2016 Mock Drafts

VA Cowboy

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What other mocks are you looking at? Just curious which ones you are talking about and where they see players going. Obviously the particular mock that started this didn't see Henry gone at our pick.
1/21 Texans - Henry -- http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/02/2016-nfl-mock-draft-chargers-tunsil-bosa-nkemdiche/
1/26. Broncos - Henry -- http://nfldraftgeek.com/2016mocknfldraft.html
1/31. Panthers - Henry -- http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/mock-draft/2016/
1/28. Broncos - Henry -- http://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft
1/28 Broncos - Henry -- http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2595887-2016-nfl-mock-draft-1st-round-predictions-for-top-prospects
2/33 - Titans - Henry --http://walterfootball.com/draft2016_2.php
 

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Man those are some ugly mocks for us. Pretty crazy the number of them that have us taking a LBer even though no one really has any idea who Dallas will take.
 

VA Cowboy

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Man those are some ugly mocks for us. Pretty crazy the number of them that have us taking a LBer even though no one really has any idea who Dallas will take.
The top players in the draft are two QB's, CB's, LB's, OT's, We don't need OL. I don't want either of the DB's that high. That leaves QB and LB. One QB will likely go 2nd to Cleveland. So we can take the #2 QB or a LB. It will depend on how the remaining QB grades out but right now the top LB looks to be the better choice, although that could change between now and April.
 

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The top players in the draft are two QB's, CB's, LB's, OT's, We don't need OL. I don't want either of the DB's that high. That leaves QB and LB. One QB will likely go 2nd to Cleveland. So we can take the #2 QB or a LB. It will depend on how the remaining QB grades out but right now the top LB looks to be the better choice, although that could change between now and April.
You forgot Bosa the DE...

But honestly no reason to fret right now. It will all change dramatically. I wonder how much these mocks just borrow from each others player rankings. It's not like they all have ranked the best players independently and came up with lists that similar. At this point NFL teams don't really know what their boards will look like.
 

VA Cowboy

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You forgot Bosa the DE...

But honestly no reason to fret right now. It will all change dramatically. I wonder how much these mocks just borrow from each others player rankings. It's not like they all have ranked the best players independently and came up with lists that similar. At this point NFL teams don't really know what their boards will look like.
I meant the positions that will likely be available at #4. Bosa now is consistently projected to go top 3 to Titans or Chargers. But yeah, things can change between now and April. Never know, the Chargers could possibly beat the Broncos Sunday and we move up to #3 if we lose.
 

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Joey Bosa and Paxton Lynch atop McShay's first 2016 mock draft

Dec 16, 2015
Todd McShay
ESPN Senior Writer
The college football season is nearly complete, which can mean only one thing: The NFL draft is rapidly approaching.

The mock draft below, our first to preview 2016, projects all 31 first-round picks. (Remember, the Patriots lost their selection as a result of Deflategate sanctions.) It goes without saying that a lot will change between now and April 28, including the draft order, team needs and the grades of many of our top prospects, as we continue our tape evaluations and dig deeper into intangibles and medical status. Some of the players included here are underclassmen who haven't yet decided whether they'll enter the 2016 draft, and some teams will inevitably undergo regime changes in the coming weeks.

But this mock draft can serve as an early primer on where the draft board stands right now, and the prospects teams could be considering with their picks in 2016.

Two quick notes: (1) We used ESPN's Football Power Index to project what the order will be at the end of the season. Read more about the FPI here. (2) All underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.


1. Tennessee Titans

Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes*

Even with the Titans' apparent needs on offense, it would be hard for them to pass on the best player in the draft. Bosa is scheme-versatile, with experience playing defensive end on both sides and moving inside to defensive tackle on obvious passing downs. And with 51.0 tackles for loss in 40 career games, he has the production you look for in a top pick.


2. Cleveland Browns

Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis Tigers*

Lynch has been an extremely efficient passer for the Tigers this season (69.0 completion rate, 28 TDs vs. 3 INTs) -- and he showed up in a big way against Memphis' best opponent (Ole Miss). He has not yet declared for the draft -- and I still have a lot of work to do on him in terms of analyzing his work ethic, leadership skills, mental makeup and durability history -- but Lynch has the physical skills to develop into a good starting NFL QB, which Cleveland needs.



3. San Diego Chargers

Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss Rebels*

When healthy and staying out of trouble, Nkemdiche is a force along the defensive front. Just flip on the tape from Ole Miss' upset win over Alabama. Nkemdiche practically lived in the backfield against the Tide, racking up 2.5 tackles for loss. His combination of size (6-foot-4, 296 pounds) and quickness is tough for offensive linemen to handle.


4. Baltimore Ravens

Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State Seminoles*

Ramsey can do it all in the secondary: match up in the slot, play center field and stuff the run. It's no surprise, then, that he's a terrific athlete, winning the ACC long-jump title as part of Florida State's track and field team earlier this year. One of the most complete players in this class, Ramsey would be a welcome addition to a Ravens secondary that has struggled the past few seasons.


5. San Francisco 49ers

Jared Goff, QB, California Golden Bears*

This is assuming the 49ers move on from Colin Kaepernick in the offseason. I think Goff would benefit from returning to school for his senior season to get bigger and stronger, but I get the sense that's not going to happen. He got into some bad habits with his mechanics behind an O-line that did not protect well, but when his feet are right, he can be deadly accurate. With a high football IQ and great work ethic, I have faith he will put in the time to get better.


6. Dallas Cowboys

Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish*

I won't be surprised if the Cowboys spend an early-round pick in 2016 on a QB to be Tony Romo's heir apparent. But with Lynch and Goff gone, Smith would be a good way for Dallas to bolster its front seven. He shows excellent range against the run and in coverage, and is a far more disruptive pass-rusher than his 4.5 career sacks would lead you to believe.


7. Detroit Lions

Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss Rebels*

Assuming Tunsil is medically cleared -- he broke his fibula last season -- he projects to be a top-10 pick. At 6-5, 305 pounds, Tunsil is a great athlete for his size and has the potential to develop into a very good pass protector in the NFL. The Lions could use one of those to better keep QB Matthew Stafford upright (80 sacks allowed since the start of 2014).


8. Miami Dolphins

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Stanley needs to improve his overall strength, but he has the ideal frame, length and athleticism to play left tackle in the NFL. He moves naturally and is comfortable in space. Stanley definitely benefited from staying another year in school, as he has been more consistent with his balance and hand placement this season.


9. Jacksonville Jaguars

Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida Gators*

Hargreaves would be an ideal pick for a team like Jacksonville, which needs to upgrade its secondary this offseason. He's the best pure cover corner in this class, with four interceptions in 2015 and 10 in his career. Perhaps most impressive: Hargreaves doesn't let his lack of ideal size (5-11, 199) keep him from excelling in press-man coverage.


10. St. Louis Rams

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss Rebels*

Treadwell has rebounded nicely from his season-ending leg injury last season, playing all 12 regular-season games and putting together some quality tape. He's a big, physical receiver with outstanding hands and has a really good feel for the position. He reminds me a bit of Dez Bryant when he was coming out of Oklahoma State. Treadwell could be the difference-maker the Rams need on the outside.


11. New Orleans Saints

Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide

Reed is one of those prospects in which you ignore the stats and turn on the tape. He has been dominant for the Tide this season, often occupying multiple blockers inside and making a ton of plays at or behind the line of scrimmage against the run. And he also has shown the ability to get some push as an interior pass-rusher to move the QB off his spot.


12. Chicago Bears

DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon Ducks

Buckner is a good athlete for his size (6-7, 300 pounds) and is a handful for offensive linemen when he plays with leverage. He tore up Pac-12 opponents this season, posting 12.0 tackles for loss in nine conference games. With his raw strength, Buckner has the ability to jar blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield.


13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Spartans*

I'm not sure whether Conklin will go pro after this season. He could use another season to continue to improve his hands and technique in pass protection. But if he leaves, he has the potential to develop into a starting offensive tackle in the NFL, so there's a strong chance he'd be a first-round pick. The Bucs need to protect their investment in Jameis Winston, and with a massive frame (6-6, 325 pounds), Conklin shows good mobility for his size.


14. Atlanta Falcons

Myles Jack, LB, UCLA Bruins*

Jack, who tore his ACL in September, has already declared for the draft. He's a difference-maker when healthy, which is exactly what the Falcons need on defense. An outstanding athlete, Jack shows good range against the run and the ability to match up with bigger receivers in the slot. If he checks out physically, he probably will be a top-20 pick.


15. Oakland Raiders

Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU Tigers*

White played a ton of snaps as a freshman in Baton Rouge, so he has great experience playing against top-notch competition. (His performance against Amari Cooper in the 2014 Alabama-LSU game still stands out.) At 5-11, 191 pounds, White has adequate length and a great closing burst when the ball is in the air.


16. Washington Redskins

Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes*

Thomas lacks elite speed as a vertical receiver, but he is a very good route runner. He knows how to use his 6-3, 210-pound frame when the ball is in the air, displaying outstanding overall ball skills (17 TDs over the past two seasons). Thomas has enough burst to turn a short pass into a long gain.


17. New York Giants

Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson Tigers*

Lawson made quite the leap in his junior season, as he led the country with 22.5 tackles for loss. That's more than he compiled in his first two seasons at Clemson combined (21.5). While he's not a speed rusher off the edge, Lawson displays a good combination of quickness and power. Regardless of whether Jason Pierre-Paul returns in 2016, the Giants will need to sign/draft another pass-rusher.


18. Buffalo Bills

Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State Buckeyes

There's a clear top tier of offensive tackles this year (Tunsil, Stanley, Conklin and Decker) and then a big drop-off after that, so I don't expect the fourth guy to last too long. At 6-7, 320 pounds, Decker has long arms and above-average feet for his size. NFL teams should like his toughness, while his inconsistent pad level and hand placement continue to be areas for improvement.


19. Houston Texans

A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide*

An intriguing subplot with the Texans' pick: Will Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg leave school early? And if he does, will former coach Bill O'Brien be tempted to pull the trigger, despite Hackenberg's continued accuracy struggles? For these purposes, let's assume the Texans don't reach for Hackenberg and make Robinson the pick, further bolstering their D-list. Robinson moves surprisingly well for his massive frame (6-3, 315 pounds). He has shown a consistent ability to push the pocket and is playing the best football of his career.


20. Philadelphia Eagles

Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville Cardinals

Rankins is one of the more underrated prospects in this class. He has some versatility and could move around Philly's defensive line. In the tapes I've watched this season, Rankins (6-2, 303 pounds) has used his combination of quickness and power to be a highly disruptive force.


21. Indianapolis Colts

Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech*

Fuller, who tore his ACL against Purdue in Week 3, declared for the draft on Tuesday. If he clears medically, he will probably be a first-round pick. His ability to play outside or in the slot should make him attractive to NFL teams like the Colts that need more CB depth. In his first two seasons at Virginia Tech, Fuller had nine interceptions and 26 pass breakups.


22. New York Jets

Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia Bulldogs*

Floyd has outstanding potential as an edge-rusher. With a lean frame (6-4, 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, particularly for a team like the Jets, who are missing that element in their front seven.


23. Minnesota Vikings

Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State Buckeyes*

Lee could benefit from returning to school and gaining more experience playing inside, but if he comes out early, he will probably be a first-round pick. A former high school quarterback, Lee has outstanding natural athleticism and speed for his size (6-2, 235 pounds). And he has the production to back it up -- 25.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three INTs and two forced fumbles the past two seasons.


24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee Volunteers*

The Steelers will need to address the cornerback position somehow this offseason. Sutton would be a good option if they want to pick one early. At 5-11, 196 pounds, he's at his best in press-man coverage. His closing burst has helped him rack up six interceptions and 26 pass breakups over the past three seasons.


25. Kansas City Chiefs

Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama Crimson Tide

Ragland is having a monster season -- 90 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles. Just incredible. He has rare straight-line speed for his size (6-2, 252 pounds) and shows explosive power at the point of attack. While he's still not elite in coverage, Ragland's instincts are improving and he can hold up in an underneath zone.


26. Seattle Seahawks

Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska Cornhuskers*

Collins is still developing as a player, but he's a hard worker with great feet/hand quickness for his size (6-2, 300 pounds). While his production is down from a year ago (6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks), the whole team struggled under a new coaching staff. His explosive first step still showed up on tape. Collins would really thrive in Seattle.


27. Green Bay Packers

Su'a Cravens, OLB, USC Trojans*

A former safety-turned-OLB, Cravens shows good cover skills (nine career INTs) and has flashed as a pass-rusher when turned loose off the edge (5.5 sacks). He's a bit of a tweener (6-1, 225 pounds), but his athleticism and versatility makes him a good fit to defend offenses in today's NFL.


28. Denver Broncos

Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA Bruins*

Clark played his best football down the stretch, with three sacks against Washington State in Week 11. He's a powerful run-stuffer who often commands the attention from multiple offensive linemen. He gets in trouble when his pads rise, but is doing a better job using his leverage consistently.


29. Cincinnati Bengals

Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame Fighting Irish*

Fuller is probably a Round 2 value, but it wouldn't be a huge reach at this point. He has legit vertical speed, averaging 20.45 yards per catch, the most of any FBS player with at least 55 receptions. At 6-foot, 184 pounds, he reminds me a bit of Devin Smith coming out of Ohio State last year.


30. Arizona Cardinals

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State Bison

Wentz would be the ideal quarterback for Bruce Arians to groom behind soon-to-be 36-year-old Carson Palmer. The FCS product isn't ready to start from Day 1, but he has a lot of developmental upside, with good size, arm strength and mobility. He's coming off a wrist injury, so his draft stock could be impacted by how that checks out with teams. But it won't surprise me if Wentz winds up among the top 40 picks.


31. Carolina Panthers

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State Cowboys*

Ogbah has always had good length and athleticism, but this year, he's playing with a bit more power and improved technique. At 6-3½, 270 pounds, he has racked up 34.5 tackles for loss and 24 sacks the past two seasons.
 

Cotton

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I'd be okay with that. It would be tough to pass on Jack there, though.
 

Cowboysrock55

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I'd be okay with that. It would be tough to pass on Jack there, though.
If I'm not taking a QB high I'd rather trade down and shoot for a DT/WR in the middle of the first where I think some guys can really be found. I wish our coaches thought DT was important to the defense the way that I do. Of course a different defensive staff might always be brought in too.
 

Cotton

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If I'm not taking a QB high I'd rather trade down and shoot for a DT/WR in the middle of the first where I think some guys can really be found. I wish our coaches thought DT was important to the defense the way that I do. Of course a different defensive staff might always be brought in too.
I'd be okay with that, too. Who are the DTs that can be had in the middle of the 1st? You thinking Rankins?
 

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I really like him and A'Shawn Robinson in the middle of the first.
This mock has Rankins going 20th. If we pick up a a 1st and 2nd or even 1st, 3rd and 5th, I would be good with that.
 

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This mock has Rankins going 20th. If we pick up a a 1st and 2nd or even 1st, 3rd and 5th, I would be good with that.
Yeah trade down into the teens. I don't care if we take him in the 10-15 range even. If you can get a kings ransom in the process I'm all for it. Honestly I would rather do that then sit still and take a very good LBer at 3 or 4 in the draft. Then you have ammunition to take a QB in the second like Wentz or even move up to take him if you need.
 

VA Cowboy

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It's already starting, Goff is rising and Lynch is dropping. Teams were already concerned with Lynch being raw and playing weak opponents. He had a chance to showcase himself against a 2nd tier SEC team and had a poor showing. Unless someone is just enamored after the combine and workouts with his raw potential I tend to agree with this recent mock.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2603844-nfl-draft-2016-1st-round-mock-draft-predictions

1 Tennessee Titans -- Joey Bosa DE
2 Cleveland Browns -- Jared Goff QB
3 San Diego Chargers -- Laremy Tunsil OT
4 Dallas Cowboys -- Jaylon Smith LB
5 San Francisco 49ers -- Ronnie Stanley OT
6 Jacksonville Jaguars --Jalen Ramsey CB/S
7 Miami Dolphins -- Myles Jack LB UCLA
8 Baltimore Ravens -- Ezekiel Elliott RB
9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- DeForest Buckner DE
10 New York Giants -- Shaq Lawson DE
11 New Orleans Saints -- Paxton Lynch QB


Goff is the more NFL-ready prospect of the two, but he may not have Lynch's upside as a prospect. As a result, teams will value each of these prospects based on their roster situations.

Following Lynch's shaky performance against Auburn on Wednesday, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks wrote that Lynch is "a developmental prospect who will need time to grow," referencing Miami Dolphins signal-caller Ryan Tannehill as a pro comparison.

Throughout his career, Goff has demonstrated the poise and accuracy needed to make a smooth transition to the NFL, but concerns linger about his limited size and average mobility. In his most recent mock draft, CBS Sports' Dane Brugler notes Goff "lacks elite physical tools, but his traits, especially between the ears, are extremely promising."
 

Cowboysrock55

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It's already starting, Goff is rising and Lynch is dropping. Teams were already concerned with Lynch being raw and playing weak opponents. He had a chance to showcase himself against a 2nd tier SEC team and had a poor showing. Unless someone is just enamored after the combine and workouts with his raw potential I tend to agree with this recent mock.
I like Goff as well but it isn't like Lynch only played weak opponents. The bowl game was a bad game for Memphis all around. No question about it. But the SEC/ESPN likes to claim Ole Miss is a legit team (Ranked 12th in the country). Lets not forget that Lynch beat them to the tune of 384 yards passing and 3 TDs.

Right now I prefer Goff and it's probably because of the two bowl game performances. But I try not to get overly influenced by just one game. A tremendous season out of Lynch shouldn't be erased because of a bad game. I still think both guys are excellent prospects.
 

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Yea, a guy should not be evaluated based off one bad game. I'm leaning towards Goff now, probably because I had been torn between the two the entire time and the bowl game has nudged me towards Goff, but I still think Lynch is a legit top 10 prospect. The organization that drafts him just has to know what he is, a relatively raw player with some great traits that can be molded and integrated into a proper team that fits what he can do.

Our coaching staff probably won't be able to do much with him, if we draft him the hope is that Romo can help develop him and then we get a new coaching staff in a year or two.
 

VA Cowboy

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I definitely wouldn't base an entire evaluation on just one game whether it's the bad game against Auburn or the great game vs Ole Miss. Besides those 2 games the next three toughest opponents he faced was Temple, Houston and Navy. Against Temple he had another below 200 yd passing day. He looked much better against Navy but Memphis only scored 20 pts in a blowout loss. He also has good numbers against Houston but their success this year wasn't really due to their defense.

As for the bowl results they would probably look much different if Lynch had played weak Air Force while Goff went up against Auburn.

I do agree with the assessment I posted above. I think Goff is the most NFL ready a d probably the safer pick. Lynch is rawer but has more potential and upside. But I think he also has the bigger bust potential.
 

VA Cowboy

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With Jaylon Smiths knee injury, if we don't go QB, its likely down to Myles Jack coming off his own injury or one of the DBs. :skurred
 

VA Cowboy

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Hargreaves got toasted again today against Michigan. He got burnt last game by Bama and the week before by FSU. No way does be look like a top 10 pick or the #1 CB.
 

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Hargreaves got toasted again today against Michigan. He got burnt last game by Bama and the week before by FSU. No way does be look like a top 10 pick or the #1 CB.
Best. Since. Deion.
 
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