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NFL Draft Primer 2016

California quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with fans after California defeated Air Force 55-36 in the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
(The Associated Press)

Are you ready for some football?

I mean a bunch of men sitting around a conference table wearing khakis and team-branded polo shirts, deciding the futures of more than 250 former collegians who’ve decided to make football their livelihood is the closest thing we have to actual football this time of year.

On Thursday, the NFL Draft kicks off with its first round in prime time, and we’ll finally see what these general managers have been keeping so close to their vests.

Not ready? Don’t worry. I have you covered. Here’s a crash course in all the first-day possibilities:

1. Los Angeles Rams

Likely pick: Jared Goff (QB, California, Jr.)

There’s not a quarterback in this draft class who is worthy of the top overall pick, but the market wants what it wants. Pocket presence, performance under pressure and Pac-12 experience make Goff a better fit for the Rams.

Plan B: Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota St., Sr.)

Goff is almost certainly the pick, but Wentz is more athletic with a stronger arm.

Wild card: None.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

Likely pick: Wentz

Wentz won’t have to start right away. The Eagles have Sam Bradford (assuming he isn’t traded) and Chase Daniels so the rookie can marinate.

Plan B: Goff

The Eagles will obviously be happy with either QB or they wouldn’t have made the trade before draft day.

Wild card: None

3. San Diego Chargers

Likely pick: Jalen Ramsey (DB, Florida St., Jr.)

I consider Ramsey an upgrade over Eric Weddle. (Did I just commit blasphemy?)

Plan B: Offensive tackle

The offensive line still concerns me. Either Laremy Tunsil (OT, Ole Miss, Jr.) or Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame, Jr.) would be a significant upgrade.

Wild card: Trade down

The Jaguars covet Ramsey. The Chargers could move down a few spots, land some extra picks and still get their offensive tackle.

4. Dallas Cowboys

Likely pick: Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio St., Jr.)

Elliott brings big-play ability from the tailback position, is an effective receiver out of the backfield and has proven to be outstanding in pass protection. He gained more than 1,000 yards last season after contact. Let that sink in.

Plan B: Ramsey

The Cowboys would likely take Ramsey if he’s available. The very reason the Jaguars might feel compelled to leapfrog them by making a deal with the Chargers.

Wild card: Trade down

A quarterback has been in play this entire draft process. The Cowboys could move back, stockpile picks and target Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis, Jr.)

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Likely pick: Myles Jack (OLB, UCLA, Jr.)

The Jaguars brush off knee concerns to take one of the few truly special players in this draft class.

Plan B: Defensive line

Selecting Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio St., Jr.) or DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon, Sr.) to pair with Dante Fowler, Jr., their recovering first round draft pick from a year ago, would form a powerful combination off the edge.

Wild card: Ramsey

They really want Ramsey.

6. Baltimore Ravens

Likely pick: Bosa

GM Ozzie Newsome wins the draft again. It’s rare the Ravens pick this high, but Newsome makes it count by landing the best all-around defensive lineman in this draft class.

Plan B: Offensive tackle

Either Tunsil or Stanley would provide upgraded protection for franchise quarterback Joe Flacco.

Wild card: Trade down

The Ravens have focused on pass rushers during the draft process. Trading down to target someone like Noah Spence (OLB/DE, Eastern Kentucky, Jr.) wouldn’t surprise me.

7. San Francisco 49ers

Likely pick: Tunsil

The 49ers combine a four leaf clover with a rabbit’s foot to land potentially the best player in the draft here. Tunsil has the feet, quickness and agility to be a star right away.

Plan B: Buckner

Chip Kelly actually recruited the massive (6-foot-7, 295 pounds) defensive lineman to Oregon. GM Trent Balke shares Kelly’s draft philosophy of “size matters.”

Wild card: Lynch

The Colin Kaepernick saga continues.

8. Cleveland Browns

Likely pick: Buckner

The Browns take the best player available approach for once.

Plan B: Trade down

One of the basic tenets of analytics is stockpile draft picks. The more, the merrier.

Wild card: Elliott

It would be hard to pass on the dynamic running back if he’s available.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Likely pick: Vernon Hargreaves III (CB, Florida, Jr.)

Hargreaves is pro-ready, and the best player at his position since Patrick Peterson in 2011. (I believe Ramsey will find a home at safety in the NFL)

Plan B: Offensive tackles

I can’t imagine Tunsil would still be available, but Stanley might. Why not add a franchise tackle to their franchise quarterback (Jameis Winston) from a year ago.

Wild card: Defensive end

Buckner is in play here. So is Bosa. If he somehow falls this far, this is where the slide ends.

10. New York Giants

Likely pick: Stanley

Stanley could have easily been a Top 10 selection last draft. An NFL strength program should put the finishing touches on this already polished prospect.

Plan B: Darron Lee (OLB, Ohio St., So.)

The Giants haven’t selected a linebacker in the first round since Carl Banks over three decades ago. Lee is a special athlete who fits their scheme.

Wild card: Elliott

Say it with me: It would be hard to pass on the dynamic running back if he’s available.

11. Chicago Bears

Likely pick: Shaq Lawson (DE, Clemson, Jr.)

Vic Fangio’s defense works when it can generate a pass rush with the front four. Lawson showed some serious explosion in Indianapolis at the combine and he’s not too shabby against the run either.

Plan B: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia, Jr.)

Floyd could be this draft class’ best pure pass rusher.

Wild card: Elliott

One more time: It would be hard to pass on the dynamic running back if he’s available.

12. New Orleans Saints

Likely pick: Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville, Sr.)

The Saints defense was simply awful, specifically because they were unable to generate any meaningful pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Rankins is the disruptive force from the interior the Saints are lacking.

Plan B: Laquan Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss, Jr.)

It would surprise me if the Saints first few picks don’t come from the defensive side of the football, but their offense is in desperate need for a big target at the receiver position to enhance their red zone attack.

Wild card: Lynch

Drew Brees can’t play forever. This would be an ideal situation for a raw prospect like Lynch.

13. Miami Dolphins

Likely pick: Lee

The Dolphins are lacking play-makers at the linebacker position. Lee’s performance at the combine confirmed his freakish athleticism.

Plan B: Cornerback

Eli Apple (CB, Ohio St., So.) or William Jackson III (CB, Houston, Sr.) would both be upgrades.

Wild card: Trade up for Elliott

The Dolphins name have been synonymous with the dynamic running back for most of this draft process.

14. Oakland Raiders

Likely pick: Reggie Ragland (ILB, Alabama, Sr.)

Pairing Ragland with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin would create a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Plan B: Cornerback

The Raiders need someone to pair with David Amerson. Apple and Jackson III would both be in play here.

Wild card: Trade up

If knee concerns cause Jack to fall, the Raiders could get involved.

15. Tennessee Titans

Likely pick: Jack Conklin (OT, Michigan St., Jr.)

There are physical limitations, but an impeccable technique more than makes up for them. Conklin will start at right tackle from day one.

Plan B: Taylor Decker (OT, Ohio St., Sr.)

It’s been obvious the Titans want to sure up the protection of their franchise quarterback (Marcus Mariota) going forward.

Wild card: Trade up for Stanley

The Titans have plenty of ammunition to move up. They have reportedly had Stanley as the top tackle on their draft board for most of the draft process.

16. Detroit Lions

Likely pick: Jarran Reed (DT, Alabama, Sr.)

The Lions have lost a lot of talent on the defensive line over the past two seasons. Reed was the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide’s vaunted defensive line.

Plan B: Offensive tackle

The Lions would likely prefer Conklin if he’s available. Decker is a possibility as well.

Wild card: Treadwell

You can’t really replace Calvin Johnson, but Treadwell would be a step in the right direction.

17. Atlanta Falcons

Likely pick: Floyd

The Falcons are desperate to upgrade their linebacking corps.

Plan B: Inside linebacker

The Falcons would do back flips if Lee or Ragland are available.

Wild card: Safety

With only five draft picks to work with, the Falcons must address positions of need. Arguably the biggest position of concern outside of linebacker is safety. Keanu Neal (SS, Florida, Jr.) is a possibility.

18. Indianapolis Colts

Likely pick: Decker

If the Colts want to compete for a championship, they have to keep Andrew Luck upright. He was running scared 95 percent of his drop backs last season.

Plan B: Ryan Kelly (C, Alabama, Sr.)

This may be a little high for a center, but the Colts must prioritize Luck’s health and Kelly was the best in the nation.

Wild card: Pass rusher or safety

I’d be shocked if the Colts don’t address the offensive line on Thursday. If their targets happen to be off the board and they can’t find a trade partner, Floyd and Neal would represent upgrades to two positions of need.

19. Buffalo Bills

Likely pick: Treadwell

Treadwell has recovered nicely from last season’s gruesome leg injury. His potential at the next level? Think a middle class Dez Bryant or Julio Jones. He’d form a dynamic duo with Sammy Watkins.

Plan B: Spence or Robert Nkemdiche (DT, Ole Miss, Jr.)

The Ryan brothers won’t be scared off by off-the-field issues when it comes to serious potential on the defensive side of the ball.

Wild card: Lynch or trade down

This could be the spot for teams at the start of the second round to trade up for Lynch if he’s still on the board.

20. New York Jets

Likely pick: Spence

It’s a scary thought picturing Spence in Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme.

Plan B: Lynch

Ryan Fitzpatrick is still unsigned.

Wild card: Wide receiver

Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker proved to be one of the NFL’s best receiving duos last season, but their isn’t much behind them. The Jets reportedly favor Josh Doctson (WR, TCU, Sr.) and Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame, Jr.).

21. Washington Redskins

Likely pick: Vernon Butler (DT, Louisiana Tech, Sr.)

Washington surrendered 123 yards per game on the ground – 26th in the NFL – during the regular season. They didn’t improve against Green Bay during a wild-card loss. Butler can push the pocket as well as attack one gap or play two to meet responsibilities as a run defender.

Plan B: Ragland

Did you see how bad the Redskins were against the run? If Ragland is available it would be hard to pass.

Wild card: Kelly

The Redskins will be targeting the center position early in this draft.

22. Houston Texans

Likely pick: Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor, Jr.)

Many considered Coleman the best deep threat in the nation. His pairing with DeAndre Hopkins would create some serious match-up issues for defensive coordinators.

Plan B: Fuller

Fuller is the only receiver I’d put in Coleman’s class as a deep threat.

Wild card: Kevin Dodd (DE, Clemson, Jr.)

The Texans paid attention to the Broncos Super Bowl run.

23. Minnesota Vikings

Likely pick: Doctson

Only Treadwell’s ball skills compare to Doctson. It’s scary to think of the play-action possibilities Teddy Bridgewater will face with this addition.

Plan B: Treadwell

There’s an outside chance he falls here.

Wild card: Safety

Neal or Karl Joseph (SS, West Virginia, Sr.) would fill a serious void in the Vikings secondary.

24. Cincinnati Bengals

Likely pick: Fuller

Fuller’s speed game makes him the perfect compliment to A.J. Green.

Plan B: Doctson

My gut tells me the Bengals take Doctson if he’s still available.

Wild card: Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio St., Jr.)

The Bengals seriously need a wide out. There has been no indication they’d consider another position at this spot.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers

Likely pick: Apple

Apple is raw, but he’s a big corner who likes to get physical and utilize his natural instincts. His performance in Indy confirmed he is worthy of being selected this high.

Plan B: Jackson III

The Steelers need significant upgrades to their secondary.

Wild card: Trade down

A trade down to target either Neal or Joseph at safety would be a prudent move.

26. Seattle Seahawks

Likely pick: Nkemdiche

Pete Carroll won’t let past off-the-field issues stand in the way of the Seahawks landing one of the most talented defensive lineman in this draft class.

Plan B: Kelly

The Seahawks have featured a mediocre offensive line the past few seasons. Kelly would be the perfect replacement for Max Unger, who they traded to the Saints last year.

Wild card: Trade down

The Seahawks are obviously allergic to the first round. Their last first round pick was Bruce Irvin in 2012.

27. Green Bay Packers

Likely pick: Andrew Billings (DT, Baylor, Jr.)

The Packers do not necessarily have to replace B.J. Raji in a one-for-one way. They do need to find more assistance for Mike Daniels up front. Billings can plug the middle or slide out to three- or five-techs.​

Plan B: Inside linebacker

If Lee or Ragland last this long, the Packers will likely go in that direction. They need someone who will allow Clay Matthews to play outside in his natural position.

Wild card: Hunter Henry (TE, Arkansas, Jr.)

Henry is the best tight end in this draft and would be a fortunate soul to land with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.

28. Kansas City Chiefs

Likely pick: Jackson III

Jackson III possesses a good size/speed combination and represents the best value pick here.

Plan B: Chris Jones (DT, Mississippi St., Jr.)

In its biggest games, the Chiefs pass rush was almost non-existent. Jones needs polish, but he was an absolute force against Power-5 competition last season.

Wild card: Jason Spriggs (OT, Indiana, Sr.)

Despite using high draft picks on the offensive line recently, it still needs improvement.

29. Arizona Cardinals

Likely pick: Kelly

Adding a dominant center could enhance the Cardinals offensive line into an elite group. Kelly’s knowledge and instincts are second to none, and his athleticism is top notch. He hasn’t allowed a sack in two seasons.

Plan B: Safety

One of the best secondaries in the NFL has been struck by the injury bug. Neal would be a solid choice.

Wild card: Lynch

Carson Palmer can’t play forever and head coach Bruce Arians prefers big quarterbacks. The Memphis prospect is 6-foot-7, 244 pounds.

30. Carolina Panthers

Likely pick: Dodd

The re-signing of veteran Charles Johnson was a key offseason move, but the Panthers still need a long-term solution as the every-down defensive end opposite Kony Ealy.

Plan B: Offensive tackle

The offensive line was much better than I expected last season, but I wouldn’t count on a repeat showing. Spriggs or Germain Ifedi (OT, Texas A&M, Jr.) would both fit.

Wild card: Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama, Jr.)

Jonathan Stewart is 29 years old and counts $8,250,000 against the 2017 salary cap. GM Dave Gettleman has a history of releasing older skill players (see: Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams) before their contracts expire.

31. Denver Broncos

Likely pick: Lynch

I doubt Lynch will be available here. I imagine there are at least a few teams who could leapfrog the Broncos to land raw prospect. Regardless, the Broncos are guaranteed to draft a quarterback early.

Plan B: Cody Whitehair (OG, Kansas St., Sr.)

Regardless of the quarterback, the Broncos will need to upgrade their interior offensive line. Whitehair may be the “safest” pick on the offensive line in this draft.

Wild card: Trade up

If they really are enamored with Lynch, they’ll likely have to move up to get him.

NOTE: New England was stripped of a first round pick in the 2016 draft for the team’s role in the deflated footballs scandal.