2016 NFL Draft: Over-Hyped Prospects

After every NFL Draft I like to look back at the Big Board I posted before the start of the previous season. It’s amazing to see the players who forced themselves into the first round of the draft and those who completely fell off the map.

This article looks at some 2016 NFL Draft prospects who are over-hyped heading into the season. It’s important to note that these players have a ton of talent and could easily overcome any question marks to make a big splash in the NFL.

1. Leonard Floyd, Edge- Georgia

• Floyd gained the attention of draft evaluators because of his elite athleticism. He features an explosive first step, change of direction ability and a non-stop motor which helps him make impact plays. Floyd has shown the ability to get after the quarterback as well as hold up in coverage. However, it’s his lack of bulk and ability to hold up against the run that causes concern. It’s hard to justify taking a one-dimensional player early in the first round.

1. Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge- Oklahoma State

• Ogbah is a terrific athlete who needs to work on his consistency and knowledge of the game. His size, athleticism and quickness makes him an intriguing prospect with limitless potential as a pass rusher. However, he lacks the wide-array of pass-rush moves needed to make a consistent impact. Ogbah only really looks to attack the edge using his speed. He also needs to get stronger at the point of attack and improve his run defense.

1. Scooby Wright, LB- Arizona

• Scooby Wright is a playmaker who consistently racks up a large number of tackles. He uses his instincts and feel for the game to put himself in proper position. However, he lacks the size evaluators look for in an NFL linebacker. Wright has a tough time getting off blocks and will get eaten up by offensive linemen who quickly get to the second level. He’s the type of player who will only excel if he’s in the right system. Wright needs a stout defensive line in front of him that occupies blockers and keeps him clean.

1. Jack Conklin, OT- Michigan State

• I have Jack Conklin rated as a first round prospect but only at the guard position. He lacks the change of direction and foot speed to hold up at tackle in the NFL. Conklin will struggle protecting the quarterback against the elite athletes at the next level. However, his ability as a run blocker and toughness means he has a future at guard. Conklin uses his heavy hands, natural strength and leverage to consistently generate a push off the line. He’s also a solid that may struggle protecting the quarterback in space but is more than capable of handling the interior pass rush.

1. Christian Hackenberg, QB- Penn State

• Christian Hackenberg has everything you look for in a quarterback—he has great size, a strong throwing arm, solid athleticism and appears to be a student of the game. His leadership ability has already been on display at Penn State which is an important part of a quarterback’s value. However, Hackenberg has also had problems holding up under presser. Penn State’s offensive line struggled last season and Hackenberg responded by suffering some struggles of his own. He has a tendency to hold the ball too long, drop his eyes into the pass rush and force the ball into coverage. The ability to handle  pressure at the next level is key. NFL defensive coordinators know how to rattle a quarterback who reacts poorly to pressure.