The 2016 NFL Draft will kick off Thursday night live from Chicago's Auditorium Theatre, covering the first round, before Friday and Saturday take us from rounds two through seven. Bet anything that the following studs will be all snatched up early into Thursday night. Here, we highlight 10 NFL Draft prospects to watch out for — five on offense, five on offense. Hut, hut, hike!
Jared Goff, Quarterback
The University of California quarterback (pictured above) seems to be the consensus top pick for the Los Angeles Rams on most mock draft boards. At 6'4, 215 pounds, Jared Goff has the size with the ability to scramble out of pocket pressure and make things happen on the run. Evidence of that would be the 4,719 yards and 43 touchdown passes he aired out at Cal last season. If the Rams want to make a splash back in L.A., Goff looks to be their man.
DeForest Buckner, Defensive End
At a massive 6-7 and 291 pounds, DeForest Buckner ran a 4.85 40-yard dash. Many mock drafts have this defensive end out of Oregon as the first defensive player to be taken in this year's draft. Why? Well, he may just be the best run stuffer and pass rusher available, period.
Carson Wentz, Quarterback
How bad do the Philadelphia Eagles want this North Dakota State QB? Bad enough to make three trades to slide up to the No. 2 overall selection. The Rams could throw a wrench in those plans by changing their mind from Jared Goff to Carson Wentz at the last minute. Rams coach Jeff Fisher did tell ESPN that he thinks Wentz will play in at least one Super Bowl in his career, so, hey, there's a possibility.
Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback
A cornerback who can cut the field in half and make QBs think twice of even looking their way is always a hot find for an NFL team. If there's one who fits that mold, or at least comes close to being a shutdown corner, it's Florida State's Jalen Ramsey. A lot of teams hurting on pass defense would love to draft him.
Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle
ESPN has the 6-5, 315-pound offensive lineman out of Ole Miss giving Joe Flacco some much-needed protection on the Baltimore Ravens' O-line as the sixth overall pick in the draft. Tunsil just may be the best offensive lineman available, period.
Myles Jack, Linebacker
Pinpointed as one of the best athletes in the 2016 draft class, if there's one worry about UCLA linebacker, it's his surgically repaired right knee from a lateral meniscus tear. If enough team doctors think the knee will hold up, Myles Jack could be too good to pass up. If not, expect him to suffer a free fall down the first round.
Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle
No offensive line, no offense. It's that simple in most cases, as a weak base just won't allow an NFL team to cheat the system as history shows time and time again. In addition to Tunsil, Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley is definitely an enforcer at 6-5 and 312 pounds.
Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker
Unleashing this linebacker out of Georgia on the blitz could signal paydirt for any struggling defense, giving them an instant playmaker. The New York Giants could use him.
Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
Want to get a feel for how much of a workhorse Ezekiel Elliott can be? Well, look no further than the running back piling up upwards of six yards per carry in each of the past two seasons on a combined 562 carries and recording 41 touchdowns for The Ohio State. Can he move the chains and keep piling up first downs on the NFL level, though? We'd like to think his 225-pound frame can.
Joey Bosa, Defensive End
From one Buckeyes' star to another, Joey Bosa has the speed, power and agility coming off the edge at 6-5 and 269 pounds to make whichever team that lands him very happy and opposing offensive linemen, rushers and quarterbacks absolutely miserable. His 47 tackles and five sacks last season will tell you that.
