Projected 2016 NFL Draft Order: Week 2
By Jon Dove
Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is hit after throwing a pass by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jack Crawford (58) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
9. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions need to find some balance on offense because Matthew Stafford isn’t at his best when he’s asked to throw the ball over 50 times. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi needs to commit to the running game and allow his team to play more physical.
A playmaker like Ameer Abdullah needs to carry the ball more than 6 times per game. Running backs need to get consistent touches in order to get in a rhythm and wear down the defense.
10. Washington Redskins
The Redskins are starting to resemble the type of team Jay Gruden wants to field. They physically dominated the St. Louis Rams out rushing them by 115 yards. The two-headed attack of Alfred Morris and Matt Jones is off to a good start.
However, the key to their victory was Kirk Cousins protecting the football and avoiding the costly turnover. Washington has a chance to surprise some teams by playing their brand of hard-nosed football.
11. Philadelphia Eagles
Chip Kelly has put a lot of faith in the oft-injured Sam Bradford and things aren’t working out as planned. Bradford looks like a quarterback who hasn’t played a lot of football by turning the ball over and struggling with his reads.
It also doesn’t help that Philadelphia has been unable to establish a running game. The potential season-ending injury to Kiko Alonso only adds to this crisis scenario. Things could actually get uglier for the Eagles– as hard as that is to believe.
12. Cleveland Browns
Johnny Manziel needs to be looked at as a rookie because last year was a wash. He’s a new man this year and starting to show signs of improvement. Cleveland is building a game plan to play to his strengths which will help him build some confidence.
Cleveland’s defense is underperforming based on the talent level. Highly touted players like Justin Gilbert, Barkevious Mingo and Joe Haden need to improve.
13. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers deserve some leeway when it comes to their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They were coming off a short week while having to travel across the country to play a very talented team. The NFL scheduling office didn’t do them any favors.
What’s important is that Colin Kaepernick looked solid and Carlos Hyde was able to avoid a long-term injury. There are better days ahead for San Francisco.
14. St. Louis Rams
The Rams suffered a major let down against the Washington Redskins after coming off an upset win versus their rival Seattle Seahawks. This loss was more demoralizing because Washington dominated both lines of scrimmage.
St. Louis was only able to rush for 67 yards while surrendering 182 yards to Matt Jones and Alfred Morris. They have a tough matchup next week against the high-flying Pittsburgh Steelers who will be welcoming Le’Veon Bell back to the lineup.
15. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore opened the season with two trips to the western United States and come home with two losses. This team is better than their record suggests, but these losses have brought to surface some concerns.
The season-ending injury to Terrell Suggs is a major blow and puts a lot of pressure on Elvis Dumervil to carry the pass-rushing load. In the loss against the Raiders, defensive back Jimmy Smith recorded the only sack for Baltimore.
16. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota righted the ship this weekend with their win against the Detroit Lions. Teddy Bridgewater played an efficient game while Adrian Peterson played like Adrian Peterson. However, the key might have been the performance of the defense.
The Vikings have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this season, but they need to play balanced football to accomplish that goal. They need the defense to play good football and allow the offense to control the clock.
Next: No. 17 to No. 24