The 2015 NFL Draft is in the books, but it’s never too early to peak ahead to the following year and begin getting a feel for where it’s strengths and weaknesses are. NFL teams have learned to consider the talent in future years, as it should have an impact on current year draft strategy. Many NFL teams have their preliminary 2016 board on file, as do we.
In a 2016 class that looks high on quarterback, linebacker and defensive tackle talent, this group looks to garner more first-round grades than the 2015 draft offered to NFL teams.
Please note: These grades are highly under-developed and tweaked early in the process. We’ll start our 2016 scouting later this month in full-force.
- Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State*
After struggling much more than expected in 2014, Hackenberg faced an expected step back after transitioning from Bill O’Brien to James Franklin at the helm of Penn State. While his placement, timing and decision-making all regressed in 2014, his talent hasn’t evaporated. He has the measurables, arm talent and football IQ to take a big step forward in 2015 and challenge for the top quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft.
- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Had Connor Cook declared for the 2015 NFL draft, he would have been in the mix for the top-10 picks. Polished in his footwork, controlled as an on-the-move quarterback and standing tall in the pocket, Cook should be even more pro-ready after his senior year is over. It’s unclear if he has the high-end upside to be worth a number one overall pick, however.
- Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State*
Trying to extrapolate the limited games and passes Cardale Jones played a year ago into his NFL future is extremely difficult. Thankfully, he didn’t enter the 2015 draft, and now has a chance (if he wins the quarterback job) to show he can maintain production over the course of a season. If he can, the Cam Newton comparisons could push him to the top of the draft.
- Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State*
A powerful edge player who can collapse inside and work through contact, including double teams, at a very high level, Bosa has a chance to be the wire-to-wire top defensive prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft process. He’ll draw JJ Watt comparisons, but he’ll need to prove those during his junior season.
- Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
A special athlete at linebacker, Jenkins can offer immediate value I an 4-3 or 3-4 defense with remarkable explosiveness and quickness. He can offer pass-rush ability and in-space tackling ability at a very high level, and should emerge as one of college football’s most productive defenders.
- Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA*
Similar to Jordan Jenkins, Jack has rare range and explosviness to finish tackles in space and as a backfield penetrator. Listed at 6’1, if he meets the height/length requirements, he’ll be worth a high first-round pick. But if not, he could slide similar to Shaq Thompson did in 2015.
- Jalen Mills, S/CB, LSU
Keeping up LSU’s reputation of pumping out great defensive back, Mills will look to continue that trend as a safety who can potentially offer value at cornerback as well. He could have been in the first-round mix had he entered a weak 2015 safety class.
- Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
While Joey Bosa will garner much of the media attention, Adolphus Washington has top-10 talent himself as an interior pass-rusher. He’ll benefit from playing alongside another talented defensive lineman, and could be highly productive in his senior year.
- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss*
The former number one recruit, Nkemdiche hasn’t been a disappointment yet, and has showed his top-level athleticism at Ole Miss thus far. If he can take the next step as a junior, Jadeveon Clowney-like hype could be coming.
- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame*
The draft’s best offensive tackle, Stanley offers left tackle lateral quickness and anchor to play on the edge at a high level in the NFL. He enters the 2015 season as college football’s clear top offensive lineman, and he leads a very talented Notre Dame roster.
- Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
With rare size and length, Oakman is a near 1st-round lock just based on measurables and athleticism alone. He’ll draw immediate comparisons to Ezekiel Ansah, but by staying for his senior year, Oakman has the opportunity to develop beyond just a high-upside “project”.
- Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State*
A first-team All-American safety for a Florida State defense that has become an NFL pipeline, Ramsey has been a star for Florida State since starting his freshman year. With cornerback, free safety and strong safety experience along with elite athletic upside and a highly productive and appreciated career thus far, it’d be a surprise if Ramsey wasn’t the wire-to-wire top safety in the class.
- Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
Day isn’t a standout pass-rusher who offer rare athletic ability, but he should be coveted in the 2016 draft due to his scheme versatility and control at the point of attack in the run game. With an improved senior season, Day has a chance to crack the 2016 top-10.
- Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
As a 4-3 weakside linebacker, Striker has great range, burst to the ball and blitzing ability to offer NFL teams, but has some concerns about whether he can hold up against bigger blockers in the run game at the NFL level. If he can show that in 2015, teams will covet him in the first-round.
- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
The SEC freshman of the year in 2013 didn’t slow down in 2014, despite not having great quarterback play and being the focus of defenses each week. With an NFL body to play on the perimeter, Treadwell could jump to top-10 status with a strong junior season and adequate quarterback play.
- Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Surprisingly yet wisely didn’t declare for the 2015 draft, Calhoun still hasn’t shown he can ideally use his build, strong hands and bend to dominate as an edge player. After a down junior season, look for Calhoun to return as one of the nation’s most feared edge players
- Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh*
A do-it-all weapon for the Panther, Boyd is a tremendous athlete who has shown the ability to gain separation in his routes, take advantage of openings in the open field, and wow as a returner. He’s a key part of a quietly talented Pittsburgh team.
- Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State*
After a tremendous end of the season, including three touchdowns in the national championship to seal a victory, Elliott enters the 2015 season as the nations top running back. He should merit a first-round pick if he’s able to dominate throughout the 2015 season, as expected.
- Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State
For a defensive lineman, Anthony Zettel plays with a great first step, finishing abilty as a penetrator, and a remarkable vision of the play. Producing as a rusher and with three interceptions, Zettel is a unique talent at the interior defensive line spot that will look to be Penn State’s defensive leader.
- Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida*
Enrolling early for his freshman year, Hargreaves has been Florida’s top cornerback talent the last two years. With remarkably fluid hips, body control and timing away from his frame, and finishing ability at the catch-point, Hargreaves is still expected to be a first-round talent despite being sub-6’0.
- D’haquille Williams, WR, Auburn
The junior college transfer made an immediate impact for Auburn, including a 154 yard performance in his first appearance with the team. With great bulk and physicality, Williams has NFL-starter upside, but needs to develop in his senior season to merit a first-round pick.
- DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Like Arik Armstead, a 2015 first-rounder, Buckner has elite length and athleticism for a 290-pound defensive end. Buckner hasn’t turned his gaudy upside into production yet, posting just 7.5 sacks in 41 career games. If he can turn the corner in his production, Buckner could emerge as a top-10 talent in 2016.
- Wayne Lyons, CB, Stanford*
Stanford has become a pipeline for quality defensive backs in recent years, starting with Richard Sherman, and Wayne Lyons looks to pick up that mantle himself. He may not see many targets his way in 2015, but don’t under-appreciate his coverage abilities.
- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The third Michigan State player and left tackle for one of the draft’s best quarterbacks, Jack Conklin enters the 2015 season as the Big Ten’s best blocker, a trait that usually leads to a first-round grade. Whether he can play left tackle in the NFL will be determined by his play in 2015, but he’s shown he’s capable thus far.
- Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor
It’s rare for a college offensive lineman to be a four-year starter at left tackle, but Drango will enter his final college season in position to do just that. A highly intelligent and polished blocker, Drango’s only concerns is his athletic upside to play the position at the NFL level. If not, he could be an elite guard prospect.
- Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
One of the country’s best guard prospects since his freshman season, Alexander has started games at right tackle and left guard, showing the versatility to play both sides of the offensive line. With great length and use of his thick frame, Alexander can be one of the rare guard prospects to merit a top-15 pick for a team looking for a possible All-Pro talent.
- Darius Hamilton, DT, Rutgers
While he’s a bit unknown at this point, Darius Hamilton has the frame, activeness at the line, and natural penetration instincts to be a highly value interior or strong-side defensive end pass-rusher. He’s my surprise player to watch in 2015, especially if he can continue to add to his frame.
- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
A leader on one of college football’s most talented offenses, Decker enters 2015 as a two-year left tackle starter with ideal length, body type and experience. He’ll face a handful of talented Big Ten rushers this year, and if he can show flexibility and edge protection against speed rushers, he’ll have a chance to rise to the draft’s best left tackle prospect.
- Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech*
Aiming to follow in his brothers footsteps, Kendall looks to become the fourth Fuller to play in the NFL. His brother, Kyle, emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest young cornerbacks, and Kendall has very similar talent along with more college production and accolades thus far.
- Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
One of the top defensive ends in the country out of high school, Kaufusi has utilized his length, extension with strength, and edge-setting comfortability thus far in his college career. A basketball athlete, Kaufusi has high round-one upside, and if he can begin to prove that in 2015, especially with a 10+ sack season, he could give BYU another top-20 pass-rusher.
- Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas
Part of a two-headed rushing attack with junior Alex Collins, Johnathan Williams has been able to showcasing his controlled, explosive upfield ability with great balance to work through tacklers without handling a high level of carries. In what isn’t as top-heavy of a running back class as 2015, Williams could rise to the top of the class.
- Terrance Smith, OLB, Florida State
Another Florida State defender on the list, Smith has the ideal NFL body to play in a 4-3 defense, working vertically in coverage with great ball skills and length, and attacking on the perimeter with plus change of direction. He, along wit Jalen Ramsey, could keep this Florida State defense among the best in the country.
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