2016 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Picks 21-31
21. Washington Redskins - William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Given the depth of this defensive line class, Washington can afford to look elsewhere with its first pick. Jackson would be a major upgrade to a secondary that's still in rough shape, potentially stepping in as the unit's No. 1 corner as a rookie.
22. Houston Texans - Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
After handing out a massive deal to land Brock Osweiler in free agency, the Texans must ensure that their new quarterback is in the best possible position to succeed. Landing Coleman - the draft's most explosive playmaker - to play opposite DeAndre Hopkins is the best way to do so.
23. Minnesota Vikings - Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
The wide receiver position is quite easily the most glaring need for the Vikings heading into the draft. Thomas presents plenty of value toward the end of the first round, finally giving Teddy Bridgewater a big-bodied red-zone target capable of making plays over top of defenders.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Billings will be a strong run defender early on in his NFL career, but it also shouldn't be long before he makes an impact as an interior pass rusher. Cincinnati could dominate in the trenches with the Baylor standout lined up next to Geno Atkins.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers - Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Boasting arguably the NFL's most talented group of skill-position players, the Steelers ought to solidify the offensive line in front of Ben Roethlisberger. Decker could start at either tackle spot as a rookie.
26. Seattle Seahawks - Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Seahawks take full advantage of teams electing to wait out the run on a loaded defensive tackle class. In Butler, an already dominant defense gets a versatile interior talent who can have an impact both against the run and as a pass rusher.
27. Green Bay Packers - Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Falling to this spot in the first round, Lee presents the Packers with the perfect combination of value and positional need. Though he'll need to add size to be an effective run defender at inside linebacker, his extraordinary athleticism would immediately be put to use as part of Dom Capers' defense.
28. Kansas City Chiefs - Cody Whitehair, OL, Kansas State
The Chiefs should have no reservations about taking the best offensive lineman on the board. Whitehair would be an immediate upgrade at guard, but it's also possible that he'd push for work at left tackle if Eric Fisher isn't able to make good on his potential.
29. Arizona Cardinals - Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Given the recent shortcomings on the edge, Arizona's trade acquisition of Chandler Jones shouldn't at all impact the team's draft strategy. Spence stepping in on the other side would make the defensive front incredibly difficult to gameplan against.
30. Carolina Panthers - Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida
With Jared Allen now retired and Charles Johnson only back on a one-year deal, Carolina should be looking to bolster the defensive line in the early rounds. Bullard has the positional versatility to both play the edge in base packages and slide inside with Kawann Short in the nickel.
31. Denver Broncos - Chris Jones, DL, Mississippi State
Colin Kaepernick has the athletic ability and arm talent to get his career turned around as part of Gary Kubiak's offense. While the Broncos could opt to add another quarterback in the draft, it certainly no longer has to be in the first round. Jones replaces Malik Jackson in helping Denver to maintain its dominance on the defensive front.
* Patriots forfeit first-round pick as part of Deflategate sanctions