First Round Mock Draft Buffalo Bills Select…
By Dennis Moody
13. Miami Dolphins – Reggie Ragland – LB – Alabama
The Miami Dolphins can use help at inside linebacker. They did trade the Eagles for Kiko Alonso but he did not have a good year last season coming off an ACL injury in 2014 and battling knee issues throughout the year. The Dolphins cannot rely on him to be healthy or effective and that is why they should take 6’1″, 247 pound Reggie Ragland who is the top inside linebacker in the draft at #13.
14. Oakland Raiders – Eli Apple – CB – Ohio State
The Oakland Raiders gave up more passing yards last season than all but six teams which is why cornerback and safety are two of their biggest needs. The Raiders did sign Sean Smith this offseason who is solid but has never been spectacular. He will be 29 when the season starts which means any year now he is likely to start slowing down. 6’1″, 199 pound Eli Apple would be a great addition to their secondary.
15. Los Angeles Rams – Laquon Treadwell – WR – Mississippi
If the Rams want to impress their new fan base in Los Angeles and give them some decent football to watch they are going to have to put up more points in 2016 than they did in 2015. In 2015, the Rams scored the fourth-fewest points in the league. Having Nick Foles and Case Keenum at quarterback didn’t help. They could still use a quarterback but wide receiver is one of their other weakest positions and they can’t pass up on 6’2″, 221 pound Laquon Treadwell who is the best receiver prospect in the draft.
16. Detroit Lions – Ezekiel Elliott – RB – Ohio State
The Detroit Lions can use help at running back. Joique Bell is a free agent and their top two options at the position are Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. Riddick was great in the passing game but neither player really stood out as a workhorse back. Taking Ezekiel Elliott, the 6’0″, 225 pound running back and the top player at his position could solidify the Lions backfield for years.
17. Atlanta Falcons – A’Shawn Robinson – DT – Alabama
The Atlanta Falcons could use some help at defensive end and also recently released their nose tackle Paul Soliai adding to their lack of depth on the line. Selecting 6’4″, 307 pound defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson would help them replenish their defensive line. He will be a three-down player in the NFL who is dynamic enough to play in several different roles on the line depending on the scheme. The Falcons shouldn’t hesitate to take him here.
18. Indianapolis Colts – Taylor Decker – OT – Ohio State
The Indianapolis Colts underperformed last season. Quarterback Andrew Luck seemed to be lost at times when under pressure from other teams. Selecting the 6’7″, 310 pound offensive tackle Taylor Decker and slotting him in as the starting right tackle for the Colts would help protect the team’s prized possession Andrew Luck. It would certainly buy him some extra time to make better decisions and might make him less jittery in the pocket. The Colts should use this pick to invest in some protection for their quarterback in the form of Taylor Decker.
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