2016 NFL Mock Draft

By: Ozair Hussain & Nicolas Lancaster

With the 2016 NFL Draft looming closer, we have decided to create our own Mock Draft detailing teams picking in the top 10 as well as Washington, who are picking #21 overall. We made the following selections based off of team needs and players available at respective positions. We assume there are no trades in the 1st round.

1. Los Angeles Rams: QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State

Wentz, hailing from the FCS, lacks the experience of facing competitive teams and defenses. However, he has the arm strength, decision-making, and prototypical size to become a franchise QB.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (Via trade with Cleveland Browns): QB Jared Goff, California

Goff is the most NFL-ready QB, hailing from the Pac-12, due to his accuracy, arm strength, and pocket awareness. He faced elite defenses throughout his collegiate career and can handle the defenses that reign in the NFC East.

3. San Diego Chargers: S Jalen Ramsey, Florida State

Ramsey is the best overall prospect in the Draft. He has the versatility to place both CB and S which is a needed in today’s NFL.

4. Dallas Cowboys: DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State

Bosa is considered one of the safest picks in the Draft due to his ability to play both the run and the pass. He has a high motor and is a versatile defender, capable of moving all around the defensive line.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon

Buckner is the most versatile and athletic DE in the Draft. He will immediately make an impact on the Jaguars defense. He will combine with Dante Fowler Jr to give the Jaguars a boost upfront on their defensive line.

6. Baltimore Ravens: OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame

Stanley is the best T in the Draft because of his ability to both pass block and run block consistently. The offensive scheme he played in is also similar to Baltimore’s ground and pound scheme which is plus.

7. San Francisco 49ers: OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss

Tunsil is the most athletic T in the Draft resulting from his ability to protect QB Chad Kelly, a scrambler, throughout the year. He is a perfect fit for Chip Kelly’s spread offense that revolves around movement in and out of the pocket.

8. Cleveland Browns (Via trade with Philadelphia Eagles): RB Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State

Elliot is the top RB in the Draft because of his ability to be a 3 down back. He can run the ball, catch the ball, and, more importantly, pass block.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

Vernon is the best overall CB in the Draft, despite his size, due to his knack for finding the ball and his tackling. He can immediately help the Buccaneers defense in a division with QB’s Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Drew Brees.

10. New York Giants: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson

Lawson will have an immense impact on the Giants front seven because of his versatility to play standing up and with his hand on the ground. He will be able to join DE’s JPP and Oliver Vernon to make a formidable front seven.

21. Washington: DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama

Robinson has the ability to play all four positions on the defensive line and can take up multiple blockers at a time. It is important to note that he was played on a defense filled with four projected 1st rounders.

Note: Washington recently signed CB Josh Norman to a five year contract in Free Agency. We don’t think the signing will deter them from selecting a defensive player. It is also important to note that since we don’t have picks #11-#20 in this Mock, we aren’t sure if DT A’Shawn Robinson will be available.