Predicting the 2016 NFL Draft order is a tricky but fun exercise which tends to be more closely followed by the teams with losing record.
This year we have several teams that are battling for the No. 1 overall pick. Those teams include the Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Ravens. Each of these teams have different needs which puts several prospects on the radar to be the top pick.
I use the updated ESPN Power Rankings rankings with a playoff scenario worked in to predict the 2016 Draft order.
Cleveland Browns (2-10)- Johnny Manziel is back and we should finally get to see him in extended action. His performance will likely decide what direction the Browns go in the draft.
San Diego Chargers (3-9)- Nothing is working in San Diego and it could end up costing Mike McCoy and company their jobs. Injuries have taken their toll but this team just hasn’t played competitive football.
Baltimore Ravens (4-8)- The Ravens are just out matched from a talent stand point thanks to wide spread injury issues. At least, they’ll have a chance to add an elite talent through the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)- The Jaguars have talent on the roster but need to learn out to win. A lot of this is due to the youth on the team. Gus Bradley probably has one more year to get this team to the next level.
St. Louis Rams (4-8)- Jeff Fisher has made some odd coaching hires while in St. Louis and none more confusing than elevating Frank Cignetti to offensive coordinator. Expect some major changes to the coaching staff this offsesason.
Tennessee Titans (3-9)- Marcus Mariota is making some nice progress and that’s what really matters for the Titans. Winning a few games is nice but the future rests on the arm of Maroita.
San Francisco 49ers (4-8)- Blaine Gabbert is setting himself up nicely for a chance to head into next season as the 49ers starter. He’s playing with good poise and making some big plays. It’s important to note that he isn’t exactly surrounded by elite talent.
New Orleans Saints (4-8)- Drew Brees and the offense bounced back in a big way against the Panthers, but the defense yet again failed to do its part. Things could have been a lot worse if Ted Ginn Jr. didn’t drop multiple touchdown passes.
Miami Dolphins (5-7)- It’s been a long year in Miami but the recent play of DeVante Parker is encouraging. However, things with Ryan Tannehill remain murky at best.
Dallas Cowboys (4-8)- Dallas’ defense showed up on Monday night and kept the Redskins in check. Offensively it wasn’t pretty but they were able to make the most of their opportunities.
Detroit Lions (4-8)- Detroit continues to do a great job finding ways to lose games. They were in control all night against the Packers until it mattered most—the end of the game.
Chicago Bears (5-7)- The loss to the 49ers basically knocked the Bears out of the playoff race. This was the third game this year they lost in the final minutes of the game.
New York Giants (5-7)- Are the Giants a talented that keeps losing close games? Or, are they an average team lacking the talent to win consistently?
Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)- The Eagles were the big winners this weekend and not only because they upset the New England Patriots. Philadelphia is back in the NFC East picture thanks to the losses by the New York Giants and Washington Redskins.
Oakland Raiders (5-7)- Everybody was quick to jump on the Raiders bandwagon and are now just as quick to jump off. Despite the recent struggles, Oakland is on the right track with better things coming in the future.
Indianapolis Colts
(6-6)- Indianapolis is fighting for their playoff life and getting blown out by the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t help. Andrew Luck should be back soon but it might be too late for this team.
Atlanta Falcons (6-6)- The wheels have completely fallen off the Falcons playoff wagon. This team is having issues on both sides of the ball, which is a bit surprising due to the talent on offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)- Jameis Winston is the real deal and has quickly learned to win in the NFL. The Buccaneers are a franchise on the rise.
Buffalo Bills (6-6)- Buffalo needed this win against the Texans to keep pace in the wildcard hunt. With three games against the lowly NFC East on the schedule things could come down to the last game of the year when they face the Jets.
New York Jets (7-5)- The Jets kept their playoff hopes alive thanks to a late charge against the Giants. Brandon Marshall is proving to be one of the best offseason moves.
Washington Redskins (5-7)- Washington’s offense just couldn’t find a rhythm against the Cowboys and it could’ve cost them a shot at the playoffs. They won the turnover battle 3 to 1 but were unable to capitalize.
Houston Texans (6-6)- Despite the loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Texans are playing solid football and have a real shot at the playoffs. It helps that the Indianapolis Colts continue to struggle.
Minnesota Vikings (8-4)- Minnesota is in a dog fight with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. They need to put the blowout loss the Seahawks quickly out of their mind and get back on the winning track.
Kansas City Chiefs (7-5)- It’s nice to see Andy Reid open up the playbook and allow Alex Smith take some chances. Smith might be a game manager, but he does have some ability to produce big plays down the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)- It’s amazing to see how effective this offense is without star running back Le’Veon Bell. Ben Roethlisberger is playing at an all-time high and making the most of the talent around him. Teams really struggle matching up against the electric Antonio Brown and explosive Martavis Bryant.
Green Bay Packers (8-4)- The Packers got lucky against the Detroit Lions and might have salvaged their season. Their shocking win coupled with the Minnesota Vikings loss puts the Packers back on top in the NFC North.
Seattle Seahawks (7-5)- Seattle is on a roll and is getting hot at the right time. This is a team that looks primed to make another run at the Super Bowl.
Denver Broncos (10-2)- Brock Osweiler gets another shot to show he’s the future for the Broncos this weekend, but it might be a matter of time until Peyton Manning reclaims his job.
Arizona Cardinals (10-2)- Arizona is the least talked about division leader in football. However, I have a feeling we will be talking a lot about this team come playoff time.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-2)- The Bengals continue to roll and are now in position to grab the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. This would be huge as it comes with a 1st round bye and home field advantage. It’ll help not having to go through Foxboro to get to the Super Bowl.
Carolina Panthers (12-0)- Carolina’s win against the Saints showed that this is a team that compete with anyone. New Orleans came out firing and forced the Panthers to play out of their comfort zone. Cam Newton proved yet again he’s a rare talent.
Forfeited- New England Patriots (10-2)- New England committed several uncommon mistakes against the Eagles which led to a big loss. This loss knocked the Patriots out of the No. 1 spot in the AFC playoff race.
