1. Houston Texans- Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Despite the apparent likeness for Blake Bortles by Bill O’Brien, Bridgewater is simply the better quarterback and is the best quarterback to come out since Andrew Luck. Finally, Houston will have a true franchise quarterback.
2. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins)- Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
With Jake Long going down with an ACL/MCL injury, it is unlikely that Long will ever return to the form that he once was, especially considering it was a re-injury. Robinson, being the best offensive tackle in the class, will fill his gap.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Rightfully, Clowney is the most highly touted prospect in the class and the best defensive prospect in years. With the LEO role (pass rusher) needing to be filled, Clowney’s transcendent ability can not be passed on.
4. Cleveland Browns- Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Manziel is the most polarizing player in recent college football history and Cleveland is the perfect landing spot for him. He will be able to hone his abilities with Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. After their long streak of mishaps at quarterback, Cleveland will have their final answer.
5. Oakland Raiders- Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
The notion that he is a top ten player in the class is a stretch, but due to the value of having a quarterback, he will be pushed up. Bortles has all the tools, but his success will come down to his ability to clean up his mechanics and footwork.
6. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Aside from injuries, a mediocre offensive line was the root of Atlanta’s offensive issues. Matthews, a wonderful technician, can come in and give Matt Ryan a more reliable blindside protector.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
Although he is from a small school, Mack is certainly a top ten talent. Mack is a violent, explosive linebacker with pass rushing ability. Slotting him in the same linebacking corps as Lavonte David will prove to be a duo for the record books.
8. Minnesota Vikings- Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Minnesota’s mess of quarterbacks this year was unpleasant to watch. Neither Ponder, Cassel, or Freeman are the answer at quarterback. With Frazier gone, the new regime will look for a new quarterback and Carr is the right man for the job.
9. Buffalo Bills- Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Buffalo already has one of the most dominating interior defensive fronts in the league, but an upgrade could be made on the edge. Barr’s quickness and speed is sure to allure the team in need of an edge rusher.
10. Detroit Lions- Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
Watkins is the best receiver in the class and he will be paired with the best receiver in the NFL. Need I say more?
11. Tennessee Titans- CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama
Mosley will not blow anyone away with athleticism, but his intelligence and phenomenally fundamental play style makes him the most NFL ready prospect in the class. For many years to come, he will be the center of Tennessee’s front seven.
12. New York Giants- Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
His season got off to a rocky start, but Kouandjio has all the tools to become a top tier offensive tackle in the NFL. With Mosley gone, their most obviously needed player, Kouandjio completes the second half of a young offensive tackle due in New York.
13. St. Louis Rams- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
After Quintin Mikell left for Carolina, St. Louis safety issues became even more evident. Clinton-Dix has the versatility to play either role, so either way, the Rams will be upgrading.
14. Chicago Bears- Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
The Bears defense is famed to consistently be one of the best in the NFL, but they lack a dominating presence at safety. Pryor gives them a rangy centerfield to give their cornerbacks a little more comfort and room for error.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Louis Nix III, NT, Notre Dame
Nix is a big, disruptive force that will be able to once again Pittsburgh a destructive force in the middle.
16. Dallas Cowboys- Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri
With the relative lack of pass rushers, Ealy will be pushed up in this class. Dallas needs a more productive force opposite of Demarcus Ware than George Selvie. Not to say Selvie awful, but an upgrade is needed.
17. Baltimore Ravens- Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
With Anquan Boldin gone, 2013 rooke Marlon Brown assumed the role of the “big receiver” on the team. Now, it is time to find a lethal slot receiver for Joe Flacco because Jacoby Jones does not cut it in that area.
18. New York Jets- Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Defensively, the Jets are stacked, yet lack at offensive skill positions, so having Ebron fall to 18 was a gift sent from above. Ebron is an athletic receiving tight end that will give Geno Smith a more reliable target than he had last year.
19. Miami Dolphins- Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State
Between Jake Long’s departure and the Martin/Incognito situation, the Dolphins offensive line is a mess. Any position along the line, except center, would be a good one, but Jackson was the best lineman available that fit a need.
20. Arizona Cardinals- Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
Much like the Bills, the Cardinals interior front is superb, but lacks a secret weapon on the edge. Attaochu is a stunning athlete that can be the Cardinals leading pass rusher from a stand-up position.
21. Green Bay Packers- Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
As of now, Jermichael Finley is a free agent. With no assumed attraction to re-sign him, Amaro can take his place because he is a similar player, but being young, will have room to grow.
22. Philadelphia Eagles- Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Low-key, Brandon Boykin had a wonderful year at cornerback, but he needs a partner in crime. Dennard is the best man coverage cornerback in the class and will complete a nasty duo of cornerbacks.
23. Kansas City Chiefs- Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Signing Sean Smith did not turn out was well as they had hoped and Marcus Cooper is a nice story, but not the answer to the Chiefs cornerback dilemma. Fuller adds an athletic, fluid cornerback to compliment Brandon Flowers.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor
Although the Bengals have arguably the best defensive line in the league, they could use a more reliable enforcer at safety. Dixon is a human missile flying around the field, seeking his next victim. He would add to the already terrifying defense.
25. San Diego Chargers- Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Outside of Eric Weddle, San Diego’s defensive secondary is in need of replacement. Verrett is a small, explosive cornerback that plays much larger than he is and will be needed to keep teams from passing against the Chargers at will.
26. Cleveland Browns (via Indianapolis Colts)- Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Size alone brings an attraction to Evans. At 6’5”, he has the ability to tower over most defensive backs and win in contested situations. After taking Manziel earlier, reuniting Evans with his college quarterback is destiny.
27. New Orleans Saints- Aaron Lynch, DE/OLB, South Florida
After a one year hiatus from football due to a transfer from Notre Dame, Lynch came back into college football and reassured the nation as to how effective of an edge presence he can be. Lynch would be an immediate, and much needed, upgrade at pass rusher.
28. Carolina Panthers- Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Outside of Steve Smith, the wide receivers Cam Newton has been provided with have been mediocre. Newton needs a big, physical receiver to compliment Smith and Benjamin provides that.
29. New England Patriots- Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
Rob Gronkowski has suffered a list of injuries this season and he needs a capable complimentary player that can also fill in for him if he goes down. Niklas is a raw athlete with untapped potential and playing with Gronkowski is the perfect way to release it.
30. San Francisco 49ers- Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
After numerous stop-gaps at cornerback, Gilbert provides a young star that can be molded into something special. Cornerback is the missing piece for the 49ers defense and Gilbert completes the puzzle.
31. Denver Broncos- Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas
When healthy, the Broncos offensive line is solid, but they lack a commanding center. Swanson is the best center in the class and will prove so for years to come.
32. Seattle Seahawks- Dominique Easley, DT, Florida
Seattle has the most terrifying defense in the league, but their lack of interior dominance exposes them. Easley is an explosive, violent player that only adds to Seattle’s famed reputation.
33. Houston Texans- Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford
Brian Cushing is a dominant force in the middle, but he could use an equally fearsome counterpart to command the middle.
34. Washington Redskins- Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Among other things, the Redskins defensive back situation is a mess. Their best option is to take the BPA among defensive backs and Roby is that guy, being a small, explosive cornerback.
35. Cleveland Browns- Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
After shipping off Trent Richardson, the Browns are yet again in the market for a capable running back. Hyde is a brutalizing powerback that will compliment the other weapons on Cleveland’s offense well.
36. Oakland Raiders- Ra'shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Lamar Houston is a dynamic interior defensive lineman, but pairing him with an equally dynamic partner would be ideal. The two could wreak havoc in the AFC West.
37. Atlanta Falcons- DaQuan Jones, DT, Penn State
Atlanta’s defense seems to be starting a youth movement and a young, disruptive interior lineman would do wonders for the defense, especially since it has been lacking such presence.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford
There are only a few missing pieces in Tampa Bay’s defense and most of them are along the defensive line. Murphy adds a beefy, intelligent edge player that is much needed.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars- Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
Jacksonville has a multitude of receivers, but outside of Cecil Shorts and the troublesome Justin Blackmon, they do not have any real threats. Beckham Jr. is a fluid, attacking receiver that will be helpful to whoever their quarterback may be.
40. Minnesota Vikings- Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska
Last year, the Vikings selected cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Chris Cook , his opposite, could be replaced and a lanky Jean-Baptiste would be a solid second piece to a young cornerback duo.
41. Buffalo Bills- Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor
Recently, the Bills stacked up on receivers, as well as drafted a quarterback. Now, that quarterback, EJ Manuel, needs protection. Richardson is a top notch pass protector that will also be a catalyst in the run game.
42. Tennessee Titans- Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State
Tennessee's offensive situation is rather set in stone, but their defense has missing pieces. Across from Derrick Morgan, a more productive edge presence is necessary. Lawrence, with his length and brutality, can certainly be that guy.
43. New York Giants- Telvin Smith, LB, Florida State
Jon Beason had somewhat of a renewing in New York, but the rest of that linebacker corps is replaceable. Smith is a rangy linebacker with coverage ability and can be used in nickel and dime situations.
44. St. Louis Rams- Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt
With both cornerbacks having a down year and one of them, Cortland Finnegan, suffering an injury, further change in the defensive backfield may be necessary. Hal is a fluid, intelligent cornerback that can be effective day one.
45. Detroit Lions- Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU
DeAndre Levy and Stephen Tulloch are serviceable linebackers, but the third piece to the corps is a question mark. Van Noy is a versatile, energetic linebacker that will make plays in any way imaginable.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers- Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Outside of need, Lewan is a nice fit in Pittsburgh due to his aggressive demeanor. His violent streaks on the field will be welcomed and he is an upgrade to Pittsburgh’s mediocre offensive line.
47. Dallas Cowboys- Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA
In last year’s draft, Dallas addressed center early, but this year, they need to address guard and further improve the effectiveness of the interior offensive line. Su’a-Filo is an athletic lineman that will immediately strengthen the interior.
48. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Fleming, OT, Stanford
With Michael Oher declining and having his contract expire, a replacement is imminent and Fleming can not be passed on. He is a stone wall on the right side and will help in both pass pro and run blocking.
49. New York Jets- Marqise Lee, WR, USC
Geno Smith will need more weapons in order to maximize his skill set. Earlier, they added Ebron, so an explosive playmaker in Lee would be solid choice.
50. Miami Dolphins- Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
Ryan Tannehill shows he has the tools to be a good quarterback, but despite the addition of Mike Wallace, he needs more help. Robinson is a strong, yet explosive receiver that will become their full time No.1 receiver.
51. Chicago Bears- Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
Lance Briggs is not getting any younger and the time is nearing to find his replacement. Shazier, while raw at the position, is a phenomenal athlete that could be molded into one of the league’s better outside linebackers.
52. Arizona Cardinals- Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
Carson Palmer proved enough to the team for them to likely keep him as their starter for another season. With that, they will need to build a foundation for their future quarterback and Richardson, being a large, mauling lineman, can be the base.
53. Green Bay Packers- Dionne Buchanan, S, Washington State
Since Charles Woodson, Green Bay has so desperately needed an upgrade at safety. Buchanan adds a hard hitting versatile safety to the roster, allowing the cornerbacks to play with less worry.
54. Philadelphia Eagles- Sean Parker, S, Washington
Sean Parker would be a saving grace in Philadelphia. As of late, their safety play has been historically bad and needs to be addressed.
55. Cincinnati Bengals- David Fales, QB, San Jose State
Time and time again, Andy Dalton has proved that he may not be the answer. Fales would not be forced to start, but he would certainly be allowed to compete and may ultimately elevate the team.
56. San Francisco 49ers (via Kansas City Chiefs)- Lamarcus Joyner, S/CB, Florida State
The 49ers have few gaps on their defense, but nickel defender is one of them. Joyner can function in a similar role to Tyrann Mathieu, as well as cover the slot.
57. San Diego Chargers- Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Aside from Keenan Allen, the rest of San Diego’s receiving corps is either injury prone or replaceable. Cooks, although rather short at 5’10”, plays much bigger than his height and is explosive with the ball in his hands.
58. Indianapolis Colts- Yawin Smallwood, LB, UCONN
The Colts could use a change almost anywhere on their defense, but starting with the corps is certainly not a bad choice. Smallwood is an instinctive, violent linebacker than will claim the middle of the field as his territory.
59. New Orleans Saints- Ju’Wuan James, OT, Tennessee
Rookie Terron Armstead took over at left tackle and ending the year strong, but questions arose for the Saints right tackle position. James is a strong, commanding lineman that will ease pressure off of Drew Brees.
60. Carolina Panthers- Dion Bailey, S, USC
Like many other teams, the Panthers safety play was unbearable to watch. Bailey is an instinctive, intelligent safety that will make his presence on the field much more known than the current Carolina safeties.
61. New England Patriots- Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
With the possibility of Brandon Spikes not returning, his role will need to be filled. Borland is a versatile, aggressive linebacker that plays much bigger than his 5’11” frame suggests.
62. San Francisco 49ers- Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
With an already stacked roster, why not add more tall receiving weapons for a young Colin Kaepernick?
63. Denver Broncos- Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Eric Decker is nearing the end of a contract and it is unclear as to whether he will be welcomed back. As a cheaper option, Abbrederis can be a fluid, refined receiving threat for Peyton Manning.
64. Seattle Seahawks- David Yankey, OG, Stanford
As they were in need of interior pressure, the Seahawks are in need of interior protection, as well. Yankey, a fundamentally sound lineman, will improve the struggling interior of Seattle.