Brugler mock draft 12.21. Still has us taking a LB. I think if it fell the way he has it, passing on Lynch would be hard for me to do. The other option I'd think about is moving down 3-5 spots, pick up another high pick and take Hargreaves to play CB, moving Byron Jones permanently to FS.
NFLDraftScout.com
2016 NFL Mock Draft: Titans, Ravens go tackle to protect Mariota, Flacco
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
December 21, 2015 12:10 am ET
Although there isn't a defensive tackle in the top 15 picks of this mock draft, there is a run of interior defensive linemen in the second half of the first round with seven defensive tackles off the board in a 12-pick span.
There might not be an elite defensive tackle in this year's class, but it might be the deepest position in the draft, led by Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson, Baylor's Andrew Billings and Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche, who is the wild card of the first round. Nkemdiche has the most talent of the group, but his off-field decision making and on-field fit are question marks right now for teams.
Team needs will change, the draft order won't end up this way and the prospects below will help and hurt themselves throughout the 2015 season. But if the draft was held tomorrow, here's how it might play out:
1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Priority No. 1 for the Titans should be to protect Marcus Mariota, something they have struggled to do consistently in 2015. Tunsil is arguably the most-talented player in this year's draft class and able to contribute from Day 1, pushing Taylor Lewan over to right tackle.
2. Cleveland Browns: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
There is a lot of unknown with the future of the Browns franchise right now, including what the depth chart at quarterback will look like next season. If Johnny Manziel can do enough to keep Cleveland from drafting a quarterback in the top-five, Bosa will just need to hop on I-71 North.
3. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Baltimore inked Eugene Monroe to a lucrative extension, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy, making it tough for the Ravens to rely on him to start 16 games in 2016. Stanley not only adds instant depth, but gives Baltimore a long-term plan at a position of need.
4. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Is Ramsey a cornerback or safety? Both. And the Chargers need help at both spots, contributing in press or zone, inside or outside.
5. Dallas Cowboys: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys' defense needs help at each level, including at linebacker, especially with the futures of Rolando McClain (free agent) and Sean Lee (injuries) in doubt. Although currently sidelined with a knee injury, Jack has top-10 talent if his rehab is on track.
6. Detroit Lions: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
The Lions need to continue and build through the trenches on both sides of the ball. A polarizing player, Buckner would be a nice fit opposite Ziggy Ansah and give Detroit a pair of young bookends.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Goff, QB, California
The 49ers and Colin Kaepernick are in the midst of a messy divorce and Blaine Gabbert hasn't done enough to convince the front office that he's the long-term answer. A Bay-Area native, Goff lacks elite physical tools, but his traits, especially between the ears, are extremely promising.
8. Miami Dolphins: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Arguably the best linebacker in the draft, Smith has the freakish athleticism and natural instincts that would be welcomed on the Dolphins defense.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
The Jaguars have been searching for cornerback help for a long time, but haven't drafted the position in the first round since 1999. Hargreaves isn't a lock top-10 prospect due to average size and speed, but his toughness and instincts make him a fit for Jacksonville.
10. Chicago Bears: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
With his expensive contract, Jay Cutler is the present at the quarterback position for the Bears. But if they have a chance to draft a player to develop behind him like Lynch, that might be too enticing to pass up.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Tampa will address the cornerback position next off-season, either in free agency or the draft, possibly both. Alexander has the fluidity and aggressive nature to blanket receivers.
12. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Raiders offensive line has played well in 2015, but they aren't the youngest group. Decker can play tackle or guard in the NFL and will give Oakland depth at key positions.
13. New York Giants: Reggie Ragland, MLB, Alabama
The Giants have struggled to slow down the opponents' run game and Ragland would give New York an every-down enforcer who doesn't make many mistakes.
14. Philadelphia Eagles: Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB, Georgia
The Eagles have several holes on defense and need to add depth at each level. Floyd has a lean body type, but can bend the edge, disrupt the pocket and finish in pursuit.
15. New Orleans Saints: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
Regardless of who is at quarterback, the Saints need to find the “new” Marques Colston – a large target with athleticism. That description fits Treadwell who is a less dynamic version of Dez Bryant.
16. Buffalo Bills: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Tyrod Taylor has played well this season for Buffalo, but has he played well enough for the Bills to pass on a quarterback with this pick? Cook is NFL ready right now and will compete for starting reps right away in Buffalo.
17. St. Louis Rams: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
With starting cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson in the final year of rookie contracts, the Rams might be looking for a corner or two in the 2016 draft. White might not be elite in any one area, but he has enough size, athleticism and playmaking ability that could land him in the first round.
18. Indianapolis Colts: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Indianapolis needs to get stronger on the defensive line and Robinson has the movement skills and power to play several different techniques for the Colts.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
The Falcons ranks dead-last in the league in sacks and need more talent both inside and outside on the defensive line. Although he's still raw in areas, Nkemdiche has a sky-high ceiling as both an inside penetrator and outside rusher.
20. New York Jets: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
With Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell both set to hit free agency, the Jets might be looking for a new workhorse in the backfield. Elliott is likely the only running back who will be drafted in the first round, but he's a steal if he falls this far.
21. Washington Redskins: Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
Although he said he will return to Baylor for his senior season, Billings is playing himself into a high draft pick and plans might change. The Redskins have used veterans to fill the nose tackle spot, but Billings would give them a long-term option.
22. Houston Texans: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
The Texans haven't selected a passer in the first round since their inaugural draft in 2002, but that should chance this year. Bill O'Brien has been searching for the right guy to groom at quarterback and whether or not Wentz is that player, Houston needs to take a chance on a young signal-caller.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond King, CB, Iowa
Pittsburgh needs cornerback help and although King won't run the fastest 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, he has the aggressive ballskills and awareness needed to start in the NFL.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
A lot of fingers can be pointed as to why the Vikings rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards, but the lack of perimeter weapons is a substantial reason. Coleman would add an explosive element to the offense and add one more playmaker for the defense to account for.
25. Kansas City Chiefs: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
The Chiefs are clicking on defense, especially up front, but like every team, Kansas City could use more depth. Rankins is a stout run defender with better than expected pass rush traits for a 300-pounder.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
Seattle's defensive line depth needs restocked and Clark is a terrific run stopper with potential to be more with some seasoning.
27. Green Bay Packers: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
With Mike Daniels and the Packers failing to reach an extension before the season, there's a realistic chance he hits free agency after this season. Even if Daniels returns, Reed is worthy of this pick with his versatility that fits Green Bay's odd front.
28. Denver Broncos: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Broncos have struggled to protect the pocket in 2015, especially at right tackle. Conklin isn't an elite athlete for the position, but his physical nature and power make up for that, making him a plug-and-play starter for Denver.
29. Cincinnati Bengals: Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
The Bengals have been forward-thinkers lately with their first round draft picks and adding a young nose tackle to take over for Domata Peko makes sense. Johnson carries his weight well and has the point of attack power to occupy multiple blockers.
30. Arizona Cardinals: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
A true wild-card prospect, Spence has first round talent, there is no question about that. But the former Ohio State Buckeye has a history of drug abuse, although he has cleaned up his habits since being banned from the Big Ten. Arizona has the front office, coaches and locker room to take a chance on a boom or bust player like this.
New England Patriots: forfeited selection
31. Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
The Panthers need to upgrade the pass rush and add more talent on the edges this off-season. Ogbah is still scratching the surface and has the character that coaches will love.