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It’s a rebound year for me. After putting up competitive showings in The Huddle Report’s Mock Draft contest, I fell flat last year. I’m all in this year as it could very well be my final year covering the draft. Some of these picks are major risks and won’t fit traditional mock draft thought. Knowing this I’m either going to go big or finish dead last. It’s a year of all or nothing.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
This one is in the books. Right it down with a Sharpie.
2. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
This is where the wheels come off the draft. Is it a smokescreen? No clue but somehow I don’t think the Titans brass is worried about fit with Whisenhunt – who won 2 games in 2014. If they can’t find a suitable offer, he’s the guy here.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Todd Gurley, RB, Alabama
As a rule of thumb I don’t project trades because of the implausible nature of predicting both participants. I think the Jags look to go down a handful of spots or maybe they just take the guy they covet.
4. Oakland Raiders – Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Reggie McKenzie sprints to the podium to turn this pick in. I think this is the guy he covets.
5. Washington – Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
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I really believe the team that moves up in Jacksonville’s spot will be taking this guy. If he’s there for Washington, chalk it up.
6. New York Jets – Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Jets have me baffled. This is my best guess but no one would surprise me. Cooper is hands down the best player on the board and immediately helps out whoever the QB is.
7. Chicago Bears – Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
If Kevin White or Amari Cooper is on the board, I’d be shocked if they weren’t the pick.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa
Vic Beasley or Bud Dupree? I think they look to secure Matt Ryan some protection…it’s been brutal the last couple of seasons.
9. New York Giants – Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Almost everyone has an OL here. I considered going with consensus but I’ve felt Bud Dupree was the guy here…I’m sticking with it.
10. St. Louis Rams – Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
The Giants passed on Flowers (bucking conventional wisdom) so the Rams jump on the opportunity to nab the talented OT.
11. Minnesota Vikings – Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
I don’t love Trae Waynes but this is a pretty good bet.
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12. Cleveland Browns – Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Shelton is sure it’s either the Bears or Browns. I’m certain the Bears aren’t pulling the trigger at No. 7 so that leaves the Browns. While I think the Browns are eyeing.
13. New Orleans Saints – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
The Saints need someone off the edge that can pressure opposing QB’s.
14. Miami Dolphins – DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
I fully expect the Dolphins to move up the draft with an eye on Todd Gurley or one of the big three receivers. In this case, getting ahead of Minnesota and Cleveland may be necessary.
15. San Francisco 49ers – Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Marcus Peters got a lot of consideration but I had to go with Johnson. If the choice comes down to the two and Johnson is a little behind he moves to the front as teams won’t want to roll the dice on Peters.
16. Houston Texans – Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
I love Agholor to the Texans from a fit perspective on both sides of the fence.
