2016 NFL Mock Draft: OL and DL Aplenty »
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"2016 NFL Mock Draft - DeForest Buckner"

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL regular season is about in the books and the 2016 NFL Draft order is coming into focus. 2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 was put out to test the waters. That feedback forced me to look harder at a couple of guys – hence some of the movement in this version. 

The offensive and defensive lines are dominating these two rounds. 26 OL and DL going in 63 picks (41% for the mathematicians) seems insane. But that’s how the cookie crumbles – 25 of the top 64 last year fell on the OL or DL. It just so happens that I think the strength of the 2016 NFL Draft is at DT and OL. I could have easily included guys like Sheldon Day, Chris Jones, Charles Tapper, and Ethan Pocic in the top 63. With this fact in mind, teams with needs at DT could strike gold in round three.

1. Tennessee Titans – Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

I could argue greater needs for the Titans but keeping Marcus Mariota clean and healthy should this franchise’s No. 1 priority heading into next offseason. Tunsil is as skilled as any OT coming out in recent memory and should warrant a top three selection in the 2016 NFL Draft.

2. Cleveland Browns – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Do the Browns trust Johnny Manziel? That question will be answered with this selection. If they do, they need to take the best player available as playmakers are needed across the board. Bosa gives them an NFL-ready DE that could play all over the defense.

3. Baltimore Ravens – Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State

The Ravens defense is clearly not the Ravens defense of old. One major missing piece is an Ed Reed-like playmaker in the backend. Ramsey may not be Ed Reed but he does everything well and gives the Ravens a guy in the secondary that can turn a game on its head in the blink of an eye.

4. San Diego Chargers – Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame

I could have went a bunch of different directions with this pick. Ronnie Stanley makes some sense here as does Jalen Ramsey but I think SD needs to find athletes on defense capable of doing a lot of different things. When I look at the roster I don’t see anyone capable of changing the game on that side of the ball. Smith gives them a guy that brings that level of athleticism.

5. Dallas Cowboys – Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Is this the year, the ‘Boys look for Tony Romo’s successor? I think so. Look, Jerry Jones doesn’t plan on drafting this high in a very long time. With that in mind he takes a guy with a boatload of upside and it’s a great fit for both parties. If Romo comes back healthy (big IF) Lynch can be his understudy. If not, Lynch will be forced into action but is better than Kellen Moore/Matt Cassel.

6. San Francisco 49ers – Jared Goff, QB, Cal

Kaepernick is done is San Fran and Blaine Gabbert isn’t an answer at the most important position in all of sports. Jared Goff gives the Niners a guy that could play right away in my opinion. While I like Lynch better in the long-term, I could see Goff coming in and making an impact day one on this porous franchise.

7. Miami Dolphins – Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

This one should be a no-brainer. Brent Grimes has played well but the cornerback spot is in need of a talent and youth upgrade. VHIII steps in day one as the No. 1 CB and turns a position of weakness into a strength.

Palm Beach Post: VHIII nothing left to prove

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

This one may be a bit off the beaten path but I think the Jags look to upgrade the OL to help out Blake Bortles. Bortles has already progressed beyond where I thought he’d be. In an effort to keep him healthy, the Jags have to consider upgrading OT here.

TWEET: Stanley headed to the NFL

9. New Orleans Saints – Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

"Myles Jack 2016 NFL Mock Draft"

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After watching the Saints get shredded by Matt Stafford on Monday night is easy to see the many holes on defense. This team needs playmakers on that side of the ball. While their secondary is atrocious, Jack is just too good to pass on. His athleticism is off the charts and he instantly upgrades this linebacking unit.

TWEET: Myles Jack will enter 2016 NFL Draft

10. Chicago Bears – Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge, Oklahoma State

I badly wanted to put Shon Coleman here but I think Charles Leno is going to develop into a solid starting LT for the Bears. At this point, the Bears should be looking for an impact pass rusher and Ogbah fits the bill there.

11. Detroit Lions – DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

DeForest Buckner is an intriguing guy for the Lions. His versatility to move all along this DL could be just what the doctor ordered. Teaming Buckner and Ziggy Ansah gives the Lions two certifiable freaks on the DL and should be a dominant tandem for a very long time.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

I’ve been on record as President of the Shon Coleman fan club. As much help as Tampa could use on defense, they should look for a tackle/guard that can protect Jameis Winston for the long haul. Coleman is a stud and I promise you he’ll be talked about as a top fifteen tackle if he declares.

13. New York Giants – Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Before Giants’ fans jump on me about Ragland, check out his tape. When I floated Ragland to a couple of Giants followers they instantly nixed the idea as they thought he couldn’t cover TE’s. Don’t be deceived by reading his size, this guy can cover. He instantly upgrades their porous run defense and will be able to stay on the field on passing downs.

14. Oakland Raiders – Desmond King, CB, Iowa

I’ve seen the knocks on King – speed being the biggest. Humor me on this one. If King’s runs 4.55-4.60 range does that dismiss him from R1. If so, have we learned nothing in the last half decade on overvaluing 40 times. Turn on the tape of this kid. He’s a difference maker on a very good defense. He will make a ton of plays on the ball and may be one of the better run defenders at the position in all of CFB.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State

I must be OL happy this week. Whitehair is a guy that I’ve focused on a bit lately and call me impressed. Honestly, see a lot of Zack Martin in his game and am beginning to have similar feelings about their NFL projections. Chip Kelly would love this kid as he has the versatility to play inside or outside in the league. The question will be if Kelly is in town to have a say on this one.

16. Buffalo Bills – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

A tackle could be the pick here but something tells me Rex Ryan is going to be hungry to get this defense very right in the offseason. Robinson has flashed top end ability at Alabama and his best football is ahead of him.

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Author: Brad

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  • reggie

    Great Mock. A lot of players not on most mock’s right now that I can see moving up. For Lions DeForrest Buckner is one of my favorite players for them.,..especially since I can see them selecting 10-13th with another win. Possibly 2. Having him play strong side and move inside as well would be Austin’s (If he is still here) dream player.
    Some might say over kill but I am not one with Jarran Reed. I love the large run stuffing DT in Round 2. We are weak in the middle and that is never good. Reed and Buckner would go a large way in respectability. Pharoh Cooper I was dreaming would fall to Lions in Round 3 or 4 but I was dreaming probably.
    Calhoun could not argue with mid 2nd to late 2nd for his range right now. Conklin I will wait until after Alabama to comment. I think he is under rated. and can stay at LT in the same way that Roos, Whitehurst, Tait all stayed at LT…with physical play, intelligence, and great leverage and proper technique. He is not an elite athlete but is tall, long armed, and experienced. We will see how he plays verse the best as he does not get that in the Big Ten this season…but did do well verse Bosa when they lined up.

    • bradc11

      Thanks Reggie…I was a little worried about doubling up on the DL but the value was too good. When I watch the Lions I see a lack of strength in the middle. Pairing Reed, Buckner and Ansah gives them a lot of versatility. I just finished watching Cooper as I was posting this last night…think I may be a little low on him.

      I plan on going back to focus on Conklin. I’ve watched so many live MSU games/practices but haven’t fully focused on him. I’ll wait for the Alabama contest because that will be great tape to evaluate. He definitely got the best of Bosa in their 1:1 matchups

      • Reggie

        I will do same with Conklin. I did so with purpose over Ohio State, Penn State, and Iowa and was impressed. You never notice him due to him doing his job. Alabama will be the defining game for him. No problem doubling up as long as it is players of that talent level. We need it