Now that the 2015 NFL regular season has ended for all non-playoff teams, the top 20 selections of the 2016 NFL Draft are set in stone. The NFL announced the picking order, and now a major focus for these 20 teams is who they will be picking when they're on the clock come this upcoming April. With that, of course, come a billion predictions. Well, here's a post-regular season mock of the top five picks in the draft and who those teams will take.
1. Tennessee Titans: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Last year, the Titans went offense with Marcus Mariota at the No. 2 spot. This season, it's time to bring a truly impactful player on defense. The question is, do they go with Bosa or OLB Jaylon Smith from Notre Dame. These are arguably the top two defensive players in the draft, and it really depends on how they feel about their defensive scheme and these guys' fits. Tennessee runs a 3-4 defense, and while that could change with a potential coaching change this offseason. We'll have to see if Mike Mularkey keeps the job or not.
Either way, I'd go with Bosa. If anyone is comparable to J.J. Watt in this draft, it's him. They need a disruptive force on the defensive line, and he's the guy.
2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, Cal
The Browns could obviously use help everywhere, but QB looks to be the pick here with Josh McCown old and Johnny Manziel more than likely traded away. Well, at least I'd be shocked if he wasn't.
So the question is, do they take Goff or Memphis' Paxton Lynch? If I'm the Browns, I take the most pro ready guy available, and that seems to be Goff. I also believe Lynch will be the better player at some point, but that point won't be in 2016 or even 2017 most likely. Goff has a big arm, pro-looking body and is coming off of a huge bowl game in which he threw for six touchdowns and zero interceptions. If he builds off of that momentum this offseason, he should be the pick.
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
This is the biggest no-brainer of the top-five picks. San Diego's biggest need, far and away, is offensive line. It killed them this year with injuries, and wasn't even that good when healthy. Philip Rivers needs more time to throw -- and not get killed as often -- and more lanes need to be opened up for running backs like Melvin Gordon, who truly struggled this past season.
Tunsil is projected as the top left tackle, and has all of the tools you look for in one. His length, strength and agility were elite this past college football season, and that should translate well into him being a starter from Day 1 in the NFL.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Trying to make up for his horrible pick of Morris Claiborne a few years back, Jerry Jones may look to another corner with a top-10 pick. The Cowboys dearly need someone who can stick a man and cover him all afternoon, and they should look no further than Hargreaves. He's been called the best "pure corner" in the draft by some like ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., and I anticipate that's something that will appeal to Dallas in this spot.
Note: I expect the Cowboys to also trade for Johnny Manziel during the offseason -- I buy into that buzz. If that doesn't happen, however, Memphis' Lynch could be the pick here as he wants someone to groom behind Tony Romo.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
As we saw this year, the Jags can flat out put up points. They have an explosive offense with two top-notch, young receivers and Blake Bortles' development has been impressive, to say the least. What they couldn't do, however, is win all of the shootouts they had this year. They need help on defense, and it's time they got their playmaker.
Smith is a truly dynamic linebacker. He can play inside or outside, and is expected to be able to start from Day 1. He'll bring an element of speed that the Jags have been missing from their front seven for quite some time, and as Dante Fowler comes back from injury next year, they'll have two fantastic specimens in their front seven to build around.
More mocks will be coming soon. Be sure to check back at Classicalite.com's offbeat section to find more draft news!
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