2016 NFL Mock Draft
By Will Osgood
13. Tennessee Titans–Reggie Carter, ILB, Georgia
The Tennessee Titans made strides in improving their offense in this year’s draft and held off on stressing over their defense–which they strengthened in the free agency part of the offseason. The defensive improvement will allow them to improve, as an easy schedule helps them too.
Reggie Carter will add to an improving defense and team next year at this time. He’s a perfect fit for their current 3-4 defensive alignment. He is possibly the final piece to get the Titans to the point of being a playoff team.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers–Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Myles Jack is, excuse the phrase, “a jack of all trades”. He’s been an effective running back in two years in Westwood and an excellent playmaking linebacker. He fits well in Lovie Smith’s Tampa Two defense as a guy who can cover running backs and tight ends, while coming up to make tackles against the run as well.
This would be a great value pick for the Bucs.
15. Houston Texans–Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
The Texans, in this scenario might be tempted to trade up to get Christian Hackenberg, whom head coach Bill O’Brien recruited to play quarterback for him at Penn State. But this is mock draft with no trades, since we really have no idea where teams will actually land.
And the whole “he coached the guy in college so of course he’ll draft him” thing never actually happens (see Doug Marrone with Ryan Nassib and Chip Kelly with Marcus Mariota). Cook is the safe pick at 15, and a likely result. He has the chance to be a franchise quarterback because of the tutelage of O’Brien.
16. Minnesota Vikings–Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
The Minnesota Vikings are still in need of a playmaking running back, a guy who can make things happen in between the tackles and break outside for exciting plays. Devontae Booker is just that guy who can take Vikings’ offense to new heights in 2016–their third with Teddy Bridgewater under center.
Next: Picks 17 through 20