2016 NFL Draft - Prospect Rankings
Jennifer Buchanan / USA TODAY Sports
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theScore's draft prospect rankings are compiled by NFL editor Dan Wilkins. A list of top players available within each position group can be found at the links below.
Offense
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
Defense
EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S
Quarterbacks
| Rank | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jared Goff | Cal |
| 2 | Carson Wentz | North Dakota State |
| 3 | Paxton Lynch | Memphis |
| 4 | Connor Cook | Michigan State |
| 5 | Cardale Jones | Ohio State |
| 6 | Jacoby Brissett | NC State |
| 7 | Dak Prescott | Mississippi State |
| 8 | Vernon Adams | Oregon |
| 9 | Christian Hackenberg | Penn State |
| 10 | Kevin Hogan | Stanford |
- Jared Goff gets the edge over Carson Wentz due largely to the fact that his transition to the NFL is far less of a projection. The Cal standout has proven capable of making all throws that will be asked of him at the next level, and his pocket presence is right where it needs to be as he turns pro. Wentz has all the physical tools, and may have a higher ceiling, but he also has the far lower floor.
- After stepping in for an unbelievable championship run to close out the season prior, Cardale Jones was unable to maintain the starting job throughout the 2015 campaign. But there's a reason he had the success he did in the first place. With patience, as well as the right combination of system fit and coaching, Jones will have every opportunity to prove himself as one of the top signal-callers in this class.
- Size may be the only thing holding Vernon Adams back from a spot much higher on both this list and the draft boards of teams around the league. A legitimate playmaker from both within and outside the pocket, Adams can be the type of player drafted for a backup role who eventually forces his way onto the field.
- Christian Hackenberg is one of the most difficult evaluations in this class. He appeared destined to be a first-round draft pick after a strong start to his collegiate career before failing to progress thereafter. While there will certainly be teams willing to take a chance on his raw physical abilities, he leaves much to be desired elsewhere.