2016 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting the Ideal 1st-Round Pick for Every Team
In just 10 days from Monday, the 31 teams holding first-round picks in the 2016 NFL draft will be hoping to land ideal selections for their rosters.
Predicting which prospects will be at the top of each team’s board is an inexact science. Rankings inside NFL draft rooms tend to be much more diverse than those produced by mainstream-media draft analysts, and players always come off the board much earlier than expected, including within the top 31 picks.
Nonetheless, it’s time for teams and fans alike to project how the draft will play out, as fervor builds before the event on April 28-30.
Although most draft analysts agree that this year’s class lacks elite talent, that does not make the draft any less intriguing. Headlined by Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil and Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey, this year's class features plenty of projected first-round picks who have the potential to be game-changers, even if they are not considered sure things.
Not every team will have the opportunity to draft the player it covets most in Round 1, but all 31 first-round picks will be expected to emerge as impact players in short order.
We’ll take a look at which player fits best for each team. This isn’t meant to be predictive; rather, it's a long-term look at where players should go.
1. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB, Cal
1 of 31
The Los Angeles Rams struck a blockbuster deal with the Tennessee Titans to move up from the 15th overall pick to No. 1 overall. Admittedly, I really like this deal for both sides. While the Rams will suffer from not having another pick until the fourth round, they’ve been stuck in mediocre mud without a quarterback.
By moving up to this pick, they’ll have the chance to name their next franchise quarterback. For me, this is an easy decision to select Cal quarterback Jared Goff, who is the most complete prospect at the position this year, showing great accuracy, pocket presence and mental aptitude.
The 6’4”, 215-pound signal-caller would help open rushing lanes for running back Todd Gurley. He is the best deep-ball thrower in the class, specializing in over-the-shoulder catches. I charted each of the top-four quarterbacks throughout the season, and he was by far the most accurate on intermediate and deep routes.
Goff has advanced mental makeup, has continued to add weight to his frame and has proved to be a playmaker against top competition. I believe he is the ideal pick because he has the highest ceiling and floor of any quarterback in the class.
2. Cleveland Browns: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
2 of 31
There’s been a lot of smoke around the Cleveland Browns with speculation they’ll take a quarterback with the second overall selection. It could prove to be true, but after signing Robert Griffin III at the request of head coach Hue Jackson, it doesn’t make the most sense to force a pick here.
Griffin is damaged goods at this point, but he’s more naturally talented than anyone in this class if he can regain his 2012 form.
The worst-case scenario is Griffin doesn’t pan out, and the Browns get their chance at a top quarterback next year. Whichever year the Browns take a quarterback, they would be starting an unproven player in 2017. Especially with Goff going first in this mock, the Browns should add the best overall talent on the board.
Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey has the athleticism, production, versatility and size that teams can usually only dream of. The 6’1”, 209-pound playmaker can line up at safety or cornerback and instantly impact the woeful Browns defense. He has the ability to be a top positional player at either spot.
I’d like to see Ramsey at free safety to maximize his impact. The Browns have several quality cornerbacks already, and Ramsey can move around to take advantage of errant passes or blitz off the edge. He’s a rare prospect at a premium position.
3. San Diego Chargers: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
3 of 31
The San Diego Chargers are probably hoping defensive back Jalen Ramsey falls to this spot, but since I have the Cleveland Browns taking him, the Chargers need to look elsewhere for defensive help. Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner would be an excellent fit for this unit. He’d not only fit their 3-4 front perfectly due to scheme familiarity, but he’s a polished and explosive pass-rusher and quality run-stuffer.
Adding a rare left tackle prospect like Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss is intriguing, but the Chargers recently handed out multiyear deals to King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale. Investing a top pick in another tackle wouldn’t solve the biggest issues this team has, which are all on the defensive side of the ball. Buckner or Ohio State’s Joey Bosa would be much more effective in helping this team win.
I give Buckner the nod here because of his natural fit into a 5-technique role. Bosa will more easily fit into a 4-3 defense, and the projection into a different scheme is unclear. Buckner can not only penetrate, but he’ll help eat space for young edge-rusher Jeremiah Attaochu.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
4 of 31
Even with quarterback Carson Wentz sliding a little bit to the Dallas Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones won’t bite on the temptation. The Cowboys have a clear window to win right now, and taking a green backup quarterback who needs a few seasons to hit his stride doesn’t fit that time frame. But adding a star defensive end in Joey Bosa sure does.
Bosa’s a solid athlete who offers impact on both run and passing plays. The 20-year-old has excellent size at 6’5”, 269 pounds and 33 ⅜” arms. He is a power-rusher who relies on excellent technique and leverage to make plays in the backfield.
He is an ideal fit into Dallas’ four-man front and can take the place of Greg Hardy. He’s not the next Von Miller, but Bosa plays an important role as a three-down defender. His time at Ohio State also showed the potential of a devastating interior pass-rusher in nickel defenses, when Bosa can slide inside to 3-technique next to Tyrone Crawford.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
5 of 31
I’m not as high as others on UCLA linebacker Myles Jack. While he’s a terrific athlete, his production was not impressive and he never mastered his craft at one position. He’s also coming off a knee injury that has scared some teams away, according to CBS Sports NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler.
That being said, Jack will likely go high in the first round. He is a rare athlete who can line up at multiple positions, such as safety and middle linebacker, and act as a slot cornerback when he’s actually a strong-side linebacker. Coaches will hope to unlock the untapped potential in Jack by improving his instincts and refining his run-defending ability.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a good position to either add a freakish athlete to their defense or even trade down to quarterback-hungry teams. While Jacksonville has improved its talent this offseason, it still lacks playmakers on its defense. Jack immediately infuses speed, which is needed for this unit to take a leap.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
6 of 31
It’s uncommon to see the Baltimore Ravens this high on the draft board, but injuries wiped out what had seemed to be another potential deep playoff run for the franchise. Now it’s up to general manager Ozzie Newsome to add an impactful rookie to a roster filled with veterans. His draft record should give nothing but confidence he’ll execute on that challenge.
In this scenario, Newsome and the Ravens will grab the best overall prospect in the 2016 class. Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil went from possible No. 1 pick to the sixth selection because every team in front of Baltimore has recently invested at the position. The Ravens signed left tackle Eugene Monroe to a five-year, $37.5 million deal just two years ago, but injuries and mediocre play led them to offer Kelechi Osemele the job had he re-signed with the team.
Capitalizing on Tunsil’s fall to plug a short- and long-term need at a reasonable cost would allow the team to terminate Monroe’s big contract and see the upgrade on the field. If Tunsil is gone, then adding a pass-rusher or cornerback shouldn’t be out of the question.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
7 of 31
The San Francisco 49ers are in a good position to add one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft with the seventh overall pick. Armed with 12 total picks, they’re a legitimate threat to move up and take whomever the Los Angeles Rams don’t select first overall.
In this ideal mock, the best fit on the board for the 49ers is Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch.
Head coach Chip Kelly never invested in the quarterback position in the draft while he was with the Philadelphia Eagles, which was one reason his offense lacked a consistent identity. Adding Lynch would give him a more accurate but similarly athletic playmaker than Colin Kaepernick, who could be dealt for a mid-round pick during the draft weekend.
Lynch would allow Kelly to craft a devastating rushing attack with he and Carlos Hyde, while also implementing a vertical passing attack.
A young offensive core of Lynch, Hyde and Torrey Smith would be a solid trio. Add in complementary pieces like Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton, this offense would look significantly better in 2016.
8. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
8 of 31
I don’t foresee Carson Wentz lasting this long come April 28, but there’s a difference in where I’d take him and where the NFL will take him. There’s been simply too much buzz about him throughout this process and he could even be the first overall selection.
But that’s not ideal, as Wentz isn’t yet close to being ready to holding the reins to a functional offense.
The North Dakota State product checks boxes that the NFL loves, such as size at 6’5” and 237 pounds, a strong arm and athleticism. Those are great traits, but his on-field play shows a developmental player with considerable upside and the need to improve. Being a top-10 pick will put immediate pressure on him to accelerate that process.
The Philadelphia Eagles are a good situation for Wentz since they have veterans Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel in place for the next two seasons. That won’t stop them from aggressively chasing a rookie quarterback, though, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported they’re exploring trade-up scenarios.
Wentz is a solid prospect for West Coast offenses who prefer short to intermediate passes. Despite his big arm, Wentz struggles on deep passes because he adds too much air and has inconsistent footwork. His transition to the NFL will not be easy as he jumps from the FCS.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
9 of 31
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made bold moves this offseason as they try to make a playoff push in 2016. Firing Lovie Smith as the head coach was a statement that this franchise wouldn’t accept mediocrity. Retaining Dirk Koetter not only as the offensive mind, but promoting him to head coach could help this team reach new heights as quarterback Jameis Winston enters Year 2.
Adding veterans like defensive end Robert Ayers and cornerback Brent Grimes should help two of the weakest positions on the roster. But they still need another pass-rusher with upside who can transform this unit into a legitimate and deep group. Right now, the defensive end position is filled with complementary pass-rushers.
Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson is one of the best athletes in the draft and can immediately impact this defense as a rookie. He finished his stellar career with 20 sacks, including 12.5 in 2015. The 6’3”, 269-pound end can create pressure using his powerful lower body or using speed to conquer his blocker.
10. New York Giants: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
10 of 31
The pressure is on New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese to build a playoff-caliber team. Reese was given another year to right the ship despite fielding a deeply flawed roster in recent years. The Giants' pick at No. 10 is difficult to predict because there are numerous areas of need that require bolstering.
Even with massive holes at safety and linebacker, the ideal pick for the Giants is a capable offensive tackle. New head coach Ben McAdoo simply cannot start Marshall Newhouse at right tackle and endanger quarterback Eli Manning. Paired with 2015 first-round pick Ereck Flowers, the Giants offensive line would be more reliable and talented than in recent years.
The Giants have two options here. Whether they see Flowers as a left or right tackle will really determine who this tackle will be. If Flowers is a left tackle, then Michigan State’s Jack Conklin is a natural projection to the right side. Otherwise, Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley could play left tackle and force Flowers to flip sides.
Stanley is the better fit into the Giants’ zone-blocking scheme and he is a refined pass-blocker. His presence will allow Manning to drop back in the pocket with more confidence since he’s tailor-made for the current NFL.
11. Chicago Bears: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
11 of 31
Although the Chicago Bears weren’t able to get closer to a playoff berth last season, they’ve put together an impressive offseason two years in a row. This roster is dramatically better than it was prior to general manager Ryan Pace taking over. There are just a few obvious holes left to address.
The biggest need for Chicago is at cornerback. While there’s no clear superstar available this year, the most refined and pro-ready player at the position is Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves. He won’t pass every team’s size standard since he’s 5’10” with sub-31” arms, but he is tough, physical and has great feet.
If Kyle Fuller can show improvement in his third season, then the Bears secondary would be considerably better off with Hargreaves as their second corner. He’d also fit well in the NFC North, which boasts smaller wide receivers who will be challenged by Hargreaves’ quickness and advanced nuance.
12. New Orleans Saints: Jonathan Bullard, DL, Florida
12 of 31
The New Orleans Saints have one of the most unique situations in this draft. This roster has been ravaged by cap issues and poor drafting over the last few years, but the presence of Drew Brees puts pressure on the front office to add players who can play right away.
There’s no time to slow-cook any prospect.
This pick may be considered outside the box, but Florida defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard is an ideal fit for this defense. The versatile playmaker is in the mold of the Seattle Seahawks' Michael Bennett, who is a tremendous weapon for their defense. Bullard is capable of causing havoc as a defensive end or tackle in a 4-3 front.
The 6’3”, 285-pounder is incredibly powerful and quick off the snap. He’ll add a well-rounded presence to a defense that lacked nastiness last year. Bullard would also claim a starting job early in training camp.
The Saints need to improve their woeful defense, and that process starts in the trenches. Bullard can rotate with Bobby Richardson at end and start at tackle.
13. Miami Dolphins: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
13 of 31
After trading down from the No. 8 overall selection to the 13th spot to acquire cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Miami Dolphins still need defensive help.
Though Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott is still on the board, the Dolphins desperately lack defensive talent right now. Recent draft picks hadn’t shown much progress under former head coach Joe Philbin, which is one reason why he was replaced.
New defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will likely run zone coverage to complement a 4-3 front. Cover 3 schemes prefer length and pure speed as cornerbacks are responsible for taking away vertical routes. The best zone cornerback in the class is Houston’s William Jackson III.
Jackson has solid ball skills to go with his 6’0”, 189-pound frame. He notched a jaw-dropping 23 pass breakups to go with five interceptions in 2015. He’d instantly start in Miami and allow Jamar Taylor to slide inside to his more natural slot position.
14. Oakland Raiders: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
14 of 31
The last three offseasons have gone mighty well for Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. He’s nailed the NFL draft, adding a premier quarterback, pass-rusher, offensive guard, wide receiver and quality depth throughout the roster.
Add in several big free-agency signings this year and the Raiders are pointing upwards.
If a talent like Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott falls to Oakland at No. 14, this is a no-brainer. While Elliott is an elite offensive playmaker, running backs tend to slip as franchises have devalued the position. The teams picking before Oakland can justify passing on Elliott because of more pressing needs elsewhere.
Oakland shouldn’t make that same mistake if they’re given the opportunity to select Elliott. Along with Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, the Raiders offense would be loaded with young and cheap talent for the next few seasons.
This is a team pushing the playoff race already. Acquiring a potential Pro Bowl back is well worth the 14th overall pick.
15. Tennessee Titans: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
15 of 31
The Tennessee Titans challenged the rest of the NFL to come up with a good enough offer to deal the first overall pick. The Los Angeles Rams paid a handsome ransom to complete a trade weeks before the event, but it’s a winning situation for both teams if their new picks produce. Tennessee was able to land the 15th, 43rd, 45th and 76th overall picks in exchange for Nos. 1, 113 and 117 overall.
It’s important for the Titans to solidify their woeful offensive line. They felt Laremy Tunsil wasn’t good enough to justify passing on the Rams’ offer and that their options at No. 15 are similar. Adding a standout right tackle prospect like Ohio State’s Taylor Decker would add a road-grader to this unit and help second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The 6’7”, 310-pound Decker was an excellent left tackle for the Buckeyes throughout his career, but his powerful style better suits the right side. This is perfect for the Titans, who already have Taylor Lewan on the left. He’d be an immediate upgrade on Byron Bell.
16. Detroit Lions: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
16 of 31
Detroit’s 2015 season started poorly enough that the Lions seemed destined to earn the No. 1 overall pick. A midseason change at offensive coordinator and an improved defense sparked this team as they rallied to a 7-9 finish. That’s respectable considering they began 1-7 before the bye week.
For the Lions to continue their second-half momentum in 2016, they need to improve the trench play on both sides of the ball. The right tackle situation is the worst in the NFL, as Michael Ola and Cornelius Lucas are the two most qualified individuals on the roster. A rookie tackle could either play left or right, and Riley Reiff can play the other side.
Jack Conklin of Michigan State would be a solid addition for the Lions. He’s a powerful run-blocker who tested well at the NFL Scouting Combine, which helps show upside as a pass-blocker, as well. Conklin has experience at left tackle, but his physical makeup and play style means a switch to the right side is possible.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
17 of 31
The Atlanta Falcons have devoted significant assets into upgrading their pass-rush situation since Dan Quinn was hired as head coach. 2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley showed signs that he can become a dynamic player in the next few seasons. Free-agent acquisition Derrick Shelby will also bolster the defensive line.
There’s still a need for another defensive end for the Falcons to reach their defensive potential. Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd was a breakout star in 2015. The 6’5”, 277-pounder logged 24 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in his junior campaign.
This would be an ideal pick for the Falcons as Dodd would immediately play in rotation with Tyson Jackson. Jackson’s value comes on rushing plays where he can two-gap and eat blocks. This has little impact on obvious passing downs, though, and Dodd can thrive as a situational player until he’s ready to take over full-time in 2017.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
18 of 31
With one of the weakest rosters from top to bottom of any team picking in the second half of the first round, the Indianapolis Colts need to take some risks when it comes to drafting. Their defense has just two notable playmakers in cornerback Vontae Davis and defensive end Henry Anderson. This team will not become a serious Super Bowl contender until they improve their pass rush.
There are a few intriguing options on the board at this point, but it’s Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd who could prove to be a Pro Bowl talent. Floyd is a freak athlete at 6’6”, 244 pounds. He blew away competition at the NFL Scouting Combine with top marks in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump.
Floyd needs some refinement on the field. He split time as an edge-rusher and inside linebacker in his career because he’s not as effective rushing the passer as his immense physical gifts would suggest he can be. Working with Colts veterans like Trent Cole and Robert Mathis could work wonders for Floyd and help him become a superstar.
19. Buffalo Bills: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
19 of 31
The Buffalo Bills were close to earning their first playoff spot since 1999 in Rex Ryan’s first season as head coach. Their 8-8 record is a solid year to build off, but this is also a veteran roster that must inject youth along its defense to continue playing at a high level. Buffalo’s depth along the front four suffered when Mario Williams was released after a lackluster 2015 season.
Mississippi State defensive tackle Chris Jones would be a terrific addition at this point in the draft. The 6’6”, 310-pounder is long, strong and disruptive. He was a late bloomer in college and will likely need to be eased into the NFL. The Bills can make this happen and unleash him on third-down passing plays.
Rapoport reported the Bills are in the quarterback market, but that seems preposterous considering how well Tyrod Taylor played last season. It would be a huge mistake to already start turning the page on Taylor.
Instead of churning through a quality young quarterback, it’s important to invest in a high-upside talent along the defensive line to keep that unit among the league’s best.
20. New York Jets: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
20 of 31
The New York Jets were just one game away from reaching the playoffs in 2015 in head coach Todd Bowles’ first season with the team. Bowles and his staff were masterful in maximizing a good but flawed roster. This team lacks premier talent at some of the most important positions on the field, including pass-rusher and quarterback.
Since the top three quarterbacks are off the board in this mock, the ideal pick for the Jets comes at linebacker. Flash back to mid-November when the team cut outside linebacker Quinton Coples; Bowles said he needed more speed on his defense. The fastest and best playmaker available at this point is Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee.
Lee is a terrific athlete who had better production than Myles Jack, and who is projected to be taken significantly higher if his health checks out. At 6’1”, 232 pounds, he can serve as an inside linebacker next to David Harris, then rush the passer on third downs. Bowles will love his versatility and natural feel for the game.
21. Washington Redskins: Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
21 of 31
The Washington Redskins had a fascinating 2015 season to look back upon. Head coach Jay Gruden established himself among the top offensive minds in the NFL, helping to create a playoff team with a first-year starting quarterback and relatively limited personnel throughout the roster.
With quarterback Kirk Cousins, tight end Jordan Reed and a deep receiving core to build around, general manager Scot McCloughan can focus on rebuilding this aging defense.
In an interview with Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole, McCloughan spoke to the importance of adding quality trench players. He wants individuals who will set the tone for the unit with hard work. Considering the dearth of depth along the defensive line, it seems safe to say he’ll invest heavily there this draft.
The most workmanlike lineman on the board is Alabama’s Jarran Reed. The 6’3”, 307-pound tackle is a run-stuffing specialist at this point in his career, with the ability to play as the right or left defensive end in a 3-4 front. The Redskins need help at both positions and Reed is a very safe and good player.
22. Houston Texans: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
22 of 31
No team has overhauled their offensive skill-player core more than the Houston Texans this offseason. Signing quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller instantly adds a more reliable presence than previous starters Brian Hoyer and Arian Foster. Osweiler doesn’t have much of a track record but he is more physically capable of executing a game-manager role than the weak-armed Hoyer.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is among the very best in the league at the position. But the cupboard is bare for the Texans outside of Hopkins. Giving Osweiler more legitimate options has to be a priority to ensure his success. If the Texans want a more complementary piece to Hopkins’ skill set, then Corey Coleman is the best option at No. 22.
Coleman was unstoppable on the field at Baylor until a sports hernia injury occurred late in the season. He amassed an amazing 20 touchdowns last year, showing incredible foot speed and open-field quickness. He’s a versatile threat who can go deep or create on underneath routes.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
23 of 31
Good front offices are able to quickly recognize the biggest weaknesses on a roster and put together a plan to fix those flaws. The Minnesota Vikings have been successful via the draft in years past under general manager Rick Spielman, who took a more aggressive approach in free agency to help a woeful offensive line improve.
Adding guard Alex Boone and tackle Andre Smith could help that unit turn from a bottom-three group to a respectably average one. That’s the type of help third-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater needs in front of him. There’s still work to do at wide receiver, though.
Rookie Stefon Diggs showed great talent and promise last year, leaving need for a dominant downfield threat and maybe another quality depth player. TCU receiver Josh Doctson would immediately become the most dangerous player for Bridgewater at the position.
The 6’2”, 202-pound acrobat is masterful at tracking deep balls and finishing at the catch point. He’d bring a dynamic to this offense that hasn’t been seen since Randy Moss was with the franchise.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
24 of 31
The run on receivers will seemingly end with the 24th overall pick. The Cincinnati Bengals sit in good position to pick over the spoils left from the Houston Texans' and Minnesota Vikings' selections. After losing both Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones, the team needs to reload at receiver.
Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell was considered an elite prospect before suffering a broken fibula late in 2014. Treadwell was still a great player last season but didn’t look as dominant or explosive as the previous season. His combine results were very poor as well, which has hurt his stock.
Nevertheless, Treadwell is the best route-runner in the class and can overcome decreased athleticism. If he can regain his previous form, then this pick could go from solid to absolute steal. The worst-case is he plays second fiddle to Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green and gives Andy Dalton another stud to target.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
25 of 31
As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to rebuild their defense with young, cheap talent, the secondary looks like the next position the team will address. The Steelers released veteran cornerback Cortez Allen last week, shedding salary and opening the door for a rookie to make the roster.
Pittsburgh cannot simply force a pick at cornerback at this spot, though. The best prospect on the board in the secondary is Boise State free safety Darian Thompson, who has experience as a single-high cover man and also in man coverage. The 6’2”, 208-pounder was one of the best non-Power Five conference players, serving as the lynchpin for a solid Broncos defense.
Thompson registered 209 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 17 interceptions and six passes defensed for his career. He’s the ball hawk the Steelers have been needing for years. He’ll also fit well next to Mike Mitchell, who can mirror Thompson or drop into the box when needed.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
26 of 31
There are few collective positions across the league as weak as the Seattle Seahawks offensive line. Their faith in offensive line coach Tom Cable is steep, as the team has invested the least financial resources to the position in the NFL. (Just $8.3 million is dedicated to the five positions in 2016, per Spotrac.)
While money doesn’t necessary fix issues, talent does. At least Seattle is spending little on below-average players. That needs to change, though, starting with the No. 26 overall pick.
The ideal draft pick for the Seahawks is Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs, a highly athletic and long player who specializes in pass blocking. The 6’6”, 301-pound tackle would allow Garry Gilliam to stay on the right side, which is more natural for him anyway.
27. Green Bay Packers: A’Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
27 of 31
An unexpected retirement and a previous injury have left the Green Bay Packers defensive line razor-thin.
Star defensive tackle Mike Daniels is the only player who can be counted on. Datone Jones, Josh Boyd and Letroy Guion are wild cards that the team cannot count on to make improvements.
With Daniels cemented as a starter, the Packers still need a nose tackle and 5-technique. The best one on the board is Alabama’s A’Shawn Robinson. He's not a good pass-rusher but is the best block-eater in the class. He’d immediately challenge, and probably earn, the starting end position.
Since the 2016 class is deep with defensive line talent, general manager Ted Thompson could fill most of his team’s needs. Robinson would be the perfect start to that plan. His impact will come when he opens lanes for Packers linebackers to attack downhill.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
28 of 31
The lone interior offensive lineman projected to go in this mock draft is Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair. He played tackle in college, but his 6’4”, 301-pound frame and 32 ⅜” arms are less than ideal for him to remain there in the NFL. His best position moving forward is at center or guard.
The Kansas City Chiefs don’t need the former, as 2015 second-round pick Mitch Morse had a fine rookie season. But the Chiefs need help at guard after losing Jeff Allen and Ben Grubbs this past free-agency period. Their depth chart at the position is bleak, with two third-year players with minimal experience in line to start.
Whitehair can immediately boost the Chiefs’ zone-blocking run scheme and West Coast passing attack. He’s a solid athlete with great technique, which sets him apart from many of his peers in this class. This is an ideal pairing for both Whitehair and the Chiefs.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
29 of 31
The Arizona Cardinals sit in a precarious position at No. 29. They have the luxury of adding the best player available, which for me is edge-rusher Noah Spence of Eastern Kentucky. The other options include filling their biggest immediate need, a center, or a long-term need in quarterback.
Although a rookie center like Alabama's Ryan Kelly would be a great pick, the best option is to wait on the position if Spence is on the board. Pass-rushers have the most value of any position except for quarterback. Even though the Cardinals have invested back-to-back second-round picks in edge-rushers (Markus Golden in 2015 and the Chandler Jones trade in 2016), one more legitimate threat could make this unit elite.
A quality center will likely still be available in Round 3 or later. If the Cardinals want to add a weak-side linebacker or go the quarterback route, trading out of the first round is another option. Recouping a second-round pick may not happen, but another third-round pick to move into Day 2 would be shrewd.
30. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
30 of 31
The defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers had an unlikely, but nonetheless impressive, 17-2 run in 2015 and nearly came away with the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year. They’re now tasked with the more difficult challenge of continuing their success into a new season. The logical step in accomplishing the task is to continue adding impact talent.
The Panthers offense will receive a boost from Kelvin Benjamin’s return from a torn ACL injury. More help is needed around quarterback Cam Newton, though. As well as running back Jonathan Stewart has played, he’s entering his ninth season and nearing 30 years old. His production could drop at any time.
Adding Alabama running back Derrick Henry would be a perfect fit for their offensive system. Their mix of power and inside-zone run blocking will be quite familiar to Henry, making his transition easy. The 6’3”, 247-pound back proved he can be impactful in a backup role until he’s ready to take over full-time, as he played in rotation with T.J. Yeldon at Alabama in 2014.
31. Denver Broncos: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
31 of 31
Things went south quickly for the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos this offseason. Losing Peyton Manning was expected, but the departures of Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan are deep cuts. This roster’s depth will be tested in 2016.
The one position that must be addressed immediately is quarterback. As things currently stand, the Broncos’ projected starter is Mark Sanchez. Recently released Brian Hoyer (from the Houston Texans) is far from a reasonable option, and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is still on the West Coast. Even if Kaepernick or Ryan Fitzpatrick is acquired, this team needs a long-term option.
Another quarterback sneaks into our mock, as Michigan State’s Connor Cook would be the ideal fit with the Broncos. The three-year starter proved to be tough and reliable for the Spartans, at times showing elite ball placement and poise. It wouldn’t be surprising if he were able to win this starting job in 2016.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
