The Rams made Jared Goff the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft
After months of speculation, mock drafts and analysis, the 2016 NFL Draft has finally arrived. So, what does it mean for your fantasy football team? Read below, as this rollup will include our fantasy football correspondents’ take on each draft pick as the evening progresses.
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No. 1 – Los Angeles Rams (via TEN) – Jared Goff (QB)
The Los Angeles Rams have selected QB Jared Goff of Cal with the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: No surprise here. Goff should get every opportunity to be the Rams’ starting QB Week 1. They cleared the way for him, moving up from No. 15 to choose the Cal QB. He will benefit from having Todd Gurley behind him, but he will still be a rookie QB on a bad team so expectations should be tempered.
No. 2 – Philadelphia Eagles (via CLE) – Carson Wentz (QB)
By Neil Dutton
The Eagles used the second overall selection to pick North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz on Thursday night.
Fantasy Impact: Howie “I got jokes” Roseman would have people believe that the Eagles would have been equally happy with either Wentz or Jared Goff, but ultimately they got the player they wanted. The Eagles haven’t drafted a QB this high since they took Donovan McNabb in 1999, the last Birds signal caller to win a playoff game. Wentz has an ideal chance to redshirt his rookie season, if the Birds can resolve the increasingly messy Sam Bradford situation. So might be wise to leave him on your redraft waiver wire for now.
No. 3 – San Diego Chargers – Joey Bosa (DE)
By Neil Dutton
The San Diego Chargers selected Ohio State pass rusher Joey Bosa with the 3rd overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Bolts have taken a player that they hope will upgrade their pass rush, and ignored OT Laremy Tunsill who could have protected Phil Rivers. He’s a candidate to start right away.
No. 4 – Dallas Cowboys – Ezekiel Elliott (RB)
The Cowboys made Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: Ezekiel Elliott joins Dez Bryant and Tony Romo on an already explosive Cowboys offense. With Elliott rushing behind one of the league’s best lines, he will enter the 2016 fantasy football campaign as a high-end RB2 with a high ceiling.
No. 5 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Ramsey (CB)
The Jaguars have selected CB Jalen Ramsey out of Florida State with the No. 5 overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: Ramsey has called himself the top player in this draft, and he very well could end up with that title when all is said and done. The Jaguars have a great, young offense, but they clearly need help on defense. Ramsey should be a nice addition for this up-and-coming team.
No. 6 – Baltimore Ravens –Ronnie Stanley (OT)
With the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens have selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley.
Fantasy Impact: Stanley was a 39 game starter at Notre Dame, 13 on the right side and 26 on the left. He returned for his senior year at Notre Dame after being projected as a top 10 overall selection in the 2015 NFL draft, and refined his play to the point that the Ravens seem confident bringing him on to challenge incumbent tackle Eugene Monroe protecting QB Joe Flacco’s blindside. Stanley has excellent measurables for the position and is a highly effective pass protector. Provided he can bring some nasty to his run blocking, Stanley could prove to be a generational talent for Baltimore.
No. 7 – San Francisco 49ers – DeForest Buckner (DE)
With the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Oregon DE DeForest Buckner.
Fantasy Impact: With the selection of Buckner, the 49ers have spent back-to-back first round picks on defensive lineman after picking up Arik Armstead in 2015. Buckner is a physical specimen, standing at over 6’7″ and appearing lithe at a shade over 300 pounds. San Francisco is hoping DeForest Buckner will help improve a run defense that was one of the worst in NFL history in 2015. With his size and athleticism, he’ll be effective in both three and four-man fronts, so Buckner should be a factor for the 49ers on both running and passing downs.
No. 8 – Tennessee Titans (via CLE) – Jack Conklin (OT)
The Tennessee Titans selected OT Jack Conklin as the No. 8 overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: He’ll be able to step in right away and contribute. Although he has some limitations, he has solid technique and the pick is a solid one for the Titans. He’ll be protecting last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Marcus Mariota.
No. 9 – Chicago Bears (via TB) – Leonard Floyd (OLB)
The Chicago Bears have selected Georgia OLB Leonard Floyd with the 9th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
Fantasy Impact: Moving up two spots in the first round to nab Floyd cost the Bears their 2016 4th round draft pick, but in doing so they were able to fill a need with the 6’6 edge-rusher known for his speed, length, and athleticism. Floyd has been knocked by some analysts for his lack of bulk, but advocates compare him to Aldon Smith, whom DC Vic Fangio coached while he was in San Francisco. Floyd’s potential and his ability to slide into a 3-4 scheme were likely major drawing points for Bears’ GM Ryan Pace.
No. 10 – New York Giants – Eli Apple (CB)
The New York Giants have selected Ohio State defensive back Eli Apple with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: The New York Giants bolster their defense by selecting Eli Apple with the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft. The former Ohio State corner will likely line up on the other side of Janoris Jenkins, who was signed along with Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison as high-profile talents this offseason to make an improvement on a defense that finished the 2015 season ranked dead last.
No. 11 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CHI) – Vernon Hargreaves (CB)
By Neil Dutton
After trading down with the Chicago Bears, the Buccaneers used the 11th overall pick on Vernon Hargreaves.
Fantasy Impact: The Bucs scored themselves an extra 4th rounder, too. Hargreaves should help upgrade a defensive backfield including Dolphins cast off Brent Grimes and the oft benched Alterraun Verner.
No. 12 – New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins (DE)
By Matt Martens
The Saints selected DE Sheldon Rankins with the 12th pick in the draft.
Fantasy Impact: Rankins will help fill a big need on a Saints defense that needed help across the board. A defense that was one of the worst in the league last year should see a bump in both run stopping and pass rushing with the addition of Rankins.
No. 13 – Miami Dolphins (via PHI) – Laremy Tunsil (OT)
The Dolphins selected Laremy Tunsil with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: Tunsil’s freefall began following the unidentified image that surfaced on his verified Twitter account. After being projected as high as No. 1 overall, Tunsil will begin his career with the Dolphins protecting Ryan Tannehill. While he certainly carries injury concerns and off-the-field baggage, Tunsil could also wind up being the top OL in this draft.
No. 14 – Oakland Raiders – Karl Joseph (S)
The Oakland Raiders have selected West Virginia DB Karl Joseph with the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: Karl Joseph adds a playmaking safety to an up and coming Raiders defense. With Charles Woodson’s retirement earlier in the offseason, the Raiders lost a veteran leader. Joseph is said to have tremendous leadership skills and could fill the void Woodson left, even as a rookie.
No. 15 – Cleveland Browns (via TEN) – Corey Coleman (WR)
By Matt Martens
The Browns selected WR Corey Coleman with the 15th pick in the draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Browns finally get a playmaker on the offense, something they have ignored for years. Coleman automatically becomes one of the top threats in the passing game and will become a favorite target.
No. 16 – Detroit Lions – Taylor Decker (OT)
The Detroit Lions have selected Ohio State OT Taylor Decker with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Lions will upgrade their offensive tackle position with the selection of Taylor Decker. Decker could start in 2016 on the right side as they have Riley Reiff on the left. Although if Reiff struggles, Decker could find himself protecting Matthew Stafford’s blindside.
No. 17 – Atlanta Falcons – Keanu Neal (SS)
The Falcons selected Safety Keanu Neal as the 17th overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: Neal should be an early starter for the Falcons and will be welcomed because of his physical style of play. He can play the line of scrimmage but needs to work on his coverage skills. Neal is a very hard hitter and a good addition to the Falcon defense.
No. 18 – Indianapolis Colts – Ryan Kelly (C)
C Ryan Kelly from Alabama was drafted by the Colts with the 18th overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: Arguably the best center in the draft, Kelly’s athleticism and size for a center (6’4, 311 pounds) will not only prevent defenders from getting up the middle to Andrew Luck, but he also has the speed to pull away from the line and get to linebackers in time. Andrew Luck’s biggest problem was his lack of protection, but Kelly is undoubtedly the draft’s best option for Luck to take snaps from.
No. 19 – Buffalo Bills – Shaq Lawson (DE)
The Buffalo Bills have selected Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson with the 19th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: Shaq Lawson adds a much-needed pass rusher in a Bills defense that parted ways with Mario Williams in the offseason. Lawson could thrive in Rex Ryan’s scheme and could make plays by pressuring the quarterback and disrupting the run behind the line of scrimmage. The concerns surrounding Lawson largely stem from his shoulder injury, which has some questioning his availability for the upcoming 2016 season.
No. 20 – New York Jets – Darron Lee (OLB)
By Jacob Ciesla
With the 20th pick in the 2016 NFL draft, the New York Jets select Darron Lee, linebacker out of Ohio State.
Fantasy Impact: The Jets front office said they were planning on selecting the best player available when it was their time to choose and they selected linebacker Darron Lee. Lee should fit well in Todd Bowles defense as he can move all around in the line backing corp. After losing Demario Davis, Lee should be an instant starter.
No. 21 – Houston Texans (via WAS) – Will Fuller (WR)
By Paul Maland
The Houston Texans found a freakishly fast wide receiver to compliment DeAndre Hopkins in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. Will Fuller from Notre Dame was taken with the 22nd overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: DeAndre Hopkins will now have a legitimate running mate but the biggest beneficiary here just might be Brock Osweiler in fantasy terms. Will Fuller will be on the fantasy radar right out of the gates.
No. 22 – Washington Redskins (via HOU) – Josh Doctson (WR)
By Jacob Ciesla
With the 22nd pick in this year’s draft, the Redskins traded back one spot to select TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson.
Fantasy Impact: Doctson is expected to be an impact player for the Washington Redskins in 2016. He will be the number two receiver for Kirk Cousins going into training camp and if he can claim that spot, he will provide some intriguing fantasy upside late in drafts. It will also help Cousins in his fantasy value by having three reliable options in Garçon, Reed and Doctson.
No. 23 – Minnesota Vikings – Laquon Treadwell (WR)
By Paul Maland
With the 23rd pick in the 2016 draft the Minnesota Vikings selected wide receiver Laquon Treadwell out of Ole Miss. Despite being widely regarded as the best receiver in this class, this playmaker slipped down draft boards after running a mediocre 40-yard dash.
Fantasy Impact: Teddy Bridgewater will be glad to have this new weapon who can truly high-point balls and make contested catches better than any other rookie prospect this year. As a compliment to Stefon Diggs, Treadwell will have immediate fantasy value. He will be especially valuable if the Vikings decide to air out the ball more often than they did in 2015.
No. 24 – Cincinnati Bengals – William Jackson III (CB)
The Bengals selected CB William Jackson III as their 24th pick.
Fantasy Impact: The Bengals took the best on the board as their 24th pick. Some had hoped for a WR but Jackson is a solid addition to the defense. He led the nation in passes defended last year at Houston and also added 23 passes broken up and five interceptions. He needs to become more physical in pass coverage and become stronger in run support, all things that can be properly coached. He needs development and will likely not become a starter for another year or two.
No. 25 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Artie Burns (CB)
The Steelers selected Miami CB Artie Burns with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Steelers clearly needed to add to their secondary, and Burns has the measurables to fit the mold of a starting CB. While he’s raw and not as polished as some of the other defensive backs taken in the first round, his physical traits give him as much upside as anyone at the position. His physical style of play should fit will in Pittsburgh.
No. 26 – Denver Broncos (via SEA) – Paxton Lynch (QB)
Memphis QB Paxton Lynch was selected by the Broncos with the 26th overall pick. The Denver Broncos traded with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire this pick.
Fantasy Impact: Paxton Lynch is more of a project player for the Broncos. It may make more sense for Lynch to sit and learn for a year, then have him starting right out of the gate. Even if he does end of getting some starts this year, it won’t be to start the season most likely. Mark Sanchez stands between Lynch and the starting gig.
No. 27 – Green Bay Packers – Kenny Clark (DT)
UCLA DT Kenny Clark was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 27th overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: With B.J. Raji gone, Clark makes perfect sense for Green Bay to fill that hole. He’s arguably the best run-stopper in the draft, has great experience with a 3-4 defense (started every game during his three-year career at UCLA, which runs the 3-4), and is very durable (having never missed a game in college and never having a surgery. He’ll be an integral part of Green Bay’s front seven.
No. 28 – San Francisco 49ers (via KC) – Joshua Garnett (OG)
Stanford G Joshua Garnett was selected by the 49ers with the 28th overall pick after they traded back into the first round.
Fantasy Impact: Garnett is a guy who can come in and be a successful contributor right out fo the gate. He’s very agile and athletic and is a very large, physical blocker. He will compliment Chip Kelly’s quick offense and serve as good protection for Colin Kaepernick.
No. 29 – Arizona Cardinals – Robert Nkemdiche (DT)
By Alex Baker
The Arizona Cardinals selected Miss. State DT Robert Nkemdiche with the 29th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: A stellar high school recruit and top prospect going into his junior year, Nkemdiche fell due to character and marijuana concerns. He possesses immense physical and athletic traits, and in an environment like Arizona (noted for its success with S Tyrann Mathieu), he may be able to put his off-field concerns behind him.
No. 30 – Carolina Panthers – Vernon Butler (DT)
The Carolina Panthers selected DT Vernon Butler as the 30th pick.
Fantasy Impact: Butler is a big man who has the agility to clog running lanes in the NFL. He’s raw and needs good coaching so it’s a good sign he is going to Carolina. He is a solid pick for the Panthers and will become a high-level starter for the team.
No. 31 – Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) – Germain Ifedi (OL)
The Seahawks selected OL Germain Ifedi with the No. 31 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: There are some that question Ifedi’s ability to play tackle in the NFL, but he should be able to find a starting role on the Seahawks’ offensive line. He has great size and measurables that you can’t teach, and he has an opportunity to be a force in whatever position he finds.
