The 2015 regular season is over, and that means it's time for legit 2016 NFL Draft analysis and predictions for the top 20 picks, which are now set. The other 12 picks will be in place following the Super Bowl, of course, but never mind that. For my second mini mock draft, I'll be predicting pick Nos. 6-10, which include the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants.
First, let's do a quick recap from the first mini mock of pick Nos. 1-5:
1. Tennesee Titans: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, Cal
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
4. Dallas Cowboys: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon (amended from Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame)
Now let's begin with the new content...
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Personally, I wonder if the Ravens trade out of this spot. They need to fill quite a few holes, and this could be an opportunity where maybe the player they really want to get (maybe someone like Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell) is too much of a reach for this spot. That said, you can never truly predict a trade.
Assuming the Ravens do make their selection, a great one would be Stanley. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle could really shore up a line that has been struggling mightily the past couple of seasons. The Raven's offense was a struggle all year, and adding talent anywhere would help. They desperately need some playmakers, but they also need sturdy guys up front. Stanley would be the best available at No. 6.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
I don't think the off-field stuff (smoking marijuana? Oh no! No professional athlete has ever done that) will end up being a tremendous issue for most teams come time for the draft. Nkemdiche is probably the top defensive tackle this year, and the 49ers need to start replenishing a defense that has lost Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis and, most importantly, Justin Smith. Nkemdiche would be a perfect for the 3-4 DE position, and could take Smith's place.
8. Miami Dolphins: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Decker could very well be the third offensive tackle taken in the top eight picks, and with good reason. The Dolphins are a talented football team, but they need to figure out their coaching situation and get the right guy in there; and they also need to block better for Ryan Tannehill.
The young quarterback didn't have a bad season, but he was wildly inconsistent. A part of that was certainly on the offensive line, as he was sacked 45 times last year. That's way too much. But this Dolphins team also needs to run the ball more if they want their offense to get to the next level. They ran it well last year, but not nearly enough times. Decker is known for his dominant run blocking, and his pass protection has improved. His length at 6-foot-7 is fanastic, and he would really be of use in Miami.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
The 6-foot-1, 202-pound defensive back has played safety and corner with exceptional ability at FSU. The Bucs lack players at both positions, so it'll be tough figuring out exactly where he fits. That said, they could really use him at one position at least without question. The Bucs allowed 70 percent completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks last year, one of the highest rates allowed by any team. And they did that while having at least solid pressure, getting 38 sacks on the year.
Clearly, that indicates a huge issue in the secondary, and it makes sense with guys like Chris Conte, Keith Tandy, Bradley McDougle and Jude Adjei-Barimah as some of your main contributors this year. Ramsey would be sure to come in and help out dramatically.
10. New York Giants: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Lawson could end up rising if the Combine and such go well, but this is a good spot for him right now. The Giants were horrible at getting after the passer this year, and it showed as they gave up more yards than any other team in the league through the air. Considering Jason Pierre-Paul's predicament, they need more help on the defensive front, and someone who can increase their measly sack total of just 23 this year (third-lowest in the league). Lawson is an absolute beast a 6-foot-3, 275 pounds. His quickness is the most impressive thing about him considering his size, and he would be an instant upgrade for the defense that really held them down this year.
