The 2016 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and NFL franchises have been thoroughly researching potential prospects for their team, as each franchise knows the impact that a strong draft class can have on the next season and the future. HNGN has already broken down the first 10 picks of the 2016 NFL Draft, and below are projected picks 11 through 21 and reasons why each prospect will land with that franchise.
11. Chicago Bears: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Chicago Bears saw improvements in their defense under first-year head coach John Fox and have added some big pieces in free agency, landing linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. While the offensive line may be a position that the Bears look to target with the 11th pick, Robinson provides a strong presence on the defensive line and can clog the middle, making it hard for opposing offenses to run the ball. The 6-foot-4, 307-pound defensive tackle recorded 7.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks on the way to winning a National Championship at Alabama and will open lanes for linebacker blitzes, as he will likely require two offensive linemen to block him.
12. New Orleans Saints: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
The Saints need to address multiple issues on the defensive side of the ball, and while their secondary should be a top priority, their pass rush struggled to create any pressure last season. Dodd is projected as a first-round talent, and some draft analysts believe that he is greater talent than teammate Shaq Lawson. The Saints recorded 31 total team sacks last season tied for 25th in the league, and Dodd could make an much needed impact on their defensive front in 2016.
13. Miami Dolphins: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
The Dolphins were in the market for free agent running backs this offseason after losing Lamar Miller to the Houston Texans, but they were unable to land either C.J. Anderson or Chris Johnson. If Elliott is still on the board by the 13th pick, it looks like a no-brainer for the Dolphins, as Elliott is one of the best talents in this year's draft and can be game-changer for their offense. The Dolphins are clearly in need of a running back, and if teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles pass on the talented running back, he could wind up in Miami next season.
14. Oakland Raiders: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Offensive line was a big question mark heading into the offseason for the Raiders, but after landing offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele in free agency and re-signing offensive tackle Donald Penn, the Silver and Black may look in a different direction. The Raiders bolstered their defense with some key acquisitions this offseason, and the addition of a player like Rankins to the front of their defensive line would have a positive effect on the rest of the team. Rankins is one of the top interior defensive lineman in a draft class loaded with talent at the position, and he was extremely productive in college, consistently getting behind the line of scrimmage with 13 tackles for a loss and six sacks his senior season.
15. Los Angeles Rams: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
The Rams have a need for receiver, and Treadwell is considered the top receiver available in this year's draft class. The talented Rebels receiver is great at using his body to catch contested passes and should enter the league immediately as a number two receiver with potential to end up being a star receiver. The Rams have multiple holes to fill on their roster this offseason, but Treadwell makes the most sense for Los Angeles, as he fills an immediate hole and can play Week One.
16. Detroit Lions: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Lions have been in the market for an offensive tackle and weren't able to land Russell Okung despite reports of productive meeting. There is no question that Detroit is looking for a cornerstone offensive tackle, and Conklin could provide immediate relief in Detroit, as well as let offensive tackle Riley Reiff move to the right side of the line. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked 44 times last season, tied for the sixth most in the league, and look for Detroit to bolster their offensive line with player like Conklin in the first round of the draft.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Falcons are trying to build a strong foundation on defense with head coach Dan Quinn in place, and if a talent like Ragland is still on the board at 17, Atlanta should look to grab him quickly. The 6-foot-1, 247-pound linebacker will be a leader for an NFL franchise on defense and is a thumping inside linebacker that has the ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ragland was the leader on the defensive side of the ball during Alabama's National Championship run, and he was a tackling machine with 102 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Much like the Lions, the Colts know that their top priority is protecting quarterback Andrew Luck, and drafting a player like Decker will give them an immediate presence on their offensive line. The Buckeyes offensive tackle has drawn comparisons with Patriots offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer and should be starting on an offensive line Week One next season. At 6-foot-7, 310-pounds, Decker could provide a cornerstone piece that will be blocking for the Colts and quarterback Andrew Luck for years to come.
19. Buffalo Bills: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
The Buckeyes linebacker is a versatile playmaker on the defensive side of the ball and could be a steal for the Bills with the 19th pick. Bills head coach Rex Ryan and assistant head coach for defense Rob Ryan will surely find ways to get an explosive athlete like Lee involved in their defense. Lee recorded 66 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and an interception this past season, and he has the ability to rush the passer as well as drop back in coverage which would make him a unique addition to Buffalo's defense in 2016.
20. New York Jets: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
The Jets have multiple holes that they are looking to fill this offseason, and quarterback is likely the biggest question, with Ryan Fitzpatrick still unsigned. The Jets could go in multiple directions in this upcoming draft, but Ogbah could fill a need as a pass rusher for the Jets, especially with Wilkerson's future with the team in doubt. Ogbah recorded 16.5 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks for the Cowboys last season, and he would provide another pass rusher for the Jets. The Jets' needs in the lead up to the draft are expected to change, and with Wilkerson and Fitzpatrick's futures with the organization in question, this pick could certainly change before April.
21. Washington Redskins: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The Redskins have needs in both their secondary and defensive line in this year's draft, and the addition of player like Reed will give Washington the run-stuffer they have been looking for in the middle. The Alabama defensive tackle is considered an elite run defender by most draft analysts, and he fills an immediate need for the Redskins in the middle of their defensive line.
