NFL Mock Draft 2016: QBs plunge to later picks, better fits

NFL Mock Draft 2016: QBs plunge to later picks, better fits – Sporting News

As the Pro Day portion of the 2016 NFL Draft process runs its course, teams really begin to hone in on the players they’re targeting. The next steps are private workouts, when teams bring in players to make final determinations on whether they’re fits.

The perceived quarterback value in this year’s class has fluctuated as the narrative has changed to fit this good — not great — group. With the Broncos, Rams and Browns among teams still in need of a quarterback, they could be interested in moving up or back in Round 1 to secure a viable 2016 starting option.

MORE: Winners, losers of free agency | Top 50 draft prospects

Note: The Patriots forfeited their 2016 first-round pick as a result of the Deflategate ruling.

Round 1

1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

Despite Tunsil’s potential and a draft history that supports a tackle going No. 1, there’s still a chance Tennessee considers cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Taylor Lewan’s potential frustration with being moved to the right side, coupled with Ramsey being a Tennessee-born, near Olympic-level athlete, could play a part.

Tunsil is the best left tackle prospect in the last five years. He offers elite foot quickness and balance as he kick slides, with finishing ability in his upper half. For such a refined blocker with elite movement and balance, Tunsil might emerge as one of the NFL’s best in a season or two.

2. Cleveland Browns: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

Cleveland’s interest in Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III should indicate their lack of desire to draft a passer with the No. 2 pick. The Browns have the pick of the field, yet they want to substantially kick the tires on current NFL quarterbacks.

If they pass on QB in Round 1, Ramsey is the best player in the class after Tunsil and can address their safety concerns. While cornerback is one of the Browns’ few strengths, safety is far from it, especially after the loss of Tashaun Gipson in free agency. Ramsey can make a promising unit much better, especially if he plays safety.

MORE: Tunsil vs. Ramsey | Draft’s best player may not go No. 1

3. San Diego Chargers: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

San Diego is a prime candidate to trade down, because after Ramsey, none of the top 5 prospects fit what it needs. And for a team that feels it’s on the cusp of returning to the playoffs, a few more depth picks can go a long way, especially since depth was the death of the team last year.

If the Chargers stay put or just move down a few spots, Buckner may be the best fit. They need to keep adding talent to their front seven, and Buckner, paired with Corey Liuget, could give the Chargers an awesome combination to allow linebackers cleaner opportunities.

4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Similar to the Chargers, the Cowboys should feel poised to return to the playoffs in 2016. Finding NFL-ready talent to fill needs should be their focus with a top 5 pick.

Their defense thrives best when they can generate pressure with just four rushers, and adding Bosa to man the strong side opposite Demarcus Lawrence should allow that to happen. Bosa can slide into the Dallas defense on Day 1, maintain strong edge-setting support in the run game and provide at least six or seven sacks a season, with upside to provide far more.

Joey Bosa (Getty Images)

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

Barring a quarterback going early, it’d be a surprise if Tunsil, Ramsey, Buckner and Jack aren’t taken within the top 5 picks in some order. Jack may be suited for Dallas, but his best fit is Jacksonville.

Jack, an elite talent and former safety, offers remarkable range and explosiveness when attacking at the line of scrimmage, and he brings the best coverage ability of any linebacker of the last decade. Sliding him in a Jaguars defense with Telvin Smith and pushing Paul Posluszny into more of a run-defending rotational role could be the final push Jacksonville needs to solidify its offseason building project on defense.

6. Baltimore Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

Without glaring needs on the roster, the Ravens can sit back and select any of the top talents if they fall. Or they can scoop up an NFL-ready impact player like Hargreaves. While cornerback isn’t a need in Baltimore, Denver proved last year that having depth in the secondary can make the difference.

Hargreaves is as refined as any cornerback prospect you’ll find. He engages and stays active against bigger receivers, and he maintains foot quickness and hip fluidity against quicker ones. He’s a plug-and-play starter that should help neutralize the Steelers’ plethora of receiving weapons and keep the Ravens competitive against any passing attack.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

Carlos Hyde’s foot injury lingered last season, and there’s real concern that he may never be able to stay healthy as the team’s feature back. With Chip Kelly leading the offense, the coach likely will advocate for a top 10-worthy running back.

Elliott offers tremendous running upside, but his contributions as a pass-catcher and pass-blocker should make him coveted by the 49ers, Eagles and Giants, each of whom could use a plug-and-play, three-down running back to be the catalyst of their offense.

MORE: Why Elliott warrants top 10 selection | Biggest RB busts

8. Philadelphia Eagles: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

The bold trade to dump two of last year’s top offseason acquisitions, Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell, gives the Eagles a chance at securing one of the top talents in the 2016 class. It also opens two important needs to fill.

Cornerback is an option, as Hargreaves and/or Eli Apple should be available at No. 8. But Lee may be Philly’s most-coveted prospect. He offers similar (if not higher) upside as Ryan Shazier, with elite range, quickness and athletic talent to grow into one of the NFL’s better linebackers.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

The Bucs need to fill one of their two biggest needs — defensive end and cornerback — early if they hope to take the next step in 2016. While Robert Ayers is an adequate addition for the defensive line, the unit still needs another starter.

With Hargreaves likely gone by this point, adding the draft’s second-best true defensive end in Lawson is a natural fit. Despite Lawson’s teammate, Kevin Dodd, beginning to receive attention, Lawson clearly was the better college pass rusher, with edge-setting ability in the run game and a spin move that’s already NFL-level. Adding Lawson could give the Bucs one of the better young front-sevens in all of football.

10. New York Giants: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

After spending $240 million on their defense in free agency, the Giants should invest heavily in their offense through the draft. Offensive line is their biggest need, but finding a running mate for Odell Beckham Jr. should be a priority, too.

The Giants should be able to land the draft’s perceived top receiver in Treadwell, who’s an ideal fit with Beckham. A strong short-area and jump-ball receiver, Treadwell can force extra attention from defensive backs thanks to his finishing ability, which would allow more room for Beckham to work vertically.

11. Chicago Bears: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

The Browns and 49ers may have interest in Wentz, but there’s a chance no team in the top 10 grabs the perceived top quarterback in the class. However, with Jay Cutler’s contract easily cut-able after the 2016 season, the Bears could find his heir apparent with no reason to rush Wentz’s development.

Wentz offers awesome upside, but he’s far from an NFL-ready prospect. His read transitions, placement against zone and comfort with the speed of the game will take time. While I prefer Paxton Lynch, Wentz’s tools are understandably coveted, and he’d be a nice fit to learn behind Cutler.

12. New Orleans Saints: Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky

Despite issues in his past, Spence is still worth a first-round pick. On film, there isn’t a better pure edge rusher available. But his character concerns will give teams pause, and pegging his draft position is difficult.

Spence is a top-10 talent, but there’s a chance he slips to the late first round. However, the Saints can’t be too choosy. With one of the NFL’s worst defensive units last year, they need to continue to add talent and figure out character concerns and scheme in training camp.

MORE: Each team’s worst-ever pick | Each team’s best-ever pick

13. Miami Dolphins: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

With needs at cornerback and linebacker, the Dolphins should get at least one — Hargreaves, Lee or Apple — with the No. 13 pick. Newly-acquired Maxwell can help, but they need a starter opposite him for the future, and Apple can become one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks.

One of many Buckeyes that weren’t able to consistently showcase skills thanks to so much surrounding talent, Apple may quickly develop with more focused coaching on the use of his length, hip-turn potential and finishing ability at the catch point. He’s not a plug-and-play starter, but he offers similar upside to Marcus Peters, the 2015 defensive rookie of the year.

14. Oakland Raiders: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

After investing in free agency and stringing together three straight successful drafts, the Raiders don’t have many needs to address other than adding depth across the roster.

That said, defensive line should remain a focus. With talents like Mario Edwards and Khalil Mack, the unit already is a strength. Keeping it that way can further cement this unit as a feared defense in the AFC.

15. Los Angeles Rams: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Regardless of the reassurances Rams brass has given Nick Foles and Case Keenum, it’s clear Los Angeles needs to go in a new direction at quarterback.

Lynch is our top-rated passer in this class thanks to his body type, arm talent, efficiency and reliability in limiting turnovers, plus his high-level intuition and confidence when things don’t go as planned post-snap. He ran a run-after-catch offense in college, and he’s a perfect quarterback to manage the Rams’ run-based offense while utilizing the playmakers available in the passing game.

Paxton Lynch (Getty Images)

16. Detroit Lions: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

The Lions have a glaring need at receiver, but they don’t need to reach with WR talent likely to be found in Round 2. Instead, adding to their offensive line, especially at tackle, may provide Matthew Stafford far more support.

After a strong Combine, Spriggs has emerged as the second-best tackle in the class thanks to his athletic upside and starting experience in the Big Ten. He should immediately battle with Riley Reiff for the left tackle spot in Detroit.

17. Atlanta Falcons: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

Despite aggressive spending on defense in the last few offseasons, the Falcons’ defensive line remains inconsistent. Ra’Shede Hagemen and newly-signed Derrick Shelby may be the only two safe lineman going into training camp, and more talent is the only remedy.

Rankins is a versatile interior rusher who can offer value as either a pass-rushing nose tackle or an active three technique. He may not fill a glaring need, but he’s a solid value who can give this defensive line life.

18. Indianapolis Colts: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

Protecting Andrew Luck needs to be priority No. 1 in the draft, and the Colts might to select two or three offensive lineman. With a strong offensive tackle class early and plenty of guards and centers that can emerge as starters, they have lucked into a class that fits their needs.

Conklin may be the most pro-ready blocker in the class, and he fits the “safe” aspect of general manager Ryan Grigson’s style. He’s not always a sexy blocker and won’t be a perfect pass protector, but Conklin’s footwork and stout lower half should allow him to emerge as a proficient blocker for Luck.

MORE: Worst draft busts | Indy the best place for Luck long term?

19. Buffalo Bills: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

Rex Ryan always covets high-upside defensive lineman, and Jones certainly fits the mold. The active-yet-raw rusher has loads of untapped potential and was among the more impressive Combine performers at his position.

With Mario Williams gone and Kyle Williams not a long-term option, defensive line may be the Bills’ most-needed position. Jones in time can emerge as one of the better five techniques in the NFL, similar to Muhammad Wilkerson’s emergence under Ryan in New York.

20. New York Jets: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Jets GM Mike Maccagnan opened the door for this pick when he wasn’t affirmative in stating that D’Brickashaw Ferguson will stay on the roster.

Stanley may slip on draft day thanks to a perceived lack of passion and desire to improve in the NFL. However, his efficient footwork and dominance over the last two seasons has made him highly-regarded among NFL teams, especially those looking for an immediate starter on the left side.

21. Washington Redskins: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

General manager Scot McCloughan values safe, NFL-ready picks, and he’ll likely go that route in 2016. With nose tackle a need for the long term, adding Reed gives the Redskins an experienced player and a 310-pound athlete who can really move.

Reed manned the position at Alabama with consistency rarely seen from nose tackle prospects. While he’s not a top interior rusher, Reed can keep the interior run game contained and set up his pass-rushing teammates effectively.

22. Houston Texans: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

After coveting Nelson Agholor and Phillip Dorsett in last year’s draft, the Texans didn’t get the opportunity to add a deep threat opposite DeAndre Hopkins. With a host of receivers who can fit that role in this class, they should be able to find one.

Notre Dame’s Will Fuller may be the best fit, but with a talent like Coleman available as a prospect with Texas roots, he seems like the most logical fit. Coleman gives Brock Osweiler another weapon.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

The Vikings found a diamond in the rough with Stefon Diggs, who gives Teddy Bridgewater the big-play threat that Mike Wallace was supposed to provide. That said, they need to give Bridgewater more support.

Enter Doctson, who can quickly emerge as Bridgewater’s best friend on the field. While he lacks great vertical separation speed, Doctson finishes at the catch point with reliability.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

The Bengals’ most glaring need is linebacker. They’re relying on AJ Hawk to be their full-time starter on the strong side and have Rey Maualuga on a cut-able contract after this season.

Ragland manned the middle of Alabama’s defense and showcased blitzing upside, efficient and rangy tackling upside and interior coverage proficiency. He’s a fringe first-round talent, but he can be an immediate contributor on a defense hoping to take the next step and get to the Super Bowl.

Reggie Ragland (Getty Images)

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

The Steelers lost out in the Russell Okung sweepstakes, and while they have capable options at left tackle, they need to keep adding youth to their offensive line.

Decker can battle for left tackle as a rookie after thriving in that role at Ohio State, but he also can provide upside at left guard. Taking advantage of a strong first-round offensive tackle class would be wise for Pittsburgh.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech

Despite being an all-conference performer in the Big 12, Clark doesn’t offer exciting film to support him as a first-round prospect. But NFL teams covet his length and foot quickness, and there’s a feeling he won’t go beyond the top 40.

The Seahawks have one of the NFL’s better offensive line coaches, and if anybody can get the most out of Clark, it’s Tom Cable. They need an immediate starter, however, and they’ll likely prefer one of the more NFL-ready blockers in the class if one falls.

27. Green Bay Packers: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

In need of defensive line support, the Packers may have no choice but to draft a front-three prospect with their first-round pick. Lucky for them, the 2016 class is among the better defensive tackle classes in recent draft history.

While a nose tackle may be most pressing need amid B.J. Raji’s retirement, Butler may be the best fit and highest-upside lineman they can land. He offers a similar skill set to that of Muhammad Wilkerson, though he’ll need some time before he can be relied upon as a starter.

28. TRADE: Cleveland Browns (via Chiefs): Jared Goff, QB, California

If the Browns pass on a quarterback at No. 2, don’t expect them to punt on the position in the draft as a whole. Cardale Jones might be a Day 2 target, but if they can land Goff with a minor trade up from Round 2, it’s a worthwhile sacrifice.

Due to Goff’s limited upside and lackluster stature, NFL teams aren’t unanimously excited about him. More than few teams feel he’s more of a second-round prospect than one worthy of top-10 hype. That said, the Browns could land one of the draft’s better prospects in Ramsey and one of the top-rated quarterbacks.

MORE: All-time worst NFL trades | Seven bold QB options for Browns

29. Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Dodd, DE/OLB, Clemson

The Cardinals’ trade for Chandler Jones was bold. But with few major needs to fill, they’re able to be a bit bold.

Even with Jones, their pass rush needs more talent. While Dodd has emerged as a potential top-20 pick, the late first round is where his value lies. He can be used rotationally and start this year as a speed rusher to keep the Cardinals’ pass rush fresh.

30. Carolina Panthers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

Josh Norman was remarkable for the Panthers in 2015. But for long term, they need to give Norman a younger running mate at the opposite cornerback spot.

Alexander is a raw prospect who does not utilize efficient footwork and plays with over-aggressiveness, but he flashes shutdown corner upside. Once he’s able to develop in the NFL behind Norman, Alexander could give Carolina one of the NFL’s better duos in pass coverage

31. Denver Broncos: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

Even if Denver adds Colin Kaepernick before the draft, it needs a quarterback to battle with and grow alongside Mark Sanchez for the long term. Both Hackenberg and Michigan State’s Connor Cook fit Gary Kubiak’s scheme, and both should be considered here at No. 31.

With Hackenberg’s higher ceiling and concerns about Cook’s reputation, the Penn State product gets the nod. For all of Hackenberg’s struggles the last two seasons in college, NFL teams still have plenty of optimism about his potential.

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