Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Matt Geiger NFL Mock Draft 2.0 (Post NFL Combine)

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston (QB, FSU)

I don't believe any quarterback hurt their stock during drills at the combine. Winston seemed to have all the right answers to questions, and his shoulder didn't look bad while throwing. Tampa head coach Lovie Smith has said he could see Winston being the face of the franchise and the quarterback of the future. I think Mariota will need to impress at his pro day and in private workouts to jump Winston at this point.

2. Tennessee Titans- Leonard Williams (DL, USC)

Leonard Williams is, in my opinion, the best prospect in this draft right now. He posted pretty good numbers at the combine and should have etched his spot as the top defensive, if not best player. You could argue Williams as the number one pick. The Titans should not hesitate to take Williams at #2, which would allow them to move the versatile Jurrell Casey between tackle and end, creating mismatches all across the front seven.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dante Fowler (EDGE, Florida)

If any player truly helped their draft stock, Fowler is at the top of the list. He came to the combine looking leaner, having lost 25 pounds, and ran a 4.6 40-yard dash. He looked great in all drills, and should put some weight back on before doing private workouts and preforming at his pro day. The Jaguars are losing some key defensive players and should add Fowler to help with rushing the passer.

4. Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper (WR, ALA)

Cooper may see his stock drop a little since Kevin White ran a blazing 4.35 forty. I do still think Oakland takes Cooper, who is a more polished route runner and has surer hands than White. Pairing a true number 1 receiver with Derek Carr and Latavius Murray should help the Raiders climb out of the NFL basement.

5. Washington Redskins- Randy Gregory (EDGE, NEB)

Washington needs to add pass rushers after a disappointing stint from Jason Hatcher, and with the potential departure of Brian Orakpo. Gregory is the prototype NFL pass-rusher with amazing size and impressive speed.

6. New York Jets- Marcus Mariota (QB, ORE)

This is the spot where i believe things will get interesting. The Eagles have been linked to all talks involving trades into the top 10. The Jets are in a hard spot because i feel as if the Jets won't want to take a quarterback in the first round, having too many holes elsewhere. This could be a potential target for Philly to trade with, especially since there's rumors of Philly including Nick Foles in a trade. If the Jets could add a player of Foles' caliber while keeping a first-round pick, they'll pull the trigger. If no deal is made, Mariota will be a Jet.

7. Chicago Bears- Danny Shelton (DT, WASH)

The Bears have a hole at defensive tackle that hasn't been filled since Henry Melton left for Dallas. Shelton is a mammoth human, and impressed with his speed at the combine. He does a great job plugging holes in the run game.The Bears should address the hole at tackle before addressing anything else in the draft.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Shane Ray (EDGE, MIZZ)

The fact that Ray didn't do some drills at the combine might hurt his stick, unless he preforms well at his pro day. I do however, believe he is better than the other available pass-rushers at this point in the draft. Atlanta hasn't had an elite pass rush in sometime and should look to address the issue early this year.

9. New York Giants- Andrus Peat (OT, STAN)

The Giants should look to improve their young offensive line with their first round pick. Like most of the first-round offensive lineman in the draft this year, Andrus Peat could play multiple positions along the line before eventually coming into his own at Left Tackle in New York.

10. St. Louis Rams- Trae Waynes (CB, MSU)

After seeing a very impressive performance out of Waynes at the combine, its hard to believe the Rams will pass him up. They need the help in the secondary, and his size and speed could translate very well at the pro-level. The Rams could use some depth along the offensive line, although i believe that can be addressed later in the draft. Waynes' impressive outing at the combine should solidify his spot in the top 10.

11. Minnesota Vikings- Brandon Sherff (OT, IOWA)

Minnesota is in a position where addressing a number of positions could be a great move for the franchise. Depending on what their draft board looks like, they will be deciding between Kevin White and Brandon Sherff at this point. I believe that the idea of keeping Teddy Bridgewater protected will be the deciding factor. Sherff injured himself while running at the combine but it wasn't serious enough for him to drop. He is a big body with great feet, and showed toughness during his college career.

12. Cleveland Browns- Kevin White (WR, WVU)

Cleveland will love to have Kevin White fall into their lap at twelve. White showed speed at the combine, to pair with a great set of hands. He may need to work on his route running, but with Josh Gordon missing next season, Cleveland will be drooling thinking about having White jumping in the Dawg Pound on Sundays.

13. New Orleans Saints- Bud Dupree (EDGE, Kentucky)

Dupree solidified himself as a first-rounder with his combine performance. His 4.56 forty time, and 42 inch vertical prove he's as much an athlete as anyone thought. The Saints need to add pass rushers,  and taking Dupree could give them the option to use him where needed (either OLB or DE). If Dupree is passed up by the Saints, it will be because they have another pass-rusher higher on their board.

14. Maimi Dolphins- Eddie Goldman (DT, FSU)

If the Dolphins decide on adding Goldman, it will be a major upgrade at the defensive tackle position.  He is an asset when it comes to stopping the run, and is versatile enough to be valuable in the passing game as well. Coming into camp from day one, Goldman could very well be the best defensive tackle on Miami's roster.

15. San Fransisco 49ers- DaVante Parker (WR, LOUIS)

It's seeming less and less likely that Michael Crabtree will return next season, and other than Boldin and Vernon Davis, there aren't really any reliable receivers. Parker has top-10 talent, and could be a cornerstone in rebidding the receiving corps in the bay.

16. Houston Texans- Marcus Peters (CB, WASH)

Houston may be losing Kareem Jackson, so adding a corner becomes a must. Peters has some off the field issues he needs to iron out, but if he does, may come to be the best corner out of this class. His interviews will be an integral part on exactly where in the draft he comes off the board.

17. San Diego Chargers- PJ Williams (CB, FSU)

San Diego needs to add players in the secondary. Brandon Flowers returned to his usual high level of play last season, and Jason Verrett played well, but the Chargers should look to build on this. Take into account that Flowers is also a free agent. Williams adds NFL type speed and fits the bill for pro size and speed. He excels in man coverage and should be a useful option in the nickel.


18. Kansas City Chiefs- Vic Beasley (EDGE, Clemson)

Kansas City is probably going to use the franchise tag on sack monster Justin Houston. Even if this is so, they still need some help on defense. Beasley had a great combine showing, and was already perceived as a top talent. His high motor and speed should make up for the fact that he is undersized, although he'll most likely add some muscle to his frame before his pro day.


19. Cleveland Browns- Landon Collins (S, ALA)

The Browns would like to add a safety to compliment Tyshaun Gipson. Cleveland finished 25th in the league last season in passing yards per game, and Collins not only provides excellent pass coverage, but can come into the box and make plays in the run game as well. Collins is the top safety in this class and could be a perennial Pro-Bowler.

20. Philadelphia Eagles- Ronald Darby (CB, FSU)

As I stated earlier, I believe the Eagles trade up. If that opportunity doesn't arise, Philly needs to add a corner. Bradley Fletcher is a free agent, whom the Eagles shouldn't bring back. Ronald Darby's combine performance shot him into the first round. His 4.31 forty shows his blazing speed, and he showed he can move well while changing directions.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Shaq Thompson (OLB/FS, WASH)

Cincy has an aging secondary and needs to add young talent. Reggie Nelson and Taylor Mays aren't quality starters in the NFL and don't have much in the tank. I believe Thompson may be better off playing safety in the NFL, and has great instincts when playing the ball. He has obvious game changing ability, providing run and pass support, and can make big plays from anywhere on the field.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Ereck Flowers (OT, MIA)

Pittsburgh needs a corner, but there isn't any value left at this point. They'll turn and look to add the best available player, whom I believe is Flowers in this case. Flowers can be shuffled around the line to fit into the Steelers' scheme, and could potentially be a Pro-Bowl caliber left tackle if developed right.

23. Detroit Lions- Malcolm Brown (DT, TEX)

Detroit looks like they'll be losing Ndamkong Suh in the offseason, and could potentially lose Nick Fairley also. Adding Brown would lessen the blow that they'd have to deal with if they didn't take a tackle in the first round. He is by no means an All-Pro talent, but could develop into a valuable player.

24. Arizona Cardinals- Melvin Gordon (RB, WISC)

Arizona struggled running any type of offense after key injuries to Andre Ellington and Carson Palmer. Much like what the Bengals did last season, the Cardinals will look to add someone who is a true between-the-tackles back. Gordon is the best running back, and adds a pro-ready running style that will compliment Ellington.

25. Carolina Panthers- TJ Clemmings (OT, PITT)

Carolina had a nice push at the end of the season with little help from the offensive line. Keeping Cam Newton should be high priority, and Clemmings could be a nice piece to the line to help. He has shot up draft boards recently, and the hype should be enough for the Panthers to take a shot.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Jaelen Collins (CB, LSU)

Baltimore has issues in their secondary and should look to address them early. Aside from Ladarius Webb, the Ravens don't have a corner who can play the outside. Collins has a little more height than the average corner, and has quick feet and decision making skills which will help him make plays on the ball.

27. Dallas Cowboys- Jordan Phillips (DT, OKLA)

Dallas didn't get the type of productivity they were looking for when they signed Henry Melton, and will need to find someone to replace him. They could very well draft any position on the defensive line, but I feel this late in the first round, Phillips is a steal. Phillips eats up gaps while creating room for linebackers to make plays, something the Cowboys have been missing for a long time.

28. Denver Broncos- Benardrick McKinney (ILB, TAMU)

Denver doesn't have many gaps to fill, so they'll most likely look to bolster their defense. McKinney is exceptional in run stopping, and versatile enough to help in coverage as well.

29. Indianapolis Colts- Todd Gurley (RB, UGA)

The Colts don't have a true grinder at running back. Between Bradshaw, Herron, and Tipton, they've accumulated a group of 3rd down and scat backs. Bringing Gurley in would give them an identity when running the ball, and the ability to work him into the offense without rushing him after an ACL injury in his last year in college.

30. Green Bay Packers- Michael Bennett (DT, OSU)

Letroy Guiton is going to jail, and the Packers don't have many options replacing him. Bennett would be a good replacement, adding similar size and run stopping capabilities.

31. Seattle Seahawks- Dorial Beckham-Green (WR, OKLA)

Seattle is in dire need of weapons to surround Russell Wilson with. Chris Matthews could potentially be a nice addition to the offense, but wouldn't be enough to take the offense to the next level. DBG has freakish ability, and could've arguably been a top-10 pick if not for off the field issues. Pete Carroll will do a good job of keeping him in check, and would love to see a Wilson-to-DBG combo.

32. New England Patriots- Devin Funchess (WR/TE, MICH)

Funchess is the type of player the Pats love. He is versatile and has great size. He could play tight end in the Patriots' scheme, much like Aaron Hernandez did.


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