2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Round 3
88.) Green Bay Packers – OLB Bronson Kaufusi, BYU
The Packers get a potentially dangerous edge rusher to replace the consistently disappointing Nick Perry. Kaufusi has the size to be a down linemen, but is much more productive as a stand up rusher and is more effective in space where he can use his quick first step and long arms to beat blockers off the edge. Kaufusi is most likely just a pass-rush specialist, but that’s an area the Packers need to improve.
89.) Pittsburgh Steelers – DE Chris Jones, Mississippi St
The Steelers could use some youth and upside on the d-line. They started to get some legit production from 2014 pick Stephen Tuitt and Jones is a similar prospect who may take a season or two to develop into a productive 5-tech but has the size, athleticism and talent to become a valuable member of the d-line rotation.
90.) Seattle Seahawks – CB Xavien Howard, Baylor
The Seahwaks secondary was once a strength, but outside of Richard Sherman the corner position has become somewhat of a weak spot for Seattle. Howard is a big corner (6’1 | 200) and is aggressive enough to be a good fit for the Seahawks press scheme. He has good ball skills with 5 interceptions and 10 pass breakups as a junior in 2015. Howard might have been a much higher pick had he stayed in school for another season but is a good fit for Seattle’s press scheme and could be a solid starter by 2017.
91.) Kansas City Chiefs – S Karl Joseph, West Virginia
The Chiefs should do everything in their power to keep Eric Berry at safety, but regardless of whether they do or not they could use some young depth at the position. Joseph might have gone a round or two higher had he entered the draft before last season when injuries limited him to just four games. He did get off to a great start in 2015 with 5 interceptions in just four games. Despite a smallish frame (5’11 | 197), Joseph hits like a hammer and should add an intimidating presence to the Chiefs secondary in sub packages.
92.) New England Patriots – G/C Graham Glasgow, Michigan
The Pats need a few interior offensive linemen to help protect Tom Brady in 2016. Glasgow dominated at the Shrine game and then more than held his own at the Senior Bowl against multiple first round d-line talents. He has the ability to play either guard or center and the Pats could use help at both positions this season.
93.) Arizona Cardinals – DE Shawn Oakman, Baylor
The Cards have one of the best 5-tech DEs in the league in Calais Campbell who has a similar build to the 6’8, 270 pound Oakman. If Oakman would have declared after the 2014 season he would have been a first round pick after an 11 sack, 19.5 TFL season, but his production dropped significantly in 2015 with just 4.5 sacks. Oakman has the ability to be as good as he wants and perhaps the combination of a good coaching staff and a veteran like Campbell can unlock Oakman’s potential.
94.) Carolina Panthers – S Keanu Neal, Florida
The Panthers had the #2 defense in the league last season but could use some young talent to eventually replace either the aging Roman Harper or Kurt Coleman. Some draft pundits have Neal as a borderline 1st-2nd round pick. I think he’s more of a late 2nd-early 3rd round pick but has the potential to eventually become a starter at safety in the NFL. Right now Neal is a vicious hitter in the run game, but needs to improve his range in pass coverage.
95.) Denver Broncos – DE Jihad Ward, Illinois
With the probable loss of breakout DE Malik Jackson the Broncos could use some young talent to replace him on the d-line. Ward flashed better than expected speed and power at last week’s Senior Bowl. He has the size (6’6 | 296), power, and quickness to be a force on Denver’s defensive front but it may take a couple seasons to develop into a consistent starter.
¹ Scouting reports on players are from a combination of watching games, individual player tape from Draftbreakdown, and various reports from CBS Sports, Walterfootball, NFL.com, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, and of course draft gurus Mel Kiper and Todd McShay.