Jordan Katz- 2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
It’s that time of year! With the NFL regular season completed, it is officially mock draft season. We still have a long way to go until the NFL Draft, and most of my analysis of players will change with further scouting. This first mock draft is based on the tape that I’ve seen of guys thus far.
*Seeds 21-32 are based on the team’s records heading into the postseason, while taking seeding into account. For instance, because the Washington Redskins own the 21, the 10-6 Seattle Seahawks got the 23, not the 10-6 Green Bay Packers. In terms of the matchups where the teams have the same record, the higher seed gets the later pick.
ROUND ONE
1) Tennessee Titans- Ronnie Stanley, OT Notre Dame- The Titans need defensive help, and they could go there with this pick. However, I don’t think Joey Bosa is a good scheme fit here, and taking a safety like Jalen Ramsey is a bit of a reach.
Stanley gives the Titans two bookend tackles to protect their franchise quarterback, Marcus Mariota.
2) Cleveland Browns- Jared Goff, QB California- Goff is the only quarterback in this draft class that I gave a first round grade. While I do think this is a major reach, the Browns are so desperate for a franchise quarterback.
3) San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, OT Ole Miss- The Chargers couldn’t block for Phillip Rivers at all this season, so offensive line is definitely a need. Tunsil is one of the top players in this draft because of his size and athleticism at tackle.
4) Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DE Ohio State- I highly doubt the Cowboys bring back Greg Hardy next year. Therefore, even though they have Randy Gregory waiting, they need a pass rusher.
Bosa is the best player in the draft, in my opinion. His ability to stop the run, and rush off the edge makes him an outstanding collegiate prospect.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, CB/S Florida State- This seems like a match made in heaven. The Jaguars need a game changing secondary player, and Ramsey can fix a need at corner or free safety, depending on how Gus Bradley wants to use him.
6) Baltimore Ravens- Desmond King, CB Iowa- Most have the top corner in this draft as Vernon Hargreaves, but I think King has the ability to be a shut down corner. His ability to mirror receivers and play man-to-man defense is incredibly impressive. I think he would be a terrific addition to the Ravens secondary.
7) San Francisco 49ers- Vernon Hargreaves, CB Florida- Yes, the Niners need a quarterback. However, if they draft one here it would be completely unnecessary and a massive reach.
Hargreaves is the best player available at a position of need. He plays solid in both zone and man, and possesses great instincts. The Niners take him, and address quarterback with their next pick.
8) Miami Dolphins- Myles Jack, OLB UCLA- A few days ago this pick would’ve been Jaylon Smith. However, with his knee injury pending diagnosis, the Dolphins take Jack instead.
Jack is an interesting scout because I’ve never seen a player quite like him. His athleticism is unexplainable, but he doesn’t jump off the page in terms of the amount of plays he makes. Having said that, he’s terrific in coverage and disciplined versus the run, so I expect him to have a long, productive career.
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Laquon Treadwell, WR Ole Miss- I have Treadwell and Josh Doctson neck and neck right now for my top wide receiver in this draft. In terms of this pick, Treadwell is a little more polished, which is why I have him here instead of Doctson.
10) St. Louis Rams via New York Giants- Josh Doctson, WR TCU- I think the Giants are a team that could move up or down in this draft, depending on how the board falls. In this case, they have plenty of options, so they can afford to slide down.
The Rams desperately need a true number one wide receiver and I think Doctson has that ability. He’s incredible when the ball is in the air, and his route running is significantly better than people think.
11) Chicago Bears- DeForest Buckner, DE Oregon- This pick is easy. The Bears need defensive line help desperately. Buckner is not only a game changing defensive player, but he’s the only 3-4 defensive end worthy of a first round selection.
12) New Orleans Saints- Kenny Clark, NT UCLA- The Saints should take the best player available that plays defense and fits their scheme. For me, that’s Kenny Clark. He’s a space eating nose tackle and he will help New Orleans stop the run.
13) Seattle Seahawks via Philadelphia Eagles- Robert Nkemdiche, DT Ole Miss- This could be a home run deal for Seattle, but let’s start with the Eagles decision to move down. I think Philadelphia should look to trade out on draft day. The personnel they possess are unlikely to match with the incoming head coach. If they find the right deal, they should take it.
Seattle is going to need a replacement for Brandon Mebane, who should leave via free agency. Nkemdiche has the talent of a top five player in this draft. If his off the field issues can be silenced, this could be a massive addition to the Seahawks defense.
14) Oakland Raiders- Mackensie Alexander, CB Clemson- Alexander can be an immediate boost to the Raiders secondary. He can play in the slot, as well as on the outside, and his technique is what allows him to be strong at both.
15) New York Giants via St. Louis Rams- Shaq Lawson, DE Clemson- The Giants could not have played this draft better. They trade down, pick up an extra draft pick, and still select the game changing pass rusher they would have taken at the 10.
16) Detroit Lions- A’Shawn Robinson, DT Alabama- The Lions need to get better on defense, and A’Shawn Robinson can produce from day one. He’s an athletic defensive tackle who stops the run very well. He does have some developing to do, but he’s going to contribute right away.
17) Atlanta Falcons- Jaylon Smith, OLB Notre Dame- This may not please Falcons fans who want a defensive player that can play right away, but at some point you just take talent and figure it out later.
Smith has top five talent, so even if his knee injury is bad, he should still be a first round pick. After all, Todd Gurley missed four games to start the year, and he went 10th.
18) Indianapolis Colts- Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE Oklahoma State- Anything on defense for the Colts will do just fine here on draft day. Ogbah has good speed off the edge and can help bolster Indy’s pass rush.
19) Buffalo Bills- Jonathan Bullard, EDGE Florida- It sounds like Buffalo is going to cut Mario Williams, which makes edge rusher a priority. Bullard has the versatility to line up on the edge and inside the tackles, something Rex Ryan values in a defensive player.
20) New York Jets- Ezekiel Elliott, RB Ohio State- For Jets fans wondering why this pick isn’t a quarterback, don’t overreact to one game. Ryan Fitzpatrick played excellent this season, and deserves to be back under center next year (especially during a year where the quarterback class in the draft is below average).
‘Zeke Elliott would be a terrific replacement for Chris Ivory, a free agent to be. His size and athleticism make him tough to bring down, and he’s more of a “do-it-all,” back than he gets credit for.
21) Washington Redskins- Reggie Ragland, ILB Alabama- The Redskins could use a middle linebacker that can do… well, anything. Ragland covers well, and has great range from sideline to sideline. Plus, and I can’t stress this enough, his presence would mean the benching of Mason Foster. That is what you call a great draft pick.
22) Houston Texans- Carson Wentz, QB North Dakota State- The easy answer here is to give Bill O’Brien his Penn State quarterback, Christian Hackenburg. However, I think Wentz is actually a better fit for what Houston wants to do.
Wentz has great size and arm strength, just like Hackenburg. Where I think Wentz separates himself is his accuracy and mobility. Wentz showed better touch on tape, and he’s also the most mobile quarterback among the top five.
Since the Texans can afford to let both learn while playing (they’re 9-7 with four different quarterbacks), I think Wentz should be the selection on draft day.
23) Philadelphia Eagles via Seattle Seahawks- Corey Coleman, WR Baylor- Even though the Eagles drafted Nelson Agholor last season, they should still look for a playmaker at receiver.
Coleman was a beast this season at Baylor, but it’s his sharp cuts and route running ability that makes me think he can succeed in the NFL.
24) San Francisco 49ers via Pittsburgh Steelers- Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis- The Steelers don’t take first round cornerbacks, which means that there isn’t much for them to do here except trade down.
In terms of the Niners selection, Lynch is an interesting case. On the one hand, he’s massive, with great mobility, and a cannon for an arm.
On the other hand, his accuracy is questionable, and he has a tendency to force throws.
I think he’s got good upside, but he’s a work in progress for sure.
25) Green Bay Packers- Carl Lawson, EDGE Auburn- I really liked the Packers defense when they had Clay Matthews at inside linebacker. Lawson’s pass rushing ability off the edge would allow Matthews to go back to being a menace in the middle of the field.
26) Kansas City Chiefs- Leontae Carroo, WR Rutgers- It might be too much to ask of the Chiefs to add a wide out in consecutive years. However, I am running this draft based on what I would do.
Carroo seems like a very good fit in Andy Reid’s offense. He’s a solid route runner who does great things with the ball in his hands. He also has big play ability, something the Chiefs currently are missing in their offense.
27) Minnesota Vikings- Michael Thomas, WR Ohio State- Thomas has a tendency to commit some bad focus drops, but he’s a strong route runner and makes plays with the ball in his hands, two traits that are vital in Norv Turner’s current offense.
28) Cincinnati Bengals- Austin Johnson, DT/NT Penn State- Austin Johnson could be a terrific fit in Cincy. He’s a nose tackle that has the athleticism to pass rush out of a zero tech in a 4-3. Domata Peko, the Bengals current zero tech, is a like cap casualty that would save the Bengals close to four million dollars.
29) New England Patriots- (Forefeit)
30) Arizona Cardinals- Christian Hackenburg, QB Penn State- Carson Palmer isn’t getting any younger, and his backup will have to be taken eventually. Hackenburg had an awful final two seasons at Penn State, but James Franklin’s system didn’t benefit his skill set. If he gets an opportunity to sit and learn during his first NFL season, he could become the star that scouts thought he was going to be.
31) Denver Broncos- Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State- Decker has limited upside, but he’s a good option at right tackle right away. The Broncos are desperate for offensive line help, so this fit makes sense.
32) Carolina Panthers- Tre’Davius White, CB LSU- Josh Norman has been unbelievable this season, but his counterpart, Bene Benwikere, is probably best served as a nickel corner. White would give them some cornerback depth, and another solid man cover guy.
TRADES
1) St. Louis Rams trade the #15 and the #79 to the New York Giants for the #10.
2) Seattle Seahawks trade the #23, #55 and a 2017 4th rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for the #13.
3) San Francisco trades the #39 and the #71 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the #24.
I WAS RIGHT, I WAS WRONG
Jordan: Well Mike, we’re 14 weeks through the NFL season, and there have been many rookies that have major impacts in their first season. Both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota have looked impressive thus far, and Winston has his Buccaneers in the playoff hunt. Todd Gurley and Amari Cooper have been as good as advertised as well.
Mike: That’s true, but there have also been those rookies that have not lived up to the hype. Vic Beasley has struggled to get consistent pressure on the quarterback, and Trae Waynes has been exposed in coverage for most of the season.
Mike (Cont.): Many websites show their evaluations of draft classes in the form of in-season letter grades or how they would change the draft, knowing what we know now. However, we decided to give you something a little different. Our philosophy at DraftStock.net is that our mock drafts are more along the lines of how we view players, and how they would fit with teams. That’s how we decide who should go where.
Jordan: With that in mind, Mike and I have decided to do our first annual, “I was right, I was wrong,” article. We will evaluate our views of the 2015 draft class and tell you which we think we were right on (based on their play), which we think we were wrong on, and which picks still need more time to evaluate. We think it’s also a good measuring stick for us to see how we did in terms of the information and predictions we presented to you, something other websites don’t do.
WE WERE RIGHT
1) The Entire Quarterback Class (Mike)- We both said throughout the entire draft process that not only were there two quarterbacks worth taking, but there were only two quarterbacks worthy of starting in the NFL in their first seasons. Jordan and I also were not in the group that questioned Winston’s character, or Mariota’s ability to translate. So far, both statements hold true.
2) Amari Cooper over Kevin White (Jordan)– Okay, this one is a little unfair because of White’s injury. It’s also unfair because I debated White over Cooper for about six weeks.
However, there were plenty that chose White as the top wide out in the class, and I’m willing to declare that wrong. Cooper looks like he will be one of the top receivers in the game for a long time, while White has an uphill battle to climb after the setbacks he has had this season.
3) Todd Gurley (Mike)- While we didn’t have Gurley going top 10, we both had Gurley top 10 on our big boards, and I had him top three. I think this one speaks for itself.
WE WERE WRONG
1) Vic Beasley (Jordan)- First off, we both feel that the jury is still out on Beasley. The Falcons front four is dreadful, and their entire defense not named Desmond Trufant have been inconsistent all season.
Having said that, we both felt Beasley’s impact would be immediately felt in the NFL, and that isn’t the case right now.
2) Shane Ray (Mike)- Ray hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time, but when he’s been in he’s shown why he was highly touted coming out of Missouri. While you could chalk that up to him playing opposite Von Miller, Jordan and I both felt he wasn’t deserving of a top 50 selection, a statement that isn’t true at this moment.
3) Eli Harold (Jordan)- This is probably our biggest whiff, because we have no reasons as to why Harold hasn’t produced yet. He’s not on a good team, so he should’ve seen more playing time by now. We also had him as a high-end first rounder, when, in reality, he fell to the third and has been relegated to special teams. Oops.
I WAS RIGHT (Mike)
1) Andrus Peat- Peat was a popular first round selection by many. He had the size and build of a strong right tackle, and played in a pro style system at Stanford. However, he appeared to have leverage issues on tape and didn’t have the greatest footwork. Going to New Orleans was probably not the best fit for him, but nevertheless, he’s struggled thus far.
2) Ronald Darby- Perhaps my best call from last year’s draft, Darby has shined from day one in Rex Ryan’s defense. I thought his man coverage skills made him one of the top corners in the draft. He also plays with an edge, something that all the shutdown corners possess. Buffalo appears to be set in the secondary for a while.
3) Henry Anderson- Anderson was incredibly productive until his ACL tear, which puts him near the top of my good calls. I had him as a high second round grade, and he has turned out to be one of the better day two selections.
I WAS WRONG (Mike)
1) Derron Smith- When you have a safety with a high second round grade and he doesn’t go in the first three rounds, you’re not off to a good start. When he falls to the sixth round and hasn’t done anything up to this point, it’s safe to call him a miss.
2) TJ Clemmings- Clemmings draft stock dropped due to an injury, and is development has been stunted by injuries as well. So while he may progress into the productive right tackle that Jordan and I thought he would be, right now he’s struggling with the transition.
3) Dorial Green-Beckham- DGB has shown every reason why his transition would be difficult into the NFL. His routes aren’t clean, he drops a fair amount of passes, and he’s struggling to get separation.
Now he may turn into a great free lance receiver one day, like Plaxico Burress was.
Unfortunately, I had him top 10 on my big board which doesn’t look good right now.
I WAS RIGHT (Jordan)
1) Stephone Anthony- My best call of the 2015 draft was having Stephone Anthony as one of my top players long before he was on the radar of other mock draft experts. Anthony was top 15 on my big board because of his playmaking ability at inside linebacker. He has been the lone bright spot on the Saints defense this season.
2) La’el Collins- I neglected all of Collins’ “character issues,” during draft time and not only had him with a top 40 player grade, but kept him in my first round. The Cowboys offensive line has become even more polish with the addition of Collins, even during a tumultuous season.
3) Tyler Lockett- Lockett was one of my fantasy football sleepers in 2015 for the same reasons that he was one of my draft day sleepers. He has dynamic speed, play-making ability with the ball in his hands, and he’s a better route runner than people thought. His season started off slow, but over the last month he has shown game changing ability.
I WAS WRONG (Jordan)
1) Jaelen Strong and Nelson Agholor- I grouped these players together because I think both the Texans and the Eagles have not used either player properly thus far, particularly Agholor.
However, both have struggled to see playing time, and Strong had troubles learning the playbook early on, which was well documented in “Hard Knocks.
Only time will tell whether they were busts, or just struggled to transition to the NFL
2) Landon Collins- Landon Collins has a bad case of the Calvin Pryor. The Jets tried playing Pryor at free safety last season, and it failed miserably. The Giants have tried to play Collins at free safety thus far, and it hasn’t worked.
Pryor moved from free safety to strong safety this year, and has been a key piece in the Jets secondary this season. Collins should see the same move next season. If he doesn’t, this pick is sure to be a bust.
3) DJ Humphries- I didn’t have Humphries as a first rounder like most, but I did think he would be a solid right tackle in the NFL.
However, he looked so dreadful in the preseason that he hasn’t dressed for a game the entire season. I’m willing to call this a whiff.
2015 NFL Draft Grades: NFC
One of the best sports weekends ever has come and went, and with it, the NFL Draft has been completed. The NFL Draft has become a spectacle in recent years, and while some fans may not know every player their favorite team selected, every fan has the same question after the draft ends. “How did my team do?” Well, here are my 2015 NFL Draft Grades for the NFC teams.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (C)
Picks: CB Byron Jones (27th), DE Randy Gregory (60th), OG Chaz Green (91st), LB Damien Wilson (127th), DE Ryan Russell (163rd), LB Mark Nzeocha (236th), OL Laurence Gibson (243rd), TE Goeff Swain (246th)- The Cowboys messed up this draft by not addressing their need for a number one running back. This draft class was incredibly deep at running back and they managed to not get one. Now, Byron Jones and Randy Gregory are both good value picks and good fits in the Cowboys scheme. Other than that, this draft had no value, and failed to address their biggest need.
New York Giants (B-)
Picks: OT Ereck Flowers (9th), S Landon Collins (33rd), DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa (74th), S Mykkele Thompson (144th), WR Geremy Davis (186th), OL Bobby Hart (226th)- The Giants draft was really hot and cold for me. They got two impact defensive players in Digi and Landon Collins. However, I had Ereck Flowers with a second round grade, and the Giants drafted him in the top ten. They also didn’t get any day three value picks. Despite this, Collins and Digi keep this draft at a decent grade.
Washington Redskins (C-)
Picks: OT Brandon Scherff (5th), DE/OLB Preston Smith (38th), RB Matt Jones (95th), WR Jamison Crowder (105th), OG Arie Kouandijo (112th), LB Martell Spaight (141st), S Kyshoen Jarrett (181st), CB Tevin Mitchel (182nd), WR Evan Spencer (187th), C Austin Reiter (222nd)- Everyone has debated Brandon Scherff over Leonard Williams for over a week now, and I can’t help but agree. Scherff is better suited as a guard, and I have a hard time justifying a guard in the top five. Preston Smith rated well for me as a 3-4 defensive end, assuming he bulks up, so I have no problem with that pick. After that though, I have a problem with the whole draft. Matt Jones was beyond a reach, Jamison Crowder had an incredibly poor day at the combine, and there were no value picks in rounds four through seven.
Philadelphia Eagles (B-)
Picks: WR Nelson Agholor (20th), CB/S Eric Rowe (47th), LB Jordan Hicks (84th), CB JaCorey Sheperd (191st), CB Randall Evans (196th), DE Brian Mihalik (237th)- The Eagles hit a home run with Nelson Agholor, who will be dynamic in Chip Kelly’s offense. I did have Jaelen Strong slightly higher than Agholor, but the margin was so close that I have no objection to the Eagles taking Agholor. Eric Rowe may have been a bit of a reach, but the Eagles desperately need secondary help. Rowe can play both corner and safety, and the Eagles need both. Again, not a lot of value late, but the Eagles had two big needs, and addressed them both. I’ll also be the first to say, it’s a good thing they didn’t give the farm for Marcus Mariota. It would’ve been way too much and they might need those picks if the Chip Kelly experiment fails.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers (B-)
Picks: S Damarious Randall (30th), CB Quinten Rollins (62nd), WR Ty Montgomery (94th), OLB Jake Ryan (129th), QB Brett Hundley (147th), FB Aaron Ripkowski (206th), DE Christian Ringo (210th), TE Kennard Backman (213th)- The Packers draft kind of puzzled me. They needed someone in the middle of their defense to help stop the run, and the failed to address that. Their first round selection was a free ranging cover safety who can play both cover one and cover two. What’s odd about it is that I’m not talking about last year’s selection of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. I think Damarious Randall is a solid fit in the Packers scheme because they play double high, but I think it limits Clinton-Dix’s ability to roam the field. Quinten Rollins was a great pick. I think he has great upside and he can immediately be a nickel cornerback. The Packers draft will hinge on their third and fourth round picks. Montgomery was a highly touted prospect, but he struggled in his last year at Stanford. Ryan is a fiery player who plays hard on every down and can get to the passer. If both pan out, this could prove to be a big draft class. If not, this draft will hinge upon Randall’s success (and potentially Hundley’s).
Minnesota Vikings (A-)
Picks: CB Trae Waynes (11th), ILB Eric Kendricks (45th), DE Danielle Hunter (88th), OT T.J Clemmings (110th), TE MyCole Pruitt (143rd), WR Stefon Diggs (146th), OL Tyrus Thompson (185th), DE B.J Dubose (193rd), OL Austin Shepherd (228th), LB Edmond Robinson (232nd)- If I could give a draft an “A” in this draft class, this would be one of the ones I would give it to. Unfortunately, this draft class didn’t have enough talent for me to give an “A.” Waynes is a necessity opposite Xavier Rhodes, and even though he was a bit of a reach for me, it was a need. Eric Kendricks is an impact linebacker, something the Vikings have needed for a while. Danielle Hunter was better served in a 3-4, but he’s a good edge rusher and needs some time to develop anyway (in that time he can bulk up). Clemmings fell in the draft, but the Vikings were the beneficiaries of that when they scooped him in the fourth round. MyCole Pruitt had a great combine and shows some serious upside, and Stefon Diggs has a ton of upside as well, despite the fact he didn’t produce at Maryland. This was an incredible draft.
Chicago Bears (A-)
Picks: WR Kevin White (7th), NT Eddie Goldman (39th), C Hroniss Grasu (71st), RB Jeremy Langford (106th) S Adrian Amos (142nd), OL Tayo Fabuluje (183rd)- This is another draft I would give an “A” to, but as I previously stated I don’t think there was enough talent in the draft class to give anyone an “A.” The Bears got their impact wide receiver and their starting nose tackle of the future in the first two rounds. They added a starting center and a power back to compliment Matt Forte. The only place they may have missed is not having enough picks to find all the talent in this draft. New General Manager Ryan Pace is off to a great start in the windy city.
Detroit Lions (B)
Picks: OG Laken Tomlinson (28th), RB Ameer Abdullah (54th), CB Alex Carter (80th), DT Gabe Wright (113th), FB Michael Burton (168th), CB Quandre Diggs (200th), OL Corey Robinson (240th)- The Lions had an interesting draft. They addressed their big needs (guard, running back, cornerback, defensive tackle), however some of their picks were reaches. Tomlinson is a solid player, but he was a reach. Alex Carter is a decent cover corner, but, he was a reach as well. Still, it was a solid draft class for Detroit.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons (B+)
Picks: OLB Vic Beasley (8th), CB Jalen Collins (42nd), RB Tevin Coleman (73rd), WR Justin Hardy (107th), DT/NT Grady Jarrett (137th), OL Jake Rodgers (225th), DB Akeem King (249th)- The Falcons had a great draft, minus Jalen Collins. Their first round pick, Vic Beasley, is the impact pass rusher they have needed for years. Tevin Coleman will compete for the starting job as early as day one. Justin Hardy will immediately replace Harry Douglas in the slot, and Grady Jarrett is good rotational depth for Paul Soliai in the middle of the Falcons defense. Jalen Collins is the only thing that prevents this draft from being an “A-minus.”
Carolina Panthers (C-)
Picks: OLB Shaq Thompson (25th), WR Devin Funchess (41st), OL Daryl Williams (102nd), LB David Mayo (169th), RB Cameron Artis-Payne (174th)- The Panthers draft started off great. Many people think that Shaq Thompson was a reach, but I love his versatility. He can cover a tight end one on one, and stops the run well. It may not have been a true need, but he will replace A.J Klein from day one. After that, the draft takes a nosedive. Funchess was not only a reach, but he’s a project because of his drops and incomplete route tree. Daryl Williams is a positional need, but I don’t think he has great value, and David Mayo was just unnecessary. Overall, this was a sub par draft.
New Orleans Saints (B)
Picks: OT Andrus Peat (13th), ILB Stephone Anthony (31st), OLB Hau’oli Kikaha (44th), QB Garrett Grayson (75th), CB P.J Williams (78th), ILB Davis Tull (148th), NT Tyeler Davidson (154th), CB Damian Swann (167th), RB Marcus Murphy (230th)- I thought the Saints had a solid draft. Their first four picks were exactly what they needed. Peat will allow Zach Strief to go to guard, where he will presumably be more effective. Anthony was one of my favorite players in the draft, and he will be well worth the first round selection. Kikaha is a solid edge rusher and Grayson could be the quarterback of the future. Grayson was one of two quarterbacks in this draft that I thought could become a starter after sitting a few years. After that, the draft was below average. P.J Williams has upside, but throughout his career at Florida State I saw a corner who wouldn’t produce in the NFL. There weren’t any late round value picks either, but I still thought this was a solid draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (B)
Picks: QB Jameis Winston (1st), OT/OG Donovan Smith (34th), OG Ali Marpet (61st), ILB Kwon Alexander (124th), WR Kenny Bell (162nd), WR Kaelin Clay (184th), RB Joey Iosefa (231st)- The Buccaneers draft after Jameis Winston may not have sparkled, but it was affective. Donovan Smith could prove to be a good right tackle, and if nothing else he should make a smooth transition to guard. Ali Marpet will probably be the offensive tackle that transitions to guard, and I expect him to do it well. The Bucs also added Kwon Alexander, who has the potential to shine in Lovie Smith’s defense. I think the Buccaneers did a good job of getting better this offseason.
NFC West
St. Louis Rams (D)
Picks: RB Todd Gurley (10th), OT Rob Havenstein (57th), OL Jamon Brown (72nd), QB Sean Mannion (89th), OL Andrew Donnal (119th), WR Bud Sasser (201st), OL Cody Wichmann (215th), LB Bryce Hager (224th), DE Martin Ifedi (227th)- This draft is pathetic minus Gurley and Havenstein, and amazingly their two good picks were reaches. I’m just moving on to the next team.
San Francisco 49ers (B)
Picks: DE Arik Armstead (17th), SS Jaquiski Tartt (46th), OLB Eli Harold (79th), TE Blake Bell (117th), RB Mike Davis (126th), WR DeAndre Smelter (132nd), P Bradley Pinion (165th), OL Ian Silberman (190th), OL Trenton Brown (244th), TE Busta Anderson (254th)- Like the Saints, the Niners first four picks were solid. Armstead has a lot of upside, and despite the fact he is raw, I had him at a first round grade. Tartt and Harold will also be impact defensive players, especially Eli Harold, who was a steal in round three. I even like the Niners drafting the quarterback turned tight end in Blake Bell. There wasn’t a lot of value late, but the Niners draft was solid.
Arizona Cardinals (B)
Picks: OT D.J Humphries (24th), OLB Markus Golden (58th), RB David Johnson (86th), OL Rodney Gunter (116th), OLB Shaquille Riddick (158th), WR J.J Nelson (159th), TE Gerald Christian (256th)- Many people love the Cardinals draft, but I’m not as impressed as most. I like D.J Humphries, but I still think he’s a right tackle, and not the best tackle in the draft. Markus Golden is absolutely useless. I don’t see what everyone else does in him. David Johnson was a great pick, however. Johnson could wind up be the starting guard as early as this season. I actually really liked the J.J Nelson selection as well, even if the Cardinals don’t need a receiver right now. Don’t get me wrong, the Cardinals draft is good, but I don’t think it was great.
Seattle Seahawks (C-)
Picks: DE Frank Clark (63rd), WR Tyler Lockett (69th), OL Terry Poole (130th), OL Mark Glowsinki (134th), CB Tye Smith (170th), DE Obum Gwacham (209th), DT Kristjan Sokoli (214th) S Ryan Murphy (248th)- Like the St. Louis Rams, this draft isn’t worth talking about it, minus Tyler Lockett. Having said that, I can’t give this worse than a “C-minus” because they did turn one of their picks in a horrifically weak draft class into Jimmy Graham.
2015 NFL Draft Grades: AFC
One of the best sports weekends ever has come and went, and with it, the NFL Draft has been completed. The NFL Draft has become a spectacle in recent years, and while some fans may not know every player their favorite team selected, every fan has the same question after the draft ends. “How did my team do?” Well, here are my 2015 NFL Draft Grades for the AFC teams.
AFC EAST
New York Jets (A-)
Picks: DE Leonard Williams (6th), WR Devin Smith (37th), OLB Lorenzo Mauldin (82nd), QB Bryce Petty (103rd), OG Jarvis Harrison (152nd), NT Deon Simon (223rd)- The Jets hit a home run with their first pick in the draft when they selected Leonard Williams. Any time you get the best player in the draft outside of the top five, you basically can snooze for the next six rounds. While I would’ve rather seen the Jets take Jaelen Strong at the 37, they needed a guy that could stretch the field, and Devin Smith is that. Mauldin and Petty were good value picks (I had Brett Hundley over Petty), and you can’t forget that the Jets turned a fifth and seventh round pick in a horrifically weak draft class into Brandon Marshall and Zac Stacy. This was a great first draft for Mike Maccagnan.
New England Patriots (B-)
Picks: DT Malcom Brown (32nd), SS Jordan Richards (64th), DL Geneo Grissom (97th), DE Trey Flowers (101st), OG Tre Jackson (111th), OG/C Shaq Mason (131st), LS Joe Cardona (166th), LB Matthew Wells (178th), TE A.J Derby (202nd), CB Darryl Roberts (247th), LB Xzavier Dickson (253rd)- This draft was a tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good was Malcom Brown. Belichick stole someone who many, including myself, was a top 20 player in this draft. Brown will be a force in the middle of the Pats defensive line. The bad were the Patriots later round picks. Now in New England’s defense, there was not a lot of back end talent in this draft. However, any time you take a long snapper, you’ve got some explaining to do. Many felt that Tre Jackson and Shaq Mason were good value, but I never felt either team would be a key contributor at the next level. Then there were the Patriots day two selections, aka the ugly. Jordan Richards and Geneo Grissom were extreme reach picks, and both will probably be special teams players. Overall, Malcom Brown and Trey Flowers keep this draft afloat, but it was average at best.
Buffalo Bills (F)
Picks: CB Ronald Darby (50th), OG John Miller (81st), RB Karlos Williams (155th), LB Tony Steward (188th), TE Nick O’Leary (194th), WR Dezmin Lewis (234th)- The Bills easily had the worst draft in the AFC. Ronald Darby is a good player, and he will be a solid addition to the Bills secondary. Outside of that, the Bills did not address a need, nor did they take anyone that was a good value pick. Not a good first draft for Rex Ryan and company. However, there’s no reason to panic in Buffalo. Rex is great at maximizing talent, and his teams are typically not built through the draft anyway.
Miami Dolphins (A-)
Picks: WR DeVante Parker (14th), DT/NT Jordan Phillips (52nd), OL Jamil Douglas (114th), CB Bobby McCain (145th), RB Jay Ajayi (149th), S Cedric Thompson (150th), CB/WR Tony Lippett (156th)- The Dolphins had a great draft. They got a wide receiver with true number one potential in Parker. They nabbed one of my favorite players in the in Jordan Phillips, who will bolster their defensive line even further. Phillips will help gap the run and free up Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake. Jay Ajayi in the fourth round was incredible value. He will help take pressure off Lamar Miller, and, in my opinion, replace him one day. The final piece was Tony Lippett, who is a terrific football player. He may not be great at one particular thing, but he will contribute from day one.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (A-)
Picks: WR Breshad Perriman (26th), TE Maxx Williams (55th), NT Carl Davis (90th), OLB Za’Darius Smith (122nd), RB Buck Allen (125th), CB Tray Walker (136th), TE Nick Boyle (171st), OL Robert Myers (176th), WR Darren Waller (204th)- Ozzie Newsome addressed offense early in the draft, a rarity in the Ozzie Newsome regime. Perriman has a lot of upside, but he’s raw. Just like the Jets earlier, I think Jaelen Strong should’ve been the pick. However, just like Devin Smith, I had Perriman with a top 40 grade, so I don’t mind the selection. Maxx Williams makes a lot of sense as well. While I would’ve rather seen the Ravens go with an impact defensive player, Williams can help the Ravens offense from day one. Of course, in classic Ozzie Newsome fashion, he got his impact defensive player in round three. Carl Davis was an absolute steal. Buck Allen was an underrated pick as well. He will be an impact player on third down. Overall, Ozzie Newsome got a lot of weapons for Joe Flacco in this draft, and helped sure up the middle of the Ravens defense.
Cincinnati Bengals (A-)
Picks: OT Cedric Ogbuehi (21st), OT/OG Jake Fisher (53rd), TE Tyler Kroft (85th), LB Paul Dawson (99th), CB/S Josh Shaw (120th), DE Marcus Hardison (153rd), TE C.J Uzomah (157th), FS Derron Smith (197th), WR Mario Alford (238th)- The Bengals had a great draft, because they preemptively addressed their needs for next year. Ogbuehi and Fisher are great insurance for Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, both of whom are expiring contracts and neither of whom appear to be high on the Bengals priority list. Ogbuehi can sit the year and fully recover from his injury. Fisher can move to guard for the time being and replace Clint Boling. Tyler Kroft is a good blocking tight end, and while he may have been a reach, the Bengals needed a blocking tight end after losing Jermaine Gresham. Paul Dawson can play anywhere on the Bengals linebacking core, and Derron Smith or Josh Shaw is bound to be productive enough to replace Reggie Nelson. This was a great draft for Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh Steelers (C+)
Picks: OLB Bud Dupree (22nd), CB Senquez Golson (56th), WR Sammie Coates (87th), CB Doran Grant (121st), TE Jesse James (160th), DT Leterrius Walton (199th), DE Anthony Chickillo (212th), FS Gerod Holliman (239th)- This is a polarizing draft for me. On the one hand, they nabbed Bud Dupree about ten picks later than he should’ve gone. On the other hand, every single other pick was either a reach or a risk. Golson is undersized, and there were plenty of other corners I would’ve rather have seen them selected. Sammie Coates has a bad case of the drops and I’m not sure it’ll be corrected during his NFL career. Last but certainly not least, Doran Grant wasn’t worth drafting. The Steelers got good value in Dupree and Gerod Holliman, but other than that the draft was below average.
Cleveland Browns (B)
Picks: NT Danny Shelton (12th), C/OG Cameron Erving (19th), OLB Nate Orchard (51st), RB Duke Johnson (77th), DE/DT Xavier Cooper (96th), S Ibraheim Campbell (115th), WR Vince Mayle (123rd), CB Charles Gaines (189th), TE Malcolm Johnson (195th), TE Randall Telfer (198th), ILB Hayes Pullard (219th), CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (241st)- The Browns drafted a ton of players that I really like, yet I’m not a huge fan of this draft. Shelton is a big body to put in the middle of an improving defense, but I would’ve rather have seen them take the versatility of Eddie Goldman or Jordan Phillips. Cameron Erving is best suited at center, but unless Alex Mack opts out of his contract after this season, Erving will be playing guard for the Browns, and I’m not a huge fan of him there. Nate Orchard was better served as a 4-3 defensive end, Duke Johnson was unnecessary because of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, and Xavier Cooper will have to convert to a 3-4 defensive end. Having said all of that, I can’t get on the Browns too much, because they took a lot of talent in this draft, and addressed needs in the process (minus wide receiver).
AFC South
Tennessee Titans (B)
Picks: QB Marcus Mariota (2nd), WR Dorial Green-Beckham (40th), OL Jeremiah Poutasi (66th), DE/DT Angelo Blackson (100th), FB Jalston Fowler (108th), RB David Cobb (138th), LB Delontrez Mount (177th), C Andy Galilk (208th), WR Tre McBride (245th)- The Titans made the difficult, yet correct decision in taking Marcus Mariota. I believe he can be a franchise quarterback, and Ken Whisenhunt should be able to work with him to get the best out of him. DGB is a great risk/reward pick because he can learn to grow on a team that is still a few years away. Also, I fully expect David Cobb to compete for the majority of touches in the Titans backfield as early as next season. Outside of those three, there wasn’t much value. Yet, the Titans did what they had to do.
Jacksonville Jaguars (A-)
Picks: DE Dante Fowler (3rd), RB T.J Yeldon (36th), OG A.J Cann (67th), S James Sample (104th), WR Rashad Greene (139th), DT Michael Bennett (180th), WR Neal Sterling (220th), TE Ben Koyack (229th)- The Jags draft would’ve been the best of all the 32 teams if it weren’t for unnecessarily reaching on T.J Yeldon, who I full on expect to be a waste of a pick. Fowler, Cann, Sample, Greene and Bennett can all contribute from day one, and Greene and Bennett were absolute steals. The Jags are on the rise.
Houston Texans (C)
Picks: CB Kevin Johnson (16th), ILB Benardrick McKinney (43rd), WR Jaelen Strong (70th), WR Keith Mumphery (175th), LB Reshard Cliett (211th), DT Christian Covington (216th), RB Kenny Hilliard (235th)- The Texans draft didn’t start off great. I felt Kevin Johnson was a major reach, even though they needed a corner. Benardrick McKinney is just very overrated, and I’ve made my opinions on him well known. However, their draft took a turn when they grabbed Jaelen Strong in round three. I think Strong might just be their number one receiver by the end of this year. Unfortunately, there were no day three value picks at all. Overall, the draft was sub par, despite addressing needs. Despite that, draft Strong late in your fantasy football leagues this year, especially in keeper leagues.
Indianapolis Colts (C-)
Picks: Phillip Dorsett (29th), CB D’Joun Smith (65th), DE Henry Anderson (95th), S Clayton Geathers (109th), NT David Parry (151st), RB Josh Robinson (205th), LB Amarlo Herrera (207th), OL Denzell Goode (255th)- I was baffled when the Colts selected Phillip Dorsett with their first pick. Dorsett is a good player, but he won’t play much his first year and wide receiver wasn’t a need. The first pick needed to be an impact defensive player. I like Smith and Anderson in the second and third rounds. Both are needs on defense, and both have a lot of upside. However, there was no late round value picks and they missed on their first selection.
AFC West
Denver Broncos (C-)
Picks: DE Shane Ray (23rd), OG Ty Sambrailo (59th), TE Jeff Heuerman (92nd), C Max Garcia (133rd), CB Lorenzo Doss (164th), DT Darius Kilgo (203rd), QB Trevor Siemian (250th), CB Taurean Nixon (251st), S Josh Furman (252nd): Shane Ray was a good value pick if you talked to most, however I had him as a second round grade. I like the fit because he can learn from Demarcus Ware and Von Miller, but I still say Ray shouldn’t have been a first round pick. Now, Sambrailo was a good selection because he adds versatility to the Broncos offensive line. Other than that though, this was a very weak draft. There’s no value in the picks in the later rounds, and just not enough contributors to their team for the upcoming season.
Oakland Raiders (B)
Picks: WR Amari Cooper (4th) DE/DT Mario Edwards Jr. (35th) TE Clive Walford (68th) OG Jon Feliciano (128th) LB Ben Heeney (140th) LB Neiron Ball (161st) LB Max Valles (179th) OL Anthony Morris (218th) WR Andre Debose (221st) CB Dexter McDonald (242nd): Mike and I said throughout the whole draft process that scouts would make their money in the second, third and fourth round. The Raiders had a very solid draft in the first four rounds. I’ll move past the Amari Cooper selection because it’s self-explanatory. Mario Edwards isn’t a 4-3 fit as a defensive end, so he’ll probably move inside as a defensive tackle. I’m not opposed to that, but I felt there were a number of better players on the board for the Raiders to take. Clive Walford will provide a good safety blanket for Derek Carr on third down, assuming Walford can keep his head on straight. Lastly, Feliciano has good upside and could become a starting guard. It wasn’t a particularly “sexy,” draft, but the Raiders drafted players of need and a true number one wide receiver.
Kansas City Chiefs (B+)
Picks: CB Marcus Peters (18th), C Mitch Morse (49th), WR Chris Conley (76th), CB Steven “Mighty Mouse” Nelson (98th), ILB Ramik Wilson (118th), LB D.J Alexander (172nd), TE James O’Shaughnessy (173rd), DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (217th), WR Da’Ron Brown (233rd): I was surprised the Chiefs didn’t address offensive tackle in this draft, but other than that this was another solid draft from Andy Reid and company. Peters has a ton of upside, and Reid has done well with guys with character issues in the past. Morse and Conley both elevated their stocks during the NFL Combine, and both have very good upside themselves. I loved the selections of Nelson and Wilson. Nelson should develop into a very solid nickel corner and Ramik Wilson could become their second ILB in the Chiefs 3-4 set. This was a really good draft for Kansas City.
San Diego Chargers (B-)
Picks: RB Melvin Gordon (15th), ILB Denzel Perryman (48th), CB Craig Mager (83rd), OLB Kyle Emanuel (153rd), DE/DT Darius Philon (192nd): The Chargers went into this draft with the intention of getting a number one running back, and they did that with Melvin Gordon. Even though I think it was a little too high for Gordon, after Gurley went tenth, can you really blame San Diego for being cautious and trading up? Perryman was a solid choice because his biggest asset is stopping the run, and the Chargers needed help in the middle of their defense. The Chargers draft will hinge upon Craig Mager. He’s raw, but his upside is immense. If they get a productive corner out of Mager, and Perryman pans out, this could prove to be a very good draft. For now, it’s an average one with potential.
Jordan Katz NFL Mock Draft 4.0- Final Mock Draft (3 Rounds)
The NFL Draft is upon us, which means it’s time for one final mock draft from yours truly. Unlike most mock draft analysts, I’m not going to overreact to things teams are reporting to try to “be right.” This mock draft is more about my opinion of what teams should do based on the way the draft fell in front of them. It’s also based on team needs as well as my own evaluation of player.
To sum up, this is not your average mock draft around this time of year. I am giving you the selections and trades I would make if I were running the draft for all 32 teams. Also, I provided a little less analysis in this mock draft, because most of my analysis of players is well documented by now.
Round One
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston, QB Florida State- Eat. Sleep. Draft Jameis Winston. Repeat.
2) Tennessee Titans- Leonard Williams, DT Southern California- I don’t think the Titans will get anyone to trade with them, because I don’t think they genuinely want Marcus Mariota. Teams can dare Tennessee to take Mariota, rather than “giving the farm,” to move up.
3) New York Jets via Jacksonville Jaguars- Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon- Tennessee not trading down puts Jacksonville in a perfect position to do so. In terms of the Jets moving up, I still believe the Jets will win the Mariota sweepstakes.
4) Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper, WR Alabama- After four months of evaluations, Cooper over Kevin White is my final answer.
5) Cleveland Browns via Washington Redskins- Kevin White, WR West Virginia- Washington wants to trade down, and Cleveland needs a number one wide receiver. This seems like a perfect match.
6) Jacksonville Jaguars via New York Jets- Dante Fowler Jr., DE Florida- Where does Jacksonville sign for this draft outcome? The Jags manage to land Fowler, despite trading down.
7) New Orleans Saints via Chicago Bears- Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson- I think this is an out of the box trade that could happen on Thursday. New Orleans has an extra first rounder, so they can afford to give a couple of later picks to move up and get an impact defensive player.
8) Atlanta Falcons- Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE/OLB Kentucky- Bud Dupree is a great fit, but I would imagine it would be difficult for Thomas Dimitroff and company to watch their NFC South rival trade up past them and take Beasley.
9) New York Giants- Brandon Scherff, OG Iowa- The Giants drafting a first round offensive lineman with versatility and high character? Oh, unknowable universe.
10) St. Louis Rams- DeVante Parker, WR Louisville- The Rams desperately need a top tier wide receiver for newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles.
11) Minnesota Vikings- Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State- The Vikings could go a number of different directions on draft day, but based on the way this draft played out (Scherff and Parker off the board), Waynes seems like the obvious pick.
12) Washington Redskins via Cleveland Browns- Eli Harold, OLB Virginia- The Redskins could have gone edge rusher at the five, but I think they recognize the need to get more picks in the early portions of this draft.
13) Chicago Bears via New Orleans Saints- Jordan Phillips, NT Oklahoma- This is great value for the Bears. They trade down, grab an extra pick, and get an impactful nose tackle.
14) Miami Dolphins- Shaq Thompson, OLB Washington- This may be a bit of a luxury pick, but it’s a perfect fit. Thompson’s coverage ability will take pressure off the rest of the linebacking core.
15) San Francisco 49ers- Eric Kendricks, ILB UCLA- The 49ers have a lot of needs, but after losing Pat Willis and Chris Borland, inside linebacker is a must early in this draft.
16) Houston Texans- Marcus Peters, CB Washington- Jonathan Joseph is looking more and more like a cap casualty cut next year, which means the Texans need his replacement now.
17) San Diego Chargers- Danny Shelton, NT Washington- The Chargers need a nose tackle above everything else. With Shelton on the board, I suspect they’ll race to the podium in this scenario.
18) Kansas City Chiefs- T.J. Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh- Eric Fisher doesn’t have the support of management in Kansas City, which means they could draft the best tackle on the board at the 18. In this scenario, that’s Clemmings.
19) Washington Redskins via Cleveland Browns from Buffalo Bills- Stephone Anthony, ILB Clemson- Stephone Anthony is one of my favorite players in the draft. He’s a well-rounded inside linebacker, something the Redskins definitely need. Anthony will improve the middle of the Redskins front seven.
20) Philadelphia Eagles- Landon Collins, SS Alabama- The Eagles need any kind of secondary help they can get.
21) Cincinnati Bengals- Eddie Goldman, DT/NT Florida State- Domata Peko struggled last season. Adding an impact player next to Geno Atkins could make this the best front four in the league.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers- Byron Jones, CB Connecticut- The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t selected a first round cornerback since 1997. It’s time to change that.
23) Detroit Lions- Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE UCLA- With this pick, the Lions would have Odighizuwa opposite Ziggy Ansah and next to Haloti Ngata. That’s one heck of a front four.
24) Arizona Cardinals- Malcom Brown, NT Texas- Malcom Brown has the versatility to play a 3-4 defensive end and a 3-4 nose tackle. His ability to play multiple techniques in different schemes will make him an attractive pick on draft day.
25) Carolina Panthers- Andrus Peat, OT Stanford- I think many are overthinking this pick for the Panthers. Yes, they signed Michael Oher. However, they still need a left tackle.
26) Baltimore Ravens- Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State- Despite Joe Flacco’s reported trust in his receivers, I doubt a great football mind like Ozzie Newsome is going to feel the same way.
27) Dallas Cowboys- Todd Gurley, RB Georgia- Even though I have a sneaky suspicion Gurley goes higher than this, I can’t put a running back higher than the 20th overall in the modern NFL.
28) Oakland Raiders via Denver Broncos- Preston Smith, DE Mississippi State- Preston Smith has great versatility, something Oakland has lacked in their front four for a long time.
29) Indianapolis Colts- Carl Davis, NT Iowa- By virtue of a glaring need I have Carl Davis here. I personally have Davis at a second round grade, but he has a lot of upside.
30) Green Bay Packers- Arik Armstead, DE Oregon- Armstead is arguably the biggest risk/reward pick in the draft. Green Bay can afford to take the risk.
31) New Orleans Saints via Seattle Seahawks- Jake Fisher, OT/OG Oregon– After losing Ben Grubbs, guard is a must in this draft for the Saints. While I think Fisher is a fine tackle, he could be a terrific left guard in the Saints offense.
32) Minnesota Vikings via New England Patriots- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Oklahoma- New England may shock people on draft day and try to move up, but the one thing I think is certain is that they don’t select at the 32nd overall.
In terms of the trade from the Vikings perspective, I don’t think Mike Zimmer will fear DGB’s character issues. He’s a no nonsense coach, and sometimes that’s exactly what a guy with “character issues,” needs.
Trades
– New York Jets trade the #6 and the #37 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #3
– Cleveland Browns trade the #12 and the #19 to the Washington Redskins for the #5 and the #69
– New Orleans Saints trade the #13 and the #44 to the Chicago Bears for the #7
– Oakland Raiders trade the #35 and the #99 to the Denver Broncos for the #28.
– Minnesota Vikings trade the #45 and the #76 to the New England Patriots for the #32 and the #131
Round Two
33) Tennessee Titans- D.J Humphries, OT Florida
34) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Nate Orchard, DE Utah
35) Denver Broncos via Oakland Raiders- Ty Sambrailo, OG Colorado State
36) Jacksonville Jaguars- Cedric Ogbuehi, OT Texas A&M
37) Jacksonville Jaguars via New York Jets- Duke Johnson, RB Miami Florida
38) Washington Redskins- Ali Marpet, OG Hobart
39) Chicago Bears- Nelson Agholor, WR Southern California
40) New York Giants- Cameron Erving, C Florida State
41) St. Louis Rams- La’El Collins, OT/OG LSU
42) Atlanta Falcons- Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin
43) Cleveland Browns- Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota
44) Chicago Bears via New Orleans Saints- Ereck Flowers, OT Miami Florida
45) New England Patriots via Minnesota Vikings- Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest
46) San Francisco 49ers- Ronald Darby, CB Florida State
47) Miami Dolphins- Quentin Rollins, CB Miami (Ohio)
48) San Diego Chargers- Tevin Coleman, RB Indiana
49) Kansas City Chiefs- Rashad Greene, WR Florida State
50) Buffalo Bills- Benadrick McKinney, ILB Mississippi State
51) New England Patriots via Houston Texans- Laken Tomlinson, OG Duke
52) Philadelphia Eagles- Breshad Perriman, WR UCF
53) Carolina Panthers via Cincinnati Bengals- Devin Smith, WR Ohio State
54) Detroit Lions- Jay Ajayi, RB Boise State
55) Arizona Cardinals- Danielle Hunter, OLB LSU
56) Pittsburgh Steelers- Randy Gregory, OLB Nebraska
57) Cincinnati Bengals via Carolina Panthers- A.J Cann, OG South Carolina
58) Baltimore Ravens- Mario Edwards Jr., DE Florida State
59) Denver Broncos- Xavier Cooper, DT Washington State
60) Jacksonville Jaguars via Dallas Cowboys- Phillip Dorsett, WR Miami Florida
61) Indianapolis Colts- Damarious Randall, FS Arizona State
62) New York Giants via Green Bay Packers- Derron Smith, FS Fresno State
63) Seattle Seahawks- Michael Bennett, DT Ohio State
64) Houston Texans via New England Patriots- Cody Prewitt, FS Ole Miss
Trades in Round Two
– New England Patriots trade the #64 and the #96 to the Houston Texans for the #51
– Carolina Panthers trade the #57 and a 2016 5th round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for the #53.
– Jacksonville Jaguars trade the #67, #139 and a 2016 7th round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for the #60.
– New York Giants trade the #74 and the #108 to the Green Bay Packers for the #62 and the #166
Round Three
65) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anthony Harris, SS Virginia
66) Tennessee Titans- Shane Ray, OLB Missouri
67) Dallas Cowboys via Jacksonville Jaguars- Gabe Wright, DT/NT Auburn
68) Oakland Raiders- David Cobb, RB Minnesota
69) Cleveland Browns via Washington Redskins- Grady Jarrett, DT/NT Clemson
70) New York Jets- Tyler Lockett, WR Kansas State
71) Chicago Bears- Gerod Holliman, FS Louisville
72) St. Louis Rams- Rob Havenstein, OT Wisconsin
73) Atlanta Falcons- Clive Walford, TE Miami Florida
74) Green Bay Packers via New York Giants- Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB Washington
75) New Orleans Saints- Garrett Grayson, QB Colorado State
76) New England Patriots via Minnesota Vikings- Justin Hardy, WR East Carolina
77) Cleveland Browns- Donovan Smith, OG Penn State
78) New Orleans Saints via Miami Dolphins- Josh Harper, WR Fresno State
79) San Francisco 49ers- Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB Lousiville
80) Kansas City Chiefs- Hroniss Grassu, C Oregon
81) Buffalo Bills- Brett Hundley, QB UCLA
82) Houston Texans- Paul Dawson, ILB TCU
83) San Diego Chargers- Trey Flowers, DE/OLB Arkansas
84) Philadelphia Eagles- Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB Oregon
85) Cincinnati Bengals- Jake Ryan, OLB Michigan
86) Arizona Cardinals- David Johnson, RB Northern Iowa
87) Pittsburgh Steelers- Jaquiski Tartt, SS Samford
88) Detroit Lions- Kevin White, CB TCU
89) Carolina Panthers- Za’Darius Smith, DE Kentucky
90) Baltimore Ravens- Steven Nelson, CB Oregon State
91) Dallas Cowboys- Chris Hackett, S TCU
92) Denver Broncos- Eric Rowe, CB/S Utah
93) Indianapolis Colts- Charles Gaines, CB Louisville
94) Green Bay Packers- Kwon Alexander, ILB LSU
95) Seattle Seahawks- Tre Jackson, OG Florida State
96) Houston Texans via New England Patriots- B.J Finney, C Kansas State
97) New England Patriots (compensatory)- Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami Florida
98) Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory)- Henry Anderson, DE Stanford
99) Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory)- Devin Funchess, WR/TE Michigan
Fan Operated NFL Mock Draft
Welcome to the Fan Operated NFL Mock Draft. We wanted to give our viewers a chance to make selections for their favorite teams, or for any team they were interested in selecting for. We felt this was a cool and unique draft idea to let you all give some input on what your teams should be taking.
What we decided to do was evaluate the selections that you made. We based our opinions on our grades and judgment of the players in this draft, as well as the draft needs that each individual team has.
Now we did disagree with some of the selections, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your pick is bad. You may see something that we don’t, and down the road, you may have been right. All it means is that at this point in time, we don’t agree with the pick.
Round One
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston, QB Florida State (Kevin Adler)
(Jordan)- Well this was kind of obvious.
(Mike)- Hopefully Tampa Bay feels the same way as we do come draft day.
2) Tennessee Titans- Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon (Anthony Zanfini)
(Mike)- The Titans are definitely going to look to trade here, in my opinion. Plus, they appear to be set on Zach Mettenberger. However, if Anthony was not a Mettenberger fan, then this pick makes perfect sense.
(Jordan)- I agree. Personally I don’t like the scheme fit here for Mariota, but if the Titans were to change their mind on Mettenberger, then a great offensive mind like Ken Whisenhunt should be able to make something out of Mariota’s talent.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars- Dante Fowler Jr., DE Florida (Nick DePinho)
(Jordan)- I like this pick, even with Leonard Williams on the board. The Jaguars got good production from Sen’Derrick Marks and just signed Jared Odrick. They should go edge rusher, and Fowler is the best scheme fit.
(Mike)- I agree on the Williams part, but this probably made more sense to be Vic Beasley. Gus Bradley would love having Beasley’s pass rushing ability in the Leo linebacker role on his defense. I have Beasley ahead of Fowler, so that’s where I would have gone.
(Jordan)- Do you object to Fowler going here all together?
(Mike)- No, Fowler is the most NFL ready among the pass rushers in the draft. He’s also a natural 4-3 defensive end. I just think Beasley has more upside, and would work well in the Jaguars defense.
4) Oakland Raiders- Leonard Williams, DT Southern California (Justin Katz)
(Mike)- Thank goodness the best prospect is finally off the board. This isn’t worth analysis.
(Jordan)- Word, Cotton.
5) Washington Redskins- Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson (Danny Katz)
(Jordan)- The Redskins get my top pass rusher in the draft here to play opposite Ryan Kerrigan. I think they’d be okay with that.
(Mike)- Well I thought Beasley should’ve gone third, so I’m sure they’re going to be more than satisfied.
6) New York Jets- Randy Gregory, OLB Nebraska (Nick Lovera)
(Mike)- Look, the Jets need an edge rusher, and many people like Gregory. However, his combine just furthered everything I’ve seen on tape. He’s too slight to really be an impact player at the next level, and I just wouldn’t have taken him here.
(Jordan)- Well my dislike of Gregory has been more than documented in my mock drafts. After the report of his failed drug test at the combine, I’d be surprised if he went this high. However, these picks were made before that happened. Therefore, if Nick is a fan of Gregory, then he would technically be a good scheme fit.
7) Chicago Bears- Kevin White, WR West Virginia (Joey Zocco)
(Jordan)- Kevin White is a beast, and technically speaking the Bears are in need of a wide receiver opposite Alshon Jeffery. If I were the Bears, however, I’m just not sure I can look at the gaping hole in the middle of my front seven and not take a nose tackle. I believe there are at least four nose tackles that are immediate starters in the NFL, and all are round one picks.
(Mike)- True, but sometimes you can’t deny talent, and Kevin White is one of the two most talented players on the board. This isn’t a matter of right and wrong, this is a matter of best available player.
(Jordan)- The middle of that defense is just so dreadful though. There are times where you can take the best available player, and then there are times where the need is too great.
(Mike)- They did just add Mason Foster to sure up their linebacking core.
(Jordan)- That doesn’t answer their need for a defensive tackle.
(Mike)- Yes, but it can allow them to go for a best available player. Foster is a run stopping, solid tackling, middle linebacker. Kevin White is a fine choice here because of that.
(Jordan)- I’d still take a nose tackle because of how deep the wide receiver class is.
8) Atlanta Falcons- Danny Shelton, NT Washington (JP Lalumia)
(Mike)- Paul Soliai was just recently signed, so I can’t see the Falcons going for a nose tackle. I would’ve gone edge rusher here.
(Jordan)- I agree. I know for a fact that JP is not a fan of Soliai, which is why he made this selection. Despite this, I would have gone with an edge rusher, particularly Bud Dupree; I think he’d be a perfect scheme fit.
9) New York Giants- Brandon Scherff, OG Iowa (Tim Schulze)
(Jordan)- I can’t complain when the Giants take a glaring need, even if I believe in Owamagbe Odighizuwa that much.
(Mike)- Scherff makes a ton of sense, but I would be really tempted to take Amari Cooper here. If they lined up a receiving core of Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz and Amari Cooper, I’m not sure there’s a defense that could contain that besides the Legion of Boom.
10) St. Louis Rams- Amari Cooper, WR Alabama (Justin Katz)
(Mike)- Amari Cooper may run a sub 4.4 40 yard dash, but the Rams team may run to the podium even faster than that to make this selection.
(Jordan)- Nick Foles would benefit from the Rams getting anyone that is a number one wide receiver in this draft. The fact that they pick Amari Cooper is an added bonus.
11) Minnesota Vikings- DeVante Parker, WR Louisville (Doug Kowalski)
(Jordan)- I really hope this happens on draft day because of the Louisville connection between him and Teddy Bridgewater. The Vikings traded for Mike Wallace, so they may not go receiver in round one on draft day. Despite this, I think this is a fine selection.
(Mike)- I think this pick is easy. Bridgewater needs more reliable targets and Mike Wallace only gives the Vikings one dependable receiver. Parker has a history with Bridgewater, which makes me believe their chemistry will translate to the NFL.
12) Cleveland Browns- Shane Ray, OLB Missouri (Ryan Kuck)
(Mike)- Shane Ray is not only overrated, but he’s not a need. The Browns have Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo off the edge. This should’ve been a nose tackle to plug gaps against the run (my pick: Jordan Phillips). Even if the Browns wanted to go edge rusher, there are plenty of better options than Shane Ray.
(Jordan)- Ray’s pro day showed exactly why we don’t like him. His hips are slow and he’s not a twitch player. I would’ve gone Jordan Phillips as well.
13) New Orleans Saints- Alvin “Bud” Dupree, OLB Kentucky (Scott Anderson)
(Jordan)- Bud Dupree is one of my favorite players in the draft because of his athleticism and length. He’s a perfect fit in Rob Ryan’s defense. I love this selection.
(Mike)- At first, I wasn’t a huge fan of Dupree. However, after the combine and his pro day, I decided to give him a second look. Dupree is athletic and shows a bevy of pass rushing moves. Putting him next to Junior Galette is a smart pick.
14) Miami Dolphins- Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State (Rob Ricci)
(Mike)- The Dolphins have needed a cornerback opposite Brent Grimes for a while. Waynes is particularly strong in man coverage, which is good considering teams will try to avoid Grimes every Sunday.
(Jordan)- I think they could’ve used a number one wide receiver, but they just traded for Kenny Stills and they drafted Jarvis Landry last year. I can’t complain with them snagging Waynes, even if I don’t believe in Stills at all.
15) San Francisco 49ers- Eric Kendricks, ILB UCLA (Rob Ricci)
(Jordan)- The 49ers have no one playing next to NaVorro Bowman. The end.
(Mike)- I disagree. This is a little high for Kendricks. This seems more like a panic selection considering they could’ve nabbed Stephone Anthony or Paul Dawson in round two. There were plenty of other players on the board at need positions that are higher on my board than Kendricks.
(Jordan)- Kendricks is near the top of my big board, so I have no issue with him going here. I don’t feel it’s a reach and it is arguably their biggest need.
(Mike)- They did just sign Lance Briggs.
(Jordan)- And I’m in about as good of shape as him.
(Mike)- Regardless, I would’ve waited on an inside linebacker because of that.
(Jordan)- Agree to disagree.
16) Houston Texans- Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State (Austin Greene)
(Mike)- Since we didn’t do trades in this mock, the Texans are in the worst spot in the draft. This is a best available selection. I’m not a fan of Cecil Shorts, so despite the fact they signed him to replace Andre Johnson, they could use a true number two receiver next to Nuk Hopkins.
(Jordan)- I agree with the Texans being in a bad spot because of Trae Waynes not being on the board. I think cornerback is their top need because of how inconsistent Jonathan Joseph was last year. I would’ve gone Marcus Peters, but I admit that Peters here is a reach.
17) San Diego Chargers- Malcom Brown, NT Texas (Chris Chach)
(Jordan)- The Chargers desperately need a nose tackle, and even though I think Eddie Goldman and Jordan Phillips are better, Brown is a perfectly fine selection.
(Mike)- San Diego also needs a pass rusher badly. Having said that, I would have had them taking a nose tackle here as well.
18) Kansas City Chiefs- TJ Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh (House Pick)
(Mike)- Eric Fisher needs to move to right tackle because of how inconsistent he is at left tackle. That makes the Chiefs top priority in the draft a tackle.
(Jordan)- This is why the Chiefs take Clemmings. He’s the best tackle in the draft.
19) Cleveland Browns- Eddie Goldman, NT Florida State (JP Lalumia)
(Jordan)- The Browns should’ve gone nose tackle at the 12th overall, but getting Goldman at the 19 is a steal.
(Mike)- This is a “well duh,” selection. The Browns have to go nose tackle in the first round, assuming they keep both their picks on draft day. While I wish they went nose tackle first so they could consider a wide out here, this is a no brainer now.
20) Philadelphia Eagles- Landon Collins, S Alabama (Tricia Pozzi)
(Mike)- Marcus Peters probably made more sense here because Collins is an in the box safety and the Eagles struggle in coverage. Having said that, the Eagles are just terrible in the secondary in general, so Collins is still a good pick.
(Jordan)- I’m kind of glad Trish left Peters on the board, to be honest. First of all, the Eagles need tacklers, and Collins is a hard-hitting presence in the box. Second, the Eagles start Earl Wolff at strong safety, so there’s that. Lastly, I’m not so sure I want to put Peters and his character issues in Philly, where Chip Kelly is under a ton of pressure to win now.
21) Cincinnati Bengals- Marcus Peters, CB Washington (Nick Prevete)
(Jordan)- The Bengals don’t need a cornerback! They have Leon Hall, Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard and Adam “Pacman” Jones. This makes no sense.
(Mike)- Didn’t the Bengals draft a corner in the first round last year, and in 2012? Chalk me up for confused on this one.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers- Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest (Tim Schulze)
(Mike)- This pick makes sense, but don’t expect it to happen on draft day. The last time the Steelers drafted a cornerback in round one they selected Chad Scott in 1997.
(Jordan)- Doesn’t this year seem like a good year to buck that trend though, considering there’s an empty space currently playing opposite Cortez Allen?
(Mike)- In theory, but streaks exist for a reason. I doubt that one of these corners is the one in 17-1.
(Jordan)- Regardless, I like the selection.
23) Detroit Lions- Jordan Phillips, NT Oklahoma (Nick Prevete)
(Jordan)- This just baffles me. You can’t put a zero technique next to Haloti Ngata in a 4-3… who also serves the role of a zero technique. This pick has Preston Smith written all over it.
(Mike)- Smith can bulk up to be a five technique next to Ngata, or he can just stay at his playing weight and play defensive end opposite Ziggy Ansah. I concur.
24) Arizona Cardinals- Todd Gurley, RB Georgia (Danny Katz)
(Mike)- I like Todd Gurley the player, but I don’t like the fit. With Antonio Cromartie going back to New York, a corner is a big need here for the Cardinals. Byron Jones would’ve made more sense.
(Jordan)- Mike, you know the old saying, “when you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks?” Well, when you have five running backs that can’t stay healthy, you have no running backs. This of course is the ultimate sense of irony here because Gurley is coming off ACL surgery. However, if Gurley was the top running back in Danny’s mind, then this is fine with me.
25) Carolina Panthers- Phillip Dorsett, WR Miami (Michael Desjardins)
(Jordan)- Not only did the Panthers just take a receiver in the first round last year, but Dorsett is just not a good fit. The Panthers need a left tackle in the worst way. This had to be a tackle.
(Mike)- I have six wide receivers currently on the board that are better, in my mind, than Phillip Dorsett. I have five offensive tackles on my board that are higher than Phillip Dorsett. Needless to say, I disagree with the selection.
(Extra from Mike)- An out of the box pick here would’ve been Shaq Thompson. I’m not sure how he fell out of round one, but his coverage ability would make the Panthers linebacking core arguably the best in the league in coverage.
26) Baltimore Ravens- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Oklahoma (Steve Reynolds)
(Mike)- Ozzie Newsome typically doesn’t take offensive players in the first round. While I really like the pick because of DGB’s undeniable talent, I would expect them to address cornerback or defensive line with this pick.
(Jordan)- The Ravens need a number two wide receiver and a red zone threat. That is DGB in a nutshell. His size makes him a difficult guard, and John Harbaugh should have no trouble taming his character issues. I like this pick.
27) Dallas Cowboys- Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin (Kevin Khederian)
(Jordan)- Gordon ran behind a great offensive line at Wisconsin, so I’m sure he’ll be used to not being hit until he’s at least three yards past the line of scrimmage. I think this is exactly what the Cowboys will do on draft day, regardless of whether Todd Gurley is on the board or not.
(Mike)- I think this is a “luxury pick.” The Cowboys need defense badly and are neglecting it to help what is already a good offense.
(Jordan)- They have to replace Demarco Murray in this draft though.
(Mike)- They can do that later on. Edge rushers are top heavy this year, where as running back is the deepest position in the draft. Owamagbe Odighizuwa would’ve been a better pick to play opposite Demarcus Lawrence.
(Jordan)- That’s not fair. You know I’m never going to argue with any 4-3 teams taking my man Digi.
28) Denver Broncos- Ereck Flowers, OT Miami (Chris Emery)
(Jordan)- I despise Ereck Flowers, so you’re going to have to take this one.
(Mike)- Chris Clark needs to be replaced, so I like the idea to take a right tackle.
(Jordan)- Let me stop you right there. Please don’t tell me you like Ereck Flowers.
(Mike)- Actually, I don’t. I would’ve gone La’El Collins or Andrus Peat here. Having said that, the position target is 100 percent accurate.
29) Indianapolis Colts- Cameron Erving, OG/C Florida State (Anthony Scaperrotta)
(Mike)- Cameron Erving looks like a really solid center, and the Colts do interior offensive lineman.
(Jordan)- But…
(Mike)- Their defense is so average. The Colts have to go defense in round one.
(Jordan)- They particularly need a corner to replace Greg Toler.
(Mike)- How does he still start? I’ll say this though. If they choose to not go defense for some reason, then addressing their offensive line with a player that is as versatile as Erving does make sense.
30) Green Bay Packers- Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota (Anthony Scaperrotta)
(Mike)- This is a hard pick to argue against. They start Andrew Quarless.
(Jordan)- This seems like a match made in heaven. Williams is a do-it-all tight end and would serve as a good safety valve for Aaron Rodgers in the passing game.
31) New Orleans Saints- La’El Collins, OT/OG LSU (Scott Anderson)
(Jordan)- The Saints still need more defense, but they are getting a starting NFL guard here. No objection from me.
(Mike)- Agreed. I like the idea of Collins transitioning to guard at the next level, and because the Saints traded Ben Grubbs, this seems like a great selection.
32) New England Patriots- Arik Armstead, DE/DT Oregon (Joe Romano)
(Mike)- This could be the best selection of this mock draft. Not only does Bill Belichick get a positional need here, but he also gets a top 15 talent at the 32nd overall selection.
(Jordan)- Doesn’t this seem like a Belichick kind of selection too? He gets the most versatile defensive lineman in the draft at a bargain price. Classic Patriots.
That does it for our fan operated mock draft. We want to thank everyone who participated in this. This was a really cool idea and we’re both extremely pleased in the amount of people that were interested in this. Even if we disagreed with your selections, we still appreciate everyone that helped out in making this possible.
Jordan Katz NFL Mock Draft 3.0- Post NFL Free Agency
The first wave of free agency has been completed. Many teams have made key additions that they feel will make them better in the upcoming season. Plenty of teams have also lost key pieces to their team, and are now left searching for answers.
With all the moves that have been made, each teams top priorities have changed. Using the New York Jets as an example, it’s safe to say that they addressed their secondary need in free agency. This is the time of year when mock draft become less about how one personally evaluates players, and more about matching one’s personal evaluation of players with team needs.
As was the case last time, I’ve included trades in this mock draft once again. The trades have changed though. This is because of the way the draft played out, as well as new teams emerging with good scenarios to trade up and trade down.
There are some surprises in this draft compared to my last few mock drafts, as well as some unexpected teams trading down. However, like I’ve said before, this is not only about the teams needs, but it’s also about what I would do if I were the general manager of the team.
Round One
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14)- Jameis Winston, QB Florida State- At this point, you all get the picture on this one.
2) Tennessee Titans (2-14)- Leonard Williams, DT Southern California- This is the same deal as the last pick. Yes, trade rumors and Marcus Mariota rumors are swirling around the Titans camp. Despite this, Leonard Williams is still too good to pass up on, in my opinion.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)- Dante Fowler Jr., DE Florida- This is one of the times in this mock draft where I went more for team need then my own evaluation of who is the best. I believe Vic Beasley is the best pass rusher in this draft. I believe that the Jaguars could use Beasley in the Leo linebacker role and have it work really well.
However, Dante Fowler is just too good of a fit. He’s a prototypical 4-3 defensive end, and Gus Bradley won’t have to change his system to fit Fowler, where as he would have to tweak it to add Vic Beasley.
4) Oakland Raiders (3-13)- Kevin White, WR West Virginia- I continue to flip flop on who is the top wide out in this draft, and this is another case where I let the team decide. Oakland has always had an infatuation with big wide receivers that run fast (Darrius Heyward-Bey). That alone will keep Kevin White here for me, but Amari Cooper is equally as good and wouldn’t be a surprise on draft day.
5) Washington Redskins (4-12)- Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson- The Redskins are talking about trading down, and it makes a lot of sense for them. However, with Beasley on the board, I can’t pull the trigger on this one.
6) New York Jets (4-12)- Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon- I still believe Marcus Mariota is the Jets week one starter, no matter what comes out in the media over the next month. I think there’s some validity to the Jets going with the best player available, but with the top three defensive players off the board, they should take Mariota.
7) Chicago Bears (5-11)- Jordan Phillips, DT/NT Oklahoma- The Bears are amazingly one nose tackle away from having completely revamped their front seven to be one that is actually good. Phillips is my top nose tackle in this draft, so this seems like a great match.
8) Cleveland Browns via Atlanta Falcons (6-10)- Amari Cooper, WR Alabama- Trade number one here, and from an unlikely team. Atlanta appears to be in prime position to take a number of defensive players that can help their team. This is the exact reason why I have the Falcons trading down.
There are so many defensive options for Atlanta that they can easily slide down, get a player at the top or near the top of their draft board, and come away with an extra draft pick.
The Browns did add Dwayne Bowe, but they still need another wide out. Cooper would be an immediate impact player for Cleveland.
9) Houston Texans via New York Giants (6-10)- Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State- Once again, another trade from another unlikely team. The Giants are another team with a number of defensive needs, and can address them while moving backward and picking up extra picks in the process.
Houston has had a really good free agency. They added Cecil Shorts as a compliment to Nuk Hopkins, and added Vince Wilfork to be a space eater in the middle of a really good front seven.
Their top need now is a corner opposite Kareem Jackson. Jonathan Joseph is most likely a cap casualty cut next year, and they need to find his replacement. The Texans jump the Vikings here to land that replacement in Trae Waynes (I still don’t have any of the corners in this draft in my personal top 15, but team needs rule all).
10) St. Louis Rams (6-10)- DeVante Parker, WR Louisville- The Rams still need a playmaker, so this is still DeVante Parker.
11) Minnesota Vikings (7-9)- Brandon Scherff, OG Iowa- I tried to find a way for Minnesota to move backward here and scoop up Marcus Peters, but I couldn’t find a way to do so.
Rather than give them Peters here, which I feel would be way too high, I gave the Vikings Brandon Scherff to bolster their offensive line.
12) Atlanta Falcons via Cleveland Browns (7-9)- Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE/OLB Kentucky- Bud Dupree continues to impress scouts through the combine and his pro day, and as more go back to watch his tape, they’ll see a guy that has been in my top 15 players for a long time.
13) New Orleans Saints (7-9)- Eddie Goldman, DT/NT Florida State- The Saints desperately need help on defense. Eddie Goldman is a versatile nose tackle that can do it all. I think this pick speaks for itself.
14) Miami Dolphins (8-8)- Marcus Peters, CB Washington- I still think this is a little too high for Peters, if you factor in the risk that comes with drafting him.
However, if the Dolphins get his mind right, they will have a big time corner to play opposite Brent Grimes.
15) San Francisco 49ers (8-8)- Eric Kendricks, ILB UCLA- Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retiring shocked many in the football world. The 49ers went from having the best inside linebacker core in the NFL, to needing one to play along side NaVorro Bowman.
Kendricks is a do it all linebacker, and is particularly good in coverage. He would be a great compliment to Bowman’s run stopping ability.
16) New York Giants via Houston Texans (9-7)- Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE UCLA- Interestingly enough, the Giants trade down here and get the same guy I gave them at the ninth overall in the last draft. Odighizuwa is a perfect fit in a 4-3 and he will add some much needed pass rushing ability opposite Jason Pierre-Paul.
17) San Diego Chargers (9-7)- Danny Shelton, NT Washington- Many people have Shelton in their top ten, but I’ve always felt he was the third best nose tackle in this draft. San Diego would be a perfect fit for Shelton, because he can eat blockers and free up pass rushers for one-on-one matchups.
18) Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)- T.J. Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh- The Chiefs haven’t been impressed with former top pick Eric Fisher, and are considering moving him to right tackle. This means that they need a left tackle. Clemmings is the top tackle in the draft. You do the math.
19) Cleveland from Buffalo (9-7)- Malcom Brown, NT Texas- The Browns lost Ahtyba Rubin to the Seahawks in free agency, which means they need to find his replacement in this drat. Brown is far and away the next best defensive tackle, so this pick is pretty easy.
20) Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)- Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State- Here is an out of the box pick for an out of the box coach. The Eagles are in prime position to draft Landon Collins, and they desperately need a safety.
Despite this, Jaelen Strong is just too good to pass up on. Strong fell a bit in this draft based on the Niners need for an inside linebacker and their signing of Torrey Smith, not because my opinion of him changed.
Chip Kelly and company lost Jeremy Maclin to free agency, so they need a number one wide receiver.
21) Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1)- Shaq Thompson, OLB Washington- This is a bit of a luxury pick, but I love the idea of having Thompson and Vontaze Burfict in the same linebacking core.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)- Landon Collins, SS Alabama- Easy pick here. The Steelers need safety help and Collins is the best, and arguably the only, safety in the draft.
23) Detroit Lions (11-5)- Preston Smith, DE Mississippi State- Preston Smith’s versatility makes him such an ideal fit for the Lions. He could bulk up a bit and move inside next to Haloti Ngata. He could stay at his weight and play opposite Ziggy Ansah. Most importantly, he has the technique and ability to do both.
24) New York Jets via Arizona Cardinals (11-5)- Eli Harold, OLB Virginia- Many may wonder why I have the Cardinals trading here when they do need a pass rusher. Well, the Cardinals signed Lamarr Woodley to be an immediate fix at that position, and they don’t really base their defense around the edge rushers. The Jets in this deal also give up a lot (second and third round pick), which usually help sway teams that are on the fence about trading down.
This may be an out of the box trade, but I think it makes sense based on the amount the Jets give, plus the Cardinals need for a running back, which is something they can address by moving backward.
25) Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)- Andrus Peat, OT Stanford- The Panthers are still searching for a left tackle, and Peat is my best tackle on the board.
26) Baltimore Ravens (10-6)- Arik Armstead, DE/DT Oregon- I said in the last mock draft that this pick would be Ozzie Newsome 101. Newsome drafts a big time athlete with potential to be a star.
27) Dallas Cowboys (12-4)- Todd Gurley, RB Georgia- I don’t believe in taking running backs in the first round in the modern NFL… Unless they have undeniable talent and the ability to be something special. Todd Gurley has that talent.
28) Oakland Raiders via Denver Broncos (12-4)- Nate Orchard, DE Utah- Yes, this is an inter-division trade. However, it’s a trade that fits both teams, and those kinds of deals aren’t that uncommon on draft day. Just last year, the Cowboys moved up in the draft with the Redskins to get Demarcus Lawrence.
The Raiders move up here because they need an edge rusher in their defense. Orchard is one of my personal favorites in this draft, and I think the Raiders will benefit from his all-around ability.
29) Indianapolis Colts (11-5)- Danielle Hunter, OLB LSU- The Colts signed Trent Cole to play opposite Robert Mathis, however, both are on the other side of 30 and the Colts have nothing behind them. Hunter could be a great spell to those guys during his first two years, and then become an elite pass rusher later in his career.
30) Green Bay Packers (12-4)- Carl Davis, DT/NT Iowa- The Packers need someone in the middle of their defense that can gap the run. It’s something they’ve lacked the past few seasons. Carl Davis is very good at that, and his stock continues to rise after both the Senior Bowl and the Combine.
31) New Orleans Saints from Seattle Seahawks (12-4)- Shane Ray, OLB Missouri- Unfortunately, the Saints need for an edge rusher makes me have to put Shane Ray in this first round, but I’m not happy about it.
32) New England Patriots (12-4)- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Oklahoma- The Pats do need a cornerback, but Belichick prides himself on being able to take any player and make him fit into his defense, so he won’t be overaggressive on a weak secondary class.
DGB has the talent to be in the top ten of this draft, and Belichick has not shied away from character issues in the past.
TRADE DETAILS IN ROUND ONE
– Cleveland Browns trade the #12 and the #77 to the Atlanta Falcons for the #8.
– Houston Texans trade the #16 and the #51 to the New York Giants for the #9 and the #136.
– New York Jets trade the #37 and the #70 to the Arizona Cardinals for the #24
– Oakland Raiders trade the #35 and the #99 to the Denver Broncos for the #28.
– Buffalo gives pick to Cleveland: Sammy Watkins
– Seattle gives pick to New Orleans: Jimmy Graham
Round Two
33) Tennessee Titans (2-14)- D.J Humphries, OT Florida- The Titans need a tackle next to Taylor Lewan. Humphries is a good run blocker with good size and length.
34) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14)- Trey Flowers, DE/OLB Arkansas- Flowers has some developing to do in the run game, but he’s a better system fit here than Hau’oli Kikaha.
35) Denver Broncos via Oakland Raiders (3-13)- Ty Sambrailo, OG/OT Colorado State- Sambrailo has great athleticism and I’m a fan of the balance he shows in the passing game. He should make the transition from tackle to guard nicely.
36) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)- Duke Johnson, RB Miami Florida- Duke Johnson is the second best back in this draft on my personal board, and the Jags have what seems like nineteen below average running backs.
37) Arizona Cardinals via New York Jets (4-12)- Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin- The Cardinals moved down and picked up some picks, but they still hit on a playmaker at one of their biggest need positions.
38) Washington Redskins (4-12)- Stephone Anthony, ILB Clemson- Stephone Anthony is a beast and he only falls this far because of team needs. He’s a do it all 3-4 inside linebacker and the Redskins have bolstered their linebacking core with him and Beasley.
39) Chicago Bears (5-11)- Rashad Greene, WR Florida State- Greene is a route-running technician and would be a great compliment to Alshon Jeffery.
40) New York Giants (6-10)- Laken Tomlinson, OG Duke- The Giants need to bolster their offensive line. Tomlinson is a good one-on-one blocker and will be an immediate impact in the run game.
41) St. Louis Rams (6-10)- A.J Cann, OG South Carolina- Cann is a big time run blocker and would be an instant upgrade to Jeff Fisher’s offensive line.
42) Atlanta Falcons (6-10)- Tevin Coleman, RB Indiana- Devonta Freeman is a third down back. The Falcons need someone that can tote the rock 200 plus times for a season. Coleman is one of the four backs in this draft that I gave a top 40 grade to.
43) Cleveland Browns (7-9)- Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota- The Browns lost Jordan Cameron in free agency to the Dolphins and need a starting tight end. Maxx Williams is a terrific blocker and a red zone threat. This is a good fit.
44) New Orleans Saints (7-9)- Nelson Agholor, WR Southern California- Agholor makes big plays with the ball in his hands and is a terrific route-runner. Drew Brees would love having him opposite Brandin Cooks.
45) Minnesota Vikings (7-9)- Quinten Rollins, CB Miami (Ohio)- Rollins needs some technical work, but he has terrific ball skills and a lot of upside.
46) San Francisco 49ers (8-8)- Ronald Darby, CB Florida State- Darby is a tough nosed corner, something the 49ers typically look for. He’s overaggressive sometimes, but he’s got the talent.
47) Miami Dolphins (8-8)- Paul Dawson, OLB/ILB TCU- Dawson had an absolutely horrendous combine, but I saw a really good cover linebacker on tape with good sideline-to-sideline speed. Only time will tell which was a more accurate representation of him.
48) San Diego Chargers (9-7)- Ali Marpet, OG Hobart- Ali Marpet’s stock ballooned after the Senior Bowl and the Combine when he not only showed he could play with the big boys, but that he was one of the better guards in the draft.
49) Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)- Devin Smith, WR Ohio State- Smith can take the top off of a defense, and the Chiefs still need another playmaker, despite signing Jeremy Maclin.
50) Buffalo Bills (9-7)- Benadrick McKinney, ILB Mississippi State- This is one of the cases where I’m attempting to be right. I’m not a fan of McKinney, but the Bills traded Kiko Alonso and, call me crazy, but I don’t think Nigel Bradham is the answer.
51) New York Giants via Houston Texans (9-7)- Derron Smith, FS Fresno State- Smith has good ball skills, but has a tendency to be overaggressive when reading the quarterback. The Giants should calm that down and make him a good replacement for Antrel Rolle.
52) Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)- Gerrod Holliman, S Louisville- Holliman is a mixed bag. He’s a ball hawk, but has a tendency to be baited by quarterbacks. His hips are fluid, but his man coverage is average. He’s also not a tackler in the slightest. Either way, he’s the best safety left on my board, and the Eagles need a safety.
53) Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1)- Mario Edwards Jr., DE/DT Florida State- Edwards is probably better at a 3-4 defensive end, but I love the thought of putting his ability to rush the passer next to Geno Atkins.
54) Detroit Lions (11-5)- Byron Jones, CB Connecticut- Byron Jones set world records at the combine, but it’s his smarts and speed that has him moving up my board in this mock draft.
55) Arizona Cardinals (11-5)- Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB Washington- Because of the amount of talent on the University of Washington’s defense, Kikaha may not be the pass rusher people expect at the next level. However, he’s still an upgrade at outside linebacker for the Cardinals.
56) Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)- Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest- Johnson is getting a lot of first round buzz, but my personal evaluation is that he’s a second round corner. The Steelers desperately need a number two corner next to Cortez Allen.
57) Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)- Phillip Dorsett WR Miami- The Panthers are in a “best available,” situation for me, and that is Philip Dorsett. His ability to stretch the defense and make plays would be a big boost for the Panthers offense.
58) Baltimore Ravens (10-6)- Breshad Perriman, WR UCF- Perriman has blazing speed and would be an instant replacement for Torrey Smith.
59) Denver Broncos (12-4)- Xavier Cooper, DT Washington State- The Broncos need to replace Terrance Knighton in this draft. Cooper is an athletic defensive tackle and would add some versatility to the Broncos defensive line.
60) Dallas Cowboys (12-4)- Michael Bennett, DT Ohio State- This is me going for being correct again, more than abiding by my personal rankings. I’m not a huge fan of Bennett, but the Cowboys need a defensive tackle
61) Indianapolis Colts (11-5)- Anthony Harris, S Virginia- I like Harris’s toughness and upside. Even though I think this is a big high for him, I think the Colts could use his playmaking ability in the secondary.
62) Green Bay Packers (12-4)- Clive Walford, TE Miami- Walford is the only other tight end not named Maxx Williams worth taking in the first 100 picks of this draft.
63) Seattle Seahawks (12-4)- Cedric Ogbuehi, OT Texas A&M- This is a draft and stash pick. Great teams stay great by constantly bolstering their team in the trenches. While Ogbuehi is hurt, his talent is worth of a first round pick.
64) New England Patriots (12-4)- Kevin White, CB TCU- Many people think Kevin White is strictly a nickel corner, but I think his technique and ball skills are good enough to play against the other teams X and Z receivers.
Mike Reynolds Post-Combine Mock 2.0
After an NFL Combine that literally had world record breaking performances, draft experts are busy as ever watching film and crunching numbers. The last two months are the most pivotal of all leading up to the draft, and will make or break some prospects stock. Pro days and individual visits will be a plenty. Reactions and over reactions will be scorching social media daily, and Jordan and I will be here trying to sort through the ruckus.
For my mock 2.0, I decided to include a few trades. Trades in the NFL Draft are inevitable, so as futile as it is to try and predict them, we think it’s a good practice. Much like Jordan’s mock draft, you may find a few surprises in mine. Most notably the position of Randy Gregory.
Round 1
- Tampa Bay (2-14): Jameis Winston, QB FSU
- Tennessee (2-14): Leonard Williams, DE USC
- *Jets via Jacksonville (3-13): Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon
- Oakland (3-13): Kevin White, WR WVU
- Washington (4-12): Vic Beasley, EDGE Clemson
- *Jaguars via New York Jets (4-12): Amari Cooper, WR Alabama
- Chicago (5-11): Eddie Goldman, NT Florida State
- Atlanta (6-10): Dante Fowler, EDGE Florida
- New York Giants (6-10): T.J Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh
- St. Louis (6-10): Brandon Scherff, OT/OG Iowa
- Minnesota (7-9): Devante Parker, WR Louisville
- Cleveland (7-9): Danny Shelton, NT Washington
- New Orleans (7-9): Eli Harold, EDGE Virginia
- Miami (8-8): Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State
- San Francisco (8-8): Marcus Peters, CB Washington
- *Pittsburgh via Houston (9-7): Shane Ray, EDGE Missouri
- San Diego (9-7): Jordan Phillips, NT Oklahoma
- Kansas City (9-7): La’El Collins, OT LSU
- Cleveland – from Buffalo (9-7): Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State
- Philadelphia (10-6): Landon Collins, SS Alabama
- Cincinnati (10-5-1): Owamagbe Odighizuwa, EDGE UCLA
- *Houston via Pittsburgh (11-5): Alvin Dupree, EDGE Kentucky
- Detroit (11-5): Andrus Peat, OT Stanford
- Arizona (11-5): Eric Kendricks, ILB UCLA
- Carolina (7-8-1): Ereck Flowers, OT Miami
- Baltimore (10-6): Arik Armstead, DE Oregon
- Dallas (12-4): Shaq Thompson, OLB Washington
- *Seattle via Denver (12-4): Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota
- Tennessee via Indianapolis (11-5): Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Oklahoma
- Green Bay (12-4): Stephone Anthony, ILB Clemson
- *Denver via Seattle (12-4): Malcom Brown, DT Texas
- New England (12-4): Cameron Erving, OT/OG/C FSU
Buffalo -> Cleveland: Sammy Watkins
*Jaguars trade #3, Jets trade #6 and #37
*Houston trades #16, #82. Steelers trade #22, #56
*Indianapolis trades #29. Tennessee Trades #33, #130
*Denver trades #28. Seattle trades #31 and #127
Round 2
- *Indianapolis via Tennessee (2-14): Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin
- Tampa Bay (2-14): Randy Gregory, EDGE Nebraska
- Oakland (3-13): Eric Rowe, CB/FS Utah
- Jacksonville (3-13): Preston Smith, EDGE Mississippi State
- *Jaguars via New York Jets (4-12): D.J Humphries, OT Florida
- Washington (4-12): Derron Smith, FS Fresno State
- Chicago (5-11): Gerod Holliman, FS Louisville
- New York Giants (6-10): Paul Dawson, LB TCU
- St. Louis (6-10): Breshad Perriman, WR UCF
- Atlanta (6-10): Todd Gurley, RB Georgia
- Cleveland (7-9): Jake Fisher, OT Oregon
- New Orleans (7-9): Quinten Rollins, CB Miami (OH)
- Minnesota (7-9): A.J Cann, OG South Carolina
- San Francisco (8-8): Nelson Agholor, WR USC
- Miami (8-8): Xavier Cooper, DT Washington State
- San Diego (9-7): Lorenzo Mauldin, EDGE Louisville
- Kansas City (9-7): Rashad Greene, WR FSU
- Buffalo (9-7): Brett Hundley, QB UCLA
- Houston (9-7): Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami
- Philadelphia (10-6): Ronald Darby, CB FSU
- Cincinnati (10-5-1): Benardrick McKinney, OLB Mississippi State
- Detroit (11-5): Carl Davis, DT Iowa
- Arizona (11-5): Nate Orchard, EDGE Utah
- *Houston via Pittsburgh (11-5): Cody Prewitt, FS Ole Miss
- Carolina (7-8-1): Anthony Harris, SS Virginia
- Baltimore (10-6): Clive Walford, TE Miami
- Denver (12-4): Devin Funchess, TE/WR Michigan
- Dallas (12-4): P.J Williams, CB FSU
- Indianapolis (11-5): Danielle Hunter, EDGE LSU
- Green Bay (12-4): Jalen Collins, CB LSU
- Seattle (12-4): Daryl Williams, OT Oklahoma
- New England (12-4): Trey Flowers, EDGE Arkansas
Jordan Katz Top 5 By Position
This is my own personal list for my top five players by position. For edge rushers, I put them at what I feel is their more natural position, be it a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. This goes for offensive lineman as well. If I believe a tackle is better suited at a guard, I put him there. This also may not reflect the order that I have them in my recent mock draft. My mock draft is based on team needs as well as scheme fits.
Quarterbacks:
1) Jameis Winston, Florida State
2) Marcus Mariota, Oregon
3) Brett Hundley, UCLA
4) Garrett Grayson, Colorado State
5) Bryce Petty, Baylor
Running Backs:
1) Todd Gurley, Georgia
2) Duke Johnson, Miami
3) Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
4) Tevin Coleman, Indiana
5) David Cobb, Minnesota
Wide Receivers:
1A) Kevin White, West Virginia
1B) Amari Cooper, Alabama
3) DeVante Parker, Louisville
4) Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
5) Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
Tight Ends:
1) Maxx Williams, Minnesota
2) Clive Walford, Miami
3) Blake Bell, Oklahoma
4) Ben Koyack, Notre Dame
5) Wes Saxton, West Alabama
Offensive Tackles:
1) T.J Clemmings, Pittsburgh
2) Andrus Peat, Stanford
3) Jake Fisher, Oregon
4) D.J Humphries, Florida
5) La’el Collins, LSU
Interior Line:
1) Brandon Scherff, Iowa
2) Ty Sambrailo, Colorado State
3) Hroniss Grassu (Center), Oregon
4) Laken Tomlinson, Duke
5) A.J Cann, South Carolina
Defensive Ends:
1) Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA
2) Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
3) Nate Orchard, Utah
4) Preston Smith, Mississippi State
5) Arik Armstead, Oregon
Defensive Tackles:
1) Leonard Williams, Southern California
2) Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
3) Eddie Goldman, Florida State
4) Danny Shelton, Washington
5) Malcom Brown, Texas
Outside Linebackers:
1) Vic Beasley, Clemson
2) Eli Harold, Virginia
3) Alvin “Bud” Dupree, Kentucky
4) Shaq Thompson, Washington
5) Shane Ray, Missouri
Inside Linebackers:
1) Stephone Anthony, Clemson
2) Eric Kendricks, UCLA
3) Paul Dawson, TCU
4) Benadrick McKinney, Mississippi State
5) Denzel Perryman, Miami
Cornerbacks:
1) Trae Waynes, Michigan State
2) Marcus Peters, Washington
3) Quinten Rollins, Miami (OH)
4) Ronald Darby, Florida State
5) Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
Safeties:
1) Landon Collins, Alabama
2) Derron Smith, Fresno State
3) Gerrod Holliman, Louisville
4) Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
5) Anthony Harris, Virginia
Jordan Katz NFL Mock Draft 2.0
After a very eventful combine, it’s time for Mock Draft 2.0. Some things have changed since my first mock draft, including my individual grades on players and where I have certain players going.
Another thing that will be different in this mock draft is that I’ve predicted a couple of first round trades. Unlike some other mock drafts, Mike and I believe in putting trades in our mocks. It not only depicts who we think could trade up or trade down, but it’s more realistic, since there are always trades throughout the draft. It’s hard to predict past round one, but in that first round, we like to put trades in.
Now not every team that could trade down did, and my trades may differ from one mock draft to another. The trades in this mock draft, and future mock drafts, are based on team needs and what happened up until that team’s pick. So if your favorite team is trading up or trading down, it doesn’t mean that they are leaning that way necessarily. It means that I believe there is a trade that benefits them based on the way my mock draft happened.
One thing remained the same though. Shane Ray and Randy Gregory are still not in my first round.
Round 1
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14)- Jameis Winston, QB Florida State- This pick probably won’t change… ever.
2) Tennessee Titans (2-14)- Leonard Williams, DT Southern California- Tennessee is going to tempt any team that wants Marcus Mariota to move up here, particularly the New York Jets. If they don’t get a team to move up, then this is Leonard Williams for two reasons. One, he’s the best player in the draft. More importantly, I don’t see the Titans moving on from Zach Mettenberger that quickly.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)- Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson- Vic Beasley went absolutely bananas at this year’s NFL Combine. Normally I don’t weigh the combine that heavily, but when a player bulks up and still runs incredibly fast times, showing that even at his new weight he can be as fast as he was on his college game tape, he has to get recognition.
I said on Twitter that after his combine, Vic Beasley became my top edge rusher in the draft. While he’s not a 4-3 defensive end, he can be a LEO linebacker like Von Miller, or a strong side edge-rushing linebacker like Anthony Barr.
4) Oakland Raiders (3-13)- Kevin White, WR West Virginia- I wrote in my great debate article that if Kevin White ran a great 40-yard dash, based on his tape and his upside he would overtake Amari Cooper as this year’s top wide receiver. Well, 4.35 seconds later, and Cooper’s time is up. White’s time is now.
5) Washington Redskins (4-12)- Eli Harold, OLB Virginia- Harold was another member of the edge rushing class that tested off the charts in Indianapolis. Since Vic Beasley moved up, and Dante Fowler is best served as a 4-3 defensive end, Eli Harold jumps all the way to number five for me.
6) New York Jets (4-12)- Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon- I personally believe that the Jets will draft Marcus Mariota on draft day. Whether that’s by trading up, or Mariota falling to them at the sixth overall selection, I believe Mariota will be the Jets starting quarterback in 2015.
7) Cleveland Browns from Chicago Bears (5-11)- Amari Cooper, WR Alabama- Here’s the first trade of this mock draft. I think that Chicago is in a luxury position here. They could use a number of different things, and by Cooper being here, they could use that to their advantage and tempt a team that needs a wide receiver to move up.
Enter the Cleveland Browns. They need a number one target with the Josh Gordon suspension looming and the increased likelihood of Jordan Cameron not returning. They also have a first round draft pick to “play with,” because of the Sammy Watkins trade in last year’s draft. Cleveland moves up to take their top tier wide receiver, and the Bears get a few more picks.
8) Atlanta Falcons (6-10)- Dante Fowler Jr., DE Florida- The most NFL ready pass rusher “falls,” to the Falcons because of the rise of Beasley and Harold. I doubt Falcons fans will be complaining.
9) New York Giants (6-10)- Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE UCLA- Here’s another player on the rise. Digi is probably my favorite player in the draft because of his upside, and because I have had him pegged as a top tier player in this draft for a while.
The Giants need linebackers, but we all know they won’t go there. They do need offensive line as well. However, they also need a defensive end, as either a replacement for Jason Pierre-Paul or along side him.
Digi does it all, and his combine will have his stock rising.
10) St. Louis Rams (6-10)- DeVante Parker, WR Louisville- While I wish the Vikings could land Parker to have the Louisville connection between him and Teddy Bridgewater, this pick makes too much sense for the Rams. They need a number one target and Parker is that guy.
11) Minnesota Vikings (7-9)- T.J Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh- I still believe Clemmings is a right tackle immediately, but after further studying him on tape, I think he can one day become a big time left tackle. Fortunately for Minnesota, they need a big time right tackle, and Clemmings is already that.
12) Chicago Bears from Cleveland Browns (7-9)- Jordan Phillips, NT Oklahoma- Here’s why I felt that Chicago would move down. If they want to address defensive tackle, defensive backs, or even interior offensive line, they can afford to move back and do so. That makes them a good trade partner for another team.
Phillips would be a terrific fit in John Fox’s defense as a zero technique 4-3 defensive tackle, much like Kris Jenkins from Fox’s Carolina Panthers defense in the early 2000’s.
13) New Orleans Saints (7-9)- Danny Shelton, NT Washington- Shelton ran a slow 40-time, but that doesn’t bother me. He eats blockers and stops the run as well as any defensive tackle in this draft. Rob Ryan and company will love having him in the middle of their defense.
14) Miami Dolphins (8-8)- Eddie Goldman, DT Florida State- This pick stays as is. Goldman and Miami are still a perfect match.
15) San Francisco 49ers (8-8)- Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State- Jaelen Strong had a great 40-time and vertical leap at the combine, furthering my opinion that he’s easily the number four wide out in this draft class.
16) Houston Texans (9-7)- Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State- Waynes may wind up going higher than this on draft day, but I still don’t believe that there is a top 15 corner, talent wise, in this draft.
17) San Diego Chargers (9-7)- Brandon Scherff, OG Iowa- While I have Scherff as my best offensive lineman in the draft, Clemmings upside and his ability to play tackle puts him higher on my list than a guard.
Having said that, Scherff still deserves to go top 20, just like Zack Martin did last year, and the Chargers could use interior lineman.
18) Arizona Cardinals from Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)- Alvin “Bud” Dupree, OLB Kentucky- Trade number two. Kansas City is another team in a luxury situation. There are a number of teams that need an edge rusher below them, and Bud Dupree showed his freakish athleticism at the combine, to go along with an impressive college tape. I think they can get one of Pittsburgh, Detroit or Arizona to move up a couple of spots for a big time edge rusher.
19) Cleveland Browns from Buffalo Bills (9-7)- Malcom Brown, DT/NT Texas- The Browns grabbed their wide out, they now need a nose tackle. I like Malcom Brown a lot. He’s a great pass rusher from the interior, and I think he can eat blockers as a nose tackle as well.
20) Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)- Landon Collins, SS Alabama- Collins is a hard hitting, in the box safety. Like I said in my first mock draft, that makes him actually fall a bit in the draft.
However, there is no way he makes it past a team desperate for a safety.
21) Cincinnati Bengals* (10-5-1)- Nate Orchard, DE Utah- Orchard fell a bit for me because of his 40-time. It wasn’t bad, it just locked him in to a 4-3 defensive end.
The Bengals need an edge rusher opposite Carlos Dunlap, and Nate Orchard’s tape still speaks volumes for him, in my opinion. I think this is a very good fit.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers* (11-5)- Marcus Peters, CB Washington- This is probably my least confident pick in this mock draft. It’s not because the Steelers don’t need a cornerback, they absolutely do. It’s because of the player.
Yes, Peters has the talent to go even higher than this, but he has a lot of off-the-field issues. I don’t doubt that Mike Tomlin will draft Peters, despite his character issues. I doubt that the Steelers organization will be on board.
Nevertheless, the Steelers need a corner and this is a good scheme fit.
23) Detroit Lions* (11-5)- Preston Smith, DE Mississippi State- I remember when Mike first watched Preston Smith and immediately told me how much I would like him. Low and behold, he was right.
Smith is a good athlete for a 4-3 defensive end, but his strength is in his technique. He has a bevy of pass rushing moves and a motor that doesn’t turn off during games. Preston Smith and Ziggy Ansah will reek havoc in the post Ndamukong Suh era in Detroit.
24) Kansas City Chiefs from Arizona Cardinals * (11-5)- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Oklahoma- Despite trading down, the Chiefs still get their game changing wide receiver. Make no mistake about it, despite his character issues, DGB is a game changing wide out. There weren’t teams behind them that were going to take a wide out. This is why I felt they could move down in the first place.
25) Carolina Panthers* (7-8-1)- Andrus Peat, OT Stanford- Peat basically swapped spots with T.J Clemmings from my last mock draft. After further evaluation, I think Clemmings has more upside.
That doesn’t mean that Peat won’t be a good tackle at the next level, and if there’s a team that can use his one-on-one blocking well, it’s the Panthers.
26) Baltimore Ravens* (10-6)- Arik Armstead, DE Oregon- This pick might as well be labeled “The Ozzie Newsome Special.” The Ravens draft a guy with top ten potential that falls in the draft because of his lack of college production statistically.
27) Dallas Cowboys* (12-4)- Shaq Thompson, OLB Washington- Thompson is like Vontae Mack from the movie “Draft Day.” If he doesn’t go to the Giants at nine, he’s going to fall hard, just like Mack said if the Browns didn’t take him at seven, he was projected to fall.
Once again, that doesn’t mean that my personal evaluation of Thompson changes. I still think he’s a game changing cover linebacker, and I think he would thrive in Dallas.
28) St. Louis Rams via Denver Broncos* (12-4)- Brett Hundley, QB UCLA- Final trade of round one here. I think one team will move back into the first round for one of Brett Hundley, Garrett Grayson or Bryce Petty. Denver could use to trade out of round one, because I believe they have a few more needs than people may realize.
I think the Rams do want to take a quarterback in the first two rounds, even though they may seem loyal to Sam Bradford. Jeff Fisher has succeeded with mobile quarterbacks in the past, and maybe he’ll find that success with Brett Hundley down the road.
For right now, Hundley’s inability to go to a second read and inconsistent accuracy make him just like every other quarterback in this draft not named Winston or Mariota: a project.
29) Indianapolis Colts* (11-5)- Eric Kendricks, ILB UCLA- Just like the last mock draft, the Colts still take a game changing linebacker in Eric Kendricks.
30) Green Bay Packers* (12-4)- Stephone Anthony, ILB Clemson- Stephone Anthony has elevated to a top ten player on my personal board. The reason why he’s here and not higher is because of the teams that are drafting linebackers above, and how they fit schematically. Thompson is a cover linebacker, a good fit for Dallas. Kendricks is an all-around linebacker, something Indy desperately needs. Anthony is more of a 3-4 thumper, if you will. His ability to play the run will be welcomed in Green Bay.
31) Seattle Seahawks* (12-4)- Nelson Agholor, WR Southern California- Agholor is a playmaking wide receiver. He is a terrific route runner and high points the ball very well. He will be a great target for Russell Wilson.
32) New England Patriots* (12-4)- Ty Sambrailo, OT/OG Colorado State- Ty Sambrailo has really good footwork, and with his athletic ability to pull, I think he could be a terrific guard at the next level. That means he has versatility as an offensive lineman (listed as a tackle on some board), which makes him a prototypical New England Patriot.
TRADES:
1) Cleveland Browns trade the #12, #76 and a 2016 3rd to the Chicago Bears for the #7 and a 2016 5th.
2) Arizona Cardinals trade the #24, #86 and a 2016 5th to the Kansas City Chiefs for the #18.
3) Cleveland From Buffalo: Sammy Watkins Trade
4) St. Louis Rams trade the #41, #72 and the #202 to the Denver Broncos for the #28, #124 and the #156
Round 2
33) Tennessee Titans (2-14)- Devin Smith, WR Ohio State
34) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14)- Jake Fisher, OT Oregon
35) Oakland Raiders (3-13)- Randy Gregory, DE Nebraska
36) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)- Rashad Greene, WR Florida State
37) New York Jets (4-12)- Breshad Perriman, WR UCF
38) Washington Redskins (4-12)- Carl Davis, DT/NT Iowa
39) Chicago Bears (5-11)- D.J Humphries, OT Florida
40) New York Giants (6-10)- La’el Collins, OT LSU
41) Denver Broncos via St. Louis Rams (6-10)- Laken Tomlinson, OG Duke
42) Atlanta Falcons (6-10)- Todd Gurley, RB Georgia
43) Cleveland Browns (7-9)- Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota
44) New Orleans Saints (7-9)- Shane Ray, OLB Missouri
45) Minnesota Vikings (7-9)- Phillip Dorsett, WR Miami
46) San Francisco 49ers (8-8)- Quinten Rollins, CB Miami (OH)
47) Miami Dolphins (8-8)- Ronald Darby, CB Florida State
48) San Diego Chargers (9-7)- A.J Cann, OG South Carolina
49) Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)- Mario Edwards Jr., DE Florida State
50) Buffalo Bills (9-7)- Garrett Grayson, QB Colorado State
51) Houston Texans (9-7)- Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB Washington
52) Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)- Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest
53) Cincinnati Bengals* (10-5-1)- Benadrick McKinney, ILB Mississippi State
54) Detroit Lions* (11-5)- Duke Johnson, RB Miami
55) Arizona Cardinals* (11-5)- Clive Walford, TE Miami
56) Pittsburgh Steelers* (11-5)- Danielle Hunter, OLB LSU
57) Carolina Panthers* (7-8-1)- Tyler Lockett, WR Kansas State
58) Baltimore Ravens* (10-6)- Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin
59) Denver Broncos* (12-4)- Hroniss Grassu, C Oregon
60) Dallas Cowboys* (12-4)- Tevin Coleman, RB Indiana
61) Indianapolis Colts* (11-5)- Derron Smith, FS Fresno State
62) Green Bay Packers* (12-4)- Ellis McCarthy, NT UCLA
63) Seattle Seahawks* (12-4)- Cedric Ogbuehi, OT Texas A&M
64) New England Patriots* (12-4)- Devin Funchess, WR/TE Michigan
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