2016 NFL Draft: Identifying the Safest Picks in Round 1

When it comes to the NFL draft, some teams like to swing for the fences with high-risk, high-reward selections.

However, with the number of high-profile busts that have come out of the first round over the years, some front offices prefer to minimize risk with their top selection. There are few "sure things" when it comes to the draft, but some players carry less risk than others.

From the ability to play multiple positions and be leaders on and off the field, to possessing sound fundamentals and keeping themselves out of trouble off the field, there are many factors that can put NFL decision-makers more at ease about drafting players.

If there's ever such a thing as a "safe pick" in the draft, these five players fit the bill this year.

Cody Whitehair, OL, Kansas State

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Versatility and work ethic are two traits that NFL teams love to find in offensive line prospects, and they define Kansas State's Cody Whitehair perfectly.

A four-year starter for the Wildcats, Whitehair spent time at both tackle spots, as well as left guard. He may not stick at tackle in the pros, but he's versatile enough to project at either guard or center.

His team-first attitude and affinity for the weight room will endear him to NFL decision-makers, as NFL.com's Lance Zierlein points out:

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With his combination of functional strength and body control, Whitehair might be one of the safest offensive linemen in the entire draft. He will almost assuredly be bumped inside to guard, but could be considered at center as well. He has the confidence and talent to start right away and his run blocking should improve as he gets more comfortable firing out from a three-point stance. Whitehair has the ability to be a very good starter with a ceiling that could reach the all-pro level.

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He may not be the flashiest blocker in this year's class, but Whitehair has the experience and skill set to be an immediate starter along the interior, with the ability to slide outside as a spot starter at tackle. If an NFL team is looking to address the offensive line but still minimize risk in the first round, Whitehair should be its man.

DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon

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This year's draft is by far the deepest along the defensive line, and Oregon's DeForest Buckner is one of the most impressive athletes at the position. At 6'7", 291 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size and athleticism that will have NFL defensive coordinators drooling.

While Ohio State's Joey Bosa has been widely regarded as this year's top defender up front, Mike Mayock of the NFL Network thinks Buckner might not only be this year's best defensive lineman but the best defensive player, period (via NFL.com's Chase Goodbread):

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He can play up and down the defensive line of scrimmage. He's nasty, he's tough, he's powerful. He's got a little Reggie White hump move that's friggin' awesome. Eight to 10 years from now, I think he'll be one of the guys we'll be looking back at that will be in the conversation as the best defensive player to come out of this draft.

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Buckner has begun to ascend in mock drafts, often landing as high as the Chargers with the No. 3 overall pick. With an NFL frame and the versatility to play just about anywhere in any scheme, Buckner will make an instant and lasting impact no matter where he lands at the next level.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

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A running back as a "safe pick" in the first round?

It might seem antithetical to the recent trend of early-pick busts at the position, but this year's draft class is sparse when it comes to true difference-makers at the offensive skill positions.

Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman threw out this nugget earlier this week when regarding Elliott's value compared to the rest of this year's offensive prospects:

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I've heard repeatedly from team officials that they think the best player in the draft is Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott—not any quarterback, not Ole Miss offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, not any receiver. Running backs are not supposed to be the most captivating prospects for a passing league, but here we are.

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At a time when running backs seem to be considered a dime a dozen, the buzz around Elliott right now seems to suggest NFL teams are ready to buck the trend by spending an early pick on him. With his combination of size and speed—6'0", 225 pounds, 4.47-second 40-yard dash—along with superb patience, vision and explosiveness, Elliott is the most complete back in this year's class and could come off the board much higher than many expect.

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

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Inside linebackers don't typically get too much attention at the top of the draft, but this year's class has a few studs. But with health concerns present for both UCLA's Myles Jack and Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith, Alabama's Reggie Ragland is the safest choice at the position.

The SEC Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous first-team All-American in 2015, Ragland anchored one of the best defenses in the entire country, helping lead the Crimson Tide to yet another national title. Last month, Rob Rang and Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com pointed out the strengths Ragland brings to the table:

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Demonstrates the blend of size, aggression, instincts and reliable open-field tackling skills to project well inside to 4-3 and 3-4 principles, alike. Takes accurate first steps and shows excellent closing burst to arrive with pop at the point of attack.

Works off blocks well with balance and anticipation, looking through blockers to keep his eyes on the prize, doing a much better job downhill rather than in reverse. Physical striker with reliable breakdown skills in the open field, wrapping, driving and finishing. Dirtiest jersey on the field and plays each snap like it is his last.

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He may not be a flashy athlete like Jack or Smith, but Ragland is an old-school thumper in the middle who brings sound fundamentals, valuable leadership qualities and versatility to the next level. He has the versatility to play in any scheme and make an immediate impact, and NFL teams will love his presence in the locker room.

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

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Mississippi's Laremy Tunsil is the popular choice to be this year's top overall pick, but if an NFL team wants to go the safer route for a franchise left tackle, Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley is the closest thing this draft has to a sure thing.

Projected as one of the top tackle prospects in last year's draft class, Stanley opted to return to South Bend for another season. Though he still needs to improve his power at the point of attack, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein thinks Stanley's experience and skill set will allow him to be an immediate starter:

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Three-year starter with the outstanding foot quickness and pass protection talent expected from an early round left tackle prospect. Stanley showed great maturity in acknowledging his weaknesses and returning to school to work on them and improve his game. While Stanley’s core power is still a concern, he showed improved strength and run blocking prowess this year and should be ready to come in and start right away for a team looking to protect a high-­end quarterback.

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Stanley might not have Tunsil's freak athleticism or upside, but he has a higher floor. He's as polished a pass protector as any tackle in this year's class and should be a plug-and-play starter at one of the NFL's most premium positions for the next decade or more.