Offense:
Quarterback:
- My starting quarterback would be Mitchell Trubisky. In a weak quarterback class, I have to go with the best pocket passer and someone who goes through their progressions well.
- My backup quarterback is Deshaun Watson. His confidence and performance in the 2016 National Championship show he could lead a team to victory, even when the odds are against them.
- I would carry a third developmental quarterback and that would be Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech. Mahomes has the arm strength and exciting play style that when refined could develop into a solid quarterback.
Running Back
- The number one running back, in my opinion, is Leonard Fournette. Fournette has succeeded at every level and brings an elite combination of size and speed. He was productive in his last year at LSU despite being somewhat injured.
- My number two would be Dalvin Cook. This year’s running back class is top heavy and Cook is an elite back as well. Cook would be a good change of pace as he would be more of a runner that would make defenders miss and show good vision.
- My third back would be Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey was an outstanding Heisman finalist that had the speed to be a game changer. My worry with him is if his size can withstand a full NFL season. On this team, he would also be able to return kicks and punts. I think this will hold true in McCaffrey’s actual NFL career.
Fullback
- My fullback would be Sam Rogers. He would be a nice compliment to a power back like Fournette. Rogers is able to fill all the needs you want in a fullback including playing special teams, lead blocking, pass protecting, catching and even running.
Wide Receiver
- My starting outside receiver on one side would be Mike Williams. Williams is a tall receiver that consistently comes up with 50-50 balls. He was instrumental to DeShaun Watson’s success at Clemson and will be a success in the NFL. As a receiver, he could be the quarterback’s best friend with his size and catching ability.
- On the other side, I would have Corey Davis. Davis was very productive at a smaller school and can add that he is a deep threat. I like how Williams and Davis can add different skill sets to your passing game.
- The slot receiver would be John Ross. Ross broke Chris Johnson‘s 40-yard dash record running a 4.2. In the NFL, he will use his competitiveness and speed to beat slot corners.
- Mack Hollins would be my number four and I bet you are asking why. Hollins will probably be a day three pick, but his projection as a special teamer and his height and size combination make him a nice addition to any team. Hollins could cover punts and kicks as a gunner.
- Curtis Samuel would be my number five. I would like his quickness out of the backfield and in the slot. I think he could add depth to a team as a running back and as a slot receiver.
Tight End
- The number one tight end in this draft is O.J. Howard. He may not have the hardware that Evan Engram has in the SEC, but Howard was used in a very quarterback friendly offense. He was used in a lot of screens and two-yard outs at Alabama to help Jalen Hurts; however, he did demonstrate the ability to gain separation in the intermediate and deep passing game. There are few flaws to Howard’s game.
- My number two tight end would be David Njoku. Njoku will be a matchup nightmare as a move tight end. I don’t think he is the blocker Howard is, but he could develop in that area. He would be dynamic as a second tight end for a team because it would be hard to cover two big, move tight ends.
- My number three would be George Kittle. Kittle is not the top tight end in this draft, but he could be a great blocking back. I would like him as a number three because he could be brought in on running situations and could fill in as a fullback. I would also add his name to the list of potential core special teamers.
Offensive Line
- My left tackle would be Ryan Ramczyk. He is considered to be the top tackle in this draft. He may not have the best frame, but his technique and athleticism would make him the tackle protecting the QB’s blind side.
- I would put Cam Robinson at left guard. I may need him to fill in at tackle, but I think his weak footwork could be masked playing inside a phone booth and playing guard would let Robinson demonstrate his power.
- My center would be Ohio State’s Pat Elflein. I thought about Pocic here, but Pocic has a lot of things to fix in his game. This isn’t the best center class.
- At right guard, I would put Forrest Lamp there. Lamp is the top pure guard in this draft and will be able to be a mauler in the run game. I am confident in his pass protection abilities with his experience playing Alabama as a left tackle.
- The right tackle would be Garett Bolles. Bolles is a risky pick but has a lot of upside. I would want to arm my roster with depth, in case Bolles can not do the job.
- My top swing interior would be Ethan Pocic. Pocic can play all five positions, but I would want him to focus on playing center and use his pulling ability at guard.
- My top swing interior tackle would be Troy’s Antonio Garcia. Garcia is not a first round pick but is rated highly on many people’s boards.
- I would want to keep a consistent guard on my roster and that player would be Dion Dawkins. Dawkins does not wow you, but he checks a lot of boxes as far as having a decent NFL career.
- My ninth would be Roderick Johnson. I may give him a shot to play right tackle over Garrett Boles, but I would want to start optimistic with Bolles. Johnson could also swing inside to guard.
Defense (3-4)
Defensive End
- Solomon Thomas would start on one side of the 3 techs. One of the reasons I chose a 3-4 style defense is that there are plenty of 3 techs in this draft. Thomas is projected to be a top-five pick on many mocks and has a high upside. He could bring a lot of interior pressure.
- Jonathan Allen would be a defensive end on the other side. Allen was the star of the Alabama defense with the pass rushing ability to play on the edge and the strength to play inside for Alabama. His best fit is as a 3 technique.
- My third defensive end would be Malik McDowell. McDowell has faced criticism for his burnout on a bad Michigan State team. Nonetheless, McDowell was a star for Michigan state playing all the way from the middle at nose tackle to the seven technique on the outside. I think he is a first round pick despite being mocked in the second round.
- My fourth and depth piece would be Chris Wormley. Wormley played defensive line for Michigan and fits best as a five technique.
Nose Tackle
- Caleb Brantley would be my nose tackle. I know there is better scheme fits for Brantley, but I had to use him in the interior. He could play the nose, 3 technique and outside as a five-technique.
- My backup nose tackle would be Stevie Tu’ikolovatu. Nose Tackles are not being valued as high in today’s pass-first NFL. I think his size and power puts him on this all-star team.
Outside Linebacker
- You can’t have an all draft team without Myles Garrett. He is the presumptive number one pick in this draft and will wow you with his athleticism. Any team would be happy to have him on the edge.
- On the other side, I would have Derek Barnett. I think Barnett is getting overshadowed by Garrett in this draft but let’s not forget Barnett broke Reggie White‘s sack record at Tennessee. Barnett can beat you with a speed rush and adds a bend inside.
- The third edge guy I would want in Taco Charlton. His production does not match the potential Charlton has as a pass rusher. I think a team will draft him in the first round based on what he could be as a pass rusher.
- I put Charles Harris here and that reason is what he can do as a pass rusher. Missouri has produced plenty of good pass rushers and Harris can do that. The worry is his run stopping ability, but I think he will be able to drop into coverage at the next level.
- I put Carl Lawson on this team and wonder why he is considered a second round pick. Lawson was an excellent speed rusher at Auburn. The knock on him is that they are worried about his medicals. I think a healthy 2016 should put him in the first round.
Inside Linebacker
- The BUCK linebacker would be Raekwon McMillan out of Ohio State. His ability as a pure linebacker is undervalued in the NFL, but teams will need him to play on the inside.
- I can’t forget Temple’s Haason Reddick. Reddick is one of my favorite players in this draft and I think he will do well as a run stopper with good insticts as well as in pass coverage. Some have him as an edge guy, but I think his size would suit him better for blitzing off the ball instead of from the edge.
- I will need to add Alex Anzalone to this team for his versatility as a linebacker. He could fill in as a buck and mack linebacker. The hope is he can also add value on special teams.
- Despite a failed drug test, Reuben Foster is still a player to watch. He has not had a great draft process failing a drug test and being asked to leave the combine. Foster was still a productive linebacker at Alabama and will help a team with his run stopping and blitzing abilities.
- I had to add Zach Cunningham here. I debated between him and Jarrad Davis, but I think Zach Cunningham can help you more on special teams. I may have taken Davis here if there weren’t already other good off the ball linebackers.
Cornerback
- Marshon Lattimore would start on one side for this team and the fact that he will be the most complete corner in this draft will earn him an early pick.
- Gareon Conley would be on the other side joining his college teammate Marshon Lattimore. Conley was overshadowed by Lattimore and Hooker at Ohio State, but his combine performance makes him the second best corner in this draft. It also didn’t hurt him that Sidney Jones hurt his Achilles.
- My slot corner would be Tre’Davious White. White has great coverage skills and the only concern is that he is under six feet. This will not be an issue in the slot and neither will his coverage ability.
- My fourth corner would be Chidobe Awuzie and this may surprise you. I think Awuzie is a second round pick, but his ability to play both outside and in the slot would add value to this team.
- I would also want Kevin King on this team. I think his baseline value is as depth at corner. However, I think a good, creative defensive coordinator would really benefit from finding a role where he can use his 6’3″ height and coverage ability. I like him covering a move tight end with his height. I don’t know how that fits a conventional defense though.
Safety
- The immediate pick as a free safety would be Malik Hooker. I was impressed with the way teams never threw to centerfield despite Ohio State having two first round corners this year. He is an elite safety and the best centerfielder in this draft.
- I would have to add Jamal Adams to my safety mix. Adams would be a more in-the-box type and I have to say I love his game. Adams can play the run and cover well. What makes him a playmaker is the way he can anticipate plays. Sometimes he guesses wrong, but how can you argue with his playmaking potential.
- I did find a spot for Jabrill Peppers and it is would be as a hybrid linebacker/safety. He would be great in dime packages with his ability to support the run and be used as a deep safety. I wouldn’t mind having him on special teams. He could be a kick returner and a punt returner. I also like that he could give a team depth as a running back and a slot receiver.
- Combine champion Obi Melifonwu would not be forgotten on this team. His role would be as a backup strong safety and special teamer.
- I would also keep his teammate Budda Baker. Baker could add depth at free safety and has the insticts to succeed. He could even add depth as a slot guy.
Special Teams
- Zane Gonzalez would be the kicker for this team. I don’t know if he will be drafted, but he did break a lot of kicking records as an Arizona State Sun Devil.
- My punter would be Matt Haack who can kick them a long way. The only worry is if he outkicks his coverage.
- My long snapper would be Colin Holba. It is hard to project long snappers, but he does add kick coverage abilities.
