Marcus Mariota, to Tennessee |
Although Ron Jaworski and ESPN desperately tried to stir up some controversy this past week by saying that Tampa had interest in Marcus Mariota here, this pick is a near lock. Winston has been often criticized but he is at least ready for the rigors of the NFL on the field and seems to be a good fit in Tampa Bay and Lovie Smith's system.
Previous Selection: Jameis Winston, QB
Other Possibility: Marcus Mariota, QB
2. Tennessee Titans Marcus Mariota, QB
Reports are swirling the Titans may try to trade away this pick (San Diego has been in serious talk), but if Tennessee keeps it they should take Mariota. While the organization still somehow has serious allegiance to last year's sixth-rounder Zach Mettenberger, they have to realize prospects like Mariota aren't available very often and they need to strike here when they have the chance.
Previous Selection: Leonard Williams, DL
Other Possibility: Leonard Williams, DL
3. Jacksonville Jaguars Dante Fowler, DE/LB
Suddenly, the Jaguars are put in quite the predicament here. Leonard Williams is possibly the best prospect in the draft but the team has a more pressing need with an edge rusher. While the team will certainly give Williams a long look, they should go Fowler here. The Jags haven't had a franchise pass rusher for a long time, and Fowler has all the physical gifts to turn into a dominant one on the edge.
Previous Selection: Dante Fowler, DE/LB
Other Possibility: Leonard Williams, DL
4. Oakland Raiders Leonard Williams, DL
After completely whiffing on any chance at Ndamukong Suh, the Raiders have another chance to get a dominant defensive linemen, if Williams drops. Williams would give Oakland a versatile, athletic pass rusher who can be a major help in run support for years to come. Combining him and quickly rising Khalil Mack would give the Raiders a front seven others will come to fear.
Previous Selection: Kevin White, WR
Other Possibility: Amari Cooper, WR
5. Washington Redskins Vic Beasley, DE/LB
The Redskins lost Brian Orakpo in free agency, and they needed another pass rusher even before that. While they would love Fowler to drop to them (which is a real possibility if Jacksonville drafts Williams), Beasley is shooting up draft boards at the right time. The former Clemson product is a proven sack machine and would fit in well in Washington.
Previous Selection: Vic Beasley, DE/LB
Other Possibility: Danny Shelton, DT
6. New York Jets Shane Ray, DE/LB
The Jets are also in a weird position here. They would love either Mariota or Winston, but unless they trade up, there is a slim chance they get either. The addition of Brandon Marshall makes a receiver here doubtful, but Fowler and Beasley, the top two pass rushers are off the board. That may force the Jets to reach on Missouri product Shane Ray. Ray was disappointing at his pro day and his slipped out of the Top 10 in many people's eyes but the Jets need a pass rusher and Ray is the best left.
Previous Selection: Marcus Mariota, QB
Other Possibility: Amari Cooper, WR
7. Chicago Bears Amari Cooper, WR
If Jay Cutler is still considered the guy in Chicago, they are going to need to surround him with some more help after dealing away Brandon Marshall. Luckily for the Bears, they have a chance at either Cooper or Kevin White. While White may have the more upside, Cooper is more natural of a No. 1 and is likely more ready to contribute from the beginning.
Previous Selection: Amari Cooper, WR
Other Possibility: Kevin White, WR
8. Atlanta Falcons Bud Dupree, DE
Dupree has shot up and down and all over my mocks (had him at Indianapolis at 29 in my Edition 5), but Atlanta really, really needs a pass rusher and other than maybe reaching on the questionable Randy Gregory, there aren't a lot of better solutions. Don't get me wrong, Dupree is a legit talent; the former Kentucky talent is a very athletic pass rusher with extreme versatility.
Previous Selection: Randy Gregory, DE/LB
Other Possibility: Randy Gregory, DE/LB
9. New York Giants Brandon Scherff, OL
While the Giants may certainly be intrigued by taking Kevin White here, they should stick with the smarter, safer pick and go with Scherff. Whether it is at tackle or most likely guard (at least for the Giants), Scherff is a high motor linemen who will be a solid pro for the future.
Previous Selection: Brandon Scherff, OL
Other Possibility: Kevin White, WR
10. St. Louis Rams Kevin White, WR
They may need extra help on the O-Line, but the Rams also desperately need some more playmakers. Tavon Austin has been decent, but other than him, the offense is seriously lacking in excitement and explosiveness. If White slips, it will be tough for St. Louis to not take a chance on the stud receiver. He will give new Nick Foles a more natural deep threat receiver than Austin or anybody else the Rams have on their roster.
Previous Selection: La'El Collins, OT
Other Possibility: La'El Collins, OT
11. Minnesota Vikings Trae Waynes, CB
Mike Zimmer loves his cornerbacks; he used to stockpile them in Cincinnati when he was their defensive coordinator. But, other than steady Xavier Rhodes, he doesn't really have any other talented option at the position. That should change after Draft Day, as the Vikings must strike on the talented Waynes, a veteran with little weaknesses.
Previous Selection: Trae Waynes, CB
Other Possibility: DeVante Parker, WR
12. Cleveland Browns Danny Shelton, DT
The signings of Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline have at least solidified the wide receiver position for the short term (although don't be surprised if the Browns select DeVante Parker), so Cleveland should focus on their clear need on defense, where they cannot stop the run. Shelton is the best true nose tackle in this draft, so this pick isn't very difficult.
Previous Selection: Danny Shelton, DT
Other Possibility: DeVante Parker, WR
13. New Orleans Saints Randy Gregory, DE/LB
A failed drug test and rather pedestrian Pro Day showing have Gregory dropping like a stone in nearly every board, possibly past 20 (consensus Top 5 pick prior). But, the Saints absolutely need another pass rusher, as they did little to address the issue in free agency. With nearly every other edge rusher gone at this point, the Saints may have to take a risk on Gregory.
Previous Selection: Shane Ray, DE/LB
Other Possibility: Arik Armstead, DL
14. Miami Dolphins DeVante Parker, WR
As a whole, Miami has severe holes at a number of key positions offensively and they will look for either a running back or receiver here. The good news is that Parker will be available with White slipping a bit. Although questions have arose about his durability, Parker has all the tools to be a very reliable weapon for Ryan Tannehill.
Previous Selection: DeVante Parker, WR
Other Possibility: Melvin Gordon, RB
15. San Francisco 49ers Arik Armstead, DL
The Niners defense, once dominant in the first few years under Jim Harbaugh, is an absolute mess. The retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland have left a hole at inside 'backer, while the cornerback position also has holes. Though, even more pressing is on the line where Justin Smith's career has come to a close, meaning San Fran will need a long term replacement.
Previous Selection: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
Other Possibility: Jalen Collins, CB
16. Houston Texans Malcolm Brown, DT
While Texans fans are obviously hoping Jadeveon Clowney will return and be a dominant pass rusher someday, Houston will still look for extra insurance on the defensive line, especially in the middle. Brown is an athletic tackle with a high upside who should stay in the state, after playing collegiate ball at Texas.
Previous Selection: Malcolm Brown, DT
Other Possibility: Breshad Perriman, WR
17. San Diego Chargers Todd Gurley, RB
Even just a few days before the Draft, almost nobody knows where San Diego is going here. There are rumors they are trying to swing Phillip Rivers for the No. 2 pick or multiple combinations. But, whether they do deal away Rivers or not, they need more help at running back where inconsistent Branden Oliver is slated to start the year. Gurley's injury concerns are still present, but the Chargers should be willing to take the chance with his talent.
Previous Selection: Melvin Gordon, RB
Other Possibility: Andrus Peat, OT
18. Kansas City Chiefs Kevin Johnson, CB
While the Chiefs will be intrigued by a number of the playmakers still on the board, they have severe holes defensively, especially at cornerback. While Marcus Peters would be the most talented player left on the board, Johnson seems like he would fit in nicely with Kansas City. The Wake Forest product moves well and is a solid tackler.
Previous Selection: Andrus Peat, OT
Other Possibility: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
19. Cleveland Browns La'El Collins, OL
Already fixing their needs on the defensive line, the Browns should focus on the other side of the trenches here. If Collins drops to 19, he would be an absolute steal here. The former LSU Tiger could come in right away and contribute at right tackle, either guard spot or be pushed as Joe Thomas replacement in the distant future.
Previous Selection: Arik Armstead, DL
Other Possibility: Eric Kendricks, LB
20. Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Collins, CB
The Eagles are also reportedly in play for Marcus Mariota and possibly trying to move up, but if they stay at 20, they should benefit from a number of options to fix their most pressing need: cornerback. Collins has the pure talent to be an absolute shutdown corner, the only issue for him will be experience and questions about his fit in Philly's defense.
Previous Selection: Jalen Collins, CB
Other Possibility: Jaelen Strong, WR
21. Cincinnati Bengals Andrus Peat, OT
Andy Dalton and the Bengals as an organization need to figure out how to win in the playoffs sometime. Perhaps adding some more weapons and protection would help, and Peat would certainly be ready to fill in and start at either tackle spot right away. A solid, strong prospect, Peat could be an anchor on Cincy's O-Line for a long time.
Previous Selection: T.J. Clemmings, OT
Other Possibility: Jordan Phillips, DT
22. Pittsburgh Steelers Landon Collins, S
Both Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor have retired, leaving it clear that Pittsburgh needs an infusion of youth in their secondary. That could come in the form of Collins, who certainly has the talent to go way before 22. The Alabama prospect has great size and is a hard-hitter, and with how weak this year's safety class is, Pittsburgh can't wait later in this Draft to strike at this position.
Previous Selection: Landon Collins, S
Other Possibility: Eric Rowe, CB
23. Detroit Lions Melvin Gordon, RB
The Lions released Reggie Bush earlier this month, and while he has been solid over the past two years, Joique Bell is not an every down back. If Gordon does drop here, it is hard to imagine the Lions passing on the talented back. With a healthy Matt Stafford, Gordon and Calvin Johnson, Detroit will have an offense that will be among the NFL's most explosive.
Previous Selection: Eddie Goldman, DT
Other Possibility: Ereck Flowers, OT
24. Arizona Cardinals Eli Harold, DE/LB
If either Gurley or Gordon drops to 24, Arizona would certainly strike on one of them. But, most likely they won't and unless the Cardinals trade up they'll probably have to wait until later to strike for a back. Harold offers a ton of upside and will give Arizona another impact pass rusher off the edge, that will only improve the Cardinals' defense.
Previous Selection: Eric Kendricks, LB
Other Possibility: Eric Kendricks, LB
25. Carolina Panthers D.J. Humphries, OT
The availability of Jaelen Strong and Breshad Perriman could certainly intrigue the Panthers, but they should go with the smarter move and grab a tackle, and Humphries would be a strong pickup. The former Florida Gator has great size, solid athleticism and offers considerable upgrade for late in the first round.
Previous Selection: D.J. Humphries, OT
Other Possibility: Jaelen Strong, WR
26. Baltimore Ravens Breshad Perriman, WR
Perriman has been shooting up boards for a couple weeks now, and Mel Kiper has him as a Top 10 prospect. While I'm not that high on the Central Florida product, I do think the Ravens would love him here at 26. Like I've mentioned, Steve Smith isn't getting any younger and Torrey Smith is now playing in the Bay Area. Baltimore would be silly not to strike on either Perriman or Strong here.
Previous Selection: Jaelen Strong, WR
Other Possibility: Jaelen Strong, WR
27. Dallas Cowboys Marcus Peters, CB
Quite honestly, Peters has the talent to go in the Top 10 and even be the first cornerback taken. But, off-the-field problems and scheme fit could drop him all the way to the Cowboys. If that happens, Jerry Jones can feel confident that he is getting an uber-talented corner that can greatly improve Dallas' porous pass defense.
Previous Selection: Marcus Peters, CB
Other Possibility: Jordan Phillips, DT
28. Denver Broncos Ereck Flowers, OT
Peyton Manning could be in store for his final NFL season, and if the Broncos finally want to capture the Super Bowl that has eluded them under his command, they must give him some more protection. Flowers is still slightly raw but he certainly will add some depth to an aging unit and has the talent to burst into a starting role by the end of the season or by 2016.
Previous Selection: Maxx Williams, TE
Other Possibility: Cam Erving, OL
29. Indianapolis Colts Jordan Phillips, DT
The Colts really didn't have any gaping holes here, but they would do well to upgrade nose tackle, where 2014 incumbent Josh Chapman was average. Phillips is the best defensive tackle on the board here, and his impressive athleticism would give Indy a rotational linemen who could come in on more aggressive defensive packages, at least for the time being.
Previous Selection: Bud Dupree, DE
Other Possibility: Cam Erving, OL
30. Green Bay Packers Eric Kendricks, LB
Gone is longtime staple A.J. Hawk and Green Bay also moved on from their other inside linebacker, Brad Jones, this offseason. That makes things very clear that the Packers are moving on at the position and that they need it in the 2015 Draft. They would be very lucky if Kendricks drops all the way here, he has incredible instincts and is a sure tackler, and could very well go much higher.
Previous Selection: Jordan Phillips, DT
Other Possibility: Eddie Goldman, DT
31. New Orleans Saints Byron Jones, CB
Jones first really became a big name on Draft boards after a huge Combine showing and has only impressed as the Draft process has raged on. But, Jones isn't just a workout freak. Jones played a big time in UConn's defense for years and has great intelligence and a great head for the game. He would give New Orleans a corner to build around who will only grow.
Previous Selection: Ereck Flowers, OT
Other Possibility: Maxx Williams, TE
32. New England Patriots Eddie Goldman, DT
A long time beast in the heart of the Patriots' defense, Vince Wilfork is no longer a New England Patriot. While it is tough to move on, the Pats must, and selecting Goldman, who was solid at Florida State is certainly a strong start. Goldman has all the potential in the world and has great quickness for a player of his size.
Previous Selection: Alex Carter, CB
Other Possibility: Devin Smith, WR