2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Steals

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Steals

By Shawn Spencer

May 3, 2015

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Steals

Malcom Brown — Whether it's due to injury, off-field concerns or need, some prospects fall a lot further than they should on draft day. Those who do wind up being the steals of the draft, and that's exactly what happened to these 15 players. While they may have lost out on some money, the chips on their shoulders could take their careers to another level.

Whether it's due to injury, off-field concerns or need, some prospects fall a lot further than they should on draft day. Those who do wind up being the steals of the draft, and that's exactly what happened to these 15 players. While they may have lost out on some money, the chips on their shoulders could take their careers to another level.

15. Alvin Dupree (OLB-Pittsburgh Steelers)

Alvin Dupree

15. Alvin Dupree (OLB-Pittsburgh Steelers)

Alvin Dupree — Pick: Round 1, No. 22 overall
The top edge rushers in the draft didn't fly off the board as many had expected. Dante Fowler, Jr. and Vic Beasley were both selected within the first eight picks, but No. 3 edge Alvin Dupree fell all the way to pick No. 22. Pittsburgh sits back every year and lets the board fall to them. Alvin Dupree is the player who fell, so he was the choice of the Steelers.

Pick: Round 1, No. 22 overall
The top edge rushers in the draft didn't fly off the board as many had expected. Dante Fowler, Jr. and Vic Beasley were both selected within the first eight picks, but No. 3 edge Alvin Dupree fell all the way to pick No. 22. Pittsburgh sits back every year and lets the board fall to them. Alvin Dupree is the player who fell, so he was the choice of the Steelers.

14. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE-New York Giants)

Odighizuwa New York Giants

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14. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE-New York Giants)

Owamagbe Odighizuwa UCLA — Pick: Round 3, No. 74 overall
Like Dupree, Owamagbe Odighizuwa was another defensive end who fell in the draft. In his case, it was more likely due to his medical report. The UCLA DE underwent two hip surgeries while in college and missed an entire season because of it. He's also a very scheme specific player. With Jason Pierre-Paul's long-term status with the team in doubt, Odighizuwa may be a starter in 2016.

Pick: Round 3, No. 74 overall
Like Dupree, Owamagbe Odighizuwa was another defensive end who fell in the draft. In his case, it was more likely due to his medical report. The UCLA DE underwent two hip surgeries while in college and missed an entire season because of it. He's also a very scheme specific player. With Jason Pierre-Paul's long-term status with the team in doubt, Odighizuwa may be a starter in 2016.

13. Grady Jarrett (DT-Atlanta Falcons)

Grady Jarrett Clemson

13. Grady Jarrett (DT-Atlanta Falcons)

Grady Jarrett Clemson — Pick: Round 5, No. 137 overall
Grady Jarrett was overshadowed by Vic Beasley and Stephone Anthony on the Clemson defense, but it was surprising to see him fall all the way to the second half of the draft. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Ra'Shede Hageman last year, but they couldn't pass on Jarrett in Round 5 this year. He was a top 60 prospect on my board and will compete for snaps in Atlanta.

Pick: Round 5, No. 137 overall
Grady Jarrett was overshadowed by Vic Beasley and Stephone Anthony on the Clemson defense, but it was surprising to see him fall all the way to the second half of the draft. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Ra'Shede Hageman last year, but they couldn't pass on Jarrett in Round 5 this year. He was a top 60 prospect on my board and will compete for snaps in Atlanta.

12. Tre McBride (WR-Tennessee Titans)

Tre McBride William & Mary

12. Tre McBride (WR-Tennessee Titans)

Tre McBride William & Mary — Pick: Round 7, No. 245 overall
One of the more surprising drops in the draft was Tre McBride. The William & Mary WR was one of the favorites to be the first FCS player off the board. That honor went to Samford's Jaquiski Tartt, as McBride fell all the way to the final round. He'll join Dorial Green-Beckham as the newest members of the Titans' receiving corps.

Pick: Round 7, No. 245 overall
One of the more surprising drops in the draft was Tre McBride. The William & Mary WR was one of the favorites to be the first FCS player off the board. That honor went to Samford's Jaquiski Tartt, as McBride fell all the way to the final round. He'll join Dorial Green-Beckham as the newest members of the Titans' receiving corps.

11. Derron Smith (FS-Cincinnati Bengals)

Derron Smith Fresno State

11. Derron Smith (FS-Cincinnati Bengals)

Derron Smith Fresno State — Pick: Round 6, No. 197 overall
Safety wasn't a huge need for the Cincinnati Bengals, but after losing Taylor Mays in free agency, depth was a concern. Derron Smith was the No. 2 free safety in this draft behind Damarious Randall, yet he was selected 167 picks later. Current free safety Reggie Nelson is entering the final year of his contract and may be expendable if Smith plays well as a rookie.

Pick: Round 6, No. 197 overall
Safety wasn't a huge need for the Cincinnati Bengals, but after losing Taylor Mays in free agency, depth was a concern. Derron Smith was the No. 2 free safety in this draft behind Damarious Randall, yet he was selected 167 picks later. Current free safety Reggie Nelson is entering the final year of his contract and may be expendable if Smith plays well as a rookie.

10. Eli Harold (OLB-San Francisco 49ers)

Eli Harold Virginia

10. Eli Harold (OLB-San Francisco 49ers)

Eli Harold Virginia — Pick: Round 3, No. 79 overall
Another edge rusher lands on the list as Eli Harold fell much further than expected. The 49ers lost several linebackers during the offseason, so Harold should have an opportunity to play right away. He may not start, but he'll be a part of the defensive rotation. He has to improve in coverage, but Harold was a steal at this point in the draft.

Pick: Round 3, No. 79 overall
Another edge rusher lands on the list as Eli Harold fell much further than expected. The 49ers lost several linebackers during the offseason, so Harold should have an opportunity to play right away. He may not start, but he'll be a part of the defensive rotation. He has to improve in coverage, but Harold was a steal at this point in the draft.

9. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB-Cleveland Browns)

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

9. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB-Cleveland Browns)

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu — Pick: Round 7, No. 241 overall
If Ifo Ekpre-Olomu had entered the draft last year, he likely would have been a first or second-round pick. However, due to his size, poor play as a senior and severe knee injury, he fell all the way to the final round. It's unclear when he'll be healthy enough to play, but the Browns can afford to place him on injured reserve and basically redshirt him for his rookie season.

Pick: Round 7, No. 241 overall
If Ifo Ekpre-Olomu had entered the draft last year, he likely would have been a first or second-round pick. However, due to his size, poor play as a senior and severe knee injury, he fell all the way to the final round. It's unclear when he'll be healthy enough to play, but the Browns can afford to place him on injured reserve and basically redshirt him for his rookie season.

8. Brett Hundley (QB-Green Bay Packers)

Brett Hundley UCLA

8. Brett Hundley (QB-Green Bay Packers)

Brett Hundley UCLA — Pick: Round 5, No. 147 overall
Brett Hundley needs a year to learn the NFL game before he can make an impact, but Green Bay isn't the ideal situation for him. Regardless of the fit for the player, the Packers got an absolute steal in Round 5. Hundley was the No. 3 QB on my board and had a second-round grade. With a solid offensive line in front of him, Hundley has the arm and legs to be a starting QB.

Pick: Round 5, No. 147 overall
Brett Hundley needs a year to learn the NFL game before he can make an impact, but Green Bay isn't the ideal situation for him. Regardless of the fit for the player, the Packers got an absolute steal in Round 5. Hundley was the No. 3 QB on my board and had a second-round grade. With a solid offensive line in front of him, Hundley has the arm and legs to be a starting QB.

7. Jay Ajayi (RB-Miami Dolphins)

Jay Ajayi Boise State

7. Jay Ajayi (RB-Miami Dolphins)

Jay Ajayi Boise State — Pick: Round 5, No. 149 overall
Jay Ajayi's tumble in the draft was due to an injury, but if healthy, the Dolphins found a possible starting running back in the fifth round. The injury happened a few years ago, but it isn't anything surgery or rehab can fix. Running backs already have short careers in the league, and Ajayi's knee will likely further shorten his career. At least for his first contract, he's a steal.

Pick: Round 5, No. 149 overall
Jay Ajayi's tumble in the draft was due to an injury, but if healthy, the Dolphins found a possible starting running back in the fifth round. The injury happened a few years ago, but it isn't anything surgery or rehab can fix. Running backs already have short careers in the league, and Ajayi's knee will likely further shorten his career. At least for his first contract, he's a steal.

6. Jaelen Strong (WR-Houston Texans)

Jaelen Strong Arizona State

6. Jaelen Strong (WR-Houston Texans)

Jaelen Strong Arizona State — Pick: Round 3, No. 70 overall
Jaelen Strong has the best hands of any wide receiver in this draft. His ability to catch contested passes in tight windows separates him from others in this class. There was some concern about his wrist, but he played well with the injury in the final five games at Arizona State. Strong was the No. 3 WR on my board and is an excellent complementary receiver to DeAndre Hopkins.

Pick: Round 3, No. 70 overall
Jaelen Strong has the best hands of any wide receiver in this draft. His ability to catch contested passes in tight windows separates him from others in this class. There was some concern about his wrist, but he played well with the injury in the final five games at Arizona State. Strong was the No. 3 WR on my board and is an excellent complementary receiver to DeAndre Hopkins.

5. Michael Bennett (DT-Jacksonville Jaguars)

Michael Bennett Ohio State

5. Michael Bennett (DT-Jacksonville Jaguars)

Michael Bennett Ohio State — Pick: Round 6, No. 180 overall
Michael Bennett played extremely well down the stretch as he helped Ohio State win the national championship, but it looks like NFL teams were concerned about his lack of production in the beginning of the year. That, along with his size, forced him all the way down to Round 6. He must be disappointed that the wait was longer than expected, but Gus Bradley will get the most out of him.

Pick: Round 6, No. 180 overall
Michael Bennett played extremely well down the stretch as he helped Ohio State win the national championship, but it looks like NFL teams were concerned about his lack of production in the beginning of the year. That, along with his size, forced him all the way down to Round 6. He must be disappointed that the wait was longer than expected, but Gus Bradley will get the most out of him.

4. T.J. Clemmings (OT-Minnesota Vikings)

T.J. Clemmings Pittsburgh

4. T.J. Clemmings (OT-Minnesota Vikings)

T.J. Clemmings Pittsburgh — Pick: Round 4, No. 110 overall
T.J. Clemmings is another player who fell in the draft due to injury concerns. A stress fracture in his foot was red-flagged during medical checks and some teams removed him from their boards. The Vikings have right tackle Phil Loadholt under contract for another two years, so the selection of Clemmings was a surprise. He may replace Matt Kalil on the blindside if the former first-round pick continues to struggle.

Pick: Round 4, No. 110 overall
T.J. Clemmings is another player who fell in the draft due to injury concerns. A stress fracture in his foot was red-flagged during medical checks and some teams removed him from their boards. The Vikings have right tackle Phil Loadholt under contract for another two years, so the selection of Clemmings was a surprise. He may replace Matt Kalil on the blindside if the former first-round pick continues to struggle.

3. Randy Gregory (OLB-Dallas Cowboys)

Randy Gregory Nebraska

3. Randy Gregory (OLB-Dallas Cowboys)

Randy Gregory Nebraska — Pick: Round 2, No. 60 overall
Randy Gregory was a potential top-five pick when the season began, but several issues led to his stock dropping. Injury and weight concerns played a role, but the main reason was the off-field concerns. Gregory failed a drug test at the Combine and there were several rumors of additional behavioral issues. If he stays clean, he could be the biggest steal of the draft.

Pick: Round 2, No. 60 overall
Randy Gregory was a potential top-five pick when the season began, but several issues led to his stock dropping. Injury and weight concerns played a role, but the main reason was the off-field concerns. Gregory failed a drug test at the Combine and there were several rumors of additional behavioral issues. If he stays clean, he could be the biggest steal of the draft.

2. Malcom Brown (DT-New England Patriots)

Malcom Brown Texas

2. Malcom Brown (DT-New England Patriots)

Malcom Brown Texas — Pick: Round 1, No. 32 overall
Malcom Brown didn't fall far in the draft, but the Super Bowl champions found the perfect fit for the defensive line at the end of Round 1. Brown was the No. 2 defensive tackle on my board, while some 4-3 teams had him ranked ahead of Danny Shelton. Bill Belichick had to have been surprised to see Brown still on the board, and he reportedly turned down multiple trade offers to select the Texas defensive tackle.

Pick: Round 1, No. 32 overall
Malcom Brown didn't fall far in the draft, but the Super Bowl champions found the perfect fit for the defensive line at the end of Round 1. Brown was the No. 2 defensive tackle on my board, while some 4-3 teams had him ranked ahead of Danny Shelton. Bill Belichick had to have been surprised to see Brown still on the board, and he reportedly turned down multiple trade offers to select the Texas defensive tackle.

1. Leonard Williams (DE-New York Jets)

Leonard Williams

1. Leonard Williams (DE-New York Jets)

Leonard Williams — Pick: Round 1, No. 6 overall
The biggest steal in the draft didn't have to wait long at all to hear his name called. Leonard Williams was the No. 1 overall player on my board and the New York Jets stole him five picks after the Buccaneers picked Jameis Winston. Teams in the top five were more concerned about need rather than best player available. That's why those teams (Buccaneers, Titans, Jaguars, Raiders and Redskins) are always picking early.

Pick: Round 1, No. 6 overall
The biggest steal in the draft didn't have to wait long at all to hear his name called. Leonard Williams was the No. 1 overall player on my board and the New York Jets stole him five picks after the Buccaneers picked Jameis Winston. Teams in the top five were more concerned about need rather than best player available. That's why those teams (Buccaneers, Titans, Jaguars, Raiders and Redskins) are always picking early.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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