Texas Football: Ranking the Longhorns' Top Recruiting Targets for 2016

With their first 60 offers already out, the Texas Longhorns have begun hard pursuit of their top targets for 2016.

Looking at the projected depth chart, Charlie Strong's needs are obvious. The entire defense is young and will need as much talent as Strong can pump into it between now and next spring.

On offense, the Longhorns have already addressed two of their most pressing needs. Quarterback Shane Buechele has already committed, joining two very good receivers in Collin Johnson and Reggie Hemphill-Mapps.

These three commitments will allow the staff to focus on replenishing the ranks along the offensive line, which also needs as many bodies as it can get.

Though as of now, the best available talent is on defense. Guys like Ed Oliver and Eric Monroe should get most of the attention until those needs are filled.

Going after a well-known talent like Tren'Davian Dickson would be a good idea too.

1. DT Ed Oliver

Because of his elite size, athleticism and versatility, Ed Oliver has been, and should be, Texas' top target for the 2016 cycle.

Already 285 pounds, Oliver possesses a truly remarkable skill set. He has all of the power you would expect from a guy his size, but with the quick feet and burst that should belong to somebody 40 pounds lighter.

It's this rare combination that makes Oliver so important for Texas. He's going to be big enough to play tackle, but he also has enough lateral agility to play the edge, as noted by SB Nation's Wescott Eberts. With some improvement in his pass-rushing technique, he should be able to contribute immediately.

Oliver's currently considered a heavy LSU lean, so the Horns have some work to do. The same could have been said about Malik Jefferson this time last year.

2. DT Kendell Jones

A tackle through and through, the massive Kendell Jones comes in just behind Oliver on the Longhorns' priority list.

Whatever shock value Oliver provides with his running back-like agility, Jones matches with his sheer size.

Yes, you read that right. Jones is closer to being 400 pounds than not at age 16.

And it's not like that size is holding him back. His composition is every bit deserving of being nicknamed "The Hulk," and his tape shows a player who can really blow guys off the ball.

Jones is currently considered a Texas lean, though he told 247Sports' Chris Hummer that he's still evaluating everything. However, he did show some excitement over the Longhorns' recent hire of line coach Brick Haley.

"He's excited, like I got to go get this guy," Jones said. "He's a trustworthy and responsible man."

The massive recruit will be back in Austin later this month, where the coaches hope they'll be able to push him closer to a commitment.

3. OT Jean Delance

It's not just that picking up Jean Delance would pile it on during a rough patch for the rival Oklahoma Sooners. He's one of the best tackles out there, and the Horns need as many offensive linemen as they can get.

In light of the despicable video that emerged over the weekend, Delance broke off his commitment to the Oklahoma football program. Though he would explain to Bleacher Report's own Damon Sayles that the video was the cause, it's more likely that its emergence was simply the last straw.

Delance has picked up 21 offers since his commitment to the Sooners back in November. Now it looks like a two-way battle between the Longhorns and their other (sort of) rival Texas A&M.

With Greg Little almost certain to play in College Station and Willie Allen opting out of junior day, Delance, JP Urquidez and guard Chris Owens pretty much cover the impact players at the position.

The Horns are in a good spot with Urquidez, who told 247Sports' Jeff Howe he thought about committing at junior day. Then there's Owens, who is Shane Buechele's high school teammate.

Texas pretty much needs all three, but Delance will require the most work over the next year.

Courtesy of 247Sports

4. S Eric Monroe

He doesn't quite have the coverage skills of top safety Brandon Jones, but Eric Monroe would work out just fine on the back.

Jones and Monroe are the top two safeties in the class, each bringing physicality and advanced coverage ability to the position, albeit in different ways. Jones projects as the better man-to-man defender, while Monroe is a more natural center fielder.

As of now, it looks like Texas has a better shot of getting the latter in burnt orange. He made it to junior day last month, and Galena Park North Shore has historically funneled talent to Austin, such as Tristian Houston in 2015.

Either one of these elite prospects would have an early role. Monroe just seems more available, and he should be the higher priority, at least until the Horns can get Jones on campus.

5. WR Tren'Davian Dickson

This last spot is really a matter of preference.

For the defensive side of the ball, hybrid end/linebacker Erick Fowler makes a lot of sense, as does thumper Dontavious Jackson. On offense, you could make the case for Urquidez and Owens, who were mentioned above.

But is anyone going to excite prospective teammates like receiver Tren'Davian Dickson? Don't count on it.

Watching Dickson play receiver is pure bliss. The 6'1" burner plays much bigger than his frame, capable of making contested catches then shredding defenders in the open field. In 2014, he turned those talents into 39 receiving scores, which is a national record.

Dickson doesn't quite fill a pressing need at this stage. He is, however, a recruit with a big reputation, one that his classmates will want to play with. That matters now in recruiting, and he has the skills to make an even bigger difference once he gets on campus.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats and information courtesy of 247Sports.com.