The 2016 NFL Draft is now just hours away, and make no mistake about it, today is a great day to be a football fan. However, it's even a greater day to be a "draftnik."

With the NFL Draft back in Chicago and three trades already having taken place within the first eight picks, I'm here to offer some insights on this year's first round with the release of my 2016 final mock draft, which has become an annual staple of the Times News for the past 16 years and has been ranked as the most accurate mock draft in the industry over the past five years according to

www.thehuddlereport.com.So, without further adieu, here's how I see things unfolding tonight (before the first trade blows it all up):1. Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee) - Jared Goff (QB, California)… With professional football back in Los Angeles for the first time since 1994, the Rams needed to make a splash, and they did so by acquiring the #1 overall pick from Tennessee. This pick will be a quarterback. Goff (a Pac 12 product with a ton of big-school snaps and an in-state boost) will be the face of the franchise for the new old Rams.2. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland) - Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)… Just like last year, I'm 99.9% sure that quarterbacks will be going 1-2 in this year's draft. The Eagles have been enamored with Wentz during the entire draft process and they gave up a king's ransom to get their guy. The Eagles wouldn't have made this trade unless they knew who the Rams were taking at #1 (Goff). Wentz has a small school pedigree, but has a ton of athletic talent, is extremely bright, and brings a ton of intangibles off the field. In fact, he's never even gotten a "B" in school. That being said, the Eagles get an "A" for landing the best quarterback in this draft (in my opinion) and the guy they wanted all along.3. San Diego Chargers - Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame)… This pick will make or break mock drafts and I'm still very torn on which direction the Chargers will go. My initial thought was Jalen Ramsey (as a replacement for Eric Weddle), but then I realized that a defensive back hasn't been chosen in the top three since 1997 (Shawn Springs to Seattle). Then I penciled in DeForest Buckner because he obviously addresses a huge need along the defensive line. Finally, at the last minute, I bought into the hype and changed the pick to Ronnie Stanley. Chargers fans probably won't be too happy with this pick, but San Diego needs to afford better protection to Philip Rivers and run the ball better with last year's first round pick Melvin Gordon.4. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Ramsey (CB, Florida State)… If Ramsey doesn't go to San Diego, I truly believe the Cowboys would snatch him up here, considering he's the top player on their draft board. Dallas is definitely in need for pass rushers though, given the four-game suspensions by Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence to start the season. If Ramsey is gone, Joey Bosa makes a ton of sense here. Also keep an eye on Ezekiel Elliott as a sleeper pick, as Jerry Jones loves the stud running back.5. *** TRADE *** Tennessee Titans (from Jacksonville) - Laremy Tunsil (OT, Ole Miss)… I don't usually project trades in my mock drafts, but with six of the first 76 selections in this year's draft, the Titans have more than enough ammunition to wheel and deal (and basically get any player they want). It is well known that Tennessee wants an offensive lineman to protect Marcus Mariota, but the top three figure to be gone by the time they pick at #15. If the Titans would have stayed at #1, Laremy Tunsil very well could have been their selection, so to get a bounty of picks from the Rams and then to trade back up into the top 10 to get either Tunsil or Ronnie Stanley will be a feather in the cap of first-year General Manager Jon Robinson.6. Baltimore Ravens - Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)… It's hard to believe that the Wizard of Oz, Baltimore General Manager Ozzie Newsome, would turn down a cornerstone left tackle here if available (Laremy Tunsil or Ronnie Stanley), but the one thing the Ravens need in this draft above all else is defensive playmakers. I've had Tunsil penciled into this spot for weeks, but I'm starting to convince myself that the Ravens are focusing in on pass rushers with this pick.7. San Francisco 49'ers - DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon)… I truly believe that the 49'ers covet defensive end DeForest Buckner. Chip Kelly recruited him to Oregon, and we all know how much Kelly loves "his" Ducks, so if Buckner is still on the board, I think he's a no-brainer. However, San Francisco also needs to address its offensive line, so Laremy Tunsil or Ronnie Stanley would make perfect sense here also. I originally had Buckner going to San Diego and Stanley going to the 49'ers, but made a last-minute switcheroo based on late-breaking news.8. ***TRADE *** Miami Dolphins (from Cleveland) - Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)… I'm going against all my mock draft principles by projecting not only one, but two trades in the top 10. Cleveland's front office is analytics-based now, so accumulating more draft picks for a complete team rebuild may be the prudent thing to do. It is no secret that that Dolphins covet Elliott (after multiple failed attempts to land a running back in the offseason), it's just a matter of if they can get up to get him. In an ironic twist of fate, the #8 pick was originally Miami's before they traded it to the Eagles, who in turn traded it to Cleveland. In this mock draft, things come full circle and the Dolphins reclaim the pick that was originally theirs and get the guy they wanted all along. If the Dolphins stay put, I would think they'd be a looking at a bigger press cornerback like William Jackson III or Eli Apple.9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vernon Hargreaves (CB, Florida)… Tampa Bay is another ideal trade candidate for teams wanting to move up (for Elliott or an offensive tackle), but if the Buccaneers stay here, I think their focus needs to be on a cornerback or a pass rusher. With four franchise quarterbacks in the NFC South, I think it's imperative that you're able to play pass defense, which gives the lean to Hargreaves. Hargreaves was born in Tampa and wore "Tampa" cleats at his pro day, so this may be a homecoming of sorts for Hargreaves. However, I would not be the least bit surprised if we hear Leonard Floyd's name called with this selection.10. New York Giants - Leonard Floyd (LB, Georgia)… After using their last four first round picks on offensive players, the Giants should turn to the defensive side of the ball here instead of taking another offensive lineman. As hard as this may be to believe, the Giants haven't drafted a first round linebacker since taking Carl Banks in 1984. The Giants seem to have Floyd squarely on their radar, and he would definitely be a logical pick, but if Ezekiel Elliott is still on the board or a top offensive tackle, can they resist the temptation?11. Chicago Bears - Shaq Lawson (DE, Clemson)… All signs point to Chicago drafting a defensive player with this pick; however, if (and it's a big if) Elliott is still on the board here, Chicago may be very tempted. Defensively speaking though, this pick probably boils down to Lawson, Leonard Floyd or Sheldon Rankins. Lawson is a quarterback disrupter and one of the best edge pass rushers in this year's draft. If Lawson is the pick, he'd instantly upgrade a unit that has a glaring need for talent right now.12. New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville)… The Saints are desperate for pass rush help after ranking 31st in total defense and allowing an NFL record 45 touchdown passes last season. Great pass defense starts up front, so I would look for the Saints to shore up their defensive line by adding an edge rusher like Lawson or an interior rusher like Rankins. Honestly, I would be completely shocked if the Saints don't upgrade their defense with this pick.13. *** TRADE *** Cleveland Browns (from Miami) - Jack Conklin (OT, Michigan State)… When Cleveland traded picks with Philadelphia, I think they did so thinking that either Ronnie Stanley or Laremy Tunsil might be available. With both off the board, Cleveland has a chance to acquire more draft picks and still get a pretty good tackle in Jack Conklin as an eventual replacement for Joe Thomas. Really, Cleveland has so many holes to fill that they can go in a number of different directions with its first round pick (maybe even quarterback Paxton Lynch).14. Oakland Raiders - William Jackson III (CB, Houston)… The Raiders used to be the laughing stock of the NFL Draft, but not anymore. General Manager Reggie McKenzie has this team on the cusp of being a playoff contender. After taking a Houston cornerback in the first round three years ago (D.J. Hayden), the Raiders get a chance at a do-over for a bigger, faster model. Oakland can really go with the best player available here since they addressed most of their biggest needs in the offseason, but I think it'll ultimately be on the defensive side of the ball.15. *** TRADE *** Jacksonville Jaguars (from Tennessee from Los Angeles) - Myles Jack (LB, UCLA) … From a health standpoint, Myles Jack is the biggest question mark in this year's first round. He's a top-five pick that is very likely to slide down draft boards (and even out of the top 10 depending on how comfortable teams are with his knee condition). Jack to the Jaguars though is a match made in NFL heaven and he fits exactly what Jacksonville needs and is looking for in their front seven. He might be too risky to take at #5, but if they can trade down a few spots, he might be worth taking the chance on.16. Detroit Lions - Taylor Decker (OT, Ohio State)… Detroit is looking for upgrades in the trenches, so an offensive lineman like Taylor Decker or a defensive linemen like Sheldon Rankins, Jarran Reed or Shaq Lawson would make perfect sense. If Decker is still on the board, I think they fill their need at right tackle and look to address the defensive line (the deepest position in this draft) with picks on Friday.17. Atlanta Falcons - Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)… The Falcons want to address their defense with this pick and I firmly believe they have one player in particular in their crosshairs. Darron Lee is the fastest linebacker in this draft and he is such a great fit for their defense. The Falcons will be holding their breath hoping he drops to them, as Lee is versatile and can rush the passer as well as drop into coverage. This is a perfect marriage for player and team.18. Indianapolis Colts - Ryan Kelly (C, Alabama)… Since Andrew Luck got to Indianapolis, the Colts have been trying to fix their offensive line, but to no avail. They simply need to protect their franchise (Luck), and it starts with this pick. If Taylor Decker is still on the board, he's be a logical choice, but Ryan Kelly is soaring up draft boards and he'd be to Luck what Jeff Saturday was to Peyton Manning. If they opt for defense, a pass rusher could be in play.19. Buffalo Bills - Jarran Reed (DT, Alabama)… This pick is reserved for Rex Ryan's defense, and the Bills need to find a replacement for Mario Williams on their defensive line. Jarran Reed's name has been linked to the Bills in the days leading up to the draft and when there's smoke, there's usually fire. I'm buying the rumors, but Buffalo could really go anywhere in their front seven with this pick. Also, you can't rule out the Bills as a possible landing spot for Paxton Lynch.20. New York Jets - Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)… I'm not exactly sure what is going on with New York's quarterback situation, but the team and Ryan Fitzpatrick are playing hardball and they only have two unproven quarterbacks on their roster (Geno Smith and Bryce Petty). The Jets need to remedy this situation quickly, whether it is with Fitzpatrick or a draft pick. I don't know if Lynch will go here, but I do know two things - 1) I think he gets selected in the first round, and 2) Lynch is exactly the type of quarterback that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey loves to work with.21. Washington Redskins - A'Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)… The trade for Josh Norman takes the team out of the cornerback hunt with this pick, so I think the next priority for Washington is to address its defensive line. There are plenty of options available in this year's draft and two Alabama defensive tackles are standing out to me here (Jarran Reed and A'Shawn Robinson). General Manager Scot McCloughan likes big-bodied rushers and Robinson offers versatility to play both end and tackle. Also keep an eye out for West Virginia safety Karl Joseph.22. Houston Texans - Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)… This is where the wide receiver run should start. The Texans want a receiver with speed that can stretch the field opposite DeAndre Hopkins, so this pick should boil down to two players - Baylor's Corey Coleman or Notre Dame's Will Fuller. I've been going back and forth on who that player will ultimately be, but Coleman is the local product and the team appears to love what he brings to the table. Still wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Fuller is the pick though.23. Minnesota Vikings - Josh Doctson (WR, TCU)… For the Vikings, finding a number one receiver is the top priority and something the team didn't do in free agency, where the offensive line was the focus. Minnesota says they're not locked into taking a receiver here, but you need to give Teddy Bridgewater some pieces to work with. Laquon Treadwell is a popular pick to the Vikings in a lot of mock drafts, but I think he's going to slide a bit due to below average timed speed. Josh Doctson may give Minnesota more bang for its buck.24. Cincinnati Bengals - Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame)… The Bengals don't usually draft receivers in the first round and they may not even take one here, but I just have a hard time finding a more pressing need on a team that lost both Marvin Jones and Mo Sanu in free agency. Cincinnati values size and speed with its wide receivers so Corey Coleman and Laquon Treadwell don't seem to be ideal fits. If Josh Doctson is off the board, the Bengals shouldn't have a problem with taking Fuller, a burner who at 6-0 runs a sub 4.3 40.25. Pittsburg Steelers - Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)… The Steelers are desperate for help in the secondary, specifically at cornerback, so Eli Apple or William Jackson III would be two logical choices. Apple has a prototypical blend of skills that the Steelers look for in cornerbacks (size, length, speed, athleticism and toughness) so he would make a ton of sense. It would be the first cornerback the Steelers have taken in the opening round since Chad Scott in 1997.26. Seattle Seahawks - Germain Ifedi (OT, Texas A&M)… Seattle had serious issues along its offensive line last season, and that was before losing left tackle Russell Okung and starting guard J.R. Sweezy in free agency. Russell Wilson was running for his life last year, so reinforcements are definitely needed up front. Texas A&M has been a factory for churning out offensive linemen to the NFL in recent years and Ifedi might be the next in line. If it's not an offensive lineman, look for a defensive pass rusher to help replace some of Bruce Irvin's lost production.27. Green Bay Packers - Reggie Ragland (LB, Alabama)… The Packers are moving Clay Matthews back outside, so they are in need of an inside linebacker that can run and cover. Ragland might be the best inside backer in this year's draft, who could be there for the taking with this pick. Green Bay also needs to find a replacement for nose tackle B.J. Raji, so a defensive tackle could certainly be in play as well.28. Kansas City Chiefs - Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)… The Chiefs are one of the toughest teams for me to get a read on in the first round because they don't always draft for immediate need, but if Treadwell falls this far, Andy Reid needs to take a serious look at this year's consensus top wide receiver. A slow 40 time caused Treadwell to fall, but the Chiefs really don't need a burner with Jeremy Maclin on the field. Treadwell provides a big possession receiver opposite Maclin and he instantly makes this passing offense more dangerous.29. Arizona Cardinals - Robert Nkemdiche (DT, Ole Miss)… The Cardinals addressed their most glaring weakness by trading for Chandler Jones and upgrading their pass rush, so this feels like a "best player available" type of pick. The Cardinals have a veteran group of defensive linemen who could mentor a young player who has character concerns. This position is not a need for them (although Calais Campbell is in the last year of his contract), but Nkemdiche might be too talented to pass up this late in the first round.30. Carolina Panthers - Kevin Dodd (DE, Clemson)… The Panthers have a huge hole to fill at cornerback after losing Josh Norman, but I'm just not sure they fill it with their first round pick. It's a known fact that General Manager David Gettleman loves big guys, especially big guys that can rush the passer. While Kony Ealy is emerging, Charles Johnson is aging, so the Panthers should have no problem "dabbing" over Kevin Dodd.31. Denver Broncos - Karl Joseph (S, West Virginia)… First and foremost, the Broncos need to sort out their quarterback situation, so if he's still available, Paxton Lynch is definitely in play here. However, I still wouldn't close the door on veterans such as Colin Kaepernick or Sam Bradford. Joseph might not fill an immediate need for Denver, but coming off a torn ACL, he doesn't have to. Darian Stewart is in the final year of his contract and Joseph would make an awesome tag team partner for T.J. Ward in the back end of the Broncos defense. With Malik Jackson no longer in the picture, Denver could use a replacement along the defensive line as well.