Written by Eric Galko at Sporting News.com
The 2016 NFL Draft class isn’t among the deepest in recent memory but still boasts a handful of really special talents that are on par with former elite prospects like Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones and Khalil Mack.
While the most depth is at offensive and defensive tackle, there are at least five quarterbacks who, if they land in the right situation, could be high-level starters. Paxton Lynch, Laquon Treadwell and DeForest Buckner lead their respective position rankings.
Quarterbacks
1. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
2. Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
3. Jared Goff, California
4. Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
5. Cardale Jones, Ohio State
Notes: While Wentz is expected to be the first quarterback selected, Lynch stands atop the Optimum Scouting draft board thanks to his combination of arm talent, size, athleticism and poise under pressure. Despite poor play the last two years, Hackenberg is a worthwhile reclamation project and has too many tools that indicate he’ll eventually be an impact starter. Jones got a bad shake at Ohio State, and if he can sit and develop for a season, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the draft’s best quarterback in five years.
Running Backs
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
2. Derrick Henry, Alabama
3. Alex Collins, Arkansas
4. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech
5a. Paul Perkins, UCLA
5b. Devontae Booker, Utah
5c. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas
Notes: Elliott deserves to go in the top-10 overall picks based on film, regardless of how the position has been devalued. Elliott, Henry, Collins and Dixon are the four backs I would trust as feature runners in an offense, and all three have high ceilings. Perkins, Booker and Williams all could end up as feature backs in the right situation.
Wide Receivers
1. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
2. Braxton Miller, Ohio State
3. Josh Doctson, TCU
4. Corey Coleman, Baylor
5. Michael Thomas, Ohio State
Notes: Despite a less than stellar 40-time, Treadwell remains the class’s top receiver. Miller may not be the most pro-ready receiver, but his demeanor, athleticism and steady development warrants higher praise than he generally receives. Thomas may be the second-receiver taken, but he’ll need time before he’s able to adjust to the NFL game.
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