NFL Mock Draft 2016: Projections for Most Underrated 1st-Round Prospects

Although the 2016 NFL draft doesn't feature a ton of high-end star power, the year's class is better than most when it comes to first-round depth. Even those teams selecting in the bottom portion of the opening round should be able to add impact pieces.

Another factor in play is the level of talent at certain positions. For example, wide receiver and defensive tackle have a lot of prospects bunched closely together, which means certain players are likely going to slide and provide terrific value late in Round 1 or early in Round 2.

With that in mind, let's check out a complete mock draft of the first round, followed by a closer look at some selections that should provide plenty of bang for the buck.

1st-Round Mock Draft

Pick	Team	Selection
1	Tennessee Titans	Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
2	Cleveland Browns	Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
3	San Diego Chargers	Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State
4	Dallas Cowboys	Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
5	Jacksonville Jaguars	Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
6	Baltimore Ravens	DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
7	San Francisco 49ers	Jared Goff, QB, Cal
8	Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA)	Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
9	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
10	New York Giants	Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
11	Chicago Bears	Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
12	New Orleans Saints	Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
13	Miami Dolphins (from PHI)	Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
14	Oakland Raiders	Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15	Los Angeles Rams	Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
16	Detroit Lions	Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
17	Atlanta Falcons	Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
18	Indianapolis Colts	A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
19	Buffalo Bills	Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
20	New York Jets	Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
21	Washington Redskins	Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
22	Houston Texans	Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
23	Minnesota Vikings	Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
24	Cincinnati Bengals	Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
25	Pittsburgh Steelers	William Jackson III, CB, Houston
26	Seattle Seahawks	Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
27	Green Bay Packers	Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
28	Kansas City Chiefs	Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
29	Arizona Cardinals	Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
30	Carolina Panthers	Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
31	Denver Broncos	Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Best Value Selections

19. Buffalo Bills: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky

Spence was the fifth-rated recruit in the nation when he signed with Ohio State in 2012, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. His career with the Buckeyes was eventually derailed by admitted drug use, and he eventually landed at Eastern Kentucky.

He started to rebuild his on-field reputation with 11.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hurries in 11 games for the Colonels last season. He understands questions will linger about his past issues, but he's hoping to show that front offices should be willing to put their faith in him, per Derek Harper of CBS Sports.

"I knew it was coming," Spence said. "I'm not tired of answering it, I'm used to it. Like anyone who has had a substance abuse problem, (teams are) worried about it. But if it's behind you, it's behind you."

Based purely on football talent and upside, it's fair to argue that Spence could be a top-10 pick. A lot more goes into draft decisions in the modern era, however, with far more attention paid to players' off-field behavior than ever before. As a result, he'll likely stay on the board for a while.

The Bills could be willing to take a chance. They finished 31st in the league with 21 sacks last season after leading the NFL with 54 during the 2014 campaign. That massive drop-off should lead them to select an edge-rusher in Round 1, and Spence could make his presence felt right away.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

Billings possesses an impressive combination of tools. He's one of the most powerful players in the class, but that doesn't take away from his overall athleticism. The question is whether he can turn those raw tools into consistent success.

He showed flashes during his final season at Baylor, tallying 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, but there were stretches when he'd go missing. Todd McShay of ESPN is bullish on the defensive tackle but noted that his current body type isn't ideal:

Billings would certainly benefit from a concerted effort to increase his endurance by developing a more toned frame, but that's going to take some time; teams are forced to draft him based on what they think he can become.

The Seahawks are capable of going for a boom-or-bust prospect. They already have a championship foundation in place and don't enter the draft with a glaring, must-fill need. That gives them more leeway than most teams to hope Billings can realize his potential and become a star.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

Thomas' range of potential landing spots varies quite a bit given the logjam at wide receiver. It wouldn't be surprising if he came off the board in the middle of Round 1 on draft day; that wouldn't qualify as a reach. But in this scenario he lands near the end of the opening round.

That's perfectly fine with the Chiefs. They are still trying to give Alex Smith more weapons, and this pick should provide a chance to do exactly that. Thomas would be a nice fit after racking up 56 catches for nearly 800 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

He might not have the same game-breaking potential or long-term upside as some of the Round 1 wideouts, but he's ready to contribute. According to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports, that should help his stock as the draft moves closer:

Ultimately, if he's on the board when the Chiefs pick at No. 28, it's hard to see them passing on him. Kansas City is never going to have a high-flying passing attack with Smith leading the offense. Still, picking up Thomas would help the Chiefs improve after ranking 30th in passing yards last season.