Snap reactions on five teams that could get the most instant impact from their draft classes:
Jacksonville Jaguars
They got the draft’s best defensive back (Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey) in the first round and perhaps the best linebacker (UCLA’s Myles Jack) in the second, thanks to long-term concerns about Jack’s knee that shouldn’t affect his ability to produce as a rookie. Their next three picks were defensive players, too. Toss in the coming debut of last year’s first-round pick (end Dante Fowler, who missed his rookie year with a knee injury) and several notable free-agent additions (defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson, cornerback Prince Amukamara) and there are really no excuses if Gus Bradley’s defense doesn’t take a leap in 2016.
Los Angeles Rams
They’ve been a competent quarterback away for a couple years now, and they gave up a lot to move up to No. 1 for Cal’s Jared Goff. Coach Jeff Fisher said the goal is to have Goff ready to start Week 1, and that position can create a sea change like no other. Thanks to the mega-trade, the Rams didn’t have another pick until the fourth round, when they took Western Kentucky tight end Tyler Higbee – a massive target and potential value pick if his injury history and pending assault case don’t keep him off the field.
Houston Texans
They’ve spent their offseason upgrading the offense and did it again in the draft – with an emphasis on speed. Notre Dame receiver Will Fuller (No. 21 overall), Ohio State receiver Braxton Miller (third round) and San Jose State running back Tyler Ervin (fourth) all bring it, expanding coach Bill O’Brien’s weaponry around new quarterback Brock Osweiler. The Texans’ second-round pick, Notre Dame offensive lineman Nick Martin, figures as a Day 1 starter at center, too. Imagine what J.J. Watt and that defense can do if they can play with some leads.
Seattle Seahawks
They would’ve been happy to get run-stuffing Alabama defensive tackle Jarran Reed in the first round. Instead, the Seahawks traded down five spots to No. 31 and took Texas A&M’s Germain Ifedi, a versatile offensive lineman who figures to get a shot to start at right tackle. Then, they traded up in the second and scooped Reed at No. 49, too. A shoulder issue likely contributed to Reed being the last man out of the green room, but he’ll be ready for 2016. Seattle also stocked up on running backs – Notre Dame third-down threat C.J. Prosise (third round), Arkansas’ Alex Collins (fifth) and Clemson’s Zac Brooks (seventh) – as they try to figure out the division of labor in the post-Marshawn Lynch era.
Denver Broncos
The Super Bowl champions are going to give Memphis’ Paxton Lynch a shot to succeed Peyton Manning, even though Lynch has a lot to learn about running and functioning in an NFL offense. Considering what they overcame at the most important position a year ago, there’s reason to have faith in coach Gary Kubiak and his staff to find ways to take advantage of Lynch’s strong arm, physicality, rare athletic ability for his size and ability to extend plays. They moved up to get him in Round 1 for a reason. Coming off a knee injury, Georgia Tech defensive tackle Adam Gotsis (second round) is expected to be ready for camp. Rangy Boston College safety Justin Simmons was drafted with an eye on pairing him with physical veteran T.J. Ward. And Utah running back Devontae Booker could factor immediately as well.
Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero
