The Bengals offensive line is being overhauled. Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler‘s departure has accelerated the Bengals’ plans for many of the young players on the O-Line. However; the dumpster fire of an offensive line may be able to improve vastly, despite losing their two stars. A couple of factors can play into that improvement.

The first factor that could play a role in an improved offensive line is the return of Andre Smith. Smith, a former Bengal, will return to Cincinnati after spending just one season away in Minnesota. During his first seven years in Cincinnati, Smith started at right tackle. The plan is reportedly for Smith to move to right guard. Jake Fisher and Eric Winston have right tackle locked up. Plus, that position was never really an issue. Smith’s placement will bump Christian Westerman to a back-up. Perhaps the team thinks Westerman needs more work before he’s ready to start.

A successful offensive line relies primarily on one player: Cedric Ogbuehi. Ogbuehi was pushed to a starting position in 2016, despite having not having a full offseason to prepare. The Bengals were in the process of moving Ogbuehi to his natural position at left tackle. So Ogbuehi has never had time to develop as a true NFL offensive linemen. The team has put all of their cards on Ogbuehi, so he needs to improve in the offseason.

The left guard position is fine with Clint Boling. One position that could be improved is center. Russell Bodine improved drastically throughout 2016, but could still use some work. The team could look to the draft to improve the position. Kentucky C Jon Toth is a great player that the Bengals could steal in the later rounds. Toth would likely be Bodine’s back-up, but could eventually replace him if Bodine under performs.

The Bengals’ offensive line will be the deciding factor of their success in the upcoming season. The draft will likely be devoted to bring some youth to an aging defense, so this is likely the offensive line you’re going to get. Cedric Ogbuehi at LT; Clint Boling at LG; Russell Bodine at C; Andre Smith at RG; and Jake Fisher at RT. This has potential to be a solid line, but could also turn out to be disastrous.

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Kevin Minter has a new home. Last week, the 26-year-old inside linebacker signed a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Cardinal’s deal is reportedly worth $4.25 million and is for one year. Minter declined the Bengals’ multi-year offer because he wanted to prove to the team that he’s worth more. Is he worth it, though? I believe he could be.

Kevin Minter spent his college days at LSU where he won a SEC Championship and was a member of the First Team All-SEC team in the 2011-2012 season. He tallied up 130 total tackles in his junior season at LSU before declaring for the Draft. Prior to his second-round selection to the Arizona Cardinals, Minter was given a very good grade of 84, signifying him as a future All-Pro candidate.

However, a player’s collegiate career means nothing in the NFL. During his first two seasons with the Cardinals, Minter was a supporting player. He was a special teams player in his rookie season, and only played four games in his second season. In 2015, Minter became a starter on the defensive unit. In the two seasons since, Minter has a racked up 175 tackles. More than current inside linebacker, Rey Maualuga, has had in three seasons.

Kevin Minter’s field work could be special. He’s not that fast, but can be very agile at the line of scrimmage. This allows him to effectively get to the quarterback in the backfield or a running back that is crossing the line of scrimmage. Minter can be a defensive general with his football knowledge. Rumors are actually swirling around that he may become the one calling the shots on the field, rather than Vontaze Burfict.

The signing of Minter likely crushes the chance of Reuben Foster being drafted with the #9 pick. I would rather have Foster than Minter, but it is characteristic of the Bengals to go with someone they know will at least contribute on a NFL field. This, along with the departure of Karlos Dansby, will shake up the linebacker unit. The Bengals will likely start Minter inside with Burfict and Nick Vigil on the outside. Maualuga and Vincent Rey would be the alternates in this scenario.

The Bengals are likely finished exploring the free agent market and will turn their focus on to the NFL draft. For more on the Bengals and the NFL Draft, stay tuned to Armchair All-Americans.

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An era ended in Cincinnati on Saturday due to the Bengals’ release of LB Rey Maualuga. Rey was a cornerstone to the Bengals linebacking unit and was the leader of the defense for many of his years in Cincinnati. Maualuga’s time was up because of the hefty dent that Kevin Minter made in the cap space. The most noteworthy factor to his release is his age, with Minter being three years younger than him. This move indicates that the Bengals will draft Reuben Foster, probably to add depth to the position.

#Bengals cut LB Rey Maualuga, who had 104 starts over 8 seasons. With a cap hit of nearly $4M, he was doomed after Kevin Minter signed

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2017

Rey Maualuga spent eight seasons in Cincinnati after the team drafted him in 2009. He was the team’s second round draft pick that season, coming out of USC. In his eight seasons, Rey was crucial to the team’s success. In that time, Maualuga raked in 584 combined tackles, four sacks, six forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. 2016 won’t be Maualuga’s last stint in the NFL because any team would be lucky to have him. He is a great player and will add depth to any team that needs it at the position.

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Most of the mock drafts that I have seen floating around have the Bengals drafting Reuben Foster in the first round of the NFL Draft. After the signing of Kevin Minter, it appears that the Bengals will not be drafting a LB that early. Since Minter’s arrival, a new name has been popping up. In Mel Kiper, Jr.’s latest Mock Draft, he had UCLA LB Takkarist McKinley going at #9 to Cincinnati. Here’s a look at the potential draft pick.

McKinley landed in UCLA during his sophomore season after spending a year at a Junior College. In his sophomore year, McKinley only played in four games, but tallied up 2.5 sacks. The following year, he played in all thirteen games and finished with 3.5 sacks. 2016 was McKinley’s breakout year, with 10 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 12 games.

Next up is UCLA DE Takkarist McKinley. Great motor on this kid. May slide to 19 based on his pending shoulder surgery. pic.twitter.com/bbcny7h70Y

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) March 2, 2017

Takkarist McKinley may not be the natural pass-rusher that many Bengals want, but he can be. And size-wise, he does not really fit the Bengals mold. Tak’s only 6″2′ and 250 lbs, but he’s quick. As seen above, can explode through the line and make a go at the QB. He ran a 4.59 at the Combine, after all. That’s the type of guy that Marvin Lewis will want opposite of Carlos Dunlap. McKinley may not ever be the player that Dunlap is or that Foster could be, but he would fill a role that the Bengals need right now.

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If you don’t know who Joe Thomas is, it is likely due to the fact that: a) you are not an NFL fan, b) you loathe the Cleveland Browns, or c) you have never heard of this amazing social media network called Twitter. For those who don’t know, Joe Thomas is a 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle for the Browns who has remained one of the most loyal, consistent, and talented players that the organization has ever drafted since their reinstatement. He is also considered to be one of the best players to follow on Twitter.

While most tweets consist of humorous takes and messing with his teammates, he has shown from time to time the ability to address serious issues.

Last Saturday, Thomas took to Twitter to share an article regarding the fact that no NFL owners are willing to offer free agent Colin Kaepernick a deal. While quoting the article, he states, “Most people can agree his current unemployment is a combination of his anthem protest and his declining play, which is playing more into it?”

Most people can agree his current unemployment is a combination of his anthem protest and his declining play, which is playing more into it? pic.twitter.com/2wrg8zkdNX

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 25, 2017

He followed this up with a Twitter poll that asked his followers to vote on what they think the biggest factor was for him not being signed. The results show that this topic is very polarized:

What is playing a bigger factor into @Kaepernick7's current unemployment?

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 25, 2017

Finally, Thomas offered his perspective of why Kaepernick is not receiving any offers:

My thoughts re: @Kaepernick7? Teams don't currently view him as a starting QB, and NFL teams accept ZERO distractions from their backup QBs.

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 25, 2017

While many people, such as Richard Sherman, are arguing that this is solely a result of Kaepernick’s well-documented anthem protest last season, others believe that it is primarily due to his lackluster stats in recent years.

So who is right?

Defining “Distraction”

I am not here to take sides or decide who is right or wrong. Furthermore, it is not my place to spew my personal political perspective of Kaepernick’s actions and it really doesn’t matter what I believe. I am merely here to offer a sports-minded perspective and investigate whether or not Thomas’s statement is credible.

On March 26, Thomas stated on Twitter that he realized that many people have a different definition of what it means to be a distraction in the NFL. First, he asked what people thought a distraction was from an NFL management position.

From NFL management perspective, a player is a "distraction" if he makes non football related:

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 26, 2017

He followed this up by asking whether or not people thought that Kaepernick was a distraction last year.

Was @Kaepernick7 a distraction for the 49ers last year?

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 26, 2017

Finally, he added his take on what he thought a distraction is by stating:

I think mine would be; anytime a player does something that forces his teammates to answer questions from media unrelated to football.

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 26, 2017

However, he also noted:

Last comment on this topic, I think "distractions" are one of the more highly overrated intangible things in football. Like "camaraderie".

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 26, 2017

And:

Good teams don't LET themselves be distracted.

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 26, 2017

Performance and Distraction

Assuming that Kaepernick was, in fact, a “distraction” last season, is it possible that he is “worth” the distraction? While his 2016 stats say maybe, the results of games he’s played in say otherwise.

Kaepernick started the season as a backup finally taking over for the team in Week 5 after a lackluster performance from Blaine Gabbert in the game prior. He finished the season playing in 12 games while completing 59% of his passes (196-331) and throwing for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns and only 4 picks. However, he only had one 300+ yard throwing game and the 49ers finished the season at 2-14.

Compare those numbers to that of fellow quarterback Jameis Winston who has definitely had his fair share of off-field scandals. When drafted, Tampa Bay was looking for a franchise quarterback and Winston was regarded as the best in his class. Winston had been in trouble for vulgar comments, shoplifting, and even a sexual assault allegation. While the Buccaneers still drafted him, this shows that the positive outweighed the negative in their eyes.

Winston has performed well for a young quarterback in the league. In his rookie season (2015), he was named to the Pro Bowl and was also deemed the NFL Rookie of the year. In 2016, he improved on the stats of his rookie year by completing 61% of his passes (345-567) while throwing for 4,090 yards and 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He also helped better his team from a 6-10 record to 9-7 last year.

An Alternative Take

Arguing against Thomas’ claim, Evan Grossman of the NY Daily News claimed that Thomas was wrong because “players have always been signed by teams, no matter how many reporters and TV cameras they attract.” He lists examples such as D.J. Fluker, Tim Tebow, Michael Vick, Alex Rodriguez, and the New England Patriots.

For the sake of argument, I will operate under the beliefs of that which the majority deemed to best fit their views in the above polls a distraction is to be defined by a player making “non-football related negative news” and that “Colin Kaepernick was a distraction last year.” While many may view Kaepernick’s protest as “positive” as opposed to “negative,” that is a topic of debate better suited for CNN. I am merely operating within the confines defined by Twitter poll results.

Under these definitions, Tim Tebow is relieved from this list.

Fluker was a player who joined in Kaepernick’s protest last year. But he is an offensive lineman who gave up minimal sacks in his tenure with San Diego. In other words, he has proven his value.

Returning to Jameis Winston, he has still been a distraction since he has been playing in the NFL. Just recently, he was in the news for controversial comments he made while giving a speech to elementary students. On February 22^nd, Winston was trying to regain the attention of one of the students who was not attentive and he stated:

“All my young boys, stand up. The ladies, sit down, But all my boys, stand up. We strong, right? We strong! We strong, right? All my boys, tell me one time: I can do anything I put my mind to. Now a lot of boys aren’t supposed to be soft-spoken. You know what I’m saying? One day y’all are going to have a very deep voice like this. One day, you’ll have a very, very deep voice. But the ladies, they’re supposed to be silent, polite, gentle. My men, my men supposed to be strong. I want y’all to tell me what the third rule of life is: I can do anything I put my mind to. Scream it!” (via profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)

Winston swiftly realized his mistake and apologized the next day for his poor choice of words. But there was never any doubt that he would remain with the Buccaneers. This is due to the fact that management has been encouraged by Winston’s numbers. They improved from year one to year two as did the team’s record. They have placed their faith in him as their offensive leader and are therefore more tolerant of his off-field controversies.

Turning to Michael Vick, he admittedly is a good example to use in contending Thomas’s claim. Vick played for the Atlanta Falcons for six years and was a three-time Pro-Bowler. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to being involved in a dog-fighting ring and he spent 21 months in federal prison. However, there are some discernible differences between the two cases. Most would argue that spending time in prison for killing dogs is a worse offense than protesting racial injustices and police brutality and they would be right. But Vick’s return to the league was treated as a redemption story rather than a negative one.

Most people believed that he would be unable to perform at a professional level after spending nearly two years away from the game. The possibility that he could turn his life around and play for a team again made the publicity surrounding him positive rather than negative. While I don’t condone his actions nor do I agree with the reverse of treatment when he returned to the NFL, the fact of the matter is that he had redeemed himself. The fact that he served his time in prison and paid for his mistakes changed the evil image that many people had of Vick and the media’s compassionate portrayal of his return certainly helped to lighten his image. Finally, Vick had the best season of his career in 2010 with the Philadelphia Eagles after he had served his time in prison. In that year, he was elected to his fourth Pro-Bowl, while leading the Eagles to a 10-6 season, and completing 62.6% of his passes (233-372) for 3,018 passing yards including 21 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. He also averaged 6.8 yards a carry while running for 676 yards and 9 touchdowns.

In regards to Alex Rodriguez, I would argue that managerial views of player antics differ from sport to sport. A-Rod is considered to be one of the best players of the modern era. Even though the fact that he used PED’s hurts his legacy, the fact of the matter is he cemented his career with the New York Yankees and he helped them win a World Series in 2009 (even with the distractions as he notes.) Additionally, when you have as much money as the Yankees do, you can afford to keep whoever you want even if they are deemed as a distraction. They are a franchise known for consistently having great teams and winning and they are going to do that regardless of what distractions might arise (as Thomas and Grossman each point out—though with possibly different meaning or interpretations).

The same goes for the New England Patriots. Believe me when I say that I am so tired of Pats fans. I am. But I am also a realist. And the realist in me is convinced beyond a doubt that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady could get away with just about anything and get offered an extension to their contracts. I can’t help it. I give credit where credit is due. Brady and the Pats are so good, it doesn’t really matter what they do. That team was hounded by football-related distractions like Deflategate, and negative non-football distractions such as Brady and Belichick’s friendship and supposed support of Donald Trump. Yet, with all this negativity surrounding the team and them getting hounded each week, the Pats still won the Super Bowl in the most miraculous fashion that I have ever seen in my life.

And that really is the whole point of Thomas’ argument that I think people are missing—in order to be able to get away with the reputation of being a “distractive player,” you have to be deemed good enough.

The Threshold of Acceptable Distraction

Now, what I can conclude from this is that Thomas’s take is highly likely: Teams do not view Kaepernick as good enough to risk signing on to the baggage that he brings with him. While this perspective may seem simple or even possibly common sense to some, it actually unearths some complex results.

Ultimately, this shows that there is a direct correlation between a player’s talent and the number of distractions NFL owners will let a player get away with. The problem with this assessment is that there is no tangible or analytical way of determining what it means to be “good enough.” There are no statistics or specific equation to allude to that shows if a player is valuable enough and there is no way to determine when a player has gone too far.

What all this does prove, however, is that there is undeniably a “threshold of acceptable distraction” among league owners. This means that as a player’s worth increases, the amount of distraction accepted by owners and the league also increases. Once a player crosses the boundary of that threshold, they are blackballed or their careers are ruined.

In coming to my resolution, while I find Thomas’s claims to be credible, I can’t help but also feel some sympathy for Kaepernick. Because while examining the existence of this threshold, it is impossible not to observe how truly disillusioned owner’s priorities are.

Disregarding the emotional nature of Kaepernick’s protest that I understand most people who despise him feel, let’s break it down to what he did. He protested against an injustice that he felt was wrong. Many feel that there are better ways of protesting and there are different arenas that are better suited for protesting that would have angered fewer people and I understand that. But the crux of the matter is that he tried to take a stand against what he thought was wrong.

When looked at in its simplest terms, how is that less forgivable than somebody who assaults an ex-girlfriend and threatens to kill her? Grossman brings up a great point in mentioning Greg Hardy. While he interprets this to negate Thomas’s claim, I find that it is proof of a much bigger problem.

Greg Hardy played for the Carolina Panthers before this happened and after he was released and went to trial, he was still signed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. While he was released due to additional off-field distractions and lackluster play, the fact of the matter simply is he was still given a second-chance by the Cowboys.

There are too many other examples to count. Cedric Benson had multiple counts of assault and was still retained by the Cincinnati Bengals. Adam “Pacman” Jones was involved in the famous Las Vegas shooting case and was also involved in numerous assault allegations; yet, he still is in the NFL. The unfortunate truth is there are plenty of players who do bad things and yet they are valued enough by their team or a team to keep getting signed. According to nflarrest.com, over the past five years, the top arrests have been for DUI (53), drug related (30), domestic violence (23), and assaults (16). While not all of these are horrible or irredeemable offenses (there are plenty of people who get DUIs) most of these should be viewed as worse than what Kaepernick did (the other three, or at the very least, the last two). Yet—most of these players are still given another chance.

In conclusion, I don’t think Thomas is wrong for thinking what he does.  I fail to believe that there is a single determinate that is causing reluctance across the league to sign Kaepernick. It is likely a result of both his distractions as well as his mediocre play. But Thomas makes a good point by pointing out that Kaepernick’s play isn’t good enough for team owners to tolerate. Furthermore, analyzing his take from a macro-point-of-view reveals a much larger and darker story: if a player is bringing their team wins and making their team money, management is willing to overlook just about anything to keep that player on their team. Determining why no team will sign a particular player now pales in comparison. A league-wide lack of morality is much more troubling to me.

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1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

This pick is all but guaranteed. Garrett is the best player in the draft and the Browns need a playmaking pass rusher. He instantly upgrades their front seven and makes the group the Browns’ biggest strength. Garrett is 6’4”, 272lbs with 4.6 speed. His size and athleticism is mouth-watering. He can win with power or speed and has all the traits to be an NFL All-Pro.

Pro comparison: Cameron Jordan

2. San Francisco 49ers- Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

This is a play that not many players can make, however, Malik Hooker makes it look easy. #49ers pic.twitter.com/yCsmdmRRFc

— 49ers Hub (@49ersHub) March 27, 2017

The 49ers pick is where the draft gets interesting. They can go many directions and where they go will dictate a lot of the early first round. With many holes to fill, the 49ers need to go best player available for their situation. Malik Hooker is the best coverage safety to come out in years. He has range on the back end very few NFL safeties have ever had. Hooker also adds elite ball skills, and isn’t as poor of a tackler that many think he is.

Pro comparison: Devin McCourty

3. Chicago Bears- Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

The Bears are poised to head into 2017 with Mike Glennon as their quarterback. With the quarterback class being weak the Bears need to address their cornerback hole. Marshon Lattimore is the best corner in a deep class. He’s long and lean with 4.3 speed and elite fluidity. As just a one-year starter, he’s very raw, but with so much natural talent.

Pro comparison: Janoris Jenkins

4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

#MondayMotivation Leonard Fournette folks! #SEC #CFB pic.twitter.com/hRHEfGP86J

— College Football + (@CFBPlus) March 27, 2017

The Jaguars have put a lot of draft picks and money into their defense. It’s time for them to get an offensive identity. They need Leonard Fournette to be their bell cow. At 240lbs he has the body to hold up as an NFL lead back. What he lacks as a third down back he makes up for with a violent running style and breakaway speed. With the offense revolving around Fournette, the Jaguars’ passing game will open up.

Pro comparison: Adrian Peterson

5. Tennessee Titans (from Rams)- Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford

Tennessee will benefit immensely from their 2016 trade with the Rams. They will be in position to get an instant impact player. Solomon Thomas is the second best edge defender in the draft. He can also play as an interior defender on passing downs. His scheme versatility fits perfectly in the Titans 3-4 defense. He and Jurrell Casey would be a perfect combination on the defensive line.

Pro comparison: Michael Bennett

6. New York Jets- OJ Howard, TE, Alabama

Taking a tight end this early may not be the best value, but OJ Howard is worth a top ten pick. He’s got the perfect size and skill set for a tight end. Howard is 6’6” with big-time athleticism and the best hands among tight ends. On top of that, he has the blocking skills to hold up in the run game. The Jets need a can’t-miss prospect, and Howard is just that.

Pro comparison: Greg Olsen

7. Los Angeles Chargers- Jamal Adams, S, LSU

The Chargers have a very good roster, good enough to compete for a playoff spot. They have very few holes for a team picking in the top ten. By getting Jamal Adams they are putting the finishing touches on one of the league’s most underrated defenses. Adams can be a dynamic box safety with his physicality and athleticism. He also has good enough feet and hips to be solid in coverage.

Pro comparison: Landon Collins

8. Carolina Panthers- Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

The Panthers have their power forward receiver in Kelvin Benjamin, but they need a true number one. Corey Davis is the smooth wing player that compliments a power forward perfectly. Davis runs crisp routes and can lineup inside or out. He’s 6’3”, but more of a technician at receiver than a physical player. Davis can be the number one option Cam Newton has lacked for years.

Pro comparison: Larry Fitzgerald

9. Cincinnati Bengals- Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

Reuben Foster is a top five talent that falls to the Bengals due to need. Adding Foster with Vontzae Burfict and Kevin Minter is a big boost to the Cincinnati linebacker core. Foster is a great athlete with sideline-to-sideline speed. He’s terrific in coverage and is a thumper against the run. He’s the perfect weak side linebacker for the Bengals.

Pro comparison: Jerrell Freeman

10. Buffalo Bills- Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Buffalo needs pass-catchers on offense. Their number two and three options are Corey Brown and Andre Holmes. With Sammy Watkins often injured its time for the Bills to invest in another top pick at receiver. Mike Williams plays the receiver position with a violence reminiscent of Dez Bryant. He’s the best YAC receiver in the draft and adds a physicality outside that Buffalo lacks.

Pro comparison: Dez Bryant

11. New Orleans Saints- Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

The Saints need a lot of defensive help. That starts with adding another edge rusher. By adding Derek Barnett, their d-line becomes very scary. Barnett, Cameron Jordan, Nick Fairley, and Sheldon Rankins gives New Orleans something to build around. Barnett dominated the SEC as a pass rusher and despite not being great against the run he would be a huge upgrade for the Saints.

Pro comparison: Whitney Mercilus

12. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles)- Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

The Browns may have the urge to take a quarterback at 12, but if Jonathan Allen slides due to injury concerns they need to scoop him up. Allen is a top five player, but shoulder issues have forced him down boards. Having him play 3-technique alongside Garrett and Danny Shelton would be potent.

Pro comparison: Mike Daniels

13. Arizona Cardinals- Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Arizona had a lot of issues with the cornerback spot opposite Patrick Peterson last season. They need to address it in this cornerback-heavy draft. Conley is a long, fast, physical corner that would be a huge upgrade for them.

Pro comparison: Byron Maxwell

14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Vikings)- Dalvin Cook, RB, LSU

RT @ CampusInsiders Dalvin Cook ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, but give him 94 yards and he can do this… pic.twitter.com/8M7ljagIoI

— Scholar Athlete Vntr (@scholarathlete) March 3, 2017

The Eagles have no starting running back. Head coach Doug Pederson came over from the Chiefs, where he had Jamal Charles. Now, the Eagles can get Charles 2.0 with Dalvin Cook. He’s extremely elusive, makes plays in the passing game, and has breakaway speed. If not for fumbling and off-field issues, Cook might go top ten.

Pro comparison: Jamaal Charles

15. Indianapolis Colts- Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky

The Colts have their quarterback, now they need to protect him. They took center Ryan Kelly in the first round last year, but they need to continue building an o-line. Lamp is the best interior lineman in the draft. He has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl guard.

Pro comparison: Zack Martin

16. Baltimore Ravens- Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri

With the release of Elvis Dumervil and the age of Terrell Suggs the Ravens need an edge rusher. Harris is a talented pass rusher with multiple moves to beat offensive tackles. He gets lost against the run, but if he is used similarly to how the Ravens used Dumervil he’ll be a great addition.

Pro comparison: Cameron Wake

17. Washington Redskins- Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State

Washington has one of the worst defensive lines in the NFL. They need to take the best available interior defender and that’s the polarizing Malik McDowell. McDowell has all the physical tools to be terrific, but there’s a lot of questions about his motor.

Pro comparison: Malik Jackson

18. Tennessee Titans- John Ross, WR, Washington

John Ross. WUT? pic.twitter.com/g36pkIsQop

— Brennen Rupp (@brennen_rupp) March 26, 2017

Marcus Mariota is the Titans’ franchise QB, but they need to get him more weapons. Why not the fastest man in football, John Ross? Ross ran an NFL record 4.22 40-yard dash at the Combine, but he’s more than a deep threat. He has very good feet and runs excellent routes. He could be a great number one receiver in Tennessee.

Pro comparison: Odell Beckham, Jr

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

The Buccaneers passing offense is coming together with Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, and DeSean Jackson. They need to protect Winston for it all to work. By taking Bolles they’re betting on physical traits. He’s very raw and needs a lot of coaching, but his athleticism and mean streak are impressive.

Pro comparison: Lane Johnson

20. Denver Broncos- Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

The Broncos have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Cam Robinson might be a better fit inside than at tackle, but Denver needs the best offensive lineman available. Robinson could start day one at left tackle, right tackle, or guard for the Broncos. He’s a big mauler in the run game whose biggest weakness is his footwork.

Pro comparison: Kelechi Osemele

21. Detroit Lions- Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

The Lions had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. They need a playmaker regardless of position. Haason Reddick was an edge rusher at Temple who is a perfect fit as an NFL off-ball linebacker. He’s a great athlete that showed fantastic coverage ability at the Senior Bowl. He would be the Lions’ best linebacker on day one.

Pro comparison: Ryan Shazier

22. Miami Dolphins- Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn

The Dolphins don’t have a free safety. They also don’t have anybody that can cover tight ends like Rob Gronkowski. Obi Melifonwu could be the answer to both those problems. He’s 6’4” with great hips and elite athleticism. Melifonwu is also a very good tackler and with proper coaching could become dynamic.

Pro comparison: George Iloka

23. New York Giants- Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

The Giants don’t have a quality offensive tackle on their roster. Ryan Ramczyk may not be a flashy pick, but he makes a playoff team better. Ramczyk has a solid all-around game and is an ideal NFL right tackle. He’s a plug-and-play player that could potentially become and NFL left tackle.

Pro comparison: Joe Staley

24. Oakland Raiders- Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Christian McCaffrey's ability to cut smoothly and read the correct hole is extremely underrated. Very Brian Westbrook-like. pic.twitter.com/wTRpvp4og8

— Bootleg Fantasy FB (@BootlegFantasy) March 17, 2017

As good as the Raiders offense was last season they lacked a dynamic running back. Christian McCaffrey may not be an every-down back, but his versatility would be a big addition to Oakland’s offense. He could split time as a runner and line up as a receiver. He gives a great offense another playmaker.

Pro comparison: Reggie Bush

25. Houston Texans- Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

The Texans biggest hole is clearly quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky may not be a can’t-miss quarterback, but he is a first round talent. He’s the most accurate QB in the class and has very good athleticism for the positon. Trubisky gives the Texans a potentially worthy quarterback to lean on.

Pro comparison: Ryan Tannehill

26. Seattle Seahawks- Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Seattle loves long and physical corners. Marlon Humphrey is the definition of long and physical. He’s a 6’1″ track star, who just so happens to be the most physical corner in the draft. He fits exactly what Seattle looks for and could learn opposite Richard Sherman.

Pro comparison: Sean Smith

27. Kansas City Chiefs- Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

The Chiefs were burned far too often last season at the corner spot opposite Marcus Peters. They need to address the cornerback position in this draft. Tre’Davious White isn’t the biggest corner, standing at 5’11”, but he has great instincts and quick feet. His skill set would work well against smaller receivers while Peters takes on bigger ones.

Pro comparison: Brent Grimes

28. Dallas Cowboys- Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA

Dallas desperately needs a pass rusher. Takk McKinley lacks technique, but his long arms and non-stop motor are easy to fall in love with. With proper coaching McKinley could become a dynamic pass-rusher in Dallas.

Pro comparison: Olivier Vernon

29. Green Bay Packers- Kevin King, CB, Washington

It was clearly in 2016 the Packers needed help at cornerback. They need a day one starter on the outside and Kevin King can be that starter. He’s 6’3” with elite athleticism for his size, two attributes the Packers love in a corner. King needs to play more physically, but the traits are there for him to be very good.

Pro comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan

Pittsburgh is still looking for dynamic defensive playmakers in the draft. Jabrill Peppers doesn’t fit a specific need, but his skill set would be a good fit for the Steelers. Peppers could see reps as a nickel linebacker in Pittsburgh as well as a safety. Having two versatile safeties with Peppers and Sean Davis would be a huge asset.

Pro comparison: Malcolm Jenkins

31. Atlanta Falcons- Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

Vic Beasley led the NFL in sacks last year, but he’s a situational pass rusher. The Falcons need to get a true defensive end to play every down. Taco Charlton is very raw and needs a lot of coaching to succeed, but the athletic traits are there. At 6’6”, 277lbs Charlton is a solid pass rusher, and if taught proper technique he could be a very good run defender.

Pro comparison: Carlos Dunlap

32. New Orleans Saints (from Patriots)- Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee

Alvin Kamara:
Speed ✅
Vision ✅
Strength✅ pic.twitter.com/oAkEL6Cv6q

— Tyler Carmer (@Carmered) March 3, 2017

The Saints need a cornerback badly, but with the depth in the class and a talent like Kamara on the board they’ll neglect it. Alvin Kamara is a first round talent at running back. He’s the best screen back in the class and probably the best pass protector. Sean Payton loves running backs like Kamara and he would complement Mark Ingram very well.

Pro comparison: DeAngelo Williams

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