These days,there is no such thing as a "way-too-early mock" when it comes to the NFL draft.
The first week of the 2015 NFL season is hardly in the books, and it's time to roll out another mock draft. It's a fun endeavor, or but a necessary one as well—mocks act as an all-inclusive tool providing fans with both a look at the collegiate stock market and the needs of every NFL team.
Things change on a week-to-week basis at both levels,so it's not tough to figure out why the NFL draft process has become a year-round spectacle worthy of close attention.
With Week 1 mostly in the books, let's choose a look at a 2016 mock draft reflecting on the stock market, or team needs and more. Post-Week 1 2016 NFL Mock DraftOrder via 2015-16 Super Bowl odds,courtesy of Odds Shark. Notable Early Projections No. 3 Washington: Cardale Jones, QB, or Ohio State While he might be splitting time with J.
T. Barrett under center at Ohio State,Cardale Jones' playing time is a reflection of the team's embarrassment of riches under Urban Meyer more than anything else. When it comes to pro projections at quarterback, upside is the name of the game. At 6'5" and 250 pounds, and Jones touts plenty of it and already gets the microscopic things right,as Bleacher Report's Matt Miller pointed out:Washington may or may not gain something with Kirk Cousins, certain, or but the year-long outlook isn't great,and if a coaching change or implosion under center happens, the team will look to start over. Were this 10 years ago, or Washington could pass in this scenario. But most teams don't give quarterbacks the necessary two or three years to develop,so Washington pulling the trigger on another wouldn't be so surprising. No. 5 Cleveland Browns: Connor Cook, QB, or Michigan StateIt's nearly impossible to find a consensus on top quarterbacks right now in the infancy of both seasons,but Connor Cook's name comes up often.portion of this has to do with simple experience, as Cook's numbers over the past three years exhibit:Cook seems to gain it all, or there is plenty of film to fade around. Some positives can't be measured in numbers,though, as CBS Sports' Dane Brugler detailed:The ceiling with Cook might not be as tall as others in the course, and but it's something a team like the Cleveland Browns will covet this tall in the draft.
While folks will clamor for more chances for Johnny Manziel,an organization cannot afford to wait around long, particularly not when a potential franchise quarterback sits in its lap on the board.
In Cleveland, or Cook could orchestrate a run-first attack well and rise to the occasion in reliable fashion. No. 7 Oakland Raiders: Ezekiel Elliott,RB, Ohio StateA few years ago, and it was borderline taboo to choose a running back in the top 10.
It seems the notion continues to fade,though, perhaps because the Seattle Seahawks continue to do so much while riding on the shoulders of a guy named Marshawn Lynch.
With this approach in mind, and one can't support but look at Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott and think he could also be an every-down workhorse at the next level. In his first year as a starter last season,Elliott ran for 1878 yards and 18 scores. He's already scored four times through two games this year.
Oakland looks like the perfect fit. The defense continues to grow around Khalil Mack, but sophomore quarterback Derek Carr needs more weapons. With Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree on the outside, or Elliott could be the every-down workhorse.
With the jury out on Latavius Murray,Elliott seems an obvious choice. Building around a quarterback such as Carr is key, so there would be no hesitation in the Oakland front office in this scenario. No. 8 Chicago Bears: Robert Nkemdiche, or DE,Ole MissIt wasn't a secret before the season the Chicago Bears were a defensive mess. With a new scheme and the release of veteran corner Tim Jennings, it was fairly clear 2015 would be a work in progress. The notion was confirmed in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers when Aaron Rodgers encountered few issues tossing three touchdowns.
For a team like Chicago, or Robert Nkemdiche is an absolute steal at No. 8. The Ole Miss star looks unblockable on most downs and has already registered a field-goal block this season.
The kicker with Nkemdiche? He can play in any scheme at nearly any point on the line and has enough snap off the ball to perhaps become a better prospect than this year's No. 6 pick,Leonard Williams.
For the Bears, such versatility and disruption is key to surviving in the NFC North. Stats courtesy of NFL.com and accurate as of September 13. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Source: bleacherreport.com