Todd Mcshays 2016 mock draft 2.0

[January J]

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.

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 a.ssuming 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 f!ghting 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 f!ghting 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 a.ssume 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 f!ghting 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.

Edited December 16, 2015 by January J

[January J]

Thoughts? I don't really see us taking Ramsey that early but it's possible if his draft stock increases during the combine. But yeah if tunsil is on the board I think it's a no brainer. Can't see him falling to 7 in almost any scenario. Would be nice if Cleveland goes with lynch which is what I'm kind of thinking they will do. Dallas will not want a repeat of this season if romo goes down so jerry will make a trade for Johnny football even if they don't win many games he will fill the seats in the stadium.

[Sami84]

Thoughts? I don't really see us taking Ramsey that early but it's possible if his draft stock increases during the combine. But yeah if tunsil is on the board I think it's a no brainer. Can't see him falling to 7 in almost any scenario. Would be nice if Cleveland goes with lynch which is what I'm kind of thinking they will do. Dallas will not want a repeat of this season if romo goes down so jerry will make a trade for Johnny football even if they don't win many games he will fill the seats in the stadium.

 

who would have thought that such a sure fire prospect like ogden would make it to the 4th pick in 96?

 

things like that have happened

[allblackraven]

I'd be mad if we took Ramsey at 4 with tackles on the board.

[Inqui]

Ramsey's been a popular pick to us for weeks now (even at 4 and 5), which means it probably isn't happening. Every year it feels like media pundits come to a consensus about who we take and every year they're wrong (mainly because it's so hard to be accurate this far out).

Like I said in another thread, unless something unforeseen comes up (like him being caught up in a homicide investigation or if it turns out he doesn't check out medically or something), I'm changing my avatar to a picture of Barbie for a week if Tunsil gets past the Chargers. But if he does slide past them it'll all be worth it because I hope we'd have our pick ready to hand in before the commissioner announces SD's pick.

Jaylon Smith going really high is another one that seems to have gained popularity in the past month or so. It's just a shame there are so many 3-4 teams around where we're picking.

Lynch going to the Browns would please me, and it feels like the kinda pick they'd make.

[JoeyFlex5]

I'd be mad if we took Ramsey at 4 with tackles on the board.

im dumbfounded as to why this go negged.

[JoeyFlex5]

mcshay is awful, this is the worst mock draft i have seen yet, tunsil at 7th overall is not happening, nkemdiche and ramsey before tunsil is also very unlikely.

[allblackraven]

im dumbfounded as to why this go negged.

Maybe because I forgot we are going to re-sign KO, keep Monroe and trade some picks for Joe Thomas. Clearly, Tunsil/Stanley would appear a luxury pick.

[JoeyFlex5]

Maybe because I forgot we are going to re-sign KO, keep Monroe and trade some picks for Joe Thomas. Clearly, Tunsil/Stanley would appear a luxury pick.

you just cant pick an OT in the top 5, its not sexy enough of a pick, we need PLAYMAKERS

[Winchester]

Ramsey's been a popular pick to us for weeks now (even at 4 and 5), which means it probably isn't happening. Every year it feels like media pundits come to a consensus about who we take and every year they're wrong (mainly because it's so hard to be accurate this far out).

Like I said in another thread, unless something unforeseen comes up (like him being caught up in a homicide investigation or if it turns out he doesn't check out medically or something), I'm changing my avatar to a picture of Barbie for a week if Tunsil gets past the Chargers. But if he does slide past them it'll all be worth it because I hope we'd have our pick ready to hand in before the commissioner announces SD's pick.

Jaylon Smith going really high is another one that seems to have gained popularity in the past month or so. It's just a shame there are so many 3-4 teams around where we're picking.

Lynch going to the Browns would please me, and it feels like the kinda pick they'd make.

Do not change your avatar. It is awesome.

[Ravens4Real]

Ramsey's been a popular pick to us for weeks now (even at 4 and 5), which means it probably isn't happening. Every year it feels like media pundits come to a consensus about who we take and every year they're wrong (mainly because it's so hard to be accurate this far out).

Like I said in another thread, unless something unforeseen comes up (like him being caught up in a homicide investigation or if it turns out he doesn't check out medically or something), I'm changing my avatar to a picture of Barbie for a week if Tunsil gets past the Chargers. But if he does slide past them it'll all be worth it because I hope we'd have our pick ready to hand in before the commissioner announces SD's pick.

Jaylon Smith going really high is another one that seems to have gained popularity in the past month or so. It's just a shame there are so many 3-4 teams around where we're picking.

Lynch going to the Browns would please me, and it feels like the kinda pick they'd make.

While that is normally true for the Ravens, we have never drafted this high in almost 20 years. It is much easier for these so called experts to get these top of the draft guys correct and they normally do so. But like you said, where the Ravens typically draft, say low 20's, there is way too much going on then for these guys to even have a clue what will happen.

[Wildabeast88]

I'd be mad if we took Ramsey at 4 with tackles on the board.

the thing is if KO is solid at LT do we need a LT I would trade back add some pass rush

[Mt. Crushmore]

I like how McShay thinks that Myles Jack and Kendall Fuller tore their ACLs when they actually tore their meniscus. 

[rmw10]

I like how McShay thinks that Myles Jack and Kendall Fuller tore their ACLs when they actually tore their meniscus. 

 

Missed a perfect opportunity to use menisci.  These opportunities don't surface too often.  I expect better of you.

[Inqui]

Missed a perfect opportunity to use menisci.  These opportunities don't surface too often.  I expect better of you.

[rmw10]

 

 

I see we're already in forum mock mode.

[Sizzlebshu]

I like how McShay thinks that Myles Jack and Kendall Fuller tore their ACLs when they actually tore their meniscus.

Tbh ive made this mistake too.

[Jamal]

Boy this board has turned on Ramsey...

[Mt. Crushmore]

Missed a perfect opportunity to use menisci.  These opportunities don't surface too often.  I expect better of you.

 

I remember having a good debate about that in one of my anatomy classes. Fun word.

 

I see we're already in forum mock mode.

 

Just getting the kinks out now.

[JoeyFlex5]

Boy this board has turned on Ramsey...

theres a good reason man, hes a 8th and lower kind of guy, you just cant take someone with so many red flags in the top 5, i mean.. you can, but its hard to. 

 

i personally see problems on the field and potential problems on the sideline as well as the locker room. it almost feels like hes guaranteed to be near the top of the league in personal fouls, and he plays extremely undisciplined, ive heard rumors from no credible source that he basically disregards the DC and makes up his own assignments, and yea i didnt have a credible source but it seems like a very ramsey thing to do, that wouldnt fly around here.

[JoeyFlex5]

Missed a perfect opportunity to use menisci.  These opportunities don't surface too often.  I expect better of you.

a latin student walks into a bar and orders a martinus, the bartender says "dont you mean martini?", the latin student says "if i wanted 2 if would've asked for it!" 

 

......... 

 

no? 

 

 

ill see myself out...

[allblackraven]

Missed a perfect opportunity to use menisci.  These opportunities don't surface too often.  I expect better of you.

Great correction!

[January J]

theres a good reason man, hes a 8th and lower kind of guy, you just cant take someone with so many red flags in the top 5, i mean.. you can, but its hard to. 

 

i personally see problems on the field and potential problems on the sideline as well as the locker room. it almost feels like hes guaranteed to be near the top of the league in personal fouls, and he plays extremely undisciplined, ive heard rumors from no credible source that he basically disregards the DC and makes up his own assignments, and yea i didnt have a credible source but it seems like a very ramsey thing to do, that wouldnt fly around here.

the last thing we need is more undisciplined players. I don't know why though I just see Ramsey in a Ravens uniform. He's still my top trade back candidate followed by Stanley And ogbah.

[Sami84]

the last thing we need is more undisciplined players. I don't know why though I just see Ramsey in a Ravens uniform. He's still my top trade back candidate followed by Stanley And ogbah.

 

if we resign KO . I think i would be too enticed for tunsil if hes there say at the 3 spot..(which we might take)

 

I mean c;mon

 

TUNSIL KO ZUTTAH YANDA WAGNER.

 

that would be beastly.

[January J]

if we resign KO . I think i would be too enticed for tunsil if hes there say at the 3 spot..(which we might take)

I mean c;mon

TUNSIL KO ZUTTAH YANDA WAGNER.

that would be beastly.

oh if he's there at the 3 spot then hell yeah absolutely. I just don't see it. But a lot can change between now and April. We have to see if the Browns are ready to move on from Johnny. If so then I think we might get our guy. Edited December 17, 2015 by January J

[allblackraven]

the last thing we need is more undisciplined players. I don't know why though I just see Ramsey in a Ravens uniform. He's still my top trade back candidate followed by Stanley And ogbah.

 

I don't agree on Stanley being trade back candidate. I think he will be the first OL off the board.

[January J]

I don't agree on Stanley being trade back candidate. I think he will be the first OL off the board.

it's possible. But a lot of analysts are projecting him anywhere between 7 and 15 so who knows.

[PurpleCity5]

These guys are "professionals" so I'm guessing, or rather know that they have watched much more films and have done much more evaluations than myself but goodness, I'm truly dumbfounded by all of this. First off, how can Tunsil fall that far? I don't see any reason for him to get passed San Diego, but for him to slide past us would be silly. 

 

I'm guessing he didn't get the news on Nkemdiche either, he will fall down a lot of boards. 

 

I don't like that pick for us at 4, I would be fine if we traded back but picking Ramsey at 4 is questionable and uncharacteristic of Oz. 

Edited December 17, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[JoeyFlex5]

I don't agree on Stanley being trade back candidate. I think he will be the first OL off the board.

possible but unlikely, i just dont think teams are willing to pass on the higher ceiling OT for the one who appears more technically sound, especially when they are actually pretty identical in terms of all the finer points of playing OT. 

 

i preferred stanley until tunsil came back to the field, his floor is the same and his ceiling is much higher, tunsil is a stonewall in pass pro and run blocks like a 10 foot gradall bucket pushing sand. i still like stanley very much btw, if we trade back he is my top guy, i just cant see him going before tunsil

[PurpleCity5]

I don't agree on Stanley being trade back candidate. I think he will be the first OL off the board.

I would crack a little smile if he did go that high. That would leave Tunsil/Bosa to us potentially.