After seemingly endless buildup, the NFL Draft will finally begin on April 28. There have been scores of mock drafts and projections shared about how the draft will transpire. Here are my own projections for the top 10 of the draft’s first round, as well as some possible landing spots for our former Sun Devils.
Some important things to consider before reading: All previous trades have been accounted for, and I am not projecting what teams will do, but what teams should do based on the needs of the roster and the projected scheme-fit of each draftee.
1. Los Angeles Rams - Jared Goff, QB, California
If you trade up to the first pick, you'd better take a quarterback. The Rams also happen to be just a quarterback away from playoff contention, and Goff could be the guy to get them there. He’s more developed from the pocket than Carson Wentz, and he still has plenty of room to grow.
2. Philadelphia Eagles - Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Despite having two competent quarterbacks on their roster, the Eagles are almost guaranteed to take the quarterback that Los Angeles doesn’t. Wentz faced lesser competition in college and is less refined than Goff, but his ceiling and makeup are off the charts. He has a chance to be the best player in this draft if developed properly.
3. San Diego Chargers - DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
The Chargers could go a number of ways here: Offensive tackle, defensive end and safety are all possibilities. Buckner is one of the most well-rounded players in this draft and is versatile enough to star in San Diego’s hybrid 3-4 scheme.
4. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
The Cowboys need serious help at cornerback, as only Orlando Scandrick is above average at the position in Dallas. Ramsey might be the best overall player in this draft, and his positional versatility at both corner and safety will only increase his value for the team that picks him.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Jacksonville’s biggest need is at linebacker, and Myles Jack has the ability to be a game-changer from the start. He's the epitome of the modern linebacker. He can defend the run, rush the passer and cover the slot. He changes the entire complexion of Gus Bradley’s defense.
6. Baltimore Ravens - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
I was tempted to go with Joey Bosa here, but I’m not sold that he can play in a 3-4. Tunsil, on the other hand, can play in any scheme at either left or right tackle. There’s a reason many people think he’s the best player in this draft.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The 49ers desperately need to improve on offense, and Stanley can immediately start at right tackle while eventually replacing Joe Staley at some point at left tackle. Scheme-wise, this is a great fit, as he is a tremendous athlete well suited for Chip Kelly’s zone-heavy scheme.
8. Cleveland Browns - Joey Bosa, DE/OLB, Ohio State
I know I just said that I have my doubts about Bosa in a 3-4 defense, but the Browns are so bereft of talent on both sides of the ball that they need to take the best player available, and that’s Bosa by a landslide.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
For the record, I think Hargreaves has his fair share of warts as a prospect, and I like Houston’s William Jackson III and Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander just as much as corner prospects. But Hargreaves projects better in a zone-oriented scheme than either of them, and if he plays up to his 2014 level, than he could be a true shutdown corner.
10. New York Giants - Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Treadwell has received a fair share of flak for his lack of deep speed. While it’s true that he’s not a burner, his ability to make contested catches is truly elite. If you want a pro comparison, think DeAndre Hopkins. Now imagine him and Odell Beckham Jr. on the field together. That’s a matchup nightmare, and a dream for quarterback Eli Manning.
Sun Devil Projections
While no former Sun Devils are slated to be first round picks, there are several players who could make a positive impact for a number of teams. Here they are, with potential landing spots for each.
Christian Westerman, OG - Third Round
NFL Fits: Seahawks, Chargers, Texans, Titans, 49ers
I’ve already discussed Westerman’s NFL prospects in a previous column, where I highlighted his intriguing upside as a guard. His elite movement skills will entice many teams with zone blocking schemes, but his strength is underrated and makes him scheme-versatile.
D.J. Foster, WR/RB - Sixth Round
NFL Fits: Eagles, Jaguars, 49ers, Browns, Falcons
I also discussed Foster’s value in that same column, and I still think that he can be a versatile contributor from day one. His ability as a hybrid receiver-running back will make him valuable to teams needing both receiving help and a change-of-pace back who can catch passes out of the backfield
Devin Lucien, WR, Seventh Round
NFL Fits: Giants, Panthers, Saints, Chiefs, Eagles
There are several other ASU players that are draft eligible, but in my opinion, Lucien is the best of the bunch and the most likely to be drafted. He has great hands, runs solid routes and can make plays after the catch. He lacks great top-end speed, but I think he is an extremely underrated prospect coming into the draft. He fits with any team looking for a receiver in the later rounds.
Related links:
Damarious Randall selected 30th in 2015 NFL draft by Green Bay
Analyzing the draft stock of ASU’s NFL Combine participants
Reach the reporter at bfryan@asu.edu or on Twitter @brennanryan27
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