2016 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 21-31
By jonfox
This is the 1st part of my 3-part 2016 NFL Mock Draft.
32(Forfeited by New England)
31. Carolina Panthers: Michael Thomas, WR Ohio State.
The Panthers love to draft on the ‘best player available’ theory. Thomas certainly isn’t a need for them especially with Kelvin Benjamin returning from injury but they just can’t have enough weapons for Cam Newton.
Thomas’ production is nothing special but that’s pretty standard for wide receivers in the Ohio State spread offense. He does catch a lot of TDs and has a great combo of size and speed.
He would fit in with the Panthers’ continuing desire for larger receiving targets for Cam Newton.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Max Tuerk, OL Southern Cal.
The Bengals are another “best player available” drafting team and they especially love to overdraft linemen on both sides of the ball. Tuerk should be a guy that they love: he can play multiple positions and is ready to play today.
He’s known for his best play at center, but he’s played everywhere but right guard for the Trojans. He should play inside for the Bengals but mostly because they’re 2 deep at both tackle positions.
Tuerk is a ready to play lineman if he’s healthy(he tore up his knee this season). He’s great with his long arms and has great footwork for a guy his size
29. Green Bay Packers: Jonathan Bullard, DL Florida.
A fast rising prospect for a team that needs contributions from the defensive line, Bullard is a combo/tweener type defensive end who knows how to use leverage and his hands well.
The question mark for Bullard is the same for every guy who’s a combo/tweener defensive lineman: is he too slow for the edge and too small for inside?
Bullard has played a lot of different spots for Florida and done well at all of them. And with Michael Neal hitting free agency and Datone Jones maybe on the cut list, they need help at defensive end.
28. Denver Broncos: Derrick Henry, RB Alabama.
Henry, if he continues to make well coached defenses look bad, could go ten spots higher. The Broncos are using a committee at running back right now, but don’t have that prime back who can get them 25-30 carries.
With the decline of Peyton Manning or even replacing him in the next offseason or two, the Broncos have to maximize the production from other offensive spots. Henry would be great behind their bigger offensive line.
Even if the Broncos decided to stick with their ‘running back by committee’ approach, Henry could be a mauler who chews up defenses and clock for them.
Next: Picks #27 and #21