Mock Draft 1.0

This years draft class has my head spinning. There are positions that are loaded with talented, and other that seem useless. With that said, I present to you the first 2016 NFL Mock Draft of the offseason!

1. Tennessee Titans- Laramy Tunsil, OL (Mississippi)

Tennessee is in position once again to dictate the flow of the draft. They could use a dominant pass rusher, but I believe the future of the franchise lies in keeping second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota protected. Laramy Tunsil is the best offensive lineman in the draft, and is well deserving of the first overall pick.

2. Cleveland Browns- Jared Goff, QB (California)

It has been documented all season, and now into the offseason that Johnny Manziel hasn't been a model pro, and we learned he will be released in March. Josh McCown is still on the roster, but could be packing suitcases with Johnny Football, although it now seems less likely. Regardless is he's in uniform or not, he is not the long term answer for the Browns at quarterback. The Browns, in Goff, get a player that new Head Coach Hue Jackson will be able to work with from day one, and Goff seems to be the most pro-ready quarterback in the class.

3. San Diego(?) Chargers- Ronnie Stanley, OT (Notre Dame)

The Chargers may not be playing in San Diego after next season, but wherever they wind up, they'll need to add a staple to their offensive line to keep aging star Phillip Rivers protected. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chargers move out of this spot, trying to negotiate a trade with a team that wants to move up and select Joey Bosa.

4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DL (Ohio State)

I have stated in years past that I don't mock trades in any articles I write, so as it stands now, Bosa will be available when Dallas selects fourth overall. Dallas needs to find a dominant defensive player, something they've lacked in recent years. Bosa is probably the best player in this years draft class, and could have JJ Watt-like presence on the field.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, DB (Florida State)

Jacksonville essentially has two first-rounders entering the 2016 season, since 2015 pick Dante Fowler Jr. was lost for the season during his first team activity. Jacksonville needs to improve their defense significantly, and Ramsey would be a major upgrade in the secondary. He is versatile, playing both cornerback and safety in college. He is regarded as one of the most athletic prospects in the 2016 class.

6. Baltimore Ravens- Vernon Hargreaves, CB (Florida)

In a similar scenario to Jacksonville, the Ravens had Breshad Perriman miss essentially the whole season with an injury. with two fresh faces coming in, the Ravens could make a splash. The AFC North is loaded with talented receivers, so the Ravens need to draft a player that could have an immediate effect. Hargreaves is excellent in man coverage, and could excel in the Ravens' scheme.

7. San Fransisco 49ers- Laquan Treadwell, WR (Mississippi)

I'm putting this pick in assuming that new Head Coach Chip Kelly wants to keep Colin Kaepernick around. Kaep fits his style of offense, and has a strong arm, which is something no quarterback in Philly had. Surrounding Kaepernick with weapons should be a high priority, as it seems like Torrey Smith will be the only receiver worth while returning in San Fran. Adding a dynamic player like Treadwell could be a big step in ramping up what should be a high powered offense. 

8. Miami Dolphins- Mackensie Alexander, CB (Clemson)

Miami needs to get younger on the defensive side of the ball, and should look to add to a struggling secondary that features an older Brent Grimes. They could address the offensive line as well, but with a top-ten pick, I believe the value of players available isn't strong enough to make that an option.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Myles Jack, LB (UCLA)

The versatile linebacker comes off the board with the ninth pick and adds raw athleticism and a unique style of play to an abysmal defense. Jack could play inside or outside, and would be a nice compliment to Lavonte David.

10. New York Giants- Deforest Buckner, DE (Oregon)

It would be in the best interest of the team if the Giants parted ways with Jason Pierre-Paul. If they do retain him, it will likely only be a one-year deal anyway. With that said, The front office will need to find someone who can get to the quarterback, and Buckner fits the mold as the replacement for JPP. He is considered one of the best pass-rushers in the 2016 draft.

11. Chicago Bears- Jaylon Smith, LB (Notre Dame)

Chicago has been in need of a difference maker at linebacker for some time. The defense was most productive when they had Brain Urlacher paired with Lance Briggs. Jaylon Smith is an athletic, and instinctive linebacker who flies around the field. If the Bears want to be competitors again, Smith could be the first piece to a team that has a ton of holes in it.

12. New Orleans Saints- A'Shawn Robinson, DT (Alabama)

The Saints desperately need help on defense, and there are a ton of holes for them to fill. Most notably, they need to add a run-stopper on the interior line. Robinson was a force in the SEC while attending Alabama, and the transition could have a quick turnaround time. The Saints have the weapons offensively, but need to start building a young, talented core on the other side of the ball.

13. Philadelphia Eagles- Jack Conklin, OL (Michigan State)

 After former Head Coach Chip Kelly shipped out a heap of his best players, the Eagles oddly find themselves in rebuild limbo. Two of the best lineman the Eagles had in 2014 were released, and the offense has suffered because of it. Conklin might be a little of a reach, but the need is too outstanding to not be addressed. Conklin had a successful college career and could be an above average starter in the NFL.

14. Oakland Raiders- Shaq Lawson, DE (Clemson)

Oakland is on the upswing, and with a very talented, young offense, the Raiders should look to add to a defense that features arguably the best defensive player in the league in Khalil Mack. Lawson would give the Raiders another pass-rusher, who paired with Mack, could become the most lethal duo in the NFL.

15. Los Angeles Rams- Paxton Lynch, QB (Memphis)

The Rams are probably entering the season with just two quarterbacks on their roster (Sean Mannion,    Case Keenum), and although there may be more logical players to select, owner Stan Kroenke will likely want to grab a quarterback to be the face of his franchise, and have a fresh face to put on display in LA. Adding Lynch gives the Rams a quarterback with mobility, something that the NFC West is very familiar with.

16. Detroit Lions- Sheldon Rankins, DT (Louisville)

The Lions are set to lose key players along their defensive line during the offseason. Addressing these gaps on the defense seems to be high priority. Rankins is a hot name that is shooting up big boards and could be a huge difference maker for a Detroit defense that is already fairly strong.

17. Atlanta Falcons- Reggie Ragland, LB (Alabama)

Atlanta has a need for defensive game changers, and Ragland fits the mold. With the possibility that inside linebacker Paul Worrilow could walk, Ragland could become an immediate starter. There are some other positions the Falcons could address (safety, pass rusher), but the issue is the value of players that would be available when they select at fifteen. Ragland was one of the most dominant enforcers in all of college football, and could become the same type of force in the NFL.

18. Indianapolis Colts- Taylor Decker, OL (Ohio State)

The Colts main concern this offseason should be keeping Andrew Luck protected. There are defensive needs, but the health and career longevity of their franchise quarterback should be top priority. Decker would fill a need and add more youth to a line that is in desperate need of revamping.

19. Buffalo Bills- Emmanuel Ogbah, DL (Oklahoma State)

If Mario Williams is lost during free agency, they'll have to find a pass-rusher to help replace him. Adding Ogbah to a defensive line that already features Marcel Dareus, Jerry Hughes and the possible return of Kyle Williams, would allow Rex Ryan to continue his aggressive style defensive schemes.

20. New York Jets- Darron Lee, LB (Ohio State)

The Jets could really use a pass-rushing linebacker to set the edge in their 3-4 defense. With the possibility that Muhammad Wilkerson could be gone, they could select a defensive lineman, but Lee seems to be a good fit for a team that hasn't much success with their linebackers in some time.

21. Washington Redskins- Jarran Reed, DT (Alabama)

The 'Skins could use some help on the defensive line, especially since Terrance Knighton could walk in free-agency. Reed has the run-stuffing capabilities that the 'Skins need if they're going to replace Pot Roast, and getting younger along the line at the same time makes this pick a great match.

22. Houston Texans- Ezekiel Elliot, RB (Ohio State)

Houston is starting to realize they need to have a running back in place as a safety net. Arian Foster is getting older, and has proven he can't stay healthy. Adding Elliot would allow the Texans to stay with their running oriented offense, while having a reliable and talented running back in the scenario that Foster gets hurt again.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Josh Doctson, WR (TCU)

Mike Wallace looks like he could be the odd man out, and Cordarelle Patterson isn't the answer they need at receiver. Charles Johnson and Stefan Diggs are great key pieces to the offense, and adding a player with Doctson's caliber could really help shape the receiving corps into an above average group.

24. Cincinnati Bengals- Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor)

At this point, Mohammad Sanu, and Marvin Jones are free agents. Teams will likely pay more than what the Bengals want to give them, so there will be a gaping hole to fill. Coleman could be one of the more underrated players in this class, and pairing him with AJ Green might be an upgrade from a player like Sanu.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Eli Apple, WR (Ohio State)

With arguably the weakest secondary in the NFL, the Steelers inevitably draft a cornerback in the first round. I think that regardless of who is available, they must address the need. Apple seems to be the best player available when they make their selection at twenty five.


26. Seattle Seahawks- Andrew Billings, DT (Baylor)

The Seahawks will look to replace veteran defensive tackle Brandon Mebane during the offseason. Even if they can keep him on the roster, he is an aging player, and drafting the successor to the spot seems all but likely. With such a talented roster already, there aren't many gaps to fill otherwise.

27. Green Bay Packers- Kevin Dodd, DE (Clemson)

Green Bay is in desperate need of a defensive end, and the pass-rush struggled last season. Datone Jones and Josh Boyd are the only ends on the roster, so adding a player at the position in the first round would help upgrade the position.

28. Kansas City Chiefs- Johnathan Bullard, DT (Florida)

The Chiefs starting nose tackle Jaye Howard is a free agent, and while Dontari Poe is a big bodied prospect, they could look to add depth to the position. Bullard has the tools to be a rotational player right away, while developing his skills at the NFL level.

29. Arizona Cardinals- Leonard Floyd, EDGE (Georgia)

Arizona has one of the more complete teams in the NFL, so this pick is more of a luxury. They could add depth to a lot of places, but in the NFL, you can never have too many pass rushers. Floyd lacks a pro-sized body, but that is something that can always be tailored, and what he lacks in that department, he makes up for with a high motor and relentless pass-rush.

30. Carolina Panthers- Darian Stewart, S (Boise State)

The Panthers need to start addressing the defensive side of the ball, especially since some of their key players are getting old. Roman Harper is in his 30's, even though he looks like he is 45. Finding someone to replace him should be a priority in Carolina. Even if Harper has a season or two left in the tank, it wouldn't hurt to add some youth to the defense. Cornerback could be another area to address. Peanut Tillman tore his ACL in the playoffs, and there is a small outside chance that Josh Norman might be leaving as well.

31. Denver Broncos- Carson Wentz, QB (North Dakota State)

While I think it is unlikely that the Broncos would start a rookie, it makes sense in this scenario that they take a quarterback. Wentz is another playing who's stock is skyrocketing, and while his potential is unlimited, there may not be a huge demand for quarterbacks this early in the draft.

Matt's Early Top-10 Player Ranking

This is my first post since last years NFL Draft, so instead of coming right out and doing a mock draft, I decided to rank the ten best players that are eligible or have declared for the NFL Draft in 2016. This is still very early in the draft process, so everything is subject to change.

1. Joey Bosa, EDGE (Ohio State)

No surprises at number one as of right now. Even after Bosa was ejected in his final college game, he remains the best prospect in the 2016 class. Bosa has been a force in the college ranks since he stepped on campus, and was named a NCAA Freshman All-American, as well as a unanimous choice for AP All-American this season. Bosa posses the size and speed that are required to play defensive line in the NFL, and has a ridiculously high motor. His disruptive play style will be highly regarded at the Pro-level.


2. Laremy Tunsil, OL (Ole Miss)

Tunsil is regarded as the best offensive tackle in this years class of prospects, and could be a potential first overall pick depending on how Tennessee wants to use their pick. He is an elite athlete, especially for a player his size, and he shows exceptional movement in basically every direction. He has a ton of explosiveness and is quick to initiate contact. Some scouts have compared him to Trent Williams, which sounds like a great investment for the future of any offensive line.

3. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB (Florida)

Hargreaves is the best pure athlete in this draft class, in my opinion. He ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at Florida, and could probably improve on that. More importantly, he was arguably the best cover cornerback in college football this season. His man to man coverage skills will likely make him a top five selection, and he can do damage in the return game as well. Hargreaves' coaches at Florida have credited him with superb leadership skills, and the ability to easily be coached, which should also help him come draft day.

4. Jalen Ramsey, CB (Florida State)

Ramsey is a gifted cornerback. He excels in press man-to-man coverage, and doesn't allow receivers much room to create space. He is very gifted athletically, and uses his body to overpower receivers. Ramsey played corner, nickel corner and safety at Florida State, and his versatility is highly regarded at the next level. He is also absolutely freakish in the weight room, which will surely help him stand out at the combine. He could use some work in his motions and fluidity while on the field, and some scouts think these characteristics will be the demise of his potential. Ramsey needs a very strong showing in the next few months to keep himself this high on the board.

5. Jared Goff, QB (California)

In my opinion, Goff may be the most pro-ready quarterback in this years class. He has desirable size for a pro, and has arguably the strongest arm of any of this years prospects. He moves very well in the pocket, and while he could use a little work on his accuracy, he should develop into an above average starter in the league. If presented the opportunity, he could be put into a similar situation that fellow Cal alum Aaron Rodgers was in, where he was able to sit a few years until fully developed. Goff will all but likely be a top five pick in 2016.

6. Ronnie Stanley, OL (Norte Dame)

Stanley has experience playing  both tackles in college, and was one of the best lineman in the NCAA last season. His big frame and long arms make him an ideal left tackle at the next level. He very rarely allows defenders to be the first to initiate contact, and moves players with force and technique. He is surprisingly athletic and durable for a player his size, and plays with both quick hands and feet. He has had his character and dedication questioned, and if he can work through those issues at the combine, he will remain a top-ten talent.

7. Jaylon Smith, LB (Norte Dame)

Smith is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He is built like a prototype NFL linebacker, and is the true sense of the term "hybrid." He should be able to play as a 4-3 outside linebacker, a 3-4 inside linebacker, or if a team believes in his physical play and raw speed, a 3-4 rushing linebacker. He shows amazing phenomenal lateral speed, and is able to make his way into the backfield and tackle running backs with ease. Smith can play in zone coverage, and can cover most backs and tight ends. With a good showing in the combine, he will more than likely solidify himself as a top-five pick.

8. Myles Jack, LB (UCLA)

Jack is a unique talent, very comparable to Shaq Thompson of the Carolina Panthers. At UCLA, he played linebacker and running back, even being awarded the Offensive and Defensive PAC12 Player of the Year awards in 2013. His durability may be in question, as he sat out most of last season with a knee injury, but that won't stop most teams from having him atop their draft boards. He has pretty good speed, and uses his instincts to take him to the ball. If used the right way in the NFL, he will likely have limited duties aside from running around the field and making plays. Myles Jack has the talent to be a star at the next level and should be exactly that, probably very early in his professional career.

9. Deforrest Buckner, DE (Oregon)

Buckner is very comparable to his former Oregon teammate Arik Armstead, but is more of a polished player entering the draft process. I should probably have him rated higher than ninth overall, but like I stated earlier, it is still very early in this process, and these rankings will surely change. Buckner is huge, and would be a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. He has exceptional skills stopping the run, and has a good initial push when rushing the passer. His ability to cause chaos in both facets will likely make him a top-five pick in 2016.

10. Ezekiel Elliot, RB (Ohio State)

Elliot is an NFL ready running back right out of the gates. His durability is questionable, as he couldn't handle a full work load for most of his college career. Elliot is the rare talent that is capable of handling all duties NFL running backs are asked to take on. He obviously excels in the running game, but is an exception pass-blocking back, and catches the ball well. Has good hips and makes cuts and can change direction with ease. There are also some questions about his maturity, specifically due to his public compliant about lack of carries in a loss to Michigan State during last season. With that said, there is no reason why Elliot wouldn't be the first running back selected in the 2016 draft.

NFC West Draft Recap

Continuing my 2015 NFL Draft recap series, I dive into the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks have been at the helm for two years, and parlayed that into a Super Bowl victory in 2013, and a trip to the big game in 2014. The rest of the division has been up in the air for years. The 49ers seemed poised for a big year, but flopped in a big way. After key injuries on the offense, the Cardinals found themselves losers in the Wild Card round, and the Rams have been stuck in a rebuilding phase for what seems like a century. With all that said, all four teams turned to the 2015 Draft to try and turn things around.


Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals posted an impressive record of 11-5, with some tough wins in the division. Key injuries to Carson Palmer, Andre Ellington, and other key offensive players ultimately led to their demise. The Cardinals had a very busy offseason, hauling in some big names. They signed Mike Iupati and AQ Shipley to give their offensive line some help, and signed defensive players LaMarr Woodley, Cory Redding, Corey Peters, and Sean Witherspoon. All these players will be impactful in 2015, but the draft was still an important part of how the Cardinals' roster will shape out this season.

Best Pick- DJ Humphries (OL, Florida)

Humphries has a mean streak when on the field, and uses it to his advantage. It will never become an issue, and the chip on his shoulder should earn him immediate playing time. He excels as a run blocker, and uses his body well for a player his size. He shows great footwork, and shuffles side to side with speed, perfect for pass protection. If Humphries isn't a starter from day one, he will be used as a utility lineman, and likely an extra tackle in short-down and goal line situations.


Underrated Pick- David Johnson (RB, Northern Iowa)

Johnson was one of my favorite running backs coming into the draft, and landed in a spot where he will be in legitimate contention for playing time. Andre Ellington proved that he can't be relied on as an every-down back when he was oft-injured last season. Johnson has the size you want for a starting running back, and showed in college that he can be relied on to catch the ball (He posted 141 catches for 1734 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns in his 4 years at UNI). While he could use more power in his game, I believe it is an underrated part of his game that he wasn't able to showcase in college. If Johnson has a good showing in the offseason, he could be the early-downs back and potentially steal Ellington's job permanently.

Final Thought

Arizona has a very talented roster, but has been unable to stay healthy as a team. They didn't need much improvement at any specific position, which gave them the luxury of drafting guys they wanted. Humphries has a chance to be a starter early in his career, and could be one of the best picks in the draft. Second round defensive end Markus Golden will likely be a rotational player, and has some skills rushing the passer. David Johnson will likely overtake Andre Ellington at one point, and has the potential to be a star in the Cardinals' offense. The real sleeper from the Arizona class however, could be JJ Nelson. Even though he is a bit undersized, he has blazing speed (his 4.25 forty-yard time was best among receivers at the NFL Combine), and has shown pretty good hands. If some of the other receivers aren't playing to potential, Nelson could steal some time.


St. Louis Rams

Another year of struggle in St. Louis led to another disappointing season where the Rams finished 6-10. Sam Bradford tore his other ACL, and missed the entire season. The offense struggled for the majority of the season, led by a combination of Shaun Hill and Austin Davis. The bright spots were the emergence of arguably the best defensive line in football, including Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald (37 total tackles and 9 sacks). The running game got a new face when Tre Mason took over the starting role (765 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns), and while the Rams lost the improving Brian Quick, they had impressive spurts from Kenny Britt (48 receptions for 748 yards and 3 touchdowns). During the offseason, Bradford was traded for Nick Foles, they re-signed Lance Kendricks, and Britt. They signed defensive players Akeem Ayers and Nick Fairley, who will play into the key improvements on defense.


Best Pick- Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)

To outsiders, it may have seemed like a terrible pick, but the Rams are looking at a bigger picture. They could potentially have one of the best running back tandems in the league in Gurley and Mason. They know the teams identity as a smash-mouth style of play, and wanted to compliment that by bringing Gurley in. The Rams know that in order to compete in the NFC West, they must be able to run the ball, since the other three teams have impressive secondaries (IE Legion of Boom, Patrick Peterson and the talented secondary in Arizona). Gurley may not be ready to start the season, while fully recovering from ACL surgery, but they have the insurance policy of Mason until then.

Underrated Pick- Jamon Brown (OL, Louisville)

The Rams needed to address the gaps ion their offensive line during the draft. Adding second round pick Joe Haventstein was a good start, but beefing the line up with Brown could be a great move. Jamon Brown is a huge man, coming into the league at 6'4" and weighing 320+ lbs. He is going to compete for the starting spot at right guard, and should win it. Brown is an excellent run blocker, and will be hard for anyone to push around in the passing game. If he transitions well to guard from tackle, we could be looking at one of the best guards in the future of the NFL.

Final Thoughts

St. Louis knew they didn't need to make any changes of the defensive side, allowing them to focus on improving the offense. The additions of Havenstein, Brown and Andrew Donnal give them talented bodies and depth along the offensive line. Selecting quarterback Sean Mannion allows the Rams some insurance in the scenario that Nick Foles doesn't return next year. The impact Todd Gurley could have on the offense might not be seen this year, or at least until he's fully healthy, but Gurley is one of the best running back prospects to come out of college in recent history. NFL Analyst and future Hall of Fame running back Ladanian Tomlinson said,"I'll tell you what, he is the best prospect we've probably had (at running back) since Adrian Peterson." For a former player of Tomlinson's caliber to endorse Gurley as such should put things into perspective. Unfortunately, 6th round pick Bud Sasser didn't pass a physical due to a heart condition and won't play in the NFL. As I previously stated, the Rams needed to address the holes in their offense, and although they may not be household names, they did a good job doing that. If they want to cement their identity as a run oriented offense, this was a good start.


San Fransisco 49ers

The Niners didn't meet expectations set by themselves after making it to the NFC Championship game in 2013. They completed the 2014 season 8-8 (3rd in the NFC West), which conclusively led to the exodus of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. The Niners replaced Harbaugh with Defensive Line Coach Jim Tomsula, a popular choice among players. Then an unseen event took place. Linebacker Patrick Willis retired after 8 seasons with the 49ers, due to a reoccurring toe ailment. That was followed by the unforeseen retirement of linebacker Chris Borland, who was only 24 years old, and had just assembled a remarkable rookie season. They also lost a multitude of key players to free-agnecy, including Frank Gore (Indianapolis), Mike Iupati (Arizona), and Michael Crabtree (Oakland). With such a devastating roster turnover, San Francisco needed to make a commotion in the NFL Draft if they want to stay aggressive in the NFC West.


Best Pick

Eli Harold- (OLB, Virginia)

The Niners got a steal when Harold dropped into the third round. He may have been overlooked due to the fact that there was some high profile pass rushers in the first round, but he could wind up being the steal of the draft. He is the perfect size for an NFL "edge" rusher, and has astonishing strength for a player his size. He sets the edge well and has a variety of moves in his repertoire. Harold shows relentless pursuit when going after the passer, which will inevitably lead to a few extra sacks and knock-downs. With a depleted linebacking corps, the Niners needed a player of Harold's caliber, and he should be a passing downs specialist while Ahmad Brooks starts alongside Aldon Smith. Harold has a skill set very similar to Miami's Oliver Vernon, a player who flew under the radar during the draft, and wound up to be a star pass rusher (21.5 sacks since 2012).


Underrated Pick- Mike Davis (RB, South Carolina)

Although it is assumed that Carlos Hyde will replace the 49ers all-time leading rusher Frank Gore (signed with Indianapolis), there is still some carries that will be unaccounted for. There will definitely be a competition for the remaining carries, and Davis will be in the mix, along with Reggie Bush and Kendall Hunter. With Bush likely inheriting the third-down and passing downs duties, there should be some room for Hunter and Davis to compete some touches. Davis has a wrecking ball style of running, and makes defenders pay when hitting holes. He also attains top speed quickly, getting to the second level of the defense surprisingly fast. With a lot of mouths to feed, Davis has a lot to prove in the offseason, but I wouldn't be delirious to think that he could beat out the unimpressive Hunter for a backup job. Davis' style of play reminds me a lot of Brandon Jacobs, in the sense that he isn't afraid to initiate contact, and he can be relied on as a pass catcher. Be on the lookout for him to make a splash during the offseason.


Final Thoughts

The Niners lost a ton of key players during the offseason, so nailing the draft was crucial to the teams success in 2015. I believe that first round pick Arik Armstead is going to be a bust. He doesn't necessarily have the size that a prototype defensive tackle has, and his productivity in college wasn't there (2.5 sacs and 4.5 tackles for loss). Head Coach Jim Tomsula has a lot of work to do if he wants Armstead to reach full potential. Second round safety Jaquiski Tartt might be a serviceable starter somewhere down the line, but he'll need to be coached up as well. Playing college ball at small school Samford, he likely hasn't seen anything comparable to NFL level talent. Eli Harold might be the only player that I could consider a great pick. The Niners selected Blake Bell in the 4th round, but he has very little experience at tight end, having played quarterback at Oklahoma for much of his collegiate career. Mike Davis could find himself buried at the bottom of a log jam of running backs, and receiver DeAndre Smelter is going to have to compete with Quentin Patton and Bruce Ellington for snaps in the slot. The only way this draft could be considered a triumph, is if Arik Armstead winds up being a Pro-Bowl type talent.


Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are considered one of the top teams in the league by anyone who watches football. Two trips to the Super Bowl over the last two seasons should prove that. In 2014, the Seahawks capped their season by losing in the Championship game to the New England Patriots by a few feet and a bad play call. Seattle started the offseason with a transaction that sent the football world into pandemonium, trading center Max Unger and a first-round selection to New Orleans in exchange for tight end and superstar Jimmy Graham. Although they lost key defensive players Byron Maxwell and Malcolm Smith, along with guard James Carpenter, they made some key additions by bringing in Carey Williams and Will Blackmon. The Seahawks have a deep, young talented roster which they've amassed mostly through their previous drafts, and looked to do so with the 2015 class as well.


Best Pick- Tyler Lockett (WR, Kansas State)

By saying that Lockett was the 'Hawks best pick ion the draft, not only am I saying that Lockett could be a gem, but I am also saying that Seattle had a terrible draft, which will be talked about a little later. Lockett is undersized for a typical NFL receiver, but he has good hands and posted the best 40-yard dash among receivers at the combine (4.40). He'll likely be involved in a competition for playing time with the rest of the mediocre receivers in Seattle, probably with Ricardo Lockette for reps in the slot.


Underrated Pick- ???

Seattle left a lot to be desired during the 2015 draft. Like I stated earlier, the Seahawks have a very talented roster top to bottom, and usually do a great job in scouting potential draft picks. I'm not going to question the picks they made later in the draft, primarily because I have no idea who a majority of the players they selected are. I think with the class that Seattle brought in, it is still too early for any of them to be considered "underrated."

Final Thoughts

Seattle whiffed the 2015 Draft in a colossal way. Aside from spending their first round pick acquiring Jimmy Graham, the class they produced was atrocious. Second round pick Frank Clark has a laundry list of off-field issues, including hitting his girlfriend and threatening to hit a hotel manager as well. He may start the season suspended, and his personal problems could be a huge burden to the 'Hawks. Tyler Lockett might not even find his way into the starting lineup in Seattle, and the rest of the players seem to be developmental type players who would be lucky to find a roster spot come week one. If the Seahawks start to descend from their winning ways, this draft class could be a huge reason why.

NFC South Draft Recap

In the next part of the NFL Draft Recap series, I investigate the drafts of the NFC South. In 2014, the division did not have a winning team, and sent a team into the playoffs with a losing record for just the second time in NFL history. The NFC South is a very disappointing division, especially since there is a bevy of talent within the four teams. The 2015 NFL Draft will be especially important, since all all the teams have either overhauled their rosters, or made significant changes during the offseason.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the more disappointing teams in the NFC. With a roster loaded with talent from front to back, they are vastly underachieving while wasting years of their talented young players' career. Matt Ryan needs to lead his offense in the right direction, but had little help from his running game last season. The defense needs to vastly improve if they want to be back on top of the division again.


Best Pick- Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)

The Falcons finished last season ranked 24th in rushing, and since then parted ways with their leading rusher Steven Jackson. DeVonta Freeman likely wasn't the answer to their running woes, so they selected Coleman in the third round. Coleman does a lot of things very well, he excels at creating his own lanes, has quick feet and can lose defenders with his jukes, but also possesses the power to run through players and can carry the ball between the tackles. It is very likely that her will open the season splitting carries with Freeman, but should eventually surpass him as the primary runner with Freeman coming in to spell him and be a third-down receiving back.


Underrated Pick- Grady Jarrett (NT, Clemson)

I have spoken a lot about players slipping due to the lack of defensive tackles not being drafted early, and Jarrett was one of them. He doesn't have the ideal size for a pro nose tackle (6'1", 304 lbs.) but he is a great football player. He is very quick for an interior lineman, and uses his body well when engaging blockers. He has a high motor and doesn't give up on plays, which should help him compensate for his lack of size. I think Jarrett comes in and makes an immediate impact, if not as a starter, as a pass rushing nose for Atlanta.


Final Thoughts

The Falcons had one of my favorite drafts in the entire league. They addressed their need for an outside pass-rusher in the first round, selecting Vic Beasley from Clemson. He will be an immediate starter, and brings a relentless style of play with him into the league. Second round pick Jalen Collins has a chance to play right away, potentially as either the second corner or nickel back. Coleman and Jarrett will both have more then a fair share of opportunities to make an impact as well. Receiver Justin Hardy could play himself into Harry Douglas' old spot as the third receiver behind Julio Jones and Roddy White, but I think he needs to progress at a fast rate during mini-camp and OTAs. The Falcons knew they needed to upgrade specific spots in the draft, and did just that while bringing in players that should be on the field come week one.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There was little question about how the Bucs would use their first overall pick, especially since they had such a glaring hole at quarterback. The thing I had questioned the most about Tampa Bay, is what they would do in the draft to support Jameis Winston. They have a barrage of weapons for the rookie, but also own one of the leagues worst offensive lines. The Bucs went all-in on offense in the 2015 Draft, and assured themselves they were doing everything they could to help Winston succeed from day one.


Best Pick- Jameis Winston (QB, FSU)

Aside from a few good starts out of Josh Freeman, you have to turn the dial all the way back to the 2003 season to find an above average starter at quarterback in Tampa Bay. The Josh McCown/Mike Glennon project failed miserably, and the team let both players walk. Winston inherits a potentially lethal offense led by big targets Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins. The receiving corps could bail Winston out while he learns the offense. He will definitely take his share of bumps, but if the Bucs continue to help him by putting good players around him, he could be their answer at quarterback for a long time.


Underrated Pick- Ali Marpet (OL, Hobart)

The big knock on Marpet is that he played at such a small school that he's never seen anything close to NFL talent while in college. He has the perfect frame for an NFL lineman, and showed that he is versatile enough to play guard or center in the NFL. He will likely be a project player while he adapts to the talent difference in the NFL, but if worked correctly could be a valuable asset for the Bucs.

Final Thoughts

Tampa did exactly what they needed to after taking Winston first overall. They added Donavan Smith who should immediately start for the struggling offensive line, and Marpet who will probably take a year or two to get on the field. Receivers Kenny Bell and Kaelin Clay will likely be competing against each other for a roster spot, but are both talented players. The lone defensive player drafted by Tampa Bay was Kwon Alexander, an outside linebacker with speed and range on the field, that could play in coverage as well as pass-rushing situations. He will likely be a backup and special teams player. This may not be a flashy draft, but they seem to have set themselves up well for the future.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints were another one of the disappointing teams from the NFC South. With a team that included Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham, as well as an improving defense, they found themselves sitting out of the playoffs. That led to an offseason where they shipped Graham to Seattle for center Max Unger and a first-round draft pick. They also moved speedy receiver Kenny Stills to Miami. They brought in running back CJ Spiller to compliment the punishing running style of Mark Ingram, and signed highly coveted cornerback Brandon Browner. With two first-round selections, the Saints could have made a real splash, and instead left me scratching my head.

Best Pick- PJ Williams (CB, Florida State)

Williams had his share of off-field issues before being selected in the third round. From a performance standpoint, Williams is a ball player. He has the size to play in the secondary at either position in the NFL, and has speed to go with it. He can play man or zone coverage, and isn't afraid to make a play or stick his helmet to a ball carrier. Williams should contribute right away in New Orleans, wether it be at nickel back or nickel linebacker.


Underrated Pick- Garrett Grayson (QB, Colorado State)

Drew Brees is 36 years old and you can see his play slowly declining. It was time for the Saints to start tailoring a quarterback to succeed Brees. What Grayson lacks in terms of decision making and ability to read a defense, he makes up with pure athletic ability. He throws a good deep ball with good power and exceptional accuracy. He shows all the proper mechanics and footwork that you'd want out of a pro-ready quarterback. Working with Sean Payton will help him immensely, and he could wind up being one of the best quarterbacks to come out of the 2015 class.


Final Thoughts

New Orleans did not by any means "nail" the draft. I feel that adding offensive tackle Andrus Peat in the first round was a luxury pick they couldn't necessarily afford, and they followed that up by adding linebacker Stephone Anthony, a player that I gave a 2nd-3rd round grade. Peat could potentially start at guard for the Saints, and Anthony will compete for snaps at inside linebacker, while contributing on special teams. Linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha has a chance to contribute to the pass-rush as a rotational player, and will likely see most of his time on the field with Anthony on special teams. To me, it seems like the Saints didn't want to reach for a player early in the first, and took the best player available, even if it didn't fit a need. They followed that up by reaching entirely too much for a linebacker. Whatever their game plan was, it either fell apart on them or failed miserably.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers wound up winning the division with a sub .500 record, and were just the second team in NFL history to enter the playoffs with such a record. They were the first team ever in the AFC South to win back-to-back division titles, and actually beat the Cardinals in the wild-card round. After running into the brick wall that is the Seattle Seahawks, the Panthers came into the offseason knowing a few things. The offensive line was, and has been awful during the Cam Newton era. They needed to add talented players to the line to keep Newton healthy and happy. They also wanted to give Cam more weapons on offense. While they only had five picks in the draft, I do believe the Panthers made the most of every single pick, and did as much as they could to stay competitive.


Best Pick- Shaq Thompson (LB, Washington)

Thompson is a unique player. He played running back, linebacker, and safety at Washington. He is a very athletic player, with the skill and knowledge to succeed as a defensive player in the NFL. He can rush the passer and has a high motor when stopping the run, but is able to play in pass coverage as well. His versatility is key for Carolina, who have missed the presence of a dominating linebacker in recent years. Carolina will love the idea of being able to use Thompson as a dime linebacker that they can keep on the field during any situation, even special teams.


Underrated Pick- Cameron Artis-Payne (RB, Auburn)

It wouldn't have hurt the Panthers to take a running back earlier in the draft, but they may have found a hidden gem in Artis-Payne. He'll likely serve as a 3rd running back in the change of pace role behind Jonathan Stewart, and Jordan Toddman. While Payne doesn't have elite speed by any means, he makes up for it with his relentlessness and willingness to run between the tackles, and lower his shoulder to deliver hits. While he might only pan out as a backup in the NFL, his skill set should be complimentary to Stewart.


Final Thought

Carolina might not have done what you thought they would have in the draft, but i like what they did with minimal selections. Thompson should be a cornerstone and valuable piece to their defense, and could play multiple positions if they ask him to. Receiver Devin Funchess is a big bodied player, who can line up and create mismatches all over the defense. He will likely be the number two receiver and an excellent compliment to Kelvin Benjamin. Offensive lineman Daryl Williams will compete for a starting spot at either guard or right tackle. While Artis-Payne may be a third or fourth running back, I do see some characteristics that make him an interesting prospect for Carolina. I would have liked to see them add some lineman, and although they didn't address the line as hard as we all thought they would, they had themselves a pretty successful draft.

NFC North Draft Recap

The next division up in the NFL Draft Recap series in the NFC North. In a division with a powerhouse like the Green Bay Packers, you must get better in the NFL Draft in order to compete from year to year. The Minnesota Vikings are a perfect example. Just a few years removed from being bottom dwellers, the draft has been a way for Minnesota to acquire young talented players, which has put them in contention recently. The division is always competitive, and Detroit and Chicago are usually hanging around right until the end of the season.


Chicago Bears


Fans in Chicago are never happy when the Bears aren't winning. following a 5-11 season, the Bears made some big changes. Head Coach Marc Trestman was replaced with John Fox, star receiver Brandon Marshall was traded to the New York Jets, and veteran corner Charles Tillman left for Carolina. They did make some additions, bring in Ray McDonald, and later releasing him after yet more off field issues. They also brought in veterans Pernell McPhee, Antrel Rolle and Eddie Royal. Even with these additions, the Bears had a lot of holes in their depth chart. The 2015 Draft had to be a good one for Chicago, and I believe they hit a home run.


Best Pick- Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)

Chicago has had a huge hole on the defensive line for some time, and finally addressed it with Goldman. Goldman was seen by many as a sure shot first-round pick, but with very few defensive tackles taken in the first round, he slipped to Chicago at pick 39. Goldman will likely be a starter right out of the gate, replacing Stephen Paea. Goldman is a great player who can contribute in both the running and passing games. He is a big bodied tackle, but has a lot of athleticism. The only knock on his game is his inability to stay on the field, so with work on his endurance, he could be a potential Pro-Bowler.


Underrated Pick- Hroniss Grasu (C, Oregon)

Grasu is a special player. He doesn't have overwhelming power, but finds ways to move bigger players around. His knowledge of the game makes him a good fit for any offense, which will help him get playing time in Chicago. Even though he doesn't do many things that jump out on film, he doesn't do anything that turns you off on him. He is a solid player that should be a career starter in the NFL.


Final Thoughts

The Bears had so many things they needed to address that it could have been easy to mess this draft up. Chicago played all their cards right and wound up as huge winners. Kevin White will slide right into the gap left by Brandon Marshall and has tremendous upside. Goldman and Grasu will surely be key contributors for the Bears, and running back Jeremy Langford will be the likely successor to Matt Forte's spot. There may be some other spots that Chicago needs to fill, but the players they brought in with this draft class will surely be the start of a good young core that the Bears will rely on in upcoming seasons.


Minnesota Vikings

Considering that Minnesota played an entire season while superstar Adrian Peterson was suspended for violating the leagues personal conduct policy, the Vikings had a pretty successful season. They watched as Teddy Bridgewater emerged as the best quarterback from the 2014 class, and found a hidden gem in Charles Johnson. The defense seems to be on the rise, and adding on some key players will be crucial to keep the Vikings in contention with the rest of the NFC North.


Best Pick- Erick Kendricks (LB, UCLA)

It will be interesting to see how the Vikings utilize Kendricks, since he is versatile enough to play both inside and outside linebacker. Putting him inside would give them an athletic run-stopper with the ability to drop in coverage and lock on to tight ends and backs. Sliding him outside would pair him with second year player Anthony Barr, who blossomed in Mike Zimmer's scheme. My guess in Kendricks slides inside, allowing Barr and Chad Greenway to play outside, and fully utilize their talented linebacking corps. Kendricks was my highest rated inside linebacker, and should be a major force in the NFL for years to come.


Underrated Pick- TJ Clemmings (OL, Pittsburgh)

Clemmings came into the draft with a first-round grade and talent. The slide into the third round was due to injury concerns, but if healthy he can be a great asset to Minnesota. He will likely play right tackle, although he may not see the field this year. The eventual pairing with left tackle Matt Khalil could wind up be the best duo in the league, and will be lethal when considering they'll be blocking for Adrian Peterson. Clemmings is very athletic for his size, and moves his feet well. He is a mauler in the run game and shows the tools needed to be a viable pass blocker.


Final Thoughts

Minnesota wound up with ten picks in the 2015 Draft. They didn't let many of them go to waste. Trae Waynes is a perfect fit for Zimmer's defense, and excels in man-to-man press coverage. Danielle Hunter may be my favorite mid-round selection, and is very underrated. Kendricks comes in as a day-one starter, and Clemmings will likely fill the spot of Phil Loadholt who is on a one-year deal. Stefon Diggs is an interesting pick, since the Vikings already have such a talented group of receivers, but Diggs should be able to learn the offense from the sideline, and eventually contribute to a young, talented offense. I don't think the Vikings are getting as much credit as they should for their haul in the draft, and many analysts will be kicking themselves for it.


Green Bay Packers

The NFC North divisional winners finished their season in an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, a loss that will surely sting for a while. The Packers have one of the most talented rosters in the league, and will remain competitive as long as they keep it that way. The 2015 draft wasn't necessarily a great one for the Packers, but they took some chances that could pay off huge.


Best Pick- Brett Hundley (QB, UCLA)

I don't think we need to talk about what happened the last time the Packers drafted a quarterback while they had an elite talent at the position. Hundley was way higher on my board than most analysts, mainly because I never agree with quarterback scouting. Hundley will likely be compared to Russell Wilson because of the similarities in play style and draft proximity, but I think that learning under Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers might help him eventually become a better passer. I always remind people that if Hundley had declared for the 2014 NFL Draft, the likely would have been a first round selection. Green Bay could be developing the next great quarterback, and successor to the Rodgers throne.


Underrated Pick- Quenten Rollins (CB, Miami OH)

Rollins is a pure athlete who only played one year of college football. A four year basketball player for Miami of Ohio, he had a year of eligibility which he rolled into football. He is a very smooth player who uses his basketball background to his advantage. He is quick in and out of his breaks and attacks the ball at it highest point. He is going to have to be coached up in the NFL, but if he learns the game, he will be a great corner. Taking this gamble on Rollins early could be a boom-or-bust pick, but you can't deny Rollins' athletic ability.


Final Thought

Green Bay took some chances in this draft. The payoff could be huge, but if these prospects don't pan out in the NFL, the Packers could miss a step later on down the road. At first glance, I didn't like the first round selection of Damarious Randall, but he is a versatile player that can play safety, corner or nickel linebacker. Quenten Rollins, Brett Hundley and outside linebacker Jake Ryan were all solid college players, but need some time to be judged at the pro-level. We are going to look back at this class in five years and either think "Man, I wasn't high enough on these guys." or "I was spot on when I said this class wasn't that good.".


Detroit Lions

The Lions didn't exactly live up to expectations last season. What could have been a deep run with a talented roster, turned into a flop of a season. This inevitably led to a number of key players departing in the offseason. Defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley both left Detroit, as well as oft injured running back Reggie Bush. With key players still in place, the Lions looked to the draft to keep themselves afloat in the NFC North.


Best Pick- Ameer Abdullah (RB, Nebraska)

Abdullah was one of the running backs that the casual fan may not have known about since there was so much hype surrounding first-round selections Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley. Abdullah can be a game changer, although he may not be an every down back. He has great hands, and shows good speed and acceleration in and out of cuts. Pairing him with Joique Bell could lead to a nice one-two punch for Detroit.


Underrated Pick- Gabe Wright (DT, Auburn)

Wright wasn't as productive in his last year of college as he was in others, but he does bring a skill set that could be valuable in the NFL. Replacing Suh and Fairley is impossible, but grabbing Wright when Detroit did was a smart move. He is a monster run-stopper and is quick to react to plays which will help him stay in the backfield during the length of a game. He has some tools in place to be a productive pass-rushing tackle as well. Detroit might have found themselves a solid starter, at a time when they needed to address a hole in their roster.


Final Thoughts

It wasn't a flashy draft for the Lions, but they gained some valuable players. Abdullah will assume the role that Reggie Bush vacated as the third-down back, unless Theo Riddick can show the team he can be trusted come game day. Wright will be part of a rotation that features Haloti Ngata, whom Detroit acquired via a trade with the Ravens. Guard Laken Tomlinson is a mauler inside, and will definitely be a starter out of the gates. I would have liked to see the Lions address their weak secondary a little better, since Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs leave much to be desired. I do like a majority of the pick made by Detroit, but I don't see it being enough to get them over the hump and into the playoffs.

NFC East Draft Recap

Continuing with my 2015 NFL Draft recap series, I dive into the NFC. Home to some of the toughest divisions in football, the NFC could be shaken up by a number of teams, especially if teams are able to nail their draft process. The NFC East is up first, and the division is always a competitive one. Over the last 10 years, no team has won the division in back to backs seasons. After huge shakeups in Dallas and Philadelphia, all four teams will be looking to their draft class to make an impact and assist them in landing atop the tough division.

Dallas Cowboys

After finally getting over a playoff drought, the Dallas Cowboys exited the Super Bowl race early with a loss to the Green Bay Packers. The offseason was filled with speculation on wether or not Jerry Jones would pursue a trade for All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson, and when those talks died down, the Cowboys had to sit and watch as their own prized back DeMarco Murray left town for the rival Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas was able to put the franchise tag on receiver Dez Bryant, which gives them flexibility to work on a deal with him. Many of the Cowboys' needs going into the draft were on defense, and while they did a good job filling some of those holes, the defense might not shape up until later in their season.


Best Pick- Randy Gregory (EDGE, Nebraska)

Coming into the 2015 Draft, Gregory was seen as a potential top-5 pick, but after an arrest for possession of marijuana, it was likely that he'd slide down draft boards. I don't believe anyone saw him dropping all the way to the end of the second round, but the Cowboys jumped on the opportunity to draft a first-round talent. It is likely that Gregory will be suspended to start the year, but when he does rejoin the team, he should make an immediate impact. Gregory was considered by many, including myself, as the best pass-rusher in the class. Adding a player of his talent along with veteran edge-rusher Greg Hardy (who is suspended for 10 games) should make for a scary pass-rush that has been missing in Dallas for some time. Gregory can be a special player if he keeps himself in line off the field.


Underrated Pick- La'el Collins- (OL, LSU)

The news surrounding Collins that broke the day before the draft may have scared teams away from selecting him. After his name was cleared from a murder investigation, Collins informed teams that if he was not selected by the third round, that he would not sign any contract and re-enter his name in the 2016 NFL Draft. Realizing that after he went unsigned he could sign anywhere he'd like, he chose to play in Dallas. The Cowboys gave him the max-deal allowed for an undrafted player, and rightfully so. With this signing, the Cowboys hauled in three players with first-round talent. Collins will likely have a role as a backup or potentially right tackle. Adding Collins solidifies the best offensive line in the NFL.


Final Thoughts

Dallas hit a home run in the 2015 draft. The additions of Collins and Gregory will be talked about more because of the news surrounding their names, but do not sleep on first-round pick Byron Jones. Jones was a combine hero, posting highs in every drill for cornerbacks, and his on field skills are a great fit for the Cowboys' scheme. Chaz Green is a solid offensive lineman that could eventually see some time as a goal-line lineman, and in a backup role. The Cowboys also added a number of guys in the last day of the draft that should be on the roster come opening day, and should help on special teams immediately. The only thing I would have liked to see Dallas do was bring in a running back to compete with the stable of backs they have in place. While I believe anyone could run behind their offensive line, it would have been nice to see them bring in the new face of their running game.

New York Giants

The Giants had a less than impressive year, and were riddled by injuries, most notably receiver Victor Cruz, and running back Rashad Jennings. While the injuries may have been a key factor in a disappointing season, rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr. emerged as a superstar, and earned himself OROTY honors. Most of the needs for New York were on the defensive side of the ball, and they hit those holes hard. They also bulked up their offensive line.


Best Pick- Ereck Flowers (OL, Miami)

Landon Collins was arguably the best pick the Giants made, but after the news that Will Beatty will be missing a lot of time, the Flowers pick becomes even more important. Flowers would have been plugged at right tackle, but now slides over to the left side to replace the aforementioned Beatty. While it may be a downgrade, Flowers is no slouch. He is a mammoth human (6'6" 320+ lbs.) and is a monster in the running game. He also has some finesse to his game which should help him excel while protecting Eli Manning's blind side. There will be a lot of pressure on Flowers to live up to his first-round selection from day one.


Underrated Pick- Owamagbe Odighizuwa AKA Double O (DE, UCLA)

I will be calling this man "Double O" just so I never have to spell his name again. Double O is an excellent run stopper, and shows little remorse when attacking the line of scrimmage. The Giants were terrible against the run last season, so he will be a welcoming addition. The drawback to his game, is that he has little pass-rushing ability. He will have to work on that part of his game to become a reliable three-down player, but I do believe he could be an opening day starter.


Final Thoughts

The Giants did a great job addressing the teams' needs going into the draft. Flowers will be a huge asset especially with Beatty missing time. Double O will surely have an impact on the defense. Safety Landon Collins will immediately be a starter, and could wind up being the biggest steal of this years draft. With a lot of players already on the roster getting healthy, and an impressive draft class, expect the Giants to jump right back into contention in 2015.

Philadelphia Eagles

In typical Chip Kelly fashion, the Eagles jumped head first into the offseason, following a season in which they missed the playoffs. Knowing they needed to address some large holes in their roster, they immediately made some huge moves. They traded away superstar running back LeSean McCoy for linebacker Kiko Alonso,  and also traded underperforming quarterback Nick Foles to the Rams for an injury prone Sam Bradford. They then sured up their secondary by signing cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond. They filled the gap left by McCpoy by signing veteran running backs DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews. With such a busy offseason, the draft would be a crucial point to help with a roster overhaul. Many speculations seemed to be more and more likely, as the Eagles were rumored to be heavily involved in trade talks with the Tennessee Titans to acquire the second overall pick, which they would've used to select Chip Kelly pupil, Marcus Mariota. When those talks fell through, the Eagles still came out of the draft with a number of players that should be impactful when the season starts.


Best Pick- Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)

During the offseason overhaul, the Eagles were not able to retain receiver Jeremy Maclin. His spot should be filled by the improving Jordan Matthews. Philly needed to add another receiver to pair with Matthews and grabbed Agholor in the first round. He will have to work hard to make sure his career doesn't fare like many of the USC receivers have. Agholor has impressive route-runnning skills and is very quick on his feet in and out of breaks. He may not be the fastest receiver, but he has good ability to separate and has explosion after catching the ball. His role will be crucial in Philly, especially with uncertainty at quarterback.


Underrated Pick- Jordan Hicks- (LB, Texas)

Hicks could be a steal for the Eagles if he can adapt to the pro game early in his career. He has exemplary size and athleticism for an NFL linebacker. The major drawback is he really sticks to paper when running a play. He rarely uses his instincts to break off from his assignment and make a play away from what he is assigned to do. He is very blind-sighted in that he rarely sees anything other than what is in front of him. If Hicks can learn to use his instincts and take educated chances he can be a great pro player. His work ethic and game preparation are unmatched which will likely help him stay in the NFL for a long time, and hopefully Philly can get the most out of him.


Final Thoughts

Philly knew what they needed coming into the draft and didn't stray away from their game plan. Agholor is a good receiver that will definitely be a key part in the offense immediately. Second round cornerback Eric Rowe will likely be in play to start as a nickel corner, and is a great man-to-man defender, and a scheme fit for the Eagles. Hicks could see the field, with work and help from the coaching staff. Corners JaCory Shepherd and Randall Evans will likely be developmental players that make the roster as special teams players. With such a huge haul of players in free-agency, the Eagles were able to draft the way they wanted to, and it paid off with two potential starters, and a number of talented developmental projects.

Washington Redskins

The football club in Washington had another less then impressive season. With a new general manager in place, they came into the draft wanting to let everyone know their new identity. It is very clear they are choosing to steer their team towards being a hard-nosed gritty smash mouth team. With a roster that was mediocre at best, it was important for the 'Skins to draft well, and while they seem to be emerging with a new identity, they nailed the 2015 NFL Draft.


Best Pick- Preston Smith (DE, Mississippi State)

Washington has a stacked defensive line, but needed to address their outside rush. It is very possible that Smith will be moved to linebacker and come from the edge as a pass-rusher. He didn't have very impressive tape at Mississippi, but there is a lot of potential and rawness to his game. This could be the perfect match if he can learn the linebacker spot, or come to fruition at defensive end.


Underrated Pick- Matt Jones (RB, Florida)

Jones is a huge bruiser that has speed you wouldn't expect from a player his size. The question that the 'Skins will need to figure out is if he is a more dynamic playmaker than Alfred Morris. If he Jones doesn't work on his vision and playmaking, he will likely just fall into a running back by committee type of role. Expect to see Jones on the field a decent amount for Washington, since they're clearly moving into a run first and run often type of offense. Jones is a guy that will definitely move the sticks, but will need to improve some other focal points of his game if he'd like to jump Morris on the depth chart.

Final Thoughts

As i said earlier, it was important for Washington to help solidify their identity as a smash-mouth football team during the draft. With the additions of Brandon Scherff and Arie Kouandjio on the offense line, and Matt Jones at running back, they used three of their first five picks to help give them the identity they were looking for. Scherff was considered by many the best offensive lineman in the class, and a can't miss prospect. Defensively, the addition of Preston Smith gives them a player they can tailor to fit their scheme. The additions of safety Kyshoen Martin and corner Tevin Mitchell gives them some depth in an improving secondary. All these pieces made for a pretty solid draft class, and while it doesn't jump out at you on paper, the Skins are a better team then they were before the draft.