APC Mock Draft 2016: Dolphins replace Vernon with Lawson, Raiders grab Ragland

Acme Packing Company's 2016 mock draft continues on with picks five and six in round one, as we release the first-round picks over the course of this week. The rules were simple: seven authors were assigned four or five teams apiece, and made the picks for each of those teams whenever they came up. We will pick the first three rounds of the draft.

With the 13th and 14th picks, we find the defensive leaders for the two teams that played in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game going off the board.

Round 1, Pick 13: Miami Dolphins select Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

Representing the Dolphins for our exercise is Jason B. Hirschhorn:

For reasons that remain unclear, the Dolphins decided to allow rising edge rusher Olivier Vernon to walk in favor of signing aging defensive end Mario Williams. To correct that mistake, the team can draft Clemson's Shaq Lawson, the pass rusher with perhaps the highest ceiling in the class.

Lawson's frame (under 6-foot-3) could lend itself to Cameron Wake comparisons. However, Lawson carries more weight without losing his explosion. He could become a true field-tilter in Miami.

Round 1, Pick 14: Oakland Raiders choose Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

Mike Vieth did his Reggie McKenzie impression, making the picks for the Raiders. Here's what he had to say about this choice:

Reggie McKenzie continues his overhaul of the Raiders and gets the tough, hard-nosed inside linebacker that Oakland so desperately needs. Reggie Ragland has been compared to a throw back type on linebacker that will hit hard and stuff the run at the point of attack. His game speed is much more impressive than his numbers at the Combine and he makes good decisions on reading plays and then making the tackles on those plays. He might, initially, struggle in coverage as he is a more north and south type player but he'll learn quickly from Jack Del Rio's staff and adjust to the NFL without a problem.

Teaming Ragland up with superstar pass rusher Khalil Mack gives the Raiders a great 1-2 punch at the linebacker position. The power of Ragland and the speed of Mack will give offensive linemen fits and opponents will have to scheme around both players. The Raiders have done some good things with the draft and free agency over the past couple years and picking Ragland will give hope to Raider Nation that the dark days are behind them. Ragland will remind them of the playmaking linebackers of the past and bring in an era where the Oakland defense will be something to keep an eye on.

Mock Draft Summary