An early look at the 2016 NFL Draft's top prospects

The 2015 NFL Draft may still be fresh in the minds of the football world, but it's never too early to take a look ahead at next year's class.

Highlighted by some top talent at the some of the most critical positions, here are a few 2016 prospects to keep an eye on throughout the upcoming college football season.

Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

The early favorite to be the top quarterback selected next spring, Cook's senior season at Michigan State will be one to watch. He likely would've been the third quarterback selected had he entered the 2015 draft, and another year of college experience should only help him prepare for his eventual NFL career.

Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Pass rushers are becoming increasingly valuable with each subsequent year, and Bosa is as good as it gets on the edge. Coming off a dominant 13.5-sack sophomore campaign, look for him to be even better as a junior, thus solidifying his spot as a top-five draft selection and potential No. 1 overall pick.

Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

Another potential top quarterback, Jones is one of the most interesting prospect cases looking ahead to next year's draft. His experience is minimal and he's not even guaranteed to start over J.T. Barrett this season, but he was unbelievably impressive during Ohio State's national championship run. If he can win the job and show the same kind of ability over a full season, he could conceivably challenge Cook as the draft's top signal caller.

Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

Nkemdiche may not have the stat production of a top prospect just yet, but everything else scouts want to see is there. Projecting as a penetrating force from the three-technique defensive tackle spot in the NFL, it would be no surprise to see him break out in a big way in his junior season at Ole Miss, stating his case as a top-10 talent in the process.

Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

A somewhat disappointing sophomore campaign saw the hype settle on Hackenberg's future draft stock, but there's a reason he was so highly touted in the first place. Taking a step forward as a junior would see excitement surrounding his potential re-emerge in full force, likely making him either the second- or third-ranked prospect at the position.

Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

Hargreaves' talent has been clear since he first stepped on Florida's field as a true freshman. From that point, it was only a matter of time before he'd become a top NFL prospect. With proven shut-down ability in coverage that can translate to the next level, Hargreaves should easily be the first defensive back taken next year.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

The quarterbacks get the majority of the praise, but Ohio State would have been hard-pressed to win the national championship were it not for the presence of Elliott in the backfield. His running ability is NFL-ready, and a junior season in which he produces at a level anywhere close to his incredible 1,878-yard, 18-touchdown sophomore campaign could make him an early first-round pick.

D'haquille Williams, WR, Auburn

One of the most explosive playmakers projected to be available in next year's draft, Williams' senior season at Auburn could be special. After passing up the opportunity to go to the NFL this year, he returns to an offense that should feature the passing game much more than in years' past. Williams could make it five-straight years that a receiver is taken in the top 10.

Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

Though he's likely best known for the size and physique that made for a viral internet meme, Oakman is far more than that as an NFL prospect. Another year at Baylor should see him become even more effective in how he uses his strength and athletic ability at the point of attack, thus better preparing him for his NFL transition.

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

After an injury brought his sophomore season to an early end, Treadwell will be looking to re-establish himself as one of the top receivers in the nation. His physical ability will give him every opportunity to do so, potentially seeing him join yet another strong first round of receiver prospects.