2016 NFL Mock Draft Part 1: Picks 20-32
By jonfox
Nov 15, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers safety Ronald Martin (26) breaks up a pass to Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Hunter Henry (84) during the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Arkansas Razorbacks defeat the LSU Tigers 17-0. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
24. Oakland Raiders: Hunter Henry, TE Arkansas
A prospect flying completely under the radar, he *should* be the first TE off the board come May. Henry has an amazing body for a TE(6-6 240+) and has a lot of NFL ready skills. It’s hard to be a TE in a Bret Bielema offense and not be a great run blocker. Henry uses good leverage and handwork in his blocking.
He’s also a quality pass catcher with soft hands and few drops.
The Raiders found something special in Amari Cooper, but he’s not enough by himself. Rivera has been ineffective as a pass catcher, so this move would make a lot of sense for them to make.
Oct 3, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Tyler Johnstone (64) celebrates the win over the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. The Ducks defeated the Buffaloes 41-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
23. New York Jets: Tyler Johnstone, OL Oregon
The end of the D’Brickshaw era is coming in NYC. He’s going to count for nearly 30 million in cap space combined in 2016 and 2017. And his play has been dropping off it’s usual quality of late. It’s possible that he could move to RT and fix that neverending issue for the Jets, but thats a pretty steep price to pay for an aging RT.
Even if this is a possibility, they need a young athletic LT to replace him. Johnstone is certainly that. And you can’t play OL in the Oregon system without being a top notch athlete to keep up with the speed of it. The main concern with Johnstone is that he’s had multiple knee injuries and missed most of 2014 with an ACL tear.
He’s been fine in 2015, but it’s an issue worthy of discussion.
Sep 19, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Chris Laviano (5) is pressured by Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib (95) in the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
22. New York Giants: Carl Nassib, DL PSU
Jerry Reese has done well enough with his best player available drafting strategy that there’s no reason for him to stop doing it. Even though his top selections have been hit and miss, there’s been enough hit to justify staying the course. Nassib is probably going to end up much higher than this pick.
He’s been an absolute monster for Penn State and could play in a number of spots in the pros. For the Giants, he probably plays strongside end or fills the Justin Tuck role that they haven’t quite filled since he left.
Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Vadal Alexander (74) takes the field prior to the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
21. Indianapolis Colts: Vadal Alexander, OL LSU
Who knows what’s coming for the Colts in the offseason. Anything short of trading Andrew Luck is on the table, but they might consider that if the offer is good enough. One thing no matter who’s making the decisions is that they have to fix that line. Luck isn’t good enough to play behind a line that should be called swiss cheese.
Alexander won’t do anything to address their OT problems, but like the Vikings, having more talent on the line means that they have the stability to make moves so that they can upgrade the OTs. Alexander is much like most on the LSU OL: big, powerful, can pull well but isn’t great in a phone booth (to use a scouting term). They’re a bit slow footed and struggle with speed rushers.