2016 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Friday, April 22, 2016. Round 6 added.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

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

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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 5/2): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/2)
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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.

Pick change; previously Carson Wentz, QB
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.

Pick change; previously Ezekiel Elliott, RB
San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
I’ve had Laremy Tunsil slotted to the Chargers for a long time, but the more I think about it, the less likely I believe San Diego is going to take the Ole Miss tackle.

First of all, the Chargers have a ton of money dedicated to the two tackle spots. The Union-Tribune posted a great article discussing that Tunsil would be a “messy” fit. Also, the Chargers have seldom selected prospects who have visited under this current regime. The front office met with Tunsil, but did not do so with Jalen Ramsey.

Ramsey makes more sense in terms of a need, thanks to the loss of Eric Weddle. Also, he might be considered the best-available player.

Pick change; previously Laremy Tunsil, OT

Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
I could see Joey Bosa slide to the Dolphins or Buccaneers because of his character concerns (sorry, Mike and Mike, but the teams we’ve spoken to do, in fact, have concerns), but Dallas is a strong possibility as well. Jerry Jones has shown that he’s not afraid to take a chance on a talented player with some off-the-field questions. 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.

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 Jalen Ramsey, CB
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.
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.

Pick change; previously DeForest Buckner, DE/DT

San Francisco 49ers: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon
The 49ers were one of the winners of the Rams-Titans trade because someone like Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner will fall to them. In this case, it’s the latter, and he, along with former Oregon teammate Arik Armstead, would finally replace what San Francisco once possessed with Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.

Of course, there’s a chance San Francisco could ruin everything by moving up for an underwhelming quarterback prospect. There have been reports about Chip Kelly wanting to start Blaine Gabbert, so I’d take that as a sign that the 49ers did have visions about trading up if the organization wasn’t in such complete disarray. One of my bold predictions from January – as written in this mock – was that Kelly would start Gabbert over Colin Kaepernick if he didn’t draft an early quarterback, and it appears as though that’s going to happen. Sorry, Niner fans.

Pick change; previously Joey Bosa, DE/OLB
Cleveland Browns: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
I’m hoping I can obtain more information on whom the Browns will be targeting at No. 8. I figure it has to come down to three players: Ezekiel Elliott, Vernon Hargreaves and Ronnie Stanley. All three make sense. Stanley would replace the departed Mitchell Schwartz, while Hargreaves would be another Gator cornerback to help fill the hole across from Joe Haden.

However, I’m going with Elliott, as he’s the top prospect of the three, in my opinion. The Browns have a couple of middling running backs, so they’ll definitely be interested in upgrading the position. Whether they want to use their first-round choice on a running back is another story, but there’s no doubt that Elliott would make Cleveland a better team.

Pick change; previously Jared Goff, QB
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.

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.
Chicago Bears: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
I’ve had Shaq Lawson dropping in this mock draft because of some medical concerns, but he has apparently been completely cleared, so he should end up being a top-15 pick. The Bears make sense for him; 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.

Pick change; previously William Jackson, CB
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 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.

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.

Miami Dolphins: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
This pick change had nothing to do with the Rams-Titans trade, but it was still something I adjusted during that update. 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.
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.
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.
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.

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.