The rule of thumb in the scouting world is that NFL players need three years of tenure before it is the appropriate time to crack open the time capsule that holds their pre-draft reports and make judgement. Do we, collectively, do this? Hell no. Today's society is all about instant gratification -- people were dunking on the perceived accuracy of their prognostication of these 2016 NFL Draft prospects from the moment they stepped on the field. Remember when Jared Goff stunk out loud? (Some will insist that he still does but I'm sorry -- I've lived through Chad Henne, Ray Lucas, Pat White, John Beck, A.J. Feeley and others. 4,688 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 12 interceptions with 4 game winning drives/4th quarter comebacks does not stink. At all.) More on Goff momentarily.

I've been writing NFL Draft reports since the 2014 NFL Draft and scouting the NFL Draft since the prior year. In that timeframe, I've logged over 1,800 scouting reports on the talent that is now littered on teams throughout the entire league. And the CFL. And the AAF. And the XFL. There are plenty of lessons to be learned from each and every report you write.

1st overall - QB Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

I said: "California Quarterback Jared Goff is a skilled prospect with several correctable flaws. Goff shows an attractive level of mental acumen for the game; was entrusted with the keys to the offense as a three year starter and held a large amount of responsibility at the LOS to operate. Goff’s natural arm talent is impressive; while he does not have the biggest arm in terms of vertical distance or velocity, his ability to drop precision throws into tiny windows and to do so with anticipation places him in a class of his own in regard to the class. With that said, Goff is in need of extra strength training to continue to mold and transform his body for the workload a 16 game regular season will provide. Goff is not a flawless generational prospect, rather a strong fit for a system that utilizes RAC ability and timing throws in order to systemically move the ball down the field."

I learned: That system quarterbacks are as much of a real thing when the system is hot trash as they are when they're excellent. The 2016 offense with Jeff Fisher at the wheel was...how should we put this best? Atrocious. And boy, the takes after Goff's rookie season were scalding. There's enough material there for Freezing Cold Takes to post for a month straight.

Goff has really turned the corner and blossomed with his second and third seasons in the NFL -- showing impressive accuracy, timing, and work within the pocket. All of these qualities translated from his tape at Cal. And the Rams' offense makes good on helping Goff with run after the catch -- the team looked much more handcuffed without slot receiver Cooper Kupp -- who had the 5th highest YAC/reception in the NFL last year (7.7). Meanwhile, Robert Woods averaged 5.3 YAC/reception and Josh Reynolds (4.8 YAC/rec) and Brandin Cooks (4.5 YAC/rec) helped capitalize on Goff's accuracy in tight windows as well. Oh, yeah. And Todd Gurley was 7th in the NFL in total YAC with 587 yards in 2018 -- despite faltering himself with a troublesome knee injury. This one is playing out as expected despite a historically bad start.

2nd overall - QB Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

I said: "North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz illustrated an impressive growth from his first to second season as starter of the Bison. A much cleaner Quarterback; Wentz showed more quick decisions and timing based passing as well as processing reads and defenses much better in his second season as a starter before a broken wrist sidelined him. Wentz’s questions stem from his ability to continue development in spite of a large jump in competition/ speed of the game as well as some natural limitations as a passer. Wentz does not possess anything more than an average NFL arm; strong placement in the short and intermediate areas is marred by a lack of ability to drive throws with velocity into tight windows and poor vertical placement. Wentz would be best served in a West Coast style offense on a team granting multiple seasons to develop; but there is starter potential present."

I learned: That I really undersold Wentz' arm talent. His natural ability as a passer is supreme -- so there was a missing link lost in translation in processing his college film from college to the pros. The good news? I still had Wentz rated as a top-15 prospect, so I did appreciate his potential as a starter -- but Wentz has transcended my expectations when he's been healthy.

Wentz was a late bloomer -- and some of that growth has come in the way of mechanics. While Carson Wentz had a respectable rookie season -- one that was better than I'd have guessed based on some of the silly mistakes he made at times, he too has really blossomed with more seasoning and become a bonafide franchise passer. His development? Not just mental. Physically, Wentz has made strides to clean up the flaws in his release and throwing platform that hindered his deep accuracy and ability to drive the football -- he's made concentrated strides to improve his mechanics in each of the last two seasons.

Wentz' magical 2017 was always going to be a tough act to follow and he wasn't quite as consistent in 2018 -- but if his health allows him to play 16 games, the Eagles will be championship contenders with his mix of downfield passing, extended play ability and calm disposition.

3rd overall - DE Joey Bosa, "San Diego" Chargers

I said: "Ohio State EDGE Defender Joey Bosa projects best to a strong side Defensive End role in a four man front at the next level. Bosa illustrates a tremendous amount of refinement in play diagnosis and hand techniques to sustain separation and shed blocks. Bosa, the son of former 1st RD selection John Bosa (1987), has a family pedigree in the sport which shows in just how advanced he is for 20 years of age. Bosa does have some natural limitations, he isn’t the most loose defender below the waist and can get isolated in space and just miss creating minus plays on account of only above average re-direction ability. With that said, provided the franchise he lands with utilizes him appropriately as a strong side run defender to set the edge and moves him around the LOS on passing downs, Bosa is an immediate plug/play starter with potential to be a franchise cornerstone."

I learned: That these things don't have to be so hard all the time. Remember before the Draft when Joey Bosa only having 5.0 sacks as a senior was all the rage? (I haven't forgotten, #CowboysTwitter...) My goodness, the horror.

All the man has done in the NFL is post 28.5 sacks in 35 career games (plus 35 TFL and an additional 51 quarterback hits). His 28.5 sacks is the second highest total through three years of the 2016 NFL Draft class (Yannick Ngakoue has 29.5) and he has found success in all the same ways that he did in college. His hands? Phenomenal. His play in the interior gaps? Tremendous. It gives the Chargers a ton of flexibility with alignment.

Bosa's health looms even larger than the issues we've seen Carson Wentz experience -- the pressure is mounting from a medical perspective to stay clean. Missing 13 games in three years will do that.

4th overall - RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

I said: "Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott is an impressive blend of size, balance, power and quickness. He should be regarded as a traditional 3 down back; the polish and versatility to his game makes him a legitimate bell cow candidate and an early NFL Draft option in 2016. Elliott is at his best when able to capitalize on his slashing style into the second level; an offense employing a high percentage of perimeter zone plays would allow his short area burst and high end vision to regularly cut plays into the second level where pursuit allows. Elliott must develop some versatility as a receiver, he is mainly used on swing passes and middle check downs. His skill set and natural hands present an opportunity to develop into a truly unique weapon at the next level with time and experience. Elliott should generate interest starting in the Top 10 of any franchise looking to add a high end starter to the stable."

I learned: Zeke's durability has been his best trait -- I'm not sure I gave it enough credit in 2016. Elliott has logged an incredible 1,003 touches from scrimmage in three years, including 381 touches last year and 322 rush attempts in 2016 as a rookie. You can't help but appreciate seeing him expand his contributions in the passing game (77 receptions for 567 yards in 2018) and check that box after a few years of expected development based on what we saw at Ohio State...he got there "with time and experience". I successfully projected his overall role as a bell cow candidate -- to say the least. But his prognosis as an outside zone rusher? Zeke has found success in all concepts. But his best success has come off-tackle, not to the boundary. The Cowboys ranked 13th in the NFL in adjusted yards on rushes off the left end and 25th in the NFL in adjusted yards on rushes off the right end in 2018. Compare those figures to 6th off left tackle, 10th between the tackles and 8th off right tackle -- Elliott's best work comes on inside zone work, not necessarily outside zone.

5th overall - CB Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars

I said: "Florida State Defensive Back Jalen Ramsey’s biggest question is: “Does a team elect to play him at CB or Safety?” Ramsey played very strong in 2015 and deserves the opportunity to play on the boundary as a lockdown Cornerback. If and when struggles come, Ramsey can be shifted inside and play the roaming playmaker he proved himself to be during the Seminoles’ 2014 championship run. Ramsey is lean, explosive, fluid and powerful. Checking nearly every box possible, Ramsey will at times get too aggressive in trying to make plays on the football and leave himself open to double moves. Ramsey should unarguably be a top 10 selection in this year’s class and has the potential to develop into an All-Pro player, not just if he were to be played at Safety but also at Cornerback. Excellent football intelligence should ease transition to the next level."

I learned: Just like Joey Bosa, this doesn't have to be so damn hard sometimes. There was massive debate on if Jalen Ramsey was a safety or a cornerback at the NFL level. And to everyone's credit -- he played both really, really well during his time at Florida State. But physical, fluid corners like Ramsey don't grow on trees and the value of Ramsey locking down a receiver in man to man coverage has proved too good to ignore for the Jaguars. And they haven't been disappointed.

They may be disappointed when it comes time to pay him if they keep playing around with his contract negotiations, but his on the field product has been tremendous. Ramsey has logged 9 interceptions and 44 passes defensed in his first three seasons -- just spectacular ball production for a player's first three seasons. Only 19 NFL players have achieved that much volume of passes defensed since PBUs became an official stat. Among them?

Darrelle Revis (64), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (61), Leon Hall (60), Richard Sherman (57), Marcus Peters (57), Brandon Carr (50), Champ Bailey (48), Joe Haden (48) and Ed Reed (44), among others.

And Ramsey has secured that All-Pro designation already (2017).

6th overall - OT Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens

I said: "Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley is a three year starter for the Irish. Stanley is a tremendous functional athlete; however he requires some additional polish in the finer fundamentals of his game. Stanley has flashed and shown to be capable of high quality level of play as a Left Tackle but bad habits with balance and angles will manifest themselves into play on a weekly basis. Has the potential with some additional consistency and minor adjustments in pass set angles against wide rushers to be a franchise pass protector and the lynchpin of a NFL franchise’s offensive line. A special blend of movement skills and size, Stanley is likely to be coveted based on his ceiling. Stanley missed out on the opportunity to be a team captain in 2015 on account of excessive parking tickets at Notre Dame, however that appears to be the end of his off field issues. Should be a highly coveted player in 2016."

I learned: That the 3-year evaluation window is for players just like Ronnie Stanley. Stanley stepped onto the Ravens' offensive line from the get go and was good. But his 2018 season was GREAT. Our friends at Pro Football Focus credit Stanley with the 2nd-best pressure rate of 2018 (3.5%). And his 20 total pressures on the season were the 2nd-fewest of tackles with 500 pass blocking reps as well.

The minor adjustments that Stanley required coming out of Notre Dame? They didn't hinder him from applying his length and athleticism early on -- but once the tinkering settled down the Notre Dame product has really come into his own. I'm a little caught off guard with how quickly he became an asset in pass protection -- especially with a stationary passer like Joe Flacco at the help in 2016 and 2017 (32 starts for big Joe). But that's a testament to how physical tools can help mask issues -- that is until the coaching settles in. The elite play follows shortly after.

7th overall - DL DeForest Buckner, San Francisco 49ers

I said: "Oregon Defensive Lineman DeForest Buckner is an explosive freak of nature as an athlete capable of winning in a number of ways. His ability to bend and coil to play with leverage and power in addition to the pure speed he illustrates off of the snap when playing for penetration is overwhelming for many offensive linemen to be able to handle. Buckner plays with disruption and constantly thrives in opposing backfield, he has a strong first step when he’s let off the leash along the Oregon defensive front. Buckner can improve by becoming more developed with his hands, he currently is inefficient transitioning from original attack to secondary counters and can flow much smoother in and out with hands. Buckner is scheme diverse but his best fit is likely as a 1 gap penetration player without having to be tasked with boundary responsibilities. Should be a top 15 selection."

I learned: To trust my gut! Speaking of elite play, "DeFo" exploded in 2018 after two years of teasing with his potential to be an absolute terror up front for the 49ers. Buckner logged 12 sacks, 20 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for loss last season -- terrific numbers despite the fact that Buckner actually played the FEWEST snaps of a single season in his NFL career (1005 snaps in 2016, 868 snaps in 2017 and 852 snaps in 2018). But just because Buckner more than doubled his career sack total in 2018 doesn't mean he wasn't bringing the rain beforehand. Buckner's 77 total pressures through his first 21 games ranks 8th overall for NFL defenders since 2006 according to PFF's Nathan Jahnke (ahead of Khalil Mack, too).

8th overall - OT Jack Conklin, Tennessee Titans

I said: "Michigan State Offensive Tackle Jack Conklin is loaded with potential. Conklin is strong as a bull and does an impressive job working blocks to wall off rushing lanes and get onto the second level to seal pursuit on the play side. Conklin’s issues stem from technique: his pass set and hand technique both need notable amounts of attention to help capitalize on the foundation he has presented during his time at Michigan State. Conklin needs to develop cleaner habits working on a pass protection platform; too frequently the feet will cross over or he will bail out of a kick slide in spite of plenty of natural foot quickness. Conklin plays with the demeanor and mentality you like out of an Offensive Tackle; he is a bruiser who likes to impose his will on defenders but has the natural athleticism to be developed into much more than a stereotypical road grading OT."

I learned: That not all players can be decoded in 3 seasons. Conklin's best season was surprisingly his first one -- he was named an All-Pro player in 2016 as a rookie and has done nothing but get worse ever since. Making matters worse, Conklin missed 7 games last year with injuries -- including an ACL tear that caused him to miss the final 3 weeks of 2018.

The Titans don't seem to have this one figured out yet, either. They declined Conklin's 5th-year team option and will allow Conklin to enter 2019 in a contract year -- he'll need to prove he's healthy and able to recapture his rookie season swagger (where he did get a lot of help in protection) in order to live up to his draft status. The Titans appeared to help Conklin early on and then expect him to swim on his own and overcome his issues in pass protection -- but that has yet to be the case.

That's it for this week's edition! I'll be spending the entire month of July exploring the 1st-round of the 2016 NFL Draft now that these players have had three years of experience to judge them by. Next week I'll be revisiting picks 9 through 16.