2016 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects that will make an early impact
The 2016 NFL Draft will have several prospects who step in and make an immediate impact. A few of those potential players are highlighted below.
Ezekiel Elliot RB Ohio State
From the start when I began watching Elliot, I’ve heard comparisons to Indianapolis Colts Running Back Frank Gore in his hey-day. I thought it was a little out there at first, but the more I watched him the more it seemed accurate. “Zeke” has amazing pull away speed and deceptiveness. I don’t usually trust RB’s in the top 10 or first round for that matter. But Elliot has proven that he can be an instant impact for almost any franchise. He has a chance to be on of the better players to come out of the 2016 NFL Draft class.
Josh Doctson WR TCU
People have been saying Laquon Treadwell is the best receiver in this year’s draft. I don’t dispute Treadwell’s ability but Doctson has him beat if you ask me. When a player sets a school’s record for touchdown receptions despite starting his career at another college you must take notice. He was also the combines’ top performer in vert jump, broad jump, 20 yard shuffle and 60 yard shuffle at the wide receiver position. The Big 12 stud has elite speed and size that will allow him to succeed on the next level. Outside of Ezekiel Elliot he is my top skill position player in the 2016 NFL draft.
Deforest Buckner DE Oregon
PAC 12’s defensive player of the year, as well-being the fastest riser on Mock Draft’s lately. Buckner has many traits that make him a can’t miss prospect. The biggest being that he has a freakish wingspan, being 6-7 and almost 300 pounds. He has impeccable footwork, as well as being a warrior on the field just punishing the opposing players. He started all 13 games for the Ducks this season, chalking up 10.5 sacks in the process. He lately has drawn a very complimentary pro comparison, Cardinals Calais Campbell. They both have similar body types and athletic ability. Buckner will be a huge asset to whoever picks him in Chi town.
Joey Bosa DE Ohio State
This is the one I probably feel the least confidant about. But, you can’t ignore Bosa’s raw ability. If a team wants to plug him in and expect him to get JJ Watt or Justin Houston sack numbers, they are likely to be disappointed. He certainly has the speed to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. He notched a 4.86 combine time, a solid time for a man his size. He should have no trouble getting around lineman to get to the QB. The issue will be if the lineman’s can figure out his speed and catch him time and time again. I believe in the Buckeye pass rushers’ ability and I believe if he’s put in a good system, he should succeed right from the start.
William Jackson III CB Houston
Another fast riser in Draft boards. Jackson was relatively out of the public eye in Houston, he still made noise though. He had a combine high 40 time of 4.37 for CB’s. He has the size and length to succeed in the NFL. Scouts have questioned if he has the short area agility to compete with the NFL’s elite receivers’. However that is a trait that is teachable. Where he is projected to go in the first round there is no shortage of solid coaches. Jackson will have all the opportunities to succeed and he should.