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2015 NFL Mock Draft, v1.0

February 14, 2015 by Steel Haven



Round 1

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    QB Jameis Winston - Florida St

    Winston simply has better size, arm strength and most importantly accuracy than Mariota. Interviews will be of tantamount importance because of character concerns triggered by Winston's well documented off the field issues.
    • Needs: QB, DE, LT/G, S, MLB, CB
    • Other Options: QB M Mariota
    .
  2. Tennessee Titans

    QB Marcus Mariota - Oregon

    Zach Mettenberger looks more like a solid career backup than a legitimate starter. There are two major questions with Mariota being this pick. Will Ken Whisenhunt and coordinator Jason Michael be willing to tailor their offense to his unique skill set? Will Mariota show enough arm strength and accuracy in pre-draft workouts to be considered this high? Passing on the QB or trading out of this spot is a real possibility.
    • Needs: QB, OLB, S, RT/G, CB, C
    • Hope might be available: QB J Winston
    • Other Options: OLB R Gregory, DE/DT L Williams, trade down
    .
  3. Jacksonville Jaguars

    DT/DE Leonard Williams - USC

    Taking the top non-QB available regardless of position makes the most sense here with a talent infusion needed on both sides of the ball. Williams is a fit at either 5 or 3-technique in Gus Bradley's defense where Red Bryant is about to turn 31 and Sen'Derrick Marks is recovering from a torn ACL.
    • Needs: OT, C, DE, CB, RB, M/SLB
    • Other Options: DE/OLB R Gregory, trade down
    .
  4. Oakland Raiders

    DE Randy Gregory - Nebraska

    Tried to get by last season on the edge by signing aging veterans Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley. Tuck was adequate, Woodley is done. Gregory is an explosive pass rusher that never quits. Possessing the length teams look for in an outside rusher, he will need to add bulk and functional strength to his lean, lanky frame.
    • Needs: DE, WR, OT, C, MLB, RB
    • Hope might be available: DT/DE L Williams
    • Other Options: WR A Cooper, DE S Ray
    .
  5. Washington Redskins

    OLB Shane Ray - Missouri

    Ray set the Tigers' single season sack record with 14.5 and won SEC DPOY honors. He explodes off the ball, combining a non-stop motor and top competitive drive with elite athleticism. Injury prone Brian Orakpo is not expected back. A pass rusher opposite Ryan Kerrigan should help the subpar secondary.
    • Needs: S, CB, RT/G, OLB, DE, QB
    • Hope might be available: OLB R Gregory
    • Other Options: OLB D Fowler, RT/G B Scherff
    .
  6. New York Jets

    WR Amari Cooper - Alabama

    Have a ton of money under the cap so how free agency works out will have a major influence on their draft. Likely to look closely at Mariota given their abysmal QB situation. Cooper provides the most value at a position of need in this scenario. He is a natural receiver with balance, quickness, acceleration and a feel for the game. Percy Harvin is expected to be released. Eric Decker is more suited as a second option.
    • Needs: QB, CB, RT/G, LB, WR, RB
    • Hope might be available: QB M Mariota, OLB S Ray
    • Other Options: OLB D Fowler, RT/G B Schreff, trade up/down
    .
  7. Chicago Bears

    OLB Dante Fowler - Florida

    The defensive front seven must be completely revamped for the 3-4 scheme to be implemented by new coordinator Vic Fangio. Fowler is an explosive, aggressive, productive edge rusher despite a lack of prototypical length.
    • Needs: S, OLB, ILB, NT/DE, RT/G, CB
    • Hope might be available: OLB S Ray
    • Other Options: DE A Armstead, S L Collins, NT D Shelton
    .
  8. Atlanta Falcons

    OLB Vic Beasley - Clemson

    Pass rush must be improved. Beasley has the skill set to be groomed as the hybrid LEO in the scheme of new head man Dan Quinn.
    • Needs: DE/OLB, ILB, TE, RB, C, S
    • Hope might be available: DE/OLB D Fowler, DE/OLB D Gregory, DE/OLB S Ray
    • Other Options: DE/DT A Armstead, S L Collins, DE/OLB B Dupree
    .
  9. New York Giants

    DE Arik Armstead - Oregon

    Edge rushers continue to fly off the board. Even if Jason Pierre Paul is resigned a bookend to pair with him is required. GM Jerry Reese has a propensity for taking high upside physical specimens in the first round over building block linemen. Armstead has the kind of freak athleticism to catch Reese's eye at the combine despite a lack of top production even with all the offensive linemen and interior defensive linemen still on the board.
    • Needs: DE, S, RT/G, LB, CB, DT
    • Hope might be available: OLB V Beasley, DE D Fowler
    • Other Options: S L Collins, DE B Dupree, RT/G B Schreff, DT D Shelton
    .
  10. St. Louis Rams

    T/G Brandon Scherff - Iowa

    Might need to find four new starting offensive linemen with Jake Long, Scott Wells, Davin Joseph and Joseph Barksdale all likely to be gone for various reasons. Only Barksdale was more than adequate last year, he is a free agent. Long can't stay healthy. The aging Wells and Joseph were awful. Schreff displayed his toughness playing the week after surgery for a torn meniscus last season. He is a brawling run blocker with the hands and quick feet to hold his own in pass coverage. Looks like an immediate starter either inside or at right tackle.
    • Needs: QB, C, OT, OG, WR, CB
    • Hope might be available: WR A Cooper
    • Other Options: WR D Parker, OT A Peat
    .
  11. Minnesota Vikings

    OT Andrus Peat - Stanford

    Matt Kalil looks more-and-more like a bust on the left side. Even should he be given another chance Phil Loadholt is a major liability in pass protection on the right side. Peat has surprising agility and quickness given his huge frame. He is actually a better pass blocker than run blocker despite his size.
    • Needs: OG, OT, CB, MLB, WR, RB
    • Hope might be available: T/G B Schreff
    • Other Options: T/G L Collins, WR D Parker, CB T Waynes
    .
  12. Cleveland Browns

    NT Danny Shelton - Washington

    Mike Pettine reportedly wants to build both his offense and defense from the inside out. There are worse ideas. Ahtyba Rubin was pushed around last season on the nose. Shelton combines the thick frame to hold up against the run with the power and surprising agility to collapse the pocket.
    • Needs: QB, WR, TE, NT/DE, LB, RT
    • Hope might be available: DE E Armstead, OLB V Beasley, OT A Peat
    • Other Options: T/G L Collins, OLB B Dupree, WR D Parker
    .
  13. New Orleans Saints

    OLB Bud Dupree - Kentucky

    Veteran Parys Haralson was resigned, he is simply a short term run down stopgap. Another pass rusher is desperately needed opposite Junior Galette. Dupree has long arms, a quick first step and closing burst. He showed solid instincts when asked to drop into coverage. He needs to improve his functional strength at the point of attack which is less of an issue here in the short term with Haralson back in the fold.
    • Needs: CB, OLB, G/C, ILB, RB, WR
    • Hope might be available: OLB V Beasley
    • Other Options: T/G L Collins, WR D Parker, CB T Waynes
    .
  14. Miami Dolphins

    T/G La'el Collins, LSU

    Mike Pouncey struggled at guard and might be better off moving back to center to replace Samson Satele. Even if last year's third rounder Billy Turner steps up another interior offensive lineman is needed. The thick, powerful Collins has long arms and surprising quickness. He should be able to step in immediately inside with the skills to eventually move back to tackle, perhaps even on the left side.
    • Needs: G/C, CB, OLB, DT, WR, TE
    • Hope might be available: OLB V Beasley, DT D Shelton
    • Other Options: DT E Goldman, WR D Parker, CB T Waynes
    .
  15. San Francisco 49ers

    WR DeVante Parker, Louisville

    Michael Crabtree is a free agent unlikely to return. That leaves aging Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson on top of the depth chart. Despite needing polish as a route runner Parker has the speed to stretch the field and the size to be a weapon in the red zone.
    • Needs: WR, OG, DE, TE, CB, RB
    • Hope might be available: DE A Armstead, G/T L Collins
    • Other Options: DE/NT E Goldman, CB T Waynes
    .
  16. Houston Texans

    S Landon Collins - Alabama

    Finished 27th in pass defense with four games against the Jaguars and Titans. Obviously not good. Hard hitting DJ Swearinger is a major liability in coverage, there is no one to play beside him. Collins combines physicality versus the run with fluidity and instinctiveness against the pass. Collins probably can't play with Swearinger, but there are worse ideas than getting Swearinger off the field (and perhaps the roster).
    • Needs: QB, S, RT, CB, LB, WR
    • Hope might be available: T/G L Collins, OLB B Dupree
    • Other Options: OT E Flowers, CB T Waynes, WR K White
    .
  17. San Diego Chargers

    OT Ereck Flowers - Miami FL

    Aging Philip Rivers needs protection. LT King Dunlap is a free agent and RT DJ Fluker could move inside to guard out of necessity. Flowers has lighter feet and more athleticism than either. He possesses a mean streak and will need to work on playing more under control.
    • Needs: OT, G/C, CB, RB, NT, OLB
    • Hope might be available: T/G L Collins, OLB B Dupree
    • Other Options: NT E Goldman, RB M Gordon, CB T Waynes
    .
  18. Kansas City Chiefs

    WR Kevin White - West Virginia

    Everyone knows the narrative, their wide-outs caught no TD passes last season. Part of the problem is check-down Alex Smith's adversity to taking any chances or throwing the ball downfield. That doesn't mean Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery and to a lesser extent Albert Wilson don't need to be replaced. Bowe and Avery will probably be released. White blossomed as a senior after struggling his first year after transferring from the JUCO ranks. He is an excellent athlete with the size to make a difference in the red zone.
    • Needs: WR, RT/G, C, LB, SS, CB
    • Hope might be available: T/G L Collins, S L Collins, OT E Flowers
    • Other Options: OT TJ Clemmings, WR J Strong, O/ILB S Thompson, CB T Waynes
    .
  19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo)

    OT TJ Clemmings - Pitt

    Clemmings has minimal experience on the offensive side of the ball after moving from defensive end for his junior season. Played right tackle exclusively despite having the prototypical frame and athleticism for the left side. Stock was soaring before inexperience resulted in struggles at Senior Bowl practices. Would be viewed as an immediate starter on the right side allowing Mitchell Schwartz to move inside.
    • Hope might be available: OLB B Dupree, OT E Flowers, WR K White
    • Other Options: NT E Goldman, WR J Strong, I/OLB S Thompson
    .
  20. Philadelphia Eagles

    CB Trae Waynes, Michigan St

    Corner play is obviously at a premium in a division with Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham and DeSean Jackson. Of course asking a rookie to cover any of them may be a bit much. Waynes is a confident, physical competitor with a tough demeanor that often played single coverage in his college scheme. Even though Chip Kelly is reportedly enamored with his former college recruit Mariota a trade all the way up into a position to get him would be difficult.
    • Needs: CB, OLB, S, WR, DE, QB
    • Hope might be available: S L Collins, OLB B Dupree, WR K White
    • Other Options: DE/NT M Brown, WR J Strong, OLB S Thompson, trade up
    .
  21. Cincinnati Bengals

    DT Eddie Goldman - Florida St

    A replacement is needed for the fading Domata Peko on the nose. Goodman combines the size to be a force against the run with the first step quickness and power to collapse the pocket against the pass.
    • Needs: DE, DT, LB, QB, OT, WR
    • Hope might be available: OT TJ Clemmings, DE B Dupree, WR K White
    • Other Options: WR J Strong, OLB S Thompson
    .
  22. Pittsburgh Steelers

    CB Marcus Peters - Washington

    Peters has arguably the most talent of any defensive back in this draft. He did not get along with the new coaching staff at Washington and was thrown off the team in early November. Questions will need to be answered in interviews. The Steelers are known to avoid players with character concerns and have not drafted a corner in the first round since 1997. The need is just so great and the value of Peters at this spot seems hard to pass up.
    • Needs: CB, OLB, S, NT/DE, RB, TE
    • Hope might be available: S L Collins, OLB B Dupree, CB T Waynes
    • Other Options: DE/NT M Brown, CB PJ Williams
    .
  23. Detroit Lions

    DT Malcom Brown - Texas

    Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and CJ Mosley are all unrestricted free agents. Should two of three leave help will be needed immediately. Should Suh leave it will be a disaster of epic proportions. Brown has a quick first step and the bulk to hold up at the point of attack. A still developing talent, he appears to have the maturity and work ethic to reach his full potential.
    • Needs: DT, CB, G/C, RT, DE, WR
    • Hope might be available: DT E Goldman, CB M Peters
    • Other Options: OL C Erving, DT J Phillips, WR J Strong, CB PJ Williams
    .
  24. Arizona Cardinals

    I/OLB Shaq Thompson - Washington

    Thompson is an incredible athlete with top instincts, work ethic and leadership skills. Recruited at safety, he played as a hybrid safety/inside linebacker his first season before transitioning to OLB. He rushed for 456 yards on 7.5 yards per carry in his final year as an emergency fill in at RB. Thompson was even drafted as an athlete in the 18th round by the Red Sox despite limited baseball experience. He proved he couldn't hit in a very small sample size before heading to college. Some view him as a safety at the next level because of his lean build. Might be a better fit as a LB in a 4-3. In the Cardinals defense has the flexibility to line up inside as a coverage linebacker while moving outside in certain sub-packages as a blitzer.
    • Needs: OLB, ILB, NT/DE, RB, CB, G
    • Hope might be available: NT/DE M Brown, OLB B Dupree, CB M Peters
    • Other Options: RB M Gordon, NT/DE J Phillips, CB PJ Williams
    .
  25. Carolina Panthers

    WR Jaelen Strong - Arizona St

    Strong is actually similar to last season's first rounder Kelvin Benjamin. He has the size, body control, leaping ability and acceleration to be a matchup nightmare despite being a somewhat raw prospect. Adding him to Benjamin and Greg Olsen would give opposing defensive coordinators fits, making Cam Newton a happy man.
    • Needs: OT, WR, DE, SS, CB, WLB
    • Hope might be available: OT TJ Clemmings, DE B Dupree
    • Other Options: OL C Erving, DE O Odighizuwa
    .
  26. Baltimore Ravens

    WR Sammie Coates - Auburn

    Coates is even more of a work in progress than Strong. His physical skills are difficult to ignore, especially if he performs at the combine as expected. He has a freakish combination of size, speed and strength making him perhaps the top deep threat in the draft class. Coates will need to become a more reliable route runner and pass catcher to reach his immense potential.
    • Needs: WR, OLB/DE, CB, S, RB, TE
    • Hope might be available: CB M Peters, WR J Strong
    • Other Options: WR D Green-Beckham, DE O Odighizuwa, CB PJ Williams
    .
  27. Dallas Cowboys

    RB Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin

    Both Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray are free agents. The cap situation makes resigning both appear to be an impossibility. Bryant by far is the more likely to be back even if he has to be franchised. Neither Joseph Randle nor Lance Dunbar project as high volume every down backs like Murray last season. Heisman finalist Gordon put up video game type numbers. His balance and acceleration are special. Showing some pass catching ability in the post season wouldn't hurt his draft stock.
    • Needs: DE, RB, CB, FS, DT, OLB
    • Hope might be available: DT M Brown, CB M Peters, OLB S Thompson
    • Other Options: DE O Odighizuwa, DT J Phillips, CB PJ Williams
    .
  28. Denver Broncos

    NT Jordan Phillips - Oklahoma

    Lines on both side of the ball need a lot of work. DT Terrance Knighton is a free agent. If he is not resigned the middle of the defense of new (old) coordinator Wade Phillips will have a huge hole. The relatively inexperienced Phillips is physically imposing and incredibly athletic, traits that tend to cause the stock of linemen to rise at the combine.
    • Needs: NT, G/C, TE, RT, WR, FS
    • Hope might be available: DT M Brown, WR S Coates
    • Other Options: OL C Erving, WR/TE D Funchess, WR D Green-Beckham, TE M Williams
    .
  29. Indianapolis Colts

    OL Cameron Erving - Florida St

    Erving started on defense at tackle as a freshman before switching to offense at left tackle as an immediate starter for 2 season. He then excelled at center as a senior due to injuries. Protecting Andrew Luck is a priority and only Anthony Castonzo proved to be an above average blocker last season. Erving has the versatility to help at multiple positions depending what else can be done to improve the line.
    • Needs: ILB, G/C, OLB, RT, RB, S
    • Hope might be available: RB M Gordon, I/OLB S Thompson
    • Other Options: OG AJ Cann, RB T Gurley, ILB B McKinney, OLB O Odighizuwa
    .
  30. Green Bay Packers

    CB PJ Williams - Florida St

    Williams possesses an intriguing combination of speed, agility and aggressiveness. Tramon Williams and Davon House are both free agents. Neither slot corner Casey Heyward nor versatile Micah Hyde seem suited to full time duty outside opposite Sam Shields.
    • Needs: ILB, NT/DE, CB, TE, RT, WR
    • Hope might be available: WR S Coates, OL C Erving, NT J Phillips, I/OLB S Thompson
    • Other Options: WR/TE D Funchess, WR D Green-Beckham, ILB B McKinney, TE M Williams
    .
  31. Seattle Seahawks

    WR Dorial Green-Beckham - Oklahoma

    Receiving corps might be the least talented in the league outside of Kansas City. Green-Beckham is an athletic freak that is a boom or bust prospect because of off the field issues. He was thrown off Missouri due to multiple marijuana related offenses and then ruled ineligible last season at Oklahoma. Fairly or not his draft stock could be negatively affected by struggles of Josh Gordon. If any team can afford the gamble it is the ultra-talented Seahawks.
    • Needs: WR, DT, CB, OG, TE, DE
    • Hope might be available: OL C Erving, DT J Phillips, CB PJ Williams
    • Other Options: DT M Bennett, OG AJ Cann, WR/TE D Funchess, CB Q Rollins, TE M Williams
    .
  32. New England Patriots

    WR/TE Devin Funchess, Michigan

    The somewhat inconsistent Funchess has the size and athleticism to create mismatches especially in the red zone and on third down. Trying to cover him and Rob Gronkowski would not be a pleasant task.
    • Needs: OG, WR, CB, S, DT/DE, RB
    • Hope might be available: OL C Erving, WR D Green-Beckham, DT J Phillips, CB PJ Williams
    • Other Options: OG AJ Cann, RB T Gurley, WR B Perriman, CB/S Q Rollins


Round 2

  1. Tennessee Titans - CB/S Quinten Rollins - Miami OH
    Raw. Started 4 years at PG, earned MAC DPOY honors in only season on football field.
  2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa - UCLA
    Lovie's cover 2 requires pressure from the front 4.
  3. Oakland Raiders - WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
    Fast rising early entrant could move higher after combine.
  4. Jacksonville Jaguars - RB Todd Gurley - Georgia
    Gerhart is a backup at best, Robinson better suited as a change of pace back.
  5. New York Jets - CB Jalen Collins - LSU
    Didn't have a legitimate starter at corner on the roster last season.
  6. Washington Redskins - OT Ty Sambrailo - Colorado St
    Need an upgrade on right side over free agent Polumbus.
  7. Chicago Bears - DE/DT Michael Bennett - Ohio St
    Disruptive, versatile. Can play anywhere except nose in multiple defensive fronts.
  8. New York Giants - OG AJ Cann - South Carolina
    Might prefer a RT so Pugh can move inside, have limited choices in this scenario.
  9. St. Louis Rams - WR Devin Smith - Ohio St
    Lack depth behind injury prone Quick, steadily improving Bailey.
  10. Atlanta Falcons - TE Maxx Williams - Minnesota
    Finally replacing Gonzalez could only help Ryan.
  11. Cleveland Browns - OLB Eli Harold - Virginia
    Sheard better suited to 4-3, probably will leave via free agency.
  12. New Orleans Saints - CB Alex Carter - Stanford
    Early entrant with good size/speed combo. Probable combine riser.
  13. Minnesota Vikings - MLB Benardrick McKinney - Mississippi St
    Must improve 25th ranked rushing defense.
  14. San Francisco 49ers - DE/NT Carl Davis - Iowa
    McDonald released due to off field issues, Smith turns 36 early in the season.
  15. Miami Dolphins - OLB Paul Dawson - TCU
    Free agent signings of Ellerbe and Wheeler did not work out.
  16. San Diego Chargers - RB Tevin Coleman - Indiana
    Mathews is a free agent, Oliver not an every down back.
  17. Kansas City Chiefs - ILB Eric Kendricks - UCLA
    Johnson trying to come back from torn Achilles, depth chart behind him is weak.
  18. .
  19. Buffalo Bills

    OLB Nate Orchard - Utah

    Expected to switch back to a 3-4 with Rex Ryan at the helm after a single season predominately lining up in a 4-3. Mario Williams will stand up on one side. Jerry Hughes is a free agent across from him. Even if Hughes is resigned depth is minimal with the other linebackers on the roster mostly projecting inside. The high effort Orchard dominated as a senior with 18.5 sacks
    • Needs: QB, RT, OLB, TE, RB, S
    .
  20. Houston Texans - ILB Denzel Perryman, Miami FL
    Injuries have taken a major toll on Cushing.
  21. Philadelphia Eagles - QB Brett Hundley - UCLA
    Developmental QB that fits Kelly's scheme.
  22. Cincinnati Bengals - DE Danielle Hunter - LSU
    Finished last in sacks in the entire league in 2014.
  23. Detroit Lions - WR Nelson Agholor - USC
    Megatron injury shined light on lack of depth behind him and Tate.
  24. Arizona Cardinals - DE Mario Edwards - Florida St
    Aging Dockett coming back from torn ACL, Kelly a free agent.
  25. .
  26. Pittsburgh Steelers

    RB Duke Johnson - Miami FL

    This could be considered a luxury pick. Johnson is not a change of pace back like Dri Archer or Chris Rainey. While standing at only 5'9" he is over 200 lbs with every down back skills. Johnson would help keep LeVeon Bell fresh and have the ability to step in if needed due to injury. The importance of that role is clear to anyone that watched this year's playoff loss to Baltimore. Bell's likely suspension for the first two games of the season adds to the need for running back depth at least in the short term.
    • Others: DE X Cooper, DE M Edwards, CB I Ekpre-Olomu, OLB D Hunter, S C Prewitt, TE C Walford
    .
  27. Carolina Panthers - OT Daryl Williams - Oklahoma
    Newton due for a big money extension, needs to be protected.
  28. Baltimore Ravens - CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu - Oregon
    Severe knee injury suffered in December a major concern.
  29. Denver Broncos - G Laken Tomlinson - Duke
    Athletic interior lineman looks like a good fit for Kubiak's zone blocking scheme.
  30. Dallas Cowboys - CB D'Joun Smith - Florida Atlantic
    Looking for an upgrade over starter Carr, nickel Moore.
  31. Indianapolis Colts - RB Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska
    Richardson an epic bust, free agent Bradshaw can't stay healthy.
  32. Green Bay Packers - TE Clive Walford - Miami FL
    Quarles adequate at best in-line, Rodgers already looks like a bust as move TE.
  33. Seattle Seahawks - DT Xavier Cooper, Washington St
    Need to find a 3-technique upgrade over Williams, McDaniel.
  34. New England Patriots - RB Jay Ajayi - Boise St
    Vereen and Ridley are free agents, Blount and Gray too one dimensional.
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