National Football League. - NFL Draft Elite 60

Contents

Introduction

S couting isnt a science, its an imperfect, ever-evolving art. And while team-building philosophies will differ from team to team, the common denominator is that the NFL Draft is the best way to construct a championship roster.

This 2016 draft class contains several players who will go on to make Pro Bowls, win Super Bowls, and maybe even reach the Hall of Fame. Who are those impact players? What makes them so special? Where is their best fit? This draft preview will help answer those questions.

The reports created for this guide were formed through film study, in-person scouting, and a number of other variables, including various metrics, interviews, and information from around the league. In a nutshell, the scouting process is a jigsaw puzzle. There are countless puzzle pieces for each prospect, and the goal is to connect as many of those pieces together to create a clearer picture of who that player will be in the NFL.

At the top of this years class, there are several blue-chip prospects who have an argument to be the best player overall in the draft. Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil was born to play the position in the NFL, with his rare body control and movement skills. UCLA linebacker Myles Jack would be one of the first running backs drafted if he wanted to focus on offense, but instead he will be one of the first defensive players off the board due to his versatile and rangy athleticism. Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey will be a safety for some teams and a cornerback for others, but the best label to describe his abilities might simply be playmaker. Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa has the physical gifts and natural instincts to threaten the pocket in a number of different ways, using his power, burst, and technique in unison. Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott might not be on the Todd Gurley level, but he is a difference-maker worthy of early first-round consideration because he is above average in almost every area needed to be a highly productive pro running back.

And thats just the top five. This guide takes an in-depth look at 60 of the best prospects that this draft class has to offer, connecting the puzzle pieces to best portray their strengths and weaknesses as football players.

Acknowledgments

B eauty is in the eye of the beholder. That sentiment is true in many aspects of life and especially in scouting. No two sets of eyes see the same thing, which is why even the most respected football minds will have such varied opinions on prospects in the NFL Draft. Perspective is a powerful tool.

Will the draft play out exactly in this order, 1 through 60? Of course not, but that wasnt my goal when putting this guide together. My goal was to poll several scouts around the league and narrow down 60 of the best players in this draft based on that feedback, providing analyses and evaluations to paint the picture of each prospect. Updated character or injury information (i.e., Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smiths injured knee) might change some grades in the eight weeks between when this guide went to print in early March and the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28.

Countless people contributed to this book, including friends, coaches, and mentors from around the NFL and scouting world, who continue to teach me every day. Im grateful for their experienced knowledge, considerate advice, and willingness to share insight or simply talk shop. This guide to the top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft is dedicated to legendary longtime NFL scout C.O. Brocato, who taught me the basics. He will never be forgotten and belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The team at Triumph Books was instrumental in coordinating and executing the vision of this project. Not to be forgotten is the Sports Xchange family and everyone at NFLDraftScout.com, the best source of independent scouting information in the industry. And most importantly, my family and main inspirations, including my wife, Stephanie, and six-month-old son, Kegan. Im blessed to have such an understanding and loving support system, allowing me to eat, drink, and breathe football and not work a day in my life.

1. Laremy Tunsil: OT / Ole Miss

T he most talented NFL prospect in his class, Laremy Tunsil was also the top-ranked offensive lineman as a high school recruit, committing to Ole Miss over Alabama and Georgia. He worked his way into the starting lineup in the third game of 2013 and started nine games as a true freshman, earning Freshman All-SEC honors. He started 1 games at left tackle in 2014 as a sophomore (missed two due to injury), earning second-team All-SEC honors. Tunsil served a seven-game NCAA suspension to begin the 2015 season, starting the final six games at left tackle for the Rebels.

STRENGTHS: Moldable frame with long arms. Finely tuned athlete with tremendous balance and change of direction to appear effortless in pass-sets. Light feet and flexible joints in his kick-slide to handle speed, coming to balance on the move and staying square to rushers. Sinks and anchors to strengthen his core, withstand rip moves, and hold his ground at the point of attack. Peppers defenders with strong hands, quick punch, and rapid recoil to load up and strike againkeeps his elbows inside for an accurate strike zone. Coordinated feet with blocking range to routinely eliminate defenders at the second level and on the perimeter, sealing linebackers and staying on his feet. Physical mind-set and always looking for someone to block. Smart and quickly picks up defenders on delayed blitzes and combo blocks.

WEAKNESSES: Room to add more bulk and get stronger. Shows the core power needed when he can sink and square, but not as stout with defenders off his edge. Overeager at times and needs to stay patient to not get ahead of the play design. Needs to eliminate the false-start penalties and stay focused through the whistle. Doesnt always play as mean as his intentions. Arrested (June 2015) following a domestic dispute with his stepfather (charges eventually dropped), which led to NCAA investigations and a seven-game suspension for accepting impermissible benefits. Routinely banged up over his career, including a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle in the 2014 bowl game, which required surgery and sidelined him for 2015 spring drills.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at left tackle, Tunsil was a much ballyhooed recruit and immediately lived up to the hype at Ole Miss, allowing only one sack as a true freshman starter in the SEC. Hes a nimble big man with a rare athletic skill-set for the position, showing above-average balance and flexibility to easily bend, handle speed, and absorb power at the point of attack. He missed some time the past two seasons due to injuries and other issues, which should be vetted. Hes not a perfect player, but his flaws are more nit-picking than true weaknesses, and potential injuries are the only obstacles keeping Tunsil from being one of the better left tackles at the next level.

Name: Laremy Tunsil

Ht: 67 Wt: 310

Hometown/High School: Lake City, FL / Columbia

Class: Junior

Number: 78

DOB: August 2, 1994

Career Highlights: Second-Team All-SEC (2014), Freshman All-SEC (2013)

Did You Know? Never made First-Team All-SEC or earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors over his three-year Ole Miss career, mainly because he didnt play a full season in college.