Saturday, May 2, 2015

2016 NFL Draft Big Board

Christian Hackenberg
The 2015 Draft process has been one full of storylines, crazy drops and quickly rising prospects, and some intriguing prospects who were involved with the risk of off-the-field concerns. But, it is reaching it's inevitable end. And, while the 2015 college football is still months away, it is never too early to think about which prospects could be picked up near the top of the 2016 Draft. Here are ten that are certain to top many team's draft boards when it is all said and done:

1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State -- Bosa was absolutely dominant in his sophomore season for Ohio State in 2014, and he will most likely enter 2015 as the top prospect on many team's boards. The defensive end has great quickness to the ball, the power and size to be a truly dominant pass rusher and can be a major help in run support.
2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss -- One of the big names of the important class for Ole Miss in the 2013 recruiting cycle, Tunsil is now eligible, and he will be the top offensive linemen prospect entering 2015-2016. Although durability questions have arose, following an injury in the Peach Bowl loss to TCU, Tunsil has NFL size, great footwork and a superb work ethic.
3. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State -- If Hackenberg would have entered the 2015 NFL Draft, there is a good chance he would have been a first-rounder. Fortunately for Penn State, the junior was not eligible for this past draft. Hackenberg slumped heavily towards the end of his sophomore campaign, but he has the size, arm strength and system to be a great NFL quarterback.
4. Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss -- The No. 1 prospect in the 2013 recruiting trail, where he joined Tunsil in Oxford, Nkemdiche has been solid in his first two years with the Rebels. Nkemdiche is a superb athlete with the excellent versatility to play a number of different roles in the front seven. He will certainly give a team a fantastic pass rusher with a higher ceiling than Bosa or many other in the 2016 Draft process.
5. Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida -- The defensive back class in 2015 was the weakest it has been in a long time, but the 2016 class is stocked with talent, starting with Florida product Hargreaves. The cornerback has a great NFL frame and is an absolute ball hawk.
6. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State --After a wonderful three game stretch that helped lead Ohio State to a National Title, Jones greatly considered going pro. But, he was still very raw and decided to stay at least one more year in Columbus. Jones has an absolute rocket of an arm and can make great plays with his legs, and he appears to the leader in Ohio State's stacked quarterback competition.
7. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State -- Ramsey was a Day One starter at Florida State at cornerback (the first since Deion Sanders), and he was spectacular throughout 2014. The versatile defensive back has the coverage abilities of a corner, but the aggressiveness and amazing range of a safety. Wherever he lines up, Ramsey will find a way to impact the game.
8. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss -- Yet another member of Ole Miss' 2013 recruiting class, Treadwell has been one of the SEC's top receivers in his two seasons inside the conference. The junior has NFL size, soft hands and absolute crazy explosiveness. His scary leg injury in last year's loss to Auburn was worrying, but he should be ready to go for a big chunk of 2015 and should put together a big year.
9. A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama -- Despite his over 330 pound body, Robinson has shown amazing versatility and solid athleticism in his short time in Tuscaloosca. The junior can play inside at tackle or on the perimeter, being a factor as a defensive end. He should be absolutely dominant in what will likely be his final season with the Tide, who obviously churn out NFL studs every single year.
10. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State -- Even with how stacked this next year's Ohio State team should be, "Zeke" Elliott may be the top player on the Buckeyes, and will begin the year near the top on many Heisman lists. Elliott has great burst and speed, but has also shown pretty good power and the ability to make plays as a receiver out of the backfield.

Other Players to Watch
Leonard Floyd, DE/LB, Georgia
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Shilique Calhoun, DE/LB, Michigan State
Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor
Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona
Vadal Alexander, OL, LSU

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