Which SEC draft pick will have best rookie season in 2016?
The SEC produced eight first-round picks and 51 overall in the recently concluded NFL draft.
Both totals led the country.
RELATED: SEC rookies who landed in ideal spots
Four of the past five NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award winners came from the SEC: Georgia’s Todd Gurley in 2015, LSU’s Odell Beckham in 2014, Alabama’s Eddie Lacy in 2013 and Auburn’s Cam Newton in 2011. Missouri’s Sheldon Richardon won the Defensive award in 2013.
Question: Many SEC rookies will earn starting jobs this fall, but who will have the best season?
Answer: One player who should make an immediate impact is former Arkansas tight end Hunter Henry. In fact, I think Henry could have the biggest career of any former SEC player in the 2016 NFL draft. Maybe Henry won’t put up huge numbers in the receiving game, but he’s a great blocker, route runner and seems very disciplined on and off the field.
Henry is as close to an extra offensive lineman as it gets for the Chargers, who will be committed to the running game. Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is a great play-caller, and Henry gives him more flexibility and a big receiving threat.
— SDS co-founder Jon Cooper (@JonCooperMedia)
Answer: Former Alabama LB Reggie Ragland. He may have slipped into the second round because of reports about a slightly enlarged aorta, but don’t let that fool you. This guy is a first-round talent who can be a plug-and-play inside linebacker for Rex Ryan in Buffalo.
The Bills traded up to get him at No. 41 overall, and reportedly considered taking him with their No. 19 pick that was spent on Clemson’s Shaq Lawson instead. Buffalo is not likely to do that for a player they don’t see making an instant impact. Ragland has a great work ethic, sniffs the ball out as good as any linebacker in the draft and can lay the wood with the best of them.
He’s in a good spot on a nasty defense, with one of the league’s better defensive minds calling the shots. That could be the recipe for a strong rookie season. Ragland said he has always wanted to play in Rex Ryan’s defense, and sees himself playing the role of former Ravens star Ray Lewis. Here’s your chance to make that case, Reggie.
— News editor Nick Cole (@NickColeSports)
Answer: Laquon Treadwell is in an ideal situation. He’s a fierce run-blocker going to a Minnesota Vikings team that features the NFL’s best running back.
Maybe that’s why Adrian Peterson was so excited to bring him on board.
Great pick Viking nation! Laquon Treadwell set your mind on winning a Championship son!
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) April 29, 2016
Peterson might be a few carries past his peak, but he still draws defenders into the box.
As a result, Treadwell won’t see double coverage on the outside, especially lining up opposite the faster Stefon Diggs. Too much is made about a receiver’s ability to create separation. In the NFL, it’s at least equally important to be able to catch balls through contact. At 6-2, 220, Treadwell has shown that ability.
NFL.com described Treadwell as a “catch-winner” who shows “a competitive edge when the ball is in the air.”
He’s not a field-stretcher who needs downfield shots to earn his keep. Which is good because his quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, doesn’t throw those passes.
Bridgewater prefers the shorter, safer routes and Treadwell will provide him a big, reliable target.
— Senior editor Chris Wright (@FilmRoomEditor)