Crystal Ball: Top Prospects for 2016 NFL Draft

[Blokestradamus]

Interesting. I don't agree with that either but we'll see how much he improves this year.

 

I saw Tony Pauline tweeting earlier in the summer that area scouts that he knows have a consensus Day 2/3 grade on him.

 

At this point, I'm not sure anyone knows what he is (apart from that bloody meme).

I'm not sold on Oakman either, but when a guy has that size and has some flashes I guess that happens.

 

He is only a sophomore but U of Miami QB Brad Kaaya looked excellent in his freshman year. Ended up more impressed with him instead of Phillip Dorsett and Clive Walford. Definitely worth keeping an eye on him.

 

Kaaya did what you want any freshman to do. He got progressively better as the year went on. He's certainly on a promising trajectory at this point.

[Mark80]

 

He is only a sophomore but U of Miami QB Brad Kaaya looked excellent in his freshman year. Ended up more impressed with him instead of Phillip Dorsett and Clive Walford. Definitely worth keeping an eye on him.

 

 

 

Kaaya did what you want any freshman to do. He got progressively better as the year went on. He's certainly on a promising trajectory at this point.

 

The U is my favorite team so I try to watch all their games. Kaaya has a loooooonnnnnnnngggggg way to go still, in my opinion. I certainly didn't leave last season feeling impressed by him, but I can understand why people are excited about the future for him. He needs a lot of development, but if he continues to get better this year and next year he will be the front runner for #1 overall in 2017 IMO. I just hope he can help make the U relevant on a national stage again first though. He was surrounded by a ton of offensive weapons last year that left, going to really be able to show what he's made of when he doesn't have Duke, Clive, and Dorsett around him. It should be noted that he was a true freshmen last year so it is very understandable that he was inconsistent and had questionable decision making skills at times.

[Blokestradamus]

 

 

 

The U is my favorite team so I try to watch all their games. Kaaya has a loooooonnnnnnnngggggg way to go still, in my opinion. I certainly didn't leave last season feeling impressed by him, but I can understand why people are excited about the future for him. He needs a lot of development, but if he continues to get better this year and next year he will be the front runner for #1 overall in 2017 IMO. I just hope he can help make the U relevant on a national stage again first though. He was surrounded by a ton of offensive weapons last year that left, going to really be able to show what he's made of when he doesn't have Duke, Clive, and Dorsett around him. It should be noted that he was a true freshmen last year so it is very understandable that he was inconsistent and had questionable decision making skills at times.

 

I liked that he seemed to understand where he went wrong as soon as he did. Lots of communication on the sideline with the OC after a pick or a poor throw. I'm not afraid of kids that make mistakes as long as they work to correct them. I think people forget that playing QB is as much mental as it is physical.

 

Of course he's still a long way off but I was encouraged to see some signs that he gets it from the neck up. Lost a lot on the O-line from 2014 so I hope he's not one of those kids that ends up shell shocked by poor protection.

Edited August 10, 2015 by Blokestradamus

[YoloinOhio]

Welp. We wait. These QB competitions with my 2 teams are giving me an ulcer.

 

@Bucknuts247: "We won't announce anything until we take the field against Virginia Tech," -- Urban Meyer on OSU's starting QB.

Edited August 10, 2015 by YoloinOhio

[Augie]

Welp. We wait. These QB competitions with my 2 teams are giving me an ulcer.

@Bucknuts247: "We won't announce anything until we take the field against Virginia Tech," -- Urban Meyer on OSU's starting QB.

Can we borrow whoever they are not using?

[#34fan]

 

1) Washington (5-11) - Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

2) Cleveland (5-11) - Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

3) Oakland (5-11) - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

4) Tennessee (6-10) - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

5) Tampa Bay (6-10) - Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

6) Jacksonville (6-10) - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

7) New York Jets (6-10) - Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

8) St. Louis (6-10) - Duke Williams, WR, Auburn

9) Arizona (6-10) - Jared Goff, QB, California

10) Minnesota (6-10) - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

11) Carolina (7-9) - Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

12) Chicago (7-9) - Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State

13) San Francisco (7-9) - Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

14) Detroit (7-9) - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

15) Houston (8-8) - Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State

16) Buffalo (8-8) - Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

17) Cincinnati (8-8) - Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss

18) Pittsburgh (8-8) - A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

19) Philadelphia (9-7) - Su'a Cravens, S, USC

20) San Diego (9-7) - Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

21) New Orleans (9-7) - Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

22) New York Giants (9-7) - Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

23) Baltimore (9-7) - Carl Lawson, OLB, Auburn

24) Kansas City (9-7) - Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame

25) Atlanta (10-6) - Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

26) Indianapolis (10-6) - Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor

27) Green Bay (10-6) - Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska

28) Denver (10-6) - Scooby Wright, ILB, Arizona

29) Miami (11-5) - Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

30) Dallas (11-5) - Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

31) New England (11-5) - Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU

32) Seattle (12-4) - Max Tuerk, C/G, USC

 

Dude... Joey Bosa is an absolute CREATURE... Loads of fun to watch... I see NYG doing whatever it takes to snag him.

Edited August 11, 2015 by #34fan

[BetterNextYearRight?]

 

1) Washington (5-11) - Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

2) Cleveland (5-11) - Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

3) Oakland (5-11) - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

4) Tennessee (6-10) - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

5) Tampa Bay (6-10) - Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

6) Jacksonville (6-10) - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

7) New York Jets (6-10) - Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

8) St. Louis (6-10) - Duke Williams, WR, Auburn

9) Arizona (6-10) - Jared Goff, QB, California

10) Minnesota (6-10) - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

11) Carolina (7-9) - Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

12) Chicago (7-9) - Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State

13) San Francisco (7-9) - Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

14) Detroit (7-9) - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

15) Houston (8-8) - Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State

16) Buffalo (8-8) - Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

17) Cincinnati (8-8) - Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss

18) Pittsburgh (8-8) - A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

19) Philadelphia (9-7) - Su'a Cravens, S, USC

20) San Diego (9-7) - Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

21) New Orleans (9-7) - Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

22) New York Giants (9-7) - Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

23) Baltimore (9-7) - Carl Lawson, OLB, Auburn

24) Kansas City (9-7) - Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame

25) Atlanta (10-6) - Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

26) Indianapolis (10-6) - Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor

27) Green Bay (10-6) - Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska

28) Denver (10-6) - Scooby Wright, ILB, Arizona

29) Miami (11-5) - Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

30) Dallas (11-5) - Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

31) New England (11-5) - Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU

32) Seattle (12-4) - Max Tuerk, C/G, USC

If Buffalo drafted Oakman (or any DE) while sitting in the teens, would this board explode?

Pretty sure the Bills fan in me would lay down and put a paper bag on.

Su'a Cravens really stands out when watching USC, he was flying all over the place vs. UCLA. A fast and very bad man.

[YoloinOhio]

I have a decent source (friend is a HS coach whose kid is being recruited and hears quite a bit) that Cardale Jones didn't win the starting job at OSU. But he will still play. How much he will play Monday or going forward is unknown and will be based on game situations.

 

Not sure how this will affect his draft status, just have to see it all play out. Might play out pretty well for a team like the Bills if they want him.

Edited September 3, 2015 by YoloinOhio

[Pete]

I am fairly confident that Tyrod and EJ will be solid QBs for us the next 5 years. So maybe we don't need to reach for a QB. Right now I would target oline in next years draft

[LeGOATski]

I have a decent source (friend is a HS coach whose kid is being recruited and hears quite a bit) that Cardale Jones didn't win the starting job at OSU. But he will still play. How much he will play Monday or going forward is unknown and will be based on game situations.

 

Not sure how this will affect his draft status, just have to see it all play out. Might play out pretty well for a team like the Bills if they want him.

I'd take a flyer on him right now. 5th-7th

[mannc]

I have a decent source (friend is a HS coach whose kid is being recruited and hears quite a bit) that Cardale Jones didn't win the starting job at OSU. But he will still play. How much he will play Monday or going forward is unknown and will be based on game situations.

 

Not sure how this will affect his draft status, just have to see it all play out. Might play out pretty well for a team like the Bills if they want him.

Sounds like he received some poor advice last spring.

[YoloinOhio]

Sounds like he received some poor advice last spring.

nope. He didn't. He wanted to return regardless.

[Kirby Jackson]

I'd take a flyer on him right now. 5th-7th

5th - 7th pick? He could be the 1st overall pick. Cardale will be selected in the 1st even if Barrett takes the majority of the snaps IMO. His physical tools (and production) are off the charts.

[YoloinOhio]

5th - 7th pick? He could be the 1st overall pick. Cardale will be selected in the 1st even if Barrett takes the majority of the snaps IMO. His physical tools (and production) are off the charts.

yep he might still play a ton. And it wasn't that he wasn't good in practice. Both very good. JT just more consistent.

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

yep he might still play a ton. And it wasn't that he wasn't good in practice. Both very good. JT just more consistent.

They'll need both at some point during the season. Heck Miller could be needed given the way they use their QBs at OSU.

[YoloinOhio]

They'll need both at some point during the season. Heck Miller could be needed given the way they use their QBs at OSU.

this is the truth!

[Solomon Grundy]

yep he might still play a ton. And it wasn't that he wasn't good in practice. Both very good. JT just more consistent.

I think I heard this story already.

[LeGOATski]

5th - 7th pick? He could be the 1st overall pick. Cardale will be selected in the 1st even if Barrett takes the majority of the snaps IMO. His physical tools (and production) are off the charts.

You've probably watched more of his play than I have. I've watched two of his 4 total games.

 

I haven't seen a first round pick, but I'll admit that I have automatic apprehension towards QBs out of Meyer's system. I'll watch him closer this year whenever he sees the field.

 

He's not even a starter. There's no way he's getting picked in the first. I would take a flyer on him though.

Edited September 4, 2015 by LeGOATski

[Pete]

 

There's no way he's getting picked in the first. I would take a flyer on him though.

Want to bet? Just his measurables will get him drafted in first round

[LeGOATski]

Want to bet? Just his measurables will get him drafted in first round

You're saying he'll have a great combine and get drafted in the 1st round solely because of that, even if he starts no game this year?

Edited September 4, 2015 by LeGOATski

[Pete]

You're saying he'll have a great combine and get drafted in the 1st round solely because of that, even if he starts no game this year?

Yes. He won a national title already. Not to mention he is 6'5 249, runs a 4.93 and can throw a football 80 yards

[maryland-bills-fan]

The Bills will pick a cornerback in the bottom of the first round. This will be with their first pick (if the season goes well) or after a trade-down (if it doesn't). The second round pick will be an interior lineman or linebacker- BPA. They will trade up to get an extra pick in the 3rd or 4th round.

Edited September 4, 2015 by maryland-bills-fan

[Mark80]

Want to bet? Just his measurables will get him drafted in first round

 

Yes. He won a national title already. Not to mention he is 6'5 249, runs a 4.93 and can throw a football 80 yards

 

How did "just his measurables" work out for Jamarcus Russell?

 

As I said early in this thread, Jones did NOT win the National Title game or even the semi-final game, Ezekiel Elliot and the running game won both of those games. In fact, Jones actually didn't look good at all vs Alabama and only looked OK vs Oregon. And, if you watched those three games, you'll see that his WRs made some pretty amazing catches on balls that the he just threw up there into coverage. At this point, people are just staying he's great because it's the thing to say right now. He needs to show a lot more for him to be a 1st round pick (or a 1st overall as someone just stated again) and he's not even going to start for his team it looks like.

Edited September 4, 2015 by Mark80

[YoloinOhio]

 

How did "just his measurables" work out for Jamarcus Russell?

 

As I said early in this thread, Jones did NOT win the National Title game or even the semi-final game, Ezekiel Elliot and the running game won both of those games. In fact, Jones actually didn't look good at all vs Alabama and only looked OK vs Oregon. And, if you watched those three games, you'll see that his WRs made some pretty amazing catches on balls that the he just threw up there into coverage. At this point, people are just staying he's great because it's the thing to say right now. He needs to show a lot more for him to be a 1st round pick (or a 1st overall as someone just stated again) and he's not even going to start for his team it looks like.

he is very accurate in the short/intermediate game, extremely good under duress in the pocket, and doesn't just throw up random deep balls. He's still developing and would be a raw NFL QB who needs a year or so before starting but his skill set is more diverse than what you stated. Beating those three teams after not playing at all is no small feat, regardless of how the running back played. Don't forget the RB saw some lanes open up as a result of the fear of Jones' deep ball.

[mannc]

he is very accurate in the short/intermediate game, extremely good under duress in the pocket, and doesn't just throw up random deep balls. He's still developing and would be a raw NFL QB who needs a year or so before starting but his skill set is more diverse than what you stated. Beating those three teams after not playing at all is no small feat, regardless of how the running back played. Don't forget the RB saw some lanes open up as a result of the fear of Jones' deep ball.

100% accurate but you are wasting your time arguing with someone who says Jones "didn't look that good" in those three huge games. Haters gonna hate.

[YoloinOhio]

100% accurate but you are wasting your time arguing with someone who says Jones "didn't look that good" in those three huge games. Haters gonna hate.

haha. I agree he wasn't perfect and made some mistakes but I expected that. I could see how someone could say it was all the system, running game, etc. and sometimes that can be the case in college. In this case he wasn't recruited by the current staff and isn't the ideal QB for this offense. He's not your typical Urban Meyer QB in other words. Urban probably never would have recruited him because he's a pocket passer. I have no idea how good he will be in the NFL but he has the traits NFL scouts look for. Edited September 4, 2015 by YoloinOhio

[mannc]

Anyone watching tonight can tell that Mark80 is correct: Cardale has no real talent and has just been riding Elliott's coat tails.

[KDIGGZ]

Not sure what everyone's infatuation with Cardale is. The offense looks good in college but please let me know how many nfl ready QB's Urban Meyer has produced. Think of how good Tebow looked in this offense. Cardale barely won the QB competition and you guys want to make him the top pick in the draft.

[Kirby Jackson]

Not sure what everyone's infatuation with Cardale is. The offense looks good in college but please let me know how many nfl ready QB's Urban Meyer has produced. Think of how good Tebow looked in this offense. Cardale barely won the QB competition and you guys want to make him the top pick in the draft.

You aren't watching are you? Go watch the 3 throws on the 1st drive. If you even compare Tebow as a prospect to Cardale you aren't following what scouts look for. Edited September 8, 2015 by Kirby Jackson

[YoloinOhio]

You aren't watching are you? Go watch the 3 throws on the 1st drive. If you even compare Tebow as a prospect to Cardale you aren't following what scouts look for.

he has 99 yards rushing too. Can't stop picturing him in Bills offense.

 

BTW we had our own "tea leaves" here in Cbus as there was not one media person who thought Cardale would start. And all sources pointed to JT. Urban is the GOAT at keeping secrets.

Edited September 8, 2015 by YoloinOhio

[Bangarang]

Jared Goff is the QB everyone needs to remember

[LeGOATski]

Jared Goff is the QB everyone needs to remember

Heyooo!

 

I've labeled him as a late 1st/early 2nd rounder. We'll see how this season goes.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

Not sure what everyone's infatuation with Cardale is. The offense looks good in college but please let me know how many nfl ready QB's Urban Meyer has produced. Think of how good Tebow looked in this offense. Cardale barely won the QB competition and you guys want to make him the top pick in the draft.

 

Agreed except Jones has a much better arm and accuracy. I'm skeptical of any Spread option QB, if they can learn to make progressions and read defenses then they have a shot but their success rate is not good in the NFL.

[YoloinOhio]

One reason he may get drafted high for a RB--

 

@CoachBillick: Ezekiel Elliott's pass protection and blitz pickup is as refined as any RB I can remember at the collegiate level.

[Agent 91]

Calling it right now. Cardale Jones is going to be a flash in the pan. He's going to get drafted in the 1st round by some team that will look at him as the next face of the franchise and he's going to be a colossal disappointment.

Jamarcus Russell

[BuffaloFan68]

I really want C Cook but will be happy with C Jones. Either way, we will need to trade up.

[Kirby Jackson]

Jamarcus Russell

He is nothing like Jamarcus Russell. He may not work out but he is a more mobile Big Ben. Russell was fat, lazy and not really mobile.

[Mark80]

Cardale had 3 very impressive throws yesterday. The quick post on the first drive vs Fuller (one of the best college DBs), the TD pass to Miller, and the dump off pass late in the game 30 yards down the field. All of them were exceptional plays. However, his first TD pass was not impressive at all, he just threw it up and the DB made a terrible play on a ball that could have easily been picked. The CB looked like Darby in the Steelers pre-season game on that throw. He under threw another WR later that had got about 3 or 4 yards separation on the deep ball, the CB was able to catch up and run over the WR for a PI call and his other throws were just OK. I'm sorry, but 9/18 is not an impressive performance at all, no matter how you slice it.

 

And pointing to his running stats? He's not going to be a running QB in the NFL. He's not NFL fast and he won't be able to try and run through guys like he does here. These stats shouldn't even be considered when looking at him as an NFL prospect.

 

He has tremendous arm strength and a great, quick release, but he has questionable decision making at times, his accuracy is over stated at times, and he still has a ways to go IMO.

 

On a side note, I was extremely impressed by Miller's abilities as a HB/WR or whatever he is. His first catch just off the turf was very nice and that spin move later on was video game stuff.

Edited September 8, 2015 by Mark80

[Blokestradamus]

He is nothing like Jamarcus Russell. He may not work out but he is a more mobile Big Ben. Russell was fat, lazy and not really mobile.

 

Saw a comparison earlier between Cardale and Daunte Culpepper. I don't hate it.

[YoloinOhio]

Cardale had 3 very impressive throws yesterday. The quick post on the first drive vs Fuller (one of the best college DBs), the TD pass to Miller, and the dump off pass late in the game 30 yards down the field. All of them were exceptional plays. However, his first TD pass was not impressive at all, he just threw it up and the DB made a terrible play on a ball that could have easily been picked. The CB looked like Darby in the Steelers pre-season game on that throw. He under threw another WR later that had got about 3 or 4 yards separation on the deep ball, the CB was able to catch up and run over the WR for a PI call and his other throws were just OK. I'm sorry, but 9/18 is not an impressive performance at all, no matter how you slice it.

 

And pointing to his running stats? He's not going to be a running QB in the NFL. He's not NFL fast and he won't be able to try and run through guys like he does here. These stats shouldn't even be considered when looking at him as an NFL prospect.

 

He has tremendous arm strength and a great, quick release, but he has questionable decision making at times, his accuracy is over stated at times, and he still has a ways to go IMO.

some good points here. It is worth noting that they have a new OC this year and it is going to take a little while for that relationship with the QB to get where it was with Tom Herman. There were communication issues last night. Jones was also missing 4 of his top 5 WRs. Only one WR on the field last night had ever played that position in a collegiate game. It was also his 4th game ever, against a very good D on the road in a maniacal atmosphere. Finally, his frosh WR Paris Campbell had a couple "incompletions" - one he dropped that was a perfect pass sure TD and another that they called incomplete but was a terrible call - he caught it, fumbled and recovered. The 9-18 should have been 11-18. He also makes a lot of throws with guys draped all over him.

 

WRT his rushing stats, no one has ever said he's a running QB. But that's the offense he is in. Those are the plays that are called. He wasn't recruited by urban to run his offense. He was already there when urban got there. He's a pocket passer with mobility to avoid defenders in the pocket. He is hard to sack and tackle at any level. He's 6-5 250.

Edited September 8, 2015 by YoloinOhio