Wednesday, April 27, 2016

NFL Mock Draft 2016: Edition 5.1 (Second Round, Final Edition)

Derrick Henry to Dallas
32. Cleveland Browns Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
There is a very real chance that Josh Gordon may never play in a Cleveland Browns uniform and even if he does, the Browns could use some weapons around him, considering Dwayne Bowe was released and Travis Benjamin left. If Cleveland really wants their quarterbacks to succeed they need more help, and Fuller is probably the best receiver still available.
First-Round Selection: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
33. Tennessee Titans Artie Burns, DB, Miami
If the Titans had kept their No. 1 overall pick, there is a real chance they could have taken Jalen Ramsey. He is extremely talented, and the Titans' secondary has been a mess for a long time now. Artie Burns has been shooting up boards, as his athleticism and playmaking ability will help a number of teams. He isn't Ramsey, but he could be a solid defender for years to come in Tennessee.
First-Round Selection: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
34. Dallas Cowboys Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Darren McFadden was a pleasant surprise last season after taking over the running back job from Joseph Randle, but the former first-round pick has been constantly injured and is not a long term answer. If the Cowboys pass on Zeke Elliott at No. 4, they could snag Derrick Henry in Round 2, a beast who could take the pressure off of Tony Romo.
First-Round Selection: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
35. San Diego Chargers Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA
The Chargers already fixed their offensive line woes in the first round, and they should continue to fortify the trenches as the draft continues. Clark is a first-round prospect; he plays with a high motor and has the versatility to make plays all along the defensive line.
First-Round Selection: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
36. Baltimore Ravens Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
The Ravens may have Eugene Monroe, a high quality tackle, but the veteran has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and it is likely Baltimore looks for his replacement in this draft. Spriggs doesn't have the highest ceiling of the tackles in this draft, but has great size and was extremely productive throughout his time at Indiana.
First-Round Selection: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
37. San Francisco 49ers Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
With Connor Cook still on the board here, there is a possibility San Francisco could look for Colin Kaepernick's replacement here, considering they likely won't have a chance at Wentz or Goff at No. 7. However, as long as Kap is still on their roster, I have a hard time imagining they stretch for a QB with all their deficiencies, which continue at receiver, making Thomas the pick.
First-Round Selection: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
38. Jacksonville Jaguars Jonathan Bullard, DL, Florida
The Jaguars will get Dante Fowler back next year, and will also pay big money to former Denver Bronco Malik Jackson to improve their defensive line, but it is still a work in progress. Jacksonville could use another developmental prospect, and Bullard would work. He may not be flashy, but the former Florida Gator is a great run defender and can play inside or out.
First-Round Selection: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Emmanuel Ogbah, DL, Oklahoma State
Outside of Gerald McCoy, the Buccaneers lack any form of pass rush, and they've already solved their secondary issues by grabbing Vernon Hargreaves III in Round One. Ogbah has the talent and pass rushing prowess to go in the first round but the vast abundance of pass rushers in this draft could help him drop a little.
First-Round Selection: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
40. New York Giants Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
The safety position for the Giants is a serious problem right now, as there are very few quality options around at the spot, and no answers at No. 10. Bell is gifted with excellent range and closing speed, and he would be a great pickup for New York here.
First-Round Selection: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
41. Chicago Bears Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Already snatching up Leonard Floyd in the first round, expect Chicago to continue to retool their defense, which has been a major problem over the past few years. Kendall Fuller was terrific in his tenure with Virginia Tech, and Chicago could use his shutdown ability.
First-Round Selection: Leonard Floyd, DE/LB, Georgia
42. Miami Dolphins Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
Ever since the Jonathan Martin scandal that led to Richie Incognito's departure from Miami, the Dolphins offensive line has had their issues. They snagged Ezekiel Elliott in the first round, and taking a quality guard could only help their future back continue to improve. Whitehair is as well-rounded a prospect as you can find, and he could immediately upgrade the 'Fins' O-Line.
First-Round Selection: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
43. Tennessee Titans Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
The Titans selected Dorial Green-Beckham in the second round last season and he showed plenty of promise in his rookie season. However, they lack anybody beyond him, as Kendall Wright has been a major disappointment throughout his career. Boyd offers great size and was a proven playmaker throughout his time with Pitt.
First-Round Selection: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
44. Oakland Raiders Keanu Neal, S, Florida
The Raiders have retooled their secondary this offseason, and are already taking Houston stud William Jackson III, a cornerback, in the first round. They could look to further upgrade their secondary by selecting the hard-hitting Neal out of Florida. His great size and closing speed could help him by the starting safety next to Reggie Nelson in back.
First-Round Selection: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
45. Tennessee Titans Kamalei Correa, DE/LB, Boise State
With their fourth selection in the first 50 picks, expect Tennessee to work on their pass rush, which lacks much ferocity. Correa was a dominant pass rusher in his time with Boise State but unimpressive showings at the Combine and Pro Day have restricted him from going in the first round. If he slips, the Titans would be eager to add an edge pass rusher with his skill set.
First-Round Selection: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
46. Detroit Lions Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
The Lions have some glaring holes throughout their roster, which includes the offensive line, which I don't have them addressing in the first round. While the top talents at offensive tackle may be off the board, Shon Coleman has the potential to be a steal in the mid-second round. He has excellent size and footwork and has only gotten better in his time with Auburn.
First-Round Selection: Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
47. New Orleans Saints Kentrell Brothers, LB, Missouri
Even with adding dynamic Sheldon Rankins in Round 1, New Orleans very well could continue to work on their front seven, considering how terrible it has been over the past few years. Kentrell Brothers isn't an overwhelming NFL prospect but was a tackling machine at Missouri and would immediately upgrade the Saints' rush defense.
First-Round Selection: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
48. Indianapolis Colts Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
There is a very real chance Andrew Billings could go in the first round, maybe even in the Top 20. With that being said, he has enough weaknesses in his game that he could drop, considering the wide range of defensive linemen available early on. Indianapolis needs to upgrade the trenches and selecting a 315-pounder would help.
First-Round Selection: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
49. Buffalo Bills Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Buffalo is just one of many teams that appear to be in play for Paxton Lynch in the first round. However, they do have holes in their front seven and Rex Ryan loves drafting defenders. If they wait and Cook drops (he could go anywhere from mid-first to third round) the Bills should snatch him up. With solid Tyrod Taylor there, it would allow Cook to learn the ropes for a year or two.
First-Round Selection: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
50. Atlanta Falcons Jalen Mills, DB, LSU
The Falcons' secondary is downright mediocre, and the safety position isn't supremely talented. Already upgrading their front seven earlier, expect Atlanta to snatch up a defensive back here, and Mills would be a good fit. The LSU product has undeniable talent but is still working out a position and has to improve in man coverage.
First-Round Selection: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
51. New York Jets Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Although New York just invested a second round pick in fellow tight end Jace Amaro in the 2014 NFL Draft, it is isn't crazy to think they might select Henry, by far and away the best tight end in this draft, here. First, Amaro has been injured and ineffective when he has played, and the Jets need another weapon in the passing game, for whoever ends up being their QB. Henry also adds a more established blocker than Amaro.
First-Round Selection: Noah Spence, DE/LB, Eastern Kentucky
52. Houston Texans Ryan Kelly, OL, Alabama
The Texans' offensive line took a hit this offseason, particularly with center Ben Jones leaving town. The good news is that Ryan Kelly, easily the best natural center in this draft, could drop here. Although Kelly is mocked as high as the first round in many mocks, centers aren't exactly a flashy pick. Already adding another weapon, this makes a lot of sense for Houston.
First-Round Selection: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
53. Washington Redskins Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
Thompson was once viewed as a possible first-round pick before a weak Combine really hurt his stock. He wasn't 100 percent at that Combine, though, and workouts don't determine just how talented Thompson is. He would be a major help for a Washington team that has been weak at safety for awhile.
First-Round Selection: A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
54. Minnesota Vikings Su'a Cravens, S/LB, USC
While a number of players are shooting up draft boards, Cravens joins a long list of players who are trending in the opposite direction due to poor workouts/interviews (he was once my Vikings first round pick). Minnesota would snatch up the extreme versatile USC product, as their safety position beyond Harrison Smith is unclear and they could use another linebacker.
First-Round Selection: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
55. Cincinnati Bengals Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Geno Atkins has shown he has Pro Bowl ability, but he hasn't lived up to the hype at defensive tackle over the past few years. Chris Jones has the talent to go way higher, so the Bengals would not question selecting the Mississippi State linemen here.
First-Round Selection: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
56. Seattle Seahawks Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
Few prospects in this draft are as interesting as Robert Nkemdiche. He has Top 10-quality talent but he never really produced up to his skill set at Ole Miss. Character concerns have the chance to drop him quite a bit (much like Randy Gregory last year), but he would be a great pickup at this spot for Seattle, who could use some more defensive line help.
First-Round Selection: Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M
57. Green Bay Packers Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State
The Packers already upgraded their front seven in the first round by adding defensive tackle Vernon Butler. They should continue to upgrade their pass rush by selecting Perry, who was solid throughout his time with Ohio State. He isn't an overwhelming talented prospect, but he has a great mind and feel for the game and he would help at outside linebacker.
First-Round Selection: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
58. Pittsburgh Steelers Carl Nassib, DL, Penn State
After adding Mackensie Alexander at 25 (a significant steal), the Steelers should continue to retool their vaunted "Iron Curtain" defense. Carl Nassib is not explosive, but he improved in a big way at Penn State and proved it by racking up sacks this past season. He would be a welcome addition to Pittsburgh's defensive line.
First-Round Selection: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
59. Kansas City Chiefs Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
The Chiefs' offense took major steps this past season with the addition of speedster Jeremy Maclin, but they still lack much weapons beyond the receiver. Selecting Miller, who has only spent one season at receiver, is slightly a risk but he has one of the highest ceilings of any wide out in the entire draft.
First-Round Selection: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
60. New England Patriots Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
While former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler continues to make strides, New England is very weak at cornerback, and they don't have a first round pick to solve the issue. Xavien Howard is a very talented prospect who has solid size and has the potential to grow into a shutdown corner.
First-Round Selection: None (Deflategate)
61. New England Patriots Le'Raven Clark, OL, Texas Tech
The Patriots' offensive line has been solid for years, but it is aging and could use some more depth. Clark is blessed with outstanding size and strength, but injuries and poor footwork could drop him slightly. His versatility is also extremely valuable, as he can play every position on the offensive line except center.
First-Round Selection: None (Deflategate)
62. Carolina Panthers Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
It is understandable why the Panthers did not opt to bring back Pro-Bowl cornerback Josh Norman, but that doesn't mean they won't miss him. Robinson had his fair share of ups-and-downs with LSU, but he has the talent to go even higher, and appears to be the best cornerback on the board here.
First-Round Selection: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
63. Denver Broncos Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
The Broncos have two of the better receivers in the NFL in speedy Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas, but beyond that they are pretty weak. Cody Latimer continues to disappoint and if they do draft Paxton Lynch in the first round, they will looking for as much weapons surrounding him as possible.
First-Round Selection: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

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