News
2015 Mock Draft: January Edition
Check inside to see who your team may draft in April.
As the NFL enters the divisional round of the playoffs, draft season has arrived. With the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl on the horizon, the 24 teams that are not still in the playoffs are in full offseason mode. With that in mind, let’s take an early shot at how the draft may play out come May.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2014 record: 2-14 (.486 strength of schedule)
Pick: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Mike Glennon and Josh McCown experiments did not work out this year and the Buccaneers need a quarterback who can grow with their star rookie Mike Evans. There are two options for the Bucs with the No. 1 pick, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. Both players have question marks on the field, but what separates them is that Mariota is as clean as you can be off the field, while Winston has had a myriad of issues. Mariota gives the Bucs their quarterback of the future and gives them hope for prosperity long-term.
2. Tennessee Titans 2014 record: 2-14 (.506)
Pick: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
While Mariota is a near consensus as the top pick, Leonard Williams is near the top of everyone’s prospect rankings. He is a phenomenal defensive lineman who can play numerous positions in a variety of schemes. With the Titans, he would play as the 5-technique defensive tackle and give the Titans a formidable duo on the defensive line with Williams and Casey.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 2014 record: 3-13 (.514)
Pick: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
In a class full of really good edge-rushers, Randy Gregory is the best of them all. Gregory is a rail thin 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, but he has the type of frame that teams can mold into what they want. Gregory is a playmaking defender who combines incredible athletic ability with an ever-improving skill set. Gregory would be a perfect fit as the LEO in the Gus Bradley’s defense and give their defense a playmaker off the edge that they sorely missed last year.
4. Oakland Raiders 2014 record: 3-13 (.570)
Pick: Dante Fowler, DE, Florida
After missing out on Williams and Gregory, the Raiders decide to go with Dante Fowler to solidify their defensive line and form one of the best defensive end tandems in the NFL. Fowler is a terror off the edge who plays with reckless abandon on nearly every play. He has great athletic ability and technical prowess, which make him one of the safer picks in this deep edge-rusher class. Leonard Williams would be No. 1 on the Raiders priority list here, but Fowler is a nice consolation prize.
5. Washington Redskins 2014 record: 4-12 (.496)
Pick: Max Valles, OLB, Virginia
With Brian Orakpo’s pending free agency, the Redskins have a need at outside linebacker opposite of Ryan Kerrigan. Earlier this week, Max Valles made the surprising decision to declare for the NFL draft despite being just 19 years old. Valles is raw from of pass-rushing standpoint, but he is one of the more freakish athletes in the draft. Valles would be a perfect fit in the Redskins 3-4 defense as he is surprisingly adept in coverage and has all the potential to become an elite pass-rusher. Valles is not a player who will rack up the sacks early in his career, but he will make plays in a variety of other ways as he develops.
6. New York Jets 2014 record: 4-12 (.543)
Pick: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
There are some teams that certain players should pray not to go to. In Jameis Winston’s case, the New York Jets may be one of the worst fits for him in the NFL. However, the Jets’ need for a quarterback and Winston’s considerable talent is enough for the Jets to take Winston. When you play for the Jets, the media spotlight is on you 24/7 and that is the exact situation that Winston needs to avoid. Having said that, Winston has incredible talent and if there is a player who could be productive despite the immense scrutiny, it’s him.
7. Chicago Bears 2014 record: 5-11 (.529)
Pick: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The Bears suffered from putrid safety play throughout the season; therefore, they should be looking to upgrade the position this offseason. If they opt to go the way of the draft, there is no better safety prospect than Landon Collins, who has the size and athletic ability to thrive in the Bears defensive philosophy. He thrives as a box safety, but he also has the skills to play deeps as well.
8. Atlanta Falcons 2014 record: 6-10 (.482)
Pick: Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE, Kentucky
The Falcons are in desperate need of players who can generate a consistent pass rush and luckily for them, this is the perfect draft to do so. Even though three edge-rushers have already gone, the Falcons still get a fantastic player in Alvin “Bud” Dupree, who could end up as one of the best players in the draft. Dupree is one of the few edge-rushers to come into the draft with NFL size. He combines that with great speed and quickness off the edge to go along with a relentless motor.
9. New York Giants 2014 record: 6-10 (.512)
Pick: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
As stated by a Giants scouting in the NFL Networks Finding Giants, the Giants value size in their linebackers. However, when a playmaker like Shaq Thompson falls into your lap, you tend to push aside the parameters you put on a position. Thompson is one of the biggest playmakers in the country as he combines fluidity in coverage with instincts and speed when defending the run. Thompson is not a player you want to put in a strict system, he is someone who needs freedom to make plays and let his athleticism and instincts take over. The Giants desperately need a playmaker at the second level of their defense and there is no better player than Thompson to fill that void.
10. St. Louis Rams 2014 record: 6-10 (.531)
Pick: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
Even though the Rams chose Greg Robinson last year, don’t rule out the Rams selecting an offensive lineman again. As the Cowboys have proven, there is a ton of value in drafting offensive line in multiple drafts in the first round. Jake Long’s future is in question and the Rams need to protect Sam Bradford as best they can. While they have numerous options, La’el Collins appears to be the best pick right now. Collins is a mauler in the run game who has improved greatly in pass protection. He has incredible strength and great mirroring ability as an offensive tackle. If Long ends up returning, the Rams can slide Collins to guard for the time being where he has significant experience as well. Collins would be a move toward solidifying their offensive line and keeping Bradford healthy in the future.
11. Minnesota Vikings 2014 record: 7-9 (.475)
Pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The last time the Vikings selected an offensive tackle was Matt Kalil in the 2012 draft. While that experiment doesn’t appear to be working out, it should not scare the Vikings away from taking another stab at it. Ronnie Stanley may be the most pro-ready offensive tackle in the draft and he would be a fantastic addition to the Vikings offensive line. The Vikings need to do a better job of keeping Teddy Bridgewater upright and drafting Stanley would be a great step in that direction.
12. Cleveland Browns 2014 record: 7-9 (.479)
Pick: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
With the whole Josh Gordon saga in Cleveland, wide receiver has to be at the top of their list entering the offseason. The Browns have their speedy receiver in Andrew Hawkins and if Gordon doesn’t return, they need a bigger bodied receiver with a huge catch radius. Kevin White fits that role extremely well. White excels at the catch point as he frequently dominates defensive backs in the air. White is a physical receiver who does has surprising run after-the-catch ability. White is just the player the Browns need to make them forget about Gordon and his incredible talent.
13. New Orleans Saints 2014 record: 7-9 (.486)
Pick: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
As Drew Brees enters the twilight of his career, it is becoming increasingly more important go give him a better offensive line in front of him. Enter Brandon Scherff who is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the country. Scherff has the strength and experience to be an offensive tackle for the Saints, but he can also move inside and be a great guard if the Saints move on from Jahri Evans or Ben Grubbs. Scherff is a dominant run-blocker who needs some polish as a pass protector.
14. Miami Dolphins 2014 record: 8-8 (.512)
Pick: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
The offensive tackle who has the highest upside in the draft is T.J. Clemmings. He has the length, strength and footwork to become an All-Pro in the NFL for years to come. He has only played offensive tackle for two years, so he is still a little raw in some aspects, but he is surprisingly advanced despite his inexperience. He shut down Max Valles earlier in the year and he knows how to dominate at the point of attack. The Dolphins have the option to play Clemmings inside or outside, depending on what they do with Brandon Albert, and he will not let them down. Clemmings is a special talent and the Dolphins are lucky to have the opportunity to select him at this point in the draft.
15. San Francisco 49ers 2014 record: 8-8 (.527)
Pick: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
With Michael Crabtree’s impending free agency and Anquan Boldin’s age, the 49ers should be in the wide receiver market this offseason. Luckily for the 49ers, one of the most dynamic receivers in this year’s draft has fallen to them in Amari Cooper. While he isn’t an imposing receiver, Cooper creates separation in his routes unlike any other receiver in this draft. He can work all three levels of the defense and he can make an impact in a variety of ways. Cooper would give the 49ers another weapon for Colin Kaepernick another weapon at his disposal as they try to bounce back from their disappointing 2014 campaign.
16. Houston Texans 2014 record: 9-7 (.447)
Pick: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Houston Texans have the best defensive player on the planet in J.J. Watt, but he needs some help. With Kareem Jackson’s future with Houston in doubt, Trae Waynes is a great pick to replace him. Athletically and physically, Waynes has everything who could want in a cornerback as he is long with great quickness. He needs to improve upon his strength as he struggles in run-support, but he has almost limitless potential.
17. San Diego Chargers 2014 record: 9-7 (.512)
Pick: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
The San Diego Chargers need some help along their interior defensive line and Jordan Phillips would be a great addition. At just 19 years old, Phillips is an extremely strong player who eats up blocks and can beat single blocks with ease. Phillips’ ability to take on multiple blockers will free up the linebackers and allow them to make plays all over the field. While Phillips may never get a lot of production himself, his presence will lead to his teammates putting up stellar numbers.
18. Kansas City Chiefs 2014 record: 9-7 (.512)
Pick: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Everyone has seen the stats about how wildly ineffective the Chiefs wide receivers were this year, some of that is due to Alex Smith and some of it is on the lack of talent at the wide receiver position. The Chiefs get an influx of talent as they select DeVante Parker in this scenario. Parker gives the Chiefs a big play threat who can take it to the house at any time. If the Chiefs can find a way to get the ball in Parker’s hands with any regularity, they will see a big improvement in the production from the wide receiver position.
19. Cleveland Browns 2014 record: 7-9 (.479)
Pick: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
With their second pick of the first round, the Browns select a mammoth of a man in Danny Shelton. While he may not always play like it, Shelton is an impact player who can one-gap and penetrate or eat multiple blocks and allow others to shine. Shelton is not a player who should play more than 35-40 snaps a game, but he can make a big impact on those snaps. If the Browns can find out a way to get Shelton’s motor to consistently run hot, they are getting a great player who can drastically improve their defense.
20. Philadelphia Eagles 2014 record: 10-6 (.490)
Pick: Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
With the struggles of Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher this year, the Eagles should be looking to improve their secondary in the draft. With Waynes gone and Marcus Peters’ character concerns, Alex Carter is the next best option. Carter has good size and athletic ability for the position. He is an ultra-aggressive cornerback who thrives against big receivers. With Carter the Eagles get a player who can match up with some of the big play receivers in the NFC East.
21. Cincinnati Bengals 2014 record: 10-5-1 (.498)
Pick: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
The Bengals had a putrid pass-rush this year and Owamagbe Odighizuwa would be a step in the right direction as they try to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Odighizuwa has great size for the position to go along with some of the best hands in the draft. He is incredible against the run, while also generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He is much better than his production says he is as he is held back a lot by UCLA’s scheme. Odighizuwa would be a great compliment to Margus Hunt and Geno Atkins on the Bengals defensive line.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers 2014 record: 11-5 (.451)
Pick: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
The Steelers luck into finding of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the draft as they select Vic Beasley. With elite first step quickness, great hands and flexibility, Beasley is a terror for opposing offenses coming off the edge. He has some bad tendencies versus the run, but the Steelers can’t pass up a player with Beasley’s skill set. He would instantly upgrade their pass-rush and that is something you can’t pass up this late in the first round.
23. Detroit Lions 2014 record: 11-5 (.471)
Pick: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
The Lions are coming off a great year, but they have a huge need at offensive tackle. Matthew Stafford was sacked twice in their final drive of the season as he was let down by both of his offensive tackles. With the best tackles off the board, the Lions decide to go the technically proficient Ty Sambrailo who has some of the smoothest feet in the draft. Sambrailo has great mirroring ability as he gets into his kick slide and hits his landmarks with ease. Sambrailo will drastically improve the Lions pass protection and give Stafford a little more time to find his considerable weapons.
24. Arizona Cardinals 2014 record: 11-5 (.523)
Pick: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
The Cardinals have one of the best defenses in the NFL. The only thing they were missing was a player who could provide a consistent pass-rush; the Cardinals get that with Shane Ray. With his excellent quickness and pass-rush ability, Ray would give the Cardinals an added element to the defense. Ray figures to be a pure pass-rusher early, but the Cardinals are good enough that they can add a one-dimensional player like Ray.
25. Carolina Panthers 2014 record: 7-8-1 (.490)
Pick: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The Panthers have had trouble keeping Cam Newton upright all season, which is why they take Andrus Peat in the scenario. Peat has everything you want from a tackle from a size and athletic standpoint. Nevertheless, he is still available at this point because he doesn’t have that finishing, nasty attitude; much like another Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin. However, his size and athleticism are too much to pass on at this point and the Panthers hope he can develop that nasty streak.
26. Baltimore Ravens 2014 record: 10-6 (.475)
Pick: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The Ravens have of one of the better front-seven’s in the NFL, but they need help on the back end of their defense. With Waynes and Carter gone, the Ravens look to a player with immense potential in Jalen Collins. With experience as a safety and cornerback, Collins can play at either spot with the Ravens. He is lacking a little bit from a technical standpoint, but his size, length and athletic ability warrant a selection here.
27. Indianapolis Colts 2014 record: 11-5 (.479)
Pick: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
With all the other viable first round tackles taken, the Colts look to improve their offensive line with Ereck Flowers. He has imposing size to go with nimble feet in pass protection. In the run game, he is an aggressive blocker who uses his size to his advantage. Flowers is the type of player who may go late in the first, but could outperform his draft position in the NFL.
28. Dallas Cowboys 2014 record: 12-4 (.445)
Pick: Eli Harold, DE, Virginia
The Cowboys defense has exceeded everyone’s expectations this year, but they still need help if they hope to take another step forward next year. The Cowboys pass-rush has been lacking for most of the year; therefore, a dynamic defensive end should be at the top of their wish list. Eli Harold is the best defensive end still available and the Cowboys would be fools to not hand in their card with his name on it. Harold is an exciting athlete who has incredible upside. He has strong hands to go with incredible flexibility to get around the corner. He is still raw, but who better to develop a young star than Rod Marinelli? The duo of DeMarcus Lawrence and Eli Harold could give the Cowboys the pass-rush they have dearly missed this year.
29. Green Bay Packers 2014 record: 12-4 (.482)
Pick: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
The Packers have not had great production from their inside linebackers and Eric Kendricks is the perfect player to change. He is a playmaker in the middle who blends instincts, quickness and speed to make an impact in every facet of the game. This is the classic value pick for the Packers as their biggest need coincides with great value in getting Kendricks in the late first.
30. New England Patriots 2014 record: 12-4 (.514)
Pick: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Bill Belichick has had his struggles in the past with his wide receiver selections, but this one should be different. Jaelen strong is a big-bodied receiver who can pluck balls out of the air with ease. He is a great red zone target who can take some of the pressure off Rob Gronkowski inside the 20-yard line. The Patriots finally get the type of big play receiver they have been longing for quite some time.
31. Denver Broncos 2014 record: 12-4 (.521)
Pick: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
Where the Broncos go here will be determined about what they do in free agency. Julius Thomas’ contract is up and if he leaves the Broncos have a huge need at tight end. If this happened, Maxx Williams would be the no brainer here. Williams is a tight end who excels as a receiver as he combines his huge catch radius with precise routes and soft hands. This pick will allow the Broncos offense to not miss a beat, even if they lose Thomas to free agency.
32. Seattle Seahawks 2014 record: 12-4 (.525)
Pick: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
News
Broncos holding their breath on Derek Wolfe
Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk
Powered by WPeMatico
News
Buccaneers admit mistake, boot Aguayo
Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk
Powered by WPeMatico
News
Did Bucs put too much pressure on Aguayo?
Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk
Powered by WPeMatico