Crystal Ball: Top Prospects for 2016 NFL Draft

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Chris Jones went to Oakland and I cried like a baby...

 

Recording the mock. Not watching until it's over.

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@JoeBuscaglia

With the #Bills draft luncheon done, time for my newest mock draft. Goes 3 rounds. #Bills fans might like this one: https://t.co/6FOtU1Qzmr

19) **TRADE (from BUF) - OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State

- After missing out on Lee, rather than forcing the pick of Reggie Ragland (who plays a similar game to Preston Brown), the Bills collect additional draft assets to get themselves quite possibly three impact players to the roster as early as this season. It also gives them the possibility to trade back into the first round all the same. The Titans moved up to add Taylor Decker, a player that they're rumored to really like.

Trade Details: Tennessee gets 19th overall, 117th overall. Buffalo gets 33rd overall, 45th overall.

 

33) (from TEN) - DL Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech

- The long wait is over for Bills fans, and this is where the fun gets started. This is the first of three second-round selections if the Bills were to pull off that deal with the Titans. To kick it off, the Bills are getting a player many believe can become a stud at the next level. Butler most closely gets compared to Muhammad Wilkerson, who rose to prominence under the tutelage of then New York Jets coach, and current Bills coach Rex Ryan. Butler has the size, length, strength, and athleticism that could turn him into a stud in the NFL. He'll have a bit of a learning curve due to who he played against in college, but if brought along the right way, Butler could be a formidable five-technique defensive end to add into the mix.

 

45) (from LA via TEN) - LB/S Su'a Cravens, USC

- This is now the third time out of six, and the second in a row, that Cravens has found his way to the Bills in the second round of my mock draft, and general manager Doug Whaley just reinforced why the two sides could eventually be paired up. Whaley described Cravens as a potential four-down player, helping out on base packages, sub-packages, and on special teams -- and the Bills certainly have room for one of those. Is he a linebacker, or is he a safety? It doesn't matter in today's NFL, which need smaller, and faster players on the field most of the time. Cravens can cover, he possesses good instincts and reaction time to diagnose plays, and, he can help as an additional blitzer when called upon. Don't forget, the Bills had Cravens in for a visit, so the interest is there.

 

49) - WR Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma

- Bills fans don't have to wait too much longer for the next selection, and now with two key defensive players on the roster already in Butler and Cravens, wide receiver becomes a need that they can go after. Sterling Shepard is an explosive athlete that wins as a route runner, and although a bit on the smaller side, he can step right into the fold and be a trusted slot receiver for a Bills team in need of an upgrade over Greg Salas. He also has ability as a returner on special teams, so the Bills would be getting a multi-faceted player in Shepard. The big question is this: can he be an outside receiver? Luckily for the Bills, they won't have to find that out unless Robert Woods leaves as an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season.

 

80) - QB Cardale Jones, Ohio State

- This pick stays consistent with the mock draft from last week. The Bills have an opportunity to select a quarterback and not feel pressure to put him in the starting lineup, or to even force him as the main backup in 2016. That, in itself, is a perfect situation for Cardale Jones. He gets to work with both offensive coordinator Greg Roman and quarterback coach David Lee, and they'll all see if this raw, 6-foot-5, 253-pound passer that has a cannon for an arm and runs like a deer, can put it all together, learn how to read defenses, and figure out his inaccuracy. On the positive side, the Bills don't have to wipe the slate clean too much with Jones because of a lack of time on the field. They're building from the ground up, and it could yield huge dividends. And hey, if it doesn't work, at least they took a big swing at finding a gem.

 

[KOKBILLS]

 

@JoeBuscaglia

With the #Bills draft luncheon done, time for my newest mock draft. Goes 3 rounds. #Bills fans might like this one: https://t.co/6FOtU1Qzmr

 

 

19) **TRADE (from BUF) - OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State

- After missing out on Lee, rather than forcing the pick of Reggie Ragland (who plays a similar game to Preston Brown), the Bills collect additional draft assets to get themselves quite possibly three impact players to the roster as early as this season. It also gives them the possibility to trade back into the first round all the same. The Titans moved up to add Taylor Decker, a player that they're rumored to really like.

Trade Details: Tennessee gets 19th overall, 117th overall. Buffalo gets 33rd overall, 45th overall.

 

33) (from TEN) - DL Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech

- The long wait is over for Bills fans, and this is where the fun gets started. This is the first of three second-round selections if the Bills were to pull off that deal with the Titans. To kick it off, the Bills are getting a player many believe can become a stud at the next level. Butler most closely gets compared to Muhammad Wilkerson, who rose to prominence under the tutelage of then New York Jets coach, and current Bills coach Rex Ryan. Butler has the size, length, strength, and athleticism that could turn him into a stud in the NFL. He'll have a bit of a learning curve due to who he played against in college, but if brought along the right way, Butler could be a formidable five-technique defensive end to add into the mix.

 

45) (from LA via TEN) - LB/S Su'a Cravens, USC

- This is now the third time out of six, and the second in a row, that Cravens has found his way to the Bills in the second round of my mock draft, and general manager Doug Whaley just reinforced why the two sides could eventually be paired up. Whaley described Cravens as a potential four-down player, helping out on base packages, sub-packages, and on special teams -- and the Bills certainly have room for one of those. Is he a linebacker, or is he a safety? It doesn't matter in today's NFL, which need smaller, and faster players on the field most of the time. Cravens can cover, he possesses good instincts and reaction time to diagnose plays, and, he can help as an additional blitzer when called upon. Don't forget, the Bills had Cravens in for a visit, so the interest is there.

 

49) - WR Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma

- Bills fans don't have to wait too much longer for the next selection, and now with two key defensive players on the roster already in Butler and Cravens, wide receiver becomes a need that they can go after. Sterling Shepard is an explosive athlete that wins as a route runner, and although a bit on the smaller side, he can step right into the fold and be a trusted slot receiver for a Bills team in need of an upgrade over Greg Salas. He also has ability as a returner on special teams, so the Bills would be getting a multi-faceted player in Shepard. The big question is this: can he be an outside receiver? Luckily for the Bills, they won't have to find that out unless Robert Woods leaves as an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season.

 

80) - QB Cardale Jones, Ohio State

- This pick stays consistent with the mock draft from last week. The Bills have an opportunity to select a quarterback and not feel pressure to put him in the starting lineup, or to even force him as the main backup in 2016. That, in itself, is a perfect situation for Cardale Jones. He gets to work with both offensive coordinator Greg Roman and quarterback coach David Lee, and they'll all see if this raw, 6-foot-5, 253-pound passer that has a cannon for an arm and runs like a deer, can put it all together, learn how to read defenses, and figure out his inaccuracy. On the positive side, the Bills don't have to wipe the slate clean too much with Jones because of a lack of time on the field. They're building from the ground up, and it could yield huge dividends. And hey, if it doesn't work, at least they took a big swing at finding a gem.

 

 

 

Wow! I like it a lot!...

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Wow! I like it a lot!...

 

A scenario like this is very realistic for the Bills.

[KOKBILLS]

 

A scenario like this is very realistic for the Bills.

 

That would be amazing...And Butler is very high on my "like" list...

[Kirby Jackson]

 

Wow! I like it a lot!...

I like it too. This is as good as I have seen that's realistic.

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@NFL_CFB

7 #NFLDraft prospects deserving more buzz (via @Gil_Brandt) --> http://on.nfl.com/1T1X9Pr

@NFL_CFB

Mock draft 1.0 (via @CurtisConway80) 1 Rams: Goff 4 Cowboys: Lawson 7 49ers: Tunsil FULL: http://on.nfl.com/1T1RaKw

 

Pick No. 19

Robert Nkemdiche DT Mississippi

AFC East draft needs: New RB look for 'Fins?

With Lamar Miller's departure in free agency, the Miami Dolphins need an RB to lead their ground game. Might they target Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliot? Bucky Brooks lays out the AFC East's draft needs.

 

Buffalo Bills (8 total picks)

» Round 1: Pick 19 overall
» Round 2: Pick 49
» Round 3: Pick 80
» Round 4: Picks 117 and 139 (compensatory selection)
» Round 5: Pick 156
» Round 6: Picks 192 and 218 (compensatory selection)

 

Biggest needs: offensive tackle, defensive line, linebacker.

 

The Bills failed to play up to expectations in Rex Ryan's first year, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Thus, the team needs to invest heavily in the front seven to get the unit back on track. The loss of Mario Williams puts the designated pass rusher position in play with candidates like Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah, Eastern Kentucky's Noah Spence, Clemson's Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd in the mix on Day 1. If the Bills wait until later, they could affix their eyes on Boise State's Kamalei Correa or Utah State's Kyler Fackrellon Day 2. At inside linebacker, the Bills could elect to add a "thumper" like Alabama's Reggie Ragland in Round 1. If the Bills are looking for a down-the-line prospect, Arizona's Scooby Wright III, Stanford's Blake Martinez and Oklahoma's Dominique Alexander could be in the mix. On offense, the Bills need an edge blocker to complement Cordy Glenn along the frontline. Ohio State's Taylor Decker would be a terrific addition on Day 1, but the team could land a value pick, such as Indiana's Jason Spriggs, UCLA's Caleb Benenoch or Western Michigan's Willie Beavers on Day 2.

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@McShay13

Full three-round #MelToddMock is here. Thanks for checking it out! https://t.co/ZIWhaPPU7B

ESPN Insider Required for Full Access:

19. Buffalo Bills

Mel Kiper's pick: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

I'm a little bit surprised Lawson is still here. Not sure what Todd is thinking by not grabbing him for the Lions. Mario Williams won't exactly be missed from a production standpoint, but the Bills need a pass-rusher, and this guy led college football in tackles for loss last year.

 

49. Buffalo Bills

Mel Kiper's pick: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

Thomas has strong hands and a big frame; he can take some pressure off my clear No. 1.

 

80. Buffalo Bills

Todd McShay's pick: Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska

After getting Lawson in Round 1, it's time to address the interior of our D-line. Collins flashes the first-step quickness to penetrate and disrupt.

Big Board: Misinformation Season

Rob Rang ignores the talk of red flags around otherwise beloved prospects during the prime season for misinformation as the Big Board expands to 64 prospects.

As sure as tax season in April, there is plenty of misinformation spread about highly-rated NFL draft prospects.

Take it from someone who has been deceived by scouts during this cloak-and-dagger time, much of the medical and character information being leaked is clubs hoping to push players down the board.

That is why blue-chip prospects like Mississippi tackle Laremy Tunsil and UCLA linebacker Myles Jack remain at the very top of my board despite others voicing concerns.

The Big Board isn't a mock draft. No attention is paid to team needs or draft order. This is my personal ranking of the top 64 prospects available in the 2016 NFL Draft. My final update -- which will include my top-100 prospects -- will be released April 26.

 

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@PatKirwanCBS

3 Round Fan Mock: http://bit.ly/1pmP2VO

#BUF @buffalobills Rd.1: Nkemdiche,DL Rd.2: Clark, DL Fan Pick Rd.3: Dak Prescott, QB

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@nflukhank

.@chad_reuter goes DEEP with this seven-round mock draft: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000655065/article/reuter-mock-draft-70-projecting-all-seven-rounds

PICK 19

Sheldon Rankins - DT, Louisville

Kyle Williams is coming off of knee surgery and is at the tail end of his career. Rankins fits quite well next to Marcell Dareus in the middle of the Bills' defense.

 

49. Buffalo Bills: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma

80. Buffalo Bills: Antonio Morrison, ILB, Florida

117. Buffalo Bills: Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

139. Buffalo Bills (compensatory selection): Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky

156. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina

192. Buffalo Bills: Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia

218. Buffalo Bills (compensatory selection): Romeo Okwara, DE, Notre Dame

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2016 NFL Draft: Non-FBS top-50 Draft Board

By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

Ohio State, Alabama and Clemson will likely be the three most represented college programs in the 2016 NFL Draft with the Buckeyes possibly setting a few records. But history tells us that several prospects in this class from lower level programs outside the FBS will be drafted and earn starting roles at the next level.

 

2016 NFL Draft: Safety/CB Sean Davis captains my Better-Than Team

By Pete Prisco | CBS Sports Senior NFL Columnist

Versatility is so important in today's NFL game, which is why Maryland's Sean Davis is the captain of this year's Better-Than Team, my annual team made up of players I like better than the scouts.

 

@tunein

Tomorrow, @MikeMayock's #NFLDraft media conference call LIVE exclusively on @NFLonTuneIn! http://ow.ly/4mX6bH

@NFL

NFL Retweeted TuneIn

Less than 2 hours away...

@SI_DougFarrar

And my top prospect in the 2016 draft class is... https://t.co/gKW6bCuwaQ

With the 2016 NFL draft just days away, it’s time for all 32 NFL teams to finish the process of getting their draft boards in order and ranking players based on their own preferences. At SI, it’s time for us to do that as well. To that end, Doug Farrar has assembled his own Big Board, with his top 50 players.

The SI 50 uses tape study to define the best prospects in this class and explain why they’re slotted as such. We have spent the last few weeks going through 49 other high-level talents, and we've finally reached our No. 1 prospect. The top player in this draft class is above the rest because he excels in so many roles, showing a diversity of talent you just don’t see that often in the NFL.

 

[KOKBILLS]

 

 

@tunein

Tomorrow, @MikeMayock's #NFLDraft media conference call LIVE exclusively on @NFLonTuneIn! http://ow.ly/4mX6bH

@NFL

NFL Retweeted TuneIn

Less than 2 hours away...

 

 

 

Thanks for that Sir...I'm going to listen in...I have to admit I've been a little less impressed with Mayock this year than I normally am...I can't put my finger on it...Maybe I just feel he's gotten too power-drunk off the Belichick teat...

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@PFF

.@CollinsworthPFF's second mock draft is here: 1. Goff 2. Wentz 3. https://t.co/DY0JSmNq3R

19. Buffalo Bills: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky

In general, Buffalo’s defensive line was a disappointment last season, and PFF’s lowest-graded pass-rusher among edge players, Mario Williams, is now with the Dolphins. Spence has some off-field question marks concerning his departure from Ohio State, as he finished out his college career at Eastern Kentucky, but his abilities as a pass-rusher coming off the edge and his all-out effort and hustle would play well in head coach Rex Ryan’s defense.

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Top 5 most common mock draft selections for the Bills

With five days left until the 2016 NFL Draft, find out which players the media predicts the Bills will select with the No. 19 pick on April 28 in Chicago.

 

Buffalobills.com has tracked 121 mock drafts since the end of the 2015 NFL season and today we will take a look at the five most common mock draft picks for the Bills.

 

T4. Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State

T4. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

T4. A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

3. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

2. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky

1. Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss

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Seven general managers who need big draft

NFL general managers are always only one draft away from changing their careers. Here are seven general managers under extra pressure to deliver at the 2016 NFL Draft.

 

Doug Whaley, Buffalo Bills general manager: It's never a good sign when ownership has to release a statement at the end of the season stating that the general manager and coach will keep their jobs. A contract extension for Whaley a week later was a strong measure of support, but it also is typical practice for NFL teams to avoid decision makers entering contract years.

 

Whaley precedes the current Bills ownership group in Buffalo, and has had a mixed record since taking over for Buddy Nix in 2013. Coach Rex Ryan has made it clear that he needs more starters from this draft for his defense, which is reminiscent of a problem Rex's teams had in New York. They always paid more attention to the defense in the draft and it showed on the field.

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Mayock connects prospects to teams

NFL Media draft expert Mike Mayock answered questions about the 2016 NFL Draft for 90 minutes on a teleconference Friday and went into extensive analysis of needs for teams and how those needs might be met. College Football 24/7 compiled a quick look at some of Mayock's commentary connecting specific players with specific clubs, not just for first-round picks but later rounds as well.

 

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Phil Savage: "Find a quarterback you can coach up" (14:05)

Senior Bowl Executive Dir. and former NFL GM Phil Savage called in to The John Murphy Show to breakdown this year’s NFL Draft when it comes to the top talent in the first round and to discuss the possible options for the Bills.

 

@LedyardNFLDraft

Lots of positional rankings up @TheDraftWire, check them out: http://draftwire.usatoday.com/category/positional-rankings/

[KDIGGZ]

If the Bills are going BPA then it will be a DT unfortunately. It's such a deep class that the DT you get at 19 might have normally gone top 10. I think it's the wrong pick. Kyle Williams has at least 2-3 years left in him and we are desperate for LB help.

 

Bills went to Alabama to meet with Jarran Reed yesterday

[26CornerBlitz]

If the Bills are going BPA then it will be a DT unfortunately. It's such a deep class that the DT you get at 19 might have normally gone top 10. I think it's the wrong pick. Kyle Williams has at least 2-3 years left in him and we are desperate for LB help.

 

Bills went to Alabama to meet with Jarran Reed yesterday

 

They could easily go elsewhere given the depth of the DT position in this draft and the only reason they went to see Reed is because he missed his scheduled visit to OBD due to the birth of his child.

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@walterfootball

#Broncos and #Browns are looking to trade up from 31, 32, @DraftCampbell reports - http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftrumormill.php