2016 NFL Draft Thread...

[Midswat]

Kevin Taylor's though was something trivial and he responded as well as he could have. He comes from good pedigree (Fred Taylors kid). I wouldn't be afraid to take him in the draft. Can't speak on the others.

 

[dbair1967]

Tracking underclassmen intentions for 2016 NFL Draft
NFL.com
Published: Nov. 25, 2015 at 11:51 a.m.
Updated: Dec. 21, 2015 at 05:04 p.m.

Below are underclassmen whose intentions to enter the 2016 NFL Draft have been stated, as well as those that have indicated they intend to return to school for 2016. Underclassmen have until Jan. 18 to file declaration papers with the league. The official list of underclassmen accepted by the NFL will be released on Jan. 22.

Leaning toward or intending on early draft entry

» Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (Leaning toward draft entry)
» Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State (Preparing as if he'll enter draft)
» Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor (Coleman intends to enter draft)
» Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina (Cooper's father says son will apply for draft entry)
» Su'a Cravens, LB, USC (Announced draft decision on social media)
» Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (Elliott makes intentions known)
» Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia (Floyd says he won't return to UGA)
» Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (Beamer says Fuller intends to enter draft)
» Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (Star CB 'most likely' will apply for draft entry)
» Myles Jack, LB, UCLA (Myles says he'll apply for draft entry)
» Quinton Jefferson, DL, Maryland (Fourth-year junior intends to enter draft)
» Jayron Kearse, DB, Clemson (Nephew of 'The Freak' leaning toward draft entry)
» Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson (Lawson intends to enter draft)
» Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State (Strongly considering applying for early draft entry)
» Alex McCalister, DE, Florida (Intends to enter draft)
» Yannick Ngakoue, DL, Maryland (Pass rusher says he's moving on)
» Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss (Star DL intends to enter draft)
» Emmanuel Ogbah, DL, Oklahoma State (Ogbah set to make jump?)
» Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame (Narrowing focus on potential reps)
» Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky (Intends to apply for draft entry)
» Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame (Star OT intends to enter draft)
» Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida (Intends to enter draft)
» Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss (Star WR leaning toward applying for early draft entry)
» Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas (Bielema expects Williams to pursue NFL)
» Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona (Star junior intends to enter draft)

Considering early draft entry/vetting reps

» Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh (Star WR's family vetting potential reps)
» Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA (Strongly considering draft entry)
» Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State (Star DB and family vetting potential reps)
» Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida (Tweet casts doubt on WR's draft decision)


Notable players leaning toward returning to school

» Zach Banner, OT, USC (Intends to stay in school)
» Caleb Brantley, DL, Florida (Intends to stay in school)
» Fadol Brown, DL, Ole Miss (Intends to stay in school)
» Jake Butt, TE, Michigan (Butt says he'll return for senior season)
» Darren Carrington, WR, Oregon (Leaning toward staying at Oregon)
» Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin (RB tells coaches he intends to stay in school)
» Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida (Davis says he's staying in school)
» Pat Elflein, G, Ohio State (Star OL plans to return to OSU)
» Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss (Returning for senior season)
» Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame (Fuller says he'll return for senior year)
» Darius Hamilton, DL, Rutgers (Hamilton intends to be back with Rutgers in '16)
» Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan (Returning for final year of eligibility)
» Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU (White considering staying at LSU)
» Mike Williams, WR, Clemson (Swinney says Williams will return for '16)
» Chris Wormley, DE, Michigan (Wolverines DE says he'll return to UM)

Notable seniors leaning toward draft entry rather than applying for medical hardship waiver

» Byron Marshall, RB, Oregon (story)
» Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia (story)

Notable seniors applying for medical hardship waiver

» Pharaoh Brown, TE, Oregon (story)
» Ed Davis, LB, Michigan State (story)
» Dillon Gordon, TE, LSU (story)
» Drew Ott, DL, Iowa (story)

 

[dbair1967]

Brugler mock draft 12.21. Still has us taking a LB. I think if it fell the way he has it, passing on Lynch would be hard for me to do. The other option I'd think about is moving down 3-5 spots, pick up another high pick and take Hargreaves to play CB, moving Byron Jones permanently to FS.

NFLDraftScout.com
2016 NFL Mock Draft: Titans, Ravens go tackle to protect Mariota, Flacco
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

December 21, 2015 12:10 am ET

Although there isn't a defensive tackle in the top 15 picks of this mock draft, there is a run of interior defensive linemen in the second half of the first round with seven defensive tackles off the board in a 12-pick span.

There might not be an elite defensive tackle in this year's class, but it might be the deepest position in the draft, led by Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson, Baylor's Andrew Billings and Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche, who is the wild card of the first round. Nkemdiche has the most talent of the group, but his off-field decision making and on-field fit are question marks right now for teams.

Team needs will change, the draft order won't end up this way and the prospects below will help and hurt themselves throughout the 2015 season. But if the draft was held tomorrow, here's how it might play out:

1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Priority No. 1 for the Titans should be to protect Marcus Mariota, something they have struggled to do consistently in 2015. Tunsil is arguably the most-talented player in this year's draft class and able to contribute from Day 1, pushing Taylor Lewan over to right tackle.

2. Cleveland Browns: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
There is a lot of unknown with the future of the Browns franchise right now, including what the depth chart at quarterback will look like next season. If Johnny Manziel can do enough to keep Cleveland from drafting a quarterback in the top-five, Bosa will just need to hop on I-71 North.

3. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Baltimore inked Eugene Monroe to a lucrative extension, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy, making it tough for the Ravens to rely on him to start 16 games in 2016. Stanley not only adds instant depth, but gives Baltimore a long-term plan at a position of need.

4. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Is Ramsey a cornerback or safety? Both. And the Chargers need help at both spots, contributing in press or zone, inside or outside.

5. Dallas Cowboys: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys' defense needs help at each level, including at linebacker, especially with the futures of Rolando McClain (free agent) and Sean Lee (injuries) in doubt. Although currently sidelined with a knee injury, Jack has top-10 talent if his rehab is on track.

6. Detroit Lions: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
The Lions need to continue and build through the trenches on both sides of the ball. A polarizing player, Buckner would be a nice fit opposite Ziggy Ansah and give Detroit a pair of young bookends.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Goff, QB, California
The 49ers and Colin Kaepernick are in the midst of a messy divorce and Blaine Gabbert hasn't done enough to convince the front office that he's the long-term answer. A Bay-Area native, Goff lacks elite physical tools, but his traits, especially between the ears, are extremely promising.

8. Miami Dolphins: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Arguably the best linebacker in the draft, Smith has the freakish athleticism and natural instincts that would be welcomed on the Dolphins defense.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
The Jaguars have been searching for cornerback help for a long time, but haven't drafted the position in the first round since 1999. Hargreaves isn't a lock top-10 prospect due to average size and speed, but his toughness and instincts make him a fit for Jacksonville.

10. Chicago Bears: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
With his expensive contract, Jay Cutler is the present at the quarterback position for the Bears. But if they have a chance to draft a player to develop behind him like Lynch, that might be too enticing to pass up.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Tampa will address the cornerback position next off-season, either in free agency or the draft, possibly both. Alexander has the fluidity and aggressive nature to blanket receivers.

12. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Raiders offensive line has played well in 2015, but they aren't the youngest group. Decker can play tackle or guard in the NFL and will give Oakland depth at key positions.

13. New York Giants: Reggie Ragland, MLB, Alabama
The Giants have struggled to slow down the opponents' run game and Ragland would give New York an every-down enforcer who doesn't make many mistakes.

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB, Georgia
The Eagles have several holes on defense and need to add depth at each level. Floyd has a lean body type, but can bend the edge, disrupt the pocket and finish in pursuit.

15. New Orleans Saints: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
Regardless of who is at quarterback, the Saints need to find the “new” Marques Colston – a large target with athleticism. That description fits Treadwell who is a less dynamic version of Dez Bryant.

16. Buffalo Bills: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Tyrod Taylor has played well this season for Buffalo, but has he played well enough for the Bills to pass on a quarterback with this pick? Cook is NFL ready right now and will compete for starting reps right away in Buffalo.

17. St. Louis Rams: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
With starting cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson in the final year of rookie contracts, the Rams might be looking for a corner or two in the 2016 draft. White might not be elite in any one area, but he has enough size, athleticism and playmaking ability that could land him in the first round.

18. Indianapolis Colts: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Indianapolis needs to get stronger on the defensive line and Robinson has the movement skills and power to play several different techniques for the Colts.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
The Falcons ranks dead-last in the league in sacks and need more talent both inside and outside on the defensive line. Although he's still raw in areas, Nkemdiche has a sky-high ceiling as both an inside penetrator and outside rusher.

20. New York Jets: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
With Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell both set to hit free agency, the Jets might be looking for a new workhorse in the backfield. Elliott is likely the only running back who will be drafted in the first round, but he's a steal if he falls this far.

21. Washington Redskins: Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
Although he said he will return to Baylor for his senior season, Billings is playing himself into a high draft pick and plans might change. The Redskins have used veterans to fill the nose tackle spot, but Billings would give them a long-term option.

22. Houston Texans: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
The Texans haven't selected a passer in the first round since their inaugural draft in 2002, but that should chance this year. Bill O'Brien has been searching for the right guy to groom at quarterback and whether or not Wentz is that player, Houston needs to take a chance on a young signal-caller.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond King, CB, Iowa
Pittsburgh needs cornerback help and although King won't run the fastest 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, he has the aggressive ballskills and awareness needed to start in the NFL.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
A lot of fingers can be pointed as to why the Vikings rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards, but the lack of perimeter weapons is a substantial reason. Coleman would add an explosive element to the offense and add one more playmaker for the defense to account for.

25. Kansas City Chiefs: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
The Chiefs are clicking on defense, especially up front, but like every team, Kansas City could use more depth. Rankins is a stout run defender with better than expected pass rush traits for a 300-pounder.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
Seattle's defensive line depth needs restocked and Clark is a terrific run stopper with potential to be more with some seasoning.

27. Green Bay Packers: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
With Mike Daniels and the Packers failing to reach an extension before the season, there's a realistic chance he hits free agency after this season. Even if Daniels returns, Reed is worthy of this pick with his versatility that fits Green Bay's odd front.

28. Denver Broncos: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Broncos have struggled to protect the pocket in 2015, especially at right tackle. Conklin isn't an elite athlete for the position, but his physical nature and power make up for that, making him a plug-and-play starter for Denver.

29. Cincinnati Bengals: Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
The Bengals have been forward-thinkers lately with their first round draft picks and adding a young nose tackle to take over for Domata Peko makes sense. Johnson carries his weight well and has the point of attack power to occupy multiple blockers.

30. Arizona Cardinals: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
A true wild-card prospect, Spence has first round talent, there is no question about that. But the former Ohio State Buckeye has a history of drug abuse, although he has cleaned up his habits since being banned from the Big Ten. Arizona has the front office, coaches and locker room to take a chance on a boom or bust player like this.

New England Patriots: forfeited selection

31. Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
The Panthers need to upgrade the pass rush and add more talent on the edges this off-season. Ogbah is still scratching the surface and has the character that coaches will love.

 

[dbair1967]

Your score is: 7946 (GRADE: A)

Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 12 (T.B.): Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis (A+)
Round 2 Pick 5: Su'a Cravens, OLB/SS, Southern California (B+)
Round 2 Pick 12 (T.B.): Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama (A)
Round 3 Pick 11 (CHI): KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame (A-)
Round 3 Pick 12 (T.B.): Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State (A+)
Round 4 Pick 5: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech (A)
Round 5 Pick 11 (CHI): Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State (A+)
Round 6 Pick 15: Jonathan Jones, CB, Auburn (A)

 

[ZeroClub]

I like the idea of taking a QB and RB early. Not bad, dbair.

 

[ThoughtExperiment]

It's only Air Force, but Goff looks pretty damn good today.

 

[cockstrong]

He does although I think Lynch is the guy if they are both available

 

[cmd34]

Lynch is 1a, Goff is 1b.

Happy with either.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Lynch is 1a, Goff is 1b.

Happy with either.

idk why but I think I'd prefer Goff. I like QBs that have 'it'.

His intangibles might make it easier to run Linehan's offense as a kind of mini-Romo; where he can dictate where the play is going to go.

 

[cmd34]

idk why but I think I'd prefer Goff. I like QBs that have 'it'.

His intangibles might make it easier to run Linehan's offense as a kind of mini-Romo; where he can dictate where the play is going to go.

Do not disagree with any of that. He showed the ability to comeback in games over and over again this year.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

That's what we saw with both Weeden and Cassel while they were starting. They both have showed that they aren't afraid to throw the football anywhere; just that there usually is no one to throw to but underneath. All the outside routes are covered.

Kellen Moore just tries to do everything. He doesn't have the in-game experience like the aforementioned do. So he's careless with his throws.

That; experience, is the great equalizer in this offense. Even marginally experienced QBs who aren't as sharp and talented as Romo are going to be like deers caught in the headlights. They know that only certain routes are ones that should be thrown to; as teaching is ingrained into them the moment they step foot on an NFL football field, that risks should be minimalized. Smart and talented Qbs can always work around it as we saw with Romo this and last year.

So we need a QB like Goff to prepare in it, any other QB isn't going to give us the necessary results. That or the offense needs to change dramatically.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

And I doubt even Goff would be that successful in our offense. At least during his rookie contract. That's how sharp Romo has become.

 

[bbgun]

he'll be a Niner, so don't get too enamored

 

[dbair1967]

Just watched it on DVR, he throws the ball with nice touch and has good footwork and throwing motion. Very fluid.

Wished they'd have played someone other than Air Force, but its easy to see why many think he's a top 10, maybe top-5 pick.

Am anxious to see Lynch tomorrow vs Auburn. Auburn at least has some athletes on defense, AF unfortunately only has one or two guys who might get invites to NFL camps (and they ejected their best player on first series of game for b/s "targeting" call)

 

[dbair1967]

And I doubt even Goff would be that successful in our offense. At least during his rookie contract. That's how sharp Romo has become.

With our OL and Dez Bryant, I actually don't think he'd have an issue. He has arm talent and if he can pick up NFL reads quickly he could be pretty successful here pretty quick.

 

[cockstrong]

Goffs arm is considered special so says kiper

 

[peplaw06]

he'll be a Niner, so don't get too enamored

I'm starting to get nervous that CLE will take Lynch and SF will take Goff before we get on the clock.

 

[ThoughtExperiment]

I'm starting to get nervous that CLE will take Lynch and SF will take Goff before we get on the clock.

Yep, me too. Almost makes me fear a trade up.

 

[bbgun]

I'm starting to get nervous that CLE will take Lynch and SF will take Goff before we get on the clock.

I'm not convinced Jerry will take either if they're still on the board. more likely he'll go the Stephen McGee route again.

 

[cmd34]

I'm starting to get nervous that CLE will take Lynch and SF will take Goff before we get on the clock.

If they do, they do.

It probably means we take Bosa and then trade a late round pick for Manziel.

Bosa is going to be a really good LDE. There are worse things that could happen.