2016 NFL Draft: Get Ready For The Ebony Bird Big Board
The 2016 NFL Draft is almost here. Here is the first portion of the Ebony Bird Big Board, which includes the top 25 prospects. Please note that these are my rankings, some of which ignore popular consensus. This list is basically an order of who I would feel comfortable taking in order if I was an NFL general manager. Considering that the Ravens are my passion, the board I am constructing, and that this is a Ravens focused blog, Baltimore’s team needs impact the rankings greatly.
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In many regards this is a very exciting draft. There is a ton of talent on the defensive side of the football. There are explosive pass rushers, and a handful of dazzling cornerbacks. There are also some very entertaining wide receiver prospects. This isn’t a great draft at the coveted left tackle and quarterback positions. There will be high picks at these positions no matter what, but I don’t see the hype this season. I ranked the top two tackles much lower than they will realistically go. I ranked only one quarterback as a top 25 talent.
This is my honest assessment of each player. Take it for what its worth. Hopefully I can share my perspective on this draft class with you, in a way that gets you ready for the end of April. I am a football nerd. This is what I do. I have strong opinions but they’re backed up by logic and formed with a methodology. Here it is, the top 25 prospects:
Next: 1. Jalen Ramsey, CB (FSU)
1. Jalen Ramsey, CB (FSU)
Jalen Ramsey is my best player overall because he is an incredible athlete who can play more than one position. He can be a day one starter at the cornerback position. He can be a day one starter as a free safety. Ramsey is a star who should come off the board pretty quickly. We’re talking about a fast, physical and aggressive defensive back who can make quarterbacks think twice before throwing the football. There are a lot of good cornerbacks in this draft. There are a few exceptional safety prospects. None of them hold a candle to Ramsey, who may be the most complete player available.
Ramsey is in play for every team inside the top 5. If he doesn’t get taken in the top 5, the Ravens would be foolish not to draft him. It would be an improbable steal. Ramsey is 6’1″ and 201 pounds. He has great recovery speed, and long arms. He excels in man coverage, and he is great at anticipating what the QB will do in zone coverage.
This is the best player on the board. Ramsey has a skill set that is unmatched at both positions he can play. His versatility implies a high football IQ and shows the true range of his athletic talent.
Next: Noah Spence, OLB (EKU)
2. Noah Spence, OLB (EKU)
Spence ruined his chance at Ohio State with failed drug tests and an attitude problem. He got his act together and dominated at Eastern Kentucky. Spence shot up my draft board. The more I watched him fly off the snap of the football and get to the quarterback with ease, the more I was impressed. Yes, he was playing against lower competition, but Spence showed Von Miller like talent. Spence has an explosive burst off the ball, that may be the quickest I have ever seen from a pass rusher. The tape doesn’t lie, there were times where the offensive tackle could barely move before Spence was behind them.
The 6’2″ 251 pound pass rusher is perfect as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He could be the next Terrell Suggs in Baltimore, if the Ravens are lucky enough to get him. Spence has the chance to develop into an all around player but he will be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. He is explosive beyond comparison.
Pass rushers are game changers. Noah Spence is far and away the best pass rusher in this draft. He has more versatility than Joey Bosa and he has a higher ceiling. With Spence at the very least you’re getting a freak athlete, but he could be an all time great.
Next: Laquon Treadwell, WR (Ole Miss)
3. Laquon Treadwell, WR (Ole Miss)
Laquon Treadwell Draft Profile
Treadwell probably won’t be a top 10 pick because there isn’t a ton of hype about him right now. He is my number three player though and for my money, he’s the best playmaker in the draft. Treadwell is a big receiver with speed and a freakish catch radius. Imagine a player who has the frame of Julio Jones but the uncanny ability to catch anything in the same zip code of Odell Beckham. That’s what Treadwell provides.
Last season with the Ole Miss Rebels, he caught 82 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 13.8 yards per reception in his last year of College Football. Treadwell is an incredible athlete. He was a very productive receiver. He can snatch up almost anything out of the sky and he isn’t afraid to be physical.
There isn’t a more underrated player in the entire draft that Treadwell. He has the ability to become the best offensive weapon in the NFL.
Next: 4. Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss)
4. Robert Nkemdiche, DT (Ole Miss)
Robert Nkemdiche Draft Profile
Nkemdiche has a ton of potential. The big 6’3″ 294 lbs. defensive tackle is explosive and quick footed. He is that highly coveted mix of incredible size and incredible skills. Nkemdiche is another player who hasn’t helped his draft stock with his off the field behavior, but it’s hard not be excited about him on the field. In the right defense, and with the right coach I think Nkemdiche could be a superstar.
Nkemdiche has a long frame that allows him to do a lot in the trenches. It helps him keep separation between him and offensive linemen. It helps him see what is going on behind him, so that he can put himself in position to make a play. It also helps him shred blocks. He often gets inside of an offensive lineman before they can get their hands on him because of his great release out of his stance.
Nkemdiche has a ton of potential. He provides pass rush and run stuffing. The greatest part about Nkemdiche is that he has untapped potential. The ceiling for this prospect is quite high.
Next: Joey Bosa, OLB (OSU)
5. Joey Bosa, OLB (OSU)
Joey Bosa is a huge athlete with some wheels. He can really get off the ball and chase the quarterback. In three seasons with Ohio State, 26 sacks and 51 tackles for a loss. His best statistical season was his 13.5 sack performance in 2014. He is 6’6″ and weighs 275 pounds. Bosa has the ability to play defensive end in the 4-3 or outside linebacker in the 3-4. I wouldn’t rule out defensive end in a 3-4 because he has a similar build to J.J. Watt. That being said I think he is more of a pass rusher than anything.
While Bosa needs to work on his pass rushing repertoire, what he did at Ohio State clearly works for him. Bosa has a ton of talent and he is just scrapping the surface of his potential. This is a player who in the right fit will explode on day one. He has that much talent. Size, check. Speed, check. Explosive burst, check. He really has it all.
Unlike Spence, I think Bosa needs the right fit. I think he would do best in a 4-3 defense where he can pin his ears back and go after the quarterback. Bosa has a ton of talent and is clearly an option early in the draft.
Next: Myles Jack, LB (UCLA)
6. Myles Jack, LB (UCLA)
Jack is one of the most exciting players in this draft class. He played a little running back for UCLA as well, as being a dominant linebacker. Jack is off the charts athletic. He has power and speed. The biggest concern for Jack is his size. Jack doesn’t look the part at 6’1″ 245 pounds. But he packs quite a punch and is overly talented. In this day and age of NFL football, his athleticism may be a real defensive asset.
Jack is a great tackling linebacker who doesn’t get caught in the trash often. He has a high football IQ and he finds his way to the football efficiently. Jack is a leader and has a spark about him, that is exciting. He is off the charts athletic for a linebacker. The risk of him being a smaller linebacker is something to think about, but he has the potential to be amazing.
The Ravens would have to take a long look at drafting Jack with the sixth overall pick. After releasing Daryl Smith the Ravens have some concerns at the inside linebacker position. Could you imagine the speed combination of Jack and C.J. Mosley?
Next: 7. DeForest Buckner, DE (Oregon)
7. DeForest Buckner, DE (Oregon)
DeForest Buckner Draft Profile
This is another long, explosive and tough defensive lineman. Much like Nkemdiche, Buckner has a combination of size and speed that makes him an alluring prospect. Buckner has been a guy that the experts have pegged as a likely pick of the Ravens. Buckner has the talent to be a pass rusher and a space eater, which is a combination any 3-4 team loves.
Buckner is 6’7″ and weighs 291 pounds. He had 10.5 sacks last season. In four years at Oregon, Buckner has racked up 18 sacks. He also has 36 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Buckner may be the most accomplished pass rusher coming out of the draft as a defensive end.
Buckner is certainly a player that fits well with the Ravens. The idea of Brandon Williams, Buckner and Timmy Jernigan as a starting defensive line would be pretty dominant. The Ravens have bigger needs but that doesn’t mean they cannot find use for Buckner’s talent.
Next: 8. Ezekiel Elliot, RB (OSU)
8. Ezekiel Elliot, RB (OSU)
Ezekiel Elliot is an unbelievable running back. Elliot was a workhorse for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the last two seasons, Elliot has put up some shockingly good statistics. He had 1,878 rushing yards in 2014. He had 1,821 rushing yards in 2015. In every season of his collegiate career, Elliot rushed for an average of at least 7.7 yards per carry. Elliot is guy who can grind out the tough yards in between the tackles, but when he breaks loose, he’s gone.
Elliot is the perfect running back for this day of football because he is also a good receiver out of the backfield. He had 28 receptions in 2014 and 27 in 2015. Elliot is a star who will make linebackers lives miserable in the NFL. Either he will run right over them, or he will create separation in the passing game and make plays that way.
Elliot could be a game changing talent for any offense that takes him. With Justin Forsett, Buck Allen and Lorenzo Taliaferro, you’d think the Ravens wouldn’t take Elliot in the draft. They probably won’t, but if they do it is understandable. Elliot will be a star.
Next: 9. Josh Doctson, WR (TCU)
9. Josh Doctson, WR (TCU)
Josh Doctson is one of my favorite players in this draft class. When you look at Doctson it is hard not to be reminded of Anquan Boldin. He is a physical receiver, who is as tough as they come. Doctson was TCU’s go-t0-weapon. They knew it was coming and Doctson still was able to get the job done. In one game against Texas Tech, Doctson caught 18 passes.
The 6’3″ wide receiver, caught 78 passes in the 2015 season. He had 1,326 yards and 14 touchdowns. That is one of the best traits Doctson has, he is a red zone target. Doctson can make contested catches and he is always open over his head. His vertical ability and big frame would be the perfect traits to pair with Joe Flacco’s rocket arm.
Doctson is probably a player that will be available later in the first round. The Ravens should trade back if they want to draft him. That being said I value him as a top 10 prospect because I think he will score a lot of touchdowns in the NFL. His ability to catch touchdown passes is the reason he is such an interesting option.
Next: 10 Vernon Hargreaves, CB (Florida)
10. Vernon Hargreaves, CB (Florida)
Vernon Hargreaves Draft Profile
There are a lot of things I like about Vernron Hargreaves and a couple things I don’t. I worry about his frame and his size. Other than that, this is an amazing cornerback prospect. Hargreaves has an uncanny ability to jump routes, which is why he racked up 10 interceptions in three years with the Florida Gators. Hargreaves is the kind of corner who wants to play press coverage all the time. He knows he can run with anybody and he has great technique.
I love Hargreaves very apparent confidence. No corner beats a wide receiver on every play, but Hargreaves believes he can do it on every play. Hargreaves is a player to watch for Ravens fans. Hargreaves is a prospect who has off the charts athletic ability.
The Ravens could be in the market for a cornerback. Typically the Ravens have preferred bigger cornerbacks, but they are looking for turnovers to come from the secondary. This would be a player who could bring those turnovers to the team.
Next: Eli Apple, CB (Ohio State)
11. Eli Apple, CB (Ohio State)
Eli Apple is a cornerback who has opposite problems of Hargreaves. Apple has the benefit of a big frame and is very physical. Apple’s biggest draw back is the amount of pass interference penalties, he has had in the college ranks. Apple is a really good cornerback though. He is aggressive and with good coaching he could be dominant.
Apple looks the part of a Ravens cornerback. He has a build similar to Jimmy Smith and former Ravens legend, Chris McAlister. Apple could be just what the Ravens are looking for. With Apple the Ravens would have to strong cornerbacks with great athletic ability. He would be the perfect complement to Smith.
The Ravens need help in the secondary. There are a lot of good cornerbacks on this list. You have to think the Ravens will be looking heavily into the idea of drafting Apple.
Next: 12. Derrick Henry, RB (Alabama)
12. Derrick Henry, RB (Alabama)
Derrick Henry is a fantastic running back who won the Hiesman Trophy last season. With the Alabama Crimson Tide he won the National Championship last season. Henry enters the NFL, hoping to prove that he is not a just a great college running back. Last season, Henry had a whopping 2, 219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns.
Henry reminds me of Jamal Lewis. He is a bull dozer who can rack up tough yards. He is hard to tackle because he has great balance and strength. His feet never stop driving. and his stiff arm is a force to be reckoned with. Henry is the most physical imposing rusher I have seen in college football. His 6’3″ 243 lbs. build is like a freight train with a full head of steam.
The one knock on Henry is that he isn’t a great receiving threat out of the backfield. That’s not his game. Henry is there to pound the rock relentlessly.
Next: 13. Leonard Floyd, OLB (Georgia)
13. Leonard Floyd, OLB (Georgia)
Staying in the SEC, the Georgia Bulldogs have themselves an incredible talent in Leonard Floyd. Floyd is a 6’6″ 245 lbs. of solid muscle. He is quick off the ball and makes quarterbacks fear him. His NFL Combine results helped his draft stock. The 4.6 second 40 yard dash shows that he is fast. The 39.5 inch vertical jump and 127 inch broad jump show that he is explosive.
In three seasons with the Bulldogs, he had 17 sacks and 26.5 tackles for a loss. He has also forced five fumbles. Floyd will no doubt be taken in the first round. He has the skill set that scouts look for in a dominant pass rusher. Floyd has incredible length that helps him get around the edge.
This is a player who has the ability to be dominant in the NFL. The Ravens may not want to take Floyd with the sixth pick of the draft. If they trade back a bit, he would be a perfect option for them.
Next: 14. Reggie Ragland, LB (Alabama)
14. Reggie Ragland, LB (Alabama)
Well we know that Ozzie Newsome likes Alabama linebackers. Jarrett Johnson, C.J. Mosley and Courtney Upshaw all hailed from Alabama. The Ravens know what kind of player Ragland is because he is a very similar player to Mosley. The Ravens have a need at the inside linebacker position. There choice is between Ragland and Myles if they want to draft at this position. Ragland has the bigger frame, which may make the Ravens lean his direction.
Ragland is a downhill linebacker who does a great job in the run game. He has a ton of potential and a high ceiling. Ragland has the ability to play well in pass coverage. You don’t need to take Ragland off the field in third down situations. That is a big plus in the realm of linebacker play.
Ragland and Mosley would make an unbelievable linebacker tandem. The Ravens have so many options in this draft. The linebacker vacancy could be filled by Ragland.
Next: Mackensie Alexander, CB (Clemson)
15. Mackensie Alexander, CB (Clemson)
Alexander is a really good athlete. He has a ton of potential. Half way through the first round, I think he is an exceptional value. I don’t think he comes in right away and is a game changer. I think he will be okay as a rookie and develop into a great corner very quickly. He is a lot like Hargreaves. He has every skill you want to see, but he is a little undersized.
The 5’10” cornerback is fast and aggressive. He is the kind of cornerback that can shut down a receiver. I think worst case scenario he is a great nickel. Best case scenario, he is a Champ Bailey like player. I don’t think he is worth the risk of a top 10 pick. I do think he is worth a first round selection though.
The Ravens could potentially draft their pass rusher and get Alexander in the second round. Just because I value Alexander this highly doesn’t mean NFL GM’s will. Alexander could be picked anywhere from the middle of the first round to the middle of the second round. His size is concerning but his skill set is appealing.
Next: 16. Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor)
16. Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor)
I’m very high on Corey Coleman. I think Coleman has the potential to be a big time playmaker in the NFL. He has put together a really impressive body of work at Baylor. In the past two seasons he has over 60 receptions, over 1,000 yards and scored a total of 31 touchdowns. 20 of those touchdowns came in 2015. He is a big play receiver who averaged 17.4 yards per reception in his collegiate career.
Coleman is 5-11 but that shouldn’t deter interest in him. Players like Odell Beckham Jr. have proven that size is beaten vertical ability and athleticism. At his Baylor pro day, he ran a 4.37 second 40 yard dash. At the NFL combine he had a 40.5 inch vertical jump. Don’t worry about his size, he plays like he’s huge.
In a lot of seasons, Coleman could be the number one receiver available. That just shows you how good Treadwell and Doctson are. Coleman is a good route runner who can fly by any defensive back.
Next: 17. Jared Goff, QB (Cal)
17. Jared Goff, QB (Cal)
Jared Goff could easily be taken with the number two overall pick. There are some very flashy attributes to Goff’s game. He is a strong armed quarterback with beautiful touch on his passes. He is accurate and he is a great athlete with pocket presence. He looks like Aaron Rodgers on his good days. Why am I not sold?
Well for one thing that’s how he plays against average competition. In the big games against good defenses, he has struggled. The interceptions start coming too often. He looks rattled and confused against pass rush after getting hit a couple times. I’m not sold. He reminds me of Kyle Boller on his bad days.
Goff has all the talent in the world. That talent should be seen much more consistently. Since it hasn’t, he doesn’t merit the risk of a top 10 pick, in my opinion.
Next: Ronnie Stanley, OT (Notre Dame)
18. Ronnie Stanley, OT (Notre Dame)
I don’t dislike Ronnie Stanley, I just see a low ceiling for him. I think he is a starter at left tackle. I think he’ll be slightly above average in his performance. I just don’t see why he is a top 10 pick. I don’t see it. If an offensive tackle is needed, he can fill the void. Stanley is a good athlete, with good footwork and a high motor. He plays hard and he is a decent pass protector.
What I don’t like about Stanley is his frame. I think he could bulk up a bit in the upper body. I think he has more quickness and athletic ability than he does strength. That’s a problem for me. I don’t see a hall of fame player in Stanley. I see a decent starter. I need to be wowed to have him as a top-10 pick.
Some team with a desperate need on their offensive line will probably over draft him. They’ll get a decent player but they won’t get what they were hoping for. That’s my take on Stanley and I am sticking to it.
Next: 19. A'Shawn Robinson
19. A’Shawn Robinson, DT (Alabama)
I think A’Shawn Robinson is going to be a very solid defensive tackle. He has the explosiveness to rush the passer and stuff the run. He isn’t a game changing talent, but he is a very good football player. Robinson had nine sacks in three seasons with Alabama. He also recorded 22 tackles for a loss.
Robinson would fit right in on the Ravens 3-4 defense. As a defensive end in a 3-4 front, Robinson could play to his strengths. He could fill gaps and take up blockers. Robinson will just keep getting better and better. The physical tool set is there.
Robinson has a ton of potential but he isn’t a finished product. He may take some time to develop, but he is going to be a very good run stuffer in the NFL. Alabama defensive prospects are always on my radar because they are well coached and talented.
Next: 20. Laremy Tunsil, OT (Ole Miss)
20. Laremy Tunsil, OT (Ole Miss)
I think Tunsil is the opposite of Stanley. I don’t like Tunsil’s footwork. He relies too heavily on his size and strength. Tunsil sometimes has heavy feet, they just seem to drag. If you stop your feet in the NFL, you get beat. Tunsil reminds me of another Ole Miss tackle, Michael Oher. Just like Oher, Tunsil looks the part. I think Tunsil will have a better career than Oher but I don’t think he merits a top 10 pick.
Tunsil has the size. Tunsil is strong as an ox and he can really plow defensive linemen in the running game. There are a lot of things that Tunsil does well. Just like Stanley, I think he is a top round pick, not a top-10 pick. If the Titans draft Tunsil number one overall, the Titans drafted him just to take an offensive tackle.
There is a lot of good in Tunsil. I just don’t see great. Since he is going to be drafted so highly (as will Stanley) I felt like I had to give you my argument against him. This isn’t a put down, it is a realistic ranking.
Next: 21. Shaq Lawson, OLB (Clemson)
21. Shaq Lawson, (OLB) Clemson
Shaq Lawson is a 6’3″269 lbs. defensive end/ outside linebacker prospect. He is fast off the edge. He ran a 4.7 second 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine. He is very good against the run and has some pass rushing ability. In three seasons at Clemson he has had 20 sacks. 12.5 of those sacks were in the 2015 season.
Lawson is a good overall player. He can do a bit of everything on the outside of your defense. His best ability is to set the edge against the rushing attack. Lawson is somebody to watch in this draft class. He may or may not be a Ravens pick but you don’t want him as an AFC North opponent.
Lawson has shown to be a tough and durable player at Clemson. He is a star in the making potentially.
Next: 22. Kendall Fuller, CB (VT)
22. Kendall Fuller, CB (VT)
Kendall Fuller is the brother of Kyle Fuller (the starting cornerback for the Chicago Bears). Fuller has the potential to be just as good as his brother. Fuller is a great athlete who has cover skills. He also has ball skills. He has eight interceptions in his Virginia Tech career. He only played in three games this past season due to injury, but he’ll be good to go for football season.
Fuller will play run defense and even blitz from the cornerback position. He has 3.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss on his resume. Fuller has great coverage skills. If he was a bit bigger than his 5’11” 187 lbs. frame he would be an obvious top-tier pick. Fuller instead will be taken in the late stages of the first round or early in the second round.
Fuller is an interesting option for the Ravens. If his draft stock doesn’t rise they may be able to get this first round talent in the second round.
Next: 23. Devontae Booker
23. Devontae Booker
Devontae Booker is one of those players we stayed up late on the East Coast for. He’s just fun to watch. The Utah Ute rushed for 2,773 yards in the past two seasons. He averaged five yards per carry and scored 21 touchdowns on the ground. He also played a pivotal role as a receiving threat out of the backfield. He had 80 receptions for 622 yards and two touchdowns in those two seasons.
Booker is a shifty runner who is hard to catch. He isn’t afraid of contact. He is hard to bring down and he has the best balance of any running back I’ve ever seen in college. He has some Barry Sanders in him. He’ll run 40 yards to gain 10 sometimes. He can always make something out of nothing. He also has some Marshawn Lynch in him; Booker goes beast mode on a regular basis.
Booker probably won’t be taken until the second round. He is one of the most underrated players in this entire draft class. He was a dazzling star at Utah.
Next: 24. Jarran Reed, DT (Alabama)
24. Jarran Reed, DT (Alabama)
Jarran Reed is one of the best defensive tackles in the draft class. Late in the first round he has great value. In the second round the value would be on fire. Reed is a good space eater who wins with great leverage. He is as strong as an ox; he is very hard to move off the line. He is from Alabama so you know he was coached well in college and he has a high football IQ.
Reed isn’t much of a pass rusher but the Ravens don’t really need him to be. If the Ravens drafted Reed he would play as a defensive end. His goal would be to make the outside linebacker’s life easy and to stuff the running lanes on the outside.
Reed would make sense for the Ravens. The Ravens getting tougher on the defensive line is clearly never a bad thing.
Next: Sheldon Rankin, DT (Louisville)
25. Sheldon Rankins, DT (Louisville)
Sheldon Rankins is a good fit for the Ravens 3-4 front. He had six sacks last season. He also had 58 tackles, showing you how productive of a run stuffer Rankins is. He is 6’2″ 298 pounds, which isn’t ideal size. That being said he has the strength, explosive get off and quickness to be a good defensive tackle.
The Ravens like hardworking defenders. Rankins has a high motor. He is a productive player, his size shouldn’t hurt him in the draft. He has shown that it really isn’t an issue. Rankins has high potential. The Ravens and Rankins would be a good match.
Next: Ravens Must Get Back To Dominant Defense
That is our top 25 prospect list. Stay tuned to Ebony Bird for everything you need to know about the Ravens and the NFL Draft. We will have strong takes for you that will prepare you for the draft.