By Gil Alcaraz IV @GilAlcarazIV on August 31, 2014
Mocking the First 10 Picks of the 2015 NFL Draft
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The 2014 NFL season is just a few short days away, which means that speculation on the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft is also just around the corner. So what better way to kick off the NFL Draft season than with a short mock draft that takes a peak at the Top 10 picks?
With that in mind, here’s a look at picks 1-10 of the 2015 NFL Draft. Don’t be offended if your team is up there, because I’m sure you’re assuming they’ll make the playoffs this year.
1. New York Jets: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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1. New York Jets: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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As we’ll soon see, Geno Smith is not the franchise quarterback the Jets were hoping for. After only two years with the team, Smith will likely be pushed to the bench in favor of the next elite prospect, Mariota. The Oregon gunslinger has had an up-and-down college career, but is a dual-threat passer with an impressive arm, excellent instincts and the ability to hurt defenses with his feet at any given moment.
2. Washington Redskins: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
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2. Washington Redskins: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
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One way or another, the Redskins need to find a way to improve their offense next offseason. They’re been terrible throughout the preseason, and the offense likely won’t get much better during the regular season. Whether it’s adding more weapons out wide or beefing up the offensive line, adjustments must be made. Ogbuehi is a safe pick here who can play the right side while learning from Trent Williams.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
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3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
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After adding several young talents to the offensive this offseason, the focus should turn to the defense in 2015. While adding an edge rusher would be ideal, it’s going to be too hard to pass on Williams. The USC product is an athletic freak for his size, and should have absolutely no trouble dominating as both a run and pass defender at the next level. Too much talent for Gus Bradley to pass on.
4. Miami Dolphins: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
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4. Miami Dolphins: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
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As nice as drafting a running back would be, it’s simply too early for a team with many other needs. So instead, the Dolphins go with the 2015 class’ best cornerback, Ekpre-Olomu. The Duck’s top cover man is a proven shutdown cornerback, combining impressive physicality, instincts and technique to keep opponents in check. Miami needs an upgrade on Cortland Finnegan, and Ekpre-Olomu is the answer.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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5. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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The Browns already have one of the best left tackles in the game, but that doesn’t mean their offensive line couldn’t afford to get better. Scherff could develop into a Top 3 talent this season, so Cleveland would be lucky to have an opportunity to draft him at No. 5. He could step in and start at several positions from Day 1, and offers the same type of dominant blocking ability as Joe Thomas.
6. Tennessee Titans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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6. Tennessee Titans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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Hundley’s 2014 season didn’t get off to a great start, but he still seems to be on the road to an outstanding campaign. Assuming that’s the case, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be a consideration in the Top 10 picks. The Titans likely don’t have their quarterback of the future on the roster right now, so setting their sights on a promising young passer like Hundley makes plenty of sense.
7. Oakland Raiders: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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7. Oakland Raiders: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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Let’s be honest. The duo of Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden is a short-term solution, which means the Raiders must bring in a running back of the future. Gurley has already gotten his 2014 season off to an epic start, and should make a serious run at the Heisman Trophy. Assuming he doesn’t get hurt or drop off in production, Gurley could emerge as the Raiders’ next great running back.
8. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
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8. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
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Despite his raw abilities, Calhoun has a very high ceiling that we’ve all seen glimpses of over the last year or so. With impressive size, athleticism and play-making abilities, Calhoun simply needs some polish to develop into a true stud defensive end. If the Browns decided to upgrade the defensive line with this pick, Calhoun would be an ideal option considering his great blend of size and quickness.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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9. Dallas Cowboys: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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I still think Gregory has a lot to prove before he can be a Top 10 talent, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Jerry Jones fell in love with his athleticism. The Nebraska defensive end is definitely athletic, with outstanding length and versatility, but must improve his strength and disengagement ability to deserve a top pick. If he can do that, the Cowboys might just find their DeMarcus Ware replacement.
10. Minnesota Vikings: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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10. Minnesota Vikings: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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Improving at middle linebacker would be the Vikings’ best bet, but there aren’t currently any prospects worthy of a Top 10 pick. So instead, they look to improve in the secondary, which has been a real weakness over the last few seasons. Collins is an instinctive defender who relies on hard hitting and quick reactions to make plays all over the field. Improvements in coverage will ensure a Top 10 selection.
Gil Alcaraz IV is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com . Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.