2016 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Projections, Post-Wild Card Round
After a low-scoring Wild Card Weekend, four teams transition from postseason to draft season. The Redskins, Texans, Vikings and Bengals all have solidified their NFL draft slots, aspiring to add another feature talent in the first round for their playoff-worthy rosters.
Three quarterbacks appear destined for the first round, but it’s the defensive backs who may make up a significant portion of the top 20 picks, led by Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey. Head coach hirings and free-agency decisions are still to come before team needs across the league are finalized, but here’s a first-round look that aims to match talent level and team need at this point in the draft process.
1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
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Without a head coach or a clear direction as to their plans moving forward, the Titans could go any number of directions atop the draft outside of quarterback. Protecting and building around Marcus Mariota should be the franchise’s direction this offseason, as his progression as a rookie gave hope for the franchise’s future.
Joey Bosa or Laremy Tunsil will likely be the two names linked to the pick. Bosa represents a more important need and scheme versatility to fit whichever defense Tennessee plays next year. Tunsil is one of the draft’s top two players (with Ramsey), and bookending Taylor Lewan for the future should make for an ideal supporting cast for Mariota’s development.
2. Cleveland Browns: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
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New year, same Browns. Cleveland enters the 2016 draft process with a new front office, a yet-to-be-named head coach and a desperate need for a quarterback. After a failed (but not all that surprising) Johnny Manziel experiment, Cleveland will luckily have its pick of the draft’s best passers.
Not without serious concerns about being a top-three pick, Paxton Lynch gets my vote as the 2016 class’ top passer. An ideally built, strong-armed, confident quarterback who offers a gunslinger mentality without unnecessary turnovers, Lynch has the makings of a franchise quarterback. But ending up in Cleveland is a near death sentence for quarterbacks, so fans of Lynch’s upside will be rooting for him to defy the odds.
3. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, SAF, Florida State
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San Diego suffered through a crippling number of injuries this season, and its lack of quality depth certainly exacerbated its season’s struggles. I’d expect the potential L.A.-bound franchise to take the best talent available, and Ramsey fits that bill.
An elite, Olympic-level athlete with the versatility to play cornerback, in the slot and at either safety spot, Ramsey is the best defensive back prospect since Eric Berry, and he merits the rare top-five draft selection as such. With the Chargers and Eric Weddle parting ways this season, safety (Ramsey’s best NFL position) will become a major need for San Diego to address.
Ramsey, along with 2014 first-rounder Jason Verrett, can help lead the Chargers' defensive rebuilding.
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4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
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A dream scenario for the Cowboys, Bosa being available would likely completely eliminate their toying with a quarterback here at No. 4. Bosa is a scheme-versatile, powerful and complete defensive line prospect who can fit perfectly opposite Demarcus Lawrence.
Quarterback is certainly in play, as Dallas needs to find Tony Romo’s successor sooner rather than later, and it’ll likely have a top prospect available. The Cowboys would rather wait until Round 2 for a quarterback like Carson Wentz than pass on a high-end talent like Bosa.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
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Despite ample draft picks and a head coach with Super Bowl credentials, the Jaguars defense persistently plays like one of the worst in the NFL. Jacksonville has compiled a decent blend of talent at all three levels, but it still lacks elite playmakers to really generate success.
Enter DeForest Buckner, whose body type, leverage and interior penetration ability haven’t produced awesome statistics, but they have consistently made his presence felt at Oregon. He’s not far off from—and maybe even above—Bosa as a prospect, and he could give the Jaguars front seven the consistency it’s begging for.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
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Without any glaring needs, expect Baltimore to aim for the best talent available as it looks to load up on top talents for this already-playoff-caliber roster. Injuries derailed Baltimore’s dreams this season, but adding the draft’s best cornerback can ease frustrations moving into next year.
Vernon Hargreaves as a top-10 pick is a bit curious, as the NFL doesn’t view sub-6'0" cornerbacks highly enough to justify this lofty status. But Hargreaves offers rare ball skills, hip control and explosiveness to make him the current top cornerback prospect in the draft. And while corner isn’t a primary need for the Ravens, stockpiling defensive backs with the Steelers on the schedule twice a year would be a wise decision.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
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Just a year removed from the Jim Harbaugh era in San Francisco, the 49ers are already set to be on their second head coach and boasting a roster that’s in complete disarray. While the cupboard isn’t entirely bare in San Francisco, the offense lacks young, impactful playmakers for the future.
Whether it’s Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert or a new addition at quarterback leading the offense, the Niners need to address the receiving corps. Possessing ideal size, length and in-air ball skills, Laquon Treadwell is just a notch below A.J. Green and Calvin Johnson in talent but can fill a similar role for a desperate 49ers offense.
8. Miami Dolphins: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
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Despite the ample amounts of money spent on the defense during last year’s offseason, Miami still needs upgrades across the unit. Linebacker may be the more noticeable need, but adding a top-flight cornerback to take the reins from Brent Grimes as the team’s positional leader is in order.
Mackensie Alexander will be jostling with Hargreaves all draft season to determine the class’ best cornerback, with Hargreaves possessing more polish and Alexander rare fluidity and upside. With Adam Gase leading the team, Miami should trust him to develop the offense while it continues to build the defense through the draft.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
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Firing Lovie Smith was an odd move by the Tampa Bay front office, but it instantly made the Bucs' coaching vacancy one of the most intriguing options. A franchise quarterback in place, plenty of offensive weapons and one of the NFL’s best young defenses, Tampa Bay looks poised to be a playoff contender in 2016 already.
The secondary and offensive line are the Bucs' two biggest needs, but they’d be wise to stick to value and continue to bolster their highly talented defense. Adding physical freak Shaq Lawson could solidify this deep defensive line rotation, and his devastating power and spin move coupled with Gerald McCoy’s impact will be fun to watch.
10. New York Giants: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
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Until they have a new head coach, the New York Giants' defensive rebuild will remain a bit hazy. But with needs across the defense, especially at linebacker and safety, New York is a sure bet to stockpile defensive talents in the 2016 draft.
Myles Jack’s knee injury should be 100 percent healed by training camp, and if he can prove as much during the draft process, the explosive pass-rusher and rangy linebacker is worthy of a top-20 selection, and he could finally give the Giants the dynamic playmaker at linebacker they’ve lacked for some time.
11. Chicago Bears: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
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Jack Conklin is far from a sexy option early in the draft, as his limited athletic upside, just-adequate kick slide and minor injury red flags don’t scream top-20 pick. But Conklin has been remarkably reliable for the Spartans, protecting inside leverage and consistently doing just enough in pass protection.
Similar to the Redskins' selection of Brandon Scherff in the top five last year, people may view Conklin as the safest offensive line prospect in the class. Playing a premium position like left tackle at a high level throughout his college career only solidifies the fact that I highly doubt he leaves the top half of Round 1.
12. New Orleans Saints: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
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The NFL’s most embarrassing defense needs an influx of talent at all three levels, starting especially with the pass rush. After drafting linebacker Stephone Anthony in Round 1 and finding a situational starter in Hau’oli Kikaha in Round 2, the Saints have some young promise in their linebacking corps.
But adding a lanky, flexible and athletically gifted Leonard Floyd can provide New Orleans with added scheme versatility and a pass-rusher who can finally provide Cam Jordan with support each snap. Floyd’s size/athleticism combo could make him a coveted prospect after the NFL Scouting Combine.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
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It’s no secret at this point that, along with Chip Kelly’s schematic issues on the field, his decision to invest in running backs and Sam Bradford and ignore his offensive line was a key determinant in Philadelphia’s struggles. Regardless of who becomes the next Eagles head coach, offensive line needs to be a key part of the offseason effort.
Taylor Decker, the three-year left tackle for the Buckeyes, has been an often-overlooked yet highly skilled part of Ohio State’s offensive success. He’s a bit slow to react at times, and more refined counter-rushers can catch him off balance, but his physical nature, aggressiveness and powerful hands and college experience could make him an instant starter at tackle (or guard) at the NFL level.
14. Oakland Raiders: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
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Oakland has done a fantastic job at sculpting its defense by finding a star in Khalil Mack while also providing depth at multiple spots on the D. Still lacking a high-end defensive back to take Charles Woodson’s mantle as the secondary leader, as well as a high-impact interior defensive line presence, expect Oakland to look at one of those two areas in Round 1.
Kenny Clark is a run-first interior presence, displaying plus-base strength and body control to work down the line and track the runner. His limitations as a pass-rusher will keep him out of the top 10, but he’s an NFL-ready interior run-stopper who can set up fellow Raiders pass-rushers around him.
15. St. Louis Rams: Jared Goff, QB, California
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With a desperate need for a quarterback but picking in a spot few top passers get to, the Rams could work to trade up in the draft to quench their biggest offensive need. Jared Goff, maybe the current favorite to be the top passer taken, has seen his draft stock rise to levels that don't match up with his NFL-readiness or talent level.
He’s a bit reliant on his offensive system and pre-snap determinations, and his decision-making and placement when forced out of his post-snap comfort zone are concerning. He’s a worthy first-round quarterback prospect, but he needs time to develop in the NFL.
With both the head coach and general manager likely on the hot seat entering the 2016 season, don’t expect Goff—or whichever quarterback the Rams draft—to get the time he needs.
16. Indianapolis Colts: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
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Not since 2008 has a non-FBS prospect been selected in the top 20, but Noah Spence, the former Ohio State transfer, merits this high of a draft choice. Arguably the most explosive and quick-twitch pass-rusher in the 2016 draft, Spence’s on-the-field displays reek of a potential Pro Bowl talent at the NFL level.
But NFL teams will have concerns over his prior drug addiction while at Ohio State, an issue that appears to be completely behind him as he transitions to his NFL career. Indianapolis needs an influx of talent at linebacker and its offensive line. Spence is a top-five talent with question marks that, if answered, could allow the Colts to have a shot at drafting him.
17. Detroit Lions: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
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If Calvin Johnson makes good on his post-Week 17 statements, the Lions could be looking for a new face of their offense and be in desperate need for a feature receiver. Matt Stafford showed signs of reliability toward the end of the 2015 season, but he’ll need plenty of help if Detroit has plans to compete for a playoff spot against Green Bay and Minnesota next year.
Michael Thomas, one of three Ohio State offensive prospects expected to go in Round 1, didn’t get the national attention that some of the draft’s other top receivers did, but he offers 6'3" size and run-after-catch ability that put him in the best-receiver-of-the-class discussion.
18. Atlanta Falcons: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
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After a frustrating collapse in the second half of the season, Atlanta must address its offensive and defensive lines this offseason. Defensive line may be more pressing for the Falcons to address, and they shouldn’t have a shortage of options in Round 1.
But people view Ronnie Stanley as one of the class’ premier pass-blockers, nearly declaring a year ago before returning for his senior season. However, his issues against power-rushers (especially Clemson’s Shaq Lawson) and an overall finesse nature may push him down to an area where the Falcons, in need of a high-upside pass protector, can capitalize on his value.
19. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
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With Mario Williams set to be parting ways in Buffalo, the Bills will be looking for a worthy replacement for the powerful edge-setting defensive end. With Rob Ryan now a part of the staff, the Bills' desire for front-three depth and aggressive style will only help to support a first-round defender.
Not considered a starter for the Alabama defense, Jonathan Allen is arguably the team’s best draft prospect, despite needing ample development before he’s an NFL starter. With a strong upper half and a thick, powerful build, Allen is a moldable defensive line prospect whose experience playing multiple roles will allow him to ease into a key role in Buffalo.
20. New York Jets: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
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Finding a landing spot for the draft’s best running back is no easy task, as his completeness as a prospect is opposed to how the NFL values the position. It wasn’t until late in the process that the Rams’ interest in Todd Gurley emerged, and the same could be true for Ezekiel Elliott.
Chris Ivory has been highly effective as the Jets’ lead back, but he’ll be 28 by next season. Elliott is the best pass-catching and pass-blocking running back in recent draft history, and he has an awesome burst, top-end speed and anticipation as a runner.
21. Washington Redskins: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
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After giving up two touchdowns to Aaron Rodgers in the team’s playoff defeat, the Redskins' secondary concerns proved to be the team’s downfall. Bashaud Breeland is an adequate starter, but he doesn’t have much support in the secondary.
After quietly being one of the team’s best defenders in last year’s College Football Playoff run, Eli Apple offers the body type and ball skills to develop into an NFL starter in time. With Washington’s rebuild ahead of schedule with Kirk Cousins’ emergence, the Redskins can afford to take a chance on the high-upside cover man.
22. Houston Texans: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
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Set to be one of the most controversial prospects in the 2016 class, Connor Cook’s scouting report will offer a blend of confidence, thanks to his starting experience at Michigan State, and concern, thanks to off-field and character concerns. After declining his Senior Bowl invite, Cook has delayed answering those question marks until the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Texans roster offers playoff-caliber talent at nearly every position except quarterback, where Brian Hoyer’s laughably poor decision-making cost the Texans any hope at a playoff win. Cook and Christian Hackenberg should be linked to this pick for the foreseeable future.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
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Stefon Diggs was a nice find for the Vikings offense in last year’s draft, but Minnesota is in dire need of pass-catching support for Teddy Bridgewater. While a missed Blair Walsh field goal put an end to the Vikings' season, their offense isn’t a finished product set to make a deep playoff run.
A sports hernia ended Corey Coleman's season early, but the touchdown machine is a big-play threat, a reliable red-zone target and the class’ best run-after-catch receiver in the draft. Putting him opposite Diggs will give Bridgewater two big-play threats who don’t rely on a vertical passing game to succeed.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
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After drafting remarkably well the last four years, the Bengals have no pressing needs to address in Round 1. Receiver and linebacker seem to be the two most likely targets for the Bengals, as they aim for the best prospect at either of those spots.
Reggie Ragland isn’t the most athletic linebacker prospect the Alabama defense has put out in recent years, but he may be the most complete. Ragland’s range in run support, competency in coverage and positioning in traffic should make him an instant NFL starter and potentially the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, regardless of which team lands him.
25. Kansas City Chiefs: Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
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After striking gold with Marcus Peters a year ago, Kansas City’s playoff berth and victory couldn’t have happened without the emergence of Peters. While they’ll have a tough test against the Patriots next week, the Chiefs can thank a tremendous secondary for their optimism for another win.
With the defense among the league’s best, expect Kansas City to focus more on building a complete offense around quarterback Alex Smith, starting with bolstering the offensive line. A shot at one of the class’ top offensive tackles would be ideal, as Eric Fisher has proved to be a bust, but adding the draft’s best guard prospect could only help keep the offensive line a strength of this team.
26. Green Bay Packers: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
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B.J. Raji and the Packers defensive line played a huge part in the team's Wild Card Game victory, but contract issues may make the Packers front three a need worth addressing in the 2016 draft.
The second Alabama defensive lineman expected to be drafted in the top 40, A’Shawn Robinson offers nose tackle talent along with wider shade versatility for his future NFL team. With long arms and the ability to stay low and powerful as he collapses the pocket, Robinson can offer Green Bay immediate pass-rushing upside and lateral control against zone-blocking running games.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
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Russell Okung’s expiring contract will likely dominate the NFL headlines once free agency opens up, but his struggles against Everson Griffen in the Wild Card Round only support Seattle’s expected contention that they don’t need to offer him top dollar.
Hailing from the same program that has produced two first-round offensive linemen in the last three years, Germain Ifedi doesn’t offer the same refinement as Jake Matthews or Luke Joeckel, but he does possess ample position versatility, as he’s played guard and both tackle spots in his college career.
A mauling blocker with the lateral athleticism to develop into a franchise left tackle, he should fit the prototypes and athletic testing scores to be highly viewed by the Seahawks’ front office.
28. Denver Broncos: Vonn Bell, SAF, Ohio State
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Similar to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Broncos are without major needs in the upcoming 2016 draft. With just three safeties under contract for 2016, adding another defensive back to the league’s best corps would be wise in order to maintain the team’s pass-defense strength.
While Vonn Bell offers some duplicity with Denver’s top safety T.J. Ward, Bell is arguably the best safety prospect and worth molding into Denver’s future plans. Bell’s hard-hitting yet consistent tackling ability should make him an immediate contributor for the Broncos.
29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
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Despite a right knee injury ending his college career prematurely, Kendall Fuller still should be in the first-round mix thanks to a highly impressive three years of starting experience. A relatively safe prospect due to his footwork refinement and plus-fluidity and vertical speed, Fuller can fit multiple defenses.
For Pittsburgh, Fuller can provide this team with the lockdown cornerback it so desperately covets. Regardless of how far they advance in the playoffs, the Steelers have options such as Fuller, Will Jackson of Houston, Maurice Canady of Virginia and others to answer their roster’s biggest question mark. Fuller is the safest of the bunch and can likely start Week 1 for Pittsburgh.
30. Carolina Panthers: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
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Much has been made of Cam Newton’s play despite his offensive weapons, but maybe more surprising has been Carolina’s offensive success despite lacking a top-end offensive line. Trai Turner and Ryan Kalil have been crucial for the Panthers' blocking success, but finding a long-term left and right tackle is a must for the Panthers this offseason.
Jason Spriggs is a reach here late in the first round, but he does possess the requisite length, kick slide and strength away from his frame to play on the perimeter in the NFL. Defensive end and cornerback could be positions to watch for Carolina, but making life easier for Newton will help to prolong his MVP-level play beyond the 2015 season.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
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Finding a landing spot for Robert Nkemdiche won’t be easy, as his off-field issues are just starting to make discussions in the national media, and his play this season hasn’t garnered many positive reviews. Both issues will thrust him down draft boards, but his elite athleticism and upside will be tough to pass on for teams early in the draft.
Arizona doesn’t have a major need on its defensive line, but it'll be looking for any way to bolster its pass rush. Adding an edge player is possible as well, but stockpiling top front-seven assets would be a wise decision, as the Cardinals can find situational pass-rushers later in the draft, too.
32. New England Patriots: Forfeited
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The Patriots have forfeited this pick as punishment for Deflategate.
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