2016 NFL Not Draft

Last update: Friday, April 22, 2016.

THIS IS NOT A 2016 NFL MOCK DRAFT. Click the link to see my real 2016 NFL Mock Draft. This is a 2016 NFL Not Draft - a compilation of popular mock picks that, in my opinion, will not happen. For the record, I was wrong about zero "not" picks in my 2012 and 2013 Not Mocks (which means I was right about none of my projections not happening). My 2014 Not Mock was less successful, as I "hit" (a bad thing) two of the picks. I also hit a pick in 2015 with the Redskins foolishly taking Brandon Scherff over Leonard Williams. I'll try to rebound in the 2016 edition.

1. Los Angeles Rams: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
   I've slotted Carson Wentz to the Rams over the past couple of weeks in my real 2016 NFL Mock Draft. They did, in fact, prefer Wentz at one point, but that's not the case anymore. They've decided on Jared Goff, meaning Wentz is the initial selection in this "not" mock draft.
   
   
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Jared Goff, QB, California
   If the "not" pick for the Rams is Carson Wentz, then Jared Goff is the "not" selection for the Eagles. Philadelphia has been enamored with Wentz for the entire draft process. They've made that known, which made me wonder if that was a smoke screen or not. As it turns out, their love affair with the North Dakota State product was legitimate.
   
   
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
   Laremy Tunsil makes a ton of sense for the Chargers from a needs perspective, as they must bolster Philip Rivers' pass protection. Financially, however, it's a much different story. King Dunlap and Joseph Barksdale are on the books for good amounts, so the Chargers might have their eye on a second-day tackle. Also, it's noteworthy that San Diego met with Tunsil prior to the draft. This front office met with just one prospect it drafted in 2015, and it did not visit with Jalen Ramsey, whom I have as the pick in my real mock.
   
   




4. Dallas Cowboys: Myles Jack, LB/RB, UCLA
   There's some speculation that the Cowboys could consider Myles Jack at No. 4, but that's not going to happen. Dallas has no interest in the UCLA linebacker.
   
   
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
   It'll be utterly shocking if Jalen Ramsey falls to the Jaguars. The Chargers are likely to take him, and if they don't, the Cowboys won't hesitate to pull the trigger, given that he's the No. 1 player on their board.
   
   
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
   I've been asked about the possibility of Ezekiel Elliott going to the Ravens. I'll be very surprised if that happens. Baltimore prefers Laremy Tunsil and DeForest Buckner over Elliott. Ronnie Stanley would even get the nod over Elliott in a worst-case scenario.
   
   




7. San Francisco 49ers: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
   With the top two quarterbacks off the board, would the 49ers settle for the third-rated signal-caller at this juncture? Perhaps they would if that quarterback fit Chip Kelly's system. Paxton Lynch does not, so I can't see him being the pick.
   
   
8. Cleveland Browns: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
   I'll slot Paxton Lynch as a "not" pick here as well. The Browns seem concerned with building up their roster rather than spending a first-round choice on a quarterback in this class. I expect Cleveland to choose between Ezekiel Elliott, Ronnie Stanley and Vernon Hargreaves. Lynch being the pick here wouldn't completely shock me, but he was the best I could come up with for a "not" pick because I think the odds are against it.
   
   
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
   Vernon Hargreaves to the Buccaneers is one of the most-popular picks in mock drafts. However, I've never mocked Hargreaves to Tampa, as I just don't want to be someone projecting a need to a team rather than the player. Tampa is not very high on Hargreaves, and the team doesn't view cornerback as one of the major needs anyway. Safety is the greater priority.
   
   




10. New York Giants: Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB, Georgia
    Leonard Floyd makes sense for the Giants, but let me just say that I don't think he'll be available at No. 10 overall. I mean, something might happen that would change that, but it'll definitely be an upset if he drops to the 10th spot.
    
    
11. Chicago Bears: A'Shawn Robinson, DE/DT, Alabama
    I've seen some mocks slot A'Shawn Robinson to the Bears. I did so as well a few weeks ago. However, Robinson has interviewed very poorly, and there are concerns about his passion for football. I'll be surprised if he goes as high as No. 11.
    
    
12. New Orleans Saints: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
    I don't have a great "not" pick for the Saints, but I'll be somewhat surprised if they take Laquon Treadwell, only because it's a bit too early for him. There are better prospects available than just a possession receiver at this spot.
    
    




13. Miami Dolphins: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
    Here's another "not" spot for the Dolphins, who actually prefer Eli Apple and William Jackson. Vernon Hargreaves is just too small for them.
    
    
14. Oakland Raiders: A'Shawn Robinson, DE/DT, Alabama
    I can't think of an interesting "not" pick for the Raiders, so I'll just slot A'Shawn Robinson again. I'll be surprised if he's chosen in the top half of the first round at this point.
    
    
15. Tennessee Titans: Ronnie Stanley*, OT, Notre Dame
    I'm listing Ronnie Stanley as a "not" selection here, only to say that I can't see the Titans trading up for him, hence the asterisk. They could take him if he drops to No. 15, but moving up for him makes no sense to me, given that he's soft and also lacks a passion for football.
    
    
16. Detroit Lions: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
    Laquon Treadwell was voted into this spot in the Reader Mock, but I didn't like that. The Lions signed Marvin Jones to a huge deal, so I don't think they view receiver as a priority. Plus, Treadwell is unlikely to be the best player available.
    
    

Go to 2016 NFL Not 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.

Real 2016 NFL Mock Draft

LOADING COMMENTS...