NFL Mock Draft 2016: Latest Projections with Under 3 Weeks to Go
The NFL draft is just under three weeks away, but there are still many unanswered questions that will shape the first round.
In the coming weeks, trades (such as one involving San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick) and medical checks (most notably UCLA's Myles Jack) could significantly shake up the first-round outlook.
Until those questions are answered, the first-round picture remains more murky than usual this close to draft day.
As NFL teams are finalizing their draft boards and waiting on last-minute intel on prospects, here's a look at how the first round could play out on April 28.
1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
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A trade remains the ideal option for the Tennessee Titans, but unless a team like the San Francisco 49ers or Philadelphia Eagles wants to part with a handful of picks to move up for a quarterback, the Titans will remain in the top spot.
Tennessee received solid play from left tackle Taylor Lewan in 2015, but Laremy Tunsil's ceiling far exceeds the level of play Lewan has displayed during his time with the Titans.
The Titans can plug Tunsil in at left tackle and shift Lewan to the right side—or the other way around if they believe Tunsil isn't ready to protect Marcus Mariota's blind side.
While Tunsil is the heavy favorite to go No. 1, it's worth noting that the Titans re-signed right tackle Byron Bell this offseason. Bell has started 72 games in his five-year career and likely wouldn't have re-signed if he didn't believe he could remain a starter.
It's only a one-year contract, and it's hard to imagine the Titans passing on Tunsil simply because Bell is in place. But if they pass on Tunsil, we may look back and realize the re-signing of Bell was an indication of their plans.
2. Cleveland Browns: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State
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The Browns desperately need a quarterback, and a case can be made for both California's Jared Goff and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz.
But will the people in this new Browns front office really gamble their careers on a young quarterback with virtually no supporting cast in place?
After losing offensive linemen Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz in free agency, and with wide reciever Josh Gordon's future still up in the air, it's hard to imagine any young quarterback succeeding in Cleveland in the near future.
The Browns are in full tear down and rebuild mode, and it will likely be a three- to four-year process.
Obviously, they'll select a quarterback if they absolutely fall in love with one of the top prospects, but this is the wrong time to reach just to fill the need.
Jalen Ramsey is the top player on the board in this scenario and would offer the Browns a young upgrade over 33-year-old Tramon Williams at cornerback opposite veteran Joe Haden.
3. San Diego Chargers: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
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The San Diego Chargers are difficult to figure out because so many of their needs match the top prospects on the board.
Oregon's DeForest Buckner, Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley all fill glaring holes in the Chargers lineup. As does Ramsey, who's off the board in this scenario.
A slight edge goes to Buckner simply due to the position he plays.
When rebuilding a defense, it's wise to start with the defensive line, especially with a prospect like Buckner who demands the attention of double-teams.
With Buckner and Corey Liuget at defensive end surrounding nose tackle Brandon Mebane, the Chargers would have a strong defensive line to build around.
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4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
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The Dallas Cowboys are a rare team picking in the top five with legitimate hopes of contending for a Super Bowl. And due to their closing window of opportunity with Tony Romo at the helm, this selection should be about finding an instant-impact rookie.
That philosophy likely narrows this selection down to two Buckeyes: Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott.
A strong case can be made for both, but the recent addition of running back Alfred Morris likely makes adding a pass-rusher the more pressing issue.
Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli needs an edge-rusher to pair with Demarcus Lawrence, and Bosa is one of the few true three-down defensive ends in this draft class.
After the first round, there's a significant drop-off in talent among the pass-rushers in this class, but the Cowboys can still find a productive running back on Day 2, such as Alabama's Derrick Henry or UCLA's Paul Perkins.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are among the teams embracing the trend of building around undersized but athletic linebackers. Telvin Smith was their first addition in the fifth round in 2014, and Myles Jack could be the next to join their defense.
If healthy, Jack is a perfect fit for Jacksonville, but it's worth noting that his stock could plummet this week.
Jack is scheduled to be among the prospects returning to Indianapolis for the medical recheck on April 14 and 15. Since he has yet to work out for teams this offseason after tearing his meniscus in September, he has a lot riding on his medical evaluation.
If Jack isn't cleared, it would raise serious concerns, especially given the amount of time he's already had to heal from the injury.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
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Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome has made a living by targeting the best available prospect on draft day rather than selecting purely based on need.
Justin Forsett remained productive for the Ravens last season, and 2015 fourth-round pick Javorius Allen could see a larger role in 2016, but Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott would offer a substantial upgrade over both.
It's been a long time since Newsome spent a high pick on a running back, so it's possible that he's among those who believe the position isn't worth targeting early in the draft. However, he did spend the fifth overall selection on Jamal Lewis in 2000.
Like Lewis, Elliott is a true three-down running back who can contribute in all facets of the game. That's a quality that will endear him to Newsome, who has always targeted running backs who can contribute as receivers out of the backfield in addition to their duties in the running game.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Goff, QB, California
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Kaepernick is still on the roster, but it's hard to imagine Chip Kelly going into the season with him and Blaine Gabbert as his quarterbacks—especially after all the trade rumors surrounding Kaepernick this offseason.
Jared Goff's strength is his accuracy, which is a trait Kelly favors in his quarterbacks.
Kelly's offense requires a high percentage of quick-strike pass attempts, and Goff's accuracy within 10-15 yards of the line of scrimmage should allow him to have success in the offense.
Technically, general manager Trent Baalke has the final say on draft day, but when it comes to selecting a quarterback, Kelly will likely have a major influence in the decision.
8. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
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The Eagles already re-signed Sam Bradford and signed former Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Chase Daniel this offseason. But their quarterback moves may not be over.
According to Howard Eskin of Fox 29 in Philadelphia, the Eagles have visits set up with Goff, Wentz and Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch this week.
It's tough to draw conclusions about individual prospects based on draft visits, but when a team spends that much time with one position group, there is obvious interest in addressing that area in the draft.
All three prospects are potential targets of the Eagles at the eighth pick, but the edge goes to Wentz in this scenario.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a minor upgrade to the secondary in free agency by signing veteran cornerback Brent Grimes. But more moves are necessary to rebuild a secondary that allowed 31 touchdowns through the air last season.
Vernon Hargreaves' size raises some concerns (he measured 5'10" at the combine), but an otherwise dominant combine performance, including a 39-inch vertical leap, solidified his grade as a top-10 prospect.
With Grimes and Hargreaves on the outside and Josh Robinson lining up at cornerback in the slot, the Buccaneers may have the secondary they need to take the next step and compete in the NFC South in 2016.
10. New York Giants: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
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The New York Giants took a step toward rebuilding their offensive line last season by selecting left tackle Ereck Flowers in the first round. But an upgrade is still needed on the right side over journeyman Marshall Newhouse.
Ronnie Stanley played on the left side at Notre Dame, but either he or Flowers could be shifted to right tackle in New York.
With Stanley and Flowers working as bookend tackles and Justin Pugh emerging as one of the best interior offensive linemen in the game, the Giants would have the pieces in place to build a dominant offensive line to mirror what the division-rival Cowboys have put together.
As Eli Manning ages, having an offensive line capable of protecting him becomes even more critical to the Giants' success.
11. Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
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The Chicago Bears could justify at least five different defensive players with this selection due to the number of holes on their roster.
Leonard Floyd is capable of playing inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense but would likely play outside linebacker early in his career in Chicago.
The Bears are looking for another edge-rusher to play opposite Pernell McPhee and could have Floyd rotate at the position with Lamarr Houston, who is more productive against the run.
12. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
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The New Orleans Saints are another team with massive holes to fill on defense, and they could be a candidate to trade down as a result.
There's little difference in the defensive talent available at No. 12 and what would still be on the board 10 picks later. So the smart move for the Saints would be trading down in an effort to fill multiple spots on defense.
Regardless of when they pick, the Saints should take advantage of the talent at defensive tackle in this draft class.
According to ESPN.com's Mike Triplett, Saints head coach Sean Payton recently called the 3-technique tackle position one of the Saints' biggest needs and said they may address it in the draft.
Sheldon Rankins is arguably the top 3-technique tackle in this class and could immediately offer the Saints value as a disruptive presence on the defensive line.
13. Miami Dolphins: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
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The Miami Dolphins are rebuilding on defense, already picking up at least three new starters this offseason in Mario Williams, Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell. A fourth new starter will likely be coming with the 13th pick, and it could be another linebacker to join Alonso on the revamped unit.
Darron Lee is the new breed of linebacker in the NFL as a slightly undersized but athletic playmaker with elite range.
Lee could start at weak-side linebacker, his most natural position in a 4-3 defense. But the Dolphins could also use his skills as a hybrid safety/linebacker, a position that more teams have been experimenting with in recent years.
14. Oakland Raiders: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
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The Oakland Raiders made one of the biggest splashes of free agency by adding former Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith. But the rebuilding of the secondary may not be done.
The 6'1" Eli Apple has impressive length for the position, which would give the Raiders a dangerous duo at cornerback playing him opposite the 6'3" Smith.
Apple would need to compete with David Amerson for the starting job his rookie year, but Amerson is a free agent after the 2016 season, which would open up a clear path for Apple to start in 2017 if he doesn't win the job immediately.
15. Los Angeles Rams: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
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If Paxton Lynch makes it to No. 15, it will be tough for the Los Angeles Rams to justify passing on the quarterback.
Not only do the Rams need to upgrade the position over Case Keenum and Nick Foles, but there could be pressure from ownership to find a new face of the franchise as the team tries to win over new fans in Los Angeles.
Lynch is an above-average athlete for a quarterback, and his mobility should help him transition to the NFL, especially behind a shaky offensive line in Los Angeles.
The key to his long-term success, however, will be his accuracy. Lynch never displayed consistent ball placement at Memphis and needs to continue to grow in this area to last in the NFL.
16. Detroit Lions: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
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The Detroit Lions already signed Marvin Jones in free agency, but it's going to take a lot more than one guy to replace the production of Calvin Johnson.
Laquon Treadwell doesn't offer the same value Johnson brought to the table as a deep threat, but he can help replace Johnson on shorter targets as a possession receiver.
With Treadwell, Jones and Golden Tate, the Lions may end up with a more complete receiving corps than they had a season ago, even if they are lacking that one true No. 1 receiver.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
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The Atlanta Falcons recorded a league-worst 19 sacks a season ago, led by rookie Vic Beasley with four.
Despite adding Derrick Shelby in free agency, the Falcons still need another edge-rusher who can get after the quarterback. Shelby split time between defensive end and tackle with the Miami Dolphins, and he doesn't offer the speed off the edge that the Falcons are lacking.
Shaq Lawson, Beasley's college teammate, would be an ideal fit in Atlanta. He's one of the few defensive end prospects in this class who offers value as both as pass-rusher and run defender on the edge and could potentially be a three-down lineman in his rookie year.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
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Building the protection around Andrew Luck has to be the Indianapolis Colts' priority in this draft.
Jack Mewhort was the Colts' most reliable offensive lineman in 2015, but because of the issues on the offensive line, its unclear where he fits in 2016. If the season started today, the Colts might be forced to move Mewhort from left guard, where he excelled last season, to right tackle.
While this is a concerning issue, the Colts could solve the problem by simply drafting a right tackle such as Michigan State's Jack Conklin, allowing Mewhort to remain at guard.
With Conklin, Mewhort and left tackle Anthony Castonzo in place, the Colts offensive line could take a major step forward in 2016.
19. Buffalo Bills: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
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When the Buffalo Bills parted ways with Mario Williams this offseason, they lost 24 percent of their sack total from a season ago.
Buffalo managed just 21 sacks in 2015, the second-worst total in the league, and desperately need to find someone to replace Williams' production.
Unfortunately for the Bills, this is the wrong draft class for finding edge-rushers.
Clemson's Kevin Dodd is one of a small handful who could make an immediate impact, and there's no guarantee that the top pass-rushers will even be on the board at No. 19.
If Buffalo is intent on finding a pass-rusher in this draft class, the Bills could be a candidate to trade up on draft day.
20. New York Jets: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
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The New York Jets had some question marks on their offensive line depth chart already, but the sudden retirement of left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson created a gaping hole at left tackle.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that the Jets acquired former Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady. If healthy, Clady should be a great fit in New York, but he's coming off an ACL injury that wiped out his entire 2015 season.
Reading between the lines of the trade, it doesn't appear as though either team has much faith in Clady's long-term value. The Jets only sent a fifth-round pick to Denver in exchange for the former All-Pro tackle and a seventh-round pick.
Since Clady missed the entire 2015 season and all but two games in 2013, there are legitimate concerns about his ability to stay on the field, and the Jets would be wise to continue looking for their left tackle of the future.
Ohio State's Taylor Decker is one of a handful of first-round targets with the potential to fill Ferguson's shoes.
21. Washington Redskins: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
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Bashaud Breeland has one of the cornerback jobs wrapped up in Washington, but the other spot appears to be up for grabs with an uninspiring list of contenders on the Redskins' current roster.
The Redskins allowed over 4,000 yards through the air last season and desperately need to add some playmakers to the secondary to reverse their fortunes.
Fortunately for Washington, this is a strong class of cornerbacks, especially at the top of the draft board. There will likely be a handful of potential targets on the board at No. 21.
Houston's William Jackson III has the speed (4.37-second 40-yard dash), height (6'0") and length (nearly 32-inch arms) to develop into a quality outside cornerback and should be able to win the starting job in Washington.
22. Houston Texans: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
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The Houston Texans have one of the best No. 1 receivers in the league in DeAndre Hopkins, but they still need to add some speed on offense. As great as Hopkins has become, he isn't a serious deep threat, and he thrives more on winning the battles for contested targets, especially in the red zone.
Baylor's Corey Coleman excels in the few areas in which Hopkins' skills are lacking, most notably deep speed.
There will be a learning curve for Coleman as he adjusts to an NFL offense, but simply putting his speed on the field will change the way defenses prepare for the Texans offense.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
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The Minnesota Vikings are having a stellar offseason, quietly filling the majority of their holes with savvy free-agency moves.
One of the few areas left to address on draft day is wide receiver.
Landing Josh Doctson could be a dream scenario for the Vikings, who need to find a reliable possession receiver for Teddy Bridgewater.
Doctson's ability to win the battle for contested targets makes him a serious threat in the red zone. His skill set could serve as the perfect complement to Stefon Diggs, whose speed makes him more of a downfield weapon.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
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After losing Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones, the Cincinnati Bengals desperately need to add another weapon to pair with A.J. Green.
As good as Andy Dalton looked at times in 2015, it's unrealistic to expect him to match that performance after such a significant downgrade in the talent around him.
Ohio State's Michael Thomas could be the ideal addition to Cincinnati's offense due to his polished skill set.
Thomas lacks the speed to stretch the field and doesn't have elite size (6'3", 212 lbs), but his crisp routes and great hands should allow for a smooth transition to the NFL.
Since the Bengals are trying to build a team to win now, Thomas' instant-impact ability could bump him ahead of some other prospects with higher ceilings.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
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The Pittsburgh Steelers lost Steve McLendon to the Jets in free agency, creating a gaping hole at nose tackle.
They've been developing 2014 sixth-round pick Daniel McCullers for the role, but it's unclear if they're willing to hand him the job at one of the most critical positions in Mike Tomlin's defense. According to Pro Football Focus, McCullers played just 111 snaps a season ago, so he remains a major unknown.
Louisiana Tech's Vernon Butler could be an ideal addition for the Steelers due to his ability to take on double-teams and plug gaps in the center of the defensive line.
The Steelers traditionally favor size over athleticism at nose tackle, making the 6'4", 323-pound Butler a perfect fit.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
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The Seattle Seahawks offensive line was already an issue in 2015, and the losses of Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy in free agency have transformed it into one of the worst units in the league.
As of right now, it's difficult to imagine Russell Wilson surviving a 16-game season behind the likes of Bradley Sowell, Mark Glowinski and Garry Gilliam.
Obviously, Seattle can't rebuild the line with one selection, but this pick absolutely has to address one of the five spots on the offensive line.
Cody Whitehair played left tackle at Kansas State but is ideally suited to shift inside to guard in the pros.
He's among the safest picks in the entire draft and should be an immediate upgrade on the interior line for the Seahawks.
27. Green Bay Packers: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
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This is the ideal scenario for the Green Bay Packers, who need to find an inside linebacker to take Clay Matthews' spot, allowing him to resume his role as an edge-rusher.
This is a relatively weak class of inside linebackers, especially at the top of the board. So if Alabama's Reggie Ragland is available at No. 27, the Packers should rush to the podium with the pick.
Ragland is an old-school linebacker with more size (6'1", 247 lbs) than speed (4.72-second 40-yard dash). He's at his best against the run and should help bolster the Packers' run defense, which ranked 21st in yards allowed in 2015.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
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Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is 29 years old and coming off a season-ending ACL tear.
If he's healthy, the Chiefs don't necessarily need to address the running back position, but there's no guarantee that Charles can return to form at his age.
Since the Chiefs are built to win now, adding Derrick Henry to take some of the load off Charles' shoulders may be the safest move they could make with the 28th overall selection.
Ideally, Charles will remain healthy, and Henry can be used as his backup for a year or two before taking over the full-time duties when Charles retires.
The Chiefs did recently re-sign Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, but that was likely done as a short-term insurance policy rather than a long-term plan.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
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Most teams probably wouldn't consider Ryan Kelly with a first-round selection. But the Arizona Cardinals have a small window of opportunity with 36-year-old quarterback Carson Palmer, which may force them to reach to fill their most glaring need.
Longtime center Lyle Sendlein has not been re-signed, and the Cardinals don't have another viable option on the roster at this time.
Kelly was a three-year starter at Alabama and should have no issues stepping into an immediate starting role in Arizona.
30. Carolina Panthers: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
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The Carolina Panthers saw the impact a dominant pass rush can have when the Denver Broncos abused them in the Super Bowl. And it might be time for them to add another impact edge-rusher of their own.
Kony Ealy and Charles Johnson likely have the starting spots wrapped up, but Noah Spence would be an ideal situational pass-rusher.
Adding a situational player is definitely a luxury pick, but contenders like the Panthers can afford to make such a selection in the late first round.
Spence would give them some much-needed depth at defensive end and provide insurance behind Johnson, whose contract expires at the end of the 2016 season.
31. Denver Broncos: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
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The Denver Broncos have been linked to Kaepernick since Brock Osweiler bolted for the Texans, but if he isn't acquired by draft day, general manager John Elway may turn his attention to the draft.
Connor Cook might lack the elite upside of some of the other quarterback prospects in this draft class, but he also has a much higher floor.
Cook is arguably the most NFL-ready quarterback in this draft class, having started for three years in a pro-style offense at Michigan State.
Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio helped groom others such as Brian Hoyer and Kirk Cousins, and Cook could be his next quarterback to start in the NFL.
New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots do not own a first-round pick as a result of their punishment from the Deflategate scandal.
The Patriots' first pick is No. 60 in the second round.
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