NFL Draft 2016: Each NFL Team's Best-Case Scenario for the 1st Round
The Internet is filled with NFL mock drafts this time of year, so let's take a different approach to break down the draft.
Rather than attempting to predict the first round, we'll look at the best-case scenario for each team with their first selection.
To determine the best-case scenario, we'll blend team needs with a reasonably prediction of who could be on the board.
We won't discuss potential top-five picks falling into the late 20s, but we will attempt to identify top prospects at positions of need who could slide down a few slots.
In addition to finding the top prospects, we'll also look at the teams who may benefit more from a trade than selecting a prospect with their first-round pick.
The teams are ordered by their first-round draft position, including the New England Patriots at the end, who don't pick until the second round.
Tennessee Titans
1 of 32
Best-case scenario: trade down
Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil most frequently appears at No. 1 in mock drafts, as he does in Bleacher Report's Matt Miller's most recent update.
Yes, the Tennessee Titans allowed a league-worst 54 sacks, but much of the blame falls on Marcus Mariota for that unfortunate stat. With Zach Mettenberger under center, the rate at which the Titans allowed sacks actually decreased by 21 percent (per Pro Football Reference).
The Titans should continue to feel comfortable leaving Taylor Lewan at left tackle, allowing them to pursue a trade.
With plenty of other glaring holes on both sides of the ball, a nice haul of picks would speed up the rebuilding process.
Cleveland Browns
2 of 32
Best-case scenario: trade down and draft a quarterback
The Cleveland Browns desperately need a franchise signal-caller, but taking any of the quarterbacks in this class as high as No. 2 would feel like a desperate swing for the fences.
Past Browns regimes may have taken that approach, but the franchise's new commitment to analytics, under the guidance of executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown, is unlikely to lead them to such a desperate draft strategy.
They'll likely settle for the best-available player at No. 2 (maybe Laremy Tunsil or Joey Bosa), but the best-case scenario would be a trade down.
If the Browns could move down somewhere in the middle of the first round, a gamble on a quarterback such as Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch, would be much easier to justify.
San Diego Chargers
3 of 32
Best-case scenario: Laremy Tunsil or Joey Bosa falls into their lap
The San Diego Chargers are in a good position to just sit back and see who falls.
Ideally, one of the two elite prospects, Bosa or Tunsil, slips to No. 3. But even if both are gone, Oregon's DeForest Buckner or Florida State's Jalen Ramsey would still make a lot of sense.
Based on their offensive line woes, the Chargers would probably select Tunsil if given their choice of any prospect.
For Tunsil to fall, the Chargers probably need to hope someone trades up to No. 1 or No. 2 for a quarterback (the Cowboys, perhaps?).
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Dallas Cowboys
4 of 32
Best-case scenario: trade down and draft Ezekiel Elliott
This is definitely an unlikely outside-the-box idea, but if the Dallas Cowboys want to win now, it might be their best course of action.
The Cowboys have a unique opportunity to add an elite instant-impact prospect to a team built to compete in 2016.
Adding Elliott to an offense featuring a dominant offensive line, Dez Bryant and a healthy Tony Romo would give the Cowboys one of the league's most well-rounded offensive units.
But taking Elliott at No. 4 probably isn't necessary.
Perhaps the Cowboys could entice a quarterback-needy team like the Rams to trade up, giving Dallas a shot at Elliott in the middle of the first round.
Jacksonville Jaguars
5 of 32
Best-case scenario: Jalen Ramsey
This is the best-case scenario and also the most likely scenario for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
According to Pro Football Focus, Aaron Colvin was the team's top-ranked cornerback, coming in at No. 44 in the league.
Slowing down opposing passing attacks was an issue all season, and Ramsey would be an instant upgrade to struggling secondaries.
The Chargers are a potential landing spot for Ramsey, but if they pass, it's likely he'll be on the board for Jacksonville.
Baltimore Ravens
6 of 32
Best-case scenario: Jaylon Smith or Myles Jack
The Baltimore Ravens have two reasonably productive inside linebackers in Daryl Smith and C.J. Mosley, but the duo is a far cry from some of the elite units general manager Ozzie Newsome has assembled over the years.
One of the major areas the Ravens' current crew struggles at is in coverage, where both Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack have the athleticism to excel.
Newsome may also value Smith's versatility, as he could potentially line up at outside linebacker as an immediate replacement for free agent Courtney Upshaw or a long-term replacement for veteran Terrell Suggs.
San Francisco 49ers
7 of 32
Best-case scenario: Jared Goff, if Chip Kelly wants him
The San Francisco 49ers brought Chip Kelly in to coach the team, removing all the front-office power he held in Philly. But when it comes to selecting a quarterback, general manager Trent Baalke should still trust Kelly's judgement.
Things didn't work out this past season with Sam Bradford, but Kelly rode Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez to 10-win seasons. Just imagine what he could accomplish once he selects a talented quarterback.
Goff appears to have the skills that would interest Kelly. He's a smart, poised quarterback with impressive accuracy and just enough mobility to be an occasional threat running the ball.
Miami Dolphins
8 of 32
Best-case scenario: Joey Bosa
The Miami Dolphins are in a tough position this offseason due to the massive contract they inked with Ndamukong Suh last year.
Due to that contract, the team may not be able to retain free-agent pass-rusher Olivier Vernon, even with the franchise tag.
In order to maintain their pass rush, the Dolphins may need to turn to the draft.
The best-case scenario would be for Ohio State's Joey Bosa to slip to No. 8. It's an unlikely scenario, but if a few quarterbacks go early to teams such as the Browns and Cowboys, Bosa could begin to slide.
Bosa's former teammate Noah Spence would be a solid backup plan if Bosa is off the board.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 of 32
Best-case scenario: Jalen Ramsey, Vernon Hargreaves or Mackensie Alexander
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can sit back and wait patiently on draft day knowing one of the top cornerbacks will be on the board.
Jalen Ramsey falling would be the dream scenario, but settling for Vernon Hargreaves or Mackensie Alexander would acceptable alternatives.
The Bucs can't afford to enter another season with Sterling Moore and Jude Adjei-Barimah playing significant roles in their secondary, so any of these three cornerback prospects would be a welcomed addition in Tampa.
New York Giants
10 of 32
Best-case scenario: DeForest Buckner
Jason Pierre-Paul, Robert Ayers and Cullen Jenkins accounted for 13 of the team's 23 sacks in 2015, and all three are set to hit the free-agent market.
Re-signing Pierre-Paul would ease this concern, but the New York Giants should still strongly consider adding another young pass-rusher.
DeForest Buckner could go as high as No. 3 to the Chargers, but if he fell to No. 10, the Giants should jump at the chance to bring him aboard.
Buckner is a well-rounded lineman who relies on more than just pure speed to work his way into the backfield.
Chicago Bears
11 of 32
Best-case scenario: Reggie Ragland
The Chicago Bears were so desperate for help at linebacker this past season that they moved Shea McClellin, a former defensive end, to the position.
Predictably, McClellin was a disaster, finishing the year ranked 88th out of 97 qualifying linebackers by Pro Football Focus.
Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland has established himself as the top prospect in a relatively weak class of linebackers.
The majority of the teams ahead of the Bears have more pressing issues to address, so there's a good chance they'll get their shot at Ragland.
New Orleans Saints
12 of 32
Best-case scenario: best available defensive prospect
The New Orleans Saints are in full rebuilding mode on defense, and every prospect on that side of the ball is in play for them at No. 12.
Based on the available talent, cornerback and defensive line appear to be the most likely areas for the Saints to target.
Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander would be a significant upgrade over Brandon Browner. Starting Alexander next to Delvin Breaux would give the Saints two quality cornerbacks, solidifying at least one area on their defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
13 of 32
Best-case scenario: one of the top offensive linemen
There are a lot of options for the Philadelphia Eagles this year as they transition out of the Chip Kelly era. But the offensive line appears to be the most glaring need.
There's a chance Notre Dame lineman Ronnie Stanley will fall to No. 13, but the Eagles should be satisfied with Ohio State's Taylor Decker.
The tackle position may not be an immediate need with Lane Johnson and Jason Peters under contract, but Peters is 34 years old and won't be around much longer.
If the Eagles add a young lineman like Decker, they may be able to start him out at guard or shift Peters inside to guard to close out his career.
Oakland Raiders
14 of 32
Best-case scenario: one of the top three cornerbacks fall
The Oakland Raiders' only reliable cornerback in 2015 was midseason acquisition David Amerson, who was signed after the Washington Redskins cut him.
2013 first-round selection D.J. Hayden looks like a bust, and the Raiders will almost certainly be finding his replacement this offseason.
Jalen Ramsey should be long gone by this point, but there are realistic scenarios in which Vernon Hargreaves III and/or Mackensie Alexander are on the board for the Raiders.
In order for a cornerback to fall, Raiders fans should be rooting for the quarterbacks to come off the board early, pushing other talented prospects down the board.
Los Angeles Rams
15 of 32
Best-case scenario: Jared Goff falls
Jared Goff is the only rookie quarterback in this class ready to step into an immediate starting role in the NFL, making him the clear choice for the Los Angeles Rams if he's on the board.
If Goff is gone, Carson Wentz might be a backup option, but Wentz would almost certainly need to sit behind Nick Foles for a season before he's ready to take over a starting role.
As the Rams transition to Los Angeles, the franchise would certainly like to avoid having to trot Foles out on the field every week for another disappointing season.
Even if the Rams struggle again in 2016, Los Angeles fans would rally around the excitement of seeing a young starter like Goff leading their new franchise.
Detroit Lions
16 of 32
Best-case scenario: immediate starter for the defensive line
Detroit Lions fans are in a panic right now after Calvin Johnson's apparent retirement, according to sources, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. But the defensive line remains the team's most glaring issue.
Ziggy Ansah, Devin Taylor and Caraun Reid are the only Lions defensive linemen under contract for 2016 who saw significant playing time this past season. Six linemen, including Jason Jones and Haloti Ngata, are free agents.
The Lions failed to adequately replace Ndamukong Suh last season, so finding another star for their interior defensive line should be a top priority.
Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson is a massive presence who would immediately bolster the Lions' run defense and could be the top prospect remaining on the board.
Atlanta Falcons
17 of 32
Best-case scenario: Shaq Lawson or Kevin Dodd
The Atlanta Falcons pass rush generated just 19 sacks in 2015, led by rookie Vic Beasley's four.
This year the Falcons should enter the draft hoping to reunite Beasley with one of his Clemson teammates, Shaq Lawson or Kevin Dodd, who are among the top pass-rushers in this draft class.
The 2016 draft class is lacking elite pass-rushers, so there's a chance all the viable first-round prospects could by gone by No. 17. For that reason, the Falcons should seriously consider a trade up in the first round to ensure they bolster the weakest unit on their defense.
Indianapolis Colts
18 of 32
Best-case scenario: Taylor Decker
Improving the protection around Andrew Luck is the top priority in Indianapolis this offseason. Unfortunately, it's a rough year to be looking for a first-round offensive lineman.
Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley will almost certainly be off the board by this point, leaving the Colts with Ohio State's Taylor Decker and Michigan State's Jack Conklin as the top available prospects.
Decker is best suited to step into an immediate starting role, making him the Colts' likely target. Conklin and Indiana's Jason Spriggs would probably be the team's backup plans if they're intent on addressing this position on draft day.
Buffalo Bills
19 of 32
Best-case scenario: a pass-rusher is still on the board
There are a handful of first-round pass-rushers in this class, but there's a steep dropoff once they're off the board.
The Buffalo Bills may be holding their breath on draft day, hoping one of the top pass-rushers slips to them at No. 19.
Clemson's Kevin Dodd is among the pass-rushers who could potentially slide to Buffalo and would be a great fit in Rex Ryan's defense.
Dodd's teammate Shaq Lawson received more hype throughout the season, but CFB Film Room actually credited Dodd with more quarterback pressures in 2015.
New York Jets
20 of 32
Best-case scenario: find a starting linebacker
Of the four players who took snaps at inside linebacker for the New York Jets in 2015, only 32-year-old David Harris is under contract for 2016.
Even if the Jets re-sign Demario Davis, who started next to Harris, the Jets could use a youth infusion at the position.
Ohio State's Darron Lee is among the most versatile linebackers in this draft class, showing off pass-rush skills as well as impressive range against the run.
Lee has some similar traits to Daryl Washington, whom current Jets head coach Todd Bowles coached in Arizona.
Washington Redskins
21 of 32
Best-case scenario: take advantage of defensive line depth
The defensive line, which matches up perfectly within the Washington Redskins needs, is the strength of this draft class.
This should be a low-stress first round for the Redskins because they have the ability to sit back and wait for one of the top defensive linemen to fall into their lap.
Washington primarily used Terrance Knighton and Kedric Golston at nose tackle in 2015, both of whom are set to become free agents.
Baylor lineman Andrew Billings is among the top nose tackles in this year's draft class and could be on the board for the Redskins at pick No. 21.
Billings isn't quite as stout against the run as Knighton, but he's a better all-around athlete and can be disruptive as a pass-rusher as well.
Houston Texans
22 of 32
Best-case scenario: Bill O'Brien finds a quarterback he likes
There will definitely be quarterbacks on the board for the Houston Texans at No. 22, but will Bill O'Brien be willing to bet his future on any of them?
Despite desperately needing a franchise quarterback, O'Brien has declined to spend a high pick on one through his first two drafts. But the pressure to find that guy is starting to build, and he may feel forced to finally take a shot on someone.
Draft analysts can make statements as to who they believe best fits O'Brien's scheme, but what matters most is that O'Brien picks a prospect he believes in and wants to invest in for the future.
Michigan State's Connor Cook is a traditional pro-style quarterback who could fit what O'Brien is looking for in his franchise signal-caller.
Minnesota Vikings
23 of 32
Best-case scenario: one of the top linemen is still on the board
The Minnesota Vikings allowed 45 sacks a season ago, which is tied for the league's eighth-worst mark.
Even though the majority of the offensive line is under contract for 2016, if the Vikings are to properly develop Teddy Bridgewater they need to improve the protection around him.
Adding an offensive lineman in the first round is certainly not a guarantee, primarily because the top of the class at that position is relatively thin.
If the Vikings wish to bolster their offensive line, they'll probably need to hope Michigan State left tackle Jack Conklin slides to them at No. 23.
If Conklin is gone but they still want to address the issue, Indiana's Jason Spriggs or Kansas State's Cody Whitehair could be alternative options.
Cincinnati Bengals
24 of 32
Best-case scenario: Laquon Treadwell
Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu are set to become free agents, and re-signing both will be difficult.
There will certainly be a first-round-worthy receiver on the board, but the Bengals should be holding out hope for Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell to fall.
Treadwell is the most NFL-ready receiver in this draft class, which would allow him to immediately contribute as a second or third option in Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Best-case scenario: find a starting cornerback
The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need to upgrade their secondary, especially since Antwon Blake, William Gay and Brandon Boykin are all free agents.
The three elite cornerbacks in this class—Jalen Ramsey, Mackensie Alexander and Vernon Hargreaves—will likely be long gone by this point. As a result, the Steelers' more realistic hope should be for Ohio State's Eli Apple to remain on the board.
At 6'1", Apple has intriguing length for the position, which would be a welcome addition in Pittsburgh's secondary.
Seattle Seahawks
26 of 32
Best-case scenario: find immediate starter for defensive line
The Seattle Seahawks have quite a few needs that could be addressed in the first round, but retooling their defensive line makes the most sense based on this draft class' strengths and weaknesses.
Ahtyba Rubin and Brandon Mebane are both free agents, as is pass-rushing linebacker Bruce Irvin.
The interior defensive line is particularly strong in this class, and the Seahawks should be able to come away with an immediate starter.
Louisville's Sheldon Rankins would be a nice fit due to his well-rounded skill set. He's strong enough to anchor against the run, but he's also quick enough to shoot gaps and get to the quarterback.
Green Bay Packers
27 of 32
Best-case scenario: Darron Lee
Clay Matthews' move to inside linebacker was critical to the Green Bay Packers' success on defense this season, but head coach Mike McCarthy has already stated he hopes to shift Matthews back to outside linebacker, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
That plan will only work if the team can add another inside linebacker, which isn't one of this draft class' strengths.
Alabama's Reggie Ragland will likely be off the board, leaving the Packers to hope Ohio State's Darron Lee falls past a number of other viable suitors to No. 27.
Lee has the athleticism and range to be a perfect replacement for Matthews on the inside.
Kansas City Chiefs
28 of 32
Best-case scenario: add instant-impact playmaker
The Kansas City Chiefs have number of potential holes on defense due to players such as Eric Berry, Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson hitting free agency.
If they're able to re-sign those defensive playmakers, the Chiefs' draft strategy should be about bolstering the offense by adding a big-play weapon.
It's possible there won't be a player who fits that description on the board, but if Baylor's Corey Coleman were to fall, he would be tough to pass up.
Adding a downfield threat like Coleman would add a new dimension to the Chiefs' passing game and potentially help open things up for others, such as tight end Travis Kelce.
Arizona Cardinals
29 of 32
Best-case scenario: trade pick for a veteran starter
With 36-year-old Carson Palmer at quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals' window of opportunity won't last much longer.
There are certainly some role players who could be added in the late first round to help immediately, but the Cardinals could make a bigger splash by packaging picks in a trade for a veteran starter.
The trade market hasn't really taken shape yet, but Browns left tackle Joe Thomas would be among the players the Cardinals should inquire about this offseason.
Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson could be another trade target if he decides not to retire.
Carolina Panthers
30 of 32
Best-case scenario: trade down and acquire picks
The Carolina Panthers are in a difficult position because their most glaring weaknesses don't match the strengths of this draft class.
The team could use another pass-rusher and potentially some help in the secondary, but it's difficult to envision a best-case scenario in which a top prospect is on the board at either position.
Rather than reaching to fill a need, the Panthers should simply trade down and acquire a few more picks.
At the end of the first round, the Panthers are in a good trade position, as some franchises value the extra fifth-year team option associated with first-round draft-pick contracts.
If a team sees a player it likes still on the board, it's often interested in trading into the late first round rather than waiting until the early second to make that selection.
Denver Broncos
31 of 32
Best-case scenario: Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott might be a top-10 pick, but given the way running backs have been treated in the draft in recent years, that's far from a guarantee.
This is an unlikely scenario, but it's certainly plausible that the Broncos could be on the clock without any running backs having come off the board.
C.J. Anderson was among the league's biggest disappointments this season, losing carries to backup Ronnie Hillman as the season wore on.
Elliott would be a dramatic upgrade and would help ease the Broncos' likely transition to Brock Osweiler by reestablishing their running game.
New England Patriots
32 of 32
Best-case scenario: Derrick Henry in second round
The New England Patriots don't own a first-round pick due to their Deflategate punishments, which means they likely won't be on the clock until the late second round.
One of the Patriots' most glaring needs is running back, where they could use a power runner like Derrick Henry.
Henry's upside is somewhat limited due to his modest athleticism, but he would be an excellent fit in Bill Belichick's running back-by-committee approach.
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