Projected 2016 NFL Draft Order: Week 2

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Sep 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) leaves the playing field with an apparent injury during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chicago Bears

Chicago is obviously in rebuilding mode and look overmatch in every element of the game. Defensively, the secondary is a mess with last year’s first-round pick, Kyle Fuller, really struggling to find his grove. High-priced free agent Pernell McPhee and company have been unable to generate a pass rush which only causes more problems on the back end.

The only silver lining is that John Fox and his coaching staff are the right group to get things turned around. They have put together solid game plans but the lack of talent has led to poor execution.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Earning a win against the Miami Dolphins was a great step for the Jaguars, but the most important take away from the game was the performance by Blake Bortles. He played mistake free football while also hooking up with Allen Robinson on some big plays.

The Jaguars have a chance to really improve on last year’s win total if Bortles can continue to play smart football.

3. New Orleans Saints

It’s time we start looking at the Saints for what they are—a below-average team. For the past several seasons, the Saints came into the year with high expectations only to really struggle. Things will only get worse this season if Drew Brees misses any number of games.

One positive note is that rookies Stephone Anthony and Hau’oli Kikaha look like keepers. These two players are flying around the field and making impact plays. New Orleans has two really talented players to build around on defense.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are going to have a roller coaster season because of a talent void at some positions and a rookie quarterback. This season needs to be about developing Jameis Winston and building for the future.

It’ll be interesting to watch Winston mature and work with young weapons like Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

5. Oakland Raiders

Oakland opened the season with an embarrassing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but it’s far to give them some slack for that loss. They were without Derek Carr for much of the game and the offense struggled to move the ball.

However, the offense looked explosive against the Baltimore Ravens with Carr in the lineup for the entire game. There’s a lot of talent on this roster and Oakland is looking to take a major step forward this year.

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6. Tennessee Titans

Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans have come back to earth. The experienced Cleveland Browns defense showed Mariota that NFL defenses are different than the ones he faced while in college. However, this isn’t a sky-is-falling scenario for the Titans.

The status of the AFC South means that Tennessee should still have some hopes for a playoff run. If Mariota can protect the football better this is a team that could surprise a lot of people.

7. New York Giants

The New York Giants are doing everything in their power to throw away their playoff hopes. It’s tough to watch a team fight for four quarters only to give the game away with dumb mistakes. New York will likely look back at these two losses and kick themselves.

8. Houston Texans

The Texans look like a team struggling to find an identity. It all starts at the quarterback position where neither Ryan Mallett nor Brian Hoyer have done enough to grab the long-term job. This team has a playoff-worthy defense, but the offense needs to take a step forward to grab a playoff spot.

Arian Foster’s pending return to the lineup might be the spark the offense needs to find a rhythm—if not it’s going to be a long season in Houston.

Next: No. 9 to No. 16

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