2016 NFL Mock Draft: Breaking Down Post-Week 2 Predictions

The NFL season is still young, but it's never too early to look ahead to the NFL draft—especially if your team is 0-2.

Since the second week isn't even complete, don't worry too much about the draft order. It's mostly based on preseason expectations and very early results. 

Many of the top college prospects are already off to fantastic starts, and the top of the 2016 draft class is shaping up to be as strong as we've seen in a number of years. 

A lot can change between now and April, but there are some big names in this early mock draft that will almost certainly remain in the conversation. 

Pick	Player	Pos.	School
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Ronnie Stanley	OT	Notre Dame
2. Tennessee Titans	Laremy Tunsil	OT	Ole Miss
3. Oakland Raiders	Joey Bosa	DE	Ohio State
4. Chicago Bears	Jared Goff	QB	California
5. Washington Redskins	Jaylon Smith	LB	Notre Dame
6. Cleveland Browns	Laquon Treadwell	WR	Ole Miss
7. Jacksonville Jaguars	Taylor Decker	OT	Ohio State
8. Houston Texans	Connor Cook	QB	Michigan State
9. New Orleans Saints	Robert Nkemdiche	DL	Ole Miss
10. New York Giants	Ezekiel Elliott	RB	Ohio State
11. New York Jets	A'Shawn Robinson	DL	Alabama
12. St. Louis Rams	Tyler Boyd	WR	Pittsburgh
13. San Francisco 49ers	Jalen Ramsey	CB	Florida State
14. Detriot Lions	Vernon Hargreaves III	CB	Florida
15. Baltimore Ravens	Adolphus Washington	DL	Ohio State
16. Minnesota Vikings	Jack Conklin	OT	Michigan State
17. Philadelphia Eagles	Darron Lee	LB	Ohio State
18. Miami Dolphins	KeiVarae Russell	CB	Notre Dame
19. Carolina Panthers	Tre'Davious White	CB	LSU
20. Kansas City Chiefs	Michael Thomas	WR	Ohio State
21. Atlanta Falcons	Germain Ifedi	OT	Texas A&M
22. San Diego Chargers	Adam Gotsis	DT	Georgia Tech
23. Buffalo Bills	Carl Lawson	DE	Auburn
24. Pittsburgh Steelers	Su'a Cravens	LB	USC
25. Cincinnati Bengals	Shilique Calhoun	DE	Michigan State
26. Denver Broncos	Cody Whitehair	OG	Kansas State
27. Seattle Seahawks	Nick Martin	OL	Notre Dame
28. Arizona Cardinals	DeForest Buckner	DE	Oregon
29. Indianapolis Colts	Cassanova McKinzy	LB	Auburn
30. Dallas Cowboys	Sheldon Day	DT	Notre Dame
31. New England Patriots	No Pick	-	-
32. Green Bay Packers	Max Redfield	S	Notre Dame

Notable Early Projections

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ronnie Stanley

It's rare for an early projection to have a non-quarterback at the top. But with so many teams having recently filled their need for a signal-caller, there's a good chance another position will get the glory of going No. 1 in 2016. 

Stanley has an impressive blend of size and mobility, making him an ideal left tackle in the NFL. 

"

Through 2 gms, Notre Dame LT Ronnie Stanley is perfect in pass protection.. zero sacks, hits or hurries allowed in 56 pass pro snaps

— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) September 15, 2015"

He's done a brilliant job blocking for three different starting quarterbacks in the past two seasons, and he could wind up protecting Jameis Winston's blind side in the NFL next season.

4. Chicago Bears - Jared Goff

There wasn't a unanimous choice for the top quarterback entering the season, but momentum is swinging toward Goff. 

To be fair, the increased hype is partially by default, as others such as Cardale Jones and Christian Hackenberg have started the season with a thud. 

"

Jared Goff is one of the most-productive quarterbacks in the country with a stable of quality wide receivers. pic.twitter.com/Tpzawqzcyn

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 19, 2015"

At the very least, Goff has met expectations, showing adequate arm strength, impressive accuracy and improved decision-making skills. 

If Jay Cutler misses significant time due to his hamstring injury, it may force the Bears to start seriously thinking about the future. 

8. Houston Texans - Connor Cook

It's tempting to match Christian Hackenberg up with his former coach, but the season has been such a disaster for the Penn State quarterback that it's just not possible to justify. 

"

He showed it last year with Lippett and he's showing it this year with other WRs, but Connor Cook is great on back shoulder throws.

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) September 19, 2015"

So O'Brien lands another Big Ten quarterback in this scenario, as Cook has been steady, if not spectacular this season. 

Cook's physical tools don't jump off the charts, but his consistency and leadership will endear him to NFL coaches. 

O'Brien favors traditional pocket passers such as Ryan Mallett, so Cook's physical attributes should make him a great fit as a young quarterback for O'Brien to mold.

10. New York Giants - Ezekiel Elliott

The Giants running back by committee has been a disaster, as Rashad Jennings currently leads the team with 22 carries for 64 yards. 

There would be no need for a committee approach with Ezekiel Elliott, who has been the only bright spot on Ohio State's disappointing offense the past two weeks. 

Elliott is a workhorse with an impressive blend of size and agility, making him a great fit for the NFC East. 

"

Ezekiel Elliott is just like your favorite running back. Only better. https://t.co/aH1dHRn68W

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 19, 2015"

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