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Top 50 available draft prospects for Day 2

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - AUGUST 30: Myles Jack #30 of the UCLA Bruins in action against the Virginia Cavaliers during the game at Scott Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Charlottesville, Virginia. UCLA defeated Virginia 28-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Myles Jack

The first round of the NFL draft is in the books.

After months of grading every player on every snap in college football, re-watching the film and taking in all of the offseason workouts, the grinding is done but the draft is not.

As a reminder:  Our rankings rely heavily on our grading system that accounts for down-to-down production, but we’ve used all available information to shape the board whether that be workouts, projections, or off-field issues if they are clear.

Here are top 50 prospects available for day two of the 2016 NFL draft:

For more in-depth breakdowns on every top prospect, check out our PFF scouting reports, our 2016 NFL draft guide, and our pick-by-pick analysis of the first round. The text for the player write-ups has been pulled from our final draft board of the season.

  1. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

Big Board Rank: 6

Position Rank: 1

Our top coverage linebacker in 2014, Jack attacked blockers with power early in 2015, showing that he can develop into one of the league’s best all-around defensive weapons.

  1. Chris Jones, Defensive Interior, Mississippi State

Big Board Rank: 12

Position Rank: 3

The power is the first thing that stands out, and it was put to good use as Jones ranked fourth in the nation among interior defensive linemen at +54.2. He can move blockers at the point of attack and push the pocket, and he still has room to grow as a player.

  1. Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State

Big Board Rank: 17

Position Rank: 1

After ranking fourth in the nation among offensive tackles in 2014 and first in 2015, Whitehair is projected to move to guard at the next level, something we saw during Senior Bowl week. He acquitted himself well, and he has the potential to be the next successful tackle to guard convert in the NFL.

  1. Jarran Reed, Defensive Interior, Alabama

Big Board Rank: 20

Position Rank: 4

With our second-best grade against the run in 2015, Reed is rarely moved at the point of attack and he knows how to shed in make plays, as indicated by his nation-leading run stop percentage of 13.4 percent. He can play nose tackle, but also looks the part of a 3-4 defensive end if needed.

  1. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

Big Board Rank: 21

Position Rank: 4

Trapped in a Clemson defensive scheme that hung him out to dry with a lot of soft, off-coverage, Alexander may be a far better pro player than he was in college. Has all the traits of a top, shutdown corner.

  1. Andrew Billings, Defensive Interior, Baylor

Big Board Rank: 22

Position Rank: 5

One of the strongest players in the draft, Billings is stout at the point of attack and perhaps the best nose tackle option in the draft. He was also got after the quarterback among the best in the country the past two seasons.23.

  1. Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma

Big Board Rank: 23

Position Rank: 3

Our top-graded wide receiver in 2015, Shepard combines nifty route running with underrated downfield ball skills. Even though most of his work is done from the slot, he has the quickness to produce and validate his standing at the top of the draft.

  1. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

Big Board Rank: 24

Position Rank: 4

Production took a hit due to inconsistent quarterback play, but Thomas knows how to get open and he was a big-play threat when targeted.

  1. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame

Big Board Rank: 25

Position Rank: 2

Injury aside, Smith’s athleticism stands out and it often shows when in coverage and as a pass rusher. He’s not bad in the run game, though he’s not as strong at the point of attack as other linebackers in the class. If healthy, Smith has a chance to be a three-down playmaker at the next level.

  1. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Big Board Rank: 26

Position Rank: 3

While some of the other linebackers are stronger in certain areas, Ragland is solid across the board. He can work downhill in the running game, and his ability to hold up in coverage and create pressure should make him a third-down chess piece at the next level.

  1. Jonathan Bullard, Defensive Interior, Florida

Big Board Rank: 27

Position Rank: 6

Our top-graded run defender on the interior in 2015, Bullard is excellent at recognizing blocks, disrupting schemes and making plays. He doesn’t have a clean positional home, but has the versatility to play all along the defensive line.

  1. Shilique Calhoun, Edge Defender, Michigan State

Big Board Rank: 29

Position Rank: 4

No edge rusher had a better pass rushing grade than Calhoun in 2015, and he was strong in that department in 2014 as well. He’s not nearly as stout against the run, but did show that he can be productive in the run game in 2014.

  1. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas

Big Board Rank: 33

Position Rank: 1

Few tight ends can work the middle of the field like Henry who has averaged 14.3 yards/reception over the last two years. He’s only dropped two of his 90 catchable targets during that time.

  1. Sheldon Day, Defensive Interior, Notre Dame

Big Board Rank: 34

Position Rank: 8

Disruption is the name of the game for Day who excels at shooting gaps, though he could stand to finish better. His overall grade ranked second behind only Buckner among interior defensive linemen in 2015.

  1. Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers

Big Board Rank: 35

Position Rank: 6

A good combination of speed and separation skills, Carroo was incredibly productive on only 363 snaps last season averaging 4.11 yards per route to lead all FBS receivers.

  1. Noah Spence, Edge Defender, Eastern Kentucky

Big Board Rank: 36

Position Rank: 5

We have little information about Spence, but the upside was evident at the Senior Bowl when he dominated practice and carried it into the game. Even though he may not do much as a run defender, Spence’s burst off the edge and pass rush potential is the best in the class

  1. Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge Defender, Oklahoma State

Big Board Rank: 37

Position Rank: 6

A one-dimensional player in 2015, Ogbah boasted the No. 3 pass rush grade among all edge rushers, though he settled in around average against the run. The potential is there to improve in that department but it may limit his usage early on.

  1. Michael Thomas, WR, Southern Mississippi

Big Board Rank: 38

Position Rank: 7

Playing bigger than his 6-foot-1 frame, Thomas caught a higher percentage of contested catches than the other top receivers in the class while ranking ninth in the nation with 2.98 yards/route.

  1. Austin Johnson, Defensive Interior, Penn State

Big Board Rank: 39

Position Rank: 9

Boasting the No. 3 run-stopping grade in the nation in 2015, Johnson beats blockers with quick hands to disrupt the backfield and that bodes well for his upside as a pass rusher. His skills were on display with a strong week at the Senior Bowl.

  1. Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State

Big Board Rank: 40

Position Rank: 8

Higgins posted a huge grade (+32.0) in 2014, and while that dropped to +22.7 this year, there’s still a lot to like about the Colorado State playmaker. He dropped just three of the 78 catchable passes thrown his way in 2015 and he may be the best route runner in the draft class.

  1. A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Interior, Alabama

Big Board Rank: 41

Position Rank: 10

Rarely moved in the run game, Robinson played well within Alabama’s scheme and he projects as a similar, run-stopping 3-4 defensive end at the next level. The question is whether or not he can provide enough pass rush to warrant a high pick after two pedestrian seasons in that department.

  1. Adolphus Washington, Defensive Interior, Ohio State

Big Board Rank: 43

Position Rank: 11

Another strong all-around player, Washington is stout at the point of attack, but strong and quick enough to blow up plays as well. His +32.0 pass rush grade ranked third in the nation and he was strong in the run game.

  1. Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame

Big Board Rank: 45

Position Rank: 2

Similar to Kelly, Martin has a strong all-around game and projects to be a future starter with scheme diversity. His +22.7 overall grade ranked fifth in the nation.

  1. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

Big Board Rank: 46

Position Rank: 4

Perhaps more of an athlete than a great football player at this point, Spriggs graded well in 2015 (+16.7), but his strong NFL combine has teams looking at him as a first-round project. He needs to tie up a few technique issues and show more of that athleticism on the field to warrant more than a Day 2 pick.

  1. Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech

Big Board Rank: 47

Position Rank: 2

One of the most exciting running backs in the draft, Dixon is a clever runner, capable of cutting on a dime and making overaggressive defenses pay with big plays. He’s also very good in the passing game, particularly when split out wide.

  1. Su’a Cravens, S/LB, USC

Big Board Rank: 48

Position Rank: 4 (LB)

A safety/linebacker hybrid, Cravens attacks blocks in the running game and makes plays in the passing game. The NFL will find a spot for him as the difference between linebackers and strong safeties shrinks every year.

  1. Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA

Big Board Rank: 49

Position Rank: 3

The only running back in the draft class to force more missed tackles was Alabama’s Derrick Henry (76 to 73), but it took Henry and extra 160 carries to do so. Perkins posted the top run grade and elusive rating (114.7) in the class.

  1. Joe Thuney, OT/G, NC State

Big Board Rank: 51

Position Rank: 5 (OT)

One of the nation’s top guards in 2014, Thuney made a smooth transition to left tackle in 2015 finishing fourth in the draft class at +35.6 overall. He surrendered only seven pressures on 507 attempts in pass protection and at the very least he’ll bring versatility to an offensive line as a capable guard or tackle.

  1. Jeremy Cash, S, Duke

Big Board Rank: 53

Position Rank: 2

Similar to Cravens, Cash attacks blockers with a vengeance, whether playing the run where he led all safeties with a +20.4 grade or as a pass rusher where he also led at +13.9. He’s yet another safety/linebacker hybrid who will start as a box player while learning a true safety role on the side.

  1. Kalan Reed, CB, Southern Miss

Big Board Rank: 54

Position Rank: 6

Incredibly smooth mover at cornerback, fits the size profile most teams are looking for. Can play in any scheme and make plays on the ball. Had excellent tape this year and our third-highest coverage grade in the draft class.

  1. Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana

Big Board Rank: 56

Position Rank: 4

Two years of strong play at UAB and Indiana, Howard has shown scheme diversity while posting the fifth-best run grade in the draft class last season.

  1. Hassan Ridgeway, Defensive Interior, Texas

Big Board Rank: 57

Position Rank: 13

Often lost in the deep class of interior defensive linemen, Ridgeway has put together two strong years of grading with a +48.6 overall mark on only 1044 snaps. He’s scheme-versatile and he can get after the quarterback better than most interior rushers in the class.

  1. Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina

Big Board Rank: 59

Position Rank: 2

Adams is a strong run blocker on the edge, while showing some wiggle at the top of routes, both on tape and during Senior Bowl practice. He’s the best all-around tight end in the draft.

  1. Maliek Collins, Defensive Interior, Nebraska

Big Board Rank: 61

Position Rank: 15

Yet another productive interior defensive lineman, Collins is a disruptor who can shoot gaps and blow up plays. He ranked 10th in the draft class against the run at +28.4 and 11th as a pass rusher at +21.1.

  1. Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan

Big Board Rank: 62

Position Rank: 10

He might be a slot only receiver at the next level, but he’s very good in that role regardless. No player in this draft class averaged more yards per route run from the slot than Braverman’s 3.27.

  1. Isaac Seumalo, G, Oregon State

Big Board Rank: 63

Position Rank: 13

Quietly one of the nation’s best guards, Seumalo rarely loses in the run game and mitigates the damage when he does. He surrendered only four pressures on 407 attempts in pass protection last year.

  1. Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa

Big Board Rank: 64

Position Rank: 11

He racked up 725 yards on passes travelling 20 yards or more downfield, including seven touchdowns, and dropped just three of the 99 catchable passes thrown his way in 2015. A big target at 6-feet-4, Garrett can make plays downfield.

  1. Kyler Fackrell, Edge Defender, Utah State

Big Board Rank: 65

Position Rank: 7

Fackrell emerged as one of the nation’s top players in 2015, finishing ninth overall among edge defenders at +39.0. He dabbled in more of a traditional linebacker role at the Senior Bowl, but his best bet is as a 3-4 outside linebacker where he can rush the passer, play the edge in the run game and drop occasionally into coverage.

  1. Bronson Kaufusi, Defensive Interior, BYU

Big Board Rank: 66

Position Rank: 8

Kaufusi’s best fit may be as a 3-4 defensive end where his size and length will give him a chance to develop into a strong run defender with above average pass rushing potential.

  1. Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia

Big Board Rank: 67

Position Rank: 12

A solid receiver across the board, Mitchell will get overshadowed by flashier receivers, but he creates separation on the post and dig routes as well as a receiver in the class and he’s dropped only four passes on 93 catchable targets the last two years.

  1. Carl Nassib, Edge Defender, Penn State

Big Board Rank: 68

Position Rank: 9

It’s not always pretty, but Nassib was rarely blocked in 2015 and that trend continued at a dominant Senior Bowl week. He sets a hard edge in the run game and keeps blockers off balance with power and good hands.

  1. De’Vante Harris, CB, Texas A&M

Big Board Rank: 69

Position Rank: 7

Allowed just one touchdown all season and showed a great ability to break on the ball and make plays. Realized his potential in his final year of college, and could be a better pro at the end of it all

  1. Kevin Dodd, Edge Defender, Clemson

Big Board Rank: 70

Position Rank: 10

A solid run defender on the edge, Dodd went on a tear late in the season as a pass rusher. Although he finished 25th in the class in that department, so he looks like more of a solid, every-down defensive end than an explosive game changer off the edge.

  1. Scooby Wright III, LB, Arizona

Big Board Rank: 71

Position Rank: 5

Few linebackers possess Wright’s instincts and block-shedding ability, and he looks like a plus run defender in the NFL if he’s healthy. The question for Wright is his athleticism in space, but we’ve seen other linebackers stay productive with similar concerns.

  1. Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford

Big Board Rank: 72

Position Rank: 7

One of the most technically sound pass protectors, Murphy will have to improve his play strength greatly to be a starter in the league

  1. Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State

Big Board Rank: 73

Position Rank: 3

Perhaps the best true free safety in the draft, Byard have the movement skills to make plays in the middle of the field and his +8.4 coverage grade ranked ninth in the nation.

  1. Joe Schobert, LB, Wisconsin

Big Board Rank: 74

Position Rank: 11

One of the nation’s most productive players the last two seasons, Schobert may be viewed as a traditional linebacker at the next level, but he should be given a chance to rush the passer where he led the nation in pass-rush productivity each of the last two seasons.

  1. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

Big Board Rank: 75

Position Rank: 4

There’s a lot of boom-or-bust to Cook’s game as he makes big-time throws and questionable decisions that can win or lose games for his future team.

  1. Nick Kwiatkowski, LB, West Virginia

Big Board Rank: 76

Position Rank: 6

Kwiatkowski ranked fourth in the draft class as a run defender at +21.7 and fifth in coverage a +9.0 as his all-around strong play should make him a dependable starter at the next level.

  1. Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama

Big Board Rank: 77

Position Rank: 8

Like several of the corners in this list, doesn’t have the ideal size profile many NFL teams are looking for, but he’s feisty and extremely strong against the run and short passing game. Tough to shake in man and has a good feel for zone coverage, but has occasional lapses which have resulted in giving up 10 TDs over two seasons

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