It may seem a bit premature, but it’s never too early for mock drafts. The college football season is four weeks in, and the NFL season is also starting to pick up steam. That’s why I’ll be taking a look at the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft. Remember, these are meant to comment on player’s stock and team needs rather than predicting the outcome.
With that in mind, here’s your full first-round NFL Draft mock for Week 4.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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As we saw on Thursday night, the Buccaneers are far from set at quarterback. Josh McCown hasn’t lived up to expectations so far this season, and Tampa Bay appears dead set on Mike Glennon being nothing more than a backup. That’s why drafting the top quarterback in the 2015 class seems like the most logical move right now for the Buccaneers.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
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2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
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The Jaguars have needs all over the field, but after spending most of their early picks last year on offense, it’s time they upgraded the other side of the ball. Williams is arguably the top talent eligible for the 2015 class and should have no trouble being a playmaker in Jacksonville, so this pick seems like a no-brainer.
3. Oakland Raiders: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
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3. Oakland Raiders: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
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The Raiders’ offensive line has been pretty bad this year, as expected. It certainly didn’t help that they lost Jared Veldheer this past offseason, and did little to upgrade the front five outside of an overpaid free agent and a third-round rookie. Drafting Ogbuehi, however, would give the Raiders a legitimate left tackle who has the potential to be one of the best in recent memory.
4. New York Giants: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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4. New York Giants: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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I’m not as big on Gregory as most people, but he seems like a solid fit for the Giants. They’ve always been very high on athletic, raw defensive ends with high upside (i.e. Jason Pierre-Paul), and Gregory fits that mold perfectly. It’s definitely a stretch at No. 4, but the potential is there and the Giants need some more stability in the pass rush department.
5. St. Louis Rams: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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5. St. Louis Rams: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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It’s time to move on from Sam Bradford, plain and simple. And while Austin Davis has been an interesting project for Jeff Fisher and Co., he’s definitely not a long-term solution at quarterback. Hence, Hundley makes plenty of sense here. While his 2014 season is off to a rocky start, he offers the athleticism and arm talent that the NFL demands these days. He’ll need to stay healthy, though.
6. Minnesota Vikings: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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6. Minnesota Vikings: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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This pick is under the assumption that Adrian Peterson returns for the Vikings in 2015. With that out of the way, Minnesota is still a piece or two away from being a dominant defense. They have a promising bunch of cornerbacks and free safety Harrison Smith is a stud. However, the strong safety spot is a concern. Adding the instinctive, physical Collins to the mix would certainly help the Vikings’ cause.
7. New York Jets: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
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7. New York Jets: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
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Despite having the best rushing defense in the league, the Jets still can’t find a way to slow down the pass. They get torched week after week, which is why more upgrades are needed at cornerback. That’s where a talent like Ekpre-Olomu comes in. Not only is the Oregon product a proven cover man, but he also excels at stepping up against the run. Sounds like a perfect fit for Gang Green.
8. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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8. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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Put simply, Joe Thomas isn’t going to be around forever. While they wait for the All Pro tackle to hang it up, the Browns can allow an elite prospect like Scherff to play other positions and hone his skills until the time comes. It’s safe to say that Scherff likely won’t be available at No. 9 when May rolls around, but that’s just how the cards fell in this particular mock. Deal with it.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
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9. Kansas City Chiefs: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
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Kansas City’s wide receiver position is a major sore thumb. It’s been a problem for the past couple of seasons, yet the Chiefs continue to avoid it. Dwayne Bowe isn’t the wide receiver he used to be, and the rest of the depth chart is loaded with average players. The Chiefs need to add a legitimate threat to the passing game, and Cooper would certainly become excellent friends with Alex Smith in a big hurry.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
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10. Dallas Cowboys: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
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The Cowboys’ defense is still a mess despite their best efforts to add talent this offseason (after getting rid of DeMarcus Ware, of course). That’s why spending yet another high draft on a defensive lineman is completely necessary. Calhoun is quickly emerging as an elite defensive end prospect who can rush the passer and play the run with ease. Dallas would be lucky to land him at No. 10.
11. Tennessee Titans: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
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11. Tennessee Titans: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
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After making the switch to the 3-4, the Titans are still searching for players who fit the scheme well. Beasley would certainly be a prime candidate. A true speed rusher who excels at turning the corner and beating blockers with his explosiveness, Beasley could slide right into the starting lineup in Tennessee and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
12. Washington Redskins: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
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12. Washington Redskins: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
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Although they’ve played well up to this point in the season, the Redskins’ offensive line is far from trustworthy. Especially with numerous injuries and a so-so starting right tackle in Tyler Polumbus, Peat seems like a logical option for Washington. Not only is he an excellent blocker with tremendous smarts and technique, but he has the speed and footwork to eventually take over on the blind side.
13. Houston Texans: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
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13. Houston Texans: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
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More than likely, the Texans will try to play out the rest of the 2014 campaign with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. It’s a better option than rolling the dice with Tom Savage or experimenting with Case Keenum again, but it’s no long-term solution. That’s why the Texans need to go quarterback in the first round. Cook has seen his stock soar so far and could be worth the risk on Day 1 of the draft.
14. Miami Dolphins: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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14. Miami Dolphins: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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Knowshon Moreno isn’t going to be able to stay healthy, and the Dolphins clearly have no trust in Lamar Miller. That’s why taking a huge risk and drafting one of the best running backs in recent history is exactly what Miami should do in 2015. Gurley has been absolutely unstoppable so far this season, and will easily warrant an early first-round pick in May if he can stay healthy.
If there’s one big weakness for the Browns right now, it’s offensive weapons. While that won’t be as much of an issue once Josh Gordon returns, Cleveland is still lacking firepower in the passing game outside of him and Jordan Cameron. That’s why adding another playmaker is essential for the Browns to become contenders. Funchess is a lightning rod who oozes the reliability Cleveland desperately needs.
16. Atlanta Falcons: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
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16. Atlanta Falcons: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
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As we’ve seen so far this season, the Falcons still are inept when it comes to putting pressure on the quarterback. They’ve spent numerous draft picks upgrading the defensive line over the last few years, yet still can’t muster a competent pass rush. However, adding Fowler to the mix would certainly up the ante. He’s an explosive rusher who uses elite athleticism and quickness to crumble the pocket.
17. Detroit Lions: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
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17. Detroit Lions: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
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As if the Lions’ defensive front seven isn’t scary enough, imagine what the defense would look like with a playmaker like Thompson dropping into coverage or going after the quarterback. While he’s still a raw talent, Thompson has shown outstanding instincts and playmaking ability so far this season. He’s just the linebacker Detroit needs to compliment an emerging player like DeAndre Levy.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
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18. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
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The Steelers decided to upgrade their linebacking unit during the 2014 draft, so now it’s time for them to make a move at cornerback. Especially with Ike Taylor suffering a broken arm this season, they need to start planning for the future. Williams is one of the best cover corners in college football right now, and should provide an immediate upgrade for Pittsburgh.
19. Green Bay Packers: Ellis McCarthy, DT, UCLA
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19. Green Bay Packers: Ellis McCarthy, DT, UCLA
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With B.J. Raji nearing the end of his playing days and no other capable options on the roster, it’s time for the Packers to find a long-term replacement at nose tackle. So what better way to do so than with the monstrous McCarthy, who has emerged this season as a destructive anchor in the middle of the UCLA defensive line. It’s a reach for a player like McCarthy, but it fills a huge need for Green Bay.
20. San Francisco 49ers: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
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20. San Francisco 49ers: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
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Even with Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis, the 49ers are still lacking that spark in the passing game. Especially since Boldin and Davis are nearing the ends of their careers, it’s time to find a future star in San Francisco. Coates is built like a freight train, but boasts the athleticism to routinely toast defenses. Sounds like a perfect fit for Colin Kaepernick and Co.
As much as they’d like to think so, Ricky Wagner and Jah Reid are not exactly reliable options at right tackle. The Ravens need to replace Michael Oher with a right tackle who can hold his own in pass protection while paving the way for the run game, and that’s what they’d be getting if they rolled the dice with Flowers.
22. Carolina Panthers: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
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22. Carolina Panthers: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
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The Panthers had two glaring holes heading into this offseason: wide receiver and offensive tackle. They chose to spend their first-round pick on pass-catcher Kelvin Benjamin, which left them without a real answer along the offensive line. So this time around, they would be wise to grab a big blocker like Collins who can help solidify a somewhat-leaky Carolina front five.
23. Indianapolis Colts: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
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23. Indianapolis Colts: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
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One of the Colts’ biggest weaknesses right now lies at the nose tackle position. Josh Chapman is the starter, but he really shouldn’t be anything more than a backup. With that in mind, Shelton makes a ton of sense for Indianapolis. Washington’s behemoth in the middle is a strong, powerful player who does a great job of anchoring against the run while providing the occasional pressure up the middle.
24. New England Patriots: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
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24. New England Patriots: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
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It’s time for the Patriots to stop pretending that Tom Brady can be successful with a bunch of undrafted free agents and aging veterans. New England needs to arm him with some serious weapons, and that starts with Montgomery. While some question his route running and polish as a receiver, Montgomery simply needs the ball in his hands and he’ll create sparks for the Patriots.
25. Chicago Bears: Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State
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25. Chicago Bears: Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State
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The Bears’ defensive backfield is a disaster right now. Apart from rookie Kyle Fuller, who is exceeding all expectations, the secondary is a mess. Either players can’t stay healthy or can’t keep their men covered. One way or another, it needs to change if Chicago is going to get back to their old, dominant ways. Adding a physical, instinctive free safety like Drummond would be a huge step in the right direction.
26. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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26. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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So far this season, the secondary has been a huge sore thumb for the Saints. Despite their offseason acquisitions, the defensive backfield just isn’t getting the job done. That’s why more upgrades are needed in 2015. Peters is a physical, aggressive cornerback who has recently emerged as a star, and should be able to help the Saints improve from his first day on the field.
27. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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27. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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Put simply, the Chargers can’t continue to rely on injury-prone players and second-hand free agency acquisitions. They need a true playmaking running back who can help take some of the pressure off of Philip Rivers. Gordon isn’t a perfect fit, as he hasn’t proven to be much of a receiver during his days at Wisconsin, but that doesn’t mean he can’t learn to be a threat out of the backfield.
28. Arizona Cardinals: Mario Edwards Jr., DE, Florida State
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28. Arizona Cardinals: Mario Edwards Jr., DE, Florida State
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Between Darnell Dockett’s injury and John Abraham’s potential retirement, the Cardinals have a need along the defensive line. Edwards seems to be an excellent choice to help move them into the future. Not only does he possess a terrific blend of size and athleticism, but the supporting cast he would have in Arizona should help the motor issues that have plagued him at Florida State.
29. Philadelphia Eagles: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
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29. Philadelphia Eagles: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
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This just seems like a Chip Kelly pick. The Eagles’ head honcho loves athleticism and versatility, and that’s exactly what Oakman brings to the table. Not only does he have the size to wreak havoc along the interior, but he has the athleticism and aggressiveness to hold his own on the edges. There’s still a lot of molding to do with Oakman, but that could bode very well for Kelly and Co.
30. Denver Broncos: Josue Matias, G, Florida State
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30. Denver Broncos: Josue Matias, G, Florida State
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After spending plenty of money during free agency to upgrade their defense, it’s time for the Broncos to shore up their protection for Peyton Manning. They currently boast a solid group of interior blockers, but could use some extra bodies up front. Matias has emerged as a promising young guard this season, and could warrant a late first-round pick for a team in need of help up front.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State
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31. Cincinnati Bengals: Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State
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As we’ve seen in the past, the Bengals are all for stocking up on top-tier offensive linemen. They routinely spend early-round picks on blockers, which makes Erving all the more understandable of a pick here. Andrew Whitworth is nearing the end of the line, and Cincinnati’s backups are playing on expiring contracts. Adding Erving to the mix would provide some much-needed security at left tackle.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
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32. Seattle Seahawks: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
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To say that the Seahawks’ receiving corps is unreliable is a severe understatement. Percy Harvin is an injury waiting to happen, Doug Baldwin is up and down in terms of production, and the rest of the depth chart is a big question mark. Bringing Strong aboard would not only provide Seattle with a physical presence, but also give them a reliable pair of hands for Russell Wilson to throw to.
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.
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