2016 NFL Draft: Will Laremy Tunsil Be Taken No.1 Overall?


The 2016 NFL draft will be an exciting day for over 250 incoming rookies, and it is expected to be a particularly exhilarating time for early draft entrant Laremy Tunsil.

Tunsil is a 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive tackle out of Mississippi. Tunsil enters the NFL draft after appearing in just six of the Ole Miss’s 13 games as the junior was suspended for the team’s first seven contests by the NCAA for multiple rules violations that included accepting improper benefits, per ESPN.

Tunsil is considered to be the premier tackle in the draft and a top five prospect. According to his ESPN draft profile, Tunsil is an exceptional pass protector due to his length and quickness. He is also an above average run-blocker, and his awareness as well as his toughness has been graded as above average. The biggest questions about Tunsil is his character with his NCAA dealings and his durability.

Both Ian Wharton of Bleacher Report and Dane Brugler of CBS Sports are very high on Tunsil, with Brugler writing the following about Tunsil.

“On the field, Tunsil is a nimble big man with a rare athletic skill-set for the position, showing above average balance and flexibility to easily bend, handle speed and absorb power at the point of attack. He’s not a perfect player, but his flaws are more nitpicking than true weaknesses and potential injuries are the only obstacles keeping Tunsil from being one of the better left tackles at the next level.”

It is still way too early to project what Tunsil’s overall draft grade will be and how he ranks among his fellow draft entrants. He is currently projected to hear his name in the first hour of the draft (Pick No. 1-3) on April 28.

If Tunsil doesn’t go No. 1 overall, there are a few other candidates such as Joey Bosa of Ohio State, Jared Goff of California, and Jalen Ramsey out of Florida State.

Bosa is another early draft entrant as he starred for three seasons with the Buckeyes at defensive end. The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder has a lot of upside and plenty of strengths. Bosa is an excellent pass rusher as he is an outstanding athlete with great foot quickness as well as a high motor. He is also solid against the run and a strong tackler.

Bosa may be moved to outside linebacker due to his slight build, and there are questions whether he could cover a tight end in pass coverage. Bosa, who was a consensus All-American the past two years, had 51 tackles last year with 16.0 being for losses. He also recorded five sacks and one interception. His best season was his sophomore campaign when he recorded 55 tackles with 21.5 being for losses to go along with 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

Goff is coming off a phenomenal junior campaign, throwing for 4,719 yards and 43 touchdowns while completing 64.5 percent of his passes. He has good size — standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds — with exceptional arm strength to go along with a very quick release. Goff is very accurate and has a nice touch to his long ball as well as possesses some ability to avoid pressure.

Jared Goff
(photo by Ron Jenkins/Associated Press)

Ramsey is a 6-foot-1, 202-pound defensive back. Ramsey is a great athlete – he is a star track athlete as well – but his best quality is how well he has handled all his assignments as he played cornerback, safety, and the “Star” position (nickel safety) for the Seminoles according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.

Ramsey possesses excellent coverage skills and is an above-average tackler. He has above average instincts, but just average ball skills.

(photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
(photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Ramsey, a consensus All-American last year, registered 52 tackles with 3.5 being for loss and one sack. He did not have an interception but he held opposing quarterbacks to a 55 percent completion percentage and only permitted the receivers he was guarding 37 receptions for 315 yards and just one touchdown.

Mike Norris of Bleacher Report currently have Tunsil going No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans as does NFL‘s website, CBS Sports, myNFLDraft, and Walter Football, while Mel Kiper of ESPN has Tunsil going to San Diego at No. 3.

(photo by Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press)

Share this article: 2016 NFL Draft: Will Laremy Tunsil Be Taken No.1 Overall?
More from Inquisitr