2016 NFL Mock Draft

It is that time of year again! Daniel House unveils his 2016 NFL Mock Draft before the event begins in less than ten days. Who does he have your favorite team selecting?

Updated: April 16th, 2016 3:00pm

By: Daniel House

Here is my 2016 NFL Mock Draft: 

1. Los Angeles Rams- Jared Goff- QB - California
- The Rams gave up the entire farm to secure this pick and they know who they are selecting. There has been a mixed amount of reports about whether it will be Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. However, LA will choose the player that gives them the best chance to secure a franchise gunslinger. Goff is a complete quarterback who can develop into a future piece for the Rams.

2. Cleveland Browns- Carson Wentz- QB - North Dakota State
- The Browns are going to draft the quarterback that Hue Jackson can groom into his player for the future. Reports are that the Browns really like Wentz the most. In this situation, they'll easily select him with the second pick. Wentz has all the tangibles of a pro-style quarterback and the only question mark will be how he handles the transition to the next level out of a small-school program.

3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil- OT - Ole Miss
- The Chargers had a horrid offensive line last year and this pick is a huge upgrade for them. One could argue that Tunsil is the best overall prospect in this class. If there wasn't so much hype about the top quarterbacks, Tunsil might have been in the discussion at selection one. However, he can provide the Chargers with an immediate upgrade in both run blocking and pass protection.

4. Dallas Cowboys- Ezekiel Elliott- RB- Ohio State
- Many analysts don't believe the Cowboys would be willing to spend a high pick on a running back. I'm not buying it. If Dallas allows Elliot to slide past this spot, a division rival like the Giants or Eagles would snatch him. Elliot can give the Cowboys a blend of power and speed out of the backfield. He would have the chance to run behind a top-caliber offensive line too. Not to mention, this would be a huge way for Jerry Jones to sell more jerseys.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Bosa- DE- Ohio State
- The Jags might be wiser to choose Myles Jack for their scheme, but I can sense that injury concerns will cause a few teams to pass. Jacksonville hasn't had a consistent pass rush since head coach Gus Bradley joined the team. Bosa is a smooth pass rusher that brings power and speed to the table. He has the ability to change games with his playmaking ability -- something the Jags haven't had in an eternity.

6. Baltimore Ravens- Jalen Ramsey- DB- Florida State
- The Ravens had one of the worst defensive backfields in the league last season. Statistically they weren't the worst, but they gave up too many big plays. Jalen Ramsey is the best defensive back in this class and can play both safety and cornerback. His ball skills are phenomenal and he is great from sideline-to-sidline. The Ravens could definitely use a pass rusher, but Ramsey fills an area of need with the best player available philosophy in mind.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley- OT- Notre Dame
- The 49ers offensive line has really struggled since Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis exited. Now, with Alex Boone heading to Minnesota, they need to patch this hole. In an offensive system that relies on up-tempo movement, they need to have solid power blocking up front. Ronnie Stanley played in a system that will transition nicely to the NFL. He can pass protect really well and will significantly upgrade their offensive line.

8. Philadelphia Eagles- Vernon Hargreaves- CB- Florida 
- The Eagles really need to improve their defensive backfield. With Byron Maxwell's flop and Nolan Carroll's injury, they need to find another cornerback. In a draft that doesn't have a plethora of talent at this position, it makes sense for the Eagles to target Hargreaves here. Hargreaves is a smooth cover cornerback, but is slightly undersized. Nonetheless, his footwork and fluid movement will compensate for that deficiency.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Shaq Lawson- DE- Clemson
- Shaq Lawson is one of those players that will be a surprising selection inside the top-10. He has a big motor and so much raw athleticism/speed. He would be a solid complement to Gerald McCoy on the defensive line. Tampa Bay hasn't been consistently rushing the passer and Lawson is a talent that can play as their starting right defensive end immediately.

10. New York Giants- Jack Conklin- OT- Michigan State
- This would be a very safe and reliable selection for the New York Giants. Their offensive line was awful last year and they need to fix it quickly. Jack Conklin will be a steady starter in this league that can immediately start at tackle for the G-Men.

11. Chicago Bears- DeForest Buckner- DE- Oregon
- The Bears addressed linebacker and offensive line in the draft, which means a disruptive pass rusher is the next ingredient to the recipe. DeForest Buckner is a 6-foot-7, 291-pound freak that will cause havoc for opposing backfields. You couldn't find a much better fit for Vic Fangio's defense than Buckner.

12. New Orleans Saints- Myles Jack- LB- UCLA
- This is where the bottom will fall out for UCLA linebacker Myles Jack. With the injury concerns surrounding him, he'll take a small dive out of the top-10. However, I'm not concerned at all by Jack's injuries. He is a smooth, natural, and freakishly athletic player. Through my eyes, he has the potential to be the biggest prize in this draft class. The Saints need a linebacker to chase down running backs and cover tights. They can open up so many aspects of their defense by having Myles Jack land into their lap at #12.

13. Miami Dolphins- Eli Apple- CB- Ohio State
- The Dolphins desperately need defensive back help in this draft. I'm not sold that Byron Maxwell is the savior in this situation either. Miami practically ignored the idea of improving their secondary last offseason. It proved costly as opposing offenses shredded them all over the field. Eli Apple is a perfect scheme fit for Miami and is an instant upgrade for their secondary.

14. Oakland Raiders- Andrew Billings- DT- Baylor
- There are a few teams that are really falling in love with Andrew Billings. I'm willing to believe a team will select him in the top-15. Billings is extremely athletic for his size and is one of the best interior defensive lineman in this class. The Raiders need to continue building their defense and he's a talent they won't be able to pass up.

15. Tennessee Titans- Taylor Decker- OT- Ohio State
- Titans GM Jon Robinson is sipping martinis as he prepares for the NFL draft. He swindled the Rams and with all the extra resources at his disposal, the Titans can do some serious damage. Tennessee needs to improve their offensive line and by adding Taylor Decker, they secure one of the most pro-ready tackles in this class. By pairing Taylor Decker with Taylor Lewan, the Titans can improve their protection significantly.

16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed- DT- Alabama
- The Lions need a boost in the middle of their defense. They haven't been relevant in the middle since Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh departed. Jarran Reed is someone the Lions have really been eyeing during the draft process. Reed is a force in the middle that combines size, athleticism, and energy in the interior.

17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee- LB- Ohio State
- Many mocks have Darron Lee falling to the bottom of the first round, but I'm just not seeing it. Lee is an excellent fit for the Falcons. With all of his big-time athleticism and off-the-wall metrics, the Falcons aren't going to resist this temptation. He can do just about anything Dan Quinn has in mind on his defense.

18. Indianapolis Colts- Ryan Kelly- C- Alabama
- Unfortunately, Taylor Decker is off the board, which means the Colts will have to select the second best option. The Colts need to address their offensive line in this draft. Another season of Andrew Luck running for his life won't allow the Colts' offense to grow in any way. Ryan Kelly can be a fixture in the center of the offensive line for seasons to come.

19. Buffalo Bills- Reggie Ragland- LB- Alabama
- Reggie Ragland is a perfect fit for the Buffalo Bills' defense. He might not amaze anyone with his athleticism, but he can execute extremely well. Ragland is a reliable tackler who can create turnovers in a wide variety of ways. He is an excellent selection for the Bills with this pick.

20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch- QB- Memphis
- The Jets want another shot in the quarterback game show and Paxton Lynch will be about the twentieth contestant. The Jets did nothing at quarterback and that makes many think they want to address the position in the draft. Lynch isn't an immediate franchise player, but could develop into one over time. Keep in mind, patience would be needed if this selection is made.

21. Washington Redskins- Sheldon Rankins- DT- Louisville
- The Redskins need a disruptive interior defensive lineman to complement their outside rushers.  Rankins is an explosive player that can cause havoc in a wide variety of ways. This is a great selection at a position of need for the Redskins.

22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller- WR- Notre Dame
- The Texans need to add another explosive offensive player as a new toy for Brock Osweiler. Fuller ran a 4.32, 40-yard dash, at the combine and has the tape to show his superior athletic ability. He needs to improve as a route runner, but could have packages specifically designed for him in this system.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell- WR- Ole Miss
- The Vikings really need a game-changing wide receiver and drafting Laquon Treadwell would fill that void. Treadwell is a crafty route runner who knows how to high-point the football. His muddy combine and pro-day numbers raise concerns about his speed. However, he is so polished as a route runner and is easily the most refined prospect in this class. Not to mention, the upgrade he can provide in the red zone is exactly what the Vikings have been yearning for. If Treadwell is available, the Vikings will be upgrading their wide receiver situation in a hurry.

24. Cincinnati Bengals- Corey Coleman- WR- Baylor
- With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu out of the picture, the Bengals need to replace them with a crafty prospect like Corey Coleman. Coleman was one of the top performers in almost every drill at the combine. He has the metrics and game-changing ability the Bengals need in their offense.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Artie Burns- CB- Miami
- Artie Burns has some serious speed and tackling skills. He needs polishing as an overall cornerback. Nonetheless, he has all the tools and would be the perfect project for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

26. Seattle Seahawks- Emmanuel Ogbah- DE- Oklahoma State
- Emmanuel Ogbah is a raw player that has huge potential. He has a powerful rip and all the tangibles to be a very successful edge pass rusher. He can play defensive end or defensive tackle and could be a raw developmental project for the Seahawks.

27. Green Bay Packers- Vernon Butler- DT- Louisiana Tech
- Vernon Butler showed his skills during the Senior Bowl and caused many scouts to turn their heads. He is one of the quickest players you will find at a 325-pound frame. He is very light on his feet and has a solid swim move/rip. Butler nearly always wins with the first step and is a force when he's on the field. Butler needs more polishing overall, but he is extremely coachable. He has the length, size, and speed to be a pretty dominating player in this league. The Packers need to replace B.J. Raji and adding Vernon would be a good scheme fit.

28. Kansas City Chiefs- Kevin Dodd- DE- Clemson
- Kevin Dodd finished his senior season with at least one sack in each of his final five games. He has the size, length, and athleticism to be an effective edge rusher at the next level. The Chiefs are going to continue building their pass rush by adding one of the better pass rushers in a deep defensive line class.

29. Arizona Cardinals- Cody Whitehair- OG- Kansas State
- Cody Whitehair is the best guard prospect in this draft class. The Cardinals need to continue improving their offensive line and they could do that while adding one of the best offensive players still available at this selection.

30. Carolina Panthers- Mackensie Alexander- CB- Clemson
- You can never have enough good defensive backs in this league. As the draft approaches, Mackensie Alexander is gaining steam. It wouldn't be surprising to see him land in the top-15, but if he's available for the Panthers, they will be pulling the trigger.

31. Denver Broncos- Jonathan Bullard- DE- Florida 
- The Broncos need to replace Malik Jackson and Jonathan Bullard has the versatility and potential necessary to do that. Denver needs to add a quarterback, but at this spot, they don't have many options.