Last year, I only mocked the first round. This year, I went all out. Three rounds mocked (only commentary on the first) and a full big board of my top 50 based on the ridiculous amount of articles I've read, with a top ten at each position. Chip Kelly's really going to have try hard to surprise me this year (please don't, Chip...). Also, there were so many trade rumors (most of them regarding the Eagles and Oregon QB Marcus Mariota) that I couldn't make sense of any of them, so I figured no trades in this mock. Too much going on, and a trade (or two) will probably happen, but it's so unpredictable, I decided to let it go. Less fun, but there's more stuff, so it evens out, right? Also, for clarity's sake, there will be some new(ish) terms here. Rather than using straight Madden positions such as Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Outside Linebacker, and Inside Linebacker, these players have been categorized three ways: Defensive Lineman (DL), Edge Pass Rusher (EDGE), and Linebacker (LB). A DL plays the three-technique (lines up across an offensive guard) and would be the defensive tackles in a 4-3 or the defensive ends in a 3-4 or play the one-technique (nose tackle, lining up across the center) and play defensive tackle in a 3-4. An EDGE plays the five-technique (lines up across an offensive tackle) and would be the defensive ends in a 4-3 and the outside linebackers in a 3-4. An LB plays pretty much any of the three linebacker spots in the 4-3 or the two inside linebacker spots in the 3-4. Make sense? Okay, good. Without further ado, here we go:
Winston and Mariota have been among the most scrutinized prospects in recent memory (other than Johnny Football, of course), but for entirely different reasons. Winston's drawbacks are all off-the-field, while there are very few questions to his ability on the field. Yes, he struggled with turnovers at times last season, but when it comes down to it, if you're looking at what he can and cannot do on a football field, Winston is as polished a product as they come. There really isn't a throw he can't make, he shows good poise in the pocket, and he's also been able to rise to the occasion in big moments (such as a game winning drive in a National Championship game). The questions come up regarding his maturity (he was recently formally charged with sexual assault stemming from that infamous 2012 incident) and whether he's ready to be the "face" of an NFL franchise, but when it comes down to it, the Bucs need a quarterback and Winston is the most "NFL-ready." The Bucs have some other holes, but I can't see anyone other than Winston or Mariota coming off the board here at #1 because the hole at quarterback is so glaring. Personally, and this is coming from an Eagles fan, I'd find it absolutely hilarious if the Bucs just want to watch the NFL burn and take Mariota over Winston, but Winston seems to be the pick at the top of the draft.
Williams is almost universally considered the "safest" pick in this draft as he is an incredibly versatile defensive lineman. He can line up both inside and on the edge, fits both the 4-3 and 3-4, and just flat out makes plays. Considered to be too quick for interior lineman and too strong for offensive tackles, Williams has the ability to be a force on the defensive line for whichever team drafts him. The question here at #2, of course, is just how comfortable are the Titans with current QB Zach Mettenberger? If they think Mettenberger can be a starting QB in the league (a report came out saying they think he can be a "poor man's Tom Brady." I loled), they'll take Williams or the edge pass rusher of their choice (such as Florida EDGE Dante Fowler or Clemson EDGE Vic Beasley), but if they think they need a QB, Mariota becomes an obvious choice. The pick could also be traded to a team who covets Mariota (or Winston if the Bucs pass on him at #1). The New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles have all been linked to reports stating their interest in trading up to #2 to draft a QB (including a super-trade which would involve Tennessee, San Diego, and Philadelphia. The rumored trade has the Eagles moving up to #2 to draft Mariota, Tennessee getting San Diego QB Philip Rivers, and San Diego getting Philadelphia QB Sam Bradford plus picks). What Tennessee does with this pick is the most interesting part of the entire draft. The draft doesn't really start until Tennessee comes to a decision at #2. So many options, but if the Titans stay put, they should take Williams, especially because it seems to be clear that they're not sold on Mariota. If I absolutely had to make a guess as to what happens, I really do think the Eagles move into this spot. It would be the cherry on top of a crazy offseason. Go all in for Mariota. Pull the trigger, Chip. Why not?
Fowler is versatile enough to play both inside and on the edge (although he's much better suited for the edge), fits both the 3-4 and 4-3, and is probably the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He'll provide an added boost to a revamped Jaguar defense. Beasley is an option here (and may even be a better "scheme fit") and if it wasn't for his drug problems, Nebraska EDGE Randy Gregory would be in play for this pick as well, but my guess is it's Fowler if Williams goes at #2 and Williams if he's still available. Fowler's simply the best blend of natural talent and potential of all the edge rushers, and that makes him the top pass rushing prospect in the class.
The Raiders need playmakers on offense. Plain and simple. Cooper gives them one. He is the best wide receiver in a draft class full of potential impact wide receivers. I know West Virginia WR Kevin White wowed the scouts with his combine, but it's not like Cooper had a poor combine by any stretch. He's a proven receiver with sure hands and fantastic route running. He'll be an immediate upgrade to a depleted wide receiver corps and will provide sophomore QB Derek Carr a reliable target to throw to. Williams is also a strong possibility if available.
Another team in need of pass rushing help, Washington will, in all likelihood, jump at the best edge pass rusher on the board. Due to drug and injury concerns for some other top pass rushing prospects, that's most likely to be Beasley at this point. Gregory will be considered as well, but Beasley is a guy who makes sense at #5. Reports came out stating Washington was also interested in Mariota, but that seems to have been a smoke screen to play up the value of this pick as Washington wouldn't mind moving down to stock pile a few extra picks. Beasley is a talented pass rusher and could help replace the departed EDGE Brian Orakpo immediately. I'd expect Washington to go defense with this pick, but if they select someone on the offensive side of the ball, the best bet is an offensive lineman such as Iowa OG/T Brandon Scherff. This spot also seems to be the floor for Williams (if the QBs go 1-2, JAC takes an edge rusher, and OAK takes a WR, you would think WAS takes the best player available, which would be Williams), whether Washington takes him or some other team trades in front of Chicago at #7 to take him.
I can't see the Jets passing on Mariota (or better yet, I can't see Mariota getting by #6, whoever's picking in this spot). I know there were "reports" that they didn't like him or that they were good to go with QB Geno Smith (lol), but with Mariota on the board, and Fowler and Beasley both off the board, it's tough to see the Jets go in a different direction, especially after reuniting CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Quarterback still seems to be the biggest need for the Jets, and Mariota may be the best one in the draft. There are still some questions regarding his ability to make some of the deep and intermediate throws (questions that Mariota did not answer during his pro day workout), but he has the size, athleticism, intelligence, and character to be a franchise quarterback, regardless of what offense he's tasked to run. For the Jets, even with the addition of WR Brandon Marshall, wide receiver is also an option, so whoever the Raiders don't take at #4 (Cooper or White) could also be in play, but the Jets need someone to actually throw the ball to those receivers. Running back is another potential pick here, and if Georgia RB Todd Gurley wasn't coming off a torn ACL, he'd probably go in the top ten (he still could go here. He's that good), but again, QB is a huge need and there's a good one on the board for the Jets. New head coach Todd Bowles would love to select a pass rusher, so if either Fowler or Beasley drop, they could be the pick, or the Jets can look at Gregory or Kentucky EDGE Bud Dupree as options as well. Also, this is another potential trade spot for teams that would want to move up to grab Mariota (Cleveland, San Diego, Philadelphia) or Cooper / White (Miami) as the Jets may want to move back to the teens and stock pile some picks later in the draft.
Maybe the most physically gifted receiver in the draft, White put on an absolute show at the combine. Still, White is not just a workout warrior. He's a pretty good football player in his own right. The Bears should be in best player available mode, and White is just that. He can replace departed WR Brandon Marshall and give QB Jay Cutler another weapon besides RB Matt Forte and WR Alshon Jeffery. If Mariota drops, the Bears could take him since the new regime doesn't seem too high on Cutler, or they could take one of the edge rushers, or Washington DL Danny Shelton. The Bears are in a good spot to simply take the player they like the best. I think it'll be either White or Cooper.
As stated earlier, Gregory is a guy who could have easily been in play as a top five pick before his failed drug test at the combine. He very well could still go in the top five because he's as talented as pass rusher as there is in this class, but it's more likely those concerns will push him down boards, possibly out of the first round entirely. Atlanta, however, is a team that is in desperate need of help rushing the passer as they ranked tied for 30th in the league with only 22 sacks as a team (Kansas City EDGE Justin Houston got 22 sacks by himself last season). Gregory is talented enough to immediately upgrade Atlanta's pass rush. He's versatile enough to line up all over the field and attack the quarterback from different angles, he's fast enough to blow past opposing tackles on the edge, and he uses his hands well to battle the tackle if he's engaged. If the Falcons don't want to roll the dice and deal with his off-the-field concerns, look for this pick to be Dupree or Beasley if he gets by Washington. Running back is another big need for Atlanta, so Gurley has become a major option here as well.
The Giants need offensive line help, and Scherff seems to be the best offensive line prospect in this draft. He was a tackle at Iowa, but he possesses the versatility to play all across the line. He's a day one starter for the Giants at guard, and could eventually move outside to tackle if need be. A mauler of a run blocker and a solid pass blocker, Scherff is a complete lineman who can make life just a little easier for QB Eli Manning. The Giants could also be looking at wide receiver if Cooper or White falls and they LOVE their defensive linemen, so Shelton is an option. Defensive backs such as Michigan State CB Trae Waynes, Washington CB Marcus Peters, or Alabama S Landon Collins are in play as well, and there's been a lot of Gurley buzz in this spot in the last week (Please, God, no. I like Gurley. Please don't put him on the Giants...), but Scherff is such a good fit for the Giants, he should be the pick if he's on the board.
Collins may have the highest ceiling of any offensive lineman prospect in the draft. Like Scherff, he's versatile enough to play all across the line and can step in and start from day one at guard while developing into a long term tackle. He's big and extremely athletic for a lineman, and is a physical blocker who can help upgrade a shaky offensive line in St. Louis. Cornerback and wide receiver are two other areas of need for the Rams, so Waynes, Peters, and Louisville WR DeVante Parker are all options as well.
I know it seems like I'm copy-and-pasting team needs, but for Minnesota, it probably comes down to wide receiver or cornerback, which means, if you believe "reports," it comes down to Parker or Waynes. Apparently the Vikings absolutely love Waynes and view him as a corner who can come in and make an impact from day one in Minnesota, but the Vikings will be hard-pressed to pass on a wide receiver prospect like Parker, especially given the history that he and QB Teddy Bridgewater shared at Louisville. Parker has been overlooked to a certain extent due to just how good Cooper and White are. Make no mistake, Parker is a stud wide receiver prospect as well who has the potential to blossom into a legitimate number one wide receiver. That, plus the fact that I view wide receiver as a bit bigger of a need for Minnesota than corner as of now, gives Parker the slight edge over Waynes at #11. Gurley is also an option to replace disgruntled RB Adrian Peterson, especially if Minnesota actually does trade him, but as of now, it looks like either Parker or Waynes.
Shelton is a beast of a defensive tackle. The massive nose tackle can give Cleveland's developing 3-4 defense a force in middle of the defense. He's the kind of player who can take up multiple blockers, stuff the run, and is quick enough to give interior linemen problems. He's an ideal fit for any team in need of a nose tackle, such as the Browns. The question, though, is whether the Browns will be on the clock at #12. With two first round picks (#12 and #19), the Browns seem to have the most ammunition to make a move into the top of the draft to select the player of their choice. Whether that player is Mariota remains to be seen, but if they stay put, Shelton at #12 could be one of the best value picks of the draft. Offensive line and wide receiver are also areas of need for Cleveland (if Minnesota goes Waynes over Parker at #11, I'd be Parker is the pick here at #12), and Gurley has been considered in this spot after passing his medical re-check as well.
Dupree seems to get overlooked at times because he went to Kentucky (admit it, you didn't even know Kentucky had other sports besides basketball), but in my view, he's the best pass rushing prospect in this draft outside of Fowler and Beasley (Gregory would rank ahead of him if not for the drug concerns). Still a bit of a raw prospect, Dupree is an absolutely outstanding athlete (4.56 40 and a 42" vertical leap) who uses that ridiculous athleticism to get after the quarterback quite well. Once he develops some more legitimate pass rushing skills (he pretty much gets by on athleticism alone at this point), he could be incredibly dangerous off the edge. Dupree has the sheer potential to go in the top ten, and since the Saints need help all over the field after their offseason firesale, Dupree is an immediate upgrade to their toothless pass rush.
The Dolphins have been linked to recent reports stating they want to move up into the top ten to draft one of the top three receiver prospects, but if they stay put at #14 and Waynes is on the board, he'd be a great fit in Miami. Waynes shot up draft boards after his 4.31 40 yard dash time at the combine. He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (top defensive back) as a junior last year, and is a very good, physical man-to-man cover corner. He can be a bit too handsy at times, which could lead to a lot of defensive holding and defensive pass interference calls (especially given the points of emphasis from last year), but if he can make that adjustment to the NFL game, Waynes has the potential and confidence to be a true number one corner in the league. If one of the top three receiver prospects drop, Miami will probably use this pick on one of them because they've apparently been trying to trade into the top ten to select one, or they could look at receivers such as Oklahoma WR Dorial Green-Beckham, USC WR Nelson Agholor, UCF WR Breshad Perriman, or Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong if they stay put.
Trying to figure out a landing spot for DGB was one of the tougher things to do in this draft. On talent alone, he may be the top pick in the draft. He stands at just about 6'6", weighs 237 pounds, runs a blazing sub 4.5 40 yard dash, and can jump as high as just about any receiver in the draft (let's put it this way: his NFL comparison is Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson). He has the ability to make spectacular plays on a regular basis. So why isn't he going higher? Well, DGB's off-the-field issues make Winston's look like child's play. He was dismissed from Missouri after two years due to multiple run ins with the law, including burglary and domestic abuse accusations (he allegedly pushed a woman down the stairs) and was arrested twice for marijuana related issues. He enrolled at Oklahoma after leaving Missouri, but wasn't allowed to play due to transfer rules. In today's NFL, those are massive red flags. If he checks out off-the-field, he's a steal for the Niners at #15 and will provide a much needed boost to an offense that simply struggled to make plays last year. The Niners could also look to add some defensive help, specifically Oregon DL Arik Armstead, but DGB may be too interesting a prospect to ignore at this point in the draft. If the Niners are set on someone like Armstead, they could trade back a few spots to try and pick up a few extra picks later in the draft.
Collins is widely regarded as the top safety in a relatively weak safety class. He's a big hitter who is a very physical safety and has experience at both safety spots, but projects a bit better as a "strong" safety (the safety who's more run support / in-the-box). He's a solid cover safety who will be able to cover tight ends better than wide receivers. Collins is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft, as he's been going as high as top ten in some mocks and going in the second round in others. Many have concerns over the ability of his game to translate at the NFL level, as he is one of the more aggressive players in the draft, so sometimes that aggressiveness is used against him in coverage as he'll try to make a big play. A veteran quarterback could easily look him off and find a hole in the zone left by him trying to jump a route. He's an excellent tackler though, and could basically be another linebacker against the run. The Texans still can use some help in the defensive backfield and at linebacker, so Collins projects to help them (to a certain extent) in both areas. If Houston were to go for an actual linebacker, Washington LB Shaq Thompson, UCLA LB Eric Kendricks, and Mississippi State LB Benardrick McKinney would be the top ones on the board, but #16 may be a bit too early for each. Houston could also look at a wide receiver such as Strong, DGB, Perriman, or Agholor, or a pass rusher like Dupree if he somehow falls.
As I said earlier, if Gurley wasn't coming off a torn ACL, he'd probably go in the top ten or even top five in this draft (although he was cleared in his medical re-check, so all signs point to him being ready to go week one. Obviously, that only helps his draft stock). He's considered to be the best running back prospect since Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, and (when he gets healthy) can be a big upgrade over the collection of scat-backs currently in San Diego. Probably my favorite player in the draft, Gurley can be a feature back for a long time once his knee heals up with an NFL comparison of Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch. San Diego has also been linked to trading up for Mariota (or being the third team to let the Eagles trade up for Mariota) due to Rivers being in a contract year and his concerns with the team's potential move to Los Angeles. A deal including Rivers could almost make sense if the Chargers package him and this pick to send to Tennessee to reunite Rivers and former Chargers offensive coordinator (and current Titans Head Coach) Ken Whisenhunt. Defensive tackle is also a need for San Diego, so Shelton is a strong possibility if available, as is Texas DL Malcom Brown.
Even after the signing of former Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin, wide receiver still seems to be the biggest need for the Chiefs. Still, if there's one thing I know from watching 14 years of Andy Reid drafts, it's when in doubt, draft a lineman. Brown is quick at the point of attack and can be a disruptive force in the middle of a defense due to his fantastic athleticism for a defensive tackle. That athleticism gives him the ability to play all across the line in both 3-4 and 4-3 sets, something that should fit well with Kansas City's hybrid defense. With the health concerns surrounding S Eric Berry, Collins is an option if he's on the board, as are wide receivers such as DGB (although given DGB's past in the Missouri area, him going to the Chiefs could be an absolutely terrible idea...), Strong, Agholor, or Perriman.
With their second first round pick (compliments of last year's trade with the Bills to enable Buffalo to select WR Sammy Watkins), offensive line and wide receiver should be the two areas to look at here at #19. With Peat, the Browns select one of the most NFL ready tackles in the draft. For Cleveland, he can immediately step in and play right tackle opposite Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas, and move over to the left side once Thomas' time with the team is over. Peat projects better on the right side in the short term anyway, as he is a big, powerful run blocker who still needs a bit of work in his pass protection. He has the size and upside to easily warrant first round selection as a tackle prospect.
Let's assume the Eagles stay put and every single one of the 47 million rumors involving the Eagles trading up for Mariota are false. Let's see what they would do if they're boring and are still at #20. Landon Collins has been a popular pick here in mock drafts since the Eagles have such a glaring hole at safety and Collins is regarded as the best one in a relatively weak draft class (although Arizona State S Damarious Randall has been making moves up draft boards lately with a lot of first round buzz). However, I don't have Collins going here at #20 for two reasons: first, he's not available since I have him going #16 to the Texans and second, he doesn't seem to be the typical safety that head coach Chip Kelly covets. Chip seems to want converted corners playing safety (such as current starting S Malcolm Jenkins), guys who he can slide down to cover slot receivers and provide more options in coverage. Although I do think Collins is more apt in coverage than he's been getting credit these last few weeks, it's still not his strong suit. There are safeties available later in the draft such as Randall (although it seems increasingly unlikely that he'll be on the board for the Eagles second pick), Utah CB/S Eric Rowe, and Penn State S Adrian Amos who seem to be a better scheme fit. With that being said, the Eagles other big areas of need besides safety include wide receiver, cornerback, edge pass rusher, and offensive line (specifically guard, but tackle as well). With the departure of Maclin, Perriman could develop into an ideal replacement and a #1 wide receiver. Although he's still noticeably raw, specifically in his route running, and he can struggle making routine catches at times, Perriman's measurables jump off the page. He has ideal height, weight, and speed for a wide receiver (6'2", 212 lbs, 4.26 40). He's incredibly quick off the snap, an explosive leaper (36.5" vertical), and an overall plus athlete who can make plays all over the field. Chip loves big, fast, athletes, and Perriman definitely fits the bill. Once he develops into a more consistent and cleaner route runner, Perriman has the potential to be a fantastic wide receiver in the league (think Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon type ceiling receiver, but without the off-the-field concerns). With Perriman and WR Jordan Matthews, the Eagles could have a formidable 1-2 punch at wide receiver for years to come for whoever ends up actually playing quarterback, which is good transition back to Mariota. There's obviously still a good chance the Eagles trade up with some package of this pick, future picks, QB Sam Bradford, DL Fletcher Cox, and LB Mychal Kendricks, but what will it actually take and how many teams will be involved? A package of Bradford, Cox, #20, a 2016 first round pick, and their 2015 third round pick (#84 overall) may be enough to move all the way up to #2 in order to draft Mariota. As I said, the draft starts at #2. That's where all the fun is. If the Eagles stay put and go with anyone other than Perriman or Collins, look for them to select either Georgia RB Todd Gurley (kidding. Kind of. Chip seems to like collecting running backs and guys who tore their ACL. Gurley checks both boxes. Just sayin...), UConn CB Byron Jones, Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson, Washington CB Marcus Peters, USC WR Nelson Agholor (Agholor seems to be the other WR most likely to be taken by the Eagles), Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong, Kentucky EDGE Bud Dupree, or Washington LB Shaq Thompson (Chip loves versatility and Shaq can play just about anywhere on defense. He'd be an intriguing fit as someone who has experience at safety, nickel corner, and linebacker). Or if Chip wants to draft only Oregon players, DL Arik Armstead and OT Jake Fisher are both players who went to Oregon and actually do fit other needs the Eagles have. Basically, I have no idea what the Eagles are going to do. They've been, by far, the most interesting team in the NFL this offseason. This draft could be just another moment for Chip to be Chip and try to shock us all. Nothing would surprise me at this point. Or, better yet, at least I hope nothing would surprise me... Also, important side note: TEEEEEEEEEEEBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
The Bengals ranked dead last in the league in sacks last season with only 20, so they need pass rushing help in the worst way. Ray, once considered to be a top ten (and even top five) pick, has slid down draft boards due to some injury concerns and his arrest on Monday for marijuana possession and speeding. Where Ray will go is a complete mystery at this point. He could still go in the first round, but there were also reports saying he could drop all the way to the fourth round. He and DGB are the biggest question marks in this draft. It's anyone's guess as to where either of these two players will go. Although Ray is a better fit for the 3-4 than the 4-3 defense Cincinnati runs, the fact that the Bengals pass rush was as bad as it was last season could have Cincy rolling the dice on Ray, a prospect with one of the quickest first steps off the snap in the draft. If the Bengals want a bit of a safer pass rushing prospect, they could go with either UVA EDGE Eli Harold or UCLA EDGE Owa Odighizuwa (although #21 may be a little high, so possibly a trade back?). Safety is also a big area of need, so if Collins is still available, he could be the pick, and offensive line is an option as well. The Bengals also have some old corners, so they could look there, but Ray could be a decent value pick, despite some concerns, that also fills a need for a team that had less sacks than both Justin Houston and Houston Texans DL J.J. Watt had by themselves.
The Steelers need help in the defensive backfield in the worst way with the retirements of CB Ike Taylor and S Troy Polamalu. Although he doesn't have ideal size / frame (he's 6'0", but under 200 pounds) for a corner, Johnson is probably the most solid cover corner in the draft. His cover skills easily translate to the NFL and he can be a day one starter for Pittsburgh. Johnson is also touted as one of the most competitive players in the draft, which is an obvious plus for any corner and a trait that will stand out to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. There are some questions about his frame / size and his ability to help in run support, but Johnson is the kind of cover corner prospect the Steelers have been looking for. Peters is an option if they go with a different defensive back (although his off-the-field concerns would seemingly disqualify him from being a Steelers selection), as are Jones, Collins, and Florida State CB Ronald Darby. They could also use some help on both sides of the line, and the Steelers are always a threat to draft a linebacker, but the holes in the secondary are probably too big to ignore.
Even with the addition of DL Haloti Ngata, with the departures of DLs Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley (plus the fact that Ngata could end up being a one year rental for Detroit), the Lions still have a hole in the middle of the defense that Armstead can help plug. One of the younger players in the draft, Armstead has the potential to develop into a top-tier defensive lineman alongside Ngata. Another player with the versatility to play both on the interior and on the edge, Armstead is a raw prospect who can be groomed to fit whichever defense is run around him. Granted, his current best fit is as a 3-4 defensive end, but he has the raw ability to play wherever need be. Especially given the fact that Lions may be moving to a 3-4 defense full time, Armstead is the kind of athletic, run-stuffing 3-4 end that Detroit could use to help make the transition a little smoother. Cornerback is another area of need for Detroit, as is running back, so Peters, Jones, or Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon, III are all options as well.
The Cardinals could use a running back, and Gordon is as good as they come. There's still a chance this pick is sent to Minnesota as part of some package to land the disgruntled Adrian Peterson, but with Gordon on the board, the Cardinals get to select the workhorse back they desire. Although he's still a bit limited when it comes to pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield, that wouldn't be a concern if he's in Arizona, as current Cardinals RB Andre Ellington excels in those situations and can help Gordon ease into the league. A Gordon-Ellington combo would give the Cardinals an elite ground game to take the pressure off veteran (and injury-prone) QB Carson Palmer. Gordon has great size for the position and has a fantastic nose for hitting the right hole at the right time. As was clear in the playoffs last year, the Cardinals biggest need is at the quarterback position, but with no QBs other than Winston and Mariota worth a first round pick, they can look to upgrade the rest of the offense while taking a project quarterback like UCLA QB Brett Hundley or Baylor QB Bryce Petty in the second round and letting them learn under Palmer. The Cards could also use some help in their pass rush and at linebacker, so this may be a landing spot for Ray if he continues to fall.
You don't need to be a draft expert to know that the Panthers need some serious help on the offensive line. Even with the signing of OTs Michael Oher and Jonathan Martin, the Panthers most obvious need is still at the offensive tackle position. QB sCam Newton was roughed up quite a bit last season and spent most of the year running for his life on his surgically repaired ankle. Humphries is the type of high upside, athletic tackle prospect that can protect sCam's blindside for the rest of his career. The Panthers will also look at Miami (FL) OT Ereck Flowers and Oregon OT Jake Fisher, but the Charlotte native Humphries seems to be where this pick is going. If the Panthers choose to go somewhere other than the offensive line, providing sCam with options outside of WR Kelvin Benjamin and TE Greg Olsen seem to top priority, so wide receivers such as Agholor or Strong are in play.
Another guy that on talent and upside, he's probably in the top ten in this draft. On-the-field, Peters ranks as the best corner prospect in the draft. He has tremendous ball skills for a corner and has the confidence and size needed to be a number one, shutdown corner in the NFL. He's still a bit raw, as he relies on his athleticism rather than technical skills, but the potential is there for him to develop into one of the best cornerbacks in the league. It's off-the-field where many have their concerns. He was dismissed from Washington because of multiple issues between him and the coaching staff, which allegedly led to an altercation between Peters and an assistant coach in November. The fact that he has the reputation for not being open to coaching if a massive red flag. Still, Baltimore needs help in the secondary, and at this point in the first round, Peters may be worth the risk. Wide receiver is another big need for Baltimore (again, Agholor and Strong) and I would love to see Melvin Gordon run on this team if he gets by Arizona (even with the re-signing of RB Justin Forsett) because the fit would be just too good, but the talent and potential of Peters could be too big to ignore. This could also be a potential landing spot for DGB and Ray if they continue to slide.
The Cowboys need a running back? Give Shaq the ball. The Cowboys need a safety? Shaq can do that, too. The Cowboys need a linebacker? Shaq's got it. Easily the most versatile player in the draft, Shaq Thompson is an intriguing prospect. At first thought to be a top ten pick, then he slid into the late second, now he's back around the turn of the first and second rounds. Although he played all over the field at Washington, he wants to be a linebacker in the NFL. Many scouts see him as more of a safety prospect, but regardless of where he plays for Dallas, he can immediately help a defense that, although they were much improved last year, could still use some help in the middle of the field. If either Gurley or Gordon fall, with the departure of RB DeMarco Murray (#GoEagles), the Cowboys could very well go with one of them, but in a deep running back draft class, it's not the worst thing for Dallas if neither of them are available at #27. With Miami (FL) RB Duke Johnson, Boise State RB Jay Ajayi, Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah, Indiana RB Tevin Coleman, Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon, and Minnesota RB David Cobb all projected in the second or third round, there are plenty of other backs for Dallas to target later while upgrading their defense in the first round.
The switch that Erving made from tackle to center during the season may have been the best thing that could have happened to Erving for his professional career. Already good size for a tackle, as a center, Erving is enormous and imposing. Saying a prospect has the potential to play all five offensive line positions is one thing. With Erving, he's actually proved it. Keeping QB Peyton Manning upright and protected will be the Broncos chief concern on their quest to win the Lombardi Trophy, and Erving is the kind of NFL ready offensive lineman who can immediately help from day one. Denver has a need in the middle of their offensive line, and Erving seems to be just the right fit.
With Goldman, the Colts get an absolute stud against the run and a player with ideal size to be a long-time nose tackle. However, due to his limitations in the pass rush, he's a back end first round / early second round pick. Still, Goldman is an absolute force in the middle of a defense. He's a space-eater who requires multiple blockers and uses his hands incredibly well to shed blockers. The Colts need help straight up the middle of the defense, namely at defensive tackle, inside linebacker, and at safety, so Goldman would be a good start to make sure the Patriots can't just have RB LeGarrette Blount maul his way through them in the playoffs again next year. Indy could probably stand to add another weapon for QB Andrew Luck and a running back as well, but with their defense looking as vulnerable as it did in last year's AFC Championship game, defense should be the way to go here in the first round.
Not many players actually live up to the term "freak athlete." Byron Jones is one of them. He set a WORLD RECORD at the combine with his 12'3" broad jump, jumped an absurd 44.5" on his vertical leap (just a half inch from another WORLD RECORD), and ran a 4.3 40 at his pro day. He uses a combination of his world-class athleticism with his top-notch instincts on the field to consistently make plays. Jones' season ended early last year due to a shoulder injury, but he should be fully recovered by the time the season rolls around. The Packers, having lost CB Tramon Williams to free agency, could use a corner, and a player with the instincts and athleticism of Jones could fit in well in Green Bay. The Pack also definitely need help at inside linebacker (they moved EDGE Clay Matthews inside last year because they were so desperate for someone to make a play there. It actually worked out alright, but they would prefer to have Matthews on the edge), so both Kendricks and McKinney are options, but the ceiling of Jones added to the fact the Packers could use a corner due to free agent losses give him the slight edge.
McKinney is among the best tacklers in the draft. He isn't flashy, but he is a consistent tackler in the middle of the field who seems to always find his way to the ball-carrier, which is something the Saints definitely need. He has all the makings of a very solid linebacker in the NFL. As with at #13, the Saints could go in a variety of ways here at #31 (this is the pick they acquired in the TE Jimmy Graham trade) on either side of the ball, but the thinking is still to upgrade the defense. With Dupree and McKinney, the Saints have done just that. If New Orleans does go after someone on the offensive side of the ball with this pick, you can expect them to try to draft a skill position player for QB Drew Brees to throw the ball to, such as Strong, Agholor, Michigan WR Devin Funchess, or Minnesota TE Maxx Williams. There's also talk that the Saints are interested in DGB if he falls this far. Funchess is the player on that list, however, that seems to be the best fit as he played both wide receiver and tight end at Michigan and could be seen as the kind of player who can step in immediately into the role that was vacated by Graham's trade. Still, I think the Saints want to select defense early and often, and that makes McKinney the choice here at #31. If the Saints can't grab one of the top pass rushing prospects at #13, this could also be a spot for them to take Harold or Odighizuwa.
With the loss of DL Vince Wilfork and CB Darrelle Revis to free agency, defensive tackle and cornerback seem to be the two biggest areas of need for the defending Super Bowl champions. So naturally, head coach Bill Belichick goes in a different direction because that's what he does. Agholor has been an incredibly hot name in recent weeks. Once thought to be available for the Eagles' second round pick, Agholor has been shooting up boards, and rightfully so. He's an excellent route runner and makes just about every catch. Agholor is an ideal fit in the Patriots' offense, and should be ready to catch passes from QB Tom Brady from day one. New England is also a potential landing spot for the red flags candidates mentioned above, such as DGB, Ray, or Peters (if they drop) and Oklahoma DL Jordan Philips is also an option here as a Wilfork replacement. The Patriots are also a big threat to trade out of this spot in order to obtain more picks for later in the draft.
33. Tennessee Titans - Eli Harold, EDGE, Virginia
34. Tampa Bay Bucs - Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
35. Oakland Raiders - Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
36. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
37. New York Jets - Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
38. Washington Redskins - T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
39. Chicago Bears - Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
40. New York Giants - Michael Bennett, DL, Ohio State
41. St. Louis Rams - Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
42. Atlanta Falcons - Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
43. Cleveland Browns - Philip Dorsett, WR, Miami (FL)
44. New Orleans Saints - Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
45. Minnesota Vikings - Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
46. San Francisco 49ers - Paul Dawson, LB, TCU
47. Miami Dolphins - Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke
48. San Diego Chargers - Jordan Phillips, DL, Oklahoma
49. Kansas City Chiefs - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
50. Buffalo Bills - Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
51. Houston Texans - Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
52. Philadelphia Eagles - Owa Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA (can't wait to hear my dad try to pronounce this one)
53. Cincinnati Bengals - Preston Smith, EDGE, Mississippi State
54. Detroit Lions - Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (FL)
55. Arizona Cardinals - Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
56. Pittsburgh Steelers - Henry Anderson, DL, Stanford
57. Carolina Panthers - Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville
58. Baltimore Ravens - Carl Davis, DL, Iowa
59. Denver Broncos - Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
60. Dallas Cowboys - Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
61. Indianapolis Colts - Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
62. Green Bay Packers - Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami (FL)
63. Seattle Seahawks - Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
64. New England Patriots - Grady Jarrett, DL, Clemson
Third Round
65. Tampa Bay Bucs - Danielle Hunter, EDGE, LSU
66. Tennessee Titans - Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
67. Jacksonville Jaguars - T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
68. Oakland Raiders - Mario Edwards, Jr., DL, Florida State
69. Washington Redskins - A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
70. New York Jets - David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
71. Chicago Bears - Nate Orchard, EDGE, Utah
72. St. Louis Rams - Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH)
73. Atlanta Falcons - Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU
74. New York Giants - Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
75. New Orleans Saints - Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas
76. Minnesota Vikings - Xavier Cooper, DL, Washington State
77. Cleveland Browns - Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia
78. New Orleans Saints - Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
79. San Francisco 49ers - Hau'Oli Kikaha, EDGE, Washington
80. Kansas City Chiefs - Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville
81. Buffalo Bills - Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart
82. Houston Texans - Lorenzo Doss, CB, Tulane
83. San Diego Chargers - Lorenzo Mauldin, EDGE, Louisville
84. Philadelphia Eagles - Eric Rowe, CB, Utah
85. Cincinnati Bengals - Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State
86. Arizona Cardinals - Jordan Hicks, LB, Texas
87. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford
88. Detroit Lions - Jacoby Glenn, CB, UCF
89. Carolina Panthers - Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
90. Baltimore Ravens - Clive Walford, TE, Miami (FL)
91. Dallas Cowboys - Trey Flowers, EDGE, Arkansas
92. Denver Broncos - Frank Clark, EDGE, Michigan
93. Indianapolis Colts - Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
94. Green Bay Packers - Rob Haverstein, OT, Wisconsin
95. Seattle Seahawks - Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
96. New England Patriots - David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa
97. New England Patriots - P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
98. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
99. Cincinnati Bengals - Cody Prewitt, S, Mississippi
Big Board 1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon 2. Leonard Williams, DL, USC 3. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State 4. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia 5. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama 6. Dante Fowler, EDGE, Florida 7. Kevin White, WR, West Virginia 8. Danny Shelton, DL, Washington 9. DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville 10. Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa 11. Melvin Gordon, III, RB, Wisconsin 12. Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson 13. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington 14. Bud Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky 15. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State 16. Malcom Brown, DL, Texas 17. Landon Collins, S, Alabama 18. Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska 19. Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon 20. La'el Collins, OT, LSU 21. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma 22. Cameron Erving, C, Florida State 23. D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida 24. Nelson Agholor, WR, USC 25. Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford Quarterback 1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon 2. Jameis Winston, Florida State 3. Brett Hundley, UCLA 4. Bryce Petty, Baylor 5. Garrett Grayson, Colorado State 6. Sean Mannion, Oregon State 7. Shane Carden, East Carolina 8. Cody Fajardo, Nevada 9. Connor Holliday, Washington State 10. Brandon Bridge, South Alabama Wide Receiver 1. Amari Cooper, Alabama 2. Kevin White, West Virginia 3. DeVante Parker, Louisville 4. Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma 5. Nelson Agholor, USC 6. Breshad Perriman, UCF 7. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State 8. Devin Smith, Ohio State 9. Devin Funchess, Michigan 10. Philip Dorsett, Miami (FL) Offensive Tackle 1. La'el Collins, LSU 2. D.J. Humphries, Florida 3. Andrus Peat, Stanford 4. Jake Fisher, Oregon 5. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M 6. Ereck Flowers, Miami (FL) 7. Donovan Smith, Penn State 8. T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh 9. Ty Sambrailo, Colorado State 10. Rob Haverstein, Wisconsin Center 1. Cameron Erving, Florida State 2. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon 3. Reese Dismukes, Auburn 4. B.J. Finney, Kansas State 5. Andy Gallik, Boston College 6. Gregg Mancz, Toledo 7. Shane McDermott, Miami (FL) 8. Max Garcia, Florida 9. Brandon Vitabile, Northwestern 10. David Andrews, Georgia Edge Pass Rusher 1. Dante Fowler, Florida 2. Vic Beasley, Clemson 3. Bud Dupree, Kentucky 4. Randy Gregory, Nebraska 5. Owa Odighizuwa, UCLA 6. Shane Ray, Missouri 7. Eli Harold, Virginia 8. Preston Smith, Mississippi State 9. Danielle Hunter, LSU 10. Nate Orchard, Utah Cornerback 1. Marcus Peters, Washington 2. Trae Waynes, Michigan State 3. Byron Jones, Connecticut 4. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest 5. Ronald Darby, Florida State 6. Jalen Collins, LSU 7. Quinten Rollins, Miami (OH) 8. Alex Carter, Rutgers 9. P.J. Williams, Florida State 10. Eric Rowe, Utah | 26. Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut 27. Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF 28. Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon 29. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest 30. Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington 31. Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State 32. Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M 33. Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL) 34. Eddie Goldman, DL, Florida State 35. Owa Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA 36. Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA 37. Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri 38. Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State 39. Eli Harold, EDGE, Virginia 40. Jordan Phillips, DL, Oklahoma 41. Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State 42. Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State 43. Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota 44. Jalen Collins, CB, LSU 45. Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan 46. Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (FL) 47. Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State 48. Philip Dorsett, WR, Miami (FL) 49. Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke 50. Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State Running Back 1. Todd Gurley, Georgia 2. Melvin Gordon, III, Wisconsin 3. Duke Johnson, Miami (FL) 4. Jay Ajayi, Boise State 5. Tevin Coleman, Indiana 6. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska 7. David Cobb, Minnesota 8. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama 9. David Johnson, Northern Iowa 10. Karlos Williams, Florida State Tight End 1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota 2. Clive Walford, Miami (FL) 3. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame 4. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State 5. Jesse James, Penn State 6. Wes Saxton, South Alabama 7. Blake Bell, Oklahoma 8. Tyler Kroft, Rutgers 9. Nick O'Leary, Florida State 10. Mycole Pruitt, Southern Illinois Offensive Guard 1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa 2. Laken Tomlinson, Duke 3. A.J. Cann, South Carolina 4. Ali Marpet, Hobart 5. Josue Matias, Florida State 6. Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech 7. John Miller, Louisville 8. Tre' Jackson, Florida State 9. Arie Kouandjio, Alabama 10. Miles Dieffenbach, Penn State Defensive Lineman 1. Leonard Williams, USC 2. Danny Shelton, Washington 3. Malcom Brown, Texas 4. Arik Armstead, Oregon 5. Eddie Goldman, Florida State 6. Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma 7. Carl Davis, Iowa 8. Michael Bennett, Ohio State 9. Grady Jarrett, Clemson 10. Henry Anderson, Stanford Linebacker 1. Shaq Thompson, Washington 2. Eric Kendricks, UCLA 3. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State 4. Paul Dawson, TCU 5. Stephone Anthony, Clemson 6. Denzel Perryman, Miami (FL) 7. Kwon Alexander, LSU 8. Ramik Wilson, Georgia 9. Jordan Hicks, Texas 10. Ben Heeney, Kansas Safety 1. Landon Collins, Alabama 2. Damarious Randall, Arizona State 3. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford 4. Gerod Holliman, Louisville 5. Derron Smith, Fresno State 6. Cody Prewitt, Mississippi 7. Anthony Harris, Virginia 8. Adrian Amos, Penn State 9. Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State 10. Clayton Geathers, UCF |