Gabriel: 2016 NFL Mock Draft
By Greg Gabriel--
(CBS) They call these mock drafts for a reason, as they aren't ever accurate. As soon as a trade takes place, it throws off all accuracy, on top of being difficult to project to begin with.
That said, here's my best shot at what could play out in the NFL Draft, which will take place April 28-30 in Chicago. I note where I think some trades could be made.
1) Tennessee Titans — Laremy Tunsil, OT (Ole Miss)
This could be a trade slot for someone wanting a quarterback. If no trade, it's Tunsil.
2) Cleveland Browns — Carson Wentz, QB (North Dakota State)
This is another trade-down possibility. If the Browns stay put, they'll look to find a quarterback of the future.
3) San Diego Chargers — Jalen Ramsey, DB (Florida State)
Ramsey has the versatility to play cornerback or safety and is the best defensive back in the draft.
4) Dallas Cowboys— Jared Goff, QB (Cal)
Owner/GM Jerry Jones says he's not taking a quarterback with this pick, which is why I think he is. Tony Romo also can't stay healthy.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars — Myles Jack, OLB (UCLA)
The Jaguars have to get the defense right, and Jack is another piece to the puzzle.
6) Baltimore Ravens — Joey Bosa, DE/OLB (Ohio State)
Bosa has the versatility to play defensive end or outside linebacker in the Ravens' scheme. Either way, he'll be a pass rusher.
7) San Francisco 49ers — Vernon Hargreaves, CB (Florida)
This selection will help upgrade the 49ers' secondary in a big way.
8) Philadelphia Eagles — Ezekiel Elliott, RB (Ohio State)
The Eagles could try and trade up to get one of the top two quarterbacks. If they can't, Elliott's a strong possibility.
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Ronnie Stanley, OT (Notre Dame)
This is a possible trade down slot because of quality names on the board. If they stay, Stanley chores up the O-Line.
10) New York Giants — Jack Conklin, OT (Michigan State)
The Giants need to better protect Eli Manning. Some like Conklin better than Stanley.
11) Chicago Bears — DeForest Buckner, DE (Oregon)
It's a strong possibility that someone trades up to get Buckner before here, but if he's available, the Bears will jump on him.
12) New Orleans Saints — A'Shawn Robinson, DT (Alabama)
The Saints' defensive line needs help, and the 21-year-old Robinson has great upside.
13) Miami Dolphins — Shaq Lawson, DE/OLB (Clemson)
Lawson can become a dominant edge rusher in the Dolphins' scheme.
14) Oakland Raiders — Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor)
The Raiders covet speed, and Coleman would give Derek Carr another potent weapon.
15) Los Angeles Rams — Paxton Lynch, QB (Memphis)
If Goff and Wentz go as high as I think, the next team wanting a quarterback may have to move up to get Lynch.
16) Detroit Lions — Taylor Decker, OT (Ohio State)
Matt Stafford needs protection badly, and Decker's the next best tackle on the board. He's big and nasty.
17) Atlanta Falcons — Darron Lee, LB (Ohio State)
The Falcons recently signed Courtney Upshaw, but he plays outside and edge. Lee would give them an athletic, instinctive Will backer.
18) Indianapolis Colts — Eli Apple, CB (Ohio State)
This is a value pick, and Apple's a tall, rangy corner who many teams covet.
19) Buffalo Bills — Kevin Dodd, DE (Clemson)
In his first year as a starter, Dodd had 12 sacks. Rex Ryan has a need at defensive end and loves Clemson players.
20) New York Jets — William Jackson III, CB (Houston)
Here's another value pick, as Jackson is tall and long and would give the Jets a great press-cover guy.
21) Washington Redskins — DT Sheldon Rankins, DT (Louisville)
Rankins lacks ideal height, but he would give the Redskins an explosive inside pass rusher.
22) Houston Texans — Josh Doctson, WR (TCU)
Houston goes with the in-state player who just happens to be the best receiver available.
23) Minnesota Vikings — Laquon Treadwell, WR (Ole Miss)
Until his pro day, Treadwell was looked at as the best receiver in this class. He didn't run well, and his value dropped, so the Vikings can jump on him.
24) Cincinnati Bengals — Jarran Reed, DT (Alabama)
Reed's a strong inside player who could line up and produce next to Geno Atkins.
25) Pittsburgh Steelers — Mackensie Alexander, CB (Clemson)
Alexander's a competitive guy who can play press and zone.
26) Seattle Seahawks — Chris Jones, DT (Mississippi State)
Jones is a size-speed athlete whose best football is in front of him. He would flourish in Seattle.
27) Green Bay Packers — Emmanuel Ogbah, DE (Oklahoma State)
Ogbah has the skill set to play down or up in the Green Bay's scheme. On passing downs, he will rush the passer.
28) Kansas City Chiefs – Artie Burns, CB (Miami)
The Chiefs lost starter Sean Smith in free agency, so Burns would fit nicely as his replacement.
29) Arizona Cardinals – Derrick Henry, RB (Alabama)
I believe someone will trade up to get Henry in this area and that he won't go to the Cardinals.
30) Carolina Panthers – Keanu Neal, S (Florida)
Carolina doesn't have many weaknesses, but it could use a good young safety. Neal fits the mold of tough, aggressive players whom Ron Rivera loves.
31) Denver Broncos – Connor Cook, QB (Michigan State)
As of today, the Broncos don't have a quarterback. They can't afford to wait until the end of the second round.
Greg Gabriel is a former NFL talent evaluator who is an on-air contributor for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @greggabe.
