Now that the combine and most Pro Days have been completed, it’s time to update my 2016 NFL Draft prospect rankings. I ranked the draft-worthy 3-4 DEs back in January, but a lot has changed since then. I’ll be finalizing my positional rankings¹ over the next month, so you have info to reference before and during this year’s draft.
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2016 Draft Rankings:
QB | DE
*If you have any problems with my rankings or questions about a specific prospect who isn’t listed, feel free to address it in the comments or reach out on twitter (@MikeFlannery_)
2016 NFL Draft: 3-4 DE Rankings
Since the Bears play a base 3-4 scheme, I’m going to focus these rankings on players who fit as DEs in their odd-man front. So if you are wondering why a defensive end isn’t listed, they are most likely a better fit in a 4-3 scheme or as an OLB. With that out of the way, here are my 3-4 DE rankings for the 2016 NFL Draft.
1.) Joey Bosa, Ohio St (6’5 | 275 | 4.82) – Elite prospect who can play on either end of the Bears 3-4 scheme, though he may be better suited coming off the edge in a 4-3 scheme. There is little to no chance Bosa falls to the Bears pick at 11, but he was the size, power, and quickness to be an impact DE in any scheme. His non-stop motor, advanced hand play, and an innate knack for slipping blocks could give the Bears an added dimension with a pass rusher from the front three.
Bears angle: If Bose is available at the 11th pick, he wont drop any farther.
2.) DeForest Buckner, Oregon (6’7 | 290 | 4.87) – Has the size to handle double teams, the strength to set the edge against the run, and is quick enough to occasionally get to the QB as his 10.5 sacks last season attest to. He is strong enough to move inside if needed on passing downs and his combination of power, long arms and unusual quickness for his size could make him an effective interior pass rusher. Buckner also showed a knack for batting down passes with five pass deflections last season. He is polished enough to play right away and has the potential to be the total package at DE.
Bears angle: Would be a steal and a perfect fit if available at 11
3.) Sheldon Rankins, Louisville (6’2 | 304 | 4.92) – Rankins has the versatility to play anywhere on the Bears odd-man front, the power to be a force against the run, and enough quickness to win 1-1 battles and generate a pass rush. He was almost unblockable at the Senior Bowl, consistently frustrating blockers with his combination of speed and power.
He is a little shorter than ideal at just 6’2 and might be best suited to play the 3-technique in an even-man front, but the skill-set is there to be an impact player in any scheme. Rankins is explosive off the ball, has surprising lateral agility for his size, plays with a non-stop motor, has shown good football awareness, and can shed blockers to make plays against the run.
Rankins was very successful in a 3-4 scheme at Louisville, playing both inside and out. Over the last two seasons he racked up 111 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and two interceptions.
Bears angle: My current choice for the Bears at 11 in my latest mock. Rankins is a great fit with Goldman and Hicks int he starting lineup.
Next: Rankings 4-7