Mel Kiper's 1st NFL Mock Draft of 2016

will this be the year the Steelers pick a CB in the first round?

Mel Kiper NFL Mock Draft 2016: Notable Picks from ESPN Guru's 1st Mock

By Mike Chiari , Featured Columnist Jan 14, 2016

Mel Kiper Jr. is perhaps the most respected NFL draft analyst in the business, which is why the release of his first 2016 mock draft Thursday on ESPN.com feels very much like the official start of draft season.

While the latter portion of the draft order has yet to be determined due to the ongoing NFL playoffs, much of the order is already set in stone, which means most organizations are starting to focus on preparations ahead of April's draft.

A lot will change between now and draft night as players improve or hurt their stock at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the tape generally doesn't lie when it comes to top prospects.

With several months of evaluation still in the offing, here is a rundown of Kiper's first 2016 first-round mock draft, along with a closer look at some of the most intriguing picks.

Mel Kiper's 1st 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

Pick Team Player
1 Tennessee Titans Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2 Cleveland Browns Jared Goff, QB, California
3 San Diego Chargers Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
4 Dallas Cowboys DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
5 Jacksonville Jaguars Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
6 Baltimore Ravens Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
7 San Francisco 49ers Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
8 Miami Dolphins Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
10 New York Giants Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
11 Chicago Bears Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
12 New Orleans Saints A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
13 Philadelphia Eagles Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
14 Oakland Raiders Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
15 Los Angeles Rams Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16 Detroit Lions Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
17 Atlanta Falcons Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
18 Indianapolis Colts Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
19 Buffalo Bills Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
20 New York Jets Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
21 Washington Redskins Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
22 Houston Texans Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
23 Minnesota Vikings Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
24 Cincinnati Bengals Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
25 Pittsburgh Steelers Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
26 Seattle Seahawks Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
27 Green Bay Packers Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
28 Kansas City Chiefs Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
29 Denver Broncos Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
30 Arizona Cardinals Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
31 Carolina Panthers Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
ESPN.com

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...gurus-1st-mock

Why does everyone forget we chose a second round CB last year who hasn't seen the field, but his body of work shows he has the potential to be a very good CB? I wouldn't waste a first round pick on a CB until we know how Golson works out, unless one falls to us as BPA.

5 Defensive Backs are hitting Free Agency, Cortez Allen, Shamarko, and Mitchell aren't exactly Fan favorites. This is a critical year for DB moving forward .

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agen...rs/cornerback/


http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agen...eelers/safety/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Craic

Why does everyone forget we chose a second round CB last year who hasn't seen the field, but his body of work shows he has the potential to be a very good CB? I wouldn't waste a first round pick on a CB until we know how Golson works out, unless one falls to us as BPA.

---

Because we don't have a single CB on the roster who has the ability to be a #1 CB. Golson is far too small for that role and is most likely at best a nickel. Gay should be a nickel, Boykin will most likely be gone since he's a FA. Cockrell is good for depth and hopefully Blake is gone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Craic

Why does everyone forget we chose a second round CB last year who hasn't seen the field, but his body of work shows he has the potential to be a very good CB? I wouldn't waste a first round pick on a CB until we know how Golson works out, unless one falls to us as BPA.

---

What makes you think Golson will be worth anything?

Second round pick who played zero this year so he'll basically be a rookie at a position that is one of the tougher ones to convert from college to NFL and the talent evaluation of the team that drafted him at that position has been piss poor since about 1987...with a lucky pick in 2003. Absolutely zero reason to put any stock into the fact that he can come in and compete at a high NFL level. There's more evidence that would point to bust than boom...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Craic

Why does everyone forget we chose a second round CB last year who hasn't seen the field, but his body of work shows he has the potential to be a very good CB? I wouldn't waste a first round pick on a CB until we know how Golson works out, unless one falls to us as BPA.

---

id rather not bet on who we currently have. I saw that Golson has pro bowl potential from a lot of draftniks, but he still has boom or bust potential because of his size, and its not like he has the hops based on his combine to compensate (34in. vertical i believe). then again, based on film he does know how to high point a ball, but this is the NFL.

even if Golson pans out, then what? Gay is really good in the slot, and has a long history of being not very good on the outside. Plus he'll be 32 by the start of next season. Tez is going to get cut. Boykin is probably leaving because of all of our bull shit, and if he stays, great...now we have 2 great slot corners (or at the very least he hasnt proven he can play outside yet). Cockrell has potential, but thats it.

Too many question marks for it to be a "waste" to use a 1st rounder at CB

We need to draft 2 CBs in 2016.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ALLD

We need to draft 2 CBs in 2016.

---

Agreed.

At least 2 if not more.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SteelerFanInStl

Because we don't have a single CB on the roster who has the ability to be a #1 CB. Golson is far too small for that role and is most likely at best a nickel. Gay should be a nickel, Boykin will most likely be gone since he's a FA. Cockrell is good for depth and hopefully Blake is gone.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 86WARD

What makes you think Golson will be worth anything?

Second round pick who played zero this year so he'll basically be a rookie at a position that is one of the tougher ones to convert from college to NFL and the talent evaluation of the team that drafted him at that position has been piss poor since about 1987...with a lucky pick in 2003. Absolutely zero reason to put any stock into the fact that he can come in and compete at a high NFL level. There's more evidence that would point to bust than boom...

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Psycho Ward 86

id rather not bet on who we currently have. I saw that Golson has pro bowl potential from a lot of draftniks, but he still has boom or bust potential because of his size, and its not like he has the hops based on his combine to compensate (34in. vertical i believe). then again, based on film he does know how to high point a ball, but this is the NFL.

even if Golson pans out, then what? Gay is really good in the slot, and has a long history of being not very good on the outside. Plus he'll be 32 by the start of next season. Tez is going to get cut. Boykin is probably leaving because of all of our bull shit, and if he stays, great...now we have 2 great slot corners (or at the very least he hasnt proven he can play outside yet). Cockrell has potential, but thats it.

Too many question marks for it to be a "waste" to use a 1st rounder at CB

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ALLD

We need to draft 2 CBs in 2016.

---

Every one of these responses proves my point that we SHOULDN'T waste a high draft pick at CB this year. Use it to strengthen another position were we can develop the player. What we need at CB is someone who can fill it now. That means free agency, not the draft.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Craic

Every one of these responses proves my point that we SHOULDN'T waste a high draft pick at CB this year. Use it to strengthen another position were we can develop the player. What we need at CB is someone who can fill it now. That means free agency, not the draft.

---

I'm OK with filling it through free agency but we've never done that in the past. I don't see it happening this year either.

Trumaine Johnson from the Rams will be available and would be a great CB to sign. 6' 2" 208 lbs and 7 Ints this season. Physical at the point of attack and good ball skills.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Craic

Every one of these responses proves my point that we SHOULDN'T waste a high draft pick at CB this year. Use it to strengthen another position were we can develop the player. What we need at CB is someone who can fill it now. That means free agency, not the draft.

---

with the type of money the Steelers normally spend on free agents that is how you end up with Antwon Blake as a starter ...

Golson is to small period to play outside 5'9 187 pounds is what guys like AJ Green eat for breakfast

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SteelerFanInStl

I'm OK with filling it through free agency but we've never done that in the past. I don't see it happening this year either.

Trumaine Johnson from the Rams will be available and would be a great CB to sign. 6' 2" 208 lbs and 7 Ints this season. Physical at the point of attack and good ball skills.

---

they'd be fools to not prioritize him over Jenkins (the Rams) ,but I'd take either one if we could.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Craic

Every one of these responses proves my point that we SHOULDN'T waste a high draft pick at CB this year. Use it to strengthen another position were we can develop the player. What we need at CB is someone who can fill it now. That means free agency, not the draft.

---

I've been saying that since September...they need a few free agents to fill needs/depth on this team.

Even if Tomlin picks a CB it won't matter. He won't see any playing time. Blake is Tomlin's guy. He will be here for years.

I've been saying for a while now that I think DT or Safety could very well be our 1st pick.

What are your opinions on Karl Joseph? I only hear him on this board in passing, no real analysis. Is it bad to add another midget to our legion of midgets? how's his knee doing?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Psycho Ward 86

What are your opinions on Karl Joseph? I only hear him on this board in passing, no real analysis. Is it bad to add another midget to our legion of midgets? how's his knee doing?

---

no idea on how well he is progressing , but he isnt a midget listed at 5'11 200 suspect that really means 5'10 -5'10 1/2 190 ... but he is pound for pound one of the most physical players in this draft ...

I would have no problem spending a 3rd rounder on him and would feel lucky to have him at that point if he is healthy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SteelerFanInStl

I'm OK with filling it through free agency but we've never done that in the past. I don't see it happening this year either.

Trumaine Johnson from the Rams will be available and would be a great CB to sign. 6' 2" 208 lbs and 7 Ints this season. Physical at the point of attack and good ball skills.

---

Rams consider transition tag for Trumaine Johnson

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 20, 2016

The Los Angeles Rams may use the transition tag to retain cornerback Trumaine Johnson.

Johnson, who had seven interceptions last season, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the league year. There’s been talk that Johnson could be franchised, but Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Rams might place the transition tag, not the franchise tag, on Johnson if the two sides don’t reach a long-term deal.

Like the franchise tag, the transition tag gives a team the right to match an offer one of its free agents signs. So if the Rams put the transition tag on Johnson and he signs with another team, they could choose to keep him by matching the offer. That’s what the Browns did two years ago with center Alex Mack, who signed an offer sheet with the Jaguars that the Browns matched.

For the Rams, the advantage to using the transition tag instead of the franchise tag is that it wouldn’t cost them as much if Johnson ends up signing the tender offer and playing this season on the tag. The franchise tag salary for cornerbacks this season is expected to be $13.7 million, while the transition tag salary for cornerbacks is expected to be $11.7 million.

Last year, one player got the transition tag: Dolphins tight end Charles Clay, who ended up signing an offer sheet with the Bills that the Dolphins declined to match. When a transition tagged player switches teams, the original team does not get draft pick compensation.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...maine-johnson/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hawaiiansteeler

will this be the year the Steelers pick a CB in the first round?

Mel Kiper NFL Mock Draft 2016: Notable Picks from ESPN Guru's 1st Mock

By Mike Chiari , Featured Columnist Jan 14, 2016

Mel Kiper Jr. is perhaps the most respected NFL draft analyst in the business, which is why the release of his first 2016 mock draft Thursday on ESPN.com feels very much like the official start of draft season.

While the latter portion of the draft order has yet to be determined due to the ongoing NFL playoffs, much of the order is already set in stone, which means most organizations are starting to focus on preparations ahead of April's draft.

A lot will change between now and draft night as players improve or hurt their stock at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the tape generally doesn't lie when it comes to top prospects.

With several months of evaluation still in the offing, here is a rundown of Kiper's first 2016 first-round mock draft, along with a closer look at some of the most intriguing picks.

Mel Kiper's 1st 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

Pick Team Player
1 Tennessee Titans Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2 Cleveland Browns Jared Goff, QB, California
3 San Diego Chargers Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
4 Dallas Cowboys DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
5 Jacksonville Jaguars Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
6 Baltimore Ravens Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
7 San Francisco 49ers Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
8 Miami Dolphins Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
10 New York Giants Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
11 Chicago Bears Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
12 New Orleans Saints A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
13 Philadelphia Eagles Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
14 Oakland Raiders Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
15 Los Angeles Rams Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16 Detroit Lions Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
17 Atlanta Falcons Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
18 Indianapolis Colts Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
19 Buffalo Bills Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
20 New York Jets Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
21 Washington Redskins Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
22 Houston Texans Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
23 Minnesota Vikings Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
24 Cincinnati Bengals Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
25 Pittsburgh Steelers Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
26 Seattle Seahawks Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
27 Green Bay Packers Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
28 Kansas City Chiefs Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
29 Denver Broncos Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
30 Arizona Cardinals Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
31 Carolina Panthers Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
ESPN.com

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...gurus-1st-mock

---

Matching positions fairly well even if the name is wrong.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Steeldude

Even if Tomlin picks a CB it won't matter. He won't see any playing time. Blake is Tomlin's guy. He will be here for years.

---

Oops.

Haha. I might have thought the same. His play was cringe worthy but got lots of time.

While it usually takes a few years to see how a draft turns out, seeing how much production we are getting from our 2016 draft picks already I am trying to find the quick reads on our draft from earlier this year and this is the first thing I came across.

Burns really wasn't on the radar and while I was glad we picked a defensive back in the first I was concerned we were really reaching.

Looks like the FO may be due some props. It's still early though.

Artie has played as well, if not better, than any CB drafted this year, despite only starting the last 6 games. IMO he's outplayed them all, including Ramsey.