Projected 2016 NFL Draft Order: Week 2
By Jon Dove
Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan on the sideline during the second half against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
17. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins aren’t going to knock the New England Patriots off the mountain top with losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This team won’t be seen as a legitimate contender if they lose games they are expected to win.
This loss rests on the shoulders of the defense and lack of a running game. Ryan Tannehill did his part and appears to have taken the next step in his development.
18. San Diego Chargers
We always have to take into account the stress west-coast teams endure traveling to the east coast. History has shown that the west-coast teams struggle adjusting to the time change and long travel hours. The Chargers showed some of the effects with their slow start against the Bengals.
San Diego is still on solid footing thanks to their balanced offensive attack. It was nice to see Melvin Gordon show the type of play-making ability he possesses.
19. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s loss to the Broncos was a tough pill to swallow. They had the game in hand and only needed to run out the clock to notch a key victory. This is a team trying to knock Denver off the mountain top and they won’t accomplish that by giving away wins.
On a positive note, the Chiefs can move forward knowing they have the talent to compete and win the division. They just need to find a way to avoid critical mistakes—especially when they face Denver again in Colorado.
20. New York Jets
The Ryan Fitzpatrick and Chan Gailey combo is again proving to be underrated. These two work well together and in New York they have the benefit of a strong defense. Fitzpatrick’s issues have always centered around his tendency to turn the ball over, but the Jets defense helps counteract this problem.
Todd Bowles’ defense excels a generating turnovers and providing opportunities for his offense. A few poor decisions by Fitzpatrick won’t doom his team like it has in the past.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Things are starting to unravel a bit in Indianapolis and for good reason. This is a team that sees themselves as a Super Bowl contender and have looked horrible out of the gate. However, they have time to fix the problems and get back on track.
The key is that they play in the AFC South which features below average teams like the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. This is a luxury that most teams in the NFL can’t rely on.
22. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers squeaked out another tough win this past week and have set themselves up in a strong position within their division. Cam Newton is playing inspired football but there is some concern building because of all the hits he is taking.
Carolina doesn’t have a chance to have a successful season if Newton is out of the lineup with an injury. The offense needs to start finding a way to be productive and limit the hits on their quarterback.
23. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is in a tough situation missing its two most important offensive pieces in Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. However, they are in a solid position to weather the storm and be in a position for a playoff run when both players return.
The key is the fact they found a way to squeak out two division wins while the rest of the NFC East is in disarray. There is increased pressure on the defense to rise to the occasion and help keep this team afloat. A healthy Sean Lee and the return of Greg Hardy will be an important part of the team’s hopes.
24. Buffalo Bills
Rex Ryan had to eat a big slice of humble pie this week and the Bills’ confidence has taken a hit. They saw this week’s game against the Patriots as a chance to make a statement but instead showed they still have work to do.
However, Buffalo is still a very strong football team and should be fighting for a playoff spot all season. They’ll have another shot to knock off the Patriots later in the year.
Next: No. 25 to No. 32