2016 NFL Draft – Mock Draft 3.0
*** Let me be very clear that this is not a ranking of how I view the prospects, but rather how I think the teams will draft based off of need and history of personal positional prototype ***
1. Los Angeles Rams (From Tennessee)
Jared Goff (QB) California
Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 215 LBS
The Rams shocked the football world this past week by trading up 14 spots – far more than any other team recent memory – pretty obviously in hopes of grabbing one of the top passers in this draft. While they paid a hefty price in order to make the move, the only question that remains is which one of the top two quarterbacks do they prefer with the number one choice?
Short answer: Jared Goff.
Numerous sources are claiming that the Rams have a clear-cut preference for the former Cal quarterback, and I tend to believe them.
First and foremost as to why I believe them is that without a definite feeling on which the better quarterback is, then why would they mortgage their future by trading numerous picks all the way up to the number one pick from 15 overall? One of these players has to be a clear cut better fit in their eyes, otherwise they would have just let the board play out and made a draft day trade.
As for why I agree that Goff is their guy: A proven workhorse quarterback who threw nearly more passes in 2015 alone than Carson Wentz did in his entire career at North Dakota State, Jared Goff seems to have the rubber arm needed for today’s NFL. He also is a California kid, who has the experience and temperament needed to easily acclimate into the fast paced and star studded style of Los Angeles life. His relocation will be just a short trip down the beautiful Pacific shore, while life for Wentz would be completely different in LA than it was in remote Bismarck, North Dakota. Now this is no indictment on Wentz, so don’t take me wrong here, in fact I actually prefer him over Goff, but with the two so closely rated by every pundit out there, one has to split hairs in order to make a hypothetical decision for the newly named Los Angeles Rams.
As for Goff on the field: Goff’s calling card is his excellent presence and elite pocket footwork. In this play Goff, still as an underclassman mind you, looks off his receiver like a pro quarterback would and shows off his natural footwork to progress upward in the pocket, into his throw. Although it ends up being an easy completion, his vision and footwork played a huge role in the outcome, and reminds one of Peyton Manning at his best.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (From Cleveland)
Carson Wentz (QB) North Dakota State
Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 237 LBS
Not much analysis to do here; the Eagles traded up to take which ever quarterback is left on the board after the Rams choose their guy. In this scenario, the Eagles get Carson Wentz – the quarterback better suited for their division and, in my opinion, the one with the highest ceiling of the top two in the class.
Wentz is big, strong, fast, and smart – a talented quarterback with the drive to be a star in this league (for full analysis on Wentz, click here). The two clips below showcase his beautiful ball and the ability to throw it deep. He possesses a mature sense of when to use touch and when to rifle it in there.
3. San Diego Chargers
Jalen Ramsey (DB) Florida State
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 209 LBS
Almost every draft pundit out there is mocking Laremy Tunsil to San Diego as a lock. After extensive research, I am starting to learn the exact opposite is more likely the case. Those closer to the organization are hearing that there is word that the Chargers are rather content with their offensive line, and that they chalk up their horrendous showing in 2015 to the injury bug. Beyond them being content with the talent on their line, they have nearly $24 million invested in their offensive tackles alone. Considering all of this, Tunsil to the Chargers is starting to make almost no sense at all. Instead I expect the Chargers to go with the best player available and luckily for them, that player also happens to fill their biggest need.
Jalen Ramsey – I’ve described his capabilities in the following three ways: Blitzes like an outside linebacker, hits like a safety, and covers like a corner. I struggle to call him anything other than “defensive weapon.” He should step in day one and fill the void left by Eric Weddle at safety, and will likely see a few pro bowls before his playing days are over.
This video perfectly exemplifies the myriad of ways that Ramsey can impact a single game, as he made all of these impact plays in – you guessed it – one game against the Miami Hurricanes in his sophomore year. Truly an incredibly gifted player.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Joey Bosa (DE) Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 269 LBS
This is likely the most controversial pick of the entire draft, as people are incredibly split on how the Cowboys should use their fourth overall selection. Up until these past two trades above them occurred, I truly believed that they should have gone with either Goff or Wentz to groom behind Romo until he is inevitably ready to retire. These trades don’t exactly narrow the choices down too much, as much of the fan base is still in favor of drafting Zeke Elliot, while the other half is praying that Jalen Ramsey gets past the Chargers at three. Ideally Dallas would be able to trade out of this spot, acquire extra picks, and take the best player towards the end of or just out of the top-10.
In this scenario, I think that they would ultimately settle on Joey Bosa instead, as their need for defensive line help is just too glaring at this juncture. With Greg Hardy gone, Jeremy Mincey gone, Randy Gregory suspended for the first four games of the season, and now the same likely to happen to DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys are almost hamstrung into taking Bosa just so that they have someone even capable of playing on their defensive line come Week 1.
Luckily for them, Bosa is no slouch, as he might be the most NFL ready player in the draft, and might have the lowest bust potential as well. He’s big, strong, athletic, and tenacious. He frequently saw double and triple teams in college ultimately limiting his production, however it didn’t take away from his tape one bit. Bosa will likely enter the NFL as one of the best edge setters and run stuffers in the league from day one, making him an excellent fit at left defensive end for any team running a 4-3 scheme. Below is an example of what Bosa can do in the run game.
Here, Bosa sheds a helpless reverse hedge/rub block attempt, blows up the H-back trap blocker at the point of attack, and annihilates the ball carrier two yards in the backfield for an emphatic tackle for loss. Most importantly for coaching staffs to notice on this play is that he did this all while playing with his head up, properly following complicated blocking concepts, and maintained gap integrity. It’s this type of combination of physical skill, will, and elite IQ that will potentially help Bosa become an even more impactful player in the NFL than he was as an OSU Buckeye.
To go along with this elite run-stuffing and egde-setting ability, Bosa creates pressure just as good as anyone in this class. Through strong handwork and a nice combination of lateral quickness and twitch power, Bosa found a way to take on double and sometimes even triple-teams to hurry the quarterback during his junior season. This freed up his teammates to make plays and ultimately made the Ohio State defense one of the best in the country. In the NFL, Bosa will see far fewer double-teams, if any at all, so it isn’t out of the question to expect him to contribute with double-digit sack production early on in his career.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Myles Jack (LB) UCLA
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 245 LBS
The Jags aren’t exactly making it a secret that they are in love with the idea of adding Myles Jack to their defense. They seem to be one of the few teams not spooked by his knee injury, so don’t be surprised when they take him at five.
As for Jack the player… I just love the guy, I can’t lie. He's incredibly talented and would be in consideration for both Dallas and San Diego if it weren’t for his knee issue. What makes him so special you ask? Well, to put in the simplest of terms, Jack is on another planet athletically. He is the only player in Pac-12 history to win offensive and defensive rookie of the year, as he starred both at running back and at linebacker during his time with the UCLA Bruins. If he were to enter the draft as a running back instead of linebacker, he would still be drafted in the first three rounds. That’s just how good he is.
Make no mistake though; Jack’s best position is at weakside linebacker, where he would have the freedom to roam in space and just flat-out make plays. Now mark my words here: I have never seen a better linebacker in coverage in my entire life. Yup, better than Luke Kuechly, Sean Lee, Thomas Davis, Derrick Brooks, Navarro Bowman, you name it, Jack has the potential to, and might already be, better than all of them man up. His lateral speed is unbelievable, his footwork is terrific, his confidence is off the charts, and he uses just the proper amount of hands in coverage to keep receivers uncomfortable. Jack is so good in coverage that at one point during 2014, he was tasked to stay man-up on USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor. He locked down Agholor for the entirety of the matchup, holding him to zero catches. This is a receiver mind you, who went on to become a first-round pick in the draft the following April.
With his Pro Day just happening on Tuesday, where he showedcased a 40-inch vertical leap on what was reported only 80-percent health, My advice to the Jags here is not to over think this. Take Jack, a once in a generation type of athletic and football talent, with the number five overall pick, provided he is still available.
Below is an example of how talented and instinctive he is in coverage. You can see him line up in the slot against a wide receiver, track the ball the entire way, and pluck it out of the air with his mitts in a way that few defenders can. After the catch, it’s off to the races, as his history as a running back always shows when the ball is in his hands…
6. Baltimore Ravens
Laremy Tunsil (OT) Ole Miss
Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 310 LBS
Just like last season with Leonard Williams falling to the Jets at number six, the Ravens -- also at number six -- get the best overall player in the draft with Larmey Tunsil.
His tape shows in spades, as Tunsil is one of the most light-footed, technically sound, offensive tackle prospects since Tyron Smith. He will plug and play right off the bat for the Ravens, likely extending the career of Joe Flacco, who just blew up his knee last season due to poor offensive line play.
7. San Francisco 49ers
DeForest Buckner (DE/DT) Oregon
Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 291 LBS
The 49ers can go in a variety of ways here with the seventh overall pick, as they are a team in desperate need of talent all over the place. Ultimately they will settle on the best overall player left on the board not named Zeke Elliot, as DeForest Buckner will reunite with his former coach Chip Kelly and Arik Armstead -- his former rushmate on the defensive line back in the Oregon days.
*** TRADE ***
8. Tennessee Titans (From Cleveland, via Philadelphia, via Miami)
Ronnie Stanley (OT) Notre Dame
Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 312 LBS
The Titans got a king's ransom in their trade out of the first overall pick with the Rams, but in order to truly improve the way that they want to, they are going to need to pounce on an elite tackle in this draft. Sitting at 15 would be taking a risk for Tennessee if they really wanted to accomplish this, as Michigan State’s Jack Conklin might still be there, but certainly with no guarantees. While Conklin is a very nice player – who I am a huge fan of – in this scenario the Titans seize an opportunity with Notre Dame’s elite left tackle – Ronnie Stanley – sliding down to number eight. The Browns seemingly are no opponents of trading back and taking more picks based off it’s proven statistical analysis of quantitative success, so this move seems totally plausible and mutually beneficial.
As for Stanley on the field, some scouts consider his talent on par with that of Laremy Tunsil. While he may not possess the strongest base in pass pro, Stanley uses his quick feet and natural athleticism to wall off would be pass rushers. Many like to use the term “dancing bear” with Stanley, which aptly suits him considering his Hagrid-like size and Travolta-like feet. Expect him to be a 10-plus year anchor for the Titans if taken at No. 8.
Watch on this play, as Stanley shows off his quick twitch, natural reaction, and aforementioned “Travolta-like feet”. All incredibly translatable traits to the next level as a high-level left tackle.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vernon Hargreaves (CB) Florida
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 204 LBS
If the first round were to play out like this, the Buccaneers would thank their lucky stars, as they would end up with arguably the best pure corner in the draft with Vernon Hargreaves at no. 9. Considering the premium put on the position in today’s game, the Bucs would have to consider this a steal based off of a value to draft position ratio.
-- With his feather-light and perfectly synchronized footwork, Vernon Hargreaves achieved the rare three-time first-team All-SEC selection as the top cornerback at Florida. He recorded 10 interceptions during his career and will aptly replace the void at corner that the Bucs have had since the departure of Darrell Revis. He’s physical in the run game and will bring the swagger needed for the position at the next level in one-on-one coverage. Expect Tampa Bay to build their entire secondary around this special corner going forward.
10. New York Giants
Jack Conklin (OT) Michigan State
Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 308 LBS
Heading into free agency, outside of quarterback and wide receiver, the Giants had gaping holes everywhere on their roster. They took this issue very seriously and spent nearly $200 million to shore up their roster deficiencies. They paid heavily on the defensive line, they spent top dollar on a premium corner, however they still failed to acquire an offensive tackle – a position that they need to address if they plan on keeping Eli Manning upright in 2016. While many will be clamoring for the Giants to take Zeke Elliot here – and rightfully so – I still believe that offensive line is more of a glaring need for them if they plan on building around Eli and Odell Beckham Jr. going forward.
Enter Jack Conklin – arguably the second best offensive tackle in the class, while his excellent Combine only made him and Ronnie Stanley closer by comparison. He is not as good of a natural athlete as Stanley, however where he lacks in that department, Conklin makes up for in leadership and nastiness. He’s a beast in the run game, and plus in pass protection. His lack of length and elite lateral quickness makes him a tough sell as a future NFL left tackle, however he will enter day one as the Giants starting right tackle and will team up with Eric Flowers to make an excellent, young, offensive tackle tandem for the future.
11. Chicago Bears
Shaq Lawson (Edge)
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 269 LBS
With the Bears transitioning to a 3-4 defense over the last season, they clearly need to address the most important position in the scheme – edge rusher. Lawson primarily played with his hand in the dirt while at Clemson, but he posted incredible pass rushing production and proved at the Combine that he has the traits that would allow him to translate into a 3-4 edge rusher.
12. New Orleans Saints
Sheldon Rankins (DL) Louisville
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 299 LBS
Rankins is a nimble, sturdy, and technically sound hybrid defensive lineman out of Louisville. He sports an excellent first step, gets his arms extended better than pretty much any other defensive lineman in the draft, and possesses a plethora of polished pass rushing moves that will help him get to the quarterback at the next level. On this play, Rankins shows what he does best, as he fully extends on the interior offensive lineman, strings out the designed run, and then when needed, ragdolls the blocker. He blows up the running play with ease, showcasing the damage he could inflict as a five-technique run stuffer at the next level.
The Saints have plenty of holes from top-to-bottom on this defense, so with Rankins they are getting a versatile body magnet, who is a load for offensive coordinators to scheme around. He will help everyone on the Saints defense from day one.
13. Miami Dolphins
Darron Lee (LB) Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 232 LBS
Since the sudden slip of Myles Jack amongst draft pundits, the Dolphins have been very vocal about being interested in a player possessing his skill-set. While still believe that Jack will go in the top-5, that doesn’t change the fact that the Dolphins will be looking for an ultra-athletic linebacker to build their defense around.
Enter Darron Lee out of Ohio State, or as I like to call him “Myles Jack lite”. To put in simple terms, Lee has all of the athletic traits and abilities of a safety, while possessing the instincts and toughness needed to play the will in a 4-3 defense. He ran a blazing 4.47 40-time at the Combine, which will automatically put him in the discussion as one of the fastest linebackers in the NFL once he is inevitably drafted.
In terms of his play on the field, Lee’s athletic ability on the track certainly translates. He blitzes very well off the weakside edge, does a great job of maintaining outside contain, tackles well in space, and while he’s no Myles Jack, he also excels in coverage.
This play below perfectly exemplifies his incredible closing speed, as he covers well over a net of 25 yards to sack an athletic quarterback in the backfield.
14. Oakland Raiders
Mackenzie Alexander (CB) Clemson
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 190
My personal favorite pure cornerback in the entire class, Alexander will be an excellent fit in an ever-developing Raiders defense. He plays with top-notch intensity in both the run game and in man-to-man coverage. He possesses excellent footwork and incredible stickiness in order to mirror even the shiftiest of receivers in coverage. He will likely work the best out of the slot, but don’t question Alexander’s physical ability to man-up on an outside island because he has proven time and again to smack doubters and bigger receivers in the mouth. He will bring the exact type of attitude and swagger that Raiders fans love to have on their defenses, and more than enough bravado needed to become a star at the position going forward.
Below is the type of nastiness that Alexander brings in run support, despite being undersized. He comes hot off the edge and demolishes the running back, despite facing a wall of Georgia Tech blockers.
Here is what he can do in man up coverage… Impressive.
*** TRADE ***
15. Cleveland Browns (From Tennessee, via Los Angeles)
Laquon Treadwell (WR) Ole Miss
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 221 LBS
As Elliot’s Aaron Rodgers-like slide continues, the Browns will be very tempted to pull the trigger on him at number 15 overall. Unfortunately the statistics show that you can get incredible production from backs not taken anywhere near the first round, so they will pass on Elliot here. Instead they will pull the trigger on the best receiver in the draft – Laquon Treadwell out of Ole Miss.
He’s not a burner by any means, which might scare the assumed analytical decision makers out in Cleveland, but with his unparalleled physicality, underrated route running, strong hands, and excellent natural body positioning, Treadwell has the tools to develop into a Dez Bryant type of player. That type of potential will be too hard to pass on for the Browns at 15, as wide receiver may just be their biggest area of need at the moment. Here’s an example of Treadwell’s physical nature against defensive backs – who at least at the college level – didn’t look to be any match for his overwhelming upper and lower body strength. Notice his deft flair for the spectacular catch.
16. Detroit Lions
Ezekiel Elliot (RB) Ohio State
Height: 6-foot Weight: 225 LBS
This has gone on way to far, as my boy Zeke is being disrespected in my own mock draft. Let me be clear, this is by no means an indictment on his ability as a player, but I just feel that teams value the running back position far less than draft evaluators are leading on. At 16, the Lions see this pick as incredible value, and a player who likely will enter their offense from day one as their best overall player.
The Lions finished dead last in rushing last season and while rookie Ameer Abdullah showed flashes, he was largely a disappointment. Sure, a better offensive line would have helped out his cause, but ultimately he proved that he will not be able to handle an every-down role in this league going forward. This leaves Detroit with two options in that they will likely have to choose between the best offensive tackle and best running back available at No. 16 overall. While most of the first-round caliber tackles will be gone by then, I still believe that Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliot will be available when they are on the clock. This may come as a surprise to many, but considering that Elliot will be by far the best player left on the board at that point and the fact that the Lions need all of the offensive talent they can get since the sudden retirement of Calvin Johnson, this pick makes plenty of sense here.
As for Elliot the football player, he is the best running back in the draft, bar none. While in the very small minority here, I believe that Elliot is an even better prospect than Todd Gurley was coming out of Georgia last season. Right off the bat when looking at his tape, most evidently clear is Elliot’s relentless motor. He runs with excellent pad level and always seems to be headed downhill with malice. Upon impact, Elliott always seems to deliver the blow. He always falls forward and will never be a liability in short-yardage situations. Considering all of his power and urgency as a runner, his vision is second to none in this class. Elliott practices patience, allowing the hole to fully develop instead of running into clutter. Once things open up, he explodes through the hole and makes it a track meet to the end zone.
At the second level, Elliott is feared. He wields a devastating stiff-arm and a high quality hop-cut when needed. Lastly on his long list of positive traits, Elliott is one of the most accomplished blockers in this class. Always willing to mix it up with edge defenders and linebackers, he almost never allows anyone to best him in protection. He seems to welcome the idea of even serving as a lead blocker on select plays, proving that his physicality and toughness should never be questioned. Obviously for Detroit, a team looking to reload their offensive firepower, drafting Elliot would be an excellent place to start, as there is almost nothing that he can’t do. The Ohio State star will instantly upgrade their last ranked rushing offense and will allow the Lions to control the clock much easier going forward.
17. Atlanta Falcons
Leonard Floyd (EDGE) Georgia
Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 244 LBS
The Falcons seem intent on revamping their defense, and while they might want to reach for defensive ends such as Kevin Dodd or Emannuel Ogbah at 17, they would be better served on taking a player in Leonard Floyd who possesses much more impact potential and most importantly positional versatility.
While Floyd’s production didn’t match his traits in college, he showed a lot of potential on tape and improved drastically physically and technically in the couple of months in between the end of the season and the Combine.
On tape, while inconsistently, Floyd showed incredible bursts of pass rushing tenacity that would have him locked up in an asylum in some states. His long arms could legally be registered as deadly weapons that might justifiably be tied up in a straight jacket. A perfect example is in the play below, as he explodes off the ball like a wild animal and creates carnage in the opponent’s backfield.
To go along with his god given, natural, explosive, athletic rage, Floyd can also drop into coverage comfortably and did it often in college. He also has experience playing inside linebacker if needed as well, giving coach Quinn all of the positional flexibility and scheme versatility he needs out of a first round selection.
18. Indianapolis Colts
Jason Spriggs (OT) Indiana
Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 301 LBS
Another breakout Combine performer, Spriggs gets first round consideration here because of his better than expected tape, flat-out athleticism, and because of the Colts desperate need to protect Andrew Luck. He likely will start out at right tackle early on in his career, however with a little added functional strength, Spriggs is a future franchise left tackle in the making.
This play shows off the best of Sprigg’s athleticism, as he quickly gets to the second level, engages the linebacker, and creates a seam for the running back to explode through – virtually untouched.
19. Buffalo Bills
Andrew Billings (DT) Baylor
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 311 LBS
The Bills are going through a bit of a culture change on the defensive line with the departure of Mario Williams and the ultimately eventual acceptance of Rex Ryan’s Multiple-D scheme. Here, coach Ryan gets exactly what he loves – a football player. I say that a bit tongue-in-cheek, but only because Rex loves to speak in clichés. In reality though, Billings is a beast. He is a known wrestler and is an accomplished power-lifter. With these types of tough guy traits to go along with excellent game tape, it will be impossible for Rex Ryan not to fall in love.
It’s possible that coach Ryan may have just seen this one play and instantly wrote Billings’ name in big bold letters on his first round draft card. Here he absolutely pulverizes anything in his path – specifically a poor excuse of a double team and an Oklahoma quarterback – as he displays physical dominance on a gridiron that hasn’t been seen since the set of Disney’s “The Blind Side”.
20. New York Jets
Taylor Decker (OT) Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 310 LBS
The Jets were floored by the sudden retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson – a former three-time Pro Bowler – who at just 32-years of age, called it quits without leaving many hints prior to the announcement. That leaves the Jets in a tough spot, who are in some desperate need of defensive help, along with an answer at quarterback. Considering all of this, I believe that they will weigh the three needs and take the best available player at number 20 overall. That logic has Taylor Decker’s name called for New York, as he will come in and look to fill Ferguson’s large shoes at left tackle for at least the next decade.
On this play, Decker (LT No. 68) works with the left guard on a hedge block, eventually securing the block one-on-one so well that he allows the help blocker move along to the second level. Decker ends up with a pancake on the play, while displaying his nastiness and relentless motor all in the same action.
21. Washington Redskins
Jarran Reed (DT) Alabama
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 307 LBS
The Redskins really struggled against the run last year, and with key guys along the defensive line walking in free agency, they need lots of help inside. Reed will come in right away and serve as an excellent run-stuffer up front for Washington, effectively opening things up for the linebackers to get a free run into the proper gaps. Easy pick here, as Reed is considered the top one-tech, shade-0, or nose tackle prospect in the entire class.
On the play below Reed plays with his head up and has a good sense of action going on in the backfield. He executes full arm extension and is able to control the offensive lineman at the point of attack
22. Houston Texans
Ryan Kelly (C) Alabama
Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 311 LBS
The Texans got red hot during the middle of the season, rattling off a ton of consecutive wins, until ultimately soiling their proverbial bed during the first round of last season’s playoffs. Quarterback play was the main reason for their meltdown, as Brian Hoyer turned the ball over four times in the first half alone, leading (or what ever the opposite of that is) the Texans to a 30-0 blowout loss at the hands of the Chiefs on Wild Card weekend. Whether pundits agree on the potential of this player or not, the Texans addressed the position in the offseason, as they locked up Denver’s Brock Osweiler for $37 million in guaranteed money. With quarterback now essentially off the table in the early rounds of the draft, the Texans can go in a variety of different directions with the 22nd overall pick.
Certain sects of the fan base are lobbying for a dynamic wide receiver to slot in across from DeAndre Hopkins, but with the franchise just investing a high pick in Jaelen Strong last year, I expect them to save their pick for another position. Others want Houston to use the pick on an interior defensive lineman, as this talent rich class in that department would be a good pool to choose from. Again, however, I feel they can wait until after the first round to pick an impact player at that position. A tight end may also be in play, but even the best in the class isn’t worthy of more than a mid-second round grade. After all of this deductive reasoning, I believe the Texans will address their offensive line and take the best center in the class with the 22nd overall pick.
Ryan Kelly of Alabama is a three-year starter, and the 2015 Rimington Award winner (Nation’s Best Center), and unquestioned leader of the best offensive line in college football. He’s a solidly built field general and projects as the anchor of any offensive line he ends up joining at the next level. His tape shows a high IQ football player, with excellent body positioning, and smooth moving feet that allow him to get to the second level better than just about any other lineman in this class.
On the play below, Kelly blows open a hole right up the middle for running back Derrick Henry to cleanly run through on his way to 56-yard touchdown. As the old adage goes in football “low man wins” and somehow, even at 6-foot-4, Kelly manages to get lower than the man in front of him, while getting his arms fully extended, and performing a textbook relentless leg drive – as if he were hitting a practice sled – to create a wide open running lane.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Corey Coleman (WR) Baylor
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 194 LBS
The Vikings came a shanked field goal away from making some noise in the NFC playoffs last season, so it is safe to assume that they are only a couple of pieces away from returning to the dance. Where they are likely to begin their quest for improvement is at the wide receiver position. With the 23rd overall pick, Corey Coleman of Baylor happens to be not only the best player available at the position, but also one of the best touchdown creators in the class – an area that the Vikings could certainly use some help in. He’s a smooth, speedy receiver, with an ability to run under a pass just as well as he is to create in the open field. While at Baylor in 2015, Coleman caught 74 passes, with an astounding 20 of them going for scores. A player who managed to get into the end zone on 27 percent of his touches is a player that any NFL team could use, but almost none more desperately than the Vikings. Here’s an example of what he can do…
With Coleman’s game-breaking talent stretching the field and doing things with the ball in his hands combined with Stefon Diggs’s ability to do work in the intermediate passing game, Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings offense will take one giant step forward entering 2016.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Will Fuller (WR) Notre Dame
Height: 6-foot Weight: 186 LBS
Fuller ran a blazing 4.32 40-time at the Combine, blowing away scouts, despite them already expecting a fast time from him. His forty solidified his place in the first round, as the tape shows the rest of what people need to see. In this already high-octane Bengals offense, expect Fuller to simply add another dimension, allowing A.J. Green to compile even more production, as the threat of Fuller takes the top off of opposing defenses.
On Tape: His fluid strides and God-given speed allowed him to make man up corners look helpless; here’s an example, as Fuller torches future first round corner Adorre Jackson of USC for a 75-yard touchdown in 2015.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
Eli Apple (CB) Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 199 LBS
The Steelers need some serious help at the cornerback position, and while their future slot corner Senquez Golson, who was sidelined for all of his rookie season in 2015, will be returning to action this season, they need to add a CB with some length to provide a presence on the outside. Apple is very talented, but can get a bit grabby down the field. Expect him to struggle with penalties early on in his career, but ultimately end up being a good pro based off of his natural athleticism and determination.
Here’s an example of Apple getting overly aggressive with the ball in the air. His lack of experience and underdeveloped frame allows him to be embarrassed on this play, as he is dragged for nearly an extra 20 yards and is luckily not flagged on top of it for pass interference.
26. Seattle Seahawks
William Jackson (CB) Houston
Height: 6-foot Weight: 189 LBS
Who would have thought just a couple of years ago that the Seahawks would be in the market for a new cornerback, but that is their current reality. Jackson ran a much faster than expected 40-time at the combine (4.37) and fits the mold of the Seattle long, rangy, corner. He will fit like a glove for the Seahawks.
On this play, Jackson shows his natural cover instincts and his well-polished ability to track the ball in the air rather than just playing the man.
27. Green Bay Packers
Reggie Ragland (LB) Alabama
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 247 LBS
Ragland, while he may have question marks in coverage, is an instinctive, tough-nosed, downhill ball player, who right now, has the talent and polish to be an NFL standout. While viewed at the moment as strictly a two down player, I firmly believe, that with his determination and high football IQ, Ragland will find a way to become a three-down mike backer in this league. This move allows Clay Matthews to move back to the edge spot, while last year’s rookie Jake Ryan and Ragland will prove to be an intimidating tandem in the middle for years to come.
The clip below explains itself, as Ragland makes a textbook play in the backfield.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
Kendall Fuller (CB) Virginia Tech
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 187 LBS
Having to deal with Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, and Kahlil Mack in the division can get very difficult for the Chiefs if they don’t stack up on offensive line help. They would love to take Ohio State’s Taylor Decker, but with him off the board at 20, expect them to turn their attention to corner with their first round selection.
In Fuller, the Chiefs take a surefire first round talent had it not been for his knee injury. He subsequently will slide all the way to 28th overall, nearly out of the first, giving Kansas City the perfect playmaking compliment across from last year rookie standout Marcus Peters.
Below is one of Fuller’s many highlight plays, as he displays incredible ball skills. Hopefully his knee heals up properly and he can eventually get back to this form.
29. New England Patriots *** Forfeited ***
DEFLATEGATE
30. Arizona Cardinals
Paxton Lynch (QB) Memphis
Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 245 LBS
With a player fitting their exact need, the Cards can take a bit of a luxury pick at number 30, as they look to prepare for life after Carson Palmer. Lynch is built in the mold of Big Ben and Cam Newton, as he is athletic, hulking, and a rather impressive runner. He’s got the big arm to match the two aforementioned QB’s however trying to put that type of expectation on him would be unfair. In this scenario, Lynch can come in and learn for a season or two before being thrown into the fire. Hopefully with proper time on the bench, and under the Socrates-like tutelage of Bruce Arians, Lynch will be able to learn how an NFL offense operates and how his mechanics should fit in that scheme.
Below is an example of what the big ole gunslinger can do, as he stands tall in pocket and delivers a strike 60-yards down the field for a touchdown.
31. Carolina Panthers
Le’Raven Clark (OT/G) Texas Tech
Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 316 LBS
While the Panthers have a glaring need at wideout, the Broncos exposed their even bigger hole on the offensive line during the Super Bowl. Clark is athletic enough to play tackle or guard early on in his career, however ultimately he projects best at either tackle position. He has some technical things that he needs to get out of his game that were ingrained in his brain while in Texas Tech’s “Air-Raid Offense,” but his naturally light feet and agility are something that the Panthers couldn’t pass up on here.
32. Denver Broncos
Jonathan Bullard (DE) Florida
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 285 LBS
With the loss of Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, the Broncos need to do something to replenish their defensive talent if they have any plans of making another run at a Super Bowl.
Bullard is sculpted from the same mold of Jackson, despite ceding three inches to the newly inked $90 million man. He has the quickest initial burst out of any defensive lineman in this draft class, and commands a double-team on most plays. He would come in and fill Jackson’s pivotal role in this elite Broncos defensive unit as a two-gapping run-stuffer and pocket pusher. Furthermore, if drafted to Denver, Bullard would be expected to produce even better as a pass rusher than he did in college due to the attention that both Von Miller and Demarcus Ware command coming off the edge.
This play displays the incredible burst that he gets off the snap of the ball and the explosiveness that he drives offensive linemen off the line of scrimmage with.
This last pick is probably the biggest surprise I have in the draft aside from Zeke falling all the way down to 16, as I have the Broncos choosing Bullard over Alabama’s A’Shawn Robinson, who almost no one has falling out of the first round. Honestly I just see Bullard as a more explosive athlete and a better fit for what the Broncos are trying to do defensively… If you’ve got a problem with it, contact my lawyer.