2016 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Round 1
16.) Detroit Lions – OT Jack Conklin, Michigan St (6’6 | 308 | 4.98)
As of today, former Bear Michael Ola is projected as the Lions starting right tackle. That won’t end up well for anyone except opposing defensive ends. To me Conklin projects best as a right tackle at the next level and should almost definitely be an upgrade over Ola right away. He may have the potential to play on the left side eventually and be an improvement over current starter Reilly Reiff.
The Lions need help on the d-line and in the secondary as well and I was close to taking Vernon Butler here, who is one of my favorite players in the draft, but the offensive line should be priority one as they need to keep Stafford in one piece and open some running lanes for 2nd year RB Ameer Abdullah.
17.) Atlanta Falcons – LB Darren Lee, Ohio St (6’1 | 232 | 4.46)
The Falcons need to get faster and more explosive on defense and there may not be a better linebacker that checks both boxes than Darren Lee. The Falcons current LB group of Upshaw, Reed, and Wheeler might be the slowest in the NFL and Lee would give them an instant athleticism boost. He can cover backs, tight ends, and even slot receivers when needed.
Lee is an explosive blitzer off the edge as well and a sideline-to-sideline run stopper. His skill set is reminiscent of Steeler Ryan Shazier and gives the Falcons defense a versatile athlete who can do a little of everything and match-up with some of the speedy young players in the division like Brandin Cooks, Coby Fleener, Tevin Coleman, and Charles Sims.
18.) Indianapolis Colts – C Ryan Kelly (6’4 | 311 | 4.96)
The Colts need pass rushers, linebackers, defensive backs, speed at running back and upgrades on both the offensive and defensive lines, but what they might need the most is a center who can build rapport with Andrew Luck, call out blocking adjustments at the line of scrimmage and do a better job of keeping the Colts franchise QB in one piece. 18th overall may seem high to draft a center, but Kelly is by far the best one available in this draft and could team with Luck for years to start rebuilding an offensive line that has been a constant disaster the last few seasons.
Kelly has the size, brains, ability to both run and pass block, and the innate football awareness that this offensive line desperately needs. He has the potential to be a future All-Pro center who will make things easier for Luck, help keep him upright, and extend his career. Kelly was the 2nd best rated run blocker last season according to PFF and didn’t allow a sack over the last two seasons despite playing against the best DTs in the SEC.
He’s not an elite athlete, but is one of the smartest centers in college football, uses his leverage well to move people off the ball and understands defensive schemes well enough to adjust blocking schemes before the snap. Kelly plays through the whistle with a nasty edge, which hopefully will rub off on the rest of the Colts lackluster offensive line.
19.) Buffalo Bills – DL Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss (6’3 | 294 | 4.86)
Former #1 recruit coming out of high school who never lived up to his immense potential but has occasionally flashed the ability that had some analysts projecting him as a future #1 overall pick. Athletically Nkemdiche can do it all; He’s fast enough to be a 4-3 DE as a pass rusher and strong enough to both generate interior pressure and stop the run as a defensive tackle. The problem with Nkemdiche is that he hasn’t been able to do either consistently. On top of his lack of consistent productivity, there are also off-field issues to worry about, like when he jumped out of a window with weed in his pocket when a party was busted.
Despite all the seemingly negative issues, Nkemdiche has flashed the ability to do whatever he wants to at times on the football field. He can dominate 1-1 battles, beat double teams with quickness, power, and 34″ arms. Talent-wise Nkemdiche is a top-10 player in this draft, but he’s an enigma with questions about his off-field problems and also his drive to play football long-term.
If there is one coach willing to take a chance on a high-upside player with questionable off-field issues and interests it’s Rex Ryan. The Bills have an aging defensive line that needs an influx of talent. Nkemdiche could fill in at defensive end for the mediocre Jarius Wynn or inside at tackle for the ancient Kyle Williams. Its a risky pick in the first round, but Ryan has never shied away from talented players with off-field question marks and lining up Nkemdiche next to Marcel Dareus could give the Bills a dominant combo inside.
20) New York Jets – OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia (6’6 | 244 | 4.59)
Divisive prospect who is extremely quick off the snap, bends off the edge as well any any rusher in the draft, and has the closing speed to run down any QB in the league. Floyd has ideal length for an edge rusher, an elite burst off the ball, a lightning quick spin move, and such quick feet that he can often beat tackles without even being touched. The problem with Floyd is that he’s built like a wide-receiver and if an NFL o-linemen does get his hands on Floyd than he’s pretty much taken out of the play due to a lack of strength.
When Floyd beats his blocker cleanly, he can chase down QBs and even most RBs but at the NFL level, that is rarely going to happen. A team like the Jets with one of the best front three DLs in football might be an ideal fit for Floyd, as he’ll face more match-ups against TEs and RBs trying to chip of the edge. The Jets have been lacking an explosive edge rusher the last few seasons and Floyd could add a new dimension to their defensive attack.
Next: Picks 21-25