2016 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Monday, April 25, 2016. Major changes. Round 7 added.
Next update: All draft 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 5/2): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/2)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

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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: 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.

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

1. Laremy Tunsil, OT – Perhaps I’m wrong, and San Diego will choose Tunsil after all. I wish I knew more about this pick, as San Diego doing something unexpected could set off a chain of events in which most of the picks in this top 10 will be wrong. I’ll explain why in a bit.

2. DeForest Buckner, DE – Here’s the dark-horse option at No. 3. The Chargers need help on their defensive line, and perhaps they have Buckner ranked higher than most other teams.

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.

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

1. Jalen Ramsey, S – Here’s the issue I referenced in San Diego’s pick: Ramsey is the top player on Dallas’ board. He’ll be the pick if available. However, there’s a good chance the Chargers will take him, and if they do, Bosa would become the favorite. Getting the Chargers’ selection wrong will mean this choice will be incorrect as well.

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

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

1. Joey Bosa, DE – Being wrong on No. 3 will also mean getting this incorrect. Jack seems like the favorite to go fifth overall, but that probably won’t be the case if Bosa is available.

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: 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.

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

1. 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.

2. Ronnie Stanley, OT – Some in the San Francisco media believe Stanley will be the pick. That makes sense, as Anthony Davis appears to be on his way out after insulting the paranoid Trent Baalke.
Cleveland Browns: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
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 four players: Ezekiel Elliott, Vernon Hargreaves, Jack Conklin Ronnie Stanley. All three make sense. Elliott would be a big upgrade in the backfield, while Hargreaves would be another Gator cornerback to help fill the hole across from Joe Haden.

However, I’m going with Stanley, though it could be Conklin for the same reason. The right side of the Browns’ offensive line is a mess, and it must be addressed before they even think about adding a franchise quarterback.

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

1. Ezekiel Elliott, RB – Elliott makes a ton of sense, as it could be argued that he’s the best player available.

2. Jack Conklin, OT/G – It’s possible that the Browns could have Conklin higher on their board than Stanley, whom some teams are down on because of his lack of passion for football.

Pick change; previously Ezekiel Elliott, RB
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: 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.

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

1. Ronnie Stanley or Jack Conklin, OTs – Here’s another spot where either tackle could be chosen. The Giants have nothing at right tackle, and Ereck Flowers would probably be better suited at the position anyway.

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: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
On the surface, it may not seem like the Bears need a running back. Matt Forte is gone, but Chicago still has Jeremy Langford, who was impressive at times in relief of an injured Forte during his rookie campaign. However, the Bears don’t seem to be content at the position, given that they tried to sign C.J. Anderson in free agency. That’s a huge sign that running back remains a need for the team, so Ezekiel Elliott, the best player on the board at this juncture, is definitely in play for Chicago.

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

1. Shaq Lawson, DE – I’ve had Lawson here for the past couple of updates. The Bears need another edge rusher, and Lawson might be too good to pass up on.

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 Shaq Lawson, DE
New Orleans Saints: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Many expect the Saints to go defense here, and if they do, Shaq Lawson is a great option. Lawson was projected to go later in this mock in past weeks, but he passed his medical recheck, so there aren’t any concerns. Lawson, who is very explosive, would undoubtedly excite the Saints, who are in desperate need of a new edge rusher.

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

1. Vernon Hargreaves, CB – I’m beginning to think that Hargreaves might be available here. If so, the Saints may pounce on him.

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 Jack Conklin, OT/G

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.

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

1. Jack Conklin, OT/G – Miami is in desperate need of a guard. I still think Apple is the favorite here, but Conklin is a close second.

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.
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.

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

1. Jarran Reed, DT – If the Raiders are set on a defensive tackle and Sheldon Rankins is off the board, Reed would make a lot of sense.

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.
Tennessee Titans: Jack Conklin, OT/G, Michigan 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, though it’s probably 50-50 in terms of whether he’s still available or not.

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

1. Taylor Decker, OT – Perhaps Tennessee’s worst-case scenario would be Decker at this juncture. I’ll be shocked if he’s off the board, too.

Pick change; previously Ronnie Stanley, OT
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.

*** 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. Sheldon Rankins, DT – If the Raiders don’t like Rankins, the Lions could be all over him.

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.