By Gil Alcaraz IV @GilAlcarazIV on December 9, 2014
Mocking the First Round of the 2015 NFL Draft
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With only three weeks left in the 2014 NFL regular season, the time has come for the speculation surrounding the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft to begin. So many big names and intriguing talents are expected to be available come draft day, which makes it all the more interesting to project what could happen in late April.
Here’s my latest mock of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Order is determined by record and strength of schedule.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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This is a no-brainer. Even after spending big bucks to sign Josh McCown last offseason, the Buccaneers are already ready to find a new signal caller. They couldn’t ask for a better option than Mariota, who combines excellent athleticism with ball security and smarts. Sounds like a win for Tampa Bay.
2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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As tempted as the Titans will be to go for Williams here, they already possess an outstanding interior defensive line. Their edge pass rush, however, is subpar at best. Adding a proven edge rusher like Gregory to the mix would increase their ability to pressure opposing passers tenfold.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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So far this season, the Jaguars’ play at offensive tackle has been horrid. Former first-round pick Luke Joeckel has been a turnstile, and Austin Pasztor hasn’t been much better. Joeckel shouldn’t be given up on yet, but Scherff would add some insurance and offers the brute strength to play inside as well.
4. New York Jets: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
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4. New York Jets: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
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Many will see this as a huge reach, but the Jets desperately need help at cornerback and I’m not doing trades this time around. Ekpre-Olomu, while not the hottest cornerback right now, is a proven playmaker who possesses the all-around game to help New York vastly improve their defense.
5. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
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5. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
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Despite a Week 14 win dropping them four picks, the Raiders still get arguably the best player in the 2015 class. Williams is an elite physical specimen who combines excellent size and strength with quickness and versatility. Teamed with Khalil Mack, Williams would make the Oakland defense an intimidating force.
6. Washington Redskins: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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6. Washington Redskins: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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It’s been some time since the Redskins had a true playmaker on the back end of their defense. Adding Collins to the mix, however, would change all of that. The Alabama product is one of the best safety prospects in recent history, and would be an immediate upgrade over anyone on the Washington roster.
7. New York Giants: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
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7. New York Giants: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
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There’s a good chance Jason Pierre-Paul’s days in New York are numbered, which is why the Giants would be wise to look for more pass-rushing options. That’s where a player like Ray comes in. The Missouri product has emerged as a stud this season, and would help revitalize the once-proud Giants pass rush.
8. Carolina Panthers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
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8. Carolina Panthers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
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Last year, the Panthers were split between addressing wide receiver or offensive tackle in the first round. As we know, they went wide receiver with Kelvin Benjamin, and it’s worked out pretty well. So now they should turn their attention to tackle and nab Peat, who has the potential to be special.
9. Chicago Bears: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
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9. Chicago Bears: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
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With Lance Briggs likely gone this offseason, the Bears are in dire need of new talent at outside linebacker. While Fowler isn’t your typical 4-3 outside linebacker, he has the athleticism and instincts to adjust his game and mold himself into the Chicago defense. Plus, he’s excellent at rushing the passer.
10. New Orleans Saints: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
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10. New Orleans Saints: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
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All season long, the Saints have been forced to endure pitiful play from their cornerbacks. Apart from Keenan Lewis, the entire position is a disaster. With the addition of Waynes, New Orleans would have a more reliable option on the outside from Day 1, with the potential for him to develop into a shutdown cover man.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
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11. Minnesota Vikings: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
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With Cordarrelle Patterson failing to emerge as a reliable No. 1 this season, the Vikings need a backup plan out wide. Greg Jennings isn’t getting any younger, and Teddy Bridgewater needs weapons to work with if he’s going to be successful in Minnesota. Cooper would be an excellent addition.
12. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
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12. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
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As much as you’d expect them to go quarterback here, I think they’ll give Sam Bradford one more shot. If that’s the case, protecting him will be their top priority. The jury is still out on Greg Robinson, but adding a versatile blocker with elite athleticism like Ogbuehi would certainly help shore up the offensive line.
13. Houston Texans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
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13. Houston Texans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
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I’m not a strong believer in Winston as a first-round talent, but it seems like many believe a desperate team will take a risk on him. The Texans need help at quarterback now, and despite his off-field concerns, Winston could be the answer. Bill O’Brien will keep him in check and teach him well in Houston.
14. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
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14. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
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Even with the return of Josh Gordon, the Browns have still struggled to get consistent production out of their wide receivers. Especially if they want Johnny Manziel to succeed as their quarterback of the future, adding top-tier talents like Parker to his arsenal would be wise.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
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15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
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Despite all of their talent on paper at wide receiver, the 49ers still have yet to find a true game breaker in the passing game. White has shown this season that he can be exactly that. Some will be hesitant about this one-year wonder, but White has the speed, hands and elusiveness to be a force in San Fran.
16. Miami Dolphins: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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16. Miami Dolphins: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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Lamar Miller has been solid this season, but the Dolphins need a legitimate No. 1 running back like they were hoping to get with Knowshon Moreno. Gordon has proven this season to be a dynamic talent, and should have no problem adding a new dimension to a Miami offense on the verge of being great.
17. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
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17. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
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The Cleveland defensive line has been lacking true playmakers for years now, and it’s time that changed. In Oakman, the Browns would be getting a huge defensive end who can beat blockers with burst or power. He’s still a bit raw and needs some refinement, but the physical tools say he’ll be a star.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
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18. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
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This seems like a stretch for a player like Kendricks, but he fills a huge void in the Chiefs’ defense. With two unproductive middle linebackers filling in for Derrick Johnson, Kansas City has been exploited at the second level. Adding the smart, instinctive Kendricks would be a big step in the right direction.
19. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
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19. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
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Stanley spent the entire 2014 season evolving from a quality prospect into an all-out stud. Despite being only a redshirt sophomore, he’s seriously considering entering the draft, and could get good news from the advisory board. If that’s the case, the blocker-needy Ravens would be wise to scoop him up here.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
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20. Dallas Cowboys: Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
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As impressive as the Cowboys’ defense has been this season, they still need more talent in terms of pass rushing ability. Beasley would be exactly what the doctor ordered. Coming off the edge, the Clemson product is about as quick and explosive as any 2015 prospect, which Dallas would love to have.
21. Atlanta Falcons: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
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21. Atlanta Falcons: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
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Despite their best efforts, the Falcons continue to receive lackluster production from their defensive ends. Odighizuwa, however, has enjoyed a breakout year for UCLA, and deserves first-round consideration. Although not an elite athlete, his power, burst and motor would be welcomed in Atlanta.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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The Steelers have never had a problem with bringing aboard problematic players, which makes Peters an excellent fit. The shutdown cornerback was kicked off the Washington football team not long ago due to problems with coaches, but possesses elite talent. Mike Tomlin could whip him into shape and turn him into a star.
23. San Diego Chargers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
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23. San Diego Chargers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
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While Sean Lissemore has held his own so far this season, he’s not the Chargers’ long-term answer at nose tackle. That’s why adding a player like Goldman could be an intriguing option for San Diego. His complete skill set gives him arguably the highest ceiling of any 2015 defensive line prospect.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
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24. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
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As great of a hitter as Rey Maualuga is, the Bengals would love an upgrade at middle linebacker. That’s where a player like McKinney would fit right in. Not only is he an excellent tackler with tremendous strength and awareness, but he simply has that “it” factor that’s hard to find in middle linebackers.
25. Detroit Lions: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
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25. Detroit Lions: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
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There’s a good chance that Ndamukong Suh will not be around when the Lions kick off the 2015 campaign. That’s why bringing aboard a capable replacement is a top priority. Although he’s struggled this season, Bennett has all of the tools to be a star at the next level – with the proper coaching.
26. Indianapolis Colts: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
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26. Indianapolis Colts: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
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The Colts’ linebacking unit as a whole has been disappointing this season. Especially on the outsides, Indianapolis can’t seem to get consistent, efficient play out of their roster. Bringing aboard a proven playmaker like Thompson would inject some excitement into the defense that simply isn’t available right now.
27. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
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27. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
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Considering how porous their pass defense has been this season, it’s safe to assume the Eagles will be looking to upgrade this offseason. Williams is a tough, physical cornerback with all of the tools to be a No. 1 cover man. He needs to keep his aggressiveness in check, but Williams seems like a fit for Chip Kelly and Co.
28. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
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28. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
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Apart from Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks have seriously lacked reliable offensive weapons this season. Especially after trading Percy Harvin, Seattle didn’t have a true go-to receiving option. Funchess, however, would come in and fill the move tight end role with ease -- Russell Wilson’s new best friend?
29. Green Bay Packers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
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29. Green Bay Packers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
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When Letroy Guion is your starting nose tackle, you know there’s a problem. While he’s actually held his own this season, Guion is not the long-term answer as the Packers’ defensive anchor. Shelton, however, could be. His size, power and impressive agility make him a nightmare for opposing blockers.
30. New England Patriots: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
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30. New England Patriots: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
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If there’s one thing the Patriots’ passing game has been lacking for the past few years, it is size and reliability (outside of Rob Gronkowski, of course). Strong is both of those things and more, and would step right in from Day 1 and offer Tom Brady a lethal weapon to work with on the outside.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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31. Arizona Cardinals: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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Imagine a backfield with Gurley and Andre Ellington – that’s the perfect example of a thunder-and-lightning combination. Especially with Ellington dealing with durability issues, splitting the load with a powerful Gurley would make things so much easier. He’s coming off an ACL tear, but Gurley is worth the risk.
32. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
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32. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
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The Broncos have suffered from their fair share of struggles along the offensive line this season. The offensive tackles have been average at best, and they’re getting subpar play from their centers as well. Erving has experience at numerous positions, and would bring plenty of versatility to Denver’s front five.