2016 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

Last update: Wednesday, March 16, 2016. Major changes.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2016 NFL Mock Draft based on the current NFL Draft Order.

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2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
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Cleveland Browns: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Teams that draft quarterbacks in the first round usually double up on offense. I’ve had the Browns taking a receiver at this spot for quite some time. Now, I’m making the switch to Derrick Henry for a couple of reasons. First, the top three wideouts are off the board, and Henry is better than the other players at the position. Second, the Browns have talked about having higher-character players on the roster, so they may not want the lethargic Isaiah Crowell hanging around much longer.

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Tennessee Titans: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
The Titans selected Jalen Ramsey, the player they’ve coveted most this whole time, in the first round. They neglected Marcus Mariota’s pass protection, but they can address that here. Jason Spriggs would allow Jeremiah Poutasi to move to guard, so this selection effectively upgrades two spots.

Pick change; previously Mackensie Alexander, CB
Dallas Cowboys: Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
Senior Bowl coaches often grab a player or three that they took a close look at in Mobile. Thus, Braxton Miller is in play at this juncture. Miller had an exceptional performance in Mobile, and Dallas has a huge need at receiver across from Dez Bryant.
San Diego Chargers: Chris Jones, DE/DT, Mississippi State
The Chargers bolstered their offensive line in the first round. Now, they have to look to upgrade their defensive front. They added Brandon Mebane in free agency, but another lineman is needed.

Pick change; previously Jason Spriggs, OT

Baltimore Ravens: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The Ravens added Eric Weddle via free agency, which was a nice move. However, they also need help at cornerback, and there’s no way Jalen Ramsey is sliding to No. 6. Fortunately, there should be some solid corners available atop Round 2.

By the way, special thanks to Mackensie Alexander for publishing his Draft Diary on this site. It’s a great read if you haven’t checked it out yet.

Pick change; previously Tyler Boyd, WR
San Francisco 49ers: Cody Whitehair, G/OT, Kansas State
The 49ers have to improve their woeful offensive line, and the main area of focus is the guard position. It was a weak point last year, and it’s only going to get worse with Alex Boone moving on.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
It sounds like the Jaguars may release Luke Joeckel, depending on what happens in the 2016 NFL Draft. Obtaining Taylor Decker near the top of Round 2 could be enough to send the highly disappointing Joeckel on his way.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
The Buccaneers might have the weakest group of cornerbacks in the NFL. Alterraun Verner was an abomination this past season, while Johnthan Banks has only been marginally better, but only by default. This is an area that absolutely must be addressed this offseason. And no, signing Brent Grimes doesn’t count as addressing the position.

New York Giants: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
This draft class is packed with talented defensive linemen. As luck would have it, the Giants happen to need multiple upgrades up front. They have to find an interior player who can get to the quarterback, and Andrew Billings would be a nice fit. I dropped Billings into the second round last week, based on what teams have told us, and it sounds like they were right on the money, based on Billings’ poor Combine showing.
Chicago Bears: Adolphus Washington, DE/DT, Ohio State
The Bears need as much defensive help as possible as they continue to transition into their new 3-4 scheme. The defensive line is comprised of mediocre players, at best, so this is an area the front office will have to upgrade this offseason.
Miami Dolphins: Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
Miami’s secondary is a mess, as everyone took note in a Monday night loss to the Giants. The front office will have to find help at both cornerback and safety, and the former can be addressed here.
Los Angeles Rams: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Jared Cook was discussed as a potential cap casualty. Fortunately, the team finally pulled the trigger. Cook has stolen countless millions from the Rams’ organization. Cutting ties with one of the laziest players in the NFL has been long overdue.

Oakland Raiders: Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
Darian Thompson had a rough Combine, but as Tony Pauline reported, Thompson was dealing with an illness. The Raiders like Thompson, as they need a safety to replace Charles Woodson.
Los Angeles Rams: Su’a Cravens, S/LB, USC
The Rams lost Rodney McLeod in free agency, so they’ll be looking to find a replacement early in the 2016 NFL Draft. Jeff Fisher has an affinity for USC players, so perhaps he’ll have interest in Su’a Cravens.

Pick change; previously Noah Spence, DE
Detroit Lions: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Calvin Johnson has announced his retirement, so unless the Lions can lure him back with a mega contract, they’ll have to find a new starting receiver to play across from Golden Tate.
New Orleans Saints: Yannick Ngakoue, DE/OLB, Maryland
The Saints can continue to upgrade their horrible defensive line, as they really don’t have any edge rushers of note after Cameron Jordan. In a division comprised of Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston, New Orleans will have to improve its ability to get to the quarterback.

Pick change; previously Bronson Kaufusi, DE
Indianapolis Colts: Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
The Colts need to stop screwing around and fix Andrew Luck’s offensive line, which has been an abomination for far too long. Its performance throughout this past season has been an embarrassment. The tackles are fine, but every position on the interior has to be upgraded.
Buffalo Bills: Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT, Ole Miss
I think this is the most natural spot for Robert Nkemdiche. Even before his latest off-the-field issues, the teams we spoke to believed that he was overrated. Both Charlie and I had him in the early teens before his recent incident, but I thought he could fall to around 20 or so.

And then, the Combine happened. Nkemdiche was fine in the timing and the drills, but he was horrendous in the media and team interviews. Throwing a teammate under the bus may have been the last straw for his first-round prospects. Thus, I have him slipping to the middle of the second frame.

The Bills might snatch him up in a heartbeat. Rex Ryan has shown that he doesn’t care about character concerns, and defensive tackle is a big need. Kyle Williams, who turns 33 this offseason, is due $7 million in 2016, so the Bills could part ways with him.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
The Falcons will have to target a receiver early; they’re desperate to find weapons for Matt Ryan, who had no one to throw to last year outside of Julio Jones.
New York Jets: Germain Ifedi, OT/G, Texas A&M
The Jets will have to find a long-term answer at left tackle soon, given that D’Brickashaw Ferguson will be 33 at some point during the 2016 campaign. In the meantime, an upgrade at right tackle would be welcome, as Breno Giacomini struggled last year.

Houston Texans: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
The Texans don’t need to spend this selection on Christian Hackenberg anymore; instead, they can add a center to protect their new quarterback. They’ll have to replace Ben Jones.

Pick change; previously Christian Hackenberg, QB
Washington Redskins: Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
The Redskins can’t seem to fit Pierre Garcon into their offense, so perhaps they’ll select a receiver in the early rounds who would actually be productive.

Pick change; previously Su’a Cravens, S
Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
Chad Greenway may or may not return for one more season. Regardless, the Vikings will have to find someone who can take over as a third starting linebacker.

Pick change; previously Vadal Alexander, G
Cincinnati Bengals: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
The Bengals signed Michael Johnson last offseason, but he wasn’t all that great for them in 2015. They’ll have to find a better edge rusher at some point this spring, and they won’t exactly mind Noah Spence’s off-the-field concerns.

Pick change; previously Sterling Shepard, WR

Seattle Seahawks: Sheldon Day, DE/DT, Notre Dame
The Seahawks didn’t get much of an interior pass rush going this past season, as Brandon Mebane didn’t appear to be the same player. They may spend an early pick on a defensive tackle if the value is right, which is the case here.
Green Bay Packers: Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
The Packers could stand to add another weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Richard Rodgers caught a Hail Mary at Detroit, but he’s slow and pretty mediocre.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Bronson Kaufusi, DE/DT, BYU
The Steelers could use some talent up front. Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt are great starters, but there’s no depth behind them. Having a solid rotation on the defensive line would be a big boost, as it would allow Heyward and Tuitt to stay fresh.

Pick change; previously Yannick Ngakoue, DE/OLB
Kansas City Chiefs: Blake Martinez, LB, Stanford
Derrick Johnson’s return to the lineup has been huge for Kansas City’s defense, but the team has a weakness right next to Johnson. Also, it needs to be considered that Johnson just turned 33, so he doesn’t have many dominant years left.
New England Patriots: Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
It doesn’t seem like Bill Belichick wants to count on LeGarrette Blount, so he’ll probably try to find someone to pair with Dion Lewis.
New England Patriots: Shilique Calhoun, DE/OLB, Michigan State
The Patriots just acquired this pick for Chandler Jones, which I posted grades for in the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades page. So, why not replace Jones here? New England will have to address its pass rush.

Carolina Panthers: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
The Panthers will be welcoming Kelvin Benjamin back in 2016, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need a receiver. It’s not a huge priority, but if the value is right, they’ll take one.

Pick change; previously Yannick Ngakoue, DE/OLB
Denver Broncos: Vadal Alexander, G, LSU
Evan Mathis is still a free agent, but it doesn’t appear as though he’s returning, based on what else has happened this offseason. Losing him would be a crushing blow, as he was Denver’s best blocker in 2015.

Pick change; previously Dak Prescott, QB