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When doing a mock draft, there is a big difference between who I would pick if I were GM and who I think the actual GM's will pick. In my final mock draft, I compare who I would pick in each slot with who I think will actually get picked. As always, I do not project trades, so all picks are based on the assumption that all 32 teams stay in their current spots.
| Who I would draft IF I were the GM | Who I think will be drafted | |||||||||||
| 1 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | |||||||||
| Marcus Mariota | Pos: | QB | School: | Oregon | Jameis Winston | Pos: | QB | School: | Oregon | |||
| Analysis: | I am not sold on Mariota being a sure thing in the NFL and he may have a difficult transition, but the kid is incredibly talented, has the mental makeup you want in a QB and is worth the risk in a league where the quarterback position is so vital. Mariota is 6'4", athletic and accounted for 58 touchdowns (42 passing, 15 rushing, 1 receiving) and just 7 turnovers (4 INT, 3 fumbles) in 2014. | Analysis: | I wouldn't take him. 18 interceptions - which could have been about 30 - in a mediocre league. Major off the field concerns over maturity and decision making. But, my pay check doesn't say Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM, therefore, they don't care what I would do. This is a QB driven league and the Bucs will overlook the concerns and take the chance. | |||||||||
| 2 | Tennessee Titans | 2 | Tennessee Titans | |||||||||
| Leonard Williams | Pos: | DE | School: | USC | Marcus Mariota | Pos: | QB | School: | Oregon | |||
| Analysis: | In my opinion, Williams is the best player in this draft and improves the Titans immediately. While I am not sold on Zach Mettenberger, I cannot trust Jamies Winston, so I have to make sure I get a difference maker at the number two spot. Williams is a difference maker. | Analysis: | I think Mariota will go number two, I just don't think it will be the Titans who pick him. Maybe San Diego, maybe the Jets, maybe the Browns, etc. But either way, I think Mariota goes at number two. | |||||||||
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | |||||||||
| Amari Cooper | Pos: | WR | School: | Alabama | Leonard Williams | Pos: | DE | School: | USC | |||
| Analysis: | We have a few second year receivers that had solid rookie seasons, but none are a legit number one receiver. Cooper is a number one receiver, and in my opinion, is one of the safest selections in this draft. If Blake Bortles is going to have any chance of developing into a franchise quarterback, we need to surround him with more talent. Cooper may not have the highest ceiling amongst this group of wideouts, but he has the highest floor and may be the safest pick in the 2015 draft. | Analysis: | In my opinion, Williams is the best player in this draft and the Jaguars are happy to get him at number three. | |||||||||
| 4 | Oakland Raiders | 4 | Oakland Raiders | |||||||||
| Kevin White | Pos: | WR | School: | WVU | Amari Cooper | Pos: | WR | School: | Alabama | |||
| Analysis: | We need a wide receiver to pair with our second year quarterback and we are happy to get White here at number four. I think Cooper is the safer pick and has the higher floor, but White, I believe has the higher ceiling. White is big, strong and fast and gives Derek Carr an actual threat to throw to. | Analysis: | The Al Davis Raiders would go Kevin White. I think the new Raiders go with the more sure fire pick in Cooper. | |||||||||
| 5 | Washington Redskins | 5 | Washington Redskins | |||||||||
| Dante Fowler, Jr | Pos: | DE | School: | Florida | Dante Fowler, Jr | Pos: | DE | School: | Florida | |||
| Analysis: | With Brian Orakpo's exit from Washington, we have an opening at OLB opposite Ryan Kerrigan.There are a lot of good pass rushers in this draft, but Fowler doesn't have the off the field concerns (or size concerns) of the other pass rushers. He may not turn into an elite player, but he should be a solid player who has a solid career and when picking in the top five, I can't afford a risk. | Analysis: | With Brian Orakpo's exit from Washington, Fowler steps right in and the Redskins will be happy to get him here at number five. | |||||||||
| 6 | New York Jets | 6 | New York Jets | |||||||||
| Brandon Scherff | Pos: | OT/OG | School: | Iowa | Vic Beasley | Pos: | DE | School: | Clemson | |||
| Analysis: | We could use a pass rusher, a running back and another receiver, but we could also use some help along the offensive line. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, we need to protect them if they are going to have any chance to succeed. I believe Scherff is the safest pick in this draft and will have a solid 10+ year career as a standout guard. I certainly think about Winston here, but putting that kid in New York City and the trainwreck which is our quarterback carousel is a recipe for disaster. | Analysis: | Todd Bowles looks to get a new pass rushing toy and Beasley is the most accomplished, and in my opinion, the best pass rusher. I think Scherff would be the better selection, but I don't think the Jets take him here. | |||||||||
| 7 | Chicago Bears | 7 | Chicago Bears | |||||||||
| Danny Shelton | Pos: | DT | School: | Washington | Danny Shelton | Pos: | DT | School: | Washington | |||
| Analysis: | We could go a lot of directions with this pick (DE, WR or even QB), but our run defense is terrible and we need a NT to anchor our 3-4 defense. Shelton fits that bill and will be a solid NT in the NFL. I think Shelton would be an excellent fit our defense and is a solid and safe pick. | Analysis: | The Bears have struggled in the past few years stopping the run and Shelton can stop the run. WR is tempting, but this is a good (and I think the right) pick. | |||||||||
| 8 | Atlanta Falcons | 8 | Atlanta Falcons | |||||||||
| Vic Beasley | Pos: | DE | School: | Clemson | Randy Gregory | Pos: | OLB | School: | Nebraska | |||
| Analysis: | We were dead last in yards allowed in 2014, so we will be looking defense early and often in the 2015 draft. Only the Bengals (20) had less sacks than we did (22) and this is a great draft to be looking for pass rushers. While some have concerns about Beasley's size, in our opinion, Beasley is the best pass rusher in the 2015 draft, was the most productive pass rusher in college and he doesn't have the off the field concerns that the other pass rushers have. Beasley can flat out get to the quarterback and should be dangerous on our field turf. Our coaches will find a way to utilize a guy like Beasley. | Analysis: | Depending on who you talk to, many believe Gregory is the best pass rusher in this draft. He has some off the field concerns (marijuana), but the Falcons are too desparate at pass rusher and take the chance. | |||||||||
| 9 | New York Giants | 9 | New York Giants | |||||||||
| Shane Ray | Pos: | DE | School: | Missouri | Brandon Scherff | Pos: | OT/OG | School: | Iowa | |||
| Analysis: | We were really hoping for Scherff at this position, but with him off the board, we need to upgrade our pass rush. Ray has a foot injury (and now some concerns with weed), but I am drafting for the long term, and we are not concerned about his foot or off the field issues and are happy to get Ray at this point in the draft. | Analysis: | This is a boring pick, but a great pick. In my opinion, Scherff is the safest pick in this draft. | |||||||||
| 10 | St. Louis Rams | 10 | St. Louis Rams | |||||||||
| DeVante Parker | Pos: | WR | School: | Louisville | Kevin White | Pos: | WR | School: | WVU | |||
| Analysis: | We have been looking for a receiver since the days of Tory Holt, Isaac Bruce and the "Greatest Show on Turf." We finally get the opportunity to add a high quality receiver. | Analysis: | The Rams could use a true number one receiver and would be ecstatic to see him still on the board at number 10. | |||||||||
| 11 | Minnesota Vikings | 11 | Minnesota Vikings | |||||||||
| Trae Waynes | Pos: | CB | School: | Michigan State | Trae Waynes | Pos: | CB | School: | Michigan State | |||
| Analysis: | We really need a receiver and a cornerback and though we would love to see one of the top three receivers available here, they are all off the board and we are very happy to go with the top corner in this draft. | Analysis: | Due to his skill and familiarity with Bridgewater, Parker is very tempting here, but with Zimmer calling the shots, I think Waynes is the pick. | |||||||||
| 12 | Cleveland Browns | 12 | Cleveland Browns | |||||||||
| Malcolm Brown | Pos: | DT | School: | Texas | DeVante Parker | Pos: | WR | School: | Louisville | |||
| Analysis: | In 2014, we were terrible against the run, and in a division that LeVeon Bell, Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard and Justin Forsett call home, stopping the run is a must. Brown is a good and versatile defensive lineman that can play in a 3-4 or 4-3, can stop the run and provide some push in the passing attack as well. While we would love to see Shelton or one of the top three receivers fall to us here, we are happy to get Brown. | Analysis: | Dwayne Bowe is not the answer at WR and Josh Gordon was given a league issued sabatical for2015, so the Browns need a WR and they are happy to see Parker make it to them. | |||||||||
| 13 | New Orleans Saints | 13 | New Orleans Saints | |||||||||
| Randy Gregory | Pos: | OLB | School: | Nebraska | Bud Dupree | Pos: | DE | School: | Kentucky | |||
| Analysis: | We need help rushing the passer and Gregory is arguably the best in this draft class. If not for his marijuana issues, Gregory would be long gone by this point. We are concerned about his drug issues, but not concerned enough to take a chance on him at this point in the draft. | Analysis: | This is a pick base on need matching potential. The Saints need a pass rusher and Dupree has the "potential" to do so. He hasn't done it consistently on tape, but he has the ability to be a very good pass rusher. | |||||||||
| 14 | Miami Dolphins | 14 | Miami Dolphins | |||||||||
| Marcus Peters | Pos: | CB | School: | Washington | Marcus Peters | Pos: | CB | School: | Washington | |||
| Analysis: | We could go for a wide receiver here, but we are building a defense to stop the Patriots. Peters has some real off the field concerns, but after researching this kid, we are comfortable in the strides he has made to change and he is arguably the best cover corner in this draft. With the additions of Peters and Suh, we believe we may have the best defense in the AFC. | Analysis: | Peters offers more at this spot than the remaining WRs. Pairing Peters with Brent Grimes and the addition of Suh, makes the Dolphins one of the best defenses in the AFC. | |||||||||
| 15 | San Francisco 49ers | 15 | San Francisco 49ers | |||||||||
| Arik Armstead | Pos: | DE | School: | Oregon | Arik Armstead | Pos: | DE | School: | Oregon | |||
| Analysis: | With the release of Ray McDonald, the retirement of Justin Smith and the issues of Aldon Smith, we need talent up front on our defensive line and Armstead is full of talent and potential. We are confident that our coach, a former DL coach, can take Armstead's potential and turn him into the physical force he has the potential to become. | Analysis: | I have projected him here in every mock draft so far, and I am sticking with it. With the release of Ray McDonald, the retirement of Justin Smith and the issues of Aldon Smith, the 49ers need talent up front on the defensive line and Armstead is full of talent and potential. | |||||||||
| 16 | Houston Texans | 16 | Houston Texans | |||||||||
| Bud Dupree | Pos: | DE | School: | Kentucky | Breshad Perriman | Pos: | WR | School: | Central Florida | |||
| Analysis: | We have JJ Watt and Jadaveon Clowney, but we don't know what to expect from Clowney at this point and we are concerned about our defense should Watt go down. Dupree can play DE or 3-4 outside linebacker and though consistency has been a knock, the guy is a freak of an athlete and by all indications is a good of a person as he is a player. At 6-4, 269 pounds, Dupree ran a 4.56 40 and had the best vertical (42 inches) and broad (11 feet, 6 inches) jumps. We will put Watt, Dupree and Clowney on the field at the same time and chase Andrew Luck all around the field. | Analysis: | I don't like the idea of taking a WR this high who dropped 14% of his catchable balls, but Perriman has the size, speed and pedigree that will intrigue an NFL team. It only takes one. | |||||||||
| 17 | San Diego Chargers | 17 | San Diego Chargers | |||||||||
| Todd Gurley | Pos: | RB | School: | Georgia | Todd Gurley | Pos: | RB | School: | Georgia | |||
| Analysis: | We could use an offensive or defensive lineman. We could use another cornerback. We could use a tight end or a wide receiver as well. But we have nothing at the running back position. Gurley may not be ready for training camp, but when healthy, this kid can carry an offense and lessen the load on Phillip Rivers. | Analysis: | It has been awhile since a RB went in the first round, but Gurley has the making of a good NFL RB and the Chargers have a huge need for a RB (maybe two). | |||||||||
| 18 | Kansas City Chiefs | 18 | Kansas City Chiefs | |||||||||
| La'el Collins | Pos: | OT | School: | LSU | La'el Collins | Pos: | OT | School: | LSU | |||
| Analysis: | We still need help at wide receiver, but we can really use some help along the offensive line. Collins improves our line immediately and as a result, he also improves the effectiveness of Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith and our receivers. | Analysis: | This may change with the recent transgressions surrounding Collins, but without knowing the facts, I will keep him here. | |||||||||
| 19 | Cleveland Browns | 19 | Cleveland Browns | |||||||||
| Jaelen Strong | Pos: | WR | School: | Arizona State | Malcolm Brown | Pos: | DT | School: | Texas | |||
| Analysis: | Dorial Green-Beckham is the only "elite" level wide receiver left at this point, but with our recent issues with Josh Gordon and Johnny Manziel, we cannot afford another off the field risk. Strong is a big receiver that should find success in the NFL, and though he may not be a number one receiver, if Josh Gordon can come back, he won't need to be a number one, just a solid number two. | Analysis: | The Browns were one of the worst teams agains the run in 2014. Brown helps them in the run game and is a solid pick at 19. | |||||||||
| 20 | Philadelphia Eagles | 20 | Philadelphia Eagles | |||||||||
| Kevin Johnson | Pos: | CB | School: | Wake Forest | Kevin Johnson | Pos: | CB | School: | Wake Forest | |||
| Analysis: | We could use some help at receiver, safety and corner, and while we like Landon Collins and a few of the second level receivers, we feel a safeties and receivers are easier to find later in the draft or in free agency. Corners, however, are much harder to come by and Johnson is a solid corner, even if he is slight of build. | Analysis: | The Eagles need lots of help in the secondary and Johnson is a smooth corner. | |||||||||
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | |||||||||
| Phillip Dorsett | Pos: | WR | School: | Miami | D.J. Humphries | Pos: | OT | School: | Florida | |||
| Analysis: | Many are going to scratch their head when we announce this pick. Yes, we need to prepare for the potential of losing one or both of our offensive tackles after the season, but we can worry about that next year. We need a player who can contribute now and Dorsett can do that. Last season, our receiver depth was exposed, as was the lack of "game changing" speed on our offense. Plus, A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu are all free agents after the season and we aren't going to re-sign all three, so we need one or even two receivers in this draft. Though Dorsett is small, he gives us a big time play-maker in the slot and adds an element to this offense that it severely lacked in 2014. | Analysis: | I have a feeling the Bengals will not stay at 21 (I think they trade back), but if they stay here, I think they go with Humprhies. Humphries needs a year of development and the Bengals have the luxury of giving him that year. Humphries has the ability to become a solid tackle (left or right) in the NFL. | |||||||||
| 22 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 22 | Pittsburgh Steelers | |||||||||
| Jalen Collins | Pos: | CB | School: | LSU | Jalen Collins | Pos: | CB | School: | LSU | |||
| Analysis: | Our secondary was brutal in 2014 so we took a look at safety here as well, but corners are at more of a premium than safeties. Collins isn't the most polished cornerback, but he is a big corner from a big time program and has the ability to develop into a solid NFL starter. | Analysis: | I don't think there is much doubt the Steelers go secondary, it is just a matter of preference. Collins has the size and big program experience that makes him the top remaining CB in my opinion. | |||||||||
| 23 | Detroit Lions | 23 | Detroit Lions | |||||||||
| Eddie Goldman | Pos: | DT | School: | Florida State | Eddie Goldman | Pos: | DT | School: | Florida State | |||
| Analysis: | With the loss of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, we have a gaping hole on the defensive line that even Haloti Ngata cannot fill by himself and we are in luck. Rarely do quality DT's last this long, but in this draft, their are some good ones still on the board. Goldman is not going to give us much in the pass rush, but at 6-3, 336 pounds, he is a stout run stuffer with better (and more consitent tape) than Jordan Phillips. | Analysis: | With the loss of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, the Lions need help on the defensive line, even with the addition of Haloti Ngata. Rarely do quality DT's last this long, but in this draft, their are some good ones that will be available here. Goldman is not going to help much in the pass rush, but at 6-3, 336 pounds, he is a stout run stuffer with better (and more consitent tape) than Jordan Phillips. | |||||||||
| 24 | Arizona Cardinals | 24 | Arizona Cardinals | |||||||||
| Cameron Erving | Pos: | C | School: | Florida State | Shane Ray | Pos: | DE | School: | Missouri | |||
| Analysis: | We would love a pass rusher at this spot, but unfortunately there are none left at this point worthy of the 24th pick. However, we are very excited to add the top center in the draft to help our line. | Analysis: | The Cardinals need help rushing the passer and because of his toe injury and off the field concerns, the Cardinals find a good one still available. | |||||||||
| 25 | Carolina Panthers | 25 | Carolina Panthers | |||||||||
| D.J. Humphries | Pos: | OT | School: | Florida | Ereck Flowers | Pos: | OT | School: | Miami | |||
| Analysis: | We need help along the offensive line in the worst kind of way, so we are going with the best remaining lineman at this spot no matter what. Humphries will step in and play right away on our line, either as a guard or tackle, but we believe he can eventually be a very good right tackle or at least a solid left tackle. | Analysis: | I don't think there is any doubt the Panthers go OL in round one, it is just a matter of who they prefer. Flowers can be a solid guard or RT and could possibly develop into a solid LT. | |||||||||
| 26 | Baltimore Ravens | 26 | Baltimore Ravens | |||||||||
| Jordan Phillips | Pos: | DT | School: | Oklahoma | Jaelen Strong | Pos: | WR | School: | Arizona State | |||
| Analysis: | Melvin Gordon was a possibility at this pick, but with the loss of Ngata, we could use another massive player in the middle to pair with Jimmy Jernigan. While Phillips is seen as a bit of a project and his game film doesn't scream first round talent, his size (6-5, 329 pounds) and raw athletic abilities are too tough to pass up. | Analysis: | Steve Smith isn't getting younger, Torrey Smith is gone and Dennis Pitta may not be available, so the Ravens need to provide Flacco with some more weapons. | |||||||||
| 27 | Dallas Cowboys | 27 | Dallas Cowboys | |||||||||
| Melvin Gordon | Pos: | RB | School: | Wisconsin | Melvin Gordon | Pos: | RB | School: | Wisconsin | |||
| Analysis: | Darren McFadden wasn't signed as our long term solution at running back. If he stays healthy, he may be productive with our line, but we need a long term solution at running back. Melvin Gordon gives us that and can step in and pick up where Murray left off. | Analysis: | Darren McFadden wasn't signed as the long term solution at running back. If he stays healthy, he may be productive with our line, but they need a long term solution at running back. Melvin Gordon gives them that and can step in and pick up where Murray left off. | |||||||||
| 28 | Denver Broncos | 28 | Denver Broncos | |||||||||
| T.J. Clemmings | Pos: | OT | School: | Pittsburgh | T.J. Clemmings | Pos: | OT | School: | Pittsburgh | |||
| Analysis: | We were hoping that Erving was still available, but he is not. Clemmings is a bit raw, but we need an interior lineman and Clemmings can step in at guard and upgrade our line from day one. | Analysis: | The Broncos need help on the line - mainly on the interior. Clemmings can start right away at guard and has the potential to develop into a tackle. | |||||||||
| 29 | Indianapolis Colts | 29 | Indianapolis Colts | |||||||||
| Andrus Peat | Pos: | OT | School: | Stanford | Andrus Peat | Pos: | OT | School: | Stanford | |||
| Analysis: | We hear the concerns about Peat's toughness, but we think he has the potential to be the best left tackle in this draft when all is said and done. Rarely are you able to get this type of left tackle this late in the draft and we (and Andrew Luck) couldn't be happier. | Analysis: | There are concerns about Peat's toughness, but he has the potential to be the best left tackle in this draft when all is said and done. Rarely are you able to get this type of left tackle this late in the draft and the Colts (and Andrew Luck) couldn't be happier. | |||||||||
| 30 | Green Bay Packers | 30 | Green Bay Packers | |||||||||
| Eli Harold | Pos: | OLB | School: | Virginia | Eli Harold | Pos: | OLB | School: | Virginia | |||
| Analysis: | With the loss of A.J. Hawk and the age of Julius Peppers, we need line backers and preferrably, one that can rush the passer. Harold fits that bill and allows us to move Clay Matthews back inside. | Analysis: | With the loss of A.J. Hawk and the age of Julius Peppers, the Packers need line backers and preferrably, one that can rush the passer. Harold fits that bill and allows them to move Clay Matthews back inside. | |||||||||
| 31 | New Orleans Saints | 31 | New Orleans Saints | |||||||||
| Dorial Green-Beckham | Pos: | WR | School: | Missouri | Dorial Green-Beckham | Pos: | WR | School: | Missouri | |||
| Analysis: | We discussed Nelson Agholor here, but we couldn't pass on the size and athleticism of Green-Beckham. Marques Colston is north of 30 and Jimmy Graham is gone, so we need a big target for Drew Brees. | Analysis: | This is a risk, but his size and athleticism make him too dificult to pass up and with Marques Colston being north of 30 and Jimmy Graham gone, the Saints need a big target for Drew Brees. | |||||||||
| 32 | New England Patriots | 32 | New England Patriots | |||||||||
| Carl Davis | Pos: | DT | School: | Iowa | Carl Davis | Pos: | DT | School: | Iowa | |||
| Analysis: | With the release of Vince Wilfork, we need a defensive tackle that can occupy blockers in the run game and that is what Davis can do. At 6'5" and 320 pounds, Davis impressed at the Senior Bowl and once Shelton, Brown, Phillips, Goldman and Davis are gone, you aren't going to find big run stuffing tackles. Consistency has been a concern with Davis, but I don't see that as a concern on this team. | Analysis: | With the release of Vince Wilfork, the Patriots need a defensive tackle that can occupy blockers in the run game and that is what Davis can do. At 6'5" and 320 pounds, Davis impressed at the Senior Bowl and once Shelton, Brown, Phillips, Goldman and Davis are gone, you aren't going to find big run stuffing tackles. | |||||||||