The top five prospects for the NFL draft

With the 2015-16 NFL season wrapped up, the beginning of the next season approaches and a large variety of potential game changers are preparing to enter the NFL draft. Here are some of the top prospects, compiled by sophomore Staff Writer Owen Churchwell, that are expected to appear in the 2016 draft.

University of Florida’s star cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III finished off his career as a former Gator with four interceptions and 31 tackles solely in the 2015-16 season. Since making the All-American first team in his 2015 season, playing in the NFL has practically been Hargreaves III destiny. Now as the 2016 draft approaches, sportingnews.com has him entering the draft as the sixth overall pick for the Baltimore Ravens.

University of Florida State Seminoles cornerback Jalen Ramsey helped lead his team to an overall 14th place at the end of the 2015-16 season according to the AP Top 25 poll. As an All-American cornerback, it was no surprise that Ramsey was fourth in the ACC for forced fumbles in a single season. Ramsey’s impressive stats have drawn attention to himself as the draft approaches. Not only is he a potential overall first pick, but he has also received endorsement from Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Dez Bryant. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, “Dez Bryant says he’d take Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey if he had the call for the Cowboys’ fourth overall pick.”

It is no surprise that the University of Ohio State Buckeyes All-American running back Ezekiel Elliot is one of the top prospects in the 2016 Draft. Elliot not only has a National Championship MVP title, but was also a Heisman candidate. Elliot is considered a speed back with an impressive 4.4 40 yard dash. With all of these facts adding up, Elliot is projected to go in either the seventh or eighth round.

Former North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz is projected by newsday.com to not only be the first quarterback drafted, but also the second overall pick. Throughout Wentz’s career at NDSU, he led his team to two consecutive NCAA FCS Football Championships. Standing at 6’5, Wentz impressed scouts in the combine, where recruits were given the opportunity to show their skills to NFL scouts and coaches. According to NFL.com, “(Wentz is) tall with an athletic, proportional build that is made for the NFL position.”

Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is projected to be the first pick according to newsday.com. The 6’4, 310 lb. linemen has a perfect mix of strength and technique, giving him the opportunity to be the first overall pick. With a three year starting experience for the Ole Miss Rebels, Tunsil has been part of a team that has been able to take down the dominant and current NCAA FBS Championship team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, making him an even stronger target for the prospective teams in the draft.