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NFL Draft Big Board: No such thing as a sure thing in this QB class
by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Jan. 20, 2016 1:53 PM ET
The deadline for underclassmen petitioning the NFL for inclusion into the 2016 draft has come and gone, leaving a class full of promise and short on guarantees, especially at the critical quarterback position.
California junior Jared Goff possesses many of the physical and intangible attributes scouts are looking for, but there remain concerns about his true arm strength. Michigan State's Connor Cook, Memphis' Paxton Lynch and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz throw with the velocity required for the NFL but come with their own big questions about leadership (Cook), accuracy (Lynch) and level of competition (Wentz). The most exciting talent in the 2016 NFL draft is concentrated along the defensive line with over a third of the top 32 players in the country lining up there.
1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State, 6-5, 275, 4.82, Junior: Bosa has no one to blame but himself for lowering his head into the chest of Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer but the ejection he received robbed all of college football from enjoying one final game from the Buckeyes' star. Bosa's production may have slipped in 2015 but his ability to disrupt is obvious on tape. Powerful, athletic, technically sound and ultra-competitive, Bosa is a threat to make a big play on every snap, whether it be rushing the passer or defending the run. He projects best in the left defensive end role in which he's starred for much of his career with the Buckeyes but has experience rushing out of the two-point stance, as well. He is agile and instinctive enough to handle the transition to a 3-4 alignment should the team lucky enough to get him favor that approach.
2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi, 6-5, 305, 5.23, Junior: Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the season by the NCAA for multiple rules violations that include accepting improper benefits. Since he has returned, Tunsil shut down first-round caliber pass rushers in Texas A&M's Myles Garrett, Auburn's Carl Lawson and Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah (No. 11 overall on this list) in the Sugar Bowl. Tunsil possesses a remarkable combination of size, agility and strength that has scouts comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jason Peters.
3. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State, 6-1, 202, 4.49, Junior: A freakish athlete with legitimate Olympics hopes and the physicality required for the NFL, Ramsey is the best of a strong draft for defensive backs. He has starred at safety, cornerback and even linebacker over his three seasons with the Seminoles, standing out on tape regardless of the position he played.
4. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA, 6-1, 222, 4.56, Junior: The NFL will have to carefully evaluate Jack's health after UCLA announced Oct. 6 that the true junior was leaving for the pros despite suffering a season-ending knee injury. The decision was bold but not reckless. Put simply, Jack is a "natural" whose fluidity, instincts and knack for game-breaking plays made him the only player in Pac-12 history to be named both the Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013. Given Jack's talent and the gains made in player recovery from surgeries, Jack remains very much in the early first-round conversation despite his injury.
5. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson, 6-3, 275, 4.64, Redshirt Junior: Battling through a knee injury, Lawson teamed with fellow Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd to record five sacks (three from Dodd) in the national championship game. Quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious, he's a threat on every snap, leading the country with 25.5 tackles for loss this season. Better yet, with only one starting season under his belt, Lawson may only be scratching the surface of his potential.
6. Jared Goff, QB, California, 6-4, 210, 4.82, Junior: Anything less than a sparkling performance against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl would have sent up red flags. Goff sealed the deal in completing 25 of 37 passes for 467 yards and six touchdowns without an interception to give Cal its first bowl win since 2008. Sure, coach Sonny Dykes' up-tempo spread offense has inflated Goff's production, but of the quarterbacks potentially available in the 2016 draft, the lanky junior offers the best combination of awareness, functional mobility, accuracy and toughness -- the traits I believe are the best indicators of future success at this position for the NFL.
7. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame, 6-6, 315, 5.17, Redshirt Junior: Stanley has the length, agility and balance to remain at left tackle in the NFL, where he's starred the past three seasons for the Irish. Stanley isn't as powerful or tenacious a run blocker as my top-rated tackle (Tunsil) but he's athletic, technically sound and battle-tested.
8. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi, 6-4, 296, 4.86, Junior: Nkemdiche -- and his draft stock -- took a dip December 12 when police found him hurt after falling through a hotel room window. On its own, the fall might be just a bizarre accident. Frankly though, there were scouts worried about Nkemdiche's commitment prior to the incident, which earned him a citation from Atlanta police for marijuana possession and led to Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze suspending Nkemdiche for the Sugar Bowl. Even with growing concerns about his decision-making, Nkemdiche remains in my top-10 prospects. He might just be the most gifted prospect in the country, boasting a combination of power and athleticism sure to intrigue every team in the league.
9. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon, 6-7, 290, 4.87, Senior: All of the attention goes to Vernon Adams III and Oregon's offense but the imposing Buckner was one of the few consistent bright spots for the Ducks this season, earning the most votes from Pac-12 blockers to win the Morris Trophy as the conference's top defensive linemen. Buckner isn't an explosive edge rusher but his length, strength and balance will intrigue coaches at the next level, especially as a five-tech defensive end. He's my top-rated senior, regardless of position.
10. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi, 6-2, 212, 4.52, Junior: Just over a year removed from a horrific leg injury that some thought might threaten his career, Treadwell was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver and unlike eventual winner Corey Coleman (27th on this list), Treadwell got better as the season progressed. Some are concerned about his top-end speed, but Treadwell's NFL-ready frame, body control and raw power make him a frightening draw as a receiver and downfield blocker.
11. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 275, 4.76, Redshirt Junior: Ogbah was recognized by Big 12 coaches as the conference's top defensive lineman a year ago and was even better this season, leading the Cowboys in tackles for loss (17.5), sacks (13) and forced fumbles (three) to earn co-honors with Baylor DT Andrew Billings (14th on these rankings). Ogbah isn't just productive, he's gifted and versatile, boasting an exciting length, power and agility.
12. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor, 6-1, 300, 5.04, Junior: Given the success of Aaron Donald, Jurrell Casey and similarly "undersized" defensive tackles in the NFL, it is easy to get excited about Billings, whose bowling ball style can be tough for offensive linemen to handle. Billings' statistics are deceptive -- he just might be the most disruptive defensive lineman in college football. After careful deliberation, on Jan. 12, Billings announced his intention to leave early for the NFL.
13. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, 6-0, 225, 4.42, Junior: Elliott reacted poorly following Ohio State's loss to Michigan State, publicly calling out his coaches and announcing his intentions to leave the Buckeyes after this season for the NFL. He since apologized and anyone who watches Elliott knows that he's a passionate, selfless and certainly very talented player. Elliott isn't the second-coming of Todd Gurley, but he's clearly the top draft-eligible back this year.
14. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida, 5-11, 198, 4.44, Junior: A rare three-time First Team All-SEC pick, Hargreaves combines instincts, agility and controlled aggression to shut down one side of the field in coverage. He lived off of his reputation a bit this season, biting on double-moves to give up big yardage in both the SEC Championship and Citrus Bowl. Hargreaves doesn't possess ideal size, but he's highly aggressive, which includes fighting off blocks and looking to tackle backs in run support. Further, he possesses excellent ball skills, as his 10 career interceptions can attest.
15. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama, 6-3, 312, 5.18, Junior: The stoutest of Alabama's thread-headed monster along the defensive line, Robinson is viewed by some scouts as the top two-gap defensive lineman in the country. Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size but his game is all about power. Though he recorded just three tackles against Clemson, Robinson made a huge impact, clogging up running lanes and serving as a fullback in short yardage situations.
16. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson, 5-10, 195, 4.43, Redshirt Sophomore: Alexander gamely battled through a hamstring injury early on against Alabama but was ultimately forced to the sideline, missing the entire second half. Sporting an athletic, compact frame more like a running back than most corners, Alexander already passes the eye test. He doesn't have the preferred height but offers excellent man-to-man cover skills.
17. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame, 6-3, 235, 4.67, Junior: Smith looked all but certain to be the earliest selected defender from Notre Dame since Bryant Young (seventh overall in 1994) until suffering a "significant" knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl. Prior to the injury, some scouts considered the junior to be the best player in the country and as such, he remains firmly on my board, despite his pending surgery. While his medical grade obviously impacts Smith's grade, the tape shows a position and scheme-versatile player with an explosive combination of speed and power.
18. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State, 6-7, 317, 5.21, Senior: They don't come much safer than Decker, the Big Ten's Offensive Lineman of the Year. Massive and athletic, he has enough agility to potentially remain at left tackle in the NFL, plus the power, grit and tenacity to project nicely to the right side.
19. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia, 6-3, 232, 4.73, Redshirt Junior: Floyd emerged as one of the SEC's most feared edge rushers over the past two seasons, beating opponents with first-step explosiveness, length and surprising functional strength for his relatively slim frame. He was asked to play off the line of scrimmage more often in 2015 and while the positional versatility could theoretically help his stock, Floyd has looked hesitant in his new role.
20. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State, 6-6, 318, 5.43, Redshirt Junior: A former walk-on, Conklin is a favorite among scouts due to his blue collar work ethic and powerful, no-nonsense style. He isn't as agile as some of the other top tackles on this board and may be pushed inside at the next level. He's long, powerful and tenacious, however -- traits that make him one of the nation's best run blockers. Conklin was one of the few Spartans to play well against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl.
21. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA, 6-3, 308, 5.22, Junior: Clark doesn't get as much national attention as Nkemdiche or Billings, who are superior athletes. He has proven a standout since Day One for the Bruins and is viewed by some scouts as the safest of the trio. He is an assignment-sound tough guy with the broad frame and power to plug holes in the running game, projecting nicely to any defensive front.
22. Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida, 6-3, 283, 4.86, Senior: Bullard is aptly named as he possesses brute strength to control opponents at the point of attack, gumming up rushing lanes. He's quick enough to challenge the corner and split gaps but isn't a traditional speed rusher. Bullard inspired this season by playing through shoulder and knee injuries to emerge as Florida's most consistent defender.
23. Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama, 6-3, 313, 5.14, Senior: Country-strong with tree trunks for thighs and long arms, Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer stout enough to play inside at defensive tackle or outside at end. He's not a quick-twitch pass rusher who'll ever lead the team in sacks but he changes directions surprisingly well for a big man, accelerates smoothly and hustles to the ball.
24. Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State, 6-1, 234, 4.65, Redshirt Sophomore: A former safety and 195-pound quarterback in high school, Lee has grown into a fierce run and hit linebacker with the combination of instincts, physicality and agility to project as a true three down defender in the NFL. Lee remains a bit raw with just two seasons at his "new" position but his versatile skill-set and upside will be highly valued in the NFL.
25. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State, 6-4, 220, 4.89, Redshirt Senior: Cook failed to lead Michigan State to any points in the playoff showdown with Alabama but he wasn't given much help, absorbing four sacks and watching his receivers drop passes. Cook comes out of a pro-style attack which features plenty of challenging downfield throws, making him theoretically more NFL-ready than the other top-rated quarterbacks in this draft. He is a polarizing prospect without elite physical traits or the leadership scouts would prefer at the position. However, Cook has shown poise, arm strength and accuracy, which might be enough to convince a QB-hungry league he's a first-round pick.
Connor Cook is the most NFL-ready QB in the draft, but his ceiling is lower. (USATSI) Connor Cook is the most NFL-ready QB in the draft, but his ceiling is lower. (USATSI)
26. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor, 5-10, 190, 4.45, Redshirt Junior: After racing to an eye-popping 20 touchdowns over the first eight games of the 2015 season, Coleman was kept out of the end zone the rest of the year. While Coleman's blinding speed makes him a perfect fit in coach Art Briles' vertical attack, he's more than just a big-play threat, showing the combination of strength, agility and vision to make plays underneath, as well.
27. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State, 6-5, 252, 4.78, Redshirt Senior: Calhoun was reportedly given a "first day" projection by the NFL Advisory Committee a year ago when he considered jumping into the NFL early. By returning, he's shown greater strength at the point of attack, along with intriguing burst and agility for a player with his height and length. Scouts appreciate prospects who respond to the pressure of big games and Calhoun stood out against rival Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, though he was relatively quiet (four assisted tackles and half a sack) in the Cotton Bowl.
28. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 197, 4.50, Junior: Like Jack (No. 4 overall on this board), Fuller elected to forego his final year of amateur eligibility despite missing virtually the entire season due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery. The younger brother of former Virginia Tech standouts and current NFL players Vincent, Corey and Kyle Fuller, Kendall is a fluid and savvy defender whose instincts and poise when the ball is in the air helped him record eight interceptions and an NCAA-best 34 pass breakups in his first two seasons at Virginia Tech.
29. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, 6-6, 230, 4.95, Redshirt Junior: If you are looking for exciting traits and production, Lynch has a leg up on Goff. Lynch is viewed by some as a possible top-10 pick. He has a hose for a throwing arm, terrific size and is surprisingly mobile. For all of his talents, Lynch has been aided by a spread offense and relatively weak competition. He struggled mightily in a Birmingham Bowl loss to Auburn, only inflaming concerns about his pro readiness.
Paxton Lynch has a live arm, but is he accurate enough? (USATSI) Paxton Lynch has a live arm, but is he accurate enough? (USATSI)
30. Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn, 6-6, 313, 5.18, Redshirt Junior: Coleman is a remarkable story of both talent and perseverance. Characterized by former teammate Gabe Wright as twice as strong a run blocker as 2014 No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson, Coleman offers exciting traits, including terrific size, power and athleticism. He's also one to root for, as Coleman was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and missed two full years of football before getting the all-clear to return to action last year.
31. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State, 6-1, 200, 4.53, Redshirt Sophomore: The third redshirt sophomore (and fifth Buckeye) on my list, Apple could sneak into the first round based on his exciting potential. Apple has size, athleticism and physicality, projecting best in a press scheme because his aggression and length.
32. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State, 6-5, 231, 4.85, Senior: Wentz wasn't highly recruited out of high school but he grew into a legitimate first-round possibility for the Bison and could fly up draft boards with an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. Scouts are intrigued by his size, arm and sneaky athleticism but remain cautious when projecting him as a future NFL starter. Wentz started just 24 games over his career, including just one against an FBS opponent, making the leap to the NFL that much more dramatic for him than any other prospect on this list.
by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Jan. 20, 2016 1:53 PM ET
The deadline for underclassmen petitioning the NFL for inclusion into the 2016 draft has come and gone, leaving a class full of promise and short on guarantees, especially at the critical quarterback position.
California junior Jared Goff possesses many of the physical and intangible attributes scouts are looking for, but there remain concerns about his true arm strength. Michigan State's Connor Cook, Memphis' Paxton Lynch and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz throw with the velocity required for the NFL but come with their own big questions about leadership (Cook), accuracy (Lynch) and level of competition (Wentz). The most exciting talent in the 2016 NFL draft is concentrated along the defensive line with over a third of the top 32 players in the country lining up there.
1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State, 6-5, 275, 4.82, Junior: Bosa has no one to blame but himself for lowering his head into the chest of Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer but the ejection he received robbed all of college football from enjoying one final game from the Buckeyes' star. Bosa's production may have slipped in 2015 but his ability to disrupt is obvious on tape. Powerful, athletic, technically sound and ultra-competitive, Bosa is a threat to make a big play on every snap, whether it be rushing the passer or defending the run. He projects best in the left defensive end role in which he's starred for much of his career with the Buckeyes but has experience rushing out of the two-point stance, as well. He is agile and instinctive enough to handle the transition to a 3-4 alignment should the team lucky enough to get him favor that approach.
2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi, 6-5, 305, 5.23, Junior: Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the season by the NCAA for multiple rules violations that include accepting improper benefits. Since he has returned, Tunsil shut down first-round caliber pass rushers in Texas A&M's Myles Garrett, Auburn's Carl Lawson and Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah (No. 11 overall on this list) in the Sugar Bowl. Tunsil possesses a remarkable combination of size, agility and strength that has scouts comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jason Peters.
3. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State, 6-1, 202, 4.49, Junior: A freakish athlete with legitimate Olympics hopes and the physicality required for the NFL, Ramsey is the best of a strong draft for defensive backs. He has starred at safety, cornerback and even linebacker over his three seasons with the Seminoles, standing out on tape regardless of the position he played.
4. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA, 6-1, 222, 4.56, Junior: The NFL will have to carefully evaluate Jack's health after UCLA announced Oct. 6 that the true junior was leaving for the pros despite suffering a season-ending knee injury. The decision was bold but not reckless. Put simply, Jack is a "natural" whose fluidity, instincts and knack for game-breaking plays made him the only player in Pac-12 history to be named both the Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013. Given Jack's talent and the gains made in player recovery from surgeries, Jack remains very much in the early first-round conversation despite his injury.
5. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson, 6-3, 275, 4.64, Redshirt Junior: Battling through a knee injury, Lawson teamed with fellow Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd to record five sacks (three from Dodd) in the national championship game. Quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious, he's a threat on every snap, leading the country with 25.5 tackles for loss this season. Better yet, with only one starting season under his belt, Lawson may only be scratching the surface of his potential.
6. Jared Goff, QB, California, 6-4, 210, 4.82, Junior: Anything less than a sparkling performance against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl would have sent up red flags. Goff sealed the deal in completing 25 of 37 passes for 467 yards and six touchdowns without an interception to give Cal its first bowl win since 2008. Sure, coach Sonny Dykes' up-tempo spread offense has inflated Goff's production, but of the quarterbacks potentially available in the 2016 draft, the lanky junior offers the best combination of awareness, functional mobility, accuracy and toughness -- the traits I believe are the best indicators of future success at this position for the NFL.
7. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame, 6-6, 315, 5.17, Redshirt Junior: Stanley has the length, agility and balance to remain at left tackle in the NFL, where he's starred the past three seasons for the Irish. Stanley isn't as powerful or tenacious a run blocker as my top-rated tackle (Tunsil) but he's athletic, technically sound and battle-tested.
8. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi, 6-4, 296, 4.86, Junior: Nkemdiche -- and his draft stock -- took a dip December 12 when police found him hurt after falling through a hotel room window. On its own, the fall might be just a bizarre accident. Frankly though, there were scouts worried about Nkemdiche's commitment prior to the incident, which earned him a citation from Atlanta police for marijuana possession and led to Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze suspending Nkemdiche for the Sugar Bowl. Even with growing concerns about his decision-making, Nkemdiche remains in my top-10 prospects. He might just be the most gifted prospect in the country, boasting a combination of power and athleticism sure to intrigue every team in the league.
9. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon, 6-7, 290, 4.87, Senior: All of the attention goes to Vernon Adams III and Oregon's offense but the imposing Buckner was one of the few consistent bright spots for the Ducks this season, earning the most votes from Pac-12 blockers to win the Morris Trophy as the conference's top defensive linemen. Buckner isn't an explosive edge rusher but his length, strength and balance will intrigue coaches at the next level, especially as a five-tech defensive end. He's my top-rated senior, regardless of position.
10. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi, 6-2, 212, 4.52, Junior: Just over a year removed from a horrific leg injury that some thought might threaten his career, Treadwell was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver and unlike eventual winner Corey Coleman (27th on this list), Treadwell got better as the season progressed. Some are concerned about his top-end speed, but Treadwell's NFL-ready frame, body control and raw power make him a frightening draw as a receiver and downfield blocker.
11. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 275, 4.76, Redshirt Junior: Ogbah was recognized by Big 12 coaches as the conference's top defensive lineman a year ago and was even better this season, leading the Cowboys in tackles for loss (17.5), sacks (13) and forced fumbles (three) to earn co-honors with Baylor DT Andrew Billings (14th on these rankings). Ogbah isn't just productive, he's gifted and versatile, boasting an exciting length, power and agility.
12. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor, 6-1, 300, 5.04, Junior: Given the success of Aaron Donald, Jurrell Casey and similarly "undersized" defensive tackles in the NFL, it is easy to get excited about Billings, whose bowling ball style can be tough for offensive linemen to handle. Billings' statistics are deceptive -- he just might be the most disruptive defensive lineman in college football. After careful deliberation, on Jan. 12, Billings announced his intention to leave early for the NFL.
13. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, 6-0, 225, 4.42, Junior: Elliott reacted poorly following Ohio State's loss to Michigan State, publicly calling out his coaches and announcing his intentions to leave the Buckeyes after this season for the NFL. He since apologized and anyone who watches Elliott knows that he's a passionate, selfless and certainly very talented player. Elliott isn't the second-coming of Todd Gurley, but he's clearly the top draft-eligible back this year.
14. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida, 5-11, 198, 4.44, Junior: A rare three-time First Team All-SEC pick, Hargreaves combines instincts, agility and controlled aggression to shut down one side of the field in coverage. He lived off of his reputation a bit this season, biting on double-moves to give up big yardage in both the SEC Championship and Citrus Bowl. Hargreaves doesn't possess ideal size, but he's highly aggressive, which includes fighting off blocks and looking to tackle backs in run support. Further, he possesses excellent ball skills, as his 10 career interceptions can attest.
15. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama, 6-3, 312, 5.18, Junior: The stoutest of Alabama's thread-headed monster along the defensive line, Robinson is viewed by some scouts as the top two-gap defensive lineman in the country. Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size but his game is all about power. Though he recorded just three tackles against Clemson, Robinson made a huge impact, clogging up running lanes and serving as a fullback in short yardage situations.
16. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson, 5-10, 195, 4.43, Redshirt Sophomore: Alexander gamely battled through a hamstring injury early on against Alabama but was ultimately forced to the sideline, missing the entire second half. Sporting an athletic, compact frame more like a running back than most corners, Alexander already passes the eye test. He doesn't have the preferred height but offers excellent man-to-man cover skills.
17. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame, 6-3, 235, 4.67, Junior: Smith looked all but certain to be the earliest selected defender from Notre Dame since Bryant Young (seventh overall in 1994) until suffering a "significant" knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl. Prior to the injury, some scouts considered the junior to be the best player in the country and as such, he remains firmly on my board, despite his pending surgery. While his medical grade obviously impacts Smith's grade, the tape shows a position and scheme-versatile player with an explosive combination of speed and power.
18. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State, 6-7, 317, 5.21, Senior: They don't come much safer than Decker, the Big Ten's Offensive Lineman of the Year. Massive and athletic, he has enough agility to potentially remain at left tackle in the NFL, plus the power, grit and tenacity to project nicely to the right side.
19. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia, 6-3, 232, 4.73, Redshirt Junior: Floyd emerged as one of the SEC's most feared edge rushers over the past two seasons, beating opponents with first-step explosiveness, length and surprising functional strength for his relatively slim frame. He was asked to play off the line of scrimmage more often in 2015 and while the positional versatility could theoretically help his stock, Floyd has looked hesitant in his new role.
20. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State, 6-6, 318, 5.43, Redshirt Junior: A former walk-on, Conklin is a favorite among scouts due to his blue collar work ethic and powerful, no-nonsense style. He isn't as agile as some of the other top tackles on this board and may be pushed inside at the next level. He's long, powerful and tenacious, however -- traits that make him one of the nation's best run blockers. Conklin was one of the few Spartans to play well against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl.
21. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA, 6-3, 308, 5.22, Junior: Clark doesn't get as much national attention as Nkemdiche or Billings, who are superior athletes. He has proven a standout since Day One for the Bruins and is viewed by some scouts as the safest of the trio. He is an assignment-sound tough guy with the broad frame and power to plug holes in the running game, projecting nicely to any defensive front.
22. Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida, 6-3, 283, 4.86, Senior: Bullard is aptly named as he possesses brute strength to control opponents at the point of attack, gumming up rushing lanes. He's quick enough to challenge the corner and split gaps but isn't a traditional speed rusher. Bullard inspired this season by playing through shoulder and knee injuries to emerge as Florida's most consistent defender.
23. Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama, 6-3, 313, 5.14, Senior: Country-strong with tree trunks for thighs and long arms, Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer stout enough to play inside at defensive tackle or outside at end. He's not a quick-twitch pass rusher who'll ever lead the team in sacks but he changes directions surprisingly well for a big man, accelerates smoothly and hustles to the ball.
24. Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State, 6-1, 234, 4.65, Redshirt Sophomore: A former safety and 195-pound quarterback in high school, Lee has grown into a fierce run and hit linebacker with the combination of instincts, physicality and agility to project as a true three down defender in the NFL. Lee remains a bit raw with just two seasons at his "new" position but his versatile skill-set and upside will be highly valued in the NFL.
25. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State, 6-4, 220, 4.89, Redshirt Senior: Cook failed to lead Michigan State to any points in the playoff showdown with Alabama but he wasn't given much help, absorbing four sacks and watching his receivers drop passes. Cook comes out of a pro-style attack which features plenty of challenging downfield throws, making him theoretically more NFL-ready than the other top-rated quarterbacks in this draft. He is a polarizing prospect without elite physical traits or the leadership scouts would prefer at the position. However, Cook has shown poise, arm strength and accuracy, which might be enough to convince a QB-hungry league he's a first-round pick.
Connor Cook is the most NFL-ready QB in the draft, but his ceiling is lower. (USATSI) Connor Cook is the most NFL-ready QB in the draft, but his ceiling is lower. (USATSI)
26. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor, 5-10, 190, 4.45, Redshirt Junior: After racing to an eye-popping 20 touchdowns over the first eight games of the 2015 season, Coleman was kept out of the end zone the rest of the year. While Coleman's blinding speed makes him a perfect fit in coach Art Briles' vertical attack, he's more than just a big-play threat, showing the combination of strength, agility and vision to make plays underneath, as well.
27. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State, 6-5, 252, 4.78, Redshirt Senior: Calhoun was reportedly given a "first day" projection by the NFL Advisory Committee a year ago when he considered jumping into the NFL early. By returning, he's shown greater strength at the point of attack, along with intriguing burst and agility for a player with his height and length. Scouts appreciate prospects who respond to the pressure of big games and Calhoun stood out against rival Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, though he was relatively quiet (four assisted tackles and half a sack) in the Cotton Bowl.
28. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 197, 4.50, Junior: Like Jack (No. 4 overall on this board), Fuller elected to forego his final year of amateur eligibility despite missing virtually the entire season due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery. The younger brother of former Virginia Tech standouts and current NFL players Vincent, Corey and Kyle Fuller, Kendall is a fluid and savvy defender whose instincts and poise when the ball is in the air helped him record eight interceptions and an NCAA-best 34 pass breakups in his first two seasons at Virginia Tech.
29. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, 6-6, 230, 4.95, Redshirt Junior: If you are looking for exciting traits and production, Lynch has a leg up on Goff. Lynch is viewed by some as a possible top-10 pick. He has a hose for a throwing arm, terrific size and is surprisingly mobile. For all of his talents, Lynch has been aided by a spread offense and relatively weak competition. He struggled mightily in a Birmingham Bowl loss to Auburn, only inflaming concerns about his pro readiness.
Paxton Lynch has a live arm, but is he accurate enough? (USATSI) Paxton Lynch has a live arm, but is he accurate enough? (USATSI)
30. Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn, 6-6, 313, 5.18, Redshirt Junior: Coleman is a remarkable story of both talent and perseverance. Characterized by former teammate Gabe Wright as twice as strong a run blocker as 2014 No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson, Coleman offers exciting traits, including terrific size, power and athleticism. He's also one to root for, as Coleman was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and missed two full years of football before getting the all-clear to return to action last year.
31. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State, 6-1, 200, 4.53, Redshirt Sophomore: The third redshirt sophomore (and fifth Buckeye) on my list, Apple could sneak into the first round based on his exciting potential. Apple has size, athleticism and physicality, projecting best in a press scheme because his aggression and length.
32. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State, 6-5, 231, 4.85, Senior: Wentz wasn't highly recruited out of high school but he grew into a legitimate first-round possibility for the Bison and could fly up draft boards with an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. Scouts are intrigued by his size, arm and sneaky athleticism but remain cautious when projecting him as a future NFL starter. Wentz started just 24 games over his career, including just one against an FBS opponent, making the leap to the NFL that much more dramatic for him than any other prospect on this list.