How far will Laremy Tunsil fall in NFL draft?

The closer we get to the 2016 NFL draft, the less Laremy Tunsil’s friends and family can expect to find under the Christmas tree.

Not too long ago, the Ole Miss left tackle sat atop just about every mock draft with his name next to “Tennessee Titans.”

Then all hell broke loose. The Rams traded up to No. 1 and the Eagles traded up to No. 2. That made Carson Wentz and Jared Goff a virtual lock to be the first players taken in the draft.

Now the best Tunsil can hope for is to be drafted third by the Chargers. But he could be picked even later. Let’s take a look at just how far we have to go before we find Tunsil’s draft floor.

No. 3: Chargers

The Chargers are a strong possibility for Tunsil. They allowed 40 sacks last season and used 24 different offensive line combinations, according to ESPN.com. Left tackle King Dunlap suffered various injuries and played in only seven games. However, cornerback/safety hybrid Jalen Ramsey was closely linked with the Chargers in mock drafts before the first and second picks were dealt. They might decide that despite Tunsil’s availability it’s still more important to replace Eric Weddle.

No. 4: Cowboys

If Tunsil gets past the Chargers at No. 3, he’ll probably slip by the Cowboys, too. Pro Football Focus has ranked the Cowboys offensive line the best in the NFL for two straight years. Tunsil might be the best player available, but the Cowboys need more help on defense and Myles Jack and/or Joey Bosa will still be on the board.

No. 5: Jaguars

Luke Joeckel, the Jaguars’ first-round pick in 2013, is in danger of becoming a bust at left tackle. The Jaguars signed Kelvin Beachum as insurance, but the former Steeler is coming off a torn ACL. The Jaguars could snap up Tunsil if he’s there at No. 5, although their offensive line needs are more on the interior. They also might focus on defense after ranking 29th against the pass and 24th overall in 2015. If the Chargers stick with Ramsey and the Cowboys and Jaguars take Myles Jack and Joey Bosa in whatever order, then Tunsil falls out of the top five.

No. 6: Ravens

Left tackle Eugene Monroe missed 10 games with a shoulder injury in 2015. The Ravens could use depth at the position or perhaps even a little competition for Monroe, who hasn’t played a full 16 games since coming from Jacksonville in 2013. If Tunsil falls to No. 6, it’s hard to see Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome pass on the player who almost certainly would be the best remaining player on the board. Then again, the Ravens do have a need at cornerback after intercepting a league-low six passes last season. Vernon Hargreaves III probably will be sitting in the green room when the Ravens are on the clock.

No. 7: 49ers

We’ll stop the madness right here and say that this is Tunsil’s floor. Either Chip Kelly will have a rare lapse of common sense and see that Tunsil is a steal at No. 7 or some team will see that Tunsil is sliding and trade up in an effort to get him. Now that the 49ers are out of the running for one of the top two quarterbacks, they might be willing to bail out of the No. 7 spot.

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