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 soon I will be putting up my top 100.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 the safer 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 in Mariota.
2.TENNESEE-MARCUS MARIOTA-QB-OREGON-NFL COMP-RG3-WASH-Despite his obvious talent, Zach Mettenburger's knee & back woes, and some off the field troubles made him free fall to the 6th round. I would at least give Zach a shot to see if he is the future. With so little an investment in him, and Mettenburger getting injured again, a new top QB can easily come in to replace Jake Locker. Right now I think that's Mariota. He is a great athlete for the position, and I would love to see what he could do behind this O-line. He is not just all tools like Locker. His skills have increased every year, and he is now a good passer as well. Even if given the choice, Ken Whisenhunt is more likely to take a safe off-the-field guy like Mariota/Hundley than maybe a better but troubled Jameis Winston if he was available when they picked. This team has almost everything, and are probably just good QB play from quickly becoming a contender . Mariota is the best QB in this class right now, and he also has a high upside, but any team that takes hi needs to adjust their offense to him if they want him to have success early A lot of shotgmun and spread concepts are large parts of many offenses in the NFL these days, but some coaches refuse to adjust their systems to help a young QB out. . Whisenhunt should hire a QB guru to tutor him .Even though he gets a lot of credit for Rothlisberger, I personally doubt that Ken had much to do with Big Bens development. If he did then he should have developed at least one( Kevin Kolb, Derek Anderson, Joihn Skelton, Matt Leinert, Max Hall) of the young QB's he had in Ariziona. He might be wise to hire Marc restman if he gets Mariota, as Tretsman has had success wedding a spread system to a west coast offense. If he doesn't Washington might hire him to bring along RG3. either way Marcus will need a QB guru who can combine a spread and pro style offense.
3.JACKSONVILLE-BRANDON SCHERFF-IOWA-NFL COMP-JOE STALEY-SF- The plan was 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 somewhere in front of Luck, A mauler like him has the kind of attitude that can infect an entire O-line..
4.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. 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 probably 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. Carr played pretty well and we will just give him the benefit of the doubt as the lomgterm QB t 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.
5.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 could be dangerous, and they appear to be bringing him back for 2015, 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.
6.NYJ-**- RANDY GREGORY-DE/OLB-NEBRASKA-SIMEON RICE-retired-The Jets might want a QB, but to be fair Geno Smith played behind a average line , and might deserve another shot behind a good one. However, even if they want a new QB, Mariota and Winston are the only two QB's that should end up top 5 picks. There 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
7.CHICAGO-LANDON COLLINS-S-ALA-NFL COMP-HARRISON SMITH-MINN- The Bears and the Cowboys both desperately needed safeties this year. Both teams had their pick of the litter and both teams passed. Other(some might might say smarter) teams snatched up all four universally high rated safeties in the first round. They did draft the versatile Kyle Fuller with their first pick, and he is big, smart, and physical enough to play safety if necessary. Although that's not Fuller's best position. Peanut Tillman is 33, he just re-injured his triceps , and was put on IR again.. They also drafted Brock Vereen in round 4, but even if he works out that's just one safety spot filled. Collins is a complete safety that could stabilize this secondary. Adding him to Kyle Fuller alone would give them a strong foundation on the back end for 7 to 10 years.
8.ATLANTA-VICTOR BEASLEY-OLB/DE-CLEMSON-NFL-COMP-VON MILLER-DENV-r. Despite it being the second largest need on their team, the Falcons waited until the 4th round to draft an edge rusher in 2014. Adding Jake Matthews and Jon Asamoah to their O-line was an improvement, despite the loss of Baker, but a replacement OT for him and his cap number is also a possibility. 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
9.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 high level running back as well.
10.RAMS-CONNOR COOK-QB-MICHIGAN ST-NFL COMP-MATT RYAN-ATL- I was planning on picking the rams to make the playoffs in 2014 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.
11.MINNESOTA-RONNIE STANLEY-OT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-DUANE BROWN-HOU-The most important thing to do when developing a young franchise QB is to support him. The vikings O-line declined across the board this year and Bridgewater still played pretty well. To reach his ceiling he will need better blocking up front. . Sure , part of that is due to the lack of Adrian Peterson. However, left tackle Matt Kalil has looked especially bad. After his rookie year I thought Kalil might be a future perennial Pro Bowler but he has declined for 2 straight years , ,and I no longer think he can handle the outside. Maybe the Vikes could try him inside at left guard, possibly improving 2 positions at once. Stanley was the right tackle at N, Dame, and has still played very well after making the transition over to the left side this year. In fact he has been improving as the year goes along. If the 3rd year Sophomore enters the draft he is a definite first round pick and might even end up being the first O-lineman taken.
12.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.
13.SAINTS-LA'EL COLLINS-OT-LSU-NFL COMP-CARL NICKS-retired-,Jahri Evans is no longer worth his high salary, and has been giving up pressure right in his QB's face. 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..While I firmly believe Collins can play tackle many see him as a guard, and I agree he would be a stud there too. keeping the pocket clean up the middle is they key to 6 foot Drew Brees being able to throw the ball well. Collins is a local talent and this angry mauler would also improve the run game.It all makes too much sense to pass on.
14.MIAMI-DEVANTE PARKER-WR-LVILLE-NFL COMP-DEZ BRYANT-DALL-Mike Wallace is not worth his 12 million plus annual salary, but the Dolphins have the cap room to pay him this season if they want too. What they need is a number one receiver who can stretch the field and ( unlike Wallace) be relied on to catch the ball in the clutch. Jarvis Landry has great hands but lacks the speed to stretch the field much, and Brian Hartline will never be a #1 receiver. Parker is a guy who's open even when he;s covered. He will win jump balls and just plain out muscle DB's down the field.
15.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 in the NFL, no matter how strong your arm is. 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 more, 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.
16.HOUSTON-CHEIFS-KEVIN WHITE-WR-W.VIRGINIA-NFL COMP-ALSHON JEFFERY-CHI-Andre Johnson tried to get the Texans to cut or trade him before the season, but it didn't work. Unless they get a significant veteran QB upgrade this year that will convince Johnson that he has a good chance at a ring this season it's unlikely that he will be back in 2015. In addition to jettisoning a 34 year old unhappy distraction to a young team , the Texans can also save a ton of cash by shedding the 10 plus million veterans salary. White is the kind of polished bigger receiver that could be a long term co #1 receiver with DeAndre Hopkins.
17.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.
19.CLEVELAND-(buffalo)-#-ARIK ARMSTEAD-DE-OREGON-NFL COMP-CALAIS CAMPBELL-AZNeither 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. Armstead 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.Word has been going around this week that the talented junior Is ready to make the leap to the NFL. 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.
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.
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.
18.JAELEN STRONG-WR-AZ.ST-NFL COMP-LARRY FITZGERALD-AZI-.The chiefs did not have a single touchdown thrown to a wide receiver this year.Their ultra conservative check-down passing game limits their chances of being a contender. Dwayne Bowe is the # 1 receiver on this team and his best skill is his blocking. Strong can be the #1 receiver they crave and help Alex Smith to make plays down the field and open up the offense.
19.CLEVELAND-(buffalo)-#-ARIK ARMSTEAD-DE-OREGON-NFL COMP-CALAIS CAMPBELL-AZNeither 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. Armstead 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.Word has been going around this week that the talented junior Is ready to make the leap to the NFL. 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.
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.CAROLINA-**-CEDRICK OGBUEHI-OT-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-TYRON SMITH-DALL--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 , You can bet your ass that Newton would be happy to know Cedrick was on his blind side.Ogbuehi is a great athlete for an OT, but his stock fell a little this season after he moved to the left side/. 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.
22.-**-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. .
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23.BENGALS-DANTE FOWLER-DE-FLORIDA-NFL COMP-ANTHONY SPENCER-DALL- 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. Fowler is a polished edge rusher with a great motor who was moved around to help reduce offenses constantly game planning to stop him. . On a team with a healthy Dunlap and Geno Atkins he probably wouldn't see a double team for years.
27.ARIZONA-ELI HAROLD-OLB/DE-VA-NFL COMP-JOHN ABRAHAM-retired-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. 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. He would be a definite upgrade outside in the desert.
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.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.
26.COLTS-MELVIN GORDON-RB-WISCONSIN-NFL COMP-JAMAL CHARLES-KC-Trent Richardson has looked better lately, but he has been nowhere near the guy they thought they were getting when they traded for him. His 3.2 million salary is also a hindrance. Unless he is willing to take a pay-cut they should move on and upgrade the position. Gordon is a home run hitter who has shown he can maintain his ridiculous YPC this season, even when he is finally the bell cow back. Has shown he can catch the ball some this year, and a player with his big play ability should be a big asset as a receiver, but he still needs work in pass pro and as a receiver. 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.
26.COLTS-MELVIN GORDON-RB-WISCONSIN-NFL COMP-JAMAL CHARLES-KC-Trent Richardson has looked better lately, but he has been nowhere near the guy they thought they were getting when they traded for him. His 3.2 million salary is also a hindrance. Unless he is willing to take a pay-cut they should move on and upgrade the position. Gordon is a home run hitter who has shown he can maintain his ridiculous YPC this season, even when he is finally the bell cow back. Has shown he can catch the ball some this year, and a player with his big play ability should be a big asset as a receiver, but he still needs work in pass pro and as a receiver. 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.
28.GREEN BAY-TJ CLEMMINGS-OT-PITT-NFL COMP-JASON PETERS-PHIL-A long term replacement for the perennially injured Brian Bulaga at right tackle 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 OT 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. .
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-ERICK FLOWERS-OT-MIA-NFL-DONALD PENN-OAK-They SHOULD draft a safety that can tackle and cover, but they have continually ignored the position at the top of the draft. At least Jason Garret has persuaded the Jones gfamily to invest in the O-line, and 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. Flowers is a flexible athlete for such a big OT with a good upside, and might even has the tools to play the left side if needed., but he definitely has the requisite strength & demeanor for the right side. He would be a upgrade over Free at RT over the long haul.
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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