2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Round 2
43.) Los Angeles Rams – QB Connor Cook, Michigan St
The Rams got lucky with the top receiver falling to them at 15 and then again in round two with a borderline first round prospect like Cook still available mid-round 2. I think Cook is ultimately a back-up at the NFL level, but he has the size and arm strength to play in the league and the Rams need new blood at the QB position. Cook is more polished than most QBs in the draft and may be an upgrade as a rookie over the QBs currently on the Rams roster.
44.) Oakland Raiders – OG Cody Whitehair, Kansas St
The Raiders were forced to start former Bear J’Marcus Webb at right guard last season, so an upgrade is clearly needed at the position. Whitehair should be able to step in as a rookie and can’t be worse than Webb.
45.) Los Angeles Rams – CB Artie Burns, Miami
Both of the Rams starting corners, McBride and Jenkins, are free agents this year and they could use some insurance in case they lose either. Burns is raw, but has ideal size (6’0 | 197) and ball skills (6 INTs in 2015). He’s aggressive and excels in press coverage so should be a good fit for the Rams aggressive defensive scheme.
46.) Detroit Lions – DT Kenny Clark, UCLA
The Lions get a gift here with a first round talent falling to the middle of round 2. The Lions still haven’t recovered from losing both Suh and Fairley last season and their replacement, Haloti Ngata, is 32 and a free agent. The Lions have needs at wide receiver and defensive end as well, but Clark fills a need and is too good to pass up at this point of the draft.
47.) New Orleans Saints – DE Carl Nassib, Penn St
The Saints had no pass rush last season besides Cam Jordan and Nassib would give them another threat off the edge. He has a quick burst off the line and a non-stop motor. Nassib should improve the Saints pass rush right away and is a strong locker room presence.
48.) Indianapolis Colts – G/C Nick Martin, Notre Dame
Not quite the prospect his brother Zach was, but Nick has starter potential at both center and guard which are two positions the Colts badly need help at. They need to do a better job of protecting Andrew Luck and the combination of Martin and 1st round pick Conklin should be able to help from day 1.
49.) Buffalo Bills – OT Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M
The Bills needs an upgrade at right tackle where they started two rookies last year without much success. Starting left tackle Cordy Glenn is a free agent as well, so the Bills could be in serious trouble at the position if Glenn leaves. Ifedi should be an upgrade on the right side and has the potential to eventually move to the left if he can improve his balance and technique.
50.) Atlanta Falcons – WR Braxton Miller, Ohio St
The Falcons need a weapon opposite Julio Jones to keep defenses honest and Miller looked like a dangerous receiver at the Senior Bowl. He’s understandably raw given he has only played one year at the receiver position, but is one of the quickest receivers in the draft and could open things up for Julio and the rest of the offense.
51.) New York Jets – OT Jerald Hawkins, LSU
The Jets could use an upgrade at right tackle and left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s isn’t getting any younger. Hawkins could start out on the right side and eventually take over for Ferguson on the left in a season or two. Hawkins is raw, but has the feet to play on the left side.