This draft order is based on my NFL Preview and Predictions standings. With the College Football season beginning this weekend, this is a good time for my second 2015 NFL Mock Draft. Not a ton of changes this time around, but expect that to change now that the pads are on.
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1. Minnesota Vikings
DE/DT Leonard Williams, Jr, USC
6'5, 290 lbs
Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL
2013 Stats: 83 tackles, 6 sacks
The former top recruit might be the best defensive prospect in the country. Similar to a pre-injury Stephon Tuitt, Williams combines defensive tackle size and defensive end quickness. He could play all along the front, and could have a Richard Seymour like NFL impact as an end in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. The Vikings lost Jared Allen to free agency, and Williams will help make up for some of that production.
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2. Cleveland Browns
(from Buffalo Bills
DE/OLB Randy Gregory, Sr, Nebraska
6'6, 230 lbs
Hometown: Fishers, IN
2013 Stats: 64 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 DEF TD
Thanks to the shrewd trade with the Bills, Cleveland will have two first round picks, and could afford to go with the best player available here. Randy Gregory was a raw JC transfer, but still was all over the place with 64 tackles, 10 sacks and even a pick six his first year at Nebraska. Gregory needs to gain strength and improve his technique, but the sky is the limit. Gregory would fit best at outside linebacker, and give Cleveland a plethora of talented pass rushers.
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3. Jacksonville Jaguars
OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Sr, Texas A&M
6'5, 300 lbs
Hometown: Allen, TX
The Aggies have become an offensive tackle pipeline, and Cedric Ogbuehi is the latest. Like Jake Matthews in 2013, Ogbuehi will move over to the left side for his senior season. Ogbuehi is not as big as Luke Joeckel, but has good athleticism and should be able to handle left tackle. The Jaguars are trying to reshape their offense, and Ogbuehi would form a potentially great tackle duo with the afore mentioned Joeckel.
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4. Oakland Raiders
OT Andrus Peat, Jr, Stanford
6'7, 310 lbs
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
The Raiders chose to sign quite a few aging veterans. They may be a bit more competitive in 2014, but the roster is still in disarray. The offensive line, in particular, is in shambles. Oakland might still have nightmares of the Robert Gallery selection, so they could go with Andrus Peat over Brandon Scherff here. Peat was good enough as a sophomore to move All Pac-12 tackle David Yankey inside last season. Peat offers great size and athleticism, and is very well coached.
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5. Arizona Cardinals
QB Marcus Mariota, Jr, Oregon
6'4, 211 lbs
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
2013 Stats: 245-386, 3665 yards, 31 TD, 4 INT
Scouts say that Marcus Mariota was a better prospect than any of the quarterbacks selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. While you always worry about dual threat quarterbacks coming out of spread systems in college, Mariota is more than just a runner who occasionally throws. Mariota has a very strong arm, and has completed over 65% of his passes during his two year career. Mariota is also a very strong, quick runner. His 6'4 frame should be able to pack on another 20 pounds at the NFL level. Mariota projects as a more accurate Colin Kaepernick at the next level. The success rate of Oregon quarterbacks in the NFL is poor, but Mariota will benefit greatly from the coaching of Bruce Arians.
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6. Tennessee Titans
DE/OLB Shilique Calhoun, Jr, Michigan State
6'4, 250 lbs
Hometown: Middletown, NJ
2013 Stats: 37 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 DEF TD
One of the true National Championship contenders are Michigan State. That program is absolutely loaded with talent. Shilique Calhoun really came on as a sophomore, and may be the best Spartan defender in 2014. 7.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries for touchdowns and even one pick six. Andrus Peat shut him down during the Rose Bowl, but another year of development, and he could be a top ten pick. Calhoun's somewhat slight frame could make him a better fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and the Titans just happen to have a great need for that position after a recent scheme change.
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7. Houston Texans
QB Jameis Winston, So, Florida State
6'4, 228 lbs
Hometown: Bessemer, LA
2013 Stats: 257-384, 4057 yards, 40 TD, 10 INT
The reining Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston will easily be the most polarizing player in college football in 2014. Winston is a physical freak of nature. He is a tremendous athlete with a very strong arm. Off the field, he has made some very questionable decisions, but nothing that plenty of 21 year old kids haven't done. On the field, his long windup on his throws will need to be fixed. Winston's game, attitude and personality will be picked apart until the day of the draft in 2015, but in my opinion he is a better pro prospect than Johnny Manziel, who still went in the first round. It will be interesting to see how this year unfolds for Winston, who has a loaded team around him.
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8. Carolina Panthers
OT Brandon Scherff, Sr, Iowa
6'5, 315 lbs
Hometown: Denison, IA
Awkward roster construction has left the Panthers with one of the best front seven's in the NFL on defense, two extremely overpaid mediocre running backs and gaping holes at wide receiver, offensive line and the secondary. Brandon Scherff could have been a first round pick in 2014, and with another year of development could crack the top ten. He is a nasty, mean run blocker, and would be a big upgrade for a team that has failed to overcome the retirement of Jordan Gross.
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9. Kansas City Chiefs
CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Sr, Oregon
5'10, 190 lbs
Hometown: Chino Hills, CA
2013 Stats: 84 tackles, 3 INT
The Chiefs soured on Brandon Flowers quickly, and now have needs in the secondary. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu would have been a first round pick had he declared as a junior. The 5'10, 190 pound cornerback plays bigger than his size. He is a physical corner and very good in run defense, as evidenced by his impressive 84 tackles. Ekpre-Olomu does not have elite size, but loads of experience and looks like a very solid first round selection.
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10. New York Giants
OT Cameron Erving, Sr, Florida State
6'6, 320 lbs
Hometown: Moultrie, GA
The Giants offensive line is in major transition. Cameron Erving did a good job as Jameis Winston's blindside protector in 2013. He is still raw, having moved from the defensive side of the football a couple of years ago. Erving is very athletic, and if he can clean up his technique, could wind up as a top ten pick.
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11. Cleveland Browns
WR Amari Cooper, Jr, Alabama
6'1, 202 lbs
Hometown: Miami, FL
2013 Stats: 45 rec, 736 yards, 4 TD
By now we all know about the Browns problems at receiver. With two first round picks, they should be able to draft some Josh Gordan insurance. Even if Gordon miraculously avoids trouble for the rest of his career, Cleveland could use another pass catcher. Amari Cooper had a fantastic freshman season, scoring 11 touchdowns, but injuries slowed him down a bit as a sophomore. He is a big play threat, averaging over 16 yards a reception over his two years, and looks like the most talented receiver in this class.
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12. Dallas Cowboys
S Landon Collins, Jr, Alabama
6'0, 215 lbs
Hometown: Geismar, AL
2013 Stats: 70 tackles, 2 INT, 1 DEF TD
The Cowboys roster is very bad, and it would not surprise me if they ended up with a top five draft pick. The Cowboys need talent at every level of the defense. Landon Collins is the latest in what has become a first round assembly line for Alabama safeties. He was a former top ten recruit who was as good as expected last year. He is a ball hawking, attacking safety who excels as a run defender.
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13. Miami Dolphins
RB Todd Gurley, Jr, Georgia
6'1, 232 lbs
Hometown: Tarboro, NC
2013 Stats: 165 rushes, 989 yards, 10 TD
I don't necessarily buy into the theory that the running back position has been devalued in the NFL. The last two drafts just have not produced any elite talents at the position. Before that you had guys like Knowshon Moreno, CJ Spiller and Trent Richardson in the top fifteen. That first round drought will end this year, as there are several truly special backs that could be in this draft. Todd Gurley is the most complete back to come out since perhaps Adrian Peterson. Gurley is the total package, who simply needs to stay healthy. He has averaged over 6 yards per carry during his two year career, and in 2013 he added 37 receptions and 6 receiving touchdowns. Gurley is powerful and quick and would help close the revolving door that has been Miami's back field.
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14. Atlanta Falcons
OLB Shaq Thompson, Jr, Washington
6'2, 232 lbs
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
2013 Stats: 70 tackles, .5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 DEF TD
The Falcons defense is a sloppy mess right now. As they transition to a 3-4, Atlanta lacks play makers at linebacker. Shaq Thompson is an incredible athlete. He was highly recruited as a running back, but started his career at safety before moving to linebacker. Linebackers do not often go in the first round unless they are quick and possess big time play making ability. Thompson offers just that.
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15. San Diego Chargers
CB Marcus Peters, Jr, Washington
6'0, 190 lbs
Hometown: Oakland, CA
2013 Stats: 54 tackles, 5 INT
The Chargers drafted Jason Verrett in the first round, but they should not stop there. The secondary still needs major help. Marcus Peters took over for Desmond Trufant and had a fantastic sophomore season for the Huskies. He has prototypical cornerback size, and has good hands for the position. He is not the most technically sound, but he has the talent to be the first cornerback off the board.
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16. Cincinnati Bengals
WR Jaelen Strong, Jr, Arizona State
6'4, 205 lbs
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
2013 Stats: 75 rec, 1122 yards, 7 TD
The Bengals have spent plenty of early picks on the offense in recent memory. Why not go to that well once again?. Jaelen Strong is a very athletic, lean, 6'4 receiver who had a great sophomore season. That was only his first year of Division 1A college football, but another year of experience could make the talented weapon a first round pick.
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17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DE Dante Fowler, Jr, Florida
6'3, 266 lbs
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
2013 Stats: 50 tackles, 3.5 sacks
Dante Fowler has the talent to go much, much higher than this if he can put together a consistent junior season. Adrian Clayborn and DaQuan Bowers have not quite worked out for the Buccaneers. You can never have too many pass rushers.
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18. St. Louis Rams
QB Connor Cook, Jr, Michigan State
6'4, 218 lbs
Hometown: Hinckley, OH
2013 Stats: 223-380, 2755 yards, 22 TD, 6 INT
Sam Bradford's latest season ending injury might have been the final straw for the Rams. It is time to admit the mistake and move on. You will hear the names Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley quite a bit, but I think Connor Cook is a superior prospect to both and could be that next Blake Bortles as a guy who comes out of relative obscurity to become a top five pick. The Spartans are expected to open up the offense more and allow Cook to showcase his passing ability. He has great size, and makes very smart decisions on the field. He is your classic pro style quarterback.
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19. San Francisco 49ers
CB Trae Waynes, Jr, Michigan State
6'1, 185 lbs
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
2013 Stats: 50 tackles, 3 INT
Trae Waynes was very solid as a sophomore and held up well despite receiving so much attention because of Darqueze Dennard on the other side of the field. He is a physical press corner with very good size for the position. San Francisco has a deep roster, but could use an infusion of talent in the secondary, where they have already drafted two players in the first round the past two seasons.
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20. Washington Redskins
DE/DT Michael Bennett, Sr, Ohio State
6'2, 288 lbs
Hometown: Centerville, OH
2013 Stats: 42 tackles, 7 sacks
The Redskins welcome themselves back into the first round after a long hiatus. Washington actually has a pretty solid roster up and down but youth is needed everywhere. Michael Bennett is a good run stopper who also got to the quarterback on occasion, registering 7 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He could play end in Washington's 3-4 scheme.
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21. Indianapolis Colts
S Anthony Harris, Sr, Virginia
6'1, 188 lbs
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
2013 Stats: 80 tackles, 1 sack, 8 INT
The Virginia Cavaliers were absolutely terrible in 2013, but do not blame that on Anthony Harris. The junior led the nation with 8 interceptions and racked up 80 tackles. Harris has a great nose for the ball but needs to bulk up to hold up on run defense. The Colts secondary was exposed big time, making Alex Smith look like Joe Montana during the playoffs. Help is needed bad.
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22. Baltimore Ravens
RB Melvin Gordon, Jr, Wisconsin
6'1, 203 lbs
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
2013 Stats: 206 rushes, 1609 yards, 12 TD
Off the field issues aside, if Ray Rice has another on the field season like 2013, the Ravens will have no choice but to move on. Melvin Gordon is a home run waiting to happen and would be a great compliment to Bernard Pierce. Gordon needs major coaching with his pass catching, however. He only had one reception as a sophomore for the Badgers.
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23. Philadelphia Eagles
WR Nelson Agholor, Jr, USC
6'0, 185 lbs
Hometown: Tampa, FL
2013 Stats: 56 rec, 918 yards, 6 TD
The Eagles drafted some mid round receivers in 2014, but none offer the playmaking ability that Nelson Agholor does. Agholor would make a fantastic slot receiver for his great after the catch ability. He hopes to buck the trends of Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, both of whom had mediocre junior seasons for the Trojans and winded up in the second round.
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24. Detroit Lions
OLB Vic Beasley, Sr, Clemson
6'3, 225 lbs
Hometown: Adairsville, GA
2013 Stats: 44 tackles, 13 sacks
The Lions have drafted best player available the past few years and could go that route again. Vic Beasley had a tremendous junior season for Clemson but where does he fit in at the NFL level? He will have to play outside linebacker, but is really only a pass rusher who is going to struggle in coverage. He would be best used as a situational pass rusher until he learns how to cover. Detroit is going to sprinkle in more 3-4 looks this season and could use all the pass rushers they can get to help mask a weak secondary.
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25. New York Jets
WR Devin Funchess, Jr, Michigan
6'5, 228 lbs
Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI
2013 Stats: 49 rec, 748 yards, 6 TD
Devin Funchess is making the move to wide receiver in 2014, and if he can successfully transition, could be a very high first round pick. Scouts are obsessed with wideouts with size, and Funchess is very athletic and goes 6'5, 230. So was Stephen Hill, who never was able to develop for New York. The Jets will hope Funchess can.
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26. New Orleans Saints
OLB Leonard Floyd, Jr, Georgia
6'4, 230 lbs
Hometown: Eastman, GA
2013 Stats: 55 tackles, 6.5 sacks
The Georgia defense is loaded with talented prospects tailor made for the 3-4 defense. Floyd is still developing physically but would be a great fit for the Saints as a part time pass rushing specailist. He has the frame to pack on another 20 pounds and become an every down outside linebacker.
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27. Green Bay Packers
MLB Denzel Perryman, Sr, Miami
6'1, 242 lbs
Hometown: Coral Gables, FL
2013 Stats: 108 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Denzel Perryman is a classic 3-4 middle linebacker. He is a solid tackler, good athlete and a natural team leader. AJ Hawk has been hanging on for dear life with the Packers for years and Green Bay would love an upgrade on him in the inside.
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28. Denver Broncos
OG/OT La'El Collins, Sr, LSU
6'5, 321 lbs
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Denver's main priority is to keep Peyton Manning upright. La'El Collins might not be quick enough to be successful at left tackle, but should be a great run blocker on the right side, either guard or tackle, whichever position Orlando Franklin does not play.
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29. Dallas Cowboys
DE Mario Edwards, Jr, Florida State
6'3, 277 lbs
Hometown: Gautier, MS
2013 Stats: 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks
Mario Edwards was a top five recruit a couple of seasons ago, but has been brought along slowly thanks to the amazing depth along Florida State's defensive line. If the Championship game was any indication, where he racked up a sack and was living in Auburn's backfield, he should really explode as a junior. Edwards is explosive and has the quickness to handle end. Chicago used two early picks on defensive lineman, but should continue to address the position.
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30. New England Patriots
WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Jr, Oklahoma
6'6, 220 lbs
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
2013 Stats: 59 rec, 883 yards, 12 TD
Dorial Green-Beckham might be the most physically gifted wide receiver since Randy Moss. Like Moss, he will have to rely on that talent to crack the first round, because his off the field behavior has cost him big time. Green-Beckham was up and down as a sophomore but was kicked off the Missouri program. He is leaning toward taking the Tyrann Mathieu route, sitting out for a year and preparing for the draft. It will take a leap of faith for a team to draft this immense, immature talent in the first round, but if anyone has the guts, it would be Bill Belichick. Green-Beckham would theoretically give the Patriots exactly what they have lacked since Moss was in Boston.
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31. Pittsburgh Steelers
CB PJ Williams, Jr, Florida State
6'0, 195 lbs
Hometown: Ocala, FL
2013 Stats: 35 tackles, 3 INT
The Steelers need to continue adding youth to an aging defense, especially the secondary. PJ Williams has good size and really made a name for himself during Florida State's championship win over Auburn with seven tackles and an interception.
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32. Seattle Seahawks
OG AJ Cann, Sr, South Carolina
6'4, 311 lbs
Hometown: Bamberg, SC
This is not a sexy pick for the defending Super Bowl champions, but it fills a very big need. Seattle's offensive line is very average on the right side. AJ Cann is not an off the charts athlete, but is very smart, and a solid run blocker. He should start at right guard day one for the Seahawks.
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1. Minnesota VikingsDE/DT Leonard Williams, Jr, USC
6'5, 290 lbs
Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL
2013 Stats: 83 tackles, 6 sacks
The former top recruit might be the best defensive prospect in the country. Similar to a pre-injury Stephon Tuitt, Williams combines defensive tackle size and defensive end quickness. He could play all along the front, and could have a Richard Seymour like NFL impact as an end in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. The Vikings lost Jared Allen to free agency, and Williams will help make up for some of that production.
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2. Cleveland Browns(from Buffalo Bills
DE/OLB Randy Gregory, Sr, Nebraska
6'6, 230 lbs
Hometown: Fishers, IN
2013 Stats: 64 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 DEF TD
Thanks to the shrewd trade with the Bills, Cleveland will have two first round picks, and could afford to go with the best player available here. Randy Gregory was a raw JC transfer, but still was all over the place with 64 tackles, 10 sacks and even a pick six his first year at Nebraska. Gregory needs to gain strength and improve his technique, but the sky is the limit. Gregory would fit best at outside linebacker, and give Cleveland a plethora of talented pass rushers.
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3. Jacksonville JaguarsOT Cedric Ogbuehi, Sr, Texas A&M
6'5, 300 lbs
Hometown: Allen, TX
The Aggies have become an offensive tackle pipeline, and Cedric Ogbuehi is the latest. Like Jake Matthews in 2013, Ogbuehi will move over to the left side for his senior season. Ogbuehi is not as big as Luke Joeckel, but has good athleticism and should be able to handle left tackle. The Jaguars are trying to reshape their offense, and Ogbuehi would form a potentially great tackle duo with the afore mentioned Joeckel.
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4. Oakland RaidersOT Andrus Peat, Jr, Stanford
6'7, 310 lbs
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
The Raiders chose to sign quite a few aging veterans. They may be a bit more competitive in 2014, but the roster is still in disarray. The offensive line, in particular, is in shambles. Oakland might still have nightmares of the Robert Gallery selection, so they could go with Andrus Peat over Brandon Scherff here. Peat was good enough as a sophomore to move All Pac-12 tackle David Yankey inside last season. Peat offers great size and athleticism, and is very well coached.
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5. Arizona CardinalsQB Marcus Mariota, Jr, Oregon
6'4, 211 lbs
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
2013 Stats: 245-386, 3665 yards, 31 TD, 4 INT
Scouts say that Marcus Mariota was a better prospect than any of the quarterbacks selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. While you always worry about dual threat quarterbacks coming out of spread systems in college, Mariota is more than just a runner who occasionally throws. Mariota has a very strong arm, and has completed over 65% of his passes during his two year career. Mariota is also a very strong, quick runner. His 6'4 frame should be able to pack on another 20 pounds at the NFL level. Mariota projects as a more accurate Colin Kaepernick at the next level. The success rate of Oregon quarterbacks in the NFL is poor, but Mariota will benefit greatly from the coaching of Bruce Arians.
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6. Tennessee TitansDE/OLB Shilique Calhoun, Jr, Michigan State
6'4, 250 lbs
Hometown: Middletown, NJ
2013 Stats: 37 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 DEF TD
One of the true National Championship contenders are Michigan State. That program is absolutely loaded with talent. Shilique Calhoun really came on as a sophomore, and may be the best Spartan defender in 2014. 7.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries for touchdowns and even one pick six. Andrus Peat shut him down during the Rose Bowl, but another year of development, and he could be a top ten pick. Calhoun's somewhat slight frame could make him a better fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and the Titans just happen to have a great need for that position after a recent scheme change.
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7. Houston TexansQB Jameis Winston, So, Florida State
6'4, 228 lbs
Hometown: Bessemer, LA
2013 Stats: 257-384, 4057 yards, 40 TD, 10 INT
The reining Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston will easily be the most polarizing player in college football in 2014. Winston is a physical freak of nature. He is a tremendous athlete with a very strong arm. Off the field, he has made some very questionable decisions, but nothing that plenty of 21 year old kids haven't done. On the field, his long windup on his throws will need to be fixed. Winston's game, attitude and personality will be picked apart until the day of the draft in 2015, but in my opinion he is a better pro prospect than Johnny Manziel, who still went in the first round. It will be interesting to see how this year unfolds for Winston, who has a loaded team around him.
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8. Carolina PanthersOT Brandon Scherff, Sr, Iowa
6'5, 315 lbs
Hometown: Denison, IA
Awkward roster construction has left the Panthers with one of the best front seven's in the NFL on defense, two extremely overpaid mediocre running backs and gaping holes at wide receiver, offensive line and the secondary. Brandon Scherff could have been a first round pick in 2014, and with another year of development could crack the top ten. He is a nasty, mean run blocker, and would be a big upgrade for a team that has failed to overcome the retirement of Jordan Gross.
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9. Kansas City ChiefsCB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Sr, Oregon
5'10, 190 lbs
Hometown: Chino Hills, CA
2013 Stats: 84 tackles, 3 INT
The Chiefs soured on Brandon Flowers quickly, and now have needs in the secondary. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu would have been a first round pick had he declared as a junior. The 5'10, 190 pound cornerback plays bigger than his size. He is a physical corner and very good in run defense, as evidenced by his impressive 84 tackles. Ekpre-Olomu does not have elite size, but loads of experience and looks like a very solid first round selection.
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10. New York GiantsOT Cameron Erving, Sr, Florida State
6'6, 320 lbs
Hometown: Moultrie, GA
The Giants offensive line is in major transition. Cameron Erving did a good job as Jameis Winston's blindside protector in 2013. He is still raw, having moved from the defensive side of the football a couple of years ago. Erving is very athletic, and if he can clean up his technique, could wind up as a top ten pick.
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11. Cleveland BrownsWR Amari Cooper, Jr, Alabama
6'1, 202 lbs
Hometown: Miami, FL
2013 Stats: 45 rec, 736 yards, 4 TD
By now we all know about the Browns problems at receiver. With two first round picks, they should be able to draft some Josh Gordan insurance. Even if Gordon miraculously avoids trouble for the rest of his career, Cleveland could use another pass catcher. Amari Cooper had a fantastic freshman season, scoring 11 touchdowns, but injuries slowed him down a bit as a sophomore. He is a big play threat, averaging over 16 yards a reception over his two years, and looks like the most talented receiver in this class.
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12. Dallas CowboysS Landon Collins, Jr, Alabama
6'0, 215 lbs
Hometown: Geismar, AL
2013 Stats: 70 tackles, 2 INT, 1 DEF TD
The Cowboys roster is very bad, and it would not surprise me if they ended up with a top five draft pick. The Cowboys need talent at every level of the defense. Landon Collins is the latest in what has become a first round assembly line for Alabama safeties. He was a former top ten recruit who was as good as expected last year. He is a ball hawking, attacking safety who excels as a run defender.
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13. Miami DolphinsRB Todd Gurley, Jr, Georgia
6'1, 232 lbs
Hometown: Tarboro, NC
2013 Stats: 165 rushes, 989 yards, 10 TD
I don't necessarily buy into the theory that the running back position has been devalued in the NFL. The last two drafts just have not produced any elite talents at the position. Before that you had guys like Knowshon Moreno, CJ Spiller and Trent Richardson in the top fifteen. That first round drought will end this year, as there are several truly special backs that could be in this draft. Todd Gurley is the most complete back to come out since perhaps Adrian Peterson. Gurley is the total package, who simply needs to stay healthy. He has averaged over 6 yards per carry during his two year career, and in 2013 he added 37 receptions and 6 receiving touchdowns. Gurley is powerful and quick and would help close the revolving door that has been Miami's back field.
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14. Atlanta FalconsOLB Shaq Thompson, Jr, Washington
6'2, 232 lbs
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
2013 Stats: 70 tackles, .5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 DEF TD
The Falcons defense is a sloppy mess right now. As they transition to a 3-4, Atlanta lacks play makers at linebacker. Shaq Thompson is an incredible athlete. He was highly recruited as a running back, but started his career at safety before moving to linebacker. Linebackers do not often go in the first round unless they are quick and possess big time play making ability. Thompson offers just that.
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15. San Diego ChargersCB Marcus Peters, Jr, Washington
6'0, 190 lbs
Hometown: Oakland, CA
2013 Stats: 54 tackles, 5 INT
The Chargers drafted Jason Verrett in the first round, but they should not stop there. The secondary still needs major help. Marcus Peters took over for Desmond Trufant and had a fantastic sophomore season for the Huskies. He has prototypical cornerback size, and has good hands for the position. He is not the most technically sound, but he has the talent to be the first cornerback off the board.
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16. Cincinnati BengalsWR Jaelen Strong, Jr, Arizona State
6'4, 205 lbs
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
2013 Stats: 75 rec, 1122 yards, 7 TD
The Bengals have spent plenty of early picks on the offense in recent memory. Why not go to that well once again?. Jaelen Strong is a very athletic, lean, 6'4 receiver who had a great sophomore season. That was only his first year of Division 1A college football, but another year of experience could make the talented weapon a first round pick.
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17. Tampa Bay BuccaneersDE Dante Fowler, Jr, Florida
6'3, 266 lbs
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
2013 Stats: 50 tackles, 3.5 sacks
Dante Fowler has the talent to go much, much higher than this if he can put together a consistent junior season. Adrian Clayborn and DaQuan Bowers have not quite worked out for the Buccaneers. You can never have too many pass rushers.
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18. St. Louis RamsQB Connor Cook, Jr, Michigan State
6'4, 218 lbs
Hometown: Hinckley, OH
2013 Stats: 223-380, 2755 yards, 22 TD, 6 INT
Sam Bradford's latest season ending injury might have been the final straw for the Rams. It is time to admit the mistake and move on. You will hear the names Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley quite a bit, but I think Connor Cook is a superior prospect to both and could be that next Blake Bortles as a guy who comes out of relative obscurity to become a top five pick. The Spartans are expected to open up the offense more and allow Cook to showcase his passing ability. He has great size, and makes very smart decisions on the field. He is your classic pro style quarterback.
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19. San Francisco 49ersCB Trae Waynes, Jr, Michigan State
6'1, 185 lbs
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
2013 Stats: 50 tackles, 3 INT
Trae Waynes was very solid as a sophomore and held up well despite receiving so much attention because of Darqueze Dennard on the other side of the field. He is a physical press corner with very good size for the position. San Francisco has a deep roster, but could use an infusion of talent in the secondary, where they have already drafted two players in the first round the past two seasons.
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20. Washington RedskinsDE/DT Michael Bennett, Sr, Ohio State
6'2, 288 lbs
Hometown: Centerville, OH
2013 Stats: 42 tackles, 7 sacks
The Redskins welcome themselves back into the first round after a long hiatus. Washington actually has a pretty solid roster up and down but youth is needed everywhere. Michael Bennett is a good run stopper who also got to the quarterback on occasion, registering 7 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He could play end in Washington's 3-4 scheme.
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21. Indianapolis ColtsS Anthony Harris, Sr, Virginia
6'1, 188 lbs
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
2013 Stats: 80 tackles, 1 sack, 8 INT
The Virginia Cavaliers were absolutely terrible in 2013, but do not blame that on Anthony Harris. The junior led the nation with 8 interceptions and racked up 80 tackles. Harris has a great nose for the ball but needs to bulk up to hold up on run defense. The Colts secondary was exposed big time, making Alex Smith look like Joe Montana during the playoffs. Help is needed bad.
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22. Baltimore RavensRB Melvin Gordon, Jr, Wisconsin
6'1, 203 lbs
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
2013 Stats: 206 rushes, 1609 yards, 12 TD
Off the field issues aside, if Ray Rice has another on the field season like 2013, the Ravens will have no choice but to move on. Melvin Gordon is a home run waiting to happen and would be a great compliment to Bernard Pierce. Gordon needs major coaching with his pass catching, however. He only had one reception as a sophomore for the Badgers.
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23. Philadelphia EaglesWR Nelson Agholor, Jr, USC
6'0, 185 lbs
Hometown: Tampa, FL
2013 Stats: 56 rec, 918 yards, 6 TD
The Eagles drafted some mid round receivers in 2014, but none offer the playmaking ability that Nelson Agholor does. Agholor would make a fantastic slot receiver for his great after the catch ability. He hopes to buck the trends of Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, both of whom had mediocre junior seasons for the Trojans and winded up in the second round.
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24. Detroit LionsOLB Vic Beasley, Sr, Clemson
6'3, 225 lbs
Hometown: Adairsville, GA
2013 Stats: 44 tackles, 13 sacks
The Lions have drafted best player available the past few years and could go that route again. Vic Beasley had a tremendous junior season for Clemson but where does he fit in at the NFL level? He will have to play outside linebacker, but is really only a pass rusher who is going to struggle in coverage. He would be best used as a situational pass rusher until he learns how to cover. Detroit is going to sprinkle in more 3-4 looks this season and could use all the pass rushers they can get to help mask a weak secondary.
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25. New York JetsWR Devin Funchess, Jr, Michigan
6'5, 228 lbs
Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI
2013 Stats: 49 rec, 748 yards, 6 TD
Devin Funchess is making the move to wide receiver in 2014, and if he can successfully transition, could be a very high first round pick. Scouts are obsessed with wideouts with size, and Funchess is very athletic and goes 6'5, 230. So was Stephen Hill, who never was able to develop for New York. The Jets will hope Funchess can.
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26. New Orleans SaintsOLB Leonard Floyd, Jr, Georgia
6'4, 230 lbs
Hometown: Eastman, GA
2013 Stats: 55 tackles, 6.5 sacks
The Georgia defense is loaded with talented prospects tailor made for the 3-4 defense. Floyd is still developing physically but would be a great fit for the Saints as a part time pass rushing specailist. He has the frame to pack on another 20 pounds and become an every down outside linebacker.
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27. Green Bay PackersMLB Denzel Perryman, Sr, Miami
6'1, 242 lbs
Hometown: Coral Gables, FL
2013 Stats: 108 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Denzel Perryman is a classic 3-4 middle linebacker. He is a solid tackler, good athlete and a natural team leader. AJ Hawk has been hanging on for dear life with the Packers for years and Green Bay would love an upgrade on him in the inside.
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28. Denver BroncosOG/OT La'El Collins, Sr, LSU
6'5, 321 lbs
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Denver's main priority is to keep Peyton Manning upright. La'El Collins might not be quick enough to be successful at left tackle, but should be a great run blocker on the right side, either guard or tackle, whichever position Orlando Franklin does not play.
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29. Dallas CowboysDE Mario Edwards, Jr, Florida State
6'3, 277 lbs
Hometown: Gautier, MS
2013 Stats: 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks
Mario Edwards was a top five recruit a couple of seasons ago, but has been brought along slowly thanks to the amazing depth along Florida State's defensive line. If the Championship game was any indication, where he racked up a sack and was living in Auburn's backfield, he should really explode as a junior. Edwards is explosive and has the quickness to handle end. Chicago used two early picks on defensive lineman, but should continue to address the position.
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30. New England PatriotsWR Dorial Green-Beckham, Jr, Oklahoma
6'6, 220 lbs
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
2013 Stats: 59 rec, 883 yards, 12 TD
Dorial Green-Beckham might be the most physically gifted wide receiver since Randy Moss. Like Moss, he will have to rely on that talent to crack the first round, because his off the field behavior has cost him big time. Green-Beckham was up and down as a sophomore but was kicked off the Missouri program. He is leaning toward taking the Tyrann Mathieu route, sitting out for a year and preparing for the draft. It will take a leap of faith for a team to draft this immense, immature talent in the first round, but if anyone has the guts, it would be Bill Belichick. Green-Beckham would theoretically give the Patriots exactly what they have lacked since Moss was in Boston.
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31. Pittsburgh SteelersCB PJ Williams, Jr, Florida State
6'0, 195 lbs
Hometown: Ocala, FL
2013 Stats: 35 tackles, 3 INT
The Steelers need to continue adding youth to an aging defense, especially the secondary. PJ Williams has good size and really made a name for himself during Florida State's championship win over Auburn with seven tackles and an interception.
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32. Seattle SeahawksOG AJ Cann, Sr, South Carolina
6'4, 311 lbs
Hometown: Bamberg, SC
This is not a sexy pick for the defending Super Bowl champions, but it fills a very big need. Seattle's offensive line is very average on the right side. AJ Cann is not an off the charts athlete, but is very smart, and a solid run blocker. He should start at right guard day one for the Seahawks.
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1 comment:
Dont necessarily disagree with alot of your picks but if the Vikings end up with the #1 overall pick I will sign over my car to you....lol.
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