AFC EAST
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Good: Added a pair of physical press corners in the elite Revis & huge Browner, Now Bill can be blitz happy again. Tom Brady is a legend and he can still lead them to another ring.
The Bad: Belichick's ginormous ego has jettisoned another Patriot team leader for nor kowtowing to his slightest whims, Logan Mankins joins, Wes Welker, Randy Moss, and Richard Seymour in a long line of Patriot greats cast aside for even daring to question Emperor Bill. At least with Seymour he got a kings ransom ,He got bery little for Moss. basically a lesser Welker in Amendola . Tim Wright and a mid-round draft pick maybe nothing or a lot depending on what Wright and the player they take with that pick do, but jettisoning a still good player, and well liked leader right before the season probably won't help the locker room. It would probably take the loyal Brady to do it. ,so its very unlikely , but I pray a locker room revolt finally comes and deposes Bill the dictator. A brilliant coach? Yes, but also a man who has forgotten loyalty has to go both ways. Belichick still hasn't tried to get Brady the big #1 receiver he has lacked since Moss left and this interior O-line could get Tom killed.
Prediction: 12-4 Division Title
Barring a Brady injury this team should roll to another division title and playoff run. Since every team in the division is in a rebuilding mode they could probably still win 8 or 9 games even if he got hurt, but any Superbowl hopes would be dashed ... unless Garropolo is thew Brady. Billy would love that. He could dump Tom for some draft picks and play a cheap QB. .
NEW YORK JETS
The Good: Rex Ryan is probably the best defensive coach in the game and his players have his back. A really strong front seven on defense, Geno Smith's growth is likely & Vick is a good backup, and they gave home some good weapons in Eric Decker, Jace Amaro, and others.
The Bad: Free agent losses & misses , cap casualties injuries, and underdeveloped draft picks at corner have made this position a major weakness. Add an O-line who's best players( Mangold and Ferguson) had down years in 2013 and who are now in their thirties needs to be rebuilt. I don't like paying Chris Johnson a lot of money when he didn't run well behind a better line in a better offense last year.
Prediction 8-8: I believe in Rex , that front seven, and Jace Amaro cab play 500 ball in a week division..
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Good: Richie Incognito and Johnathan Martin are both gone. Shelly Smith is an upgrade at one guard spot , if Mike Pouncey can heal quickly , added to Pro-Bowler Branden Albert & 1rst rounder Ja'wuau James could turn a weak O-line into a strength. Between the draft and free agency this whole roster has been upgraded.
The Bad: Coach Joe Philbin is on the hot-seat, their main owner seems to be half Jerry Jones - half Daniel Snyder. Poncey is already hurt. Mike Wallace still hasn't shown a #1 wide receivers hands or route running, despite the paycheck of one. Ryan Tannehill still hasn't developed enough to lay claim to the title franchise QB. This is probably the last chance for Philbin & Tannehill in Miami, At the very least at least I think at least one of them is gone unless they make the playoffs.
Prediction:7-9. I just don't have faith in Tannehill , Philbin, or Samson Satelle.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Good: A good front seven, A big physical O-line and a stable of running backs to control the clock. A weak enough division that If EJ Manuel takes a step forward they could actually make a playoff run. A stable of talented receivers led by the explosive Sammy Watson that can turn short passes in:to big gains.They stoped giving away home games to Canada.
The Bad: EJ Manuel injury proneness is becoming a problem You can't grow into a franchise QB if you can't stay in the field(Sam Bradford 2?) . They gave up lot for Watkins(next years #1) and if they don'y perform well that could be another top 10, maybe even top 5 pick. That not only puts extra pressure on Watkins, but if a new owner comes in he probably cleans house. A job without a #1 pick in a small market isn't as attractive to top GM and coaching candidates as others. Losing their best secondary defender and ball hawk Jairus Byrd is going to hurt them.
Predction:: 6-10 : It all depends on EJ's growth and health. Right now his inability to stay healthy and throw down field makes me doubt they move forward.
AFC NORTH
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Good: The Bengals are stil the most talented team in the division , had another great draft, and have been to the playoffs 3 years in a row. AJ Green and Vontaze Burfict are elite talents. The Bengal trait of taking guys who fall for character reasons has paid off, with about 50% becoming the players they could be, Marvin Lewis and his staff should be commended. Geno Atkins returns from ACL surgery. Even at 90% of what he was pre-injury he changes their entire defense.
The Bad: The Bengals lost some very good players to free agency this year. . have lost in the first round all 3 years in the playoffs, and they paid Andy Dalton even though he has been inconsistent and has never played well in the playoffs. Mike Brown's cheapness is legendary. If he was smart they wouldn't have tried to make it work with the cheaper Andy Dalton.
Prediction:10-6; Division Title: The rest of the division got better but I still think the Bengals squeak by to a division title and the playoffs. Unless Dalton gets better in the clutch, or his arm suddenly gets stronger I see them failing in the postseason again
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Good: Pittsburgh's defense had gotten really old, but the last couple of years they have had a infusion of youth. The O-line has also improved and this is Big Bens contract year. This blend of youth, young veterans,, and core leadership old guys has the mix of a playoff team. Adding Ryan Shazier's speed and athleticism, next to Lawrence Timmons on the inside gives them a tandem to rival Willis & Bowman in Frisco and Kuechly & Davis in Carolina. The schemes and tricks they can pull now are huge and I am sure Dick LeBeau is salivating. This was also the best draft they have had in a long time. They have big power running backs and explosive receivers to open it up.Troy Polamalu, Mike Tomlin , Dick LeBeau, and Kevin Colbert are all among the best at what they do.
The Bad: In the past this team has not done well without Big Ben or Polamalu . They are 32 and 34 years old respectively. Despite asking for a big WR for years they only gave Ben 2 big guys with suspect hands(Heyward-Bey & Bryant)and 2013 6th rounder Justin Brown.
Prediction:9-7:wildcard If this team gets into the playoffs healthy they can make a Superbowl run, but they lack depth, so I doubt it.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Good: After their second Superbowl victory the 2 best leaders(Ray Lewis & Ed Reed) in franchise history were gone. They have spent the last 2 off-seasons rebuilding their linebacker and safety cores. Flacco is a QB who has proven he can win it all in the biggest games and Gark Kubiak's offense should make his life easier.The additions of Steve Smith and the return of Dennis Pitta should make Flacco a much better QB.
The Bad: This defense is still good and Ozzie Newsome is still the best GM in football so they can never fall far out of contention for long. One more great draft and hopefully their O-line and pass rush will be elite again. Right now despite a slight upgrade this off-season the O-line is a question and I doubt they can run the ball well enough to be a contender. Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata are still good players, but not the great players their salaries demand.
Prediction:8-8: Flacco was great in the playoffs but that 20 million salary is slowing their reloading program. They can still make a run this year but a whole lot would have to right on offense for it to happen.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Good: This defense looks to playoff caliber and Johnny Football will energize the fan base and sell tickets. They replaced middling D'qwell Jackson( king of the tackle 8 yards down-field) with the bigger, better, and more athletic Karlos Dansby.
The Bad: The kangaroo court ownership fired the front office for telling him to draft the better QB in Teddy Bridgewater instead of Manziel. . Josh Gordon has shown that smoking weed is more important to him than playing football. Manziel has also not shown the signs of maturity we all hoped for. They replaced a young athletic a big hitting safety in TJ Ward with an old safety who only provides big hits in Donte Whitner.
Prediction:6-10: Without Gordon and a smarter Manziel I see their playoff hopes being delayed until next season.
AFC SOUTH
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Good: Andrew Luck was the kind of QB prospect that comes along every couple of generations and he has lived up to it. He is an elite QB in my mind already and that's with a subpar O-line and average defense. Luck is surrounded with good receives and tight ends.The rest ofthe team is in their second season in Pep Hamiltons offense, and hopefully they can catch u to Luck in understanding its nuances.While every team in their division improved this off-season the Colts are still as close to a lock to repeat as champs as there is.
The Bad: Their isn't one player on this O-line I would call good. Their tackles are a little above average, but all 3 interior lineman were downright bad last year. Luck carried this team while surviving brutal hits all year. Hopefully 2013 4th rounder Khalled Holmes and this years second rounder college tickle Jack Mewhort can improve the center and left guard. Other than luck the 2 best players on this team are Robert Mathis and Reggie Wayne. Mathis is 33 and suspended the first 4 games of the season and may not be the same player drug free & post injury . Wayne is 35 and coming off a rebuilt knee. They need to stop pissing away the years where Luck doesn't cost much in a bunch of an overpriced mid-level vets and get some more elite players in here. They need to especially upgrade their O-line and front seven.
Trent Richardson needs to be the plsayer he was coming out of Alabama. Right now the burst and vision he had are missing.
Predictions: 11-5 Luck in a division without any other established QB;s makes them a huge favorite. They have a chance to make a Superbowl run but both lines need to step up for them to make it. They also have a chance to completely collapse if key players(especially Luck and to a lesser extent Mathis) get hurt.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Good: The Offensive and defensive lines and receiving core look pretty good, with a nice mixture of youth and veterans in all 3 areas. The O-line might be to full with # 1 pick Taylor Lewan not having a place to play just yet. Maybe they didn't think he would be their when they signed Michael Oher, or maybe they just expect him to be the swing tackle until he can step in for Mitigate Roos next season, but using your #1 pick on a guy who might nit play this year tells you Ken Whisenhunt is thinking long term. Jurrell Casey is flat out stud, and even in 3-4 guys who can penetrate and hold the pint of attack will still be studs. This team is solid in all areas except one, and decent QB play will probably get them in the playoffs.
The Bad: I have never been a big fan of Jake Lockers. He lacks accuracy and poise as a passer. He also has trouble staying healthy ,staying in the pocket , and going through his progressions. Part of the reason he gets hurt so often is he makes most of his better plays with his feet. Whisenhunt has a good touch with QB's. It's telling that they didn't pick up Lockers option before this season, but if Jake can't get it together this year they likely move on to a new QB. whether that means they give Zach Mettenburger a shot or draft a new guy is what this season will tell us.
Prediction: 7-9 : I just don't trust Locker to improve enough ,or stay healthy enough even if he does , to get them into the post season.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
The Good: Gus Bradley had these guys playing well at the end of last season, and they got a lot of good young players in the draft to help out for the long term future of the franchise. They added some quality mid-level FA vets to help teach these kids how to be pros. The secondary improved as the season went along last year. They also added some good young play makers to help Bortles out when he does take over.
The Bad: Using a 1rst and 4th round picks on players you basically plan to red shirt this year tells us that there is no urgency to make the playoffs now. Also this O-liner is bad with way too many things having to go right to make it good. It's nice they went after Alex Mack , but when they missed out on him why wait until the 7th round to draft a center. They bring in Zane Beadles and draft Brandon Linder, but when even both play well they still have Austin Pasztor or Cameron Bradfield on the right side. On second thought I am actually glad they are red shirting Blake Bortles. I wouldn't want to see him bet ruined like David Carr behind a bad O-line.
Prediction: 6-10 : Hopefully this season ends the same way as last year. With the team ion the upswing, but with the added attraction of Blake Bortles leading the team to victory's to end the year, and a lot of hope on the horizon for long suffering jaguars fans.
HOUSTON TEXANS
The Good: JJ Watt is at least the best defensive player in the NFL, if not its best overall player. Add the freakish ability of Jadavian Clowney , and the hope that JJ's work ethic wears off on him and the Texans could have a unstoppable combo that is even better than Justin and Aldon Smith. A great draft and a new regime change for a team that was very recently in the playoffs should mean a quick turnaround. Brian Cushing is healthy . Texans need to cross their hands he stays that way, because they are a different defense with him on the field.They have a really weak schedule.
The Bad: As great as that draft was if they had traded back into the first round and gotten Teddy Bridgewater I think this team would be in the playoffs this year , and would have set themselves up as perennial contender. Getting a long term project like Tom Savage is fine if you have a serviceable veteran QB. If O'brien can fix Ryan Fitzpatrick enough to make him a playoff QB then he isn't a QB guru, he's a QB messiah! If they had traded for Ryan Mallett at the draft or before camp began he could have had decent shot to show whether he is a viable long term option. It's great they got him so cheap after he got demoted ,but now he's playing catch up and probably lacks the reps to get the best out of him. You could legitimately see 3 different QB's get significant time this season, and that is almost always a bad thing for the season it happens in. Arian Foster looks like he is breaking down more every carry.
Predictions:5-11: QB woes and uncertainty will make this a rebuilding year. If Fitzpatrick could be just league average they could be a playoff team, but I doubt it.
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
The Good: Pretty much everything. Peyton was historically good last year. A good O-line should be even better with Ryan Clady returning. I will trade Erick Decker for Emmanuel sanders and Cody Latimer any time. So the receiving core should be better. Add DeMarcus Ware to a returning Von Miller and the pass rush can be elite. Free agent signings Aquib Talib & TJ Ward to returning from injury starters Rahim Moore and Chris Harris could mean an entirely new secondary in the superbowl ( if they make it back) this season.
The Bad: Not much really. Middle linebacker Brandon Marshall is unproven and may be the weakness in the middle of the defense. Montee Ball has big shoes to fill after Knowshon Moreno finally played like the player the broncos took in the first round last year. Maybe a combination of Ball, Ronnie Hillman, and CJ Anderson can be better. Matt Prater is suspended for the first 4 games for violating the leagues substance abuse policy, but I suspect they will survive. Other than that Elway's biggest worry is probably that Peyton wins the superbowl and retires. I think any team would kill for that to be a worry.
Prediction: 12-4: Home field advantage: AFC champion: In the Superbowl.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
The Good: Phillip Rivers looked like a franchise QB again after the4 front office improved the O-line and changing to an offense designed to get rid of the ball quicker. Funny how that works huh? A bad secondary could now be a strength after adding Jason Verret in the draft and free agent cast off Brandon Flowers in free agency. Adding them to the already great Erik Weddell can only be an improvement. A full season with Keenan Allen as the #1 receiver and Ladarius Green teaming up with Antonio Gates should provide for some big plays. Ryan Matthews in a contract year, so if he is ever going to be healthy and hold onto the ball, now is the time. Melvin Ingram and Jerry Attachou could be a long term excellent pass rushing duo off the edge.If Freeney is healthy they can both learn a lot from him.
The Bad: While the O-line was improved at tackle with they are still lacking guards that can regularly keep the pocket from collapsing on Phillip Rivers. Also this team lacks speed. They have a lot of good football players but they need a burner who can stretch the field. 7th rounder Tevin Reese could fill that void if he ever learns to catch the ball consistently, but he is on the practice squad right now. Kendall Reyes needs to step opposite Corey Liuget. Luiget draws the blockers , but Reyes still lacks the ability to win his one on ones.
Predictions: 9-7 :Wildcard: A much tougher schedule should make it harder to make the playoffs, but as long as Rivers is healthy they have a good shot and if they are in the tournament they will go as far as Rivers can take them.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Good: Andy Reid is an excellent coach and Jamal Charles is a weapon whenever he's on the field . If they decide to with a two TE set with Travis Kelce and Anthony Fasano they could actually have decent offense . Alex Smith is the right QB to go with a run heavy, ball control , conservative , trust the defense approach, but I doubt Andy Reid can keep from throwing it too much. The defense is loaded with pro bowl players at every level and is the best reason they have a chance to make the playoffs.
The Bad: The O-line lost 4 players to free agency. The only returning player in the same position is center Rodney Hudson . Eric Fisher is moving to left tackle , but at least he was on the team last year. Too many question shave turned a team strength into a probable weakness. They lack weapon sat wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe's biggest strength as a receiver is his blocking. Donnie Avery has speed, but is injury prone with suspect hands. Former #1 pick & bust AJ Jenkins is a lesser version of Avery right now. If this team needs Alex Smith to win games instead of driving the bus that new contract they just gave him is going to be an albatross around their necks pretty quickly.
Predictions: 7-9 : A tough schedule added to too many losses on the O-line make me think they don't even make it to .500 this year.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
The Good: They had a very good draft. If they had a draft like this last year I would have more hope for this teams prospects this season. Despite losing LT Jared Veldheer this O-line should be better on the whole. New LT Donald Penn has been overrated for awhile but he is still at least serviceable, especially as a run blocker. Rookie LG Gabe Jackson was a teal in the 3rd round. Center Steve Wisneiwski is an above average center and a building block for the future. RG Austin Howard is probably a better fit as guard than he was at tackle. 2nd year rookie Menelik Watson is so talented he should end up ith the right tackle job pretty soon, especially since Barnes is bad. Khalil Mack and a couple of other young guys might help too.In typical aider fashion theirs some really good young talent that are better athletes than football players. Hopefully some of them will step up too.
The Bad: Reggie McKenzie needed to bring back Lamar Houston and Jared Veldheer . They were both young free agents that could have been building blocks for the future. Instead he lost both and ending overpaying for a lot of past their prime free agents. At best this team wins 6 games, and that's if everything works out. While I am not a big Derek Carr fan his mobility and strong arm give them a better chance of winning this year than Matt Schaub does. I just hope he do get ruined like his brother by having too much on his plate too early. Then again this O-line is already better than the one that almost got big brother killed in first 2 seasons. The Roger Scaffold bad contract was suspiciously saved by a bad physical. Whoever flunked scaffold probably saved Mckenzie from himself.
Predictions: 3-13:Tough schedule for a bad team. When all the over priced veterans get hurt and the young guys get to play they might start helping ext years team, but its probably too late to save the jobs of McKenzie and Dennis Allen.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
2015 NFL MOCK DRAFT - 8/16/14
The season hasn't even started yet and we are already thinking about 2015 . Training camp, the pre-season, injuries etc, can and will change the draft order before the season even starts. Let alone during the real season when they play the games and a lot changes. Predicting not only a draft but a draft order so far away is not easy .My guess right now is it's a Saint vs Broncos Superbowl . We also predict Oakland, Carolina, Jacksonville, and Tennessee will be in the hunt for the #1 pick.
1.HOUSTON-JAMEIS WINSTON-QB-FSU-Tom Savage? meh. Ryan Fitzpatrick? Nope. Coach O'brien could decide to go with a known commodity by signing free agent Ryan Mallet . Savage blossoming under O'briens tutelage is probably the Te\xans best Chance of a long term answer of the 3 choices, but doubt it. So far Fitz has been a disaster and Savage is a project that is far from ready. . Case Keenum gives them the best chance of winning games this year but he looks like a career back up instead of a possible franchise QB. Despoite a great draft this could be a turnover/rebuilding year. If the Texans are going to waste the talents of Jadavian Clowney in coverage, instead of rushing the passer , they deserve top learn the hard way and finish dead last again. On the bright side an elite talent like Winston under the tutelage of a QB guru like O'brien could lead to awesome results. If Winston can stay out of trouble he can be a great pro QB, and on the field I prefer him to Mariota right now. If he tightens up his delivery , can stay off of TMZ, and then can convince teams he has grown up , he should go #1 no matter who has the pick.
2.OAKLAND-LEONARD WILLIAMS-DT/DE-USC-My guess is GM Reggie McKenzie gets fired despite an excellent draft. They spent too much money and overpaid for too many way past their prime players. They probably should give Derek Carr at least 1 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 Carr get 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, quick. You name it he's got it. He can rush the passer well enough to be a 3 technique , play as 4-3 base end, or hold the point as 5 technique and still give you a pass rush if they should decide to run a 3-4. I would say he is one the most gifted players overall eligible for the 2015 draft
2.OAKLAND-LEONARD WILLIAMS-DT/DE-USC-My guess is GM Reggie McKenzie gets fired despite an excellent draft. They spent too much money and overpaid for too many way past their prime players. They probably should give Derek Carr at least 1 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 Carr get 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, quick. You name it he's got it. He can rush the passer well enough to be a 3 technique , play as 4-3 base end, or hold the point as 5 technique and still give you a pass rush if they should decide to run a 3-4. I would say he is one the most gifted players overall eligible for the 2015 draft
3.JACKSONVILLE-RANDY GREGORY-DE/OLB-NEBRASKA-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 2 red-shirting ,and the underwhelming Chad Henne manning the ship for at least half the season, this year looks like a lost cause already.already. Gregory is a long armed athlete who would have been a first rounder in 2014's deep draft based on talent alone. The extra year to improve his pass rush moves could make him an elite player.
5.CAROLINA-CEDRICK OGBUEHI-OT-TEXAS A&M-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 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 2 huge gambles to base the health of your franchise QB on,. Even a physical specimen like Newton can only take so many hits and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets hurt. At least they made a concerted effort to get him a better(and more reliable and supportive) receiving core. Cedrick is an elite athlete for an O-lineman in the Tyron Smith mold who looks more like a big TE than anything else. Barring injury I believe he will be the next in line of the Texas A&M offensive tackles to be taken in the top 10.
7.CLEVELAND-AMARI COOPER-WR-ALA-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. They should pursue Duron Carter.
9.CHEIFS- PJ WILLIAMS-CB-FLA-ST-I doubt The Chiefs front office began last off season by saying " Hey, why don't we lose our 3 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,, and 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 a possibly an even bigger change because of it. Since they seem to be making bigger corners a priority we will give them the 6 foot Williams.
10.WASHINGTON-VICTOR BEASLEY-OLB/DE-CLEMSON-If Brian Orapko can stay healthy all year the skins probably pay him , but I doubt he does. Beasley was a likely first round pick this year who returned to school. His best fit is a 3-4 OLB even if he puts on another 20 pounds this year as ;long as he still has that elite first step and get off. 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.
11.DALLAS-MARIO EDWARDS-DE-FLA.ST-Even if Demarcus Lawrence works out at one end spot the front four pass rush is the key to this defense, and Dallas seems to be counting on depth instead of proven high end talent to get to the QB this season. Aging/injured Anthony Spencer probably can't be counted on long term, and Henry Melton is also coming off a torn ACL. Edwards was the only player I saw give #2 overall pick Greg Robinson trouble in the run game this year. He is a physical specimen who's prodigious strength could make him very versatile., but he needs to be on the field for more snaps and show a larger variety of pass rush moves. .He has the talent and frame to play inside or outside.This team can go 5-11 or 11-5 depending on Romo's(back disc surgery!) health alone.. Romo's over/under is 10 games to me ,and I'm betting the under right now. If Brandon Weeden's the replacement QB(thanks to Orton's no-show this off-season) I expect a lot of losses.Losing Sean :Lee for the year doesn't help either.That means that the 3 best players on last years BAD defense are no longer on the field for Dallas. Even without Lee if Romo is healthy for 16 games and the defense is just average I think they win the division this year, but I just doubt his body can hold up for the whole season, and trhat their pass rush on the outside will get it done.
12.CLEVELAND(BUFF)-TRE JACKSON-G-FLA.ST-Keep bolstering that interior line so Manziel has a pocket to step up into. Jackson is the mean , mauling , ruin blocker this O-line lacks. In fact newly drafted Joel Bittonio probably plays with more of an edge than any player the browns previously had on the O-line, Throwing a big nasty guy like Jackson into the mix could help change the demeanor of the offense. 10.WASHINGTON-VICTOR BEASLEY-OLB/DE-CLEMSON-If Brian Orapko can stay healthy all year the skins probably pay him , but I doubt he does. Beasley was a likely first round pick this year who returned to school. His best fit is a 3-4 OLB even if he puts on another 20 pounds this year as ;long as he still has that elite first step and get off. 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.
11.DALLAS-MARIO EDWARDS-DE-FLA.ST-Even if Demarcus Lawrence works out at one end spot the front four pass rush is the key to this defense, and Dallas seems to be counting on depth instead of proven high end talent to get to the QB this season. Aging/injured Anthony Spencer probably can't be counted on long term, and Henry Melton is also coming off a torn ACL. Edwards was the only player I saw give #2 overall pick Greg Robinson trouble in the run game this year. He is a physical specimen who's prodigious strength could make him very versatile., but he needs to be on the field for more snaps and show a larger variety of pass rush moves. .He has the talent and frame to play inside or outside.This team can go 5-11 or 11-5 depending on Romo's(back disc surgery!) health alone.. Romo's over/under is 10 games to me ,and I'm betting the under right now. If Brandon Weeden's the replacement QB(thanks to Orton's no-show this off-season) I expect a lot of losses.Losing Sean :Lee for the year doesn't help either.That means that the 3 best players on last years BAD defense are no longer on the field for Dallas. Even without Lee if Romo is healthy for 16 games and the defense is just average I think they win the division this year, but I just doubt his body can hold up for the whole season, and trhat their pass rush on the outside will get it done.
13.MIAMI-RAMIK WILSON-ILB-GEORGIA-Daniel Ellerbe did not play well in the middle last season. If he doesn't improve dramatically this season I think a new QB for the defense will be a top priority and Ramik Wilson is my pick to end the season as the best MLB in the draft. Speaking of changing QB's, Ryan Tannehill can still be a franchise QB but I think it's possible he goes when Philbin gets fired and the new guy wants his own QB. The front office turnover this year ,combined with injuries to key players, lame duck coach, the Incognito scandal, and unpredictable ownership all give me a bad feeling for this season. So despite a strong overall draft and free agency period I am thinking the Dolphins go backwards this season.
14.TENNESEE-BRETT HUNDLEY-QB-UCLA--Despite his obvious talent Zach Mettenburgers knee & back woes, and some off the field troubles made him free fall to the 6th round. With so little an investment in him a new top QB can easily come in to replace Jake Locker if he fails again. Right now I think that's Hundleyy. .He is a good athlete for the position, and his leadership skills are unquestioned. . Even if given the choice Ken Whisenhunt is more likely to take a safe off the field guy like Hundley than a maybe better but troubled Jameis Winston if he was available when they picked. This team has almost everything and good QB play should make them a contender quickly.
15.DETROIT-IFO EKPRE OLUMNU-CB-OREGON-The Lions have finally admitted the Chris Houston big money contract was a mistake and moved on another corner is needed.The lions keep drafting corners in the 2nd round and later. This time they make sure and get an elite talent by drafting one first. If is a fierce guy with elite coverage skills who plays a lot bigger than he is.
16.PITTSBURGH-JAELEN STRONG WR-AZ.ST- Since Plaxico Burress left after his rookie season Ben Roethlesberger has wanted another big wide receiver. Strongy would give Big Ben another big target who he can throw it up to, but also have the speed and running ability to make plays after the catch. .Strong has a playing style similiar to to AJ Green but plays with a little more physicality.
17.CHICAGO-CODY PREWITT-S-O.MISS--Potentially 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 4 universally high rated safeties in the 1rst round. They did draft the versatile Kyle Fuller with their 1rst pick, and he is big, smart, and physical enough to play safety if necessary. Although that's not Fullers best position and Peanut Tillman is 33 and coming off a serious injury. They also drafted Brock Vereen in round 4, but even if he works out thats just one safety spot filled. Prewitt led the SEC ion picks last year and the bears secondary prides themselves on taking away the ball.
18.MINNESOTA-MICHAEL BENNETT- If Teddy Bridgewater begins the season as the starting QV I expect the vikings to compete for a playoff spot. Shariff Floyd, Linval Joseph, and Fred Evans are all good options on the inside , but none of them have the elite first step of a Geno Atkins. Bennett does and I am sure new head coach Mike Zimmer misses Atkins from his Cincinnati days. Zimmer can use Bennett's penetrations skills to scheme and wreak havoc on an offense.
19.NYJ-TODD GURLEY-RB-GEORGIA-Remember when the ground and pound jets were making the AFC championship despite a crappy QB? A bruising running game was the key just as much as the defense. Gurley reminded me of Eric Dickerson pre-knee-injury. If he is %100 this year , regains that pre-injury burst, and returns completely to form, look out!
20.ARIZONA-DANTE FOWLER-DE/OLB-FLORIDA-The cards need an edge rusher that is fluid and quick enough to drop into coverage as a 3-4 OLB, and strong enough to hold the point as a DE when they go to nickle. . Fowler has that kind of ability if he can harness it. A guy with his talent and motor is a safe bet to make a big jump in production this year. With just a little tweaking and improvement in technique he could blow up this season
21.RAMS-TY MONTGOMERY-WR-STAN- In back to back years the rams have used 2 high picks on receivers. A 2nd and 4th in 2012 and a 1rst and a third in 2013. While all are still young none of them look like a #1 receiver to me , although Tavon Austin and Steadman Bailey do look like long term contributors .In 2013 they just ignored the position in the draft. Montgomery is a bigger receiver who still has the explosive ability to make plays after the catch.
22.CHARGERS-TRAE WAYNES-CB-MICH.ST--After drafting Jason Verret in 2014, and signing Brandon Flowers the chargers now have a chance to have 2 good corners, but both are undersized.. Even if somebody else steps up here at least one more corner is needed in today's pass happy NFL, and he needs to be a bigger guy. Adding the tall and physical Waynes to Weddle, Verret, Flowers, and a improving Marcus Gilchrist can make what was once a weakness into a strength.
23.BALTIMORE-MELVIN GORDON-RB-WISCONSIN-With Ray Rice looking beat down on the field, and facing a possible suspension for allegedly beating down his wife, Bernard Pierce is probably the man at RB for the ravens this year. The bruising Pierce could get help from fellow big back rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro , but neither is the consistent big play threat that Gordon is, An explosive back that can take a full load of carries and force defenses to game-plan around him. Gordon can take it the house and is a surprisingly physical runner for his build. His ridiculous yards per carry last season when everyone knew he was getting the ball shows just how good he is.He hasn't shown much as a receiver or in pass pro yet, but I imagine he could do some serious damage if he caught the ball in an open space.
24.EAGLES-SHAWN OAKMAN-DE/DT-BAYLOR-Chip Kelly likes tall guys with long arms on defense. That is Oakman to a tee. Think somewhere between Calais Campbell/Michael Johnson and you are on the the right track.He has the perfect frame for a NFL 5 technique and be a cornerstone of the rebuilt defense under Kelly. .
25.PATRIOTS-DEVIN FUNCHESS-TE-MICHIGAN-The entire offense the Patriots want to run is predicated on 2 tight end sets . Right now even if Gronk is completely healthy for the season he is called on to block a lot , because he is far better than any other blocking TE the pats have. They shocked us all and didn't draft any in 2013. Doubt that happens this time around.
26.GREEN BAY-HRONISS GRASU-C-OREGON-Maybe Corey Linsley works out but he seems more like a smart interior line backup to me..Grasu is an elite talent that moves like a tight end on the inside but has the frame to fill out more and add strength.
27.SEATTLE-ANDRUS PEAT-OT-STANFORD-The sea-hawks are 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 debacle of a draft was added in to the mix, I won't pick even them to repeat as champs in the NFC west. Without home-field advantage in the playoffs I think the Superbowl is out. . In 3 years their 4th,5th and ,6th round draft picks may be stars in typical Seahawks fashion but they need help now. They over-drafted injury prone Justin Britt this year but did little else to help the O-line. Even if he works out well Russell Wilson better keep his cardio up, because the line would still be only average. Peat is the most talented of all the vaunted Stanford lineman to come along since Jim Harbaugh installed his power version of the west coast offense.. Whether he replaces the oft injured but skilled Russell Okung on the left side or lines up on the right is the question.
28.COLTS-CAMERON ERVING-OT-FLA.ST-I have never thought Anthony Costanzo was meant to be a left tackle. After all the hits he took last year I bet Andrew Luck agrees,.The interior O-line is a bigger worry right now, but I wouldn't pay Costanzo left tackle money on a long term deal unless he improves a lot this season. Erving is a talented but raw blindside protector that could leap into the top 10 if his technique improves this year.
29.BENGALS-DEVANTE PARKER-WR-LVILLE--The Bengals need a wide receiver who can draw double teams away from AJ Green and who has the ability to win jump balls on the outside . Parker has the ability to not only be a great #2, but to also be a co #1 receiver long term.
30.SAN FRANCISCO-SHANE RAY-DE/OLB-MIZZ--Aldon Smith is not someone I would want to count on long term after his litany of off the field problems has come to light. Ray didn't get as much spotlight as Ealy/Sam last season but he did make a lot of plays as an edge rusher regardless of accolades. He is a beter prospect than either if he reaches his ceiling.
31.DENVER-DENZEL PERYMAN-LB-MIA-Lamin Barrow may play alright as an outside LB but I think he currently lacks the football IQ and instincts to succeed inside, Wilson has the talent and football IQ to QB their defense.He is a stout guy with a penchant for big plays but this season he needs to be more consistent down by down to make the jump into the 1rst round.
32.SAINTS-LA'EL COLLINS-T/G-LSU- The departure of often injured 1rst round bust Charles Brown after he finally stayed pretty healthy is a blessing in disguise. He didn't play that well anyway and he probably would have just gotten hurt if they paid him anyway.This gives ultra talented .small school stud Terron Armstead a shot to be the guy. to man Drew Bree's blindside. Collins is a very talented local boy who could backup both tackle and guard positions until a spot opens up. At this point on the draft best player available is a key phrase. He can play left tackle if Armstead can't do it,, fill in for the injured , or take over for one of the stud guards if one of their contracts becomes a burden.
Monday, July 28, 2014
2015 NFL MOCK DRAFT- 7/28/14
The season hasn't even started yet and we are already thinking about 2015 . Training camp, the pre-season, injuries etc, can and will change the draft order before the season even starts. Let alone during the real season when they play the games and a lot changes. Predicting not only a draft but a draft order so far away is not easy .My guess right now is it's a Saint vs Broncos Superbowl . We also predict Oakland, Carolina, Jacksonville, and Tennessee will be in the hunt for the #1 pick.
1.OAK-JAMEIS WINSTON-QB-FSU--My guess is GM Reggie McKenzie gets fired despite an excellent draft. They spent too much money and overpaid for too many way past their prime players. They probably should give Derek Carr at least 1 more year at QB to see if he's the guy , but new GM's and coaches are famous for wanting their own guy. So I'm gonna say they trade Carr unless he lights it up late in the season, and take the best QB in the draft, regardless of character, because Mark Davis wants to be like daddy.. If Winston can stay out of trouble he can be a great pro QB, and on the field I prefer him to Mariota right now. If he tightens up his delivery , can stay off of TMZ, and then can convince teams he his grown up now, he should go #1 no matter who has the pick.
2.JAX-RANDY GREGORY-DE/OLB-NEBRASKA-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 2 red-shirting ,and the underwhelming Chad Henne manning the ship for at least half the season, this year looks like a lost cause already.already. Gregory is a long armed athlete who would have been a first rounder in 2014's deep draft based on talent alone. The extra year to improve his pass rush moves could make him an elite player.
3.TENN-MARCUS MARIOTA-QB-OREGON-Despite his obvious talent Zach Mettenburgers knee & back woes, and some off the field troubles made him free fall to the 6th round. With so little an investment in him a new top QB can easily come in to replace Jake Locker if he fails again. Right now I think that's Mariota. .He is an elite athlete for the position, but his spread/shotgun offense delays his pro skill set from developing quicker. Even if given the choice Ken Whisenhunt is more likely to take a safe off the field guy like Mariota than a maybe better but troubled Jameis Winston. This team has almost everything and good QB play should make them a contender quickly.
5.CAR-CEDRICK OGBUEHI-OT-TEXAS A&M-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 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 2 huge gambles to base the health of your franchise QB on,. Even a physical specimen like Newton can only take so many hits and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets hurt. At least they made a concerted effort to get him a better(and more reliable and supportive) receiving core. Cedrick is an elite athlete for an O-lineman in the Tyron Smith mold who looks more like a big TE than anything else. Barring injury I believe he will be the next in line of the Texas A&M offensive tackles to be taken in the top 10.
7.CLEV-(buff)-AMARI COOPER-WR-ALA-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. They should pursue Duron Carter.
8.KC- PJ WILLIAMS-CB-FLA-ST-I doubt The Chiefs front office began last off season by saying " Hey, why don't we lose our 3 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,, and 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 a possibly an even bigger change because of it. Since they seem to be making bigger corners a priority we will give them the 6 foot Williams.
9.WASH-VICTOR BEASLEY-OLB/DE-CLEMSON-If Brian Orapko can stay healthy all year the skins probably pay him , but I doubt he does. Beasley was a likely first round pick this year who returned to school. His best fit is a 3-4 OLB even if he puts on another 20 pounds this year as ;long as he still has that elite first step and get off. 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.
10.TB-BRETT HUNDLEY-QB-UCLA- Despite a pretty good rookie season for the Bucs they went out and signed Josh McCown to be the strarter, which makes me believe they don't like Glennon as the long term guy no matter what they say to the press. Hundley is very talented but he doesn't have quite as much upside of some of these other QB's. . He does however have the personality , leadership. and accountability makeup of a guy you want to lead your franchise. If he can start making more big plays at clutch moments and keep growing as a QB he should be a first round pick. . I think the extra year in school will really help him improve his deep accuracy and speed up his clock reading defenses.
9.WASH-VICTOR BEASLEY-OLB/DE-CLEMSON-If Brian Orapko can stay healthy all year the skins probably pay him , but I doubt he does. Beasley was a likely first round pick this year who returned to school. His best fit is a 3-4 OLB even if he puts on another 20 pounds this year as ;long as he still has that elite first step and get off. 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.
10.TB-BRETT HUNDLEY-QB-UCLA- Despite a pretty good rookie season for the Bucs they went out and signed Josh McCown to be the strarter, which makes me believe they don't like Glennon as the long term guy no matter what they say to the press. Hundley is very talented but he doesn't have quite as much upside of some of these other QB's. . He does however have the personality , leadership. and accountability makeup of a guy you want to lead your franchise. If he can start making more big plays at clutch moments and keep growing as a QB he should be a first round pick. . I think the extra year in school will really help him improve his deep accuracy and speed up his clock reading defenses.
11.MIA-RAMIK WILSON-ILB-GEORGIA-Daniel Ellerbe did not play well in the middle last season. If he doesn't improve dramatically this season I think a new QB for the defense will be a top priority and Ramik Wilson is my pick to end the season as the best MLB in the draft. Speaking of changing QB's, Ryan Tannehill can still be a franchise QB but I think it's possible he goes when Philbin gets fired and the new guy wants his own QB. The front office turnover this year ,combined with injuries to key players, lame duck coach, the Incognito scandal, and unpredictable ownership all give me a bad feeling for this season. So despite a strong overall draft and free agency period I am thinking the Dolphins go backwards this season.
12.CLEV-TRE JACKSON-G-FLA.ST-Keep bolstering that interior line so Manziel has a pocket to step up into. Jackson is the mean , mauling , ruin blocker this O-line lacks. In fact newly drafted Joel Bittonio probably plays with more of an edge than any player the browns previously had on the O-line, Throwing a big nasty guy like Jackson into the mix could help change the demeanor of the offense.
13.DET-IFO EKPRE OLUMNU-CB-OREGON-The Lions have finally admitted the Chris Houston big money contract was a mistake and moved on another corner is needed.The lions keep drafting corners in the 2nd round and later. This time they make sure and get an elite talent by drafting one first. If is a fierce guy with elite coverage skills who plays a lot bigger than he is.
14.DALL-MARIO EDWARDS-DE-FLA.ST-Even if Demarcus Lawrence works out at one end spot the front four pass rush is the key to this defense, and Dallas seems to be counting on depth instead of proven high end talent to get to the QB this season. Aging/injured Anthony Spencer probably can't be counted on long term, and Henry Melton is also coming off a torn ACL. Edwards was the only player I saw give #2 overall pick Greg Robinson trouble in the run game this year. He is a physical specimen who's prodigious strength could make him very versatile., but he needs to be on the field for more snaps and show a larger variety of pass rush moves. .He has the talent and frame to play inside or outside.This team can go 5-11 or 11-5 depending on Romo's(back disc surgery!) health alone.. Romo's over/under is 10 games to me ,and I'm betting the under right now. If Brandon Weeden's the replacement QB(thanks to Orton's no-show this off-season) I expect a lot of losses.Losing Sean :Lee for the year doesn't help either.That means that the 3 best players on last years BAD defense are no longer on the field for Dallas. Even without Lee if Romo is healthy for 16 games I think they win the division this year, but I just doubt his body can hold up for the whole season.
14.DALL-MARIO EDWARDS-DE-FLA.ST-Even if Demarcus Lawrence works out at one end spot the front four pass rush is the key to this defense, and Dallas seems to be counting on depth instead of proven high end talent to get to the QB this season. Aging/injured Anthony Spencer probably can't be counted on long term, and Henry Melton is also coming off a torn ACL. Edwards was the only player I saw give #2 overall pick Greg Robinson trouble in the run game this year. He is a physical specimen who's prodigious strength could make him very versatile., but he needs to be on the field for more snaps and show a larger variety of pass rush moves. .He has the talent and frame to play inside or outside.This team can go 5-11 or 11-5 depending on Romo's(back disc surgery!) health alone.. Romo's over/under is 10 games to me ,and I'm betting the under right now. If Brandon Weeden's the replacement QB(thanks to Orton's no-show this off-season) I expect a lot of losses.Losing Sean :Lee for the year doesn't help either.That means that the 3 best players on last years BAD defense are no longer on the field for Dallas. Even without Lee if Romo is healthy for 16 games I think they win the division this year, but I just doubt his body can hold up for the whole season.
15.PITT-BRANDON SCHERFF-OT-IOWA- Maybe Kelvin Beachum works out at LT, or maybe not, Desoite his obvious talents I have no faith in Mike Adams to be a long term NFL OT. Marcus Gilbert is more of a finesse guy and none of these 3 possess the dominant physicality of a OT that leads a power running game. Scherff does. He is an angry mauler that this fan base would immediately latch onto.
16.HOU-TY MONTGOMERY-WR-STAN- Tom Savage? meh. Ryan Fitzpatrick? Nope. Coach O'brien decides to go with a known commodity by signing free agent Ryan Mallet so no QB in the first round . Future HOFer Andre Johnson has made it clear he doesn't want to wait around for a rebuilding year. After finally adding Deandre Hopkins last year the Texans went back to ignoring the WR position in this draft. Montgomery would give Mallet another big target who can make big plays after the catch.
17.CHI-CODY PREWITT-S-O.MISS--Potentially 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 4 universally high rated safeties in the 1rst round. They did draft the versatile Kyle Fuller with their 1rst pick, and he is big, smart, and physical enough to play safety if necessary. Although that's not Fullers best position and Peanut Tillman is 33 and coming off a serious injury. They also drafted Brock Vereen in round 4, but even if he works out thats just one safety spot filled. Prewitt led the SEC ion picks last year and the bears secondary prides themselves on taking away the ball.
18.MINN-MICHAEL BENNETT- If Teddy Bridgewater begins the season as the starting QV I expect the vikings to compete for a playoff spot. Shariff Floyd, Linval Joseph, and Fred Evans are all good options on the inside , but none of them have the elite first step of a Geno Atkins. Bennett does and I am sure new head coach Mike Zimmer misses Atkins from his Cincinnati days. Zimmer can use Bennett's penetrations skills to scheme and wreak havoc on an offense.
19.NYJ-TODD GURLEY-RB-GEORGIA-Remember when the ground and pound jets were making the AFC championship despite a crappy QB? A bruising running game was the key just as much as the defense. Gurley reminded me of Eric Dickerson pre-knee-injury. If he is %100 this year , regains that pre-injury burst, and returns completely to form, look out!
20.AZ-DANTE FOWLER-DE/OLB-FLORIDA-r The cards need an edge rusher that is fluid and quick enough to drop into coverage as a 3-4 OLB, and strong enough to hold the point as a DE when they go to nickle. . Fowler has that kind of ability if he can harness it. A guy with his talent and motor is a safe bet to make a big jump in production this year. With just a little tweaking and improvement in technique he could blow up this season.
21.STL-JAELEN STRONG WR-AZ.ST-- In back to back years the rams have used 2 high picks on receivers. A 2nd and 4th in 2012 and a 1rst and a third in 2013. While all are still young none of them look like a #1 receiver to me , although Tavon Austin and Steadman Bailey do look like long term contributors .In 2013 they just ignored the position in the draft. Here is to hoping Nelson is the guy .Strong has a playing style similiar to to AJ Green but plays with a little more physicality.
22.SD-TRAE WAYNES-CB-MICH.ST--After drafting Jason Verret in 2014, and signing Brandon Flowers the chargers now have a chance to have 2 good corners, but both are undersized.. Even if somebody else steps up here at least one more corner is needed in today's pass happy NFL, and he needs to be a bigger guy. Adding the tall and physical Waynes to Weddle, Verret, Flowers, and a improving Marcus Gilchrist can make what was once a weakness into a strength.
21.STL-JAELEN STRONG WR-AZ.ST-- In back to back years the rams have used 2 high picks on receivers. A 2nd and 4th in 2012 and a 1rst and a third in 2013. While all are still young none of them look like a #1 receiver to me , although Tavon Austin and Steadman Bailey do look like long term contributors .In 2013 they just ignored the position in the draft. Here is to hoping Nelson is the guy .Strong has a playing style similiar to to AJ Green but plays with a little more physicality.
22.SD-TRAE WAYNES-CB-MICH.ST--After drafting Jason Verret in 2014, and signing Brandon Flowers the chargers now have a chance to have 2 good corners, but both are undersized.. Even if somebody else steps up here at least one more corner is needed in today's pass happy NFL, and he needs to be a bigger guy. Adding the tall and physical Waynes to Weddle, Verret, Flowers, and a improving Marcus Gilchrist can make what was once a weakness into a strength.
23.BALT-MELVIN GORDON-RB-WISCONSIN-With Ray Rice looking beat down on the field, and facing a possible suspension for allegedly beating down his wife, Bernard Pierce is probably the man at RB for the ravens this year. The bruising Pierce could get help from fellow big back rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro , but neither is the consistent big play threat that Gordon is, An explosive back that can take a full load of carries and force defenses to game-plan around him. Gordon can take it the house and is a surprisingly physical runner for his build. His ridiculous yards per carry last season when everyone knew he was getting the ball shows just how good he is.He hasn't shown much as a receiver or in pass pro yet, but I imagine he could do some serious damage if he caught the ball in an open space.
24.PHIL-SHAWN OAKMAN-DE/DT-BAYLOR-Chip Kelly likes tall guys with long arms on defense. That is Oakman to a tee. Think somewhere between Calais Campbell/Michael Johnson and you are on the the right track.He has the perfect frame for a NFL 5 technique.
25.NE-DEVIN FUNCHESS-TE-MICHIGAN-The entire offense the Patriots want to run is predicated on 2 tight end sets . Right now even if Gronk is completely healthy for the season he is called on to block a lot , because he is far better than any other blocking TE the pats have. They shocked us all and didn't draft any in 2013. Doubt that happens this time around.
26.GB-HRONISS GRASU-C-OREGON-Maybe Corey Linsley works out but he seems more like a smart interior line backup to me..Grasu is an elite talent that moves like a tight end on the inside but has the frame to fill out more and add strength.
27.INDY-ANDRUS PEAT-OT-STANFOIRD-I have never thought Anthony Costanzo was meant to be a left tackle. After all the hits he took last year I bet Andrew Luck agrees,.The interior O-line is a bigger worry right now, but I wouldn't pay Costanzo left tackle money on a long term deal unless he improves a lot this season. Peat is the most talented of all the vaunted Stanford lineman to come along since the Harbaugh power offense was installed.
28.SEA-CAMERON ERVING-OT-FLA.ST--They over-drafted Justin Britt this year but did little else to help the O-line. Even if he works out well Russell Wilson better keep his cardio up because the line would still be only average. Erving is a talented but raw blindside protector that could leap into the top 10 if his technique improves this year. Whether he replaces the oft injured but skilled Russell Okung on the left side or lines up on the right he would definitely help this unit improve as a whole.
29.CINC-DEVANTE PARKER-WR-LVILLE--The Bengals need a wide receiver who can draw double teams away from AJ Green and who has the ability to win jump balls on the outside . Parker has the ability to not only be a great #2, but to also be a co #1 receiver long term.
30.49ers-SHANE RAY-DE/OLB-MIZZ--Aldon Smith is not someone I would want to count on long term after his litany of off the field problems has come to light. Ray didn't get as much spotlight as Ealy/Sam last season but he did make a lot of plays as an edge rusher regardless of accolades. He is a beter prospect than either if he reaches his ceiling.
31.DENV-DENZEL PERYMAN-LB-MIA-Lamin Barrow may play alright as an outside LB but I think he currently lacks the football IQ and instincts to succeed inside, Wilson has the talent and football IQ to QB their defense.He is a stout guy with a penchant for big plays but this season he needs to be more consistent down by down to make the jump into the 1rst round.
32.NO-LA'EL COLLINS-T/G-LSU- The departure of often injured 1rst round bust Charles Brown after he finally stayed pretty healthy is a blessing in disguise. He didn't play that well anyway and he probably would have just gotten hurt if they paid him anyway.This gives ultra talented .small school stud Terron Armstead a shot to be the guy. to man Drew Bree's blindside. Collins is a very talented local boy who could backup both tackle and guard positions until a spot opens up. At this point on the draft best player available is a key phrase. He can play left tackle if Armstead can't do it,, fill in for the injured , or take over for one of the stud guards if one of their contracts becomes a burden.
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