The NCAA ALL-STAR games are almost full now , so you know people are thinking about the 2015 draft. Regular season performances, post-season performances, the salary cap, free agency, players leaving school early, players deciding to stay in school, injuries etc, can and will change the draft. Team needs and players' stock will rise and fall in the long months until the actual draft takes place. After the bowl games a lot of players will rapidly declare their draft intentions, but as of now this draft doesn't look anywhere near as good as the 2014 draft was. NFL Player comparisons have been added .So next to each player is the NFL player we feel they will most resemble in their prime if they are a hit. I am watching a ton of tape right now, especially DB's, and next week I will be putting up my top 75.The comp is for on the field play only ,and the higher they are ranked the more likely we think they will reach that comparison.
# Is for a player with with reported character or maturity concerns
** Is for a player with reported injury concerns
1.TAMPA BAY-#-JAMEIS WINSTON-QB-FLORIDA ST-NFL COMP-WARREN MOON-retired- The bucs have went back to Josh McCown as their starter. That is a clear sign they don't see Mike Glennon as their QB of the future. With Winston being a Florida guy, I could see there being plenty of pressure to take him, as long as he he has no more off the field incidents leading up to the draft. Lovie Smith is a players' coach who probably thinks he can reach and motivate Jameis. What he really needs is a QB guru on staff that Winston will listen to and learn from. Lets hope Lovie is right and he hires the right guy to bring Winston along. While I would take Mariota, I think the pressure to take a homegrown winner like Winston could influence ownership in to take the troubled but talented Jameis, over the less polished passer (but safer ) Mariota.
***The BEARS TRADE their first round (#9) pick and JAY CUTLER to the TITANS for the their own first round pick (#7) ***
2.CHICAGO-MARCUS MARIOTA-QB-OREGON-NFL COMP-RG3-WASH-retired-The Jay Cutler era has probably come to an end in Chicago with his benching, but the question is do they keep Marc Trestman . If they are going to get a young QB Trestman could be the guy to tutor him. Or they could go with someone more spread conscious. Either way , Mariota brings new hope to Bears fans. While he isn't as far along as a passer as a NFL team would like in a franchise QB, he has improved every season in all facets of his game. He also had good tools, is clean off the field, and is a proven leader.
3.JACKSONVILLE-BRANDON SCHERFF-IOWA-NFL COMP-JOE STALEY-SF-While they drafted pretty well for the long term this year, their choices didn't exactly scream win now. A project QB in the first round and a injured CB in the 4th makes this season less likely to end well. With those two possibly red-shirting, and the plan being to start the underwhelming Chad Henne behind a bad O-line for at least half the season, this year looked like a lost cause already. However, after 3 weeks of bad offense the Jags decided to throw Blake Bortles into the fire, ready or not. While Blake is a big tough guy with mobility, he is still behind a bad O-line. 2013 #2 overall pick Luke Joeckel hasn't quite lived up to his draft status yet, but there is still plenty of time for that. Early on Scherff was slowed by an injury he came back from too quickly, but the attitude he plays with could help this entire team step forward. The top 3 pre-season OT's have all had their miscues this season, but Scherff is the only one with a legit reason to explain it. Plus, he has improved as he has gotten healthier. I expect whichever OT is the consensus #1 after the senior bowl will go here, but Scherff is the safest of them all, and he has the best technique. At the very least he will be a long term starter at one tackle spot, A mauler like him has the kind of attitude that can infect an entire O-line.
4.NYJ-**- RANDY GREGORY-DE/OLB-NEBRASKA-SIMEON RICE-retired-The Jets badly need a QB. However, Mariota and Winston are the only two QB's that could end up top 5 picks. After QB their number one need is corner, but there also aren't any corners worth this high a pick. No matter who the coach is next season a player that can help the pass rush whether they run a 3-4 or 4-3 will be needed. A better rush from the edge will also help any corners on the roster.Gregory has an ideal frame with long arms, and he is agile enough to rush off the edge in a 3-4 or 4-3. Once that frame is filled out with another 20 to 30 pounds of muscle, he can be even better.
5.OAKLAND-LEONARD WILLIAMS-DT/DE-USC-NFL COMP-MUHAMMAD WILKERSON-NYJ- The Raiders might have ruined what could have been a franchise altering trade by beating San Francisco. They could still end up with the # 1 picks, but as of now any chance of auctioning off the pick to the highest bidder and quickly restocking the franchise is gone . In this scenario Leonard Williams still falls to them, but that's probaly only a 50/50 scenario. DE Coach Dennis Allen has already been fired , and despite an excellent draft in 2014 , GM Reggie Mckenzie is on the hot seat as well. They spent too much money and overpaid for too many way past their prime players. They probably should give Derek Carr at least one more year at QB to see if he's the guy, but new GM's and coaches are famous for wanting their own guy. Since we haven't seen the final outcome of Carr getting his chance yet , we will just give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Williams is an elite DT/DE prospect: tall, long arms, strong, and quick. You name it he's got it. He can rush the passer well enough to be a 3 technique , or hold the point as a 5 technique and still give you a pass rush when they run a 3-4. I would say he is one of the most gifted overall players eligible for the 2015 draft.
6.WASHINGTON- SHANE RAY-OLB/DE-MIZZ- NFL COMP-CLAY MATTHEWS-GB--If Brian Orapko could stay healthy all year, the 'Skins would probably have payed him, but he is out for the year again. . If RG3 returns to form this offense is dangerous, but I'll believe in this defense only after I see them produce. Their secondary is the main question right now, but nothing makes a secondary better quickly than a good pass rush, and there is no secondary player worth this high of a pick. The offensive line could also use a boost.Ray didn't get as much spotlight as the steady Kony Ealy or media creation Michael Sam last season. He did however make a lot of plays as an edge rusher. Now he has a chance to shine in the spotlight, has been a far better player than either, and he has a relentless motor. He is fast off the ball, closes really well, and his best position in the pro's is as a rush backer.
7.TENNESEE-(chicago)-LANDON COLLINS-S-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-HARRISON SMITH-N.DAME-Zack Mettenburger's chances of being the long term answer took a bog hot whne he got hurt again. Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt is in win now mode and would probably prefer a veteran QB, although it would be smarter to just sit tight and take Mariota or Winston. They have a talented roster that has been racked by big injuries this year, and might just be a healthy roster & a solid QB from the playoffs in the leagues weakest division. Whisenhunt probably feels he can fix Cutlers weaknesses, and that may be true, but I think the fresh start away from the spotlight in Chicago is far more likely to help Jay than anything Ken can do. So the need to fix some other area of their roster here, and safety is a good way to go to get value for their pick. The top 3 Titan safeties will be 30 next season and its unlikely all three will be back. Micheal Griffin makes over 8 million a year and his play was not worth that this season, Bernard Pollard is coming off of a torn Achilles, and George Wilson's play was just OK this year. Collins is a versatile player that can fit onto any secondary and the consensus best safety in this draft.
8.CAROLINA-RONNIE STANLEY-OT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-DUANE BROWN-HOU-Jordan Gross retiring seems to have caught the Panthers by surprise, and they didn't do much to remedy it in the draft. Their plan to move Byron Bell to the left side smacks of desperation to me. Their other option is converted former TE /DT Nate Chandler. He is a great athlete , but they are counting on him to make a Jason Peters-like jump up this year. Maybe they are right and both are undiscovered studs, but that seems like two huge gambles to base the health of your franchise QB. Even a physical specimen like Newton can only take so many hits and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets hurt this season. He is already coming off a rebuilt ankle this off-season. He also recently suffered a fractured rib in the pre-season. At least they made a concerted effort to get him a better(or at least more reliable and supportive) receiving core, but at this point a healthy Steve Smith is still better than anyone they now have. In 2013 Stanley was the right tackle at N, Dame, and played very well.,but he has made the transition over to the left side this year with good results. In fact he has been improving as the year goes along, You can bet your ass that Newton would be happy to know Stanley was on his blind side.
9.SAINTS-VICTOR BEASLEY-OLB/DE-CLEMSON-NFL-COMP-VON MILLER-DENV -The saints pass rush has let them down this year. They want to run at least a hybrid 3-4 and to do that they need someone on the edge besides Junior Galette who can get to the QB. This makes Cam Jordan more valuable as well, because he is a much better player inside or as 3-4 end. Beasley has been a highly productive pass rusher two years running ,and he has the agility to also drop into coverage when needed. While his best position is as 3-4 rush backer , he needs to add some weight to play as a 4-3 DE in all but obvious passing situations. Also, Jahri Evans is no longer worth his high salary, and has been giving up pressure right down the middle. If he doesn't take a pay-cut he could be gone and a new guard to protect Drew Brees could be their top priority in the Bayou.
10.MINNESOTA-DEVANTE PARKER-WR-LVILLE-NFL COMP-DEZ BRYANT-DALL- If Teddy Bridgewater had begun the season as the starting QB , and Adrian Peterson hadn't been put on paid leave, the Vikings had a chance to compete for a playoff spot. Cordarelle Patterson is a great athlete and weapon, but polished #1 receiver he is not, and probably never will be . Greg Jennings has fallen off a tick and is now more of a polished # 2 receiver, but he is currently paid like a #1. The Vikings could give Teddy a familiar down field threat in his college go to guy in Parker. This is a receiver Teddy can just depend on to come down with the ball even when he's covered, save a pile of money on Jennings, and acquire a potential # 1 receiver. If Scherff or Stanley falls here either could be the pick, and then they could try the disappointing Matt Kalil inside at left guard, possibly improving 2 positions at once.
11.NYG-SHAQ THOMPSON-OLB/RB-WASHINGTON-NFL COMP-THOMAS DAVIS-CAR-The giants have consistently lacked play-makers at LB for the last few years, especially against the pass. Thompson is a play-making former safety who flies to the ball all over the field. The scary thing is ,in addition to being an obvious first round pick as a weak-side backer,he looks like a first round running back as well.
12.RAMS-CONNOR COOK-QB-MICHIGAN ST-NFL COMP-MATT RYAN-ATL- I was planning on picking the rams to make the playoffs this year but Sam Bradford got hurt ... AGAIN. Sorry Sam, I have stood up for you time after time, but maybe you really can't stay healthy. So now they NEED to draft a QB. They should also dump the ultra, stone-age, predictable offense that OC Brian Schottenheimer likes to run. Cook has the size and arm strength NFL teams crave, and is clean off the field the way Jeff Fisher will demand after the Vince Young saga.
13.CLEVELAND-(AMARI COOPER-WR-ALA-NFL COMP-REGGIE WAYNE-INDY-Even if Josh Gordon comes back his actions have shown that smoking weed is more important to him than football. I actually would have picked them to win 9 games this year if Josh hadn't decided to fail ANOTHER drug test. Even after his most recent failed test he got pulled over in a car that had a passenger carrying weed and that reportedly smelled like weed. Anything he gives the team would just be a bonus. Personally, I think they should draft 2 receivers in the first 3 rounds just to be safe. Miles Austin is a hamstring pull away from the sideline ,and Andrew Hawkins is an undersized slot guy. Maybe they will play Justin Gilbert on offense this season. Cooper is a polished receiver who always seems to be open,has great timing ,plays bigger than he is, and he can make things happen after the catch.
14.SAN FRANCISCO-#-DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM-WR-OKLAHOMA-NFL COMP-RANDY MOSS- In order for Colin Kaeperneck to take his game to the next level he needs to do at least 3 things. 1- he needs to stop trying to throw the ball through defenders. There is thing thing called touch Colin. Not every pass has to be a bullet. 2- He needs to throw people open. Waiting until they are open is asking too much. Try leading someone a little and throwing with anticipation. 3- He needs receivers that can separate more. An aging Boldin and injured Crabtree & Davis don't create much space. The 49er's can help with the 3rd one by getting him someone who can separate, or in the case of Dorial, someone who is basically always open because of his size. If Kaepeneck can learn to just throw it high enough to this guy he can be sure that there is nobody who can out high point his receiver. This guy is the closest thing to Randy Moss to come into the draft in a while, and would be a guaranteed top 5 pick if he were clean off the field. However, he also has a laundry list of off the field problems like Moss did when he came out of school, and I bet some teams won't even put him on their board. San Francisco is one of the few teams with a deep enough roster to take this risk.
15.HOUSTON-LA'EL COLLINS-T/G-LSU-NFL COMP-MARSHALL YANDA-BALT-retired-They really need a QB, but I doubt there is one they want left at this point in the draft. However, they do need a right tackle to replace Derek Newton (better fit at guard) and give whoever plays QB a fair chance to succeed. Bill O'Brien scheme isn't as zone heavy and a big nasty RT that will bury people could be just what the doctor ordered. His aggressive attitude would also make any coach , RB, fellow line-mates, and QB happy.
16.MIAMI-MELVIN GORDON-RB-WISC-NFL COMP-JAMALL CHARLES-KC-Moreno, Brown, and James are all going to be free agents at RB for the Dolphins this off season. With Lamar Miller playing his best in a tandem another RB needs to be added. Todd Gurleys injury clears up any doubts about who the number one running back in this draft is now. Just to put an exclamation point on his claim Gordon broke the NCAA single game rushing record ( 408 yards! ) against Nebraska in 3 quarters. Even though that record was broken next week he still has a chance to break the single season rushing record. He's an explosive game breaker that any team would love to have, and I believe his combine numbers will put him at the top of most teams draft boards. He's a actually a powerfully built guy, and has run with more power inside this year, but he still leaves some inside yards on the field. Once he learns to consistently take what he can get inside and runs through more people he can be even better. Guys with his consistent big play ability are rare. If he can convince teams that he can pass block I say he's a first round lock, devalued position and all.
17.CLEVELAND-(buffalo)-#-SHAWN OAKMAN-DE/DT-BAYLOR-NFL COMP-CALAIS CAMPBELL-AZ--retired-Neither 2015 free agent Ahytab Rubin or Phil Taylor have held it down inside for the Browns this year . With Taylor spending his rare uninjured (knee)time at end , and his 2015 salary close to 5 and half million dollars in 2015 it's a safe bet that the browns wil be looking for D-line help after the season. Oakman is a tall, long armed, physical specimen with a prototypical frame for a 5 technique. He could easily put on 20 pounds without affecting his skills much, and bulking up would allow him to also kick inside as a DT in nickel . If he plays with a little more leverage against the run, and develops a few more pass rush moves he could be atop 10 pick. A elite pass rush from a 5 technique is rare, but he has the tools to be one of the few to pull it off. A lot of people see him as a 4-3 end, but I think he lacks the first step of an elite edge rusher.
18. CHEIFS-KEVIN WHITE-WR-W.VIRGINIA-NFL COMP-ALSHON JEFFERY-CHI-I doubt The Chiefs front office began last off season by saying " Hey, why don't we lose our three best O-Lineman in free agency and then just up and cut our 28 year old former pro bowl corner back after OTA's! ". That's what happened though. Flowers didn't have his best season, although he was playing hurt , but he finished strong. When they were seeking to trade him before the draft we knew something was up. Anyway I think there is more we don't know about this. It can't be just his height, although I guess saving 5 million off the cap helps plenty when you feel a guy no longer fits your scheme. I feel that a tough schedule and all these changes mean a down season for the Chiefs and possibly an even bigger change because of it. Dwayne Bowe is the # 1 receiver on this team and his best skill is his blocking.
19.BALTIMORE-IFO EKPRE-ORE-OLUMU-NFL COMP-BRENT GRIMES-MIA-Lardarius Webb has declined for two straight seasons ,will be 30 years-old in 2015, and his salary goes up to a cap busting twelve million dollars as well. Olumu was clearly the best corner in last years draft technique-wise, but chose to return to school for his senior year, and hasn't played quite as well. Like Jason Verret last year his size probably limits him to being drafted outside the top 15 pick, but he can play the skot so his value evens out, especially replacing a slot guy like Webb. .With today's pass happy NFL a guy who excels in the slot is a must , and Ifo is at least a slot corner as a rookie. .
20.EAGLES-**-TRAE WAYNES-CB-MICH ST-NFL COMP-DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE-NYG-Chip Kelly likes versatile tall guys with long arms on defense, and that describes Waynes. Neither Bradley Fletcher or Cary Williams has become the # 1 corner that matches up with an opposing teams top receiver , and can be expected to man him up with success. Waynes plays corner at a high level in a good conference, but he needs to get stronger and play with a little more discipline.
21.ATLANTA-DANIELLE HUNTER-DE-LSU-NFL COMP-JASON TAYLOR-retired-Atlanta is in a rebuilding year, and any hope of it being a quick turnaround probably ended when both Sean Weatherspoon and Sam Baker went down for the year. Despite it being the second largest need on their team, the Falcons waited until the 4th round to draft an edge rusher. Adding Jake Matthews and Jon Asamoah to their O-line is an improvement, despite the loss of Baker, but a replacement OT for him and his cap number is also a possibility. The lanky Hunter has the athleticism to play OLB in the Saints 3-4, and bolster their pass rush. He also has a large enough frame to add a little weight so he can play DE when they go to an even front.
22.CHARGERS-CAMERON ERVING-C/T-FLA.ST-NFL COMP-MAX UNGER-SEA-
The loss of veteran center Nick Hardwick is patently obvious to anyone watching the Chargers play. Hardwick might not be done yet but someone who can play the pivot in case he goes down again, but still help out protecting Phillip Rivers should be their number one priority. Erving looked like a possible first rounder as a left tackle coming into this season, but his play had slipped some , and he needs to be taught from scratch how to set up on the left side if he is gong to stay there. . However, he has been great since a move to center, and I believe he can play all five O-line positions with the proper coaching . That makes him worth his weight in gold. They could put Erving at guard or tackle until Hardwick's time with the team is done , and then move him over to center.
23.ARIZONA-DANTE FOWLER-DE-FLORIDA-NFL COMP-ANTHONY SPENCER-DALL--Drew Stanton looked pretty good as a fill in earlier in the season, even leading the Cards to a 2-1 and record as the starter, but once Carson Palmer was confirmed out for the year things seemed to have changed. Maybe the pressure of being the man got to him, because he looked terrible against Seattle, and I now doubt they even make the playoffs with Stanton as their QB. The probable retirement of John Abraham after another concussion has only exacerbated their need at OLB. The cards need an edge rusher that is fluid and quick enough to drop into coverage as a 3-4 OLB. Dante could be that guy .He has had back-to-back good seasons in the SEC, and his motor and versatility will come in hand.
24.PITTSBURGH-KEVIN JOHNSON-CB-W. FOREST-NFL COMP-TRAMON WILLIAMS-GB-Since Plaxico Burress left after his rookie season, Ben Roethlesberger has wanted another big wide receiver. With Martavis Bryant finally filing that spot the Steelers can concentrate on their defense. Long tome stalwart corner Ike Taylor will be a free agent again after this year, and while he hasn't played great he has been a lot better than Cortez Allen. The problem is they just gave Allen a new free agent contract last year, and they can't afford to cut him. So they need a cheap infusion of high level corner talent. Johnson could be that guy. He is the safest of all the taller corners right now, and plays more physical than his lean frame would suggest.
25.BENGALS-ELI HAROLD-OLB/DE-VA-NFL COMP-JOHN ABRAHAM-retired- Carlos Dunlap is the only Bengals pass rusher playing well, and he played better before he got paid. Maybe that's partialy due to receiving extra attention from offense due to the loss of Michael Johnson,in free agency but that doesn't change the fact that the DE's opposite Dunlap have done very little to help harass the QB. Harold is an excellent athlete and much stronger than his somewhat lean looking frame would lead you to believe. Sets the edge well and has a strong bull rush. He has active hands but lacks a diverse polished pass rushing repertoire. Great motor against the run or pass. Has experience both as stand-up rush backer, 4-3 DE, and even moves inside on some obvious passing downs. Has a better get off with his hand on the ground, and with his inside moves he regularly shoots gaps & occasionally even splits double teams. Is rarely double teamed as a pass rusher thanks to Max Valles on the other side, and I would like to see how he reacts to more double teams. However, on a team with a healthy Dunlap and Geno Atkins he probably wouldn't see a double team for years.
26.DETROIT-EDDIE GOLDMAN-DT-FLA.ST-NFL COMP-MARCEL DAREUS -BUFF--Nick Fairley has shown at times that he is a pro bowl caliber talent, but he has lacks the consistent work ethic for the Lions to trust him with a big contract. They already declined his 2015 option and since they need to pay Suh very soon they probably couldn't afford him anyway. However, Suh want so much much money that I now doubt they can afford him. If Suh gets the 15 plus million a year contract he wants the Lions will have 3 (Suh, Megatron, Stafford) players that average over 15 million a year on their cap. That has already made it very hard to miantain a winning ream under the cap. In that case they could resign the much cheaper Fairley at the 3 technique ,and draft someone who can play the one tech. Goldman is force inside and might even be quick enough to play the both sides ,and give the Lions flexibility to upgrade whatever side they prefer in other areas.
28.GREEN BAY- TJ CLEMMINGS-OT-PITT-NFL COMP-JASON PETERS-PHIL - A&M-A long term replacement for the perennially injured Brian Bulaga couldn't hurt. Bulaga is a free agent after this season , and while he is a good player when healthy, I can't see the packers paying someone that injury prone the money he could get in free agency. Since Chad Clifton started to go downhill the Pack has lacked an LT that can play at high level and stay healthy. Derek Sherrod has been such a bust that I feared for Rodgers safety every-time Sherrod played.Thank GOD they finally cut him. Clemmings is a great athlete for a OT with huge upside, and has the tools to play the left side if needed. No matter where they play him he could help stabilize the line , and help protect the most valuable QB in the NFL.
29.DENVER-ERIC KENDRICKS-LB-UCLA-NFL COMP- LAWRENCE TIMMONS-PITT-The only real weakness on the broncos roster is their line-backing core, and injuries have made it even worse. Kendricks has the tool set to play all 3 positions in the broncos 4-3 , but he probably fits best at MLB or on the weak-side. The main reason I have him going in the first round then he can cover. In today's pass happy NFL that makes him invaluable. .
30.DALLAS-**-CEDRICK OGBUEHI-OT-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-TYRON SMITH-DALL-Dallas has the best offensive line in the league right now, but free agency could start to tear apart what they have so recently built. Even with thirty year old right tackle Doug free in the mix the average age of the line is 25.4 years. Free is a free agent after this year , and last time he was given a big contract extension his play went downhill. Maybe that wouldn't happen this time, but unless Free is willing to give a large hometown discount they can't afford him. A 30 year old above average right tackle could get somewhere in the neighborhood of a 5 year 30 to 40 million dollar deal , with half that guaranteed. Last time they paid Free well his play fell off. Free only returned to form after he was moved to the right side and he took a pay cut . Throw in that Dallas has a bad cap situation, Dez Bryant is due a big deal , and Rolando McClain could be due a decent raise as well. Add that backup swing tackle Jermey Parnell is also a free agent. While maybe he isn't a guy proven enough to turn over the job to on a line this good, he has played well enough in fill in duty that someone will pay him at least low level starter money next year. That makes right tackle the number one priority for Dallas. .Dallas and Baltimore have begun a new type of zone blocking revolution ,by running the scheme with bigger lineman. Ogbuehi is a great athlete for an OT. He has the frame to carry 315 plus pounds of muscle , and still look like a giant TE, just like (Tyron Smith) the player he reminds me of. Cedrick's struggles are due to a lack of football IQ, not talent. When he is confident in who he is blocking it's pretty much over for them. Putting him next to a guy with a high football IQ like Zach Martin is exactly what he needs to develop into a high level NFL starter.
32.PATRIOTS-AJ CANN-OG-S.CAROLINA-NFL COMP-BEN GRUBBS-BALT-The patriots first and foremost priority should always to be to protect Tom Brady, but they have failed in their duty for the most part this year, especially on the inside. Not one guard on their team has done a good job of keeping the pressure out of Brady's face. AJ is the best pure guard in this draft. His football IQ and character would help solidify the interior of the chargers line for a long time He could start at guard while learning the center position, and then if they need him at the pivot , Cann could slide over. Even if they just wanted him to stay at guard it would be a upgrade at either guard spot.
29.DENVER-ERIC KENDRICKS-LB-UCLA-NFL COMP- LAWRENCE TIMMONS-PITT-The only real weakness on the broncos roster is their line-backing core, and injuries have made it even worse. Kendricks has the tool set to play all 3 positions in the broncos 4-3 , but he probably fits best at MLB or on the weak-side. The main reason I have him going in the first round then he can cover. In today's pass happy NFL that makes him invaluable. .
30.DALLAS-**-CEDRICK OGBUEHI-OT-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-TYRON SMITH-DALL-Dallas has the best offensive line in the league right now, but free agency could start to tear apart what they have so recently built. Even with thirty year old right tackle Doug free in the mix the average age of the line is 25.4 years. Free is a free agent after this year , and last time he was given a big contract extension his play went downhill. Maybe that wouldn't happen this time, but unless Free is willing to give a large hometown discount they can't afford him. A 30 year old above average right tackle could get somewhere in the neighborhood of a 5 year 30 to 40 million dollar deal , with half that guaranteed. Last time they paid Free well his play fell off. Free only returned to form after he was moved to the right side and he took a pay cut . Throw in that Dallas has a bad cap situation, Dez Bryant is due a big deal , and Rolando McClain could be due a decent raise as well. Add that backup swing tackle Jermey Parnell is also a free agent. While maybe he isn't a guy proven enough to turn over the job to on a line this good, he has played well enough in fill in duty that someone will pay him at least low level starter money next year. That makes right tackle the number one priority for Dallas. .Dallas and Baltimore have begun a new type of zone blocking revolution ,by running the scheme with bigger lineman. Ogbuehi is a great athlete for an OT. He has the frame to carry 315 plus pounds of muscle , and still look like a giant TE, just like (Tyron Smith) the player he reminds me of. Cedrick's struggles are due to a lack of football IQ, not talent. When he is confident in who he is blocking it's pretty much over for them. Putting him next to a guy with a high football IQ like Zach Martin is exactly what he needs to develop into a high level NFL starter.
31.SEATTLE-MARIO EDWARDS-DE/DT-FLA.ST-NFL COMP-JUSTIN SMITH-SF-The sea-hawks were showing a lot of the signs of a team that misses the playoffs a year after winning the Superbowl.From Players leaving in free agency , cut because of the cap , others getting huge contracts, divorces, commercials, holdouts, a hard schedule in the toughest division in football where every other team got better, fame and it's trappings, etc.... but they still have a very talented roster with some great leaders, So while I won't pick them to win it all , I definitely still see them as a contender. After their confusing draft was added in to the mix, I wouldn't even pick them to repeat as champs in the NFC west, except San Francisco's corners are suspect. and Aldon Smith & Navarro Bowman are likely to miss the first half of the season. Without home-field advantage in the playoffs I think the Superbowl is out, but they may yet win the division. In 3 years their 4th,5th and ,6th round draft picks may be stars in typical Seahawks fashion but they need depth now. They over-drafted injury prone Justin Britt this year ,but did little else to help the O-line. Next year they are probably going to lose some key players. because you can't pay everybody . Even though they got both Cliff Avril and KJ Wright to resign at a discount, chances are Russell Wilsons contract is going to heavily restrict there future signings, A real QB contract should keep them from also paying ,Bobby Wagner, Malcolm Smith, and Byron Maxwell. At the very least they will lose 2 out of those 3. Shockingly the main reason for the Seattle defense falling off this year is a lack of pass rush. Since the hawks have had more trouble getting an inside rush I expect they go with an inside player if there is one of equal value .Edwards is a much better fit inside as a 4-3 DT , or a 3-4 DE. He could also be the replacement for the more expensive and injured Brandon Mebane.
32.PATRIOTS-AJ CANN-OG-S.CAROLINA-NFL COMP-BEN GRUBBS-BALT-The patriots first and foremost priority should always to be to protect Tom Brady, but they have failed in their duty for the most part this year, especially on the inside. Not one guard on their team has done a good job of keeping the pressure out of Brady's face. AJ is the best pure guard in this draft. His football IQ and character would help solidify the interior of the chargers line for a long time He could start at guard while learning the center position, and then if they need him at the pivot , Cann could slide over. Even if they just wanted him to stay at guard it would be a upgrade at either guard spot.
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