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2016 NFL Mock Draft

By Will Osgood

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linesman Taylor Decker (68) blocks Navy Midshipmen defensive end Paul Quessenberry (45) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Navy Midshipmen 34-17.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linesman Taylor Decker (68) blocks Navy Midshipmen defensive end Paul Quessenberry (45) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Navy Midshipmen 34-17.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Oakland Raiders–Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

The Oakland Raiders could not protect quarterback Derek Carr a season ago, and there’s little reason to think they’ll be able to again this season. They finally are moving in the right direction at the skill positions, but Carr still figures to be mostly a sitting duck in the pocket.

Hence, Taylor Decker–who currently projects as the best offensive lineman in the 2016 class–is the obvious pick for a team whose main flaw going into the upcoming season figures to again be along the offense line.

2. Carolina Panthers–D’haquille Williams, WR, Auburn

The Carolina Panthers have been an overrated team two years running. They got into the postseason two years ago, mostly due to lucky gambles from “The Riverboat Gambler”, and this past season only got in because they were the least bad team among a bunch of really bad teams in the NFC South.

2015 is the year the Panthers fall back to earth. They still have not given Cam Newton adequate weapons to work with on the outside. D’haquille Williams changes that, as a freakishly talented imposing weapon to match up with Kelvin Benjamin.

3. New York Jets–Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

The New York Jets are yet to answer their quarterback problems, and didn’t do enough in this draft to give Geno Smith the weapons he needs to make the Jets offense a viable one long-term. Though Jones has played in only three college games, he exhibited all the traits teams look for in a quarterback–arm strength, pocket presence and moxie.

Plus, he showed great poise for a kid playing his first batch of college games. Had he come out this season, he probably would have been the third quarterback drafted. With a year of experience, it’s not unreasonable to think he takes the next step. And it would hardly be a stretch to think the NFL will fall in love with him, even after only one full college season.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was the No. 1 pick a few years back after just one full college season of experience.

4. San Francisco 49ers–Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

The San Francisco 49ers have had quite the offseason. Though they did a wonderful job in this year’s draft–like always–they are still the likely pick among all teams in the league to see a noticeable drop in their win-loss record in 2015. As a result, they’ll have the opportunity to further strengthen their once-proud defensive line.

Oakman, at 6’8″, 278 lbs has a chance to grow into his body further and become an even greater physical specimen. And he’s already a pretty good football player.

Next: Picks 5 through 8

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