Ad Disclosure
We like to think that the SEC exists in its own little bubble. Along those lines of thinking, we took a look at what the NFL Draft would resemble if it were limited to solely SEC players.
NO. 1 TENNESSEE TITANS: LAREMY TUNSIL, LT, OLE MISS
2015 record: 3-13
Needs: OT, CB, S, RB
Vernon Hargreaves III of Florida would fill a need at cornerback and Alabama’s Derrick Henry could form a powerful duo of former Heisman winners with QB Marcus Mariota running the offense, but the football world might revolt if Hargreaves or Henry went first overall.
Tunsil is generally considered the consensus pick at No. 1 overall — and with good reason. Protecting Mariota is paramount. The Titans appear to be leaning toward selecting the 6-foot, 5-inch, 315-pound left tackle from Ole Miss.
NO. 2 CLEVELAND BROWNS: A’SHAWN ROBINSON, DT, Alabama
2015 record: 3-13
Needs: QB, WR, DL, ILB
Cleveland needs an upgrade at quarterback, but you can understand if the Browns don’t want to dip back into the SEC and pluck another dual-threat quarterback from the conference by drafting Dak Prescott, who figures to be available at No. 32 overall when the Cleveland drafts again.
The Browns should focus on stopping the run, which they were sixth-worst (379.2 YPG) in the NFL. Adding Robinson is the fit here. He has the strength and maturation level to make an immediate impact after making 133 career tackles, including 9.0 sacks, as a run-stuffer for the Crimson Tide.
NO. 3 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: LAQUON TREADWELL, WR, OLE MISS
2015 record: 4-12
Needs: DL, S, WR, OL
San Diego’s defensive front needs help, but Cleveland just stole their pick in Robinson. Robinson’s Tide teammate and fellow defensive tackle Jarran Reed is an option, but the Chargers badly need a wide receiver.
Treadwell is among the top wide receivers in the nation and could step into a meaningful role behind a veteran quarterback in Philip Rivers, who is desperate for weapons. Treadwell to the Bolts also makes two Ole Miss players taken in the first three picks.
NO. 4 DALLAS COWBOYS: VERNON HARGREAVES III, CB, FLORIDA
2015 record: 4-12
Needs: CB, QB, RB, DT
Hargreaves is the second player from the SEC projected to be taken in the first round according to Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft — going at No. 9 to his hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Cowboys, however, don’t allow the Florida cornerback to drop that far. Dallas finished next-to-last in the NFL with 8 interceptions. They need a playmaker, and Hargreaves III, who posted 10 interceptions in three years in the Swamp, can fill that void quite nicely.
NO. 5 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: RYAN KELLY, C, ALABAMA
2015 record: 5-11
Needs: CB, S, C, OLB
The Jaguars don’t need gimmicks to pick SEC players. Their first three picks last year were SEC standouts: Dante Fowler, T.J. Yeldon and A.J. Cann.
Jacksonville is thin in its secondary and would have taken Hargreaves. Grabbing Kelly shores up a developing offense, which showed signs of brilliance last year behind quarterback Blake Bortles.
NO. 6 BALTIMORE RAVENS: LEONARD FLOYD, OLB, GEORGIA
2015 record: 5-11
Needs: OL, CB, OLB, WR
Baltimore has issues along its offensive line and at cornerback, but can fill a void by adding Floyd. The Ravens — whom Mel Kiper projects to draft Ohio State DE Joey Bosa — get a pure pass rusher in Floyd, who might need to bulk up a bit, who is as versatile as he is explosive.
NO. 7 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: DAK PRESCOTT, QB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
2015 record: 5-11
Needs: QB, ILB, OT, WR
San Francisco isn’t sure what to do with Colin Kaepernick. Might as well go with an upgraded model in dual-threat Prescott. The Mississippi State quarterback has seen his draft stock climb and could up his value with a strong Combine.
The Niners need a stark upgrade at right tackle, but they need a fresh start at quarterback even more. Prescott is the way to go, in this instance.
NO. 8 MIAMI DOLPHINS: REGGIE RAGLAND, ILB, ALABAMA
2015 record: 6-10
Needs: CB, ILB, OT, OG
The Dolphins have several pressing needs, among them finding new blood to spur some competition at cornerback and on the offensive line. Drafting Ragland would fill a slot and give the Fins a true “thumper,” as Kiper put it.
If Ragland can add some weight and prove he can be effective in passing situations on the NFL level, then the Tide alum could be a steal for Miami.
NO. 9 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: JARRAN REED, DT, ALABAMA
2015 record: 6-10
Needs: DE, CB, S, OG
The Buccaneers could use Robert Nkemdiche on the edge but score at No. 9 by landing Reed, who ranked as the nation’s top run-stuffer this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Bucs have a new defensive coordinator in Mike Smith. Adding Reed alongside Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy anchors the inside of their 4-3 attack.
NO. 10 NEW YORK GIANTS: ROBERT NKEMDICHE, DE, OLE MISS
2015 record: 6-10
Needs: DE, LB, DB, WR
Nkemdiche and Jason Pierre-Paul can swap offseason incident stories in the New York locker room. Nkemdiche — arrested on a marijuana possession charge and injured falling from a hotel window — might be the biggest steal of the SEC draft at No. 10 for the Giants and the potential replacement for the troubled Pierre-Paul.
At the very least, he’d provide some depth at the position where the Giants struggled after Pierre-Paul’s July fireworks accident.
He can also compare Egg Bowl stories with Eli Manning, of course.
NO. 11 CHICAGO BEARS: DEION JONES, OLB, LSU
2015 record: 6-10
Needs: OLB, OT, DL, QB
Deion “Debo” Jones’ stock is on the uptick after Mel Kiper dubbed the LSU outside linebacker as one of the fastest climbing prospects heading into the NFL Scouting Combine. Jones needs to bulk up, but has “Derrick Brooks” type talent, according to the ESPN analyst. The Bears could certainly use a Brooks type as they look to reinvent their linebacker position.
NO. 12 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: JONATHAN BULLARD, DL, FLORIDA
2015 record: 7-9
Needs: DL, OLB, CB, OG
The Saints’ defensive front needs to produce more pressure on quarterbacks. Fortunately Bullard — the best interior lineman against the run in college football in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus — is available at this slot.
The Florida defensive end tallied 6.5 sacks. He can, and has, lined up at defensive tackle in the 4-3 system, making his versatility ideal for the Saints. Bullard isn’t the quickest guy, but he more than makes up for it in tenacity.
NO. 13 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: SHON COLEMAN, OT, AUBURN
2015 record: 7-9
Needs: QB, OL, S, DE
If Philadelphia doesn’t get some help along its offensive line, it’s not going to matter who is under center. Pro Football Focus ranked Coleman ahead of Tunsil among tackles. The Auburn alum allowed just 11 pressures all season long and could be a nice start for Philadelphia as it attempts to rebuild its offensive line.
NO. 14 OAKLAND RAIDERS: JALEN MILLS, CB, LSU
2015 record: 7-9
Needs: CB, S, OL, LB
Oakland’s secondary is porous, at best, especially with the retirement of Charles Woodson. Mills could make an instant impact on the unit. He impressed during Senior Bowl week, showing big strides in his recovery from a fractured fibula suffered during the preseason.
Mills, who was forced to primarily play safety at LSU, will likely return to his natural cornerback position in the NFL — making him a versatile option for any ailing secondary.
NO. 15 LOS ANGELES RAMS: PHAROH COOPER, WR, SOUTH CAROLINA
2015 record: 7-9
Needs: QB, WR, C, DB
That Cooper finished just 163 yards shy of his first-team All-SEC sophomore season numbers, considering South Carolina’s revolving door of dysfunction at quarterback in 2015, is something that’s been vastly overlooked.
Cooper finished fifth in the SEC in receiving yards in 2015, but just 180 yards shy of conference-leader Treadwell and behind three other players who each played at least one extra postseason game. Cooper is a playmaker that the Rams need after a string of recently-drafted wide receivers who haven’t panned out.
NO. 16 DETROIT LIONS: MALCOLM MITCHELL, WR, GEORGIA
2015 record: 7-9
Needs: OT, WR, CB, ILB
With Calvin Johnson’s retirement in limbo, Detroit needs insurance in case their top weapon has pulled off his pads for the final time. Mitchell isn’t the flashiest name and he certainly isn’t Megatron, but his steady hands and ability to get open could make him a favorite target of fellow Georgia alum Matthew Stafford.
Mitchell opened some eyes during Senior Bowl week. As far as personalities go, Mitchell is a role model-type player, graduating from UGA with 4.0 GPA and having already published a children’s book. He’d be a breath of fresh air in Detroit.
NO. 17 ATLANTA FALCONS: KENTRELL BROTHERS, LB, MISSOURI
2015 record: 8-8
Needs: DL, S, ILB
Atlanta is looking for leaders and playmakers on defense. Brothers can satisfy both needs. Brothers led the nation in tackles (152). He excels at moving from sideline-to-sideline, and could be a nice infusion for a Falcons defense that has to deal with Cam Newton and Jameis Winston twice a year.
NO. 18 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: VADAL ALEXANDER, RT, LSU
2015 record: 8-8
Needs: OL, OLB, CB, FS
The Colts need help along the right side of their line and Alexander might very well be the guy to come to the rescue. The LSU right tackle has smarts and good size (6-6, and 342 pounds. Franchise quarterback — and Stanford product — Andrew Luck would appreciate both qualities.
Alexander helped his draft stock with a solid showing during Senior Bowl week. He could offer some stability for Indy’s maligned right side.
NO. 19 BUFFALO BILLS: DOMINICK JACKSON, RT, ALABAMA
2015 record: 8-8
Needs: RT, DL, WR, LB
Rex Ryan and Buffalo don’t get a shot at Alexander but might get the better end of the deal as Jackson fall to them at No. 19. Jackson led all SEC tackles with a +12.2 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed just 12 pressures (second-best in the conference).
In doing so, he’d once again replace Cyrus Kouandjio, the man he followed at Alabama. Kouandjio and Seantrel Henderson have failed to lock down the position for Buffalo.
NO. 20 NEW YORK JETS: JORDAN JENKINS, OLB, GEORGIA
2015 record: 10-6
Needs: OLB, OL, TE, QB
In Jenkins, the Jets not only take one of the premier conference talents remaining but also fill a void in the process. A key missing ingredient on last year’s Jets defense was an outside rushing presence, which Jenkins would give them. He has great size (6-3, 247) and the stamp-of-approval of the NFL Network’s Mike Mayock. And the rich New York defense gets richer.
NO. 21 WASHINGTON REDSKINS: MIKE MATTHEWS, C, TEXAS A&M
2015 record: 9-7
Needs: C, DL, WR, CB
Washington needs help at center and luckily for them the SEC’s top-rated player at the position, at least according to Pro Football Focus, is still available. Matthews led the conference in pass block efficiency (99.2 percent) for Texas A&M, better than Alabama’s Kelly, who is regarded by many as the top center in the draft.
The Aggies get a steal here and a building block for whomever is under center for the franchise next season.
NO. 22 HOUSTON TEXANS: ALEX COLLINS, RB, ARKANSAS
2015 record: 9-7
Needs: QB, DE, RB, TE
Arian Foster has been a vital part of the Texans, but injuries might have signaled the beginning of the end for the All-Pro running back.
Houston surprises some with this pick, traveling up the road to pluck Collins out of Arkansas. Collins is slightly smaller than Foster, but employs a similar bruising running style that saw him become the third player in SEC history to start his career with three consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons.
Collins, and not Heisman-winner Derrick Henry of Alabama, is the first running back from the SEC off the board.
NO. 23 MINNESOTA VIKINGS: JERALD HAWKINS, LT, LSU
2015 record: 11-5
Needs: OT, OG, WR, S
Jerald Hawkins has declared the nagging foot injury that he played with this season to be fully healed as he heads into the NFL Scouting Combine. That could be great news for the Vikings in this spot, who need help protecting young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Despite the injury, Hawkins had a solid junior season and if truly healthy could be a quality pick for Minnesota, which tied for seventh last year in sacks allowed.
NO. 24 CINCINNATI BENGALS: KEANU NEAL, S, FLORIDA
2015 record: 12-4
Needs: WR, NT, LB, C
Cincy gets a hard hitter who is a staunch defender against the run. The move also adds depth, in case Cincinnati loses safeties George Iloka and or Reggie Nelson to free agency. Neal had 96 tackles this season and added an interception. A few hard hits in Paul Brown Stadium and Neal could become more popular in Cincinnati than the chili.
NO. 25 PITTSBURGH STEELERS: HUNTER HENRY, TE, ARKANSAS
2015 record: 10-6
Needs: CB, S, OG, TE
Heath Miller’s retirement hasn’t altered Pittsburgh’s draft preparations, but it does open a spot to add a dynamic playmaker at tight end. Henry employs a hard-nosed style that you can easily see making him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
Henry was regarded among the top tight ends in the nation this year, hauling in 739 yards and 3 touchdowns as a central figure in Arkansas’ passing game.
NO. 26 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: WILL REDMOND, CB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
2015 record: 10-6
Needs: OT, CB, WR, DT
The Seahawks roll the dice on Redmond, who’s career at Mississippi State ended with an ACL injury just six games into his senior year. Redmond posted solid numbers (99 tackles, 5 interceptions) in just 27 career games — fueling speculation that the Bulldogs’ season turned south with his wounded knee.
Injuries are a concern for Redmond, but, if healthy, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks could walk away with a draft day steal and some needed depth for their vaunted secondary.
NO. 27 GREEN BAY PACKERS: ANTONIO MORRISON, OLB, FLORIDA
2015 record: 10-6
Needs: ILB, OLB, OT, TE
Clay Matthews needs help at linebacker, so the Packers provide it. They select Morrison, which allows Matthews to move inside.
Morrison , eschewing the outside position to a man who registered 103 tackles in 2015, 12.0 for loss in 2015 with the Gators.
His reconstructed knee is a concern; Morrison tore is ACL in the 2014 Birmingham Bowl. He returned healthy eight months later and played in all 14 games as a senior.
NO. 28 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: DENVER KIRKLAND, OL, ARKANSAS
2015 record: 11-5
Needs: OL, WR, DL, OLB
Kirkland, who played guard and tackle at Arkansas, adds the help that Kansas City seeks at the tackle position. The big-bodied Arkansas lineman (6-5, 344) allows Andy Reid to move Jah Reid (no relation) back to a guard position and gives K.C. a solid foundation for its line.
NO. 29 ARIZONA CARDINALS: JERELL ADAMS, TE, SOUTH CAROLINA
2015 record: 13-3
Needs: S, OLB, CB, TE
Like his Gamecocks teammate Cooper, Adams, in large part, flew under the radar this season. The Cardinals add the tight end and instantly give Carson Palmer a big (6-6, 236), reliable target. Adams put his freak-of-nature ability on display during Senior Bowl week and should impress scouts even more at the Combine. Arizona gets a steal here.
NO. 30 CAROLINA PANTHERS, RASHARD ROBINSON, CB, LSU
2015 record: 15-1
Needs: OT, DE, DB, RB
Robinson’s maligned LSU career ended much earlier than expected. But that doesn’t prevent Carolina from taking a flier on the troubled cornerback.
His talent is unquestionable, but character issues, mostly stemming from his arrest for unlawful entry and dismissal from the team, will haunt him. Still the Panthers are a forgiving organization and Robinson’s addition improves their depth if he can prove he’s matured.
NO. 31 DENVER BRONCOS: JOHN THEUS, LT, GEORGIA
2015 record: 12-4
Needs: OT, QB, OG, TE
Denver needs help protecting its quarterback in 2016. Theus was one of more-dominating left tackles in the SEC in 2015 and could form the building blocks of an offensive line that keeps the Broncos playoff-bound with or without Peyton Manning. In Theus, the Super Bowl champs get a reliable brick wall of a human (6-6, 317) who started 48 games in Athens.
Note: The New England Patriots do not have a first-round pick in 2016.
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
