Early Favorites for the No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2016 NFL Draft

An Andrew Luck or Jadeveon Clowney-caliber prospect isn't available for the 2016 NFL draft. There isn't a talent so special that he will go wire-to-wire as the favorite to become the first player selected. 

Those previously mentioned players were simply better than their peers for multiple seasons before they actually entered the draft. 

For that matter, there isn't even a Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota ready to take over the reins of a franchise despite lingering concerns in certain areas of their draft evaluations.

The race to be the first off the board next April has already started, and this one could be a photo finish. While there isn't a true standout among the group, multiple options exist with enough talent to eventually warrant No. 1 overall consideration. 

These prospects present near-limitless potential, prototypical physical tools, a high level of production or a combination of all three. 

Positional value, though, limits the number of candidates. 

Over the past 20 drafts, a quarterback was chosen first overall 13 times. No one questions the fact that quarterback is the game's most important position, and teams are more likely to take a chance on a top signal-caller than any other position. As a result, three quarterbacks are already being discussed as possibilities to become the top prospect in 2016. 

Both defensive end and offensive tackle were selected first overall three times in that 20-year span. One offensive tackle and a handful of defenders are talented enough to hear their name called first in next April's draft as it currently stands. 

Overall, nine talents—spread from Eugene, Oregon, to Gainesville, Florida, and everywhere in between—are the front-runners to eventually claim the top spot in next year's NFL draft. 

Top Talents on the Cusp

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Each year, there are talented players that for one reason or another weren't considered elite draft prospects entering their final seasons on campus. Inevitably, one or two will rise due to their play throughout the season and performance during the predraft process. 

The talent to be considered an elite prospect was always there, but it took time for these particular prospects to realize their potential. 

This past April, for example, West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White and Miami (FL) offensive tackle Ereck Flowers weren't considered top-10 talents. When it was all said and done, White was in the conversation as the top wide receiver in the class, while Flowers was the first true offensive tackle off the board.

In an uncertain class entering the 2015 season, a handful of draft-eligible talents have the opportunity to enter the conversation as the No. 1 overall prospect. 

A pair of quarterbacks should make a splash on the national scene. 

The Cal Golden Bears are 6-18 over the last two seasons and generally an afterthought in the Pac-12 Conference. The team, however, experienced tremendous growth over that time span, particularly quarterback Jared Goff. Goff, who started as a true freshman in 2013, completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 3,973 yards, 35 touchdowns and only seven interceptions during the 2014 campaign, as he led the team to an improved 5-7 record.

While Sonny Dykes' spread system doesn't necessarily translate to the next level, we can't dismiss Goff's continued growth and overall talent as a pocket passer. 

In Auburn, meanwhile, Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn won't have the luxury of Nick Marshall being under center for the first time in two years. Despite losing one of college football's most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks, Malzahn's uptempo spread scheme might be even more dangerous with new QB1 Jeremy Johnson. 

He could be in store for a Cam Newton-like rise up draft boards. At 6'5" and 240 pounds, the junior owns prototypical size. He may not be the same type of athlete as Newton or Marshall, but he's arguably a more refined pocket passer at this point in his career. In his lone start last season, Johnson went 12-of-16 passing for 243 yards and a pair of touchdown tosses against Arkansas. 

Let's stay in the SEC to highlight the next top talent. 

Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil has all the tools that NFL teams want in a franchise left tackle. He stands 6'5" and weighs 305 pounds with long arms and exceptionally nimble feet. 

However, the offensive tackle suffered a dislocated ankle and a fractured fibula during the Peach Bowl against TCU. 

Tunsil's recovery and level of play once he returns to the field will dictate where he stands throughout the draft process. 

Last but certainly not least is Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman. At 6'9" and a chiseled 280 pounds, he is arguably the most intimidating prospect in the nation. His play doesn't always reflect his reputation, though. The All-Big 12 performer needs to work on the nuances of his position to take full advantage of his raw natural ability. 

This quartet is talented overall. Due to multiple issues, though, they still need to prove themselves this fall to warrant top-pick discussion.

Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

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Of course, the list starts with a quarterback. 

"I think you have to look at where Hackenberg is now, project where he can be and easily see that he's a future No. 1 overall pick," Bleacher Report's Matt Miller tweeted last August. 

After Hackenberg had a strong start to the 2014 season, UMass head coach Mark Whipple, who served five seasons as an NFL quarterbacks coach, took it a step further.

"He's going to be the first player picked," Whipple said of Hackenberg before his team played the Nittany Lions, per NFL.com's Mike Huguenin. 

Whipple added the Penn State quarterback "just can make every throw. ... He's just got it all."

Hackenberg faltered during Big Ten Conference play, though. 

After throwing for more than 300 yards in the first three games of his sophomore year, he didn't eclipse 224 yards for the rest of the regular season. He also completed less than 50 percent of his passes against Northwestern, Maryland, Indiana, Temple and Michigan State. 

The quarterback provided hope that he didn't completely regress with a 371-yard, four-touchdown performance against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. 

Last season proved to be a transition period for the talented signal-caller. The former No. 1 overall quarterback recruit, per 247 Sports, dealt with former head coach Bill O'Brien's departure to the NFL, and he didn't adapt well to James Franklin's offensive principles. 

His team also didn't provide much help, particularly with its underwhelming play in the trenches. 

Hackenberg fans should expect a bounce-back season in 2015. The quarterback is simply too talented to put together another season where he throws more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (12).

Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

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Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is an easy evaluation. 

In today's spread world of college football, he is exactly what NFL teams look for at the position: He's a 6'4", 220-pound pocket passer with an above-average arm who worked from under center during his entire career and understands NFL passing concepts. 

As a result, NFL.com's Chad Reuter ranked Cook as the top senior prospect available for the 2016 NFL draft. 

"Cook is the most intriguing senior prospect this year." Reuter wrote. "If he can lead an inexperienced passing game in his final collegiate season, he'll be in line for a very high draft slot."

Last season, seniors Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery accounted for nearly 50 percent of the team's receiving yardage. The team's leading rusher, Jeremy Langford, also declared for the NFL draft after his junior campaign. With all three now pursuing NFL careers, Cook becomes the focal point of the Spartans offense.

Not only does the quarterback need to break in new targets, but he must do so while improving upon last year's play. 

In two seasons as a starter, Cook completed 58.4 percent of his passes for 5,969 yards, 46 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. While his yardage and touchdowns totals increased in 2014, his completion percentage actually dipped slightly. 

A more efficient passing attack with an inexperienced surrounding cast would speak highly of the senior signal-caller and make him a sought-after prospect.

Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

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Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones is potential personified. 

He is everything a team wants when drawing up the perfect quarterback. He's 6'5" and 250 pounds. His arm can be mistaken for a howitzer. He's athletic enough to escape pressure and keep defenses honest once he breaks the pocket. And the quarterback also makes defenders pay when they attempt to tackle him. 

Despite all of his raw natural talent, Jones wasn't named Ohio State's starting quarterback to open last season. Instead, redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett earned the job after two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Braxton Miller had offseason shoulder surgery during fall camp. 

Jones finally got an opportunity to start once Barrett injured his ankle during the final week of the regular season against Michigan. 

What happened next can only be described as magical. 

The third-string quarterback led the Buckeyes to a 59-0 victory in the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin and through the College Football Playoff to claim the program's eighth national championship. 

During the run, he completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 742 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. 

A quarterback can't envision a better start to his career as a starter. Jones, however, isn't guaranteed a starting spot this fall. 

While we cannot question his natural talent, he can still grow leaps and bounds as a passer and leader. 

SI.com's Pete Thamel asked Ohio State's Urban Meyer about Jones' maturation, and the coach bluntly replied: 

"

You know, he’s a steady work in progress. He’s a 22-year-old man that once in a while reverts back to a 16-, 17-year-old mentality. He’s a genuine, great kid that has been interesting. This is psychology 101. There should be a chapter on Cardale Jones. His support back home is phenomenal, Ted Ginn, Michelle Nash, his mom, and it’s every day. Imagine having this conversation a year ago, two years ago. You’re going to have a crystal ball on this table and you’re going to put it to Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon, and he’ll be your quarterback.

"

Based on last year's small sample size, Jones isn't a first-round quarterback prospect. But a full year of starting experience and continued growth as a passer could make him a favorite to skyrocket up draft boards due to his rare physical tools. 

Ronnie Stanley, LT, Notre Dame

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The 2015 offensive tackle class was difficult to evaluate because it lacked true left tackle prospects. Left tackle, of course, holds a higher value than the other positions along the offensive line due to the constant demand of facing an opponent's best pass-rusher. 

If Notre Dame Fighting left tackle Ronnie Stanley declared after his junior campaign, he would have likely been the first offensive line prospect selected in this year's NFL draft due to his ability to play on the blind side.

Reigning Outland Trophy winner Brandon Scherff went fifth overall to the Washington Redskins, but he's projected to start at right tackle. The same applies to Ereck Flowers, whom the New York Giants chose with the ninth overall pick.

Stanley, though, clearly has the best feet to play left tackle when compared to all of the prospects this year. At nearly 6'6" and 315 pounds, the upperclassman also owns the requisite size and length needed to remain at left tackle once he finally makes the leap to the professional ranks next year. 

Last season, Notre Dame's left tackle faced six pass-rushers who were eventually selected in the draft. He surrendered only one sack the entire season, according to Notre Dame's website.

Stanley's value is only increased by the fact he played right tackle as a sophomore when Zack Martin dominated at left tackle for the Fighting Irish. 

The Las Vegas native's versatility, athleticism and stretches of dominance will make him an intriguing option for teams not in search of a quarterback. 

Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

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While most of the discussion in Columbus, Ohio, will center on the Buckeyes' evolving quarterback situation, there should be greater focus on the most disruptive defensive force in college football, defensive end Joey Bosa. 

If there was one player considered the favorite to eventually become a No. 1 overall pick, Bosa is the most popular choice.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. already named him as the No. 1 player on his initial 2016 big board.  

It's hard to argue with that assessment after Bosa proved to be a wrecking ball during the past two seasons. The 6'6", 275-pound edge-rusher has already accumulated 33.5 tackles for loss and 21 sacks during his first two seasons on campus. He also captured the Big Ten Conference's Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year award after last season. 

And the junior isn't letting up after a dominant season that culminated in a national championship. 

"His work ethic has been outstanding," Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer told SI.com's Pete Thamel. "His leadership, he’s pushing guys, pushing himself. He’s great, but I’m watching him every day."

Former Ohio State defensive end and current member of the Houston Texans John Simon admired Bosa's play and continued improvement. In an interview with ElevenWarriors.com's Tim Shoemaker, Simon identified an overlooked aspect of Bosa's game:

"

He’s definitely a physical force on the field, I think everybody—that’s the obvious aspect of his game. What he’s good at is he gets better every week and he’s learning from his mistakes. From year to year, he just continue—his stats get better, his technique gets better and he’s always a guy who is looking for ways to improve his game. You can see by his production on the field, and the production of the whole team winning a national championship, it’s paid off for everyone.

"

As the Buckeyes attempt to win back-to-back national championships, Bosa will be the team's driving force, which will help solidify his status as an elite prospect and possibly the top overall talent in the 2016 NFL draft.

Robert Nkemdiche, DE, Ole Miss

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For Ole Miss defensive end Robert Nkemdiche to be worthy of this discussion, he needs to finally play to his immense potential over an extended period. 

He was the most touted recruit to come from the state of Georgia since Herschel Walker chose to play for the in-state Bulldogs in 1980. The talented defender eventually decided to play alongside his brother, Denzel, at Ole Miss. 

During his first season, Nkemdiche was a First-Team Freshman All-American and an SEC All-Freshman performer after he registered 34 total tackles and two sacks. As a sophomore, though, the defensive lineman's overall production didn't improve. 

The concern regarding Nkemdiche is obvious: Will he ever develop into an elite pass-rusher to warrant a top-five selection?  

Right now, the answer is no. 

However, the Ole Miss defender presents value as a constant presence who can overwhelm blockers and collapse the pocket. He's a strong enough run defender to set the edge, while his quickness can be difficult to block from the defensive interior. 

Much like Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, Nkemdiche's upside is nearly limitless. The 6'4", 280-pounder can play multiple positions along the defensive line at the NFL level, and it's clear he has the ability to dominate. He just hasn't done so on a consistent basis at this point in his career. 

If Nkemdiche becomes the force of nature his talent suggests during his junior campaign, The Grove will be rocking and NFL scouts won't be able to stop drooling. 

DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

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The Oregon Ducks program is becoming a mini-defensive line factory.

During the 2013 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins traded for the third overall pick to select defensive end Dion Jordan. Two years later, the San Francisco 49ers chose Arik Armstead with the 17th overall selection.

DeForest Buckner has been better than both during his time in Eugene, Oregon, but he's also a different type of player. 

Jordan was a converted wide receiver who excelled dropping into space and rushing the edge. Armstead, meanwhile, displayed strong hands and worked as a two-gap 5-technique. 

Buckner was far more consistent than Armstead this past season. He also fires off the ball and attempts to penetrate into an opponent's backfield. He led the team with 13 tackles for loss in 2014 and also led the Ducks' defensive linemen with 81 total tackles.  

What makes Buckner special, though, is he's 6'7" and 290 pounds with the ability to be a consistent disruptive presence. He lines up as a 5-technique in the Ducks' three-man front, but he can also be a 3-technique or even a base end in a 4-3 scheme. 

Buckner's quickness off the snap is exceptional for a defender of his size. He'll now use it as the focal point of Oregon's defense.

After a season of overshadowing a future first-round pick, the native Hawaiian should command the spotlight and demand the attention he deserved a year ago. 

Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

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A cornerback has never been selected with the No. 1 pick in NFL draft history. In fact, the highest a cornerback has ever been chosen is third overall. 

Florida's Vernon Hargreaves could break the position's glass ceiling, even if it's an unlikely proposition. 

In the NFL, four positions—quarterback, left tackle, pass-rusher and cornerback—are considered a franchise's building blocks. Cornerback is often downplayed, but the position is more important than ever in today's pass-happy NFL. 

Would the Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots have claimed a Super Bowl victory in the last two years without the stellar play of Richard Sherman and Darrelle Revis? No. 

Hargreaves is much closer in size (5'11", 192 lbs) and style of play to Revis than Sherman, but it's obvious his coverage skills are stellar at the collegiate level. 

Since taking over as a starter in Week 3 of his true freshman season, Hargreaves went on to be named a First Team All-Freshman All-American, a two-time All-SEC performer and a Walter Camp Second-Team All-American.

As a sophomore, the Tampa, Florida, native led the SEC with 13 defended passes. 

Hargreaves is a fluid athlete with the ability to mirror any receiver. His height, length and performance during the predraft process will help determine whether or not he's worthy of being discussed as a top-three prospect.

All statistics courtesy of cfbstats.com.