UCLA Football: Bruins' Top 5 2016 NFL Draft Prospects

With the 2015 NFL draft in the books, it's never too early to look ahead to the 2016 NFL draft, where multiple members of the UCLA football team will likely be drafted. 

The upcoming junior and senior classes are the first two in the Jim Mora era. In many respects, they are the backbone of this current turnaround.  

It is a bit early to predict as to where some of the Bruins will be drafted in '16. However, one instantly stands out as a likely first-round pick. 

The members of this piece will be listed alphabetically. Each slide will analyze why these prospects are considered potential draft picks. The five players in question are all draft-eligible after the 2016 season, meaning some are juniors.  

Honorable mentions: Jordan Payton, Jake Brendel, Fabian Moreau, Devin Fuller, Caleb Benenoch. 

Kenny Clark

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Clark becoming the Sun Bowl MVP as a true freshman.

There aren't many high-quality nose guards within the college ranks at this time. On the professional level, it's considerably difficult finding a difference-maker at the position. 

This is why junior Kenny Clark will have a decision to make after the 2015 season. The second-team All-Pac-12 selection a season ago has every quality one would want in a starting nose guard.

A former wrestler, Clark utilizes strong hands and plays with great leverage. Clark is also arguably the strongest player on the entire roster. His quickness inside makes him an underrated pass-rushing option. 

Barring injury, there's no doubt Clark has the talent to play in the NFL. A potential declaration to the 2016 NFL draft will likely depend upon the fellow competitors at his position. If there isn't great depth at the nose guard position a year from now, Clark could make the leap to the NFL. 

Myles Jack

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Jack running around childhood friend Budda Baker.

Myles Jack is the unquestioned top draft prospect for the Bruins in 2016. 

The most distinguishable characteristic of Jack's game is his versatility. At times during his UCLA career, he's lined up at both middle linebacker and outside 'backer. Versus Southern Cal last season, he played corner and shut down 2015 first-round draft choice Nelson Agholor, holding him to three catches for 24 yards. 

Jack's athleticism perfectly translates to the NFL. He'll be able to fit into virtually every scheme an NFL franchise will use. 

In 2014, he was among the tops on the team in most defensive statistical categories. Without sounding redundant, Jack is not the type of prospect solely hyped by his immense ability. He's proven to be productive on the field. 

It'd be a relative shock if Jack doesn't depart for the NFL after this upcoming year. 

Conor McDermott

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McDermott in the ASU game.

The inclusion of Conor McDermott may surprise some people. Outside of the program, few know about the 6'9" mammoth left tackle. 

Last year, the former tight end was inserted as a starter on the offensive line during the contest versus Cal. Coincidentally (or not), the sack totals allowed by the unit decreased considerably throughout the remainder of the year. In essence, McDermott instantly became UCLA's best offensive lineman. 

McDermott possesses good physical tools. Being a former tight end, he has ridiculous lateral movement and quickness. His long arms and massive frame allow for him to latch onto defenders. 

There's always a high demand for elite tackles in the NFL. Although still a bit raw to the position, McDermott is poised to blow up as a redshirt junior. A good year could signal a leap to the NFL. 

Paul Perkins

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Perkins making a defender miss in space.

The shelf life for a running back is much shorter when compared to other positions. 

For that reason, it's hard to envision Paul Perkins sticking around after this upcoming season. The Arizona native took a gigantic leap last year as a player, as he led the Pac-12 in rushing yards. Perkins demonstrated good vision, ran with a toughness not seen previously and truly became a complete back. 

As a redshirt junior, he'll be the unquestioned leader of the offense. Perkins does project well to the NFL. His vision should enable him to do well—specifically with a zone-based run scheme.

Perkins' ability to catch the football out of the backfield also makes him dangerous on third-down opportunities. 

Eddie Vanderdoes

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Vanderdoes sporting the war paint.

A former elite prospect out of high school, defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes could be primed for a big junior campaign. 

This was the first spring in which Vanderdoes has participated in camp. As a freshman, he was in the process of leaving Notre Dame for UCLA. Last year, he was hindered by an injury. It's likely Vanderdoes is heading into the upcoming fall in the best shape of his UCLA career. 

Talent has never been an issue with Vanderdoes. He's displayed flashes of his immense ability. However, he's dealt with both minor injury concerns and conditioning problems. There's also been a general lack of consistency in regard to his play. 

Vanderdoes combines natural power with good agility. Should he stay healthy and continue to develop, he could play his way into becoming an early-round draft pick. With his ability, there's no question he has the tools to eventually become a future NFL defensive lineman.