2016 NFL Mock Draft

Yes, 2015’s first round just completed but you know this site isn’t called the MockDraftHQ for nothing! I have already taken a glance at the top prospects for 2016 and decided to put together a quick first round 2016 Mock NFL Draft. Now remember this is a year in advance and a lot is going to change between now and then but it’s always fun to project.

Please take a minute to check it out.

My super duper early picks below (FINAL UPDATE 4/28/16):

1. Rams: Jared Goff QB California

LA Rams turn to Jared Goff with the #1 overall pick. There is no other option. This franchise cannot afford to give the keys to Case Keenum at this point. Goff is a more tangible product than Wentz and that’s why he is #1 in this projection. Either you’re drafting a guy from NDSU #1 overall off a good Senior Bowl and potential, or you’re going with the guy who’s played in the big moments right there in California. This team can compete if they just get the quarterback position figured out and that is exactly why they made the trade to move up and secure Goff.

2. Eagles: Carson Wentz QB North Dakota

The Eagles gave up five picks to grab the QB of the future. If all pans out well, in three years Bradford and Daniel will be off the books and the team will be left to Carson Wentz. This pick is strictly a play for the future when you look at this division. In three years Romo, Manning, and Cousins could all be retired or on other teams.

3. Chargers: Jalen Ramsey S Florida State

Wth Eric Weddle in Baltimore, a safety spot just opened up. Many think the broad jumper is the best player in this draft so getting him and filling a need makes sense. I’ll roll with this pick for now.

4. Cowboys: Joey Bosa DE Ohio State

The Cowboys want Jalen Ramsey but they can’t get him in this scenario. Word is that Jerry Jones is not high on Bosa but Myles Jack is allegedly on the sub board so they will pass there. Jerry may not be totally enamored with Bosa but in previous years his temperament has been for the trenches and this defense needs all the help it can get in the front seven. Randy Gregory is suspended and Greg Hardy is looking for a new team to play on in 2017.

5. Jaguars: Myles Jack OLB UCLA

The Jaguars have overpaid to stock this team with talent but still cannot stop anyone. Malik Jackson was a start. Dante Fowler is coming off an ACL. Jack will help give this front seven a sideline-to-sideline enforcer as they go up against Mariota and Luck twice a year.

6. Ravens: Laremy Tunsil OT Ole Miss

The Ravens need a corner and a wide receiver. Something tells me they will double down on the Breshad Perriman bet and hope Mike Wallace catches those deep passes from Flacco. So that means you turn elsewhere. Buckner is there but the value is in the #1 player on the board still available. Tunsil it is.

7. 49ers: DeForest Buckner DE Oregon

The Kaepernick era may not be over quite yet. Chip Kelly is the new coach and will have to make the decision will be between Blaine Gabbert, Kaep, and whoever else he decides to bring in. This defense has felt the huge losses of Justin and Aldon Smith and needs a boost. Last season they went to Oregon and grabbed Arik Armstead so why not grab his running mate DeForest Buckner? It doesn’t hurt that the coach is Mr. Oregon himself.

8. Browns: Ronnie Stanley OT Notre Dame

The Browns got five picks to trade down and basically opt out on making a decision to potentially pass on Carson Wentz. They got the enigmatic Robert Griffin III, but let’s be serious the Browns have a lot of work to do around him. Teams are built in the trenches and the Browns now have almost three drafts worth of picks in the next two drafts. They need to start hitting on solid players and need to do it now.

9. Buccaneers: Leonard Floyd OLB Georgia

What? Surprise, surprise. Tampa is going to be the team that pulls the trigger on Leonard Floyd who is flying up draft boards. He’s been pretty solid with 5-6 sacks a year but the stats don’t tell the story on his field presence.

10. Giants: Eli Apple CB Ohio State

I know they just paid Janoris Jenkins but CB is still a sore spot here. VHIII is a great player but something tells me Eli Apple is going to be that guy that gets picked in the top 10 for whatever reason this year. Apple passes the “eye test” and looks the part of shutdown corner at close to 6’2. Corner is still going to be an issue for the Giants as well so you may as well address it with one of the best picks you’ll have a chance to draft at for a long time.

11. Bears: Emmanuel Ogbah DE Oklahoma State

The Bears need to build a new offense but something tells me they will go for reinforcements on defense. Remember this team lost several games by less than 7 points.

12. Saints: A’Shawn Robinson DT Alabama

The Saints can go multiple directions with this pick, but ultimately it comes down to strengthening up the trenches. Kevin Williams is not your longterm solution.

13. Dolphins: Ezekiel Elliott RB Ohio State

No Lamar Miller, no Knowshon Moreno. Who is going to run the rock next season in Miami?! Miami is apparently super interested in Elliot per his own words. Do not be surprised if the Fins move up to the 7th or 8th pick.

14. Raiders: Vernon Hargreaves III CB Florida

Look who falls to the Raiders. VHIII is the best corner in this class but size and injury concerns are going to hurt him in a 1-on-1 evaluation vs. the near 6’2 Eli Apple.

15. Titans: Jack Conklin OT Michigan State

Remember, the Titans used just about every draft pick last year on offense. That same offense amounted to a 2-14 record and a hurt Marcus Mariota. Very rarely does a 2-14 team get the opportunity to trade down and still grab a premium player at a position of need.