2015 Mock Drafts

[Carp]

I don't like. Not a fan of Golden in the first. Wright is an overrated SEC player. Tartt is another small school safety that I don't know much about. David Johnson is the only pick I like.

I would not pass on Bennett for Tartt and would take Duran Grant in the 3rd. The way the draft rolls though, I understand the thinking.

 

[Deuce]

I would not pass on Bennett for Tartt

I would too and then have taken Jacoby Glenn in the 3rd.

 

[Plan9Misfit]

The only pick I would have any issue with is Tartt at 60.

I loathe that pick, and am not a fan of using high and mid round picks on small school players.

 

[Clay_Allison]

I loathe that pick, and am not a fan of using high and mid round picks on small school players.

Comes from being overly eager to look clever.

 

[Plan9Misfit]

Comes from being overly eager to look clever.

Yep, and it's caused me to want to avoid them altogether.

 

[boozeman]

Yep, and it's caused me to want to avoid them altogether.

I think McClay pushed that approach last year.

Everyone was from a big school, or close to it (Bishop was No. Illinois, which is a step up from Georgia Southern, William & Mary, Eastern Washington, Montana, Missouri State and Indiana-Pa.)

 

[VA Cowboy]

Comes from being overly eager to look clever.

Yep. Unless it's someone who everyone has with an early grade on them like Ware or Larry Allen, etc I'd prefer to stay away from the smaller school players at least on day 1 and 2.

Also every year besides analyzing Dallas' drafts I usually look at the drafts of the teams I hate like Washington, SF, Pittsburgh and Philly. One thing I notice year after year for over a decade is how the Steelers rarely move up or down in the draft and how they tend to use most of their higher round picks on players from big time D1 schools. They obviously look for players that produced at the highest level against the best competition. You will rarely see them take a small school player earlier than day 3.

If you look at our drafts since '10 we've basically been doing the same thing and I think it's no coincidence we've had some of our best drafts in recent memory in the last 4 years. Claibust is the one exception but I don't know of many who felt like trading up for a CB was the way to go, other than Skeletor.

 

[boozeman]

Yep. Unless it's someone who everyone has with an early grade on them like Ware or Larry Allen, etc I'd prefer to stay away from the smaller school players at least on day 1 and 2.

Also every year besides analyzing Dallas' drafts I usually look at the drafts of the teams I hate like Washington, SF, Pittsburgh and Philly. One thing I notice year after year for over a decade is how the Steelers rarely move up or down in the draft and how they tend to use most of their higher round picks on players from big time D1 schools. They obviously look for players that produced at the highest level against the best competition. You will rarely see them take a small school player earlier than day 3.

If you look at our drafts since '10 we've basically been doing the same thing and I think it's no coincidence we've had some of our best drafts in recent memory in the last 4 years. Claibust is the one exception but I don't know of many who felt like trading up for a CB was the way to go, other than Skeletor.

There are several types of small school guys.

Some are freaks, ala Larry Allen or Ware that test off the charts to the point it is clear they belong.

There are others that test okay but aren't dominant at their level, like Webb, AOA or Matt Johnson.

Then there are potential guys that you are looking at numbers and think they could be worth developing, like Jason Williams and Robert Brewster...true diamonds in the rough.

You look back, it is clear that these categories are pretty distinct and each has their "warning signs" or not.

 

[Carp]

http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/02/04/2015-nfl-mock-draft-two-rounds-marcus-mariota-leonard-williams

Cowboys Picks

27 Eli Harold, DE, UVA
60 Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise

 

[VA Cowboy]

There are several types of small school guys.

Some are freaks, ala Larry Allen or Ware that test off the charts to the point it is clear they belong.

There are others that test okay but aren't dominant at their level, like Webb, AOA or Matt Johnson.

Then there are potential guys that you are looking at numbers and think they could be worth developing, like Jason Williams and Robert Brewster...true diamonds in the rough.

You look back, it is clear that these categories are pretty distinct and each has their "warning signs" or not.

Over the years we've too often fallen in the trap of taking too many small school players with potential and a high ceiling only for them to not pan out. I'd rather take the guy that has produced at a high level and a major program over a raw diamond in the rough that puts up great workout numbers but hasn't dominated on the field. We've got over 15 years worth of drafts starting in the mid 90's where we took the small school project over a more productive player from a higher level program.

An example of us doing it right was Hitchens last year. Admittedly most of us saw him as a reach based on his projection, but as it turned out he was a productive player at a Big 10 school and was able to translate that to the NFL level, whereas a guy with maybe a higher ceiling and better workout numbers like Jason Williams could barely hang on as a special teamer for a couple of years.

 

[Clay_Allison]

Over the years we've too often fallen in the trap of taking too many small school players with potential and a high ceiling only for them to not pan out. I'd rather take the guy that has produced at a high level and a major program over a raw diamond in the rough that puts up great workout numbers but hasn't dominated on the field. We've got over 15 years worth of drafts starting in the mid 90's where we took the small school project over a more productive player from a higher level program.

An example of us doing it right was Hitchens last year. Admittedly most of us saw him as a reach based on his projection, but as it turned out he was a productive player at a Big 10 school and was able to translate that to the NFL level, whereas a guy with maybe a higher ceiling and better workout numbers like Jason Williams could barely hang on as a special teamer for a couple of years.

Next LB drafted after Jason Williams: DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin. Big school player who has started and been productive for Detroit ever since.

 

[VA Cowboy]

Next LB drafted after Jason Williams: DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin. Big school player who has started and been productive for Detroit ever since.

Good find.

And obviously not every big school player will pan out in the NFL, but if we have 2 guys rated similarly I'll take the big school player over a small college kid. Give me the player who has produced at the highest level against the best talent.

 

[Clay_Allison]

Good find.

And obviously not every big school player will pan out in the NFL, but if we have 2 guys rated similarly I'll take the big school player over a small college kid. Give me the player who has produced at the highest level against the best talent.

And who has had better coaching.

 

[Deuce]

Kiper has his 2nd mock out. I can't read it or I would post it. But apparently he has Breshad Perriman going 15th to SF. Holy shit. Great for my guy, but that's a big jump in the span of a month when he's done nothing.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Kiper: 2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0


Watch Mel Kiper Jr. discuss his latest mock draft to see where he has quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota going.

Since my first mock draft for the 2015 draft a few weeks ago I've been able to review performances in postseason all-star games (and practices) such as the Senior Bowl, and I've also been able to spend more time on players in game film reviews and debate prospects with other evaluators. I even started talking shop with Mr. McShay in our first podcast of the season. From all of that, I've definitely seen my opinion shift in places. But that's the process.

As I often do at this point in the draft process, let me offer up a few reminders:

• Most teams are still at an early stage in determining what their draft board looks like in terms of their top players by position, so I'm still projecting a bit more on need at this stage than I will closer to the draft.
• All heights and weights are unofficial until prospects are measured at the NFL combine and at pro day workouts.
• I don't project any trades. The draft order will only shift when trades that shift pick position are official.

With that said, have fun diving into the latest mock. Note we've added video highlights and analysis for many prospects.

1 Jameis WinstonTampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14)COLLEGE: Florida StateClass: SophHT: 6-4WT: 235POS: QB
Analysis: I had Winston here in my first mock, and while I believe the Buccaneers will take a close look at Marcus Mariota here and make him an option, I project at this point they end up with the superior talent, assuming their inquiries and many questions into his past off-field behavior and maturity are answered and they feel comfortable. That's still a big "if." Todd and I discussed it more here, but the reality is Winston is a major talent, in a category with some of the big-name No. 1 QB picks we've seen. However, it's all clouded by the off-field stuff. If he lands here, the Buccaneers have a nice set of weapons for him, and he's the most NFL-ready QB in the draft, maybe the only one in terms of a true understanding of an NFL-level scheme. He's big, durable, strong-armed and has both a high football IQ and an ability to read, anticipate and process at a very high level what defenses are trying to do. It's not a shock if he's not taken here; I just think it's the likeliest outcome at this stage.



2 Leonard Williams Tennessee Titans (2-14)COLLEGE: USCClass: JrHT: 6-5WT: 290POS: DE
Analysis: I realize there's a pretty significant question about whether the Titans truly have an answer at quarterback on the current roster. But I am not convinced Tennessee will be compelled to take Marcus Mariota here just because they aren't convinced that, say, Zach Mettenberger's development is still an open question. This is a team that went backwards in multiple areas in 2014, and unless you believe Mariota comes in and is able to make you better in 2015, I think you're in a position to take the best football player available. Williams has the potential to be a force early in his career, make your defensive line better against both the run and the pass, bring scheme versatility and make other players around him better. If Winston is available, he becomes an option, and trading down is certainly one if there's a team who that wants Mariota. But Williams makes sense.

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3Shane RayJacksonville Jaguars (3-13)COLLEGE: MissouriClass: JrHT: 6-2WT: 240POS: DE
Analysis: The Jags were relentless in trying to upgrade their potential on offense in the 2014 draft, adding Blake Bortles at this same pick slot and then surrounding him with more talent at wide receiver with the additions of Allen Robinson, and Marqise Lee, and also adding Allen Hurns as an undrafted free agent. (They also improved their offensive line with Brandon Linder.) The pass rush has been an area they've needed to improve for several years now. In terms of pure productivity, you can make a pretty good case that Ray is the best pass-rusher in the entire draft. He can beat tackles with his quickness and ability to counter; and he won't simply win coming around the corner, but will take advantage of any opening a blocker gives him and work back inside. You can even line him up there. He's a relentless disruptive force and is exactly the kind of player the Jags need.

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4Amari CooperOakland Raiders (3-13)COLLEGE: AlabamaClass: JrHT: 6-1WT: 205POS: WR
Analysis: No change here from my initial mock draft. I said before I do think a pass-rusher could be in play here, because with all that Khalil Mack brought as a rookie, he needs help. If they don't target a pass-rusher, the Raiders would be wise to add a weapon in the passing game and a potential long-term No. 1 wide receiver to help Derek Carr. As I noted in the previous mock, James Jones was adequate, but not a true No. 1, and other options in the passing game -- such as Andre Holmes and Rod Streater -- also don't rise to that No. 1 level, even on potential. Cooper is a gifted route-runner, a player who should transition quickly and help a team that has building-block pieces on both sides of the ball but still needs more.

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5Randy GregoryWashington Redskins (4-12)COLLEGE: NebraskaClass: JrHT: 6-6WT: 245POS: DE
Analysis: Gregory -- a freak athlete who brings scheme versatility, the ability to disrupt in the passing game and hold up a lot better than many realize against the run -- would be a fit for any team drafting in the top five, because you just can't beat the upside as a disruptive force on defense. I also like Shane Ray here if he drops, and this is a spot where teams looking at Marcus Mariota could move, but if they stay put and don't have interest in Mariota, Gregory makes a lot of sense.

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6Marcus MariotaNew York Jets (4-12)COLLEGE: OregonClass: JrHT: 6-4WT: 211POS: QB
Analysis: It's not a given that Mariota couldn't fall further than this. But in his second season in New York, Geno Smith put up a QBR of 35.4, meaning the only regular starting QB from 2014 who performed worse was Blake Bortles. The reality is New York is no closer to knowing who their potential long-term solution at QB is than they were after the second day of the 2013 NFL draft. I'm certainly not alone in wondering whether Mariota's brilliance in the Oregon offense makes him a likely star at the NFL level, but when you combine his skill set and his tremendous athletic ability combined with a great temperament and work ethic, he's a player worthy of placing a bet on at this stage. It's not so much a question of whether the Jets are convinced he's the answer, as it is whether it would be smart to pass on him and assume they can find a solution anywhere else.

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7Danny SheltonChicago Bears (5-11)COLLEGE: WashingtonClass: SrHT: 6-1WT: 343POS: DT
Analysis: Chicago really can't go wrong in targeting the top overall defensive player available at this spot. But while they drafted with the interior of the defensive line in mind last year in grabbing Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton with consecutive picks, they still need to continue to add talent up front and work their way into the secondary. John Fox is a coach who has always looked to build a great defensive line, and Shelton -- an occupying but disruptive force on the defensive interior -- is another player who has the potential to make any team better, because he can make those around him better and has shown he can handle a heavy workload. Teams that are deep up front on defense have such an advantage, and adding Shelton isn't duplicating anything Chicago has on its roster.

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8Arik ArmsteadAtlanta Falcons (6-10)COLLEGE: OregonClass: JrHT: 6-7WT: 285POS: DE
Analysis: The Falcons are in desperate need of disruptive players on the defensive line, particularly at defensive end, and Armstead is a potential star if he lives up to his physical potential. At nearly 6-foot-8 and 290 pounds, he doesn't just offer exceptional quickness for his size, he's also a powerful edge player who can simply move people backwards when he's playing with leverage and is going to disrupt passing lanes with his length. When you think of what a guy like Ziggy Ansah can do for Detroit in converting speed to power and removing the pocket even when he's not blowing by you -- essentially succeeding even as a relatively raw player -- there's a comparison to be made between the two players.

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9Brandon ScherffNew York Giants (6-10)COLLEGE: IowaClass: SrHT: 6-4WT: 320POS: OT
Analysis: Scherff is what I'd call a high-floor addition on the offensive line, because even if he doesn't profile as a blindside tackle, I think he can be an immediate force in the run game and at a minimum becomes a dominant guard. I've made the comparison before, but in the same way that Dallas drafted a tackle in Zack Martin and moved him inside as a rookie and saw him flourish, I think the Giants can count on immediate dividends from Scherff as either a right tackle or a guard right of the gate. He's one of the more dominant run-blocking linemen we've seen in the draft in the last few years, and he brings experience, and the ability to take on the job like a professional right away.

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10Andrus PeatSt. Louis Rams (6-10)COLLEGE: StanfordClass: JrHT: 6-6WT: 315POS: OT
Analysis: The Rams have built an impressive portfolio of defensive talent at every level, and I think they have to focus on the offensive side of the ball. There's an obvious temptation to look for another weapon in the passing game here, and Kevin White or DeVante Parker are options, but this is another draft class where I think not just good players, but potential stars can be found at wide receiver beyond Round 1. Peat has the potential to be the best offensive tackle drafted in 2015 because even as he's an unfinished product, he's already pretty good and has shown he can deal with pass-rushing speed on the edge. I think he has the chance to come in right away and compete for the starting job at right tackle.

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11Kevin WhiteMinnesota Vikings (7-9)COLLEGE: West VirginiaClass: SrHT: 6-2WT: 211POS: WR
Analysis: Teddy Bridgewater was the best quarterback among rookies who started in 2014, but the Vikings could use another threat in the passing game after a season when we saw Charles Johnson emerge as their most potent wide receiver. White made major strides in 2014, showing an ability to create space, win on contested throws and do major damage after the catch. If Bridgewater still has a big question mark, it's whether he can scare defenses with his ability to drive the ball down the field. And White is the type of player who doesn't just make plays in the deep passing game, but can make traffic catches underneath and will also turn some short throws into big yards.

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12Devante ParkerCleveland Browns (7-9)COLLEGE: LouisvilleClass: SrHT: 6-2WT: 207POS: WR
Analysis: I've said before the Browns had one of the strangest, yet really good drafts in recent memory with their 2014 class. They have a total question mark when it comes to their first two picks (Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel), but not only did they add an extra first-round pick for 2015, they nailed pretty much every pick beyond that first round. What they didn't do was get a high-upside talent at wide receiver, and Parker has as high a ceiling as you can find in this class. He can beat defenders to the ball with his size, leaping ability and catch radius, and he's underrated as a threat to add yards after the catch on short throws. With Josh Gordon potentially done in Cleveland -- at a minimum he's gone for 2015 -- Parker looks like a no-brainer here.

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13Dante Fowler Jr.New Orleans Saints (7-9)COLLEGE: FloridaClass: JrHT: 6-2WT: 271POS: DE
Analysis: The Saints aren't without talent on defense, but they were too often exposed in 2014 and took a major step backwards. Adding a pass-rusher of Fowler's pedigree outside the top 10 is a really good get, as I think he's a guy who comes in and competes for a ton of reps right away. Fowler isn't dominant in any one area; he's a good pass-rusher, not a great one, and an effective run defender, but not a destroyer in that area, either. But he also doesn't come in with a clear weakness. He has experience on either edge, can move inside as a 3-4 DE and is also is athletic enough to make plays in the pass rush and the set the edge as a 3-4 OLB. He's a fit almost anywhere and will bring a live motor.

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14Trae WaynesMiami Dolphins (8-8)COLLEGE: Michigan StateClass: JrHT: 6-1WT: 182POS: CB
Analysis: The Dolphins need to add some effective youth at cornerback, and Waynes is a well-coached cover man who comes in with the versatility to help in both man and zone and brings a physical presence. He's effective in taking on the big receivers who dot the league and will also not won't shy away from tackling duties and setting the edge as a run-defender. If you're going on pure upside, Marcus Peters could gain a slight edge on Waynes, but Waynes gets the nod for reliability. The combine can shift perceptions at this position, but I think Waynes is a safe bet to be one of the top two corners taken and it's a need area for the Dolphins, who need more playmakers in their secondary.

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15Breshad PerrimanSan Francisco 49ers (8-8)COLLEGE: UCFClass: JrHT: 6-2WT: 214POS: WR
Analysis: One of the bigger sleepers in the 2015 draft class at this point, Perriman is a player I've grown to really like as I've spent more time going through his tape. At one time I had him as a likely second-round pick, but now I see him as a close call in terms of overall ability next to the top few wide receivers in this class. He's got size, and strength, and is going to run really fast at the combine and be a guy who can both stretch defenses vertically and also make plays over the middle and in traffic. He's also got great bloodlines, as I scouted his father (Brett) when he played for Miami. (Brett was a really good in the NFL, too.) It's pretty obvious the 49ers are thin at wide receiver, and that's even if they bring back Michael Crabtree, which is no guarantee.

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16Ereck FlowersHouston Texans (9-7)COLLEGE: Miami (FL)Class: JrHT: 6-6WT: 325POS: OT
Analysis: This is a spot where I can see the Texans going in a few directions, and I like the fit of a cornerback here as well. And while taking a high-upside talent at tackle isn't a flashy pick, I think it fits a pattern of taking the best player available. Flowers has emerged as a potential top-12 pick and a challenge to some of the more well-known tackles available in this draft -- and depending on free agency, it's a possibility the Texans will be looking for a rookie to come in and take over starting duties at right tackle. Flowers plays with an edge, is a coachable kid who could get better quickly, and could become an elite pass protector if he can be better with his hand placement. (As to the cornerback possibility: I'm not sure they go after Peters if Waynes is off the board.)

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17Melvin GordonSan Diego Chargers (9-7)COLLEGE: WisconsinClass: JrHT: 6-0WT: 207POS: RB
Analysis: There hasn't been a running back taken in the first round since 2012, when Doug Martin (No. 31) and David Wilson (No. 32) went back to back at the end of Round 1. Branden Oliver gave the Chargers good value at the position last season as a rookie after going undrafted out of Buffalo, but the fact that they needed so many reps from the undrafted free agent shows the depth chart is thin if injuries strike. Gordon is has the kind of game-changing talent that puts this position back into play this early. He was simply unstoppable even when everybody in the stadium knew he was getting the ball in 2014, and while he piled up the reps, he emerged healthy. San Diego could really use this kind of weapon to take the pressure off Philip Rivers. Gordon is a home-run threat.

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18Devin SmithKansas City Chiefs (9-7)COLLEGE: Ohio StateClass: SrHT: 6-0WT: 190POS: WR
Analysis: I don't need to pile on here, so I'll just say this: Everybody knows this is an area where the Chiefs need to upgrade. You can say all you want about Alex Smith's ability to deliver the ball down the field, but he's going to be the QB in 2015; the Chiefs know they can win with him, and they need to give him another weapon. Devin Smith is a guy that probably wasn't utilized as much as he would have been in some other offenses, but he was an often dynamic deep threat for the Buckeyes -- a player who has a knack for the big catch, especially when he has to fight for the ball. He's got good speed, he can stretch the field, and he plays bigger than his listed size on contested balls. The Chiefs could go a few ways here if they simply want to add a weapon, but Devin Smith would make sense.

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19Eddie GoldmanCleveland Browns (7-9)COLLEGE: Florida StateClass: JrHT: 6-3WT: 315POS: DT
Analysis: When Phil Taylor got hurt last year, the Browns really suffered, particularly when it came to stopping the run. It's a pretty good example of why you can be only as good as your depth on the defensive line over a long NFL season. The Browns have an extra pick, and given they already added a weapon in the passing game with their earlier pick, this is a good time to add one help on the defensive line. I can see a guy like Malcolm Brown or Jordan Phillips entering the conversation here, but Goldman is a player who already was pretty good in 2014, even when you feel like he's just scratching the surface of his potential. A healthy Browns defense with some added help up front and a healthy Taylor has the potential to be pretty darn good in 2015.

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20Marcus PetersPhiladelphia Eagles (10-6)COLLEGE: WashingtonClass: JrHT: 5-11WT: 193POS: CB
Analysis: I can't leave all the Eagles fans tweeting at me and asking the big question hanging, so I'll say this: Of course I can fathom a scenario where they move up (or at least look to) and target the QB who made it tough for Chip Kelly to leave for a good NFL job when he did. But I can't project a trade here, and just as many close Eagles observers know that help at cornerback is badly needed. Peters doesn't come without question marks -- he was dismissed from the team at Washington this past season -- but if it's purely a question of talent, he's a potential steal at this point in the first round. He has loads of natural talent, and playmaker instincts to go with very good ball skills, and he makes any secondary better if he's playing up to his potential.

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21Vic BeasleyCincinnati Bengals (10-5-1)COLLEGE: ClemsonClass: SrHT: 6-2WT: 220POS: DE
Analysis: Vic Beasley is a player who can get to the quarterback. He's also another case where fans need to look past how he fits into a system (3-4 or 4-3) and realize that coaches are capable of finding ways for disruptive pass-rushers to get on the field and make plays. The Bengals had arguably the worst pass rush in the NFL last season, so if a player like Beasley is available here -- whether you think he's capable of playing as a 4-3 DE or better standing up as a 3-4 OLB -- he's potentially a great get. All he's done for the last two seasons at Clemson is disrupt offenses with his quickness, ability to remove the hands of blockers and bend off the edge and relentless energy in pursuit that always makes him a threat even to mobile quarterbacks who like to work outside the pocket.

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22Landon CollinsPittsburgh Steelers (11-5)COLLEGE: AlabamaClass: JrHT: 6-0WT: 212POS: S
Analysis: In my previous mock, I had Collins going at No. 7 overall to the Bears. My evaluation of him hasn't changed at all. But in most cases when you're drafting in Round 1, you're looking for a player who can come in and contribute, if not start, pretty early, so players rise and fall all the time on fit. Even if the Steelers decide to bring back the future that is Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu, they certainly need to prepare for life without him. Collins would be a good replacement as a highly versatile safety who can make plays at the line of scrimmage and will cover. He brings a ton of experience, and the expectation is that he'll be able to help a defense right away. That could be exactly what Pittsburgh needs, which could make him a great value here.

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23Malcom BrownDetroit Lions (11-5)COLLEGE: TexasClass: SrHT: 6-3WT: 317POS: DT
Analysis: The soap opera that is Ndamukong Suh obviously factors into what Detroit could do with this pick. I projected Brown here in my first mock draft under the assumption Suh could be elsewhere in 2015. Brown isn't the pass-rusher Suh is, but he's a sturdy defender against the run and is able to drive blockers backward as a pass-rusher, which would make him a suitable rotation player to help keep this defensive line at an elite level if Suh is in fact playing somewhere else next season. Video highlights Video

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24Jalen CollinsArizona Cardinals (11-5)COLLEGE: FloridaHT: 6-0WT: 193POS: CB
Analysis: I see Collins as one of the bigger upside plays in this draft class, as he offers very good size and exceptional athletic ability but often gets by on his gifts and is still a work in progress when it comes to the finer points of playing cornerback. The Cardinals have the ability to go a number of different directions here, as they have a solid roster but were simply a healthy QB away from challenging the likes of Seattle and Green Bay as a Super Bowl contender out of the NFC. That could mean linebacker, it could mean wide receiver, and it could even mean running back at this point. But you simply can't have enough talent in coverage, and Collins could be a good fit and yet another successful addition out of Baton Rouge.

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25T.J. ClemmingsCarolina Panthers (7-8-1)COLLEGE: PittsburghClass: SrHT: 6-4WT: 313POS: OT
Analysis: The Panthers did a remarkably good job of overcoming major weaknesses in pass protection in 2014, and it was only compounded by the fact that Cam Newton was relying on so much youth at the wide receiver position. But this is a clear case where taking the best offensive tackle available would make sense, and Clemmings fits the bill. While he has a lot to clean up in his game, he is, in terms of pure physical talent, as good an upside play as you'll find. If his rate of improvement continues, you have a potential immediate starter at right tackle with the potential for more. Again, it's hard to be worse than Carolina was in pass protection last season, so the Panthers need competition there, at a minimum.

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26Maxx WilliamsBaltimore Ravens (10-6)COLLEGE: MinnesotaClass: SophHT: 6-4WT: 250POS: TE
Analysis: The ageless Steve Smith masked what looked to be a lack of weapons in the passing game for Joe Flacco, and while the Ravens were able to make it work on offense thanks to building around a solid running game, they could use another matchup threat in the passing game. Williams is a threat as a long-armed pass-catcher with the size to overwhelm smaller defenders, even while covered, and the quickness to beat linebackers and create space. Williams also offers the ability to be at least an adequate blocker with the potential for more, which is saying something for a guy who can also stretch defenses vertically.

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27Carl DavisDallas Cowboys (12-4)COLLEGE: IowaClass: SrHT: 6-4WT: 321POS: DT
Analysis: I'm not sure there was a player who did more to gain appeal as a potential first-round pick at the Senior Bowl. Davis brings a coveted ability to be disruptive as a pass-rusher from the inside, as he won't just push the pocket with strength, but also can win with quickness and get into the backfield. The Cowboys have done a great job in building their offensive line and have made it possible to be one of the few truly balanced offenses, but any setback on offense could expose a defense that was better on paper than it was in terms of personnel in 2014. They could add talent at all three levels, but Davis would make a lot of sense if the board breaks this way. I can also see Jordan Phillips as an option here.

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28Denzel PerrymanDenver Broncos (12-4)COLLEGE: Miami (FL)Class: SrHT: 5-10WT: 242POS: ILB
Analysis: The Broncos were solid along the defensive line last year and made important additions in the secondary before 2014 in the secondary. Perryman could be an immediate help as an inside linebacker, an area where they could use it as a team that remains in "win now" mode, assuming No. 18 is back under center. And even if Peyton Manning isn't back (I assume he will be at this point), it's not like they're looking for a replacement at this point in the draft.

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29La'El CollinsIndianapolis Colts (11-5)COLLEGE: LSUClass: SrHT: 6-4WT: 308POS: T
Analysis: The Colts did a good job of adding immediate impact even without a first-round pick in the 2014 draft. And while they saw improvement along the offensive line last season, it's still a below-average pass protection unit and a group that could better help the run game be more consistent. The Colts could go a few directions here, but Collins would be a nice value as arguably the best run-blocker in the draft (next to Scherff) at offensive tackle, and a guy that I believe has the ability to remain at tackle and be a good one (even as I know some project him to end up at guard). Creating a situation where they truly have a balanced offense would pay dividends for the defense, too, and Collins can help in that respect.

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30Jordan PhillipsGreen Bay Packers (12-4)COLLEGE: OklahomaClass: SophHT: 6-5WT: 334POS: DT
Analysis: It would be nice to add another pass-rusher at some point, but there isn't a great option on the board at this point. And it could be hard to pass on a player of Phillips' potential as a potential star along the defensive line (if he continues to progress and shows more heart on a play-to-play basis). The effort can be inconsistent, and Phillips also missed time in 2013 because of a back injury. But this is a freak athlete in 6-foot-5, 330-pound package, a player who can control blocks with his strength-size combination and can pursue like a much lighter, faster player when he finds a lane. You have to believe you can get him to his full potential, but if you get him close, Phillips can be a scheme-versatile menace.

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31Phillip DorsettSeattle Seahawks (12-4)COLLEGE: Miami (FL)Class: SrHT: 5-9WT: 183POS: WR
Analysis: Another player who shined in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, Dorsett would offer Seattle something they simply don't have on the roster right now, which is a player who can consistently create space with quickness in the passing game. The Seahawks are simply far too reliant on Russell Wilson's ability to extend plays and allow wide receivers time to get open, and Dorsett is a Porsche in terms of acceleration and the ability to start fast and stop quickly. He also can beat you deep if you let him to run in a straight line. Remember that Paul Richardson will be coming off an ACL surgery recovery period as the 2015 season starts, so an already thin wide receiving corps isn't a given to be better without any additions.

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32Devin FunchessNew England Patriots (12-4)COLLEGE: MichiganClass: JrHT: 6-4WT: 235POS: WR
Analysis: Tom Brady showed that his window as an elite performer at quarterback is still wide open. And while the Patriots seem to always make it work in the passing game to some extent, that's more on Brady's brilliance than it is about how reliable the pass-catching options are. It's just a reality that Rob Gronkowski has faced his share of injuries. And while Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and others proved plenty adequate last season, the Patriots could use more assurances that the passing game won't take a major step back if one of those guys lands on the shelf. Funchess is more of a big wide receiver than a small tight end, because there's no blocking expected here, but he's a legit matchup threat with a big catch radius and the ability to run routes and create space even against decent cornerbacks. I like where New England's defense is now, though help on the defensive line is never a bad thing. That said, if the board breaks this way, Funchess would be a nice addition.

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[Carp]

Damn...if La'El Collins is there I have a real hard time passing on him.

 

[boozeman]

the Armstead hype is out of control.

Eight?

Oookay then.

That tells me Kiper hasn't watched him a lot.

 

[Carp]

the Armstead hype is out of control.

Eight?

Oookay then.

That tells me Kiper hasn't watched him a lot.

Yeah...I have never seen him that high.

 

[boozeman]

Kiper has his 2nd mock out. I can't read it or I would post it. But apparently he has Breshad Perriman going 15th to SF. Holy shit. Great for my guy, but that's a big jump in the span of a month when he's done nothing.

How the hell does he justify that? He wasn't even in the last mock and I don't recall Kiper saying a damn thing about him since the season ended.

He's never been an "ear to the ground guy".

I like the player too, but jeez. In this WR deep draft, c'mon.

 

[boozeman]

Yeah...I have never seen him that high.

From what I have watched, he's Chris Canty.

No effing way I am taking him that high.

Or in the first round for that matter...if I needed a pass rusher.

If I were a 3-4 team, yeah, I think about him because he has a lot of raw tools.