Wednesday, April 8, 2015

2015 NFL Mock Draft: Post Free-Agency

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

Tampa Bay is already heavily investing time into learning more about the Heisman Trophy winner. The have already met with Winston at the combine, and have had more meetings since then. Winston has more than likely convinced the Bucs that he has changed his ways and will not be an off the field issue. Winston is shaping up to be the sure-lock for the first overall pick.

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

Williams may be the best prospect in this years draft and the Titans could be drafting a potential immediate impact player. Williams has recently drawn comparison to JJ Watt, and while that may seem like a stretch, his skills are undoubtedly better than any other defensive lineman in there draft.

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

Fowler has the size, speed and tools every team looks for when drafting a potential game-changer that can rush the passer. Fowler will have to continue to impress to be the first "EDGE" off the board even if irks not Jacksonville who is taking one off the board. The Jaguars could use a player like Fowler since they're losing some key pass-rushers in free agency.

4. Oakland Raiders- Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)

Oakland will be looking to add weapons to an offense on the rise. Putting the best receiver in the draft on the field with Derek Carr could lead to a swing in the AFC West sooner rather than later. White jumps Amari Cooper as the first receiver taken this year, due in part to the amazing combine he had. He ran faster and out preformed all of the other potential first-round receivers, including Cooper. This pick is going to be the turning point in the draft, prompting other teams to try to trade into the top 10 and grab Cooper.

5. Washington Redskins- Shane Ray (EDGE, Missouri)

Washington will be looking to replace now free-agent linebacker Brian Orakpo, who has been injury stricken for a decent portion of his career. Ray proved that he can be productive at an elite level, having preformed in the SEC, and looked like he put on more muscle at the combine. His speed and high motor will likely help him early in his career while he adapts to the NFL game.

6. New York Jets- Randy Gregory (EDGE, Nebraska)

I don't mock trades in the draft, and i still believe there is a shot the Jets wind up trading out of this spot. I could see Mariota being taken by somebody in the 6 spot, but if there isn't a trade, the Jets need a pass rusher. Gregory may be the most talented EDGE in this class, but comes with baggage. He has failed 2 drug tests in the last year, and some teams may pass on him because of this. I don't think the Jets could let him slip away based on his skills and the potential to be a sack machine.

7. Chicago Bears- Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)

The Bears could solidify one of the NFL's best receiving tandems by drafting Cooper to replace Brandon Marshall, who was traded to the Jets in the off-season. Cooper, in my opinion, still edges out Kevin White as the best receiver in the class. His size speed and sure hands could make him the early candidate for Rookie of the Year.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Vic Beasley (EDGE, Clemson)

Atlanta should look to address their lack of pass-rushing that has haunted them for a few seasons. Along with Beasley, Randy Gregory could land here, but I think the off-field issues will prevent him from landing in Atlanta. Beasley is a pure pass-rusher with amazing athletic skill. He should make an impact immediately and see the field on passing downs.

9. New York Giants- Brandon Scherff (OL, Iowa)

New York needs to add more pieces on the offensive line to keep Eli Manning upright long enough to find his targets. Sherff is projected as a guard in the NFL, but is versatile enough to play guard and tackle if needed. He has toughness and a good head on his shoulders, something the Giants will love. He has good power and excels in run blocking, and shows good footwork and lateral movement in pass blocking.

10. St. Louis Rams- Andrus Peat (OL, Stanford)

St. Louis is returning all 11 starters on offense next season, as well as their defensive coordinator. They could use this pick to sure up their secondary, but haven't addressed holes along the offensive line during free agency. Peat is a versatile lineman like most of the other prospects in this class, and could play multiple positions on the line. The Rams have holes to fill, and adding Peat would give them an immediate starter or plug-and-play type player until he finds a permanent position.

11. Minnesota Vikings- La'el Collins

Minnesota filled the gap at wide receiver by trading for veteran Mike Wallace, and could have a lethal passing game. Adding some meat to the offensive line should be considered high priority. Only two quarterbacks in the league threw more passes under pressure than Teddy Bridgewater. Collins is a huge framed player who shows skills in both facets of the offensive game. He would likely play right tackle for Minnesota with the capability of moving over to the left side if Ryan Khalil doesn't progress.

12. Cleveland Browns- Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)

Cleveland needs to get tougher in the trenches. Shelton could be a great run-stopper in the NFL, and potentially an All-Pro. He is amazing in run protection, and could be a three-down tackle. Shelton is a gap eater that will open up holes for linebackers to come into gaps and make plays. Cleveland has some talent on defense and adding Shelton would boost their defensive line.

13. New Orleans Saints- Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)

New Orleans gave up 33 touchdown passes last season, and ranked 31st in overall defense last season. Waynes is probably the best corner in the draft and has the perfect combination of size and speed to excel in the pros. He isn't afraid to come up and make tackles and can stop big plays from blowing up in space. He has exceptional ball skills, and if he doesn't intercept a ball he will more than likely break it up. Waynes could easily be the best corner in New Orleans.

14. Miami Dolphins- DaVante Parker (WR, Louisville)

Miami traded away Mike Wallace and added Kenny Stills. Aside from Stills and Jarvis Landry, there isn't another reliable option on their roster. Parker has top-10 talent, and could easily produce for the 'Phins right out of the gate. With Stills and Parker outside, Landry will be able to play slot and draw favorable match ups. Miami would live to give Ryan Tannehill another target with the skills that DaVante Parker possesses.


15. San Fransisco 49ers- Arik Armstead (DT, Oregon)

I believe it is a reach for Armstead to be drafted this high, but  the Niners have somewhat of a need here. You would hope for more production from a player being drafted in the first round (he only had 2.5 sacks in 2014). Most scouts and NFL coaches project that he will be more productive as a pro, but  I think he could potentially be the bust of the first round.

16. Houston Texans- Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)

Houston re-signed Kareem Jackson for one year, but should look to add a fresh face at corner. They need players to match up with Andrew Luck and the arsenal of tools a his disposal. Collins excels in man coverage and could fit well with Houston.

17. San Diego Chargers- Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)

San Diego addressed most of their needs in free-agency, and can add a cornerstone player to their defense in Goldman. Goldman has an NFL body and is a monster run-stopper. The only drawback to Goldman is his lack of pass-rush, and if developed he could be a legit three-down tackle in the NFL.

18. Kansas City Chiefs- Landon Collins (SS, Alabama)

With the unfortunate departure of Eric Berry, the Chiefs have a huge pair of shoes to fill. Berry may never be cleared to play football again, and if this is the case they'll need a game changer to step in and play immediately. Collins is by far the best safety in the draft, showing great pass coverage and ball skills. He isn't afraid to come into the box and provide run support. His level of play can change games, and he should be a perennial Pro-Bowler.

19. Cleveland Browns- DJ Humphries (OL, Florida)

The Browns are going to come into the season with a lot of questions on offense. They'll be without Josh Gordon, and Johnny Maziel may not be playing to start the season. With that said, the coaching staff understands how important the running game will be. Adding a lineman who can run block with power and assertiveness will make head coach Mike Pettine feel a lot better when pounding the ball.


20. Philadelphia Eagles- Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)

Once again, I don't mock trades. I don't think Mariota slips into the 20th pick, but I do think he ends up in Philadelphia. Wether or not Philly has to trade up depends on what happens earlier in the draft. Regardless, Chip Kelly gets his prized quarterback and Oregon star. Mariota's best chance at NFL success is with the Eagles, and he can learn the system early while Sanchez and Sam Bradord compete his rookie year.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Bud Dupree (EDGE, Kentucky)

The Bengals are getting old on defense and need to add some young talent all around. Dupree impressed at the combine and has the typical NFL frame. He is a relentless pass-rusher and is surprisingly skilled when asked to drop back into coverage. The Bengals can't miss with this pick if they want to compete in the division.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Ereck Flowers (OL, Miami)

Pittsburgh could use an upgrade on the offensive line. In the last 10 years they've only used two first-round picks on offensive lineman (Maurkice Pouncy and David DeCastro) and those players have produced at a high level. Flowers is a relentless run blocker that could blow open holes for LeVeon Bell.

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

Detroit lost both of their starting defensive tackles. Filling the holes that Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley left will be nearly impossible. Malcolm Brown could be a good start to recovering from that blow. He easily sheds off blockers and makes plays, and has impressed scouts more and more during the pre-draft process. It would be foolish for the Lions to do anything but draft a tackle.

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

Arizona was riddled with injuries all season, and found out the hard way that Andre Ellington may not be a true running-downs back in the NFL. Gordon is a hard nosed player who excels running between the tackles. Arizona needs to add a running back to take pressure off Carson Palmer and the passing game.

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

Carolina has to make some big moves along the offensive line in order to stay competitive. Drafting Clemmings in the first round is probably a reach but the hype surrounding him after the season will likely push him into the first round. He does have good footwork, but is very inconsistent at times and is a raw talent.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)

Drafting Peters means taking on some baggage for the Ravens, but his skills are undeniable. If not for off-field issues, he could've been the first corner drafted. Baltimore has a huge hole at corner and Peters would be a starter from day one.

27. Dallas Cowboys- Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)

No brainer. DeMarco Murray exits; Todd Gurley enters and immediately becomes a ROTY candidate.  I think it would be impossible for any running back to run for less than 1,000 yards with the best offensive line in football in front of them. Gurley is coming off ACL surgery so is a bit of a risk, but the talent he has will likely make him a first round pick.

28. Denver Broncos- Carl Davis (DT, Iowa)

Denver has a great linebacking corps, but could use an upgrade anywhere on the defensive line. Carl Davis is a huge man, who regularly commands double teams, which could open up linebackers free to make plays in the backfield. Davis is quick off the ball and makes contact first. He lacks a true pass-rushing mentality but could improve and be very productive in the NFL.


29. Indianapolis Colts- Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)

The Colts could use some depth on the defensive line and Phillips is a very talented player. He eats up gaps and has good lower body strength that allows him to move bigger lineman around. The Colts need playmakers on defense to hold opponents back while the offense lights up the scoreboard.


30. Green Bay Packers- PJ Williams (CB, Florida State)

Green Bay needs another corner after Davon House left town. Williams has off-field issues after being charged with DUI. PJ has the talent to be an NFL corner, and shows the coverage skills and speed to handle receivers of higher caliber.

31. New Orleans Saints- Eric Kendricks (LB, UCLA)

After trading away Jimmy Graham, the Saints land back in the first round. They could use depth at linebacker and Kendricks is very versatile. He plays well in the run game, drops well in zone and man coverage and can get to the quarterback as well. Kendricks could be the best inside linebacker in the class.

32. New England Patriots- Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)

The Patriots are going to be without Brandon Browner and Darrelle Revis, leaving them with a depleted pass defense. Kevin Johnson is a hard-nose mentality which will help him get on the field early in his career. He does exceptionally well in man coverage and is adequate in zone as well. The Pats will need to draft a corner in order to stay atop their conference.

No comments:

Post a Comment