Projected 2016 NFL Draft Order: Post Week 1
By Jon Dove
Sep 3, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
17. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia’s week 1 loss can be blamed on their slow start and inability to stop Julio Jones. However, it was apparent that the offense started to gain momentum as the game went on which gives us a glimpse of their potential. This team will score enough to win football games and the defense won’t have to face someone like Julio Jones every week.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have the offensive firepower to make a Super Bowl run, but the defense will be their Achilles heel. Their combination of shaky secondary play and lack of a consistent pass rush is a recipe for disaster. It also doesn’t help that the defense looked completely disorganized against the Patriots– maybe they should’ve help onto Dick LeBeau.
19. Baltimore Ravens
ESPN is more bullish on the Ravens than most as their week 1 performance was rocky at best. The offense looked lost with a lack of playmakers and problems keeping Joe Flacco upright. Defensively, they lost their most dangerous pass rusher in Terrell Suggs for the rest of the season.
20. San Diego Chargers
We should get a better feel for this Chargers team this week after their Jekyll and Hyde performance against the Lions. Phillip Rivers looked good while spreading the ball around to a wide-array of playmakers. It’s going to be tough for opposing defenses to shutdown the combination of Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson, Ladarius Green, Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead.
21. Atlanta Falcons (No. 4 NFC seed and NFC South Champs)
If Dan Quinn can keep his defense playing solid football the Atlanta Falcons will be poised for a return to the playoffs. The offense was firing on all cylinders Monday night with Julio Jones looking amazing. However, Tevin Coleman and Roddy White playing well could be a difference maker.
22. St. Louis Rams (No. 6 NFC seed and NFC wildcard)
The Rams defense is one of the best in the NFL thanks to an unstoppable pass rush. Nick Foles’ ability to protect the football and move the offense will be the key to the team’s success. It’ll be interesting to see how this team will look when Tre Mason and Todd Gurley return from injury.
23. Indianapolis Colts (No. 4 AFC seed and AFC South Champs)
Despite looking completely overwhelmed in week 1, the Indinapolis Colts are still in a strong position to earn a post-season berth. The fact that they play in the weak AFC South helps, but this is also a talented team. Offensively, Andrew Luck and crew will get things figured out and play well enough to win football games.
24. Buffalo Bills (No. 6 AFC seed and AFC wildcard)
I don’t necessarily believe in Tyrod Taylor, but if he can play smart football and avoid turnovers the Bills could have a successful season. They are going to rely heavily on their dominating defense and hope the offense can do enough to pull off a win. However, there’s enough talent on offense that this group could surprise a lot of people.
Next: No. 25 to No. 32