Defense Rising On Mel Kiper's Latest 2016 Big Board

[FentayeJones]

The biggest mover this week is Shaq Lawson, a star on the edge for Clemson. In a year in which the top 15 picks could be defense-heavy, Lawson is now squarely in that mix. Jaylon Smith of Notre Dame has been a top-10 guy for a while, but he's also moving up.

A reminder: General scouting reports on these players won't change much week to week, unless my overall evaluation changes. I'll simply be updating performance notes and providing updates on key matchups to come.

An asterisk denotes a junior for the 2015 season.

1. *Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes

It says plenty when people ask whether he's really been that productive and he has 16 tackles for loss. He's gotten a ton of blocking attention. He's an explosive pass-rusher who has power and awareness and is consistently disruptive against the run. Bosa has size and versatility that will fit any scheme, as well as the ability to go around blockers or right through them. He's been double- and triple-teamed. When he's one-on-one he wins, period.

2. *Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Every week he jumps off the screen. It's really hard to pick out serious flaws, aside from a missed tackle here and there and occasional overpursuit. Smith is making a case to be a versatile linebacker you can select safe in knowing he can be plugged in right away. He can be moved around, has good length and can flat-out fly for a linebacker, with sub-4.5 speed.

3. *Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State Seminoles

Status quo all season after the move back to cornerback. A does-it-all talent who had already started 28 college games heading into this season, I would have rated him the top safety taken in the 2015 draft. But this season he's at cornerback. He has the length, range and exceptional instincts to make plays all over the field; indeed, he has enjoyed an expected smooth transition to corner. He is a truly gifted athlete.

4. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon Ducks

Love his motor and his production while dealing with a lot of blocking attention. Similar to Bosa in that regard. At 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, he has an impressive frame and with another year of polish could be a fit in almost any kind of system.

5. *Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss Rebels

When he's 100 percent, he can be dominant; you just wonder how consistently he can play when completely healthy. He explodes off the snap like a guy 40 or 50 pounds lighter. And Nkemdiche isn't just quick; he also has strength at the point and doesn't get eaten up by double-teams. If he stays healthy, he'll end up in the top five.

6. *Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss Rebels

The entire skill set is there. Flexible, quick, powerful and long, I still think he's the best pass-blocker in the draft at this point in my evals, a guy who wouldn't look out of place if he had to play on Sundays this season. Nimble but strong, he has all the traits you look for at that spot.

7.*Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis Tigers

It's pretty neck-and-neck with him and Jared Goff in a merely OK class of quarterbacks. Lynch has good size with room to fill out. He not only has a strong arm but the ability to get the ball out fast. He has the height to see the whole field quickly without creating space, and he throws well on the move when he needs that space. It sounds trite, but the talent for the position is so clear, and the decision-making has been very good.

8. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

He marries prototypical length with impressive movement skills. He moves well laterally and can flash great hand use. I thought consistency was the problem last year, but he put things together in 2015. He could push to become the top tackle available.

9. *Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida Gators

A gifted cover man, Hargreaves lacks size but mostly makes up for it with instincts and effortless fluidity in moving with receivers. Of course, at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, he's not small; he just lacks a margin for error compared to some. A starter since he arrived, he's still the best pure cover corner in the draft class at this point.

10. *Jared Goff, QB, California Golden Bears

He hit a rough patch this season, but Goff always bounces back. The arm can be special, as Goff can not only drill the ball down the field and into tight windows with ease but also has a changeup and proper trajectory. He has good movement skills and anticipation and he sees the whole field. He can also move defenders with his eyes pretty well and will continue to get better.

11.*Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson Tigers

You're just seeing a full arsenal here. Quickness, spin moves, rips, power. And Lawson also has a special knack for finding the ball early. Lawson has tremendous quickness for his size (275 pounds), which means you can use him as an edge rusher in a 4-3 setup. He'll gain polish, but there's a lot to work with here.

12. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide

He's been really special in the second half of this season. Robinson isn't just a block-occupying force against the run. If he gets to your shoulder, he can push you aside and fly into the backfield. He'll be good in any scheme and has really come on for Kirby Smart's defense.

13. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide

Extremely tough for blockers to move, Reed plays with leverage and has a sixth sense for where the ball is. A juco transfer who started a little slow for Smart's D last season, he has become arguably its most important player up front and has been really good every week since the light came on last year.

14. *Myles Jack, LB, UCLA Bruins

A gifted athlete, he's a linebacker with quickness you would get from a smaller safety, and that extends to his ability to cover, as well. He can attack the backfield and is a physical kid, but he's especially good at anticipating and covering ground quickly to make plays across the formation and in coverage. Yeah, he got hurt, but he didn't fall on my board.

15. *Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes

Elliott has outstanding vision, durability, patience and pad level, and we know he has breakaway speed in the open field. He shows a passion for blocking, as well as maybe the best hands of any back in this draft, both of which will endear him to evaluators. The big plays are there, but I think quickness in space will be something to watch.

16. *Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA Bruins

Incredibly powerful with tremendous lower-body strength and also a good deal of burst off the line. When he plays with leverage, you need more than one blocker to move him; and he's tough to handle one-on-one and can throw you to the side. I had him too low at first, but after spending more time seeing him play, I have moved him up accordingly.

17. *Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss Rebels

I think he's really found his form. He is now looking like the Treadwell of old, but perhaps a little leaner, and he's showing explosiveness because of that. He has size, speed and tremendous hands and could be the top wide receiver taken.

18. *Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech Hokies

No changes here. Since Fuller has been out for the season, he should be in full draft-prep mode and can help an NFL team next year. Kendall is the top prospect at this stage among the Fuller gang. He has great instincts in coverage, plays physical and was an All-American in 2014, even though (again) he wasn't at 100 percent.

19. *Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State Cowboys

Always dominates weaker tackles with athleticism and is now a problem for the really good ones, because he knows how to play. He just keeps getting better, employing exceptional quickness for a player standing 6-foot-4 and carrying a lean 275 pounds. He can put a blocker on skates but is also really fluid in the open field. Once a raw prospect, Ogbah has come a long way.

20 *Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU Tigers

White doesn't just have good length, he has the Point A to Point B explosiveness that makes a shorter defensive back valuable. He has the potential to be a lockdown type who can move around and take away the top receiving option. He also brings good ball skills.

21. *Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Spartans

He's finally looking closer to 100 percent after playing hurt for a good portion of the season. At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, he moves well -- he was a good basketball player in high school -- and is most impressive in his consistency. He just doesn't give up sacks and is showing more pop as a run-blocker. The one-time walk-on is a great story.

22.**Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson Tigers

I waited a little while to add him, given he is a redshirt sophomore, but there's no way around discussing his NFL prospects at this point. I'm not sure a cornerback outside of Ramsey and Hargreaves has been better this season.

23. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State Buckeyes

Decker could have been in the mix to go in Round 1 last year but came back to school and added some more good tape to his résumé. Defenders were able to use his length against him in the past, but I think he's become better with his hands, and he's a really good run-blocker. Does he stay on the left side? We'll see, but he's a solid tackle.

24. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama Crimson Tide

The tape is really stacked up for the productive Ragland. He just makes plays. Ragland doesn't blow anyone away with speed, limiting his range to the edges, but he is quick and flows quickly to the ball, anticipating early and making plays on time. He is a great assignment football player, and he hits gaps and gets off blocks, all while maintaining vision beyond what's directly in front of him.

25. *Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

Doesn't get a ton of looks in this offense, but he's a big play waiting to happen. A nephew of former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson, he is 6-foot-3 and has length and a strong frame. He has the ability to win at the catch point, particularly on high throws, and cause damage after the catch. I think he'll work out well, which will help, because he doesn't see enough of the ball.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/insider/story/_/id/14331298/shaq-lawson-jaylon-smith-two-defenders-rising-mel-kiper-2016-big-board-nfl-draft

[brown bomber]

From where we should end up, I'm still sticking with Jack, Clark, or Ragland. One of them will probably be a Falcon.

[A-TowN.-]

From where we should end up, I'm still sticking with Jack, Clark, or Ragland. One of them will probably be a Falcon.

Yeah I'm good with that list personally.

[AEFalcon]

BPA in a position of need works for me because who are we kidding, it will be a need....and sadly that's not too much of an exaggeration.

[etherdome]

Most impactful defender on the board.

He could be Clark, Robinson, Lawson or Calhoun.

If we sign Wilkerson, then scratch Clark and Robinson. If we sign Irvin or Vernon, then scratch Lawson and Calhoun.

We have to scare QB's. That is what has been missing on defense for a long, long time.

On offense, we need a better interior OL. We should sign the best Center we can. That would allow us to bring back Levitre and Asamoh. Additionally, the offense needs a receiving target that can catch the contested ball and move the chains. He could be a possession receiver or a TE, it does not matter.

Edited December 19, 2015 by etherdome

[jazzyburrell]

Most impactful defender on the board.

He could be Clark, Robinson, Lawson or Calhoun.

If we sign Wilkerson, then scratch Clark and Robinson. If we sign Irvin or Vernon, then scratch Lawson and Calhoun.

We have to scare QB's. That is what has been missing on defense for a long, long time.

On offense, we need a better interior OL. We should sign the best Center we can. That would allow us to bring back Levitre and Asamoh. Additionally, the offense needs a receiving target that can catch the contested ball and move the chains. He could be a possession receiver or a TE, it does not matter.

Today really showed how much we need to improve the interior of our line. We need a new center maybe in the 2nd and G in FA if we don't think Asamoah fits.

[GleasonForever!]

Most impactful defender on the board.

He could be Clark, Robinson, Lawson or Calhoun.

If we sign Wilkerson, then scratch Clark and Robinson. If we sign Irvin or Vernon, then scratch Lawson and Calhoun.

We have to scare QB's. That is what has been missing on defense for a long, long time.

On offense, we need a better interior OL. We should sign the best Center we can. That would allow us to bring back Levitre and Asamoh. Additionally, the offense needs a receiving target that can catch the contested ball and move the chains. He could be a possession receiver or a TE, it does not matter.

You don't have to scratch them off of we get those guys in FA. Grt both. We need a dominant line. We have to face to huge and mobile QB's in our own division. We need a line to combat that.

Wilkerson & A.Robinson

Irvin & Calhoun/Nassib/etc

McClain/Trevethan & Jack/Lee/Smith/Scooby/Perry

Lets get this D dominant.

As for Center...Alabama's Ryan Kelly..blocked for the heisman winner in the SEC.

[M@ck]

yeah im tired of seeing other teams with multiple players that we passed up on because we had "needs.. i want Beasley, Irvin, and our 1st and possibly second round pick as well all in the front 7 next year chasing down Cam and jameis.. sign Alex Max and Josh Gordon (Dead serious) for cheap

[etherdome]

Clear cap space by dropping:

Rowdy White

W. Moore

T. Jackson

P. Soliai

Hankerson and Asamoah-----Done

Free agents:

Ben Jones: He is an experienced ZBS Center and he should not break the bank.

K. Osemele: Probably the best OG in free agency.

Curry or Vernon: We need a real LEO to threaten QB's. Move Beasley and his torn labrum to SLB.

SS: This will take some thought. We may not be able to afford Iloka.

Draft:

1. (DT)Robinson or Clark: Never mind the need, these guys will probably be the best football players on the board.

2. (LB)Deion Jones. Fast and physical (sorry, couldn't resist). He can cover and tackle among the best.

3. (TE/WR) Evan Engram. Think of him as an Aaron Hernandez with morals.

4. (MLB) Cassanova McKinzy. A rock solid run stopper with athleticism to cover crossing routes.

[sdogg]

Clear cap space by dropping:

Rowdy White

W. Moore

T. Jackson

P. Soliai

Hankerson and Asamoah-----Done

Free agents:

Ben Jones: He is an experienced ZBS Center and he should not break the bank.

K. Osemele: Probably the best OG in free agency.

Curry or Vernon: We need a real LEO to threaten QB's. Move Beasley and his torn labrum to SLB.

SS: This will take some thought. We may not be able to afford Iloka.

Draft:

1. (DT)Robinson or Clark: Never mind the need, these guys will probably be the best football players on the board.

2. (LB)Deion Jones. Fast and physical (sorry, couldn't resist). He can cover and tackle among the best.

3. (TE/WR) Evan Engram. Think of him as an Aaron Hernandez with morals.

4. (MLB) Cassanova McKinzy. A rock solid run stopper with athleticism to cover crossing routes.

Awesome!!

But for any of this to happen, we must ditch TD or we will be reaching in the draft and signing bums in FA.

[brown bomber]

Engram returning to school along with Jake Butt. And don't forget Pharaoh Brown is gonna redshirt. Those are 3 very good TE's with the possibility of Bucky Hodges if he stays. We definitely can wait another year and roll with Tamme one more time. This TE class is weak IMO.

[ZoneOne01]

Grabbing a front 7 player in the first round should be the way to go. It doesn't even matter what we do in FA. We don't have the luxury of being picky with a physical Carolina team in our division.

Plus, you can never have enough defensive lineman.

[etherdome]

Engram returning to school along with Jake Butt. And don't forget Pharaoh Brown is gonna redshirt. Those are 3 very good TE's with the possibility of Bucky Hodges if he stays. We definitely can wait another year and roll with Tamme one more time. This TE class is weak IMO.

I had not heard about Engram's return to college. In that case, we should think about an OG in the third.

[A-TowN.-]

Engram returning to school along with Jake Butt. And don't forget Pharaoh Brown is gonna redshirt. Those are 3 very good TE's with the possibility of Bucky Hodges if he stays. We definitely can wait another year and roll with Tamme one more time. This TE class is weak IMO.

Yeah it is. I think Beau Sandland is flying under the radar though. I really like him and Hunter Henry. That's about it though.

[AndySG]

It's a tough one. I'm really not impressed with the draft or FA class, but we need to upgrade over Tamme.

[brown bomber]

If I drafted a TE it would be Jordan Leggett or Hodges if he came out. I would rather wait till next year tho when we have more to pick from in an earlier round.

[direwolf]

It's a tough one. I'm really not impressed with the draft or FA class, but we need to upgrade over Tamme.

Taking a lesser player because of a perceived need usually causes issues. Besides, if we can get a decent receiver to be a consistent option for Ryan, does the tight end position really matter as much? Tamme wasn't bad this year. Not a world beater, but generally adequate.

Fix the lines. If you control the line of scrimmage, everything else falls into place.

Get a center in free agency (that position needs an upgrade NOW and I'm leery of rookie starting centers) and move Person to guard. Two positions improved for the price of one. Person was signed as a guard anyways - put him where he belongs, don't re-sign Chester, and boom. If you can get a guard in free agency to compete with Levitre (hopefully beat him out), so much the better.

Then your draft can be about d-line, linebacker, and secondary with a pick earmarked for a #2 receiver if you can't land someone decent in FA.

[AndySG]

Tamme is just so slow. I appreciate that Tony was, but he was the best in the game at boxing players out and getting those contested catches.

[direwolf]

Tamme is just so slow. I appreciate that Tony was, but he was the best in the game at boxing players out and getting those contested catches.

True, but I don't think you really do long term service to the team by taking lesser players because of a perceived need when you can get better players and stick with a guy who at least has been fairly reliable at the position. I think that's part of what has gotten Dimitroff in trouble - "Oh, we need a tackle, let's grab a tackle now!".... and we get Lamar Holmes.

Side note - we could have drafted Ben Jones in that draft. Funny how things work out if we get him in FA.

[AndySG]

That's true. I wouldn't be mad if we didn't take a TE. I didn't pick anybody in my mock because I couldn't find anybody that I wanted in the draft. Hunter Henry is good, but I think he goes before our second pick and I'm not moving up to get him when we have so many holes!