DRAFT TRACKER 2016

The similarities in backgrounds, playing style, production and football character and between Shepard and Seattle's Tyler Lockett are obvious. Shepard doesn't possess Lockett's explosiveness as a return man, but is a better overall receiver. With more and more teams using "11" personnel (3 WRs) as their base offense, Shepard's stock should be on the rise. Teams looking for a slot receiver who can make plays and rack up a high volume catch count on any given Sunday will find their man in Shepard.

Small, but rangy linebacker with very good play speed but a lack of desired strength. It's easy to want to write Alexander off considering his issues with play strength, but then you look at his downhill tackling and ability to get to the ball and you reassess. Alexander's ability to cover in space should pair well with a move to outside linebacker in a 4-­3 where he can avoid some of the size coming at him that gave him issues inside.

Experienced cornerback who has cover experience against current and future NFL receivers. Sanchez is a feast or famine cover man whose instincts run him into interceptions but also into aggressive mistakes that can cost his own team. His lack of size will work against him on draft day, but his ball production will be heavily weighed by teams looking for coverage help from a third cornerback.

Full-time, three­-year starter who has shown the ability to rush the passer, and cover in space. Striker's production was good, but not overly prolific and he doesn't appear to be a clean fit at the outside linebacker spot where he played in college. While teams could consider Striker as a 4­-3 WILL linebacker or as a box safety, he is most likely to appeal to teams who are looking to deploy him from a variety of spots on the field.

Based on his 2015 tape, Tapper would be a late round pick at best. Tapper doesn't make enough plays against the run and doesn’t possess the traits to believe he'll be an effective pass rusher as a pro. However, if he can improve his pad level and hand usage, he has enough strength to project into an eventual starter or rotation lineman role.

Competitive, 4­-3 linebacker prospect who often played 3­-4 outside linebacker in college. On tape, Bond looks like a fairly average athlete with limited speed which could hurt his draft stock, but scouts like the way he applies coaching and plays with effort and consistency. Bond might have to earn his way onto a team through special teams play early on, but I wouldn’t bet against him.

Steady right guard with an NFL-­ready frame and good toughness for the interior. Kasitati has the power to stalemate his base blocks and secure his down ­blocks, but he has some athletic limitations that could limit his scheme fit. Kasitati may or may not be drafted, but he has enough ability to compete for a backup spot on an NFL roster.