2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Round 1
19.) Buffalo Bills – DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
The Bills lost Mario Williams in the off-season and don’t have a solid option in house to replace him. Dodd was over-shadowed by his line-mate Lawson, but finished 2nd in the FBS in tackles for loss (24) and posted 12.5 sacks as well. He only has one year of film and showed just mediocre athleticism at the combine which may turn some teams off, but his production can’t be ignored. Dodd came out of nowhere to post a monster 2015 season and has the size, strength, and enough athleticism to be a productive NFL defensive end.
20.) New York Jets – OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
The Jets have had a dominant d-line the last couple of seasons, but have lacked an explosive edge rusher. Floyd has the natural ability to bend off the edge and turn the corner on OTs. He’s raw overall, but showed improvement in coverage as a run-stopper last season. Floyd was asked to do a lot more than rush the passer in college, but if turned loose to just get after the QB… he could be an impact edge rusher even as a rookie.
21.) Washington Redskins -DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
The Redskins need help at nose tackle and Reed is coming off a dominant stretch in the playoffs and Senior Bowl where he excelled against the run and was able to generate an interior pass rush against the best linemen in Mobile. Reed’s ability to handle double teams, clog running lanes, and potentially collapse pockets would be a significant upgrade inside for the Skins.
22.) Houston Texans – WR Will Fuller, Notre Dame
The Texans have already upgraded their offense with the addition of QB Brock Osweiler and RB Lamar Miller, but adding a legit deep threat like Fuller could really open things up. Fuller is clearly the best deep threat in the draft and would make a dynamic partner across from DeAndre Hopkins. He has an issue with drops, but the upside is too much to pass on this late in the first round.
23.) Minnesota Vikings -WR Josh Doctson, TCU
The Vikings have cut bait with over-paid deep threat Mike Wallace, but he could be replaced with the 6’2 | 200 pound Doctson. He has the elite ability to high point the ball, runs sharp routes and catches everything in his vicinity. So he’s basically the opposite of the one-dimensional Wallace and would give young QB Teddy Bridgewater a reliable red zone weapon.
24.) Cincinnati Bengals – DE Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
The Bengals have been known for taking chances on questionable characters and that’s exactly what Nkemdiche is. His elite athleticism is tempting enough that he won’t slip out of the first round, despite his suspect character. Nkemdiche can beat just about any 1-1 block and has the natural talent to beat double teams as well if his technique and motor improve. A few years from now Nkemdiche could be an All-Pro defensive linemen or could be out of the league. It’s a risky pick, but the Bengals have had enough luck on players with off-field issues to roll the dice.
25.) Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Eli Apple, Ohio St
Big corner (6’1 | 200) who is understandably raw after only two seasons on the field for the Buckeyes, but has all the tools necessary to develop into a shut-down defensive back. The addition of Apple and return of last year’s 2nd round pick Senquez Golson should give Pittsburgh two contributors outside and in the slot for a secondary that needs help everywhere.
Next: Picks #26-#31