Top 10 2016 Draft Picks’ First Week

Pick Number 1: San Francisco 49ers - CB DJ Woods

The number one pick did not disappoint in his first game for the 49ers and made some key plays that saw his team beat Tampa Bay. DJ Woods managed to make 2 solo tackles whilst assisting in one other, but most importantly managed to get an interception for 5 yards. It is clear to see that this man is one to watch.

Pick Number 2: Cleveland Browns – WR Jarvaris Richardson

Everyone foresaw that the Browns would draft to their needs and did just that by drafting Jarvaris Richardson who had an immediate impact. The rookie had two receptions both for touchdowns, one off of a 5 yard pass and the other from a 35 yarder helping his team to a narrow victory over Pittsburgh.

Pick Number 3: Chicago Bears – CB Darnell France

In the loss to Detroit the Bears first round pick had a solid game. He picked up 5 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle. He is definitely a cornerback from this draft that will go far and the performance between him and DJ Woods is bound to be compared. Keep a close eye on this man next week at home to the Minnesota Vikings.

Pick Number 4: Arizona Cardinals - QB Curtis Scott

Will they? Won’t they? That was the question surrounding the quarterback situation in Arizona, specifically whether they would start Curtis Scott over seasoned veteran Carson Palmer. To the surprise of many they went with the unproven rookie who did not disappoint finding the endzone 3 times for 185 yards and only one interception against a tough Buffalo defense. Unfortunately, he could not win the game for his team.

Pick Number 5: Buffalo Bills – LT Damarious Dixon

A victory in your first game in the NFL is what every rookie dreams about and Damarious Dixon did just that. Although Tyrod Taylor was sacked 4 times, the protection given to him allowed him to power his team to get the W against an fierce Arizona, and for that Dixon deserves part of the credit.

Pick Number 6: Houston Texans - DT Bryan Huerta

As suspected the Texans drafted a known quantity in Bryan Huerta. The rookie was impressive in his first game and managed 2 solo tackles, 1 for a loss and 1 sack in his teams’ 27-13 win over the Colts.

Pick Number 7: Seattle Seahawks - WR Couri Reedy

It seemed that Seattle sprung the first real surprise on the first draft day by selecting a receiver when an offensive lineman seemed more likely. Reedy had quiet first day and did not get a single reception.

Pick Number 8: Washington Redskins - WR Lunior French

French had one of the best first games out of all the rookies in his teams win over the bengals, leading the Redskins in receptions (5), yards (64) with his longest reception of 24 yards.

Pick Number 9: Tennessee Titans - CB Ivory Phillips

A quiet start for Phillips as he registered one tackle in the Titans 24-21 victory over Jacksonville. However, he showed great promise and will no doubt continue on the steep learning curve that is the NFL.

Pick Number 10: Denver Broncos DT Mikhail Swanson

The defensive tackle always seemed destined for Denver and began his career in exceptional style.  Swanson managed to get a forced fumble as well as getting to the quarterback twice. He also helped stuff the run with two tackles in his teams win over San Diego.

2016 GFML Mock Draft

Pick 1

Team: San Francisco 49ers

Team Needs: LG LOLB CB

Projected Pick: CB DJ Woods

Discussion: Arguably the number 1 pick on the board. High coverage and press stats with more than decent combine results. If 49ers do not take him, they might as well have traded down. Out of LSU, Woods is 6’1 making him a long, strong, agile and quick; a plug in starter from day 1.

Pick 2

Team: Cleveland Browns

Team Needs: MLB ROLB QB LOLB C

Projected Pick: LT Damarious Dixon

Discussion: Although Browns already have Joe Thomas at left tackle, the proposition of having both him and Wisconsin prospect Dixon bookending the offensive line is a proposition that RGIII would be very interested in. Protecting the QB has been the Browns’ aim since missing out on Cordy Glenn in FA.

Pick 3

Team: Chicago Bears

Team Needs: CB SS LT

Projected Pick: CB Dalton Stumph

Discussion: Although bringing in the aging Leon Hall, the Bears still need to majorly upgrade their cornerbacks. Auburn prospect Dalton Stumph appears to have excellent zone and press skills and is physically dominant repping 23 at the bench press making him the 6^th strongest CB. This would be an ideal pick for the Bears.

Pick 4

Team: Detroit Lions

Team Needs: LOLB C RT LG CB

Projected Pick: WR Couri Reedy

Discussion: With only 2 wide recievers on the roster it is likely that the Lions may wish to expand on their receiving corps with a couple of picks in this draft. With Marvin Jones as their top receiver, quality is needed. Couri Reedy ran just shy of 4.45 which means he has plenty of speed. He is also a well established receiver at making those highlight reel catches.

Pick 5

Team: Buffalo Bills

Team Needs: LT LG LOLB RT RG

Projected Pick: WR Kenan Preston

Discussion: It looks as though two WR’s will go one after the other with Bills needing to give Tyrod Taylor someone to throw to other than Sammy Watkins. With defensive backs surely to double team Watkins, a player like Preston could be that redzone threat when it matters. At 6’4 with great catching abilities, this would be a solid pick despite a less that spectacular combine.

Pick 6

Team: Houston Texans

Team Needs: MLB ROLB DT CB QB

Projected Pick: DT Bryan Huerta

Discussion: John Simon and Jadeveon Clowney bookend a great defensive line in Houston. However, the interior defensive line threat looks a little lackluster making it the perfect destination for the explosive Bryan Huerta who stands at 6’3 and 305 pounds.

Pick 7

Team: Seattle Seawhawks

Team Needs: LOLB LT C MLB CB

Projected Pick: C Bryan Ballard

Discussion: The offensive line in Seattle can soak up as much pressure as a brick can soak up water. Although some may see this pick as a reach, Seattle are desperate to strengthen that offensive line and what better way that picking the best center in the draft who can help protect Wilson.

Pick 8

Team: Washington Redskins

Team Needs: MLB C LG RT QB

Projected Pick: MLB Jyhe Wade

Discussion: Redskins need an MLB. Its as simple as that. The outside linebackers are fantastic in Washington, but there is no real presence the middle. Wade ran an explosive 4.63 at 235 pounds and repped out 22 reps making him top 3 in both categories. This could be the solution to that middle linebacker hole.

Pick 9

Team: Tennessee Titans

Team Needs: HB TE C DT

Projected Pick: HB Marquise Jackson

Discussion: The Tennessee Titans traded away both Derrick Henry and Demarco Murray in the offseason. This suggests that the front office in Tennessee will be targeting a running back in this draft. With quality a major issue it is likely they will take one in the first round. At 206 pounds Marquise Jackson is the second fastest HB in the draft who could give some serious sting to the Titans offense.

Pick 10

Team: Denver Broncos

Team Needs: RE C RT RG DT

Projected Pick: DT Mikhail Swanson

Discussion: Not much is known about the Texas collegiate, but that will not deter Denver who are in need of young blood on the defensive line. Swanson is a strong candidate with good block shedding whom could be a star in the right system.

A Look Deeper: Mock Draft Picks 11-20

11^th Pick

Team: St Louis Rams

Needs: HB MLB SS C CB

Projection: FS Prince Griffin

If the Rams take Jose Sims with the 1^st overall pick, they may also want to continue to improve there pass defence in this draft by drafting a safety. Prince Griffin is the standout safety in this draft, with a very good catching ability and respectable combine numbers, he could be the sensible choice for the Rams. Griffin is 208 pounds and stands at 5’11”. The 22 year olds played his college football at Florida State. He has developed into a very exciting prospect that may be too much for the Rams to turn down, and perhaps they would move him to SS.

12^th Pick

Team: Atlanta Falcons

Team Needs: LOLB, DT, LG

Projection: DT Senderius Patrick

The defensive line in Atlanta is not perhaps as doomed as one may first believe. Stacked with defensive ends, the Falcons are lacking without a single DT on their roster.Originally tipped to be the number 1 pick in the draft Patrick had a disappointing combine and a college year that was mediocre. However, with this DT lies the potentially to be a superstar. A big strong pass rush that will cause offensive lines nightmares. Patrick stands at a reasonable 6’3” and just over 300 pounds. The 22 year old hails from USC and could provide a sting in the tail of the Falcons defense.

13^th Pick

Team: Cleveland browns

Team Needs: MLB QB

Projection: MLB Shawn Galvin

Considered by some as a risky pick, Shawn Galvin wowed everybody at the combine with results that resemble the Pittsburgh Steelers MLB Ryan Shazier. His attributes suggest he could be an amazing pick that would go straight as a starter in Cleveland. Shawn Galvin shares a similar build to Shazier, although only a little lighter at 234 pounds as appose to 237. He also stands 2 inches taller at 6’3”. The Florida college alumni faces one major issue, the general consensus is that he may not be worthy of a number one pick. However, the team that

14^th Pick

Team: New York Jets

Team Needs: LE C LG

Projection: LG Marshawn Sanford

The New York Jets will have a range of options open to them by the time that they make their pick. However, it can be narrowed down to either defensive end Francis Lockett or Left Guard Marshawn Sanford. Whilst Lockett would help create one of the best defensive lines in the AFC, it is likely that the Jets will want to improve on a weak offensive line. Sanford played his college football in Texas and is seen as being an early first round pick. He’s one of the quickest, strongest and most agile guards in the draft with decent pass blocking. He weights 326 pounds and stands at 6’4”. The 22 year old will be a massive help in protecting the pass game for the Jets.

15^th Pick

Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Team Needs: QB, CB

Projection: QB Donald Riley

Expected to go earlier, but teams needs dictate that he may just drop. With a fairly strong arm and respectable 40 yard dash time, this dual threat QB could solve the Bengals issues and allow them to build around him in the future. A.J McCarron is a capable quarterback, but not a franchise QB. Therefore, Bengals may look to the former Tennessee man. He stands at 6’2” and 217 pounds.

16^th Pick

Team: Indianapolis Colts

Team Needs: LOLB LE MLB FS DT

Projection: LOLB Myke Roberts

The Colts really have an important draft ahead of them with a major rebuild needed along the defensive line and linebacker corps. With the recent move of Devon Kennard to DE it appears that the Colts will need an outside linebacker. Myke Roberts provides a an entity that has excellent pursuit, good hit power and good tackling. In essence, he will not set the NFL world alight but he will be Mr Dependable. He’s a 256 pound 21 year old that has much potential development. The 6’3” Georgia Alumni could be the first pick in an important Colts draft.

17^th Pick

Team: New Orleans Saints

Team Needs: SS, WR, DE, CB

Projection: CB Tharold Cousins

In the NFL, certain teams have always liked to follow a certain philosophy when drafting players and the style of play they like. The New Orleans Saints are no different, and typically draft explosive rookies. Although Cousins may not have had the fastest of 40 yards dash times, the 21 year old was in the top 3 for every other combine drill. This, coupled with the fact that he stands at 5’10” and 188 pounds would suggest that he will be a very agile cornerback.

18^th Pick

Team: Buffalo Bills

Team Needs: WR3 CB2 LG DE

Projection: DE Francis Lockett

Francis Lockett is arguably one of the best defensive ends in the draft and could be a wise choice from Buffalo if he drops this far. The Bills have a solid defensive line, but it is one that is aging rapidly. The 22 year old prospect out of Penn State is 6’4” and 261 pounds. He has decent pass rush abilities and would undoubtedly help the Bills defense to continue to get to the opposing QB.

19^th Pick

Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Team Needs: WR, HB

Projection: Tre Walden

Explosive. That is the best way to describe the running back from Georgia. Regardless of true talent, with 40 yard dash time of 4.49 Walden is the second fasted HB in the draft. He fits in with the Chiefs desperate need of an everydown back and he has incredible attributes for a rookie. The only down side is that at 194 pounds and 5’11”, the 22 year old may be a little underweight for a typical running back. However, that’s only an issue when he has to break tackles and with the speed he has, the defense have to catch him first!

20^th Pick

Team: Carolina Panthers

Team Needs: DT, WR2, RE, OLB

Projection: Michael Nelson WR

Make no mistakes, the Panthers defense is aging and upgrade are needed at outside linebacker and defensive end. I can see the Panthers also wanting to draft a defensive tackle too. However, on the offensive side of the ball Cam Newton needs more weapons. Right now he has Kelvin Benjamin which teams will soon wise up to. A new threat would help Cam tenfold. Michael Nelson is a 228 pound WR stands at 6’4” and was the second strongest in the draft. Nelson hails from USC and shares the kind of attributes that would make him an amazing tight end. Although he may not have the speed that many feel necessary for a wide receiver he is a very real red zone threat to contrast with Kelvin Benjamin.

The Indianapolis Colts were pleased to announce many signings. Here is a detailed look at some nd the effeect they may have on the team.

Nick Foles

Colts signed Foles with the view to him being the no.2 in Indianapolis. Foles has spent most of his career as a QB1 but its difficult to imagine him getting the starting job above Andrew Luck. However, what the Colts have done here is sign a very competent back up should Luck injure himself.

Dominique Davis

The acquisition of dual threat quarterback Davis evidences an intent to solidify the QB situation in Indianapolis. His speed and short accuracy make him an effective QB even as a third string player.

Chris Ivory

The signing of Chris Ivory brings much needed competition to Trey Green. Truth be told, the HB situation in Indianapolis is far from ideal, but with the acquisition of the experienced Ivory, the situation is now manageable. Trey Green has the speed and acceleration to continue in his fine form for the Colts but Ivory is an extremely capable 3^rd down back.

Donte Whitner

The veteran strong safety signed for the Colts yesterday. Although currently in the twilight of his career he signed a 1 year deal with the Colts which could be an excellent addition to a struggling secondary. With age comes experience, and although Whitner is far from the player he once was, the situation in Indiannapolis was a desperate one.

Mohamed Sanu

The Colts signed Sanu on the final day of the offseason free agency. Sanu represents perhaps the most effective signing for the colts. Sanu brings speed and exceptional catching abilities to the Colts offense and will like become the second receiver behind TY Hilton, with Donte Moncrief playing slot.

Devon Kennard

The Colts linebacker situation is far from satisfactory. Or at least it was before they signed outside linebacker Devon Kennard. Undoubtedly the area that the Colts need to improve most in the draft is D line. It may be possible that Kennard may move to defensive end should the colts opt to sign an outside linebacker, should a DE not be available.

The Colts also added CB Davon House, WR Chris Matthews, TE Martellus Bennett, FS Walt Aikens whom although they may not be first choice, they do provide much needed depth in their respective positions.

Where does this leave the colts?

It appears that the majority of the Colts Draft will be defence orientated. One may suggest that the only needs on offence would be a center and a fullback. However, the situation on defence is far graver. The most evident need is that of the defensive line. However, the Colts will surely struggle if the do not add a linebacker and a safety. Its clear to see that as cliché as it sounds, the draft really has the ability to either ruin or make the Colts season.