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Ranking 2016 NFL draft classes: The Titans squander their picks

We’ve graded all 31 first-round picks, now it’s time to assess how teams fared at the 2016 NFL draft as a whole by ranking every team’s draft haul 1 through 32.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Picks: CB Jalen Ramsey (5th), LB Myles Jack (36th), DE Yannick Ngakoue, DT Sheldon Day (103rd), DE Tyrone Holmes (181st), QB Brandon Allen (201st), DE Jonathan Woodard (226th)

The Jaguars landed to top-5 talents in Ramsey and Jack while also bolstering their pass rush with two high-ceiling linemen. The team is probably still a year away from contending for a playoff spot, but when Jacksonville does get over that hump, this class will play a big role.

2. Washington Redskins

Picks: WR Josh Doctson (22nd), LB Su’a Cravens (53rd), CB Kendall Fuller (84th), DT Matt Ioannidis (152nd), QB Nate Sudfeld (187th), LB Steven Daniels (232nd), RB Keith Marshall (242nd)

General manager Scot McCloughan nailed another draft, picking up value with almost every pick. Doctson will give the team financial flexibility in the near future, and the rest of the picks should be able to contribute as soon as next season.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Picks: CB William Jackson (24th), WR Tyler Boyd (55th), LB Nick Vigil (87th), DT Andrew Billings (122nd), G Christian Westerman (161st), WR Cody Core (199th)

The Bengals managed to fill needs — the biggest being the No. 2 receiver spot, which Boyd should be able to fill — while also getting value throughout the seven rounds.

4. Chicago Bears

Picks: OLB Leonard Floyd (9th), G Cody Whitehair (56th), DE Jonathan Bullard (72nd), OLB Nick Kwiatkoski (113th), FS Deon Bush (124th), FS Deiondre’ Hall (127th), RB Jordan Howard (150th), FS DeAndre Houston-Carson (185th), WR Daniel Braverman (230th)

The Bears continued their rebuilding of the defense by adding intriguing pieces to its pass rush in Floyd and Bullard. The team also managed to find a replacement for Matt Forte in Howard. Seventh-round pick Daniel Braverman has the potential to grow into a dangerous slot weapon in the mold of Julian Edelman and Wes Welker.

5. Minnesota Vikings

Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images

Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images

Picks: WR Laquon Treadwell (23rd), CB Mackensie Alexander (54th), OT Willie Beavers (121st), LB Kentrell Brothers (121st), WR Moritz Boehringer (180th), TE David Morgan II (188th), DE Stephen Weatherly (227th), SS Jayron Kearse (244th)

The Treadwell pick was a no-brainer and should instantly improve the league’s 31st-ranked passing attack. The Vikings also added a number of promising defensive prospects whom Mike Zimmer should have contributing to the unit in no time.

6. Baltimore Ravens

Picks: LT Ronnie Stanley (6th), OLB Kamalei Correa (42nd), DE Bronson Kaufusi (70th), CB Tavon Young (104th), WR Chris Moore (107th), OT Alex Lewis (130th), DT Willie Henry (132nd), RB Kenneth Dixon (134th), DE Matt Judon (146th), RB Keenan Reynolds (182nd), CB Maurice Canady (209th)

While I didn’t like the Stanley pick with Tunsil on the board, it’s hard to find a lot of faults with the job Ozzie Newsome did here. Correa and Kaufusi will add youth to a rapidly aging rush, and Young is a talented prospect who will need some time to iron some of his problems with technique.

7. Indianapolis Colts

Picks: C Ryan Kelly (18th), FS T.J. Green (57th), OT Le’Raven Clark (82nd), DT Hassan Ridgeway (116th), LB Antonio Morrison (125th), OT Joe Haeg (155th), DE Trevor Bates (239th), C Austin Blythe (248th)

Finally, the Colts seem to be addressing the offensive line. Kelly will make a Pro Bowl or two during his career and third-rounder Le’Raven Clark has first-round talent. Andrew Luck just may make it through next season with all of his internal organs intact.

8. Miami Dolphins

 Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Picks: LT Laremy Tunsil (13th), CB Xavien Howard (38th), RB Kenyan Drake (73rd), WR Leonte Carroo (86th), WR Jakeem Grant (186th), SS Jordan Lucas (204th), QB Brandon Doughty (223rd), TE Thomas Duarte (231st)

Getting Tunsil at 13 was a huge steal, and Howard and Drake fill big needs for the Dolphins.

9. San Diego Chargers

Picks: DE Joey Bosa (3rd), TE Hunter Henry (35th), C Max Tuerk (66th), LB Joshua Perry (102nd), OLB Jatavis Brown (175th), P Drew Kaser (179th), FB Derek Watt (198th), G Donavon Clark (224th)

Drafting a punter and fullback will drag the Chargers’ grade down a little, but the team’s first four picks could all make it into the starting lineup by the fall.

10. Seattle Seahawks

Picks: OT Germain Ifedi (31st), DT Jarran Reed (49th), RB C.J. Prosise (90th), TE Nick Vannett (94th), OG Rees Odhiambo (97th), DT Quinton Jefferson (147th), RB Alex Collins (171st), C Joey Hunt (215th), WR Kenny Lawler (243rd)

The Seahawks addressed their o-line needs and were still able to add some valuable pieces to the defense. Reed will improve the run defense in a hurry.

11. Cleveland Browns

Picks: WR Corey Coleman (15th), DE Ammanuel Ogbah (32nd), DE Carl Nassib (65th), OT Shon Coleman (76th), QB Cody Kessler (93rd), OLB Joe Schobert (99th) WR Ricardo Louis (114th), SS Derrick Kindred (129th), WR Seth DeValve (138th), WR Jordan Payton (154th), G Spencer Drango (168th), WR Rashard Higgins (172nd) CB Trey Caldwell (173rd), LB Scooby Wright (250th)

I’m not a fan of the Kessler pick, but Hue Jackson has earned the benefit of the doubt after the work he did with Andy Dalton last season. Throwing a bunch of picks at wide receiver makes sense for a team that has struggled at the position for nearly a decade. Seventh-rounder Scooby Wright could end up being a steal.

12. New York Giants

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Picks: CB Eli Apple (10th), WR Sterling Shepard (40th), FS Darian Thompson (71st), LB B.J. Goodson (109th), RB Paul Perkins (149th), TE Jerell Adams (184th)

The first pick wasn’t great, but the Giants nailed pretty much every pick after that. The offense added two playmakers in Shepard and Perkins.

13. Oakland Raiders

Picks: SS Karl Joseph (14th), DT Jihad Ward (44th), DE Shilique Calhoun (75th), QB Connor Cook (100th), RB DeAndre Washington (143rd), OLB Cory James (194th), G Vadal Alexander (234th)

Reggie McKenzie is slowly filling all of the holes on this roster. His first three picks — all defensive players — should instantly improve a defense that finished 26th in the league. Cook could turn into a valuable trade chip in a few seasons.

14. Buffalo Bills

Picks: DE Shaq Lawson (19th), LB Reggie Ragland (41st), DT Adolphus Washington (80th), QB Cardale Jones (139th), RB Jonathan Williams (156th), WR Kolby Listenbee (192nd), CB Kevon Seymour (218th)

The Bills spent two of their first three picks rebuilding their once-great defense line. If Lawson and Washington can help re-spark the pass rush, it will make the rest of the defense better.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Picks: RB Ezekiel Elliott (4th), LB Jaylon Smith (34th), DT Maliek Collins (67th), DE Charles Tapper (101st), QB Dak Prescott (135th), CB Anthony Brown (189th), FS Kavon Frazier (212th), RB Darius Jackson (216th), TE Rico Gathers (217th)

Elliott is our early favorite to win Rookie of the Year. He’ll help the Cowboys offense sustain drives, which will keep the defense off the field for long stretches of play. That was the formula for success in 2014. Pass rush is still a concern, but defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli will know how to get contributions out of Collins and Tapper. The Jaylon Smith pick will pay off in a year or two.

16. New Orleans Saints

Picks: DT Sheldon Rankins (12th), WR Michael Thomas (47th), SS Von Bell (61st), DT David Onyemata (120th), RB Daniel Lasco (237th)

The Saints’ first three picks all fill needs. Rankins will elevate a defensive line that has had its problems producing interior pressure. Thomas should thrive with a quarterback like Drew Brees supplying him passes. And Bell will add a versatile piece to the secondary.

17. Kansas City Chiefs

Picks: DT Chris Jones (37th), CB KeiVarae Russell (74th), G Parker Ehinger (105th), CB Eric Murray (106th), WR Demarcus Robinson (126th), QB Kevin Hogan (162nd), WR Tyreek Hill (165th), CB D.J. White (178th), OLB Dadi Nolas (203rd)

The Chiefs had a lot of picks but none in the first round after they traded down. They still managed to find first-round talent in Jones.

18. Arizona Cardinals

Picks: DE Robert Nkemdiche (29th), CB Brandon Williams (92nd), C Evan Boehm (128th), SS Marqui Christian (167th), OT Cole Toner (170th), CB Harlan Miller (205th)

Arizona will get the most out of Nkemdiche, who would have gone in the top-10 if not for character concerns.

19. Green Bay Packers

Picks: DT Kenny Clark (27th), OT Jason Spriggs (48th), OLB Kyler Fackrell (88th), LB Blake Martinez (131st), DE Dean Lowry (137th), WR Trevor Davis (163rd), OT Kyle Murphy (200th)

The Packers had their typical boring-but-effective draft. Clark should be able to help the team’s run defense next year.

20. New York Jets

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Picks: LB Darron Lee (20th), QB Christian Hackenberg (51st), OLB Jordan Jenkins (83rd), CB Justin Burris (118th), OT Brandon Shell (158th), P Lachlan Edwards (235th), WR Charone Peake (241st)

Hackenberg is going to be a good quarterback, especially with the Jets receiving corps. I’m not sure the rest of the class will pan out, though. Lee is a burner at the linebacker position, but he’s not strong enough to hold up against NFL blockers.

21. Detroit Lions

Picks: OT Taylor Decker (16th), DT A’Shawn Robinson (46th), Graham Glasgow (95th), SS Miles Killebrew (111th), G Joe Dahl (151st), OLB Antwione Williams (169th), QB Jake Rudock (191st), DE Anthony Zettel (202nd), Jimmy Landes (210th), RB Dwayne Wshington (236th)

New GM Bob Quinn used free agency to add skill players. He used the draft to build up the trenches on both side of the ball. That’s where the Lions were weak in 2015. These picks aren’t sexy but should improve the on-field product.

22. Los Angeles Rams

Picks: QB Jared Goff (2nd), TE Tyler Higbee (110th), WR Pharoh Cooper (1197th), TE Temarrick Hemingway (177th), LB Josh Forrest (190th), WR Mike Thomas (206th)

The Rams have their franchise quarterback, but, with a limited number of picks, they weren’t able to start building around him. Higbee could end up a productive player if he stays out of trouble off-the-field. Then again, his off-field exploits are the only reason the Rams were able to get him when they did.

23. San Francisco 49ers

Picks: DE DeForest Buckner (7th), G Joshua Garnett (28th), CB Will Redmond (68th), CB Rasgard Robinson (133rd), DE Ronald Blaier (142nd), OT John Theus (145th), OT Fahn Cooper (145th), QB Jeff Driskel (207th), RB Kelvin Taylor (211th), WR Aaron Burbridge (213th), CB Prince Charls Iworah (249th)

Buckner is going to be a good — maybe even great — player for a long time. The 49ers’ next few picks could be considered reaches, however. I do like what San Francisco did on the last day: Burbridge is an underrated receiver and Chip Kelly’s offense is the perfect fit for Driskel.

24. Atlanta Falcons

Picks: SS Keanu Neal (17th), OLB Deion Jones (52nd), TE Austin Hooper (81st), OLB De’Vondre Campbell (115th), G Wes Schweitzer (195th), WR Devin Fuller (238th)

Neal was a reach, and some will say Jones was too in the second round. But both do have speed and fit in well with the defense head coach Dan Quinn employs.

25. Houston Texans

Picks: WR Will Fuller (21st), C Nick Martin (50th), WR Braxton Miller (85th), RB Tyler Ervin (119th), SS KJ Dillon (159th), DT D.J. Reader (166th)

Some are high on the Texans’ haul, but is this offense really any better after the team drafted two receivers who aren’t natural pass catchers? Martin will be a solid player, but the rest of the class is boom-or-bust.

26. Carolina Panthers

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Picks: DT Vernon Butler (30th), CB James Bradberry (62nd), CB Daryl Worley (77th), CB Zack Sanchez (141st) TE Beau Sandland (252nd)

Butler gives the Panthers options with both starting defensive tackles nearing the end of their deals. The “draft every corner available” approach may end up working, but Carolina had other holes to address.

27. Denver Broncos

Picks: QB Paxton Lynch (26th), DT Adam Gotsis (63rd), FS Justin Simmons (98th), RB Devontae Booker (136th), G Connor McGovern (144th), FB Andy Janovich (176th), SS Will Parks (219th), P Riley Dixon (228th)

After trading up for Lynch, the Broncos will start either a raw rookie who will need a few years before developing into a competent NFL passer or Mark Sanchez — neither option looks good.  Landing Booker at 136 will end up looking like a steal, but the rest of the class is underwhelming.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Picks: CB Artie Burns (25th), FS Sean Davis (58th), DT Javon Hargrave (89th), OT Jerald Hawkins (123rd), OLB Travis Feeney (220th), Demarcus Ayers (229th), LB Tyler Matakevich (246th)

It’s easy to see the Steelers strategy: They wanted to upgrade a secondary that couldn’t stop anyone from carving it up through the air. But neither Burns nor Davis will help Pittsburgh win in 2016. Both players will take some time to develop into solid contributors.

29. New England Patriots

Picks: CB Cyrus Jones (60th), G Joe Thuney (78th), QB Jacoby Brissett (91st), DT Vincent Valentine (96th), WR Malcolm Mitchell (112th), SS Kamu Grugier-Hill (208th), LB Elandon Roberts (214th), G Ted Karras (221st), WR Devin Lucien (225th)

The Patriots’ draft classes always come out looking pretty odd. Belichick is going to take the kind of players he covets no matter how they are rated by other teams. The Brissett pick made no sense. Why spend a top-100 pick on a player who will never start for your team if all goes according to plan?

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Picks: CB Vernon Hargreaves (11th), DE Noah Spence (39th), K Roberto Aguayo (59th), CB Ryan Smith (108th), OT Caleb Benenoch (148th), OLB Devante Bond (183rd), FB Dan Vitale (197th)

The first two picks were solid, and then it was all downhill from there. The Buccaneers traded up to get a kicker in the second round. It was the worst move of the draft.

31. Tennessee Titans

Picks: LT Jack Conklin (8th), DE Kevin Dodd (33rd), DT Austin Johnson (43rd), RB Derrick Henry (45th), SS Kevin Byard (64th), WR Tajae Sharpe (157th), CB LeShaun Sims (157th), G Sebastian Tretola (193rd), OLB Aaron Wallace (222nd), CB Kalan Reed (253rd)

Do the Titans know how the NFL game is played in 2016? Instead of building around their franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota, they spent two early picks on a left tackle who is known for run blocking (Conklin) and a one-dimensional running back who is fresh off a season in which he carried the ball nearly 400 times in 13 games (Henry). Congratulations, Tennessee. You just won the 1983 Super Bowl.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Picks: QB Carson Wentz (2nd), G Isaac Seumalo (79th), OT Halapoulivaati (164th), CB Blake Countess (196th), CB Jalen Mays (233rd), DE Alex McCalister (240th), LB Joe Walker (251st)

It was always going to be hard for the Eagles to cobble together a good class with only two picks in the first four rounds. Wentz has too many question marks for a team to give up essentially two drafts to get him.

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