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There are several redshirt sophomores starting to show up on mock drafts around the web but I'm going to hold off on adding them to mine unless they declare early, even though all of them would go within the top two rounds. They are as follows:
Leonard Floyd OLB, Georgia
Ronnie Stanley LT, Notre Dame
Jack Conklin LT, Michigan State
Gerrod Holliman FS, Louisville
Jordan Phillips NT, Oklahoma
Danielle Hunter DE, LSU
Maxx Williams TE, Minnesota
1. Oakland Raiders - Leonard Williams DT/DE, USC
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, Gabe Jackson, Justin Ellis, Keith McGill
Teams Needs: LT/S/DE/DT/RB/ILB/WR
Donald Penn isn't the future at LT. Maybe Menelik Watson will pan out, but the Raiders should seriously consider an OT here. It's likely, though, the Raiders will continue to revamp their defense. They signed a lot of short-term solutions in free agency but in the long run they need more young talent to pair with Khalil Mack and Justin Ellis.
If Oakland lands the number one overall pick they will most likely auction it off to the highest bidder trying to land Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. Of course they fired Dennis Allen and Reggie McKenzie could be next, and a new coach may want to draft his own QB even though the Raiders just spend a second round pick on Derek Carr.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Marcus Mariota QB, Oregon
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Mike Evans, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Robert Herron
Teams Needs: QB/DE/ILB/OG
The Bucs were giving serious consideration to a lot of QBs in the 2014 draft. 35-year-old Josh McCown has been terrible and Mike Glennon, who his moments versus the Steelers, has largely been terrible as well.
Defensively they could use another CB if Johnathan Banks doesn't progress and they could also stand to draft a defensive end, especially after under-performing Da'Quan Bowers recent suspension.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Randy Gregory DE/OLB, Nebraska
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Blake Bortles, Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson, Storm Johnson
Teams Needs: DE/OLB/S/CB/RB/OG
As with the Raiders, if the Jags end up with the No. 1 overall pick they'll auction it off to the highest bidder looking to draft Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. Now that the Jags have their QB, LT, and WR corps of the future, it's time for Gus Bradley to start working his magic on the defense. They passed on Khalil Mack in favor of Bortles, but Randy Gregory could play the LEO position in Bradley's defensive scheme. When they do pick, it'll come down to Randy Gregory or Leonard Williams.
4. Tennessee Titans - Amari Cooper WR, Alabama
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Taylor Lewan, Bishop Sankey, DaQuan Jones, Zach Mettenberger
Teams Needs: CB/QB/OLB/S/WR
Tennessee needs to call Jake Locker a bust and move on already. They drafted Zach Mettenberger and might give the reins to him for a season or two. One of the positions the Titans didn't get to address in the 2014 draft is CB. They lost Alterraun Verner in free agency and didn't replace him. They also need pass-rushers for their new 3-4 defense and have issues at safety. AT WR Nate Washington is a free agent and Kendall Wright has been an underwhelming first round pick. They also have high hopes for Justin Hunter but so far he has been unable to live up to them. For Mettenberger to succeed the Titans need to improve the weapons around him.
5. 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/RB
The Geno Smith era should be coming to a close. If he had been a first round pick he likely would have been given another season at least, but Rex Ryan can't pass up the opportunity to draft a franchise QB after only taking Geno Smith in the third round.
Elsewhere the Jets need wide receivers and cornerbacks. Stephen Hill was a bust, Eric Decker was a reach free agent signing, and the trade for Percy Harvin is a waste of time. In the secondary they need another CB to pair with Dee Milliner as they currently have safety Antonio Allen playing CB.
6. Washington Redskins - Andrus Peat OT, Stanford
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Trent Murphy, Morgan Moses, Bashaud Breeland, Lache Seastrunk
Teams Needs: DE/S/RT/CB
Washington's young CB's Bashaud Breeland and David Amerson have played very well this season but the Redskins could use another CB. And their young safeties don't look like they are going to pan out. On offense, Tyler Polumbus will be a free agent in 2015 and Washington has had a lot of issues protecting the QB.
Andrus Peat is the one OT prospect who was rated highly going into the season who has not disappointed. He handled Leonard Williams in their game versus USC, although he was recently schooled by Utah's Nate Orchard. He has a long frame and nasty demeanor and compares favorably to Taylor Lewan.
7. New York Giants - Brandon Scherff OT, Iowa
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Odell Beckham, Weston Richburg, Andre Williams
Teams Needs: OT/OG/DE/TE/OLB
The Giants offensive line has been atrocious so far but may just need time to gel. They've spent early picks on Weston Richburg and Justin Pugh, signed J.D. Walton in free agency, and William Beatty is signed through 2018 although there are rumors that he could be released this offseason.
Defensively they are banking that Damontre Moore will step up and replace Justin Tuck. If that doesn't happen, they'll have to draft someone who can. As usual the Giants could use some upgrades at LB but they don't value the position.
Like Reilly Reiff and Brian Bulaga before him, Brandon Scherff is another in a long line of Kirk Ferentz products who plays with solid technique but will get dinged by his average-at-best athleticism and short arms.
8. Carolina Panthers - La'el Collins OG/OT, LSU
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 retirement of Jordan Gross. By far, LT will be their biggest need in 2015. Thankfully for them, this draft class is ripe with quality OT prospects. Otherwise this pick should be devoted to CB or perhaps a WR to pair with Kelvin Benjamin.
La'el Collins is in the similar mold of D.J. Fluker. He has been nothing short of amazing this season, outplaying his peers such as Cedric Ogbuehi and Brandon Scherff. He definitely needs some refinement on his technique but he has an ideal body type for an OT and plays with maximum effort on every snap.
9. Minnesota Vikings - DeVante Parker WR, Louisville
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Anthony Barr, Teddy Bridgewater, Scott Crichton, David Yankey, Antone Exum
Teams Needs: CB/LB/OG/RB/WR
Given AP's off-field issues coupled with his decreased production and the fact he's approaching 30 years old, the Vikings could draft a successor in Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon. Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata have been a pleasant surprises but neither is a three-down back. The vikings also need another receiving threat and simply have to do something about their inability to protect their QB.
During his time in Cincy, Mike Zimmer showed that he loves to collect CB's. They drafted Xavier Rhodes and signed Captain Munnerlyn in free agency but he fits better in the nickel role.
10. Chicago Bears - Landon Collins S, Alabama
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Kyle Fuller, Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton, Ka'Deem Carey, Brock Vereen
Teams Needs: CB/OC/RT/S/SLB
The Bears went into the 2014 draft needing to upgrade their defense and did just that, snagging four potential early starters/contributors. Kyle Fuller has been fantastic so far but the Bears need long-term term upgrades at the other three starting positions in the secondary. It's also just about time to call Shea McClellin a bust and move on. He didn't work out at DE and probably won't work at SLB either. Not to mention that 33 year old Lance Briggs is a free agent so LB is s big need.
11. Atlanta Falcons - Shane Ray DE/OLB, Missouri
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jake Matthews, Ra'Shede Hageman, Devonta Freeman, Prince Shembo
Teams Needs: RT/OLB/OC/TE
Roddy White is expensive and he'll be 33 years old this upcoming season. With Sam Baker missing another season due to injuring the same patella tendon as last year, Jake Matthews future at LT is now even though he has struggled this season. Lamar Holmes however is not the answer at RT. It seems unlikely that the Falcons would spend another high first round pick in back-to-back years on an offensive tackle, but this teams playoff hopes rest on Matt Ryan and right now he's getting killed.
If they do draft for defense here it'll be for an outside rusher. Osi Umenyiora, Sean Weatherspoon, Kroy Biermann, and James Anderson are all free agents.
12. St. Louis Rams - Connor Cook QB, Michigan State
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Greg Robinson, Aaron Donald, Lamarcus Joyner, Tre Mason, E.J. Gaines, Michael Sam
Teams Needs: OG/WR/SLB/QB
The Rams got a king's ransom from the Redskins for the right to draft RGIII, now will they give one up for Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston? With another ACL tear ending his season, we may have seen the last of Sam Bradford in St. Louis. He's not a free agent until 2016, but Jeff Fisher might just start planning for the future of the position.
Connor Cook may be a slight reach but he should see his stock rise as we get closer to the draft. Even though he's not quite a finished product he plays in a pro-style offense, has a strong pocket presence with some mobility, and can make all the throws. He recently stated that he plans on returning for his senior year but he also mentioned that he would consider coming out if he was projected in the top 10.
13. Houston Texans - Kevin White WR, West Virginia
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jadeveon Clowney, Xavier Su'a-Filo, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Louis Nix, Tom Savage
Teams Needs: QB/RT/RG/WR/S/RB
Houston needs to worry about their future at QB. Bill O'Brien drafted Tom Savage in the later rounds and traded for Ryan Mallett, for whom they got two starts before being injured for the remainder of the season before hitting free agency, but with a defense and a running game that can contend now do they have the time to wait? They also need a replacement at WR for Andre Johnson who will be 34 years old next summer and is looking to skip town, not wanting to wait through a rebuilding phase on offense. Also a free agent, Derek Newton has been terrible this season and Houston will likely replace him at some point.
Defensively their front seven appears to be set for the long term but they still have issues in the secondary. Kareem Jackson will be a free agent, so if he leaves they will most likely spend an early round pick on his replacement.
Kevin White has exploded this season out of relative obscurity. He could be a one-year wonder but with the season he is having he could challenge Amari Cooper to be the first WR drafted. He has a lean but muscular build, smooth acceleration, and the strength and tenacity to out-muscle defenders.
14. Cleveland Browns - Shawn Oakman DE/DT, Baylor
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Joel Bitonio
Teams Needs: WR/FS/OLB/DE/RT
Future winner of the Dontari Poe/Margus Hunt combine award for "how the hell is he that big and athletic," Shawn Oakman would form a fearsome duo with Phil Taylor in the front of their defense after they let Ahtyba Rubin leave in free agency. Oddly enough, both Oakman and Taylor are former Nittany Lions who finished their college careers at Baylor.
15. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills) - Dante Fowler jr. DE/OLB, Florida
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Joel Bitonio
Teams Needs: WR/FS/OLB/DE/RT
First, let me point out just how stupid it was for the Bills to trade this pick to move up for Sammy Watkins. Yes he's an elite talent and better than any WR they had on their roster. But essentially they traded Steve Johnson and this pick for him, so basically it's a wash since they failed to upgrade any of the biggest holes on their roster in the process.
Cleveland could go with a WR here to replace Josh Gordon, who is only one more off-the-field issue away from being banned from the NFL, but the Browns should look to improve their pass-rush.
The Browns will most likely lose Ahtyba Rubin and Jabaal Sheard in free agency. At OLB, in addition to losing Sheard, Paul Kruger has been a bust free agent signing and Barkevious Mingo has been pretty inconsistent.
16. Miami Dolphins - Melvin Gordon RB, Wisconsin
Notable 2014 Draft picks: JuWuan James, Jarvis Landry, Billy Turner, Walt Aikens, Jordan Tripp
Teams Needs: RB/LB/S/WR
Miami should continue to build the offense around Ryan Tannehill. At RB, Miami signed Knowshon Moreno to a one-year "prove it" deal and they don't appear to have much faith in Lamar Miller. But Mike Wallace has been a huge bust. The Dolphins need to draft a true number one WR and move Wallace to the slot where he flourished in Pittsburgh.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - Jalen Strong WR, Arizona State
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Dee Ford, Phillip Gaines, De'Anthony Thomas, Aaron Murray
Teams Needs: OT/OG/WR/S/ILB
The Chiefs main issues appear to be on offense, particularly on the line. Eric Fisher has been a total bust, and they let their best interior players leave in free agency. The Chiefs also need a reliable pass-catcher for Alex Smith. Dwayne Bowe would be much better in a secondary role.
On the defensive side their biggest concern must be the pending free agency of Justin Houston. Given what they already pay Tamba Hali, and the fact that they used a first round pick on Dee Ford, it's likely that the Chiefs may not be able to re-sign him.
18. San Fransisco 49ers - Trae Waynes CB, Michigan State
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jimmie Ward, Carlos Hyde, Marcus Martin, Chris Borland, Brandon Thomas, Bruce Ellington
Teams Needs: CB/WR/DE
The biggest issues the 49ers are likely to face is at wide receiver and cornerback. Michael Crabtree will be an oft-injured free agent and Anquan Boldin will turn 35 years old at the start of the 2015 season. In the secondary Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox are liabilities.
19. San Diego Chargers - Cedric Ogbuehi OT, Texas A&M
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jason Verrett, Jeremiah Attaochu
Teams Needs: CB/OL/WR/TE/RB/OLB
The needs most likely to be filled here are for a CB to pair with Jason 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 bring in another WR to compete against Malcom Floyd after cutting Vincent Brown in the offseason. With injury-prone RB Ryan Mathews rookie contract up at the end of the season the Chargers could be looking for his replacement here as well. Offensive line has been an issue for the Chargers for a few years now, especially along the interior, but they will have to decide on free agents King Dunlap and Nick Hardwick. With the road to the playoffs leading through Denver and Peyton Manning, for the next few years at least, the Chargers are best served continuing to upgrade their secondary.
At OLB Dwight Freeney will be a 35 year old free agent in 2015, Jarrett Johnson has been an underwhelming free agent signing, and 2012 first round pick Melvin Ingram missed almost all of the 2013 season with an ACL tear and has missed most of the first half of this season with hamstring and hip injuries. They drafted Jeremiah Attaochu in the second round last year but could still need another eventual starter because of Ingram's injury issues.
Cedric Ogbuehi was long-considered the top OT in this draft class, and a possible contender for the top overall pick, but it's been brutal few weeks for him. While he still flashes the athleticism to be an elite prospect, he clearly still needs time to refine his technique and add some upper body strength.
20. Seattle Seahawks - Danny Shelton NT, Washington
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Paul Richardson, Cassius Marsh, Kevin Norwood
Teams Needs: DE/RT/OG/TE
Seattle needs to upgrade the right side of their offensive line. They spent an early round pick on Justin Britt so they will give him time to develop at RT. Defensively they need to restock the pantry on the line. They lost a lot of linemen in free agency in 2014 and are set to lose Cliff Avril in 2015.
Recently the Seahawks traded Percy Harvin to the Jets for a conditional late round pick but they tried to pry a starting TE from both the Browns and Broncos, so either they aren't happy with Zach Miller's production or they simply want a big-bodied receiving threat for Russell Wilson.
21. Baltimore Ravens - Marcus Peters CB, Washington
Notable 2014 Draft picks: C.J. Mosley, Timmy Jernigan, Terrence Brooks, Brent Urban
Teams Needs: WR/RB/S/CB
The Ravens rarely draft for need and typically take the best player available. They need a running back to replace Ray Rice and even though Steve Smith has been a great addition to the WR corps he is still 35 years old. Plus even though he is likely to be re-signed, Torrey Smith is a free agent. Defensively they need a free safety to pair with Matt Elam and can definitely use more depth at CB.
Marcus Peters is the best CB in this draft class. He's going to fall some after being dismissed from the Washington program but it wasn't for drugs or domestic violence, it was because of bumping heads with the coaching staff. That isn't something the Ravens will likely care much about, after all they took a chance on Jimmy Smith in the first round who came with off-the-field baggage.
22. Detroit Lions - Eddie Goldman NT, FSU
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Eric Ebron, Kyle Van Noy, Travis Swanson
Teams Needs: FS/DT/DE/CB
Detroit really wanted Anthony Barr because it's likely that DC Teryl Austin will eventually start moving the defense into a variation of a 3-4 scheme, especially once they no longer have Nick Fairly and Ndamukong Suh on the roster. Kyle Van Noy's versatility will certainly help with that, but he will more than likely play ILB, meaning that Detroit will need another outside rusher to pair with Ezekiel Ansah. As usual Detroit's biggest Achilles heel is the secondary. They are still waiting for their young CB's to pan out, although Darius Slay has played well this season, but could use another safety to pair with Glover Quin.
The Lions declined the 5th-year option on Nick Fairley making him a free agent in 2015, and will be out-priced for Ndamukong Suh who will almost certainly void the final year of his contract, so it makes sense for them to look for a DT prospect who can anchor the front of DC Austin's 3-4 defense.
23. Arizona Cardinals - Nate Orchard DE/OLB, Utah
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Deone Bucannon, Troy Niklas, Kareem Martin, Logan Thomas
Teams Needs: OLB/ILB/DE/OG/WR
Offensive line and LB are the two clear-cut needs for the Cardinals. 36-year-old John Abraham was put on IR which may finish his career. And whether it's Carson Palmer or Logan Thomas, the Cards need to invest in more than Jared Veldheer to protect their QB. Darnell Dockett will be 34 years old, coming off of an ACL tear, and entering a contract year in 2015.
24. Indianapolis Colts - Markus Golden DE/OLB, Missouri
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Jack Mewhort, Donte Moncrief
Teams Needs: RB/CB/S/OLB/OC/WR
Indy would be a lot more dangerous if Andrew Luck had a consistent running game to balance out the offense. Trading for Trent Richardson was a mistake. Someone like Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley could be a huge addition.
The Colts defense has progressed with each game except for being slaughtered by Ben Roethlisberger in week eight. Bjoern Werner is starting to play like a first round pick and Greg Toler has become a better compliment to Vontae Davis. However the Steelers game showed some weaknesses. With Cory Redding's age and pending free agency there is a need for depth upfront. They also need more depth at CB and possibly even a starter, sliding Toler into the nickel slot.
25. New Orleans Saints - Alvin "Bud" Dupree DE/OLB, Kentucky
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Brandin Cooks, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Khairi Fortt, Ronald Powell
Teams Needs: OC/ILB/OLB/CB/RB
The Saints defense has taken a step back from the gains it made in 2013. After inexplicably cutting Victor Butler they now need a reliable pass-rusher to pair with Junior Galette. The big issue though defensively is at CB. While Keenan Lewis has been a solid free agency pickup Patrick Robinson is a busted first round pick, although they did spend a second round pick on Stanley Jean-Baptiste. If they elect to go offense here they could draft a replacement for Mark Ingram, another first round bust, who is set to become a free agent in 2015. A tall WR who can replace Marques Colston, who appears to be on the decline, could also be an option as well.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers - P.J. Williams CB, Florida State
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Ryan Shazier, Stephon Tuitt, Dri Archer, Martavis Bryant, Daniel McCullers
Teams Needs: OLB/CB/OT/FS/TE/NT
This pick will be completely dependent on whether or not the Steelers re-sign Jason Worilds. If he leaves in free- agency the Steelers will almost assuredly use a first- or second-round pick on his replacement. For the purposes of this mock draft we will assume that he is re-signed.
Aside from OLB, the CB position is by far the greatest area of concern. Unfortunately, in the Kevin Colbert era the Steelers haven't put a lot of emphasis on using early picks on the position. This year, I think that may change. The Steelers have finally gotten to a point where they have talent and/or youth and/or money tied up in every other position so they will have practically no choice but to invest an early pick in a CB.
Offensively, this team is pretty much set at every position. Heath Miller is 32 years old but is still playing at a high-enough level. While they could start searching for a successor, it's unlikely the Steelers would invest an early-round pick in a TE unless Miller has another serious injury.
One area on the offense that could be a concern is at tackle. Overall, this offensive line unit has played much better under the tutelage of Mike Munchak but they still have games where Big Ben is under constant pressure from the opposing pass-rush. Kelvin Beachum has played beyond any of our wildest dreams for a former seventh-round pick but it may not be enough. On the other side, a rotation of Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams will probably have to do for another season at least.
So who will the Steelers be looking to with this pick? To me Marcus Peters is the top CB in this draft class. He's got the size, speed, and toughness to be an elite talent, although his dismissal from Washington for verbal altercations with coaches is definitely going to raise some eyebrows. Not far behind him is Trae Waynes. He's a little slower, a litter stiffer than Marcus Peters but still a top talent. Just behind the two of them is P.J. Williams.
As far as pass-rushers go, there is a plethora to choose from in the first-round. A name that you'll remember from my previous mock draft is Nate Orchard. He's had an amazing season and, after beating up on Andrus Peat, he's now in first-round consideration. The realistic prized jewel, since the Steelers have no shot at Randy Gregory or Shane Ray, is Dante Fowler. His stat line is pretty unimpressive, but that's only because teams actively game plan to avoid him.
Given the Steelers' need for a CB and the assertion that they will re-sign Jason Worilds, the player who makes the most sense is P.J. Williams. He was my preseason pick for the top CB in this draft class. This season, he hasn't been quite as unblemished as many expected, but he's consistently shown good instincts and combines speed, toughness in run support, and a 6-foot-0, 196-pound frame that the Steelers prefer in their CB's. Getting him this late in the first-round should garner a celebration all around from Steelers Nation who have been clamoring for the front office to spend a first-round pick on the position.
27. Cincinnati Bengals - Vic Beasley DE/OLB, Clemson
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Darqueze Dennard, Jeremy Hill, Will Clarke, Russell Bodine, A.J. McCarron
Teams Needs: OC/DE/ILB/SLB
Cincy has done a great job over the last few years of taking the best available player instead of reaching for need. Their biggest need, especially on the offense, is an upgrade at OC. Defensively they lost the pass-rushing prowess of Michael Johnson in free agency, could still use an upgrade at SLB, and need an upgrade over Rey Maualuga who is a free agent in 2015 anyway.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Shaq Thompson LB, Washington
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Zach Martin, Demarcus Lawrence, Ben Gardner, Ahmad Dixon, Terrence Mitchell
Teams Needs: DE/DT/S/LB/RB/QB
Even though they are playing much better this season, this pick will almost certainly be used to upgrade what was a historically bad defense last season. They still need another DE to pair with Demarcus Lawrence, some interior help, and Jerry Jones sounds like he's ready to give up on Morris Claiborne. They were close to drafting Ryan Shazier in 2014, Dallas was even on the phone with him as he was being drafted one pick before by the Steelers, so they will definitely be looking at linebackers, especially since Bruce Carter and Justin Durant are free agents and Sean Lee his injury issues. Rolando McClain is a free agent as well.
Shaq Thomson has been an absolute beast this season. He's a smart, versatile, safety turned linebacker, sideline-to-sideline player, who already has four defensive touchdowns this season.
29. Philadelphia Eagles - Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB, Oregon
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Marcus Smith, Jordan Matthews, Jaylen Watkins, Taylor Hart
Teams Needs: CB/ILB/WR/S
Chip Kelly likes taking players he's familiar with, either those he coached at Oregon or players he coached against in the Pac12. The Eagles could use another playmaker for Nick Foles. Injury-prone Jeremy Macklin will be a free agent and Riley Cooper is inconsistent. Defensively they still have issues in the secondary.
IEO is one of the best man-cover CB's in the draft. While not perfect he has been better than most this season. If he were taller than his listed height of 5-foot-9, he'd probably be the first CB drafted. But if he checks in any shorter, he could fall into the second day of the draft.
30. Denver Broncos - Bernardrick McKinney LB, Mississippi State
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Bradley Roby, Cody Latimer, Lamin Barrow
Teams Needs: ILB/DE/RT
Denver wanted C.J. Mosley or Ryan Shazier because they have issues at LB, especially on the inside. With the offense humming along with Peyton Manning, they'll likely spend most of their picks taking defensive players who can contribute right away. If they do take an offensive player it will almost certainly be for a RT. They have alternated between Chris Clark and Cornick, neither of whom have offered much protection for Manning.
McKinney is versatile enough to play both inside and outside linebacker. He received a second-round grade from the draft advisory committee but returned to school and now has the chance to be a first-round pick.
31. New England Patriots - Todd Gurley RB, Georgia
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Dominique Easley, Jimmy Garoppolo, James White, Cameron Flemming
Teams Needs: OG/OC/CB/NT/S/RB
The Patriots looked like a team built to win now, and they should be with Tom Brady already 37 years old, but this roster has a lot of cracks in it regardless of the roll they are currently on. The offensive line hasn't been able to protect Brady even before trading Logan Mankins to the Bucs. The WR corps have a bunch of question marks as well. Defensively they need a long-term successor to Vince Wilfork and they need to rebuild their secondary. A big issue this season has been the ineffectiveness of the running game, especially with Steven Ridley out for the year. Plus Ridley and Shane Vereen are both pending free agents.
Todd Gurley is often compared to Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson. He combines track-star speed with the power of a mack truck. He's going to fall because of the torn ACL he suffered in his first game back from a four game suspension for selling autographs, but the ACL tear isn't thought to be serious and the Pats took a gamble on Dominique Easley, also coming off of an ACL tear, in the first round last year. Provided he gets back to full strength Gurley could be the steal of the draft, even here in the first round.
32. Green Bay Packers - Denzel Perryman ILB, Miami
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, Davante Adams, Carl Bradford, Jared Abbrederis
Teams Needs: OLB/OT/NT/TE
Green Bay would have taken Ryan Shazier in the 2014 draft because they're looking to increase the speed of their defense. A.J. Hawk is in rapid decline and the Packers need a LB capable of covering TE's down the seam or effectively spying Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson, keeping them from breaking long runs as they have been known to do against a slow Green Bay defense. Otherwise this pick should be devoted to the offensive line. Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod are both injury-plagued free agents.
Round 2:
33. Oakland Raiders - Dorial Green-Beckham WR, Oklahoma
It's rumored that DGB will enter the draft, even though he sat out this season per NCAA transfer rules. Oakland is the type of team willing to take a chance on his off-the-field issues.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ty Sambrailo OT/OG, Colorado State
When teams draft QB's in the first round they typically use their next pick getting him help. T.B.'s OG play has been atrocious.
35. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tevin Coleman RB, Indiana
Toby Gerhart is not a franchise back.
36. Tennessee Titans - Hau'oli Kikaha DE/OLB, Washington
The Titans need to add players who fit their 3-4 defense.
37. New York Jets - Jalen Collins CB, LSU
They converted Antonio Allen from S to CB out of necessity to disastrous results.
38. Washington Redskins - Sammy Coates WR, Auburn
Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, and Aldrick Robinson are all free agents.
39. New York Giants - Shilique Calhoun DE, Michigan State
JPP is a free agent and Mathias Kiwanuka could be a cap casualty.
40. Carolina Panthers - Arik Armstead DE/DT, Oregon
Greg Hardy is an expensive free agent with off-the-field issues.
41. Minnesota Vikings - Spencer Drango OT/OG, Baylor
Matt Kalil has regressed and Minnesota could use upgrades at both OG spots.
42. Chicago Bears - Eric Striker LB, Oklahoma
Lance Briggs is a 34 year old free agent.
43. Atlanta Falcons - Cameron Erving OT/OC, Florida State
Joe Hawley and Peter Konz, a second round bust, are both on IR for the rest of the season.
44. St. Louis Rams - Lorenzo Mauldin DE/OLB, Louisville
The Rams were interested in Khalil Mack because Jeff Fisher wants a pass-rushing SLB.
45. Houston Texans - Brett Hundley QB, UCLA
Hundley is a better prospect than Tom Savage but is still not a finished product.
46. Cleveland Browns - Rashad Greene WR, Florida State
Josh Gordon is one more off-the-field incident away from being banned by the NFL.
47. Buffalo Bills - Duke Johnson RB, Miami
Notable 2014 Draft picks: Sammy Watkins, Cyrus Kouandjio, Preston Brown, Seantrel Henderson
Team needs: QB/TE/LB/RB
Is E.J. Manuel the future at QB? They invested a first round pick in him so all they can do now is to try and build up the offense around him as much as possible. They re-signed 33 year old Fred Jackson and are rumored to be looking to trade C.J. Spiller, so they could potentially be looking for another RB if Spiller is traded. Scott Chandler was also re-signed but it was only to a two-year deal for minimal pay and he could certainly be upgraded. At WR they need a long-term WR to pair with Sammy Watkins. Robert Woods has been a slight disappointment and would probably workout better in the slot.
Defensively the big issue is at linebacker where the Bills are starting a bunch of castoffs. They will get Kiko Alonzo back from injury and Preston Brown should mature into a full time starter but could use an upgrade over Nigel Bradham.
48. Miami Dolphins - Mario Edwards DE/DT, Florida State
Jared Odrick is a free agent in 2015, Randy Starks in 2016.
49. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyrus Thompson OT, Oklahoma
K.C. has a lot of O-line issues.
50. San Francisco 49ers - Ty Montgomery WR, Stanford
Michael Crabtree is a free agent.
51. San Diego Chargers - Ronald Darby CB, Florida State
S.D. needs another CB to pair with Jason Verrett.
52. Seattle Seahawks - Devin Funchess WR/TE, Michigan
Seattle appears to be in the market for a TE or at least a big-bodied receiving threat.
53. Baltimore Ravens - T.J. Yeldon RB, Alabama
Justin Forsett is a free agent, and Bernard Pierce is more of a short yardage back. Ozzie Newsome loves players from his alma mater.
54. Detroit Lions - Eli Harold DE/OLB, Virginia
The Lions need another edge rusher to fit into DC Austin's eventual 3-4defense.
55. Arizona Cardinals - Josue Matias OG, Florida State
Jonathan Cooper is looking like a bust and both OG spots need to be upgraded.
56. Indianapolis Colts - Kevin Johnson CB, Wake Forest
Indy has issues in their secondary.
57. New Orleans Saints - Alex Carter CB, Stanford
Patrick Robinson is a free agent.
58. Pittsburgh Steelers - Malcom Brown DT, Texas
The last time the Steelers spent an early-round pick on a DT from Texas things worked out pretty well. Casey Hampton was the lynchpin of a defense that regularly finished the season ranked in the top-five, and consistently was tops in the NFL against the run. Since the decline and subsequent fall of Hampton, the Steelers have routinely been a middle-of-the-road defense against the run and the pass. Of course there are other reasons for this, but one of the most important cogs in a 3-4 defense is the nose tackle position, and especially having someone who can command constant double-teams to free up the linebackers to make plays. Steve McLendon is solid, if unspectacular, but it would better serve the Steelers to have him in a Chris Hoke-like, rotational backup role with someone who can be this generation's "Big Snack". The "Shade Tree" offers some promise but Daniel McCullers is far from a finished product and can't be counted on in the short-term.
Malcom Brown is a well-built 6-foot-4, 320 pounds. He has tree trunks for thighs and has surprising quickness to go along with a powerful bull rush. He's also a high-character family man, and ESPN recently had a great article profiling him as such.
Given the players available, if the Steelers go in any other direction with this pick they might draft Trey Flowers as depth and a future starter at OLB or choose to bring in more competition at OT with raw-but-very-talented local product T.J. Clemmings.
59. Cincinnati Bengals - Reese Dismukes OC, Auburn
Russell Bodine is not the answer at OC.
60. Dallas Cowboys - Trey Flowers DE, Arkansas
The Cowboys should take the best defensive player available.
61. Philadelphia Eagles - Eric Kendricks LB, UCLA
DeMeco Ryans is on IR and could be a cap casualty in the offseason. And why not have the Kendricks brothers playing side-by-side in the middle of the defense?
62. Denver Broncos - Derron Smith FS, Fresno State
Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter are both free agents.
63. New England Patriots - Ereck Flowers OT, Miami
Dan Connolly and Marcus Cannon are free agents.
64. Green Bay Packers - T.J. Clemmings OT, Pittsburgh
Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod are both injury-plagued free agents.
Round 3:
65. Oakland Raiders - Mike Davis RB, South Carolina
Darren McFadden is an injury-plagued free agent.
66. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Preston Smith DE, Mississippi State
Draft busts Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers are both free agents.
67. Jacksonville Jaguars - Daryl Williams OT, Oklahoma
Austin Pasztor is a free agent who needs to be replaced anyway.
68. Tennessee Titans - Karl Joesph S, West Virginia
George Wilson is a 33 year old free agent.
69. New York Jets - Nelson Agholor WR, USC
The Jets need better pass-catchers for their new QB.
70. Washington Redskins - Henry Anderson DE/DT, Stanford
Jarvis Jenkins is a free agent.
71. New York Giants - Carl Davis DT, Iowa
The Giants need a space-eater with some pass-rushing ability to replace Linval Joseph.
72. Carolina Panthers - Steve Nelson CB, Oregon State
The Panthers secondary is a mess.
73. Minnesota Vikings - Eric Murray CB, Minnesota
Minnesota needs depth at CB.
74. Chicago Bears - Hroniss Grasu OC, Oregon
Roberto Garza and Brian De La Puente are both free agents.
75. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Fisher OT, Oregon
The Falcons have nothing at RT. Mike Johnson and Cameron Bradfield are both free agents.
76. St. Louis Rams - A.J. Cann OG, South Carolina
Davin Joseph is a free agent.
77. Houston Texans - Cody Prewitt S, Ole Miss
Kendrick Lewis and Danieal Manning are both free agents.
78. Cleveland Browns - Corey Robinson OT, South Carolina
Drafting Corey Robinson at RT and moving Mitchell Schwartz to RG could give Cleveland the best run-blocking O-line in the NFL.
79. Buffalo Bills - Sean Hickey OT/OG, Syracuse
Erik Pears and Chris Hairston are both free agents.
80. Miami Dolphins - Kurtis Drummond S, Michigan State
Louis Delmas and Jimmy Wilson are both free agents.
81. Kansas City Chiefs - Tre Jackson OG, Florida State
The Chiefs lost both of their starting OG's in free agency.
82. San Francisco 49ers - Ameer Abdullah RB, Nebraska
Frank Gore will be a 32 year old free agent and Marcus Lattimore retired.
83. San Diego Chargers - Josh Harper WR, Fresno State
Eddie Royal is a free agent and S.D. needs another pass-catcher regardless.
84. Seattle Seahawks - Owamagbe Odighizuwa DE, UCLA
Cliff Avril is a free agent.
85. Baltimore Ravens - Clive Walford TE, Miami
Owen Daniels is a 31 year old free agent and Dennis Pitta has injury issues.
86. Detroit Lions - Charles Gaines CB, Louisville
Rashean Mathis is a 34 year old free agent.
87. Arizona Cardinals - Jalen Mills CB/S, LSU
Antonio Cromartie is a 30 year old free agent.
88. Indianapolis Colts - Christian Covington DT, Rice
Cory Redding is a 34 year old free agent.
89. New Orleans Saints - Jay Ajayi RB, Boise State
Mark Ingram is a first round bust and a free agent in 2015.
90. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jeremy Langford RB, Michigan State
After breaking up "LeBackfield" by releasing LeGarrette Blount, the Steelers find themselves in the market for a backup to Le'Veon Bell besides the unproven and diminutive Dri Archer and the practically unknown Josh Harris. So who better to fill the void than by drafting someone who's used to playing in Bell's shadow?
Jeremy Langford is the north-south, physical bruiser-type of RB that could complement Bell very well. He also excels in the screen game and in pass protection. His speed is a question mark but his conditioning is not.
Drafting a second CB here shouldn't be out of the question considering a need for at least a starter plus some depth. Someone like WKU's Cam Thomas would be a good option, and depth at OLB would be preferable, but there aren't any available prospects who fit as a 3-4 OLB worthy of this pick.
91. Cincinnati Bengals - Za'Darius Smith DE, Kentucky
Cincy misses Michael Johnson's pass-rush.
92. Dallas Cowboys - Gabe Wright DT, Auburn
The Cowboys should spend multiple picks upgrading the defensive line.
93. Philadelphia Eagles - Anthony Harris S, Virginia
Nate Allen is a free agent and Philly has had issues at S ever since Brian Dawkins retired.
94. Denver Broncos - Ben Koyack TE, Notre Dame
Even though Julian Thomas is likely to be re-signed, Jacob Tamme and Virgil Green are also free agents.
95. New England Patriots - Jaquiski Tartt SS, Samford
Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung are both free agents.
96. Green Bay Packers - Byron Jones CB, Connecticut
Tramon Williams is a 31 year old fee agent.
Round 4:
97. Oakland Raiders - Quandre Diggs CB, Texas
Tarell Brown is a free agent.
98. New England Patriots (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Antwan Goodley WR, Baylor
N.E. has had issues at WR for a while.
99. Jacksonville Jaguars - Cam Thomas CB, Western Kentucky
The Jags can't cover anyone and Gus Bradley likes tall CB's.
100. Tennessee Titans - Michael Bennett DT, Ohio State
Karl Klug is a free agent.
101. New York Jets - Arie Kouandjio OG, Alabama
Willie Colon is a 31 year old free agent.
102. Washington Redskins - Cedric Reed DE/OLB, Texas
Brian Orakpo is a free agent.
103. New York Giants - Durrell Eskridge S, Syracuse
Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, and Quintin Demps are all free agents.
104. Carolina Panthers - Justin Hardy WR, East Carolina
Carolina needs some long-term compliments to Kelvin Benjamin.
105. Minnesota Vikings - Laken Tomlinson OG, Duke
Vladimir Ducasse is a free agent in 2015, Charles Johnson will be one in 2016. Both need to be replaced.
106. Chicago Bears - Tony Lippett WR, Michigan State
Santonio Holmes and Josh Morgan are both free agents, Alshon Jefferey will be one in 2016.
107. Atlanta Falcons - Stephon Diggs WR, Maryland
Atlanta may have to cut Roddy White to re-sign 2016 free agent Julio Jones.
108. Tampa Bay buccaneer (via St. Louis Rams) - Ramik Wilson ILB, Georgia
Mason Foster is a free agent.
109. Houston Texans - Eric Rowe S/CB, Utah
Kareem Jackson is a free agent in 2015, Jonathan Joseph in 2016.
110. Cleveland Browns - Alton "Pig" Howard WR, Tennessee
Miles Austin is a free agent.
111. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills) - Sam Carter S, TCU
Tashaun Gipson is a free agent.
112. Miami Dolphins - Nick O' Leary TE, Florida State
Charles Clay is a free agent.
113. Kansas City Chiefs - Jordan Richards S, Stanford
Who knows if/when Eric Berry will be back? Kurt Coleman is a free agent in 2015, Husain Abdullah in 2016.
114. Buffalo Bills (via San Francisco 49ers) - Garrett Grayson QB, Colorado state
Buffalo may not be ready to spend an early round pick on a possible replacement but they need to bring in some insurance in case they need to move on from E.J. Manuel.
115. San Diego Chargers - Javorius Allen RB, USC
Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown are both free agents.
116. Seattle Seahawks - Tony Washington OLB, Oregon
K.J. Wright, Malcolm Smith, and O'Brien Schofield are all free agents.
117. Baltimore Ravens - Corey Crawford DE/OLB, Clemson
Pernell McPhee is a free agent.
118. Detroit Lions - Jarvis Harrison OG, Texas A&M
Rob Sims is a 30 year old free agent.
119. Arizona Cardinals - Austin Hill WR, Arizona
There are rumors that Arizona may trade Larry Fitzgerald.
120. Indianapolis Colts - Matt Jones RB, Florida
Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent and Trent Richardson is a bust.
121. New Orleans Saints - Andy Gallik OC, Boston College
Jonathan Goodwin is a 35 year old free agent.
122. Pittsburgh Steelers - Geneo Grissom OLB, Oklahoma
At some point, perhaps even earlier than here, the Steelers are going to draft an OLB regardless of whether or not they re-sign Jason Worilds. Pittsburgh traditionally likes to have a healthy amount of depth at the position and, as this season has showed, that depth can be tested quite a bit.
Geneo Grissom has enjoyed a solid season after being moved to 3-4 OLB. Much like his teammate Eric Striker, Grissom had a coming-out party of sorts in the Sugar Bowl versus Alabama. He has a solid 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame. He will be going to the Senior Bowl so we could see his stock rise or fall significantly.
123. Cincinnati Bengals - Rory Anderson TE, South Carolina
Jermaine Gresham is a free agent.
124. Dallas Cowboys - Kevin White CB, TCU
Morris Claiborne has been a total bust.
125. Philadelphia Eagles - Tyler Lockett WR, Kansas State
Jeremy Macklin is an injury-plagued free agent.
126. San Fransisco 49ers (via Denver Broncos) - Tyeler Davison DT, Fresno State
Justin Smith is a 35 year old free agent.
127. New England Patriots - Cody Riggs CB/S, Notre Dame
Darrelle Revis is a free agent.
128. Green Bay Packers - Travis Raciti DT, San Diego State
B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion are both free agents.
Round 5:
129. Oakland Raiders - Damian Swann CB/S, Georgia
Charles Woodson is a 38 year old free agent.
130. Buffalo Bills (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Tyler Kroft TE, Rutgers
Scott Chandler is a free agent in 2016.
131. Jacksonville Jaguars - Zach Hodges OLB, Harvard
Geno Hayes and J.T. Thomas are both free agents.
132. Tennessee Titans - Shane Carden QB, East Carolina
Jake Locker is a free agent.
133. New York Jets - Senquez Wilson CB, Ole Miss.
Kyle Wilson is a free agent and was a first round bust.
134. Washington Redskins - Ronald Martin S, LSU
Practically every Washington safety is a free agent.
135. New York Giants - Jake Ryan ILB, Michigan
The Giants have needed to upgrade at LB for years.
136. Carolina Panthers - Jordan Hicks OLB, Texas
Thomas Davis will be an injury-plagued 32 year old free agent in 2016.
137. Minnesota Vikings - Lynden Trail DE, Norfolk State
Corey Wootton is a free agent.
138. Denver Broncos (via Chicago Bears) - Max Garcia OG/OC, Florida
Orlando Franklin is a free agent and Denver could use an upgrade at OC.
139. Atlanta Falcons - Ladarius Hunter CB, Miami
Robert McClain, Josh Wilson, and Javier Arenas are all free agents.
140. St. Louis Rams - Aundrey Walker OG/OT, USC
Joseph Barksdale and Michael Person are both free agents.
141. Houston Texans - Ellis McCarthy NT, UCLA
Jerrell Powe and Ryan Pickett are both free agents.
142. Cleveland Browns - Deshazor Everett CB, Texas A&M
Buster Skrine is a free agent.
143. Buffalo Bills - Charles Tapper DE, Oklahoma
Jerry Hughes is a free agent.
144. Miami Dolphins - Bryce Petty QB, Baylor
Matt Moore is a free agent.
145. Kansas City Chiefs - Melvin Lewis DT, Kentucky
K.C. needs an upgrade at DE.
146. San Fransisco 49ers - Wayne Lyons CB, Stanford
Chris Culliver, Perrish Cox, and Chris Cook are all free agents.
147. San Diego Chargers - B.J. Finney OC, Kansas State
Nick Hardwick is a 33 year old free agent.
148. Seattle Seahawks - David Cobb RB, Minnesota
Marshawn Lynch is mulling retirement.
149. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Baltimore Ravens) - DeAndre Smelter WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs are rumored to be looking to trade Vincent Jackson.
150. Detroit Lions - Jake Smith OC, Louisville
Dominic Raiola is a 35 year old free agent.
151. Arizona Cardinals - Amarlo Herrera ILB, Georgia
Larry Foote is a 34 year old free agent.
152. Indianapolis Colts - Tre McBride WR, William & Mary
Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks are both free agents.
153. New Orleans Saints - Dres Anderson WR, Utah
Robert Meachem is a 30 year old free agent.
154. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jeff Heuerman TE, Ohio State
Is it time to start looking for an eventual replacement for Heath Miller? Probably not, as he still has a couple of good years left in him, but that hasn't stopped the Steelers from using late-round picks at the position. Besides, Matt Spaeth is a 30-year-old free agent with only two catches on the season.
155. Cincinnati Bengals - Ray Drew DE/DT, Georgia
Cincy needs D-line depth. They have an affinity for UGA players.
156. Dallas Cowboys - Austin Shepard OT, Alabama
Doug Free is a 30 year old free agent.
157. Philadelphia Eagles - Christian Lombard OG, Notre Dame
Philly needs to upgrade the interior of their O-line.
158. Denver Broncos - Grady Jarrett DT, Clemson
Terrance Knighton is a free agent.
159. New England Patriots - Chaz Green OT/OG, Florida
Dan Connolly is a 32 year old free agent.
160 Green Bay Packers - Sean Mannion QB, Oregon State
Matt Flynn is a free agent.