2016 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Round 1
29.) Arizona Cardinals – OLB Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky (6’2 | 249 | 469)
If not for multiple failed drug tests and reportedly poor interviews at the combine, Spence would be a top ten pick. He was a former top recruit coming out of high school who made an immediate impact as a pass rusher at Ohio St. A few positive tests for molly got Spence banned from the Big10 for good, but Spence cleaned up his act at EKU, even requesting weekly drug tests. His production on the field was impressive as well with 11.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.
The Cards added Chandler Jones which should improve their pass rush, but lining up Spence on the other side of the field could make their pass rush a legit weapon instead of the weakness it was in 2015. It’s a bit of a risk, but with a strong coaching staff and locker room, Spence could become a dangerous weapon in AZ and get the Cards one step closer to the Super Bowl.
30.) New England Patriots – Forfeited Pick
31.) Carolina Panthers – Jason Spriggs, Indiana (6’6 | 301 | 4.87)
The Panthers got by with tackles who would be backups on almost any other team in the NFL last year, but they were exposed by the Broncos elite pass rush in the Super Bowl. Outside of Tunsil, Spriggs has the most upside as any left tackle in this draft. While it may take a year or two for him to gain the strength needed to be a starting left tackle, the talent is there for Spriggs to be a Pro Bowler eventually after a year or two in the weight room.
32.) Denver Broncos – DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech (6’4 | 323 | 5.25)
Losing DT Malik Jackson was a big blow for the Broncos defensive line, but Butler could provide a similar impact if not more and possibly sooner than it took the former 5th round pick Jackson to develop. Butler is a beast inside who has the versatility to pay a few different spots on the Broncos d-line as he played all three spots along Louisiana Tech’s odd-man front.
Butler is a built like a nose tackle, but has the quickness to play the 3-tech and length to play the 5-tech if needed. He’s a stud against the run, but has enough pass rush moves to win 1-1 battles and provide occasional pressure on the QB. He played against sub-par competition in the Sun Belt conference, but was one of the most impressive players at the Senior Bowl proving he could dominate against power-5 players. I almost had the Bears taking Butler at 11 and he’s my 14th ranked player overall, so this is a steal for the Broncos in my opinion.