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2015 NFL Mock Draft: The Finale
Take a look at John Owning’s final mock draft before the real thing begins Thursday.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2014 record: 2-14 (.486 strength of schedule)
Pick: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
The Buccaneers need a quarterback who can take advantage of the weapons they already have on offense and Jameis Winston is the most talented quarterback in the draft. The Bucs will have to come to grips with Winston’s off-field issues, but there is no denying Winston’s ability to play football. He has experience running a pro-style scheme and he has shown the ability to make checks at the line of scrimmage and execute complicated pro-style concepts. The NFL is a quarterback league and Winston could give the Bucs their quarterback to make them competitive.
2. Tennessee Titans 2014 record: 2-14 (.506)
Pick: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Marcus Mariota looks to be the favorite to be the No. 2 overall pick, but it is still to be determined whether it is the Titans making the selection or not. Mariota is a deadly accurate quarterback who also has the ability to make plays with his feet. He needs time to learn how to run pro concepts, but Mariota may have a higher ceiling than even Winston. Mariota would give the Titans, or another team, their quarterback of the future that they could build a team around.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 2014 record: 3-13 (.514)
Pick: Dante Fowler, DE, Florida
The Jaguars didn’t get enough production off the edge last season and Dante Fowler could be the player to remedy that problem. Fowler may not have the highest ceiling of the edge-rusher prospects, but he may be the safest selection. He has a ton of versatility to play a ton of positions on a defense and he has the motor that the Jaguars coaching staff will likely covet. Fowler will likely fill the Leo role on the Jaguars defense and hopefully give them a dynamic pass-rusher off the edge.
4. Oakland Raiders 2014 record: 3-13 (.570)
Pick: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
The Raiders get very lucky in this scenario as the best player in the draft drops to them in USC’s Leonard Williams. He could slide into the three-technique role or he could play the strong-side defensive end in the Raiders’ defensive scheme. Williams plays with a ton of power and he is the best run defender in this entire draft. He knows a plethora of ways to shed blocks and he has the ability to really press the pocket from the interior defensive line.
5. Washington Redskins 2014 record: 4-12 (.496)
Pick: Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE, Kentucky
The Redskins could really use a free safety who is adept in coverage; however, there aren’t any of those types of players worthy of a pick this high. Therefore, the Redskins should turn their efforts to improving their pass rush. Alvin “Bud” Dupree is an extremely dynamic edge-rusher whose potential is through the roof. Dupree needs to improve his hand usage, but he has the explosive qualities that you can’t teach. The Redskins get a great talent to play opposite of Ryan Kerrigan for years to come.
6. New York Jets 2014 record: 4-12 (.543)
Pick: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Todd Bowles loves to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and there is no player better at doing just that than Clemson’s Vic Beasley. He would play as an outside linebacker in the Jets’ scheme and wreck havoc on opposing offensive tackles for years to come. Beasley is a fantastic athlete who has an incredible first step and a plethora of pass-rush moves. He needs to improve versus the run, but he could potentially put up double digit sacks in year one.
7. Chicago Bears 2014 record: 5-11 (.529)
Pick: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
With Brandon Marshall gone, the Bears need a wide receiver who can be productive opposite of Alshon Jeffery. Kevin White could be a possibility, but Amari Cooper is a better option to produce early for the Bears. Cooper is a fantastic route-runner who understands how to beat press coverage and set up defensive backs with the stem of his routes. Cooper has the potential to be a top-five wide receiver in the NFL and make an immediate impact for the Bears.
8. Atlanta Falcons 2014 record: 6-10 (.482)
Pick: Todd Gurley, RB, Geordia
The Falcons really need pass-rush help, but the off-field issues of Shane Ray and Randy Gregory could cause them to look elsewhere. From a talent perspective, there isn’t a more talented player left than Georgia’s Todd Gurley. If the Falcons can come to grips with Gurley’s knee issues he could potentially be a fit for the Falcons here. Gurley would give the Falcons another weapon offense and a player who can carry the offense when Matt Ryan is having a bad game.
9. New York Giants 2014 record: 6-10 (.512)
Pick: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The Giants had trouble protecting the quarterback last year, so they could look to improve their offensive line with this pick. The Giants love pro-ready players and there isn’t an offensive lineman who is ready to make an immediate impact than Andrus Peat. He is a mauler in the run game and he can really get movement off the line of scrimmage. As a pass-blocker, Peat is a dancing bear who has nimble feet and powerful hands. The Giants get a huge upgrade on their offensive line with Peat.
10. St. Louis Rams 2014 record: 6-10 (.531)
Pick: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
Even though they selected Greg Robinson last year, the Rams should try to boost their offensive line once again. Brandon Scherff is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft as he could fit at tackle or guard. Scherff is a great athlete who can make blocks at every level of the defense. He is a road-grater at the point-of-attack as well and the Rams will benefit greatly from it. Scherff could make a Zack Martin-esque impact for the Rams and push their offense into a new tier.
11. Minnesota Vikings 2014 record: 7-9 (.475)
Pick: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Vikings have some of the best young talent in the NFL and they add to it with Trae Waynes here. Head coach Mike Zimmer loves having multiple cornerbacks who can cover and Waynes give them one opposite of another young stud in Xavier Rhodes. Waynes has great long speed and great mental processing ability. He needs to get less handsy at the top of routes, but he has the potential to be a very good cornerback in the NFL.
12. Cleveland Browns 2014 record: 7-9 (.479)
Pick: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Josh Gordon is facing another year-long suspension and the Browns are in desperate need of weapons on the outside. The Browns could go Amari Cooper here, but Kevin White fits their offense better as he consistently wins at the catch point and in the red zone. White would give Johnny Manziel a great weapon to grow with and would help take some pressure off the Browns’ rushing attack.
13. New Orleans Saints 2014 record: 7-9 (.486)
Pick: Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
A month ago, Randy Gregory would have been the easy pick here, but some off-field concerns could lead to the Saints passing on the great pass-rushing talent. This leaves the Saints to adding another big time talent in Arik Armstead. He is a great fit in the Saints’ scheme and he has the ability to be a fantastic player in the NFL. Armstead has the power and length to be a fantastic five-technique for the Saints and really improve their defensive line.
14. Miami Dolphins 2014 record: 8-8 (.512)
Pick: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
The Dolphins need help along the offensive line and La’el Collins is the best talent left on the board. Collins could play at tackle or he could potentially move inside to guard with the Dolphins. Collins may be the best run-blocker in the draft as he plays with a ton of strength at the point of attack. He has above-average movement skills and he knows how to work to the second level very well. He has good footwork and he can really improve the Dolphins’ pass protection.
15. San Francisco 49ers 2014 record: 8-8 (.527)
Pick: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
The 49ers have the a ton of holes on their defense, but Malcom Brown could be the first step to improving the defense. Brown could play at the nose tackle or as a defensive end in the 49ers 3-4 defense. He has the ability to be productive as a pass-rusher and run defender. He would improve the 49ers defensive line and make things easier for the linebackers behind him.
16. Houston Texans 2014 record: 9-7 (.447)
Pick: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Texans have a huge void left at wide receiver with the departure of Andre Johnson. One player who could be great replacement is Louisville’s DeVante Parker. He is one of the best deep threats in this draft and he has the ability to score from anywhere on the field. Parker needs to clean up some of his routes, but he can be productive against all three levels of a defense.
17. San Diego Chargers 2014 record: 9-7 (.512)
Pick: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Chargers don’t have a running back who can be a great starter currently on their roster, so they look to Melvin Gordon here. Gordon is a fantastic running back who is explosive and can really make a huge impact for the Chargers. Gordon can play all three downs and he has the ability to make huge plays for the Chargers throughout the season.
18. Kansas City Chiefs 2014 record: 9-7 (.512)
Pick: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri
Everyone knows about the struggles the Chiefs had with their wide receivers last year. The Chiefs have the opportunity to get possibly the most talented wide receiver in Dorial Green-Beckham with this pick. Green-Beckham is a freakish athlete who has a huge catch radius for Alex Smith to find in the red zone. Green-Beckham is a nightmare matchup for defenses and he will be extremely difficult to scheme against for opposing defensive coordinators.
19. Cleveland Browns 2014 record: 7-9 (.479)
Pick: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
With their second pick in the first round, the Browns have the ability to go in many different directions. The best option may be to select a great interior defensive lineman in Danny Shelton. He is a decent athlete for his size and he has the motor to make players all over the field. When he plays with leverage, Shelton is extremely hard to stop and he could be a great 0-technique for the Browns.
20. Philadelphia Eagles 2014 record: 10-6 (.490)
Pick: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
The Eagles faltered down the stretch in part because of their subpar cornerback play as Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams were abused by opposing offenses. Kevin Johnson has the best movement skills out of any cornerback in this draft and he could be a huge improve over Williams this year. Johnson can play in man or zone coverage and he can develop into an elite cornerback in the future for the Eagles.
21. Cincinnati Bengals 2014 record: 10-5-1 (.498)
Pick: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
The Bengals could really use an offensive tackle, especially with Andrew Whitworth entering the final year of his contract at 34 years old. D.J. Humphries has the best movement skills of any tackle in this draft as he skillfully mirrors opposing pass-rushers with easy. He needs to improve his hand usage as a run-blocker, but he can become an elite left tackle in the NFL with his talent.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers 2014 record: 11-5 (.451)
Pick: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Steelers need to get some secondary help during the draft, specifically at the cornerback position. There may not be a more talented cornerback in this draft than Marcus Peters. He is a bully in press-man coverage and he is a smooth athlete who effortlessly mirrors opposing wide receiver. He has some mishaps in off coverage, but if you play him where he wins, he could turn into a shut down cornerback in the NFL.
23. Detroit Lions 2014 record: 11-5 (.471)
Pick: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
The Lions are yet another team that needs help at offensive tackle and for that reason they could take a stab at T.J. Clemmings. He still has a ways to go with his footwork, but he has an extremely high ceiling. He has the athleticism to play left or right tackle, but he just needs more repetition with his steps. He can be a dominant run blocker, but missteps often limit his ability to be a force in the run game. Clemmings is a pick based on potential, but it can really pay off for the Lions in the future.
24. Arizona Cardinals 2014 record: 11-5 (.523)
Pick: Cameron Erving, OC, Florida State.
The Cardinals could use a lot of help with their interior offensive line and Cameron Erving looks to be a great fit to make an immediate impact for the Cardinals there. He has the versatility to play all five positions on the offensive line, but he best projects inside at guard or center. he has great movement skills for an interior offensive lineman with great hands to go with it.
25. Carolina Panthers 2014 record: 7-8-1 (.490)
Pick: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
The Panthers need help at offensive tackle and they could look to Ereck Flowers here. Oregon’s Jake Fisher could be another option, but the Panthers may fall in love with Flowers’ ability as a run blocker. He is young and he plays with a ton of strength at the point of attack in the run game. As a pass protector, he has a lot of warts as he lacks core strength and tends to grab instead of punch.
26. Baltimore Ravens 2014 record: 10-6 (.475)
Pick: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
Another team who will likely be in the receiver market will be the Baltimore Ravens. They need to find a speedster to replace Torrey Smith and who better than Breshad Perriman who reportedly ran in the 4.2’s for his 40-yard dash at his pro day. Perriman tends to have some focus drops, but he runs good routes and he can create a ton of separation with his speed and precise routes. He would be a great weapon for Joe Flacco for years to come.
27. Dallas Cowboys 2014 record: 12-4 (.445)
Pick: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Randy Gregory’s huge fall ends with the Dallas Cowboys. Gregory has a ton of character questions as he has had problems with marijuana in the past; however, there is no denying his ability as a defensive end. He is a dynamic athlete who can win with speed off the edge. He has the best bend in the draft and he can win with a variety of pass-rush moves. Gregory doesn’t get enough credit for his ability as a run defender either as he holds up well at the point of attack against huge offensive linemen. Gregory gives the Cowboys a fantastic pass-rusher who can develop and grow with DeMarcus Lawrence for the foreseeable future.
28. Denver Broncos 2014 record: 12-4 (.521)
Pick: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
The Broncos have a need at right tackle and Jake Fisher could be a great option to fill that need. He is a fantastic athlete for the position and he has the best hand usage out of any offensive tackle in the draft. He has shown power at the point of attack and the ability to make pro-style blocks. This is a great value pick for the Broncos and it will allow their offensive line to improve a ton in 2015.
29. Indianapolis Colts 2014 record: 11-5 (.479)
Pick: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
A week ago it seemed unlikely that Shane Ray would fall this far, but an arrest on draft week has his stock falling at a rapid rate. The Colts are able to capitalize on Ray’s blunder and pick up a great pass-rusher in the late-first round. Ray is an explosive pass-rusher who can win with speed to the outside and inside with his fantastic rip move. Ray would give the Colts another great pass-rusher to play opposite of Robert Mathis.
30. 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 they have even had to resort to playing Clay Matthews there on occasion. Eric Kendricks has the ability to change that fact. He is a playmaker who can make plays from sideline to sideline. This is the classic value pick for the Packers as their biggest need coincides with great value in getting Kendricks in the late first.
31. New Orleans Saints 2014 record: 7-9 (.486)
Pick: Nelson Agholar, WR, USC
32. New England Patriots 2014 record: 12-4 (.514)
Pick: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
The Patriots always seem to fall into great value picks and they do so again here. The Patriots need someone who can take pressure off Rob Gronkowski in the red zone and there may not be a better red-zone threat then Jaelen Strong. He is a monster at the catch point as he has natural hands and incredible leaping ability. The Patriots give Tom Brady another weapon, which should scare defenses everywhere.
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