With the 2016 NFL Draft over and done with, it's time we shift our focus toward next season's, where we could have an absolutely loaded first round.
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Based on his past two seasons, it's a solid projection to assume Clemson's DeShaun Watson as the No. 1 overall pick. If he maintains his career arc, he could be the guy for the franchise quarterback-needy Cleveland Browns.
Here's the key players that could be real difference-makers in Year 1, per Pro Football Focus:
1. Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
2. Texas A&M OLB/DE Myles Garrett, San Diego Chargers
3. Tennessee DE Derek Barnett, Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Florida CB Jalen Tabor, Tennessee Titans
6. Auburn DE Carl Lawson, Detroit Lions
9. Florida State RB Dalvin Cook, New Orleans Saints
11. LSU RB Leonard Fournette, Miami Dolphins
13. Alabama DE Jonathan Allen, Washington Redskins
14. Alabama OT Cam Robinson, Chicago Bears
15. Clemson WR Mike Williams, Buffalo Bills
21. Georgia RB Nick Chubb, Kansas City Chiefs
24. Tennessee CB Cam Sutton, Dallas Cowboys
26. Alabama S Eddie Jackson, Cincinnati Bengals
29. Alabama OLB Tim Williams, Green Bay Packers
32. Alabama TE O.J. Howard, New England Patriots
If Chubb, Cook and Fournette have standout seasons, could all three be in the top 10 around this time next year? It's very possible.
It's extremely hard to see Fournette dropping all the way to 11, with another running back going before him.
And if things play out how they're currently projected, Alabama's O.J. Howard could be the steal of the draft in the Patriots' system.
