We are in full swing when it comes to the NFL Draft. The rookie combine is behind us. Some players improved their stock while others regressed. The normal New York location is abandoned again this year in lieu of the Windy City.
Every team has a need yet some are greater and farther reaching than others. In fact, teams at the top of the draft have the flexibility to take numerous players at numerous positions because one player does not solve it all. Some teams will look to fill specific needs while other will take the “best player available” philosophy. I am not here to argue which is right or wrong but rather to look at the draft and how it could break down.
My first mock of the year was pre-combine and you can find that by reading the 2016 NFL Mock Draft Pre-Combine 1st Round Analysis . But now that the combine is in our rear view mirrors and some team salary cutting moves like Arian Foster are made public, and the signing of Sam Bradford to an extension by the Eagles it is time to revisit the mock draft. Let’s get right into the 2016 NFL Post Combine Mock Draft. Let me know in the comments section about the predictions in the 2016 NFL Post Combine Mock Draft: Goff Top-10, Wentz To Rams, Lynch Falls.
Note: The Patriots forfeited their first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fell out of Round 1
Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
2016 NFL Draft
Dates – Thursday, 28 April – Saturday, 30 April
City – Chicago
Location – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
TEAM | PLAYER | COLLEGE | POSITION | |
PICK NUMBER 1 | ![]() | Laremy Tunsil | Ole Miss | OT |
Update Post-Combine: There is no reason to change this pick. Combine just confirms it. Original: He is the best offensive tackle in the draft and that is a NEED for the Titans without question. They must protect Marcus Mariota and there is no reason for them to go in any other direction unless they get a trade offer that drops them down and still keeps Ronnie Stanley in the window. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 2 | ![]() | DeForest Buckner | Oregon | DE/DT |
Update Post-Combine: Validated the pick here. Makes even more sense than before. Original: I know that the Browns need a QB but they need def front help as well. I hold firm, despite what others say, that this is too early for a QB and they can get that quality with their first pick in the second round. Buckner is a lock to hold the position and is a safer pick. Bosa has some issues and I do not think the Browns want to touch that right now. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 3 | ![]() | Jalen Ramsey | Florida State | S/CB |
Update Post-Combine: He is arguably the best player in the draft and backed it up. Original: He is the premier defensive back in the draft while not a pure corner. He is listed a corner but could very well play safety instead. The Chargers have a huge need in their secondary and to expect them to go in any other direction with this pick is just foolish. There is a small chance they go with Bosa here but I think the overall upside lands Ramsey in San Diego. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 4 | ![]() | Myles Jack | UCLA | LB |
Update Post-Combine: Dallas woul still be foolish not to pull the trigger. They are in win now mode and Jack helps that cause. Original: I heard rumbling about taking the eventual successor for Tony Romo with this pick but Jerry Jones believes he can win now. To solidify that, they need a quality linebacker with the possible loss of McLain to free agency. This just makes sense so expect the Cowboys to draft a kicker instead:) | ||||
PICK NUMBER 5 | ![]() | Joey Bosa | Ohio State | DE/DT |
Update Post-Combine: Despite popular belief, it is the 10 and 20 yard times that matter more than the 40 for a DE. He is plenty explosive enough. Original: Even with concerns, the Jaguars will not pass on a position of need and a player that was expected to be a top pick if he falls to five. Dominance should not be expected but he will be a quality starter and the Jags need that in the worst way. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 6 | ![]() | Ronnie Stanley | Notre Dame | OT |
Update Post-Combine: No change Original: The Ravens will be waiting to see if Bosa falls to them since Ozzie does not mind character issues but with the him gone and Stanley there to fill a need on the offensive line, the Ravens take him with a smile and do not blink in doing it. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 7 | ![]() | Jared Goff | California | QB |
Update Post-Combine: Even more sure than before that Kelly has the trigger pulled on HIS franchise QB here. Original: The first QB comes off the board here and there is no way mad scientist is going to pass on the opportunity to get a mobile (not runner) passer who can make all the throws for a Chip Kelly system. Kap's days are numbered. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 8 | ![]() | Vernon Hargreaves | Florida | CB |
Update Post-Combine: No change Original: There is debate into his stock but the reality is, from a purity perspective, he is the top corner in the draft. The Dolphins need help desperately in the secondary and it starts with the number eight pick in this years draft. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 9 | ![]() | Mackensie Alexander | Clemson | CB |
Update Post-Combine: Still the player they need even if not best available. Original: Many will say that the main need in Tampa is pass rush especially with Superman in the division but given who is already off the board and the concerns around Spence, I can see the Bucs shoring up a secondary that needs help. Alexander looks to be the real deal but there are limits to assessment since teams avoided him. He can be a top-5 corner at the next level with all his tools. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 10 | ![]() | Shaq Lawson | Clemson | DE |
Update Post-Combine: Elliott is becoming a real possibility here with the way Spence does not appear to realize his issues but for now I am sticking with position and the rise of Shaq Lawson moves him to NY and drop Spence from the top-10. Original: The Giants defense had NO pass rush and for Spags defensive schemes to work he needs one. JPP came back but we will see and they need another. Even though there are concerns about character, Spence is a pure pass rushing talent and the Giants cannot pass on him. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 11 | ![]() | Darron Lee | Ohio State | LB |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: The Bears need help at linebacker, some other positions as well, but the versatility of a player that can play both inside and outside is vital in the Chicago system. They could address other needs but I expect Lee to be taken. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 12 | ![]() | A'Shawn Robinson | Alabama | DE/DT |
Update Post-Combine: Spence is tempting with the fall but they take the lack of headaches. Original: True, the Saints secondary got torched last year. True, Robinson is really only an interior pass rusher. Good thing for the Saints they will get an interior pass rush that will take pressure off their secondary. See how that worked out. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 13 | ![]() | Laquon Treadwell | Ole Miss | WR |
Update Post-Combine: The Bradford extension tells me a QB could be in round two or three with Cook. They need to add outside of Mathews and Treadwell is that guy. Original: Doug Pederson who looks to make his mark and looks for his guy. Sam Bradford is okay but brittle and will cost them some real coin to keep. Mark Sanchez could serve as the transition guy to Lynch who really does have all the tools to be an effective NFL starter with upside | ||||
PICK NUMBER 14 | ![]() | Jack Conklin | Michigan State | G/T |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: It might not be a flashy pick and yes they have needs in the secondary but with Conklin on the board they jump at the chance to protect Derek Carr going forward since he is the franchise QB. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 15 | ![]() | Carson Wentz | North Dakota State | QB |
Update Post-Combine: No franchise QB on the roster and Wentz impressing, the Rams take a gamble to replace Foles. Original: And the first WR comes off the board. Nick Foles might not be the long term answer but regardless of who is under center, it is painfully obvious that there is Tavon Austin and no other receiving playmaker. They need to fix that. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 16 | ![]() | Noah Spence | Eastern Kentucky | OLB/DE |
Update Post-Combine: Attitude is no concern in Detroit and they want talent. Spence falls and not past Detroit. Original: Did anyone else notice how bad the middle of the defensive front was last year after the Lions free agency losses. Billings can start from day one and will be a difference maker for years. Just makes sense. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 17 | ![]() | Leonard Floyd | Georgia | OLB |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: The Falcons need pass rush help and they need it bad. Floyd can be dropped right in and depending scheme he can play OLB or even DE in the league. The speed, power and flexibility make the Falcons a logical landing spot for the talented youngster. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 18 | ![]() | Reggie Ragland | Alabama | ILB |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: Clearly the Colts need help on the offensive line but in this spot, and with the top tier of OL gone, the Colts could choose ILB to help fill a void that was arguably as bad as there OL last season. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 19 | ![]() | Sheldon Rankins | Louisville | DT |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: It might seem like an odd selection but depth up front makes sense especially when one of your key pieces is closer to 35 than 30. Given the talent left on the board at this time expect Ryan and crew to make the safe pick in Rd 1. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 20 | ![]() | Hunter Henry | Arkansas | TE |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: Some would consider it a stretch but the Jets need more weapons and Henry is the real deal. He can pass and run block, run routes, make tough catches, and does not shy from contact. His hands are sure and Fitzpatrick would love another weapon besides Marshall. Henry is far and away the best TE in the draft. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 21 | ![]() | Andrew Billings | Baylor | DT |
Update Post-Combine: The Skins rush to the mic with Billings still on the board. Previous expectation was he would be gone by now. Original: Washington will continue to work the trenches and take the talent of Nkemdiche despite the off the field issues. Shoring up and adding depth on the defensive line is a priority. I could see a stretch OT in this spot as well. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 22 | ![]() | Ezekiel Elliot | Ohio State | RB |
Update Post-Combine: They make pull the trigger on QB but something still tells me they need to replace Foster and O'Brien has his fourth sites on Hack. Original: They could go quarterback here but I believe they feel good enough about Hoyer that they will focus on need. Foster is getting long in the tooth and cannot stay on the field. Elliot is solid and should produce at the next level. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 23 | ![]() | Corey Coleman | Baylor | WR |
Update: No change. Original: The could go with line help for Bridgewater but with the bust that was Mike Wallace, they might go skill opposite Diggs. Coleman can stretch the field and is a safe pick that should no blow up in their face. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 24 | ![]() | Jaylon Smith | Notre Dame | LB |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: It is hard to say there is a position of "need" here. They could use help on the D-Line, in the secondary, and WR but they get the opportunity to take a top-10 talent returning from injury with a mid-20s pick. The sheer upside is hard to pass up. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 25 | ![]() | Eli Apple | Ohio State | CB |
Update Post-Combine: The pure athlete suplants Fuller as the Steelers choice. Same position of need but better upsiide. Original: A talented corner to fill a need position in Pittsburgh. The move should allow the hard hitting Mike Mitchell to stay in the box more. Injury is a concern with Fuller but not enough see him go past this spot. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 26 | ![]() | Taylor Decker | Ohio State | OT |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: Was it just me or did we watch Russell Wilson run for his life form snap to snap and not because he was trying to fool defenses. The loss on the O-Line via trade last year really hurt them. Decker is a solid run blocker as well. Its not sexy but makes sense. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 27 | ![]() | Scooby Wright III | Arizona | ILB |
Update Post-Combine: Others disagree but he is still the smartest system based pick here. Original: Arguably a reach but will come off the board before they pick the next day. The reality is that Clay Mathews is very versatile but cannot do it alone. Wright is not over the top athletic but has a very high motor, great timing, and works his but off. Some work is needed but should complement the LB corps in Green Bay. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 28 | ![]() | Robert Nkemdiche | Mississippi | DT |
Update Post-Combine: They were going a different player but with RN availble they just can't pass him up and he will be a difference makers out of the gates. Original: He is a hoss that will help move the middle. The Chiefs can use some help in the middle especially considering possible free agency changes. Should have been top-20 and the Chiefs are happy to get him at 28. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 29 | ![]() | Emmanuel Ogbah | Oklahoma State | DE/DT |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: The Cardinals are very solid on the offensive side of the ball and their current ends are not getting any younger. Ogbah is a bit raw but they have the luxury of a little time to develop a player that has the tools to become elite. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 30 | ![]() | Jason Spriggs | Indiana | OT |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: The Super Bowl showed that Pher and Remmers are not long term answers and Superman needs a little blocking up front against elite defenses. The elaborate schemes the Panthers use will call for lineman that can play either side and slide as required more so than other teams. Spriggs is that guy and a logical pick for last seasons runner-up. | ||||
PICK NUMBER 31 | ![]() | Adolphus Washington | Ohio State | DE |
Update Post-Combine: No change. Original: They have a solid veteran presence to help with any character issues. Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson are studs already but it should not shock if the price is to high on the latter in free agency. To fill the void they take the talented Washington and expect him to start. No pressure young buck. |
4 Comments
Packers GM
March 21, 2016 at 4:49 amScooby Wright isn’t close to being a first round prospect. With Raji retired and Pennel going on suspension, the Packers will most likely go with a NT in the first round. But, since Guion can play NT, they could still go with a DE in the first round… DT Kenny Clark or DE Jonathan Bullard would be nice to get.
Adam
March 20, 2016 at 9:54 pmGuys, this draft was published before free agency, see date published. A new one does not come out until 1 April.
Bondview, so yes I know. Right? Lol
Michael,
That will be reflected on the 1 April edition
Normal flow is one pre-combine, one post-combine, one on 1 April after free agency settles down. I do not believe in updating every day.
Thanks.
bondview
March 17, 2016 at 6:58 amYOU do know – right? – that the Dolphins and Eagles traded picks a week agon? Right? That the Eagles no have pick 8? Right? And the Dolphins hae pick 13? Right?
Michael
March 17, 2016 at 5:46 amNeed to update your team needs for the Bears just signed two good ILB’s absolutely no need for another in the 1st. Robinson, Rankins or Wentz in my opinion.