2016 NFL Draft Thread - Do NOT spoil picks during Draft, you are warned.....Mods on standby

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We're close to that time of the season. (some of us more than others :lol: )

Goff, Lynch, Elliott, Tunsil, VH3, Jaylon Smith, Ramsey, Bosa, Nkemdiche, Stanley some version of your top 10, mid Novemberish....


Updates to follow.
 
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haven't paid as much attention to college prospects this season since the Jets are actually pretty good :lol:

who are some LB's/OT's that would be available in the mid-late 1st?
 
not a big fan of this years WR class..

I really like Jalen Ramsey.. he'll be an elite safety. i could see him playing FS on a single high defense like earl thomas but at the same time he's so damn good getting to the qb as well. he can do it all.

jaylon smith really "pops out" when you watch him as well.. explosive with elite instincts.

those two and tunsil would make up my top 3....
 
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Need us to somehow get Ramsey or an elite LT.

Would say WR but I'm not really blown away by any of them this year
 
Where we're sitting now Su'a Cravens may be a pipe dream. But if we can add him to this panther defense :smokin
 
Kessler, Lynch, Goff, Cook, Hogan, Doughty, Brissett, Boykin, Williams

Linwood, Procise, Collins, Henry, Zeke, Booker

Miller, Coleman, Shepherd, Doctson, Fuller, Spruce, Addison Boyd, Treadwell, Cooper, Mitchell, Robinson, Higgins

Butt, Henry, Engram, McGee

Tunsil, Theus, Stanley, Decker, Conklin, Murphy
 
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Nkemdiche, Day, Jones, Adams, Bosa, Billings, Oakman, Buckner, Dolph Washington, Robinson, Clark, Reed, Bullard, Maddy, S. Lawson, Ogbah, Walker

Striker, Calhoun, Morrison, Wright, Floyd, Perry, Jenkins, Shobert, Allen, Hall, Jaylon Smith, Jack, Ragland, JRM, Burgess

Ramsey, Hargreaves, Sutton, Fuller,T. White, K. Russell, Jackson, Jourdan Lewis, K. Peterson, Redmond, Alexander

Jackson, Bell, Joseph, Cravens, Kearse, Conner, Cash, Bush, Poole

And of course the god, Roberto Aguayo
 
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Need us to somehow get Ramsey or an elite LT.

Would say WR but I'm not really blown away by any of them this year
lane is our left tackle of the future (don't forget he sprained his MCL in the Washington game a couple weeks ago)..

and peters has said he sees himself finishing his career at guard, which gives us a ton of freedom when it comes to our tackles.. we can swap them maybe as soon as next year, which allows peters to go up against more power rushers on the right side

we do need guards and at least depth at other spots.. but as far as tackles, our need is more on the right side (because of peters age).. this is where that lions 3rd is huge for us.. you can get quality guards and right tackles out of the 1st
 
Bucky Hodges is a ******* matchup nightmare. Wonder if he'll declare after this season?
 
Ravens draft:

WR/Secondary
WR/Secondary
WR/Secondary
WR/Secondary
WR/Secondary
WR/Secondary
WR/Secondary

And that kicker/punter at UMD is nice :pimp:
 
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The top overall prospect in the country is Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa. The 6’6”, 275-pound playmaker has been dominant in his junior season despite posting just three sacks. His disruption has forced opponents to double-team and even triple-team him just to buy time in the pocket.

Through Week 10, Bosa has logged 16 hits and 19 quarterback hurries, per CFB Film Room. His 12 run stops are also a testament to his all-around game. But his production is not all that is worth getting excited about.

Some collegiate players are productive but lack the physical tools to be effective NFL players. That is not the case for Bosa. He may not be the next J.J. Watt, who is an elite NFL athlete, but Bosa is a standout player with explosive traits.

Bosa’s bull rushes are effective because of his lower body and skilled hands. He’s able to shove his blocker right into the quarterback’s lap consistently, and he disengages whenever he’s ready. This isn’t just a case of being bigger than everyone else, though. Bosa can win in other ways.

Although he is a pass-rusher without the flexibility of a Cameron Wake or Von Miller, he has great closing quickness to complement his brutality. His combination of power, length and technique makes him one of the best prospects in the last few years. NFL teams will love his ability to own the edge in the run game but also be a feared pass-rusher.

Figuring out where Bosa fits in the NFL is easy. The Buckeyes have moved him everywhere from right defensive end in a 4-3 front to the 2-technique. He’s been too much to handle whether he’s inside or out. This is great for mixed front defenses that use a 4-3 and 3-4 variety.

Bosa is a clear top-three pick in this draft for me. The Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens (the current top three picks) may not have Bosa as their No. 1 overall need, but he would be a tremendous upgrade for each franchise.

Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

If your favorite team lands in the top five and desperately needs a left tackle, it may have the chance to land the best left tackle prospect in some time. Ole Miss’ Laremy Tunsil has not only lived up to his 5-star ranking at 247Sports as a high school recruit, but he’s a blue-chip NFL prospect as well. His resume and athletic profile rival Dallas Cowboys’ left tackle Tyron Smith.

At 6’5”, 305 pounds, Tunsil has ideal size to play left tackle in either a zone- or power-running scheme. His experience with Ole Miss has exposed him to both schemes as well, which helps his projection regardless of the system he enters. But what really makes Tunsil special is his body.

Length and athleticism can be overrated in football, but the best tackles rarely lack one or the other. With pass-rushers getting more freakish in terms of explosiveness and size, blockers must be able to handle counter moves and quick-twitch athletes. Tunsil is a rare breed who can consistently stonewall even the most advanced pass-rushers.

In his first game of 2015, Tunsil faced Myles Garrett, who is on the fast track to being a top-three pick in 2017. Garrett has elite length and athleticism and has been destroying opponents this season. You’d expect Tunsil to struggle, especially returning from suspension, but he shut Garrett down.

Tunsil’s ability to defend the edge without overcommitting and allowing an inside counter is critical. His hand usage is already refined, as he’ll guide the rusher with his outer hand, and he’s able to change directions the moment the rusher decides to counter. Tunsil’s combination of size, speed and technique has created an instant-impact left tackle prospect.

Tunsil can improve his nastiness in the run game and his core strength. Although left tackles generally exhibit more finesse by nature, Tunsil’s mean streak leaves room for opponents to shed blocks. Sometimes, a pancake or playing through the whistle isn’t a bad thing.

Nonetheless, Tunsil’s status as the top offensive player in the draft is a testament to his natural ability and hard work. While many linemen need years to improve their hand placement, Tunsil will step into the NFL ready to contribute at a high level. He’d be a tremendous improvement for the Detroit Lions or Miami Dolphins if either team can grab him.


Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

The year-to-year development of some collegiate players is shocking. While certain players work to improve their technique, others mature while their bodies fill out. The latter happened to Robert Nkemdiche, who added about 25 pounds this past offseason.

Nkemdiche deserves a ton of credit for working so hard to transform his body. A year ago, he was a great athlete without a true position in the NFL. Now, he is able to play at the 5-technique in a 3-4 or the 3-technique in a 4-3. His ability to get into the hip pocket of blockers simply overwhelms them, and they cannot recover.

There are concerns with Nkemdiche’s lack of production at Ole Miss. He has just 4.5 sacks in three seasons, which is low for a top prospect. But when you watch him play, Nkemdiche is constantly forcing offenses to adjust. The adage “disruption is production” really applies here.

Consistency has also been a legitimate knock on Nkemdiche. There are stretches where he’ll engage his blockers and tussle with them but appears to read more than attack. This very well could be scheme-dictated. His strength is really more like Geno Atkins’ ability to penetrate the interior line and get upfield.

There’s no doubt that Nkemdiche has improved every year at Ole Miss, even if his numbers aren’t great. The way he dominated Alabama in 2015 showcased his elite talent. Defensive linemen who move as well as he does don’t last too long in the draft.

His perfect fits in the top 10 include the San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints. Honestly, though, every team projected to be in the top 15 could justify taking Nkemdiche. He’s too good to pass on, particularly since he plays such a premium position.


Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

The NFL’s thirst for star safeties is at an all-time high, and rightfully so. As valuable as impact cornerbacks are, fewer great safeties are ever available. The difference between the top and average safeties is as sharp as the quarterback position.

With such a massive difference present, expect Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey to go early in the 2016 NFL draft. He moved to cornerback this season to help the Seminoles, but his best long-term position is safety. He’s more experienced and natural at safety.

Whenever Ramsey is near the line of scrimmage, he seemingly always makes a big play. His timing on blitzes is excellent, contributing to batted passes, sacks or even hurries. He’s a great finisher with his speed and length.

Ramsey’s run fits are well above-average with his physicality. He’s fully capable of crashing off the edge or charging downhill from up high to make a stop near the line of scrimmage. He shows the willingness and capability to be a great run-stopper at the position.

Coverage is often the differentiating factor for big-time safeties. Although Ramsey has just three interceptions, he’s also played with good surrounding parts and isn’t targeted much. He’s not the most fluid player in coverage, but he’s able to stay in single high and read quarterbacks effectively.

Ramsey has everything you want in a star safety. He has the physical mindset to match his instinctive eyes. His athleticism and range allow his mind to take advantage of his superb feel for the game. He’s another rare talent at a premium position.

Every team without an elite free safety could use Ramsey, as he’ll enter the NFL as a top-10 player at his position right away. But the perfect fits include Washington, Miami, Jacksonville and New Orleans.


Jaylon Smith, MLB, Notre Dame

Linebacker tends to be undervalued in the NFL if you look at monetary investment into the position in recent years. The elite get paid well, but there’s a steep drop-off after that. This next wave of athletic linebackers will change that.

Look no further than the Seattle Seahawks or Carolina Panthers to see what a dynamic linebacker crew can do for a defense. The versatility of instinctive and athletic linebackers allows defenses to wreak havoc with their speed.

Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith is a rare building block at the position. His move to middle linebacker could have shown some weaknesses, but his intelligence and feel for the position are already advanced. Expect that comfort to continue growing as he logs more snaps in the middle.

Smith’s 6’2”, 235-pound frame allows him to stay bouncy and fluid in coverage, and he's among the best coverage linebackers in this class. He can cover tight ends and running backs without issue. But he’s still physical enough to stop the run.

With 257 career tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss, Smith is a playmaker near the line of scrimmage. He’s able to shed blockers well but can rely on athleticism when he must avoid or disengage blockers. In short, he can find his way to the ball-carrier in a variety of ways.

His weakness is that he is still somewhat tentative at times when reading the running back. There’s a fine line between slow reaction time and reckless attacking downhill, and I like my chances with the more disciplined player. It’s also more of a nitpick than it is a looming fatal flaw.

Similar to Nkemdiche, Smith would be an excellent fit with almost every top-15 team. As far as teams picking in the bottom part of the top 10, Dallas, Jacksonville, Miami and Oakland would be perfect matches for Smith. He can man the middle for a 4-3 or a 3-4 front.


Jared Goff, QB, Cal

This choice isn’t without controversy, since this quarterback class has a variety of styles to choose from. Between Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook, Christian Hackenberg and Carson Wentz, you have different archetypes and developmental stages. I prefer Goff because he has everything needed to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Goff became the hot name early in the 2015 season as he carved up lesser opponents. Once the Pac-12 schedule began, Cal’s receivers really struggled to find space, which has forced Goff to throw into tight passing lanes. This has led him to try to make too much happen at times, which causes turnovers.

After charting every one of Goff’s passes through Week 12, I’m still a huge fan of what he can be in the NFL. His accuracy to all levels of the field is the best in his class and comparable to several star NFL quarterbacks. His best comparison is somewhere between Matt Ryan and Eli Manning.

Despite playing behind a putrid offensive line, Goff is more than able of creating big plays by keeping his eyes downfield. He feels pressure fairly well and has enough athleticism to extend plays in the pocket. His ability to drive the ball downfield off broken plays translates well to the NFL.

Footwork and mechanics are two areas where Goff is leaps and bounds above his peers. He stays bouncy and in rhythm as he progresses through reads. The “Bear Raid” offense gets a bad reputation for simplicity, but Goff can often be seen scanning the entire field to find an open man.

Goff has the rare ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes and also take advantage of leverage with his exquisite touch passing. He’s willing to make throws that few others will, and his confidence is often rewarded with a pinpoint pass into tight coverage. This requires anticipation and a natural feel for the game.

Listed at 6’4”, 215 pounds, Goff has significant room to add bulk to his body, which will help solve his biggest weakness. His arm strength can be questionable when he’s moving around and doesn’t set himself. This is an area where some may prefer the more naturally strong quarterback who can overcome slight mechanical deficiencies.

This doesn’t worry me too much, though. Quarterbacks such as Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Tannehill and Ryan all got stronger in the NFL as their bodies physically matured. They transformed from young adults into men. There’s reason to believe Goff will as well.

Coming off shoulder surgery in the summer of 2014, Goff weighed just 185 pounds. He entered 2015 between 210 and 215 pounds this year. Imagine another 15 pounds on his frame, and you can see the pieces in place for a franchise quarterback.

The argument that a quarterback isn’t an elite prospect is one of the worst in NFL draft circles. Even Andrew Luck had weaknesses, and that’s not meant to be an insult. Goff may lack a howitzer for an arm and may turn the ball over, but he’s working with a limited talent pool at Cal and has improved every year.

The best fits for Goff will be a place where he can sit a year and gain that muscle we talked about. That means Detroit, Chicago and Dallas would be ideal landing spots.


Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

The best pure cover cornerback in the nation is Vernon Hargreaves by far. The 5’11”, 199-pound cornerback is a tough-minded and intelligent player who plays the football quite well. He brings a high level of physicality in the run game in addition to his coverage prowess.

In three years of starting, Hargreaves has 10 interceptions and 25 passes defensed. He is a magnet for the ball despite not being targeted too often. This is why he’s stood out since his freshman season.

Even though he lacks ideal size and strength for the position, Hargreaves is one of the better cornerback prospects in the last few seasons. He’s not as toolsy as most top cornerbacks in the NFL or as instinctive as even Marcus Peters last year, so expectations must be realistic.

A good high-end comparison for Hargreaves is Desmond Trufant. He has become a top-five cover corner in the NFL, so this is meant more as a stylistic comparison. Each player rides the hip pocket and runs routes as well as the receiver.

The negative on Hargreaves is his lack of bulk and ability to handle physicality downfield. He’ll get grabby when he loses the ball and simply cannot overcome his lack of size at times. He’s also not a great athlete, as he relies on twitch rather than explosiveness.

That all said, he can be a solid No. 1 cornerback like Prince Amukamara has been. That’s well-worth a top-10 pick. The New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions would be excellent fits.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St

The influx of great running backs into the NFL began in the 2015 draft and will continue for the next few seasons. This year doesn’t feature a deep crop, but the talent at the top is good. Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott is far and away the strongest draft-eligible running back.

If you’re looking for a complete, three-down back, Elliott is perfect. The 6’0”, 225-pound back has the vision, speed, power and balance needed to wear down defenses in every way possible. His 3,565 career rushing yards and 412 receiving yards present a dominant running back.

The most impressive aspect is his ability to stay on the field every play. He is a phenomenal blocker in pass protection and as a lead run-blocker. His awareness and technique in taking on contact is second to none in college football as a back. He’ll be one of the best blocking backs in the NFL right away.

Elliott is a natural receiver, too. He’s used to catching the ball in the flats or on option routes, which will again help him claim a starting job quickly. He’s a good example of the more you do, the harder it is to take you off the field.

Even as a running back, he simply outclasses many of his peers. He gets stronger as the game progresses and fits both a zone and power scheme. He has very few weaknesses that can hold him back.

Elliott isn’t the twitchiest back, instead relying on speed. He’ll have to win in those tight spaces as often as possible in the NFL. There’s not much reason to think he won’t continue doing just that, though.

The best fits for Elliott are Cleveland, Dallas, Houston and the New York Jets. Each would greatly benefit from a tremendous option like him.


Myles Jack, MLB, UCLA

Similar to Jaylon Smith, Myles Jack embodies the new-age linebacker. Athleticism, speed, size and versatility are the huge selling points for Jack. He’s able to play all over the field and be a defensive chess piece.

At 6’1”, 232 pounds, Jack doesn’t have elite length to work with, so he’s a more natural outside linebacker. But what he showed at UCLA is not typical of your average outside linebacker. He spent entire games covering opposing slot receivers and doing a great job of mirroring them.

When Jack is in coverage, he shows more fluid hips than most safeties have. He’s so smart and aware of his body movement skills that he’s a confident playmaker in space. Those skills are highly atypical.

Inside the box, Jack is a good but not great run defender. He’s a little slow to read plays and must recognize what the linemen are doing for him to maximize his reaction time. Experience should continue to help his development here.

Whoever takes Jack must be willing to move him around play to his many strengths. He’s not just going to be a traditional outside linebacker on every play, although he could be successful in that role. His best fits include Miami, Oakland, New Orleans and San Diego.


Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

The 6’5”, 315-pound left tackle from Notre Dame is the second-best tackle prospect in the 2016 NFL draft, should he declare. As a junior, Stanley has been solid but not spectacular. He’s a smooth and athletic blocker with room for improvement.

If it weren’t for Tunsil’s masterful play this season, Stanley wouldn’t hear quite as much criticism. The concerns for Stanley are legitimate, though, even if he is a big-time prospect. He’s on par with Jake Matthews from the 2014 NFL draft.

The big selling point for Stanley is how he’s able to react as a pass-blocker. He is patient in his kick slide and has the athleticism needed to shield off blockers. It’s hard to beat him around the edge, although he is vulnerable on the occasional inside-out speed move if the rusher has enough burst. Not many do, but the NFL will feature more than what Stanley has been tested with.

He is also an above-average run-blocker. He gets to the second level wonderfully and landmarks well. He has the ability to work laterally as well as downhill, which keeps him versatile scheme-wise.

The concern with Stanley is how grabby he can be at times. His hand strength presents as a small issue in the running game more than in the passing game. He’ll lose his grip on his man as he tries to drive downfield, which could be a physicality or strength issue.

Overall, Stanley is another great tackle prospect. He’d be a perfect fit for Kansas City, Tampa Bay and the New York Jets.
 
Tunsil is a waist bender man. Gotta be careful with those types.


For now my top 2:
1. Joey
2. Jonathan Bullard
 
Tunsil is a waist bender man. Gotta be careful with those types.


For now my top 2:
1. Joey
2. Jonathan Bullard

Do you see Bullard as a DE or moving inside?

Love VH3, he has had some struggles this year. I think Tabor is just as good as him.
 
I see a ton of scouts questioning goff's arm strength.. Going to town on dude
 
Bullard's gonna be a swing guy IMO. Like Mike Bennett. Play some inside, play some outside.

Unless ppl think he'd be best used as a pure penetrator like Aaron Donald
 
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Adam SchefterVerified account
‏@AdamSchefter
For first time this spring, NFL expected to allow teams to begin trading compensatory draft picks, per NFL sources. Should be more trades.

:wow: :pimp:
 
Bucky Hodges is a ******* matchup nightmare. Wonder if he'll declare after this season?

Gotta think his NFL prospects are better than Greg Boone's at least :lol: :lol:

Honestly I think he could go in the 2nd-3rd based on potential, but he could stand to be more consistent in a lot of ways (namely catching with his hands rather than his body and adjusting to the ball in the air).

If I were him I'd wait to see who VT hires. Despite his inconsistency this year, he was also hampered by a bad OC and playing with a horrible qb who couldn't get him the ball when he was open for most of the year. If VT hired Chad Morris or another coach with a good offensive pedigree, he could feast next year and really raise his stock.

I know he was set on declaring before the year started as long as he had a year on par with last year, so I'd bet he's gone.
 
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