2016 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Prospects Vaulting into Opening Round

This year’s NFL draft will revolve around quarterbacks, as drafts often do. With North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz and California’s Jared Goff occupying the top two spots—in either order—they will gather the bulk of the headlines in the lead-up to Thursday.

But there are two quarterbacks who could move up into the latter stages of the first round, and both could have opportunities to win starting jobs in the NFL by no later than their second year. 

Michigan State’s Connor Cook and Memphis’ Paxton Lynch both have chances to move up to a position late in the first round, and there’s a possibility one of those two could be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos as the Super Bowl champions kick off their season against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8.

Of course, that would require a stellar showing during offseason practice sessions and continuous improvement during training camp.

That would be a tremendous rise for two players who have been projected as second-round picks or later since the end of the college football season.

Cook and Lynch are not the only players who could find themselves selected in the first round. Some of the others who appear to be gaining steam include Cook’s teammate Shilique Calhoun—an excellent pass-rusher for the Spartans—and wide receiver Michael Thomas of Ohio State.

Pick No. 31, Denver Broncos: QB Connor Cook, Michigan State

Cook was dogged throughout his senior season because he was not voted one of Michigan State’s captains despite being a three-year starter.

That may lead scouts, coaches and general managers to ask why, but Cook has a tremendous record of success with the Spartans. He is a sharp leader who proved he could play on the biggest stages at the college level—he helped lead Michigan State to a College Football Playoff appearance last season—and he should be able to do the same in the NFL once he gets a starting assignment.

Cook was consistent with the Spartans, recording a 22-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2013 and following it …

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