The 2015 NFL Draft is on the clock as we are less than 4 weeks away. In 30 days we will have the answers to what we’ve been speculating on for months now.
With Tampa Bay essentially locking their sights on Jameis Winston at No. 1 our attention turns to Tennessee. Will it be Leonard Williams or Marcus Mariota? Mariota may not be a typical fit for Ken Wisenhunt’s offense but can the Titans afford to pass on a guy with the upside of Mariota at the premium position in the league. By the nature of my selection I think that answer is no but I leaned several times towards Williams. I’d say at this point it’s 51-49 in my mind.
Beyond the top two this draft only gets more intriguing. As a bonus for reading this long-winded mock, I offer up a preview of a way too early look at the 2016 NFL Draft.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
The Bucs appear to be sold on Winston as their franchise QB. While I don’t agree that it is the right pick, no one can blame them given the need. I can’t see a scenario playing out where Winston makes this team an instant contender. I see him making some splash plays – at the same time taking them out of games with turnovers. Given time, Winston may develop into a solid NFL passer – I just don’t see the attributes to suggest he’s a franchise changing QB.
2. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Count me in the group that doesn’t buy that Tennessee is selecting any not named Marcus Mariota (or Jameis Winston if by chance Lovie passes). I just can’t see this organization tying it’s wagon to Zach Mettenberger by passing on Mariota. Worst case scenario, you let Mettenberger play this season (Mariota has some developing to do) and turn the reins over to Mariota next season if Mett can’t push this team to respectability.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
I’ll be shocked if the Jags pass on Leonard Williams – my top rated player in the draft. However, it makes sense given the need for a true pass rusher for Gus Bradley’s defense. Beasley has the speed to be an immediate impact rusher and this is a perfect fit for him.
4. Oakland Raiders – Leonard Williams, DT, USC
The Raiders need a wide receiver for Derek Carr but passing on Williams at this point would be difficult. As good as Amari Cooper and Kevin White are, neither is on par with Williams. Williams is my top rated prospect in this class (and no one is a close second). I have him graded out on par with Ndamukong Suh, who was the second highest graded player in my six years with NFLF (Andrew Luck was the top rated, for those that care).
5. Washington – Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
A pass rusher makes a ton of sense here but I could see Washington finding a playmaker like Cooper – and moving on Pierre Garcon or Desean Jackson after this season. For now, teaming Cooper with Garcon and Jackson is too tempting to not heavily consider.
6. New York Jets – Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
The Jets defense suddenly gets interesting in one offseason. With the additions in the defensive backfield plus Fowler, this defense becomes more than formidable for first year HC Todd Bowles…now they just need a QB.
7. Chicago Bears – Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
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It’s going to be tough to pass on a defender given their struggles on that side of the ball in the recent past. However trading Brandon Marshall opened up the possibility of adding a guy like White. I think White’s upside is just too much to pass on as he gives Jay Cutler another fearsome duo on the outside.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
If Atlanta passes on Gregory, look out for a major slide – possibly down to the late teens. Dan Quinn may be just what the doctor ordered to maximize Gregory’s enormous upside and keep him focused on his craft.
9. NY Giants – Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Offensive line makes the most sense here but replenshing the pass rusher should be a high priority. Dupree is an upgrade day one opposite JPP and really gives the Giants the tools to pressure Tony Romo.
10. St. Louis Rams – DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
I’ve struggled over this pick. My mind told me OL (Scherff) but my heart was screaming for Parker. WR isn’t the Rams biggest need but at the same time they don’t have anyone on their roster that is capable of being a true No. 1 (Sorry Kenny Britt). Parker has that type of upside as he’ll give Nick Foles a guy that can a lot of jump balls and take the top off the defense.
11. Minnesota Vikings – Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
I’m sure Minnesota would have loved to pair Teddy Bridgewater and his old teammate DeVante Parker together. However in this scenario, they look to add to the defensive backfield. While CB isn’t their greatest need, it’s an area they need to upgrade to keep pace in their division.
12. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
I fully expect Ray Farmer to play it safe in this draft after last years first round that netted him Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel. With this in mind, Farmer opts to take Scherff to beef up his OL. Scherff’s versatility to play guard or tackle will be welcomed as the Browns learned what a lack of depth will do to team’s after losing Alex Mack.
13. New Orleans Saints – Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
I’m not yet sold on Shane Ray as a standup rusher. He’s a nice athlete from the standpoint of straightline speed but his lateral quicks aren’t nearly as impressive. However, he’s a solid value and Rob Ryan will find multiple ways to utilize his speed off the edge. This may be best case for Ray as he slides a bit down the board in the eyes of the media.
14. Miami Dolphins – Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
If you go all the way back to my September top 32, I had Breshad Perriman at No. 31 on that board. Perriman was saddled with some really (REALLY) bad QB play this season. Yes, he’ll drop a ball here or there – although not as much as many would have it seem. But, he has the ability to take it the distance every time he touches the ball as his speed translates to the field. After trading away Mike Wallace and losing Brian Hartline in free agency the ‘Phins need to address the WR position beyond dealing for Kenny Stills.
15. San Francisco 49ers – La’el Collins, OL, LSU
Mike Iupati got out of town – along with a host of others this offseason. Just two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the 9ers are in a bit of a rebuild. They have a boatload of needs to fill in their defensive front seven. However, this team is going to have run the football to relieve some of the pressure of Colin Kaepernick. With Iupati out at LG, Collins could fill that spot immediately with the potential to play either tackle spot.
16. Houston Texans – Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The internal debate between Jaelen Strong and Marcus Peters weighed heavily on this pick. Picking up Cecil Shorts from the bargain basement helps with this pick. I think Marcus Peters is the most talented CB in this class by a wide margin. That said, his attitude will scare teams away. When I watch Peters I see a guy that is highly skilled but makes too many business decisions for a player that hangs his hat on physicality. If Houston can keep Peters focused they have found themselves a gem.
