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Ohio State Buckeyes dominate McShay's Top 32
Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Eli Apple both have the look of top-flight NFL prospects. Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports
Now that the deadline has passed for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft, let's take a look at which players have moved up and down our Top 32, drawing on the same scouting reports as before and making changes only where necessary.
We'll continue to update our board as we get closer to the 2016 NFL draft. This is an especially important week, with evaluators from all over the league getting to see players at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. While it's a given that some players will move into the rankings while others will drop out, this provides a good snapshot of which players currently have the most NFL potential based on our evaluations.
(Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.)
1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes*
No change here. From start to finish, Bosa left his mark in Columbus, with 50.5 tackles for loss in 41 career games. Bosa shows a consistent ability to convert speed to power and keep offensive linemen off balance with a wide array of pass-rush moves -- swim, rip, club, spin. He has shown the ability to play all over the place (both DE positions and DT), so Bosa brings a lot of scheme versatility to the table.
2. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State Seminoles*
Ramsey finished the season leading Florida State with 10 pass breakups, four more than his next-closest teammate. NFL teams will love his versatility -- he frequently lines up over the slot, but he's also capable of playing center field. A star on FSU's track and field team, Ramsey brings a unique athletic skill set to the table.
3. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss Rebels*
Tunsil solidified himself as this draft's best left tackle prospect. At 310 pounds, he is a twitchy athlete who is quick to redirect/mirror top pass-rushers. He has great range as a run-blocker and projects best in a zone-blocking-heavy scheme because of his mobility. But Tunsil is not a road-grader in the run game and would benefit from some improved lower-body strength.
4. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida Gators*
With four interceptions on the season, Hargreaves continues to show he has the instincts and aggressiveness to develop into a good outside starting cornerback in the NFL. His showing against Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell (No. 14 on this list) was particularly impressive, as Hargreaves allowed just 42 yards, Treadwell's second-lowest output this season. Hargreaves does a good job in press-man coverage, consistently redirecting wide receivers.
5. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon Ducks
The more I watch of Buckner, the more I like him. He clearly benefitted from coming back to school, as he improved both his numbers (17.0 TFLs, including 10.5 sacks) and his tape. He has the versatility to line up in multiple positions in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, thanks to his ability to jar blockers with his long frame (6-7), heavy hands and excellent core strength.
6. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
If you want to see a left tackle put on a clinic in pass-pro, flip on the Notre Dame-Ohio State tape and watch Stanley. He has proved that he can play both left and right tackle, which makes him an even more appealing prospect to NFL teams. He needs to improve his overall strength, but he has the ideal frame, length and athleticism to play left tackle at the next level. Stanley definitely benefited from staying another year in school, as he has been more consistent with his balance and hand placement this season.
7. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide*
Playing on the interior of Alabama's D-line, Robinson didn't put up monster numbers. He has 8.0 career sacks in 41 career games, but that's not necessarily what he's asked to do. His role is to create havoc up front, and boy is he good at that. Robinson is tied for the team lead with 10 quarterback hurries, and at 6-foot-4, 312 pounds, he's a load for any interior offensive lineman to handle.
8. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA Bruins*
How skilled is Jack? He's the highest-rated linebacker on my board -- and he's coming off a torn ACL in September. An explosive athlete who moonlighted as a running back for the Bruins, Jack holds up well in space and displays easy change-of-direction skills. He has shown the ability to cover bigger receivers in the slot and has excellent awareness and instincts in coverage.
9. Jared Goff, QB, California Golden Bears*
As I've said before, I thought Goff would've benefitted from another year in school. He still needs to add bulk and strength to his wiry frame, and his ball placement is inconsistent. One positive thing to keep in mind: He has great football intelligence, which allows him to pick up things fast in the classroom and transfer it to the field. That will certainly help him as he transitions to the NFL.
10. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Spartans*
Conklin needs to improve his consistency with his technique in pass protection, but he plays with great effort and is a punishing blocker in the run game. He has the skill set to compete for a starting job in the NFL from Day 1.
11. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss Rebels*
Nkemdiche is a top-five talent whose off-the-field issues are a concern. He has outstanding quickness for his size (6-foot-4, 296 pounds) and is versatile enough to play 3-technique or left defensive end in a 4-3 or 5-technique in a 3-4. You can bet NFL teams will dig deep into Nkemdiche's personal history to see if he's worth the risk of a high pick. The arrow is starting to point in the wrong direction.
12. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Ragland's football intelligence and toughness is readily apparent when you watch the tape. And when you combine that with his natural straight-line speed excellent production, you get the best ILB prospect in this class. Ragland is an all-around great player -- 6.5 TFLs, 56 solo tackles, 7 pass breakups, 6 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles.
13. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide
Reed is one of the country's premier run-stuffing interior defensive linemen. His ability to occupy blockers and plug rushing lanes are a big reason Alabama's front seven was impossible to handle. Entering the season, Reed's production as a pass-rusher was underwhelming, but I've been impressed with his improvement there, registering eight quarterback hurries.
14. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss Rebels*
Treadwell leads the way in yet another deep wide receiver class. He had a great bounce-back season (82 catches, 1,153 yards, 11 TDs) after suffering a leg injury in 2014. His length and ability to track the deep ball effectively makes him a vertical threat, even though he's not going to run past many NFL cornerbacks. Treadwell does an especially good job of working the sideline and getting his feet in-bounds.
15. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes*
We know all about Elliott as a runner. He's has rushed for 3,699 yards and 41 touchdowns the past two seasons, and he almost always churns out yards after initial contact. But an underrated aspect of his game is what he does in pass protection. He's the best blocking running back I've ever studied, which should help him become a true three-down back in the NFL.
16. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish*
Prior to Smith suffering a torn ACL and MCL in Notre Dame's bowl game, I was convinced he was a top-five pick. Smith's draft stock will now be largely dependent on how his medical information checks out, though his superb game tape won't be ignored by teams. When healthy, he's the top linebacker in this class.
17. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State Bison
At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Wentz has all the physical tools you look for in a quarterback prospect -- great size, big-time arm and terrific mobility. I expect his accuracy will become more consistent as his footwork improves. NFL teams will take a close look at his medical info after a broken wrist cost him some time this season, but there's a lot to like about Wentz.
18. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State Buckeyes*
Apple (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) has the length that a lot of NFL teams are looking for in their cornerbacks. He showed he could turn and run with Notre Dame speedster Will Fuller, and he's also very good in run support.
19. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas Razorbacks*
At 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds, Henry has the body type to make plays down the seam. He reads coverages well and has a good feel for finding the soft spots in zone coverage. Henry put up impressive numbers in a run-heavy offense, hauling in 51 catches, 739 yards and 3 touchdowns.
20. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson Tigers*
Lawson was downright dominant this season, leading the entire country with 25.5 tackles for loss. He's not going to blow by you off the edge, which limits his ceiling as a pass rusher a little bit. But at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Lawson has a unique combination of quickness and power.
21. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville Cardinals
Rankins has compiled 15 sacks over the past two seasons. He is a load for any O-line to handle because of his rare combination of quickness and power. And even better: Rankins is a complete prospect, with the skill set to line up anywhere along the defensive front.
22. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State Buckeyes
Decker is a highly efficient run blocker, with the agility to get out in front zone-stretch plays and the strength to sustain blocks at the point of attack. He has experience at both tackle positions, and must continue to improve his leverage and feet in order to maximize his draft stock.
23. Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State Buckeyes*
Lee is an outstanding athlete for his position, a true sideline-to-sideline defender who displays a good combination of athleticism, range, versatility and playmaking instincts. With 27.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons, Lee was a huge playmaker on the Buckeyes' defense. He fits today's NFL extremely well.
24. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis Tigers*
On the whole, Lynch had an efficient junior season (66.8 completion rate, 28 touchdowns, 4 interceptions). But his poor showing against Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl, in which he went 16-of-37 for 106 yards with no TDs and one interception, raises a few red flags. Lynch did not consistently face elite competition during his college career, so you can expect a bit of a learning curve at the next level.
25. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech Hokies*
Fuller tore his ACL in September, but when healthy, he's one of the top corners in this class. He's an instinctive playmaker in coverage (eight interceptions in 29 career games), and he also plays the run. His three older brothers -- Vincent, Corey and Kyle -- all play or played in the NFL.
26. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson Tigers*
Alexander lacks ideal size for a corner (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), but he's a terrific quick-twitch athlete. A natural man-to-man cover corner, Alexander displays good recognition skills, suddenness, body control and closing burst.
27. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia Bulldogs*
Floyd has outstanding potential as an edge-rusher. With a lean frame (6-foot-4, 231 pounds), there's no doubt he needs to improve his ability to take on blocks. But Floyd's speed will always be coveted by defenses from the outside linebacker position. He should be able to handle coverage assignments as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL; it's just a matter of whether he can improve his strength and consistency against the run.
28. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor Bears*
A very athletic defensive tackle, Billings has freakish weight-room strength that he puts to good use as a run defender. He has improved his technique consistency as a third-year starter, and that has led to better productivity as a pass rusher. After having 2.5 sacks in his first 15 games, he had 5.5 in his last 12.
29. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State Spartans
Cook's accuracy has always been his biggest weakness, and it cost him against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal (48.7 completion rate, 0 touchdowns, 2 interceptions). But this guy is a proven winner (34-5 as a starter), and he has the mentality of someone who could eventually grow into a good NFL starter -- not unlike former Spartan Kirk Cousins.
30. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson Tigers*
Dodd's teammate Shaq Lawson rightfully got a lot of hype this season, but remember: Dodd finished second in the country with 23.5 tackles for loss. When you watch him on tape, it's easy to see why. He plays with good speed and brings great energy to the game. Dodd is a hard guy to keep out of the backfield.
31. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA Bruins*
Clark has moved up boards after showing clear improvement as a pass rusher. He had just 1.0 sacks in his first 26 games, before adding 6.0 this season in 13 contests. Clark has the quickness and agility to create some disruption in the backfield, and he's nimble enough to execute twists and stunts.
32. Su'a Cravens, S, USC Trojans
At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Cravens is a bit of a tweener. While I do wonder how he will perform when matched up against quicker slot wide receivers in the NFL, there's no doubting his playmaking ability. This season, he had 15.0 tackles for loss (including 5.5 sacks), 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Eli Apple both have the look of top-flight NFL prospects. Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports
Now that the deadline has passed for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft, let's take a look at which players have moved up and down our Top 32, drawing on the same scouting reports as before and making changes only where necessary.
We'll continue to update our board as we get closer to the 2016 NFL draft. This is an especially important week, with evaluators from all over the league getting to see players at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. While it's a given that some players will move into the rankings while others will drop out, this provides a good snapshot of which players currently have the most NFL potential based on our evaluations.
(Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.)
1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes*
No change here. From start to finish, Bosa left his mark in Columbus, with 50.5 tackles for loss in 41 career games. Bosa shows a consistent ability to convert speed to power and keep offensive linemen off balance with a wide array of pass-rush moves -- swim, rip, club, spin. He has shown the ability to play all over the place (both DE positions and DT), so Bosa brings a lot of scheme versatility to the table.
2. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State Seminoles*
Ramsey finished the season leading Florida State with 10 pass breakups, four more than his next-closest teammate. NFL teams will love his versatility -- he frequently lines up over the slot, but he's also capable of playing center field. A star on FSU's track and field team, Ramsey brings a unique athletic skill set to the table.
3. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss Rebels*
Tunsil solidified himself as this draft's best left tackle prospect. At 310 pounds, he is a twitchy athlete who is quick to redirect/mirror top pass-rushers. He has great range as a run-blocker and projects best in a zone-blocking-heavy scheme because of his mobility. But Tunsil is not a road-grader in the run game and would benefit from some improved lower-body strength.
4. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida Gators*
With four interceptions on the season, Hargreaves continues to show he has the instincts and aggressiveness to develop into a good outside starting cornerback in the NFL. His showing against Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell (No. 14 on this list) was particularly impressive, as Hargreaves allowed just 42 yards, Treadwell's second-lowest output this season. Hargreaves does a good job in press-man coverage, consistently redirecting wide receivers.
5. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon Ducks
The more I watch of Buckner, the more I like him. He clearly benefitted from coming back to school, as he improved both his numbers (17.0 TFLs, including 10.5 sacks) and his tape. He has the versatility to line up in multiple positions in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, thanks to his ability to jar blockers with his long frame (6-7), heavy hands and excellent core strength.
6. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
If you want to see a left tackle put on a clinic in pass-pro, flip on the Notre Dame-Ohio State tape and watch Stanley. He has proved that he can play both left and right tackle, which makes him an even more appealing prospect to NFL teams. He needs to improve his overall strength, but he has the ideal frame, length and athleticism to play left tackle at the next level. Stanley definitely benefited from staying another year in school, as he has been more consistent with his balance and hand placement this season.
7. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide*
Playing on the interior of Alabama's D-line, Robinson didn't put up monster numbers. He has 8.0 career sacks in 41 career games, but that's not necessarily what he's asked to do. His role is to create havoc up front, and boy is he good at that. Robinson is tied for the team lead with 10 quarterback hurries, and at 6-foot-4, 312 pounds, he's a load for any interior offensive lineman to handle.
8. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA Bruins*
How skilled is Jack? He's the highest-rated linebacker on my board -- and he's coming off a torn ACL in September. An explosive athlete who moonlighted as a running back for the Bruins, Jack holds up well in space and displays easy change-of-direction skills. He has shown the ability to cover bigger receivers in the slot and has excellent awareness and instincts in coverage.
9. Jared Goff, QB, California Golden Bears*
As I've said before, I thought Goff would've benefitted from another year in school. He still needs to add bulk and strength to his wiry frame, and his ball placement is inconsistent. One positive thing to keep in mind: He has great football intelligence, which allows him to pick up things fast in the classroom and transfer it to the field. That will certainly help him as he transitions to the NFL.
10. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Spartans*
Conklin needs to improve his consistency with his technique in pass protection, but he plays with great effort and is a punishing blocker in the run game. He has the skill set to compete for a starting job in the NFL from Day 1.
11. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss Rebels*
Nkemdiche is a top-five talent whose off-the-field issues are a concern. He has outstanding quickness for his size (6-foot-4, 296 pounds) and is versatile enough to play 3-technique or left defensive end in a 4-3 or 5-technique in a 3-4. You can bet NFL teams will dig deep into Nkemdiche's personal history to see if he's worth the risk of a high pick. The arrow is starting to point in the wrong direction.
12. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Ragland's football intelligence and toughness is readily apparent when you watch the tape. And when you combine that with his natural straight-line speed excellent production, you get the best ILB prospect in this class. Ragland is an all-around great player -- 6.5 TFLs, 56 solo tackles, 7 pass breakups, 6 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles.
13. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide
Reed is one of the country's premier run-stuffing interior defensive linemen. His ability to occupy blockers and plug rushing lanes are a big reason Alabama's front seven was impossible to handle. Entering the season, Reed's production as a pass-rusher was underwhelming, but I've been impressed with his improvement there, registering eight quarterback hurries.
14. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss Rebels*
Treadwell leads the way in yet another deep wide receiver class. He had a great bounce-back season (82 catches, 1,153 yards, 11 TDs) after suffering a leg injury in 2014. His length and ability to track the deep ball effectively makes him a vertical threat, even though he's not going to run past many NFL cornerbacks. Treadwell does an especially good job of working the sideline and getting his feet in-bounds.
15. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes*
We know all about Elliott as a runner. He's has rushed for 3,699 yards and 41 touchdowns the past two seasons, and he almost always churns out yards after initial contact. But an underrated aspect of his game is what he does in pass protection. He's the best blocking running back I've ever studied, which should help him become a true three-down back in the NFL.
16. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish*
Prior to Smith suffering a torn ACL and MCL in Notre Dame's bowl game, I was convinced he was a top-five pick. Smith's draft stock will now be largely dependent on how his medical information checks out, though his superb game tape won't be ignored by teams. When healthy, he's the top linebacker in this class.
17. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State Bison
At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Wentz has all the physical tools you look for in a quarterback prospect -- great size, big-time arm and terrific mobility. I expect his accuracy will become more consistent as his footwork improves. NFL teams will take a close look at his medical info after a broken wrist cost him some time this season, but there's a lot to like about Wentz.
18. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State Buckeyes*
Apple (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) has the length that a lot of NFL teams are looking for in their cornerbacks. He showed he could turn and run with Notre Dame speedster Will Fuller, and he's also very good in run support.
19. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas Razorbacks*
At 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds, Henry has the body type to make plays down the seam. He reads coverages well and has a good feel for finding the soft spots in zone coverage. Henry put up impressive numbers in a run-heavy offense, hauling in 51 catches, 739 yards and 3 touchdowns.
20. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson Tigers*
Lawson was downright dominant this season, leading the entire country with 25.5 tackles for loss. He's not going to blow by you off the edge, which limits his ceiling as a pass rusher a little bit. But at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Lawson has a unique combination of quickness and power.
21. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville Cardinals
Rankins has compiled 15 sacks over the past two seasons. He is a load for any O-line to handle because of his rare combination of quickness and power. And even better: Rankins is a complete prospect, with the skill set to line up anywhere along the defensive front.
22. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State Buckeyes
Decker is a highly efficient run blocker, with the agility to get out in front zone-stretch plays and the strength to sustain blocks at the point of attack. He has experience at both tackle positions, and must continue to improve his leverage and feet in order to maximize his draft stock.
23. Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State Buckeyes*
Lee is an outstanding athlete for his position, a true sideline-to-sideline defender who displays a good combination of athleticism, range, versatility and playmaking instincts. With 27.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons, Lee was a huge playmaker on the Buckeyes' defense. He fits today's NFL extremely well.
24. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis Tigers*
On the whole, Lynch had an efficient junior season (66.8 completion rate, 28 touchdowns, 4 interceptions). But his poor showing against Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl, in which he went 16-of-37 for 106 yards with no TDs and one interception, raises a few red flags. Lynch did not consistently face elite competition during his college career, so you can expect a bit of a learning curve at the next level.
25. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech Hokies*
Fuller tore his ACL in September, but when healthy, he's one of the top corners in this class. He's an instinctive playmaker in coverage (eight interceptions in 29 career games), and he also plays the run. His three older brothers -- Vincent, Corey and Kyle -- all play or played in the NFL.
26. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson Tigers*
Alexander lacks ideal size for a corner (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), but he's a terrific quick-twitch athlete. A natural man-to-man cover corner, Alexander displays good recognition skills, suddenness, body control and closing burst.
27. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia Bulldogs*
Floyd has outstanding potential as an edge-rusher. With a lean frame (6-foot-4, 231 pounds), there's no doubt he needs to improve his ability to take on blocks. But Floyd's speed will always be coveted by defenses from the outside linebacker position. He should be able to handle coverage assignments as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL; it's just a matter of whether he can improve his strength and consistency against the run.
28. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor Bears*
A very athletic defensive tackle, Billings has freakish weight-room strength that he puts to good use as a run defender. He has improved his technique consistency as a third-year starter, and that has led to better productivity as a pass rusher. After having 2.5 sacks in his first 15 games, he had 5.5 in his last 12.
29. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State Spartans
Cook's accuracy has always been his biggest weakness, and it cost him against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal (48.7 completion rate, 0 touchdowns, 2 interceptions). But this guy is a proven winner (34-5 as a starter), and he has the mentality of someone who could eventually grow into a good NFL starter -- not unlike former Spartan Kirk Cousins.
30. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson Tigers*
Dodd's teammate Shaq Lawson rightfully got a lot of hype this season, but remember: Dodd finished second in the country with 23.5 tackles for loss. When you watch him on tape, it's easy to see why. He plays with good speed and brings great energy to the game. Dodd is a hard guy to keep out of the backfield.
31. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA Bruins*
Clark has moved up boards after showing clear improvement as a pass rusher. He had just 1.0 sacks in his first 26 games, before adding 6.0 this season in 13 contests. Clark has the quickness and agility to create some disruption in the backfield, and he's nimble enough to execute twists and stunts.
32. Su'a Cravens, S, USC Trojans
At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Cravens is a bit of a tweener. While I do wonder how he will perform when matched up against quicker slot wide receivers in the NFL, there's no doubting his playmaking ability. This season, he had 15.0 tackles for loss (including 5.5 sacks), 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
