2015 Mock Drafts

[Cowboysrock55]

I can't see it, but am reading McShay's new mock is out today and has Gurley going really high. Charles Robinson has since tweeted that he's talked to team and many believe Gurley will be a top 10 guy.

Not sure if it's just tons of smoke or what, but it wouldn't surprise me either.

Gurley is a huge wild card. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go in the upper half of the first but I also wouldn't be that surprised to see him slip to the upper half of the second. Just depends on that knee's rehab. Teams are usually really risk adverse with injuries that aren't healed but you never know.

 

[Deuce]

Gurley is a huge wild card. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go in the upper half of the first but I also wouldn't be that surprised to see him slip to the upper half of the second. Just depends on that knee's rehab. Teams are usually really risk adverse with injuries that aren't healed but you never know.

I can see Atlanta doing it. This regime isn't shy about making big moves on draft day and they like to make a splash despite team needs. Plus he's a Georgia kid so it'll go over well with the locals.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I can see Atlanta doing it. This regime isn't shy about making big moves on draft day and they like to make a splash despite team needs. Plus he's a Georgia kid so it'll go over well with the locals.

It's pretty crazy, the guy hasn't even rushed for more then 1,000 yards since 2012.

 

[boozeman]

Just take these two out back and shoot them.

No Beasley is in the first is an incredibly stupid and sloppy error.

 

[Cotton]

That's a crazy run on WRs. I don't see it playing out that way at all.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Just take these two out back and shoot them.

No Beasley is in the first is an incredibly stupid and sloppy error.

No kidding. I'd take him as the Cowboys and play him at OLBer in a heart beat. Just way too talented regardless of his position. Our defense needs play makers and that dude makes plays.

 

[boozeman]

2015 seven-round NFL mock draft: Round 1
By Lance Zierlein and Chad Reuter
Published: April 24, 2015 at 01:15 p.m.
Updated: April 24, 2015 at 01:44 p.m.


With the 2015 NFL Draft less than a week away, NFL teams are nearing the end of their prep for the big event and finalizing their draft boards. As they run through potential scenarios, we're doing the same as we present a full look at what could took place in a seven-round mock draft. Toggle through the tabs at the top and bottom of the page to see the projection for each round.

Round 1


1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Winston has warts to be sure, but pairing him with Mike Evans could ultimately prove to be too enticing for Bucs to pass on.

2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Might be the right draft spot, but a different team here if the Titans find a club willing to make this jump in a trade-up.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Dante Fowler said he would be shocked if he's not the third pick, but if Leonard Williams is available, all bets are off.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Ultimately, the Raiders opt for the safe wide receiver selection to help Derek Carr and the offense, passing on an edge rusher.

5. Washington Redskins: Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Might be an easy decision for the Redskins, as they would get their hands on one of the most talented players in the draft.

6: New York Jets: Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Way too high for my tastes, but Dupree has the athletic traits that make sense in Todd Bowles' defense, and he has better size than Vic Beasley.

7. Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Chicago's transition to a 3-4 defense could use a nose tackle and an edge rusher, but White's traits and talent will be tough to pass on.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
The Falcons need to find a pass rusher in the worst way and Beasley gives them legitimate burst off the corner.

9. New York Giants: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
The Giants want to get back to dominating their opponents up front and Shelton is by far the most dominant run-stuffer in this draft.

10. St. Louis Rams: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Rams could go with Brandon Scherff or Peat here, but Peat gives them a fail-safe at left tackle in case Greg Robinson has to move inside or to the right side.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
Perfect match. The Vikings would likely race this pick to the podium if it works out that Scherff is available.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Cleveland Browns, meet your new top dawg at wide receiver. He makes big plays and you will love the way he competes for the ball.

13. New Orleans Saints: Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Some project Gregory to slide all the way out of the first round, but the Saints need another pass rusher and Gregory might not slide as far as some think.

14. Miami Dolphins: La'el Collins, OL, LSU
Dolphins are looking for better guard play to help establish a more physical presence up front. Collins is as physical as any lineman in this draft.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon
We know the 49ers need inside linebacker help, but this isn't the spot for that pick. Armstead is the future replacement for Justin Smith.

16. Houston Texans: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
Perriman won't step in and replace Andre Johnson right away, but he has the type of ceiling, with his size and speed, that will get him drafted early on.

17. San Diego Chargers: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon would be an easy fill-in here, but Humphries has the talent and toughness that San Diego covets up front.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Big cornerback with lockdown potential. Based on the board, it might be tough for the Chiefs to pass on the top CB in this draft if he's available.

19. Cleveland Browns: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
This feels too rich for a run-stuffer who is unlikely to play on passing downs, but his physicality against the run cannot be undersold.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Dorsett might be the toughest player to account for in space in this entire draft and Chip Kelly understands how to create space for his weapons.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Concerns over the health of Ray's foot could cause him to slide a little bit in this draft. A chance to nab him would be hard for the Bengals, who need pass-rush help, to pass up.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Many around the league believe Pittsburgh will grab a receiver as insurance against Antonio Brown's contract demands, but we'll stick with a pressing need.

23. Detroit Lions: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Detroit has its work cut out in replacing the interior pressure created by Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Haloti Ngata helps, but Brown offers a core player for the future.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
The Cardinals could use a running back or a pass rusher, but Johnson is an accomplished man defender and bolsters the Cards' secondary.

25. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Personnel men tell me Ogbuehi's ACL tear doesn't worry them and that he'll be a first-round pick. Carolina happens to need an athletic tackle.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Ozzie Newsome took Jamal Lewis with the fifth overall pick 15 years ago. Gurley or Gordon could once again tempt Newsome to look RB in Round 1.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
DeMarco Murray's production worked wonders for Tony Romo and the Dallas offense. Gordon allows Dallas to continue along that same path.

28. Denver Broncos: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
While I don't have him graded this high, Fisher is a scheme fit for Gary Kubiak and offers a higher floor than the tackles who might be available here.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Mauler and brawler who loves to fire out and hit people. Flowers is a work in progress as a pass blocker, but Colts could start him inside at right guard from Day 1.

30. Green Bay Packers: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The Packers could use an ILB or DL, but this might be too early to address those spots, and Ted Thompson loves CBs with speed and length. Collins has both.

31. New Orleans Saints: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
Rumors are hot and heavy that Agholor will be gone by the 31st pick, but if he's still on the board here, the Saints get another much-needed toy for Drew Brees and the offense.

32. New England Patriots: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
This just in: Bill Belichick has an affinity for Nick Saban-coached players. Collins is a card-carrying tough guy and Belichick's type of safety.

Round 2


33. Tennessee Titans: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
This choice is a matter of value. "DGB" has the most talent on the board, and adding him to a group with Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter, and a healthy Harry Douglas spells trouble for opposing defenses no matter who the QB is.

34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
Thompson could play safety or linebacker in the NFL, making him a better fit for the Bucs' defense then former starter (and fellow "U-Dub" star) Mason Foster.

35. Oakland Raiders: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
"Owa" has a ton of potential, if healthy -- if his hips checked out in the medical exams, Oakland will covet his strength, length, and excellent athleticism on the edge.

36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
If the team likes second-year Luke Bowanko or veteran free-agent signee Stefen Wisniewski in the middle, Erving can shift to right tackle to aid LT Luke Joeckel protect QB Blake Bortles.

37: New York Jets: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Hundley's skill set will make him a valuable commodity should he last into Round 2 -- in fact, it's better than 50/50 a team will move into the 20's to select him. If the Jets aren't satisfied with Geno Smith's progress, then Hundley will be a target.

38. Washington Redskins: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Clemmings is still learning the position, but has the tenacity to move defensive ends in the run game -- something the Redskins desperately need.

39. Chicago Bears: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
That transition to the 3-4 just got a lot easier with the large, but surprisingly athletic, Phillips clogging up the middle.

40. New York Giants: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
The Giants look for value in the draft, and Kendricks is just too good to pass up here. Current starter Jon Beason is entering his ninth season has played a total of 24 games the past five seasons.

41. St. Louis Rams: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
Yes, the Rams and Eagles traded injured starting QBs -- but will Nick Foles excel with the Rams as he did in Chip Kelly's system in Philadelphia? The Rams don't know, either.

42. Atlanta Falcons: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
Tony Gonzalez caught 83 passes in 2013, eight for touchdowns. The Falcons' top TE last year caught 31 passes for an average of 7.7 yards per reception and two scores. Atlanta averaged about 2.5 less points a game in 2014 than they did in 2013. Coincidence? I think not.

43. Cleveland Browns: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
The Browns continue to shore up the middle of their defense to prevent giving up 141 yards a game rushing again in 2015.

44. New Orleans Saints: A.J. Cann, G, South Carolina
Investing long-term money in RB Mark Ingram means the Saints need to fill the left guard hole left by Ben Grubbs. This Gamecock believes he Cann.

45. Minnesota Vikings: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
Assuming that a deal for Adrian Peterson gets done, Coleman's size and speed aren't "A.D."-level but are good enough to keep the Vikings' ground game going.

46. San Francisco 49ers: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
The depth of the receiver group makes Coates available here. If his hands are consistent, he could help QB Colin Kaepernick regain his form in 2015 -- and then take over Anquan Boldin's role in the offense in 2016.

47. Miami Dolphins: Byron Jones, CB, UConn
Brent Grimes needs a running mate on the outside, and Jones' supreme athleticism could gives the Dolphins one of the more dynamic CB duos in the league.

48. San Diego Chargers: Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
The Chargers have spent multiple early-round draft picks in recent years to improve their pass rush -- they hope Harold's relentless nature makes him the one to get the job done.

49. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Everyone knows the Chiefs' struggles at receiver -- with Jeremy Maclin and Smith in the fold, QB Alex Smith should be able to blow the top off of defenses. Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles is smiling somewhere, as he thinks about the open field before him.

50. Buffalo Bills: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
A thick LB with more explosiveness than you'd expect at his size, McKinney will play off of the Bills' talented three-man front to rack up the tackles as a rookie.

51. Houston Texans: Eric Rowe, CB, Utah
Secondary depth is a concern for the Texans, and Johnathan Joseph is no spring chicken. The 6-foot-1 Rowe would be a great matchup against taller receivers.

52. Philadelphia Eagles: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Chip Kelly hopes he can rekindle a relationship with veteran CB Walter Thurmond, but the former Seahawk, Giant, and Oregon Duck has played just 22 games in the last five years. Darby's toughness and sub-4.4 speed should endear him to many NFL secondary coaches.

53. Cincinnati Bengals: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan
The Bengals could use depth at receiver and tight end (assuming they are ready to move on Jermaine Gresham after his back injury)-- so why not draft a pass-catcher capable of playing either spot?

54. Detroit Lions: Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (Ohio)
The team will need corners who can stand up to the tougher test coming without Suh collapsing the pocket.

55. Arizona Cardinals: Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
Johnson and Andre Ellington will make an excellent 1-2 punch at running back, giving the team much-needed balance on offense (they averaged just 82 yards a game rushing in 2014.)

56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
An active nose tackle like Davis will make the Steelers' rush defense even tougher by clogging up lanes and eating blockers for Lawrence Timmons and 2014 first-round pick Ryan Shazier.

57. Carolina Panthers: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Pairing Strong with last year's first round pick, Kelvin Benjamin, on the outside will have opposing secondaries reaching for Panthers QB Cam Newton's protein-laden Greek yogurt to keep up.

58. Baltimore Ravens: Preston Smith, OLB, Mississippi State
Remember how good Jarret Johnson was for the Ravens? Smith's got the size to play the edge like Johnson (and Courtney Upshaw) but still provide some pass rush as Terrell Suggs winds down his career.

59. Denver Broncos: Mario Edwards, Jr., DE, Florida State
Edwards' upside is tremendous, but most in Tallahassee would tell you he didn't live up to expectations in college. He's worth this pick, though, as he can battle at the line whether at 275 pounds or 300.

60. Dallas Cowboys: Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
The back end of the Cowboys' secondary has been an issue for a while. Randall steps in as a starter Day 1.

61. Indianapolis Colts: Cody Prewitt, S, Mississippi
The Colts have also lacked a playmakers at safety since Antoine Bethea left, so they grab Prewitt to address the problem.

62. Green Bay Packers: Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
Releasing A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones means fresh blood will be injected into the defense at some point in this draft. Anthony could go higher, but players seem to fall to GM Ted Thompson late in the second round (WR Randall Cobb, RB Eddie Lacy, etc.)

63. Seattle Seahawks: Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
Trading for TE Jimmy Graham was a no-brainer, but giving up C Max Unger wasn't easy. It would only make sense that another Duck would waddle in Unger's webbed-footsteps.

64. New England Patriots: Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson
Jarrett will ease Patriots fans' concerns about losing the anchor of their interior defense, Vince Wilfork, when the former Clemson Tiger straps it up on the nose.

Round 3


65. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
The smooth and reliable Greene fits like a glove working inside while Vincent Jackson and 2014 first-round pick Mike Evans give cornerbacks headaches on the outside -- oh, and he'll be catching passes from his college QB.


66. Tennessee Titans: Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke
An intelligent and hard-nosed guard that head coach Ken Whisenhunt and backs Bishop Sankey and Shonn Greene will value.

67. Jacksonville Jaguars: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
After adding an offensive lineman in Round 2, Jacksonville adds another piece to help QB Blake Bortles. Yeldon will be an excellent Yin to Denard Robinson's Yang in the backfield.

68. Oakland Raiders: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
Donald Penn and Khalif Barnes aren't long-term answers at tackle; if Derek Carr hopes to survive as the Raiders' QB, the team will need to hope Sambrailo's career takes off like that of former third-round pick Jared Veldheer.


69. Washington Redskins: Alex Carter, CB/S, Stanford
Carter's a versatile defender who could step in at corner or safety for the Redskins. His presence, along with former 49er Chris Culliver, should improve a sieve-like pass defense that gave up a league-worst 8.2 yards a catch in 2014.

70: New York Jets: Clive Walford, TE, Miami
Whomever is throwing the ball for the Jets in 2015, they'll appreciate having a tall, strong-running target like Walford running down the seam.

71. Chicago Bears: Paul Dawson, ILB, TCU
Dawson's slow 40 at the Combine only emphasized his average sideline-to-sideline movement -- but moving upfield between the tackles, he's a beast. He'll make a great piece in the team's new defensive lineup.

72. St. Louis Rams: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
The Rams have taken risks on smaller defensive backs in the past (see Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner) and generally like the result. When healthy, Ekpre-Olomu could shadow receivers as well as any corner in college football.

73. Atlanta Falcons: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers could not move the ball on the ground, but Ajayi's got the goods to be a bruiser who can break off chunks of yards.

74. New York Giants: Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU
Another value pick for the Giants, who like depth along the defensive line to keep the pressure on quarterbacks. The more talent across from franchise-tag-honored Jason Pierre Paul, the more effective he will be.

75. New Orleans Saints: Jesse James, TE, Penn State
Historically-awesome name aside, James has a real chance to be an effective defense-stretcher and red zone target. While not as talented as the departed Jimmy Graham, the Saints hope lightning strikes twice with third-round tight end selections.

76. Minnesota Vikings: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Off-field issues and 40 times aside, Williams has the sort of talent on the outside to play for a long time in the NFL ... and the Vikings have a strong need here.

77. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
So maybe they don't use their first-round pick on another QB to provide depth and competition against McCown and Manziel, but a third-rounder wouldn't be a stretch.

78. New Orleans Saints: Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU
The Saints keep Alexander in-state to chase the ball as the team continues to do anything possible to improve one of the worst units in the league in 2014.

79. San Francisco 49ers: Jamil Douglas, OG, Arizona State
Replacing Mike Iupati won't be easy, but Douglas has the chops to create room for Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush while keeping Kaepernick clean.

80. Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State
Donald Stephenson hasn't taken control of the right tackle slot, so Smith will get a chance in training camp to displace him.

81. Buffalo Bills: Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
If the Bills aren't sure that the Williams' (Aaron and Duke, who are not related) can defend deep, this Bulldog will compete for playing time right away.

82. Houston Texans: Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford
A punishing defender, Tartt will be a special-teams stud at first and eventually become a force in the secondary.

83. San Diego Chargers: Michael Bennett, DL, Ohio State
Bennett can be as good as any defensive tackle in the league if he sets his mind to it -- the Chargers hope he does, and soon.

84. Philadelphia Eagles: Xavier Cooper, DE, Washington State
A bit under the radar, Cooper projects best as a 3-4 end and the Eagles need a deep rotation up front because they're on the field more than any other defense in the NFL.

85. Cincinnati Bengals: D'Joun Smith, CB, Florida Atlantic
Cincinnati hopes Darqueze Dennard becomes the star they need when Leon Hall and Adam Jones retire, but Smith will provide depth (or maybe insurance?).

86. Arizona Cardinals: Hau'oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington
If the co-leader in sacks in 2014 falls this far, the Cardinals should thank their lucky stars.

87. Pittsburgh Steelers: James Sample, S, Louisville
Although Gerod Holliman received the accolades due to his interception total, Sample is the better prospect. He's no Polamalu, but who is?

88. Detroit Lions: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
This bowling ball of a back combines with the tough Joique Bell to give the Lions a nice backfield duo ... just in case QB Matthew Stafford feels like handing off.

89. Carolina Panthers: Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas
The Panthers had a "pass rush by committee" last year; expect Flowers to add to the program.

90. Baltimore Ravens: Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Competition is never a bad thing on the offensive line. Starting right tackle Ricky Wagner will be getting some this summer if Williams is brought aboard.

91. Dallas Cowboys: Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah
Orchard appears to be versatile enough to play with his hand down or standing up. He and 2014 second-round pick Demarcus Lawrence need to pick up the intensity this fall to improve the team's pass rush (they ranked 28th in sacks last year).

92. Denver Broncos: John Miller, G, Louisville
Recently-drafted offensive linemen have not produced for the Broncos as expected -- but Miller will change all that. Backs C.J. Anderson and Montee Ball will gain yardage following him.

93. Indianapolis Colts: Reese Dismukes, C, Auburn
Andrew Luck needs a reliable, tough center like Dismukes to help him lead the Colts further into the playoffs.

94. Green Bay Packers: Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State
The Packers add another body in the front line to ensure Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews can find room to attack the passer.

95. Seattle Seahawks: Tre McBride, WR, Williams & Mary
Even though TE Jimmy Graham will be the heart of the offense, defenses know that, too -- McBride and Paul Richardson look to free up space over the middle for Graham to operate.

96. New England Patriots: Ali Marpet, G, Hobart
Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins is gone, and Marpet has proven he can stand up to a higher level of competition than what he regularly faced at Hobart.

97. New England Patriots: Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami
Just the sort of versatile, high-effort defender that the Patriots covet in their multiple-front defense.

98. Kansas City Chiefs: Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern
It is hoped that Eric Berry will return from his battle with cancer, but even if he does, the Chiefs need to improve their safety corps.

99. Cincinnati Bengals: Jordan Hicks, OLB, Texas
Adding an explosive athlete like Hicks can only help an already-skilled Cincinnati front seven.

Round 4


100. Tennessee Titans: Rob Havenstein, OT, Wisconsin

101. New England Patriots: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

102. Oakland Raiders: Tre' Jackson, OG, Florida State

103. Jacksonville Jaguars: Frank Clark, DE, Michigan

104. New York Jets: Mitch Morse, G, Missouri

105. Washington Redskins: Josh Shaw, CB, USC

106. Chicago Bears: Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville

107. Atlanta Falcons: Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford

108. New York Giants: Mark Glowinski, G, West Virginia

109. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Steven Nelson, CB, Oregon State

110. Minnesota Vikings: Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn

111. Cleveland Browns: Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma

112. Seattle Seahawks: Jarvis Harrison, G, Texas A&M

113. Philadelphia Eagles: Adrian Amos, S, Penn State

114. Miami Dolphins: Chris Conley, WR, Georgia

115. Cleveland Browns: Za'Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky

116. Houston Texans: Max Garcia, C Florida

117. San Diego Chargers: David Cobb, RB, Minnesota

118. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyeler Davison, DT, Fresno State

119. St. Louis Rams: Jamon Brown, G, Louisville

120. Cincinnati Bengals: Chaz Green, OL, Florida

121. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

122. Baltimore Ravens: Dezmin Lewis, WR, Central Arkansas

123. Arizona Cardinals: Ramik Wilson, ILB, Georgia

124. Carolina Panthers: Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State

125. Baltimore Ravens: Anthony Harris, S, Virginia

126. San Francisco 49ers: Craig Mager, CB, Texas State

127. Dallas Cowboys: Darius Philon, DT, Arkansas

128. Indianapolis Colts: David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa

129. Green Bay Packers: Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama

130. Seattle Seahawks: Leterrius Walton, DT, Central Michigan

131. New England Patriots: Bobby McCain, CB, Memphis

132. San Francisco 49ers: Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan State

133. Denver Broncos: Davis Tull, OLB, Tennessee-Chattanooga

134. Seattle Seahawks: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

135. Cincinnati Bengals: David Parry, NT, Stanford

136. Baltimore Ravens: Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State

Round 5


137. Minnesota Vikings: Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke

138. Tennessee Titans: Durrell Eskridge, S, Syracuse

139. Jacksonville Jaguars: Arie Kouandjio, G, Alabama

140. Oakland Raiders: Javorius Allen, RB, USC

141. Washington Redskins: Tony Lippett, WR, Michigan State

142. Chicago Bears: Kevin White, CB, TCU

143. Denver Broncos: Hayes Pullard, ILB, USC

144. New York Giants: Justin Cox, S, Mississippi State

145. Philadelphia Eagles: Markus Golden, OLB, Missouri

146. Atlanta Falcons: Andy Gallik, C, Boston College

147. Cleveland Browns: Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame

148. New Orleans Saints: Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina

149. Miami Dolphins: Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma

150. Miami Dolphins: Alani Fua, OLB, BYU

151. San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers

152. Houston Texans: Bryce Hager, ILB, Baylor

153. San Diego Chargers: Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas

154. New Orleans Saints: Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State

155. Buffalo Bills: Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska

156. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama

157. Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Thompson, S, Minnesota

158. Baltimore Ravens: Senquez Golson, CB, Mississippi

159. Arizona Cardinals: B.J. Finney, C, Kansas State

160. Pittsburgh Steelers: Xzavier Dickson, OLB, Alabama

161. Carolina Panthers: Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina

162. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sean Hickey, OT Syracuse

163. Dallas Cowboys: Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor

164. Denver Broncos: Xavier Williams, DT, Northern Iowa

165. Indianapolis Colts: Justin Coleman, CB, Tennessee

166. Green Bay Packers: Laurence Gibson, OT, Virginia Tech

167. Seattle Seahawks: Lorenzo Doss, CB, Tulane

168. Detroit Lions: Josue Matias, G, Florida State

169. Carolina Panthers: Bobby Richardson, DT, Indiana

170. Seattle Seahawks: Chad Hamilton, G/C, Coastal Carolina

171. Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Lott, DT, Tennessee-Chattanooga

172. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware

173. Kansas City Chiefs: Miles Dieffenbach, G, Penn State

174. Carolina Panthers: Jean Sifrin, TE, Massachusetts

175. Houston Texans: Karlos Williams, RB, Florida State

176. Baltimore Ravens: Martin Ifedi, DE, Memphis

Round 6


177. Tennessee Titans: Trenton Brown, G, Florida

178. New England Patriots: Austin Shepherd, OT, Alabama

179. Oakland Raiders: Tye Smith, CB, Towson

180. Jacksonville Jaguars: Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville

181. Seattle Seahawks: Jalston Fowler, FB, Alabama

182. Washington Redskins: Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State

183. Chicago Bears: Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State

184. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Russell, DE, Purdue

185. Atlanta Falcons: Imoan Claiborne, CB, Northwestern State

186. New York Giants: Malcolm Bunche, OT, UCLA

187. New Orleans Saints: Bernard Blake, CB, Colorado State

188. Buffalo Bills: Max Valles, OLB, Virginia

189. Cleveland Browns: Darryl Roberts, CB, Marshall

190. San Francisco 49ers: Matt Jones, RB, Florida

191. Miami Dolphins: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Mississippi

192. San Diego Chargers: Shaq Mason, C, Georgia Tech

193. Kansas City Chiefs: Gregory Mancz, C, Toledo

194. Buffalo Bills: Quayshawne Buckley, DT, Idaho

195. Houston Texans: Darrian Miller, G, Kentucky

196. Philadelphia Eagles: Troy Hill, CB, Oregon

197. Cincinnati Bengals: Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina

198. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Crisp, OT, N.C. State

199. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jacorey Shepherd, CB, Kansas

200. Detroit Lions: Bobby Hart, G, Florida State

201. Carolina Panthers: Ladarius Gunter, S, Miami

202. Cleveland Browns: Darren Waller, WR, Georgia Tech

203. Denver Broncos: James O'Shaughnessy, TE, Illinois State

204. Baltimore Ravens: Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State

205. Indianapolis Colts: Kyle Emanuel, OLB, North Dakota State

206. Green Bay Packers: Jeremiah Poutasi, G, Utah

207. Indianapolis Colts: Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn

208. Tennessee Titans: Bryce Callahan, CB, Rice

209. Seattle Seahawks: Martrell Spaight, LB, Arkansas

210. Green Bay Packers: Damian Swann, CB, Georgia

211. Houston Texans: Zach Wagenmann, OLB, Montana

212. Pittsburgh Steelers: Donald Celiscar, S, Western Michigan

213. Green Bay Packers: Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan

214. Seattle Seahawks: Andrew Donnal, OT, Iowa

215. St. Louis Rams: Gavin Lutman, WR, Pittsburgh State

216. Houston Texans: Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern

217. Kansas City Chiefs: Ben Heeney, ILB, Kansas

Round 7


218. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Myers, G, Tennessee State

219. New England Patriots: Junior Sylvestre, LB, Toledo

220. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nick Marshall, CB, Auburn

221. Oakland Raiders: Christian Covington, DT, Rice

222. Washington Redskins: Amarlo Herrera, ILB, Georgia

223. New York Jets: Deandre Carter, WR, Sacramento State

224. New York Jets: Thomas Rawls, RB, Central Michigan

225. Atlanta Falcons: Devante Davis, WR, UNLV

226. New York Giants: Rory Anderson, TE, South Carolina

227. St. Louis Rams: Josh Harper, WR, Fresno State

228. Minnesota Vikings: Dres Anderson, WR, Utah

229. Cleveland Browns: J.R. Tavai, OLB, USC

230. New Orleans Saints: Jake Rodgers, OT, Eastern Washington

231. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Hull, LB, Penn State

232. Minnesota Vikings: John Timu, ILB, Washington

233. Kansas City Chiefs: David Irving, DT, Iowa State

234. Buffalo Bills: Zach Zenner, RB, South Dakota State

235. Houston Texans: Tayo Fabuluje, G, TCU

236. Dallas Cowboys: Davon Walls, DT, Lincoln

237. Philadelphia Eagles: Ricky Collins, WR, Texas A&M-Commerce

238. Cincinnati Bengals: Antoine Everett, G, McNeese State

239. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tory Slater, DT, West Georgia

240. Detroit Lions: Jordan Richards, S, Stanford

241. Arizona Cardinals: Obum Gwachum, OLB, Oregon State

242. Carolina Panthers: Randall Evans, CB, Kansas State

243. Dallas Cowboys: Cody Riggs, CB, Notre Dame

244. Indianapolis Colts: Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

245. New York Giants: Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan

246. San Francisco 49ers: Ben Beckwith, G, Mississippi State

247. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Dubose, DT, Louisville

248. Seattle Seahawks: DeShawn Williams, DT, Clemson

249. Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Varga, FB, Yale

250. Denver Broncos: Jordan Leslie, WR, BYU

251. Denver Broncos: Marcus Rush, OLB, Michigan State

252. Denver Broncos: Kyshoen Jarrett, S Virginia Tech

253. New England Patriots: Doniel Gambrell, OT, Notre Dame College

254. San Francisco 49ers: Taylor Heinicke, QB, Old Dominion

255. Indianapolis Colts: Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, Iowa

256. Arizona Cardinals: Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia

 

[1bigfan13]

I think Mariota is going to fall at least into the 20s. I just can't see the Titans or anyone else burning the #2 overall pick on a spread QB with average passing ability.

The Titans would be better off going with a "surer" bet with someone like Fowler at #2 then targeting a QB like Grayson at the top of the 3rd.

 

[NoDak]

Peter King

Cooper to the Jags at 3? They desperately need a No. 1 receiver. (Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated)Draft boards, and one real life, changed on a highway near Columbia, Mo., Monday morning around dawn. Star Missouri pass-rusher Shane Ray, who reportedly failed a drug test during his college career, was stopped by police at 5:46 a.m. in Missouri and cited for possession of marijuana and a failure “to drive in the right lane of the highway with two or more lanes.”

Ray, according to Albert Breer of NFL Network, failed a drug test early in his career at Missouri. Two NFL executives, asked by The MMQB after news of the arrest surfaced Monday night about whether Ray had tested positive as a collegian, said it was true.
I asked three different club officials who work in personnel late Monday night what this would do to Ray on teams’ draft board in the final hours before the draft.

One said Ray would slip to the second round now. One said Ray would still be picked in the first round, but later now, because some teams would be willing to take a risk on Ray because of how difficult it is to find pass-rushers with his potential. One said he “might” go late in the first, but no later than early in the second round.

It’s a sobering way to lead into a mock draft, but it certainly will be a factor on the eve of the draft. NFL officials won’t be shocked that a collegian smokes marijuana. They will, however, factor in the fact that Ray reportedly tested positive once, and at dawn three days before the draft was caught driving poorly with marijuana in his possession. Plus the fact that Ray may need toe surgery, which could sideline him until training camp.

Originally I had Ray going to Houston at number 16 in the first round. But I scrubbed that and adjusted.

Three points about this draft projection:

•If this, my final mock before Thursday night’s first round, holds, Roger Goodell is going to be very lonely on the stage of the Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. Because the first three players in my mock—Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Amari Cooper—will be in other areas of the U.S. on Thursday night
•I know one thing sure to be wrong in this mock draft: I have only two trades in it. Not likely. In the past three drafts, there have been 42 trades.
•Teams trying hard to trade down for more picks: Jets, Minnesota, Washington. Teams trying to trade up: Atlanta (if a great pass-rusher is the target), Kansas City (if a great receiver is there), Philadelphia (if the Titans would hand Chip Kelly Marcus Mariota on a silver platter, and that’s not happening).

On with the show. Of note: I’ll be in Chicago on Wednesday writing a column of late-breaking something-or-other for early Thursday morning. Check in all week for The MMQB’s draft coverage. We’ll be in Chicago, and in other places, bringing you fun and, I hope, informative stories you don’t see anywhere else.

Style note: Projected trades are indicated by an asterisk.

1. TAMPA BAY: JAMEIS WINSTON, QB, FLORIDA STATE

The Andrew Luck-to-Indianapolis pick had less drama by this time of the draft process in 2012. But this one’s close. Always got the sense the Bucs wanted to pick Winston, then went through the investigative process to see if there was some great reason not to. They couldn’t find one. Now offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter looks to mold Winston into the kind of all-over-the-field thrower (but with a good dose of deep stuff for Mike Evans) he had with Matt Ryan in Atlanta.
2. TENNESSEE: MARCUS MARIOTA, QB, OREGON

As I wrote Monday, I don’t think Philip Rivers is going to be an option for Tennessee, and I continue to not hear of the kind of offer that would make Tennessee GM Ruston Webster and coach Ken Whisenhunt waver from their desire to pick Mariota. That still could come, and if some team offers, say, three first-round picks (Cleveland? Philadelphia?), the Titans would think about it.
• THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIOTA: Peter King on the questions surrounding the Oregon product’s game.
3. JACKSONVILLE: AMARI COOPER, WR, ALABAMA

This is where every mock in America falls apart, because Jacksonville’s Dave Caldwell, though a GM neophyte, is a poker-playing veteran. No one knew he’d take Blake Bortles last year. He could well take the best pass-rusher in the draft, Dante Fowler here, and make defensive-minded head coach Gus Bradley very happy. Or he could take Leonard Williams, though that’s not as good a fit. I give him Cooper, because Bortles needs a number one wideout, and all Jax has now is a collection of twos.
4. OAKLAND: LEONARD WILLIAMS, DT, USC

Coach Jack Del Rio, that ol’ USC Trojan, and GM Reggie McKenzie cannot believe their good fortune here. The best player for their defense, where there is a yawning need—a versatile three-technique, three-down, all-over-the-line defensive force, is there at four. As usual, the Raiders have many needs, but a big one on the line gets filled by a rare talent.
5. *ATLANTA: DANTE FOWLER, DE/OLB, FLORIDA

* Atlanta trades its third-round pick (73rd overall) to Washington to move from 8 to 5 in round one.
On the draft-trade chart that all teams use, the 73rd pick is worth 225 points, and the jump from 8 to 5 should take 300 points. But a sixth- or seventh-round pick likely isn’t going to stop pass-rush-desperate Atlanta from jumping over Chicago to get the best pass-rusher in the draft. However—and this is a big however—I believe if the draft falls the way I have it one through four, Washington GM Scot McCloughan would also be lusting after Fowler. So McCloughan could stay right here and pick Fowler himself. I made the deal because McCloughan badly wants more picks.
6. N.Y. JETS: ANDRUS PEAT, T, STANFORD

Honestly, I hate this pick for this spot. I think Jets GM Mike Maccagnan very much wants to trade down here, and he may have a chance (with Atlanta, most likely), and this is too high for Peat. This is a much better spot for Kevin White, the West Virginia receiver. But there’s something about the heritage of Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles that leads me to think they’re more concerned with buttressing each line (the defensive side doesn’t need it) while filling in the receiver in a deep crop of wideouts in round two.
7. CHICAGO: BUD DUPREE, OLB, KENTUCKY

The Bears could go wideout here, easily, dipping into the treasure-trove position of the draft for a very good complement to Alshon Jeffery after saying goodbye to Brandon Marshall. But they can wait until their second-round pick, 39th overall, and get a fine receiver. Dupree, Kevin White and Trae Waynes are all players who could hear their names picked by GM Ryan Pace, running his first draft since coming north from New Orleans.
• THE PROSPECTS: The MMQB’s series on the most intriguing players in the 2015 draft.
8. *WASHINGTON: VIC BEASLEY, OLB, CLEMSON

*From Atlanta. Beasley had a freakish scouting combine (4.53 speed in the 40, a ridiculous 35 reps in the 225-pound bench press), the most impressive performance of anyone in the underwear Olympics in February. He wasn’t the most consistent player at Clemson, but he has the best anticipation out of the snap of any rusher in this draft. Hard to imagine he’ll get out of the top 10. Good fit for a defense that lost Brian Orakpo in free agency.
9. N.Y. GIANTS: BRANDON SCHERFF, G-T, IOWA

G-Men have a history of loving Midwestern offensive linemen high in the draft. Of the last six offensive linemen they’ve drafted in the top 40, five have been from Midwestern schools (four Big Ten, one Notre Dame). Scherff is the kind of versatile mauler the Giants could use inside for a couple of years before moving him outside, or they could keep him inside if Justin Pugh and Will Beatty are doing the job at tackle.
10. ST. LOUIS: ERECK FLOWERS, T, MIAMI

A Jeff Fisher kind of player is the way three different front-office people around the league described the tackle who plays an edgy, combative style. This is probably a bit high for him, but the Rams have a need here and don’t want to take a receiver at 10 with the depth at that position in this draft. St. Louis, if Flowers and Greg Robinson both make it, would field two long-term tackles this season, both 23 or younger, Robinson on the left, Flowers on the right.
• THE ANTI-MOCK DRAFT: Greg Bedard on who teams should pick, rather than who they will pick.
11. MINNESOTA: TRAE WAYNES, CB, MICHIGAN STATE

Might be too light at 186 to be the kind of physical corner many teams would want, but the only highlight I saw of Waynes in run defense put the kibosh on that: In the 2013 Big Ten championship game, he made a physical stop of Ohio State’s Carlos Hyde (40 pounds heavier) for no gain. Mike Zimmer needs two good physical cover corners, and adding Waynes to Xavier Rhodes would give the Vikes two first-round young players at that position.
12. CLEVELAND: DANNY SHELTON, DT, WASHINGTON

The Browns love Shelton, and coach Mike Pettine desperately needs the athletic heft he’d bring to the interior line. I’ve thought during the draft process that Shelton would be strictly a two-down player, but the more I’ve talked to teams in the last week, the more I see him having some role (if not a consistent one) in the pass game; he had nine sacks for the Huskies last year and broke through offensive lines for 16.5 tackles for loss. Browns really hoping he’s there at 12.
13. NEW ORLEANS: KEVIN WHITE, WR, WEST VIRGINIA

Makes little sense, really, for the Saints (after picking wideout Brandin Cooks number 20 overall last year) to take another receiver with a prime first-round pick. But that’s what the first-round pick acquired for Jimmy Graham allows GM Mickey Loomis to do—make a luxury selection in the first round while scheming to get a pass-rusher for Rob Ryan’s defense at 31, the pick acquired from Seattle in the Graham deal. White, Cooks and Marques Colston (for at least one more year) give Drew Brees three great targets, and the 6-3 White can move in for Colston, likely in 2016.
14. MIAMI: TODD GURLEY, RB, GEORGIA

The more I hear about Gurley’s recovery from five-month-old ACL surgery, the more I think he could be ready for opening day. Or at the least, be pretty much back to normal by mid-October. The surgery doesn’t worry me a bit long-term. Gurley is 20 years old and the closest thing to a dominant in-line and outside-the-tackles running back to come out in the draft in several years. There are no guarantees about any player in any year, but Gurley is going to make a bunch of yards that aren’t there for normal backs. He’s the kind of back Miami hasn’t had in a long time—even though the Dolphins had a pretty good running game last year, 12th in the league.
15. *KANSAS CITY: DEVANTE PARKER, WR, LOUISVILLE

*Kansas City trades fourth-round (118th overall) and seventh-round (233rd overall) picks to San Francisco move from 18 to 15 in round one.
I would be surprised if Parker is still hanging around at this pick, but if he is, I think Chiefs GM John Dorsey would jump at the chance to grab him—especially ahead of Houston, which wants a receiver high in this draft. I might argue that no contending team has as big a single position need as Kansas City at wide receiver. No Chiefs wideout caught a touchdown pass last year, and now Dwayne Bowe has been let go (to Cleveland). The 6-2 ½ Parker’s a perfect pick for Dorsey and Andy Reid. Dark-horse pick here that would not surprise me one bit: Florida offensive lineman Cam Ervin.
16. HOUSTON: PHILLIP DORSETT, WR, MIAMI

This is probably too high for Dorsett, but he’s an elite-speed receiver with good college production and the ability to open up so much in an offense—especially an offense that could struggle in the passing game with either Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett quarterbacking. He ran two sub-4.3 40s at the combine, after averaging a Bob Hayes-like 24.2 yards per catch in the ACC last season. Dorsett is a true wild card in this draft. He could go 14; he could go 54. I think his speed and hands are good enough to propel him into the first round.
17. SAN DIEGO: LA’EL COLLINS, T/G, LSU

Chargers GM Tom Telesco could take Melvin Gordon here or trade the pick to a team lusting after Gordon (Baltimore? Dallas?). Actually, I had Gordon here until about 4 p.m. Monday, when I finally thought: Telesco knows he can get his back of the future at 48 or 83, with either of his next two picks. The line is still a worry, with Orlando Franklin and a cast of roster marginalia at guard, and newly signed King Dunlap okay but with an expiration date looming. The versatile Collins makes sense. All of this is out the window, of course, in the unlikely event that talks with Tennessee get serious this week. I don’t expect that to happen.
18. *SAN FRANCISCO: ARIK ARMSTEAD, DE, OREGON

*From Kansas City. At 6-7 and 292, the feisty Armstead seems almost too good a fit for GM Trent Baalke and coach Jim Tomsula, who I hear loves Armstead (a body type like massive Arizona defensive end Calais Campbell). As long as Baalke is providing the blueprint, expect the Niners to build a strong and big defense. Armstead would be a telling first pick of the post-Harbaugh era.
19. CLEVELAND: BRESHAD PERRIMAN, WR, CENTRAL FLORIDA

Had this pick here before news broke of GM Ray Farmer having dinner with Perriman in Orlando Sunday night. Makes too much sense, unless Farmer goes with the more physical Jaelen Strong, which would be a good choice also. (Or unless Farmer goes for long-term offensive-line depth.) Perriman’s more explosive than Strong, though his hands aren’t quite as good. What it came down to for me is the explosiveness. Yards per catch in 2014: Perriman 20.9, Strong 14.2.
20. PHILADELPHIA: DAMARIOUS RANDALL, FS/CB, ARIZONA STATE

Very close to two others here: Jaelen Strong or nimble Oregon tackle Jake Fisher. I just want to drive WIP radio crazy; that’s all. I’ll be listening for the gasp from the crowd at the draft party in Philadelphia if the little-known Randall is the pick. “WHO?!!!!! KELLY, YOU’RE NUTS!!!!!” Well, Philadelphians, I’ll tell you this much, to assuage your anger, if it helps: Randall’s become a sexy pick late in round one over the past couple of weeks. Chip Kelly knows he’ll be able to score enough points, and he knows he can get useable receivers down the line. He wants a player with a defensive presence who has a chance to make plays somewhere on D, and the Eagles think Randall can do that.
• DRAFT PROJECTIONS: Benoit and Staples on team needs and who best fills them.
21. CINCINNATI: JAKE FISHER, T, OREGON

The Bengals, picking next, love Fisher, and if the Eagles pass on him, ace line coach Paul Alexander could mold the quick-footed Fisher into a long-term left tackle … if Andrew Whitworth, 33, whose contract expires after this season, leaves in free agency in 2016. Fisher’s biggest problem is he can’t overpower anyone yet. But the converted tight end has a chance to be really good. Cincinnati could also go defensive tackle here (Malcom Brown) or developmental outside ’backer (Eli Harold?).
22. PITTSBURGH: KEVIN JOHNSON, CB, WAKE FOREST

Very good athlete, and though at 6-0 and 188 he’s not the perfect Steeler physical type, he’s a terrific cover player. The Steelers have a desperate need, and Johnson will fill it nicely. Three other teams in 20s—Panthers, Ravens, Colts—would have interest if Pittsburgh passes on Johnson. I’ll tell you what appeals to Mike Tomlin about Johnson: There’s not a more competitive cornerback in this draft.
23. DETROIT: CAMERON ERVING, C, FLORIDA STATE

Despite starting only five college games at center, he’d project there, at least early, for the Lions. Erving could be a day one starter with long-time center Dominic Raiola gone, and the other plus is he could eventually transition to tackle, where he was first-team all-ACC in 2013. Lots of buzz about Erving in the past couple of weeks, with one scout telling me he thinks the only offensive lineman in this draft any better is Brandon Scherff.
24. ARIZONA: MELVIN GORDON, RB, WISCONSIN

Confetti in the Cards’ draft room, surprised that Gordon’s still around. Bruce Arians would love an every-down back who can make the tough yards inside and the big plays outside, and Gordon proved at Wisconsin that he can be both. Without Gordon on the board, I think the Cards would prefer the tackle with the nasty streak—Ereck Flowers—or the athletic potential left tackle, D.J. Humphries. But Gordon’s a gift if there at 24.
25. CAROLINA: NELSON AGHOLOR, WR, USC

It’s a tackle or wideout here, and I think pairing the quicker and faster Agholor with Kelvin Benjamin will help the home-run capability of Cam Newton and give the Panthers a threat in the return game. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Carolina take a tackle if a day-one starter is still on the board.
26. BALTIMORE: MARCUS PETERS, CB, WASHINGTON

I could see the Ravens trade up for Gordon, an object of their affections, or jump on Kevin Johnson if the Steelers don’t, or maybe even go for a Breshad Perriman-type receiver if they’re a little skittish on Peters, the most talented corner in the draft but also the most controversial. He was kicked off the Washington team last fall after a run-in with his position coach. Interesting note on Peters: He lived in Marshawn Lynch’s house in the Seattle area last fall. Both are Oakland kids, and Peters’ dad is one of Lynch’s former football coaches. The record of Baltimore with prospects who have had behavior issues is good. If they take Peters, you can bet they’ll have vetted him thoroughly.
27. DALLAS: MALCOM BROWN, DT, TEXAS

Dallas is another one of those teams that could trade up for Gordon or Gurley, but the Cowboys know they have to address their defense—all over the board. They need an interior defensive lineman, and Brown fits that bill, but linebacker, corner and safety all need to be addressed too. Brown, very strong and quicker than a 319-pound man has a right to be, will immediately help a position group that has had way too much turnover of key men in recent seasons.
28. DENVER: CEDRIC OGBUEHI, T, TEXAS A&M

The Broncos love Ogbuehi, who could have come out of A&M last year and been a first-round pick. He’s more iffy now because he suffered a torn ACL four months ago in the team’s bowl game. Most have Ogbuehi projected to go in the middle of the second round or later, and he may. But he and Ryan Clady eventually could be bookend tackles for the Broncos for four or five years. A pick of Ogbuehi would show the staying power of GM John Elway and the ability of the team to look more long-term, even if the 2015 season might be a washout for the first-round pick.
29. INDIANAPOLIS: LANDON COLLINS, SS, ALABAMA

I always wonder about an Alabama guy when Ozzie Newsome passes on him. But Collins’ slide probably deserves to end right around here. He’s one of the most versatile players in this draft, having played both safety positions, cornerback and key roles on special teams. Good tackler, very instinctive, classic Nick Saban leader of the secondary. The Colts will be able to use him at several spots and can use his defensive playmaking ability.
30. GREEN BAY: DENZEL PERRYMAN, ILB, MIAMI

The Pack really needs a corner, and Jalen Collins or Byron Jones, if still on the board here, would be logical picks. But there’s been a buzz about Perryman among the Green Bay braintrust since the combine. He’s too small, at 5-10 ½, to go much higher than this, and maybe to go in the first round at all. But when I’ve brought his name up over the past couple of weeks to scouts and GMs, invariably the answer comes back that they love Perryman as an instinctive playmaker all over the field, not just between the tackles.
31. NEW ORLEANS: RANDY GREGORY, OLB, NEBRASKA

Wild guess. The Saints don’t have an edge rusher Rob Ryan can use to scare quarterbacks, and Gregory has scared off too many teams in the post-season investigation process, in part because of pot use in the past. I still think some team will take a shot on Gregory in the first round because of his talent—he would have been a top-eight pick, for sure, with a clean personal résumé—and the Saints are a franchise willing to take a shot like this one.
32. NEW ENGLAND: SHANE RAY, DE/OLB, MISSOURI

Wilder guess. The Patriots have long steered clear of draft-day controversy since the Christian Peter fiasco 19 years ago. (The Nebraska defensive tackle was drafted in the fifth round by the Patriots and summarily cut days later when his history of domestic abuse was discovered.) But there’s no evidence of anything but marijuana experiences in Ray’s past, which may make owner Robert Kraft a little more forgiving—particularly when he hears that a healthy Ray would have been a sure top-10 talent in this draft. The Pats could stop Ray’s decline from being a precipitous fall.
• 2015 DRAFT CENTRAL: Check out all of The MMQB’s 2015 coverage.

 

[Cotton]

I would be doing backflips.

 

[Angrymesscan]

I would be doing backflips.

 

[boozeman]

2015 NFL mock draft: Saints, Dolphins, Eagles, Jaguars making trades



Jason La Canfora / CBS Sports NFL Insider

April 29, 2015 05:57 PM


It’s finally time to bite the bullet. It’s time to mock it up.

Hopefully, I can do better than last year, where I hit for a pretty strong average – 26 of the 32 players I put in my mock ended up going in the first round – but didn’t land nearly enough homers (getting the right player and team and pick number).

It’s not going to be any easier this year, with this draft so wide open and there so little consensus on players, especially those destined to go in the back half of the first round. And I’m sure I’m going to want to start changing this list as soon as we get it up on the website, and I know some wacky trades are going to throw the draft on its ear, but, anyway, here goes. And please, check out the text here and not just the names, because the info there will cover a lot of contingencies based on who is on the board:

1.Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- QB Jameis Winston: I don’t need to belabor this point. He’s been the pick for a long time and the Bucs have been trying, at least to some degree, to find something that swings him from being the pick since February. They haven’t yet, despite the red flags here. He’s the only pro-ready quarterback to start from day 1, and that’s what they’re looking for.

2.Tennessee Titans -- QB Marcus Mariota: Been saying for months he’s going in this spot whether through trade or otherwise, and if the Titans can’t coax what they want from the Eagles or Browns or Rams or Chargers or anyone else. And, don’t forget, they could take Mariota and still trade him. They’d have plenty of time to do it. Regardless, everything I’ve heard since the combine is if you want Mariota, you need to get to second overall, and that will be the case. And let me make this clear: the Titans nabbing Mariota here doesn’t at all preclude from him ending up reuniting with Chip Kelly. Perhaps it just delays it.

3.New Orleans Saints (via Jacksonville) – DL Leonard Williams: I keep hearing the Jags would be somewhat torn between Williams and Amari Cooper here, and are very open to moving the pick, targeting more players and picks deeper in the draft. The Saints have two first rounders and are desperate for difference makers on defense and Sean Payton is certainly a wheeler-dealer. Going up for the best player in this draft makes sense. If the Jags were to take a receiver here, the Raiders would be primed to trade down for someone else to nab Williams.

4.Oakland Raiders – WR Amari Cooper: Young QB Derek Carr is desperate for weapons and the Raiders couldn’t get playmakers to take their money in free agency. Speedy Kevin White could very well be the pick as well here – another potential game-breaking receiver – though in a perfect world the Raiders trade down here to try to get more picks to fill their many holes.

5.Washington Redskins – DE Dante Fowler, Jr.: The Skins need more bite on the edge and they need to be a more fearsome defense to play against. They could go offensive line here (Brandon Scherff could well be the pick if they do), and they too are very open to trading down, but I’ve heard they have Fowler ranked ahead of Vic Beasley and the chance to get who they deem to be the best edge rusher in the draft, to me, will carry the day there. If Fowler is gone, then I would expect the Skins to take Scherff here.
6.New York Jets – WR Kevin White: The Jets spent a ton of money to rebuild the secondary in free agency and coach Todd Bowles knows how to coach ‘em up over there. Now they need to continue to give QB Geno Smith a fighting chance. Brandon Marshall is a stop-gap, but they need a true No. 1 with elite speed. They sorely lack it now. This would be a vital building block for them. I know Vic Beasley is very much in play here as well, and an offensive lineman isn’t entirely out of the question either.

7.Chicago Bears – OLB Vic Beasley: This team needs pass rush in the worst way and defensive-minded and conservative-by-nature coach John Fox knows he must impact quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford and maybe Teddy Bridgewater to have a chance. Yeah, the offensive line needs help too, but there is greater depth there at top of second round and much more of a drop-off from pass rushing options.

8.Atlanta Falcons – OL Brandon Scherff: I’ve read all the rumblings about Atlanta moving up to target a pass rusher, but after swinging and missing in that regard so many times in the past and with the pressure on to protect Matt Ryan and with jobs in the balance with owner Arthur Blank perturbed by the club’s descent the past two years, I smell a very safe pick. Scouting guru Scott Pioli has strong ties to the Iowa program and the Falcons saw how quickly the Cowboys fortunes changes by devoting resources to the offensive line and making that a strength. Need to build from the inside out. Scherff could be an elite tackle or guard.

9.New York Giants - T Ereck Flowers: The Giants could go pass rusher here, and part of me thinks they wouldn’t be totally scared off by the missteps of Randy Gregory and/or Shane Ray here, and Bud Dupree could be a safer alternative in that regard, too. But the teams picking 8-10 have done a ton of work on offensive linemen and I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see three of them off the board in a row here. Flowers is probably a right tackle and not a left tackle, and theses tackles are all an acquired taste, but I’ll go Flowers here.

10.Miami Dolphins (via St. Louis) - WR DeVante Parker: Dolphins honcho Mike Tannenbaum is a deal-maker and he’s been prone to moving up in the past. This team is trying to get better right now (i.e. the Suh signing) and Parker might be the best receiver in this draft. They need to evaluate QB Ryan Tannehill fully this season and grabbing an impact offensive player makes sense. Meantime, the Rams are comfortable moving up (I won’t rule them out of the Mariota sweepstakes) and especially moving down in this scenario, with so many options still left among offensive linemen and with St. Louis looking more for a right tackle than necessarily a left one.

11.Minnesota Vikings -- CB Tre Waynes: The Vikings have done everything but put up a billboard saying this pick is for rent, and they want to trade down, but I’m not sure how that shapes up for them. There aren’t too many players teams are all that willing to move up and jump on, especially by this point. After passing on Aaron Donald a year ago, NT Danny Shelton could be their guy, but I say they go with who many believe to be the best corner in the draft. So many capable deep passing attacks in their division. A potential shutdown corner makes sense (keep an eye on the Vikings Friday morning; if an Adrian Peterson trade happens, I suspect it starts with a high second round pick).

12.Cleveland Browns – NT Danny Shelton: The Browns will try like heck to trade for a quarterback and they’ll be all over the Mariota sweepstakes, but in the end I think dealing one of their top picks for Sam Bradford might be the play. If they end up using both of their picks, Shelton and WR Breshad Perriman could be the picks, but with the pressure to figure out the quarterback spot and with the Browns already offering a first round pick twice for Bradford and with the Eagles yet to produce any Bradford jerseys to sell yet … let’s just say that this is a spot where anything can happen.

13.Jacksonville Jaguars (via New Orleans) – RB Todd Gurley: The Jags addressed a fair amount of immediate needs in free agency, but Gus Bradley, coming from Seattle, knows how much his defense would be aided by a competent running game. They lack anything close to an impact back and Gurley – injuries and all – is a value play here. He could change the scope of their offense and provide a breather for QB Blake Bortles, who was pounded his rookie season. Yes, they need offensive line help, too, but can get that later in the first round or early in the second.

14.St. Louis Rams (via Miami) – T D.J. Humphries: Might be better suited to left tackle, but with the Rams taking Greg Robinson at the top of the draft a year ago, cementing some bookends would be huge. Offensive line coaches seem to love Humphries and getting him in this spot and picking up extra day-two picks would be a win for the Rams.
15.San Francisco 49ers - CB Kevin Johnson: The 49ers need to rebuild their secondary and this would great a foundation. Some believe he will turn out to be the best corner in the draft and I’ve heard nothing but growing positive buzz in the weeks leading up to the draft. Would be a clean pick for the 49ers after dealing with plenty of character issues the past few years. If the 49ers went with defensive tackle Arik Armstead here I wouldn’t be surprised, either.

16.Houston Texans – OLB Bud Dupree: It’s all about adding some pass rush for them and with Jadeveon Clowney, last year’s first overall pick, now something of a medical question mark, I say they go with the pass rusher who doesn’t come with the off field cloud that Gregory and Ray are under. If a corner like Johnson was still here, I wonder if that would give the Texans some pause.

17.San Diego Chargers – RB Melvin Gordon: If Gurley is still on the board it could very well be him, but in my mock scenario he’s long gone. Gordon could be a workhorse and with Philip Rivers’ future at least somewhat in doubt, getting a dependable and explosive back would be critical to this offense, especially if a young quarterback is in charge in the next few years. They’ve tried going by committee before; now they get a bellcow.

18.Kansas City Chiefs – C/G/RT/? Cameron Erving: The Chiefs need a right tackle and lost a top center in free agency and have been seemingly waiting to address this in the draft. Why not select a Swiss Army knife lineman who could conceivably play all five positions? If Andy Reid doesn’t take this kid here, the guy who replaced him in Philadelphia, Chip Kelly, certainly might a few picks later. Good be a huge value pick here and a kid who some teams really like as an interior lineman and others see as a starting tackle.

19.Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland) – WR Nelson Agholor: Maybe this is the precursor to a Mariota trade for the Eagles. Maybe they have already picked up Cleveland’s first pick (12th overall) for Bradford. Maybe it’s actually Tennessee making these picks at 19 and 20 already. Seems like anything is possible, but Kelly refuses to put a ring on Bradford’s finger and I suspect that’s for a very good reason. Dealing Bradford and two first-round picks (whether they be in this draft or future ones) might not cross the threshold of what Kelly deems to be “mortgaging the future.” And I wonder if Kelly can get this pick, plus something else for Bradford if the Browns can’t land Mariota. If the Eagles get this pick it’s not a stretch to think they go with a receiver with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin both gone now. Of course they also need to upgrade an offensive line that has aged, lost some starters, and will lose more (Evan Mathis doesn’t seem to have a future there).

20. Philadelphia Eagles – CB/S Byron Jones: Again, these picks might already be in the hands of the Titans via a Mariota deal. I’m going on the premise is hasn’t been completed at the time of this pick and might not be ever. Some would say this is high for Jones, but you think Kelly cares? Jones checks all the boxes with is freakish talent and great character and attitude and his metrics must intrigue Kelly. The Eagles still need secondary help and this kid could be a ball-hawking free safety in the mold of Devin McCourty (who Kelly desperately tried to sign from New England) if he doesn’t work out as a cover corner (which the Eagles also need even after the Byron Maxwell signing).

21.Cincinnati Bengals – T Andrus Peat: The Bengals have focused a lot of time on offensive linemen and that could be where they go here. Of course, Peat could be gone as high as ninth to New York. And, well, we know the Bengals love to take on the talented red flag kids and if Randy Gregory and Shane Ray are both here, I wonder if the Bengals pass on both. I’ll say they do, but wouldn’t be surprised in the least if they do not.

22.Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Marcus Peters: The Steelers aren’t a team that gambles on character kids that often, and they have their reservations about Peters, but I’ve heard he is on their board and with four corners gone already this could come down to Peters vs. Jalen Collins as to which corner they take.

23.Detroit Lions – DT Eddie Goldman: The Lions used to boast one of the top interior defensive lines in the NFL, but with Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley both gone now, and Haloti Ngata getting up there and on a one-year deal (for now … they’ll extend him), this would give them one of the few standout anchors in this draft and help replenish the defense that was so stout up front.

24.Arizona Cardinals – DT Arik Armstead: The Cardinals have been very interested in beefing up their defensive line, losing Darnell Dockett, and he would be a big body to fit the description. This could be a spot for Shane Ray, though the suspension carousel with Daryl Washington perhaps gives them pause. They like Armstead. I’m going with him.

25. Carolina Panthers – DL Mario Edwards: I would have had tackle La’el Collins slotted here right up until the development that his name surfaced in regards to a police investigation of a murder. Even if he is not a suspect, as police have made clear, it’s something teams have to consider strongly. The timing for him cannot be worse. With offensive line picked pretty clean, the Panthers are very high on Edwards, a freak athlete with great versatility along the defensive line.

26.Baltimore Ravens – CB Eric Rowe: In this instance, many of Baltimore’s top targets – running backs, Agholor, other corners and pass rushers, are all gone, and in the aftermath of Ray Rice’s ordeal and with so many arrests the past year, I just don’t think ownership would sign off on taking Gregory or Ray here. Maybe I’m wrong. In this scenario Baltimore would be trying like heck to trade down for sure.

27.Dallas Cowboys – OLB Randy Gregory: This is where the fall ends. Dallas is not shy about taking risks. The Cowboys just signed Greg Hardy and nearly drafted Johnny Manziel a year ago. This could be a boom pick here, with one of the best pass rushers available still getting to the back end of the first round. Hardy may play as few as six games and he’s only on a one-year deal, anyway. They need someone to make things happen off the edge.

28.Denver Broncos – T Cedric Ogbuehi: His injury in a bowl game has scared some teams off, but not the Broncos, who need to reconfigure that offensive line and better incubate Peyton Manning. This kid has shined as a right tackle and played some left tackle and this was a potential top 10 pick before the injury struck.

29.Indianapolis Colts – OLB Shane Ray: The Colts remain desperate for pass rush even after signing Trent Cole, and this is a kid who some believe has top five talent. GM Ryan Grigson has been willing to gamble on kids in his young career and this would be too much potential bang for them to pass up. Ray could be a difference maker assuming his toe issue does not become chronic and does not run afoul of the drug policy. Big ifs, for sure, but at 29 you have to take a leap.

30.Green Bay Packers – CB Jalen Collins: The Packers have done well drafting corners with some regularity and Collins’ has some off field concerns, and, frankly, I expect the Packers to be trying like hell to trade down by this point and knowing Ted Thompson they’ll probably pull it off. But staying here and replenishing at corner could be a savvy play for them as well.

31.Jacksonville Jaguars (via New Orleans) – WR Breshad Perriman: The offensive line has been picked clean and so have the corners. Continuing to add speed can’t hurt and, yes, they have added some receivers in recent years. Could be a case of a trade down here, and, if New Orleans keeps this pick, this is the one spot where I could see a tight end slipping up into the first round given the departure of Jimmy Graham.

32.New England Patriots – DT Malcom Brown: Vince Wilfork is gone and that’s a big hole to fill. Brown might not be their top pick to do it, and the Patriots are a team I think will be very much in the mix to trade out of the first round but if Brown is in fact still here at this point I think the Pats would be happy going ahead and grabbing him and beginning to fill that void in the middle.

 

[Cotton]

I'll take that and run away happy.

 

[boozeman]

I'll take that and run away happy.

Take what and be happy?

Gregory?

I am not sure how I would feel about that. Talented but some real retard is in that boy's head.

 

[Cotton]

Take what and be happy?

Gregory?

I am not sure how I would feel about that. Talented but some real retard is in that boy's head.

Yes. I would be happy with that pick. But, I just noticed that we passed on Malcom Brown in that mock. No likey.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Yes. I would be happy with that pick. But, I just noticed that we passed on Malcom Brown in that mock. No likey.

Gregory is a better player then Brown. I guess if you're that worried about weed Brown makes more sense.

 

[Cotton]

Gregory is a better player then Brown. I guess if you're that worried about weed Brown makes more sense.

Brown is a pet cat of mine. I saw him dominate Tech's line many times. He is a beast.