Winston didn't have an absolutely wonderful combine, but Tampa Bay shouldn't take that too much into consideration. Winston measures in at 6'4" and has NFL-caliber anticipation and a rocket of an arm but he will have to learn to be more dependable and smarter at the next level. Lovie Smith will be able to instill more discipline in the young quarterback, and playing in the smaller market of Tampa would take a lot pressure off of him.
Previous Selection: Jameis Winston, QB
Other Possibility: Marcus Mariota, QB
2. Tennessee Titans Leonard Williams, DL
Leonard Williams |
Other Possibility: Randy Gregory, DE
3. Jacksonville Jaguars Randy Gregory, DE
The versatility of former Nebraska pass rusher Gregory has been on full display with the Huskers, along with amazing athleticism, which was clear during the Combine. While the Jags are rumored to be bringing back linemen Tyson Alualu in the future, they still surely need at least another pass rusher, as Andrew Luck will be in their division for years to come.Previous Selection: Randy Gregory, DE
Other Possibility: Shane Ray, DE/LB
4. Oakland Raiders Kevin White, WR
Size has never been an issue for White, who only impressed more measuring in at 6'3", 215 pounds. But, the thing that pushed him over the top was a blazing 4.35 40, showcasing an amazingly quick first step and incredible speed to go along with his size and great hands. While taking too much from one single event (The Combine) is risky, White's performance there was enough to jump Amari Cooper at the No. 1 receiver spot in my mind.
Previous Selection: Amari Cooper, WR
Other Possibility: Amari Cooper, WR
5. Washington Redskins Dante Fowler, DE/LB
Brandon Scherff (my previous selection here) nor any other top offensive linemen was terrible at the combine so far, so why the sudden change to the other side of the ball? Reevaluation of the situation. Sure, the Redskins desperately need some offensive line help but Scherff and nearly other O-Linemen would be a stretch, and Washington will lose impact pass rusher Brian Orakpo this offseason, most likely. Filling him in with Fowler, a freak of an athlete, could be a solid solution for the Redskins here.
Previous Selection: Brandon Scherff, OT
Other Possibility: Brandon Scherff, OT
6. New York Jets Marcus Mariota, QB
The common knocks against Mariota was size and system. He was too small to be an effective quarterback in the brutal NFL, and his Oregon style offensive scheme fit would only work in Philadelphia all the way down at No. 20. Mariota answered at least one of those concerns at the Scouting Combine, measuring in at 6'4", 220-plus pounds, and recording a blazing 4.52 40. Those numbers should only further convince New York they should make a move on the reigning Heisman trophy winner.
Previous Selection: Marcus Mariota, QB
Other Possibility: Amari Cooper, WR
7. Chicago Bears Danny Shelton, DT
As stated in my previous mocks, Danny Shelton would almost certainly rise from his spot at No. 16 to Houston, and here we are at seven. The Bears need help in nearly every area of their defense, especially against the run and Shelton, a beast of a tackle who moves pretty well and has drawn comparisons to Baltimore's Haloti Ngata, would be a major help.
Previous Selection: Shane Ray, DE/LB
Other Possibility: Landon Collins, S
8. Atlanta Falcons Shane Ray, DE/LB
Former Seattle Seahawk defensive coordinator Dan Quinn arrives in Atlanta trying to fix a defense that was a major problem all of 2014. A quick fix would be a franchise pass rusher and Shane Ray could easily develop into one. The edge rusher has an incredibly quick first step and his superb versatility could greatly help the Falcons' defense.
Previous Selection: Dante Fowler, DE
Other Possibility: Vic Beasley, DE/LB
9. New York Giants Brandon Scherff, OT
Eli Manning just hasn't been very good lately and while a healthy Victor Cruz combined with Odell Beckham would be a major help, so would a strengthened offensive line. The gritty Scherff could play all along the unit and fit in nicely with rising prospect Justin Pugh and would reinvigorate a down unit.
Previous Selection: La'El Collins, OT
Other Possibility: Amari Cooper, WR
10. St. Louis Rams Andrus Peat, OT
Unless by some crazy circumstance Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota falls into their lap at 10, St. Louis should continue to work on their questionable line. The offense as a whole has been extremely bland under Jeff Fischer and rebuilding the O-Line could give the unit a strength it hasn't had in a while. Peat remains a safe pick here, and offers considerable upside for a pretty low risk situation.
Previous Selection: Andrus Peat, OT
Other Possibility: La'El Collins, OT
11. Minnesota Vikings Amari Cooper, WR
Suddenly, the Vikings are faced with a tough quandary, going in with the more polished pass catcher in Cooper, or the high-risk, high-reward guy in DeVante Parker. It's a good problem to have for an offense that desperately needs some more help in the passing game. If he does drop past Oakland and both New York teams, Cooper would a be a steal here. The Alabama product has incredible speed and is much more of a polished route runner than either Parker or White, who took his spot in Oakland.
Previous Selection: DeVante Parker, WR
Other Possibility: DeVante Parker, WR
12. Cleveland Browns DeVante Parker, WR
The Browns' offense is a complete mess (so is their whole organization). Johnny Manziel took over for the struggling Brian Hoyer, but is now in rehab. No running back has emerged and Josh Gordon's future with Cleveland is in serious, serious jeopardy. The unit desperately needs direction, and drafting Parker would be a nice start. The strong, big target could be the versatile pass catcher that the Browns have been waiting for and doesn't have the off-the-field problems of Gordon.
Previous Selection: Kevin White, WR
Other Possibility: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
13. New Orleans Saints Bud Dupree, DE
It seems nearly inevitable the Saints go with a pass rusher here. While Cameron Jordan has emerged as a solid pass rusher, New Orleans still constantly struggles to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and that is a clear problem for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Dupree would offer a young end with a ton of potential who will only grow in Rob Ryan's defensive scheme.
Previous Selection: Vic Beasley, DE/LB
Other Possibility: Vic Beasley, DE/LB
14. Miami Dolphins Marcus Peters, CB
A quick look at Miami's secondary offers little long term potential. Brent Grimes is among the most underrated cornerbacks in the league but Cortland Finnegan has been a disappointment with the 'Fins and Will Davis never developed. Peters continues to impress scouts and even with concerns off-the-field, his freakish athleticism and superb ball skills make him worth the risk.
Previous Selection: Shaq Thompson, LB
Other Possibility: Trae Waynes, CB
15. San Francisco 49ers Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
It now appears nearly certain Michael Crabtree's time in a Niner jersey have ended and it is also clear aging vets Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson offer no long term help. While he is still a worry because of his off-the-field issues coupled with the fact he hasn't played in over a year, "DGB" has the athleticism that will make San Francisco drool, and the deep threat ability to cause defenses headaches, if Colin Kaepernick can take advantage.
Previous Selection: Jaelen Strong, WR
Other Possibility: Arik Armstead, DL/LB
16. Houston Texans Vic Beasley, DE/LB
Reading too much into Combine performance can be very dangerous. Years ago, Vernon Gholston had an outstanding combine before the Jets selected him sixth overall. The former Ohio State Buckeye never developed and has been out of the league for a while. But, there is no denying how impressive Beasley was this past weekend. The Clemson product ran a 4.53 40 and impressed many with his extremely agility on the other drills. Jadeveon Clowney's is a complete unknown for Houston and even if he does comes back, solid pass rusher Brooks Reed is most likely gone this offseason. If he gets stronger, Beasley could be a steal here.
Previous Selection: Danny Shelton, DT
Other Possibility: Trae Waynes, CB
17. San Diego Chargers T.J. Clemmings, OT
With D.J. Fluker sit to slide to guard this offseason, the Chargers will be searching for another tackle to pair with King Dunlap on the O-Line, and Clemmings, whose stock is only going to rise over the next couple months, could be a nice pickup. Clemmings is a massive brick wall who could play right tackle for San Diego and moves very well, he could help improve San Diego's suspect ground attack.
Previous Selection: Melvin Gordon, RB
Other Possibility: Melvin Gordon, RB
18. Kansas City Chiefs Landon Collins, S
It is the extremely unpleasant truth in Kansas City but it is the truth; Eric Berry, a stud safety since Kansas City selected him from Tennessee years ago, could be done in the NFL after receiving a grim Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis this offseason. It may be tough, but the Chiefs will have to move on and selecting the long, rangy Alabama defender, Collins could make the best of the predicament.
Previous Selection: Landon Collins, S
Other Possibility: Jaelen Strong, WR
19. Cleveland Browns Malcolm Brown, DT
Already fixing their severe problem at receiver, Cleveland should continue to improve, this time on the other side of the ball. Cleveland needs more help at defensive tackle, as neither Phil Taylor nor Ahtyba Rubin has consistently helped in run support. Selecting Brown, a steady tackle who has decent athleticism could fix the Browns' rush defense.
Previous Selection: Arik Armstead, DL/LB
Other Possibility: Arik Armstead, DL/LB
20. Philadelphia Eagles Trae Waynes, CB
It would be ideal for Philadelphia if Marcus Peters dropped here, but the former Washington corner might just be too good, though Waynes is not a consolation prize. Already known for being pretty fast and having great size (6'1"), Waynes ran a crazy quick 4.31 40-yard-dash. He will add much needed speed, size and versatility to a very weak Philadelphia secondary that will have to contend with division foes like Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham and DaSean Jackson for years to come.
Previous Selection: Marcus Peters, CB
Other Possibility: Brett Hundley, QB
21. Cincinnati Bengals Shaq Thompson, LB
The Bengals' front seven as a whole was shaky for much of 2014 and now veteran linebacker Rey Maualuga hits the open market. While solid Vontaze Burfict is set to return from injury, Cincy still need reinforcements, which is where Thompson comes in. The versatile athlete will offer a linebacker that can do it all for the Bengals and start right away if needed.
Previous Selection: Bud Dupree, DE
Other Possibility: Eli Harold, DE/LB
22. Pittsburgh Steelers Jalen Collins, CB
Collins, an exceptional athlete from LSU, will only rise up draft boards, following a very impressive showing at the Combine. Collins showed strong speed, posting a 4.48 40, while also displaying ideal size at 6'1" and great footwork. While he is still young, he has the raw talent needed to become a superb corner one day and would give Pittsburgh a nice young prospect to work with in their depleted secondary.
Previous Selection: Trae Waynes, CB
Other Possibility: Ronald Darby, DB
23. Detroit Lions Eddie Goldman, DT
It appears like almost a foregone conclusion that Ndamukong Suh could be on a new team with a month or two, and Nick Fairley is not a sure resign either. The Lions absolutely need a defensive tackle and while Arik Armstead out of Oregon is a freak, Goldman is a more natural tackle who doesn't move as well but appears to be a safer pick to contribute right away.
Previous Selection: Eddie Goldman, DT
Other Possibility: Arik Armstead, DL/LB
24. Arizona Cardinals Eli Harold, DE/LB
If not for all the other great pass rushers in this draft, the multi-talented Harold could be a Top 10-caliber pick. The Virginia Cavalier prospect has NFL size and superb athleticism and will only grow into a more powerful pass rusher. Arizona still needs at least one more pass rusher for their defense to become even more dominant, and Harold would be a nice fit in the desert.
Previous Selection: Eli Harold, DE/LB
Other Possibility: Erik Kendricks, LB
25. Carolina Panthers La'El Collins, OT
If Collins does slip (Peat or him have a high possibility to), Carolina would get an absolute steal here. It is clear the Panthers need another tackle after a disastrous season from Byron Bell, who could leave in free agency. Collins could play either play tackle positions and be an upgrade at the spot, and also provides valuable experience, after being the leader of the LSU Tiger offensive line for the past couple years.
Previous Selection: Ereck Flowers, OT
Other Possibility: Ereck Flowers, OT
26. Baltimore Ravens Todd Gurley, RB
Baltimore needs a lot more offensive firepower and while taking a receiver here is a possibility, the Ravens may be inclined to select Gurley, who could turn into a steal here. Justin Forsett did an admirable job taking over after the Ray Rice debacle but is no long term fix and Gurley, when healthy, is clearly the best back in this draft. If the Ravens are smart with him and don't overwork him, he could be even better than Rice.
Previous Selection: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
Other Possibility: Devin Smith, WR
27. Dallas Cowboys Arik Armstead, DL/LB
While the return from injury of linebacker Sean Lee will certainly improve the Cowboys' rush defense, more help is needed and Dallas would also likely need another pass rusher. Why not fit both needs in one with Armstead? While the former Oregon Duck is not the most polished prospect in the draft, he is a freak, towering at 6'7". He moves extremely well and while he is not superb in run support, he couldn't hurt.
Previous Selection: Malcolm Brown, DT
Other Possibility: Jordan Phillips, DT
28. Denver Broncos Cam Erving, OL
Projected as a first-round pick by many entering the season, Erving slumped miserably early in the season for Florida State before a move to center, where he was superb and stabilized the Seminoles' offensive line. Denver is set to lose starting center Will Montgomery and even if Erving isn't the fix there, he could help anywhere else along an aging O-Line.
Melvin Gordon |
Other Possibility: Maxx Williams, TE
29. Indianapolis Colts Melvin Gordon, RB
Andrew Luck is a great quarterback, but even he will find it tough to succeed if the Colts can't run the ball. Defenses will feast on every opportunity to pressure Luck because they have no respect for Indianapolis' rush attack, and who could blame them? Trent Richardson has been absolutely terrible since arriving in Indy, and Dan Herron is average at best. Gordon provides plenty of explosiveness and firepower to the Colts' dull backfield.
Previous Selection: Paul Dawson, LB
Other Possibility: Tevin Coleman, RB
30. Green Bay Packers Quentin Rollins, CB
Sam Shields has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks, but the Green Bay secondary still could need some help, especially opposite him. Rollins continued to impress at the Combine and had a superb career at Miami (Ohio). Having Shields, Rollins and quickly rising HaHa Clinton-Dix, the Packers' secondary would be set for a long time.
Previous Selection: Benardrick McKinney, LB
Other Possibility: Jordan Phillips, DT
31. Seattle Seahawks Phillip Dorsett, WR
Dorsett had a great Combine and continues to shoot up my boards. While there are safer picks, Dorsett's explosiveness is impressive and Seattle desperately needs some more vertical threats in their offense, which relies heavily on their ground attack.
Previous Selection: Sammie Coates, WR
Other Possibility: Devin Smith, WR
32. New England Patriots Devin Smith, WR
The Patriots' up-tempo offense, explosive offense was superb this past season and a major reason why they became Super Bowl Champs. Now, imagine a true deep threat on their offense to open up underneath lanes for Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski and the champs become even more scary. Smith stretches the field vertically like few others and provides a young piece for Tom Brady to have fun with as his career draws to a close.
Previous Selection: Devin Smith, WR
Other Possibility: Ronald Darby, DB
No comments:
Post a Comment