*Unlike other mock drafts, this is a “what I would do” exercise. Not what I think the team will do, but what they should do. So you can really rip me if you hate this pick.

2016 NFL “What I Would Do” Mock Draft

1. Tennessee Titans: OT Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi
2. Cleveland Browns: S Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
3. San Diego Chargers: LB Myles Jack, UCLA
4. Dallas Cowboys: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: OTC

After three years as Jacksonville’s general manager, the results of David Caldwell’s draft decisions are still unclear. Luke Joeckel has been more disappointment than anything else in his three seasons, but there is still hope he could turn the corner. Blake Bortles was much improved last season, but inconsistencies still remain. Losing last year’s rookie selection Dante Fowler to a knee injury before the season began was a huge blow to the Jaguars pass rush, an area of the team that remains an issue heading into the 2016 draft.

Given the players that are off the board, Jacksonville really does have a pretty simple slate of options at no. 5. The team’s biggest needs are clearly on the defensive of the ball, where defensive end, linebacker, and cornerback remain areas of concern. With Ramsey and Jack off the board however, the Jaguars are probably faced with addressing their pass rush or trading down.

Trading down is fully dependent on what the teams behind Jacksonville are interested in moving up for, but I do think the Jaguars would be wise to keep their options open. WVU safety Karl Joseph, Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves, or even Ohio State LB Darron Lee could be targets for Jacksonville if the organization decides to move back in the order.

But if the Jaguars stay put, both Ohio State DE Joey Bosa and Clemson DE Shaq Lawson make sense in their defensive front. Some may think the acquisition of Malik Jackson in free agency negates the need for another edge rusher opposite Fowler, but the former Bronco plays his best football inside as a three or four tech. Even if Fowler’s return to form is gradual, either Lawson or Bosa’s presence would keep Jacksonville’s pass rush on point with their NFL-ready skill sets. By the way, I’ve ruled Noah Spence out here because the Jaguars would be looking for a bigger, strong side defensive end, and that isn’t Spence’s ideal role.

So Bosa or Lawson? For me, this is an exceptionally difficult decision. Both are excellent run defenders, with the length, power, and hand usage to stack/shed, beat up blockers, and be disruptive against opposing ground games. Bosa has a better first step as a pass rusher, but Lawson is really creative with an array of moves to get to the quarterback. He might have a bit higher upside, but Bosa’s ability to win with power at a high level makes him the superior player right now.

Jacksonville is really in a good spot with either player, as both can start and play significant roles as rookies. They may look at trading down, but ultimately I believe Bosa is the best pick for their organization in the first round. Lawson could certainly help as well, but I think Bosa’s well-rounded game, edge-setting ability, and power as a pass rusher makes him an ideal fit across from the explosive Fowler. With those two on the ends and Jackson inside, opposing offensive lines should have their hands full, especially on passing downs.

The Pick: EDGE Joey Bosa, Ohio State

The Baltimore Ravens are now on the clock. . .