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

The Chicago Bears upgraded the linebacker unit with the signings of Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman so they don’t need to take Reggie Ragland or roll the dice on a health-risk like Jaylon Smith in the first round. The Bears could take an offensive tackle like Jack Conklin or a receiver like Corey Coleman but think taking the best defensive player available is the best bet for GM Ryan Pace.

Taking A’Shawn Robinson is a low-risk move and maybe a boring one for Bears fans, but he adds depth to the defensive line and could push Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton for a roster spot after lackluster beginnings to their career for the former second and third round picks.

The New Orleans allowed 45 passing touchdowns last year, nine more than the second-worst pass defense in the NFL and need a shutdown corner in the secondary. Mackensie Alexander can be a shutdown corner after shutting down ACC receivers the last two years at Clemson.

With Cam Newton, Jameis Winston and Matt Ryan on the schedule six times a year, the Saints have to find a player who can slow down Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans and Julio Jones or they’re going to find themselves with another losing season.

The Miami Dolphins swapped Mario Williams in for Olivier Vernon but still need to add to their depth on the edge with Shaq Lawson. He led the nation in tackles for loss last year and stepped up in a big way for a Clemson defense that lost so much star power to the NFL and graduation last offseason. With Cameron Wake recovering from an Achilles injury, adding Lawson to the rotation provides insurance in case he’s slow to recover or a cap casualty in June.

Don’t look now but the Oakland Raiders are putting together a nice roster that should find themselves in contention for the AFC West and a playoff spot this season. The Raiders added Bruce Irvin in free agency to provide a pass rush opposite All-Pro Khalil Mack but can still use some push along the interior of the line, which is exactly what Sheldon Rankins can do. His ability to collapse the pocket will free Mack and Irvin on the edges and conversely the attention they receive on the edge gives Rankins opportunities to beat single blocking.

I had Carson Wentz going No. 2 after the combine and before free agency began but his fall stops here in this post-free agency mock. It’s not because he’s any less of a prospect, it’s just that there’s only one team who would need to take a QB with the No. 2 pick and the 49ers take the local product in Goff.

If he falls here, it would be a blessing for the Los Angeles Rams who need a long-term solution with Case Keenum and Nick Foles not long-term options. The Rams could be patient with Wentz while Keenum/Foles try not to get in the way of Todd Gurley until the FCS product is up to the NFL’s speed.

Next: Picks 16-20