NFL Mock Draft 3.0

The 2015 NFL Draft is just a few days away, so it’s time for version 3.0 of my mock draft. And this time around, I’m mocking rounds one and two.

It’s increasingly more likely that #27 for the Cowboys will be a BPA pick (Best Player Available) that may not address one of the more pressing concerns on the team right now, so we’re reaching down into the second round to see what options might be available for Dallas at #60.

Round 1

[dropcap type=”3″]1 [/dropcap]Tamp Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, FSU

Winston is the best QB prospect in this draft and the Bucs need a franchise QB, so this isn’t a hard one to match up.

[dropcap type=”3″]2 [/dropcap]TRADE Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

The trade everyone is anticipating come draft day. Here is how I believe this scenario could play out:

Tennessee gets picks #12, #19 and Cleveland’s 2016 2nd
Cleveland gets picks #20, #52, Philadelphia’s 2016 1st, and Sam Bradford
Philadelphia gets #2.

The Eagles give up a lot but Chip Kelly gets the perfect QB for his offense. Cleveland moves from #19 to #20 then essentially trades down from #12 to #52 and give up next year’s #2 for the Eagles #1 next year and Sam Bradford, a player they are obviously very interested in if the report they offered a 1st round pick for him are true. Tennessee gets two 1st round picks and a #2 next year. To me TEN and CLE would have to take an offer like this, the question is if the Eagles are willing to give that much for Mariota.

[dropcap type=”3″]3 [/dropcap]Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DL, USC

The Jags get to take the best defensive player in the draft at #3 with the QBs going 1-2. Williams is a versatile difference maker that would bring big help to that Jags front.

[dropcap type=”3″]4 [/dropcap]Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

I had Kevin White in this spot in my 1st mock, but it recently came out that Cooper actually ran the same 40-time as White at the combine.

A major reason I initially pegged White ahead of Cooper is because he ran faster, while also being bigger than Cooper. If both are just as fast, it’s really a toss-up as both have great tape. Cooper is a better route runner and White has the size advantage, so it’s really going to be up to the team’s preference.

The Raiders definitely could use a top WR for their young QB Derek Carr, and Cooper has true #1 potential.

[dropcap type=”3″]5 [/dropcap]Washington Redskins: Dante Fowler Jr, EDGE, Florida

Pretty sure this would be an easy decision for Washington, Fowler is a stud that would have no business escaping the top 5.

[dropcap type=”3″]6 [/dropcap]New York Jets: Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson

Beasley was certainly this combine’s workout warrior.

He showed incredible strength with 35 reps @ 225 and amazing speed running a 4.53 40 at 6’3 246lbs, BOTH tops among all DL/LBs!

Good tape is always great to have but a lot of the time it’s combine studs that tend to get taken high. The Jets are stacking up on defense and adding a stud pass rusher would make them scary.

[dropcap type=”3″]7 [/dropcap]Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, WVU

After White ran a 4.35 40 at 6’3 215lbs at the combine he quickly shot up draft boards. Playing across from the 6’3 216lb Alshon Jeffery would give Chicago a ridiculous duo that would be difficult to cover.

[dropcap type=”3″]8 [/dropcap]Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri

The Falcons signed a couple of pass rushers in free agency but they need all the help they can get after last season. Here they’re in position to take 2 of the top 4 in Ray or Randy Gregory. With Gregory failing a drug test at the combine, he’s falling down some draft boards. Ray gives new head coach, Dan Quinn, a new, explosive edge rusher.

[dropcap type=”3″]9 [/dropcap]New York Giants: Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska

Although they have bigger needs, the Giants love pass rushers and taking top talents. Gregory has top 5 ability and is one of the best pure pass rushers in the draft. He could get looks from SAM LB and if he puts on some weight, could be JPP’s successor at RDE.

[dropcap type=”3″]10 [/dropcap]St. Louis Rams: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa

The Rams need a lot of help on their offensive line. They released LT Jake Long and C Scott Wells this offseason so they basically just have T Greg Robinson (last year’s #2 overall pick) and T/G Rodger Saffold.

They just signed last year’s back up C Tim Barnes to a one year deal so I’m guessing he’s the favorite for that position, and I’m sure they’re hoping to re-sign RT Joe Barksdale, but that would still leave a big hole at G. In this situation, with the top ranked OL Scherff available, I can’t see them going another way.

[dropcap type=”3″]11 [/dropcap]Minnesota Vikings: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Now that Gurley’s knee has checked out he should go fast. Many believe he’s the best RB prospect to come out since Adrian Peterson. Speaking of whom, has made it abundantly clear he wants out of Minnesota. This pick would give the Vikings freedom to try to move Peterson during the draft.

[dropcap type=”3″]12 [/dropcap]TRADE Tennessee Titans: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

So instead of taking a new QB, here the Titans get their current one a shiny new weapon. Kendall Wright and Harry Douglas are #2 and #3 guys, and Justin Hunter hasn’t panned out. Parker could finally give Tennessee a true #1 receiver.

[dropcap type=”3″]13 [/dropcap]New Orleans Saints: La’el Collins, OL, LSU

The Saints signed both Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller to 4 year deals this offseason and look interested in making an effort to run the ball more. Collins is a college tackle that has been consistently making his way up draft boards and has a lot of NFL people talking. Many think he has Pro Bowl potential inside.

After trading away Ben Grubbs this offseason, it’s a hole that needs filling and Collins would be a great fit.

[dropcap type=”3″]14 [/dropcap]Miami Dolphins: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St.

The Dolphins need a better starter across from Brent Grimes. Waynes is the top rated corner is this draft and backed it up with a stellar combine performance. High ceiling prospect that could give much-needed help to Miami’s secondary.

[dropcap type=”3″]15 [/dropcap]San Francisco 49ers: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut

The 9ers lost two corners in FA, they still have two solid starters in Tramaine Brock and slot corner Jimmie Ward, but that leaves a hole on the outside.

Jones was seen as a 2nd round prospect until he blew up the combine and his pro day. Measured in at 6’1 199lbs, recorded a 44.5″ vertical, and completely insane 12ft 3in broad jump at the combine. Reportedly ran in the 4.36-4.39 range in his 40 during his pro day (did not run at combine due to a shoulder injury). Obviously a rare athlete that should go quick.

[dropcap type=”3″]16 [/dropcap]Houston Texans: Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon

The Texans need a franchise QB and a replacement for Andre Johnson, but by this time the top two QBs are long gone and so are the top 3 WRs. They could also really use a new ILB, but there aren’t any in this draft with a mid first round grade, in my opinion.

At 6’7 292lbs, Armstead is a long, athletic DT with a lot of upside. If he can tap into his potential playing beside Vince Wilfork and J.J. Watt, it would give Houston a scary front.

[dropcap type=”3″]17 [/dropcap]San Diego Chargers: Bud Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky

San Diego needs a lot of help on defense. Melvin Ingram is in the final year of his rookie contract but he’s been injury prone his whole career, plus SD isn’t bringing Dwight Freeney back. Dupree is a physical freak that blew up the combine. Still raw, but with some coaching, he could become a force.

[dropcap type=”3″]18 [/dropcap]Kansas City Chiefs: Andrus Peat, OL, Stanford

The Chiefs took Eric Fisher with the #1 pick in 2013, but he hasn’t nearly played up to expectations. At the same time, KC needs to upgrade the RT position. Peat could provide competition for Fisher and also fill the hole on the right side.

[dropcap type=”3″]19 [/dropcap]TRADE Tennessee Titans: (from BUF): Ereck Flowers, OL, Miami

Some more help for the Titans offense after trading down. OT Michael Roos retired this offseason and Michael Oher was waived. Last year’s 1st round selection Taylor Lewan can easily man the left side but that leaves a hole at RT. Flowers is a perfect RT prospect that could provide a big boost to Tennessee’s run game.

[dropcap type=”3″]20 [/dropcap]TRADE Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, DL, Washington

A lot of people see Shelton going much higher than this, but in every draft nose tackles seem to drop.

The Browns have a horrible defensive line. Shelton would be a great value in this position and give them a stud NT to help their terrible run D.

[dropcap type=”3″]21 [/dropcap]Cincinnati Bengals: Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida

The Bengals lack a speed option across from AJ Green, Perriman ran a sub 4.3 40 yard dash at his pro day and, like Jones, has a lot of experts bumping him from a 2nd round prospect, to a 1st. At 6’2 212lbs Perriman certainly has an elite height, weight, speed triangle. He could help Cincinnati spread the field to help the run, as well as take some attention away from Green.

[dropcap type=”3″]22 [/dropcap]Pittsburgh Steelers: Landon Collins, S, Alabama

This is a pretty easy one to pencil in; if available, Collins would make an ideal successor to recently retired Troy Polamalu.

[dropcap type=”3″]23 [/dropcap]Detroit Lions: Malcom Brown, DL, Texas

The Lions lost both their starting DTs this offseason, luckily they traded for Haloti Ngata, and in this scenario can land another big body for the middle of their defense. Even at 319lbs Brown is very athletic and versatile, him and Ngata (340lbs) could give Detroit a massive front.

[dropcap type=”3″]24 [/dropcap]Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU

With the departure of CB Antonio Cromartie, the Cardinals need a replacement. Collins is a raw prospect that needs development, but Arizona would be the perfect place for him to go with two fellow LSU alumni CBs in Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu.

Collins possesses all the desirable measurables teams look for; big, long, athletic corner that has the potential to become a star.

[dropcap type=”3″]25 [/dropcap]Carolina Panthers: D. J. Humphries, OL, Florida

This pick has to be for the offensive line for the Panthers; they have one of the worst units in the NFL. Luckily, this is a very deep draft for top caliber tackles.

Humphries is a LT prospect whose biggest concern has been his lean frame, playing at only 285lbs last season. However, Humphries showed up to the combine (amazingly) at 307lbs, so that should definitely entice a lot of OL needy teams like the Panthers.

[dropcap type=”3″]26 [/dropcap]Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

It seems every year the Ravens stand pat and take the best player available. Justin Forsett had a great year last season, however, he’ll be 30 soon and there’s really no one behind him. Gordon would provide Baltimore a young workhorse and nice 1-2 punch running game.

[dropcap type=”3″]27 [/dropcap]Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest

If the top 2 RBs are off the board and there’s a top 5 corner available, I believe that would be the selection for Dallas.

Johnson is one of the more polished corners in this draft that could contribute day 1, also would give the Cowboys some options with their current salary stand-off with Brandon Carr.

More on Johnson here: Draft: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest on BlueStarTimes.com

[dropcap type=”3″]28 [/dropcap]Denver Broncos: T.J. Clemmings, OL, Pittsburgh

As Peyton Manning enters his final years, the Broncos need to get him the best protection they can. Clemmings is a very athletic tackle that has a lot of scouts talking. Raw, but could start his career at G as he develops.

[dropcap type=”3″]29 [/dropcap]Indianapolis Colts: Cameron Erving, OL, FSU

Here the Colts land the best center prospect in the draft and get Andrew Luck the protection he needs inside. This draft’s class of offensive linemen is much like last year’s class of cornerbacks: there’s a bunch of guys at the top and it’s going to be tough to peg which order they go.

[dropcap type=”3″]30 [/dropcap]Green Bay Packers: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami

The Packers released A.J. Hawk this offseason and will need a replacement. I’m sure they’d also like to kick Clay Matthews back outside where he belongs. Perryman, although not a flashy athlete, is a stout, physical defender. Could provide a big help to that run defense.

[dropcap type=”3″]31 [/dropcap]New Orleans Saints (from SEA): Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri

Green-Beckham is a top talent who could fall in the draft due to character concerns. He was dismissed from the Missouri football program after being suspended twice, so the concerns aren’t without merit, but he’s huge at 6’5 237lbs and yet still runs fast posting a 4.49 40 at the combine. He has Kelvin Benjamin size with Jordan Matthews speed. The Saints just traded away Jimmy Graham so here they could land another big target to try to replace his production.

[dropcap type=”3″]32 [/dropcap]New England Patriots: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

The Patriots lost their top two corners this offseason, easily becomes their biggest need. Peters, like Green-Beckham, is a prospect with a lot of talent, but big character concerns. Many see him as one of the best cover corners in this draft, so would be a great value in this spot. If anyone can handle character concerns it’s the Patriots, going to a top organization like New England would be a great place for Peters to get his head on straight.

Round 2

[dropcap type=”3″]33 [/dropcap]Tennessee Titans: Eddie Goldman, DL, Florida St.

After addressing their offense in round 1, the Titans pick up a huge NT for their atrocious run defense.

[dropcap type=”3″]34 [/dropcap]Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Fisher, OL, Oregon

The Bucs currently have nobodies penciled in at RG and RT, Fisher would be a great selection as he can play multiple positions on the OL.

[dropcap type=”3″]35 [/dropcap]Oakland Raiders: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA

The Raiders currently have one serviceable starter at DE, 32-year-old Justin Tuck. Here they could land the big, strong, athletic, edge setter that could fall into the 2nd due to some injury concerns.

[dropcap type=”3″]36 [/dropcap]Jacksonville Jaguars: Eli Harold, EDGE, Virginia

I had the Jags passing on Dante Fowler at #3, but here they can still land their ‘LEO’ LB for coach Gus Bradley’s defense with the explosive pass rusher, Harold.

[dropcap type=”3″]37 [/dropcap]New York Jets: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC

The Jets traded for Brandon Marshall this offseason finally giving them a true #1 WR. Eric Decker is a great #2, but the Jets could use an explosive slot guy. Agholor would fit that role perfectly and give whoever starts at QB for NYJ a great weapon.

[dropcap type=”3″]38 [/dropcap]Washington Redskins: Cedric Ogbuehi, OL, Texas A&M

Ogbuehi will drop due to a torn ACL in his bowl game so he could very possibly not play his 1st year, unless his team makes the playoffs, but in the 2nd round he’s a great value and could finally give Washington an answer at RT.

[dropcap type=”3″]39 [/dropcap]Chicago Bears: Preston Smith, DL, Mississippi St.

Chicago will be moving to a 3-4 defense but currently lacks a lot of personnel. They just signed the 49ers cast-off Ray McDonald who should be a big help if he can stop getting in trouble, but could still use another 3-4 end and NT. Smith would be a great fit playing the Justin Smith role in Chicago’s new defense.

[dropcap type=”3″]40 [/dropcap]New York Giants: Eric Rowe, CB/S, Utah

The Giants only have 2 back up safeties on their current roster, obviously making it their biggest need. Rowe is a very good corner prospect, however many believe S would be a better fit for him in the NFL. Could immediately step in as the Giants center fielder.

[dropcap type=”3″]41 [/dropcap]St. Louis Rams: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona St.

A lot of people have Strong as a 1st round lock, but just like last year, this draft has a ton of WRs at the top, which should lead to some good ones to fall. Here the Rams can land a big, athletic target for new QB Nick Foles.

[dropcap type=”3″]42 [/dropcap]Atlanta Falcons: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

The Falcons lacked an intermediate target last season with the retirement of Tony Gonzalez. Williams would provide them with a true pass catching TE and give them another dimension in the passing game.

[dropcap type=”3″]43 [/dropcap]Cleveland Browns: Mike Bennett, DL, Ohio St.

As I stated earlier, the Browns have a horrible DL. I could certainly see them double up on NT and DE. Bennett’s best fit would probably be as a 3 technique in a 4-3, but he could give the Browns the pass rush from inside they need.

[dropcap type=”3″]44 [/dropcap]New Orleans Saints: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA

All three of the Saints projected starting LBs are average players, they could use an infusion of talent in the middle of that defense. Kendricks played ILB in college, however many think he projects better to WLB in the NFL. The Saints could try him in multiple spots and see where he fits.

[dropcap type=”3″]45 [/dropcap]Minnesota Vikings: Shaq Thompson, LB/S, Washington

Chad Greenway was terrible last season and is entering the last year of his deal. Thompson is a versatile player who is being looked at as a LB, S, and even RB. I think he’d be best as a WILL LB in a 4-3, if available, he would be a great fit in Minnesota.

[dropcap type=”3″]46 [/dropcap]San Francisco 49ers: Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson

With the retirements of star Patrick Willis and last year’s stand out rookie Chris Borland, the 9ers strength has become a weakness. Anthony is an athletic, physical defender that would fit nicely next to NaVorro Bowman in San Francisco’s middle.

[dropcap type=”3″]47 [/dropcap]Miami Dolphins: A.J. Cann, OL, South Carolina

The Dolphins have dramatically improved their OL the past couple of years, they still have a hole at LG however. Cann was a 4 year starter at the position and could give Miami one of the best units in the NFL.

[dropcap type=”3″]48 [/dropcap]San Diego Chargers: Jordan Phillips, DL, Oklahoma

The Chargers have a very poor defensive line and lack a true NT. Phillips is a monster at 6’5 329lbs, yet still athletic for his size. Has the ability to eat up blocks with ease, however has an inconsistent motor, which could cause him to drop.

[dropcap type=”3″]49 [/dropcap]Kansas City Chiefs: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami

Signing Jeremy Maclin this offseason should help the Chiefs passing game woes, but they could still use an explosive slot guy like Dorsett. QB Alex Smith is Mr. dink and dunk, Dorsett is a playmaker that can take a cross to the house.

[dropcap type=”3″]50 [/dropcap]Buffalo Bills: Laken Tomlinson, OL, Duke

If the Bills plan to be a ground and pound team under new coach Rex Ryan they need two upgrades at G. They recently signed Richie Incognito, but a RG is still needed. Tomlinson was a 4 year starter at the position and would give Buffalo the mauler they need.

[dropcap type=”3″]51 [/dropcap]Houston Texans: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio St.

DeAndre Hopkins is becoming a stud in the league, but the Texans could use a speedster to stretch the field. I don’t think anyone could fill that role better than Smith. Averaged a ridiculous 28.2 yards per catch in 2014, he’s the ultimate home run hitter.

[dropcap type=”3″]52 [/dropcap]TRADE Cleveland Browns: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

At 6’4 232lbs a lot of people think Funchess could be a TE in the NFL. With the loss of Jordan Cameron the Browns could use Funchess in a Jimmy Graham type role to exploit mismatches. Also, with Josh Gordan’s future a question mark, and both Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline only signed for 2 seasons, Funchess could be Cleveland’s future #1 WR.

[dropcap type=”3″]53 [/dropcap]Cincinnati Bengals: Grady Jarrett, DL, Clemson

The Bengals 3 technique, Geno Atkins, wasn’t the same player last year after tearing his ACL in 2013 and 1 technique, Domato Peko, is just plain bad. Jarrett can play both positions and is great at getting penetration inside. Considering Cincinnati had the least sacks in the NFL last year, they could use the help.

[dropcap type=”3″]54[/dropcap] Detroit Lions: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

The Lions currently have Joique Bell and Theo Riddick as their top two backs. Bell is a nice runner but there’s nothing special about him, while Riddick is just a 3rd down pass catching back. Coleman would give Detroit a young, explosive, home run hitter at the position.

[dropcap type=”3″]55 [/dropcap]Arizona Cardinals: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise St.

Andre Ellington is an explosive RB, but he’s just not a back that can carry the ball 20+ times a game like the Cardinals want. Ajayi is a big, versatile back that can play all 3 downs.

On Monday CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler tweeted:

FYI – #BoiseState RB Jay Ajayi was dinged for his knee from re-check on visits, not Combine re-check. Point stands, “strong” concerns there

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 20, 2015

Everyone has an opinion, mine is either teams are spreading rumors to try to get him to fall, or the concerns are by a few teams and it’s being blown out of proportion. Ajayi wasn’t even at the Scouting Combine medical re-check and his injury was 4 years ago. He’s racked up 3,796 yards and 50 TDs on 678 carries since. If the concern is longevity, you could say that about any RB. I think he’s be a great fit in Dallas if available at #60.

[dropcap type=”3″]56[/dropcap] Pittsburgh Steelers: Hau’Oli Kikaha, EDGE, Washington

Very productive pass rusher that will fall due to lack of athleticism. Ran a 4.90 40 at the combine, but had 32 sacks past two seasons and even lead the nation in sacks in 2014. With the surprising retirement of Jason Worilds, and the lack of production from 2013 1st round pick Jarvis Jones, the Steelers had to re-sign 37 year old James Harrison, they need big help at the position.

[dropcap type=”3″]57 [/dropcap]Carolina Panthers: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

The Panthers need a #2 receiver to play on the other side of Kelvin Benjamin as their current depth at the position is awful. Coates would make a nice counterpart to Benjamin as he’s a vertical threat that can spread the field.

[dropcap type=”3″]58 [/dropcap]Baltimore Ravens: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida St.

Corner is a big need for Baltimore as they only have one solid starter in Jimmy Smith. Darby is an extremely athletic cover corner that has starter potential.

[dropcap type=”3″]59 [/dropcap]Denver Broncos: Carl Davis, DL, Iowa

The Broncos will move to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillip, with the departure of Terrance Knighton they currently have Sylvester Williams penciled in as NT, Williams has never played the position though and would be better suited playing end.

Davis is a 6’5 320lb powerful clogger who, although doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, can take on double teams and give teammates 1 on 1s.

[dropcap type=”3″]60 [/dropcap]Dallas Cowboys: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

I’m sure many don’t think Abdullah will make it to 60, he very well might not, but I believe there won’t be a run on RBs until the 3rd round. Dallas should be in position to take a top 5 RB in this spot if they don’t get one at #27.

Most have Abdullah as a top 3/4 RB, but the reason I think he could fall here is, he’s a smaller back, at 5’9 205lbs, and did have fumbling problems in college, coughing it up 13 times in 4 years. His small frame could also lead to pass protection problems.

Abdullah is a big time playmaker with explosive acceleration that can cut on a dime. Natural pass catcher, dangerous after the catch. Great patience and can use his short stature to hide behind blockers, then hits the crease and can get to top speed in an instant. Even if Abdullah is a two down back, behind Dallas’ tremendous offensive line, he could be a stellar player.

[dropcap type=”3″]61 [/dropcap]Indianapolis Colts: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi St.

The Colts need better play at ILB, their current starters are a liability in coverage. McKinney is a complete player and would provide Indy an immediate upgrade.

[dropcap type=”3″]62 [/dropcap]Green Bay Packers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

The Packers lost CBs Tramon Williams and Davon House this offseason, Williams is a good cover corner that would be a nice value in this spot as he should fall some after getting a DUI this month.

[dropcap type=”3″]63 [/dropcap]Seattle Seahawks: Donovan Smith, OL, Penn State

With the trade of C Max Unger to New Orleans, the Seahawks only solid starter is LT Russell Okung. Smith played LT in college, but he seems better suited to play G in the NFL. Could come in and compete for the LG vacancy left behind by James Carpenter.

[dropcap type=”3″]64 [/dropcap]New England Patriots: Tre Jackson, OL, Florida St.

After trading G Logan Mankins last year the Patriots really didn’t have an answer at LG, Jackson is a 6’4 330lb beast that could help fill that void.