2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

By Ryan Crawford

 

So everyone figures Tampa Bay will grab a QB with the first pick so the hot spot for this draft is the Titans at #2. While most expect the second QB to fall here, the question is who will make the selection. Mock #2 is here now…

 

     1. TAMPA BAY BUCS – Jameis Winston – QB –Florida State 

     The thought process behind the pick is simple. Which Quarterback has the most upside. A few well respected draft analysts have moved Marcus Mariota ahead of Jameis but most still have Winston as the top ranked QB on the board. I think Lovie Smith goes with the chalk and makes Winston the pick. 

2. TENNESSEE TITANS – Leonard Williams – DT – USC

The prevailing thought is that Mariota gets picked in this spot. Rumors have San Diego trading Rivers here or the Browns, Rams or Jets trading packages of picks. While I think there will be a significant amount of movement in this draft the guess is that Tennesse stays put. If Tennessee is not sold on Mariota they will try to move down but since the Jaguars, Raiders and Redskins don’t need Quarterbacks at three, four and five the Titans need to go lower. They could look to the Jets at six or the Rams at 10. Not sure the Jets want to spend to move up and I don’t think the Titans want to go too low so look for the Titans to sit tight and take the stud they want at #2. Williams is the top talent in the draft and fills a huge need in the middle of the Titans defensive line.

     3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Amari Cooper-WR-Alabama

Jaguars are looking to upgrade on defense and everyone is putting an edge rusher in   this spot but the Jaguars drafted a franchise quarterback last year and why wouldn’t you get him a stud receiver when you are in a position to do so. It just makes too much sense. The choice comes down to Cooper and White but the Jags go with the more polished Cooper.

4. OAKLAND RAIDERS – Kevin White-WR-West Virginia

The Raiders figured with the two quarterbacks going one-two and an edge rusher to the Jags they would have their choice of the two players they covet, Leonard Williams or Amari Cooper. That’s why you can’t read mock drafts. Once they get over their disappointment they will come to the conclusion that there are still a few potential #1 receivers available and Kevin White is the best of them.

5. WASHINGTON REDSKINS– Dante Fowler – DE/OLB – Florida

The Redskins desperately want to trade out of the 5th spot and add a couple of picks but with Fowler still available I’m not so sure that happens. Word is he’s the top defensive player on their board and they do need an immediate replacement for Brian Orakpo.

6. NEW YORK JETS – Marcus Mariota- QB- Oregon

The Jets also want to trade for more picks but will have a difficult decision if Mariota is still available. Trade possibilities would probably exist with the Rams at 10 and the Browns at 12 which would allow them to add picks and defense. The defensive minded new head coach Todd Bowles would probably like that scenario but another go round with Geno Smith might preclude it from happening. The Jets take the quarterback.. 

7. CHICAGO BEARS – Vic Beasley-DE-Clemson

Beasley and Bud Dupree are the two fastest risers on draftboards across the country. This is what I wrote in my first mock draft back in March, “Watching the Bears play defense last season was somewhat frightening for Bears fans”. That has not changed in the off-season so put two and two together and send Beasley to Chicago. If Cooper or White drop they could be in play as well.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS – Bud Dupree- DE/OLB- Kentucky

The other riser on draft boards, Dupree is the freakathlete. He ran a 4.56 40, has a 42 inch vertical leap and did a 138 inch broad jump. At 6’4 and 269 lbs. he can become a game wrecker at the next level.

9. NEW YORK GIANTS – Brandon Scherff– Tackle- Iowa

The Giants most important job is to keep Eli Manning upright so he is able to get the ball to Odell Beckham Jr, Victor Cruz and Ruben Randle. The Cowboys have shown the importance of continuing to beef up the offensive line and the Giants can take a lesson from their arch rival. Another possibility here is Trae Waynes as the Giants will need to address the secondary at some point.

10. ST LOUIS RAMS – Devante Parker- WR- Louisville

The Rams really need a receiver and there is an elite one still on the board. Parker is rated only a smidge below Cooper and White as he does not drop the ball and gets up high to reel in the tough ones. At 6’3 and running a 4.45 he uses his size and speed to his advantage. An easy choice.

11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS – Andrus Peat – T- Stanford

The Vikings are a team that could look to move up a few spots to secure one of the big 3 receivers. In this mock they need to get past the disappointment of losing out on the receivers and work on their offensive line. Andrus Peat is a smart choice for them. The 6’7 313lb Peat might be the top tackle prospect in the draft.

12. CLEVELAND BROWNS – Danny Shelton – DT- Washington

Another team that has major concerns at the wide receiver spot with Josh Gordon being a major question mark, the Browns too could move up some. What makes more sense would be for the Browns to choose the massive Shelton and help their porous defense. 

13. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – Trae Waynes- CB- Michigan State

Most mock drafts have the Saints taking edge rushers and defensive linemen but the Saint secondary is lacking and Waynes is the top cover corner in the draft.

14. MIAMI DOLPHINS – La’El Collins – T – LSU

Collins is a mauler at 6’5 and 322 lbs and the Dolphins are in dire need of another top lineman. A potentially nasty left tackle in front of Ryan Tannehill fills a big need in Miami. If recent legal problems push Collins down then Ereck Flowers becomes a real possibility

15. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – Arik Armstead–DE/DT–Oregon

There are rumors everywhere that the 49ers will trade down to add picks as the team has been decimated by injuries, retirements and defections from all areas, especially on defense. If they stay here look for them to address the defensive line and Armstead projects to be a good one.

16.  HOUSTON TEXANS – Breshad Perriman- WR-Central Florida

The Texans biggest need is a wide receiver to replace Andre Johnson. Perriman is the son of former Miami Hurricane, New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions receiver Brett Perriman. The younger Perriman has been charging up draft boards for the past month and has a solid 1st round grade from most scouts. At 6’2 and 212 lbs with blinding 4.24 speed, Breshad is a great fit for the Texans.

17 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS – Todd Gurley- RB- Georgia

Somewhat of a wildcard in the draft, Gurley has shown up in mock drafts everywhere from 6 to 36. Considered one of the top Running Back prospects of the last 10 years the comparisons have ranged from Marshawn Lynch to Adrian Peterson. The torn ACL he suffered last season has been given a clean bill of health so that will just keep moving him up. Don’t be surprised if he goes higher but the Chargers will be thrilled if he is available.

18 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Kevin Johnson- CB- Wake Forest

The can really use a young corner and Johnson looks to be a good one. Tall and athletic, he still has room to add weight to his thin frame. Will start immediately.

19. CLEVELAND BROWNS – Nelson Agholor- WR-USC

The Browns grab the wide receiver they so desperately need to help their quarterbacks. Agholor is a quick dynamo with great hands who can double as a punt returner as well.

20. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – Marcus Peters – CB- Washington

The Eagles need a corner and Marcus Peters is a good one. Chip Kelly is familiar with Peters from his Oregon days and will work with him as Peters has a reputation for being uncoachable. If Peters takes to the coaching he could be a steal at this point because the talent is there.

21. CINCINNATI BENGALS – Landon Collins-S- Alabama

The Bengals can use some secondary help and Landon Collins is generally regarded as the top safety in the draft. Collins is an extremely aggressive safety who is top notch against the run and a physical hitter. He would be a nice addition to the Bengals secondary

22. PITTSBURGH STEELERS – Shaq Thompson– LB/SS – Washington

Would have loved Collins to replace Troy Polamalu. Call this a hunch but Thompson is an athlete who played linebacker in college but projects as a potential strong safety in the NFL. Most forecasters have Thompson in the 2nd round but the Steelers need a safety and can also use another outside linebacker to replace Jason Worilds. Thompson could be something of a hybrid in the Steelers schemes. Might be an unorthodox choice but seems to make some sense. Nothing like going out on a limb.

23. DETROIT LIONS– Malcom Brown- DT- Texas

The Lions need to replace Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley to maintain their defense. They have already added Haloti Ngata but he is aging and a young stud at the position would be a smart move. That said, Malcolm Brown is an athletic  mountain of a man who would be a great addition.

24. ARIZONA CARDINALS – Eric Kendricks– ILB– UCLA

The Cardinals could use another playmaker at the inside linebacker spot. Kendricks has an athletic pedigree as his brother Mychal plays for the Eagles and his dad was a UCLA running back who led the school in rushing in 1970 and 1971 and played in the CFL. Kendricks won the Butkus award as the nations top linebacker.

25. CAROLINA PANTHERS – Ereck Flowers- T –Miami

The Panthers have needs at offensive tackle and wide receiver. This pick will be based on who they like better. Choices could include Flowers and Jake Fisher at tackle or a receiver like Philip Dorsett or Jaelen Strong. 

26. BALTIMORE RAVENS – Melvin Gordon–RB–Wisconsin

The Ravens need a top running back in the worst way and have been linked to Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley since the draft process began. Looks like Gurley will not fall this far but Gordon could. If he does look for the Ravens to jump on him. A dark horse could be the two headed monster of Randy Gregory and Shane Ray. 

27. DALLAS COWBOYS – Randy Gregory- OLB/DE- Nebraska

Can’t you just see GM Jerry Jones picking the top ten talent with red flags for positive marijuana tests. There is nothing not to love about Gregory from an athletic standpoint. If you feel he‘s grown up and can be trusted then he is a steal at this point of the draft.

28. DENVER BRONCOS – Cameron Erving- C-Florida State

The Broncos offensive line is in a state of flux and needs a boost. Erving is the top center in the draft and has the versatility to play center or guard. A solid pick who could help anchor this line for many years.

29. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS– Jake Fisher– T– Oregon

When I look at my mock at this point there doesn’t seem to be a more perfect choice for any team. Fisher is looked at as a day one starter for most teams. While he might not have the perceived upside of some of those drafted ahead of him, he has all the tools and could turn out to be the best lineman in the draft.

30. GREEN BAY PACKERS – Denzel Perryman – ILB – Miami

This is what I wrote in mock #1 and I will stay with it: “The Packers just released veteran A.J.Hawk and Perryman is a highly regarded prospect who could step into that inside linebacker role”. Other possibilities could be a cornerback like Jalen Collins of LSU or Byron Jones of Connecticut or LB Bernardrick McKinney.

31. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – Phillip Dorsett- WR-Miami

Got the corner they needed with #13 so now the Saints go back to what they are known for: Offense! Dorsett is another weapon for Drew Brees to play with. He is small but lightning fast and will stretch the field for Brees and the Saints

32. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – Jalen Collins – CB– LSU

I really wanted to put Ali Marpet, the fast rising guard from Hobart here because wouldn’t that be just like Belichick to go against the establishment and pick a guy from Hobart in the first round. Then I thought Shane Ray but he’s proven that he is not bright enough to play for Belichick. In the end I figured that there is no Revis in New England so you better give me the next corner up. Collins is the best of the bunch so he goes to the champs. Byron Jones also a possibility.

 

 

 

 

 

Other first Round Possibilities

 

Eli Harold- LB- Virginia

Jaelen Strong- WR- Arizona State

Shane Ray-DE-Missouri

Eddie Goldman- DT- Florida St

Byron Jones- CB Connecticut

D.J. Humphries- T- Florida

Jordan Phillips- NT- Oklahoma

Cedric Ogbuehi- T- Texas A & M

T.J.Clemmings – T- Pittsburgh

Devin Smith – WR- Ohio State

Laken Tomlinson- G- Duke

Bernardrick McKinney- ILB- Miss. St

Damarious Randall- S- Arizona St

A.J.Cann-G-South Carolina

Eric Rowe-CB- Utah

Dorial Green-Beckham-WR-Missouri