2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3

Last update: Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015. Round 4 added.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2016 NFL Mock Draft based on the NFL Power Rankings.

NFL Draft Recent Links:
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 12/11): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (12/6)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/29): 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)


    *** 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. Tennessee Titans: Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama
    The Titans found some help for Marcus Mariota. Now, it’s time to upgrade the defense. The secondary in particular needs some work, as Tennessee needs better safety play to beat Andrew Luck.

    Follow @walterfootball for updates.

  2. Cleveland Browns: James Cowser, DE/OLB, Southern Utah
    It wouldn’t hurt if the Browns added another pass-rusher, given that their edge players all are having issues getting to the quarterback this season.

  3. Dallas Cowboys: Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
    Darren McFadden has looked good recently, but the Cowboys can’t really count on him for the long term. Here’s their running back of the future.

  4. San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Matakevich, ILB, Temple
    The 49ers could use help almost everywhere on defense. Perhaps they’ll focus on inside linebacker, a position that lost two Pro Bowl-caliber players to retirement the previous offseason.



  5. San Diego Chargers: Jack Allen, C, Michigan State
    The Chargers said goodbye to Nick Hardwick this offseason. They’ve tried Chris Watt out as a replacement, but because he’s a natural guard at the center position, he was woeful in 2015 before landing on injured reserve. Here’s a solution.

  6. Baltimore Ravens: Anthony Zettel, DE/DT, Penn State
    Chris Canty doesn’t have many years ahead of him in the NFL, and the Ravens need to bolster their pass rush. They can do so by addressing their defensive line, finding a third player to go along with Brandon Williams and Timmy Jernigan.

  7. New Orleans Saints: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
    The Saints have to bolster their secondary. They need to do everything in their power to get Brandon Browner off the field. Knowing Browner, he’ll still be penalized on the sidelines.

    Pick change; previously Will Redmond, CB

  8. Philadelphia Eagles: Travin Duval, WR, LSU
    Jordan Matthews can’t stop dropping passes, while Nelson Agholor hasn’t done anything yet. The Eagles could add another receiver to the mix.



  9. Chicago Bears: Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
    I never trusted Tracy Porter as a starter for the Bears, so I can’t say I was surprised when he was abused against the Vikings. Here’s a potential starter down the road.

    Pick change; previously John Theus, OT

  10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia
    If the Jaguars plan on using Jalen Ramsey at safety, which they should, they’ll search for cornerback help later on in the draft. They need to continue bolstering their horrible secondary.

  11. Miami Dolphins: Denver Kirkland, G/OT, Arkansas
    The Dolphins have a ton of areas they need to address. One is the interior of the offensive line, as the guards have played horribly.

    Pick change; previously Vonn Bell, S

  12. Indianapolis Colts: Sebastian Tretola, G, Arkansas
    Here’s more help for the interior of Indianapolis’ offensive line. It’s imperative that they upgrade Andrew Luck’s protection.

    Pick change; previously Zack Sanchez, CB



  13. Oakland Raiders: Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma
    The Raiders need to continue making upgrades to their defense. Their secondary in particular is pretty brutal, so multiple selections in the first three rounds can be used to potentially fix this problem.

    Pick change; previously Nate Andrews, S

  14. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Johnstone, OT, Oregon
    Chip Kelly screwed up big time by letting go of Evan Mathis this offseason, and he’s now paying the price. Meanwhile, Jason Peters doesn’t have much more left in the tank.

  15. Buffalo Bills: John Theus, OT, Georgia
    The Bills have a couple of disappointing young linemen in guard John Miller and right tackle Cyrus Kouandjio. Both have struggled mightily thus far.

    Pick change; previously Sheldon Day, DT

  16. St. Louis Rams: Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
    The Rams will have some contract issues at safety next offseason, with Rodney McLeod and Mark Barron both set to hit the market.

    Pick change; previously Kevon Seymour, CB



  17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nate Andrews, S, Florida State
    It’s sad times when Chris Conte is your top safety. The Buccaneers absolutely have to do something about this.

    Pick change; previously Miles Killebrew, S

  18. New York Giants: Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
    Tom Coughlin finally figured out that going with a rotation of Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen worked best. It’s hard to count on Jennings for the long term, however, so here’s a potential running back of the future.

    Pick change; previously Cordrea Tankersley, CB

  19. Atlanta Falcons: Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers
    For years, the problem with the Falcons has been their defense. That has changed this season, as their offense has become completely stagnant. Matt Ryan isn’t playing well, and the interior blocking has to be improved, but there’s also an issue at receiver. Atlanta has no one at the position outside of Julio Jones. Roddy White is completely finished, while Leonard Hankerson was released for some reason.

    Pick change; previously Carl Lawson, DE/OLB

  20. New York Jets: Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
    Chris Ivory had a great start to his season, but he hasn’t run as well recently. He’s a type of running back that usually doesn’t last very long, and it may not even matter to the Jets because he’s an impending free agent anyway.



  21. Washington Redskins: Jeremy Cash, S, Duke
    Here’s a potential upgrade for Washington’s woeful secondary. A couple of early picks in the 2016 NFL Draft could certainly be used on defensive backs.

  22. Houston Texans: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
    It’s amazing that DeAndre Hopkins is so productive, considering that there’s no one drawing attention across from him. The Texans want that to change.

  23. Kansas City Chiefs: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
    The Chiefs need a receiver besides Jeremy Maclin. When Maclin left the game against the Chargers, the offense looked pretty lost for a while.

    Pick change; previously Leonte Carroo, WR

  24. Minnesota Vikings: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
    The Vikings could stand to benefit adding some depth to the interior of their defensive front.



  25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor
    Here’s some insurance for Kelvin Beachum, who tore his ACL. On top of being hurt, Beachum is an impending free agent, so it’s unclear if he’ll be back next year.

    Pick change; previously Germain Ifedi, OT/G

  26. Seattle Seahawks: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
    With Jimmy Graham’s 2016 status in doubt, the Seahawks may use a mid-round choice on a tight end.

    Pick change; previously Cody Whitehair, G

  27. Denver Broncos: Dan Voltz, C, Wisconsin
    Denver’s offensive line hasn’t blocked well at all this season. John Elway will need to find Peyton Manning (or Brock Osweiler?) better blocking next offseason.

  28. Green Bay Packers: Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
    The Green Bay receivers have struggled this season. Having Jordy Nelson back next year will help, but Ted Thompson might look into drafting a wideout come April.

  29. Cincinnati Bengals: De’Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State
    Andy Dalton has enjoyed having more weapons to throw to, but there’s a chance he could lose some this offseason, as Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu will both be impending free agents. The Bengals don’t have much depth at receiver, as we saw last year, so they’ll probably have to spend multiple resources on improving this area.

  30. Arizona Cardinals: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
    Tyrann Mathieu may not be ready for the 2016 season. Depth at cornerback was already needed.

    Pick change; previously Spencer Drango, OT

  31. New England Patriots: Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford
    Considering the poor pass protection Tom Brady has endured this season, Bill Belichick may want to spend an early selection on a blocker.

  32. Carolina Panthers: Parker Ehinger, OT, Cincinnati
    Four of the five Carolina offensive linemen have blocked very well this year. The exception is the blind-side protector, Michael Oher. The Panthers could target a potential upgrade early in the draft.



    2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 4




    Back to 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 | Back to 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2


    Back to 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3 | Go to 2017 NFL Mock Draft







NFL Picks - Dec. 11


2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11


NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9


2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29


Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4






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 12/11): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (12/6)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/23)
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