Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Myles Jack (30) rushes for a 28-yard touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
After an eventful first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, it’s time to turn our attention to the second round and who are the top five guys players on board.
It was a heck of an opening night for this year’s draft. We saw three quarterbacks come off the board, saw several reaches for players and witnessed several slides from prospects the football world thought would be gone faster than a New York minute.
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Currently the Cleveland Browns hold the first pick of the second round. Although it seems this new Browns regime is very comfortable with trading back and accumulating picks (they did that twice in the first round alone).
So with that being said, let’s breakdown the top five players left on the board.
Next: 5. The next great running back
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) scores a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
5. Running back Derrick Henry, Alabama
The Dallas Cowboys shocked the NFL world when they decided to go with Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall draft selection. Many expected Elliott to go high, but not necessarily that high.
The next best back on the board is Derrick Henry out of Alabama. There was some smoke that he could go off the board by the end of round one, but in this case where there was smoke there wasn’t fire.
Taking a sneak peek at the top of the second round, the Browns hold the first pick and improved their offense in the first round with the addition of Corey Coleman out of Baylor. They could look to continue to add to their new offensive attack by getting Robert Griffin III a reliable running back.
Other possible options in round two that could draft Henry could be the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Giants who have no real stars in the backfield or even the Miami Dolphins if he lasts that long. They just ditched Lamar Miller in free agency and now all their eggs are in the Jay Ajayi basket.
Next: 4. A handful of quarterbacks remaining on the board
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) drops back to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
4. A handful of quarterbacks remaining on the board
We saw three quarterbacks go within the first 31 picks of the draft and we assuredly will see more than that in the second round. So what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
That’s the decision prospective NFL teams will have to make in terms of what quarterback they’re interested in. Connor Cook is the most NFL ready, but with that possesses the lowest ceiling.
Christian Hackenberg has shown he can be the guy when he’s got good coaching and talent around him. But the lack of development and lack of production over the last two seasons is awfully concerning.
Lastly, you could go with a Dak Prescott (some serious red flags), Cardale Jones (prototypical size for position), or maybe even Kevin Hogan out of Stanford who may be the dark horse of this entire class.
Next: 3. A top wide receiver waiting to find his new home
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Tyler Boyd catches a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
3. Wide receiver Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh
As expected there was a run on receivers in the early 20’s of this year’s draft. The names everyone have been tossing around were selected from Will Fuller to Josh Doctson and even Corey Coleman went 15th overall to the Browns.
So now we’re entering tier two of this wide receiving class and there is still great value on day two. What teams will be looking for a receiver in the second round?
The Tennessee Titans have a lot of ammunition to move around in this draft and with the second pick of the second round, the Titans will likely have a chance at Tyler Boyd if they want him.
Boyd is 6’2 and 185 pounds that broke several Larry Fitzgerald records at Pitt. A crisp route runner who has all the potential of a number one receiver.
Next: 2. An Alabama Crimson Tide slips through the cracks
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2. Linebacker Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Now this was an interesting slide for a player that appeared to be the consensus top middle linebacker in the draft. Reggie Ragland was heralded as a thumper at the next level and someone that could be a difference maker for whatever team took him.
Ragland has great instincts and despite his lack of prowess in coverage, should be a candidate to go off the board very early. But another reason for his slide was something that was revealed early on draft day.
An enlarged aorta that won’t necessarily affect his career has made teams cautious. It directly will have to be monitored year in and year out and dealt with on a consistent basis.
A major reason for Ragland’s slide could also be attributed to the late rise of two safeties (Keanu Neal and Karl Joseph) getting taken in the first round. Particularly for a team like the Atlanta Falcons who were in desperate need for a leader in the middle of their defense and they opted to reach for a guy like Neal.
Next: 1. Another linebacker that will be a hidden gem
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jack Myles watches from the sidelines as he chooses not to run the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
1. Linebacker Myles Jack, UCLA
Likeback Myles Jack is one of the last remaining players in the green room at this year’s draft. It certainly isn’t because of a lack of talent, this guy was a slam dunk top five pick.
After an uneven medical recheck, it has scared teams across the league, so much so that he tumbled all the way out of the first round.
The Browns hold the first pick of the second round and there should be a lot of trade interest at that spot. Look for Jack to be one of the first players off the board in the second round.
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The risk vs. reward is much less after the first round and perhaps a team that has some depth at the position would be willing to take the risk. Every team in the first round passed on Jack, except for the New England Patriots who own two second round picks (something to watch out for on day two).