the bill in that regard.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Myles Jack, UCLA, LB
With the 49ers desperately needing to replenish the talent on the defensive side of the ball, Jack is a versatile and incredibly talented linebacker who would be a tremendous step in the right direction.
8. Miami Dolphins – Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame, OT
The Dolphins have more than enough holes that could be addressed here, but adding a pro-ready tackle in Ronnie Stanley to protect Ryan Tannehill would be in the best interest if he’s available at No. 8 like Kiper predicts.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon Hargreaves, Florida, CB
Vernon Hargreaves should be able to play right away at cornerback for any team in the NFL, but the Bucs severely need help in their secondary going forward. Subsequently, Hargreaves is the only sensible choice.
10. New York Giants – Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky, DE/OLB
It’s a safe bet that the Giants are going to address a defensive need with the No. 10 pick and Noah Spence would help them replace the likely departing Jason Pierre-Paul on the edge.
Outside of the top-10 other picks of note are the Green Bay Packers at No. 27 selecting tight end Hunter Henry, the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 28 taking defensive end Jihad Ward, the Carolina Panthers taking cornerback Mackensie Alexander at No. 30, and the Super Bowl-champion Denver Broncos capping off the first round by adding offensive tackle Taylor Decker.
Obviously this is all going to get shaken up in a major way with the NFL Scouting Combine starting at the end of February. However, these are the way things shake out as of now according to Kiper’s latest NFL mock draft.