I’m sure there are ten million opinions on this floating around the web already from better and more seasoned experts, but here are my two cents.
(#34) Jacksonville takes: OT Cam Robinson, Alabama
I ranked big Cam Robinson in my top 25 overall, and would have taken him above Garett Bolles (#20) and Ryan Ramcyzk (#32). Robinson’s basically the Deshaun Watson of the OT class. He’s been rumored to be a top 10 pick ever since he stepped foot on campus. Starting for three full years has allowed scouts the opportunity to nitpick his game, which caused one-year wonders (Trubisky in Watson’s case, Bolles/Ramcyzk in Cam’s case) to rise past him. I still see him a starting right tackle (and maybe on the left side as well). He needs some coaching, but having Doug Marrone with his OL background makes this an ideal landing spot for him. And obviously, OL is a huge need for the team as well.
(#37) Buffalo takes: WR Zay Jones, E. Carolina
I ranked Zay Jones as one of my most underrated prospects in the draft, making him a strong value play here. In fact, I like him even more in hindsight, given the fact that Mike Williams (#7) and John Ross (#9) were over-drafted in my mind. I didn’t have Zay Jones far behind them on my board, and believe he can be a #1 WR in the NFL. At the very least, he’ll be an excellent complementary weapon to Sammy Watkins.
(#47) Baltimore takes: OLB Tyus Boswer, Houston
In a few years, I have a feeling that we’ll look back at Tyus Bowser as one of the best edge rushers in the draft class. Part of that is his athleticism, but another part is his situation here. He can soak up the mentorship of Terrell Suggs, and take over as a lead dog rusher in a year or two.
(#55) N.Y. Giants take: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama
Tomlinson got lost in the crowd for the Crimson Tide, but he’s a solid football player. In fact, there are a lot of similarities between him and (former) Giant Jonathan Hankins. Both were bluechip prospects who didn’t jump out at you statistically, mostly because they’re stronger in the run game. The value here isn’t amazing, but I like the fit quite a bit.
(#57) Houston takes: LB Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
I had Cunningham ranked in my top 35, and viewed him as one of the safer players in the draft. I’d expect him to be a 5-10 starter for the Texans, maybe as soon as 2017.
(#64) Carolina takes: OT Taylor Moton, W. Michigan
A late riser, I expected Moton to go higher than this spot. I feel like the Panthers can slide him right into the starting lineup at RT, which is a heck of an asset for a #64 pick.
(#70) Minnesota takes: C Pat Elflein, Ohio State
Similarly, the Vikings landed themselves an instant starter here in Elflein, who also has the versatility to play guard or center. He’s not an amazing athlete, but he’s a tough kid (and team captain) that should be a fixture on that line.
(#73) Cincinnati takes: DE Jordan Willis, Kansas State
I had Willis in my top 45. He’s a strong end who fits into their scheme well. He’ll help in their rotation immediately, and presumably take over as a full-time starter for Michael Johnson in 2018.
(#78) Baltimore takes: OLB Tim Williams, Alabama
Called “The Predator” for his dreads and his pass rushing ferocity, Williams had been expected to be a R1 pick all season long. Off-the-field problems are real, but he lands in a great situation here (a la Bowser). In fact, getting two edge rushers puts less pressure on the Ravens to “nail” this pick. It’s a boom or bust selection, but they’ve got insurance on it. I also happen to like the Ravens’ pick at #74, DT Chris Wormley. He’s basically the opposite of Williams. He may not be a star, but he’s guaranteed to be a solid rotation piece up front.
(#87) N.Y. Giants take: QB Davis Webb, Cal
I thought the talk about Davis Webb in R1 was a little silly, but I like the value here. More than anything, I like the fit. Webb’s a big kid with a good arm who could project as a similar talent to Eli Manning. Davis Webb vs. Geno Smith may not be the most exciting QB battle of the season, but I happen to find it interesting. If Webb can clearly beat out Geno, he could set himself up as the QB of the future here.
(#102) Seattle takes: DT Nazair Jones, North Carolina
I’m a fan of pedigree in prospects, and Jones has that as a former bluechip recruit. He only flashed dominant play in stretches, but let’s see what he can do when he’s part of a rotation and not the sole stud up front. I expect him to supply a key cog for the ‘Hawks D going forward.
