Charlie Campbell's 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2
WalterFootball.com's Archive
Walter of WalterFootball has been WalterFootball'ing since 1999'. Older Content is being kept around here. Thanks for reading.
Last update: Thursday, April 28, 2016. Round 7 added.
2016 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Charlie Campbell was a senior writer at PewterReport.com.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.
Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 4 | Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 5
Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 6 | Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 7
Back to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock - Round 1 | 2016 NFL Mock - Walt's
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
2016 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Charlie Campbell was a senior writer at PewterReport.com.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.
NFL Draft Recent Links:
2020 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 2/11): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25)
2021 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 1/13): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2021 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (12/21)
2022 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 1/13): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
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 / 2018 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings / NFL Rumors
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25)
2021 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 1/13): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2021 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (12/21)
2022 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 1/13): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
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 / 2018 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings / NFL Rumors
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)
-
Cleveland Browns: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
The Browns grab their quarterback competition to go with Robert Griffin III.
Cook connected on 56 percent passes in 2015 for 3,131 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's showed NFL evaluators that he has a quality arm, pocket presence, flashes of brilliant passes, and the mobility to avoid rushers and roll out.
On the flip side, Cook lacks accuracy, which is a real problem heading into the NFL. Sources also have questions about him off the field, his lack of leadership, and his focus on football. Teams said he interviewed poorly at the combine. They were surprised about his lack of football I.Q. from an X's and O's perspective and diagnosing coverages.
The 6-foot-4, 217-pounder played in a pro-style system and displayed steady improvement with his ability to function in the pocket while working through his progressions. There is that accuracy issue however. He'd make some amazing throws into extremely tight windows and then would regularly miss on routine passes.
In 2014, Cook connected on 58 percent of his passes for 3,214 yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 59 percent of his passes in 2013 for 2,755 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. Cook improved throughout that season and was very impressive against Ohio State and Stanford to close out the year.
Pick change; previously Josh Doctson, WR -
Tennessee Titans: Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
The Titans could use a cornerback upgrade, and Howard is a great fit for Tennessee.
Scouts say they weren't expecting Howard (6-0, 200) to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft, but when he did they studied him for their reports and were pleasantly surprised. They say he is a talented cover corner. In 2015, Howard totaled 42 tackles with 10 breakups and five interceptions for the Bears. As a sophomore, he had 51 stops with 13 breakups and four interceptions.
Howard has ball skills and is put together well. The junior would fit a press-man scheme well. -
Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
The Cowboys grab their defensive line talent with a good scheme fit for Rod Marinelli at left defensive end.
Dodd (6-5, 277) put an exclamation point on his breakout 2015 season with a tremendous National Championship game against Alabama. He abused the Crimson Tide right tackle with speed and power to record three sacks of Jacob Coker.
After being buried on the depth chart, Dodd combined with Shaq Lawson to make life hard for quarterbacks in 2015. Dodd totaled 62 tackles with 23.5 for a loss, 12 sacks and one forced fumble on the season. He had a total of 21 tackles in his previous three years. Dodd entered the 2016 NFL Draft, but he probably would have had a better shot at the first round if he had one more productive year in college before turning pro. Some teams feel he should go on the second day, but think he could get over-drafted in Round 1.
Pick change; previously Connor Cook, QB -
San Diego Chargers: Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
The Chargers grab a nose tackle with versatile size for their 3-4 defense..
Johnson produced a quality season for Penn State in 2015. The 6-foot-4, 314-pounder was a tough defender at the point of attack with 78 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. At the Senior Bowl, Johnson had a quality week, though he wasn't overly impressive.
Johnson had one sack as a sophomore and freshman. The jump was in part due to quarterbacks stepping up to avoid Carl Nassib in 2015. Johnson projects as a nose tackle for a 3-4 or 4-3 defense in the NFL.
Pick change; previously T.J. Green, S -
Baltimore Ravens: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Ravens grab a talented cornerback to pair with Jimmy Smith.
Some sources have said that if Fuller (5-11, 187) had stayed healthy and played like he did in 2014, he would be the top cornerback prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft. Some scouts have told me they graded Fuller higher than Vernon Hargreaves III or Jalen Ramsey based on his 2014 tape, but his knee injury ruined his hopes of being a high first-rounder. Following encouraging news from the combine medical re-check, Fuller could be a late first-or second-round pick.
Fuller only ended up playing in two games before going out for the year due to knee surgery. Fuller recorded seven tackles, one sack and a pass broken up in his shortened season. In 2014 he played at a very high level, racking up 17 passes broken up, two interceptions, 50 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss.
The younger brother of Bears' 2014 NFL Draft first-round pick Kyle Fuller, Kendall Fuller saw the field immediately as a freshman. He was a Freshman All-American and the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Fuller had six interceptions and 58 tackles in his debut season. He is a quick, athletic, instinctive cover corner who does a great job of preventing separation and competing for the ball.
Pick change; previously Kevin Dodd, DE -
San Francisco 49ers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The 49ers didn't manage to sign Josh Norman, so they could take a cornerback early in the 2016 NFL Draft. They have shown a ton of interest in Alexander.
Even though some have hyped Alexander as a high first-rounder, I haven't heard that grade from teams. A few teams told me they have him as a second-rounder and expect him to go there. Some teams graded him later, but every team expects him to go in Round 2. The big issue that teams have is size. The teams that had Alexander (5-10, 190) graded lower think he could be relegated to playing a nickel role in the NFL. That being said, teams like his coverage skills to run the route and prevent separation.
For Clemson, Alexander was a cover corner who had a quality 2015 season. The redshirt sophomore totaled 23 tackles with five passes broken up and zero interceptions on the season. In 2014, he had 21 tackles, six passes broken up and zero interceptions. -
Jacksonville Jaguars: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
From what I'm hearing from sources, if Ryan Kelly makes it to this pick, the Jaguars will take him. After that, they would go with an edge rusher or cornerback. Even if Jacksonville lands Joey Bosa in the first round, I think they would take Noah Spence in Round 2.
There is no doubt that Spence has a good skill set as an edge rusher. The 6-foot-2, 254-pounder would be a great fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker to rush off the edge. He has speed and agility to get the better of offensive tackles.
Spence had an excellent Senior Bowl on the field, but some sources say that Spence didn't interview well regarding the off-the-field issues that plagued his career. Similar players like Randy Gregory, Janoris Jenkins and Tyrann Mathieu - who all had substance and legal problems - ended up going on Day 2 of their respective drafts. In speaking to some other teams, they believe Spence will go in the first round, so he is in for an interesting draft day as it will take the right team to pull the trigger on him in Round 1.
Spence played well for Ohio State in 2013, collecting 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, one forced fumble and two passes broken up. However to end that season, Spence was suspended for three games. He was then suspended in 2014 for repeated failed drug tests for ecstasy. After transferring to Eastern Kentucky, Spence had an arrest for public intoxication. He overwhelmed weaker competition there in 2015 with 63 tackles with 22.5 for a loss and 11.5 sacks. It weren't for off-the-field issues, Spence could be a high first-round pick.
Pick change; previously William Jackson III, CB -
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keanu Neal, S, Florida
The Bucs could use more talent at safety. They would be thrilled if Neal got to their second-round pick, but he easily could go higher.
Neal racked up 77 tackles with a pass breakup and one interception in 2015. As a sophomore in 2014, he had 45 tackles with three interceptions and four passes broken up. Neal was a solid defender for the Gators, but he needs to continue to improve his coverage skills and work on wrapping up rather than looking for the knockout blow.
Neal (6-0, 211) is a big, strong and instinctive safety who has impressed NFL sources. Teams know that he can serve as an in-the-box run safety, but they also feel he has speed and athleticism to cover. Neal is a natural strong safety who, in time, could also flip to free safety pre-snap. -
New York Giants: Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
The Giants need to improve their linebacker play and Fackrell could play outside or inside.
In 2015, Fackrell had 82 tackles with 15 for a loss and four sacks. At the beginning of the 2014 season, he went out with a torn ACL. Fackrell had a quality sophomore season - in 2013 - with 13 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, five sacks, 82 tackles, one interception and a pass broken up. Perhaps his best year may have come as a freshman when he totaled 87 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks, three interceptions, three passes broken up and two forced fumbles. Fackrell (6-4, 244) has a versatile skill set.
Pick change; previously Le'Raven Clark, OT -
Chicago Bears: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Chicago traded away Martellus Bennett and could use some tight end depth. The Bears have shown interest in Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.
Henry totaled 51 receptions for 739 yards and three touchdowns in 2015. He did a nice job as a blocker and receiver for the Razorbacks, but they never used him enough in the passing attack. Henry has the quickness to get downfield with the athleticism to get open against safeties and linebackers. In the ground game, he was a steady blocker for the Razorbacks' potent rushing offense.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder is a well-rounded tight end who produced well in 2014, too. He was a quality blocker for the Razorbacks' ground game while contributing 37 receptions for 513 yards and two scores. Henry had 28 receptions for 409 yards and four scores as a freshman. He needs to improve his blocking for the next level, but should develop into a three-down starter and a good contributor to the passing attack. -
Miami Dolphins: Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
The Dolphins let a talented young back in Lamar Miller leave in free agency. They need another option to pair with Jay Ajayi.
Booker (5-10, 219) is a quick and shifty runner who is more physical than one would think. In the NFL, he could be a good back, especially for a passing offense. He could go higher in the draft, but he really struggles with the mental part of the game, and that could hurt him come draft day.
Booker averaged 4.7 yards per carry in 2015 for 1,261 yards with 11 touchdowns. He also snagged 37 receptions for 318 yards. Booker broke out in 2014 with a huge season as he carried the Utes' offense. Booker averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 1,512 yards with 10 touchdowns that season. He also showed receiving ability with 43 receptions for 306 yards and two scores. -
Tennessee Titans: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
The Titans signed Al Woods, and while he's solid, he isn't a long-term starter. Here's a potential impact-generating zero-technique.
In 2015, Clark had 75 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks and five passes batted. The 6-foot-2, 314-pounder is a stout run defender who also can contribute some modest pass rush by bull rushing into the pocket. Clark totaled 58 tackles with 5.5 for a loss and zero sacks in 2014. While he hadn't previously received a lot of media attention, he put together an excellent workout at the combine. -
Oakland Raiders: Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
The Raiders could use an understudy for Donald Penn.
Clark (6-5, 312) has natural talent as a pass protector with quick feet, athleticism, and length to defend the edge. He also has the strength to open holes in the ground game. While he has an early round skill set, Clark is all potential right now as he looked great on some plays and clueless on others. That was also apparent at the Senior Bowl. Teams love his skill set and potential, so if he lands with good coaching, he could become a quality starting left tackle.
Clark was solid for Texas Tech the past few seasons, including his games versus Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah and Arkansas' Trey Flowers. Clark had a strong freshman debut in 2012 as he started 13 games at right guard. In 2013, Clark took over at left tackle and was a steady blind-side protector for the Red Raiders after that.
Pick change; previously Kyler Fackrell, LB -
Tennessee Titans: T.J. Green, S, Clemson
The Titans lost their shot at Jalen Ramsey when they traded down, but here's a safety who can do some similar things in pass coverage.
Green amassed 95 tackles with three passes broken up and two forced fumbles in 2015. Throughout the year, he flashed some impressive plays. Green should have returned to the Tigers after starting for only one season, but he entered the 2016 NFL Draft. At Clemson, Green was a free safety, and that is where he should play in the NFL.
Pick change; previously Austin Hooper, TE -
Detroit Lions: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
The Lions grab a left tackle candidate to help protect Matthew Stafford.
The 6-foot-5, 301-pound Spriggs has good length on the edge with some power and athleticism. He held his own going against Joey Bosa in 2015. Spriggs played on the blind side for Indiana. He might be a better fit at right tackle to start out in the NFL, but in time, he could be a quality starting left tackle. Spriggs had a superb workout at the combine with a fast 40 and good athleticism in the field work. -
New Orleans Saints: Artie Burns, CB, Miami
The Saints continue to bolster their vulnerable pass defense with a talented cornerback.
Burns turned in an impressive junior season with six interceptions, 36 tackles and five passes broken up. As a sophomore in 2014, he had 40 tackles, six breakups and zero interceptions.
Burns lost his mother suddenly during his junior year. With his father incarcerated, Burns (5-11, 193) has custody of his younger brothers and his own son to support. Thus, he entered the 2016 NFL Draft. Sources say that Burns is grading out on the second day and they like his skill set. He had a strong performance at the combine where he ran well and looked good in the field drills.
Pick change; previously Austin Johnson, DT -
Indianapolis Colts: Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
In the wake of Bjoern Werner being a bust, the Colts need an edge rusher to get after the quarterback.
Correa (6-2, 243) is an edge defender who will have to get stronger for the NFL if he is going to be an edge rusher. Correa totaled 39 tackles with 11 for a loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2015. His best season came as a sophomore when he notched 59 tackles, 19 for a loss, two forced fumbles and 12 sacks. The junior's best fit could come as an inside/outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
Correa had an impressive workout at the combine. Sources say that Correa is a good player, but isn't very physical and needs to improve against the run. -
Buffalo Bills: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
The Bills want to improve their defensive front seven, but Joseph is too good to pass up.
Joseph was excellent in his abbreviated 2015, leading the nation with five interceptions before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. The 4-year starter also had 20 tackles and was well-balanced in coverage along with good run defense. In 2014, Joseph totaled 92 tackles, three passes broken up, one interception and two forced fumbles. The 5-foot-9, 205-pounder is a gritty, physical defender who is a good tackler and hard hitter. Joseph has tremendous instincts and quick feet.
Pick change; previously Andrew Billings, DT -
Atlanta Falcons: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
The Falcons must upgrade their pass rush, so here's an edge rusher to go with Vic Beasely.
Ogbah totaled 64 tackles, 17.5 for a loss, three forced fumbles and 13 sacks in 2015. He was a force in the pass rush while being solid in run defense. The 6-foot-4, 273-pounder broke out for the Cowboys in 2014 with 11 sacks, 49 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and five passes batted.
Ogbah has speed to go with size. While he isn't a blinding speed rusher, he has a decent first-step with enough quickness to win around the corner. Ogbah also has the power to beat tackles with a bull rush or a strong rip move. He was very consistent and steady for Oklahoma State in his production, but he needs to get more consistent on a down-by-down basis. At the combine, Ogbah put his excellent skill set on display and showed he has upside to develop. -
New York Jets: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
The Jets are smart not to overpay Ryan Fitzpatrick. He's only a stopgap signal-caller at this point in his career, while the team's third quarterback, Bryce Petty, was just a fourth-rounder. General manager Mike Maccagnan worked with Bill O'Brien in Houston and heard O'Brien gush about Hackenberg. The Jets have done a ton of homework on Hackenberg this spring. New York needs a long-term franchise quarterback and I think Hackenberg is the target.
In 2015, Hackenberg completed 54 percent of his passes for 2,525 yards and 16 touchdowns with six interceptions. He needs to make big improvements to his accuracy and precision, but in almost every game of his career, he also made some great passes downfield that were dropped by his receivers. After being sacked over 80 times across the past two seasons, Hackenberg is a project and not an instant starter in the NFL.
Hackenberg completed 56 percent of his passes in 2014 for 2,677 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He played better than the numbers indicate as his supporting cast was a huge liability and the offensive line was awful. To end the season, Hackenberg led a huge overtime, comeback win over Boston College, completing 34-of-50 passes for 371 yards and four touchdowns.
Hackenberg (6-4, 223) was the star recruit for Bill O'Brien at Penn State and proved the hype wasn't misplaced during an impressive 2013 season that saw him named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Hackenberg completed 59 percent of his passes for 2,955 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions that season. He also ran for four touchdowns. Hackenberg has good size and a strong arm. He showed better field vision while playing for O'Brien. -
Houston Texans: Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
The Texans need a starting center after losing Ben Jones. If they don't draft Martin here, he probably won't make it to their third-round pick.
The younger brother of Cowboy Zack Martin, Nick Martin (6-4, 299) played well for Notre Dame over the past few seasons. Nick Martin was very solid with reliable pass protection and good contributions in the ground game. For the NFL, it would help him if he added more strength, but he is a good athlete with quickness. At the Senior Bowl, Martin had an impressive week and helped his draft stock. -
Washington Redskins: Jonathan Bullard, DL, Florida
I think the Redskins will target Bullard, Noah Spence, Jihad Ward and Nick Martin as potential players in the second round. Bullard is a great fit to be an end in the 3-4 and a three-technique in a 4-3.
Bullard (6-3, 285) is an athletic and quick defensive lineman who can make plays in the backfield against the run or pass. The senior played really well for Florida in 2015 with 66 tackles with 17.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes batted. As a junior and sophomore, he was back and forth from end to tackle. In the NFL, Bullard would be a good base end who, in passing situations, moves inside.
Pick change; previously Noah Spence, OLB -
Minnesota Vikings: Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
The Vikings need a safety to pair with Harrison Smith.
Bell (5-10, 200) had a huge 2014 season with the Buckeyes as he recorded six interceptions with 92 tackles and six passes broken up. The sophomore finished the year in impressive fashion to help the Buckeyes win the National Championship with four interceptions over the final six games.
Bell showed speed, ball skills and instincts in his first season as a starter, but he wasn't as dynamic in 2015. Perhaps he had the NFL on his mind. Bell totaled 65 tackles with nine breakups and two interceptions on the year. -
Cincinnati Bengals: Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
The Bengals could use more talent to go next to Geno Atkins. Devon Still and Brandon Thompson didn't turn into starters to pair with Atkins while Domata Peko is aging and declining. Washington is a good value and fits Cincinnati well.
Washington totaled 49 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, four sacks, a forced fumble and a pick-six in 2015. At the Senior Bowl, he was very good as he illustrated his mismatch speed, athleticism and strength at the point of attack.
The 6-foot-3, 297-pounder made a nice impact in 2014 as part of an excellent defensive line. He teamed with Michael Bennett and Joey Bosa to produce a consistent pass rush and a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Washington had 48 tackles with 10.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, three passes batted and one forced fumble on the year. He totaled five sacks over his sophomore and freshman seasons. -
Seattle Seahawks: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
I have the Seahawks taking Robert Nkemdiche in Round 1, so why am I mocking Jones to them in the second round? Well, Jones would give the Seahawks a sturdy end for run downs to rest the undersized Cliff Avril for passing situations. Jones could move inside with Nkemdiche in passing situations. Jones is one of the higher-rated SPARQ defensive linemen for the 2016 NFL Draft and the Seahawks lean on those ratings.
Jones has the ability to play defensive end and tackle. The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has a great combination of size, speed, length and athleticism. Team sources say that Jones has one of the best skill sets of any defensive lineman in this draft class, but they do have questions about his maturity and passion for the game. Sources also don't like that Jones underachieved and didn't produce as much as he should have in college given his skill set. Thus, Jones panning out could depend on him landing with the right team that will keep him motivated.
Jones had 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and four passes broken up in 2015. The year before, he recorded 26 tackles with three sacks and two passes batted. Jones commanded a lot of blocking attention in 2014, and that helped free up teammates Preston Smith and Caleb Eulls. Jones showed some serious potential as a true freshman in 2013, totaling 32 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, three sacks and three passes broken up.
Pick change; previously Jonathan Bullard, DE -
Green Bay Packers: Jihad Ward, DE/DT, Illinois
The Packers need some defensive line talent and competition. Ward can push and potentially replace Datone Jones.
Some sources have said they graded Ward in the third round, but with his raw athletic potential, he could go in Round 2. One general manager told me he thinks Ward could easily go in the second round. Teams like Ward's (6-5, 296) size, strength and athleticism. They feel he is a starting-caliber left defensive end for a 4-3 defense. He also could be a five-technique in a 3-4.
The junior college product Ward totaled 51 tackles with 8.5 for a loss and three sacks in his debut season for Illinois in 2014. As a senior, he had 53 tackles with 3.5 for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Ward really impressed at the Senior Bowl. -
Pittsburgh Steelers: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Pittsburgh needs a nose tackle and Billings is a great fit.
Billings totaled 39 tackles with 14 for a loss, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2015. The numbers don't tell the whole story as he is extremely powerful with some serious quickness. Billings can overwhelm in the ground game and contribute to the pass rush. He caused a lot of disruption at the point of attack for Baylor by using his power and explosion to fire into the backfield. Billings totaled 37 tackles with 11.5 for a loss and two sacks in 2014.
Some teams see Billings as more of a two-down defender, and multiple teams told me they graded him in the second round. The 6-foot, 311-pounder is also known as a weight-room champion.
Pick change; previously Karl Joseph, S -
Kansas City Chiefs: Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford
The Chiefs could use a guard addition. If they don't land Cody Whitehair, Garnett could be their next target.
The 6-foot-5, 321-pound Garnett was a power blocker for the Cardinal. He played really well in 2015, displaying the strength to move defenders at the point attack. Garnett was reliable in pass protection as well. He had decent performances at the Senior Bowl and combine.
Pick change; previously Michael Thomas, WR -
New England Patriots: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
The Patriots could use some running back depth. LeGarrette Blount is viewed as a year-to-year player, while Dion Lewis is coming off a season-ending knee injury.
Henry was superb in 2015. Not only was his running impressive, but his blitz protection also has evaluators excited. The junior averaged 5.6 yards per carry (395 carries) in 2015 for 2,219 yards with 28 touchdowns with 11 receptions for 91 yards.
As the No. 2 back in 2014, Henry averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 990 yards with 11 touchdowns. He added five receptions for 133 yards, too. The 6-foot-2, 247-pounder has a burst to run away from defenders with the power to run through tacklers. He also really improved his blitz protection and receiving skills. As a freshman, he racked up 382 yards on only 36 carries with three touchdowns. -
New England Patriots: Sheldon Day, DL, Notre Dame
The Patriots had Akiem Hicks leave in free agency and released Dominique Easley. The roster could at least use some depth.
Day recorded 45 tackles, 15.5 for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and four passes batted in 2015. He was very impressive and disruptive for Notre Dame. The 6-foot, 286-pounder was a disruptive presence for the Fighting Irish in 2014, totaling 40 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. He played better than the numbers indicate, too.
Day has some natural strength and athleticism to him. Throughout the Senior Bowl, he fired into the backfield and showed once again that he is a disruptive force. -
Carolina Panthers: Su'a Cravens, OLB/S, USC
The Panthers could use a safety upgrade, and they have shown a lot of interest in Cravens.
In 2015, Cravens totaled 86 tackles, 15 for a loss, 5.5 sacks, six passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He recorded 68 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three interceptions and nine passes broken up in 2014. Cravens was moved from safety to linebacker that season, but his best role in the NFL could come as a safety on run downs and a linebacker in passing situations. A good defensive coordinator could get a lot of out of Cravens.
The 6-foot-1, 226-pounder is physical, strong and quick. As a freshman, he totaled 52 tackles with four interceptions, one pass batted and a forced fumble. Cravens was named a Freshman All-American and a All-Pac-12 honorable mention. -
Denver Broncos: Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
Denver lost Malik Jackson in free agency and could use more defensive line help. The Broncos were wise to re-sign Derek Wolfe, and Jared Crick is just a backup. Here's more talent for Denver up front. Ridgeway has upside and could play a variety of techniques for Wade Phillips.
The 6-foot-3, 303-pound Ridgeway can be overwhelming for the interior of an offensive line with his size and strength. He's shown the ability to be a stout run defender and collapse the pocket in the pass rush. In 2015, Ridgeway recorded 36 tackles with 6.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He totaled 48 tackles with 9.5 for a loss and six sacks the year before.
Pick change; previously Dak Prescott, QB
Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 4 | Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 5
Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 6 | Go to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock: Round 7
Back to Charlie's 2016 NFL Mock - Round 1 | 2016 NFL Mock - Walt's
LOADING COMMENTS...
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
ToDo: reinstate comments