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Time for the mock draft... round three! If you'll recall my last mock draft from one month ago, I had Vic Beasley going to the Redskins at #5. Well, the position hasn't changed, but the player has. I expect and hope that McCloughan will trade down a number of times in this draft. Perhaps he'll even trade down out of the #5 spot. But for the purposes of this mock draft, there are no trades. I trust Scot McCloughan whether he trades or not, but I sure as hell can't predict the trade. Maybe I can predict the pick if we stay put, though!
Here is it! 3.0!
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
This is a perfect match for the Bucs. They have huge WR's already in place and the Bucs are really only a QB away from being competitive in that division. QB is their greatest need and it's widely believed that Winston will be their pick.
2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
He's probably going #2, the only question is to which team. For now, I'm going with the Titans.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DL, Southern California
He's the BPA and the value is great at #3. He may not be there greatest need, but with a defensive-minded HC and perhaps the best player in the draft available, it's hard to see them passing him up.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
They have a young, talented QB in Derek Carr and need to do everything in their power to help him along. Giving him another weapon is just the right choice. If they went with Kevin White, I don't think anyone would be surprised, but I think Cooper has a better chance here.
5. Washington Redskins: Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Yes, we have problems along the OL. Yes, trading back is the best option. Fowler is the BPA and ready to contribute from day one. McCloughan likes BPA. He's a great replacement for Rak and makes an incredible front with Kerrigan, Robinson, Paea, Hatcher, Knighton, and Murphy.
6. New York Jets: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
This is really an ideal fit. What better way for Todd Bowles to kick-off his time as HC of the Jets than by drafting this monster? Bowles loves to blitz and Beasley loves to get after it. This team will be all about blitzing, pressure, and the pass rush.
7. Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
They lost Brandon Marhsall and now have a whole opposite Alshon Jeffery at WR. If White goes at #4, Cooper could very well end up here.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
Aside from what they hope Jake Matthews becomes this year, the rest of Atlanta's OL sucks. They're a lot like the 'Skins except Matthews hasn't actually become TW, yet. They need instant impact and Scherff is ready to go.
9. New York Giants: Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri
This position is probably the biggest strength of the draft this year and Ray at #9 could be the steal of the first round. With JPP's health concerns, going with Ray here makes sense. Behind JPP, where's their pressure coming from?
10. St. Louis Rams: DaVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Rams need two things: a rookie who can contribute immediately and speed. Parker provides them with both. WR is a big need there.