2016 NFL Draft: 5 Franchise Changing Prospects

The 2016 NFL Draft features a lot of talent, but these five prospects stand out as players capable of changing a franchise.

Carson Wentz- North Dakota State QB

Like it or not Wentz is going to be the face of the Rams now with the trade for the number one overall pick last week. Whether Wentz pans out or not he changes the landscape of the Rams going forward. Standing 6’5 and weighing 237 lbs, Wentz has the size factor you’re looking for in an NFL quarterback. Along with that, he has a good arm (not great) and is accurate. Another check in the win column for Wentz.

He has everything you are looking for to be the face of the franchise, the only drawback I have on him is that he wasn’t really competing at the highest level last year. At North Dakota State they played no one. I know that this wouldn’t be the first time a quarterback went from a small school and performed big time in the NFL. All I am saying is that the lack of competition he faced at North Dakota State is a little concerning for me to take him with the first overall pick. Wentz may struggle initially with not having too many weapons around him.

If the Rams can keep Todd Gurley healthy and really establish the run early on in games, Wentz should have a pretty decent rookie season. Eventually, the Rams will be able to put some talent around him and he should thrive. Wentz’s game compares to that of Blake Bortles. Once Wentz settles in, he should be really fun to watch.

Jalen Ramsey- Florida State CB/S

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What can I say about Jalen Ramsey that someone already hasn’t? Thought to be the most surefire pick in this draft, Ramsey can play either corner or safety. He has a phenomenal frame and can add a couple more pounds at the next level to help absolutely lock down wide receivers. Ramsey has tested as well as you can at the combine and had a great pro day.

His tape does not lie and should be able to flourish at whatever team ends up getting him on draft day. Ramsey compares to Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith. I personally think he is somewhere between Sean Smith and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, time will tell.

Ezekiel Elliott- Ohio State RB

Ezekiel Elliot is one of the most dynamic players in the draft. Standing at 6 foot and 225 lbs and being to run and cut the way he does is truly something special. He is drawing praise as the best back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson. I have him going anywhere from Dallas at number four to Miami and number 13. I can’t see Elliott falling past 13.

The Ohio State product is a do it all player and a perfect fit in today’s offenses. Whichever offense he goes to, that team should be able to give him a heavy dose of carries as a rookie and he should be able to keep defenses honest (which only helps your quarterback).

I see Elliott’s game as a Matt Forte/LeSean McCoy hybrid. The Ohio State product he the patience and power of Forte with the speed and shiftiness of McCoy. He should be a very entertaining back to watch for the next 8-10 years.

Joey Bosa- Ohio State DE

There really isn’t as much hype around Bosa as there should be. Joey Bosa will do everything that is asked of him for whoever he falls to. Although he may lack the flash as a many franchise changing prospect usually do, he makes up for it by having a nose for the football and by being fundamentally flawless.

Bosa really reminds me as a less gifted JJ Watt. He will be able to play at a really high level and be a leader on the defense but we will never be talking about him as the best defensive end in the NFL.

Robert Nkemdiche- Ole Miss DE/DT

Nkemdiche is the biggest question mark of the entire draft. Ranked as the number one overall recruit out of high school, per Rivals.com, Nkemdiche often showed flashes at Ole Miss. The knock on him is that he does not have a consistent motor. If Nkemdiche can go to a franchise that has both players and coaches that will hold him accountable then he will be a monster at the next level.

There will be only two outcomes to Robert Nkemdiche. One scenario is he will go to a team like I stated above and be a perennial Pro Bowler which is what I hope for the kid. The other scenario is he goes to a team where he is relied on as THE GUY from day one and has a coach that can’t lead a horse to water and then he will be out of the league by 26 years old. I hope he goes to the right situation because when this kid wants to he can be the most dominant player on the field.

Nkemdiche has all the tools to be the JJ Watt of the 2016 NFL Draft. The difference between the Ole Miss product becoming JJ Watt or Dion Jordan is whether he gives a consistent effort all the time. If he can do that, he will be the steal of this draft.