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.

AFC West Draft Recap

The AFC West has been dominated by the Broncos since the arrival of Peyton Manning. The West if filled with talented teams, but none seem to be able to stack up to what Denver has built over the last few years. Oakland seems to be on the way out of the NFL cellar, and the Chiefs and Chargers are moving in the right direction to potentially dethrone the Broncos and the best player of our generation. The 2015 NFL Draft definitely shaped up well for all four teams, but I believe the Broncos came out of the Draft as the "winners" in the division.


San Diego Chargers

The Chargers entered the draft with a lot of questions looming over the franchise. Quarterback Phillip Rivers was unsatisfied with the rumors of San Diego potentially relocating to LA, and there was some question about wether the team would trade him on draft day. They also looked vulnerable at running back. With so many rumors circulating, it was hard to pinpoint what the Chargers would do come draft day.


Best Pick- Denzel Perryman (ILB, Miami)

Although the Chargers had seen great play from linebacker Manti Te'o, there have been major struggles at the position. Perryman is a bit undersized, but does a great job at finding the ball and making plays in the run game. Even though he is undersized, he is not afraid to initiate contact or put his helmet into a pile. He needs work in the passing game, but should help the run-game immediately and be a big contributor on special teams.


Underrated Pick- Craig Mager (CB, Texas St.)

Mager comes from a small school, so the obvious worries that he can't adjust to pro-talent are going to surround his name. He has the size to play in the pros, and ran the best 40 out of all the cornerbacks at the combine. He has good closing speed and isn't afraid to mix it up with larger players. He isn't as instinctive as most players in the class, which could lead to a high reception count on him, but he closes in on the ball well and doesn't give up too much YAC. Mager could be in contention to get some snaps his rookie year, but will likely be a developmental player.


Final Thoughts

The Chargers didn't have an abundance of picks in this draft, but made use of what they did have. Melvin Gordon was considered by a lot of scouts as the best running back in the class, and will likely win the starting job during mini-camp. Perryman should be a run-stopping linebacker, playing early downs. Kyle Emanuel is an underrated outside linebacker that could be coached up into a starter, while Mager and 6th round pick Darius Philon will likely be development projects. San Diego didn't have many gaps in their roster, and used their picks wisely addressing those needs. They should be right in the mix atop the conference at the years end.


Kansas City Chiefs


Kansas City was a team that could have been a contender last year, but didn't produce the way a lot of people expected. No Chiefs receiver caught a touchdown pass the entire season, so it seemed that an overhaul was all but certain. After parting ways with veterans Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery, they signed Jeremy Maclin and reunited him with his old coach, Andy Reid. Kansas City has built itself an impressive offense, and looked to address some needs on defense as well.


Best Pick- Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)

Sean Smith only has one year remaining on his contract, so bringing in Peters will assure the Chiefs that if they cannot re-sign Smith, they'll have a player ready to replace him. Peters did have off-field issues, but was arguably the most talented defensive back in the 2015 class. He is a physically gifted player who isn't afraid to get in receivers faces. He excels in press coverage and has the size and speed desired to be a true starting corner.


Underrated Pick- Chris Conley (WR, Georgia)

Conley snuck in under the radar in comparison to the elite receivers of the 2015 class. Conley does a lot of things that would suggest he can produce right away for the Chiefs. With very little experience in their receiving corps, he should see the field immediately. He seeks the ball out and gets to the highest point to retrieve it. He tracks the ball well when it's in the air, and has the size and speed to separate and grab jump balls. He may need to work on his route running a little, but overall he should be a good piece for Kansas City.


Final Thoughts

The Chiefs knew they had to revamp their depth chart, and adding Maclin and drafting Conley is a good start. Peters will eventually be a Pro Bowl level player. The addition of Mitch Morse (guard) will be overshadowed, but he may be starting week one. Linebackers Ramik Wilson and DJ Alexander should produce on special teams early while learning the pro defense, and tight end James O'Shaughnessy and receiver Da'Ron Brown are going to be project players that may be solid backups.  The Chiefs positioned themselves to be contenders in the division again, adding more weapons on offense and toughening up the defense. The fate of the team will still rely heavily on Alex Smith, and wether or not he can take the next step as a leader. he might also want to throw a touchdown to a receiver.


Oakland Raiders

Put aside the fact that Oakland had a terrible record last year. They had a lot of players they invested money into fizzle out, and cut ties with a majority of them. The bright side is the Raiders were able get some young players some valuable snaps. Latavius Murray had success in the limited snaps he saw, and is poised for a breakout year. Quarterback Derek Carr took some bumps and bruises but gained valuable field time. Khalil Mack emerged as a force at linebacker, finishing second in DROY voting, With a young core filled with talented players the Raiders could make a huge leap, and the draft class they brought in could help them become contenders.


Best Pick- Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)

Cooper was regarded as the best receiver in this class, along with Kevin White. Cooper seems to be more ready to produce at a high level right out of the gate. He has amazing hands and a great catch radius, and is a very polished route runner. He has a large route tree, and utilizing that will help him adjust faster to playing in the NFL. Adding Cooper will give Oakland a true number one receiver for Derek Carr, and adds another weapon to an offense already featuring Carr, Murray, Michael Crabtree and Mychal Rivera.


Underrated Pick- Clive Walford (TE, Miami)

Although it seems that Mychal Rivera solidified his spot as the starting tight end, there could be some contention for his spot with Walford. Walford has an athletic background, and was one of the more impressive overall athletes at the combine. He ran a 4.79 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, best among all tight ends that attended the combine. He does a sufficient job blocking in both the run and passing game, which should get him time on the field to help protect Carr. He has the desired height and weight for an NFL tight end, and should come down with jump balls more times than none. As a rookie, even if he isn't the starter, he will be a valuable asset to the Raiders' offense, especially in the red-zone.


Final Thoughts

Oakland has to climb out of a hole dug by their front office. Building on an impressive draft class from last year, they added a lot of young talented players that could have them atop the division sooner than later. Cooper will be an All-Pro. Walford has the potential to be a Jimmy Graham type player, and the rest of their class was solid also. Mario Edwards comes in as a hybrid-type defensive lineman who could play inside to outside, and will be a rotational player as a rookie. The additions of linebackers Ben Heeney, Neiron Ball, and Max Valles give them depth. All three of the linebackers should see the field bat least on special teams. Receiver Andre Debose from Florida is a wildcard, but can immediately help the team in the return game. Oakland has had a very productive offseason, and should they win anymore than 5 games, it would be a large improvement in my eyes.


Denver Broncos

After another season where the Broncos fell short of a Super Bowl. Denver needed to have a successful offseason to keep themselves sitting on the throne of the AFC West. They parted ways with Head Coach John Fox and replaced him with Gary Kubiak. They also lost star tight end Julius Thomas to Jacksonville, but replaced him with Owen Daniels. They placed the Franchise Tag on receiver Demaryius Thomas, which should allow them to work on a long term deal, and seem to be moving on from veteran Wes Welker. More importantly, they were assured by Peyton Manning that he'd be healthy and returning for at least another season. Still, the Broncos needed to have a successful draft, and early indications show they may have done just that.


Best Pick- Shane Ray (EDGE, Missouri)

Denver already has an excellent outside rush, led by Von Miller and Demarcus Ware, but the value they got selecting Ray 23rd overall was too much to pass on. They traded up and didn't have to give up much to select a player that was regarded in most circles at a top-10 pick. Ray has had his fair share of issues off the field, but with a strong veteran presence in Denver, he shouldn't find himself in trouble as a pro. Ray has all the tools to excel in the NFL and should be the replacement for Ware when he retires. Pairing Ray with Von Miller has the makings of a lethal combo, and potential to be the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL.


Underrated Pick- Max Garcia (Center, Florida)

When the Broncos traded up to select Shane Ray, they parted ways with Manny Ramirez as well. This opened up some holes in the offensive line that would potentially be filled by free-agents and young players. Garcia was a center in college, but his knowledge of a zone-blocking scheme along with his talent could make him a target to fill the gap at guard. The Broncos could also slide new addition Gino Gradkowski over to guard which would allow Garcia to play center. Any of these combinations should be an upgrade from Ramirez, and finding players to protect Manning is always important for Denver.


Final Thoughts

The Broncos had a busy offseason, adding veteran players to an already stacked roster. They came into the draft needing additions at a few spots, but weren't in a pressure situation to immediately start the young prospects. The addition of Shane Ray comes at a cost, likely a suspension to start the year, but should pan out in their favor down the road. I already discussed Garcia and the probability that he will be a starter sooner than later. Offensive Tackle Ty Sambrialo will also be in contention to produce for the Broncos immediately. He was a little underrated coming into the draft, in my opinion, and will be a valuable asset. Tight end Jeff Heuerman (Ohio State) will have some time to learn the playbook and take in knowledge from veterans Owen Daniels and Virgil Green. Cornerback Lorenzo Doss should be a welcome addition to the secondary, and may be the nickel corner, due to his ball skills and work ethic. Although there wasn't much outside of those players, the rest of the class should be in competition to make the team and help out with special teams work, or be assigned to the practice squad. The meat of the draft for the Broncos is really what impressed me, due to the fact that they targeted talented players that were good fits for their system without reaching in the draft. With an offseason like Denver had in 2015, it will be hard for the rest of the AFC West to catch up to them, and they should be sitting atop the division yet again.

Draft Recap: AFC South

Continuing with my 2015 Draft Recap series, I dive into the AFC South. In a division where everyone is chasing Andrew Luck and the Colts, it is pivotal to make every pick count. Talented young players could help bridge the win-loss gap between any of the teams in the division. Even though the Colts stand atop the division, it is also important for them to improve now and in the future if they want to keep at the helm of the AFC South.

Houston Texans

Houston is coming off a season where they saw some key departures. It was important for them to replace Andre Johnson, and I believe they did so in a big way. Houston landed three players that could have been first round selections, and in addition, added some much needed depth. While they already had a talented roster, I don't think they addressed some things that would have really put them in contention. They could have used a dominant outside linebacker, and some help at safety. The Texans have a very talented lineup and should be in contention for a playoff spot next season.

Best Pick- Benardrick McKinney (LB, Mississippi State)

To see McKinney on the board in the second round must have been enough for the Texans to pull the trigger. They have been missing an inside linebacker on their defense for quite some time, and with Brian Cushing not maintaining his health, McKinney could be a silver lining. The Mississippi State product should be lining up next to Cushing on the inside, and will also provide security in the event that Cushing gets injured again. McKinney is also versatile enough to potentially jump outside if needed, and might do so on passing plays. While some people might see this as a safety pick, I look at it as the Texans gaining a multi-faceted player and potential star.


Underrated Pick- Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)

If you are wondering how a first round pick could be an underrated pick, think about a few things. With all the media hype surrounding the impressive combine from Trae Waynes, and off the field issues of Marcus Peters and PJ Williams, Johnson snuck under the radar as a top-tier cornerback. Also consider that while the Texans re-signed Kareem Jackson, they only brought him back on a one-year deal. Johnson can come into Houston and play immediately along side Jackson, and won't always be paired against the best receiver on the field. Johnson has some height for a corner, and excels in man-to-man coverage. If the Texans don't bring Jackson back after this season, then Kevin Johnson will have on-field experience and could inherit the "number one" corner role.


Final Thoughts

Houston had an amazing draft at the front side (rounds 1-3), but didn't impress me with their later picks. Kenny Hilliard could develop into a nice backup, but aside from him there wasn't much to get excited about. I will say that they may have gotten one of the biggest steals of the draft when they selected Jaelen Strong in the third round. I had a late-first early second round grade for the ASU receiver. There have been some scouts that were reluctant about some of his character issues, but the kid is very talented. Pairing him with DeAndre Hopkins will have any defense a little shaken. Houston did a good job addressing their defense early, but took a step back after that, which shouldn't have been the case for a team trying to keep Andrew Luck contained.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars will have to make a huge leap to be a competitive team in 2015, and looking at their draft class, it seems that division contention might be closer than many think. I will note that first-round draft pick Dante Fowler Jr. tore his ACL the first day of rookie camp, and although this is unfortunate, the Jags showed a huge vote of confidence by signing Fowler to a max-deal for a first round rookie, even after the ACL injury. The rest of the Jaguars class was also very impressive. Adding more protection for Blake Bortles was necessary, and they brought in some under the radar weapons as well. Defensively, they drafted a few guys that could develop into key contributors.

Best Pick- AJ Cann (OG, Florida State)

Cann was a third-round pick for the Jags but i believed he could've been taken as high as the late first round. Cann is a very talented interior lineman that should start right away in Jacksonville. Cann is a great pass protector, something Blake Bortles will love, and very rarely allows bigger players to gain leverage against him. His game seems to be pro-ready immediately, and I believe he will be a future All-Pro.

Underrated Pick- Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)

Bennett was seen by most scouts as a day two pick. A number of defensive tackles slipped in this draft including Bennett, which led to the Jags snagging him in round 6. In a handful of my own mock drafts I had Bennett as high as a first round selection. He is a little undersized for an NFL tackle, but has good technique and uses his hands well and works with leverage. For Jacksonville, they'll be bringing in a  player that can make an immediate impact. Bennett may not be an every down player, but he excels at getting in the backfield and disrupting plays.

Final Thoughts

Jacksonville needed to improve drastically to be able to compete in their division, and to assure their young quarterback that they're moving in the right direction. With the additions of Cann, receiver Rashad Greene and tight end Ben Koyack, they at least bring some protection, as well as new weapons in for Blake Bortles. The injury to Dante Fowler is unfortunate, but he will be a good defensive piece along with Bennett. Jacksonville has a young talented roster, and did a good enough job in the draft to improve on their win total from last year.

Tennessee Titans

There was a topn of buzz surrounding Tennessee going into the 2015 NFL Draft. Like myself, many writers and analysts believed the Titans would deal their second overall pick, and stick with Zach Mettenberger under center. With no jaw-dropping deal coming in, they kept the pick and selected potential franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota. While it might not have been expected, the Titans saw an opportunity to address a gap with one of the best players in the class. Aside from Mariota, the Titans draft was very questionable. They drafted a fourth-round fullback, and did very little to drastically improve their team.

Best Pick- ???

As i look at the Titans nine players selected, I don't see a pick that i consider to be an "excellent" pick. From a pure value standpoint I could argue that receiver Tre McBride was the best pick, as he seems to be a pro-ready receiver with good hands and decent speed. The drawback to McBride is that he's coming from a smaller college program and likely hasn't seen anything close to NFL talent, but he was a 7th round pick and a steal at that. Aside from McBride, the rest of the players have too many questions to really evaluate.

Underrated pick- Jeremiah Poutasi (OG, Utah)

Poutasi comes into the NFL with a pro-sized body. Based on the way the offensive line played in Tennessee last season, he may very well compete for a starting spot. He made huge strides to improve in pass protection, which is obviously important when blocking for a young quarterback, and he moves well for a larger player. Interior lineman generally don't hold much value early in the draft, but Poutasi could be a future long-term starter for the Titans.

Final Thoughts

As i stated earlier, the Titans' draft really boggled my mind. Mariota could develop into a great player, but there wasn't much else to be excited about after that. Dorial Beckham-Green is a head case, and many scouts said he looked clueless in workouts. It will take at least a year for him to be anything other than a big guy who can be a red-zone threat. David Cobb will likely steal the starting job at running back, and may wind up as a solid starter. For a team that needed to make a huge splash throughout the draft, it seems like Tennessee had a game plan that fell apart.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are coming off another fairly successful season. After parting ways with veteran receiver Reggie Wayne and struggling running back Trent Richardson, they brought in veteran All-Stars Andre Johnson and Frank Gore. Looking to build upon a very talented offense, the Colts did a great job adding pieces to a sub-par defense.

Best Pick- David Parry (DT, Stanford)

Parry is a hard working player who earned everything he accomplished at Stanford. He walked on to the Cardinal team and wears a big chip on his shoulders. He has good size, and should be a valuable nose-tackle. The Colts needed to add a powerful defensive tackle to their line and Parry should be that. He is a smart player and has a high motor which will translate into more snaps.

Underrated Pick- Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)

Another first round pick makes my underrated list. Many people questioned this pick because of the talent that the Colts have at receiver, but I see it not only as a luxury pick, but as a fall safe also. Andre Johnson is old, and may not have much left in the tank. TY Hilton is a soon-to-be free agent, and bringing him back to Indy might be too expensive. If the Colts don't want to miss a beat, bringing in Dorsett should help. He's already drawn comparison to Hilton as it is, and coming into a team thats very deep at receiver gives them the flexibility to keep Dorsett of the field on offense while he learns, but still contribute for the team in the return game.

Final Thoughts

Even though the Colts could have used their first round pick to select a top-tier defensive player, they still came out of the draft in good shape. Dorsett could develop into a great target for Andrew Luck, and taking that chance could pay off in the long run. Parry and DE Henry Anderson could be decent starters in the future, and will help as subs in the meantime. D'Joun Smith needs some work at the pro-level, but may compete for reps at nickel corner. The Colts could be a potential dark horse to jump from playoff team to Super Bowl contenders.

Draft Recap: AFC North

Continuing with my recap of the 2015 NFL Draft, I take a look into the AFC North. For a good chunk of the 2014 season, every team in the division was very competitive; Based on the impressive draft classes for each of the teams, it seems like it may shape out the same way in 2015. On paper, it might seem that Cleveland and Baltimore won the draft in the North, but with impressive late picks, the Steelers and Bengals surely came away with improved rosters.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland came into the draft with a lot of questions surrounding their first round. Rumors started circulating about potential trades to land them a quarterback. When the dust settled on Day 1 they didn't make the blockbuster moves people thought they would, but chose to beef up both the offensive and defensive lines. This draft was a success for the Browns, although I would have thought they would take a receiver earlier than they did.


Best Pick- Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)

Shelton will be an immediate impact player in Cleveland. I considered him to be the second best defensive prospect in the 2015 class behind Leonard Williams. Shelton's huge body and strength will bode well in the NFL. He can throw people around and stuff running lanes, which will lead to negative or no yards gained. He will generate a lot of double teams which will free up other defenders to come into the backfield unscathed. He could be a three-down player and eventually a Pro Bowl type player.


Underrated Pick- Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)


Don't sleep on this guy. He was a 7th round pick due to an ACL injury late in the season at Oregon. When he was healthy, Olomu was considered one of the top cornerback prospects coming out of college. Once he gets healthy he could compete for time playing in nickel packages, and eventually even a starting spot on the outside. He doesn't necessarily have the "NFL size" but his coverage and ball skills are impeccable. The Browns got arguably one of the biggest steals in the draft taking him in the 7th round, and he should reward them with his play.


Final Thoughts


Cleveland wants the NFL to know their identity, and showed it with this class. They want to be a smash-mouth team on offense and a hard nosed run stuffing defense. Adding Shelton and offensive lineman Cameron Erving in the first round shows they want beef on both sides of the ball. Erving is a smart and versatile player who might play right tackle early in his career and move inside to guard or center. Nate Orchard and Xavier Cooper should develop into good players and make an impact on the defense as well. Receiver Vince Mayle will be a developmental player, but is very raw and could turn out to be a solid starter for Cleveland.

Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive Tackle Andrew Whitworth dared the Bengals brass to draft a tackle and they did.....TWICE. It is unclear to me what the Bengals were thinking, but they got two solid players with their first two picks.


Best Pick- Jake Fisher (OL, Oregon)

Fisher was the second round pick by the Bengals, and although they took another offensive lineman earlier, Fisher might be in the starting lineup before Cedric Ogbuehi. Fisher will probably play interior line for the Bengals, but can play tackle as well. He is an athletic player that uses his body well and moves quickly to stay in front of defenders.


Underrated Pick- Paul Dawson (LB, TCU)

Dawson might be the most pro-ready linebacker in the class. He lacks some physical skill, but is very instinctive and gets to the ball by any means necessary. He dropped a few rounds because of off-field character issues. Cincy doesn't have any issue with taking problem players. Pairing him inside with Vontaze Burfict will give them one of the better duos in the NFL.


Final Thoughts-

The Bengals were looking further into the future with the picks made in the 2015 NFL Draft. They already have a talented roster and addressed some of the depth issues they may have had. Third round pick Tyler Kroft could be a nice player, and pairing him with Tyler Eifert may be a lethal combo. Josh Shaw had his off-field problem, (lying about how he broke both of his ankles) but might be a steal for Cincinnati. Adding young depth seemed to be something the Bengals needed to do, and while it may not make sense now, they're better prepped for the future than they were before the draft.

Baltimore Ravens

Per usual, the Baltimore Ravens assembled one of the best classes in the NFL Draft. GM Ozzie Newsome always has a strategy that he sticks to, and this year wasn't any different. Newsome likes to let the board fall to him and tends to select the best player available. By doing so, the picks he makes are usually not only the best player available, but also a targeted position that they'd like to improve. The Ravens staff is very rigorous is scouting, which shows on the field, as most guys they draft end up making an immediate impact in one way or another.

Best Pick- Carl Davis (DT, Iowa)

I thought Davis could have been selected in the late first, early second depending on a run of defensive tackles coming off the board. Davis slipped into the third round and wound up in Baltimore. Davis is a huge guy who can immediately play for the Ravens on early downs as a run-stuffer. He is good at holding his own in double teams which can help his linebackers. He has a full arsenal of moves which will make him hard to block. The Ravens needed a replacement for Haloti Ngata and may have found one in Davis.


Underrated Pick- Darren Waller (WR, Georgia Tech)

Waller is going to be a developmental project. The intangibles are all there (he comes in at 6'6" 240lbs) but he lacks any signs of being pro-ready. He doesn't posses much of a route tree and can lose speed when the ball is in the air. He does show some promise is other areas. He is a promising red-zone threat who has size and jumping ability to go up and grab balls. Waller uses his size and body well when getting up for jump ball type plays. Baltimore hasn't had a receiver like Waller in a long time, and if developed the right way, could be similar to Plaxico Burress.


Final Thoughts-

From beginning to end the Ravens aced the Draft process. Breshad Perriman should be the immediate  replacement for Torrey Smith, and second-round tight end Maxx Williams should surpass all tight ends on the roster as the starter. Javorious Allen is a dual threat back, and while he doesn't have eye popping speed or tackle breaking ability, he finds ways to get into the open field. Allen will likely compete with Lorenzo Talieferro for the change of pace role. Adding pieces that can produce right away was important for the Ravens and they landed 4-5 guys that will do just that. If I gave grades to the teams for their drafts, Baltimore would be very high on the list.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers came into the draft knowing they had very specific holes to fill. They've been missing a dominant pass-rusher for a long time. They had to find an heir to the Polamalu throne, and get better at corner. It seems that the picks they made will definitely help fill some of those voids, although we won't REALLY know until these rookies get onto the field.

Best Pick- Doran Grant (CB, Ohio State)

When reading up on Grant, I noticed that a number of scouts were very intrigued with him. One scout said that he was at Ohio State the previous year to look at Bradley Roby, and that in every facet, Grant out-played him. Roby does everything very well, wether it be zone coverage, man coverage or pressing a receiver. He is a smart player that won't be beaten mentally. Grant might inevitably play over second round pick Senquez Golson just based on body size.


Underrated Pick- Gerod Holliman (S, Louisville)

If you glance back at my defensive position breakdown you'll noticed I had Holliman as a potential bust. The reasoning for this is that many projections earlier in the year had him as a late first, early second round pick. I think Pittsburgh got amazing value for Holliman. His amazing on-field year at Louisville may have hyped him up a bit, but his style of play is perfect for Pittsburgh. I believe that if Holliman isn't forced onto the field early in his career he could be a suitable enough replacement for Troy Polamalu.


Final Thought

The Steelers added players to fill holes in their roster. Wether or not these players pan out to be viable starters lis still to be seen. Bud Dupree should play from day one, and was seen as one of the best pass-rushers in the 2015 class. Golson and Grant should both see the field early, although I'm not too sure wether either will fare well in the NFL. Adding Sammie Coates was surprising to me, since the Steelers have an impressive core of guys. He does have good size and speed, and will probably be the fourth receiver unless he out-preforms Markus Wheaton. I don't think the Steelers did enough in this draft to be considered serious contenders, even with Ben Roethlisberger and his array or offensive weapons.

Draft Recap: AFC East

The NFL Draft has come and go, and now we can break down the biggest winners and losers from each division. Some may not be as clear cut, and may take two to three years before we can make a true judgement, but it is never too early to analyze anything. Here is my takeaway from the AFC East.

New York Jets

The Jets are the biggest winners in the division, and maybe the whole draft. They allowed the Draft to come to them and didn't panic. Doing this allowed them to add some of the best prospects while addressing the teams needs for most of their picks. The Jets not only solidified the best defensive line one the NFL, they added a speedy receiver, a developmental quarterback, and an edge rusher as well.

Best Pick- Leonard Williams (DL, USC)

Nobody thought Williams would be on the board for the Jets. Surely a team with one of the best defensive lines in the NFL wouldn't draft another lineman. They did. And, by doing so, allowed themselves to get the best prospect in the draft. It also gave the team flexibility and a bargaining chip when they start to negotiate with DL Mohammad Wilkerson. Drafting Williams could potentially mean Wilkerson walks, or that when they do re-negoatiate that one of the other lineman won't return. The Jets sat back in the draft, didn't sell their farm to move up and select a quarterback, and it wound up paying off in a big way.

Underrated Pick- Lorenzo Mauldin (OLB, Louisville)

The Jets were in need of an outside pass rusher and got one in Mauldin. It was a bargain to get a player that should have an immediate impact for them in the third round. Even if Mauldin doesn't produce double-didget sacks, he would still be a considerable upgrade compared to the linebackers they've had in recent years.

Final Thoughts-

Aside from adding Williams and Mauldin, the Jets added some nice pieces. The offense got a boost with the additions of Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State) and Bryce Petty (QB, Baylor). Petty should be watching from the sidelines for a year or two until his coaches feel like his game is NFL ready. Smith should instantly inject some sparks into the offense. He is a burner that tracks the ball very well in the air. All in all, the Jets came out of the 2015 Draft as huge winners.

Miami Dolphins

Miami needed to add some parts in the Draft to help them compete in the always tough AFC East, and did just that. They got a true number one receiver, and a very good nose tackle to pair with Ndamukong Suh. They added a body to take some of the load off of Lamar Miller, and got tougher along the offensive line as well.

Best Pick- Jordan Phillips (NT, Oklahoma)

Miami wanted to add a big body to pair with Suh, and Phillips is exactly that. Phillips will excel in run stopping, and should be able to create enough of a problem to give Suh some help. He has the desired body size for a run-stuffing defensive tackle, and given his situation he should flourish in Miami.

Underrated Pick- Tony Lippett (CB/WR, Michigan State)

Lippett is a unique player, with the determination and heart to be a pro. He doesn't do anything that makes him jump out to you on film, but was very consistent at MSU. The fact that he played both sides of the ball shows how physical and tough of a player he is, and also shows his willingness to want to play. Lippett is the kind of guy a coach loves, and if he keeps up the hard work ethic, he will find himself on the field for Maimi.

Final Thoughts-

Miami addressed the holes in the roster and added some depth. They didn't do anything too flashy which is sometimes the best way to have a successful draft. Parker has been over-shadowed by Kevin White and Amari Cooper, but is definitely a top prospect, and may be the most pro-ready. The addition of Jay Ajayi gives the 'Fins another hard working running back, and was a steal for Miami in the fifth round. There may only be a player or two from this draft that don't immediately impact the team.

New England Patriots

The defending Super Bowl champions came into the Draft with very few holes to fill. It's worth noting that DT Vince Wilfork, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner are definitely huge losses, but the Pats did a great job filling those holes either through free-agency or the draft. Like the Dolphins, there wasn't anything flashy about their draft, but they surely made some good picks.

Best Pick- Tre Jackson (OL, Florida State)

The Patriots are very good at finding undervalued players in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. Jackson was a three-year starter for Florida State and comes with a port of experience under his belt. He is a good run and pass blocker that uses his leverage well. His football intelligence is probably what caught the eye of the Pats' scouts. If given a year to develop and learn the scheme, Jackson could be an impact starter in New England.

Underrated Pick- Xzavier Dickson (LB/DE, Alabama)

Dickson looks like he'll primarily be a passing situation linebacker. He has pretty good edge rushing skills, but lacks most of the tools that he'll need to produce in the run game. He should get some reps early on third down, while the Pats work on the other facets of his game. Think of him as the type of player Bruce Irvin was earlier in his career with Seattle, but with less polish to his all-around skill set.

Final Thoughts-

The Patriots rarely ever put themselves in a bad position heading into a new season. They replaced Vince Wilfork with first round pick Malcolm Brown. Brown was a steal at pick 32, and should be an immediate starter. Defensive Lineman Geno Grissom and Trey Flowers could develop into nice pieces for the defense, along with strong safety Jordan Richards. I would have imagined that the Pats would have drafted a cornerback a little higher; But then again, it always seems like Bill Belichick and the staff in New England always seem to know something that we don't.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills headed into the 2015 NFL offseason with a new Head Coach in Rex Ryan and for the most part, a new front office. They made a lot of noise in free-agency. In more recent years, they've always been active during the draft, but lacked a first round pick (They traded their 2015 first round pick to obtain Sammy Watkins) to really make any moves this year. With that said, I did like the Bills' approach this year. They facilitated exactly how they wanted things to happen, and didn't waste any picks.

Best Pick- Nick O'Leary (TE, Florida State)

The Bills lost Scott Chandler in free-agency, and added Charles Clay. Clay is the type of player that could potentially line up all over the offense, and is a great pass catcher. O'Leary has very similar traits, and could potentially be a developmental project if Clay doesn't pan out for Buffalo. I could see O'Leary being more of an H-Back earlier in his career and eventually shape his game to include being used as an off-line tight end.

Underrated Pick- Karlos Williams (RB, Florida State)

Williams didn't play up to his full potential last season at FSU, but still has a huge upside. He has a smash-mouth style of running and can punish defenses with his physical play. If he puts in the effort during the teams mini-camp, he could find himself as the third running back on the depth chart.

Final Thoughts-

Without holding a first-round pick, the Bills found a way to get some value out of their draft. Adding Ronald Darby was a good move in the second round. They needed help in their secondary and Darby could be a good value pick. Offensive lineman Nick Miller should fit well with Rex Ryan's system and could find his way as a starter in the NFL. I would say the Draft was a small part to a much bigger picture in the Bills' offseason.

Day 1 Analysis: Draft Thoughts

Although it didn't seem like an eventful draft, there was a lot of moving pieces. There was only two trades, but a lot of surprise picks.

Washington selected OL Brandon Scherff with the 5th pick, which not many people saw coming. I was almost certain that they would go with an edge rusher, but elected to take arguably the best offensive lineman in the class. The Skins should look to add a rusher in the second.

St. Louis watched as the players higher on their board got taken. Instead of trading back, they took RB Todd Gurley. The Rams know their identity needs to be a ground-and-pound attack, and adding Gurley gives the Rams a two-headed monster. Although i was surprised at the pick, I believe it was the right move.

The Jets didn't waste a pick, and didn't sell their farm to move up and take someone. By doing so, they saw the best player in the draft (Leonard Williams) fall to them at 6. This absolutely solidifies the best defensive line in the league, although it sounds like they're still listening to offers for Muhammad Wilkerson.

Cleveland made the right moves, beefing up both their offensive and defensive lines. Danny Shelton is a gigantic human and pushes people around allowing backers to make tackles, and shutting gaps before running backs can hit them. Cameron Erving is a smart player and will likely play guard for the Browns. Instead of giving up any of their picks for a quarterback they added beef, and both players will be immediate starters.

I really liked Miami drafting DaVante Parker. The decision to move on from Mike Wallace was smart, and bringing Parker in gives them a true number one receiver. Parker may have been overlooked since a lot of hype was surrounding Kevin White and Amari Cooper, but Parker's name belongs next to those two.

Kevin Johnson (Houston) and Marcus Peters (Kansas City) both landed in spots will they'll likely be the successors to the starting corner spot. Both teams have corners who will be free-agents next year, and bringing in younger players gives them insurance if they don't re-sign.

Denver got the steal of the draft, trading up to draft Shane Ray. His off-field issues are documented, but purely from a talent standpoint he is one of the best players in the draft. Denver didn't have to give up much to jump up, giving Detroit their 5th round pick this year, a 5th next year and Center Manny Ramirez.

Breshad Perriman to the Ravens is a good match. He has a very similar game to Torrey Smith who left to sign with the 49ers. Perriman needs to work on his hands if he wants to stay on the field, but you can't deny his speed.

New Orleans essentially wasted their second first-round pick, taking Stephone Anthony. I didn't see him coming off the board until the late second round at the earliest. There were more talented players they could've drafted and still gotten Anthony later in the draft.

New England actually stayed in the first round. By doing so they found a good player in Malcolm Brown, who is a dominant defensive tackle. They needed a replacement for Vince Wilfork and Brown could wind up filling those shoes well.