2016 NFL Mock Draft (1.0)
With the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine in the books, general managers across the league are beginning to further develop their draft boards as they benefit from getting an inside look at a majority of the prospects entering the 2016 NFL draft. Gridiron Experts will have a complete NFL Combine spread sheet for you shortly, but in the mean time I’ve been asked to take on our first NFL Mock Draft of the year.
While NFL teams are still far from finalizing their big boards, the combine can lead to small adjustments in a player’s draft stock if they fail to meet expectations in their measurements or if a prospect performed poorly in some of the bigger drills.
Cal quarterback Jared Goff and Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen may have dropped on some draft boards around the league due to their official hand size measurements. Goff and Allen measured in at 9 and 8 7/8 inches respectively.
Also, Alabama running back Derrick Henry easily saw a jump in his draft stock, as the 6’3”, 247 pound back earned a 4.54 official time in the 40-yard dash and broad jumped 130 inches. Though he is still expected to slip into the second-round, Henry’s show at the combine should have teams with a running back need licking their chops.
With that being said, the Scouting Combine did have an impact on where these prospects will ultimately land come April 28, but with free agency still ahead of us, we won’t have a clear idea of when some of these names will be called until some needs are filled in March.
Here is an updated mock draft based on team needs/scheme fit and how prospects performed in the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine.
1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil OT | Ole Miss
With former No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota still under center, the Tennessee Titans don’t have a reason to go after one of the top two quarterbacks in this class, and as a result, GM Jon Robinson is more than willing to fill some other holes on the roster by trading out of the No. 1 spot. If Robinson is unable to trade down in the draft, which is what seems most probable, expect him to make and effort to successfully protect Mariota’s blind side with Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Tunsil, a three-year starter at Ole Miss, is easily the top offensive tackle in this year’s class, as he is more than capable of shutting down speed rushers off the edge and powerful enough to anchor down against stronger, bull-rush types. At 6’5”, 310 pounds, Tunsil has the potential to develop into a strong run-blocker, but still needs to learn how to effectively use his lower body.
Tunsil would ultimately push former Michigan tackle over to the right side of the offensive line, as he is a Day 1 starter at left tackle.
2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff QB | California
Yes, North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz came out of the combine with a clear edge over California quarterback Jared Goff in terms of measureables and athleticism, but Goff still remains this year’s top quarterback. And with that being said, Cleveland can’t afford to gamble on a prospect with a lot of potential and upside if doing so would force them to bypass a polished quarterback like Goff.
Goff, unlike Wentz, has experience at an FBS level, as he was a three-year starter with Cal before entering the 2016 NFL draft. He is more than capable of making all of the throws and is highly regarded for his pocket presence and his ability to read defenses. Though he lacks experience under center, Goff should quickly learn to have success in an NFL offense under new head coach Hue Jackson.
3. San Diego Chargers: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Though Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa has been considered the top defensive lineman in this year’s class, Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner is not only a better scheme fit for San Diego, but he also could very well be the most balanced defensive end heading into the draft. With needs for an effective pass rusher and run defender, the Chargers would instantly benefit from Buckner at either of the two defensive end spots in their 3-4 defense.
At 6’7”, 291 pounds, Buckner is capable of using his length to create separation and shed offensive linemen in the run game. As a pass rusher, Buckner can beat his man with quickness of the snap or bully his way from the interior with good strength and hand use. Buckner will need to perfect these traits at the next level, but the amount of improvement we saw from him in comparison to 2014 and 2015 leads people to believe he is capable of continuing to develop in the NFL.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
With Greg Hardy expected to test the market and the question marks surrounding suspended defensive end Randy Gregory, the Dallas Cowboys desperately need help at the defensive end position. Bosa, who some consider the top overall prospect in this draft, has the potential to slip down to Dallas at No. 4, and if this ends up being the case, GM Jerry Jones should pounce on the opportunity to snag the former Buckeye.
Bosa is a high effort player who had a great deal of success at the college level, as he accumulated 21 sacks and 50.5 tackles for loss in three years with Ohio State. Bosa isn’t equipped with the ideal quickness necessary for him to develop into an elite speed rusher, but he still finds ways to get the quarterback due to his high motor and ability to use his hands. Though his production did drop in 2015, due in large part to the amount of attention he was given from opposing offenses, he still has all the tools necessary to make things happen in the NFL.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
If Tennessee chooses to overlook their needs in the secondary at the top of the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars could potentially watch one of the two top overall players in this class drop into their lap at the No. 5 spot.
Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey is often praised for his versatility, as he lined up at outside cornerback, nickel, and safety during his three years as a starter at FSU, but, to put it simply, he is a playmaker in the secondary. While he will predominantly line up at safety in the NFL, the Jaguars would highly benefit from his ability to make plays in both zone and man-coverage and his aggressive mentality in run support.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
After admitting to the media that running back Justin Forsett would “absolutely” be a part of the team in 2016, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has since hinted at the idea that they are not committing to Forsett as their starter in 2016.
“He [Forsett] understands everything we’re doing inside and out,” Harbaugh said via Jameson Hensley of ESPN.com. “I love him. But we’re going to put the guy out there that is gaining the most yards.”
Though Baltimore could still look to former fourth-round pick Javorious “Buck” Allen to steal some snaps away from Forsett, don’t be surprised if GM Ozzie Newsome pulls the trigger on the best running back in this class early in the first round.
Former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott has everything you look for in a three-down back at the NFL level. His rare combination of size and speed allow him to make plays both in between the tackles and when he chooses to bounce plays outside. Elliot, a productive two-year starter with the Buckeyes, is capable of having a Gurley-like impact during his rookie year if he is given an opportunity to run behind guys like Marshall Yanda and Jeremy Zuttah.
Video credit: ESPN
7. San Francisco 49ers: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Though both 49ers GM Trent Baalke and head coach Chip Kelly have expressed their interest in keeping Colin Kaepernick on the roster in 2016, Wentz would be a no brainer for them if he falls to No. 7. Even if Kelly elects to have Kaepernick as his starter come Week 1, Wentz would be able to develop behind him in Kelly’s system for as long as Kaepernick is having success, which we could all predict, won’t be long.
At 6’5″, 237 pounds, Wentz has an ideal build for the quarterback position, while his above-average athleticism would allow him to excel in a scheme that promotes moving pockets and turning quarterbacks into ball carriers. Wentz finished third among all quarterbacks in both the 40-yard dash (4.77) and the broad jump (118 inches) at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine.
Video Credit: Draft Charge Network
8. Miami Dolphins: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Coming off a season-ending knee injury in his junior year, UCLA linebacker Myles Jack did not participate in any of the on-the-field drills at the combine, but his ability to perform when healthy is what cements him as a top-10 selection.
Jack is a freakishly athletic linebacker with an ability to perform at nearly any position on the field, as he is versatile enough to play all three of the linebacker positions in a 4-3 defensive scheme and has even had success split out on a slot receiver. With the NFL continuing to move away from constantly running the football, Jack is the coverage linebacker Miami needs to keep pace with other talented passing teams in the league.
With all three of Miami’s current starting linebackers playing relatively inconsistent, Jack could come in and fill either of the outside linebacker positions or even takeover as the middle linebacker.
9.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Though Tampa Bay has enough holes in their roster that they could simply pick the best player available, their need at the cornerback position is too significant for them to overlook either of the two remaining corners on the board.
Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves doesn’t necessarily have the height and arm length you look for in a top-tier cornerback, but his above-average ball skills and instincts keep him afloat as the second best defensive back in this class. Due to his small frame he may max out as a heavily productive nickel corner, which could lead to him being a bit of a reach at the No. 9 spot, but either way Hargreaves would have a dramatic impact on Tampa Bay’s secondary.
10.New York Giants: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
The New York Giants, like Tampa Bay, have holes all throughout their defense, and though either of the Clemson defensive ends or possibly even Eastern Kentucky’s Noah Spence could be there at 10, Alabama inside linebacker Reggie Ragland is a lot less of a reach.
Ragland, a two-year starter for Alabama, doesn’t quite fit the linebacker mold that were accustomed to seeing in today’s NFL, but there is still rooming this league for a bruising, downhill linebacker in this league. At 6’1”, 247 pounds, Ragland is an aggressive linebacker that would give New York’s defense a physical presence that they have missed for quite some time.
11.Chicago Bears: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Given Chicago’s inability to consistently defend the run in 2015, they are in a position to snag one of the top run stuffers in this year’s draft at No. 11 with Alabama defensive lineman Jarran Reed. Though most analysts believe the Bears will look in the direction of Alabama’s other premier defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson at this spot, Reed is the better run defender and could easily take over at either of their two 3-4 defensive end spots early in his rookie year. Though he can seem one-dimensional in terms of his lack of production as a pass rusher, Reed has the tools necessary to push the pocket from the interior if he can continue to develop at the next level.
12.New Orleans Saints: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Although he has just one year of experience as a starter with Clemson, Kevin Dodd proved in 2015 that he could excel as a top-tier defensive end coming off the edge. In Clemson’s last five games, Dodd accumulated 7.5 sacks, including three in the BCS Championship game against Alabama. Though he may be a bit of a reach given his lack of experience playing at a high level, New Orleans is desperate for a player that can attack the quarterback and Dodd fits the bill.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Dec 31, 2015; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson (86) is interviewed after the win over Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Alabama won 38-0. USA TODAY Sports
With the reports still coming in that Philadelphia is making a move to bring back quarterback Sam Bradford, I expect Doug Pederson to add defensive prospect that could improve their run defense. According to NFL.com, the Eagles allowed the most rushing yards per game (134.6) in 2015.
Alabama defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson could potentially become a three-down starter for the Eagles, as he is more than capable of developing his pass-rushing techniques as he moves on to the NFL, but his floor still resides as productive run defender.
Having both Robinson and current Eagles defensive tackle work from the interior would give Philadelphia a strong, physical presence in the middle of their defense.
Latest Eagles News: Sam Bradford Signs New Deal
14. Oakland Raiders: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
While there are reports that Oakland has made it their top priority to bring back left tackle Donald Penn, there are question marks surrounding the Raiders’ future at either tackle position. Even if Penn comes back in 2016, Stanley would extremely benefit from spending a year opposite of him at right tackle and would give Oakland some much-needed depth at the position. A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Stanley could also start Week 1 protecting quarterback Derek Carr’s blind side if GM Reggie McKenzie chooses to not address the offensive line in free agency.
15. Los Angeles Rams: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
The Los Angeles Rams don’t want to go into the 2016 season without at least a developmental quarterback behind Nick Foles, and even though this year’s class is relatively deep at the quarterback position, Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch has too much upside to pass up at the No. 15 spot. At 6’7”, 244 pounds, Lynch is a physical specimen with an ability to make an impact both as a passer and in the run game, but will need to develop as a decision maker before he can consistently make positive plays at an NFL level.
16. Detroit Lions: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
With star wide receiver Calvin Johnson still leaning towards retirement, the Detroit Lions have a definite need at the wide receiver position. Though there are plenty of other holes within the Lions roster, it wouldn’t be surprising if they reached for Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Treadwell doesn’t have the top-end speed needed for him to consistently create separation out of his cuts and blow the top off defenses, and in turn, he will need to develop as a physical, possession receiver that gets open in a similar way to Alshon Jeffery or Anquan Boldin. With that being said, Treadwell could struggle towards the beginning of his career, but if he can properly develop at the position, he has an opportunity to become something special.
Video Link: eDraft
17. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons desperately need help rushing the quarterback, and even though Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd still needs time to develop, he will likely be the most talented edge-rusher left on the board at this point in the draft. Atlanta finished the 2015 season with just 19 sacks, good for 32nd in the NFL.
Floyd, a tall, lengthy outside linebacker at 6’6”, 244 pounds, has an elite ability to attack the quarterback as a speed rusher off the edge. Even if he can’t bulk up enough to earn an every down role, he still is capable of making an impact as an edge-rusher on a limited basis.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Though the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line isn’t necessarily in shambles, as left tackle Anthony Castonzo and guard Jack Mewhort both put together respectable performances in 2015, there still is a need for them to address the trenches on the offensive side of the ball.
Jack Conklin, a former walk-on at Michigan State, is an aggressive, physical run blocker that makes an effort to finish blocks and exceeds at putting defenders on the ground. While still needs some fine-tuning as a pass blocker and will have to learn to lower his pad level to appropriately use his lower body in the run game, the Colts would immediately benefit from Conklin’s physicality on the right side of their offensive line.
19. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
With the expected release of defensive end Mario Williams and the lack of production from the rest of their defensive line, the Buffalo bills are in the market for an elite pass-rusher.
Defensive end Shaq Lawson, a three-year starter, accumulated 20 sacks and 47 tackles for loss during his time at Clemson. Though he isn’t necessarily an excellent speed rusher, Lawson is a disruptive pass-rusher that plays through the echo of the whistle on every play.
20. New York Jets: Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Like Hargreaves, Alexander’s draft stock is negatively affected due to his lack of size, but he still has proven on tape that he can be effective in press coverage and closely mirror receivers in and out of their cuts. Also, Alexander is an aggressive run defender that is capable of making plays near the line of scrimmage. For what it’s worth, Alexander has zero career interceptions.
Without a clear consensus that Alexander can develop into a dominant outside corner, look for the Jets to develop him either opposite of Revis or, even more likely, as a slot corner in nickel packages.
21. Washington Redskins: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
Without any premier talent along the defensive line, Washington should look to add an exciting interior defensive lineman like Vernon Butler in hopes of positively impacting both their pass and run defense.
At 6’4”, 323 pounds, Butler is a raw prospect that is highly regarded for his athleticism and effort. He will need to develop his technique across the board before he sees a high level of production at the NFL level.
22. Houston Texans: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
At 6’1”, 299 pounds, Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is constantly pushed down draft boards due to his smaller frame, but his ability to explode off the ball and make plays both as a pass rusher and run defender still keep him in the first round conversation. Also, Rankins is a high-effort player that benefits from his ability to read offenses quickly and effectively.
With guys like J.J. Watt, and Vince Wilfork there to help him develop early in his career, Houston seems like the perfect fit for Rankins in the NFL.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
Minnesota must address the issues revolving around their interior offensive line, and though there will be other talented guards available deeper in the draft, Kansas guard Cody Whitehair is unquestionably the best in this year’s class.
Though Whitehair played left tackle at Kansas, he will heavily benefit from being kicked inside to guard, as he struggled protecting the quarterback against pure speed rushers. However, he is an extremely talented run blocker that could start paving the way for Adrian Peterson in Week 1 at either of the guard positions.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
With Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones likely leaving via free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals will need to add another receiving threat opposite of A.J. Green if they expect Andy Dalton to have success throwing the football. Though they still have receiving tight Tyler Eifert, adding a weapon like Baylor receiver Corey Coleman would add an explosive, big play weapon to their offense.
Coleman is an explosive receiver with an impressive ability to create separation on short and intermediate routes, while he also is a proven threat with the ball in his hands.
Video Credit: Draft Charge Network
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
At 6’1”, 199 pounds, Ohio State’s Eli Apple is one of the taller cornerbacks in this year’s class, and as a result, has the potential to develop into a premier outside corner at the next level. Though he isn’t an effective tackler and can be a little too aggressive in coverage, Apple is competitive on the outside and more than capable of locking down big, talented wide receivers if he is given an opportunity to develop.
Though Pittsburgh isn’t necessarily in a position to have him learn deep down the depth chart, Apple could still benefit from an increased amount of playing time within the Steeler’s secondary in 2016.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
Yes, Robert Nkemdiche will need to prove to Seattle that he is capable of working past his off-the-field issues and lack of effort during his time at Ole Miss, but he still is a top-tier talent that could develop into something special between defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. If head coach Pete Carroll and company can find a way to get the best out of him, Nkemdiche could grow into a All-Pro interior defensive lineman.
27. Green Bay Packers: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Though Jordy Nelson is expected to return to his former self in 2016, Aaron Rodgers and company would still benefit from adding another receiving threat to their arsenal in the draft. With head coach Mike McCarthy still hoping to develop young wide receiver talents like Ty Montgomery, DeVante Adams, and Jared Abbrederis, expect Green Bay look to finally address the tight end position with the selection of Hunter Henry.
Henry, a three-year starter at Arkansas, is easily the best tight end in this year’s class, and though he is know Rob Gronkowski, he still should provide some immediate impact in the passing game from the tight end position.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Even with the addition of former Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin, the Kansas City Chiefs still need help at the wide receiver position. Though they could continue to develop Albert Wilson and former fifth-round pick Chris Conley, former Ohio State receiver Michael Thomas simply has too much talent for Kansas City to pass up this late in the first-round.
At 6’3”, 209 pounds, Thomas has the potential to develop into a real threat on the outside, but he still needs to add to his route tree before he turns into a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
Video Credit: Draft Charge Network
29. Arizona Cardinals: Noah Spence, LB, Eastern Kentucky
Though Spence has all of the talent necessary to make him an elite pass-rusher in the NFL, his off-the-field issues that pollute his collegiate career are concerning enough to have him fall in the draft. Having previous issues with drugs, it’s safe to assume some teams have even completely eliminated him from their boards.
While it still would be a risk for Arizona, if they believe he is capable of working past his issues, he would fill an immediate need for them at edge-rusher.
30. Carolina Panthers: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Carolina wide receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Jerricho Cotchery did flash at times during their run to Super Bowl 50, but the Panthers could still benefit from adding a consistent, big play receiver to line up opposite of Kelvin Benjamin or in the slot in 2016.
Though he doesn’t necessarily have the explosiveness and burst to create separation out his cuts consistently, former TCU receiver Josh Doctson is a physical, possession receiver that always finds a way to get open both down the field and in the red zone. Also, Carolina should heavily benefit from Doctson’s ability to climb the ladder and win 50-50 balls in jump ball situations.
31. Denver Broncos: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Though they did manage to win the Super Bowl in 2016, Denver’s offensive tackles heavily struggled to protect the quarterback all season long. Offensive tackle Ryan Clady is expected to take over the left tackle spot upon his return, but he has proven injury prone and the tackles projected to start opposite him haven’t performed well.
Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs, a player that should benefit from a strong combine performance, is extremely athletic for his size and it shows in his tape. Though Spriggs would be a bit of a reach for Denver, their need for offensive line help should push the best offensive lineman available to the top of their list.
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Austin Gayle | 2016 NFL Mock Draft (1.0) - Gridiron Experts