2015 NFL first round mock draft

1. Cleveland Browns - Randy Gregory DE/OLB, Nebraska

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Joel Bitonio

Teams Needs: WR/FS/OLB

Well they got Johnny Football, now who is he supposed to throw to? They knew two weeks ago that Josh Gordon was going to face a possible season-long suspension for another failed drug test. Then on the day of the draft they find out that Nate Burleson has a fractured forearm. Instead of taking Sammy Watkins at 4 they trade back and take a CB. Justin Gilbert is a great player but the Browns then went the entire 2014 draft without taking a WR.

If the Browns end up with the number one overall pick they could find themselves cleaning house yet again. A new coach may not like Manziel and will want to draft his own guy but it was owner Jimmy Haslam who wanted him in the first place so it's unlikely that Manziel is going anywhere anytime soon. There aren't any Calvin Johnson-like WR's in this draft class. The second most need is at OLB. Paul Kruger has been a disappointment free agent signing. The Browns could have taken Khalil Mack at 4, so they could take Randy Gregory to play opposite of 2013 first round pick Barkevious Mingo. I don't expect Gregory to go number one overall but he's the only choice who makes sense for the Browns this early.

2. Oakland Raiders - Cedric Ogbuehi OT, Texas A&M

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, Gabe Jackson, Justin Ellis, Keith McGill

Teams Needs: LT/S/DE/RB/ILB/WR

I thought the Oakland Raiders filled a bunch of needs without having to reach. This was and is a roster with many holes on it but Reggie McKenzie looks like he has the team headed in the right direction.

One of the biggest holes that was not addressed was at offensive tackle. They signed band-aid Donald Penn in free agency but he's merely a short-term solution. They also have the untested Menelik Watson. Had the Raiders traded back like they wanted to do their likely target would have been Taylor Lewan.

Cedric Ogbuehi has Greg Robinson-like size and athletic ability and is already said to be better than Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews. He could ultimately challenge any other player in his draft class for the number one overall pick.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Shilique Calhoun DE, Michigan State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Blake Bortles, Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson, Storm Johnson

Teams Needs: DE/OLB/S/CB/RB/OG

Some people might have thought of Blake Bortles as a reach at number three but he fills Jacksonville's biggest need and he has higher upside than any other QB in the draft class. As long as he's nurtured with kid gloves he could definitely be the best QB to come out of the 2013 draft. Plus he's a local boy which helps fill seats, something that Jacksonville has had trouble with. They also went out and got him two first round-quality WR's with their next two picks to aid in his development. Throw in Luke Joeckel from the year before and they have the makings of a very solid offense going forward.

Defensively they could have easily taken Khalil Mack at number three. They need someone who can play the Leo position in Gus Bradley's defense. Chris Clemons can do it in the short-term but someone like Shilique Calhoun can do it going forward.

Defensive-minded coaches have a tendency of using early draft picks on offense with the notion that they have the talent to transform late-round defensive picks into starters, as evidenced by Joeckel, Bortles, etc. and could take a RB to complete the offensive overhaul. The RB position has been devalued by Todd Gurley have Adrian Peterson-like talent.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Marcus Mariota QB, Oregon

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Mike Evans, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Robert Herron

Teams Needs: QB/DE/ILB/OG

Are the Bucs planning on moving from the NFL to the NBA? Mike Glennon, Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins have the makings of a very good basketball team. But speaking of Glennon, all throughout Lovie Smith's brief tenure as the Bucs coach he's made it seem like Mike Glennon is not his QB of the future. They are slated to start 35 year old journeyman Josh McCown for the upcoming season. That means that in 2015 the Bucs could be looking to maker a change at the position.

It was looking to be neck-and-neck between Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston for the top QB in 2015 but then Winston had to go and shoplift some crab legs. When you add that to some other off-the-field stuff it's likely that given the choice between the two most teams will go with Mariota.

5. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills) - Amari Cooper WR, Alabama

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Joel Bitonio

Teams Needs: WR/FS/OLB

First off, let me just say how stupid it was for the Bills to trade this pick to move up for Sammy Watkins. Yes he is an elite talent and better than any WR they had on their roster, but they essentially traded him for Steve Johnson and this pick so it's basically a wash and they failed to upgrade any of their biggest holes on the roster in the process.

I've already mentioned that there isn't a Calvin Johnson-like WR for the Browns to take this early in the draft but the projected best available so far should be Amari Cooper.

6. Washington Redskins - Leonard Williams DT/DE, USC

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Trent Murphy, Morgan Moses, Bashaud Breeland, Lache Seastrunk

Teams Needs: DE/OG

Washington's ultimate draft grade will hinge on whether or not the team is able to re-sign Brian Orakpo to a long-term contract. I get drafting Trent Murphy as insurance but if they do sign him it means they used their first pick for depth purposes when they could have filled a need.

Speaking of needs, Washington's run defense in 2013 was abysmal as was their interior pass-rush.They signed Jason Hatcher to help with that but he's already 32 years old. Leonard Williams would vastly help with both issues. Since drafting 3-4 DE's in the top 10 isn't generally a good idea they could draft an OT and play Morgan Moses at RG, or a CB to pair with David Amerson.

7. Minnesota Vikings - P.J. Williams CB, Florida State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Anthony Barr, Teddy Bridgewater, Scott Crichton, David Yankey, Antone Exum

Teams Needs: CB/ILB

Minnesota had a great draft, filling a lot of needs with quality players. They got great value for Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Zimmer got his man to play the pass-rushing OLB role with Anthony Barr. Heading into 2015 the Vikings shouldn't have a lot of needs.

The Vikings have one shutdown CB from Florida State in 2013 first round pick Xavier Rhodes and here they can get a second. Chris Cook was a huge disappointment. They signed Captain Munnerlyn in free agency but he fits better in the nickel role.

Right now P.J. Williams is rated slightly above his teammate Ronald Darby.

8. New York Jets - Jameis Winston QB, Florida State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Calvin Pryor, Jace Amaro, Dakota Dozier, Trevor Reilly

Teams Needs: QB/WR/RT/CB

The Jets are so desperate for a franchise QB that they went and signed 34 year old Mike Vick. The Geno Smith era in NY seems to be coming to a close. They also spent a late round pick on Tajh Boyd but he's more of the same.

Jameis Winston comes with some off-the-field issues but from a talent standpoint he may be better than Marcus Mariota. If they want to continue to go with some combination of Vick, Smith, and Boyd the Jets have several other issue to deal with, notably at WR and at CB.

9. Dallas Cowboys - Mario Edwards DE, Florida State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Zach Martin, Demarcus Lawrence, Ben Gardner, Ahmad Dixon, Terrence Mitchell

Teams Needs: DE/DT/S/LB/RB

The Cowboys managed to get some solid depth in the later rounds but overall didn't do much to address their biggest needs which are on the defensive line. As such it'll be an issue yet again in 2015.

This is starting to be the all-FSU draft. If their top rated juniors declare early we could see as many as five FSU players taken in the first round.

10. Detroit Lions - Ronald Darby CB, Florida State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Eric Ebron, Kyle Van Noy, Travis Swanson

Teams Needs: FS/DT/DE/CB

Detroit re-signed Brandon Pettigrew and they have Joseph Fauria on the roster so the Eric Ebron pick is a little confusing. I'm assuming they plan on using Ebron as a WR so he sort of fits. They really wanted Anthony Barr for new DC Teryl Austin's system but they got good value for Kyle Van Noy in the second.

Where Detroit ultimately goes in the first round in 2015 will hinge on the development of their young CB's. If they don't make the leap they could all start to get replaced. If he's available Leonard Williams would replace Nick Fairley whom the Lions have declined to pick up his 5th year option.

I didn't mean to put four FSU players in a row, it just worked out like that. But if all four declare for the 2015 draft it is likely they would all become first round picks.

11. Tennessee Titans - Jalen Collins CB, LSU

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Taylor Lewan, Bishop Sankey, DaQuan Jones, Zach Mettenberger

Teams Needs: CB/QB/DE/OLB

Personally I think the Titans hit a home run with Taylor Lewan. Unfortunately unless there is an injury or he plays so well during the preseason that the Titans cut Michael Roos, Lewan will be riding the bench in 2014. They are transitioning to a 3-4 defense and some growing pains are to be expected. Some players won't fit and will need to be replaced. They managed to draft Zach Mettenberger, and he could be a replacement for the disappointing Jake Locker, but there are possible back issues with him not to mention he is coming back from an ACL tear. And of course there is the off-the-field stuff.

One of the positions the Titans didn't get to address is CB. They lost Alterraun Verner in free agency and didn't replace him. Thankfully for them there are currently 6 or so CB's who should receive a first round grade for the 2015 draft.

12. St. Louis Rams - Dante Fowler jr. DE, Florida

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Greg Robinson, Aaron Donald, Lamarcus Joyner, Tre Mason, E.J. Gaines, Michael Sam

Teams Needs: FS/OG/WR/SLB

It's easy to have a successful draft when you have two early first round picks. The only questions facing the Rams in 2015 are whether Sam Bradford is the QB of the future and is there a number one WR on the roster. They seem committed to Bradford and probably won't shop for another QB until his rookie contract is up in 2016. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey make good two and three WR's but Brian Quick has been a bust.

If we know anything about Jeff Fisher it is that he likes to collect pass-rushers. In 2015 Chris Long will be 30 years old and expensive. If the Rams want to start to re-sign players at other positions they may have to make some cuts and Chris Long could be one of them.

13. Houston Texans - Landon Collins SS, Alabama

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jadeveon Clowney, Xavier Su'a-Filo, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Louis Nix, Tom Savage

Teams Needs: RT/S/ILB/LG

Houston hit a home run with their draft, which should be a given when you have the first pick in every round. They should have four day one starters and a QB who should be ready to start by 2015. Their late round picks will all contribute in some way by providing quality depth.

Going forward the Texans biggest issues on offense are at RT and LG. This pick will likely be used to continue to bolster the defense. D.J. Swearinger was a 2013 second round pick who did not have a smooth rookie season. If he continues to struggle again he could be replaced. In any event Houston could look for an upgrade over Shiloh Keo regardless. And if Tom Savage doesn't pan out, he is a fourth round pick after all, the Texans could look at Brett Hundley here.

Landon Collins has the potential to be something special at safety. Where Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix didn't really have that "wow factor" Collins seemingly doesn't have any limitations. He's fast, physical, with soft hands and would be a big upgrade for Houston. He's the reason Vinnie Sunseri declared early for the draft knowing he wouldn't have been an early draft pick, because he wasn't going to beat out Landon Collins.

14. Carolina Panthers - Andrus Peat OT, Stanford

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Kelvin Benjamin, Kony Ealy, Trai Turner, Tre Boston

Teams Needs: OT/WR/CB/WLB

The Panthers had two major needs that should've been addressed in the 2014 draft. They filled one with Kelvin Benjamin but they failed to draft some protection for Cam Newton after the retiring of Jordan Gross. LT will be by far their biggest need in 2015. Thankfully for them this draft class is ripe with quality OT prospects.

15. Miami Dolphins - Todd Gurley RB, Georgia

Notable 2014 Draft picks: JuWuan James, Jarvis Landry, Billy Turner, Walt Aikens, Jordan Tripp

Teams Needs: RB/LB/OG/S

As predicted by everyone the Dolphins spent the bulk of their 2014 draft improving the offense around Ryan Tannehill. Unfortunately the work will need to continue in 2015 as well. At RB they signed Knowshon Moreno to a one-year "prove it" deal. Either he won't or he will at which point he may price himself our of Miami.

Todd Gurley has Adrian Peterson-like qualities. He combines track star speed with the power of a mack truck, and should buck the trend of RB's not being picked until the second round.

16. New York Giants - Ray Drew DE/DT, Georgia

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Odell Beckham, Weston Richburg, Andre Williams

Teams Needs: DE/TE/OLB

I really wasn't a big fan of the Giants draft. Odell Beckham was arguably the best player available but didn't come close to filling a need. They upgraded at OC which was paramount because their protection of Eli Manning was their biggest issue. The rest of their draft class looks more like depth instead of potential starters.

The Giants are banking that Damontre Moore is going to step up and replace Justin Tuck. If that doesn't happen they'll have to draft someone who can.

Ray Drew plays DE in Georgia's 3-4 defense but he's not your classic over-sized, can only plug the running lanes-type of 5-technique. He's the typical athletic freak that the Giants prefer who can play the outside on early downs and move inside on 3rd-and-long situations.

17. San Diego Chargers - Nelson Agholor WR, USC

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jason Verrett, Jeremiah Attaochu

Teams Needs: CB/OG/WR/TE

Jason Verrett and Jeremiah Attaochu filled S.D.'s biggest needs as well as represented great value picks. Heading into 2015 they shouldn't have too many pressing needs.

The needs most likely to be filled here are for a CB to pair with Verrett and a #2 WR. Keenan Allen was a steal in 2013 and Eddie Royal is great in the slot but the Chargers need to being in another WR to compete against Malcom Floyd.

Nelson Agholor doesn't have blazing speed or a monster frame but he is great at everything he does from catch ability to route running.

18. Chicago Bears - Trae Waynes CB, Michigan State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Kyle Fuller, Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton, Ka'Deem Carey, Brock Vereen

Teams Needs: CB/OC/RT/S

The Bears went into the draft needing to upgrade their defense and did just that, snagging four potential early starters/contributors. Depending on where they choose to play Kyle Fuller the Bears will still need another CB or S to complete the overhaul of their secondary.

19. Cincinnati Bengals - Cameron Erving OT, Florida State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Darqueze Dennard, Jeremy Hill, Will Clarke, Russell Bodine, A.J. McCarron

Teams Needs: CB/DE/DT/LT

Outside of Darqueze Dennard, who was not only the best player available but also filled arguably their biggest need, the Bengals draft wasn't really all that impressive. Jeremy Hill could've been considered the best RB in the draft but it was overkill with "The Law Firm" and Giovanni Bernard already on the roster. And Will Clarke really isn't a good fit for their defense.

The Bengals needs going into 2015 will be roughly the same as they were before the draft. Terence Newman and Adam Jones are both old, and Leon Hall is 30 and coming back from his second ruptured Achilles in three years. Plus if Dre Kirkpatrick doesn't finally start to show something he'll likely be considered a bust. As such the Bengals could find themselves looking for a CB early in the 2015 draft. Offensively they moved Andrew Whitworth to OG when Clint Boling was injured and he played much better. They could keep him there but no longer have Anthony Collins to play LT.

20. Arizona Cardinals - Noah Spence DE/OLB, Ohio State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Deone Bucannon, Troy Niklas, Kareem Martin, Logan Thomas

Teams Needs: OLB/CB/RB

I think everyone was shocked when they took Deone Bucannon, most had a second round grade on him constituting a reach. He did fill a need however. They also got a couple of players who could succeed Darnell Dockett and a developmental QB who could be a good fit for Bruce Arians offense.

One issue they failed to address was at OLB. They have 36 year old John Abraham and not much else to generate a pass-rush.

21. Atlanta Falcons - Stephon Diggs WR, Maryland

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jake Matthews, Ra'Shede Hageman, Devonta Freeman, Prince Shembo

Teams Needs: TE/WR/DE

Jake Matthews filled a huge need but I don't get why they took Ra'Shede Hageman, especially after signing Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson as well as re-signing several of their own DT's in free agency.

After spending a lot of time, effort, and free agency dollars fixing the defense Thomas Dimitroff will likely go back to doing what he does best, devoting all of his time and energy into making this an offensive based team. After the mega draft day trade that brought Julio Jones to Atlanta the Falcons could be looking to spend another first round pick on a WR. Roddy White is expensive and will be 33 years old this upcoming season.

22. Kansas City Chiefs - La'el Collins OG/OT, LSU

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Dee Ford, Phillip Gaines, De'Anthony Thomas, Aaron Murray

Teams Needs: RT/WR/S/ILB

Much like with the Redskins selection of Trent Murphy I understand taking a player as insurance in case they can't afford a future free agent, but if the Chiefs do re-sign Justin Houston then they just spent a valuable first round pick on a depth player.

The Chiefs lost a lot of free agent offensive linemen and only spent late round picks to replace them. Someone like Collins, who is big-bodied and can play both OG and OT, will appeal to Andy Reid.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB, Oregon

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Marcus Smith, Jordan Matthews, Jaylen Watkins, Taylor Hart

Teams Needs: CB/ILB

Much like the Cardinals, Philly took a player widely viewed as a second round pick although he filled a need. The rest of their picks were well used for solid depth with a few who could challenge for starting positions. Jordan Matthews certainly does satisfy their want for a big-bodied WR.

Chip Kelly likes taking players he is familiar with, either ones he coached at Oregon or played against in the Pac12. The Eagles need to upgrade at CB.

24. Indianapolis Colts - Jalen Mills CB, LSU

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jack Mewhort, Donte Moncrief

Teams Needs: CB/S/OLB/OC

I have to say I think Indy probably has one of the worst draft classes. I know they needed protection for Andrew Luck but there were better players available than Jack Mewhort. They weren't armed with a lot of picks though but if you count Trent Richardson, for whom they traded their first round pick for, than it really brings down their draft grade.

Outside of Vontae Davis Indy needs to upgrade their entire secondary. Thankfully for them the 2015 draft should be loaded with top shelf CB prospects.

25. Baltimore Ravens - T.J. Yeldon RB, Alabama

Notable 2014 Draft picks: C.J. Mosley, Timmy Jernigan, Terrence Brooks, Brent Urban

Teams Needs: RT/OC/WR/CB/RB

The Ravens got a lot of good quality players in the draft but it doesn't appear like many of them will have a chance to contribute early. Mosley may have been the best player available but they just re-signed Daryl Smith and drafted Arthur Brown in the second round last year. I also don't get drafting Timmy Jernigan. I understand that good DC's can find room for good players but it seems more likely that Brent Urban is going to get more early playing than he will.

The Ravens rarely draft for need so the most likely best player available who makes any kind of sense for them is T.J. Yeldon. We all know that Ozzie Newsome likes drafting players from his alma mater. Plus Ray Rice has recently had his off-the-field issues and his stats have been trending down although some of that is due to inconsistent line play. Bernard Pierce also had a down year as well.

The RB position could see a resurgence in 2015. Todd Gurley, T.J. Yeldon, South Carolina's Mike Davis, and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon are all better than the RB's who have come out of the draft in recent years.

26. Seattle Seahawks - Spencer Drango OT, Baylor

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Paul Richardson, Cassius Marsh, Kevin Norwood

Teams Needs: DE/RT/OG/TE

With the exception of their third round pick, which I thought was a major reach, the Seahawks had a pretty good draft. They managed to get a lot of high upside players to develop for when they are unable to re-sign their current stars once they become free agents.

Seattle's biggest issues heading into 2014 will be the same heading into 2015. They must restock the pantry on defense and they must improve the protection for Russell Wilson. Seattle puts a lot of stock in SPARQ ratings, which measure a players athletic ability. Spencer Drango will probably have the second highest rating among the offensive linemen in this draft class.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers - Bernardrick McKinney OLB, Mississippi State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Ryan Shazier, Stephon Tuitt, Dri Archer, Martavis Bryant, Daniel McCullers

Teams Needs: OLB/CB/OT/TE

Admittedly the Ryan Shazier pick took me by surprise much like it did for everyone else. We all assumed that the Steelers would take the best available cornerback as long as Justin Gilbert, Kyle Fuller, or Darqueze Dennard were available. Well the latter of the three was still on the board but the Steelers opted to go for the best player available, as is their motif. In the days that have followed I think we're all in consensus that Shazier was actually the player who best fits not only the Steelers draft philosophy but also what they are trying to accomplish on defense which is not just to add talent but get faster. Most draft media outlets agree that the Steelers draft was a home run, with the one caveat being that they waited until the fifth round to address their need at CB while drafting a role player in the third round.

So what do we know and what have we learned about the Steelers from this past draft? Yes they probably would have taken Justin Gilbert had he been available at 15 but they will generally adhere to the philosophy of drafting front seven defensive players and offensive linemen with early picks and use middle round picks at CB or WR. And with the Dick LeBeau influence they will draft an Ohio State product if it fills a need.

So what will the Steelers needs be in 2015? Well they did wait until the fifth round to address their need at CB. Ike Taylor will be a 35 year old free agent. OT could be a big issue as well. Marcus Gilbert will be a free agent and Mike Adams will be heading into the final year of his rookie deal. We should also have a definitive answer as to whether former seventh round pick Kelvin Beachum can handle the starting LT duties. But potentially the biggest issue is at OLB. Provided the Steelers do not move one of the inside guys like Vince Williams or rookie Jordan Zumwalt to the outside the depth will consist of Chris Carter and not much else. and to add to that is the uncertainty with starters Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds. Jones didn't show much in his rookie year but he should show progress in his second year. Jason Worilds is working on a one-year "prove it" deal since it sounds like the Steelers will not lock him up with a long-term contract before the start of the season. He could either not play well in which case the Steelers wouldn't want him back or he could play well enough that the Steelers won't be able to re-sign him. If Jason Worilds is not in a Steelers uniform when the 2015 draft rolls around it's almost a given that they will use this pick on his replacement.

Noah Spence would seem to be the ideal candidate to replace Jason Worilds. Similar in build to LaMarr Woodley, the man for whom Worilds replaced, he even adheres to the Ohio State/Dick LeBeau draft requirement. Unfortunately, or fortunately if that's how you choose to view it, Spence is likely to go early in the first round and is out of reach here.

Bernardrick McKinney shares some similarities with another prospect many Steelers fans were clamoring for in the 2014 draft, Anthony Barr. He's is a lean 6-foot-5, 235 pounds who is still learning the OLB position after converting from the offense, albeit he was recruited as a QB instead of a RB like Barr. He considered entering the 2014 draft as a redshirt sophomore but made the right choice to return and become a potential first round pick. He's still developing his frame and could be a monster when it's all said and done.

28. New Orleans Saints - Denzel Perryman ILB, Miami

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Brandin Cooks, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Khairi Fortt, Ronald Powell

Teams Needs: OC/ILB/OLB/CB

The Saints were able to replace underrated role player Lance Moore as well as fill a lot of needs on the defense. The only issue is that we don't know who is going to replace Brian De La Puente at OC?

In 2015 it should essentially be more of the same. The Saints need a tall WR to eventually replace Marques Colston, and they need to continue to upgrade the defense. They spent a third round pick on Khairi Fortt because they need to upgrade over David Hawthorne but Denzel Perryman is good enough to break the first round curse that has plagued the Miami program in recent years.

29. Green Bay Packers - Vic Beasley OLB, Clemson

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, Davante Adams, Carl Bradford, Jared Abbrederis

Teams Needs: OLB/TE/OC

Green Bay went into the draft without any dire needs except at safety, so they hit a home run when they drafted "Ha Ha" Clinton-Dix. The rest of the players all provide high upside depth. Like the Saints the Packers didn't really address their need to replace an OC they lost in free agency.

Vic Beasley is like a poor man's Von Miller. He would help Ted Thompson increase team speed on defense, something that he has publicly stated that he wants to do, and would provide insurance behind Clay Matthews and Nick Perry, both of whom have have issues with injury.

30. New England Patriots - Jalen Strong WR, Arizona State

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Dominique Easley, Jimmy Garoppolo, James White, Cameron Flemming

Teams Needs: CB/NT/OC/TE/S

I really didn't get the Patriots draft at all. I can understand planning for the future but Tom Brady will be 37 years old this season, the Patriots should be emulating Denver and be in "win now' mode. They have an aging superstar at QB and should be using picks that can benefit the team this season while they have a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. Drafting a DT who may need to redshirt his rookie season and a QB who is going to sit on the bench for the next two or three years with your first two picks is crazy.

Hopefully the Patriots will get back to drafting the best player available who can help this team now. They are constantly shuffling their WR corps, using free agent castoffs and late round picks.

31. San Fransisco 49ers - Alex Carter CB, Stanford

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jimmie Ward, Carlos Hyde, Marcus Martin, Chris Borland, Brandon Thomas, Bruce Ellington

Teams Needs: CB?

Boy it's really easy to have a great draft when you have eleven picks, six in the first three rounds, and not many immediate needs to fill. It allowed the 49ers to get the best value that they could with each pick, even getting players that they can afford to let them redshirt and recoup from an injury suffered in college.

As it stands the 49ers should have practically no needs that will have to be addressed in 2015. They do need depth at CB. First round safety Jimmie Ward will be used in the nickel CB role but they could use another CB to play on the outside.

32. Denver Broncos - Eric Striker OLB, Oklahoma

Notable 2014 Draft picks: Bradley Roby, Cody Latimer, Lamin Barrow

Teams Needs: ILB/DE/RT

The Broncos did exactly what the Patriots should have done, they drafted to "win now". They understand that their window for winning a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning is closing so they drafted players who can have the quickest impact on the team.

Denver wanted C.J. Mosley and would've taken Ryan Shazier as well. Eric Striker(excellent football name by the way) is a lighting-fast 4-3 pass-rushing OLB prospect who is very similar in the mold of Shazier. He abused Cyrus Kouandjio in the Sugar Bowl.