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Now that Wildcard Weekend has ended we now know who holds the first 24 picks in this years NFL draft, and I will be going through those picks and selecting who I believe these teams may take. Feel free to make any suggestions or put some of your predictions down in the comments!
No. 1 Tennessee Titans: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Needless to say, the Tennessee Titans need help everywhere on the field. Joey Bosa is a player who can be a game-changer in this league, and the Titans have lacked that kind of playmaker for a very long time. DE may not be the most pressing issue for the Titans, but Bosa is a must-get prospect and is sure to make an immediate impact.
No. 2 Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, Cal
Lets face it, the Johnny Manziel era is over in Brown Town. The Browns franchise has lacked an effective quarterback for as long as I can remember, and Jared Goff is the answer to their problems. Goff will provide a young, capable quarterback with a good head on his shoulders.
No. 3 San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
This year the San Diego Chargers had one of the worst rushing offenses in the league this season, and getting a big guy on the line should really help the Chargers get the run game going next season, and Laremy Tunsil fits that role perfectly.
No. 4 Dallas Cowboys: Robert Nkemediche, DT, Ole Miss
Many expect Nkemediche to slide in the draft after recently being charged with marijuana possession, but if we know anything about Jerry Jones and the cowboys, it's that talent trumps character. Nkemediche is pure talent and a freak athlete at DT, filling the soft interior of the Cowboy defense.
No. 5 Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
After watching the Jaguars offensive play mightily improve over this past season, but the defense still had much to be desired. Specifically the Jags secondary, struggling to prevent big plays left and right allowing the opposing offenses most of what they wanted. Jalen Ramsey is a guy who you can plug anywhere in the secondary and get it done. This versatility is coveted in the NFL making Ramsey the first DB off the board.
No. 6 Baltimore Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
With Lardarius Webb officially making the move to Free Safety the Ravens have the room to add a much needed piece in the cornerback corps, and Vernon Hargreaves is that corner. Hargreaves has the speed and athleticism to make up for his height, allowing him to be a plug-and-play corner able to shut down opposing receivers in the slot or out wide. Hargreaves also has a knack for creating turnovers, something the Ravens defense has sorely needed.
No. 7 San Francisco 49ers: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
It's looking like the false savior that was Colin Kaepernick may be out of San Francisco, putting the 49ers in the hunt for a QB. The 49ers are due for an overhaul on their roster, and the QB position is the most important piece to start with which is why I have them selecting Paxton Lynch.
No. 8 Miami Dolphins: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
There were high expectations for the Dolphins at the beginning of the season, but the light quickly faded. Miami had a tough time on defense all year with a lineup that could've been one of the best in the league. The lack of a great linebacker didn't help, and Myles Jack could be the answer to the problem.
No. 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The Buccaneers are another one of those teams thats a piece or two away on defense from being a solid team. Alterraun Verner's isn't getting any younger and could use some help on the other side of the field, and Makensie Alexander is a guy who can easily step in and run with opposing receivers, possibly becoming a shutdown corner under the wing of Verner.
No. 10 New York Giants: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
With Jason Pierre-Paul's abilities in question after suffering his serious hand injury, the Giants will be looking to add a young defensive end to be mentored by Pierre-Paul with the potential to start right away.
No. 11 Chicago Bears: Laquan Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
After not seeing a snap from Kevin White all year and the potential departure of Alshon Jeffrey looming, the Bears will be looking to add a receiver for the second straight year. Treadwell is arguably the top receiver in the Draft and should make an immediate impact on any offense, Bears or not.
No. 12 New Orleans Saints: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Saints had one of the worst defenses in the league this year, and it was simply due to a lack of talent. The defensive line in particular had a real tough time, so the Saints are looking to add a big guy in the middle of their defensive line, andRobinson is more than capable of stepping in and contributing right away.
No. 13 Philadelphia Eagles: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Philadelphia fans should like the change of pace in this year's draft now that Chip Kelly is gone. There will be no crazy trades or rumors just quiet, and thats why Philly will snag Decker in the 1st this year. Philly's offensive line is slowly aging and needs to be bolstered this year. Decker will be in good hands with Jason Peters as his mentor, and should have a starting position on the team.
No.14 Oakland Raiders: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Taking an offensive lineman is a priority for the Raiders in this year's draft as Derek Carr continues to grow. Carr is the answer at quarterback in Oakland, and it's time for them to start building a capable line around him.
No.15 St. Louis Rams: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
The now Los Angeles Rams are subject to change with this pick as they may be in the QB chase as well, and very well could trade up to grab Paxton Lynch or Goff. Should they not go for a QB their top priority is a receiver capable of catching balls anywhere on the field and Michael Thomas fits that mold perfectly.
No.16 Detroit Lions: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
Reggie Ragland is a top talent in this year's draft class, but may slip due to other teams having needs for other positions. Detroit will be looking to add depth to their linebacking corps this offseason, and Ragland is highly capable of making a big push for minutes with Stephen Tulloch.
No. 17 Atlanta Falcons: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The success Vic Beasley had this season was promising, but he will need help from the other side if he wants to become one of the leagues best DE's. Shaq Lawson is a guy who Dan Quinn can throw into the mix immediately to draw the double teams off of Beasley to give opposing teams a one-two punch.
No. 18 Indianapolis Colts: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
There are many questions regarding the future of the Colts franchise, but halfback is one that needs to be addressed immediately. Frank Gore is a great back, but he's on his last leg and would be a great mentor for another bruiser like Derrick Henry who could revamp a running attack that has been absent as of the last few years.
No. 19 Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
With the likely departure of Mario Williams, the Bills will be on the hunt for a new DE this offseason. Jonathan Allen is a great player who could develop into a solid DE in a few seasons. Having the starting role up for grabs should only speed things up as Rex Ryan tries to pull this team together.
No. 20 New York Jets: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
After taking a giant step forward this season the Jets should be looking to simply add depth to a star-studded defense, and Noah Spence provides that. Spence may not have the talent to start his rookie season, but should be a good contributor on longer drives when the starters may need some rest.
No. 21 Washington Redskins: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
Washington had a surprisingly good season I must say. Kirk Cousins solidified himself as the starter for at least the near future, eliminating the need to draft a QB. Defensively is where the 'skins can improve, specifically DE. Ogbah can provide good depth or even compete for a starting role, making this a safe pick for Washington.
No. 22 Houston Texans: Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
With the injury-prone Arian Foster and lack of decent back-ups, Houston should be looking for a potential new star in their backfield. Elliot has all the potential to fill that role and much more for Houston should Foster get hurt again, or potentially even move on from Foster.
No. 23 Minnesota Vikings: Spencer Drango, OT/G, Baylor
After struggles with in and out starter Matt Kalil all season, Minnesota will be looking for a possible replacement in this year's draft. Drango has the ability to jump in the starting role with few issues but may need a year or two of getting his feet wet before he finds his ground in the NFL.
No. 24 Cincinnati Bengals: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Overall the Cincinnati offense was a complete unit, shifting the focus this offseason to the defense. After a few boneheaded and downright dangerous hits from Vontaze "Headhunter" Burfict, the Bengals will be without their best linebacker for the first few games and will be looking for someone to step into that role.