2016 NFL Draft: Breaking down picks No. 41 to No. 50
By Jon Dove
The 2016 NFL Draft continues as we head into the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
There will be several high-impact players selected on day two of the draft. This year several players with 1st round grades on my big board have slipped into the second round. Check out the breakdowns below to get a feel for how each team did picking between No. 41 and No. 50 of the 2016 NFL Draft.
41. Buffalo Bills (via Chi)- Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
Reggie Ragland’s fall finally ends as he lands in Buffalo to man the middle of Rex Ryan’s defense. This is a kid who already plays with a chip on his shoulder and this draft day slide will only increase that. Ragland will immediately improve the run defense in Buffalo.
He also brings some pass-rush ability off the edge that he flashed during his time at Alabama. Rex is exactly the defensive coordinator to ensure Ragland’s talents are maximized.
42. Baltimore Ravens (via Mia)- Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
Correa is an edge rusher who features an explosive burst off the line of scrimmage. He plays with his hair on fire and is always in pursuit of the football. The Ravens have a major need for a young pass rusher to eventually replace Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil.
Baltimore improved two need areas in this draft already while also adding extra picks by trading down.
43. Tennessee Titans (via Philly/LA)- Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
Austin Johnson is an underrated defender who will stuff the run. He’s the type of defender that can occupy blockers and also make plays away from his frame. Johnson has experience battling against physical blockers he faced in the Big 10.
Tennessee made a smart move by adding depth and strength along the defensive line.
44. Oakland Raiders- Jihad Ward, DL, Illinois
Jihad Ward is a big-bodied defensive line prospect who can play inside or outside. His size and length are his best attributes. He needs to work on keeping his pads down and using his hands more consistently in order to really make an impact.
45. Tennessee (via LA)- Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Can Demarco Murray catch a break? Well he’s likely to get more breaks than he expected because Derrick Henry needs touches. The Titans continue to add offensive pieces to help their young quarterback. Henry is the type of power runner who can move the chains and keep the offense out of third-and-long situations.
46. Detroit Lions- A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Lions get an absolute steal here with this pick. Robinson is a big-bodied defender who can stuff the run and dominate the line of scrimmage. At only 20-years old, his best football is still ahead of him and I’m sure his draft-day slide will give him some more motivation.
Robinson is also a much better athlete than he’s given credit for and could potentially develop as a pass rusher.
47. New Orleans Saints- Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Thomas is a long and strong wide receiver prospect. He’s someone who wants the football and isn’t afraid to work through contact. This is a guy who plays a lot like Marques Colston who has had a long successful career in New Orleans.
This pick is a perfect fit opposite Bradin Cooks who is a smaller target.
48. Green Bay Packers (via Indy)- Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Spriggs is a highly athletic offensive tackle who has tons of upside as a pass protector. He needs to spend some time in the weight room in order to get stronger. Spriggs also needs to work on being more consistent with this footwork and hand usage.
49. Seattle Seahawks (via Buff/Chi)- Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
This is one of my favorite players in this draft as a player capable because he’s an absolutely dominant run defender. He’s the most powerful defender in this draft class and capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact.
Reed is a better athlete than given credit for and could develop a pass rush once out of Alabama’s defensive system.
50. Houston Texans (via ATL)- Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
Nick Martin is a solid prospect, but is maxed out physically an as a player. There just isn’t room for him to grow or really improve. This isn’t a complete negative because he can step in and be a reliable contributor from day one.
However, I would’ve felt more comfortable taking him in the 4th round.