Thursday, February 26, 2015

NFL Mock Draft 4

The Patriots ended the 2014 season with a Super Bowl victory. That’s now old news though and ssssssssooooooooooo last season. The NFL is moving on rapidly and the 2015 season is already upon us. The NFL combine just finished and NFL free agency is about to begin. Quick transition right?


The combine is one of the biggest weeks in terms of draft preparation for NFL teams. Sure we still have pro days and individual workouts to consider, but the combine certainly made some players stand out and others fade. We know more now that we did before it.


Last season, we did five mock drafts throughout the year leading up to the NFL Draft. Our final mock was actually fairly accurate in many ways. We nailed many of the top picks, and a few of the sleeper picks too. Yes, we even predicted some trades, such as the Bills moving up for Sammy Watkins. We’ll try and get things right again this year, as this is already our fourth mock.


As always, we’ll try and include some trade predictions (if applicable) in this mock. We’ll also draft the entire second round. Greg will get the #1 pick this time, and from there he and Andrew will snake through the draft. That means Andrew will get #2 and #3, Greg then gets #4 and #5, etc. Let’s do it!


The Sports Guys 2015 NFL Mock Draft 4


1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
1st and 2nd Mock: Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
3rd Mock: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)


Lovie Smith has always had a zero tolerance policy when it came to players having issues with women, and that could happen here with the alleged case of Jameis Winston. Mariota has impeccable character, and performed extremely well at the combine, showing off his improved footwork from under center and a strong arm. Many teams were very impressed with his football IQ as well, considering the offense he came from in college. His leadership skills are well-documented as well by former teammates. He will be the consummate pro, and his character shows that he can handle the pressure of being drafted #1 and all the pressures that go with that. When drafting #1 overall you are looking for the face of a franchise and in this draft there is no better face of a franchise than Marcus Mariota.


2. Tennessee Titans select: Leonard Williams (DE, USC)
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mock: Leonard Williams (DE, USC)


The Titans have said recently that they are ready to move forward with Zach Mettenberger, at least for the time being. That means Leonard Williams continues to be the obvious choice, especially after the combine, just as we’ve mocked in every draft so far. It’s boring yes, but it is very likely going to happen.


3. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Dante Fowler (DE, Florida)
1st Mock: Brandon Scherff (OT, Iowa)
2nd Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)


Unless a team wants to trade up for a QB or WR, the Jags will likely be stuck here. That means they will choose a pass rusher, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. Fowler had a very nice combine, and I gave him the edge over Randy Gregory due to his size (weight) advantage.


4. St. Louis Rams (via trade with Oakland) select: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
1st Mock: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
2nd Mock: Randy Gregory (DE/OLB, Nebraska)
3rd Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)


In this mock, we’re going under the assumption that the rumored trade of Sam Bradford to the Bills goes down for some combination of second and fourth rounders. So in this trade, the Rams will send their next two 1st round picks and the 2015 second round pick from the Buffalo trade to the Raiders for the #4 overall selection.


The Rams need a franchise QB. St. Louis isn’t near any major entertainment distractions, and they have a long time disciplinarian coach in Jeff Fisher. The Rams are smart to capitalize on Sam Bradford’s value and move up to get a player that could turn out to be very good for them. No one is questioning Jameis Winston’s talent, and in the right situation his immaturity might not be an issue. I think the Rams will bank on their organizational culture being strong enough to rein in any red flags Winston has and get the QB of the future their organization needs.


5. Washington Redskins select: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
1st Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Brandon Scherff (OT, Iowa)
3rd Mock (by Philadelphia via trade): Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)


Kevin White had a great combine and depending on who you listen to, he’s arguably the top receiver in the draft this year. The Redskins need an athletic receiver to compliment their running game and to help take more pressure off of RGIII, who they have publicly committed to this offseason. If they are going to make the commitment to him, they need more help for him on offense, and White will enable either Garcon or Jackson to move into the slot position and truly make the Redskins passing attack formidable.


6. New York Jets select: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
1st Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
2nd Mock: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
3rd Mock: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)


Goodbye Percy Harvin... Hello Amari Cooper! With the GM who traded for Harvin gone, consider Percy Harvin’s fate the same (clearly not worth the 10.5 million he’s owed if he stays). That means this pick could very well be used on his replacement, especially if both of the top QB’s are gone, as they are in this mock. I personally still have Cooper as the top WR, even after White dominated the combine. So I love this value for the Jets.


7. Chicago Bears select: Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)
1st and 3rd Mock: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
2nd Mock: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)


I was all set to pick Danny Shelton, until Gregory fell to this spot. He’s a no-brainer as he would give the Bears a great young pass rusher for Fangio’s new defense. Plus, the Bears can address nose tackle in free agency or in round 2. If Gregory can put on a few pounds, he could turn out to be the best pass rusher in the draft anyways, at least looking at tape and production.


8. Atlanta Falcons select: Brandon Scherff (OL, Iowa)
1st Mock: Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)
2nd Mock: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
3rd Mock: Dante Fowler (DE, Florida)


The Falcons fool everyone here by taking an offensive lineman. Most expect new coach Dan Quinn to take defense here, but Scherff can step in and play opposite second year LT Jake Matthews to provide the falcons with two bookend young tackles to protect Matt Ryan going forward. They can both do well in the run game also, as Scherff is a mauler when blocking. Picking him here sets up really well for value and fit.


9. New York Giants select: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
1st Mock: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
2nd Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
3rd Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)


Maybe the easiest pick in the draft so far. Shelton is a beast inside and will provide a much needed boost to the porous NYG run defense. He will occupy blockers and allow the linebackers more free space to make tackles and he will improve the Giants inside pass rush as well.


10. Oakland Raiders (via trade with St. Louis) select: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
1st and 3rd Mock: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
2nd Mock: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)


The Raiders moved down but would still love to land Kevin White or Amari Cooper. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen as they went early. Parker is the consolation prize but can still be a productive WR in the NFL. They could also be tempted with taking an edge rusher, as the value for those guys is better here. But I say they pick based on need in the first round in order to give Carr an actual legit target.


11. Minnesota Vikings select: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
1st Mock: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)


Minnesota would love to give Teddy Bridgewater a #1 receiver, particularly if it’s his former teammate Parker. But they just missed out on him. It could be a blessing in disguise though as they can add a disruptive force on defense in Dupree. He dominated the combine with his athleticism and speed and is rapidly rising up draft boards. The other guy they will consider is Shane Ray, but he’s more unknown at this point because he couldn’t work out in Indy.


12. Cleveland Browns select: Malcolm Brown (DT, Texas)
1st Mock: Melvin Gordon (RB, Wisconsin)
2nd Mock: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
3rd Mock (by Washington via trade): Brandon Scherff (OT, Iowa)


Fourth draft, fourth different player for Cleveland. The Browns really need a QB, but both first round QBs are gone at this point and they failed to trade up. It looks like the Browns are on the verge of signing Josh McCown and can pick the best player available in this scenario. You could argue for a couple of other players (Arik Armstead, Trae Waynes, Andrus Peat), but Brown fits with the Browns well on the defensive front and helps their team get better.


13. New Orleans Saints select: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
2nd Mock: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia)
3rd Mock: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)


The Saints CBs are very weak on experience and talent. Waynes is a fast, physical, and instinctual cover corner who tackles extremely well and can hold up on an island against some of the better receivers in the NFL. He will give Rob Ryan’s defense a good amount of flexibility and help them play more single coverage, blitz-oriented defense that Ryan is famous for.


14. Miami Dolphins select: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
1st Mock: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
2nd Mock: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)


Miami would love to add a starting cornerback to play opposite of Brent Grimes. Peters didn’t run nearly as fast as Waynes, but there is still a ton of upside and some still consider him the best CB prospect. I think Miami would take a chance on him. The other guy to consider here is Shane Ray, as his stock took a hit by not working out at the combine. But CB is a bigger need since they already get after the quarterback fairly well.


15. San Francisco 49ers select: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
1st Mock: Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
3rd Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)


Beasley was a combine standout yet fell in this mock draft. Even though the 49ers don’t need an edge rusher like Beasley, this is an organization that recognizes talent and value, and would add him anyways. Picking best available player is always a good strategy. I think that beats reaching for a receiver any day.


16. Houston Texans select: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
1st Mock (by Indianapolis via trade): Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
2nd Mock: Cedric Ogbuegi (OT, Texas A&M)
3rd Mock: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)


Arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft, Peat will solidify the right side of the line opposite Duane Brown. He could even slide inside to guard and play well there if the Texans feel Derek Newton is a better answer at tackle. At quarterback, Tom Savage is listed at #1 on their depth chart right now, though most expect Ryan Mallett to come back and be the starter.  Either way, solidifying and strengthening the offensive line is paramount for the Texans to compete with a below average signal caller behind them.


17. San Diego Chargers select: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
1st Mock: Dante Fowler (DE/OLB, Florida)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Melvin Gordon III (RB, Wisconsin)


San Diego can use Armstead in a myriad of ways. He is a matchup nightmare no matter where he plays on the defensive line or as an OLB. He’s big enough to play a 3-4 DE, and athletic enough to move to OLB when needed. He can help the Chargers immediately.


18. Kansas City Chiefs select: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)
1st Mock: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia)
2nd Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
3rd Mock: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)


I was set on not picking the obvious need here (wide receiver) but decided it’s clearly the most logical decision. The Chiefs need a #1 receiver more than nearly every team in the NFL. Green-Beckham had a solid combine and is oozing with pro bowl potential. He beats out Jaelen Strong by a nose.


19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo) select: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
1st Mock: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)
2nd Mock (by Dallas via trade): Dante Fowler (DE/OLB, Florida)
3rd Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)


Since Cleveland didn’t take a wideout with the #12 selection, it’s obvious they will here. Strong was another combine winner that proved he’s worth a first round selection. He’s clearly the best receiver on the board at this point, so this pick was easy to make.


20. Philadelphia Eagles select: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
1st Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
2nd Mock: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
3rd Mock (by Cleveland via trade): Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)


In this mock, the Eagles don’t mind that Ray missed parts of the combine and are elated that Ray fell to them at this spot. He provides another pass rushing threat to this team who is already potent at that position. He probably takes a few snaps away from Connor Barwin, but I think it will enable Barwin to be more rested and more explosive when he is on the field.


21. Cincinnati Bengals select: Denzel Perryman (ILB, Miami)
1st Mock: Shawn Oakman (DE, Baylor)
2nd Mock: Vic Beasley (OLB, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)


Perryman didn’t show the type of athleticism you’d expect from him based on his production at Miami, but his production was very good. He’s a good fit as a replacement for free agent Rey Maualuga at the ILB position and allows the team some flexibility cap wise by filling a need at a position for a lesser amount of money.


22. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
1st Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
2nd Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
3rd Mock: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)


Collins is the only safety worth taking early in the draft, yet he slid in this mock. That’s to Pittsburgh’s gain as they need to bolster the secondary. Collins could be a star and leader for this team for years to come, just as Palamalu has been for the last decade. This pick, along with Shane Ray at #20, are the steals of the first round so far.


23. Detroit Lions select: Melvin Gordon III (RB, Nebraska)
1st Mock: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
2nd Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
3rd Mock: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)


It looks as if the Lions plan to keep their defensive line basically intact and will pay Suh what he’s owed. But they decided to blow up their backfield by releasing Reggie Bush this week. And since I don’t think Bell/Riddick are long term options, I think they’d love to add a premier running back at some point this offseason. Enter Gordon, who tore up college football and deserves a first round pick. He’d be a workhorse for years in the NFL, and can give the Lions’ offense the balance it deserves.


24. Arizona Cardinals select: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
1st and 3rd Mock: T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
2nd Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)


The Cardinals have to run the ball better if they expect to compete with Seattle. And while a healthy Andre Ellington would help this season, a better unit up front would solve the problem just as easily. Protecting Carson Palmer is an obvious priority too. Flowers would be an upgrade up front, and help stabilize the unit as a whole.


25. Carolina Panthers select: T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
1st Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)


Carolina is another team that has a shaky offensive line. Cam needs to be protected better, and since they are a run-first team, the line must also create better holes. Clemmings would be a solid addition that could contribute right away. Carolina has a need at WR too, but there is plenty of depth at that position which allows them flexibility here.


26. Baltimore Ravens select: Ronald Darby (CB, Florida State)
1st and 2nd Mock: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
3rd Mock: A.J. Cann (G, South Carolina)


There is potential that the Ravens would trade down or look to trade up. They need to address their secondary, but safety is the position that’s hurting the most. No good options present themselves here so that’s why I’d look for a trade. In this mock however, they stay put and address cornerback. Darby was a combine winner that improved his draft stock massively. People are starting to realize that he was a stud last year, which is why he was an all-conference performer. He’s now shining brighter than his teammate PJ Williams. All this could change though if they lose Torrey Smith and/or Pernell McPhee in free agency. That would create holes in other areas as well, ones that could be addressed here.


27. Dallas Cowboys select: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
1st Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
2nd Mock: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)


Most believe the Cowboys will keep Dez Bryant, but will part ways with DeMarco Murray due to money. If that’s the case, Gurley is an excellent replacement. He’ll be able to churn out yards and TD’s behind their great offensive line just like Murray did. Remember that Gurley was a top ten pick before his injury too.


28. Denver Broncos select: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
1st and 3rd Mock: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
2nd Mock (by Cleveland via trade): Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)


Funchess would be a great target for Peyton Manning since it appears that they will lose Julius Thomas in free agency. Funchess can be both a post up WR and play the TE role that Thomas did for Denver in previous years.


29. Indianapolis Colts select: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
1st Mock: Malcolm Brown (DT, Texas)
2nd Mock: Shilique Calhoun (DE, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Erik Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)


The Colts desperately need help at the center position. Khaled Holmes and Jonathan Harrison are not the answer. The most comparable player to Irving I’ve seen is Matt Birk, who played for the Vikings and Ravens for quite a few years. If Irving can come in and solidify the interior of the offensive line, it will go a long way towards helping keep Andrew Luck off of the turf more, not to mention improving a struggling ground attack.


30. Green Bay Packers select: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
1st Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame)
3rd Mock: Carl Davis (DE, Iowa)


The Packers may not be able to re-sign both Cobb and Baluga, so here’s a solid replacement for Baluga. Collins can be a very good tackle, and he could also be great at guard. Either way, Collins will protect Rodgers and pave the way for Lacy. Great value at 30 too.


31. Seattle Seahawks select: Eli Harold (DE/OLB, Virginia)
1st Mock: Shilique Calhoun (DE, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
3rd Mock: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)


One of the biggest risers at the NFL combine was Harold, as he looked nearly as good as the top edge rushers in this draft class. He will still end up being the forgotten man come draft day though, which is why Seattle and other teams picking at the end of the first round will find a tremendous steal. The Seahawks don’t “need” more help on defense, but he’s a great fit and is a great value pick.


32. New England Patriots select: Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)
1st Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
2nd Mock: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
3rd Mock (by Chicago via trade): Malcolm Brown (DT, Texas)


The Patriots had two really good corners in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner last year, and everyone knows Malcolm Butler’s name now, but Collins is a mid first round value gotten with the last pick in that round. They could also go with Eddie Goldman from Florida State to beef up the interior of their line, but I like Collins here.


Second Round


33. Tennessee Titans select: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)


Tennessee’s starting WR corps is pretty weak. Devin Smith is a real speed threat and is more physical than his size would indicate.  If they are going to stick with Zach Mettenberger at QB, this would be a solid pick for Tennessee to help out their QB.


34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Paul Dawson (ILB, TCU)
3rd Mock: Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)


Tampa Bay may end up losing Mason Foster in free agency, who is a fairly solid middle linebacker. Paul Dawson isn’t a perfect fit, but he could be the best inside linebacker this draft has, despite his shaky combine numbers. This could end up being a situation that a trade up or down makes the most sense for the Bucs.


35. Oakland Raiders select: DJ Humphries (OT, Florida)
3rd Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)


The Raiders need to build up the offensive line, especially considering they have a young QB to protect. Humphries has been looking better and better throughout the draft process and could really give the Raiders a boost up front.


36. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
3rd Mock: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)


Jacksonville plays Indianapolis twice a year. They will want a cover corner to make Andrew Luck’s job very difficult every time they play. Johnson isn’t a typical Gus Bradley type corner, but he’s very productive.


37. San Francisco 49ers (via trade with New York) select: Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
3rd Mock: Brett Hundley (QB, UCLA)


Dorsett is a really impressive WR prospect who could come in and make an instant impact for the 49ers. He’s not big, but he might be the speedster they need to take the top off of defenses and help out both their running game and their other receivers who are more possession receiver types. In this deal, the Jets will simply move back to 46 and acquire a pick later in the draft.


38. Washington Redskins select: Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Tre’ Jackson (G, Florida State)


If the Redskins lose Orakpo in free agency, they will be looking to add a pass rusher at some point in the draft. In fact, they may add one regardless. Odighizuwa is a player with a lot of upside that many predict may end up in the first round. He’d be a great choice here.


39. Chicago Bears select: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
3rd Mock (by New England via trade): Nate Orchard (OLB, Utah)


If the Bears pass on Shelton in the first round, they may try to add a beefy lineman with this selection. This works out perfect, as Goldman fell right into their lap in this mock. It could happen come draft day too, which would please Bears’ fans tremendously. He’d be a staple in the new 3-4 front.


40. New York Giants select: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)


After grabbing Danny Shelton with the 9th pick, the Giants further strengthen their defensive line by grabbing Phillips, who is physically gifted but wasn’t quite as productive as the guys taken above him at the position were. Getting Phillips here is still a good value pick and helps out the defense. I believe you build a team from the line out, and a great defense starts with a great defensive line.


41. St. Louis Rams select: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
3rd Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)


Agholor is a really productive player. He’s a solid route runner and whoever is playing QB in St. Louis (Winston here) is going to need some more weapons. Agholor is a good one.


42. Atlanta Falcons select: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
3rd Mock: Stephone Anthony (LB, Clemson)


Atlanta went offense in Round 1, so I’d pretty much guarantee they’ll go defense here. My guess is that they take the best player available approach, and that’s Shaq Thompson. He’s versatile and can do a lot of good things on the football field. I think he’d be a great fit with the Falcons.


43. Cleveland Browns select: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
3rd Mock: Clive Walford (TE, Miami)


I know Cleveland could use more help on offense (an offensive lineman or tight end here would make sense), but they also need depth at inside linebacker in a bad way. They have linebackers up for free agency, and Dansby is getting up there in age. McKinney is a great value at this stage in the draft, fills a need, and adds to the strength of this team (which is the defense). If they had a quarterback to build around, I’d worry a bit more about the offense around him. Whether they have a franchise quarterback remains to be seen.


44. New Orleans Saints select: Preston Smith (OLB, Mississippi State)
3rd Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)


Perhaps the Saints could use an offensive guard, but thus far, none have been taken in this draft and Preston Smith is going to be a good player in Rob Ryan’s system. Guard can wait a little longer.


45. Minnesota Vikings select: Ameer Abdullah (RB, Nebraska)
3rd Mock: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)


Adrian Peterson was reinstated today, but it appears he has no desire to play in Minnesota again. Abdullah is a nice replacement back in the style of Giovanni Bernard, and would add to Minnesota’s offense nicely behind Teddy Bridgewater. By the way, Teddy was the highest rated QB in the NFL over the last five weeks of this past season.


46. New York Jets (via trade with San Francisco) select: Byron Jones (CB, Connecticut)
3rd Mock: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)


The Jets weren’t good against the pass last season, so getting a quality corner is a must. By trading down earlier in this round, they picked up an addiction pick, yet are still able to select a very good cornerback. Jones is another one of those guys that could go in the first round, so this is another example of nice value.


47. Miami Dolphins select: Carl Davis (DT, Iowa)
3rd Mock: Nick O’Leary (TE, Florida State)


Adding help up front is something Miami needs to do, especially if they lose Odrick in free agency. Davis is a potential beast that could replace Odrick or work well beside him. He will help stop the run, which is something they struggled to do a year ago.


48. San Diego Chargers select: P.J. Williams (CB, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Paul Dawson (LB, TCU)


Cornerback is a position of need for the Chargers and Williams coming off the board in this spot is about right. It’s a good fit at a position of need.


49. Kansas City Chiefs select: Cedric Ogbuehi (OL, Texas A&M)
3rd Mock: Ty Montgomery (WR, Stanford)


Yes, the Chiefs could use more receivers, but they also need to keep strengthening their offensive line. Ogbuehi is a first round talent that has slid to them at this spot. Good fit and great value. That’s what Round 2 is all about.


50. Oakland Raiders (via trade with St. Louis from Buffalo) select: Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)


I still really like Bennett and believe he’s a little underrated. The Raiders could use more help on the defensive front, both at tackle and on the end. Bennett is the best player available at those spots, at least in my opinion. His production at Ohio State cannot be questioned.


51. Houston Texans select: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)
3rd Mock: Breshad Perriman (WR, Central Florida)


If you don’t count Funchess (who is listed at times as a wide receiver), Williams is probably the best tight end prospect. Houston, who lost Owen Daniels last year, has a need for a high quality tight end. I think this would be a perfect selection for the team.


52. Philadelphia Eagles select: Eric Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)
3rd Mock (by Washington via trade): P.J. Williams (CB, Florida State)


The Eagles already have one stud ILB named Kendricks, why not add another?  Kendricks is a fringe first round pick, and good value here.


53. Cincinnati Bengals select: Trey Flowers (DE, Arkansas)
3rd Mock: Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)


The Bengals lost Michael Johnson to Tampa a year ago in free agency. This pick won’t completely make up for that loss, but its a good start.


54. Detroit Lions select: Arie Kouandjio (G, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Arie Kouandjio (G, Alabama)


Surprisingly, we’re taking Arie again in this spot for the Lions. They clearly have some holes on the offensive line, and Kouandjio could fill one of them. Stafford was sacked 45 times last year, which is unacceptable.


55. Arizona Cardinals select: Markus Golden (DE/OLB, Missouri)
3rd Mock: Bryce Petty (QB, Baylor)


Shane Ray gets the most love when talking about Missouri, but Golden is another excellent player. He is fairly versatile and could give this Cardinals defense another solid contributor. If nothing else, he at least gives the team some depth at linebacker, something they desperately need.


56. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Tre Jackson (G, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)


Jackson slots in opposite David DeCastro and provides a good run blocking option immediately. His pass blocking is a little bit suspect but can improve over time.


57. Carolina Panthers select: Breshad Perriman (WR, UCF)
3rd Mock: Josue Matias (OG, Florida State)


The Panthers finally get their receiver here with Perriman. Perriman is a little bit of a late riser in the draft process, but is a good addition opposite Kelvin Benjamin in this offense.


58. Baltimore Ravens select: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
3rd Mock: Rashad Greene (WR, Florida State)


Coleman had a monster season at IU which put him on the radar of a lot of NFL teams. Baltimore will be looking to add a running back this offseason since they still haven’t replaced Ray Rice. Forsett will be back and he’ll contribute heavily again, but Coleman will be the other half of the committee approach.


59. Denver Broncos select: Ellis McCarthy (DT, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Denzel Perryman (ILB, Miami)


There is a good chance Terrance Knighton leaves the team via free agency. They’ll need a nose tackle to replace him. McCarthy isn’t the best nose tackle in the draft, but he’s promising enough to warrant a second round pick here. Adding a piece to the offensive line would be another smart option to consider here.


60. Dallas Cowboys select: Grady Jarrett (DT, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Gerod Holliman (S, Louisville)


Thanks to the huge reach by the Denver Broncos with the previous pick, the Cowboys had a pretty highly rated defensive tackle to help their defense. Stephone Anthony would also be a good option here.


61. Indianapolis Colts select: Lorenzo Mauldin (OLB, Louisville)
3rd Mock: Tyler Sambrailo (OL, Colorado State)


The Colts need another pass rusher opposite Robert Mathis. Their first round pick two years ago, Bjoern Werner, hasn’t panned out at all. I thought about going WR here and picking Tyler Lockett for this offense as well, but the need is more at the OLB position and the value is right.


62. Green Bay Packers select: Stephone Anthony (ILB, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Kwan Alexander (OLB, LSU)


The Packers have had issues with their linebackers recently and had to move Mathews inside last year. This week they released AJ Hawk, the leading tackler in franchise history. Anthony was a combine standout that is racing up draft boards. In fact, a lot of people think he could end up in the first round, even to the Packers at #30. So this would be an amazing selection if it happens.


63. Seattle Seahawks select: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
3rd Mock: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)


Sammy did not shine at the combine like I anticipated. He wasn’t bad, but his stock didn’t soar like one might have guessed. So he fell in this mock compared to our last few. He would, however, be a great fit in Seattle. They are desperate for dynamic playmaker since they lost Tate and Harvin recently, and Coates is that for sure.


64. New England Patriots select: Clive Walford (TE, Miami)
3rd Mock: Duke Johnson (RB, Miami)


The Patriots traded Logan Mankins to the Bucs for Tim Wright this past season, but Walford might be the best pass receiving TE in the draft. He’s a good third option in the passing game and could even take Wright’s spot in the depth chart as another option for Tom Brady.


There you have it, our fourth mock. Trust me, this will change in many ways as we get closer to the draft. But I think we are getting closer and closer to figuring things out. I guess we’ll see...

By: The Sports Guys