2016 NFL Draft: An Early Breakdown of This Year's Class

It's the pro football equivalent of spring cleaning—a chance for fans of every franchise to renew their hopes for at least a weekend.

The NFL draft.

As the calendar has turned to 2016, so have the attentions of many NFL fans who have their eyes trained on the league's annual selection meeting. With the regular season nearly complete, most teams now have a clearer picture of where they'll be picking, and thus begins months of projecting and prognosticating from fans and media alike.

This year's crop of college products doesn't have the star power at quarterback of last year's class, but it's deep in the trenches again. There are rare talents at running back and in the defensive backfield, and some of this year's most impressive natural athletes hail from the linebacker spot.

If you're looking for an early study guide to whet your whistle on this year's top targets, look no further.

2016 NFL Draft

Dates: April 28 (first round), April 29th (Rounds 2 and 3), April 30th (Rounds 4-7)

Location: Auditorium Theatre, Chicago

TV: ESPN, NFL Network

Quarterback

Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images

Jared Goff, California

This year's crop of signal-callers isn't as top-heavy as last year's, but it will still be dominated at the top by underclassmen like Goff. The junior declared for the draft shortly after torching Air Force for 467 yards and six touchdowns in the Armed Forces Bowl, breaking the Pac-12's single-season passing touchdown record with 43.

Goff can struggle when he gets rattled by pressure early in games, and he could use a little bulk before he's ready to take an NFL pounding. But he has enough projectable traits in his skill set—anticipation, deep-ball accuracy—to warrant a high pick.

Paxton Lynch, Memphis

Another underclassman who figures to be in the conversation for top quarterback off the board in April, Lynch declared early despite an underwhelming bowl-game performance in a loss to Auburn.

Lynch is more raw a a prospect than Goff, but he has ridiculous physical tools that will have NFL teams salivating about his potential. At 6'7", 245 pounds, Lynch is extremely athletic for his size, able to get out of the pocket and make effective throws on the run. His skill set is still rough around the edges, and he'll likely take a bit more time to develop at the next level, but if he grows into his natural abilities, he has the chance to be a special player.

Connor Cook, Michigan State

Widely regarded as the top senior prospect in this year's quarterback class, Cook was expected to be a first-round pick in the 2015 draft but returned to East Lansing for his final season. He led the Spartans on miraculous run to the playoffs, but it came to a screeching halt in a shutout to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Cook's inconsistency and questionable intangibles are his greatest weaknesses, as his leadership has been questioned due to not being named a captain. His mechanics are spotty and his decision-making can be head-scratching at times, but his size (6'4", 220 pounds) and physical tools will be enticing to NFL teams.

Carson Wentz, North Dakota State

Arguably the most intriguing quarterback in this class, Wentz's impressive senior season was derailed by a wrist injury that cost him the second half of the season. Up to that point, he had tossed 16 touchdown passes to just two interceptions after setting the school record for passing yards as a junior in 2014.

Wentz checks all the boxes from a physical standpoint, with the size (6'5", 231 pounds) and arm talent NFL teams want, and he's athletic enough to make plays outside the pocket when things break down. If he can learn to not stare down his primary targets and be given time to adjust to the jump in level of competition from FCS to NFL, there's no reason Wentz can't develop into a successful pro starter.

Best of the Rest

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State

Cody Kessler, USC

Nate Sudfeld, Indiana

Christian Hackenberg, Penn State

Running Back

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State

After the NFL seemed to get away from spending first-round picks on running backs, last year's class produced a rare talent in Todd Gurley, and this year's class could do the same with Elliott. The underclassman is headed to the NFL early after racking up 149 yards and four touchdowns against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.

Elliott has a rare blend of quickness, vision, explosiveness and physicality that will allow him to make an instant impact at the next level. He may not go in the top 10 like Gurley, but he should easily be the first back off the board, and possibly the only first-rounder.

Derrick Henry, Alabama

Henry took home the Heisman Trophy after being the workhorse who led the Crimson Tide to their 25th SEC title, becoming the first player in conference history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

But plenty of Heisman winners in the past have had questions about their ability to translate into difference-makers in the NFL, and Henry is no different. He doesn't have breakaway speed, and his workload this season will raise concerns about his longevity at the next level. Even so, there's no doubt Henry can be an extremely effective NFL back in the right role, and if he doesn't go in the first round, he shouldn't last long on Day 2.

Devontae Booker, Utah

Knee surgery cost Booker half of the 2015 season, but he should still be one of the first backs off the board when the draft rolls around.

Booker's greatest asset is his versatility, as he possesses a skill set that will allow him to have an impact on all three downs and in multiple ways. He's an effective runner both between the tackles and on the outside, is willing and able in pass protection and excels as a receiver and route-runner out of the backfield.

Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech

He may not be a household name, but Dixon is a well-rounded runner who should get plenty of attention as the predraft process rolls on, especially if he can make a strong showing in the Senior Bowl later this month.

Dixon's ridiculous production is attractive, but there have been plenty of backs who put up gaudy college stats yet flop at the next level. Fortunately for Dixon, he's a natural, patient runner who understands what's happening in front of him and has enough explosiveness to make big plays happen.

Best of the Rest

Paul Perkins, UCLA

Alex Collins, Arkansas

C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame

Kareem Hunt, Toledo

Wide Receiver

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi

Treadwell still hasn't officially declared, but if he does, he'll be the favorite to be the first receiver off the board come spring.

After a devastating leg injury ended his impressive sophomore campaign, Treadwell bounced back with a fantastic junior season for the Rebels, setting new single-season school records for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. At 6'2", 210 pounds, Treadwell has the size and physicality NFL teams want from No. 1 receivers, with great hands and enough speed to get the job done.

Michael Thomas, Ohio State

Much like Treadwell, Thomas has yet to make his draft intentions official, but he has the physical makeup of a potential No. 1 receiver at the next level.

The 2015 Buckeyes were stacked with NFL talent, and Thomas is one of the team's best prospects. He has prototypical size at 6'3", 210 pounds, enough top-end speed to stretch the field and his hands and route-running skills are good enough to make him a potential top-20 pick if he decides to leave school early.

Corey Coleman, Baylor

One of the nation's most explosive and productive pass-catchers, Coleman ended his junior season with 20 touchdown catches, despite not scoring one over the last four games of the season.

He doesn't have the size normally associated with a top NFL target (5'11", 185 pounds), but his skill set is reminiscent at times of Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown. He's as dangerous as any receiver in this class after the catch and is a big-play machine, averaging over 18 yards per catch for the year.

Josh Doctson, TCU

Injuries cost Doctson the last three games of the 2015 season, but he certainly made his case as one of the nation's best receivers up to that point. The 6'3", 195-pound senior caught 79 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, including a six-game stretch of multiscore performances.

Doctson's at his best on 50-50 jump-balls, where he can use his leaping ability and superb body control to beat defenders, making him particularly dangerous in the red zone. Depending on how many of the top underclassmen declare early, Doctson could easily end up being a first-round pick this year.

Best of the Rest

Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh

Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma

Will Fuller, Notre Dame

Leonte Carroo, Rutgers

Tight End

Wade Payne/Associated Press

Hunter Henry, Arkansas

It's rare to find a tight end who can be a playmaker down the field in the passing game while also having the capability to be a reliable run-blocker, but Henry is the total package.

He's proved himself to be a willing and able blocker in the Hogs' run-heavy offense, but his combination of size (6'5", 253 pounds) and athleticism has him a matchup problem for opposing defenses throughout his time in Fayetteville. Henry has averaged over 14 yards per reception for his career, and he should be able to make an instant impact at the next level.

Nick Vannett, Ohio State

With the plethora of talented players surrounding him on the Buckeyes offense, Vannett hasn't exactly been given the opportunity to show what he's capable of. But while his receiving numbers have been modest, a closer look at his skill set reveals a player who could be a productive pass-catcher in the NFL.

At 6'6", 260 pounds, Vannett has the size NFL teams are looking for, but he's still athletic enough to make life difficult for linebackers in coverage. He's a capable blocker and just needs the right opportunity to reach his potential as a downfield threat.

Jordan Leggett, Clemson

Another underclassmen who could end up being one of the top tight ends off the board if he declares, Leggett has a nose for the end zone. The junior is averaging a touchdown every five catches for the undefeated Tigers this season, hauling in seven scores on just 35 receptions in 2015.

Once dubbed "Lazy Leggett" for his poor practice habits, the light seems to have finally clicked on for Leggett in his junior season, and his impact for the nation's top-ranked team has increased exponentially as a result. He's barely scratching the surface of his potential and could be one of the top tight ends taken if he decides to come out early.

Best of the Rest

Bryce Williams, East Carolina

Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky

Jerell Adams, South Carolina

Offensive Line

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi

After missing the first seven games of the season due to an NCAA investigation into potential improper benefits, Tunsil wasted no time establishing himself as arguably the best offensive tackle in the country.

Tunsil has the kind of rare athleticism that made Greg Robinson the No. 2 overall pick in 2014, but he has the polish and technique to match. With the Tennessee Titans owning the No. 1 overall pick this year and already having their franchise quarterback in place, Tunsil should be in the conversation for that selection to help protect Marcus Mariota.

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

If Tunsil is the nation's best tackle, Stanley isn't far behind. Widely regarded as one of the top tackle prospects in last year's class, Stanley elected to return to South Bend for his junior season but is headed to the NFL now with still one year of eligibility remaining.

Stanley's 2015 campaign did little to change his draft stock, as he showed the same technical prowess and refined skill set that made him such an attractive prospect last year. He may not be the first tackle off the board come April, but he won't have to wait long to hear his name called.

Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State

If you're an NFL team looking for experience and versatility up front, Whitehair is your man. The senior has made an incredible 50 starts for the Wildcats, appearing in all 51 games during his four years in Manhattan, starting at both guard and tackle.

Whitehair has spent the last two seasons at left tackle, but his best fit at the next level will likely be inside at guard. Don't be surprised if he's off the board early on Day 2.

Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

The veteran leader of one of the nation's best offensive line units, Kelly was a three-year starter at center for the Crimson Tide, helping pave the way for Derrick Henry's Heisman-winning 2,000-yard season, the first by any back in SEC history.

Centers don't typically warrant early draft picks, but Kelly—winner of this year's Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center—has the physical skills and intelligence to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Best of the Rest

Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

Landon Turner, G, North Carolina

Vadal Alexander, G, LSU

Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame

Defensive Line

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Joey Bosa, Ohio State

Bosa was pegged in the preseason as arguably the best defensive player in the country, and his performance in 2015 backed up those expectations, leading the junior to forgo his senior season and enter the draft early.

As disruptive as any defensive linemen in the nation, Bosa leaves as the FBS active career leader in tackles for loss with 50.5 to go along with 26 career sacks. He's versatile enough to play in multiple schemes and should be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick throughout the predraft process.

DeForest Buckner, Oregon

Similar to former Oregon teammate—and last year's 15th overall pick—Arik Armstead, Buckner is an imposing defender who has ridiculous athleticism for his size. Listed at 6'7", 300 pounds, Buckner is equal parts powerful and explosive, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing blockers.

Buckner racked up 16 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks for the Ducks this year on his way to being named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. His best fit at the next level will be as a 3-4 defensive end, where he will bring rare pass-rushing prowess as a 5-technique defender.

Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi

One of the most impressive overall athletes in this entire class, Nkemdiche has been somewhat of a household name since his dominant high school career. He has continued to flash his freakish athleticism throughout his career for the Rebels and has already declared early for this year's draft.

Some off-field concerns have been raised after a recent arrest led to Nkemdiche being suspended for the Sugar Bowl. During the predraft process, he'll have to convince NFL decision-makers he won't be a headache at the next level when he's not between the lines. If he can do that, he should still hear his name called in the first round.

A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama

The anchor of the nation's most dominant defensive front, Robinson has been a massive force in the middle for the Crimson Tide. The 6'4", 312-pound junior tallied 46 tackles—7.5 of them behind the line of scrimmage—in 2015, earning consensus All-American honors and finishing as a finalist for the Outland Trophy.

Robinson has the frame and power to stay at nose tackle in the NFL but is also athletic enough to slide out and play end in a 3-4, as well. No matter where he plays, expect a team to snag him in the first round and get immediate production out of him as a rookie.

Best of the Rest

Shaq Lawson, Clemson

Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State

Kenny Clark, UCLA

Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Linebacker

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Myles Jack, UCLA

One of the most versatile, impressive athletes in the entire draft, Jack was a two-way star for the Bruins before a knee injury ended his 2015 season and prompted him to leave UCLA halfway through the season to begin his draft prep.

Jack's rare athleticism allowed him to make plays on both sides of the ball, and despite his injury, he's still expected to warrant a top-10 pick. He can bring the hammer in run support but also hang with pass-catchers in man coverage, making him the kind of impact player any defensive coordinator would love to get their hands on.

Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame

Another fantastic natural athlete who made plays all over the field in 2015, Smith's 2015 season came to a disappointing end last week, as he suffered a "significant" knee injury that could impact his potential draft stock.

Smith has yet to officially declare for the draft, and it's possible the injury could lead him to return to South Bend in 2016 after he recovers. Should he elect to head to the to NFL early, however, he should still fetch an early selection if his recovery and rehab go well.

Reggie Ragland, Alabama

A unanimous first-team All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Ragland helped anchor the Crimson Tide's dominant defense with 90 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 2015.

A finalist for both the Nagurski Trophy and the Bednarik Award, this senior should follow in the footsteps of his predecessor—Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley—by hearing his name called at some point in the first round of this year's draft.

Kentrell Brothers, Missouri

One of the most productive linebackers in the country this year, Brothers led the nation with 152 tackles on his way to first-team All-SEC honors. He also proved himself to be a valuable playmaker on special teams, leading the nation with three blocked kicks in 2015.

What he lacks in quickness, Brothers makes up for with stellar instincts. He should be a perfect fit as an inside linebacker at the next level and should come off the board sometime on Day 2.

Best of the Rest

Dominique Alexander, Oklahoma

Su'a Cravens, USC

Joshua Perry, Ohio State

Deion Jones, LSU

Cornerback

Rob Foldy/Getty Images

Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

Crowned as a potential first-round pick from the moment he set foot on campus in Gainesville, VH3 has lived up to the high expectations through three seasons with the Gators.

He's not the biggest corner at 5'11", 199 pounds, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in technique, ball skills and competitiveness. Despite his struggles in Florida's disappointing bowl game loss to Michigan, don't be surprised if Hargreaves is off the board after the first 10 picks this year.

Mackensie Alexander, Clemson

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables' unit has been one of the nation's best this season, and a big reason for that has been Alexander, one of the best pure cover corners in the country.

Confidence is one of the most important qualities in a corner, and Alexander certainly doesn't lack in that department, telling the Post and Courier's Aaron Brenner (h/t NFL.com) he's best corner in the country earlier this year—"it's not even close"—and his play has backed up that claim. If he declares early—which it appears he's leaning toward, per Rand Getlin of NFL.com (via colleague Chase Goodbread)—he'll hear his name called early on draft day.

Desmond King, Iowa

He's yet to announce his official intentions for this year's draft, but this junior Hawkeye came on strong this year as one of the nation's most impressive corner prospects.

King's best quality is his physical style of play, which serves him well in man coverage as well as his willingness to mix it up in the box against the run. But he also has the instincts to excel in zone coverage, which, along with his abilities as a return man, makes him a well-rounded prospect who could easily get first-round consideration, should he decide to leave early.

Eli Apple, Ohio State

Another underclassman who has yet to make an official decision regarding the 2016 draft, Apple showed marked improvement through the season, establishing himself as yet another top NFL prospect on the Buckeyes' vaunted defense.

At 6'1", 200 pounds, Apple has the size and length to hang with the NFL's bigger, more physical receivers. If he decides to enter the draft despite having two years of eligibility left at Ohio State, he could end up sneaking into the first round, despite a potentially deep class at the position.

Best of the Rest

Tre'Davious White, LSU

William Jackson III, Houston

Artie Burns, Miami (FL)

Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech

Safety

Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Jalen Ramsey, Florida State

A versatile playmaker who switched from safety to corner in 2015, Ramsey can line up anywhere on the field and still make a significant impact. He's a rare talent—as NFL.com's Bucky Brooks outlines here—who could find himself among the top five picks in this year's draft.

He can gamble too much at times, which is why he might do better at safety at the next level, where he can be given more room to roam as opposed to being locked into man coverage on one side of the field. But no matter what position he plays, opposing offensive coordinators will spend plenty of time focusing on where Ramsey will be and how to keep him from making big plays.

Darian Thompson, Boise State

A first-team All-MWC pick in 2015, Thompson broke the conference record for career interceptions with 19, a record formerly held by five-time NFL All-Pro Eric Weddle.

A balanced safety who can mix it up against the run or flip his hips and make plays in coverage, Thompson was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award and named the Broncos' defensive MVP in each of the past two seasons. Expect him to come off the board sometime on Day 2.

Jayron Kearse, Clemson

At 6'5", 220 pounds, Kearse looks the part with an imposing frame that will entice NFL teams throughout the predraft process.

But while he looks comfortable enough in the box against the run, Kearse is a bit stiff in coverage, something he'll have to improve on if he wants to make an impact on all three downs at the next level. He's got prototypical size and some attractive physical tools, which should be enough for one team to take him early on Day 2.

Justin Simmons, Boston College

An underrated prospect who should pick up steam as the draft approaches, Simmons is a well-rounded safety who can make plays in coverage as well as in the box against the run.

Simmons ranked second in the ACC with five interceptions, playing his best against top opponents like Notre Dame, where he tallied eight tackles and caused three turnovers. At 6'3", 201 pounds, Simmons has an NFL frame with room for a little bulk, and he could develop into one of the steals of the draft, depending on how late he goes.

Best of the Rest

Vonn Bell, Ohio State

Jeremy Cash, Duke

Karl Joseph, West Virginia

Jalen Mills, LSU

Special Teams

Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Morgan Burns, RS, Kansas State

Burns was inconsistent at corner for the Wildcats, but he's been one of the nation's most explosive and productive return specialists during his time in Manhattan. The Big 12's Special Teams Player of the Year returned four kickoffs for touchdowns this year, and he could make an immediate impact returning kicks at the next level.

Jakeem Grant, WR/RS, Texas Tech

Grant could potentially make an impact as a slot receiver in the NFL, but he's more likely to stand out as a return man before anything else. In addition to his 12 touchdowns on offense, Grant returned two kicks for scores in his senior season and could warrant a Day 3 pick.

Roberto Aguayo, K Florida State

Likely the only kicker worth drafting this year, Aguayo has only missed nine of his 78 field-goal attempts over his three-year career with the Seminoles while connecting on all of his 198 extra-point tries. Don't be shocked if a team takes a chance on him early on Day 3.

Best of the Rest

Cyrus Jones, CB/RS, Alabama

Deandre Reaves, RS, Marshall

Marshall Morgan, K, Georgia