2016 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Thursday, April 28, 2016. 4:00 p.m. Major changes.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2016 NFL Mock Draft based on the current NFL Draft Order.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/20): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/22)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/23)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

archived mock section

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Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB, California
In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Rams traded up to the No. 1 pick. You can check out the Rams-Titans NFL Draft Trade Grades here. I’ve also posted Rams-Titans Trade Winners and Losers, including a poll where you can vote on who won in the swap.

Some of the major media people (as well as one individual who has plagiarized content off this site twice) have reported that Jared Goff will be the pick. We had Carson Wentz slotted here initially, and the Rams did, in fact, favor Wentz over Goff at some point. However, things have changed, and the Rams now plan on choosing Goff with the first-overall selection.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. None – It’s 99.9-percent certain that Goff will be the pick.

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Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
The 2016 NFL Draft hasn’t started yet, and it’s already crazy. The Eagles have surrendered a ton of picks to move up to No. 2. You can check out the Eagles-Browns NFL Draft Trade Grades here. I’ve also listed Eagles-Browns Trade Winners and Losers, including a poll where you can vote on who won in the deal.

I’m confused about this trade, but the one thing that is clear is that Philadelphia will be selecting a quarterback No. 2 overall. The Eagles have been linked to Wentz, and it’s become apparent that the Rams’ preference is now Goff after liking Wentz earlier, so Philadelphia will get its man for sure.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. None – It’s 99.9-percent certain that Wentz will be the pick.
San Diego Chargers: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon
It’s amazing how little people around the league know about this pick. We polled our league contacts, and about a third think it’ll be Jalen Ramsey; a third believes a tackle will be the pick; and a final third gave DeForest Buckner the nod. The Chargers have done a great job of keeping their intentions silent – or, it’s completely possible that they don’t even know what they’re going to do yet, though according to Britt McHenry, they’ve nailed it down to one player.

I’m more confident with every other pick in this mock draft. I’m at a loss here. Nothing would surprise me at this point, and I actually slotted Ronnie Stanley here for two hours. However, right now, at 3:45 p.m., I’m going to move back to DeForest Buckner, whom I mocked to San Diego the night before. FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez has reported that Stanley will not be the pick.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jalen Ramsey, CB/S – The Chargers lost Eric Weddle, and Jalen Ramsey, perhaps the best player in this draft, would be a great replacement.

2. Laremy Tunsil, OT – Tunsil could be the pick here, too. Many have Stanley slotted here, but Marvez has reported that Stanley won’t be the pick.

Pick change; previously Ronnie Stanley, OT

Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
I’ve been mocking Joey Bosa to the Cowboys for quite a while, but only because Jalen Ramsey hasn’t been available. They like Bosa, but Ramsey is the No. 1 player on their board. As potentially the best player in this draft, he would add a much-needed dominating presence to Dallas’ secondary. I’ll be shocked if the Cowboys pass on him, as they’ve already said they’re not trading the pick.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Ezekiel Elliott, RB – Jerry Jones wants Elliott, but he has been overruled a lot recently. See Johnny Manziel.

2. Joey Bosa, DE/OLB – With Greg Hardy on his way out, and Randy Gregory now one strike away from a year-long suspension, Bosa makes a ton of sense for the Cowboys.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
The Jaguars are going to focus on upgrading their defense this offseason. I’ve had them drafting Myles Jack for a while, and I believe they will go that route – unless Joey Bosa happens to be available. Jacksonville has a weak edge rush, even with Dante Fowler set to return. The team has to add personnel to improve its ability to get to the quarterback, as that will perhaps allow it to finally be truly competitive against the Colts (when Andrew Luck is healthy).

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Myles Jack, LB – Jack would be a huge upgrade over the declining Paul Posluszny, and the knee isn’t a concern for some teams.

2. DeForest Buckner, DE – I wouldn’t count on Buckner here either, but I think the other two choices are more likely.
Baltimore Ravens: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Amazing. Ozzie Newsome wins the draft once again. How does he do it? Well, I guess he didn’t quite do anything in this scenario, as Laremy Tunsil dropped out of circumstance.

Tunsil falling to Baltimore would be a dream come true for the organization, and I’d have to believe that Newsome would snatch him up in a heart beat. Left tackle is one of the biggest holes on the roster, and Tunsil, the top blocker in this class by a mile, would certainly change that right away.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. DeForest Buckner, DE – Once again, this pick will be screwed up if the Chargers go with Tunsil. If Tunsil is off the board, DeForest Buckner will be the favorite to be chosen by the Ravens.

2. Ronnie Stanley, OT – Stanley is probably the worst-case scenari for the Ravens, but he wouldn’t be a terrible option, as he would still shore up the blind side.

San Francisco 49ers: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
It sounded like Anthony Davis was going to return to the 49ers earlier in the offseason. That changed when he openly insulted general manager Trent Baalke on Twitter. The paranoid and egomaniacal Baalke will no doubt try to trade Davis now, opening up the possibility for this selection. Ronnie Stanley has the size and length the 49ers love in their prospects. He’d start out at right tackle and eventually play the blind side once Joe Staley (32 in August) moves on.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. DeForest Buckner, DE/DT – Buckner, along with former Oregon teammate Arik Armstead, would finally replace what San Francisco once possessed with Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.

2. Myles Jack, LB – If the Jaguars choose Joey Bosa over Jack, the 49ers could go with the UCLA linebacker. San Francisco has a history of selecting injured players.

Pick change; previously DeForest Buckner, DE/DT
Cleveland Browns: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
The Browns are effectively an expansion team, so they need to focus on drafting the best player available. With Myles Jack’s knee being a growing issue, that would be Ezekiel Elliott in this case. Elliott is a local product who would add a much-needed weapon to Cleveland’s horrible offense. I think he’s a safe prospect to mock here because only Dallas stands in the way of him falling to No. 8.

Of course, there’s a possibility of a trade. The Dolphins or Bears could move up for Elliott. If they do, that’s fine, since this selection will still be correct. Either way, Elliott should be the eighth pick in the draft as long as he’s not fourth.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Myles Jack, LB – I found it interesting that Cleveland’s vice president of football operations, Sashi Brown, declined to comment on Jack’s knee. He refused to say anything about it, so perhaps he’s trying to hide his interest.

2. Ronnie Stanley, OT – Stanley is a more-logical choice, but he may not be available.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB, Georgia
Gerald McCoy and Jacquies Smith were considered the Buccaneers’ top two pass-rushers last season. McCoy is great, but Smith? It’s quite apparent that Tampa needed someone better to get to the quarterback, and while it already added Robert Ayers, a long-term option is needed. Fortunately for the front office, this class is loaded with talented edge rushers.

The Buccaneers have been linked to Leonard Floyd, as Charlie Campbell mentioned on our podcast. Floyd would definitely help Tampa’s efforts of generating heavy pressure on Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan. Floyd may not seem like a logical fit for a 4-3, but Tampa would use him like Anthony Barr.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Shaq Lawson, DE – Another pass-rushing possibility for the Buccaneers, but Floyd seems like the better option.

2. Ronnie Stanley, OT – I’m sure the Buccaneers would love the idea of acquiring a franchise left tackle to protect Jameis Winston for the next dozen years.

New York Giants: Jack Conklin, OT/G, Michigan State
Everyone talks about moving Ereck Flowers to right tackle, but that’s just a narrative driven by the media. The Giants want to keep giving Flowers a shot on the blind side, so they’d be more than happy to find a right tackle early in the 2016 NFL Draft. Jack Conklin would make a ton of sense, and there’s growing buzz that he’ll end up being a top-10 selection.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB – It sounds like Floyd is New York’s No. 1 target, but I don’t have him being available.

2. Laquon Treadwell, WR (trade down) – Tony Pauline discussed the idea of the Giants moving down and acquiring Treadwell in the process. Taking Treadwell at No. 10 would be a reach, however.
Chicago Bears: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Bears make sense for Shaq Lawson; with the disgruntled Willie Young entering his contract season, Chicago will have to find a pass-rushing complement for Pernell McPhee, and the explosive Lawson seems like a great fit. I had Lawson mocked later in February and March updates because teams had concerns about his shoulder, but he has been cleared by everyone we’ve spoken to.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Ezekiel Elliott, RB – The Bears tried to sign C.J. Anderson in free agency. That’s a huge sign that running back remains a need for the team.

2. Jarran Reed, DE/DT – Tony Pauline reported that the Bears would consider Reed at No. 11, but I think there will be better players available.

Pick change; previously Ezekiel Elliott, RB
New Orleans Saints: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
I don’t think the Saints would’ve expected Vernon Hargreaves to be available a couple of weeks ago, but there has been a growing sense that the Florida cornerback could slip. If so, New Orleans will definitely consider him at No. 12. The Saints have some major injury concerns at cornerback, and they may consider Hargreaves to be the best player available.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Sheldon Rankins, DT – It was pretty tight between Rankins and Hargreaves for this pick. Almost a coin flip. Hargreaves edged out Rankins by a bit.

2. Jack Conklin, OT/G – New Orleans has a major hole in the inside of the blocking unit, which is problematic because the Saints greatly value interior blocking. Keeping Drew Brees healthy in the final few years of his career is extremely important if the team wants to have any sort of Super Bowl aspirations.

Pick change; previously Shaq Lawson, DE

Miami Dolphins: Myles Jack, LB/RB, UCLA
I’m going to kick myself if Myles Jack is off the board and the Dolphins select Eli Apple, since I’ve had them taking the Ohio State corner for a while. I believe Apple will be Miami’s pick unless either Jack or Ezekiel Elliott falls (or the latter is available via trade).

Jack could go as high as No. 5 depending on how the third and fourth picks shake out, but it’s sounding like he’s due for a draft-day slide. There are serious concerns about his knee, but the Dolphins apparently are fine with it. Thus, he could be the pick, filling a huge need.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Eli Apple, CB – Apple is a great fit for Miami’s scheme and the team would definitely consider taking him at this spot, as he would fill a huge need.

2. Ezekiel Elliott, RB – The Dolphins love Elliott, but they foolishly moved down while acquiring players who aren’t very good. Perhaps they’ll move back up for Elliott.

Pick change; previously Eli Apple, CB
Oakland Raiders: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Myles Jack being off the board at No. 13 would screw up this selection, as the Dolphins would take Eli Apple, making him unavailable to Oakland. If, however, Apple is still up for grabs at this juncture, I expect him to be one of the favorites for this pick. The Raiders have Apple ranked very highly because of his athleticism. He’ll also obviously fill a huge need across from Sean Smith if David Amerson leaves via free agency next offseason.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Sheldon Rankins, DT – Adding a fierce, interior pass-rusher like Rankins would provide a huge boost for their defense.

2. Darron Lee, LB – I don’t know if Oakland thinks it’s too early to take a non-pass-rushing linebacker, but Lee could be too talented to pass up.

Pick change; previously Vernon Hargreaves, CB
Tennessee Titans: Taylor Decker, OT/G, Ohio State
So, what are the Titans planning on doing at No. 15? Charlie Campbell has reported in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill that Tennessee is planning on taking a right tackle. Jack Conklin is expected to be the target if available, though Taylor Decker is not a bad consolation prize.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jack Conklin, OT – A better option than Decker, but expected to be off the board.

2. Trade Up – Don’t be surprised if the Titans move up for Laremy Tunsil.
Detroit Lions: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
The Lions obviously need a big boost at defensive tackle after failing to properly replace Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley last offseason, and Sheldon Rankins might be someone they’re interested in, as he fits some traits the Patriots like; general manager Bob Quinn worked under Bill Belichick for a long time, so I imagine he’ll conduct the draft similarly.

*** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Darron Lee, LB – Here’s another potential spot for Lee, as Detroit could consider him to be the best player available.

2. Jarran Reed or Vernon Butler, DT – The Lions have shown a ton of interest in both Reed and Butler.