2016 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Who Are the Experts Picking?
The 2016 NFL draft begins next Thursday, but it feels like there's more uncertainty now than there was a month ago.
The Los Angeles Rams' trade up to No. 1 and the recent news that UCLA linebacker Myles Jack didn't ace his medical recheck has left the teams at the top of the draft board with a lot of questions.
To gauge where we stand at this stage of the process, let's take a look at what the experts are saying.
To get a feel for the consensus, we'll use the latest mock drafts from Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah and Lance Zierlein and CBS Sports' Dane Brugler.
In past iterations of this mock draft roundup, ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay were included. Their mock drafts have been omitted in this case since neither has released a full update since the blockbuster trade between the Rams and Tennessee Titans.
1. Los Angeles Rams
1 of 31
Miller: Jared Goff, QB, California
Jeremiah: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Zierlein: Wentz
Brugler: Goff
The experts are split on which quarterback the Rams have targeted at No. 1.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Rams scheduled meetings with both quarterbacks, but it's unrealistic to believe the Rams don't already know who the pick will be. There's just no way a front office could justify parting with a package of draft picks without knowing exactly what the return would be.
At some point before draft day, it will probably leak who the team is targeting, but for now we're left to guess.
The argument for Goff is centered around the fact that he is the most NFL-ready quarterback prospect, which would make sense for a Rams team that went 7-9 in 2015 and hopes to compete for the playoffs.
Wentz, however, has a fascinating skill set with a big arm and impressive mobility. Even if he isn't quite ready for the NFL, that package may be too enticing for head coach Jeff Fisher and the Rams to pass up.
2. Cleveland Browns
2 of 31
Miller: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Jeremiah: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Zierlein: Jack
Brugler: Wentz
None of the analysts projected trades in their mock drafts, but this selection could ultimately end up belonging to another franchise.
NFL Network's Jeff Darlington (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport) reported that the Browns are "actively shopping" the No. 2 selection.
Since the Browns are in full rebuilding mode and far from one player away from competing, a trade to accumulate picks makes sense. And since there are quarterback-needy teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles a few spots down the board, it's realistic to assume a trade gets made.
If the Browns decide to stay put, however, it would likely be to select their quarterback of the future.
3. San Diego Chargers
3 of 31
Miller: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Jeremiah: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Zierlein: Ramsey
Brugler: Tunsil
Choosing between Tunsil and Ramsey is a nice problem for the Chargers to have, but it's difficult to imagine a scenario in which they don't rush to the podium to take the Ole Miss left tackle.
San Diego is currently protecting its franchise quarterback, 34-year-old Philip Rivers, with King Dunlap at left tackle and could use an upgrade.
Early in the draft process, Notre Dame left tackle Ronnie Stanley was viewed as a viable option for the Chargers for this very reason, so with Tunsil suddenly on the board due to the Rams' trade, this should be an easy decision.
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4. Dallas Cowboys
4 of 31
Miller: Jaley Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Jeremiah: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Zierlein: Jared Goff, QB, California
Brugler: Ramsey
This is a tough call for the Cowboys, but fortunately, they have a few great options.
Jeremiah's selection of Joey Bosa would fill a more immediate need, as the Cowboys need to address their pass rush after losing Greg Hardy to free agency and Randy Gregory to a suspension.
Ramsey, however, is the top available prospect on the board in each scenario and would give the Cowboys some flexibility in their secondary due to the versatility of him and 2015 first-round pick Byron Jones.
Dallas is in a position to land a great player regardless of which direction it goes, but it has been a fairly conservative front office in the first round in recent years and will probably lean toward the best available prospect.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
5 of 31
Miller: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Jeremiah: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
Zierlein: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Brugler: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
This is where the mock drafts start to get tricky.
Jack makes perfect sense for the Jaguars, who desperately need to add playmakers on defense. But are the Jaguars among the teams concerned with Jack's knee?
After Jack's medical recheck in Indianapolis, Brugler reported that "several teams are out," implying Jack would be removed from some draft boards for medical concerns.
At this point, it seems plausible that Jack could go No. 5 overall to Jacksonville, but it's also within the realm of possibility that he slides to Day 2.
6. Baltimore Ravens
6 of 31
Miller: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Jeremiah: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Zierlein: Bosa
Brugler: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
The Ravens are a tough team to pin down, as evidenced by three different players being selected by the experts on both sides of the ball.
Part of the issue with predicting the Ravens' selection is the fact that general manager Ozzie Newsome has a long track record of favoring the best available player.
With so much uncertainty at the top of the draft due to a potential trade at No. 2 and Jack's health concerns, a talented prospect is likely to land in Baltimore's lap.
Miller and Zierlein both see Bosa being that player, but others such as Buckner or even Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott could be the best available player for Newsome.
7. San Francisco 49ers
7 of 31
Miller: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Jeremiah: Jared Goff, QB, California
Zierlein: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Brugler: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
It's unlikely that the 49ers land a quarterback at No. 7, but Jeremiah's selection of Goff could end up being correct if general manager Trent Baalke is able to trade up in the draft.
If the 49ers stay put and miss out on a quarterback, Miller's selection of DeForest Buckner could be an ideal fit.
Not only is head coach Chip Kelly familiar with Buckner from his time at Oregon, but Buckner would be an ideal fit at defensive end in the 49ers' 3-4 defense.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
8 of 31
Miller: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Jeremiah: Stanley
Zierlein: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Brugler: Elliott
If the Eagles don't trade up for a quarterback, the experts are in agreement that they will address one of two areas with this selection.
Stanley would offer the Eagles a long-term plan behind 34-year-old left tackle Jason Peters, but Elliott would make a more immediate impact in Philadelphia.
It's tough to guess which teams are on board with taking a running back this early in the first round, but if the Eagles think they can compete in 2016, they may favor Elliott with this selection.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 of 31
Miller: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Jeremiah: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Zierlein: Hargreaves
Brugler: Hargreaves
It's interesting that the most agreement among the experts doesn't occur until the ninth pick. That's perhaps the best demonstration of just how uncertain the top 10 is this year.
But the agreement in Hargreaves is warranted based on need and value for the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay's secondary was a mess in 2016, and while it has already added free agents Brent Grimes and Josh Robinson, Hargreaves would give it a young star to build around.
10. New York Giants
10 of 31
Miller: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Jeremiah: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Zierlein: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
Brugler: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Since taking over as the Giants general manager prior to the 2007 NFL draft, Jerry Reese has heavily favored three position groups near the top of the draft. Thirteen of Reese's 19 selections in the first two rounds have addressed either the defensive line, offensive line or the secondary.
With that in mind, Conklin and Stanley feel like the obvious targets with this selection given the Giants' need at right tackle.
In Jeremiah's scenario, Stanley was already off the board; otherwise, he would likely agree that the Notre Dame left tackle is the right choice for New York.
11. Chicago Bears
11 of 31
Miller: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Jeremiah: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
Zierlein: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
Brugler: Floyd
The Bears are in full rebuilding mode on defense, so it's no coincidence that all four experts have addressed that side of the ball with this selection.
Chicago has issues at all levels on the defensive side of the ball, so it's tough to guess what area it might address. Realistically, it likely comes down to the best available player.
Miller and Zierlein both present best-case scenarios for the Bears, but Floyd is the prospect most likely to still be on the board at No. 11.
12. New Orleans Saints
12 of 31
Miller: Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville
Jeremiah: Rankins
Zierlein: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Brugler: Rankins
Like the Bears, the Saints are rebuilding on defense and are likely to address that area with this selection.
The consensus on Rankins is somewhat surprising given the depth at defensive line in this draft class.
As Brugler pointed out, Rankins has the "versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front," which could be the attraction for New Orleans over a more one-dimensional prospect such as Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson.
13. Miami Dolphins
13 of 31
Miller: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Jeremiah: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Zierlein: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Brugler: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Based on the wide range of prospects selected by the experts, no one knows what the Dolphins' plan is for this selection.
Miller mentioned that Miami was "heavily rumored to be interested in cornerbacks in the last draft" before coming away with wide receiver DeVante Parker.
The Dolphins parted ways with Grimes and traded for Byron Maxwell from the Eagles this offseason. Adding Jackson would complete the rebuilding process in their secondary.
14. Oakland Raiders
14 of 31
Miller: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Jeremiah: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Zierlein: Sheldon Rankins, OT, Louisville
Brugler: Jackson
The Raiders are a fascinating team in this year's draft. They enter the event without a single glaring need on the depth chart for the first time in at least a decade.
Miller's selection of Conklin is an interesting one, because the offensive line is a relative area of strength for the Raiders.
However, left tackle Donald Penn turns 33 at the end of April, so Conklin would give them an obvious succession plan.
15. Tennessee Titans
15 of 31
Miller: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Jeremiah: Decker
Zierlein: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Brugler: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The knee-jerk reaction to the Titans' trade seems to be that the team will still address the offensive line after it had previously been expected to take Tunsil No. 1 overall. However, the team already has Taylor Lewan at left tackle and re-signed right tackle Byron Bell this offseason.
At No. 15, the value in the tackles isn't nearly what it was with Tunsil at No. 1, so it's hard to imagine the Titans addressing that position given the other more glaring holes on the roster.
Zierlein's proposed selection of Eli Apple gives the Titans an immediate starter at cornerback to bolster their struggling secondary.
16. Detroit Lions
16 of 31
Miller: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Jeremiah: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
Zierlein: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Brugler: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Three of the four experts have the Lions addressing the offensive line, which is mildly surprising since it isn't their most glaring need.
Zierlein's selection of Robinson would make a more immediate impact, but based on the way this draft class is shaped, it might make more sense for Detroit to address the offensive line first.
This draft class is deep at defensive tackle, and the Lions could potentially still land a prospect only a notch lower than Robinson in the second round.
The drop-off from Decker to the second round, however, is steep, and there's no guarantee Detroit could find a future left tackle starter on Day 2.
17. Atlanta Falcons
17 of 31
Miller: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Jeremiah: Lee
Zierlein: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Brugler: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The experts are in agreement that the Falcons will address the defensive side of the ball with this selection—it's just a matter of whether they add another pass-rusher or a playmaker at linebacker.
Brugler's selection of Lawson fits the Falcons' most glaring need, as the team finished dead last in the NFL with 19 sacks in 2015. Pairing Lawson with his former teammate Vic Beasley would give the Falcons two young pass-rushers to build around.
18. Indianapolis Colts
18 of 31
Miller: Noah Spence, LB, Eastern Kentucky
Jeremiah: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Zierlein: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Brugler: Spence
The Colts taking a defensive prospect with this selection was the most shocking consensus of the experts' picks.
Can the Indianapolis front office afford to pass on an offensive lineman after watching Andrew Luck get abused in 2015?
Obviously, prospect availability plays a role, but the Colts should be in position to land an offensive lineman at No. 18 if they want to address that unit.
Ignoring the fact that protecting Luck should be priority No. 1, Miller and Brugler's selection of Spence makes sense. Miller referred to Spence as a "twitchy pass-rusher," and he would bring much-needed explosive athleticism to the Colts' front seven.
19. Buffalo Bills
19 of 31
Miller: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
Jeremiah: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Zierlein: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Brugler: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Floyd, Ragland and Robinson would all be great fits for the Bills, but if Paxton Lynch is on the board, it might be hard to justify passing up on the quarterback.
Vic Carucci, who covers the Bills for the Buffalo News, reported that the Bills are interested in Lynch and even suggested a trade might be an option to make it happen.
It's tough to guess where Lynch will land since multiple other teams, including the New York Jets and Denver Broncos, are also in the market for a quarterback, but Buffalo appears to be in the best position based on the current draft order.
20. New York Jets
20 of 31
Miller: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Jeremiah: Lynch
Zierlein: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Brugler: Lynch
Three of the four analysts see Lynch landing in New York. But their mock drafts were all completed before Carucci's report of Buffalo's interest, which may sway their opinion in future mock drafts.
If the Jets miss out on a quarterback, their attention could turn to the defensive side of the ball, where they may be in the market for a long-term replacement for 32-year-old linebacker David Harris.
Lee is among the most talented athletes at his position in this year's draft class, and his range would make him an ideal fit in Jets head coach Todd Bowles' defense.
21. Washington Redskins
21 of 31
Miller: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Jeremiah: Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
Zierlein: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Brugler: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Despite making the playoffs a season ago, the Redskins are in rebuilding mode on defense.
Perry Riley and Will Compton appear to be in position to win starting jobs at inside linebacker based on the current depth chart, and upgrading at least one of those spots should be a priority early in the draft.
Brugler's selection of Ragland would give Washington a significant upgrade in the front seven, helping to fill the void the Redskins have been trying to fill since London Fletcher's retirement after the 2013 season.
Houston Texans
22 of 31
Miller: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Jeremiah: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Zierlein: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
Brugler: Fuller
The consensus among the experts is that the Texans need to give Brock Osweiler some weapons to allow him to succeed in his transition to Houston.
Both Fuller and Coleman make sense based on their speed, making them ideal complements to DeAndre Hopkins.
If both players are on the board, the edge should go to Coleman, who is a more complete player. Fuller was almost exclusively used as a deep threat at Notre Dame.
23. Minnesota Vikings
23 of 31
Miller: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Jeremiah: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Zierlein: Doctson
Brugler: Treadwell
It feels like a foregone conclusion that the Vikings will land one of the first-round wide receivers. But which one?
The experts have come to somewhat of a consensus, as both selected prospects who fit a similar mold.
Since Teddy Bridgewater doesn't have a huge arm, adding an elite downfield weapon might not be a priority. Instead, the Vikings could target Doctson or Treadwell, who both have demonstrated the ability to win the battle for contested catches at the short and intermediate levels.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
24 of 31
Miller: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Jeremiah: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Zierlein: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Brugler: Doctson
When the Bengals lost both Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency, it became clear that the top wide receivers would be among their targets at No. 24.
Ideally, the Bengals can add a polished product who is ready to step in and contribute immediately, which is why both Jeremiah and Brugler selected Doctson.
Doctson arguably has the best hands of any receiver in this class, which should help him make a smooth transition to the NFL.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 31
Miller: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Jeremiah: Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Zierlein: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Brugler: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Historically, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has ignored defensive backs early in the draft, but the depth chart may dictate otherwise this year.
There's no consensus on the player here, primarily because there are so many cornerback-needy teams in this draft that it's difficult to pin down the order in which the corners will come off the board.
Jeremiah praised Burns for his size and play speed, which could interest the Steelers, who have to find a way to shut down A.J. Green twice every season.
26. Seattle Seahawks
26 of 31
Miller: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Jeremiah: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Zierlein: Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Brugler: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
The Seahawks offensive line is a mess due to the departure of left tackle Russell Okung.
According to Ourlads.com, Bradley Sowell and Garry Gilliam are currently the projected starters at tackle, so it's no surprise that three of the four experts selected an offensive lineman for Seattle.
The Seahawks are hoping to return to the playoffs and will probably favor the more NFL-ready prospects such as Ifedi or Spriggs.
27. Green Bay Packers
27 of 31
Miller: Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
Jeremiah: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Zierlein: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Brugler: Reed
Three of the four analysts plugged in a defensive lineman for the Packers, and all three referenced the loss of B.J. Raji as a motivating factor.
Raji played multiple spots on the Packers defensive line during his career, and that versatility is what could draw the Packers to Reed.
Reed predominantly played in a 3-4 base defense at Alabama, taking snaps at both nose tackle and defensive end.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
28 of 31
Miller: Kevin Dodd, OLB, Clemson
Jeremiah: Dodd
Zierlein: Shaq Lawson, OLB, Clemson
Brugler: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Three of the experts selected a Clemson pass-rusher for the Chiefs, but all acknowledge the selection would be about the future rather than filling an immediate need.
Brugler's selection of Apple fills a far more pressing need for the Chiefs since they are reeling from the loss of Sean Smith. But in each of the other scenarios, the top cornerbacks are already off the board.
Dodd is the most likely of these prospects to still be on the board for the Chiefs and could be a nice investment as a long-term replacement for Tamba Hali.
29. Arizona Cardinals
29 of 31
Miller: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Jeremiah: T.J. Green, S, Clemson
Zierlein: Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Brugler: Keanu Neal, S, Florida
The consensus has the Cardinals adding to their already impressive secondary.
Since any defensive back drafted wouldn't need to be the star of the unit, the Cardinals may lean toward a developmental prospect such as Clemson's T.J. Green.
Green is a former receiver who is still learning—his open-field tackling is abysmal right now—but his stock is soaring due to the upside teams see for him.
Jeremiah even mentioned that some teams believe Green has the tools to shift to cornerback in the NFL.
30. Carolina Panthers
30 of 31
Miller: Keanu Neal, S, Florida
Jeremiah: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Zierlein: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Brugler: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
After the way the Panthers offensive line was abused by the Broncos in the Super Bowl, it's hard not to side with Zierlein and Brugler's thinking on this selection.
Both Spriggs and Ifedi have the ability to step into an immediate starting role at right tackle, providing Carolina with a substantial upgrade over journeyman Mike Remmers.
Given the limited depth at offensive line in this class, there's no guarantee that a worthy lineman will be on the board, in which case Carolina could pursue one of the avenues suggested by Miller or Jeremiah and bolster its defense.
31. Denver Broncos
31 of 31
Miller: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Jeremiah: Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas A&M
Zierlein: T.J. Green, S, Clemson
Brugler: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Maybe Denver is willing to enter the season with Mark Sanchez as its starting quarterback, but the well-documented interest in 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick seems to indicate otherwise. ESPN's Jeff Legwold reported on the potential hold-ups in the deal, but noted that Denver's interest in Kaepernick is legitimate.
Since the two teams were unable to work out a trade involving Kaepernick, the Broncos might enter the draft in search of their franchise quarterback in the first round.
Unless a Kaepernick deal gets worked out at the last minute, Brugler's selection of Cook seems like the most likely outcome.
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