2016 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions and Top Prospects on the Rise

A couple of big trades have shaken up the 2016 NFL draft order and changed the forecast for mock drafts as a result.

The Los Angeles Rams acquired the No. 1 overall selection from the Tennessee Titans, and not long thereafter, the Philadelphia Eagles moved into the No. 2 slot through a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are the consensus top two quarterback prospects and figure to go to Los Angeles and Philadelphia in some order. There are other elite players in the top-five range, but what happens from then on is anyone’s guess.

Let’s take a look at a fresh first-round mock, followed by a breakdown of the top prospects who are on the rise ahead of the start of Thursday’s draft proceedings.

Analysis of Rising Prospects

11. Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

ESPN expert Todd McShay listed Floyd as his biggest riser in an extensive Monday draft preview—and for good reason.

Edge players are valuable in a QB-driven league, making Floyd all the more desirable to teams near the top of the draft. Draft Breakdown’s Justis Mosqueda heard an update from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah that suggested Floyd may vault far higher than 11th overall:

“I’ve heard some buzz that Leonard Floyd can go as high as #5 to Jacksonville.”-@MoveTheSticks on NFL Network just now

— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) April 25, 2016

Although Chicago upgraded its linebacker corps on the inside with Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan this offseason, it could use another pass-rusher.

Pairing Floyd opposite Pernell McPhee would give the Bears a dynamic duo who could terrorize the opposing signal-caller. In the NFC North, that’s of paramount importance against opposing QBs like Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Teddy Bridgewater.

The Georgia product measured at 6’6″ and 244 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, somewhat limiting concerns about his lack of strength. He also ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash, which is quite a time for a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Although critics will point to his lack of production—4.5 sacks in 2015 and six the year before—Floyd has an exotic combination of explosive athleticism and length to be elite at the NFL level.

With a studly linebacker corps to complement him in Chicago, Floyd would be a great fit in the Windy City. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would love to get an athlete of Floyd’s caliber and mold him into a perennial Pro …

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