With the 2016 NFL creeping in just around the corner, multiple teams need to begin scouting some of the top talents in order to make sure their rosters are strong enough to make a playoff push this time next year. While some players are for sure-fire studs to a team, others are puzzle pieces that are needed to find the right fit to thrive in the NFL.
Some of these players just need to find the right position or play in a certain scheme in order to make a name for themselves at the next level, but most of these players have one thing in common: proper fits. Most of theses players thrived in college because the players around them made them better. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the top prospects in 2015 and where they would thrive in the NFL.
1. Carson Wentz- QB, North Dakota State
With Carson Wentz, it’s a hard decision to make when giving him a draft grade, but also finding the proper team for him to play on. Yes he has been nothing but a savior for the Bison these past two seasons, but also teams have to look at his FCS level playing. Wentz only lost three games as a starter and threw for over 40 touchdowns, but he did have the top offensive line at the FCS level blocking for him. While a stretch for him to be sitting in the second round and much more needs in the first, expect a team like the Browns or Rams to swoop up Wentz to become the next starting quarterback. However, if Wentz wants to thrive, a team with a well-balanced offensive line is the way to go.
Perfect Fit: Dallas Cowboys
2. Derrick Henry- RB, Alabama
While he may be a Heisman Trophy winner, unless a team trades into the first round, Derrick Henry should expect to be one of the first names called on day two. Henry rushed for over 2000 yards while setting every single SEC record in rushing this past season. Much credit is given to the offensive line, which has been playing together over the past two seasons. Henry rushed for almost 100 yards each game and that is due to the holes his line was able to give him to begin the run. That is what Henry will need at the next level to be a solid running back and not end up like Trent Richardson did in 2013. Give him an offensimve line and Henry could be one of the most elite running backs within two years in the NFL.
Perfect Fit: Dallas Cowboys
3. Jalen Ramsey- DB, Florida State
Jalen Ramsey is a top-five player on my board mostly due to his size. Ramsey stands at 6’2 and weighs just over 200 pounds. He either needs to lose some weight to play cornerback, or gain some muscle to play a free satiety or nickelback defender. The upside with Ramsey is his ability to play in coverage, but his quick speed in change of direction. Any team needing defensive back help would be a great fit for him, but he will most likely be off the board before teams such as Buffalo, Pittsburgh or even New Orleans will be picking. However, two teams inside the top 10 need help at both safety and corner and both could be great fits for this hybrid player.
Perfect Fit: Baltimore Ravens
4. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
Cardale Jones should have been smart and should have left after playing three games at Ohio State. His draft stock at the time was close to a late first-early second-round draft pick and he was projected to be a starting quarterback his rookie season. Now after an average or somewhat under-preforming junior season, Jones will go into the NFL draft looking to hopefully find a home. Jones needs to go to a team where he can learn to become a better quarterback before actually stepping on the field. Any team with a high-tempo offense could be a perfect fit for him, but one team stands out stronger than the rest. This man has coached players such as Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck and Carson Palmer. Cardale Jones could become the next great project in his quarterback guru list.
Perfect Fit: Arizona Cardinals
5. Nick Martin, G/C, Notre Dame
Nick Martin is a versatile player who will see action at both guard and center in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. His lower body strength allows him to be strong in both combo blocks and double coverage when someone misses their blocks. His main issue is his small arms, as in his reach is roughly 20 inches. Depending on who he plays for in the NFL will decide his position. He will more than likely be a round-three grade and since most teams will look to Ryan Kelly from Alabama as the first center taken. There are teams that could use both guards and centers and one team to look at is from Martin’s hometown. Expect Chuck Pagano to go after both Kelly and Martin on day two to protect Andrew Luck.
Perfect Fit: Indianapolis Colts
6. Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
Remember last year when Baylor played Michigan St. and everyone saw a meme of Shawn Oakman? Remember when people thought he would be a top level talent in 2016? Well things have a funny way of coming back to haunt you don’t they. Make no mistake, Shawn Oakman is a very talent prospect who on paper looks like a home run pick. His 6’9 frame along with his ability to read the line makes him a nice defensive end. His issue is that he might be too big to go down and attack an offensive line. While his height might come into play, playing against 6’6 offensive tackles might be his key to making in the NFL. The NFC North has three tackles that stand 6’5 or taller. He could really thrive for a defense out there.
Perfect Fit: Cleveland Browns
7. Su’a Cravens, S/LB, USC
Su’a Cravens is somewhat of a mix of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Deone Buccanon and Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson. All three played safety in college, but both Buccanon and Thompson have made their names known as linebackers. Cravens will more than likely play the outside if asked to play linebacker instead of saftey, so teams who look heavy on pass rushing would think very highly of him. A team in need of pass rushing, but also a man who can play in coverage used to have a former USC Trojan lead their defense. Possibly playing a 3-5 technique might not be the worst solution for Kevin Butler’s defense in 2016.
Perfect Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
A former Heisman Trophy favorite turned wide receiver, Braxton Miller did everything he could to bolster his draft stock at the next level. With the ability to play quarterback, but has outstanding speed and is athletic to play anywhere on the field, teams will look for Miller on day two to bolster their receiving corp. While his deep threat still needs work, Miller could be used in the slot position, or as a number two wideout, and would be perfect in trick plays such as reverse throws and receiver sweeps. A team with an older quarterback, but also help at the receiver position is a match made in heaven for both sides.
Perfect Fit: New England Patriots
9. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn St.
Christian Hackenberg was favorite for the past two seasons to be the number one quarterback taken in the NFL draft. Now, after two average years under head coach James Franklin, Hackenberg is lucky to be a top-five quarterback. Hackenberg physically stands as your prototypical pocket passing quarterback. His arm strength needs a little help and his awareness both in the passing game and in picking a blitz needs some help. His best bet of thriving in the NFL is going to a team where he knows the staff and thrives under a certain player. Like Tom Brady had Bill Bellicheck, Christian Hackenberg needs Bill O’Brian.
Perfect Fit: Houston Texans
10. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Trevone Boykin is somewhat like Braxton Miller, a quarterback needing to switch positions if he wants to play in the NFL. While Boykin is “firmly” content on playing quarterback in the NFL, he will more than likely switch positions once he gets drafted. However, teams looking for a possible third-string quarterback who could also play receiver or h-back is his best bet. This NFC East is looking to sign their now franchise quarterback to a long-term deal, but also need could use an extra wide receiver for the future. If Kirk Cousins can’t get it done in the end, maybe Boykin could be a short-term answer.
Perfect Fit: Washington Redskins
