The last round! Its almost over. Just a few picks left!
Round 7
1 (218)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ben Heeney, ILB, Kansas
2 (219)- New England Patriots: Adam Snead, OG, Oklahoma
3 (220)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Geremy Davis, WR, UConn
4 (221)- Oakland Raiders: Julian Wilson, CB, Oklahoma
5 (222)- Washington Redskins: Cam Worthy, WR, East Carolina
6 (223)- New York Jets: Deandrew White, WR, Alabama
7 (224)- New York Jets: Kaleb Eulls, DT, Mississippi State
8 (225)- Atlanta Falcons: Miles Diffenbach, OG, Penn State
9 (226)- New York Giants: Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi State
10 (227)- St. Louis Rams, Tony Washington, OLB, Oregon
11 (228)- Minnesota Vikings: Austin Shepherd, OT, Alabama
12 (229)- Cleveland Browns: Lorenzo Doss, CB, Tulane
13 (230)- New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bennett, QB, Southeastern Louisiana
Drew Brees is getting older. A 7th round flyer on a local kid isn't a bad option.
14 (231)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Craig Mager, CB, Texas St
15 (232)- Minnesota Vikings: Marcus Murphy, RB, Missouri
16 (233)- Kansas City Chiefs: Da'Ron Brown, WR, Northern Illinois
17 (234)- Buffalo Bills: Edmund Robinson, OLB, Newberry
18 (235)- Houston Texans: Martin Efedi, DE, Memphis
19 (236)- Dallas Cowboys: DeAndre Smelter, WR, Georgia Tech
20 (237)- Philadelphia Eagles: Bobby McCain, CB, Memphis
21 (238)- Cincinnati Bengals: Xavier Cooper, DT, Washington State
22 (239)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Tello Luckett, WR, Harding
23 (240)- Detroit Lions: Patrick Miller, OT, Auburn
24 (241)- Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Clear, TE, Texas A&M
25 (242)- Carolina Panthers: Leon Orr, DT, Florida
26 (243)- Dallas Cowboys: Deontay Greenberry, WR, Houston
27 (244)- Indianapolis Colts: Andy Gallik, OC, Boston College
28 (245)- New York Giants: Josue Matias, OG, Florida State
29 (246)- San Francisco 49ers: Bobby Hart, OT, Florida State
30 (247)- Green Bay Packers: Martrell Spaight, OLB, Arkansas
31 (248)- Seattle Seahawks: Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma
32 (249)- Atlanta Falcons: Malcolm Bunche, OG, UCLA
33 (250)- Denver Broncos: Deion Barnes, DE, Penn State
34 (251)- Denver Broncos: Blaine Clausell, OT, Michigan State
35 (252)- Denver Broncos: Damian Parms, S, Florida Atlantic
36 (253)- New England Patriots: Jesse James, TE, Penn State
A coach that has bent the rules gets a player named after an infamous outlaw? Perfect.
37 (254)- San Francisco 49ers: Michael Dyer, RB, Louisville
38 (255)- Indianapolis Colts: Aaron Davis, OLB, Colorado State
And Mr. Irrelevant in the JFLANland 2015 NFL Mock Draft...
39 (256)- Arizona Cardinals: Takoby Cofield, OT, Duke
THERE YOU HAVE IT! All done. 7 Rounds. 256 players. No kickers or punters (Sorry. I just don't know where to draft one when there are other needs). This is a massive labor of love, because I love doing it. I love watching the entire draft every year. Is it strange? Sure. But its still better than most of what is on TV these days.
Thank you so much for reading, especially if you went through all 7 rounds. It is nice to think someone else cares as much as I do. I will update this if there happens to be any big trades before Thursday night. I will also find some time in my busy schedule to break down some picks I like and dislike. Finally, I will be live-tweeting the draft @JFLANland, so give me a follow.
Enjoy the Draft my friends. So many great careers will start this weekend. Let's hope they all become great men as well. The NFL needs it.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
JFLANland's 2015 NFL Mock Draft- Round 6
Almost done, kids. The true draft nuts stick around to watch these picks like me.
Round 6
1 (177)- Tennessee Titans: Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan
2 (178)- New England Patriots: Tyler Varga, RB, Yale
Boola Boola
3 (179)- Oakland Raiders: Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State
4 (180)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Reese Dismukes, OC, Auburn
5 (181)- Seattle Seahawks: Zack Hodges, OLB, Harvard
Pats draft an Ivy League man, the Seahawks match.
6 (182)- Washington Redskins: Anthony Jefferson, S, UCLA
7 (183)- Chicago Bears: Jamon Brown, OT, Louisville
8 (184)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alani Fua, OLB, BYU
9 (185)- Atlanta Falcons: David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
10 (186)- New York Giants: Chris Conley, WR, Georgia
11 (187)- New Orleans Saints: Jordan Richards, S, Stanford
12 (188)- Buffalo Bills: Gerald Christian, TE, Louisville
13 (189)- Cleveland Browns: Robert Myers, OG, Tennessee State
14 (190)- San Francisco 49ers: Dez Lewis, WR, Central Arkansas
15 (191)- Miami Dolphins: Chris Hackett, S, TCU
16 (192)- San Diego Chargers: Tyeler Davison, DT, Florida State
17 (193)- Kansas City Cheifs: Trent Brown, OG, Florida
18 (194)- Buffalo Bills: Shane Carden, QB, East Carolina
He may not be the answer at QB, but he can't be that much worse than what the Bills have.
19 (195)- Houston Texans: Darren Waller, WR, Georgia Tech
20 (196)- Philadelphia Eagles: Ryan Russell, DE, Purdue
21 (197)- Cincinnati Bengals: Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia
22 (198)- Arizona Cardinals: Amarlo Herrera, ILB, Georgia
23 (199)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Mahina, TE, BYU
24 (200)- Detroit Lions: Audrey Walker, OG, USC
25 (201)- Carolina Panthers: Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State
26 (202)- Cleveland Browns: Malcom Brown, RB, Texas
27 (203)- Denver Broncos: John Miller, OG, Louisville
28 (204)- Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Lott, DT, Tennessee-Chattanooga
29 (205)- Indianapolis Colts: Lynden Trail, DE, Norfolk State
30 (206)- Green Bay Packers: Cedric Reed, DE, Texas
31 (207)- Indianapolis Colts: Damien Wilson, ILB, Minnesota
32 (208)- Tennessee Titans: Ellis McCarthy, DT, UCLA
33 (209)- Seattle Seahawks: Shaq Mason, OC, Georgia Tech
34 (210)- Green Bay Packers: Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
35 (211)- Houston Texans: Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, Iowa
36 (212)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn
37 (213)- Green Bay Packers: Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville
38 (214)- Seattle Seahawks: Frank Clark, DE, Michigan
39 (215)- St. Louis Rams: Kevin White, CB, TCU
40 (216)- Houston Texans: Zach Zenner, RB, South Dakota St.
41 (217)- Kansas City Chiefs: Imoan Claiborne, CB, Northwestern State
One round left. So close.
Round 6
1 (177)- Tennessee Titans: Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan
2 (178)- New England Patriots: Tyler Varga, RB, Yale
Boola Boola
3 (179)- Oakland Raiders: Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State
4 (180)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Reese Dismukes, OC, Auburn
5 (181)- Seattle Seahawks: Zack Hodges, OLB, Harvard
Pats draft an Ivy League man, the Seahawks match.
6 (182)- Washington Redskins: Anthony Jefferson, S, UCLA
7 (183)- Chicago Bears: Jamon Brown, OT, Louisville
8 (184)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alani Fua, OLB, BYU
9 (185)- Atlanta Falcons: David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
10 (186)- New York Giants: Chris Conley, WR, Georgia
11 (187)- New Orleans Saints: Jordan Richards, S, Stanford
12 (188)- Buffalo Bills: Gerald Christian, TE, Louisville
13 (189)- Cleveland Browns: Robert Myers, OG, Tennessee State
14 (190)- San Francisco 49ers: Dez Lewis, WR, Central Arkansas
15 (191)- Miami Dolphins: Chris Hackett, S, TCU
16 (192)- San Diego Chargers: Tyeler Davison, DT, Florida State
17 (193)- Kansas City Cheifs: Trent Brown, OG, Florida
18 (194)- Buffalo Bills: Shane Carden, QB, East Carolina
He may not be the answer at QB, but he can't be that much worse than what the Bills have.
19 (195)- Houston Texans: Darren Waller, WR, Georgia Tech
20 (196)- Philadelphia Eagles: Ryan Russell, DE, Purdue
21 (197)- Cincinnati Bengals: Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia
22 (198)- Arizona Cardinals: Amarlo Herrera, ILB, Georgia
23 (199)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Mahina, TE, BYU
24 (200)- Detroit Lions: Audrey Walker, OG, USC
25 (201)- Carolina Panthers: Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State
26 (202)- Cleveland Browns: Malcom Brown, RB, Texas
27 (203)- Denver Broncos: John Miller, OG, Louisville
28 (204)- Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Lott, DT, Tennessee-Chattanooga
29 (205)- Indianapolis Colts: Lynden Trail, DE, Norfolk State
30 (206)- Green Bay Packers: Cedric Reed, DE, Texas
31 (207)- Indianapolis Colts: Damien Wilson, ILB, Minnesota
32 (208)- Tennessee Titans: Ellis McCarthy, DT, UCLA
33 (209)- Seattle Seahawks: Shaq Mason, OC, Georgia Tech
34 (210)- Green Bay Packers: Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
35 (211)- Houston Texans: Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, Iowa
36 (212)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn
37 (213)- Green Bay Packers: Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville
38 (214)- Seattle Seahawks: Frank Clark, DE, Michigan
39 (215)- St. Louis Rams: Kevin White, CB, TCU
40 (216)- Houston Texans: Zach Zenner, RB, South Dakota St.
41 (217)- Kansas City Chiefs: Imoan Claiborne, CB, Northwestern State
One round left. So close.
Monday, April 27, 2015
JFLANland's 2015 NFL Mock Draft- Round 5
Here is Round 5. For those of you that are Cuse alums like me, there are a few names you'll recognize.
Round 5
1 (137)- Minnesota Vikings: Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan
2 (138)- Tennessee Titans: Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern
3 (139)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Durell Eskridge, S, Syracuse
Go Orange! He could see playing time there.
4 (140)- Oakland Raiders: Karlos Williams, RB, Florida State
5 (141)- Washington Redskins: Justin Coleman, CB, Tennessee
6 (142)- Chicago Bears: BJ Finney, OC, Kansas State
7 (143)- Denver Broncos: Josh Harper, WR, Fresno State
8 (144)- New York Giants: Jean Sifrin, TE, UMass
9 (145)- Philadelphia Eagles: Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas
10 (146)- Atlanta Falcons: Devante Davis, WR, UNLV
11 (147)- Cleveland Browns: Corey Crawford, DE, Clemson
12 (148)- New Orleans Saints: Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama
13 (149)- Miami Dolphins: Quinton Spain, OG, West Virginia
14 (150)- Miami Dolphins: Xavier Williams, DT, Northern Iowa
15 (151)- San Francisco 49ers: Jeremiah Poutasi, OT/G, Utah
16 (152)- Houston Texans: Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan
17 (153)- San Diego Chargers: Bryce Hagar, ILB, Baylor
18 (154)- New Orleans Saints: Josh Shaw, S, USC
19 (155)- Buffalo Bills: Andrew Donnal, OT/G, Iowa
20 (156)- Philadelphia Eagles: Darrian Miller, OT/G, Kentucky
21 (157)- Cincinnati Bengals: Tye Smith, CB, Towson
22 (158)- Baltimore Ravens: Mike Hull, OLB, Penn State
23 (159)- Arizona Cardinals: David Parry, DT,, Stanford
24 (160)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Sean Hickey, OT/G, Syracuse
Sean may be a better guard in the pros, but he can play at the NFL level.
25 (161)- Carolina Panthers: Troy Hill, CB, Oregon
26 (162)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Max Garcia, OC, Florida
27 (163)- Dallas Cowboys: Geneo Grissom, DE, Oklahoma
28 (164)- Denver Broncos: BJ Dubose, DE, Louisville
29 (165)- Indianapolis Colts: Jalston Fowler, RB/FB, Alabama
The first fullback off the board. He can run, but more importantly he can catch. Look for him to play more of an H-back type, and act as Andrew Luck's safety net.
30 (166)- Green Bay Packers: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Miss
31 (167)- Seattle Seahawks: Jon Eliciano, OG, Miami
32 (168)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame
33 (169)- Carolina Panthers: Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware
34 (170)- Seattle Seahawks: Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami
35 (171)- Baltimore Ravens: Dres Anderson, WR, Utah
36 (172)- Kansas City Chiefs: Tony Lippett, WR, Michigan State
37 (173)- Kansas City Chiefs: Terrence Magee, RB, LSU
38 (174)- Carolina Panthers: Xzavier Dickson, DE, Alabama
39 (175)- Houston Texans: EJ Bibbs, TE, Iowa State
40 (176)- Baltimore Ravens: Chaz Green, OT/G, Florida
Two more rounds to go. Hang in there folks!
JFLANland's 2015 NFL Mock Draft- Round 4
My hand is starting to hurt from all the typing. But it is a labor of love. I do it cause I love the draft, and because I love my readers. Well, most of you. Some of you I just like.
Round 4
1 (100)- Tennessee Titans: Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State
2 (101)- New England Patriots: Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska
3 (102)- Oakland Raiders: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
4 (103)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss
5 (104)- New York Jets: Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma
6 (105)- Washington Redskins: Hroniss Grasu, OC, Oregon
7 (106)- Chicago Bears: Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn
8 (107)- Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
9 (108)- New York Giants: Hayes Pullard, ILB, USC
10 (109)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary
11 (110)- Minnesota Vikings: Antoine Everett, OG, McNeese State
12 (111)- Cleveland Browns: Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State
Johnny Football might not get a 2nd change in Cleveland. Mannion can sit behind McCown.
13 (112)- Seattle Seahawks: David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa
14 (113)- Philadelphia Eagles: James Sample, S, Louisville
15 (114)- Miami Dolphins: Buck Allen, RB, USC
16 (115)- Cleveland Browns: Za'Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky
17 (116)- Houston Texans: Jarvis Harrison, OG, Texas A&M
18 (117)- San Diego Chargers: Anthong Chickillo, DE, Miami
19 (118)- Kansas City Chiefs: Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville
20 (119)- St. Louis Rams: Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss
21 (120)- Cincinnati Bengals: Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida State
22 (121)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Emmanuel, OLB, North Dakota State
23 (122)- Baltimore Ravens: Clayton Geathers, S, UCF
24 (123)- Arizona Cardinals: D'Joun Smith, CB, Florida Atlantic
25 (124)- Carolina Panthers: Gerrod Holliman, S, Louisville
26 (125)- Baltimore Ravens: Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
27 (126)- San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Hicks, ILB, Texas
28 (127)- Dallas Cowboys: Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina
29 (128)- Indianapolis Colts: Jacorey Shepherd, CB, Kansas
30 (129)- Green Bay Packers: Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina
31 (130)- Seattle Seahawks: Mitch Morse, OT, Missouri
32 (131)- New England Patriots: Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama
33 (132)- San Francisco 49ers: Matt Jones, RB, Florida
34 (133)- Denver Broncos: Ramik Wilson, OLB, Georgia
35 (134)- Seattle Seahawks: Christian Covington, DT, Rice
36 (135)- Cincinnati Bengals: Adrian Amos, S, Penn State
37 (136)- Baltimore Ravens: Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State
3 more rounds to go!
JFLANland's 2015 NFL Mock Draft- Round 3
Moving right along, footloose and fancy free. Enjoy.
Round 3:
1 (65)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas
2 (66)- Tennessee Titans: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
If no trades happen, here is your competition with Zach Mettenberger.
3 (67)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
Super productive back, and the Jags need help.
4 (68)- Oakland Raiders: Mario Edwards Jr, DE, Florida State
5 (69)- Washington Redskins: Robert Havenstein, OT, Wisconsin
Huge, athletic, natural right tackle. Fills a need Skins have had since Jon Jansen retired.
6 (70)- New York Jets: Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
Maybe a new QB for the new Jets regime.
7 (71)- Chicago Bears: Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
8 (72)- St. Louis Rams: Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart
So, I have spent a lot of time on the scenic campus of Hobart and William Smith. To think a football player from this beautiful camps would be drafted is insane, but Marpet has the talent and the size. 3rd round might be too late for him, to be honest. Hobart Statesmen on the board!
9 (73)- Atlanta Falcons: Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State
10 (74)- New York Giants: Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
11 (75)- New Orleans Saints: PJ Dawson, OLB, TCU
12 (76)- Minnesota Vikings: Eric Rowe, S/CB, Utah
13 (77)- Cleveland Browns: Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
14 (78)- New Orleans Saints: Daryl Williams, OT/G, Oklahoma
15 (79)- San Francisco 49ers: Markus Golden, DE, Missouri
16 (80)- Kansas City Chiefs: Quentin Rollins, CB/S, Miami (OH)
17 (81)- Buffalo Bills: Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
18 (82)- Houston Texans: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
19 (83)- San Diego Chargers: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
Phillip Rivers is at his best when he has big WRs. Coates is 6'2 200. Works for me.
20 (84)- Philadelphia Eagles: Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU
21 (85)- Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah
22 (86)- Arizona Cardinals: Davis Tull, OLB, Tennessee-Chattanooga
23 (87)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Danielle Hunter, DE/OLB, LSU
24 (88)- Detroit Lions: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
25 (89)- Carolina Panthers: TJ Yeldon, RB, Alabama
26 (90)- Baltimore Ravens: Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland
A UMD WR to replace Torrey Smith.
27 (91)- Dallas Cowboys: Darius Philon, DT, Arkansas
28 (92)- Denver Broncos: MyCole Pruitt, TE, So. Illinois
29 (93)- Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Harris, S, UVA
30 (94)- Green Bay Packers: Steven Nelson, CB, Oregon State
31 (95)- Seattle Seahawks: Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina
32 (96)- New England Patriots: Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford
33 (97)- New England Patriots: Jaquiski Tart, S, Samford
First compensatory pick of the draft, but #1 in the Best Names draft.
34 (98)- Kansas City Chiefs: Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State
35 (99)- Cincinnati Benglas: Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke
Almost half way done. Hope you are enjoying it so far.
JFLANland's 2015 NFL Mock Draft- Round 2
Round 1 is in the books. Here comes Round 2. Again, I don't project trades. Also, with Rounds 2-7 (yes I went all 7 this year), I won't be providing in-depth analysis unless I feel it is necessary. Furthermore, I will put the pick number overall in parenthesis next to the number of the pick in the round.
Round 2!
1 (33)- Tennessee Titans: TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
2 (34)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tre' Jackson, OG, Florida State
Who better to protect the new #1 QB than a guy who protected him in college?
3 (35)- Oakland Raiders: Byron Jones, CB, UConn
Athletic freak who basically set a new standing broad jump world record at the combine. Sounds like a Raider to me.
4 (36)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Laken Tomlinson, OG/C, Duke
5 (37)- New York Jets: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
Chris Ivory, Steven Ridley and Bilal Powell are not the answers.
6 (38)- Washington Redskins: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Couldn't find anyone to replace London Fletcher last year. Competition for Perry Riley and Keenan Robinson.
7 (39)- Chicago Bears: Eli Harold, OLB, UVA
8 (40)- New York Giants: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
9 (41)- St. Louis Rams: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
10 (42)- Atlanta Falcons: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
11 (43)- Cleveland Browns: Hau'Oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington
12 (44)- New Orleans Saints: Shaq Thompson, OLB/S/RB, Washington
Never a bad idea to have a guy that does it all on your team.
13 (45)- Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
14 (46)- San Francisco 49ers: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
15 (47)- Miami Dolphins: PJ Williams, CB, Florida State
16 (48)- San Diego Chargers: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
17 (49)- Kansas City Chiefs: Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
18 (50)- Buffalo Bills: Mike Bennett, DE/DT, Ohio State
First pick for Rex Ryan in Buffalo will be D line, cause that is what he does.
19 (51)- Houston Texans: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
The next great Miami WR in Texas now that Andre Johnson is gone?
20 (52)- Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
21 (53)- Cincinnati Bengals: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
22 (54)- Detroit Lions: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
23 (55)- Arizona Cardinals: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
THIS PICK NEEDS TO HAPPEN! The backups on Arizona are no good. Hundley grew up outside of Phoenix and said his dream is the play for the Cardinals. He is super talented and can wait behind Palmer for a year. It is a no brainer. I would trade up to get him if I was Arizona.
24 (56)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
25 (57)- Carolina Panthers: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
26 (58)- Baltimore Ravens: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
Rejoice Baltimore. You get your tight end, and he is the best one.
27 (59)- Denver Broncos: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
28 (60)- Dallas Cowboys: Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
29 (61)- Indianapolis Colts: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
30 (62)- Green Bay Packers: Clive Walford, TE, Miami
31 (63)- Seattle Seahawks: AJ Cann, OG, South Carolina
First pick for a great team is spent on a guy to protect Russell Wilson, and to help Marshawn Lynch run.
32 (64)- New England Patriots: Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson
We've only just begun, friend.
Round 2!
1 (33)- Tennessee Titans: TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
2 (34)- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tre' Jackson, OG, Florida State
Who better to protect the new #1 QB than a guy who protected him in college?
3 (35)- Oakland Raiders: Byron Jones, CB, UConn
Athletic freak who basically set a new standing broad jump world record at the combine. Sounds like a Raider to me.
4 (36)- Jacksonville Jaguars: Laken Tomlinson, OG/C, Duke
5 (37)- New York Jets: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
Chris Ivory, Steven Ridley and Bilal Powell are not the answers.
6 (38)- Washington Redskins: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Couldn't find anyone to replace London Fletcher last year. Competition for Perry Riley and Keenan Robinson.
7 (39)- Chicago Bears: Eli Harold, OLB, UVA
8 (40)- New York Giants: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
9 (41)- St. Louis Rams: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
10 (42)- Atlanta Falcons: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
11 (43)- Cleveland Browns: Hau'Oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington
12 (44)- New Orleans Saints: Shaq Thompson, OLB/S/RB, Washington
Never a bad idea to have a guy that does it all on your team.
13 (45)- Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
14 (46)- San Francisco 49ers: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
15 (47)- Miami Dolphins: PJ Williams, CB, Florida State
16 (48)- San Diego Chargers: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
17 (49)- Kansas City Chiefs: Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
18 (50)- Buffalo Bills: Mike Bennett, DE/DT, Ohio State
First pick for Rex Ryan in Buffalo will be D line, cause that is what he does.
19 (51)- Houston Texans: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
The next great Miami WR in Texas now that Andre Johnson is gone?
20 (52)- Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
21 (53)- Cincinnati Bengals: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
22 (54)- Detroit Lions: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
23 (55)- Arizona Cardinals: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
THIS PICK NEEDS TO HAPPEN! The backups on Arizona are no good. Hundley grew up outside of Phoenix and said his dream is the play for the Cardinals. He is super talented and can wait behind Palmer for a year. It is a no brainer. I would trade up to get him if I was Arizona.
24 (56)- Pittsburgh Steelers: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
25 (57)- Carolina Panthers: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
26 (58)- Baltimore Ravens: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
Rejoice Baltimore. You get your tight end, and he is the best one.
27 (59)- Denver Broncos: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
28 (60)- Dallas Cowboys: Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
29 (61)- Indianapolis Colts: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
30 (62)- Green Bay Packers: Clive Walford, TE, Miami
31 (63)- Seattle Seahawks: AJ Cann, OG, South Carolina
First pick for a great team is spent on a guy to protect Russell Wilson, and to help Marshawn Lynch run.
32 (64)- New England Patriots: Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson
We've only just begun, friend.
JFLANland's 2015 NFL Mock Draft- Round 1
Here we are again, my friends. It is my favorite three days of the year for my sports nerd side. That's right- NFL Draft week is upon us. Once again, I have provided you with my own opinions on who each team should take when, and I will probably be very wrong rather often. But I love doing it, and page views say that you love reading it, so I won't stop. As always, I do not project trades. However, if there happens to be a massive trade that goes down before Thursday, I will attempt to go back and edit accordingly. You will see there is a certain big-name player who falls quite a way in this first round. That isn't because I actually think he will fall, but it is because I can't project the team that takes him trading up, which I think they should, but they won't. Got it? Good! Here we go. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock.... And the pick is in! With the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers SHOULD take:
1- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Massive character issues, but he is also the best QB available, and that is what Tampa needs. If they could find a way to trade for a better one, they would. If they felt like taking RG3 off the Skins' hands, I wouldn't be upset. But if Winston behaves off the field, he will be pretty good at worst, and is an instant ticket draw in the state of Florida.
2- Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Not a QB here. Also, no projecting trades! So, the Titans go forward with Zach Mettenberger as their starter (for now) and get possibly the best player in the draft. Some NFL executives have favorably compared him the Reggie White. That is extremely high praise. He plugs in on your line and can stay there for years. Its a no-brainer pick for a team that needs help on the line and pass rush for a team that was 27th in total defense last year.
3- Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Another local pick for a team that needs to sell tickets, and they get a solid pass rusher as well. Fowler is athletic and has great size. My only problem with him is that, while he has the talent, it wasn't always on display in college. This last season, he only had 5.5 sacks in the regular season, and he is supposed to be the #1 pass rusher. He isn't my favorite, but it seems like he doesn't get by Jacksonville if Williams is gone.
4- Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The real question in the top 5 isn't "Where do the QBs go?" Instead it is "Which WR will the Raiders take?" Lots of people love Kevin White. Hell, I love Kevin White. But Amari Cooper is a name who proved himself on the highest level week after week with a constant magnifying glass on him. Derek Carr needs a true game-breaking weapon, and that is what Cooper is.
5- Washington Redskins: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Brian Orakpo's tenure in DC is done, and Trent Murphy isn't the answer on the other side from Ryan Kerrigan. The Skins also announced that they are (foolishly) picking up RG3's 2016 option, so Mr. Mariota isn't going here. Instead, the Skins get Beasley, a speed rusher coming off a great year who showed up at the Combine with 20 pounds of added muscle and still ran a 4.5, and did 35 reps of 225 lbs, tops among linebackers. All of that, and he shows up on tape. ACC Defensive player of the year, played 4 years, started 25 games, had 52.5 sacks over that time, including 12 last year. He is probably the best pure pass rusher, and that is what the Skins need.
6- New York Jets: Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Massive character issues again. I don't fault him for smoking weed. I fault him for smoking weed before the biggest job interview of his life when he knows he is going to be tested. That either just shows poor judgement and a bit of stupidity, or that he has an addiction that needs to be dealt with. Nevertheless, he has a great amount of talent, and the Jets could use him. Also, the Jets are a circus, so this would fit in perfectly. Is it a smart pick? Nope. Is it one that the Jets would make? You bet.
7- Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Bears got rid of Brandon Marshall. I am still not sure why they got rid of Brandon Marshall, but he is gone. So, Alshon Jeffery needs a running mate, or else he will be getting doubled all game and Cutler will throw twice the interceptions then he would otherwise. Kevin White is just as good as Amari Cooper, just without the name. He is a human highlight reel. As long as Cutler doesn't overthrow him, he should be a great fit.
8- Atlanta Falcons: Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Were it not for Shane Ray's troubles, he would be the pick here. Instead, Dupree rises into the Top 10. He is a solid pass rusher who will give you sacks and hurries. That is exactly what the Falcons need, because their OLBs all got hurt last year, and Dupree could be an improvement over Tyson Jackson at the DE position. Plus, Dupree is fast and long enough to fit in as an ideal rusher in Dan Quinn's system.
9- New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
Before the season, Brandon Scherff was a top 3 lock because he was the best OL available. Nothing has changed with him, but the rest of the Top 10 seems like it isn't prioritizing the offensive line as much as defense. Instead, the Giants get a bit of a steal with Scherff. He may not be the answer at left tackle, but he and Justin Pugh are solid young pieces that can protect Eli Manning the rest of his career.
10- St. Louis Rams: Erick Flowers, OT/G, Miami
This is a difficult pick. The Rams could use a WR. The Rams could use some more secondary. The Rams could use another QB unless they really like Nick Foles. Yet I think their biggest need is offensive line. Flowers is a bit raw, and he can start at guard while Greg Robinson kicks out to tackle so he gains NFL experience. They need to protect the QB and run the ball, and that is what Flowers can do.
11- Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
How do you help out a good young QB? You get him a great weapon. We saw that with Derek Carr earlier. How do you really really help a good young QB? You get him his favorite target from college, who also happens to be an insane play-making WR. Teddy Bridgewater knows exactly how to play with Parker because he threw to him for years at Louisville. Is secondary a bigger need? Yeah. But you cannot pass up a chance to make your QB happy and comfortable.
12- Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
The Browns are not a good team. They need everything. So why not start with a massive run-stopper in the middle of your D-line? Shelton is a big body with athleticism, even though his 40-time was on par with mine. He has the talent, and fits one of the biggest holes on a team full of holes.
13- New Orleans Saints: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
You can never have too many pass rushers. If one of them happens to be a 6'7 athletic freak, then all the better. The Saints will pick him and use him as the heir to Cameron Jordan, who is entering the last year of his contract. They only have 3 DEs under contract, so it is a big need.
14- Miami Dolphins: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
The Dolphins still don't have that #1 WR. Instead, they have a bunch of 2s and 3s. Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline are gone. Perriman comes in and can start on the outside instantly. It seems like an easy pick, unless you think Perriman's hands are questionable.
15- San Francisco 49ers: Trae Waynes. CB, Michigan State
The ship is quickly sinking in SF, and everyone is jumping off. Half of their linebacking corp retired, but there isn't a DE or ILB worthy of the #15 pick. I am sure they would love to trade back to get more picks for all of their holes, but they instead stick here and take the #1 CB. The 49ers starters are Tremaine Brock and Shareece Wright, so they could use an upgrade big time. They can worry about the rest of their defense in later rounds when the value is there.
16- Houston Texans: Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri
Some people have Shane Ray falling really far in this draft, and for good reason. He is a solid pass rusher who will give you sacks and hurries. However, he is also out for 5 months, and was arrested early Monday for possession of marijuana and reckless driving. I think he is worth the risk at 16 though. Is it too early to call Jadeveon Clowney a bust? Probably. But he didn't exactly help them last year. It was through the grace of JJ Watt alone that the team stayed relevant til the end of the season. Ray is not only Clowney insurance, but he is also a talented pass rusher that can take some pressure off of Watt.
17- San Diego Chargers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Once again, I DO NOT PROJECT TRADES! So, that certain Oregon QB is not going here because the Chargers still have Phillip Rivers. Andrus Peat, aside from having the strongest lower body I have ever seen, is a natural tackle even if he is raw right now. He has massive upside to go along with his size, and he should be able to move to LT at some point.
18- Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Erving, OC, Florida State
I know what you are thinking: JFLAN, why the hell would a team take a center in Round 1? Well, first of all, it is a need for the Chiefs. Second, Cameron Erving was an All-ACC tackle and an All-ACC center. He is the most versatile lineman in the draft, and the Chiefs need a lot of help along their entire line. Plug him in anywhere, and he will help a team that could be a real contender next year if they all stay healthy.
19- Cleveland Browns: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
The Browns again. They have holes. There is a QB right there... But the Browns aren't going to take him. They signed Josh McCown, who is a serviceable starter, and getting him real weapons to throw to would help. Dwayne Bowe is pretty good, and Hartline is a solid slot WR. Add Strong and the WR corp becomes a strength (oy, puns).
20- Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
You had to know, with him falling so far, that this is what I was going for right? It makes so much sense that it will never happen, but it really should. Mariota could go to the system that he knows better than anyone, and would be able to make that offense work for the entire season, not just weeks 1-8. If Chip Kelly were as smart as he is egotistical, he would make this happen. Again, I don't project trades which is why Mariota fell to 20, but I think he should end up in Philly.
21- Cincinnati Bengals: La'el Collins, OT/G, LSU
Both of the Bengals starting tackles, Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, will be free agents after this season. The team probably can't afford to keep both. They need to start grooming a replacement now, and Collins is the best tackle available. He might have a major off the field issue, since he is being questioned in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend. Police have said he is not a suspect, but he still may slide past this pick. TJ Clemmings is another option.
22- Pittsburgh Steelers: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
So the Steelers' star safety, Troy Polomalu, retires. Then the top safety in the draft just happens to drop to them. This seems to happen more often that it does, but Collins fits the immediate need and is super talented. I don't know why he is falling this far. Before FA additions, I wanted Collins to go to the Skins at 5. I think he is a steal at 22.
23- Detroit Lions: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Suh is gone. Fairly is gone. Ngata is in but is old. Malcom Brown needs to be the pick because he is the best DT available. Eddie Goldman from FSU is a bigger body to stop the run, but Brown has more talent, athletic ability, and burst off the line. He isn't Ndamukong Suh, but he isn't a bad replacement.
24- Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Cardinals are a team that, when healthy, doesn't have a ton of issues. They could use an every down back to pair with Andre Ellington as a pass catcher. Gordon is tough, runs physical, but has enough shake to juke defenders. Draft Tease- if I could project a trade, I would have Arizona trading back into the 1st or up into the 2nd for another player on offense. You will see who.
25- Carolina Panthers: DJ Humphries, OT, Florida
Carolina needs to help its running game. It needs to keep Cam Newton upright. Adding a tackle (who may get moved to guard to start) is what needs to be done. Humphries is the the best available tackle.
26- Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
The Ravens secondary is made up of constantly injured guys and nickle corners. They need a lot of help now. Ledarius Webb is turning 30, and Jimmy Smith is solid when healthy but gets hurt. Johnson adds depth, youth, and a healthy body to the secondary.
27- Dallas Cowboys: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Cowboys were carved apart by the Packers in the playoffs. Hell, their secondary was carved up by Colt McCoy this past year. I think that Peters would be a higher pick if he didn't have issues with his coaches and teammates at Washington. Instead, he falls to the Cowboys, who get a playmaking CB with good cover skills. Every team needs some of those.
28- Denver Broncos: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
Gary Kubiak loves zone blocking schemes. He is a product of the Shanahan coaching tree after all. Zone schemes need athletic lineman, and Jake Fisher is the most athletic one. He is a former tight end, and has played in the zone scheme at Oregon. He can come in and compete for a starting spot right away at tackle or guard, and can help protect Manning and aid the run game.
29- Indianapolis Colts: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
I think that a running back coming off of two bad knee injuries shouldn't be in the first round. However, Gurley is so good when he is healthy, and he can doesn't have to be healthy immediately since the Colts signed Frank Gore. Let Gurley get healthy, then he can come in and take over for Gore late in the year. The Colts need all the help they can get at RB.
30- Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
The Packers need help in the middle of their front seven. Clay Matthews moved over from OLB to MLB just because they needed it. While he was fantastic there, he is still a better pass rusher. McKinney is a first team All-SEC LB, and fills the biggest need of a team that will again challenge for the NFC title.
31- New Orleans Saints: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan
Hmm. A super-talented WR/TE, who has playmaking ability and massive ups, playing with Drew Brees. That sounds a bit familiar. Jimmy Graham is gone, but Funchess could help fill that massive void. Add him to a corp with Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks, and Nick Toon, and you have a pretty good 4-WR set.
32- New England Patriots: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The Pats won the Super Bowl, then lost Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler is there, but may not even start. Jalen Collins adds talent, but is very raw. Bill Belichick should be able to mold him into a playmaker though.
There's Round 1. Round 2 is on the way!
1- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Massive character issues, but he is also the best QB available, and that is what Tampa needs. If they could find a way to trade for a better one, they would. If they felt like taking RG3 off the Skins' hands, I wouldn't be upset. But if Winston behaves off the field, he will be pretty good at worst, and is an instant ticket draw in the state of Florida.
2- Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Not a QB here. Also, no projecting trades! So, the Titans go forward with Zach Mettenberger as their starter (for now) and get possibly the best player in the draft. Some NFL executives have favorably compared him the Reggie White. That is extremely high praise. He plugs in on your line and can stay there for years. Its a no-brainer pick for a team that needs help on the line and pass rush for a team that was 27th in total defense last year.
3- Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Another local pick for a team that needs to sell tickets, and they get a solid pass rusher as well. Fowler is athletic and has great size. My only problem with him is that, while he has the talent, it wasn't always on display in college. This last season, he only had 5.5 sacks in the regular season, and he is supposed to be the #1 pass rusher. He isn't my favorite, but it seems like he doesn't get by Jacksonville if Williams is gone.
4- Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The real question in the top 5 isn't "Where do the QBs go?" Instead it is "Which WR will the Raiders take?" Lots of people love Kevin White. Hell, I love Kevin White. But Amari Cooper is a name who proved himself on the highest level week after week with a constant magnifying glass on him. Derek Carr needs a true game-breaking weapon, and that is what Cooper is.
5- Washington Redskins: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Brian Orakpo's tenure in DC is done, and Trent Murphy isn't the answer on the other side from Ryan Kerrigan. The Skins also announced that they are (foolishly) picking up RG3's 2016 option, so Mr. Mariota isn't going here. Instead, the Skins get Beasley, a speed rusher coming off a great year who showed up at the Combine with 20 pounds of added muscle and still ran a 4.5, and did 35 reps of 225 lbs, tops among linebackers. All of that, and he shows up on tape. ACC Defensive player of the year, played 4 years, started 25 games, had 52.5 sacks over that time, including 12 last year. He is probably the best pure pass rusher, and that is what the Skins need.
6- New York Jets: Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Massive character issues again. I don't fault him for smoking weed. I fault him for smoking weed before the biggest job interview of his life when he knows he is going to be tested. That either just shows poor judgement and a bit of stupidity, or that he has an addiction that needs to be dealt with. Nevertheless, he has a great amount of talent, and the Jets could use him. Also, the Jets are a circus, so this would fit in perfectly. Is it a smart pick? Nope. Is it one that the Jets would make? You bet.
7- Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Bears got rid of Brandon Marshall. I am still not sure why they got rid of Brandon Marshall, but he is gone. So, Alshon Jeffery needs a running mate, or else he will be getting doubled all game and Cutler will throw twice the interceptions then he would otherwise. Kevin White is just as good as Amari Cooper, just without the name. He is a human highlight reel. As long as Cutler doesn't overthrow him, he should be a great fit.
8- Atlanta Falcons: Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Were it not for Shane Ray's troubles, he would be the pick here. Instead, Dupree rises into the Top 10. He is a solid pass rusher who will give you sacks and hurries. That is exactly what the Falcons need, because their OLBs all got hurt last year, and Dupree could be an improvement over Tyson Jackson at the DE position. Plus, Dupree is fast and long enough to fit in as an ideal rusher in Dan Quinn's system.
9- New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
Before the season, Brandon Scherff was a top 3 lock because he was the best OL available. Nothing has changed with him, but the rest of the Top 10 seems like it isn't prioritizing the offensive line as much as defense. Instead, the Giants get a bit of a steal with Scherff. He may not be the answer at left tackle, but he and Justin Pugh are solid young pieces that can protect Eli Manning the rest of his career.
10- St. Louis Rams: Erick Flowers, OT/G, Miami
This is a difficult pick. The Rams could use a WR. The Rams could use some more secondary. The Rams could use another QB unless they really like Nick Foles. Yet I think their biggest need is offensive line. Flowers is a bit raw, and he can start at guard while Greg Robinson kicks out to tackle so he gains NFL experience. They need to protect the QB and run the ball, and that is what Flowers can do.
11- Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
How do you help out a good young QB? You get him a great weapon. We saw that with Derek Carr earlier. How do you really really help a good young QB? You get him his favorite target from college, who also happens to be an insane play-making WR. Teddy Bridgewater knows exactly how to play with Parker because he threw to him for years at Louisville. Is secondary a bigger need? Yeah. But you cannot pass up a chance to make your QB happy and comfortable.
12- Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
The Browns are not a good team. They need everything. So why not start with a massive run-stopper in the middle of your D-line? Shelton is a big body with athleticism, even though his 40-time was on par with mine. He has the talent, and fits one of the biggest holes on a team full of holes.
13- New Orleans Saints: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
You can never have too many pass rushers. If one of them happens to be a 6'7 athletic freak, then all the better. The Saints will pick him and use him as the heir to Cameron Jordan, who is entering the last year of his contract. They only have 3 DEs under contract, so it is a big need.
14- Miami Dolphins: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
The Dolphins still don't have that #1 WR. Instead, they have a bunch of 2s and 3s. Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline are gone. Perriman comes in and can start on the outside instantly. It seems like an easy pick, unless you think Perriman's hands are questionable.
15- San Francisco 49ers: Trae Waynes. CB, Michigan State
The ship is quickly sinking in SF, and everyone is jumping off. Half of their linebacking corp retired, but there isn't a DE or ILB worthy of the #15 pick. I am sure they would love to trade back to get more picks for all of their holes, but they instead stick here and take the #1 CB. The 49ers starters are Tremaine Brock and Shareece Wright, so they could use an upgrade big time. They can worry about the rest of their defense in later rounds when the value is there.
16- Houston Texans: Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri
Some people have Shane Ray falling really far in this draft, and for good reason. He is a solid pass rusher who will give you sacks and hurries. However, he is also out for 5 months, and was arrested early Monday for possession of marijuana and reckless driving. I think he is worth the risk at 16 though. Is it too early to call Jadeveon Clowney a bust? Probably. But he didn't exactly help them last year. It was through the grace of JJ Watt alone that the team stayed relevant til the end of the season. Ray is not only Clowney insurance, but he is also a talented pass rusher that can take some pressure off of Watt.
17- San Diego Chargers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Once again, I DO NOT PROJECT TRADES! So, that certain Oregon QB is not going here because the Chargers still have Phillip Rivers. Andrus Peat, aside from having the strongest lower body I have ever seen, is a natural tackle even if he is raw right now. He has massive upside to go along with his size, and he should be able to move to LT at some point.
18- Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Erving, OC, Florida State
I know what you are thinking: JFLAN, why the hell would a team take a center in Round 1? Well, first of all, it is a need for the Chiefs. Second, Cameron Erving was an All-ACC tackle and an All-ACC center. He is the most versatile lineman in the draft, and the Chiefs need a lot of help along their entire line. Plug him in anywhere, and he will help a team that could be a real contender next year if they all stay healthy.
19- Cleveland Browns: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
The Browns again. They have holes. There is a QB right there... But the Browns aren't going to take him. They signed Josh McCown, who is a serviceable starter, and getting him real weapons to throw to would help. Dwayne Bowe is pretty good, and Hartline is a solid slot WR. Add Strong and the WR corp becomes a strength (oy, puns).
20- Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
You had to know, with him falling so far, that this is what I was going for right? It makes so much sense that it will never happen, but it really should. Mariota could go to the system that he knows better than anyone, and would be able to make that offense work for the entire season, not just weeks 1-8. If Chip Kelly were as smart as he is egotistical, he would make this happen. Again, I don't project trades which is why Mariota fell to 20, but I think he should end up in Philly.
21- Cincinnati Bengals: La'el Collins, OT/G, LSU
Both of the Bengals starting tackles, Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, will be free agents after this season. The team probably can't afford to keep both. They need to start grooming a replacement now, and Collins is the best tackle available. He might have a major off the field issue, since he is being questioned in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend. Police have said he is not a suspect, but he still may slide past this pick. TJ Clemmings is another option.
22- Pittsburgh Steelers: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
So the Steelers' star safety, Troy Polomalu, retires. Then the top safety in the draft just happens to drop to them. This seems to happen more often that it does, but Collins fits the immediate need and is super talented. I don't know why he is falling this far. Before FA additions, I wanted Collins to go to the Skins at 5. I think he is a steal at 22.
23- Detroit Lions: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Suh is gone. Fairly is gone. Ngata is in but is old. Malcom Brown needs to be the pick because he is the best DT available. Eddie Goldman from FSU is a bigger body to stop the run, but Brown has more talent, athletic ability, and burst off the line. He isn't Ndamukong Suh, but he isn't a bad replacement.
24- Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Cardinals are a team that, when healthy, doesn't have a ton of issues. They could use an every down back to pair with Andre Ellington as a pass catcher. Gordon is tough, runs physical, but has enough shake to juke defenders. Draft Tease- if I could project a trade, I would have Arizona trading back into the 1st or up into the 2nd for another player on offense. You will see who.
25- Carolina Panthers: DJ Humphries, OT, Florida
Carolina needs to help its running game. It needs to keep Cam Newton upright. Adding a tackle (who may get moved to guard to start) is what needs to be done. Humphries is the the best available tackle.
26- Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
The Ravens secondary is made up of constantly injured guys and nickle corners. They need a lot of help now. Ledarius Webb is turning 30, and Jimmy Smith is solid when healthy but gets hurt. Johnson adds depth, youth, and a healthy body to the secondary.
27- Dallas Cowboys: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Cowboys were carved apart by the Packers in the playoffs. Hell, their secondary was carved up by Colt McCoy this past year. I think that Peters would be a higher pick if he didn't have issues with his coaches and teammates at Washington. Instead, he falls to the Cowboys, who get a playmaking CB with good cover skills. Every team needs some of those.
28- Denver Broncos: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
Gary Kubiak loves zone blocking schemes. He is a product of the Shanahan coaching tree after all. Zone schemes need athletic lineman, and Jake Fisher is the most athletic one. He is a former tight end, and has played in the zone scheme at Oregon. He can come in and compete for a starting spot right away at tackle or guard, and can help protect Manning and aid the run game.
29- Indianapolis Colts: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
I think that a running back coming off of two bad knee injuries shouldn't be in the first round. However, Gurley is so good when he is healthy, and he can doesn't have to be healthy immediately since the Colts signed Frank Gore. Let Gurley get healthy, then he can come in and take over for Gore late in the year. The Colts need all the help they can get at RB.
30- Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
The Packers need help in the middle of their front seven. Clay Matthews moved over from OLB to MLB just because they needed it. While he was fantastic there, he is still a better pass rusher. McKinney is a first team All-SEC LB, and fills the biggest need of a team that will again challenge for the NFC title.
31- New Orleans Saints: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan
Hmm. A super-talented WR/TE, who has playmaking ability and massive ups, playing with Drew Brees. That sounds a bit familiar. Jimmy Graham is gone, but Funchess could help fill that massive void. Add him to a corp with Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks, and Nick Toon, and you have a pretty good 4-WR set.
32- New England Patriots: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The Pats won the Super Bowl, then lost Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler is there, but may not even start. Jalen Collins adds talent, but is very raw. Bill Belichick should be able to mold him into a playmaker though.
There's Round 1. Round 2 is on the way!
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Random Happenings
So its been over a month since I've written anything. Apologies. I was so overcome with emotion at my bracket being busted that I had to take a break... Ok, that's not true. I didn't even watch the NCAA Finals cause I just wasn't very interested in the teams. The good news is that a whole bunch of stuff has happened in the past month, and its a great time to be a sports fan! Here are just a few of my musings on whats been going on.
- It has been a while since I saw someone dominate a golf course as much as Jordan Spieth did at the Masters. It was pretty incredible. And to do it while many other golfers were having amazing tournaments as well is very impressive. My only question- How does he pronounce his last name. I swear I have heard both Speeth and Spayth. Someone help me out here.
- The playoffs have begun! The NBA and NHL playoffs take almost two months to finish, but they are a ton of fun. It is weird having both my Wizards and Capitals in at the same time. I'm just not that used to both teams being decent. I hope they do well. However, it looks like the Cavaliers/Warriors may already be locks for the NBA Finals with how they are playing. On the ice, it is hard to pick against the Blackhawks, though it is easy to root against them.
- The NFL Draft is a week away! I am 4 rounds deep into writing my mock, so I will have that posted before the Buccaneers make their selection. I don't see any scenario in which they don't take Jameis Winston unless his character concerns (which I know would give me pause) are bad enough that a team desperate for solid QB play wouldn't take him.
- The rumored Chargers/Titans/Eagles trade would be amazing. I don't think it will happen, mainly because it makes a lot of sense for everyone. Tennessee needs a QB right now, and Rivers sounds like he is unhappy in San Diego. The Chargers have probably decided its time for them to move on, and getting an extra first round pick out of the deal wouldn't be a terrible trade for a 33-year old QB. The Eagles would get the QB that has run Chip Kelly's offense better than anyone else. But there is the problem- Chip Kelly. The man is crazy, even if he turns out to be a crazy genius. He thinks that a QB rotation of Sam "Ouch my knee!" Bradford, Mark "Butt-fumble" Sanchez, and Tim "Tim Tebow" Tebow would actually make guide a team to a Super Bowl? He either has the world's biggest ego, or he is delusional... Or both.
- The fact that Tim Tebow gets yet another chance in the NFL and Michael Sam hasn't played in a single game annoys me to no end. I do not want to rant about the fairly obvious reasons, but I'll just say the anyone who thinks the reason is because Sam runs a 4.9 40-yard dash is extremely gullible. Every team in football needs help on the pass rush. 5 pass rushers could go in the top 15 of this year's draft (Gregory, Ray, Beasley, Fowler, Dupree), and yet no one could have use Michael Sam at the end of last year? Come on.
- Baseball is back, which makes me happy. It is apparently too early to read into a lot of things (he says after being pulled off a ledge due to the Nats sub-par start), but it is great to have the season underway. Many of my nights will be spent at the ballpark over the next 6 months.
- The Mets have gotten out to a great start. Could this be the year where they are relevant again? They have a bunch of players on the DL, lost Wheeler for the year, yet have won 10 in a row. Conversely, the Brewers look extremely bad, and Johnathan Lucroy is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured big toe. Ouch.
- The Kentucky Derby is next Saturday as well (it is a loaded sports day). I may do a bigger preview next week if I have time, but my pick has to be American Pharoah. And yes, the name is intentionally spelled wrong. Just watching him in the Arkansas Derby was enough to show me this could be a special horse. The problem, of course, is that the Derby is a packed field and a bad ride could dismantle a horse's chance at history. But just watching this race, and how easily he pulls away from a very good field, without being whipped at all, is stunning.
Alrighty folks. Nice to talk to you all again. Keep an eye out for the 2015 Mock Draft coming within the next week. I may try to go all 7 rounds this year. Til then, enjoy this great time for sports.
- It has been a while since I saw someone dominate a golf course as much as Jordan Spieth did at the Masters. It was pretty incredible. And to do it while many other golfers were having amazing tournaments as well is very impressive. My only question- How does he pronounce his last name. I swear I have heard both Speeth and Spayth. Someone help me out here.
- The playoffs have begun! The NBA and NHL playoffs take almost two months to finish, but they are a ton of fun. It is weird having both my Wizards and Capitals in at the same time. I'm just not that used to both teams being decent. I hope they do well. However, it looks like the Cavaliers/Warriors may already be locks for the NBA Finals with how they are playing. On the ice, it is hard to pick against the Blackhawks, though it is easy to root against them.
- The NFL Draft is a week away! I am 4 rounds deep into writing my mock, so I will have that posted before the Buccaneers make their selection. I don't see any scenario in which they don't take Jameis Winston unless his character concerns (which I know would give me pause) are bad enough that a team desperate for solid QB play wouldn't take him.
- The rumored Chargers/Titans/Eagles trade would be amazing. I don't think it will happen, mainly because it makes a lot of sense for everyone. Tennessee needs a QB right now, and Rivers sounds like he is unhappy in San Diego. The Chargers have probably decided its time for them to move on, and getting an extra first round pick out of the deal wouldn't be a terrible trade for a 33-year old QB. The Eagles would get the QB that has run Chip Kelly's offense better than anyone else. But there is the problem- Chip Kelly. The man is crazy, even if he turns out to be a crazy genius. He thinks that a QB rotation of Sam "Ouch my knee!" Bradford, Mark "Butt-fumble" Sanchez, and Tim "Tim Tebow" Tebow would actually make guide a team to a Super Bowl? He either has the world's biggest ego, or he is delusional... Or both.
- The fact that Tim Tebow gets yet another chance in the NFL and Michael Sam hasn't played in a single game annoys me to no end. I do not want to rant about the fairly obvious reasons, but I'll just say the anyone who thinks the reason is because Sam runs a 4.9 40-yard dash is extremely gullible. Every team in football needs help on the pass rush. 5 pass rushers could go in the top 15 of this year's draft (Gregory, Ray, Beasley, Fowler, Dupree), and yet no one could have use Michael Sam at the end of last year? Come on.
- Baseball is back, which makes me happy. It is apparently too early to read into a lot of things (he says after being pulled off a ledge due to the Nats sub-par start), but it is great to have the season underway. Many of my nights will be spent at the ballpark over the next 6 months.
- The Mets have gotten out to a great start. Could this be the year where they are relevant again? They have a bunch of players on the DL, lost Wheeler for the year, yet have won 10 in a row. Conversely, the Brewers look extremely bad, and Johnathan Lucroy is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured big toe. Ouch.
- The Kentucky Derby is next Saturday as well (it is a loaded sports day). I may do a bigger preview next week if I have time, but my pick has to be American Pharoah. And yes, the name is intentionally spelled wrong. Just watching him in the Arkansas Derby was enough to show me this could be a special horse. The problem, of course, is that the Derby is a packed field and a bad ride could dismantle a horse's chance at history. But just watching this race, and how easily he pulls away from a very good field, without being whipped at all, is stunning.
Alrighty folks. Nice to talk to you all again. Keep an eye out for the 2015 Mock Draft coming within the next week. I may try to go all 7 rounds this year. Til then, enjoy this great time for sports.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)