Five Bold Predictions for the 2016 NFL Draft

It’s been 80 days since we’ve seen a professional snap.

We’ve been bombarded with mock drafts, anonymous scouts, draft trades, quarterback talk, 40 times, and pro days since. If you’re anything like me you can see the draft over the horizon and you can’t wait any longer. All of the speculation will come to a close as these young men embark on their NFL journey. Before the big day I’d like to make five predictions about what’s going to happen on draft night.

Laremy Tunsil Will Drop Out Of The Top 5

Before the Titans traded the number one pick to the Rams it was a guarantee that Laremy Tunsil would be protecting Marcus Mariota for years to come. Once the Eagles jumped to number two Tunsil’s draft slide was cemented. A lot of people have him going to the Chargers but I think they’ll prioritize replacing Eric Weddle over getting a left tackle. King Dunlap has done a serviceable job and Jalen Ramsey is a special talent. In a league where passing is at a premium it’s essential to have a deep, legitimate secondary. There’s no need to fear, Laremy, Baltimore will gladly select you at number six.

Myles Jack Won’t Be Drafted Until 10

By many counts Myles Jack is the best prospect in the entire draft. He’s great at everything and is a tackling machine. If there was a mold for linebackers in today’s NFL it would be him. Unfortunately, there are reports about his knee being a time bomb. Jack suffered a torn ACL last year and it’s going to cost him on draft night. General managers are going to have a long conversation with their medical staff before selecting Jack. If it weren’t for his medical condition he’d easily be a top 5 pick. Luckily, for the Giants, he’ll be there at ten.

The Broncos Will Get Paxton Lynch

John Elway has caught a lot of flak for a GM who just put together a Super Bowl winning team. He’s proven time and time again that he’ll do anything to win, if you’re a Denver fan you have to appreciate that. The Broncos need a quarterback badly and John will leave no stone unturned in order to find one. Paxton Lynch has fallen a little bit during draft season but it may work in his favor. Elway will find a way to jump and get the Memphis product and start their Super Bowl repeat campaign with a great defense and the QB of the future.

Atlanta Will Draft The First Receiver at 17

The receivers in this draft class haven’t gotten a lot of hype. This year a receiver won’t be drafted in the top 15, that hasn’t happened since 2010. The Falcons will grab Laquon Treadwell at 17 with a smile on their face. Sure, they need help in the secondary but pairing the Ole Miss receiver with Julio Jones is too good to pass up. Matt Ryan will appreciate this pick more than anyone in Atlanta.

Robert Nkemdiche Will Sneak Into the Top 20

This draft is loaded with defensive talent and Robert Nkemdiche is near the top of that list. The defensive tackle has fallen down a lot of boards due to an off the field incident but his talent is too special to drop out of the top 20. The Raiders are already stacked along the defensive line but there’s no such thing as too much dominance. I’ve always believed that if a athlete’s talent outweighs their personal issues then they will always have an opportunity to play. Nkemdiche will learn this lesson firsthand on draft night.

There you have it; five predictions that will happen on draft night. Let me know your predictions @mattgarrett41

As always, thanks for reading.

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