Legwolds top 100 players

[Larz]

a lifetime scout that has attended every combine.  as he says, it is just one mans top 100

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/story/_/id/15290519/ranking-top-100-players-available-2016-nfl-draft

 

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The NFL draft is where champions are made, no matter how much cash or conversation is expended in free agency.

The first scouting combine was in 1987 in Indianapolis. I attended it -- and every one since. The combine in February and the draft follows; for better or worse, it's has been part of my football spring for my entire adult life.

After a pile of game video and plenty of cell phone minutes with coaches and scouts, here's one man's top 100. It isn't a mock draft, just the top 100 players ranked, regardless of position. While quarterbacks are expected to go 1-2, it doesn't mean they are the two best players.

If you disagree with the rankings, rest assured, many in the league I have long respected have already objected.

Note: Best verified or electronically timed 40-yard dash time in parentheses.

[Larz]

1. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA, 6-foot-1, 245 pounds (none/knee)

Jack left school after tearing his meniscus in September. He had 75 tackles and seven rushing touchdowns as a freshman and 88 tackles and three rushing TDs as a sophomore. Some teams have concerns about the knee, and he likely falls in the opening round because of it, but he is best player on the board.

2. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State, 6-5 ¼, 269 (4.86)

Bosa started as true freshman for the Buckeyes and was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. There is slight concern over a lackluster five sacks last season, but he's a safe pick who can line up in a variety of spots on the defensive front.

3. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, 5-11 ¾, 225 (4.47)

Elliott finished as the Buckeyes' second all-time leading rusher with 1,821 yards and 23 rushing TDs last season. He has been busy -- 562 rushing attempts the past two seasons combined -- but a 6.7 yards per carry average shows consistency in production.

4. Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi, 6-5, 298 (none/hamstring)

He was suspended by the NCAA for improper benefits and dealt with injuries -- a dislocated ankle at the end of the 2014 season to go with a partially torn biceps earlier that year -- but in a draft deep in tackles, he's the best. Some teams have him in the conversation for the top player on the board.

5. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon, 6-7, 291 (5.05)

Buckner played in all 54 games of his career with the Ducks, including the past two seasons as a starter. He had a combined 30 tackles for loss over the past two seasons and closed with 10.5 sacks in 2015.

6. Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia, 6-5 5/8, 244 (4.59)

Floyd had shoulder surgery in December 2014 and missed the team's bowl game. He also suffered a hamstring injury on his first 40 at the scouting combine, but this is a disruptive player in the pass rush who should get better as he gets stronger.

7. Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame, 6-5 ¾, 312 (5.20)

Stanley stayed at Notre Dame for his senior season and will likely reap the financial reward. He is quick out of his stance and has started games at both tackle positions. He's more refined in pass protection than many in this draft.

8. Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State, 6-1 ¼, 209 (4.41)

Ask 10 people in the NFL where Ramsey should play on defense, cornerback or safety, and you might not get a consensus. He is an uber-athlete with elite speed who can play press coverage. He shows the ability to line up and perform well at cornerback, but he looks like an elite safety in waiting.

9. Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia, 5-9 5/8, 205 (none/knee)

A knee injury ended his 2015 season -- it was noncontact, during practice -- but he had five interceptions in four weeks before the injury. He is a team captain who plays with purpose, toughness and simply tackles better than most everyone else on the board.

10. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama, 6-1 ¼, 247 (4.72)

Teams like Crimson Tide defenders in the draft because they come ready-made to contribute. They're versatile and have a good understanding of the job. Ragland is no different and plays with the kind of toughness people want in the middle of a defense.

11. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida, 5-10 ½, 204 (4.50)

Cornerbacks who can play in press coverage -- and many draft prospects can't because they weren't asked to often -- move up. Hargreaves can, and while he doesn't have elite speed, he competes every snap and bounces back from mistakes.

12. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St., 6-5 ¼, 237 (4.77)

He won't wait this long to be selected, but he's a quarterback who would benefit with time to grow into the job. He started only seven games because of a fractured wrist last season but still threw for 17 TDs and ran for six more.

13. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama, 6-3 5/8, 307 (5.20)

A two-year starter, Robinson plays too upright at times but has gotten away with it because of his superior strength. He is an ascending player with tremendous lower-body strength and should be in somebody's rotation the moment he arrives.

14. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi, 6-2, 221 (4.64)

He doesn't have elite speed, but he flourished in a speed league and caught pass after pass -- 202 in all in his career -- over cornerbacks and safeties who are faster. Bottom line, he knows how to set up the defender, wins plenty of contested passes and has the size NFL playcallers want.

15. Jared Goff, QB, Cal, 6-4, 215 (4.82)

The video shows he didn't play much under center, which will be an adjustment, and he had bouts with accuracy. He has also been sacked 81 times in the past three seasons combined. But he is the top quarterback on the board for many teams and considered to be the most ready to play right away.

16. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State, 6-0 ¾, 232 (4.43)

He has upper-tier athleticism and finds the ball and closes with big-time agility. Some teams consider him undersized. But a team that makes the right call in fitting him in its scheme in a weak-side role will benefit.

17. Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State, 6-5 ¾, 308 (5.00)

When Conklin comes off the board, it could start the run on tackles. Scouts took notice of his play against DeForest Buckner and his work in the biggest moments of his career. His toughness and drive lead the way, but he also has recovery ability and can reset and get after it.

18. Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama, 6-4, 311 (5.03)

He was a walk-on starter. A three-year starter for Nick Saban, he is tough with movement skills in the run game and an effective pass blocker. He plays with savvy and has already been coached hard.

19. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville, 6-1 1/8, 299 (5.03)

In a deep group of defensive linemen, Rankins might be the quickest off the ball among high-profile players, as evidenced by game video. He might not fit some of the physical parameters for the position, but this is a ballplayer who has versatility.

20. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor, 6-0 5/8, 311 (5.05)

He led Baylor in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (15) last season -- a tall order for an interior player. He set Texas state powerlifting records as a prep athlete in Waco and just turned 21 in March.

 

[Larz]

21. Taylor Decker, T, Ohio State, 6-7, 310 (5.23)

Decker is another player who returned for his senior season and upgraded his draft standing. He was the Big Ten's offensive lineman of the year and projects as a rookie starter at right tackle.

22. Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State, 5-10 ¾, 199 (4.52)

Bell has versatility, given he played in the Buckeyes' nickel package early in his career. Teams that see him in a coverage role, at least initially, will be ready to pick him earlier.

23. Josh Doctson, WR, TCU, 6-2, 202 (4.50)

His 2015 season ended with a wrist injury and he still finished with 79 catches for 1,337 yards to go with 14 touchdowns. He consistently wins contested passes, a skill that will be more evident with pro quarterbacks who are willing to let him make a play in a crowd.

24. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson, 6-2, 269 (4.70)

A one-year starter for the Tigers, he has the look of an NFL outside linebacker in a 3-4. While he didn't always show late-game conditioning, that's something most teams will consider a correctable issue for a player who gives high effort.

25. Kenny Clark, DT/NT, UCLA, 6-2 5/8, 314 (5.06)

Clark has the wrestling background scouts like in prospects on the defensive and offensive line. Some teams like his potential more than others, but he plays with the strength and leverage that likely will get him off the board somewhere in the top 35.

26. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State, 6-0 5/8, 199 (4.40)

He's a big cornerback with speed, so he fits the get-him-early profile. He is better in man coverage than coming forward and tackling. Apple has also had penalty issues, but he competes and has the footwork to succeed.

27. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas, 6-4 7/8, 250 (4.68)

Some teams might not pick a tight end in the first round, but this year's John Mackey Award winner is worth a long look. He had 51 catches and blocked well in the Razorbacks' run game. That kind of run/pass versatility makes him a rare find.

28. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama, 6-2 7/8, 307 (5.21)

He had a 2014 DUI arrest, but on the field he's ready to play in run defense upon arrival. While he could be a run-down specialist for much of his NFL career, he's a sure tackler who will upgrade a defense.

29. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama, 6-2 ½, 247 (4.54)

He won the national player of the year award in high school and the Heisman Trophy at Alabama, and he finished his career with 167 yards rushing and three TDs against Clemson in the national title game. This might be a little higher than some teams rate him, but the lug-the-rock aficionados will gladly reel him in.

30. Austin Johnson, DT/NT, Penn State, 6-4 3/8, 314 (5.32)

An all-state basketball player in high school, he shows quality footwork and movement skills. He finished 2015 with 15 tackles for loss and six sacks.

31. Germain Ifedi, T, Texas A&M, 6-5 ¾, 324 (5.27)

Some teams see him as a guard -- he started at right guard as a freshman -- and many think he should have stayed in school for one more year. He certainly has the reach of a tackle, while he's shown quality athleticism in pass protection.

32. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson, 6-5, 277 (4.86)

He had to wait his turn to play full time for the Tigers and was a one-year starter. But he had five tackles for loss and three sacks against Alabama in the national title game. He will turn 24 in July, but this is an ascending player whose senior season should put him in the first round.

33. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh, 6-1 ½, 197 (4.58)

Boyd is a front-line receiver who was an all-conference selection as a returner. He also played some running back. He catches anything close and knows how to create room. He had a DUI arrest in June.

34. Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida, 6-3 5/8, 285 (4.93)

Bullard had 26 tackles for loss over the past two seasons combined, with 16.5 last season. Teams see potential in the pass rush, as well as at the point of attack in the run game.

35. Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech, 6-4, 323 (5.33)

Butler is a first-round talent who might get crowded out because of the uncommon depth at the position among this year's prospects. He has power and quickness with some still-untapped potential.

36. Devontae Booker, RB, Utah, 5-10 ¾, 219 (none/knee)

Booker suffered a torn meniscus in November and needed surgery. He had a limited pro day workout earlier this month and is expected to be full speed by training camp. He is a quality receiver who also has top-end skills in the run game.

37. Kamalei Correa, DE/OLB, Boise State, 6-2 5/8, 243 (4.69)

His production (seven sacks) didn't always match what evaluators expected. But he's a high-effort player who doesn't surrender plays and has shown good pursuit skills. There's potential for him to be a quality outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

38. Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma, 5-10 ¼, 194 (4.48)

In a year when the class of wide receivers isn't nearly as fast overall as that of the previous two years, Shepard might be the best combination of speed and reliable hands. He is also considered a high-character player.

39. William Jackson III, CB, Houston, 6-3, 189 (4.37)

He broke up 23 passes last season. Other than quarterback or edge rusher, there might be no more coveted player on a draft board than a big cornerback with reach and elite speed. On this board, Jackson is that guy.

40. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor, 5-10 5/8, 194 (4.40)

Former Denver Broncos cornerback Ray Crockett is Coleman's godfather. He was the 2015 Biletnikoff Award winner with 74 receptions and 20 touchdowns. Coleman had sports hernia surgery in December.

 

[Larz]

 

41. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, 6-6 5/8, 244 (4.86)

Opinions are split on Lynch overall but not on arm strength or physical characteristics. He's the best fit for teams that prefer to work with some play-action and put him on the move. Some evaluators have expressed concern over how soon he could develop into a starter.

42. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson, 5-10 3/8, 190 (4.48)

One of the most gifted defensive back prospects on the board played two seasons as a starter -- 23 games - and did not have an interception. No, he wasn't challenged all that much, but that number will bother some.

43. Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame, 6-0 1/8, 186 (4.32)

Because receivers in this draft are not as fast as those in recent years, Fuller will likely be drafted higher than this spot because he is the top of the line with a 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine. But drops are a concern.

44. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State, 6-4 1/8, 293 (4.82)

Calhoun was a three-year starter for the Spartans. He is one of the more high-intensity pass-rushers on the board -- 26.5 sacks over the past three seasons. Several defensive line coaches have said that if he learns to shed blockers, he could be a dominant rusher in league.

45. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State, 6-4 ¼, 273 (4.63)

Ogbah was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year with 13 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. He had 11 sacks in 2014. He will need some countermoves in the NFL when power alone isn't enough for him to get around the corner.

46. Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame, 6-4 1/8, 299 (5.22)

His older brother, Zack, is a mainstay on the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line. Nick started 10 games at left guard for the Irish, to go with two-plus seasons at center. Some scouts say a 2013 knee injury has affected his play, but there is a lot to like in the team captain.

47. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame, 6-0 5/8, 293 (5.07)

He was a three-year starter for the Irish and plays with fervor. He is one of the best high-effort players on the board with scheme versatility. He will be exactly the kind of pro defensive coaches covet.

48. Keanu Neal, S, Florida, 6-0 ½, 211 (4.62)

Neal was one of the big hitters in the Gators' defense. There were times when his quest for a highlight hit caused him to miss the target. But there's plenty of video that shows he can function down the field in coverage and can get after it around the line of scrimmage.

49. Artie Burns, CB, Miami (Fla.), 5-11 7/8, 193 (4.46)

He had six interceptions last season and ran hurdles for the Hurricanes' track team. He needs significant technique work, especially when it comes to grabbing receivers at the top of the routes, but he finds the ball -- and that separates him from some coverage players in this draft.

50. Jason Spriggs, T, Indiana, 6-5 5/8, 301 (4.94)

A four-year starter for the Hoosiers, he turned in the most athletic workout among the offensive linemen at the scouting combine -- a sub-5.0 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical leap. He projects as a left tackle, but he could find a home at right tackle in a zone-blocking scheme.

51. Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford, 6-4 3/8, 312 (5.32)

Garnett won the 2015 Outland Trophy and played a few snaps at halfback/tight end. Far more polished in the run game than in pass protection at the moment, but he has the look of a future starter.

52. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State, 6-5 ¾, 310 (5.03)

He was arrested on the charge of driving with a suspended license last month. He has the characteristics people want in an interior defensive lineman but game video shows plenty of uneven effort, especially late in games. He has flashes and teams will have to decide if they can get more.

53. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State, 6-4, 217 (4.79)

He's been a four-year starter at a top-shelf program, leading the Spartans to the national semifinals while playing with toughness. But he's struggled in big moments. For any passer with the arm strength to make it into the NFL, accuracy is key. Cook never topped a 58.7 percent completion rate and that matters.

54. Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA, 5-10 3/8, 208 (4.54)

He closed career with back-to-back seasons of more than 1,300 yards and may have shown the best vision of any back on the board. He's also a quality receiver who finds open spaces as a runner.

55. Cody Whitehair, G/T, Kansas State, 6-3 ¾, 301 (5.08)

Whitehair has played left tackle, right tackle and left guard. He's dependable, consistent and versatile. He's also shown equal affinity in pass protection and run game. A safe pick who will compete to play immediately.

56. Su'a Cravens, S/LB, USC, 6-0 ¾, 226 (4.65)

His position may not be clear, probably a weak-side linebacker, but this is a player who needs to be on the field. A three-year starter, Cravens sees the play and gets to where he should be faster than plenty of faster players.

57. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech, 5-11 ¼, 187 (none/knee)

If not for micro-fracture surgery on his right knee, Fuller is higher on the draft board. Several teams said have said his physical went well. He should be the fourth member of his family to be drafted into the NFL.

58. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State, 6-2 ¾, 212 (4.57)

Thomas ran a limited route tree for the Buckeyes, but shows the potential to do more as a pro. He will need technique work in his routes before a team can see what he can in games.

59. Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois, 6-5 1/8, 297 (5.11)

He played wide receiver and safety in junior college, so he's still learning the defensive line. But he has the potential to play both end and tackle in some schemes.

60. Jacoby Brissett, QB, North Carolina State, 6-3 ¾, 231 (4.94)

For a team willing to take the time to teach Brissett the position, the reward will be a competitive, big-armed potential starter.

 

[Larz]

61. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi, 6-3 ½, 294 (4.87)

There is little question about Nkemdiche's athleticism. But there are off-the-field concerns with an arrest on a marijuana possession charge in Atlanta earlier this year. There's also plenty of game video where the effort is lacking.

62. Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky, 6-2 ½, 251 (4.80)

He likely gets selected long before this because edge rushers like Spence are in high demand. But off-the-field questions are major, starting with his admitted use of Ecstasy that led to a ban from the Big Ten in 2014 and ended his career at Ohio State. He went through treatment, but had a 2015 arrest -- later expunged after community service -- for intoxication. Spence has since told teams he stopped drinking.

63. Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State, 6-3 1/8, 298 (5.17)

Westerman is a quality athlete who plays with power. Some teams could play him at center. Technically sound, which enhances his chances of contributing immediately.

64. Kyler Fackrell, LB, Utah State, 6-5, 245 (4.72)

Suffered a torn ACL his junior season, but returned for 13 starts as a senior with 82 tackles including 15 for loss with five fumble recoveries. He topped 80 tackles in each of his three full seasons.

65. Deion Jones, LB, LSU, 6-0 7/8, 222 (4.59)

A team captain in 2015 even though it was his only season as a full-time starter. While he's not expected to be able to add much more weight, Jones is a quality athlete who offers scheme versatility as a reliable tackler who understands opposing offenses.

66. Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina, 6-5 1/8, 247 (4.64)

Adams was an accomplished prep hoops player and it shows in his footwork. The teams looking for a player to challenge coverage down the field from the tight end spot will look to him. Game video shows he a willing blocker and he should be able to add some weight as a pro as he maintains his speed.

67. Jeremy Cash, S, Duke, 6-0 3/8, 212 (4/21 pro day)

Cash had surgery on his right wrist to finish the 2015 season. He had three consecutive 100-tackle seasons and had 18 tackles for loss in 2015 and 10.5 TFL in '14. Cash was the conference defensive player of the year and a top scholar-athlete.

68. Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State, 6-1 3/8, 201 (4.50)

Miller is a projection player after one season at wide receiver after playing quarterback for the Buckeyes. He's a leader with top-tier athleticism as a two-time 1,000-yard rusher. He's also shown himself to be a natural pass catcher.

69. Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama, 5-9 7/8, 197 (4.49)

Jones started his career for the Crimson Tide as a wide receiver. He has potential as a returner in the NFL. He had hip surgery after the 2014 season and a domestic violence charge -- eventually dropped -- that could push him down some teams' draft boards.

70. Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State, 6-3 ¾, 254 (4.68)

He simply doesn't miss tackles. Some will question his range, but this is a high-effort, high-production, high-character player.

71. C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame, 6-0 ½, 220 (4.48)

His 6.6 yards per carry average last season is double-take worthy, but put with it the fact he led the team's receivers with 16.8 yards per catch in 2014 and was a front-line special teams player and you have a high-quality pro prospect. He needs work in pass protection, so could be a two-down player initially.

72. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas, 6-3 3/8, 303 (5.02)

Ridgeway, at his best, is a highly talented, athletic interior lineman. But there are effort questions. If a coaching staff can reset him, he is a starter-in-waiting.

73. Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State, 6-3 3/8, 301 (5.17)

He was suspended for the team's bowl game after being cited for solicitation. He had seven tackles for loss and four sacks in 2015 for a defense loaded with future NFL draft picks.

74. Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State, 6-6, 257 (4.89)

Vannett had 55 receptions in his career with the Buckeyes, including 19-catch seasons in 2014 and 2015. He should be far busier as a receiver in the NFL given his size/speed combination.

75. Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech, 5-10 1/8, 215 (4.58)

Dixon scored 87 touchdowns in his collegiate career -- 72 rushing and 15 receiving. He topped 900 yards rushing in all four of his seasons, topped 1,000 yards in three of them. Workload will get a look -- 802 carries and 87 receptions -- and he had issues with fumbling.

76. Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska, 6-1 7/8, 311 (5.03)

Scouts make note of impact linemen who were accomplished wrestlers because they know how to use leverage. Collins was a state champion at Kansas City Central High School -- 48-0 as a senior -- but he hasn't always played with that kind of balance or power at the point of attack.

77. Jordan Jenkins, LB, Georgia, 6-2 5/8, 259 (4.80)

His work against Vandy alone this past season was intriguing -- 11 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks -- but overall his play shows an understanding of the scheme he plays in. He's tough, smart and will play right away.

78. Willie Henry, DT, Michigan, 6-2 ¾, 303 (5.00)

A bit of a projection player with nine starts this past season and six starts in both 2014 and 2013. But he shows quickness and the ability to disrupt things on the interior.

79. Le'Raven Clark, T, Texas Tech, 6-5 ½, 316 (5.16)

Clark started 51 games in his career, including three seasons at left tackle. Add massive reach -- 36 ½-inch arms -- to quality footwork and potential to play some guard and he has NFL starter written all over him.

80. Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor, 6-0 1/8, 201 (4.58)

He did not run well in workouts, but he's got size and is aggressive to the ball -- nine interceptions in last two seasons combined. He has issues with penalties -- almost 20 pass interference and holding calls in two seasons as a starter.

 

[Larz]

81. Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State, 6-6 7/8, 277 (4.84)

Nassib is a former walk-on who led the nation in sacks with 15.5 in his senior season. He also had six forced fumbles. He's raw, but with plenty of potential.

82. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina, 5-11 1/8, 203 (4.64)

He was named a first-team All-Southeastern Conference at wide receiver and all-purpose back, which speaks to his versatility. His 66 catches in 2015 were more than the rest of the team's wide receivers combined. Rushed for 513 yards in his career and handled returns.

83. Connor McGovern, G, Missouri, 6-4 ½, 306 (5.11)

He set a slew of weight-room records for the Tigers and played left tackle, right tackle and right guard. Started all 12 games in 2015 at left tackle, but most see him as a guard who could play right tackle if needed.

84. Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana, 5-11 7/8, 230 (4.59)

Howard set Alabama-Birmingham's single season rushing record with 1,587 yards in 2014. After UAB ended its football program, he transferred to Indiana and rushed for 1,213 yards, including 174 against Iowa. He doesn't make too many defenders miss, however, and will take bigger hits as a pro.

85. Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers, 5-11 7/8, 211 (4.50)

He played with an ankle injury in 2015. He averaged 17.1, 19.7 and 20.7 yards per catch to go with 29 touchdowns in the past three seasons combined. Teams have looked into his suspension for an arrest on assault charges which were later dropped after Carroo and the woman who accused him signed "an agreement of mutual restraint."

86. Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford, 6-3 ¾, 254 (4.72)

Hooper is a prospect comfortable in the passing game -- 34 catches in 2015, 42 catches in 2014 -- and who also played in Stanford's power run game.

87. Sean Davis, CB/S, Maryland, 6-1, 201 (4.46)

Davis has played cornerback and safety. While he has struggled in man coverage, this is a smart, athletic player who had 298 tackles in three seasons as a starter. Play him at safety in the right scheme and he's a long-time contributor.

88. Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State, 6-1 3/8, 309 (4.93)

Folks nitpick the competition and some of his measurables, but that takes a backseat to his 29.5 sacks and 45.5 tackles for loss in the last two seasons combined. He showed at the Senior Bowl he will be fine with a step up in competition.

89. Nick Kwiatkoski, LB, West Virginia, 6-2, 243 (4.73)

Started his career as a safety and became one of the most productive linebackers in the nation with 275 tackles in last three seasons. He plays better than workout numbers show, a classic trust-your-eyes player for scouts.

90. Shon Coleman, T, Auburn, 6-5 ½, 307 (none/knee)

He played late in the season with a slight MCL tear in his right knee and did not fully participate in his school's pro day. Coleman is a cancer survivor who returned to become one of the best linemen in the SEC.

91. Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU, 6-6 ½, 285 (4.87)

Kaufusi played 20 games as a forward for the Cougars' basketball team during in the 2012-13 season. His dad, Steve, is Cougars defensive line coach and Bronson plays with a better awareness than many prospects because of it. He finished with 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and an interception last season.

92. KeiVarae Russell, Notre Dame, 5-11 1/8, 192 (4.49)

He's talented but has baggage. He missed the final two games of 2015 because of a fractured his right leg and missed 2014 season when he was one of five Irish players suspended because of academic fraud.

93. Joe Haeg, T/G, North Dakota State, 6-6, 304 (5.16)

Haeg is an athletic player who will add more strength. He started 60 games in his collegiate career because of the Bisons' repeated deep runs into the postseason.

94. Vadal Alexander, T/G, LSU, 6-5 ¼, 326 (5.57)

Started two seasons at left guard for the Tigers and ended his career at right tackle in 2015. Somewhat limited athletically and some offensive line coaches don't think he plays hard enough, but he has the kind of physical stature teams want up front.

95. Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State, 5-10 ¾, 182 (none/knee)

He suffered a torn ACL in October. He had 99 tackles in 27 career games. At his best, Redmond is an athletic player in coverage who showed a willingness to participate in run support.

96. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State, 6-4 3/8, 223 (4.78)

In a quarterback-starved league, Hackenberg will be drafted long before this slot. But he has accuracy issues, especially in the intermediate and deep routes. He also needs work on his internal clock since he has a propensity to let the rush close in.

97. Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona, 5-11 ¾, 239 (4.90)

Opinions vary widely about Wright, especially because of his timed speed. He plays with great instinct and awareness and has the ability to track down players who run sprints faster.

98. Jalen Mills, CB/S, LSU, 6-0, 191 (4.61)

 

A four-year starter in the Southeastern Conference should always get a long look. Mills came back from a fractured lower left leg in preseason camp to play in six games in 2015. He projects as a safety in the NFL.

99. Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State, 6-2 1/8, 284 (5.15)

Blair was the Sun Belt's Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 with 19 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. A five-year start if you include 2013, when he was granted a medical redshirt after he suffered a season-ending thumb injury in the second game.

100. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame, 6-2, 223 (none/knee)

Through the years, No. 100 has always been a player I liked for whatever reason. They may not really be the 100th player on the board, but I put them there because I think they will succeed. Past No. 100s have included New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence and Kansas City Chiefs tackle Jah Reid. This year it's Smith whose playing future is uncertain because of a knee injury suffered in his final college game.

[Larz]

assuming this list is more or less accurate, and the jets don't make any trades, my wish list

 

First round: 20th overall selection   

 

16. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State, 6-0 ¾, 232 (4.43)

He has upper-tier athleticism and finds the ball and closes with big-time agility. Some teams consider him undersized. But a team that makes the right call in fitting him in its scheme in a weak-side role will benefit.

17. Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State, 6-5 ¾, 308 (5.00)

When Conklin comes off the board, it could start the run on tackles. Scouts took notice of his play against DeForest Buckner and his work in the biggest moments of his career. His toughness and drive lead the way, but he also has recovery ability and can reset and get after it.

 

Second round: 51st overall selection

.

Artie Burns, CB, Miami (Fla.), 5-11 7/8, 193 (4.46)

He had six interceptions last season and ran hurdles for the Hurricanes' track team. He needs significant technique work, especially when it comes to grabbing receivers at the top of the routes, but he finds the ball -- and that separates him from some coverage players in this draft.

50. Jason Spriggs, T, Indiana, 6-5 5/8, 301 (4.94)

A four-year starter for the Hoosiers, he turned in the most athletic workout among the offensive linemen at the scouting combine -- a sub-5.0 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical leap. He projects as a left tackle, but he could find a home at right tackle in a zone-blocking scheme.

Third round: 83rd overall selection

86. Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford, 6-3 ¾, 254 (4.72)

Hooper is a prospect comfortable in the passing game -- 34 catches in 2015, 42 catches in 2014 -- and who also played in Stanford's power run game.

 

[TJ]

Good read, thanks for posting.  

Didn't know about this guy:  WoW! 

39. William Jackson III, CB, Houston, 6-3, 189 (4.37)

He broke up 23 passes last season. Other than quarterback or edge rusher, there might be no more coveted player on a draft board than a big cornerback with reach and elite speed. On this board, Jackson is that guy.

[AFJF]

1 hour ago, TJ said:

Good read, thanks for posting.  

Didn't know about this guy:  WoW! 

39. William Jackson III, CB, Houston, 6-3, 189 (4.37)

He broke up 23 passes last season. Other than quarterback or edge rusher, there might be no more coveted player on a draft board than a big cornerback with reach and elite speed. On this board, Jackson is that guy.

Didn't know much about him myself until the combine and read some more on him afterward...everything I've read raves about him, with a couple of pieces saying he could be the best CB in the draft.

[AFJF]

Noah Spence at 62...surprising.

[ljr]

Thanks for the info!

 

interesting seeing both Floyd & Ragland (when many mocks have at least one if not both on the board still at 20) in the top 10 & above Hargreaves

[Larz]

reference bump for later, lol

[greenwichjetfan]

On 4/24/2016 at 7:12 PM, AFJF said:

Didn't know much about him myself until the combine and read some more on him afterward...everything I've read raves about him, with a couple of pieces saying he could be the best CB in the draft.

Between this and the snippet in the article, it seems like this is a slam dunk. What's with the #39 ranking then? There's 3 CBs ahead of him. 

 

Cool read btw. Thanks, Larz.

[Larz]

shameless reference bump