Football season never really ends. From August to February, games are played, in March, the combine is held and players are scouted in preparation for the NFL Draft, April and May is the time of the draft, and then the summer is for training camps and the preseason. Right now, it's NFL Draft season. This is the time of year when young 20-something year-old's are scrutinized and judged based on things like how quickly they can run 40 yards and how they conduct themselves in interviews. It is also the time when a multitude of so-called "draft experts" give their mock drafts and who they think are the top players in the draft. I am by no means a "draft expert", but I thought I'd try my hand at a mock draft (1st round only) anyway. I'm basing my picks off of other people's mock drafts, rumors of teams' interest in a certain player, and, most importantly, team needs. (Note: I will not be predicting trades, although there are sure to be some)
(Stats and information from NFL.com)
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Jameis Winston, Florida St.
I don't believe Jameis Winston is the best player in the draft (or quarterback, for that matter), and I'm not sure he will succeed in the NFL (he needs to mature first). However, he is viewed by the majority as the most pro-ready quarterback in the draft, basically every draft analyst has him as the first overall pick, and the Bucs are a QB-needy team who can't pass up the opportunity to get a quarterback who can step in and play right away. He does bring arm strength, good intelligence and ability to read on the field (although his off-field intelligence may be lacking), and good size (6'4", 230 lbs.).
2. Tennessee Titans: QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon
I think this will come down to Mariota and defensive end Leonard Williams, widely regarded as the best prospect in the draft (or they will trade down). The Titans have a need at both positions, but after the early retirement of Jake Locker and the doubt in Zack Mettenberger as a long-term solution, I can't see the Titans passing up on a quarterback with prototypical size (6'4", 219 lbs.), athleticism, college success (won the Heisman this past year), and high character, even if it means passing on a 6'5", 300-pound defensive end.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Leonard Williams, USC
The Jaguars would surely be delighted if Williams fell to them. He would strengthen the Jags' already strong defensive front (T-6th in sacks last year). Williams brings the rare combination of size (as I said before, 6'5", 300 lbs.), speed (4.53-second 40), and past production (First-Team All-Pac-12 last year). There is no way Williams will fall out of the top three.
4. Oakland Raiders: WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
The Raiders will most likely choose Cooper or West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White here (unless they trade the pick), since receiver is their biggest need. Both Cooper and White are supremely talented wide receivers who will come in and instantly make an impact, improving an Oakland offense that is quarterbacked by impressive sophomore Derek Carr. I'll say Cooper, who is rated by most as the best receiver in the draft and was the most dangerous receiver in college football last year.
5. Washington Redskins: OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
The Redskins could trade out of this pick, either with a team desperate for a wide receiver (either Amari Cooper or Kevin White will most likely still be on the board here) or a team desperate for a quarterback (if the Titans don't pick Mariota, a team may trade up for him). If they don't, Vic Beasley is a very good option. He's a talented outside linebacker from Clemson who was the best OLB at the combine, and he would add great depth to the Washington corps.
6. New York Jets: WR Kevin White, West Virginia
The Jets would love it if Winston or Mariota fell this far, but if they don't, the next best option would probably be one of the top two receivers in the draft. Others might have them choosing Shane Ray or some other defensive lineman or linebacker here, but White would help solidify the Jets receiving corps alongside Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. White was a playmaker at West Virginia, and he ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes at the combine (4.35 seconds).
7. Chicago Bears: OLB Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
Fowler could possibly go as high as number three, but in this mock, the Bears snatch him up at eight. He is an athletic and explosive edge rusher who had 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss last season at Florida. He will immediately upgrade the Chicago defense and fill a need.
8. Atlanta Falcons: DE Shane Ray, Missouri
Ray is a good fit for Atlanta. They need pass-rushers, and Ray is a ferocious pass-rusher. He is very explosive and can get to the quarterback. He is a disruptive force who won SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season with 14.5 sacks.
9. New York Giants: OL Brandon Scherff, Iowa
This is a good fit for the offensive line-needy Giants, which explains why many think the Giants will pick him here. The 6'5", 320-pound Scherff is a mauler who can play guard and tackle. He will be an instant upgrade and will help pave the way for New York's stable of running backs.
10. St. Louis Rams: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan St.
The Rams could try to upgrade their below-average offense, or they could try to beef up their already stingy defense. I'm saying they do the latter, slotting the physical Waynes opposite Janoris Jenkins. Waynes has the size (6'1") and speed (4.31 40) to compete at corner in the NFL, and he went up against tough, talented wide receivers last year.
11. Minnesota Vikings: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville
The Vikings upgraded their receiving corps (ranked 28th last year) by signing Mike Wallace, but they could still use some production on the outside. Who better than quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's former college teammate? Parker may not be the most explosive or fastest receiver in this draft class, but he is productive. He had 855 yards and five touchdowns last season despite missing the first seven games.
12. Cleveland Browns: NT Danny Shelton, Washington
As a Browns fan, I would love it if Mariota or one of the top three receivers fell this far. If Mariota is here, the Browns should take him. If Cooper, White, or Parker are here, the Browns should take one of them. I also wouldn't rule out a trade up for Mariota. But in this mock draft, the Browns choose Shelton, who's a popular mock pick to the Browns. He brings much-needed depth to their defensive line.
13. New Orleans Saints: DT Arik Armstead, Oregon
The Saints could pick talented outside linebacker Randy Gregory here, but his failed drug test may turn them away. Instead, they could choose Armstead, who has size (6'8", 290) and explosiveness to improve New Orleans' porous defense.
14. Miami Dolphins: WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
The Dolphins are in the market for another receiver after losing Mike Wallace to free agency. Perriman is a fast riser who some think might be a top ten pick. I don't think he'll crack the top ten, but he has the size (6'3", 214) and catching ability to produce. Also possibilities for the 'Fins are Arizona State receiver Jaelen Strong and talented but troubled receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.
15. San Francisco 49ers: OLB Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Finally, Gregory's free fall ends. He has top 10 (and possibly top 5) talent, but he failed a drug test, which will likely cause him to drop on draft night. The Niners could use some help on their defensive front, and on the field, few have the raw skills that Gregory does.
16. Houston Texans: WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona St.
The Texans could use some wide receiver help after losing long-time franchise player Andre Johnson, and Strong is a strong (no pun intended) and physical receiver who has shown the ability to catch balls in traffic. The wideout with the highest vertical leap at the combine (42 inches) is a really good possession receiver.
17. San Diego Chargers: RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
There have been rumblings about San Diego trading up for Phillip Rivers' successor, but I think they should look to upgrade the talent around Rivers. Gurley, regarded as an elite prospect, would definitely be an upgrade over a pair of running backs (Danny Woodhead and Brandon Oliver) better suited for third down duty. The only question with Gurley may be health (he tore his ACL last year) and the overall durability of running backs.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Marcus Peters, Washington
The Chiefs really need a wide receiver (their receivers caught a whopping zero touchdown passes last season), but with the top receivers already gone, they could go for a cornerback, which is another pressing need. Although he may have an attitude problem (he was dismissed from the team last season after a confrontation with a coach at practice), he is highly talented and has great coverage skills.
19. Cleveland Browns: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford
The Browns could draft Todd Gurley if he's still available here, but if not (or even if he is), they might look to improve their offensive line depth. Peat may be the best offensive lineman in the draft, and he reminds me of last year's second-round pick by the Browns, Joel Bitonio (although maybe that's just me), because of his blend of size (6'7", 316 lbs.) and quickness, and the fact that he's from the west coast (Bitonio went to Nevada).
20. Philadelphia Eagles: SS Landon Collins, Alabama
The Eagles, guided by Chip Kelly, are another trendy pick to trade up, but that may all just be noise. If the Eagles stay put, they will probably pick a defensive back, and Collins would be a good choice. He is really good in run support, with his aggressive style of play, which helped Alabama be one of the best defenses in the country.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Malcolm Brown, Texas
Brown could go higher, but in this mock draft, he fits in at 21 to the Bengals. The 6'2", 320-pound Brown is big, versatile, and NFL-ready. He was a first-team All-American at Texas, as well as a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player in the country). The Bengals would surely love to add him to their strong defensive line.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
The Steelers need help in the secondary, especially after the retirement of Troy Polamalu. They probably won't find Polamalu's replacement here, but they could find a talented corner without the character issues that Marcus Peters has. He would definitely improve their defensive backfield, as he greatly improved during his time at Wake Forest and performed well at the combine.
23. Detroit Lions: DT Eddie Goldman, Florida St.
Goldman has risen up draft boards, and he would be a good fit in Detroit, where they are trying to replace Pro Bowler Ndamakong Suh. Goldman is an athletic, explosive run-stopper who was a third-team All-American last year at Florida State.
24. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Bud Dupree, Kentucky
The Cardinals would love it if Alvin "Bud" Dupree fell to them. Dupree is very athletic and explosive (4.56 40), and would fit very well on an Arizona team in need of some more linebackers. He had 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss last season at Kentucky.
25. Carolina Panthers: OT La'el Collins, LSU
The Panthers will more than likely go with an offensive lineman here to help protect Cam Newton. They could go several different ways, with Andrus Peat, Miami tackle Ereck Flowers, and Florida tackle D.J. Humphries all viable options here if they're still available. Collins could very well be the best of the bunch. At 6'5", 321, he is a mean and powerful player who was named best offensive lineman in the SEC last year.
26. Baltimore Ravens: CB Jalen Collins, LSU
Going with two LSU products named Collins in a row, Jalen Collins would be a good fit for a Baltimore team in need of corners. He is very athletic, bringing a combination of size (6'2", 198 lbs.) and speed (4.48 40). He is a bit raw (started 10 times in four years at LSU), but has immense potential.
27. Dallas Cowboys: RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
The Cowboys could go several directions here (defensive line, offensive line, cornerback), but Gordon, a Heisman finalist last year, would be a good pick. Dallas has Darren McFadden on its roster, but he has yet to show he can stay healthy, so the explosive Gordon could add more strength to a position that was highly productive for the 'Boys last season (when they had DeMarco Murray).
28. Denver Broncos: OT Ereck Flowers, Miami
This pick will almost surely be an offensive lineman, as the Broncos look to add protection for Peyton Manning. Flowers has great size (6'6", 324 lbs.) and athleticism, and could be a very strong left tackle in the future. Flowers could conceivably go much higher, before Collins and Peat.
29. Indianapolis Colts: OT D.J. Humphries, Florida
The Colts, like the Broncos, will most likely look for protection for star quarterback Andrew Luck. Going with a second offensive lineman prospect from Florida, Humphries is a highly athletic and aggressive blocker. He has some things to work on, but he would be a great add for the Colts.
30. Green Bay Packers: LB Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Kendricks is a smart defender with a brother (Mychal, a linebacker for the Eagles) in the NFL. Eric is a strong tackler (149 last year) who won the Butkus Award (best linebacker in the country) last season at UCLA. The Packers could put him beside Clay Matthews, improving their defense.
31. New Orleans Saints: C Cameron Erving, Florida St.
The Saints, like some teams late in the first round, could take different paths here. They could continue trying to improve their abysmal defense, or they could add a receiver. They could also take an offensive lineman, and that's what I have them doing here. Erving is a fast riser who has the athleticism to succeed on the offensive line.
32. New England Patriots: CB Byron Jones, Connecticut
Yet another player who has risen up draft boards, Jones has the size (6'1", 199 lbs.) and athleticism to be successful in the secondary. Although cornerback Malcolm Butler was the hero in the Super Bowl, the Pats could still use some more talent in the defensive backfield.
Potential Second Round Steals
There are always some diamonds in the rough who fly under the radar or fall down draft boards for numerous reasons, whether it be injury, off-field problems, the result of playing for a small school in college, or just position or team needs. These guys may have first round talent, but for different reasons, may not go until Day 2.
WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
This 6'6", 225-pound talent is supremely athletic (ran a 4.49-second 40) and skilled (883 yards and 12 touchdowns for Missouri in 2013), but, much like Josh Gordon, another extremely talented wide receiver, can't stay out of trouble. He was dismissed from Missouri in 2014 after being investigated for burglary and assault (he wasn't charged), and on two occasions before that, he was arrested for having/smoking marijuana (he wasn't charged either time). After being dismissed from Missouri, he transferred to Oklahoma but didn't play due to transfer rules.
LB Shaq Thompson, Washington
Thompson might go in the first round, but whether he does or not, the team that drafts him will get a very versatile and athletic player who can impact many areas of the game. He played linebacker and running back in college, and was an 18th round pick by the Boston Red Sox in the 2012 MLB Draft before he gave up baseball (he also ran track and field) to focus on football. He can be put a lot of places, which alone could make him a value in the second round. The question is where he best fits in the NFL (safety or linebacker?).
CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
Olomu was a projected first round pick before hurting his knee in preparation for the College Football Playoff. Concerns about the injury and about his height (5'10") may cause him to slide, but he was an All-American last year and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in the country.
OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
Clemmings could very well go in the first round, ahead of some other lineman. He has lots of potential but little experience on the offensive line, as he moved there from the defensive line two years ago. However, he is very athletic (he was a basketball star in high school), and as he gains more experience, could be a very good offensive tackle.
OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
Ogbuehi, like Clemmings, could very possibly go in the first round (as could any of these guys, really). Ogbuehi is very athletic and has lots of potential, also like Clemmings. The major reason Ogbuehi could fall is the torn ACL he suffered in a Liberty Bowl win over West Virginia.
TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota
Williams is by far the best tight end in this draft class. The question is whether a team will think about taking a tight end in the first round. An explosive, fast tight end, Williams had 569 yards receiving and eight touchdowns last season for the Gophers. He was also a finalist for the Mackey Award, given to the best tight end in the nation. Michigan TE/WR Devin Funchess could also be a second or third round steal for his size (6'5", 230) and ability to play both positions.
LB Paul Dawson, TCU
Dawson had a fabulous 2014 season for the Horned Frogs, amassing 136 tackles and 20 tackles for a loss, and winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He played one year at Trinity College before transferring to TCU. He is quick and athletic, and was obviously very productive last season, but like some other talented players in this draft, there are concerns about his character and maturity. Those concerns, along with a slow 40 time at the combine (4.93), could drop his draft stock.
Risers
Here are some players who have risen up draft boards as the draft approaches
RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
Gurley draft stock fell after his torn ACL, but has risen back up after he showed he is healthy. He is now projected by some to go in the top ten, which is high for a running back.
WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
There is a lot of buzz around the Central Florida product as the draft nears, as he has shot up draft boards and now looks like a sure first round pick, possibly in the top half of the round.
WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami
Another receiver who has risen up draft boards, Dorsett is a speedy (4.33 40) slot receiver in the mold of many other successful small receivers in the NFL (5'10", 183). Dorsett could be a first round pick.
WR Nelson Agholor, USC
Yet another receiver who has forced his way into the first round conversation, Agholor is a quick, instinctive pass-catcher who also has good return skills.
CB Eric Rowe, Utah
Rowe is a tall (6'1"), athletic defensive back who performed well at the combine and has shown up in some recent mock drafts in the first round.
Fallers
Here are some players who have slid down draft boards.
DE Shane Ray, Missouri
Many people still have Ray high, and some have him as high as number five, but many others have dropped him down to the 20's due to concern over a foot injury.
OLB Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Gregory, a top-five talent, dropped out of the top five after failing a drug test at the combine (not his first failed drug test). Now he's projected mid-to-late first round, despite the obvious talent.
OT Andrus Peat, Stanford
Peat has the talent to be the first offensive lineman picked, but many have dropped him below other lineman, such as La'el Collins and Ereck Flowers.
LB Denzel Perryman, Miami
It seems Perryman has fallen out of first round consideration due to a slow 40 time (4.78) and a hamstring injury he suffered at his Pro Day.
CB P.J. Williams, Florida St.
Williams, who might have first round talent, hasn't done himself any favors with a less-than-stellar 40 time (4.57) and a DUI arrest earlier this month.
No comments:
Post a Comment