BTSC 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Midseason Edition

1. Detroit Lions: Laremy Tunsil OT, Ole' Miss.

Team needs: DT/DE/OT/S/OC/CB

2016 free agents: Haloti Ngata, Jason Jones, Manuel Ramirez, James Ihedigbo

If Detroit is drafting number one overall, this pick is going to be Laremy Tunsil, Joey Bosa, or Robert Nkemdiche. The Lions have been as poor defensively as they have been at protecting Matt Stafford. With so much invested in the offensive skill positions, and Riley Reiff a 2017 free agent who would be a better fit at RT, and given that they have a burgeoning elite level pass-rusher in Ziggy Ansah, for the time being the conventional wisdom has to be that the Lions will take the opportunity to draft a cornerstone franchise LT.

After being held out because improper benefits , Laremy Tunsil shined in his first game back against one of the best pass-rushers in all of college football in Texas A&M star DE Myles Garrett. Tunsil has the length, speed, strength, and natural knee bend to be a franchise cornerstone LT in the NFL and is worthy of a top 5 pick.

2. Tennessee Titans - Robert Nkemdiche DT/DE, Ole' Miss.

Team needs: OG/OC/ILB/NT/ S

2016 free agents: Sammie Lee Hill, Al Woods, Zach Brown, Byron Bell

Tennessee doesn't need a QB, a LT, or an outside rusher, so the player who makes the most sense is Robert Nkemdiche. Sammie Lee Hill and Al Woods are both free agents, and the Titans could shift DaQuan Jones from DE to NT.

Robert Nkemdiche is the former number one overall rated player in the nation for the 2013 recruiting class. After two solid but unspectacular seasons Nkemdiche is finally playing up to his potential. He put on a clinic in Ole Miss.' upset over Alabama. At 6-foot-4, 296 pounds, he has the size of a DT but the speed of an edge rusher, and would be a very versatile weapon in any defensive scheme.

3. San Fransisco 49ers: Jared Goff QB, Cal

Team needs:QB/ILB/CB/WR/OL/K

2016 free agents:Anquan Boldin, Alex Boone, Ian Williams, Phil Dawson

It appears as though Colin Kaepernick's time has come, especially with the 49ers picking high enough to draft his replacement. It's unlikely that any team will trade for him given his contract but the 49ers can get out of it relatively debt free in the offseason.

Jared Goff wasn't as highly rated by most in the media coming into the season as was the likes of Cardale Jones and Christian Hackenberg, but while they have faltered Goff has shown tremendous poise in the pocket, with the ability to rifle pin-point passes downfield. He did have a 5 INT outing against Utah but three of those are attributed to WR's.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars - Joey Bosa DE/DT, Ohio State

Team needs: OT/DT/DE/OC/CB

2016 free agents: Marcedes Lewis, Stefen Wisniewski, Brian Anger, Andre Branch, Chad Henne

The Jags biggest need is for better protection of Blake Bortles, but is Ronnie Stanley the best player available? Plus, even though Jags fans may be ready to give up on Luke Joeckel, will the Jags front office be ready to throw in the towel on him?

Going into the season Joey Bosa was getting consensus views as the top prospect for the 2016 season. He's got length, speed, and power very reminiscent of Jared Allen. He's still an elite talent and would form one of the top young pass-rushing duos in the NFL with 2015 first round pick Dante Fowler jr.

5. Chicago Bears: Jaylon Smith ILB, Notre Dame

Team needs:QB/LB/RB/CB/DE/RT

2016 free agents: Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery, Will Montgomery, Jarvis Jenkins

The Bears are weighted down by the albatross of a contract given to Jay Cutler but can they afford to pass up the opportunity to draft his replacement? If they do it'll be for an elite level difference maker like Jaylon Smith, who can this Bears teams' Brian Urlacher.

Jaylon Smith is having a great season and could easily be considered one of the top three talents in the draft class, so getting him here is a value pick. He's a true three-down player who can cover, stop the run, and blitz. His potential is right up there with the likes of Patrick Willis and Luke Kuechly.

6. Cleveland Browns: Paxton Lynch QB, Memphis

Team needs:QB/TE/OT/S/WR

2016 free agents:Tashaun Gipson, Mitchell Schwartz, Gary Barnidge, Josh Gordon

Will it be a third first-round QB in four years for the Browns? At some point they have to get it right don't they? As always, the Browns need to find a playmaker at WR for whomever is playing QB in 2016 to replace the troubled Josh Gordon.

While Cardale Jones and Christian Hackenberg have experienced a fall from grace, Memphis' Paxton Lynch has risen out of relative obscurity to become the hot name in college football, especially after a great showing against Ole Miss. He's still somewhat raw but he has all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level, and is drawing comparisons to Blake Bortles.

7. Baltimore Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves CB, Florida

Team needs: WR/OLB/S/RB

2016 free agents: Courtney Upshaw, Kelechi Osemele, Justin Tucker, Steve Smith(retirement)

While Joey Bosa would be the dream to replace an aging Terrell Suggs, and Laquon Treadwell would garner some consideration, an elite cover CB like Hargreaves isn't going to fall past the Ravens. The Ravens may be in a down year, but they know how to draft and won't be caught chasing a need.

Vernon Hargreaves is an elite cover CB, with smooth acceleration and blanket coverage skills. While he's only 5-foot-11, and not the 6-foot and above type that is all the rage in today's NFL, his skills and value are on par with the likes of Joe Haden and Patrick Peterson.

8. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey CB/S, Florida State

Team needs:OC/DE/WR/TE/S

2016 free agents:Eric Weddle, Antonio Gates, Malcom Floyd, Joe Barksdale, Kendell Reyes

The Chargers are struggling to stop the run and Kendell Reyes is a 2016 free agent so they would definitely take Robert Nkemdiche here, and possibly consider someone like DeForest Buckner. San Diego also needs a long-term starter at OC, as well as long-term replacements for stalwarts Antonio Gates and Eric Weddle.

Jalen Ramsey is a work in progress at CB this season but as a safety he is an elite prospect. His athleticism and ability to read the play in front of him are phenomenal, and he is equally adept at playing the run as well as the pass.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliot RB, Ohio State

Team needs:RB/DE/DT/CB/S/LB

2016 free agents:Greg Hardy, Rolando McClain, Jeremy Mincey, Ron Leary

Will the Cowboys ever make through an NFL season without being bitten by the injury bug? One thing that they know for sure, they miss DeMarco Murray. Dallas would have taken Ryan Shazier two years ago, and could take Jaylon smith if he's available and might take Myles Jack here. And with Jerry Jones at the helm Dallas could also take another WR like Laquon Treadwell to pair with Dez Bryant.

Ezekiel Elliot is a beast, with the ability to run over defenders or hit the hole with quickness and a second gear to break off runs for big gains. He exploded onto the national scene last year during Ohio State's run to the National Championship, and has continued that trend by rushing for over a 100 yards in every game this season.

10. Kansas City Chiefs - Ronnie Stanley OT, Notre Dame

Team needs: LT/RT/S/ILB

2016 free agents: Eric Berry, Sean Smith, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, Husain Abdullah, Donald Stephenson

There's no need to question what the Chiefs should be shooting for here. Eric Fisher has been a massive bust and K.C. needs to take this opportunity to grab an elite OT to protect Alex Smith.

Aside from a poor outing against Clemson's Shaq Lawson, Ronnie Stanley is enjoying another excellent year. He's a good athlete with excellent technique and natural knee bend, but he needs to get stronger in the running game.

11. Houston Texans: Connor Cook QB, Michigan State

Team needs:QB/OL/P/DE/RB

2016 free agents:Shane Lechler, Brandon Brooks, Ben Jones, Jared Crick

This is another easy pick with the Texans massive need for an upgrade at the games most important position. This is a little high for Connor Cook right now, who some in the media believe is more of a college QB than a a solid prospect prospect in the pros, but he does fit Bill O'Brien's system. The Texans could look in a number of directions though, especially if Laquon Treadwell is available to take the pressure off of DeAndre Hopkins. They could also use an upgrade over free agent Jared Crick, so DeForest Buckner is a real possibility.

One legitimate option would be OSU's Ezekiel Elliot or Alabama's Derek Henry. The Texans were rumored to really like Georgia's Todd Gurley in the 2015 draft and probably would have taken him as a long-term replacement for oft-injured Arian Foster.

12. Philadelphia Eagles: DeForest Buckner DE/DT, Oregon

Team needs: QB/OT/OG/DE/S

2016 free agents:Sam Bradford, Cedric Thornton, Walter Thurmond, Nolan Carroll

With Chip Kelly still calling the shots we should be able to guess two things about this pick, one is that it will almost certainly be a player from the Pac12, and the other is that this pick will likely be a head scratcher.

DeForest Buckner is a better prospect than his former teammate and 2015 17th overall pick Arik Armstead. He has a lean but strong frame that is outstanding in the run game but he still has the speed and technique to be a force as a pass-rusher.

13. Washington Redskins: Myles Jack LB, UCLA

Team needs:QB/ILB/S/CB/RT

2016 free agents:Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, Kedric Golston, Keenan Robinson

Who's going to play QB in 2016? Will it be RGIII in the final year of his contract? Will they re-sign Kirk Cousins or some other free agent? At some point in this draft they are likely to take a QB but this pick will likely be used to add a playmaker to Joe Barry's new and improved 3-4 defense. They could use another CB to replace David Amerson and as a long-term replacement for DeAngelo Hall, or the Redskins could possibly take a dynamic playmaker like Myles Jack to upgrade over free agent Keenan Robinson.

Not a traditional fit but Myles Jack is the future of the ILB position for 3-4 defenses going forward. Yes he's undersized but he can blitz the edge with speed and he can cover sideline-to-sideline similar in the mold of Ryan Shazier.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mackenzie Alexander CB, Clemson

Team needs: DE/DT/CB/OT/SLB/RB/S

2016 free agents:Doug Martin, Danny Lansanah, Brandon McDougald, Bobby Rainey

Tampa really needs help on the defensive line and in the secondary, and a replacement for free agent Danny Lansanah at SLB. Offensively they need to do a better job of protecting Jameis Winston.

I typically refrain from adding redshirt sophomores to my mock drafts unless they are guaranteed first or early second round picks, to which Mackenzie Alexander will be. As with Vernon Hargreaves, Alexander is sub 6-foot but is nonetheless a quality blanket cover CB with good athleticism who doesn't allow separation.

15. Miami Dolphins: Emmanuel Ogbah DE, Oklahoma State

Team needs: DE/RB/LB/CB/SS

2016 free agents:Louis Delmas, Oliver Vernon, Lamar Miller, Rishard Matthews, Kelvin Sheppard

With Cameron Wake already 33 years old and recently lost for the season to an Achilles tear, and the pending free agency of Oliver Vernon, the Dolphins need to invest at the DE position to have someone to draw attention from Ndamukong Suh. At some point the Dolphins will need to find a long-term answer at RB, especially given how much they seem not to trust pending free agent Lamar Miller.

Emmanuel Ogbah is a freak of nature, similar to the Giants 2014 draft pick Owa Odighizuwa except without the injury issues and much better pass-rushing technique. He has a great combination of size and speed, and after registering 11 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season, Ogbah already has 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss this season.

16. Buffalo Bills: Leonard Floyd OLB, Georgia

Team needs:RT/QB/WR/WLB/TE/OG

2016 free agents:Cordy Glenn, Percy Harvin, Nigel Bradham, Richie Incognito

Who would've thought it would have taken Rex Ryan to finally right the ship in Buffalo? With a seemingly solid roster the Bills can afford to go with the best player available, assuming that they re-sign Cordy Glenn. They do need offensive line help and another WR to pair with Sammy Watkins.

I mentioned this in my first 2016 mock draft and it still holds true, Leonard Floyd is a bit of an enigma. At Georgia he gets moved around a lot in their 3-4 defense, he's played both outside and inside linebacker as well as the hybrid S/LB STAR position. So while he's got plenty of experience dropping into coverage his skills in that area aren't elite. At a very lean 6-foot-4, 230 he doesn't have the frame to add a lot more weight, which doesn't really make him a candidate as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. He still has trouble shedding blocks but his ability to convert speed-to-power in the pass-rush has gotten noticeably better. The one area where he truly excels is as an outside rusher. He has a lightning quick first step and can bend the edge or counter inside. His best position in the NFL would be as an OTTO linebacker in a Seattle style defense, but he can presumably play OLB in any kind of 4-3 defense. Someone like Rex Ryan will find a useful fit out of him as a replacement for Nigel Bradham.

17. Oakland Raiders: Kendall Fuller CB, Virginia Tech

Team needs:LT/RG/DE/WR/S/CB/SLB

2016 free agents:Donald Penn, Justin Tuck, Charles Woodson, Aldon Smith, Khalif Barnes, Michael Crabtree

The Raiders are finally starting to show signs of life after what seems like forever in the NFL basement, but they still need a lot of help moving forward. Perhaps the biggest need will be at LT, but the Raiders will find better value at the position later on. They could use replacements for Aldon Smith and Justin Tuck at DE, but did spend a 2015 second round pick on Mario Edwards jr. If he were available Myles Jack would be a significant upgrade at SLB.

Prior to a season ending knee injury Kendall Fuller was being mentioned as perhaps the best CB in this draft class. At 6-foot and almost 200 pounds, he has the ideal size to go with excellent speed. While not as technically sound as his brother Kyle Fuller, the 14th overall picks for the Bears in 2014, because of this athleticism he does have a higher upside.

18. New Orleans Saints: Laquon Treadwell WR, Ole' Miss.

Team needs:QB/WR/TE/CB

2016 free agents:Ben Watson, Kevin Williams, Kai Forbath

An upgrade in the secondary should be the Saints primary objective, but with the top DB's off of the board N.O. could look for another weapon for Drew Brees twilight years to pair with Brandin Cooks.

Laquon Treadwell has come back nicely from a nasty leg injury last season. He provides a big target with a huge catch radius but questions about his speed will have to be answered at the combine.

19. St. Louis Rams: Tyler Boyd WR, Pittsburgh

Team needs:WR/OL/CB/S/OLB

2016 free agents:Brian Quick, Nick Fairley, Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Rodney McLeod

Jeff Fisher and the Rams gave serious consideration to drafting DeVante Parker before deciding on Todd Gurley in the first round of the 2015 draft, so they could go with a WR here. Given the USC connection and a need at safety, Fisher would definitely consider Su'a Cravens. And given that both of the Rams starting CB's will be free agents in 2016, it makes sense for them to target a replacement early in 2016 as well.

Tyler Boyd is perhaps the best WR in this draft class but will have to answer for a DUI arrest that saw him suspended for the season opener. That red flag may be a sticking point but there's no denying Boyd's talent, plus the Rams have gambled on WR's will off-the-field issues before. Boyd is a true playmaker with size and speed who shows up against top competition.

20. Seattle Seahawks: Kenny Clark DT, UCLA

Team needs:OT/OG/OC/DT/SLB

2016 free agents:Russell Okung, J.R. Sweezy, Jermaine Kearse, Brandon Mebane, Ahtyba Rubin, Bruce Irvin

The bloom is definitely off of the rose in Seattle, whose once vaunted defense is starting to show cracks in it, which will only be made worse once they lose more players to free agency. But the biggest issue in Seattle is their inability to protect Russell Wilson. Unfortunately none of the available linemen that would represent value for this pick are likely to register a high SPARQ rating, which is a test created by Nike to determine overall athleticism and also happens to be something that head coach Pete Carroll values highly with regards to the draft process. They could give a lot of consideration to Georgia's Leonard Floyd, who could replace Bruce Irvin at the OTTO position.

Given that both of Seattle's starting DT's are free agents, the Seahawks are likely to pick a replacement here. Despite having just an average size for the DT position, the 6-foot-3 and 308 pounds Kenny Clark has been relied upon to play DE, DT, and nose tackle for the Bruins. He has a very good combination of size and speed, being an anchor against the run and flashing the first-step explosion of a pre-injury Geno Atkins, Clark could play any number of positions on the defensive line but would be best as the under DT in a 4-3 defense.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Taylor Decker OT, Ohio State

Team needs:OT/OG/OC/S/ILB

2016 free agents:Greg Toler, Todd Herremans, Dwight Lowery, Adam Vinatieri, Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener

Will the Colts ever provide adequate protection for golden boy Andrew Luck? Without question that has to be the number one priority for Indy heading into the 2016 draft.

The Colts reached into Buckeye territory once already for Jack Mewhort and could do so again for Taylor Decker. Decker is a solid overall player with good length and strength, but needs to work on his lateral agility and would be better off playing RT in the NFL.

22. New York Giants: A'Shawn Robinson DT, Alabama

Team needs:OL/DE/DT/LB/CB

2016 free agents:Prince Amukamara, Jason Pierre-Paul, Robert Ayers, Cullen Jenkins

The Giants have given up the second most passing yards in the NFL so far this season. For the most part it's a failure in all three levels of the defense, but the Giants trademark for so long was it's dominating, fierce defensive line. That's no longer the case. An athletic freak at DE like Emmanuel Ogbah or Shaq Lawson would make sense, but given that the Giants also like girth at DT the player who might make the most sense is A'Shawn Robinson.

Robinson is a little raw as a pass-rusher but the tools are there. He sports a powerful 6-foot-3, 320 pounds frame with a good first step quickness and is almost impossible to block one-on-one.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tre'Davious White CB, LSU

Team needs: CB/SS/LT/LG

2016 free agents:Kelvin Beachum, Ramon Foster, Steve McLendon, Willie Gay, Antwon Blake, Mike Adams, Sean Spence, Brandon Boykin, Will Allen

Will the Steelers ever invest a first round pick in the secondary? That's the question that seemingly every Steelers fan utters aloud before every NFL draft over the last several seasons. With Dick LeBeau no longer running the defense, will we see Keith Butler but the trend of waiting until the middle rounds to try and improve our secondary?

The Steelers have more needs than just in the secondary heading into the 2016 draft. With Kelvin Beachum and Ramon Foster headed for free agency, Pittsburgh could see complete turnover on the left side of the offensive line. Throw in top backup Mike Adams into the free agent pool and it could become absolutely necessary for the Steelers to invest yet another early round pick on an offensive lineman. They were unable to come to terms on a new contract with Beachum before the season started, and it wouldn't surprise me to see the Steelers attempt to lowball him given that he'll be coming back from an ACL injury. If he leaves in free agency that would leave us with the large, and largely unproven, Alejandro Villanueva as Big Ben's blindside protector. At LG it wouldn't surprise me to see the Steelers come to terms with Foster on a manageable short-term deal.

Back to the secondary though, with Willie Gay, Antwon Blake, Will Allen, and offseason trade regret Brandon Boykin all headed for free agency the Steelers should be shopping in the DB aisle of the NFL draft as well, despite spending 2015 second and fourth round picks on Senquez Golson and Doran Grant. Golson has been on IR with a shoulder injury since training camp and Grant was relegated to the practice squad until very recently. Even if Gay is re-signed and Golson comes back from injury and proves worthy of his second round status, the Steelers could still use another dependable CB on the roster.

At safety Will Allen is a year-to-year reliable rental and 2013 fourth round pick Shamarko Thomas has proven himself unable to take hold of a starting position.

So who will the Steelers be looking at in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft? It sounds like it will largely be offensive linemen, cornerbacks, and safeties. As much as they like to spend early picks on the front seven of the defense the Steelers already have first round picks invested in all four of the linebacker positions as well as on Cameron Heyward at DE, and a second round pick was spent on Stephon Tuitt. At NT the Steelers have project Daniel McCullers in case they do not re-sign Steve McLendon.

This draft class is solid in terms of overall depth on the offensive line but is lacking in star power outside of Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley. Given the Ohio State connection that the Steelers have had in the past, Taylor Decker could be a possible target but he's too much like Mike Adams for anyone's taste. It's likely that even if the Steelers do not re-sign Kelvin Beachum that they will wait until later to spend a draft pick at the position.

At safety there are a lot of intriguing options, I've seen Clemson's Jayron Kearse in the first round of a few mock drafts. He's the nephew of former Tennessee pass-rusher Javon Kearse, and his combination of size and speed will make any draft fan drool. Jeremy Cash is probably the most complete safety in the draft class, will solid overall skills, but even he would be a slight reach here.

This may finally be the year where need and value meet in the middle for the Steelers and they actually spend a first round pick at CB.

LSU has become the de facto DB factory for the NFL, and Tre White is simply the next in line. While not as tall, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, as his predecessors such as Patrick Peterson, Eric Reid, and Jalen Collins, White is every bit as savoy in providing blanket coverage against opposing WR's, although he does have trouble with tall WR's. He's a very smooth athlete with the ability to flip his hips and go stride for stride with any WR. In addition to his pass-coverage skills, White is also a solid punt return man who has already taken one back for a TD  this season. The one area that will make any fan groan is his tackling. He tackles with very sloppy technique that will have to be worked on in the NFL.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Thomas WR, Ohio State

Team needs:OT/OG/WR/WLB/SS

2016 free agents:Chad Greenway, Terrence Newman, Robert Blanton

If the Vikings could protect Teddy Bridgewater a little better they could be serious contenders some day. While they're at it, Minnesota could use a true number one WR. On the defensive side, Chad Greenway is a 32 year old free agent and they desperately need a SS to pair with Harrison Smith.

Michael Thomas, the nephew of former Tampa Bay WR Keyshawn Johnson, has good size and is an excellent route runner with the athleticism and shiftiness to make long gains after the catch.

25. New York Jets: Reggie Ragland ILB, Alabama

Team needs: QB/OT/OG/WR/RB/ILB

2016 free agents:Ryan Fitzpatrick, Muhammad Wilkerson, Chris Ivory, Demario Davis, Willie Colon

The Jets biggest issues are on offense, where they have a serious lack of playmakers and capable players to block for them, but the best value would be to continue to upgrade an already stout defense.

With Demario Davis' pending free agency, and David Harris turning 32 shortly after the season ends, drafting someone like Reggie Ragland to be the future leader of the defense is a must. Ragland isn't quite the athlete that his predecessor C.J. Mosley was at Alabama, but he plays with toughness and instincts and can be a factor is all phases of the defense.

26. Atlanta Falcons: Shilique Calhoun DE/OLB, Michigan State

Team needs:OT/OG/OC/DE/S/WR

2016 free agents:Chris Chester, Kroy Biermann, Jake Long, Paul Worrilow

Dan Quinn finally has the Falcons headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, Atlanta still has issues with protection and in the pass-rush. As such they will likely take the best offensive lineman or edge rusher here, or possibly a WR to replace Roddy White for the long-term.

Shilique Calhoun could've been a first round pick in 2015 had he chosen to enter the draft but decided to come back to school. He has a tall, lean frame with speed but needs to work on his functional strength and technique in the pros.

27. Arizona Cardinals: Shaq Lawson DE/OLB, Clemson

Team needs:OLB/OC/RT/CB/ILB/S

2016 free agents:Bob Massie, Sean Weatherspoon, Jerraud Powers, Rashad Johnson, Chris Johnson

Arizona really wanted Bud Dupree in the 2015 draft but when he was chosen by Pittsburgh they had to fill another need. In 2016 the Cardinals still find themselves needing help at OLB as well as on the offensive line.

Much like Bud Dupree, Clemson's Shaq Lawson is a physical freak at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds. He uses his excellent size and speed to rush the passer and hold the edge against the run. He got the better of fellow first round pick Ronnie Stanley when Clemson played Notre Dame. But also like Dupree, he's still considered extremely raw in terms of technique and will be a bit of a wildcard come draft night, and his stock will be all over the map.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings DT, Baylor

Team needs: FS/SS/LB/WR/DT

2016 free agents:Leon Hall, Andre Smith, Reggie Nelson, Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, George Iloka, Vincent Rey

Will Andy Dalton ever win a playoff game? With a loaded roster the Bengals will once again have the luxury of simply taking the best player available, although depending on free agency the Bengals could have needs at WR as well as both safety positions.

While DT isn't a big need, it could still be addressed early in the 2016 draft. Geno Atkins hasn't been the same since his injury, Brandon Thompson is a free agent, and Domata Peko has been in decline for a few years now.

Andrew Billings has been a personal favorite of mine since last season. As a high school senior he beat Olympic weightlifting champion Mark Henry's Texas state weightlifting record. At Baylor, he's virtually impossible to block one-on-one. He can play NT but still has the speed to chase down ball carriers 20 yards downfield.

29. Carolina Panthers: Jerald Hawkins OT, LSU

Team needs: LT/CB/WR/RB

2016 free agents:Josh Norman, Charles Tillman, Mike Tolbert

The Panthers could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders if the offensive line didn't force Cam Newton to to break the pocket and run with it, opening him up to injury. In addition to having a serious need at LT the Panthers will also have to pony-up big bucks to pending free agent CB Josh Norman, a former 5th round pick but has become one of the top CB's in the NFL, PFF currently has him rated as the number one CB so far this season. Even if they manage to re-sign Norman, Carolina still needs to replace 34 year old free agent Charles Tillman.

Gerald Hawkins beat out the more well known teammate and fellow 2016 draft prospect Vadal Alexander for the LT spot after La'el Collins moved on to the NFL. He uses his excellent frame and technique to beat pass-rushers but needs to get stronger in the running game.

30. Denver Broncos: Jack Conklin OT/OG, Michigan State

Team needs:OT/OG/TE/DE/ILB/OLB

2016 free agents:Von Miller, Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe, Brock Osweiler, Danny Trevathan, Evan Mathis

As long as Von Miller is re-signed, this pick will almost assuredly be used to upgrade the offense after spending several drafts rebuilding the defense. In addition to needing a successor to Peyton Manning, the Broncos have had several issues dealing with injury along the offensive line.

A former walk-on, Jack Conklin is the classic blue-collar, mauler type in the run game with excellent strength but is not a great athlete, and needs to work on his lateral athleticism. As with Taylor Decker, Jack Conklin would be better served playing RT or possibly OG in the NFL.

31. Green Bay Packers: Su'a Cravens LB/S, USC

Team needs:NT/DE/ILB

2016 free agents:Mike Daniels, BJ Raji, Nick Perry, Mike Neal, Casey Hayward, James Starks, Mason Crosby

Despite a would be Super Bowl appearance, the Packers do have some needs to fill, particularly in the front seven of their defense. Datone Jones has been a massive bust so far, and with Mike Daniels, BJ Raji, and Letroy Guion all free agents the Packers will seriously consider a defensive lineman here. Also a big need, Green Bay has wanted an upgrade at ILB with someone who can cover sideline-to-sideline and spy on the likes of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson.

Cravens started his career safety but has transitioned rather seamlessly to LB this season. He's fast and physical, with the ability to cover the slot, be effective in the run game, and blitz off of the edge.

New England Patriots - FORFEITED DUE TO DEFLATEGATE

Team Needs: CB/WR/ILB/OG/OC

2016 free agents:Ryan Wendell, LeGarrette Blount, Jerod Mayo

The Patriots biggest issues are at WR and CB. Their WR corps are solid but pretty unspectacular, while they did practically nothing to replace Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner at CB.

ROUND 2:

32. Detroit Lions - Jarran Reed DT, Alabama

Haloti Ngata is a free agent.

33. Tennessee Titans - Vadal Alexander OT/OG, LSU

Byron Bell is just a fill-in at LG and a free agent in 2016.

34. San Fransisco 49ers - Cody Whitehair OT/OG, Kansas State

Alex Boone is a free agent and S.F. never adequately replaced Mike Iupati.

35. Jacksonville Jaguars - William Jackson CB, Houston

The Jags can't cover anyone and Gus Bradley like CB's with size.

36. Chicago Bears - KeiVarae Russell CB, Notre Dame

The Bears needs help everywhere on the defense.

37. Cleveland Browns - Will Fuller WR, Notre Dame

Cleveland needs to give their QB as much help as possible.

38. Baltimore Ravens - Josh Doctson WR, TCU

Steve Smith is retiring and the Ravens has gambled on players with off-the-field issues before.

39. San Diego Chargers - Adolphus Washington DT/DE, Ohio State

Kendell Reyes is a 2016 free agent.

40. Dallas Cowboys - Maliek Collins DT, Nebraska

Greg Hardy is the only player who can get any pressure on Dallas' defensive line.

41. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeremy Cash S, Duke

Eric Berry and  Husain Abdullah are both free agents.

42. Houston Texans - Derek Henry RB, Alabama

Houston would've taken Todd Gurley last year, now Arian Foster will be coming back from an Achilles tear.

43. St. Louis Rams (via Philadelphia Eagles) - Cameron Sutton CB, Tennessee

Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson are both free agents.

44. Washington Redskins - Tony Conner CB/S, Ole Miss.

David Amerson is a bust and DeAngelo Hall has been in decline for a while.

45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Johnathan Bullard DE, Florida

No one but Gerald McCoy can get any pressure.

46. Miami Dolphins - Devontae Booker RB, Utah

Lamar Miller is a free agent.

47. Buffalo Bills - Sebastian Tetola OG, Arkansas

Ritchie Incognito is a free agent.

48. Oakland Raiders - Germain Ifedi OT, Texas A&M

Donald Penn is a free agent and Oakland needs a long-term LT to protect Derek Carr.

49. New Orleans Saints - Hunter Henry TE, Arkansas

Ben Watson is a 34 year old free agent.

50. St. Louis Rams - Jordan Jenkins OLB, Georgia

Jeff Fisher considered Khalil Mack in 2014 because he wants to add a pass-rushing SLB.

51. Seattle Seahawks - Jason Spriggs OT, Indiana

Spriggs will likely have a high SPARQ rating.

52. Indianapolis Colts - Darian Thompson FS, Boise State

Indy needs upgrades at both safety positions.

53. New York Giants - Carl Nassib DE, Penn State

Who knows how good Jason "Stubby" Pierre-Paul will be when he comes back.

54. Pittsburgh Steelers - Vonn Bell SS, Ohio State

What would a Steelers draft be without plucking a defensive player from Ohio state?

Vonn Bell may be the best pure strong safety in this draft class. He's a tough, instinctive player who can defend the run but still has the quick twitch athleticism to read and react. He's also used to cover the slot, and has the skills to shadow a WR down the field.

At only 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, Bell has only average size for a safety prospect. He also needs to improve his ability to anticipate routes, and may be a liability in a cover 2 scheme until he does.

55. Minnesota Vikings - Darron Lee OLB, Ohio State

Chad Greenway is a soon-to-be 33 year old free agent.

56. New York Jets - Cardale Jones QB, Ohio State

Jones is a good fit for OC Chan Gailey's offense.

57. Atlanta Falcons - Dan Voltz OC, Wisconsin

Atlanta needs better protection for Matt Ryan.

58. Arizona Cardinals - Scooby Wright III LB, Arizona State

Sean Weatherspoon is an injury-plagued free agent and Kevin Minter can't cover.

59. Cincinnati Bengals - Jayron Kearse S, Clemson

Reggie Nelson and George Iloka are both free agents.

60. Carolina Panthers - Corey Coleman WR, Baylor

With so much size on the outside, Carolina needs some speed in the mix.

61. Denver Broncos - O.J. Howard TE, Alabama

Owen Daniels has been a poor replacement for Julius Thomas, and newly traded for Vernon Davis is a free agent.

62. Green Bay Packers - Austin Johnson NT, Penn State

Datone Jones has been a bust and both Mike Daniels and BJ Raji are free agents.

63. New England Patriots - Demarcus Robinson WR, Florida

N.E. could use more talent at WR and Belechick seems to have an affinity for Florida players.

ROUND 3:

64. Philadelphia Eagles (via Detroit Lions) - Carson Wentz QB, North Dakota State

Wentz is a strong-armed QB with good mobility and a good fit for Chip Kelly's offense.

65. Tennessee Titans - Kentrell Brothers LB, Missouri

Zach Brown is a free agent.

66. San Fransisco 49ers - Will Redmond CB, Mississippi State

Perhaps S.F. will continue the practice of drafting and red-shirting injured players

67. Jacksonville Jaguars - Chris Jones DT/DE, Mississippi State

Sen'Derrick Marks is coming back from an ACL tear.

68. Chicago Bears - Corey Clement RB, Wisconsin

Matt Forte is a free agent not expected to be back in Chicago.

69. Cleveland Browns - Joshua Perry OLB, Ohio State

The Browns were rumored to be shopping Paul Kruger at the trade deadline.

70. Baltimore Ravens - Paul Perkins RB, UCLA

Justin Forsett hasn't been nearly as effective since Gary Kubiak left for Denver.

71. San Diego Chargers - Max Tuerk OC, USC

S.D. has seen a revolving door of misery at OC.

72. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Striker OLB, Oklahoma

Dallas would have taken Ryan Shazier in 2014 and still have issues at LB.

73. Kansas City Chiefs - Spencer Drango OT/OG, Baylor

Both of K.C.'s OT's need to be replaced.

74. Houston Texans - Anthony Zettel DE, Penn State

Jared Crick is a free agent.

75. Philadelphia Eagles - Tyler Johnstone OT/OG, Oregon

Chip Kelly cut both starting OG's this past offseason.

76. Washington Redskins - Le'Raven Clark OT/OG, Texas Tech

The Redskins have issues at LG and RT.

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Nate Andrews S, Florida State

T.B. might have the worst starting safeties int he NFL.

78. Miami Dolphins - Zack Sanchez CB, Oklahoma

Miami needs a starter opposite of Brent Grimes.

79. Buffalo Bills - Travin Dural WR, LSU

Sammy Watkins is Buffalo's only dependable WR.

80. Oakland Raiders - Jalen Mills FS, LSU

Larry Asante and 39 year old Charles Woodson are both free agents.

81. New Orleans Saints - Desmond King CB, Iowa

N.O. cut 2014 second round pick Stanley Jean-Baptiste.

82. St. Louis Rams - Sheldon Day DT/DE, Notre Dame

Nick Fairley is a free agent and Jeff Fisher likes to collect defensive linemen.

83. Seattle Seahawks - Shawn Oakman DE, Baylor

Oakman is a raw project but is scheme versatile and a SPARQ warrior, something Pete Carroll will love.

84. Indianapolis Colts - Nick Martin OC, Notre Dame

Khaled Holmes is one of the worst pass-blocking OC's in the NFL.

85. New York Giants - Kendell Beckwith ILB, LSU

The Giants have needed to upgrade at LB for years.

86. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kyle Murphy OT, Stanford

With Kelvin Beachum, Ramon Foster, and Mike Adams all headed for free agency, the Steelers would do well to draft for the future by picking up a versatile lineman who could play both OG and OT.

Kyle Murphy has prototypical size for a LT at a lean looking 6-foot-7, 296 pounds. He fires out of his stance with speed and uses his good athleticism to mirror defenders, and in the run game can get downfield and into the second level with relative ease, making him a perfect fit for the Steelers zone blocking scheme.

So if he's so perfect, what is he doing on the board at the end of the third round? Well Kyle Murphy is not without his flaws. That lean frame that makes him so athletic also makes him vulnerable to bull rushes. Thankfully, while his build is lean it's not narrow, a la Steelers 2014 5th round pick Wesley Johnson, so he can add weight to it over time. He also has a propensity for false starts, because he tries to anticipate the snap instead of waiting for it, but that is something offensive line coach Mike Munchak can correct.

87. Minnesota Vikings - Denver Kirkland OG/OT, Arkansas

Minnesota's offensive line is terrible.

88. New York Jets - Landon Turner OG, North Carolina

Willie Colon is a free agent.

89. Atlanta Falcons - Even Engram TE, Ole Miss.

Atlanta needs a pass-catching TE.

90. Arizona Cardinals - Briean Boddy-Calhoun CB, Minnesota

Jerrod Powers is a free agent.

91. Cincinnati Bengals - Corey Davis WR, Western Michigan

Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones are both free agents.

92. Carolina Panthers - Fabian Moreau CB, UCLA

Josh Norman and Charles Tillman are both free agents.

93. Denver Broncos - Johnathan Allen DT/DE, Alabama

Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe are both free agents.

94. Green Bay Packers - Hassan Ridgeway DT, Texas

Mike Daniels and BJ Raji are both free agents.

95. New England Patriots - James Conner RB, Pittsburgh

LeGarrette Blount is a free agent.