Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, May 8, 2015

We are one week removed from the 2015 NFL Draft, which means it's already time to look ahead to next year.

[ MORE: Big Ten stars take top three spots in ESPN's mock draft ]

As 2016 NFL mock drafts begin to emerge, it is clear that the Big Ten should be well-represented in next year's three-day event. In fact, we have been tracking several big-name publication mock drafts, including ESPN's, which had a total of nine Big Ten stars going in the first round.

I teamed up with BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart to craft a list of who we believe are the top 25 2016 NFL draft prospects from the Big Ten conference.

Here is a look at our list.

1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

He was arguably the best defensive lineman in the country this past season as a sophomore. Just imagine what one more year at Ohio State will do for his stock.

2. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

He has the size, arm strength and skill-set of an All-Pro NFL quarterback. The key will be if he can stay on his feet and remain healthy in 2015.

3. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

He enters his third season as a starter at MSU, sporting an impressive 23-3 record. Small tweaks to his footwork and escaping pressure could certainly lead to Cook being a top 10 pick in the 2016 draft.

4. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

The most physically gifted quarterback in the nation, Jones has an absolute cannon for an arm and has shown he can win on college football's biggest stage.

5. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

Conklin went from being a walk-on to a likely first-round pick next season. At 6-6, 320 pounds, he possesses the ideal size and skill-set to be an elite offensive tackle at the next level.

6. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Next to Bosa, this guy might be one of the best pass-rushers in the nation. He could have been a first-round pick had he come out this year. Another season at MSU should help him perfect his skill-set.

7. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

The numbers Elliott put up against Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon on big stages should tell the story here. With two running backs selected in the first round of this year's draft, the trend should continue with Elliott in 2016.

8. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

He's the top offensive lineman on the top team in college football. At 6-8, 315 pounds, this guy has the look of an NFL offensive tackle.

9. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

Every couple of years, the Buckeyes produce a great linebacker who moves onto the NFL. From the looks of it, Lee could be the next in line.

10. Aldolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

A talented defensive lineman with great size and talent, Washington has the ability to play a number of positions on the line in the NFL.

11. Darius Hamilton, DL, Rutgers

Hamilton was a mega-recruit coming out of high school, and he has lived up to the hype during his time in Piscataway.

12. Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska

If he can take another leap like he did from his freshman to sophomore season, look for the Huskers? talented DT to land in the first round.

13. Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State

Zettel had a breakout year last season and should be a force on what will likely be a dominant Nittany Lion defense in 2015.

14. Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers

Carroo is the top returning wide receiver in the Big Ten. If the Scarlet Knights can find an answer at quarterback, this guy could put up monster numbers.

15. Michael Thomas WR, Ohio State

With Devin Smith and Evan Spencer off to the NFL, Thomas becomes the big-play option for what should be an outstanding Ohio State offense.

16. Tyler Marz, OT, Wisconsin

Marz could be the next offensive lineman to make a name for himself in Madison and move onto the NFL. He will certainly have the opportunity to go up against a bevy of talented defensive ends in the Big Ten.

17. Jack Allen, OG/C, Michigan State

Allen is an All-American at Michigan State and should be one of the top interior linemen in the 2016 NFL Draft.

18. Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

Bell got thrown into the mix as a freshman and followed that up with a really solid sophomore campaign. If he continues to improve as a junior, this guy should be a highly touted draft prospect, assuming he chooses to leave early.

19. Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska

A transfer from Colorado, Lewis was solid in his first season at Nebraska. With another year under his belt, Lewis could develop into an early NFL draft pick.

20. William Likely, CB, Maryland

This ball-hawking defensive back led the Big Ten in picks last season, returning two of them for touchdowns, which was tied for the most in the FBS.

21. Theiren Cockran, DE, Minnesota

The Big Ten is loaded with talented defensive linemen, which leads to this guy often being overshadowed. He is a pass-rushing specialist who could make the move to OLB in the NFL.

22. Drew Ott, DL, Iowa

Good luck finding a guy who plays with more effort every play than Ott. If healthy, Ott should be in for a big year in 2015.

23. Briean Boddy-Calhoun, DB, Minnesota

This is a guy who enjoyed a breakout 2014 season, which saw him register 51 tackles and pick off five passes, which is tied for third all-time in program history. What a talent.

24. Blake Countess, DB, Michigan

He has been a mainstay in the Wolverines' secondary, often being asked to cover the opposing team's top receiver. He has the tools to make a solid defensive back at the NFL level.

25. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

Standing at 6-6, 307 pounds, Spriggs has good size and the ability to play tackle or guard in the NFL. His versatility should help him carve out a solid pro career.