Matt's Early Top-10 Player Ranking

This is my first post since last years NFL Draft, so instead of coming right out and doing a mock draft, I decided to rank the ten best players that are eligible or have declared for the NFL Draft in 2016. This is still very early in the draft process, so everything is subject to change.

1. Joey Bosa, EDGE (Ohio State)

No surprises at number one as of right now. Even after Bosa was ejected in his final college game, he remains the best prospect in the 2016 class. Bosa has been a force in the college ranks since he stepped on campus, and was named a NCAA Freshman All-American, as well as a unanimous choice for AP All-American this season. Bosa posses the size and speed that are required to play defensive line in the NFL, and has a ridiculously high motor. His disruptive play style will be highly regarded at the Pro-level.


2. Laremy Tunsil, OL (Ole Miss)

Tunsil is regarded as the best offensive tackle in this years class of prospects, and could be a potential first overall pick depending on how Tennessee wants to use their pick. He is an elite athlete, especially for a player his size, and he shows exceptional movement in basically every direction. He has a ton of explosiveness and is quick to initiate contact. Some scouts have compared him to Trent Williams, which sounds like a great investment for the future of any offensive line.

3. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB (Florida)

Hargreaves is the best pure athlete in this draft class, in my opinion. He ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at Florida, and could probably improve on that. More importantly, he was arguably the best cover cornerback in college football this season. His man to man coverage skills will likely make him a top five selection, and he can do damage in the return game as well. Hargreaves' coaches at Florida have credited him with superb leadership skills, and the ability to easily be coached, which should also help him come draft day.

4. Jalen Ramsey, CB (Florida State)

Ramsey is a gifted cornerback. He excels in press man-to-man coverage, and doesn't allow receivers much room to create space. He is very gifted athletically, and uses his body to overpower receivers. Ramsey played corner, nickel corner and safety at Florida State, and his versatility is highly regarded at the next level. He is also absolutely freakish in the weight room, which will surely help him stand out at the combine. He could use some work in his motions and fluidity while on the field, and some scouts think these characteristics will be the demise of his potential. Ramsey needs a very strong showing in the next few months to keep himself this high on the board.

5. Jared Goff, QB (California)

In my opinion, Goff may be the most pro-ready quarterback in this years class. He has desirable size for a pro, and has arguably the strongest arm of any of this years prospects. He moves very well in the pocket, and while he could use a little work on his accuracy, he should develop into an above average starter in the league. If presented the opportunity, he could be put into a similar situation that fellow Cal alum Aaron Rodgers was in, where he was able to sit a few years until fully developed. Goff will all but likely be a top five pick in 2016.

6. Ronnie Stanley, OL (Norte Dame)

Stanley has experience playing  both tackles in college, and was one of the best lineman in the NCAA last season. His big frame and long arms make him an ideal left tackle at the next level. He very rarely allows defenders to be the first to initiate contact, and moves players with force and technique. He is surprisingly athletic and durable for a player his size, and plays with both quick hands and feet. He has had his character and dedication questioned, and if he can work through those issues at the combine, he will remain a top-ten talent.

7. Jaylon Smith, LB (Norte Dame)

Smith is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He is built like a prototype NFL linebacker, and is the true sense of the term "hybrid." He should be able to play as a 4-3 outside linebacker, a 3-4 inside linebacker, or if a team believes in his physical play and raw speed, a 3-4 rushing linebacker. He shows amazing phenomenal lateral speed, and is able to make his way into the backfield and tackle running backs with ease. Smith can play in zone coverage, and can cover most backs and tight ends. With a good showing in the combine, he will more than likely solidify himself as a top-five pick.

8. Myles Jack, LB (UCLA)

Jack is a unique talent, very comparable to Shaq Thompson of the Carolina Panthers. At UCLA, he played linebacker and running back, even being awarded the Offensive and Defensive PAC12 Player of the Year awards in 2013. His durability may be in question, as he sat out most of last season with a knee injury, but that won't stop most teams from having him atop their draft boards. He has pretty good speed, and uses his instincts to take him to the ball. If used the right way in the NFL, he will likely have limited duties aside from running around the field and making plays. Myles Jack has the talent to be a star at the next level and should be exactly that, probably very early in his professional career.

9. Deforrest Buckner, DE (Oregon)

Buckner is very comparable to his former Oregon teammate Arik Armstead, but is more of a polished player entering the draft process. I should probably have him rated higher than ninth overall, but like I stated earlier, it is still very early in this process, and these rankings will surely change. Buckner is huge, and would be a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. He has exceptional skills stopping the run, and has a good initial push when rushing the passer. His ability to cause chaos in both facets will likely make him a top-five pick in 2016.

10. Ezekiel Elliot, RB (Ohio State)

Elliot is an NFL ready running back right out of the gates. His durability is questionable, as he couldn't handle a full work load for most of his college career. Elliot is the rare talent that is capable of handling all duties NFL running backs are asked to take on. He obviously excels in the running game, but is an exception pass-blocking back, and catches the ball well. Has good hips and makes cuts and can change direction with ease. There are also some questions about his maturity, specifically due to his public compliant about lack of carries in a loss to Michigan State during last season. With that said, there is no reason why Elliot wouldn't be the first running back selected in the 2016 draft.