2016 NFL Draft: Breakdown Picks 91 Through 98

The Second Day of the 2016 NFL Draft Finishes Up With Plenty of Excitement

The third round of the 2016 NFL draft can often be overlooked, but it’s day 2 and day 3 that separate good drafts from great drafts. With three Seahawks picks, two Patriots picks, and plenty of other bold moves the end of the third round was as hectic as the first night. Here’s the last 8 selections of the second day:

91st Overall- New England Patriots- Jacoby Brissett, QB NC State

It wouldn’t be a real NFL Draft if Bill Belichick didn’t load up on draft picks only to make confusing decisions. The Patriots took Jacoby Brissett out of NC State which shocked many, with Connor Cook, Dak Prescott and other still around. All other available prospects aside, this was a surprise because Jimmy Garoppolo is well liked by the coaches and has been preparing for Tom Brady’s suspension (if it ever happens). This is probably nothing more than a backup for Jimmy in case it does happen and to compete on the bench in general. Garoppolo is going to be a free agent pretty soon to and if there’s any market at all the Patriots will probably let him go.

92nd Overall- Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Williams, CB Texas A&M

Williams was a big recruit who went to Oklahoma, but ultimately transferred to be closer to his daughter. Physical attributes are a plus with Williams, whose speed athleticism and size make him an ideal NFL corner. However, he is raw and needs to be coached up to performing level. That being said, he could make significant contributions because all the ability is there and Bruce Arians is the man to Williams into a quality secondary player.

93rd Overall- Cleveland Browns- Cody Kessler, QB USC

It also wouldn’t be a real NFL Draft if the Browns didn’t overdraft a terrible quarterback. Kessler belongs in the 5th round at the very earliest, but his real value is undrafted. With Connor Cook and Dak Prescott still available this really raises question marks around this pick. The Patriots can afford to take a guy whose peak is being a backup, the Browns threw away a pick on a guy who no one had going this high. RG3 should be safe for now.

94th Overall- Seattle Seahawks- Nick Vannett, TE Ohio St.

The Jimmy Graham – Russell Wilson combo did not go as planned in 2015. The skilled tight end was poorly incorporated into Seattle’s plans and underperformed as a result. This pick by no means suggests that Graham’s job isn’t safe, but it is interesting that the Seahawks would even select a tight end when they barely use the superstar they have. This was a generally weak tight end class so Vannett was towards the top of it, but still not in love with the fit.

95th Overall- Detroit Lions- Graham Glasgow, C/G Michigan

Glasgow is versatile and can play anywhere along the interior of the offensive line, but he played center primarily in college. He’s a big, tough guy who can go head to head with bigger, tougher NFL nose tackles. He also is well acquainted with the basic pro-style running schemes coming out of Michigan. The Lions offensive line got absolutely bullied all over last year, so I like the commitment to protecting Stafford. The only concerns here are on field sluggishness and a DUI from a couple years ago, neither of which should have stopped Detroit here.

96th Overall- New England Patriots- Vincent Valentine, NT Nebraska

The Patriots signed a ton of guys this offseason ad since have cut a lot of defensive tackles, including former first round pick Dominique Easley. With Malcom Brown and Terrance Knighton already in NE nose tackle wasn’t the top of the priorities, but Belichick like to have a rotation in the middle and the Pats needed a true 1-tech run clogger. Valentine showed flashes of being that anchor in the center of the line this past year in Nebraska. At his best he is almost impossible to move and can open up holes for the talented NE linebackers. The biggest issue is just consistency, mainly due to bad conditioning. If anyone can get a player to give their best it’s Belichick and the rotation at DT is designed to help the big guys give full effort every play.

97th Overall- Seattle Seahawks- Rees Odhiambo, G Boise State

A tackle in college, Odhiambo will have to move inside at the next level because of his physical attributes. He’s a pretty athletic guy for an o-lineman and he can move around the field and pull with ease for a guy his size. He’s a tough blocker who has the grit to play in the pros. That being said, his technique is pretty mediocre and will need work or he’ll get beat by bigger guys. He’s also had injury problems pretty consistently throughout his career. The Seahawks are stockpiling these mobile o-linemans, nice fit.

98th Overall- Denver Broncos- Justin Simmons, FS Boston College

Simmons has played all over the secondary and ended up at safety, the best spot for him in the NFL. His role as a solid tackler makes him a good safety, but his coverage ability is still a plus. He has a high football IQ and could be a leader on the field as many teams like their safeties to do. His shift to safety is probably why he went here and not later, since sluggish coverage and trouble with double moves were major concerns with him as a corner. He’s also a bit small for an NFL safety, but at free safety in Denver’s scheme under Wade Philips he should be ready to grow as a player.