While we are waiting for NFL training camps to enter full
swing, we thought it might be a good idea to take a very early look at the 2016
NFL draft. Keep in mind this is mostly speculation, as this could, and will
change over the next 10 months.
As with any draft, the first and foremost question is who
are the quarterbacks? As of this moment, there are three quarterbacks in play
for the top of round one. First off, there is Penn State's Christian
Hackenberg, who has been thought of as a number one overall selection in the
making since he arrived at Penn State. Second there is Cardale Jones, who
stunned the world when he filled in for the injured J.T. Barrett who was
filling in for the injured Braxton Miller and led Ohio State to a miracle
National Championship. Jones has all the skills in the world, but he needs to
win the job first. Miller made Jones's road to winning the job easier when he
stated he was moving to a pass catching role, so now Jones just needs to beat out
Barrett, which many expect him to. Finally, there is Connor Cook of Michigan
State. Cook is the classic enormous drop back pocket passer, and will need to
tone down the mistakes in 2015.
Another key component to any first round of an NFL draft is
offensive tackles. Usually there are several that make their way into the top
half of the first round. Right now there are three in play for 2016. The first
is Laremy Tunsil from Mississippi. The second is Ronnie Stanley from Notre
Dame. The third is Taylor Decker from Alabama. All three are considered to be
left tackles in the NFL at this moment.
The third most important component to any NFL draft is the
impact defensive players at the top of the first round. Joey Bosa a defensive
lineman from Ohio State, right now, is the best player eligible for the 2016
draft. Bosa is a beast who may have been the first defensive player selected if
he would have been draft eligible, but he wasn't. He will be this year. Don't
expect this one to change much. Jalen Ramsey, a safety from Florida State, is
the best defensive back eligible for the 2016 NFL draft.