Today is the NFL Draft. The Sports Guys will be in attendance tonight in Chicago, but we wanted to post our final mock draft before heading out. Since this is our final mock, we decided that we would each do our own and post them separately.
These mocks aren’t about what we would do or what we think teams should do, they are about trying to accurately predict what will happen tonight and tomorrow (first and second round). Yes, that even includes trades. We did pretty good last year, so we’ll do our best again. Here is Andrew:
Andrew’s 2015 Final NFL Mock Draft
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
1st, 2nd, and 4th Mock: Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
3rd and 5th Mock: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
This is the only pick that I’d say I’m 100% confident in. He’s going #1. Let’s move on.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via trade with Tennessee) select: Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Mock: Leonard Williams (DE, USC)
5th Mock (by San Diego via trade): Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
Even though the Titans may actually be the team taking Mariota tonight, I think he ultimately ends up with Philly. They simply want Mariota more than any other team. The Chargers will hang onto Rivers, the Browns won’t part with a high pick in 2016, so they will trade #19 instead to Philly for Sam Bradford. That gives Philly two picks in the top 20 that they’ll trade to Tennessee, along with a first or second rounder next year and/or ILB Kendricks. So despite fuzzy details, I think it will get done. Chip Kelly gets his QB here, and Tennessee gets a lot in return. I am not entirely confident about this, but I see it as the most likely option right now.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Dante Fowler (DE, Florida)
1st Mock: Brandon Scherff (G, Iowa)
2nd Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)
4th and 5th Mock: Dante Fowler (DE, Florida)
I think Jacksonville will choose Fowler tonight. Atlanta is a wildcard however, as I could see them trading up into this spot to take him instead. But with question marks surrounding other top prospects (namely Gregory and Ray), I think the Jags may just stay put here and take their man in order to secure a top pass rusher.
4. Oakland Raiders select: Leonard Williams (DT, USC)
1st Mock: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
2nd Mock: Randy Gregory (DE/OLB, Nebraska)
3rd Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
4th Mock (by the Rams via trade): Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
5th Mock: Leonard Williams (DT, USC)
While the Raiders need a wide receiver and could go with Amari Cooper, I think they take Williams based on how they drafted a year ago. Last year, they sat back and took the best available guys and walked away with Mack and Carr. That was a home run. I see them doing the same thing with Williams this year, who also fills a need along the defensive line.
5. Washington Redskins select: Brandon Scherff (G, Iowa)
1st Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Brandon Scherff (G, Iowa)
3rd Mock (by Philadelphia via trade): Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
4th Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
5th Mock: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
I think Washington would ultimately like to trade down, but I don’t see any takers at this point. And while it would make sense to take an edge rusher here, I don’t think Washington values any of them high enough here to justify a pick. What I do know is that they need to protect their quarterback better, as they have been atrocious in that area the last couple years. Not sure if Scherff will be a guard or tackle in the NFl, but I do know he’s the best offensive lineman in the draft. He also visited Washington for a private workout so this makes sense.
6. New Orleans Saints (via trade with NYJ) select: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
1st Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
2nd Mock: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
3rd Mock: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
4th Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
5th Mock: Randy Gregory (DE/OLB, Nebraska)
The Jets are rumored to be one of the most likely teams to trade back in the Top Ten. The Saints have a ton of picks in the draft, two in the first round, and are desperate for defensive playmakers. With Chicago and Atlanta (and others) due to pick before them at 13, the Saints pull the trigger to beat them to the edge guy they want. They trade #13 and #44 to the Jets for #6. Beasley gives them an edge rusher that is versatile, athletic, and productive.
7. Chicago Bears select: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
1st and 3rd Mock: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
2nd Mock: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
4th Mock: Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)
5th Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
This is another pick that could be traded (Rams, Saints, Dolphins are all possibilities). But in this scenario I think Chicago would gladly select Amari Cooper, the top WR in the draft. He’d be a perfect replacement for Brandon Marshall in the short and long term.
8. Atlanta Falcons select: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
1st Mock: Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)
2nd Mock: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
3rd Mock: Dante Fowler (DE, Florida)
4th Mock: Brandon Scherff (G, Iowa)
5th Mock: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
With Fowler and Beasley gone, the choice likely is between Dupree and Gregory. Gregory is the better prospect on the field, but he’s been having some trouble off the field recently. That means Dupree, and all his upside, come to Atlanta instead.
NOTE: The Falcons may be working on a deal with Seattle for Bruce Irvin. If it works out, this could change Atlanta’s approach as they would no longer “need” an edge rusher here.
9. New York Giants select: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
1st Mock: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
2nd Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
3rd Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
4th Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
5th Mock: Brandon Scherff (G, Iowa)
Last season, the Giants ignored the front lines and picked Beckham Jr. It worked out well. I think the same could happen this year with Kevin White. Sure they need help up front on both sides of the ball, but not sure if the Giants value those players as much as they do White.
10. St. Louis Rams select: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
1st and 3rd Mock: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
2nd Mock: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
4th Mock (by the Raiders via trade): DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
5th Mock: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
If the Rams don’t trade up or down, they’ll decide here between Peat and Parker. Both would help the offense, which needs a boost, and both offer the same approximate value. The Rams though spent an early pick on tackle last season, and they need a true #1 WR more than another tackle. Parker then becomes the pick.
11. Minnesota Vikings select: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
4th Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
5th Mock: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)
With the top three receivers gone, this pick was easy. Coach Zimmer loves Waynes and they see him as the #1 corner. He’s the selection.
12. Cleveland Browns select: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
1st Mock: Melvin Gordon (RB, Wisconsin)
2nd Mock: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
3rd Mock (by Washington via trade): Brandon Scherff (G, Iowa)
4th Mock: Malcom Brown (DT, Texas)
5th Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
The Browns will look to add a beefy body up front at some point in the draft, but with Shelton still available here they won’t pass him up. He’d be a perfect fit for this defense.
13. New York Jets (via trade with New Orleans) select: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
1st Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
2nd Mock: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia)
3rd Mock: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
4th Mock: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)
5th Mock: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
By trading down, New York can now afford to risk taking Gurley here as they acquired another top 50 pick in the process. He’d become a workhorse in New York under Todd Bowles.
14. Miami Dolphins select: Breshad Perriman (WR, Central Florida)
1st Mock: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
2nd Mock: Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
4th Mock: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
5th Mock: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
Miami wants a wide receiver. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them trade up for one in the Top Ten. But this scenario has allowed them to still draft Perriman at #14, a WR they like and hosted for a private workout. Perriman, Stills, and Landry would be a nice trio of young wideouts.
15. San Francisco 49ers select: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
1st Mock: Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
3rd and 5th Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
4th Mock: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
I think San Francisco will end up taking Armstead or Gregory given the players already selected. Armstead is a true DE for their 3-4 defense though and makes the most sense, especially when comparing the off-the-field stuff for both players. Armstead is a hidden gem in this draft.
16. Houston Texans select: Randy Gregory (DE/OLB, Nebraska)
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)
4th Mock: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
5th Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
While I think they could address the offensive line here, adding a pass rusher also makes a ton of sense. Gregory’s stock has dropped over the last month, but I think his slide ends here.
17. Indianapolis Colts (via trade with San Diego) select: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
1st Mock: Dante Fowler (DE/OLB, Florida)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Melvin Gordon III (RB, Wisconsin)
4th Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
5th Mock (by Tennessee via trade): Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)
The Colts desperately want a safety, they’ve publicly stated their love for Collins, and have said they’d be open to moving up. There aren’t any obvious selections for the Chargers here, so I think they wouldn’t mind moving down. The Colts will have to part with their second round pick in addition to make this work, but it’s Super Bowl or bust for them anyways.
18. Kansas City Chiefs select: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
1st Mock: Leonard Floyd (OLB, Georgia)
2nd Mock: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
3rd Mock: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
4th Mock: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)
5th Mock: Breshad Perriman (WR, UCF)
Flowers has been a hot name over the last couple of days. He may be gone at this point, or he could slide further. KC needs help on the offensive line and I think they address it here. Cameron Irving is another candidate, along with a host of other tackles. I think they wait to address WR later in the draft.
19. Tennessee Titans (via trade with Philadelphia from Cleveland from Buffalo) select: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
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)
4th Mock: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
5th Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
This draft spot belongs to Buffalo who traded it to Cleveland in last year’s draft who I’m predicting will trade it to Philadelphia along with Johnny Manziel for Sam Bradford who will then trade it to Tennessee in a deal for the #2 overall pick. Confused? Anyways, Tennessee can address multiple needs here, but I think they have to improve the offensive line and Peat is too talented to pass up.
20. Tennessee Titans (via trade with Philadelphia) select: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)
1st Mock: Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)
2nd Mock: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
3rd Mock (by Cleveland via trade): Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
4th Mock: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
5th Mock: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
Speaking of talented, DGB could be one of the most gifted players in the draft. I think Tennessee could take a chance on him here as the second of their two first round picks. They could address corner or add to the defensive line, but that can always be done later in the draft. DGB is worth the risk in my opinion and they hosted him for a private workout.
21. Cincinnati Bengals select: D.J. Humphries (OT, Florida)
1st Mock: Shawn Oakman (DE, Baylor)
2nd Mock: Vic Beasley (OLB, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)
4th Mock: Denzel Perryman (ILB, Miami)
5th Mock: Malcom Brown (DT, Texas)
There are some good options here on both sides of the ball, but I think Cincinnati really wants to improve up front. Two of the three picks before this one were offensive lineman, so Cincy may not want to miss out.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
1st Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
2nd Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
3rd Mock: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
4th Mock: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
5th Mock: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
Cornerback is a big need for Pittsburgh and Marcus Peters is excellent value at this position in my opinion. The Steelers hosted him earlier this month and I think they like him as well. To me, this instantly makes their secondary better and the team should be ecstatic with this pick.
23. Detroit Lions select: T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
1st Mock: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
2nd Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
3rd Mock: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
4th Mock: Melvin Gordon III (RB, Nebraska)
5th Mock: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
The run on offensive linemen continues with Clemmings, who is a very good prospect that the Lions brought in during the evaluation process. I wouldn’t be surprised by a defensive tackle here either, but Clemmings seems to be liked more by the Lions at this spot.
24. Arizona Cardinals select: Malcom Brown (DT, Texas)
1st and 3rd Mock: T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
2nd Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
4th Mock: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
5th Mock: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
Most think Melvin Gordon is a fit here, but I think needs on the front line of the defense outweigh the RB position. Brown is the guy who slid in this mock compared to previous ones, but I don’t think he’d slip past the Cardinals here. Running back is a deep position, and I wouldn’t rule out a trade for AD.
25. Carolina Panthers select: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
1st Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
4th Mock: T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
5th Mock: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
Despite other needs, tackle is a big one. They can’t protect Cam or run the football effectively, so they will likely address that here. I nearly chose Collins for them, but he continues to slide based on the off-the-field news about him this week. Ogbuehi has a ton of upside and is rumored to be moving quickly up draft boards over the last week.
26. Baltimore Ravens select: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
1st, 2nd and 5th Mock: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
3rd Mock: A.J. Cann (G, South Carolina)
4th Mock: Ronald Darby (CB, Florida State)
Baltimore will do what they always do and draft the best available player. Some scouts are saying that Johnson may be the best corner in this draft and is a top 20 pick. I don’t buy that completely but the value is great at #26. Plus, they Ravens scouted him extensively over the last month and corner may be their biggest need. That makes this an obvious selection.
27. Dallas Cowboys select: Melvin Gordon III (RB, Wisconsin)
1st Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
2nd Mock: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
4th and 5th Mock: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
If they don’t trade for Peterson, I bet they would love to walk away with Gurley or Gordon is this spot. They got their man and they now have a replacement for Murray. He’s younger and cheaper too so they have to be happy.
28. Denver Broncos select: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
1st and 3rd Mock: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
2nd Mock (by Cleveland via trade): Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
4th Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
5th Mock: T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
For a team that could use help on the interior and exterior of their o-line, you couldn’t ask for a better prospect than Irving, who can play anywhere. Collins would have worked also, but again I’m considering his off-the-field issues. Eddie Goldman and Jordan Phillips are other options too, but Irving is needed more with Peyton Manning as the quarterback.
29. San Diego Chargers (via trade with Indianapolis) select: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
1st Mock: Malcom Brown (DT, Texas)
2nd Mock: Shilique Calhoun (DE, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Erik Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)
4th and 5th Mock: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
San Diego could move back again actually, but I know they want a RB and with the top options gone they may feel the need to take one now. Plus, they have two second round picks to address other positions. They liked Coleman in a private workout recently too.
30. Green Bay Packers select: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
1st Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame)
3rd and 5th Mock: Carl Davis (DE, Iowa)
4th Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
The Packers want to add a big body to their frontline in this draft and Goldman is the perfect fit. I think they like Jordan Phillips too, but Goldman is the higher rated prospect. Addressing cornerback or the linebacking corps are other options.
31. New Orleans (from Seattle) select: Bryce Petty (QB, Baylor)
1st Mock: Shilique Calhoun (DE, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
3rd and 5th Mock: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)
4th Mock: Eli Harold (DE/OLB, Virginia)
The Saints have discussed finding Brees’ eventual replacement and apparently love Petty. Since they traded their second round pick earlier in this mock, I think they’ll feel the need to draft him now, especially since they already landed a defensive stud in the Top Ten. This will become the pick most discussed at the end of the night (well, outside of the big Mariota trade).
32. New England Patriots select: Byron Jones (CB, Connecticut)
1st Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
2nd Mock: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
3rd Mock (by Chicago via trade): Malcom Brown (DT, Texas)
4th Mock: Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)
5th Mock: Ronald Darby (CB, Florida State)
The Super Bowls champs suddenly have a lot of holes. They could use help up front after losing Wilfork, at receiver since they aren’t thrilled with who they have there, and obviously at corner after losing Revis and Browner. They have liked Jones throughout the evaluation process and he offers a ton of upside and versatility to the secondary. Of course they could always trade back, because they seem to always do that...
Second Round
33. Tennessee Titans select: Ronald Darby (CB, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
4th Mock: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
5th Mock (by San Diego via trade): Melvin Gordon III (RB, Nebraska)
The Titans need to improve their secondary, especially after going offense with their two first round picks. Darby is the top corner available on my board, and they seemed to like him after a private workout with the team.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Eric Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
4th Mock: Paul Dawson (ILB, TCU)
5th Mock: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
Kendricks is a perfect fit with Lovie Smith’s defense, particularly after losing Mason Foster in free agency. Kendricks is my top linebacker in this draft (not counting “edge” rushers) so the value here is outstanding. They saw him multiple times over the last month.
35. Oakland Raiders select: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
3rd Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
4th Mock: D.J. Humphries (OT, Florida)
5th Mock: Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
Since the Raiders ignored wide receiver with their first pick, look for them to add one here. Agholor has been discussed a first round pick lately, so I’m sure the Raiders would love if he fell here. The Raiders are also very familiar with him seeing as he played football in California at USC. He’d be a great weapon for Derek Carr.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars select: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
3rd Mock: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
4th Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
5th Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
While Collins slipped from the first round, I doubt he slips much further than this. He’s a great talent and the Jags must get better in front of Bortles. He’s worth the risk here.
37. New York Jets select: Eli Harold (DE/OLB, Virginia)
3rd Mock: Brett Hundley (QB, UCLA)
4th Mock (by the 49ers via trade): Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
5th Mock: D.J. Humphries (OT, Florida)
The Jets could go offense again here with a wide receiver or a quarterback, but Harold gives them solid value in the pass rushing department. He’s been a first round selection in many of my previous mocks, so this is a slight slip.
38. Washington Redskins select: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
3rd Mock: Tre’ Jackson (G, Florida State)
4th Mock: Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE, UCLA)
5th Mock: Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)
Speaking of slipping, Shane Ray has slipped massively over the last week. While he may fall even further, I’d risk taking him in the second round. Washington could use a solid pass rusher, and they once were considering Ray at #5 overall. Taking him here could be a colossal steal.
39. Chicago Bears select: Mario Edwards Jr. (DE, Florida State)
3rd Mock (by New England via trade): Nate Orchard (OLB, Utah)
4th Mock: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
5th Mock: Eli Harold (DE/OLB, Virginia)
Edwards is rumored to now be a first round pick. In this mock, that didn’t happen. But he’d fit in well with the Bears as a true 3-4 DE. He beat out Jordan Phillips, Jalen Collins, and Damarious Randall in this spot.
40. New York Giants select: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
4th Mock: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
5th Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
By ignoring the trenches in the first round, one would bet they will address the offensive or defensive line here. Phillips offers the best value and could be a total steal. Walking away with White and Phillips is a great haul for their first picks.
41. St. Louis Rams select: Stephone Anthony (ILB, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
4th Mock: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
5th Mock: Byron Jones (CB, Connecticut)
Despite a strong front-7 already, St. Louis has been looking at linebackers with second round value. If they go that route, I think they take Anthony over McKinney and Dawson as Anthony is the more talented prospect.
42. Atlanta Falcons select: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)
3rd Mock: Stephone Anthony (ILB, Clemson)
4th Mock: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
5th Mock: Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
Atlanta needs a good pass catching tight end again and Williams is the best one in the draft. I think Matt Ryan would be thrilled if this happened.
43. Cleveland Browns select: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
3rd Mock: Clive Walford (TE, Miami)
4th Mock: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
5th Mock: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
Strong was a faller in this mock and not on purpose. I can honestly say that I don’t see him lasting this long but crazier things have happened. The Browns do need help at the position however, so look for them to draft one here.
44. New York Jets (via trade with New Orleans) select: Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
3rd Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
4th Mock: Preston Smith (OLB, Mississippi State)
5th Mock: Stephone Anthony (ILB, Clemson)
With Marshall and Decker, they have good veterans at receiver and good route runners. They need youth and speed however, and Dorsett can bring that. He’d be a perfect selection here.
45. Minnesota Vikings select: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
4th Mock: Ameer Abdullah (RB, Nebraska)
5th Mock: Owa Odighizuwa (DE, UCLA)
The second round wide receiver run is officially upon us. Smith gives Bridgewater a nice deep threat and young wideout to grow with. If they don’t go WR at pick #11, expect them to here.
46. San Francisco 49ers select: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
4th Mock (by the Jets via trade): Byron Jones (CB, Connecticut)
5th Mock: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
Remember that run on WR’s? It continues with a hybrid receiver/tight end. San Francisco needs a big target as Boldin/Davis aren’t really getting it done anymore. With Torrey Smith now on the team to catch deep balls, Funchess can handle all the stuff underneath and in the Redzone.
47. Miami Dolphins select: Denzel Perryman (ILB, Miami)
3rd Mock: Nick O’Leary (TE, Florida State)
4th Mock: Carl Davis (DE, Iowa)
5th Mock: Eric Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)
Miami can solidify the linebacking corps here with Perryman, a prospect they’ve evaluated personally three times. If he hits his potential, Miami will really like their defense this season.
48. San Diego Chargers select: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
3rd Mock: Paul Dawson (LB, TCU)
4th Mock: P.J. Williams (CB, Florida State)
5th Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
Each team views Shaq Thompson differently. San Diego was at his pro day, so who knows how they view him. But what he is is a very good football player. And with an extra selection in this round, I think he’s worth the risk due to his extreme talent.
49. Kansas City Chiefs select: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
3rd Mock: Ty Montgomery (WR, Stanford)
4th Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
5th Mock: A.J. Cann (G, South Carolina)
The Chiefs passed up receiver at #18, but they won’t here. Coates was the best available WR, so this pick was simple.
50. Buffalo Bills select: Garrett Grayson (QB, Colorado State)
3rd Mock: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
4th Mock (by the Raiders via trade): Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
5th Mock: Denzel Perryman (ILB, UCF)
Without a first round pick, this is Buffalo’s first selection. Although they ideally want Petty here, he’s not available. Grayson is solid, and could be a good pro, so he’s worth a flyer for a franchise that needs a QB in the worst way.
51. Houston Texans select: Demarious Randall (S, Arizona State)
3rd Mock: Breshad Perriman (WR, Central Florida)
4th Mock: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)
5th Mock: Nate Orchard (DE, Utah)
Randall is now the consensus second best safety in the draft, and he’s even passed up Landon Collins in some minds. He gives the Texans some insurance on the back end. Wide receiver was an area they likely would like to address here, but no great options are available.
52. Philadelphia Eagles select: Jake Fisher (OT, Oregon)
3rd Mock (by Washington via trade): P.J. Williams (CB, Florida State)
4th Mock: Eric Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)
5th Mock: Jake Fisher (OT, Oregon)
With Randall off the board and no great WR’s available, this selection was made because Chip Kelly loves all players from Oregon. And with Mariota now on board, his protection is vital.
53. Cincinnati Bengals select: Carl Davis (DE, Iowa)
3rd Mock: Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
4th Mock: Trey Flowers (DE, Arkansas)
5th Mock: P.J. Williams (CB, Florida State)
Again, without viable wide receiver options at this point in the draft, the Bengals look to add depth on the defensive line. Davis is very talented and could do well as a tackle with Cincinnati and their 4-3 defense.
54. Detroit Lions select: Duke Johnson (RB, Miami)
3rd and 4th Mock: Arie Kouandjio (G, Alabama)
5th Mock: Tre’ Jackson (G, Florida State)
Duke Johnson would be a solid addition to the team and give them a younger, more versatile back they can rely on. They’ve had a rotating door at that position recently, so hopefully this will give them stability.
55. Arizona Cardinals select: Jay Ajayi (RB, Boise State)
3rd Mock: Bryce Petty (QB, Baylor)
4th Mock: Markus Golden (DE/OLB, Missouri)
5th Mock: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
This is obviously assuming no deal for AD gets done. He’d give them a nice back to pair with Ellington to boost the run game this year.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Nate Orchard (DE/OLB, Utah)
3rd Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
4th Mock: Tre Jackson (G, Florida State)
5th Mock: Kwon Alexander (OLB, LSU)
With the shocking retirement of Worilds, the Steelers suddenly need another young “edge rusher.” Orchard broke out this season and could be a nice pick for the Steelers. They recently had him in to do a private workout, so this pick may just happen.
57. Dallas Cowboys (via trade with Carolina) select: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
3rd Mock: Josue Matias (OG, Florida State)
4th Mock: Breshad Perriman (WR, UCF)
5th Mock: Marcus Golden (DE, Missouri)
Dallas knows how to be aggressive when they need to, and adding an impact defensive player is considered a need. McKinney has slid in this mock so jumping up to secure him would be a solid move. It will cost them a pick later in the draft, but that’s not too expensive.
58. Baltimore Ravens select: A.J. Cann (G, South Carolina)
3rd Mock: Rashad Greene (WR, Florida State)
4th Mock: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
5th Mock: Preston Smith (DE, Mississippi State)
There are needs on defense after a disastrous offseason in free agency, but they also need to improve their offensive line. Cann could be the second best guard in this draft and is someone they had in for a private workout.
59. Denver Broncos select: Preston Smith (DE, Mississippi State)
3rd Mock: Denzel Perryman (ILB, Miami)
4th Mock: Ellis McCarthy (DT, UCLA)
5th Mock: Hau’Oli Kikaha (OLB, Washington)
By addressing the offensive line with their first pick, Denver’s offense seems to be in place. Now it’s time to tweak the defense, and Preston Smith would help up front. I know they like him, but there are still other players out there they like too.
60. Carolina Panthers (via trade with Dallas) select: Ty Montgomery (WR, Stanford)
3rd Mock: Gerod Holliman (S, Louisville)
4th and 5th Mock: Grady Jarrett (DT, Clemson)
Carolina has to walk away with a pass catcher for Cam Newton, and Montgomery is the best one left. They have evaluated him thoroughly, so if they like him they will take him here for sure.
61. San Diego (via trade with Indianapolis) select: Ali Marpet (OL, Hobart)
3rd Mock: Tyler Sambrailo (OL, Colorado State)
4th Mock: Lorenzo Mauldin (OLB, Louisville)
5th Mock: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
San Diego likes to run the ball which is why they took Coleman earlier in this mock. Marpet is a little unknown, but he is versatile and be moved wherever the Chargers want. He’d help the front line immediately.
62. Green Bay Packers select: Alex Carter (CB, Stanford)
3rd Mock: Kwon Alexander (OLB, LSU)
4th Mock: Stephone Anthony (ILB, Clemson)
5th Mock: Quinten Rollins (CB, Miami (OH))
The Packers lost Tramon Williams in free agency and must look to replace him in the draft. I had them taking a defensive lineman earlier, so they this is where they’ll take a corner. I really like Carter as a prospect.
63. Seattle Seahawks select: Owa Odighizuwa (DE, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
4th and 5th Mock: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
There is talk that Bruce Irvin may be on the move. If so, they could use another guy on the outside of the front line. Owa is raw but so promising. He’s the type of prospect that Coach Carroll seems to love.
64. New England Patriots select: Ameer Abdullah (RB, Nebraska)
3rd Mock: Duke Johnson (RB, Miami)
4th Mock: Clive Walford (TE, Miami)
5th Mock: Jay Ayaji (RB, Boise State)
There are actually question marks at running back for the defending champs. Vereen is gone, Ridley is probably still in the doghouse, and Blount isn’t a long term option. Abdullah is back with upside that I like better than Yeldon here. Again, they could use another wideout but I don’t like the options available.
There you have it, my final mock. Now I’ll see if I am right come Thursday and Friday. We’ll be there in Chicago on Thursday, so maybe you’ll see us on TV. Check it out!
By: The Sports Guys (Andrew)
