NFL: Goff or Wentz?
The NFL Draft got off to a quick start, before it even began. The week before the big day, the Rams traded up for the No. 1 pick and the Eagles and Browns swapped the No. 2 and No. 8 picks, respectively. The Rams and Eagles are followed by the San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars. I will give my opinion on who I think should and will be taken in the first five picks of the upcoming NFL Draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff (California, QB) - Goff is the best quarterback in the draft and he is exactly what the Rams need. They traded up for the first overall pick to make a big splash and taking a quarterback would make the most sense. Goff is a very good signal caller who has the potential to be a good player in the NFL. The Rams were dead last in passing yards per game (175.3) last season and he should help that. This pick will almost certainly be used on a quarterback, either Goff or Carson Wentz (more on him later). The California passer seems like he will be the first overall pick, and will be able to stay in his home state to compete for the starting spot.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz (North Dakota State, QB) - Wentz was a good quarterback in college, but his lack of competition has raised some eyebrows. If Goff goes No. 1 to the Rams, then the Eagles will take Wentz in the second slot. This pick doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but it seems like it is likely to happen. The Eagles have said that they want to draft a quarterback, but then announced that they plan to start Sam Bradford no matter who they select. The Eagles were 12th in the NFL in passing yards per game (255.4) last season, so drafting a QB is somewhat questionable. Wentz will be taken here and will be the quarterback of the future for Philadelphia, after starting his career behind former No. 1 pick Bradford.
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss, OT) - Tunsil is one of the most powerful offensive tackles in this class and he will be the first one drafted. He had a very good career in the SEC, but some off the field issues have forced teams to question his character. If the Chargers just go by their needs, then Tunsil should be the pick but if his personal problems are a big enough issue then Jalen Ramsey will be the choice. San Diego was second to last in rushing yards per game (84.9) in 2015 so Tunsil would help the ground game as well as protect Philip Rivers.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa (Ohio State, DE) - Bosa is arguably the best defensive player in the draft and the Cowboys need his presence. The Cowboys were 17th in total defense last year, allowing 347.9 yards per game, 5.6 yards per play, and forcing only 12 fumbles. I would be surprised if Dallas didn't select a former Ohio State Buckeye in either Bosa or running back Ezekiel Elliott. Either choice would help fill holes, but Bosa seems like the most obvious and realistic pick.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State, DB) - Ramsey is one of the best defensive players in this class and is by far the best defensive back. He is also a great athlete which is a big reason the Jaguars will take a good look at him. Jacksonville has holes pretty much across the board but are reportedly looking to focus on improving their defense during the offseason. They were 24th in the NFL in yards allowed per game (375.0) last year. Ramsey would be a good choice, but they will also consider Deforest Buckner and Myles Jack. Whoever the Jaguars pick will help their defense mightily.
Photo Credit: Cleveland.com.
