Ranking the 25 Players Who Will Make the Trip to the 2016 NFL Draft
The 2016 NFL draft is nearly upon us. This Thursday night, all 32 teams, numerous league officials and thousands of fans will gather in Chicago for the annual rookie selection process. Millions worldwide will watch the event unfold.
However, only 25 of the draft's rookie prospects will actually make the trip to Auditorium Theatre.
Today, we're going to examine the 25 players scheduled to attend this year's draft and rank them—as if they haven't been examined and judged enough over the past couple of months. We will base our decisions on a combination of past production, overall upside and potential for immediate impact.
This isn't meant to be a prediction of future success, because much of that will depend on the teams around the players. This also isn't a prediction of how the draft will unfold. This is only meant as a look at how we view these 25 players as they approach the pinnacle of their draft journey.
25. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
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It's hard to question the physical potential of former Mississippi defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche. At 6'3" and 294 pounds, he possesses the size to be a standout tackle or end at the pro level, and his athleticism backs up that potential.
Nkemdiche logged a strong 4.87-second 40 at the scouting combine to go with a 35-inch vertical and 28 reps of the 225-pound bench press.
The issues with Nkemdiche, however, aren't physical. Now-infamous hotel-room tumble aside, the most concerning thing with Nkemdiche is that his potential hasn't translated to production on the field. He had just 29 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and three sacks last season.
This lack of production could stem from a lack of motivation.
He doesn’t just think football, football, football 24/7," one NFL scout said of Nkemdiche, per Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "That’s not always the most attractive guy from a football standpoint. Coaches like them a little bit better if it’s football 24/7."
Nkemdiche could become a star in the right system and with the right coaches around him, of course. Yet, there is too much bust potential here to place him any higher on our list. Whether it's a lack of motivation or some questionable decision-making, there are just too many red flags to ignore. Nkemdiche's potential means little when he has yet to show he can reach it or even reach for it.
24. Keanu Neal, S, Florida
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Teams that are looking to add a physical and intimidating presence to their defensive backfields will show interest in Florida safety Keanu Neal.
Neal is a demon of a defender in space, chasing down ball-carriers and pass-catchers alike with the intention of delivering big hits to the opposition. At 6'0" and 211 pounds, Neal has the build to back up his aggressive style of play. He also boasts the athleticism to excel at it. He clocked a 4.59-second 40 at his pro day to go with a 4.32-second short shuttle.
A tackling machine, Neal produced 96 this past season at Florida. He also added 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
The reason we can't justify placing Neal higher on our list is because of a limited resume and a lack of game-changing ball skills. Neal produced just one pass defended and one interception this past season, only his second as a starter.
Though Neal is one of the better safeties in this year's class, he is primarily an in-the-box run defender at this point. It could take some time for him to adapt to deep coverages and become a true playmaker.
Being possibly the top safety in an underwhelming safety class means Neal will likely be overdrafted a bit. However, we're not going to over-rank him in our list of 2016 draft attendees.
23. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
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Former Alabama standout Reggie Ragland finds himself near the bottom of our rankings for a couple of reasons. For one, he projects as an inside linebacker at the pro level, a position some teams will not put a premium on.
The second reason is his lack of elite top-end speed—he clocked a 4.72-second 40 at the combine—could limit him in coverage and as a pass-rusher. There's a good chance he'll be limited to a run-stuffing role in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley doesn't exactly agree.
"I don't think Reggie [Ragland]'s just a straight banger," Whaley recently said, per Matthew Fairburn of NewYorkUpstate.com. I think he's got a chance to play on third down. In all, just look at football in all. Those old-school 'Mikes' that take on the fullback and blow up guards, you're not finding them in college. Colleges don't do that."
If he is limited to being a run-stuffer, though, Ragland has the potential to be one of the best in the business. He has adequate size at 6'1" and 247 pounds and has the instincts needed to find and punish ball-carriers at the point of attack.
As Whaley alluded to, Ragland can also engage blockers and make his way to the ball-carrier on his own.
Ragland racked up 102 tackles last season with the Crimson Tide. He is a smart player and a potential day-one starter who can likely be a tackling machine as a pro as well. This is why Ragland will probably be a first-round pick, despite possible physical and role limitations.
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22. Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
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Louisiana Tech's Vernon Butler is a physically imposing defender who is going to generate interest because of his size and his ability to play multiple positions at the line.
At 6'4" and 323 pounds, Butler is easily one of the bigger defenders in this year's loaded draft class. However, his size doesn't lead to impressive functional strength—26 reps of the 225-pound bench press is good but not eye-opening—and didn't lead to overly impressive production against mostly underwhelming competition.
Butler amassed 50 tackles last season but added just three sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. Butler has shown some creative and highly functional countermoves when engaged by blockers, but he doesn't always finish plays by locating the football.
Many potential employers are going to question why Butler wasn't more dominant in Conference USA play. Others are going to look at the physical traits and see a player with elite potential. If Butler can convince teams his countermoves can translate into pass-rush ability, he could wind up as a first-round selection.
However, we're leaving Butler low in our rankings because he hasn't shown that pass-rush instinct or an ability to dominate subpar competition.
21. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
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From a physical standpoint, few defensive backs in this year's draft class are as impressive as Ohio State product Eli Apple.
At 6'1" and 199 pounds, Apple has the long, rangy frame that scouts drool over. After running an impressive 4.40-second 40 at the combine, he has shown that he has the speed they want too.
Apple also put plenty of things to like on game film during his time at Ohio State. He racked up 33 tackles to go with eight passes defended, a fumble recovery and an interception. He has also shown the technique and demeanor needed to win in man-coverage situations.
The problem is that Apple isn't nearly as effective in zone coverage and is still raw enough that a transition to the NFL may not come easily. He'll also need to work on his ball skills before becoming a true force at the pro level.
"Good size, good athletic ability, but he doesn't make a lot of plays," one unnamed NFL scout said of Apple, per Mark Eckel of NJ.com. "He needs to develop. I don't see him coming in and starting for you day one."
It's the fact that Apple may not be suited to start early as a rookie that has him near the bottom of our list. Though his ceiling is high, it's hard to love spending a first-round pick on a guy who might not immediately contribute.
20. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
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As you'll see later on in this list, a number of talented defensive tackle prospects should go much earlier in the draft than they actually will. This is because the talent pool is so deep at the position that teams will be willing to jump on players of lesser talent at thinner positions.
Mississippi State defensive tackle Chris Jones is one of the many interior defensive linemen who will likely fall because of this trend. The 6'6", 310-pound defender has the look and ability of a future NFL standout.
Jones has even looked like a future elite NFL defender at times in his collegiate career, as Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller recently explained:
"Turn on the film from Chris Jones’ games against Missouri and Arkansas and you’ll see a defensive lineman with top-10 potential. Maybe even top five overall. He’s long, explosive and relentless as he tosses around ball-carriers. That’s the ability that has teams talking about using a top-15 selection on him.
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As we've already mentioned, Jones may not actually be a top-15 selection. However, whichever team does pull the trigger on him will get a heck of a player. Jones produced 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last season. He has the potential to both engage blockers and make plays on his own.
In the right system and role, Jones could even transform into a dominant star.
19. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
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Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson made up one-half of a doming pass-rushing duo in 2015. Alongside teammate and likely fellow first-rounder Kevin Dodd, Lawson terrorized opposing offenses this past season.
In total, Lawson amassed 60 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for a loss in 2015. There's no denying he was a disruptive player and a sack artist. The question now is whether teams believe he can be a similar player at the pro level.
At 6'3" and 269 pounds, Lawson has the size to play outside linebacker or as an edge-rushing end. His speed and quickness also match up with what one would expect from a future pass-rushing star. He clocked a 4.70-second 40 and a 4.21-second short shuttle at the scouting combine.
The problem is that Lawson doesn't possess the lean, flexible frame most teams look for in an edge-rusher. With arms that measure 32 ¾ inches, teams might also worry about his ability to disengage from longer pass-protectors.
Another issue is the inconsistencies that show up on game film.
"As many good splash plays as he has had, he has had too many, for me, plays where Shaq looks slow, sluggish and not very competitive,” ESPN Insider Louis Riddick said of Lawson, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “Quite honestly, in scouting terms, he looks like just a guy. That concerns me."
Lawson is far from a sure thing, especially as a pass-rusher. This is why he is ranked much lower than teammate Dodd.
18. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
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If you're looking for an offensive player with explosive, game-changing potential, look no further than Baylor product Corey Coleman.
Coleman amassed 1,363 receiving yards and 20 (20!) touchdowns with the Bears in 2015. He was easily one of the most exciting players in college football, and he should immediately bring some of that excitement to an NFL field.
At 5'11" and 194 pounds, Coleman is never going to be the biggest guy on the field. However, he may often be one of the fastest. He clocked an impressive 4.37-second 40 at his pro day.
Yet, speed isn't Coleman's only asset. He has plenty of functional strength for a player of his size, as evidenced by 17 reps of the 225-pound bench press as the combine. With a 40.5-inch vertical, Coleman should rarely have trouble going up to at least fight for the football.
The main negative with Coleman is that he doesn't have the most consistent hands. For a receiver, this is an obvious issue. He also isn't the cleanest route-runner and doesn't make the smoothest transitions in and out of breaks. These are traits that can be coached up to some degree, but Coleman will likely remain a bit of a feast-or-famine pass-catcher until he refines his game.
Coleman also underwent sports-hernia surgery at the end of the 2015 regular season.
Even with a few notable flaws, Coleman is going to gain a ton of attention because of his speed and game-changing ability. Some teams may even have him as the top receiver on their boards. Because of the question marks, though, we're leaving Coleman in the bottom half of 2016 draft attendees.
17. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
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Alabama's Jarran Reed is the type of meat-and-potatoes defensive tackle who often goes underappreciated in the NFL. He won't rack up sacks at a frenzied pace, but he can shut down the run, eat up space and occupy gaps with regularity.
Reed won't tower over the competition, but he isn't a small defensive tackle either. At 6'3" and 307 pounds he has the size and build to anchor a defensive front. His athleticism, while not overly impressive, is adequate.
What makes Reed special is his technique, anticipation and recognition. Possessing fantastic football intelligence, Reed will rarely be fooled by blocking schemes, misdirection plays or play action. He should be a plug-and-play starter from day one and a guy who can potentially lock up a position for the next decade.
It's that lack of pass-rush potential that is likely to prevent Reed from being a top-15 pick. While he logged 57 tackles last season—which is quite a lot for an interior lineman—he only had 2.0 sacks and eight quarterback hurries.
Teams that are looking for a reliable, run-stuffing nose tackle will find a gem in Reed. Unfortunately, even elite run defenders often get passed over in the opening round, as teams eye playmaking pass-rushers and defensive backs.
16. A'Shawn Robinson, DT,, Alabama
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Former Alabama defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson is similar to former teammate Jarran Reed in the fact that he isn't going to rack up highlight moments. Like Reed, he is going to do most of his work in the trenches, either by stuffing ball-carriers or by occupying blockers at the point of attack.
Also like Reed, Robinson could fall in the draft because of the depth of talented interior linemen.
Draft analyst Mike Mayock recently said the following, per Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times:
"If you're in the second half of the first round and you need a wide receiver, and you know it's not a very deep class for those, you're probably going to go get one. Same for offensive tackles. I think you're going to see a run on some of those positions that are weak, and teams are going to come back later and get their defensive tackle.
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We're going to rank Robinson a bit higher than his former teammate because he appears to be a bit more of a disruptive player—he logged 3.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hurries in 2015. Also, the 6'4", 307-pound Robinson projects as a guy who could play defensive tackle in a 4-3 front or as an edge-setting end in a 3-4.
Robinson could end up going much later than he would in a class with less defensive line talent, but he is first-round material.
15. Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi
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Mississippi's Laquon Treadwell possesses a number of qualities that will endear him to prospective NFL employers. He has the size of a No. 1 receiver at 6'2" and 221 pounds. He has incredible ball skills that allow him to win in situations where other receivers may fail.
Treadwell is also a clean route-runner who can create separation despite lacking elite speed—he ran a plodding 4.63-second 40 at his pro day. His skills allowed him to haul in 82 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season. That Treadwell was able to accomplish the feat a year after suffering a broken fibula and dislocated ankle speaks volume about his drive.
"I wasn't 100 percent the whole year," Treadwell said of his 2015 season, per Matt Bowen of ESPN.com. "I basically played in the SEC on one leg. And to see the things I did on just natural ability and competing at a high level...that's unbelievable to me."
Some teams will be turned off by Treadwell's lack of top-end speed, and others will have issues with his injury history. Medical evaluations will be important for him. He may actually wind up undervalued because of these issues and because he isn't a big-play receiver or a scoring machine.
Whoever does pick Treadwell, though, will get a tough, physical and driven pass-catcher who does just about everything well except run fast in a straight line.
14. Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
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Texas Christian's Josh Doctson was one of college football's most exciting players in 2015. He racked up 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns before having his season prematurely shortened by a broken wrist.
Doctson's wrist will likely bring some questions from prospective NFL employers, as will his relatively thin 6'2", 202-pound frame. However, his skills shouldn't be an issue, and he should be a candidate to become the first receiver off the board.
Doctson has the height that NFL teams want from a top receiver, and he has enough athleticism to get the job done. He clocked a 4.5-second 40 at the combine, which definitely fails to impress. Yet, his 41-inch vertical jump, 131-inch broad jump and 4.08-second short shuttle all suggest elite explosiveness and short-area quickness.
What's even more impressive about Doctson is how he is able to use his route-running to gain space on the playing field. He is a sharp route-runner who can move fluidly in and out of breaks and shake defenders with false moves.
Like the vast majority of receivers in this year's class, there are questions surrounding Doctson. He may have to add some muscle, prove the wrist is 100 percent healthy and learn to adapt to NFL coverage schemes. However, it's easy to be intrigued by a playmaker who comes with tremendous leaping ability, a wide catch radius and polished running skills.
13. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
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If you're looking for a defensive prospect who can likely step in on day one and make plays all over the field, you have to be interested in Ohio State product Darron Lee.
At 6'1" and 232 pounds, Lee isn't the most physically imposing linebacker in this year's class, but he is definitely one of the most athletic. He clocked an impressive 4.47-second 40 at the combine along with a 35.5-inch vertical jump and a 4.20-second short shuttle.
These physical traits allowed Lee to rack up 66 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and one interception for the Buckeyes in 2015.
The best part of Lee's game, however, might be his versatility, as Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller recently explained:
"A true sideline-to-sideline player, Lee has the skill set to play in the slot covering up receivers or tight ends, and from that same alignment he can be a deadly blitzer. NFL teams will also experiment with him as an inside linebacker in 3-4 schemes, at any of the three linebacker spots in a 4-3 and even as a situational pass-rusher.
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The knock on Lee here is that his underwhelming size may create problems at the pro level. He has the potential to succeed in a variety of roles, but he may never be big enough or powerful enough to be dominant in any one role. While he can be a playmaker at the pro level, he probably won't ever develop into a true game-changer like a J.J. Watt or a Luke Kuechly.
It's also fair to wonder just how much of Lee's production can be attributed to playing in a loaded Ohio State defense.
12. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
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One of five Ohio State Buckeyes to make the trip to Chicago for the draft, offensive tackle Taylor Decker is also one of many potentially elite offensive line prospects. On our list of draft attendees, we have him ranked neck-and-neck with Michigan State's Jack Conklin.
Many experts—such as ESPN.com's Anthony Becht, for example—actually view Decker as the better prospect.
At 6'7" and 310 pounds, Decker is a behemoth along an offensive front. He helped the Buckeyes to a national title in 2014 and aided another strong season this past year.
Decker was named 2015 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year.
The negatives surrounding Decker are few but notable. He has a tendency to take a stiff stance and to play a bit too high for his frame, but coaching can correct these issues. Functional strength is a problem—there were tight ends who produced more than the 20 reps of the bench press Decker produced at the combine. However, this is another trait that he can improve over time.
Unfortunately, Decker isn't the most consistent pass-protector out there, and this will cause many teams to view him as a right tackle only. This is unfortunate because Decker will then have to learn the right tackle position. Because of this, we have to place him a bit lower on our list than a player with his ceiling rightfully deserves.
11. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
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Florida product Vernon Hargreaves III is definitely one of the better defensive players in this year's draft class, and he may be the best pure cornerback available. However, he isn't widely considered the top defensive back prospect for one reason—size.
At 5'10" and 204 pounds, Hargreaves doesn't have the long frame and wide defensive radius that some teams deem necessary from a No. 1 corner. Because of his size and lack of elite speed—he clocked a 4.50-second 40 at the combine—some may view Hargreaves as only suited for a No. 2 corner role.
However, Hargreaves has put a lot of positives on film, and there's no denying his aggressiveness, drive or passion for the game. While at Florida, many opponents avoided him altogether, and he was usually capable of stopping opposing receivers when tested.
Hargreaves finished the 2015 season with 33 tackles, four passes defended and four interceptions.
Perhaps the best part of Hargreaves' game is that he has experience in both zone and man schemes and should easily adapt to the NFL.
"I do think he's the best corner," one unnamed NFL scout recently told Mark Eckel of NJ.com about Hargreaves. "He's not as athletic as [Jalen] Ramsey, but he's a smoother cover guy than Ramsey. [The] only thing he lacks is Ramsey's size."
Hargreaves' experience and abilities give him the type of rookie-starter potential needed to rank high on today's list, even if some teams do question his size.
10. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
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Offensive tackle Jack Conklin was a mainstay over the past three years on the offensive line of Michigan State, one of the more physical programs over that span. His ability to shine with the tough, rugged Spartans wasn't coincidence—Conklin isn't afraid to get dirty in the trenches.
His game film is highlighted by impressive efforts against elite defenders such as Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner.
At 6'6" and 308 pounds, Conklin has the size necessary to be an anchor tackle at the pro level. He also has the quickness—he ran a 5.00-second 40 at the combine—to be an effective downfield blocker in the running game.
The problem with Conklin is a lack of elite athleticism and some less-than-ideal footwork. Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller recently explained why this could hamper Conklin's early development:
"Conklin’s footwork is surprisingly a mess given his success at State. He needs to work on staying balanced and not crossing his feet in his slide and shuffle. Short, controlled, choppy steps will become the goal for him. Because of this, Conklin may start his career at right tackle and could even stay there if his footwork can’t be improved.
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While it's not unusual for future left tackles to begin their careers on the right side, we have to knock Conklin just a bit because of the possibility. His ceiling is high as a potential blindside protector, but it might take him some time to reach his potential.
Conklin is obviously still a first-round talent, but the fact he may have to start his career on the right side prevents him from being higher up on this list.
9. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
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Defensive end Kevin Dodd was a bit of a late-bloomer in the Clemson defense, and he didn't really earn a significant role until this past season. Of course, he mostly was playing behind the likes of 2015 first-rounder Vic Beasley, so it's hard to fault him.
What is important is what Dodd was able to do once he reached the playing field. The 6'5", 277-pound edge-rusher racked up 12.0 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss, 62 total tackles and one forced fumble in 2015. In other words, he was a disruptive nightmare for opposing offenses.
While Dodd didn't really land in the national spotlight until Clemson reached the College Football Playoff—4.0 of his sacks came in the two postseason games—Dodd is quick to point out that his talents didn't materialize under the lights.
“I got my chance, and I produced,” Dodd recently said, per Joel A. Erickson of the Advocate. “I tell those guys to look deeper in their homework next season. I was doing it all season.”
NFL scouts have undoubtedly done plenty of homework on Dodd and may find he is one of the top true edge-rushers in this class. The fact he has only one year of full-time starting experience will raise some concern, but the plays Dodd put on film will not.
8. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
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Former UCLA linebacker Myles Jack appears to be the best overall prospect in a linebacker class that is a bit underwhelming. Jack, though, is far from an underwhelming player.
At 6'1" and 245 pounds, he doesn't exactly wow at first sight—but the picture he paints on tape certainly does. Jack is an athletic specimen and an aggressive, do-it-all defender. He has the agility and quickness to excel in coverage and the physicality to stonewall opposing ball-carriers in their tracks.
In 2014, when Jack played a full season, he racked up 87 tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven passes defended and one interception. The problem is that Jack hasn't played a full season since 2014. A knee injury ended his 2015 campaign after just three games.
This injury raises some concerns about Jack's recovery and potential longevity. The torn meniscus he suffered could raise the risk of future injury. According to NFL Media's Albert Breer, the concern surrounds a chondral defect in Jack's right knee. According to Breer, the potential ramifications are up for debate.
Assuming Jack returns to 100 percent and can remain there, some team will get a top-tier talent. We're not going to ding Jack too much for injury risk because every NFL player is one play away from serious injury. However, the fact he isn't back to 100 percent now does play a factor here. Otherwise, he would be even higher on our list.
From a pure talent standpoint, Jack is as good as anyone in this draft.
7. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
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There is a heck of a lot to like when it comes to former North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. He has the size of an elite quarterback prospect at 6'5" and 237 pounds. He has impressive athleticism too. He ran a 4.77-second 40 at the scouting combine to go with a 118-inch vertical and a 6.86-second three-cone drill.
Eye-catching stats? Wentz has those as well. He completed 64.1 percent of his passes while at North Dakota State while throwing 45 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. He also displayed toughness in coming back from a broken wrist to start seven games in 2015 and lead his team to an FCS championship.
The problem with Wentz is that he is relatively inexperienced, having just two years as a starter under his belt. Teams also have to wonder how quickly he can make the transition from FCS competition to NFL competition.
"That’s the million-dollar question,” ESPN's Jon Gruden recently said of Wentz and his potential pressure, per Bob Glauber of Newsday. “That’s something you’re going to have to prove no matter who you are, whether you’re a player or a coach in the NFL."
Viewing Wentz from almost every angle, it appears he has the intangibles and the high ceiling to be a quality NFL starter. However, it could take some time for Wentz to develop into that player. This is why he isn't at the very top of our list, even though he will almost certainly be selected first or second overall.
6. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
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Former Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley has just about everything you could want from an offensive line prospect. He's intelligent and experienced, has played both tackle positions during his time and has the size of a future anchor tackle at 6'6" and 312 pounds.
There are some questions about his strength at the point of attack, as Stanley only produced 24 reps of the 225-pound bench press at his pro day. However, Stanley is also the type of elite athlete who can win in most situations with finesse. Pass protection almost feels like something natural for him.
"He's a soft-spoken kid and it kind of looks that way when he plays," one NFL scout said of Stanley, per Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports. "He plays like a glider. He just moves so easily. It's almost effortless."
With very few holes in his game aside from questionable strength, Stanley is easily one of the better prospects in this year's draft. He is almost certainly one of the top two tackle prospects along with Mississippi's Laremy Tunsil.
According to NFL Media's Mike Mayock, Stanley is a player with a rising draft stock, and he could even end up at the first offensive lineman drafted. Whichever team lands him will be getting a day-one starter and a potential future star.
5. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
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The running back position has begun to regain its importance over the past few seasons, which is why Ohio State product Ezekiel Elliott is going to be a hot commodity on draft day.
Sure, NFL teams have been burned by elite-looking running back prospects before (wave hello, Trent Richardson). However, Elliott does appear to be nearly a sure thing. He has ideal size at 6'0" and 225 pounds, and he has even more impressive quickness for his size.
Elliott clocked a 4.47-second 40 at the combine.
In terms of production, Elliott stands tall. He racked up more than 1,800 yards in each of his past two seasons while averaging more than six yards per carry in each. He has also proved to be a talented pass-catcher with 55 receptions over the past two years.
There are very few questions surrounding Elliott other than how his hefty workload might affect his long-term outlook. In all, he appears to be the type of every-down, do-it-all back that an NFL team can built its offense around.
We fully expect Elliott to go early in the draft and to have plenty of immediate impact. This is why he's sitting near the top of our list.
4. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi
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When it comes to pure talent and ability, Mississippi offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is easily one of the best players in this year's draft. He has the size of an elite tackle at 6'5" and 310 pounds, and he has the strength of a stonewall blindside blocker. He put up an impressive 34 reps of the 225-pound bench press at his pro day.
In terms of on-field production, Tunsil is also one of the best players this draft has to offer, as Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller recently explained:
"Words like “elite” and “blue chip” get thrown around a lot in scouting, but Tunsil is truly an elite pass protector with blue-chip potential. Tunsil is always in control, always poised and always shuffling his feet and keeping his hands loaded to strike. His length is a major asset in pass protection, and unlike many athletes with recovery speed at left tackle, Tunsil can also stun and stop defenders with his punch. He’s the total package.
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The knocks on Tunsil come off the field. He suffered a broken leg at the tail end of the 2014 season and spent time dealing with a domestic-violence issue involving his stepfather that was eventually dismissed. Tunsil was then suspended for seven games in 2015 to impermissible benefits and for failing to cooperate with investigators.
Teams will have to feel comfortable with Tunsil's character and injury history in order to pull the trigger at the top of the draft, but as a player, he is worth a top-five selection. These few minor issues prevent Tunsil from landing at the very top of our rankings, but there's no denying he's close to being a true can't-miss prospect.
3. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
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This year brings us a draft class that is rich in defensive talent, and one of the top guys in the class is former Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa. Though not the type of prototypical edge-rushing defensive end who rises to the top of most drafts, Bosa is an excellent defender and one of the safest picks in this draft.
At 6'5" and 269 pounds, Bosa has the tall, athletic frame of an NFL defensive lineman. Though he doesn't possess elite straight-line speed—he ran a 4.86-second 40 at the combine—he is explosive and quick in short distances. His 120-inch vertical and 4.21-second short shuttle were among the top performances among defensive linemen at the combine.
In the right system, Bosa can probably even excel as a linebacker, and some teams will undoubtedly consider him there.
"Bosa is an athlete," Greg Cosell of Yahoo Sports recently wrote. "He moved well with deceptive quickness. He has the ability and the athleticism to be whatever you need him to be. That’s why the more I watched him on film, the more I liked what I saw."
Prospective NFL employers likely enjoy what they've seen on tape from Bosa as well. He racked up 51 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble, an interception and four passes defended in 2015. There's little doubt he can be a disruptive presence up front.
Bosa will have to answer questions about his one-game suspension for violation of team rules in 2015, and teams will have to be comfortable with his play speed. Still, Bosa has to be considered a possibility to be the first non-quarterback off the board.
2. Jared Goff, QB, California
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Former California quarterback Jared Goff might not be a can't-miss prospect of Andrew Luck proportions, but he is one of the top signal-callers in this class. In fact, now that the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles have both traded up to the top of the draft, there's nearly a 100 percent chance he is drafted within the top two picks.
Goff completed nearly 65 percent of his passes last season while throwing for 4,719 yards with 43 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. His production speaks for itself. What speaks even louder, however, is the mental aspect Goff can bring to the field, as Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller recently explained:
"Jared Goff is one of the smartest quarterback prospects to enter the NFL in the past five seasons. In Cal's Bear Raid offense, he was tasked with reading defenses pre-snap and making line calls and audibles out of plays if those defenses gave him a different read than what was expected. Goff was also asked to read defenses post-snap, with his receivers often breaking off their routes based on the coverages they saw.
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The only real knock on Goff is that he doesn't possess that prototypical NFL quarterback build. He is a thin 6'4" and 215 pounds, and some will question his ability to survive the rigors of being a pro quarterback.
Goff checks virtually every other box, however, and looks like a guy with the experience and the football intelligence needed to be a day-one starter. Because of this combination of traits, Goff ranks high on our list of players attending the draft.
His next trip should have him taking center stage on the playing field.
1. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
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Our pick for the top spot among players attending the 2016 draft goes to Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
A bit of a safety-cornerback hybrid, Ramsey has the skill set and drive to excel at any position in a defensive backfield and in virtually any scheme. He should be a day-one starter and an early addition to a Pro Bowl roster.
At 6'1" and 209 pounds, Ramsey has the type of size that NFL scouts want in a defensive back. He has also shown the explosiveness that future coaches are going to love. He logged an impressive 41.5-inch vertical jump and a 135-inch long jump at the combine. His 40 time of 4.41 seconds also leaves little room for concern.
Ramsey racked up 52 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 10 passes defended in 2015 for the Seminoles—even though teams generally chose to throw away from him.
"NFL teams won’t avoid Ramsey, but quarterbacks must know where he is on every down," Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller recently wrote. "With his size, speed, instincts and playmaking skill set, Ramsey is a surefire top-10 pick and a future Pro Bowler."
Ramsey has all the tools needed to be a longtime defensive force in the NFL, and he is as close to a sure thing as there is in the 2016 NFL draft. This is why he will be an early Day 1 selection and why he claims the top spot on this list.
All combine/pro-day numbers and measurements via NFL.com. All unofficial defensive statistics via CFBStats.com.
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