It’s almost officially draft season for more than a few fanbases – Oakland, Jacksonville, Jets, and Tampa Bay. We are inching ever so close to a few more adding their names to that illustrious list. We’ve reached the midway plus some point of the college football season, so the guessing becomes a little more educated at this (still too early) point.
1. Oakland Raiders – Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC
Leonard Williams is the best player in the 2015 NFL Draft…and I don’t think its really close. The Raiders need to infuse a boatload of talent into this team and you could argue needs at most positions. Williams gives them a versatile DL that can play on the inside or outside. With Derek Carr and Khalil Mack in the fold, Williams adds a third – much needed – building block.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Randy Gregory is exceeding my expectations weekly at this point. I saw him as a bit of a one-trick pony heading into the season. I could be eating crow on that as he’s maturing into a force before our eyes. Gregory is a perfect fit for Gus Bradley’s defense, which could be on the cusp of becoming a really good defense.
3. NY Jets – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Wow. That’s about all I can say about the Jets right now. If the wheels weren’t falling off before John Idzik’s press conference, they have now. Mike Vick is the QB of the now, not that it matters. In today’s NFL guys like Geno Smith don’t get second chances after the season he’s had. He’s as good as done in New York and Mariota gives them a difference maker at the position.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
I’m a fan of Mike Glennon’s. I think a year or two of sitting, learning, and developing will help him tremendously. I remain firm in my stance that he’ll be a serviceable starter in the league in the very near future. It doesn’t look like that will be in Tampa. Jameis Winston is a knucklehead and needs to mature very quickly. That said, his talent is undeniable.
5. Tennessee Titans – Connor Cook, QB, Michigan St.
We’ll see how the Zach Mettenberger experiment goes as he should finish the season as the starter, barring injury. I was not high on Mettenberger and I remain skeptical. Connor Cook is a guy you can see growing into an elite QB prospect by the week. He’s not anywhere near a finished product but teams have to consider him early with his skill sets and potential.
6. Atlanta Falcons – Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Atlanta is a flawed team. The lack of quality depth from trades of the past has shown through this season. The offensive line needs help and the defense is basically atrocious. Shane Ray gives them a pass rusher with an elite skill set. His speed off the edge makes him a natural fit for the Falcons.
Is Cooper better than Julio?
7. St. Louis Rams – Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
With the ‘top shelf’ QB’s off the board, the Rams look to add a weapon for whoever takes snaps in 2015. Austin Davis has been better than anyone expected and they could certainly do worse. That said, he’s not a QB that is going to take the Rams to the promised land. They should be scouring the market for a veteran that can start games if Davis falters at all. The Rams need a sure thing atop the 2015 draft and Cooper gives them that. He’s as good as they come and will be a day one impact player.
8. Minnesota Vikings – Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
Shaq Thompson is a big play waiting to happen. The Vikings need a defensive playmaker, particularly along the front seven. Thompson is what NFL teams are looking for these days at the linebacker position as he possesses elite athleticism and versatility to cover in the backend and play behind the line of scrimmage.
9. Washington Redskins – Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
I’m just happy the Kirk Cousins starting QB experiment has died. Robert Griffin III will adjust in due time and with quality OL in front of him. Ogbuehi hasn’t lived up the enormous expectations but remains a top 15 lock – in my book. Ogbuehi can play four spots, making him a no-brainer for the ‘Skins.
10. Chicago Bears – Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The Bears drastically need to retool the defense. I couldn’t argue them taking any defensive player at this spot. The major needs are at LB, CB, and S. With Collins on the board at 10, this pick shouldn’t be in question.
11. New Orleans Saints – Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The Saints have some holes on defense particularly at CB and LB but they really need an upgrade along the offensive line (RT). Peat is an instant upgrade Zach Strief, who will be 32 years old next season.
12. NY Giants – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
I was tempted by a CB here but couldn’t resist Vic Beasley at this spot. Beasley’s versatility wins the day for Jerry Reese. At the end of the day, the Giants need a DE or OLB that can pressure opposing QB’s and Beasley provides just that.
13. Houston Texans – Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Texans don’t look to be in a position to take one of the top signal callers off the board. If Connor Cook slides in the least, I think he’s a perfect fit for Bill O’Brien to build around (it’s also best case scenario for Cook). Barring that slide, the Texans should look to bolster their defense and CB is a spot I think they take a long look at. For my money, Marcus Peters is the best corner in the country and shouldn’t fall much further than this spot.
14. Cleveland Browns – Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
There’s little doubt that the Browns need to add offensive weapons to their receiving corps. Look, Miles Austin, Taylor Gabriel, and Andrew Hawkins have played very well thus far but this is a team that isn’t far off from challenging in the tough AFC North. Funchess gives the Browns a big body to play opposite Josh Gordon.
15. Kansas City Chiefs – Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
There is no bigger surprise in CFB than Kevin White. He’s come out of nowhere to take the CFB and Draft world by storm. He has all the tools to be a very good one in the league and should wind up a top 15 guy when it’s all said and done.
16. San Francisco 49ers – Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
Oakman is a freak of nature. He’s not anywhere near a finished product making him a bit of a risk in the top 20. That said, if he figures out how to use his leverage, watch out.
