2016 NFL Draft Big Board: Version 2.0
By Jon Dove
This updated version of my 2016 NFL Draft Big Board features several changes including the significant drop of both Cardale Jones and Christian Hackenberg. Neither player has met expectations while add drawing more attention to their shortcomings. Luckily, quarterback-needy teams still have a few options available to target in the first round.
1. Jared Goff, QB, California- An accurate and heady quarterback capable of making all the throws. He needs to add some bulk to his slight frame and be more consistent stepping into his throws. His ability to make sound decisions under pressure will be a major positive during his evaluations.
2. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame- Smith is an explosive playmaker capable of tracking the football from sideline to sideline. He has a knack for producing game-changing plays including interceptions, forced fumbles and sacks.
3. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss- His fluid movement skills makes him an excellent pass protector which is key for any left tackle prospect. Tunsil needs to add some strength and improve as a run blocker but the sky is the limit for this ultra-talented athlete.
4. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss- Disruption is the name of the game for Robert Nkemdiche as he excels at making plays behind the line of scrimmage. However, he also shows the ability to hold at the point of attack against the run.
5. Joey Bosa, DL, Ohio State- Bosa is a well rounded player capable of generating pressure on the quarterback and stuffing the run. He has a chance to quickly establish himself as one of the better young defenders in the NFL.
6. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame- Stanley is an experienced and well-rounded offensive tackle spot. He’s rated slightly behind Laremy Tunsil because he’s a not as good of an athlete.
7. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida- Hargreaves is different than the cornerback prospects to come off the board in the first round because he’s not really a shut-down corner. He’s more of a zone-coverage player who excels at reading the quarterback and breaking on the football.
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8. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State- The running back position might not carry as much value as it has in the past, but a player like Elliott is still sought after. He’s a difference maker thanks to his ability to contribute as a runner, pass catcher and blocker.
9. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State- Cook still has some flaws in his game, mainly inconsistent accuracy, but he features the plenty of talent and upside. His ability to continue to win football games and put up strong numbers in an balanced offense is impressive.
10. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA- The injury Jack suffered a few weeks ago hurts, but only in the sense that we don’t get to see more of him on the field. This is still an explosive athlete and proven playmaker.
11. Myles Garrett, Edge, Texas A&M- Garrett possesses the size, length and strength needed to develop into a dangerous pass rusher. He needs to develop more sophisticated pass-rush arsenal but is more than capable of producing while he learns.
12. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson- Williams is expected to miss the rest of the season with a neck injury, but his prognosis looks good for the future. The big question is whether or not he decides to enter the draft after missing most of the season. He has the talent and upside that someone will take a chance on him early in the draft.
13. De’Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State- Wilson’s size and catch radius makes him a matchup nightmare and thus a sought after prospect. He’s in the mold of a Kelvin Benjamin type with a little more consistency as a pass catcher.
14. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama- Ragland is a big hitter who shows solid range from sideline to sideline. He does a great job trusting his read and attacking the line of scrimmage.
15. William Fuller, WR, Notre Dame- The recent trend in the NFL has been to target bigger wide receivers but that doesn’t mean players like William Fuller lack value. Fuller is a big-play threat who features the speed to take the top off a defense. He’s also a strong route runner which routinely provides the quarterback with an open target.
16. Shawn Oakman, Edge, Baylor- Oakman’s upside is through the roof thanks to his rare combination of size and athleticism. He is still a bit on the raw side but he flashes the ability to be a major pass-rushing threat.
17. A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama- Robinson is the anchor of Alabama’s stout run defense. He does a great job using his hands to control the action and hold at the point of attack.
18. Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU- White has shown improvement each and every week which could be related to increased confidence. He’s a physical defender who matches up well against bigger targets– especially in jump ball situations.
19. Kevon Seymour, CB, USC- Seymour is a long cornerback who features surprising fluidity for his size. That fluid movement helps him flip his hips and stick with receivers in man coverage.
20. Josh Doctson, WR, TCU- Doctson continues to put up huge numbers, but isn’t a product of the system. He is an aggressive pass catcher who attacks the ball at its highest point and isn’t afraid of contact. Doctson could stand to add some bulk to his frame but that will be addressed by a team nutritionist.
21. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss- Treadwell has returned to form after last-years gruesome injury, but I still question his ability to create separation. He’ll still make plays because of his size; however, the majority of his catches will come in tight coverage.
22. Carl Lawson, Edge, Auburn- The questions surrounding Carl Lawson are about his health and not his talent. His injury history has limited his reps which has stunted his development.
23. Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State- Johnson is the unsung hero of Penn State’s defensive line which has been a strong unit this season. He’s a stout run defender who holds at the point of attack and can make plays away from his frame. This isn’t just a space eater as Johnson can work his way down the line.
24. Jack Conklin, OL, Michigan State – Conklin is a solid college left tackle, but will struggle sticking at that position in the NFL. However, he has the makings of an elite guard thanks to his ability open holes in the running game.
25. Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia- Floyd is a versatile defender who reminds me a lot of Anthony Barr. Both players initially gained attention because of their pass-rush skill but also featured the ability to excel as a traditional linebacker.
26. Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
27. Max Tuerk, C, USC- In-Depth Scouting Report
28. Su’a Cravens, LB, USC- In-Depth Scouting Report
29. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech- In-Depth Scouting Report
30. KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
31. Cody Whitehair, OL, Kansas State
32. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
33. Jeremy Cash, S, Duke- In-Depth Scouting Report
34. Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M
35. Sheldon Day, DL, Notre Dame- In-Depth Scouting Report
36. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State- In-Depth Scouting Report
37. Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge, Oregon State
38. Adolphus Washington, DL, Ohio State- In-Depth Scouting Report
39. Corey Robinson, WR, Notre Dame- In-Depth Scouting Report
40. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
41. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State- In-Depth Scouting Report
42. Cassanova McKinzy, LB, Auburn
43. Jonathan Bullard, DL, Florida- In-Depth Scouting Report
44. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
45. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State- In-Depth Scouting Report
46. Anthony Zettel, DL, Penn State
47. Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona
48. DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon- In-Depth Scouting Report
49. Jake Butt, TE, Michigan- In-Depth Scouting Report
50. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor- In-Depth Scouting Report