2016 NFL Draft

[dublinirish]

It is known.... until a video surfaces of Paxton Lynch motor boating speed balls... then all beats are off....

Lynch was terrible in Memphis' bowl game. I wouldnt pick him high

 

[NorthDakota]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And with the second pick in the 2016 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash">#NFLDraft</a>, the Cleveland <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash">#Browns</a> select.... <a href="https://t.co/wy6U5cYTxL">https://t.co/wy6U5cYTxL</a></p>— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/LedyardNFLDraft/status/717206407829975040">April 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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That guy better watch out. North Dakota State fans recently discovered twitter and have basically dedicated the last several months to hunting for Carson Wentz doubters.

 

[dublinirish]

Mel Kiper's 2016 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

Early April means we're officially in the home stretch, which doesn't just go for us analysts. The draft class can now go shopping for suits or get the party planned, because with just a few exceptions, pro days have also been completed. There are a number of individual workouts that will take place in April, but much of the "process" we talk about has been completed. Do pro days change things? Sure. Many players pass on certain combine workouts based on injuries, so teams want to see them perform. As well, we see a lot more from the quarterback class in these settings than we do in Indy. That in mind, here's the latest mock. I added a number of players I see as Round 2 options, many of whom could have been taken in Round 1. A player with an asterisk next to his name has a year of eligibility remaining. Two asterisks implies two years.

1. Tennessee Titans

Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

At this point, I think that while Jalen Ramsey is the type of talent you could consider here, the need to protect the face of the franchise wins out unless they find a way to trade out of this spot. The top left tackle in the draft goes to a team where offensive line help is a must. No change from the previous mock.

2. Cleveland Browns

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

He's not the top QB on my board, but this isn't a prospect ranking, it's a projection. The addition of Robert Griffin III does provide some added developmental insurance here so they don't have to start a rookie, and it also gives them a chance to wait on a QB pick if they really like one of the guys who could be around in Round 2.

3. San Diego Chargers

Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

I do think they could consider Ronnie Stanley here, but if it's about the best player available here, I think Ramsey has a good shot. I know there are concerns he'll face some developmental hurdles as a rookie, but all cornerbacks do, and Ramsey's ceiling is extremely high.

4. Dallas Cowboys

Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

I don't think they should be out of the market for a quarterback this high, but it's hard to go wrong with the best pure pass-rusher in the draft. Bosa might not be the kind of freakish athlete you peg for a future 20-sack season, but he's a much better athlete than many give him credit for, and he'll be an early contributor who can stay on the field in any situation.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

This guy just makes you better on the defensive side of the ball. The game comes so easy to him, and while we say it often, his ability to cover almost anyone with a legit linebacker frame is where it really stands out. Draft him and expect him to start right away.

6. Baltimore Ravens

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

The Ravens could go in a number of directions here, but this is a spot where Elliott starts to come into play for teams who want to stay strict to a "best player available" strategy. No question he'll benefit any team he lands with, including the Ravens.

7. San Francisco 49ers

Jared Goff, QB, California

Sticking with this pick. Even if Colin Kaepernick remains at quarterback -- that feels less and less likely -- I don't know if Goff would be out of the equation here. Goff has some special traits that could help him get on the field pretty quickly if Chip Kelly can trust him with the offense.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami)

DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

A steal at this point, Buckner would look pretty good on a defensive line with Fletcher Cox. Buckner has the ability to really control an offensive lineman and disrupt offenses, and his versatility makes him useful pretty much anywhere.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

I could see Stanley going as high as No. 3 overall, which makes him a reasonable value here. The Bucs did target offensive line help in last year's draft, but ceiling is a pretty big question mark, and they shouldn't make the same mistake the Colts did with Andrew Luck when it comes to building a solid group in front of their franchise talent.

10. New York Giants

Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

The Giants could go a few different directions here, as their spending spree in free agency, particularly on defense, doesn't mean that adding a pass-rusher or cornerback is out of the question here. But Conklin can be plugged in immediately at right tackle, and could even battle for the starting job on the left side.

11. Chicago Bears

Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

Sticking with the same pick here from the previous mock. The Bears did a nice job in free agency at inside linebacker, but Floyd is the edge defender who could really help early in passing downs.

12. New Orleans Saints

Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville

Another one I'm not changing from the previous mock. Rankins offers as much interior quickness as you're going to find in this draft, a class loaded with good interior defenders. More disruption from the defensive line is a recipe for a rebound for the Saints' defense.

13. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia)

Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

Lee offers tremendous upside, and I think a smart defensive coordinator will find him extremely versatile. He's an explosive, blitzing threat who is great in space and will grow into an above-average coverage linebacker. Athletes like this are special, and Lee has the instincts to go with that raw ability.

14. Oakland Raiders

Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

The Raiders have done a lot of work in free agency to address the defensive side of the ball, but they need help at cornerback and could be tickled to find the best pure corner in the draft at this spot. Hargreaves lacks some measurables, but the tape doesn't lie.

15. Los Angeles Rams

Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Lynch needs a lot of development, but for a franchise desperate for a quarterback, he could be worth the bet. Could the Rams be one of the teams willing to move up for Goff or Wentz? It's not entirely out of the question.

16. Detroit Lions

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

The Lions have needs elsewhere, but getting the top wide receiver in the draft class at No. 16 overall is a good value. It's absurd to say Treadwell can replace Calvin Johnson -- nobody is doing that -- but he does give them length, strong hands and playmaking ability. They can get a good D-lineman in either of the next two rounds thanks to so much depth at the position.

17. Atlanta Falcons

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

You could make a case that Ragland is as ready to contribute on Sundays as any defender in this draft. Yes, he's an instinctive tackling machine at the line of scrimmage, but Ragland can cover ground. Atlanta can put him to work immediately.

18. Indianapolis Colts

Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

It's hard for me to see a situation in which one of the top three offensive tackles is still available here, but Decker is a solid value at this slot and I don't think the Colts can go wrong with a "best offensive lineman available" strategy, potentially more than once.

19. Buffalo Bills

Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

Given his productivity and well-rounded game, Lawson would be a good get in this range. The Ryan brothers have to get the defense turned around or they could both be elsewhere in 2017, and Lawson is the kind of player who can get on the field early and help.

20. New York Jets

Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

One of the fastest-rising prospects in the draft, Ifedi has the prototype frame for an NFL left tackle, with long arms and quick feet. You're certainly projecting a little here, because he's far more about potential than polish at this point, but you could end up with a steal at a need position. Ifedi can also play guard.

21. Washington Redskins

Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama

Washington went after physical trench players in the 2015 draft, and Reed would be a continuation of that trend. There isn't a better defender against the run, and Reed is ready to get on the field for pretty much any team.

22. Houston Texans

Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

They have a big-time talent in DeAndre Hopkins, but Coleman adds another dimension, and is the kind of speedster who can open up space for others in the offense because you simply have to respect his speed. If you think you have your QB, you better add another weapon.

23. Minnesota Vikings

Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

Sticking with this pick from the previous mock. As I said then, you have Stefon Diggs, but this is a huge year for Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings need to add another weapon in the passing game. Doctson is a magician when the ball is in the air, and he can make plays after the catch as well.

24. Cincinnati Bengals

Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

Free agency didn't help Andy Dalton all that much. A.J. Green is still all-world at wide receiver, but they could use another player who will get the attention of opposing defensive coordinators and make safeties take a step or two backwards. Fuller has big-time speed and was the best deep threat in college football last season.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers

William Jackson III, CB, Houston

The Steelers could be a better secondary away from Super Bowl contention, and while you don't want to rely on rookies back there too often, Pittsburgh doesn't have a choice and should add talent wherever there's value to be had. Jackson is rising on boards everywhere and could be a good get at this stage.

26. Seattle Seahawks

Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

I know the offensive line is a concern, but I don't think you can sacrifice talent for need here, especially when the reality is you're not being realistic if you think there's an immediate upgrade at left tackle to be found here. Apple has major upside as a physical cornerback with length. He'll fit right in.

27. Green Bay Packers

Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State

A high-energy speedster coming off the edge looks great on this defense, and the more you watch Correa, the more you see the potential for him to help a pass-rush right away. He can take some pressure off Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers.

28. Kansas City Chiefs

Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

He's listed at safety, but Bell has the kind of coverage ability that some think he could handle cornerback. In a nutshell, he's a versatile talent in the secondary, and the Chiefs -- or any team, for that matter -- will find use for him.

29. Arizona Cardinals

Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

The addition of Chandler Jones gives the Cardinals a much-needed pass-rusher. Now a team without glaring needs does have a noticeable one on the interior of the offensive line. Kelly is a plug-and-play option at center, and he's also in the "best available" mix at this point.

30. Carolina Panthers

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE/OLB, Oklahoma State

The Panthers will be reminded how impactful a dominating pass-rush can be every time they roll the Super Bowl tape -- though I don't suspect that'll be too often. Kony Ealy is on the rise, but Charles Johnson turns 30 this summer, and Ogbah has major upside. Again: You can't have enough good pass-rushers.

31. Denver Broncos

A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama

The departure of Malik Jackson in free agency makes Robinson an easy pick here. And really, even if Jackson was still around, this pick makes sense. If there's a big question at this stage, it's whether John Elway could be in the QB market right here. He's got time, and he usually has a pretty good plan, too.

There will be only 31 picks in the first round in 2016, with New England's first-round pick forfeited.
Prospects in play in the second round A number of these guys could easily land in Round 1, particularly some of the defensive tackles. I'm simply saying for this mock they are in play in Round 2.

Quarterbacks: Connor Cook, Michigan State; Christian Hackenberg, Penn State

Running backs: Derrick Henry, Alabama

Wide receivers: Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma; Michael Thomas, Ohio State;Braxton Miller, Ohio State

Tight ends: Hunter Henry, Arkansas; Jerell Adams, South Carolina

Offensive tackles: Jason Spriggs, Indiana; Shon Coleman, Auburn; Jerald Hawkins, LSU

Guards: Joshua Garnett, Stanford; Cody Whitehair, Kansas State

Centers: Nick Martin, Notre Dame

Defensive ends: Jihad Ward, Illinois; Kevin Dodd, Clemson; Jonathan Bullard, Florida; Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State

Defensive tackles: Kenny Clark, UCLA; Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech;Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss; Chris Jones, Mississippi State; Andrew Billings, Baylor; Adolphus Washington, Ohio State; Austin Johnson, Penn State; Hassan Ridgeway, Texas; Maliek Collins, Nebraska

Inside linebackers: Nick Kwiatkoski, West Virginia

Outside linebackers: Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky; Deion Jones, LSU;Su'a Cravens, USC; Joshua Perry, Ohio State; Joe Schobert, Wisconsin

Cornerbacks: Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech; Mackensie Alexander, Clemson;Artie Burns, Miami (Fla.); Xavien Howard, Baylor

Safeties: Karl Joseph, West Virginia; Jalen Mills, LSU; Keanu Neal, Florida;Miles Killebrew, Southern Utah

 

[IrishLion]

Heyyyyooooo good to see Kiper dialed in on Fuller going to the Bengals as the draft gets closer. I'd be happy with him or Coleman, but I'd be much more likely to purchase a Fuller jersey.

 

[pkt77242]

Lynch was terrible in Memphis' bowl game. I wouldnt pick him high

So true. Paxton Lynch is a 3rd QB. He in no way shape or form should be a first round QB. It is the Christian Ponder/Jake Locker/Brandon Weeden/EJ Manuel/Blaine Gabbert syndrome.


Lynch may eventually become a good QB but he needs lots of work to get there.

 

[NorthDakota]

So true. Paxton Lynch is a 3rd QB. He in no way shape or form should be a first round QB. It is the Christian Ponder/Jake Locker/Brandon Weeden/EJ Manuel/Blaine Gabbert syndrome.


Lynch may eventually become a good QB but he needs lots of work to get there.

The only QB in this draft I have any sort of faith in is Goff.

 

[ACamp1900]

I can't believe the upteenth consecutive group of totally different people running the show in Cleveland will get it all wrong again,... I mean law of averages at very least will kick in some time...

I expect them to draft Goff and hit on a few other picks (WR anyone??)

 

[dublinirish]

I can't believe the upteenth consecutive group of totally different people running the show in Cleveland will get it all wrong again,... I mean law of averages at very least will kick in some time...

I expect them to draft Goff and hit on a few other picks (WR anyone??)

they are playing moneyball these days apparently. they really should trade down and try and stock the roster. Give RG3 a go and if he does not work out try for a QB next year.

 

[ACamp1900]

I'm actually liking Goff at that spot more and more with a year or so of RG3 to fill the gap ... but maybe I'm just being "Browns fan"... or maybe I'm a mindless twit...

 

[PANDFAN]

WATCH: Odell Beckham Jr.’s cousin, Terron, puts on unreal showing at pro day | Jets Wire

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beckham Pro Day thus far: <br>- 44.5-inch vert<br>- 4.47 40<br>- 11-foot broad jump<br>- 36 reps at 225lb<br>- 6.80 3-cone<br><br>VIDEO: <a href="https://t.co/q9ZjJATxtQ">https://t.co/q9ZjJATxtQ</a></p>— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Connor_J_Hughes/status/718115080915824640">April 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
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KOON'S BOD SQUAD CAPTAIN

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Combine medical rechecks are Thurs & Fri this week. Some big names are requested: Myles Jack, Jaylon Smith, Devontae Booker, Corey Coleman</p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/719523976503013376">April 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[zelezo vlk]

I just want to hear that the nerve is alive. Anything else is frosting on the cake.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’ve got three rounds this week from <a href="https://twitter.com/MockingTheDraft">@MockingTheDraft</a>. Where do the QBs land? <a href="https://t.co/n2rSeFufDb">https://t.co/n2rSeFufDb</a> <a href="https://t.co/RZO5hPnYrD">pic.twitter.com/RZO5hPnYrD</a></p>— SB Nation NFL (@SBNationNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNationNFL/status/719533475296968704">April 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[pkt77242]

Using data to predict the arrest rates of NFL draft picks - NFL Nation- ESPN

 

[Armyirish47]

Todd McShay published his ESPN Insider 3 round Grade A mock draft.

Todd McShay's three-round 'Grade: A' mock draft - NFL draft

Ground rules:
1. At each slot, I make a pick in the best interest of only the team with the pick. I won't pass on a player at No. 4 just because I like the team better at No. 5.

2. No trades unless they're already done. I try to address team needs, but like the draft, value can supersede need.

3. Again: I'm not projecting. It's more a look at where I see value up and down the board.

Players of note:
10. Ronnie Stanley - NY Giants
23. Will Fuller - Minnesota Vikings
45. Nick Martin - LA Rams
63. Sheldon Day - Denver (labeled as a Penn State grad, yuck)
78. Jaylon Smith - New Orleans
80. KeiVarae Russell - Buffalo
96. CJ Prosise - New England

 

[ACamp1900]

For the giggles, who did he have the Browns 'ideally' getting...???

We should take that list and compare it to who they actually get and see if there are ANY duplicate names and take action on the over/under....

 

[Armyirish47]

For the giggles, who did he have the Browns 'ideally' getting...???

We should take that list and compare it to who they actually get and see if there are ANY duplicate names and take action on the over/under....

Round 1 (2): Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Round 2 (32): Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Round 3 (65): Willie Henry, DT, Michigan

 

[ACamp1900]

Round 1 (2): Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Round 2 (32): Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Round 3 (65): Willie Henry, DT, Michigan

This is a 'dream draft'... ?? Damn even in a 'ideal' draft the Browns is just, whatevers......

 

[IrishLion]

As a Browns fan, how do you feel about Goff vs Wentz?

 

[ACamp1900]

Goff. At least now, I need to know more about Wentz but it's hard to imagine him going that high in the draft... if he is your choice surely they can trade back a few spots and get more value??

 

[Blaise]

This is a 'dream draft'... ?? Damn even in a 'ideal' draft the Browns are just, whatevers......

Henry could be the steal of the draft... He was a big reason Michigan's defense was good last year..Big Time run stopper

 

[NorthDakota]

Goff. At least now, I need to know more about Wentz but it's hard to imagine him going that high in the draft... if he is your choice surely they can trade back a few spots and get more value??

I think Goff has a lot more room to grow. People forget he has substantially more experience than Wentz and is two years younger than him as well.

 

[ACamp1900]

Actually seeing some stuff out there on rumors that my Brownies are shopping the 2nd pick... I'd be fine with it as long as they stay in the top 10 and get an impact player... They need a QB but is Goff or Wentz really worth a number 2??? We shall see....

 

[ResLife Hero]

Wentz, Goff lead 25 prospects attending 2016 NFL Draft - NFL.com

The NFL draft will air live on NFL Network beginning April 28 at 8 p.m. ET, with Round 1. Rounds 2-3 will be held April 29 and the draft will conclude with Rounds 4-7 on April 30. Here is a look at the complete list of players attending:

CB Eli Apple, Ohio State
DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State
DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech
WR Corey Coleman, Baylor
OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State
OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State
WR Josh Doctson, Texas Christian
DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
QB Jared Goff, California
CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida
LB Myles Jack, UCLA
DT Chris Jones, Mississippi State
DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
LB Darron Lee, Ohio State
S Keanu Neal, Florida
DT Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi
LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
DT A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama
OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
WR Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi
OT Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi
QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State


Here are the coaches that will be present:

Art Briles, Baylor
Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
Sonny Dykes, California
Jimbo Fisher, Florida State
Hugh Freeze, Mississippi
Brian Kelly, Notre Dame
Chris Klieman, North Dakota State
Urban Meyer, Ohio State
Jim Mora, UCLA
Gary Patterson, Texas Christian
Nick Saban, Alabama
Dabo Swinney, Clemson

 

[IrishLion]

Actually seeing some stuff out there on rumors that my Brownies are shopping the 2nd pick... I'd be fine with it as long as they stay in the top 10 and get an impact player... They need a QB but is Goff or Wentz really worth a number 2??? We shall see....

I don't think so personally, though Goff is close.

Normally, I'd say that they should trade down and grab their QB in '17, but the '17 draft looks pretty weak at QB again, minus Deshaun Watson. And it's not a guarantee that the Browns are gonna be bad enough to be first overall, unless they tank, so you can't rely on that either.

Who's the next best QB that's gonna be coming out next year? Gunner Kiel if he gets his act together? Chad Kelly (lol relying on him to be the face of a franchise)? Baker Mayfield?

Chances are that there will be several guys that light it up in CFB next season and begin to look like obvious choices behind Watson, but it's too early to tell right now... and that's not a great sign about the QB position for the '17 draft.

(It also makes LAX's post about Kizer starting and then hitting the NFL more interesting to think about... who's to say that Kizer couldn't play himself into being a first-rounder behind Watson, just based on the lack of sure things?)

 

[woolybug25]

Shawn Oakman, former Baylor Bears DE, arrested after sexual assault claim

 

[woolybug25]

Notre Dame Linebacker Jaylon Smith: 'I'm the Best Player in the Draft' | Bleacher Report

 

[ACamp1900]

Notre Dame Linebacker Jaylon Smith: 'I'm the Best Player in the Draft' | Bleacher Report

Get it frog!

 

[ResLife Hero]

Shawn Oakman, former Baylor Bears DE, arrested after sexual assault claim

If La'el Collins is a reference point, Oakman isn't getting drafted.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Titans have traded the top pick in the draft to the Rams.</p>— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/SI_PeterKing/status/720597813327970304">April 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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