Mock Draft 2016: Quarterback’s drop in post-free agency mock draft

The Baltimore Ravens have the flexibility to go in a number of directions with the sixth pick but I think protecting Joe Flacco and adding some more help on the offensive line is the best way to go. Ronnie Stanley can play right away at either left or right tackle. With Flacco coming off a torn ACL that ended his season and the Ravens season, giving him as much protection as possible is never a bad idea.

I think this is one of the easiest teams to predict in this year’s draft. The San Francisco 49ers can’t pass on a quarterback in their own background again after famously passing on Aaron Rodgers a decade ago in favor of Alex Smith.

Goff enjoyed a record-breaking career at Cal where he was a three-year starter and threw more touchdowns than Marcus Mariota and more yards than any passer in a league known for its quarterbacks. Plus, he showed resiliency after a 1-11 season as a freshman to getting the Bears in a bowl game as a junior. That will be a positive trait for the rebuilding 49ers and new head coach Chip Kelly.

Just like the 49ers, predicting who the Philadelphia Eagles should take at No. 8 is pretty simple. After the trade of DeMarco Murray to the Titans, the team needs a featured back so they don’t have to rely solely on the injury-prone Ryan Matthews.

Elliott is one of the best players in the draft and should be in the Pro Bowl for years to come. He can do it all out of the backfield, including blocking as well as most fullbacks. The Eagles can pencil Elliott into the starting lineup for the next eight years and call it a day.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already added Brent Grimes in free agency, but they shouldn’t stop upgrading the secondary considering they play in a division with Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Adding the Florida Gators All-American corner gives them a player who can help slow down the passing attacks they’ll see six times a year in their own division. He was better as a sophomore than as a junior, but he has the ball skills and physical skills to be a difference maker for a long time.

The New York Giants allowed the most passing yards and had the third-fewest sacks last season so they were big spenders in free agency re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul, giving Olivier Vernon a record contract for a defensive end and stealing Damon Harrison away from the Jets.

I previously had Clemson DE Shaq Lawson in this spot but now I think they look to find a target opposite Odell Beckham Jr. with Victor Cruz‘ health a concern. Laquon Treadwell is the best receiver in the draft but questions will linger until he runs his 40 at his Pro Day later this month. Unless he bombs and runs a 4.7, I think Treadwell remains a top-10 prospect and a nice pick opposite Beckham for the G-Men.

Next: Picks 11-15