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 is over and individual workouts have been ongoing. Bigger news is free agency, which has overtook the NFL over the past few weeks. Free agency filled holes, and therefore needs for many teams, but created them for others. The draft is slowly taking shape, but is also transforming and getting more unclear. Confusing right?
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 fifth mock.
As always, we’ll try and include some trade predictions (if applicable) in this mock. We’ll also draft the entire second round. Andrew will get the #1 pick this time, as well as #2 and #3. Then Greg will get three picks in a row. And we’ll keep this format throughout the mock. Let’s do it!
The Sports Guys 2015 NFL Mock Draft 5
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
1st, 2nd, and 4th Mock: Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
3rd Mock: Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
This isn’t a guarantee but it’s the closest thing to a lock in the draft by far. Many believe he’s one of the best QB prospects of the past decade. If that’s true, the Bucs are getting a gem.
2. San Diego Chargers (via trade with Tennessee) select: Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Mock: Leonard Williams (DE, USC)
On draft day, I now believe that Mariota will end up going #2. This may be to the Titans (who have been scouting him heavily recently), or it may be to a team willing to trade up. New rumors indicate San Diego could be that team. In this deal, Tennessee would trade this pick and their second rounder (#33) to San Diego for Philip Rivers and their first rounder (#17). The Titans get a pro bowl QB that Coach Whisenhunt has excelled with before, and the Chargers get a new franchise QB to replace Rivers (who will be a free agent after the season). Rivers even wants to be closer to home so Tennessee makes sense in that regard also. The picks dealt just make it a tad more even for both sides. Tennessee only does this though if Rivers guarantees them a new deal. If not, it’s too risky.
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 Mock: Dante Fowler (DE, Florida)
The Jags will take one of the top defensive players available. The first decision here is whether to take Leonard Williams at defensive tackle, or to take a top edge rusher. Because they signed defensive tackle Jared Odrick in free agency, I think they’ll go with an edge rusher with this pick. The second decision is which edge rusher, as the first round is loaded with talent at that position. Fowler is the top prospect though in my opinion, and can likely thrive in any scheme. As of now, I believe he’s the pick.
4. Oakland Raiders select: Leonard Williams (DL, 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)
Oakland should continue their positive trend of drafting based on exceptional players and value (as they did with Mack and Carr a year ago). Williams is the best player in this draft right now, and to get him at #4 would be terrific. Pairing him with Khalil Mack is going to make their front 7 a defense to be feared for the next decade.
5. Washington Redskins select: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
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)
The more I watch Ray and learn about him as a person, the more I like him. His background is very motivational for him, and he’s a guy who absolutely loves football. Being the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and being from the same school as a guy who ended up being an NFL flop after winning the same award, shouldn’t affect Ray’s production or draft stock. He’s a solid player with excellent explosion and hands. Having him opposite Ryan Kerrigan is going to excite Redskins fans, especially after losing Orakpo.
6. New York Jets select: Randy Gregory (DE/OLB, Nebraska)
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)
Head Coach Todd Bowles doesn’t seem to mind having players with a little bit of a checkered past, and Gregory’s marijuana use is fairly chronic. He’s a great fit for the Jets scheme and can flat out rush the passer, which is exactly what his role would be in the Jets defense. He or Beasley make sense here.
7. Chicago Bears select: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
1st and 3rd Mock: Shane Ray (DE/OLB, Missouri)
2nd Mock: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
4th Mock: Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)
The Bears have stated they will be drafting based on best available. But this was a very difficult decision as White, Cooper, and Beasley are all about the same on most draft boards. White though seems to be the highest of the three since the combine (although Beasley is right there, and I still personally love Cooper). I don’t think they can go wrong with any of them. For the Bears, it would be nice having his speed since his fellow starter Jeffrey isn’t a speedster.
8. Atlanta Falcons select: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
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)
Beasley is meeting with Atlanta this week, and I believe Dan Quinn will fall in love with him. There is a real chance he’s not available at #8 on draft day, but if he is then he will be the pick. Beasley could become an elite pass rusher in the NFL, especially with a coach like Quinn.
9. New York Giants select: Brandon Scherff (G, Iowa)
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)
The Giants have been relatively quiet this offseason, and I think they’ll make a non-sexy pick in the draft here as well. But Scherff is a sure thing as he can play guard or tackle and be a rock on the Giants front line for years to come. He’s the right choice for sure.
10. St. Louis Rams select: Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
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)
Draft day shocker as Cooper, who may be the best WR in this draft falls to 10. If I was Tampa’s GM, he’s the guy I’m taking in this draft instead of a QB. Cooper will be a great fit with new QB Nick Foles and can run the type of routes that Foles throws really well. Easy selection if he falls to #10.
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)
Minnesota drafted Xavier Rhodes a few years ago out of Florida State, but Waynes is in a different class than Rhodes. I believe Waynes can immediately improve the defense by sliding everyone currently on the roster down on the depth chart.
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: Malcolm Brown (DT, Texas)
Cleveland needs some help against the run in the middle. They struggled to keep offensive linemen off of their linebackers last year. Shelton can do exactly that, as well as provide an interior pass rush to complement Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo on the outside.
13. New Orleans Saints select: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
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)
The Saints are obviously retooling and I think they pick based on best available. Parker or Peters would make sense here, but I think Peters will get the nod seeing as they selected a WR in the first round a year ago. I love Peters and believe he’s a Top Ten talent if you don’t consider off the field issues. He and Browner would make a lethal tandem for Rob Ryan.
14. Miami Dolphins select: DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)
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)
This would just continue the dominant offseason for Miami. Parker, Stills, and Landry would form the best young receiving trio in the NFL and they all bring different things to the table. Parker would be the big stud on the outside, Stills is the deep threat, and Landry is your man in the slot. Throw in Cameron at TE and they have the makings of a dangerous pass attack now.
15. San Francisco 49ers select: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
1st Mock: Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
3rd Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
4th Mock: Vic Beasley (DE/OLB, Clemson)
The 49ers have had a brutal offseason. It was bad enough losing their defensive coordinator, but they also lost tons of talent in the front seven due to free agency, retirement, and releases. San Francisco has to enter the draft seeking help up front and Armstead is the best guy available at this spot (although I also love “Bud” Dupree). He has a lot of upside and his tape is impressive, and he’d be a better fit than most in the 3-4 defense.
16. Houston Texans select: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
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)
The Texans need to improve their offensive line. Collins does that and allows them some flexibility in where to play him. He helps the run game, where he is a superb blocker, and can hold up in pass protection as well. He makes a ton of sense for Houston.
17. Tennessee Titans (via trade with San Diego) select: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)
1st Mock: Dante Fowler (DE/OLB, Florida)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Melvin Gordon III (RB, Wisconsin)
4th Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
The Titans get a “go-to” WR to pair with Philip Rivers (who they got when they traded the #2 overall pick). Green-Beckham will instantly become Rivers’ favorite target and improves their offense as he can play the Larry Fitzgerald role in Whisenhunt’s scheme. Strong hands, great speed, and great ball skills for a pick that may start a mini run on wide receivers.
18. Kansas City Chiefs select: Breshad Perriman (WR, UCF)
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)
Perriman blazed through his pro day equalling Chris Johnson’s 4.24 40-time at the combine with a 4.24 and 4.27 consecutively. What was most impressive about his time was that he didn’t even appear to be sprinting even when he was running that fast. His hands have improved and his speed is something that this offense in Kansas City has lacked over the last few years.
19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo) select: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
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)
Yes, the Browns still need more help on offense at wide receiver (although free agents Bowe and Hartline help). But since it’s a deep position in the draft, I don’t see them drafting one here based on need. Dupree would help tremendously on defense as he would give them an athletic freak that could become an amazing pass rusher. He stood out at the combine and is wowing scouts at pro days. He gives them something they currently lack.
20. Philadelphia Eagles select: Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
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)
Since Philly missed out on some of the big free agent safeties they pursued, this couldn’t work out more perfectly with Collins falling in their lap. He’s an obvious selection for them as value matches need perfectly here.
21. Cincinnati Bengals select: Malcolm Brown (DT, Texas)
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)
First, Malcolm Brown is one of the best players still available at this point. Second, the Bengals could use more beef and disruption on the interior of the line. So just like Philly’s last pick, this was an easy selection based on value and need.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
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)
Pittsburgh needs to upgrade its offensive line. A few choices make sense here, but I think HC Mike Tomlin will like the mean streak that Ereck Flowers brings to the table and select him over Andrus Peat, TJ Clemmings, and DJ Humphries. Flowers can come in and compete for LT, but play RT and do a good job there as well.
23. Detroit Lions select: Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)
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)
Reilly Reiff has done a decent job holding down the left tackle spot for the Lions, but Peat can come in and give him some competition right away. Peat has great feet for a man his size and can continue to add bulk as he transitions to the NFL. Great value at #23 here too.
24. Arizona Cardinals select: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
1st and 3rd Mock: T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
2nd Mock: Alvin “Bud” Dupree (DE/OLB, Kentucky)
4th Mock: Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)
The Cardinals decision to let Darnell Dockett walk away necessitates this pick (along with the departure of Dan Williams). There are a few other choices they could go with here, but I think Goldman gives them what they need and replaces what they lost. A top RB or CB are other viable options here I think.
25. Carolina Panthers select: Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State)
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)
After officially losing Greg Hardy, the Panthers need to add a pass rusher or two at some point in the draft, but I didn’t see any great fits at this stage, nor did I see adequate value compared to Strong. Strong gives them another WR to throw to besides Kelvin Benjamin, who was terrific as a rookie last year. They need to make this pick count though as they haven’t done much to improve the team in other ways during the offseason.
26. Baltimore Ravens select: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
1st and 2nd Mock: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
3rd Mock: A.J. Cann (G, South Carolina)
4th Mock: Ronald Darby (CB, Florida State)
The Ravens will draft as they always do and take the best available prospect. To me, that player is Thompson, who is athletic and as versatile as they come. He can play outside, inside, or as a safety. The Ravens need help at linebacker and at safety so this picks works in a lot of ways. Of course, the danger is that he is a true tweener and never fits in anywhere...
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)
4th Mock: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
They failed to keep Demarco Murray in free agency, and McFadden doesn’t qualify as an adequate replacement. Gurley is the best prospect at RB despite the injury that ended his season early last year. Drafting him (or Gordon) would keep fans at ease and would keep the offense balanced as it was in 2014.
28. Denver Broncos select: T.J Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh)
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)
Clemmings can play right away. He might not be the most productive tackle coming out of college, but he has the potential to be an absolute beast of a tackle in the NFL. As his technique improves he will only get better. He reminds me a lot of Kyle Long coming out of Oregon. And protecting Manning is of the utmost importance.
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)
4th Mock: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
The Colts need to solidify the interior of their line. Irving is the best interior lineman in this draft and is skilled at both pass blocking and run blocking. He’s a good fit with the Colts and this is great value for him.
30. Green Bay Packers select: Carl Davis (DE, Iowa)
1st Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Ronnie Stanley (OT, Notre Dame)
3rd Mock: Carl Davis (DE, Iowa)
4th Mock: La’el Collins (OT, LSU)
Davis has some motor and motivation issues but the talent is there. The Packers organization though is a good team to get the best out of him, and if his motor is on he is an exceptional pick at this spot.
31. New Orleans (from Seattle) select: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)
1st Mock: Shilique Calhoun (DE, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
3rd Mock: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)
4th Mock: Eli Harold (DE/OLB, Virginia)
After the big trade of Jimmy Graham, the Saints now possess an extra first round pick. Wouldn’t it be something if they used that selection to take Graham’s replacement? It makes a lot of sense and Williams is clearly the top TE in the draft. And after trading Kenny Stills as well, the offense could use some punch.
32. New England Patriots select: Ronald Darby (CB, Florida State)
1st Mock: Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)
2nd Mock: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
3rd Mock (by Chicago via trade): Malcolm Brown (DT, Texas)
4th Mock: Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)
The Patriots lost Revis and Browner in free agency after losing Talib last season. They are hurting at cornerback and you can expect them to take the best available corner with this pick. I love Darby, who not only tore up the combine, but routinely took WR’s out of the game at Florida State. In fact, most QB’s just avoided his side of the field. It’s likely the best New England can do at this point to replace what they lost.
Second Round
33. San Diego Chargers (via trade with Tennessee) select: Melvin Gordon III (RB, Nebraska)
3rd Mock: Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)
4th Mock: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
In the first round the Chargers replaced Philip Rivers with Marcus Mariota. With this choice they are replacing Ryan Mathews with Melvin Gordon. They will likely lean on the ground game in 2015, and Gordon is a guy that can handle a workload.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock: Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
4th Mock: Paul Dawson (ILB, TCU)
Tampa Bay’s defense was atrocious last season and needs drastic improvement. Phillips is a guy that can help make that happen. By plugging him into the middle of the defensive line, they’ll get a space eater that can make a lot of things happen. Lovie Smith could sure use him.
35. Oakland Raiders select: Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
3rd Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
4th Mock: DJ Humphries (OT, Florida)
In this mock, the Raiders took Leonard Williams in the first round based on value. Here, they pick based on need as they desperately need more weapons around Derek Carr. Dorsett opened up our eyes with his blazing speed at the combine and could use that to help Oakland’s passing attack. His pro day was extremely impressive too by the way.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
4th Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
Jacksonville addressed defense with their first pick and now get to add to their offense. Funchess offers a ton of production, upside, and versatility as a major pass catching target. He also brings unique size to the wide receiver position, plus he can line up as a tight end in 2-TE sets with newly acquired Julius Thomas.
37. New York Jets select: D.J. Humphries (OT, Florida)
3rd Mock: Brett Hundley (QB, UCLA)
4th Mock (by the 49ers via trade): Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
On offense, the Jets may try lean on the run, but they’ll need a better blocking unit to succeed. Humphries can improve the offensive line in his first year, and carve out an outstanding career if he meets his potential.
38. Washington Redskins select: Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)
3rd Mock: Tre’ Jackson (G, Florida State)
4th Mock: Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE, UCLA)
Of all the options available for the Redskins here, taking a cornerback makes the most sense. Not only did they struggle against the pass last season, but many of the top players available at this point in the draft play the position. Collins gets the nod over Johnson and Jones by a hair.
39. Chicago Bears select: Eli Harold (DE/OLB, Virginia)
3rd Mock (by New England via trade): Nate Orchard (OLB, Utah)
4th Mock: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
As Ryan Pace has said continuously since taking over in Chicago, the Bears will draft the best player available. Eli Harold is that guy according to my list. He made a move up boards at the combine and many think he’ll end up in the first round. So at #39, I think he could be a steal.
40. New York Giants select: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
3rd Mock: Cameron Irving (C, Florida State)
4th Mock: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
The Giants addressed a need on the offensive line with their first pick, and now address a need at corner in the second round. Two needs filled with two picks, both at good value.
41. St. Louis Rams select: Byron Jones (CB, Connecticut)
3rd Mock: Devin Funchess (WR/TE, Michigan)
4th Mock: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
The Rams got a steal in the first round, and add a good player here early in the second as well. Jones has absurd athleticism, and fills a need for the Rams with good value.
42. Atlanta Falcons select: Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Stephone Anthony (LB, Clemson)
4th Mock: Shaq Thompson (OLB, Washington)
Bennett will fit in exceptionally well with Head Coach Dan Quinn. He’s strong, quick, and can hold up blockers on the first level to free up linebackers in the second level. Linebacker is also a need, but Bennett is the best player for the Falcons.
43. Cleveland Browns select: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
3rd Mock: Clive Walford (TE, Miami)
4th Mock: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
We had Cleveland taking two players on defense in the first round. The move pays off in this scenario as Agholar is a very talented WR and fills their need at the position. I think Browns’ fans would be thrilled with Shelton, Dupree, and Agholar as their top three picks.
44. New Orleans Saints select: Stephone Anthony (ILB, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
4th Mock: Preston Smith (OLB, Mississippi State)
With the Saints retooling they will be looking to take the best player available. Anthony is trending up in this draft and I personally think he’s the top inside linebacker in the draft. He’d be a nice player in the middle of their linebacking corps for years to come.
45. Minnesota Vikings select: Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
4th Mock: Ameer Abdullah (RB, Nebraska)
Minnesota has a lot to improve upon and could consider a WR or RB here. But they still need improvement on defense and Odighizuwa offers a lot of upside on the edge of their front 4. This value is too much to pass up on.
46. San Francisco 49ers select: Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
4th Mock (by the Jets via trade): Byron Jones (CB, Connecticut)
The Niners have a lot of needs right now, but Devin Smith is a solid deep threat with a big body and excellent hands. He’s a good fit in San Francisco who currently only have one good receiver.
47. Miami Dolphins select: Eric Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Nick O’Leary (TE, Florida State)
4th Mock: Carl Davis (DE, Iowa)
Kendricks is a solid pick for the Dolphins. He was incredibly productive in college. He doesn’t have quite the athleticism you’d like, but that’s why he’s being picked in the middle of the second round instead of the first.
48. San Diego Chargers select: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
3rd Mock: Paul Dawson (LB, TCU)
4th Mock: P.J. Williams (CB, Florida State)
Ogbuehi has a chance to be really good. He’s a tackle, but I think could also play some inside if need be. He provides San Diego with some solid depth and flexibility at a position they have been weak at for the last few years.
49. Kansas City Chiefs select: A.J. Cann (G, South Carolina)
3rd Mock: Ty Montgomery (WR, Stanford)
4th Mock: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
KC will consider multiple defenders in this spot, but ultimately they have to improve their offensive line. Since they run so much, they have to create better holes. Alex Smith could use a bit more time in the pocket also to make use of his new WR’s on the outside.
50. Buffalo Bills select: Denzel Perryman (ILB, UCF)
3rd Mock: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
4th Mock (by the Raiders via trade): Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
After Perryman’s pro day, his stock has never been higher. A month from now, we may be talking about him as a first round pick. The Bills traded Kiko Alonso in the McCoy deal, so Perryman would give them back what they lost there.
51. Houston Texans select: Nate Orchard (DE, Utah)
3rd Mock: Breshad Perriman (WR, Central Florida)
4th Mock: Maxx Williams (TE, Minnesota)
Orchard may not be the perfect fit for the Texans, but they could use another “edge rusher” since they lost Brooks Reed in free agency. Orchard would be a situational guy to start his career as he would try to transition to OLB, but could develop into a productive player.
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)
Chip Kelly gets another player from Oregon for the Philadelphia Duc..Eagles. Fisher is a really athletic guy who needs to add a little bit of bulk but who has the mentality you want in a guy on your offensive line. He’s going to be a good fit for the Eagles.
53. Cincinnati Bengals select: P.J. Williams (CB, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
4th Mock: Trey Flowers (DE, Arkansas)
Terrance Newman isn’t getting any younger, and the Bengals need to continue to add young pieces in that secondary. The offense isn’t really in need of a whole lot of improvement, as they have young talent just about everywhere, but the defense needs more horses in the stable. Williams will begin as a corner, but I think could transition into a safety.
54. Detroit Lions select: Tre Jackson (G, Florida State)
3rd and 4th Mock: Arie Kouandjio (G, Alabama)
Jackson is a good fit for a coach who wants to run the ball more. At worst, he adds more depth on the offensive line. At best, Jackson should start right away on the left side of the line.
55. Arizona Cardinals select: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
3rd Mock: Bryce Petty (QB, Baylor)
4th Mock: Markus Golden (DE/OLB, Missouri)
If the Cardinals don’t trade for Adrian Peterson, you’ll see them draft a RB in the first two rounds. Coleman offers them a productive running back coming off a great season at IU. He and Ellington would form an intriguing committee that Bruce Arians could make successful.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Kwon Alexander (OLB, LSU)
3rd Mock: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
4th Mock: Tre Jackson (G, Florida State)
Kwon may be a slight reach, but the Steelers need help on the outside since Worilds shockingly retired. The Steelers develop players nicely, so Alexander could end up being a very good player down the road, although likely won’t contribute heavily early on.
57. Carolina Panthers select: Marcus Golden (DE, Missouri)
3rd Mock: Josue Matias (OG, Florida State)
4th Mock: Breshad Perriman (WR, UCF)
As mentioned in the first round, the Panthers need to find players to rush the passer now that they officially lost Greg Hardy. Golden was successful in the 4-3 defense in college, and gives them a potentially productive defensive end to fill the void.
58. Baltimore Ravens select: Preston Smith (DE, Mississippi State)
3rd Mock: Rashad Greene (WR, Florida State)
4th Mock: Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
Smith could turn out to be the second best defensive lineman in this entire draft behind Leonard Williams. He had really good productivity in college, and should help replace Pernell McPhee on the Ravens defense.
59. Denver Broncos select: Hau’Oli Kikaha (OLB, Washington)
3rd Mock: Denzel Perryman (ILB, Miami)
4th Mock: Ellis McCarthy (DT, UCLA)
Kikaha is really underrated. He has a high motor, is really productive, and has good measurables. Maybe the “East Coast Bias” is in play here, but Kikaha can come in and really contribute right away.
60. Dallas Cowboys select: Grady Jarrett (DT, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Gerod Holliman (S, Louisville)
4th Mock: Grady Jarrett (DT, Clemson)
The Cowboys still need to shore up the inside of their defensive line. Jarrett is a big body who can jump into the rotation inside right away. He’s a lot like Henry Melton, but with less athleticism.
61. Indianapolis Colts select: Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State)
3rd Mock: Tyler Sambrailo (OL, Colorado State)
4th Mock: Lorenzo Mauldin (OLB, Louisville)
The Colts could use more beef on the front line, but the value for McKinney is too enticing. Honestly, best available on defense makes great sense for the Colts after they addressed offensive line in Round 1. McKinney could be a real steal down the road.
62. Green Bay Packers select: Quinten Rollins (CB, Miami (OH)
3rd Mock: Kwon Alexander (OLB, LSU)
4th Mock: Stephone Anthony (ILB, Clemson)
Rollins is a bit under the radar but the Packers need to replace Tramon Williams, the corner they lost in free agency. In fact, they really have poor CB’s in general so Rollins has an opportunity to contribute right away.
63. Seattle Seahawks select: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
3rd Mock: Nelson Agholor (WR, USC)
4th Mock: Sammy Coates (WR, Auburn)
Coates is a freak physically and gives Seattle another weapon offensively. With Jimmy Graham (who they got in a trade) and Coates, Wilson may have enough targets to finally throw to.
64. New England Patriots select: Jay Ayaji (RB, Boise State)
3rd Mock: Duke Johnson (RB, Miami)
4th Mock: Clive Walford (TE, Miami)
Ayaji is a powerful runner as a smaller back, with good hands out of the backfield. He’ll be a good fit in the New England RB rotation to replace Shane Vereen. Other possible backs here are Ameer Abdullah, Duke Johnson, and T.J. Yeldon.
There you have it, our fifth mock. We’ll do just one more mock before the draft where we hope to have it all figured out. Until then, keep dreaming about what you hope your team does.
PS: We’ll be at the draft this month in Chicago. Come to “Draft Town” and we’ll see you there!
By: The Sports Guys
