2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition
By Dani Bostick
Taylor Decker. 14. player. 51. . OT. Ohio State
The Rams used their 2015 first-round pick to acquire running back Todd Gurley, who played in his first NFL game in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Between Gurley, Tre Mason, Nick Foles, and Kenny Britt, the team’s offense is in decent shape. It would make sense, however, especially given the strength of the Rams defense, for the team to invest in an offensive lineman. Gurley and Mason’s production will be much higher if they have better run blocking.
Taylor Decker of Ohio State could be a fine candidate for the Rams. He could have been drafted as a late first-rounder in 2015 but opted to stay with Ohio State for a shot at back-to-back national titles.
He excels at both blocking and pass protection, but his off-field traits are also very impressive as well. A natural leader, Decker is now a team captain and lauded for his work ethic, character, and poise.
On the field, Decker has been instrumental in protecting quarterback Cardale Jones, a former third-string player who ended up leading his team to a national championship. That achievement would not have been possible without a stout offensive line. Decker is the leader of that line that also facilitated 28 individual 100-yard rushing games from six different players, according to the Buckeyes website.
Decker is also durable and tenacious, about which coach Urban Meyer said, “What I didn’t see his first year is he’s one of the toughest guys I’ve been around.” His commitment to his team is also admirable since he could have declared for the 2015 draft and instead decided to play for the school he loves.
Next: No. 15 Indianapolis Colts