NFL Mock Draft 2016: Defense Dominates First Round

Mississippi State. Chris Jones . 26. player. 36. Jones is the defensive line version of Eli Apple. His size (6’6″ 310) and athleticism could make him a top-15 pick without even moving the needle. But, like Apple, his games has some flaws. Many cite a spotty motor as the reason he isn’t a lock for the top half of the first round. If there is one place where motivation shouldn’t be an issue, it’s Seattle. Pete Carroll has done a lot more with a lot less and would love the chance to replace <a href=. DT

49. For a few years now, the Packers have been forced to cobble together pieces of their defense. They haven’t struck gold on a pass-rusher in quite a while, although <a href=. DE. Eastern Kentucky. Noah Spence . 27. player

CB. Clemson. Mackensie Alexander . 28. player. 124. During the season, I would’ve called you crazy if you told me Alexander would be the fourth corner off the board, but here we are. Jackson and Apple jump him for typical NFL draft reasons – measurables and potential – but Alexander might have the most immediate impact. He brings tons of experience and doesn’t mind talking a little trash. For a team that plays mean on defense and could use some help after losing <a href=

32. Joseph has grown to be one of my favorite players in this draft. He may not be the biggest guy but he hits like a mack truck, he may not be the fastest guy, but he’ll go toe to toe with anyone. It’s borderline selfish to put him in Arizona, where Bruce Arians and James Bettcher will utilize him in unique ways all over the field. He has some medical concerns with his ACL and his size makes injuries likely at the next level, but when he’s on the field this guy is a difference maker.. SS. West Virginia. Karl Joseph . 29. player

87. Make it six Buckeyes (and one former Buckeye) to hear their names called in the first round. (Side note: how did they not win the National Championship again? Oh right, Go Green. I digress) Bell is a big time athlete in the secondary and his versatility allows him to comfortably cover receivers but also play a lot of single high safety and patrol the back half. Carolina could use someone to play centerfield and compete with <a href=. SS. Ohio State. Vonn Bell . 30. player

Kevin Dodd . 31. player. 45. Denver will strongly consider a Quarterback here – a lot of folks have Paxton Lynch as a near done deal – but I’m not sold, especially when a guy like Kevin Dodd is available. The Broncos underwent a fairly standard roster raid after winning the Super Bowl and the main loss was Malik Jackson. Well, Dodd is a pretty darn close impersonation of Jackson (checking in at 6’5″ 280 to Jackson’s 6’6″ 290) who would provide the same type of versatility and pass rush ability along the line. Given how much Denver relied on that defense to win a championship, you better believe they’ll want to restock with talented guys like Dodd.. DE. Clemson