The Sports World News NFL Mock Draft reaches version 7.0 as we dig into the last 13 days before the draft kicks off. This is part one covering teams 1-16.
Sports World News NFL Mock Draft: 17-32
1. TRADE Atlanta Falcons (via Texans): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Of course this is subject to change, but the Falcons are rumored to be looking to acquire the No. 1 overall pick. I expect the Texans to select Clowney and hold onto him to see how the rest of the draft unfolds before dealing him. Clowney solves all the Falcon pass rush woes.
2. St. Louis Rams (via Redskins): Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The Rams may trade this pick, but Watkins or Khalil Mack and Watkins make the most sense for an offense lacking weapons. Watkins becomes the best receiver on the team and can help Tavon Austin develop.
3. TRADE Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
The Vikings take the QB race into their own hands and go get their guy. Bortles is the top rated QB by many and will serve well with Adrian Peterson in his backfield. Vikings have to roll the dice.
4. Cleveland Browns: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
It’s never a reach if a team believes the player they are selecting is a franchise changing player. Derek Carr has all the potential to be great and the Browns have rumored to love him since the beginning.
5. Oakland Raiders: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
The Raiders solve their need for a left tackle and get the No. 2 overall prospect in the process. Robinson has the most upside of the tackles and could end up being the best of the bunch. This isn't the sexiest pick the Raiders could make, but it will help in the long run.
6. Houston Texans (via Falcons): Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
The Texans stockpile the picks they want and get the player that fits their scheme the best. The Texans wouldn't make this move unless Mack is available at No. 6, but in this scenario it works out for both sides.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
I’m not a huge fan of mocking Manziel this high, but the latest is that that Bucs are interested in Manziel and would groom him behind Josh McCown for a year. Manziel lands in a stable situation with a great coach and solid atmosphere.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Vikings): Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Justin Blackmon is suspended indefinitely and is one more incident away from being out of football. The Jaguars can add their new No. 1 receiver or add a great No. 2 if Blackmon pans out. Now the Jaguars need to find someone to throw to them.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Bills get the second best tackle in the draft, but some would argue he is better than Robinson. Matthews has the pedigree to be a great left tackle and it eliminates a huge need for the Bills for the next decade.
10. Detroit Lions: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
There are so many picks the Lions could make at No. 10, but in this scenario Detroit solidifies its sketchy secondary. Clinton-Dix has the potential to be the steal at No. 10, but he has the potential to be the bust of the draft as well. The pick is high risk, high reward for the Lions.
11. Tennessee Titans: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
This is a surprise at this point in the draft, but Ken Whisenhunt loves his offensive weapons. The Titans drafted Jared Cook to be the big physical pass catching tight end, but he is gone and Delanie Walker is more of an overall weapon than a tight end. Ebron has the potential to be a safety net for Jake Locker
12. New York Giants: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Lewan is the third best of the top offensive tackles, but he would step in immediately and start for the Giants. Lewan has off the field issues that will have to be addressed, but the Giants have a strong core of leadership.
13. St. Louis Rams: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
I like Pryor more than Clinton-Dix, but they are as close as any two prospects at the same position. The Rams solidify their secondary with Pryor and they finally get an answer for a position that has been a hole for the Rams for years.
14. Chicago Bears: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
The Bears have said they aren't interested in Aaron Donald, which is a shame because he would fill a massive need. Justin Gilbert is fighting for the right to be the draft's top corner, but he has his critics. He could be the heir to the Bears' secondary when Charles Tillman's one-year deal runs out after this season. Until then Gilbert can take a backseat and gain experience.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
I haven’t been a big supporter of the Steelers taking an offensive player, but it is making more and more sense as time goes on. Pittsburgh has many needs on both sides of the ball, but getting an offensive playmaker like Beckham can mask some of those issues. The Steelers can grab defensive players the rest of the draft.
16. Dallas Cowboys: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Dallas takes their defensive tackle situation into their own hands and grab the top one in Donald. Donald is a freak athlete and makes the Cowboys better instantly and helps with the rebuild of the Dallas defensive line. He could be the player that makes Dallas forget DeMarcus Ware.
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