2016 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Friday, April 15, 2016. Major changes for the Rams-Titans trade.
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:
2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 5/21): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/20)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)


    *** 2016 NFL MOCK DRAFT (5 rounds) updated April 15. This mock draft will be updated each week. Check out old versions of this 2016 NFL Mock Draft in the archived mock section. Follow @walterfootball for NFL Draft updates. ***
  1. Los Angeles Rams: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
    In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Rams traded up to the No. 1 pick Thursday morning. 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.

    Both Charlie Campbell and Pat Yasinskas are reporting that the Rams covet Carson Wentz over Jared Goff. Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times has echoed the same.

    Pick change; previously Mackensie Alexander, CB

  2. Cleveland Browns: Jared Goff, QB, California
    The Browns signed Robert Griffin, so some now believe that the team won’t be drafting a quarterback at No. 2 overall. I don’t see how Griffin will affect this selection at all. Griffin most certainly can’t be relied upon as a starter, as the Redskins learned. If he didn’t work out in Washington, why would he play well while surrounded with worse personnel in Cleveland? Also, the Browns told Griffin that he would be competing with a young quarterback.

    Charlie Campbell was the first to report that the Browns really like Carson Wentz, back in our Senior Bowl Coverage. However, the Rams also love Wentz, meaning Cleveland will have to settle on Jared Goff, whom some in the organization favor.

    Pick change; previously Carson Wentz, QB

  3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
    The only way the Chargers aren’t sprinting to the podium to hand in their envelope is if owner Dean Spanos is still on the phone, trying to find a city that will take his football team. This is a dream come true for the Chargers, as obtaining Laremy Tunsil might have once seemed like a pipe dream, a “dream with pipes” as described by one Hall of Fame running back. That, however, seems like a lock now in the wake of the Rams’ trade.

    It’s pretty obvious what Tunsil would do for San Diego. The offensive line has been a disaster area the past several seasons, but that probably would no longer be the case with Tunsil stationed on the blind side to protect Philip Rivers from all of the ferocious pass-rushers in the AFC West.



  4. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
    In my Rams-Titans Trade Winners and Losers page, I mentioned that the Cowboys were a winner. They love Joey Bosa, but Jalen Ramsey is the top player on their board. There’s a chance the Chargers could take Ramsey, but if they snatch Laremy Tunsil, Dallas will be thrilled to obtain the top defender – and maybe best-overall prospect – in this class.

    Pick change; previously Joey Bosa, DE

  5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, LB/RB, UCLA
    The Jaguars are going to focus on upgrading their defense this offseason. I had them drafting Jalen Ramsey in a previous mock, but as you can see in the NFL Draft Rumors page, Jacksonville will be focusing on its front seven over its secondary.

    The top front-seven prospect is probably Myles Jack (possibly DeForest Buckner or Joey Bosa), who would provide an upgrade over the declining Paul Posluszny. And yes, Jack is still a first-rounder and a likely top-10 prospect. Jack injured his knee, yet he’s still in play to go this high. Todd Gurley was chosen No. 10 overall despite his knee injury, and Jack got hurt so early that he’ll be ready for the 2016 NFL season opener.

  6. Baltimore Ravens: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon
    The Ravens are in a good spot. There appear to be six consensus top prospects in this underwhelming class: Laremy Tunsil, Carson Wentz, Jalen Ramsey, Joey Bosa, Myles Jack and DeForest Buckner. Baltimore will be able to take whichever of the six falls to them, and all but one fill a need. The lone exception is Wentz, and he, along with Tunsil won’t drop to this spot. Ronnie Stanley would also be an option in the event that the Browns don’t take a quarterback for some reason.

    Buckner is the player who drops to the Ravens in this scenario. The defensive line needs to be addressed in the wake of Chris Canty’s release, and Buckner is a no-brainer as the top prospect available.



  7. San Francisco 49ers: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
    The top signal-callers are off the board, and Paxton Lynch doesn’t fit what Chip Kelly looks for in a quarterback, so the 49ers will have to look elsewhere. Kelly will like Joey Bosa’s athleticism and length, so the Ohio State product could be the pick at this juncture. Bosa fills a need, as San Francisco could use a better edge rusher across from Aaron Lynch.

    For more on Bosa, check out the new entry in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill, which talks about how some teams are worried about Bosa’s night life, pertaining to party drugs.

    Pick change; previously Jared Goff, QB

  8. Philadelphia Eagles: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
    The Eagles moved up to No. 8 because they believe that there are eight blue-chip prospects in this class. It’s unclear who some of the names are in that group, but the three logical possibilities are Ronnie Stanley, Vernon Hargreaves and Ezekiel Elliott. The Eagles have addressed both the offensive line and secondary this offseason, but they haven’t touched the running back position. That doesn’t mean Elliott is the pick for sure, but he definitely makes a ton of sense, as going into the season with Ryan Mathews, another player on the trading block, as the starting runner doesn’t sound too promising.

    For more on Elliott, check out the new entry in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill, which talks about how some teams are worried about Elliott’s night life, pertaining to party drugs.

  9. 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.



  10. New York Giants: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
    I’ve had Ronnie Stanley mocked here the past couple of updates, but Jordan Raanan of NJ.com wrote a great article about the team’s financial implications concerning the offensive line, citing that Stanley (or Jack Conklin) couldn’t be the pick at No. 10. Also, there are concerns about Stanley that I’ll get to in a bit. With that in mind, Vernon Hargreaves might make more sense. He doesn’t fill a pressing need, but the team has no depth at cornerback. That’s a problem, since it’s a must to have three viable corners in this day and age. Hargreaves could eventually step in as a starter once Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie moves on.

  11. Chicago Bears: William Jackson, CB, Houston
    The Bears have so many options at this selection, it’ll be extremely difficult to predict. However, I value the opinion of Aaron Leming over at the Bear Report, and he makes a compelling case for William Jackson to be Chicago’s choice. The Bears are in desperate need of a cornerback, and Jackson could very well be the best player available. Jackson had great tape and then stunned everyone with his athleticism at the Combine. Considering that this is a weak class, Jackson could get pushed up, just as another Houston cornerback did a few years ago when D.J. Hayden went 12th overall to the Raiders in 2013. Jackson is a better prospect than Hayden, so he certainly makes sense for Chicago.

    Pick change; previously A’Shawn Robinson, DE/DT

  12. New Orleans Saints: Jack Conklin, OT/G, Michigan State
    Many expect the Saints to go defense here, and they very well could. However, it shouldn’t stun anyone if New Orleans selects an offensive lineman like Jack Conklin. The team has a major whole 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.

    And yes, Conklin over Ronnie Stanley. I have a feeling that’s going to happen, as some teams have shared a growing concern with Stanley and his lack of passion for football. I don’t think he’ll fall that far, but Conklin could be chosen before him.

    Pick change; previously Sheldon Rankins, DT



  13. Miami Dolphins: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
    This pick change has nothing to do with the Rams-Titans trade, but it’s a change I was planning for next week. Eli 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.

    Pick change; previously Ronnie Stanley, OT

  14. Oakland Raiders: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
    The Raiders took care of a bunch of their needs this offseason. One thing they still have to acquire is some help on the defensive line, especially in the wake of Mario Edwards’ potential career-threatening neck injury. Adding a fierce, interior pass-rusher like Sheldon Rankins would provide a huge boost for their defense.

  15. Tennessee Titans: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
    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, but Ronnie Stanley could be available. Many expect Stanley to go higher, but teams are concerned about his passion for football as well as his toughness. However, he might be too talented to pass up at this spot.

  16. Detroit Lions: Jarran Reed, DE/DT, Alabama
    The Lions obviously need a big boost at defensive tackle after failing to properly replace Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley last offseason, and they’ve shown tons of interest in Jarran Reed over the past couple of months.

    Pick change; previously Jack Conklin, OT/G


  17. Go to 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

    Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.

Go to 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2 | Go to 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3


Go to 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 4 | 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 5


Go to 2017 NFL Mock Draft | Go to Fantasy Football Rankings







2025 NFL Mock Draft - May 21


Fantasy Football Rankings - May 9


NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22


NFL Picks - Feb. 12






NFL Draft Links:

My 2003 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/24): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2003 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/8/08)
My 2004 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/24): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2004 NFL Draft Prospects/ 2004 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/6/08)
My 2005 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2005 NFL Draft Prospects
2005 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/4/08)
My 2006 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2006 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/28)
2006 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded on 7/3)
My 2007 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/ Round 4/ Round 5/ Round 6/ Round 7
Other 2007 Mock Drafts:April Fools
2007 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/24)/Kenny Ortiz's Top 40 Prospects
2007 NFL Combine and Pro Day Results
2007 NFL Draft Grades
2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/Round 4/Round 5/Round 6/Round 7
Alternative 2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/7): Round 1 /Round 2
2008 NFL Re-Draft - Round 3 (UPDATED 4/27)
2008 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 8/5)
Other 2008 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/25)/ Craig Smith (4/22)/ Emmitt Smith (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Shocker (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Backwards (4/19)/ Forum Mock (4/15)/ April Fools (4/1)
2009 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2009 Mock Drafts: Re-Draft (4/26) /Matt McGuire (4/25) /Reader Mock (4/25) /Hunter Ansley (4/24) /Backward Mock (4/19) /Emmitt Smith (4/16) /Celebrity Mock (4/9) /April Fools (4/1) /Experts (3/30) /KFFL (3/14)
2010 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/22): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2010 NFL Mock Re-Draft Day 3 (4/24): Round 4 (Walt's) / Round 4 (Matt's)
2010 NFL Mock Re-Draft Day 2 (4/23): Round 2 (Walt's) / Round 3 (Walt's) / Round 2 (Matt's) / Round 3 (Matt's)
Other 2010 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/22) /Backward Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Celebrity Mock (4/8) /Experts (3/17) /Reader (4/13) /Consensus (2/25)
2011 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2011 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2011 Mock Drafts: Free Agency (5/9) /Greg Cox (4/28) /Backward Mock (4/22) /Emmitt Mock (4/21) /Team Big Boards (4/21) /Celebrity Mock (4/13) /Experts (4/7) /Not Mock (4/6) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Greg Cox's 2012 Mock (2/22) /Matt McGuire (1/8)
2012 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2012 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2012 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/26) /Pick History (4/23) /Emmitt Mock (4/19) /Not Mock (4/19) /Backward Mock (4/17) /Celebrity (4/15) /Goals (4/10) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Greg Cox (9/9)
2013 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2013 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2013 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /GM Mock (4/21) /Charlie's Trade Mock (4/20) /Goals (4/19) /Rapid Reader Mock (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/14) /Not Mock (4/13) /Pick History (4/5) /Backward Mock (4/4) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/7) /Archived 2013 NFL Mock Drafts
2014 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATE 5/8): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2014 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/10): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2014 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/8) /Goals (5/3) /Not Mock (4/27) /Emmitt Mock (4/20) /Trades Mock (4/13) /Celebrity Mock (4/11) /Backward Mock (4/4) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2015 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2015 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/2): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2015 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/30) /Goals (4/25) /Not Mock (4/19) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Trades Mock (4/12) /Celebrity Mock (4/10) /Backward Mock (4/3) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/5) /Overreaction Mock (12/29)
2016 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2016 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2016 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/28) /Combo (5/8) /Goals (4/23) /Not Mock (4/22) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Trades Mock (4/16) /Celebrity Mock (4/10) /Backward Mock (4/7) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Overreaction Mock (1/4)
2017 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2017 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2017 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/27) /Combo (5/7) /Goals (4/22) /Not Mock (4/21) /Emmitt Mock (4/16) /Backward Mock (4/9) /Celebrity Mock (4/7) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/7) /Overreaction Mock (1/2)
2018 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2018 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2018 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/26) /Combo (5/6) /Goals (4/21) /Not Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/15) /Trades Mock (4/13) /Backward Mock (4/8) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/11) /Senior Bowl (1/27)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2019 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /Combo (5/5) /Goals (4/20) /Not Mock (4/18) /Witten Mock (4/14) /Trades Mock (4/12) /Emmitt Mock (4/7) /Backward Mock (4/5) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/26) /Video Mock (1/8) /Overreaction Mock (12/31)
2020 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2020 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/23) /Combo (5/3) /Goals (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/12) /Trades Mock (4/8) /Backward Mock (4/5) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/16) /Corey Long (3/13) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2021 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2021 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/1): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2021 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/17) /Goals (4/23) /Backward Mock (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/11) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/30) /Overreaction Mock (1/4)
2022 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2022 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2022 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/28) /Goals (4/22) /Backward Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/15) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (2/5) /Overreaction Mock (1/10)
2023 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2023 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2023 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/27) /Backward Mock (4/19) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (2/4) /Overreaction Mock (1/9)
2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6
Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 5/21): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/20)
2018 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2017 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2016 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2015 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2014 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2013 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2012 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2011 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2010 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2009 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2008 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2007 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2006 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2005 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2004 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2003 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2002 NFL Draft Re-Mock