2016 NFL Mock Draft Part 1: Picks 20-32
By jonfox
32(forfeited by New England). Belichick would trade this pick twice to get the motivation that his team has now.
Oct 3, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) is hit by UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97) during the game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
31. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Clark, DL UCLA
Carolina loves to make best player available picks, regardless of position. And so far, they can claim that it’s working for them. Shaq Thompson, Kony Ealy and Kawaan Short are great examples of how “best player available” drafting can work.
Do they need a new interior defensive lineman? Absolutely not, but Clark is too talented for them to pass on. And they can play him inside and out on their line. The cherry on top for them is that it helps them maximize the heart of their defense, their DTs. Having Clark means more rotation, more depth and less heartburn for Rivera.
30. Denver Broncos: A’Shawn Robinson, DL Alabama
The Denver defense is overperforming even their considerable talent thanks to the hiring of Wade Phillips. They do have a short term concern though. Both of their starting DEs are headed for free agency, and thanks to Elway building this impressive defense, they will have some cap issues until Peyton Manning retires.
And with Von Miller about to hit free agency, their DEs can and will be lowballed contract-wise to keep Miller on the defense. Robinson is an impressive 5 Tech DE prospect. He does everything you’d want him to well, he just lacks that explosion that the dominating 5 Tech(like JJ Watt) seem to all have.
He’s a classic “does the little things great, just don’t expect him to dominate games” type player. And that may be all that they need.
Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) tackles Wisconsin Badgers fullback Derek Watt (34) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
29. Cincinnati Bengals: Reggie Ragland, LB Alabama
The Bengals are a team that doesn’t blink when it comes to taking the best player available regardless of the talent they have on hand. They don’t actually need Ragland, but in their Lb driven defense, you never can have enough LBs. And with multiple LBs who have had injury issues, this pick might lean towards becoming a need.
Ragland isn’t the player that CJ Mosley was for Nick Saban. He’s not as fast, not as strong, not as good a leader, etc etc. He is a very good college player that needs to go to a team not asking him to be the #1 LB.
Next: Picks 25-28