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2016 NFL Draft: Here are the top 100 prospects

By Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell points to a fan during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago. File photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell points to a fan during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago. File photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo

After tracking thousands of football players from high school through college until their entry into the NFL draft, the big questions are about to be answered -- who will be picked and where when the 50th annual league player lottery begins Thursday in Chicago?

NFL Draft Scout keeps an active database of more than 12,000 college players whose names and data are entered as soon as they show up on a college roster. Players are rated within the class they are scheduled to enter the draft -- an ever-changing year for those who redshirt, transfer or enter the draft as underclassmen.

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In a system tightly controlled by NFL Draft Scout's secret, veteran scout -- known as the Hitman -- players rise and fall and sometimes disappear during their college careers until it all comes down to this -- the week of the draft when ratings are locked in.

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Below are capsules on the top 100 rated players for the 2016 NFL Draft, with one twist. In our 50th year of covering this event, we're allowed to take liberties.

For another extraordinary job, we offer our thanks to The Hitman, along with hard-working analysts Rob Rang and Dane Brugler, executive staffers Derek Harper and Jeff Reynolds and NFL administrator Howard Balzer.

With one notable exception, this list is the result of their year-round work. Players are ranked according to respective ability, with no regard to where they actually may be drafted, which is a function that involves the needs and considerations of each team as well as other factors, such as the law of supply and demand at certain positions on given years.

Here is a closer look at the top 100 -- plus one -- and a list of those rated through 350 in the 2016 NFL Draft. On Sunday we begin refining our look at the 2017 draft and begin entering more than 3,000 prospects for the 2020 draft.

{i:Overall/Pos. Rate Player, position, school, height, weight, 40-yard dash speed, projected draft round (*=Underclassman)}

1/1. *Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi, 6-5, 310, 5.23, 1

Best available athlete: Tunsil may be just that at the very top of the 2016 draft, boasting an easy combination of agility, balance and natural power that have scouts drooling. Tunsil comes with concerns, however, including how available he will be during the season. An extraordinarily gifted left tackle, Tunsil's biggest challenge was staying healthy, and, oh yes, eligible. During three years of college he missed games with a variety of injuries, including a sprained knee, torn right biceps, fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle. Charges were dropped in a domestic dispute with his stepfather, but that led to an NCAA investigation and uncovered improper financial help, for which Tunsil was suspended seven games after being less than forthcoming. Tunsil didn't run the 40-yard dash or do shuttle drills at either the Combine or his Pro Day -- which miffed some scouts - but isn't likely to actually impact his stock.

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--Quote to note: "I think I have the great feet, the great frame. I just think I'm the best. You've got to have that swagger about yourself. You've got to be confident. Everywhere you go you've got to have that confidence." -- Tunsil, when asked why he thinks he is the best tackle in the draft.

--Frankly: Exactly what teams look for in the pass-happy NFL -- a big, reliable blocker to protect the quarterback's blind side, a need that was painfully obvious for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50. Agile and hostile, Tunsil allowed only two sacks in the 28 college games in which he did manage to play.

2/1. *Jalen Ramsey, FS, Florida State, 6-1, 209, 4.37, 1

On your mark, set: Go get this athlete if you want a playmaker in the secondary. Ramsey's size, length and physicality fit nicely at corner, especially in press coverage, but if the club lucky enough to draft him has a greater need at safety, he is a proven commodity there, as well, possessing the awareness and sideline-to-sideline speed for center field. After becoming the first FSU freshman to start at corner since a guy named Deion Sanders 30 years ago, Ramsey played all over the defensive backfield over his college career, even slipping down to linebacker on occasion. Athletic gifts are quantified on the track, where Ramsey won the NCAA Indoor long jump championship at 26-feet, 1.75 inches. He adds to his already ample height (6-foot-1) with the ability to vertical jump 41.5 inches -- tops among defensive backs tested this year in Indianapolis.

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--Quote to note: "Don't have one. I can play where they need me to. I feel like I can work outside, in the slot or play deep. I have a lot to learn, have to study receivers, learn the defense I'm in, but I think if I put the work in, I'll be able to move around if they need me to, but I'll do whatever a team, or the coaches want me to do." -- Ramsey, when asked if he had a preference of what position to play in the NFL.

--Frankly: Safety? Cornerback? Slot corner? Boundary corner? Take him now and sort that out later. Ramsey can already do things that cannot be coached. He has initial quickness, a high top-end speed and jumping ability to overcome a receiver who seems open. Basically, a quarterback's worst nightmare.

3/1. *Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State, 6-5, 269, 4.84, 1

Breaking family tradition: His father, John, and uncle, Eric Kumerow, were each drafted No. 16 overall in 1987 and 1988, respectively, and each lasted only three years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. Young Bosa is rated a top-five pick in the 2016 draft after collecting 26 sacks and 51 tackles for loss in three seasons with the Buckeyes. That includes only 5.0 sacks last season, but he did have 16 tackles for loss and was a unanimous All-America first-team selection and All-Big Ten. His best season was 2014 with 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. At the Combine, Bosa was disappointed with his 40-yard time of 4.86, but that is acceptable along with his 24 repetitions of 225 pounds and a 32-inch vertical jump.

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--Quote to note: "I do believe I'm the best player in the draft. ... it's going to be up to Tennessee (at the time) to make that decision. I think as a player if you don't believe that then there's kind of something wrong." -- Bosa, when asked how he rated himself in the draft, in which the Tennessee Titans had the first pick before trading it.

--Frankly: Explosive and agile enough to do back flips at 270 pounds -- literally -- but that's not a move he can use in the NFL. Still, Bosa can use his determination and discipline to be a constant pest off the edge at the next level

4/1. *Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA, 6-1, 245, 4.56, 1

Still don't know Jack: Projecting this intriguing prospect's ability to play in the NFL is still tricky. The world still waits to make sure this talented player is ready for football again after a knee injury in September and various reports about his condition the week before the draft. One report said Jack had a problematic type of cartilage injury known as a chondral defect. Another said the knee is a "time bomb." And his agent responded by distributing video of a workout in which Jack looked great. Jack declared for the draft in October and began rehabbing to be ready to work out at the Combine, but only benched there (19 reps, 225 pounds). At his March 15 Pro Day, Jack was impressive with a 40-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-4-inch standing broad jump, but did not run the 40 and only took part in some positions drills. An NFL coach told NFLDraftScout.com, "He was obviously not 100 percent. Not bad, but if you are thinking about him in the top five or 10, you are not comfortable yet." Otherwise, Jack is potentially the best player/athlete in the draft. Scouts rave about him while poring over videos from two sensational seasons on both sides of the ball. His 75 tackles in 2013 are second only to the great Kenny Easley among true freshmen in Bruins history. He also broke up 11 passes, blocked a punt and scored seven touchdowns as a running back. Jack became the only player in Pac-pick-a-number history selected as offensive AND defensive freshman of the year. As a sophomore, he added 88 tackles and ran for three touchdowns on offense. In his two years, he was very special at linebacker, with a magical combination of athleticism and instinct.

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Quote to note: "I see myself as a football player. I want the teams to decide for themselves. I feel like I can play any position. I like being off the ball as a Mike, Will, Sam. I think I could play strong safety as kind of a Kam Chancellor type of role. I feel like I could get the job done there." -- Jack, at the Combine, projecting his potential in the NFL when healthy.

--Frankly: Full recovery from these knee surgeries are usually very good. The whole draft is a crap shoot and no player comes with a guarantee. But this one, at least, has displayed extraordinary ability. While it will be a roll of the dice on Jack, the odds on a great return, in the All-Pro area, seem very good.

5/1. *Jared Goff, QB, California, 6-4, 215, 4.75, 1

Go to Jared: Goff showed already that he can perform miracles under pressure. Despite a horrid offensive line (84 sacks), his career included such bloated stats as completing 977 of 1,569 for 12,200 yards, 96 touchdowns and 30 interceptions with a 144 passer rating. His arm strength is good, not great, but he is special because of an uncanny ability to throw receivers open. There are concerted efforts to accentuate alleged negatives, including lack of experience in a so-called pro-style offense, hand size, overall size and athleticism. A closer look dispels all except concerns about transitioning from a shotgun offense to pro-style, which are usually overblown anyway. Some cite his 9-inch hands and 23 career fumbles as cause and effect. Nah. His fumbles decreased by the season -- 10 as freshman, then nine and only four last season. He is 21 years old and natural maturation should put him around 230 in two years without trying. Perhaps most curious are questions about his athleticism, which looks excellent often as he escapes left, right and runs for yards or to pass with accuracy. There may be more athletic quarterbacks in this draft, but his consistent effectiveness is better than any of them.

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--Quote to note: "I think my accuracy is one of my best attributes. I've been pretty accurate my whole life and was able to improve that at Cal even more. And then something I want to work on is kind of tying my feet to my upper body a little bit and staying a little more on balance when I'm throwing. I was able to get away with some stuff in the past, maybe falling off throws or just kind of getting away with it because I was in college and had enough arm talent to do it. I don't expect to be able to get away with that really much longer." -- Goff, when asked to discuss his best trait.

--Frankly: Let's get a grip on the reality here. Thanks to terrible pass protection, Goff is already pressure-tested and his well-placed passes tore apart excellent college defenses with surgical precision. His hands are the same size as those of Miami Dolphins four-year starter Ryan Tannehill and Penn State prospect Christian Hackenberg, who is considered to have prototypical size and whose hands are never mentioned. Bottom line -- believe what you see.

6/2. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon, 6-7, 291, 5.00, 1

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Senior moment: Teammates and pro scouts were surprised when Buckner stayed in school for his senior year when he would have been one of the first pass rushers drafted in 2015. But he now goes into this draft as the top-rated senior prospect. While most of Oregon's defense struggled, Buckner showed improved pass-rush ability and collected 10.5 sacks, tops in the Pac-12, 17 tackles for loss and 83 overall tackles. He is learning to control his extraordinary length against blockers, but he already has a knack for blocking passes (10 in college career). He can hold his ground against a run at him or pursue effectively on runs away. Buckner had the biggest hands at the Combine, 11 3/4 inches and at his size a 32-inch vertical jump is impressive.

--Quote to note: "I played in every technique possible, from nose and rushing outside at end. I can do everything. I can stop the run. I can also rush the passer, which I did a lot better this year. They can get a complete defensive lineman when they pick me." -- Buckner, when asked where he should fit in the NFL.

--Frankly: Buckner has the length, strength, speed, desire to succeed. Impressively, Stanford head coach David Shaw paid homage, saying, "If you're building a defensive lineman, that's what you would build."

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7/2. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State, 6-5, 237, 4.65, 1

Big Bison, small pasture: Wentz showed great leadership, grasp of the game and outstanding passing ability while guiding the Bison to their fourth and fifth consecutive FCS National Championships. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl against big-school stars added enough cred to increase debate over who is the top quarterback prospect in this draft, Wentz or Jared Goff, who is ranked No. 5 on this list. Wentz' advantages include experience in a pro-style offense and he is more physically substantial than Goff. Sidelined for seven games with a broken wrist, Wentz returned to earn Most Outstanding Player in the FCS Championship Game, running for two touchdowns and passing for another in a 37-10 win over Jacksonville State.

Quote to note: "I think right away the biggest challenge that myself, anybody standing up here at this podium is going to say is adjusting to that speed. You put on some NFL tape or you watch Monday Night Football, Sunday games or whatever, you realize these guys are playing fast. So you gotta adjust right away and learn to adapt pretty quick. I'm excited for that opportunity." -- Wentz, when asked what he thought will be his biggest challenge in the NFL.

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Frankly: Wentz answers all those questions that stem from him being the product of a FCS school. He answered with an exclamation point at the Senior Bowl, where Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout said Wentz distanced himself from all other quarterbacks in practices, showing "a combination of velocity, accuracy and functional athleticism to justify all of the attention." It was not just the physical attributes that left scouts impressed, however, but the poise in which Wentz handled the jump in competition and pressure of working with the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff at the Senior Bowl, as well as in impressive workouts at the Combine and his Pro Day.

8/1. *Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, 6-0, 225, 4.45, 1

Collision course: Elliott may have shown scouts too much in a college career that included carrying or catching the ball more than 600 times. While that showcased his elite talent as a three-down back -- both running and receiving -- it also demonstrated he is all-to-willing to make contact rather than avoid it. With the NFL's increased focus on concussions, that physical type of play might limit his shelf life as a pro. Elliott has quickness and speed to avoid and outrun most tacklers (in track, won four state championships at the Missouri Class 3 state championships in 2012; the 100, 200, 110 high hurdles and 300 hurdles). Elliott complained to the media about lack of use in a loss to Michigan State, which created negative feedback for openly questioning his coaches. While his comments may have come off as selfish, Elliott's commitment to teammates is obvious on the field. He is one of the more attentive and competitive blockers at the position in years.

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--Quote to note: "I think the guys last year that were first-round picks like Todd Gurley, they set a standard for the younger generation coming up. I feel we're going to bring it back." -- Elliott, when asked about running backs being devalued in recent drafts.

--Frankly: Putting aside trivial matters such as precise receiver routes and pass-blocking technique, Elliott does everything expected of a running back and does it well. His toughness inside is reminiscent of Frank Gore (49ers, Colts), especially when he pops out the other side of a scrum.

9/2. *Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame, 6-6, 312, 5.18, 1

Timing is everything: Stanley might have been the top offensive lineman in the 2015 draft, but he returned to school to try for a national championship. Some scouts believe weaknesses were revealed in 2015, but still rank him high in the draft. Stanley has experience at right tackle (13 starts in 2013) and left tackle (27 starts the past two seasons) and has the foot quickness and athleticism to suit any offensive scheme. His long arms, strong hands and lateral agility are a great foundation for being a NFL pass protector, but he needs to get tougher to handle powerful bull rushers.

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--Quote to note: "Yeah, my passion for football. I feel like a lot of people don't know the impact football has on my life before college and the role it played. I think there's a big -- I don't know -- aura of people thinking I'm lackadaisical, I guess. I don't know, but I'm just really trying to show people how much football means to me and how much I do care about it." -- Stanley, when asked what he needs to prove and why.

--Frankly: Here is a big man with great feet, long arms and strong hands to battle pass defenders. Take Stanley to be a quarterback protector, toughen him up in the weight room, teach him more technique and soon natural maturation will help him grow into the job.

10/1. *Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida, 5-10, 204, 4.46, 1

Fancy footwork: After a sensational prep career, it was not surprising that Hargreaves was an immediate sensation as a true freshman, earning All-SEC honors after 11 pass breakups and three interceptions in 2013. As a sophomore, he led the conference with 13 breakups and three more thefts. Hargreaves has dazzling, blink-quick footwork that is effective in both press and off coverage, where he also displays remarkable peripheral vision and instinct. Hargreaves' lateral quickness and agility were on display at the Combine with a 3.98-second time in the short shuttle, second fastest among all cornerbacks at Indianapolis and a better indicator of his ability than his 4.50 time in 40 yards.

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--Quote to note: "My ball skills, they're natural. I've always had 'em. There's nothing I've really done. When the ball is in the air I have to go get it and that's my mindset. I don't really care who I'm covering. The ball is in the air, it's 50-50." -- Hargreatve, when asked what differentiates him.

--Frankly: Here is a tremendous competitor with insanely quick feet and the ability to be explosive closing a gap or soaring for the football. His natural talent is so impressive that NFL teams should ignore concerns about Hargreaves' short and slim stature. Just draft him and sic him on opposing receivers.

11/2. *Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State, 6-1, 232, 4.46, 1

Fleet afoot: A former high-school quarterback, Lee moved to defense in college and showed great promise at linebacker beginning in 2014. Lee used explosive quickness and great range to put himself in the middle of more than his share of plays. In 2014, Lee made 81 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and two interceptions. He was named Defensive MVP in the Sugar Bowl win over Alabama. Last season, Lee totaled 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss including 4.5 sacks. Lee further quantified his athleticism at the Combine. His 40 time of 4.47 was best among linebackers and a broad jump of 11-2 was second best overall and demonstrates tremendous explosion.

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--Quote to note: "I feel linebackers are changing in the league, to be honest - a lot smaller. There aren't really too many bigger guys. The game is getting faster and you need guys to cover. You're starting to see that change a lot this year in the league." -- Lee, when asked if he represented a new breed of NFL linebackers.

--Frankly: Lean and sometimes mean, Lee has the ability to get into a lot of plays in the pass-happy NFL, either in coverage or on blitzes. He may need to bulk up to hold up, but should be productive in the right setup. Although still learning the nuances in the front seven ("I'm still learning linebacker"), Lee's physical abilities will yield results if he is just pointed in the right direction for a while. Big upside.

12/3. *Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson, 6-3, 269, 4.62, 1

Shaq attack: Lawson entered the 2015 season with more buzz than production, but finally piled up impressive stats in a hurry. He topped all FBS defenders with 24.5 tackles for loss, including 12.5 sacks. An AFC scout, watching Lawson work against Notre Dame's highly-touted left tackle Ronnie Stanley in October, messaged NFLDraftScout.com's Dane Brugler: "this #90 is a difference-maker!" Lawson finished the game with seven tackles, 3.5 for loss, while beating Stanley with a combination of quickness and power. Lawson's Combine results included the fastest time among defensive tackles in the top 100, 4.70 seconds, and an impressive 33-inch vertical jump that demonstrates his explosiveness.

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--Quote to note: "I bring a lot of different moves to the pass rush. People say I'm mostly a power guy. I don't see myself as just a power guy. I can spin, beat you off the edge, run past you, everything." -- Lawson, when asked to describe his strengths.

--Frankly: Each week more believers jump on the Lawson bandwagon and a good show of measureable athleticism at the Combine probably gained a few more.

13/1. *Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi, 6-2, 221, 4.64, 1

Let's get physical: A three-year starter, Treadwell came back from a broken fibula (Nov. 2014) and showed his ability to out-fight defenders for the football. Even before the injury, Treadwell was not a speed burner, but was impressive enough to be the No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the nation in 2013 and validated that by catching 72 passes for 608 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman. Most impressive is that, after his 2014 injury, Treadwell made 2015 his best season, leading the SEC with 82 receptions for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. Did not run at the Combine and Pro Day time in 40 yards was in the 4.63-seconds area, well off the "4.5s" he predicted.

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--Quote to note: "I do like the way Dez Bryant plays, the way he attacks the ball and makes plays, makes the difficult plays, so there are similarities there, but I don't like to model myself after anyone. I have learned to create my own style of play." --Treadwell, when asked if he models his playing style after anyone.

--Frankly: A clever receiver whose lack of elite speed spurred him to learn the nuances of the position at a young age. Strong, sure hands and a wide wingspan (third widest at Combine among wide receivers -- 80.5 inches) will make Treadwell a reliable target for some NFL quarterback.

14/1. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville, 6-1, 299, 4.96, 1

Due recognition: Lorenzo Mauldin was the top pass-rush threat for Louisville in 2014, but it was Rankins who led the Cardinals in both tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (8.0) that season, also besting Mauldin with 53 total tackles. Rankins added a pair of interceptions, a surprising number for a 300-pounder, and thrived under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's multiple front scheme. Last season, Rankins started all 13 games and finished the season with 13 tackles for loss (six sacks) among his 58 tackles, along with a pass breakup, four quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. He tweaked a knee during a Senior Bowl practice, but took part in full at the Combine, where his best mark was a 34.5-inch vertical jump.

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--Quote to note: I just feel like my versatility does a lot for me -- the fact that I've played in a 3-4, I've played in a 4-3, I've played all up and down the D-line, from zero nose to a five technique. I feel like, when you turn on the tape, you see ... my versatility and my intelligence really sets me apart." -- Rankins on what differentiates him in a class of outstanding defensive linemen.

--Frankly: NFLDrafScout.com analyst Dane Brugler noted that Rankins was "nearly unblockable during one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl due to his quickness off the whistle and powerful arms to drive blockers backward." Brugler was also impressed with the mayhem Rankins causes with his "heavy hands."

15/1. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama, 6-1, 247, 4.62, 1

Decisions, decisions: One of Ragland's impressive traits is making quick decisions, which usually ruins somebody's offensive play. Last year, his best decision was to return to Alabama and play through his senior season. His performance on the field boosted him up scouting charts and into the first round of the draft. Ragland is a throwback, in-your-face thumper with excellent read-and-react instincts. A year ago his draft stock was cluttered with concerns about his speed, the lack of which might relegate him to the sideline on passing downs. However, he gave scouts something to ponder with a display of pass-rush plays/blitzes that overwhelmed would-be blockers. He finished the season with 102 total tackles, 17.5 for loss including four sacks, two forced fumbles and one recovery. And he was SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He clocked 4.72 seconds at the Combine 40-yard dash and stood on it at March 9 Pro Day, but did bench 225 pounds 13 times.

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--Quote to note: "They see me as a Mike and making the calls. A lot of teams like me playing off the edge but they'd love to see me being a true Mike and making all the calls." -- Ragland, when asked where he thought NFL teams projected him.

--Frankly: Ragland will be an old-school linebacker in a new era NFL and may need to find the right fit to be a success in the pros. In the right system he can be an immediate force in pulverizing runs.

16/3. *Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State, 6-6, 308, 4.98, 1

Earned his keep: Conklin was lightly recruited despite his considerable size and being the son of a former Michigan offensive lineman and current high school head coach. His only scholarship offer, in fact, came from Division II Wayne State. He planned to play the 2012 season at Fork Union Military School until MSU head coach Mark Dantonio took another look at Conklin's tape and invited him to walk on with the promise that he could earn a scholarship. After redshirting in 2012, Conklin established himself as the starting left tackle. He started the next 40 games. Conklin missed two games in 2015, but did well enough in his 12 starts to earn first team All-Big Ten and All-America honors.

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--Quote to note: "I think about it all the time. It's the chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that's the thing that drives me every day to see how far I've come and how close I was to not having this chance." -- Conklin, reflecting on his feelings about being lightly recruited out of high school.

--Frankly: Although he lacks outstanding athleticism, Conklin is a determined, tough run-blocker who might make a smooth transition to the NFL at right tackle. His draft stock shot up with a good game against Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner, rated a top-10 pick in this draft.

17/2. *A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama, 6-4, 307, 5.13, 1

Hello, central casting?: Robinson looks like Tarzan and plays like Godzilla with his powerful upper body, strong arms and legs the size of a 500-year-old Redwood tree, in diameter anyway. He is equipped to play inside in any defensive front, but has not yet played to his lofty potential, stymied somewhat by assignments to just clog the middle and not pursue the ball. Can be an effective run-stopper right away in the NFL, but will need to push himself more throughout a play and learn techniques to shed blockers if he wants to put pressure on quarterbacks.

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--Quote to note: "Just get off the blocks faster. Stop patty-caking with the offensive linemen and just get off the block and go make the play." -- Robinson, saying all the right things when asked how he could improve his pass rush.

Frankly: Robinson can already hold his own against two blockers and that alone will make him valuable. There are no guarantees how much upside he has, but some team will take him high in the first round to find out.

18/3. *Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia, 6-6, 244, 4.59, 1

The skinny on speedy: Lean and lanky, Floyd is a speed demon who erases distance in a blur of motion. If he doesn't get to the quarterback, his long arms and massive wingspan (80 5/8th inches) are still a barrier. A vertical jump of 39.5 inches at the Combine shows further extension. He parlays that speed (4.60 in 40 yards at Indy), length and excellent athleticism as a pass rusher and in pursuit of ball carriers anywhere on the field. It might be notable that Floyd's progression is going the wrong way, with 6.5 sacks in 2013, 6.0 in 2014 and 3.5 last year. The nearby Atlanta Falcons had 17 staffers at Floyd's March 16 Pro Day but were disappointed when he did not participate in all positional drills. The Falcons select No. 17 and want to evaluate his pass-rush skills. Floyd has done little to address curiosity about his strength. A pec injury kept him off the bench at Indy and he passed again at his Pro Day and set dates for private team workouts.

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--Quote to note: "A big strength of my game would be my speed. A weakness would probably be me (not) having more than one pass-rush move. I can work on it and come up with a new move that I can go to rather than just using speed."

--Frankly: Floyd flashed skills as a quick, limber pass rusher, but there are questions about how consistent he can be in the NFL. His natural strength is suspect, but his athletic ability and closing speed are tantalizing. Floyd should bulk up, gain strength to expect sustained effectiveness against the big boys.

19/2. William Jackson III, CB, Houston, 6-0, 189, 4.32, 1

WJIII: Jackson transferred from Trinity Valley Junior College in 2013 and started at the end of that year. In his first full season (2014), Jackson caught the attention of NFL scouts with his disruptive style of play. He has excellent coverage instincts, although officials think he is a little grabby. His long arms and ball reaction are particularly impressive when the pass arrives. Jackson III paints himself on receivers underneath, squeezes sideline up routes against and is a persistent pest. He improved steadily and collected five of his eight college interceptions last year, stepping up when it mattered most. Jackson III did the same at the Combine, erasing concerns about his straight-line speed in an electronically-timed 4.32 second 40-yard dash.

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--Quote to note: "Thanks for showing us our watches were right three years ago." -- A text to Jackson from Trinity Valley coaches after he was timed at 4.32 seconds in 40 yards at the Combine. When WJIII was at Trinity, coaches twice timed him in 4.29 seconds, but not everybody believed them.

--Frankly: Action Jackson III is the pick here as an instant impact rookie. His tenacity is just what NFL teams want, as long as he avoids yellow hankies. His rep is on the ascent and moved from mid-round two into the top two dozen prospects in the last six weeks. After his Combine performance, teams double-checked films. Impressive. His next stop should be in the mug of some uncomfortable NFL receiver.

20/3. *Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State, 6-1, 199, 4.34, 1

Ripe for picking: A tenacious defender against both pass and run, Apple's calling card drips with aggression. Apple earned a starting job as a redshirt freshman in 2014 and finished second on the team in passes defended (13) while adding 53 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. He started all 13 games last season and again was second on the team in passes defended (eight), while collecting 33 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and an interception. Apple is willing to take on run blockers and amassed over 86 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in his two years with the Buckeyes. He plays with the attitude that every pass is meant for him and has active, disruptive hands and exceptional straight-line speed, as demonstrated by his 4.34-second 40-yard dash time on hand-held watches in Indianapolis (announced electronic time was 4.40).

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--Quote to note: "There's a couple things I need to work on, of course. As a corner, there's always stuff you need to work on with your footwork, your hand placement. That's something I've been watching film on, making sure my hands are always in the right place and making sure I don't get flags unnecessarily." -- Apple, when asked where he needs to improve.

--Frankly: Apple already has an NFL defensive back's attitude, playing aggressively on every down but quickly forgetting the bad plays. He is battle-tested in high profile games (interception vs. Oregon's Marcus Mariota in national championship game) and looks at home in man and zone coverage.

21/3. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama, 6-3, 307, 5.12, 1

Man handler: A junior college transfer, Reed considered jumping into the 2015 draft after one decent season with Alabama. But he is now reaping the benefits of much better scouting reports after a 2015 season in which he made 56 tackles, including one sack, two pass breakups, eight quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery in 14 starts. Reed is not a great pass rusher and never will be, but he can create a dogpile even if offenses sic two blockers on him and he led Alabama in tackles over the last two years. He is a punishing tackler who makes opponents know he is there, sometimes through the whistle.

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--Quote to note: "It was the system we played in. Run-first, then-convert-to-pass system, but I did apply pressure on the quarterback. I definitely hit the quarterback, I definitely got sacks, too." -- Reed, when asked why he didn't get more than one sack last season.

Frankly: Reed should find a place in any NFL defensive system. He answered any lingering questions at the Senior Bowl practices, where he sometimes looked like a man among boys while using those huge legs, long arms and strong hands to stop anything within reach.

22/4. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State, 6-7, 310, 5.16, 1

Senior citizen: It was all downhill for Decker after a rough debut as a starter against Buffalo's Khalil Mack (drafted No. 5 overall, Oakland, 19 sacks in two NFL seasons). Decker enters this draft as the top senior tackle, in large part because of his versatility and durability. Decker started 42 games for the Buckeyes, splitting time between left and right tackle, and was part of a senior class that won 50 games at Ohio State. He is an especially good run blocker for such a tall player and shows great vision, instincts when confronted with end/tackle games or blitzes.

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--Quote to note: "I'd say one con is it's harder to get low. Football is a game of leverage and you have to bend more to get lower and have some more flexibility. It's not something I've struggled with mightily. At the same time, generally you're going to have longer limbs so you can have more leverage to keep guys from your chest and your body. It can be a good thing or bad, but I don't think it's something that's served me badly in my career." -- Decker, when asked about the pros and cons of being so tall (6-foot-7).

--Frankly: Tall and talented, Decker may not be an All-Pro, but he has the physical, mental and emotional makeup to start as a rookie.

23/4. *Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi, 6-3, 294, 4.86, 1

Boom or bust: Projecting Nkemdiche's production as an NFL player is as difficult as pronouncing his name. Oh, that would be kim-DEECH-ee. His physical size and ability scream "sure thing." But offseason issues and a strange lack of statistics are making NFL teams wary. After falling out of a hotel window in December, he was linked to marijuana possession. When he was suspended for the Sugar Bowl, Nkemdiche opted to get into the 2016 draft. His size, strength and mobility should equal more production than his stats show. In 2015 he totaled 26 tackles, seven tackles for loss with three sacks. Some scouts question whether he keeps his motor revved all the time. When his RPMs are up, Nkemdiche is a brutish force almost anywhere along the line.

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--Quote to note: "Tell them the truth. It was a rash decision by me. Uncharacteristic. That's not who I am. That's not what I stand for. That's not what my family stands for. It was embarrassing for me and my whole family, the Ole Miss family. I tell them that's not the kind of player they're getting. They're getting a straight-forward player. I'm never going to return to that. I'm just moving forward and embracing this moment." -- Nkemdiche, when asked what he tells teams that inquire about the incident that led to a suspension.

--Frankly: In an attempt to defuse his December Debacle, Nkemdiche talked the talk to the media and NFL teams at the Combine. However, it is bothersome that he publically confirmed rumors that his teammate, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil -- rated as the No. 1 overall pick -- was in the room with him. For teams still bothered by the names Johnny Manziel, Joseph Randle, Josh Gordon or Greg Hardy, it will take a measure of belief to select Nkemdiche with a high pick, although his talent calls for that.

24/2. *Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor, 5-11, 194, 4.40, 1

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Street tough: If Coleman looks like he is running like his life depends on it, that may be because he grew up learning football on the streets in a tough Dallas neighborhood. With a troubled father, now doing time for drug-related crimes, Coleman benefitted from the influence of former NFL standout and Baylor alum Ray Crockett. Last season, Coleman won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver after catching 74 passes for 1,363 yards and led the country with 20 touchdown catches. He underwent surgery in December for a sports hernia and missed the team's Russell Athletic Bowl win over North Carolina. Did not run at Combine (still not 100 percent after sports hernia surgery), but showed explosion with 40.5-inch vertical jump. At Pro Day, Coleman's 40-yard time, according to a hand-held stopwatch, was around 4.40 seconds.

--Quote to note: "I really mirror my game after Antonio Brown and Steve Smith. Not the biggest receivers. Arguably Antonio Brown is the best receiver in the NFL - 5-10 (5-foot, 10 inches tall) - I love his suddenness. He has great burst and agility. Great route-runner, too. Then you got Steve Smith. He's fantastic attacking the ball at 5-9. You know, he has the mindset of a bigger receiver when he goes and gets the ball. I take pride in watching them on film." -- Coleman, when asked who he watches in the pros, showing that he identifies with the NFL's best small, prolific receivers.

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--Frankly: Coleman plays bigger and faster than he measures and plays with attitude, sometimes too much so. His durability is a concern based on a series of nagging issues in college, but when healthy, Coleman is a big play waiting to happen.

25/1. Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama, 6-4, 311, 4.96, 1-2

Center of attention: In 2013, Kelly stepped into the significant shoes left by Barrett Jones, winner of the Rimington Award as college football's best center. This year, Kelly enters the draft with a Rimington Trophy of his own and rated the top senior center prospect on the list. The three-year starter is aware enough to diagnose what is needed against changing defensive fronts, is quick and decisive with his key first step and uses his long arms and strong hands well to control defenders. He is viewed as a plug and play option by NFL scouts, which is why he could prove one of the rare centers to earn a first-round selection.

--Quote to note: "I've always been the kind of guy that wanted to walk the walk before I talked the talk, so to say. By leading by example, I think, you can earn the trust of other people. This year was a big step for me. I tried to become more of a vocal leader, which isn't always easy to do unless you're kind of just given that talent. I'm always evolving. I think we're always evolving into new leadership; it's never something that you can attain overnight. I always want to be more of a vocal leader, but at the same time you got to do the right things on and off the field to earn players' trust." -- Kelly, talking about his leadership style.

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--Frankly: Big, powerful and athletic, Kelly is exactly what NFL teams want in the middle of their offensive line. Playing against the SEC and Alabama's powerhouse defensive line every day in practice has left Kelly ready for the leap in competition than most.

26/3. Josh Doctson, WR, Texas Christian, 6-2, 202, 4.43, 1-2

Must catch on: Out of high school, Doctson went to Wyoming before moving to TCU where, in three years, he set school receiving records for a career (2,785 yards) and a game (267 yards). He showed ample ability piling up those yards, especially hands that can pluck the ball cleanly. However, his college experience was all in a spread formation and he did not learn the full pass-route tree required in the pros. Mitigating that further, Doctson got away with running sloppy routes in college, often winning jump balls due to his extraordinary timing and body control - traits that were proven at the Combine when he soared (41-inch vertical tied for best among wide receivers) and sizzled in change of direction drills (4.08 second short shuttle was second at position). Coaches say he is a dependable, hard worker who wants to learn.

--Quote to note: "I think it was playing basketball out of high school. Alley-oops helped me with timing of jumping, and catching the ball. And then finding the rim definitely took a lot of hand-eye coordination. That helped correlate over very well for me. Timing in football. ... knowing when to time my jump to where I could get the best catch. ... naturally my body knows when to jump." -- Doctson, when asked what helped him the most as a receiver.

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--Frankly: Doctson is too thin and has no experience to help early as a returner, so he must quickly learn all the routes and run them with reliability. He has a decent ceiling (in part because with his springs he lives there) and maybe too much pride to hit the floor, so he is worth the gamble in the first two rounds.

27/3. *Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, 6-7, 244, 4.81, 1-2

Towering talent: Lynch may be one of the more intriguing, little-known prospects in the 2016 draft after three dazzling years as a strong-armed dual threat for the Memphis Tigers. A 6-foot-7-inch, athletic quarterback with an impressive arm and surprising agility, Lynch started the last three seasons and completed 758 out of 1,205 passes (62.9 percent) for 8,865 yards, 59 touchdowns, 23 interceptions and ran for another 687 yards and 17 touchdowns. He played in a spread attack, which devalues his results for pro scouts and he notably struggled in his final college game, completing just 16 of 39 passes for 109 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in a 31-10 loss. While his career at Memphis ended on a sour note, his future in the NFL looks sweet, in part due to pro-caliber footwork and throwing motion. Former Memphis head coach Justin Fuentes, who moved to Virginia Tech after last season, believes Lynch will surprise scouts with his football intelligence. Fuentes coached Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton at TCU and reminds that Dalton was able to start as an NFL rookie.

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--Quote to note: "I've always relied on my athletic ability with my size and arm strength in college, but I know that'll be a little different when I get to the NFL. Those guys are a lot faster, those windows are a lot smaller and those defenses do a lot more tricky stunts than they do in college. But I'm working hard. I'm training. When I finally get to minicamp or rookie camp, whenever that is, I'll know just how different it is, but it's obviously going to take some time to adjust. But I'm ready and I'm excited for it." -- Lynch, when asked to discuss his strengths.

--Frankly: A highlight reel of Lynch is very impressive in every regard, evidenced by a 157 passer rating last season. But he did almost all that damage against mediocre, small-college teams. One bright spot was last year's upset of Ole Miss when he completed 39 of 53 for 384 yards and three touchdowns. But he was snuffed by Auburn, a defense that entered the Birmingham Bowl ranked just 90th in the country. The upside is undeniable, but so too is the lack of polish. Lynch may need a year watching on the sideline before he is ready to handle an NFL offense.

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28/4. *Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson, 5-10, 190, 4.49, 1-2

Fills pressing need: Only a redshirt sophomore, Alexander teased scouts immediately with an amazing knack at painting himself onto receivers in press coverage. Oddly, he does not seem as consistent in off coverage, where a lack of refined technique and footwork are exposed and he too often seems conflicted on whether to cover the man or the ball. He is more compact than the long cornerbacks sought by NFL teams and is not always eager to take part in run support, although he shows decent ability as a tackler. He is a highly confident player - proclaiming himself as the top corner in the draft at the Combine -- but curiously elected not to participate there. While he checked off all the boxes at his Pro Day (clocking in at 4.49 seconds on a hand-held stopwatch), his marginal size and zero career interceptions leave some scouts skeptical of the young corner.

--Quote to note: "How do I answer that? I mean, I had some opportunities to come up with some picks in my career. I didn't come up with them at the end of the day. I'm taking it like a man, you know. But in a lot of situations, where I wasn't challenged very much. A lot of quarterbacks and teams stayed away from me. That was their game plan. That's it, really. That's how I answer that." -- Alexander, when asked how he answers teams that ask why he had no interceptions.

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--Frankly: Alexander already looks like a natural performing the most difficult task -- press coverage -- where he displays extraordinary quickness and fluid motion. With that as a starting point, Alexander should be able to learn the easier tasks because coaches already say he is a hard worker in the film room.

29/1. *Keanu Neal, SS, Florida, 6-0, 211, 4.56, 1-2

Wham bam: Neal is a productive pounder who plays like a torpedo that is fired in one direction at top speed and explodes upon impact. Yep, there is nothing subtle about the way Neal goes about his game, using his well-developed physique as a battering ram to stop plays upon contact, which he did on 96 tackles last season, despite missing two games with a hamstring injury. He probably could have used another year of college experience, especially to learn how to take on or avoid blockers and improve recognition so he reads and reacts quicker.

--Quote to note: "Neal is ultra-athletic and strong; he had a 38-inch vertical jump, an 11-foot broad jump and 17 bench lifts at the Combine. He has coverage ability." -- Very Senior NFL analyst Gil Brandt, discussing Neal on his list of top 10 underrated prospects.

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--Frankly: Neal is old-school tough, but makes too many false steps in the modern day game of precision football. Some team may take him in late first or early second round, although he may not be ready to step in as a reliable starter as a rookie. Meantime, he can light up opponents on special teams, at least.

30/4. *Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson, 6-5, 277, 4.83, 1-2

The other end: With Shaq Lawson (No. 3-ranked defensive end here) commanding the focus of offenses at right defensive end, Dodd was able to blossom at left defensive end in his first year as a starter. He finished last season with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks, second on the team behind Lawson. He had at least one sack in each of his last five games. Dodd demanded attention in the national championship game by scorching Alabama for three sacks and three tackles for loss. Dodd had a pedestrian showing at the Combine and said a hamstring impacted his running and he also chose not to lift.

--Quote to note: "Nobody really knew about me. ... If they projected Shaq to be All-ACC that's who they're going to roll with and that's who they went with. I had my chances and I got my opportunities to showcase who I am and I took full advantage of it." -- Dodd on how he took advantage of Shaq's presence.

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--Frankly: Dodd's star is definitely on a radical ascent, possibly best evidenced by an increase in tackles from eight in 2014 to 65 last season. Although his outstanding play in 2015 seemed to arrive out of nowhere, Dodd's progression was interrupted by a knee injury in 2013 and he obviously was healed by 2015.

31/5. *Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky, 6-2, 251, 4.79, 1-2

Fessed up: Spence was head coach Urban Meyer's first five-star recruit to commit to the Buckeyes and was the team leader in sacks as a first-year starter in 2013 at Ohio State. He finished the season with 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, including 8.0 sacks over his 12 starts. Spence tested positive for a banned substance at the 2013 Big Ten title game and was suspended for the Orange Bowl and two games in 2014. After first claiming somebody spiked his drinks, Spence owned up to a problem with Ecstasy. He completed a drug rehab program and rebuilt his resume at EKU last year, earning co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Ohio Valley Conference. He had 22.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 63 tackles, 15 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. After a good showing at the Senior Bowl, Spence was only average at the Combine except for a nice 34-inch vertical jump.

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--Quote to note: "There's a group of people I can't hang with. I have to be more myself and stay away from that party scene. It was more like partying and going out. Every time I did it, it was me going out and partying." -- Spence on how he is avoiding a drug relapse.

--Frankly: Spence is a fluid athlete with lateral agility and quickness who showed his competitive fire when he became combative during Senior Bowl practices. He can do damage from several positions along the defensive front.

32/5. Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech, 6-4, 323, 5.25, 1-2

"Big Vern": Butler, a wide-bodied, nose-tackle type, wisely decided to return to school for the 2015 season and may have boosted his projected draft status from a middle rounder to the top two rounds. A backup as a true freshman and sophomore, his snaps increased each game and he became a full-time starter in 2014. As a junior, he recorded a career-best 56 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss, earning All-Conference USA Honorable Mention honors. But he wowed scouts as a senior last season, making first-team All-Conference USA honors with 48 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and a career-best 4.0 sacks.

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--Quote to note: "Compares to Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants. Both Hankins and Butler have the quickness and point of attack power to push the pocket to give blockers all they can handle." -- Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst.

--Frankly: He seems better every day. Scouts were impressed by Butler at the Senior Bowl, where he was even bigger than previously believed and asserted his 6-foot-4 length and 324 pounds in a way that made him almost unblockable at times, showing an exciting combination of initial quickness, balance and a refined swim move.

33/6. *Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor, 6-1, 311, 5.00, 1-2

Hometown hunk: Billings was a well-known high-school sensation in Waco before making the short move to Baylor. He set state prep records in the power-lift with 2,010 total pounds that included 805 in the squat, 705 in the dead lift and 500 on the bench. Billings uses that brute strength and the ballast provided by his wide girth to dominate blockers, sometimes just tossing them aside. After becoming a starter as a sophomore, Billings collected 11.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and nine quarterback hits in 2014. Last season, he made 15 tackles for loss, including 5.5 sacks. For those tracking his weighty accomplishments, Billings hoisted 225 pounds 31 times at the Combine, good for a tie for seventh, but well off his goal of 50.

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--Quote to note: "Vince Wilfork. He really has the attack off the ball like that. I think I bring a little bit more movement laterally onto that position, and quickness. But definitely his aggression I can bring." Billings, when asked to what NFL player does he compare himself.

--Frankly: NFL teams must make this choice -- draft Billings or wish they did when attempting to block him over the next decade. He is an ascending talent.

34/5. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana, 6-6, 301, 4.87, 1-2

Blocker needs ballast: Here is another pass blocker who succeeded in a spread offense in college, but even there seemed to need more strength to cope with tougher defenders. A former prep tight end, Spriggs was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Hoosiers. He held his own against the Big Ten's top pass rushers, such as Joey Bosa and Shilique Calhoun and showed off terrific athleticism at the Combine. He's lightning quick for a big man off the ball and is agile and alert blocking on the move, projecting best to a zone-blocking scheme. Spriggs was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2015 after allowing only two sacks in 431 called pass attempts.

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--Quote to note: "I think late in the run game I tend to get a little bit higher on my toes." -- Spriggs, when asked to describe the biggest hole in his game.

--Frankly: Spriggs has the length and athleticism to remain at left tackle, but needs more strength to step up successfully into the NFL. He demonstrated some improvement in that area during Senior Bowl practices.

35/4. *Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame, 6-0, 186, 4.28, 1-2

See-ya speed: Fuller is at his best in those moments after getting off the line and catching the ball. He can toy with defenders and create separation or shift gears and take the top off a defense. He has good, not great, hands and does a decent job high-pointing the ball. What his game lacks is strength and technique to ward off press coverage or get a clean release. He also lacks the tenacity to break tackles after the catch. His answer to all that is just to burn defenses deep with an overdrive that surprises safeties. In three years at Notre Dame, Fuller totaled 144 catches, 2,512 yards and 30 touchdowns.

--Quote to note: "It's real important. My team as a whole at Notre Dame, I've been looked at as a deep-threat type of guy. I've heard that throughout the time I've been training. So I've been training hard to get the best speed time that I can." -- Fuller, when asked how important it was to be known as one of the fastest receivers in the draft.

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--Frankly: Fuller will be an oft-used threat, at least, for those teams that want to stretch the field vertically so as to prod the openings underneath -- or throw to him deep. Either way, Fuller keeps defenses on edge.

36/7. *Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA, 6-3, 314, 5.06, 1-2

On the nose: A two-year starter, Clark lined up primarily as a nose tackle and one-technique defensive tackle in UCLA's 4-3 base defense, finishing second on the team in tackles (75) in 2015. He doesn't possess great size, but Clark is one of the country's better run-stuffers, winning with strength, a naturally low center of gravity and hustle to plug rushing lanes. Overshadowed by flashier athletes throughout much of his career and still developing his pass-rush skills, Clark flashes the violence, agility and motor to twist and drive blockers backward, projecting as a three-down interior player at the next level. Although he had a forgettable 28-inch vertical jump at the Combine, Clark managed a better-than-average 29 reps benching 225 pounds.

--Quote to note: "I like to watch Haloti Ngata a lot. ... I could see a lot of myself in Ngata and the way he plays nose tackle. He gets off the ball quick. He's explosive, especially at the age he's at now, he's still doing his thing. He's still knocking guys back and being disruptive. That's impressive. I enjoy watching his tape." -- Clark, when asked what NFL player he watches most.

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Frankly: Clark's wrestling background (high school champ) shows up in the trenches. Although he looked good as a college nose tackle, he may be even more disruptive as a tackle in a base 4-3 at the pro level.

37/2. *Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama, 6-3, 247, 4.52, 1-2

Bama beatdown: Projecting an Alabama running back's future in the NFL could be dangerous to one's credibility. Four Alabama running backs were drafted in the first two rounds since 2011 -- Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon. Their lack of superstar success in the NFL caused scouts to ding Alabama running backs as damaged goods. Now we have Henry, a powerfully built brute who runs with evil intent. He won the Heisman Trophy, as well as the Doak Walker, Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards. But here is what NFL scouts are looking at: the number 2,024. That's how many times he carried or caught a football in the last seven seasons, the final three at Alabama. He totaled 16,062 yards and 198 touchdowns, with 619 touches 3,876 yards and 45 scores for the Crimson Tide. Impressive? Yes. A concern? You betcha. He is big and fast, but so is everybody in the NFL. Henry's decent quickness, good speed and so-so elusiveness are not necessarily a predictor of success in pro football.

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--Quote to note: "I feel like I can do better at everything, but the questions are my quickness, catching the ball, my protection. I definitely want to get better at that and showcase that I can do things like that, but I know I need to work on that." -- Henry, when asked what he needs to work on going into the NFL.

--Frankly: To enjoy anything like the success he had at Alabama, Henry must be drafted by an NFL team willing to feature him in a similar manner - namely, as a bell-cow back in a run-first offense. Henry's long legs help him accelerate quickly when running north and south, but he lacks ideal wiggle to avoid defenders when going east and west. Protect Henry with a powerful offensive line and allow him to gash defenses 20-25 times a game and he could live up to expectations. Anything less and the bust rate from Bama backs could grow yet again.

38/6. *Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 273, 4.56, 1-2

Really big move: Stepping up to the NFL shouldn't be intimidating for Ogbah, whose big move was from Nigeria when he was nine years old and his family sought a better life in the U.S. He was encouraged to select Oklahoma State by fellow Nigerian native Russell Okung, who, of course, is an alum. After playing every game as a redshirt freshman, Ogbah had a breakout season in 2014 and finished his sophomore year with 17.0 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks and the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award. Last season, he had 17.5 tackles for loss among his conference-high 13 sacks and was honored as the Big 12's Defensive Player of the Year. He was stymied in the Sugar Bowl by Ole Miss tackles Laremy Tunsil (ranked a top-five draft prospect) and Fahn Cooper. At the Combine, Ogbah starred with a 40-yard time of 4.63, a vertical jump of 35.5 inches and 20 reps (225 pounds) with those long arms (35.5 inches).

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--Quote to note: "Speed. I'm a pretty fast guy for a guy my size. I try to come off the ball as fast as possible and try to attack the offensive lineman before he can get his hands on me." -- Ogbah, when asked to name the most important aspect of his game.

--Frankly: Scouts believe he has a high ceiling and is just learning the nuances of the game, but NFLDraftScout.com analyst Dane Brugler warns that "Ogbah is battling the history of high-round picks from Oklahoma State who failed to live up to expectations in the NFL."

39/1. Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State, 6-4, 301, 5.02, 1-2

Battle-tested: An impressive 50-game starter in college, Whitehair split time as a guard and a tackle. Although he has decent length, his arms are shorter (32 3/8 inches) than desirable for blocking on the edge as a tackle, so he is expected to play guard in the NFL. Whitehair told NFLDdraftScout.com that he preferred playing guard, but believes his ability to play tackle adds value. "Either way I am comfortable," he said. Whitehair received All-Big 12 honors in each of his four seasons, including a selection to the first team last season. Concerns about Whitehair's length and strength were validated during workouts, where he registered "just" 16 reps at the Combine and elected not to bench again at his March 8 Pro Day.

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--Quote to note: "Maybe just the physicality and the speed of it. Coming from the Big 12, it is pretty fast, guys are strong, but this is a whole another level. But I think I can handle the transition very well." -- Whitehair, when asked to discuss the biggest transition for him going to the NFL.

--Frankly: Whitehair is not an elite athlete, but his high level of consistent efficiency is impressive. His tough-minded work ethic should help some team both on the line and in the locker room.

40/4. *Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State, 6-3, 243, 4.68, 1-2

Island volcano: After winning MVP with two sacks and a forced fumble in the Poinsettia Bowl, his teammates chanted, hopefully, "one more year, one more year." But when the NFL's College Advisory Committee gave Correa a second-round grade, it was Aloha-means-goodbye for the Hawaiian native at Boise State. Correa really served notice in 2014 when he erupted for a dozen sacks, best in the Mountain West Conference. The college defensive end was explosive and combative off the corner, but must work on his linebacker skills for the NFL, especially pass coverage and setting an edge. Regardless, his strength is causing havoc in the backfield, where he had 30 tackles for loss, including 19 sacks in 40 games, the last 27 as a starter. Ran a smooth 4.69 over 40 yards at the Combine and benched 225 pounds 21 times but skipped the shuttle and cones because of a tight calf muscle.

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--Quote to note: "Nothing subtle about Correa. He is a house-wrecker in the backfield who sometimes reminds you of Clay Matthews -- a wild man." -- An NFL assistant coach who isn't sure Correa will be available for him in the middle of the second round.

--Frankly: After a Super Bowl that proved the value of a pass rush, we have a draft that is lean in that department. Don't be surprised if some team says Aloha-means-hello to Correa earlier than expected.

41/7. Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida, 6-3, 285, 4.91, 2

Versatile d-lineman: Broad shouldered and duck footed, Bullard played at every position on the Florida defensive line, but may fit best as a base defensive end in the NFL. He impressed scouts with a willingness to play through pain and maintain a leadership role over the years. In 2013, he battled through injuries to get 33 tackles in 11 games as a sophomore, then improved in 2014 to 52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss with 2.5 sacks. Last season, he lived in the opposing backfield with 18 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks.

--Quote to note: "I think I want to play three technique. Just being closer to the ball, mismatching with the guards, quicker first step and you can key the ball faster on the three technique." -- Bullard, when asked where he preferred to play on the defensive line.

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--Frankly: Bullard can add 20 pounds of muscle to better cope with challenges in the NFL. He is a reliable, blue-collar, no-nonsense battler who can be effective immediately at the pro level.

42/6. *Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas AM, 6-6, 324, 5.25, 2

Still premature: After almost declaring for the 2015 draft, Ifedi returned to college with the intention of improving his stock by playing left tackle after two seasons at right guard and right tackle. However, he was unable to take over that prized left tackle spot previously held by first-round draftees Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews and remained at right tackle where even in his third season as a starter, he still showed a frustrating lack of consistency in his technique. Regardless, most NFL teams project him as a guard who may be able to help at tackle in an emergency. The bloodlines are there for Ifedi. His older brother, Martin, is a defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

--Quote to note: "Ifedi has first-round quality feet with excellent range in pass protection for his size, but plays too messy from the waist up and needs aggressive coaching in the NFL. Although his chaotic technique leads to balance issues, he can be as good as he wants if his discipline improves." -- NFLDraftScout.com analyst Dane Brugler in his 2016 NFL Draft Guide.

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--Frankly: Ifedi has a lot going for him, beginning with a huge, well-built body with broad shoulders, exceptionally long arms (36 inches) and quick feet. However, even after 37 games as a three-year starter, he still needs to improve reliability as a pass blocker on the outside.

43/1. *Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas, 6-5, 250, 4.68, 2

Mr. Perfection: With excellent s

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