2016 NFL Draft Big Board 1.0
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Some people like to do Big Boards leading up the the NFL Draft that include 32 guys since there are usually 32 picks in the first round. This year, there are only 31 because the Patriots are cheaters (allegedly? Do I have to say that? They got punished, so I'll call them cheaters). I've studied about 120 players in this draft class so far (with @BryanBroaddus and @ktfuntweets), so my first big board is just going to be comprised of the 17 players that I have first round grades on at this point in the process.
Note: This is not necessarily the order that I would pick them in. For instance, I have Noah Spence ahead of Joey Bosa, but I don't know that I'd pick them in that order because of scheme fit. I have Ezekiel Elliott as the 3rd best talent in the draft but positional value of RB means I may not take him in the top 5. I have Jared Goff as the 7th best player but I'd absolutely take him with the #4 pick if I were Dallas because of positional value of QB.
1 - Myles Jack - UCLA LB - I can't think of a LB prospect that I've seen that has the physical abilities that Jack does. Some point to his production numbers as a possible knock on him, but what he is asked to do on that defense isn't conducive to 100+ tackle seasons. He can outrun RBs, cover WRs and shed OL with power. Tough to block on the move. His ceiling is sky high.
2 - Laremy Tunsil - Ole Miss OT - He's just a rock solid all-around step in starter at LT for whoever takes him. Able to generate power in the run game despite them setting up in a 2 point stance. Gets away from the line well, strong base, technically sound.
3 - Ezekiel Elliott - Ohio State RB - Zeke has everything you want in a RB. Combination of speed/power, vision, make 'em miss ability. It's all there. He's an outstanding blocker and shows natural hands out of the backfield. For a guy his size I was surprised by his lateral ability to make guys miss in tight spaces.
4 - Noah Spence - Eastern Kentucky DE - The best pass rusher in this draft class. Spence has the bend that can be the difference between a great athlete and a great pass rusher. Ability to win around the corner and inside once the OT across from him is worried about his speed. Impressive instant acceleration and closing burst to get to the ball carrier. Motor that doesn't stop. Might be at his best in a Von Miller type role in a 3-4 where he can rush off the edge from a stand up spot. Not the sort of run stopper you'll get from Joey Bosa or Shaq Lawson, but his ability to get the QB is outstanding.
5 - Laquon Treadwell - Ole Miss WR - Don't need a lot of words for this one. If you told me the guy wearing his uniform was Dez Bryant, I'd almost believe you. The tape, the strengths and weaknesses, they're the same player. Would like to see him develop as a route runner, but his ability to high point the ball, catch the contested ball, work after the catch with power etc. all compares to #88.
6 - Jalen Ramsey - Florida State DB - Depending on who picks him, he could play CB or S. He has lined up everywhere at FSU. Played the slot, outside, on the end of the LOS and at safety. He has a really nice combination of physicality, speed, ballskills. Can give a defensive coordinator a lot of versatility.
7 - Jared Goff - California QB - Goff is my favorite QB in the class because of his ability to be accurate at all 3 levels, his toughness in the pocket behind a line that couldn't block, his ability to throw with anticipation and ability to work through progressions quickly. Makes a variety of NFL throws every week.
8 - Joey Bosa - Ohio State DE - Bosa is a really well rounded player. Uses his length and athleticism really well to make himself tough to block one on one. Able to create separation with technique and power to stay free and work to the ball. Should be able to slide inside on pass rush downs if needed.
9 - Reggie Ragland - Alabama LB - He tried to line up as an edge rusher at the Senior Bowl to boost his stock. I'd ignore that. At MLB he's a force in the run game. Gets sideline to sideline and hits like a truck. Played some coverage and put his hand on the ground to rush some on 3rd down. Instinctive, tough, powerful. Sure tackler.
10 - Shaq Lawson - Clemson DE - Makes a ton of plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. Powerful player on the edge. Able to win outside on the pass rush and has a nice spin move to win inside. Anchors well against the run. Jarring tackler.
11 - Andrew Billings - Baylor DT - Billings is an anchor in the middle of a defense but also offers some ability to get to the passer. Hard to move even with a double team and can push the pocket. Great understanding of 'low man wins' to get leverage on blockers.
12 - Jaylon Smith - Notre Dame LB - Knee injury moves him down a few spots. On tape, he is an outstanding coverage LB with top notch instincts and athletic ability to get to the football. Can really run sideline to sideline. Always around the ball.
13 - Sheldon Rankins - Louisville DT - Rankins has a great combination of the two things you want from a DT. He can win as a 3 technique lined up over a guard with quickness and power to rush the passer. Also has the size and power enough to line up at the 1 tech spot and be effective.
14 - Deforest Buckner - Oregon DE - A little lower for me because I watch from a Cowboys perspective and I think he's a 3-4 DE ideally. Big, long, athletic guy who is the ideal two gapper at the DE spot in a 3-4. Can extend on and control blockers but also shows athleticism to close down the line on ballcarriers.
15 - Carson Wentz - North Dakota St QB - Wentz has all the tools you want for a future franchise QB. Size, arm talent, athleticism. Ran a pro style offense at NDSU and was a winner. Slight concerns for me involve leap in level of competition, some decision making as it applies to not seeing some open guys that you'd like him to see, and how quickly he processes his reads. Ceiling is very high for him.
16 - Jarran Reed - Alabama DT - Reed is a mountain in the middle. Offers just a little bit in terms of pushing the pocket and trying to generate a pass rush, but his role is as an anchor in the middle of a defense. He's so hard to move and a motor that doesn't quit.
17 - Michael Thomas - Ohio State WR - Thomas has a good blend of size and ability to run a full route tree. There's a jerkiness and deceptiveness to his route running that allows him to separate from defenders at the top of routes.
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