2016 NFL mock draft 2nd round: Plenty of top defensive linemen available
We’ll see even more tackles and ends come off the board today, but where do Connor Cook and Myles Jack land?
When the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft starts, there will be loads of talented players available for the choosing. There are a lot of high-level defensive lineman available, so we could see several come off the board on Day 2 of the draft.
The second round could also be strong for college programs like Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson. In this scenario, Clemson has two of the first three picks in the second round, with Ohio State and Alabama both having three players picked.
One of the things to follow in the second round is the landing spot for Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook. If the Browns pass on him with the first pick in the second round, it becomes a little challenging to find a landing spot for him. Expect UCLA linebacker Myles Jack to get a lot of attention on Day 2 as well.
32. Cleveland Browns - Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The Browns could target another trade down considering how many holes are on the roster, but Alexander would be a good choice. He’s better than a few of the cornerbacks taken in the first round and would give the team a young starter with Tramon Williams’ career likely winding down.
33. Tennessee Titans - A’Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
Some thought was given to Alabama running back Derrick Henry with this pick, but Robinson is too good to pass up. He can line up at a number of positions in Tennessee’s defense.
34. Dallas Cowboys - Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Dodd is the best pure 4-3 defensive end on the board, and has the size the Cowboys usually prefer in the position.
35. San Diego Chargers - Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
If the Chargers want Martin, they can’t wait until the third round because he’ll likely be gone. He’s a technician that knows how to use his hands to push defenders around.
36. Baltimore Ravens - Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
With the age of Baltimore’s top pass rushers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, the Ravens could look to get young and bring in a pass rusher like Spence.
37. Kansas City Chiefs - Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Jones can be the athletic defensive lineman the Chiefs need up front. He dropped to the second round because he can be inconsistent, but he’s an impressive physical specimen.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars - Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The concerns about Jack’s knee are obviously real. Long-term health aside, though, he’s too good of a player right now to pass up if you’re Jacksonville.
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jonathan Bullard, DT, Florida
With Spence and Dodd gone, the Buccaneers could look to interior of the defensive line to get some help next to Gerald McCoy. Bullard is a defensive tackle with good athleticism and the skills to get into the backfield. He can even line up at end on certain plays.
40. New York Giants - Reggie Ragland, MLB, Alabama
More than anything, this is a value pick. Ragland is a classic thumper linebacker who will clean up a lot of trash between the tackles.
41. Chicago Bears - Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
The Bears could play Bell at cornerback or safety. He’s adept at playing in single high coverage where he can rely on his speed to make plays.
42. Miami Dolphins - Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Fuller’s injury issues pushed him into the second round, but he’s a technically sound cornerback when healthy.
43. Tennessee Titans - Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
With all of the talent still on the board, this is a good range for Henry to land in the second round. If the Titans want to run smash mouth, a big runner like Henry is a fit.
44. Oakland Raiders - Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The run on defensive players and Alabama players continues. Reed is a powerhouse lineman who can help bolster the Raiders’ run defense.
45. Tennessee Titans - Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
The Titans get one of the top players on the board, and someone who will quickly become a top target for Mariota.
46. Detroit Lions - Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
With the run on defensive tackles, the Lions may be lucky to see a good one with pick No. 46. Billings is a supreme run stuffer with power.
47. New Orleans Saints - Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State
It’s not a sexy pick, but a necessary one. Whitehair can plug right into the Saints’ starting lineup at guard.
48. Indianapolis Colts - Le’Raven Clark, OL, Texas Tech
In this situation, Clark would play guard, a position where he has some experience.
49. Buffalo Bills - Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
The slide of Cook stops here. With Tyrod Taylor’s future in Buffalo uncertain after next season, they can get the pro-ready Cook to push him for the starting job right now.
50. Atlanta Falcons - Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
The Falcons can get a little more athleticism on the defense with Correa, a good pass rusher who plays with a high motor.
51. New York Jets - Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
There was a report that the Jets tried to make a trade to get Laremy Tunsil in the first round. If there’s truth to that, they could be after a pass blocker in the second round. Spriggs is by far the best one on the board.
52. Houston Texans - Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
The final piece to the fully rebuilt Texans offense could be Henry. He’s the draft’s top tight end thanks to a pair of good hands and solid athleticism.
53. Washington - Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
Washington still needs a big body on defense after taking wide receiver Josh Doctson in the first round. Johnson is a power player who excels at occupying blocks up the middle.
54. Minnesota Vikings - Su’a Cravens, S/LB, Southern California
Cravens can be the strong safety the Vikings need. He’s capable of playing near the line of scrimmage, and can cover tight ends.
55. Cincinnati Bengals - Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
If the Bengals want to get more pressure on the quarterback, Ogbah is the best choice available.
56. Seattle Seahawks - Jihad Ward, DL, Illinois
Ward is a player who is used to lining up all along the defensive line. The Seahawks could use him in a variety of roles.
57. Green Bay Packers - Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State
Perry can play inside or out, and would offer a lot of pure talent at the position for the Packers.
58. Pittsburgh Steelers - Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
After taking cornerback Artie Burns in the first round, the Steelers can get a good coverage safety like Thompson in the second.
59. Kansas City Chiefs - Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
After getting a defensive lineman earlier in this scenario, the Chiefs would score with Howard. He’s a physical safety who can really make a play on the ball.
60. New England Patriots - Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
Is there a wide receiver with a better fit for New England’s offense than Shepard?
61. New England Patriots - Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
If the Patriots stay on this pick, they could target a good all-around back like Dixon. He’s an impressive pass catcher with solid speed and power running the ball.
62. Carolina Panthers - Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
After getting defensive tackle Vernon Butler in the first round, the Panthers can add some beef in the second round with Coleman.
63. Denver Broncos - Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
Kaufusi is a massive defensive lineman with solid athleticism. In Denver he would be a nice fit in a three-man front.
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A video cost Laremy Tunsil millions at the draft
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