2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 - Picks 17-32

*** This mock draft will be updated each week. Check out old versions of this 2016 NFL Mock Draft in the archived mock section. Follow @walterfootball for NFL Draft updates. ***



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17. Atlanta Falcons: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
    I believe Darron Lee is one of the players the Falcons are targeting at No. 17. He's such a great fit for their defense, and he happens to fill a huge need in their linebacking corps. He's also exactly what the front office covets from an athleticism standpoint. I think Atlanta would rather have Shaq Lawson, but Lee isn't a bad consolation prize.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Shaq Lawson, DE - This is probably the latest Shaq Lawson can go. I can't imagine the Falcons passing on him if he happened to be available.
    
    2. Jonathan Bullard, DT - The Falcons could use an interior rusher, and Bullard has the athleticism that they covet.
    
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18. Indianapolis Colts: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
    I mocked Ryan Kelly at this spot several weeks ago, but moved off it in favor of Andrew Billings and Noah Spence. As the draft approaches, I'm becoming more confident that Indianapolis will, in fact, select Kelly. There's a lot of buzz about him going in the top 25 - there's another team that will consider him in this area - and he would go a long way in shoring up Andrew Luck's protection.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Andrew Billings, DT - Indianapolis expressed a desire to upgrade the nose tackle spot entering the offseason, but thus far, nothing has been done about it.
    
    2. Taylor Decker, OT - Right tackle is a massive need for the Colts, so Decker is someone who could interest them.
    
    Pick change; previously Noah Spence, DE/OLB
    
    
19. Buffalo Bills: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
    The Bills generally did not have quality play from their linebacking corps this past season. Manny Lawson was just OK, while Nigel Bradham struggled in Rex Ryan's scheme. Bradham went on to sign with the Eagles this offseason, so a replacement is needed. Reggie Ragland, one of the top players available, projects well to Ryan's scheme.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Darron Lee, LB - Darron Lee is probably Buffalo's top realistic target, but the Falcons are likely to take him.
    
    2. Jarran Reed, DT - The Lions have shown interest in Reed, but if they don't take him, Buffalo very well could.
    
    




20. New York Jets: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
    Laquon Treadwell, with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Devin Smith? Why not? The Jets selected Leonard Williams last year with Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson already on the roster, so they've proven that they'll take the best player available. That could be Treadwell, who would slide in as the third receiver. As for Smith, the Jets run four-receiver formations quite often, so he would stay involved, and he'd have a greater role once Marshall moves on.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Vernon Butler, DT - Butler has been compared to Muhammad Wilkerson. Coincidentally, Wilkerson is likely to leave the Jets soon.
    
    2. Kamalei Correa, DE/OLB - A weird name here, but one I'm told is in consideration.
    
    Pick change; previously Jason Spriggs, OT
    
    
21. Washington Redskins: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
    Terrance Knighton signed with the Patriots, but the Redskins wanted a better, long-term option anyway, so here it is. There's a decent chance Jarran Reed will be available for Washington, and if so, the front office may just pull the trigger.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. A'Shawn Robinson, DE/DT - Perhaps another Alabama defensive tackle would do the trick. The Redskins obviously need help up front.
    
    2. Ryan Kelly, C - The Redskins are in desperate need of a center, and Kelly fits the range.
    
    
22. Houston Texans: William Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
    William Fuller is chosen over Laquon Treadwell, even if the latter is available. That may have not seemed possible a month ago, but based on what I'm hearing, Fuller is getting some serious buzz from some of the teams in the latter stages of the first round, and he makes more sense for the Texans than Treadwell because the team needs a deep threat to complement DeAndre Hopkins.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Corey Coleman, WR - Corey Coleman is Plan B if Fuller isn't available. Both are better fits than Treadwell.
    
    2. Hunter Henry, TE - Tight end has been a need for quite some time. That would change with Henry on the roster.
    
    




23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
    Could the Vikings pass on Laquon Treadwell in favor of another receiver as well? Sure. Josh Doctson has the size Minnesota is looking for, and he also has the dynamic downfield ability that Treadwell lacks.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Laquon Treadwell, WR - The other receiving option, Treadwell also has the size the Vikings covet.
    
    2. Vernon Butler, DT - Defensive tackle is not much of a need, but I wanted to list Butler because he's such a perfect fit for Zimmer's defense.
    
    
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
    The Bengals lost their Nos. 2 and 3 receivers in free agency, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Thus, they'll be looking for help at the position early and often in the 2016 NFL Draft. Cincinnati has shown a ton of interest in Corey Coleman, who would be a great complement for A.J. Green.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Josh Doctson, WR - The Bengals met with two receivers more often than anyone else at the position this offseason: Doctson and Coleman. I think the former goes here if available.
    
    2. William Fuller, WR - As you can tell, I think this is going to be a receiver.
    
    
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
    I've had the Steelers selecting a cornerback for a while, and I do think one is still a strong option. Both Kendall Fuller and William Jackson are viable options. However, the Steelers like to build from the ground up, and they currently have a big hole at nose tackle. That would change with Andrew Billings, who would potentially be a big upgrade at the position as a disruptive force.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Keanu Neal, S - Neal is a very strong possibility here. The Steelers like him a lot, and he's not going to be available at No. 58.
    
    2. Kendall Fuller and William Jackson, CBs - The two corners I mentioned could be chosen.
    
    




26. Seattle Seahawks: Germain Ifedi, OT/G, Texas A&M
    It's no secret that the Seahawks need to address their offensive line. Russell Wilson was constantly running for his life last year, and things can only get worse this upcoming season with Russell Okung gone. Germain Ifedi is an option in the first round, and I'm sure Seattle loves his athleticism.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Vernon Butler or Jonathan Bullard, DT - More athletic, interior players who makes sense.
    
    2. Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT - The Seahawks need an interior pass-rusher, and they've taken chances on players like Nkemdiche before.
    
    Pick change; previously Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT
    
    
27. Green Bay Packers: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
    The need for a defensive lineman isn't exactly dire for the Packers, but it's an area that should be addressed now in the wake of B.J. Raji's unexpected retirement. The Packers do have a number of options at this spot, but few offer the upside of Vernon Butler, who could easily be off the board by now.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Jonathan Bullard, DT - Butler is another player who would make a ton of sense for the Packers.
    
    2. Trade Down - Charlie Campbell reported that the Packers are a likely trade target for the Broncos and Browns, who could be looking to move up in an attempt to land Paxton Lynch.
    
    
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Cody Whitehair, G/OT, Kansas State
    A bit too early for Cody Whitehair? I thought so too when I first heard his name being floated for this pick, but I do know that at least one other team in this area will consider him as well. Whitehair played left tackle in college, but will have to move inside. That's fine, as he'll likely be dominant as a guard. He can also play center and right tackle if needed, and I'm sure teams will value his versatility.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Paxton Lynch, QB - Alex Smith is 31. That's not old for a quarterback by any means, but Donovan McNabb was 31 as well when Andy Reid spent the 36th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft on Kevin Kolb.
    
    2. Laquon Treadwell or Corey Coleman, WR - Treadwell is available. He could easily be the pick. Coleman would be a better fit.
    
    




29. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT, Ole Miss
    Some teams won't take Robert Nkemdiche, no matter what round it is, as they've completely taken him off their board. That's not the case for the Cardinals. I'm told he's an option here at No. 29. Arizona has taken chances on players with character concerns before, and it has paid off. Nkemdiche could be next, and he would further bolster the pass rush. The Cardinals wanted to address the center position entering free agency, but that never happened. As it turns out, one of the top players available at this juncture would help fill that need, further bolstering Carson Palmer's protection.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Ryan Kelly, C - If Kelly somehow falls, he's the likely pick at No. 29.
    
    2. Cody Whitehair, G/C - A backup option in case Kelly isn't available.
    
    Pick change; previously Ryan Kelly, C
    
    
30. Carolina Panthers: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
    It seems like every mock draft on the planet has the Panthers drafting Kevin Dodd. It's a pick that makes a ton of sense, as the Panthers may not have Charles Johnson beyond 2016. Dodd would be the best player available in this scenario.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. Laquon Treadwell, WR - Treadwell could fall because of his awful 4.64 40. If so, he won't drop past Carolina.
    
    2. William Jackson, CB - Here's another spot for Jackson, as the Panthers desperately need a cornerback in the wake of Josh Norman's departure.
    
    Pick change; previously Laquon Treadwell, WR
    
    
31. Denver Broncos: Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
    You may notice that Paxton Lynch isn't mocked within the first 31 picks. Check out my second round to see what's up with him. I believe he'll be chosen in the first round, but via trade with someone in the second frame.
    
    If the Broncos don't move up for Lynch, Vonn Bell seems like a great choice. Denver doesn't need a safety right now with T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart on the roster, but that was the case last year with Shane Ray chosen despite being behind Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. However, Stewart is entering his contract year, and Bell, thanks to his excellent coverage skills, projects to be a great fit in Wade Phillips' defense.
    
    *** OTHER 2016 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
    
    1. A'Shawn Robinson, DE/DT - A'Shawn Robinson dropping to No. 31 may seem strange, especially since I've had him mocked as high to the Bears at the 11th pick. However, Robinson has interviewed poorly and hasn't shown much of a passion for football. However, Denver may decide that he's worth the risk at No. 31.
    
    2. Paxton Lynch, QB - The Broncos could be the ones moving up for Lynch.
    
    


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