2016 Mock NFL Draft: Vikings stand at WR after Eagles trade
By Adam Carlson
#16: Detroit Lions – William Jackson III, CB Houston
- Spending a lot of money in free agency, the Lions did everything they could to try to help the offense after Calvin Johnson’s retirement. Thankfully for them, they have one of the draft’s best defensive backs available when they’re picking to help them deal with the passing powerhouse Packers and Bears in the NFC North.
- READ MY TAKE ON WILLIAM JACKSON III
#17: Atlanta Falcons – Leonard Floyd, LB Georgia
- The Falcons made a big mistake in not refreshing their roster with younger talent while veterans were still around and are now scrambling to fill the big holes that were on display during the 2015 season. Leonard Floyd isn’t a flashy pick, but he’s a productive, solid player and one that the Falcons should be able to help build around for the future.
- READ MY TAKE ON LEONARD FLOYD
#18: Indianapolis Colts – Eli Apple, CB Ohio State
- When Andrew Luck struggled with injuries last year, the Colts weren’t the same team. They weren’t able to match other team’s offensively and games quickly became lopsided when the defense struggled against the pass. Eli Apple is a prospect that is ready to step into a defense and start matching up against some of the best pass catchers in the league.
- READ MY TAKE ON ELI APPLE
#19: Buffalo Bills – Sheldon Rankins, DT Louisville
- I nearly wrote Paxton Lynch here, but feel that the Bills are interested to see what they can keep doing with Tyrod Taylor. Instead. one of the most powerful defensive fronts in the NFL will get even more powerful if they land Louisville’s Rankins. Some say he’s a one-dimensional run stopping lineman, but he has the potential to be so much more.
- READ MY TAKE ON SHELDON RANKINS
#20: New York Jets – Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis
- The Jets can’t be happy with their current quarterback situation and have missed out on the top 2 passers in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, Lynch shows enough upside to warrant a top-20 pick and his skill set might be just what New York needs to jump start their offense. It’s still a bit of a reach, but it’s a gamble that the Jets may have to take.
- READ MY TAKE ON PAXTON LYNCH
Next: Picks 21-25 of the 2016 NFL Mock Draft