Anyways, you will likely see a new mock draft from me at least every other week leading up to the NFL Draft in April. Here is what you need to know before moving on.....
-Other Potential Picks: These are other guys the team could take at this spot. Please keep in mind that I will not include players who have already been selected in this slot in order to keep it more realistic. If they are off the board already, how could they be a potential pick? Think about it....
Ultimate Football Blog's NFL Mock Draft
Post-NFL Combine
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston (QB) Florida State
It's no secret that the Bucs need a quarterback and they will likely select one when they are on the clock in April. The big question is, which QB will they take? Both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are still very much in play with this pick and the Bucs reportedly are keeping their options open. I personally see them taking Winston when it's all said and done. Winston is more pro-ready than Mariota and is ready to be plugged into a system right now. The Bucs may be intrigued by Mariota's athleticism and football IQ though, so this is still definitely far from a lock and likely will be until the name is finally called.
Other Potential Picks:
-Marcus Mariota (QB) Oregon
-Leonard Williams (DE) USC
-Dante Fowler (LB/DE) Florida
2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota (QB) Oregon
I think there's a trade here. With so many teams needing a quarterback and with Mariota having a great performance at the combine, his name is hot right now. The Titans have an absolutely awful roster and would benefit greatly by trading this pick and adding more picks. The question on my mind is....which team trades up for Mariota here? Looking at you Philly.
Other Potential Picks:
-Leonard Williams (DE) USC
-Dante Fowler (LB/DE) Florida
-Amari Cooper (WR) Alabama
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams (DE) USC
The Jaguars are a team in need of A LOT of talent. Unfortunately they will only get one pick here. However with a guy like Leonard Williams added to your defense, it could feel like 3 draft picks in one. Williams is an absolute stud on tape and would likely go #1 in the draft if the team picking already had a QB in place (that rarely happens though). Still, I'm sure Jacksonville would be ecstatic to pick up the guy that I think will likely be the best pro in this draft.
Other Potential Picks:
-Amari Cooper (WR) Alabama
-Kevin White (WR) West Virginia
-Dante Fowler (LB/DE) Florida
4. Oakland Raiders: Kevin White (WR) West Virginia
The first "controversial" pick of the draft comes at the hands of the Oakland Raiders (of course!). There's a debate currently going on between NFL Draft experts about who the best wide receiver in the draft is. A lot of people think it's Alabama's Amari Cooper, while other people think it's West Virginia's Kevin White. I don't have a consensus favorite as I would gladly take either one on my favorite NFL team. However, everyone knows that the Raiders love them some SPEED and when Kevin White ran a 4.35 at the Combine, he pretty much guaranteed himself that the Raiders would take a long hard look at him. Something tells me that they will end up liking what they see....
Other Potential Picks:
-Amari Cooper (WR) Alabama
-Dante Fowler (LB/DE) Florida
-Randy Gregory (LB/DE) Nebraska
5. Washington Redskins: Dante Fowler (LB/DE) Florida
The Redskins have a new defensive coordinator and he needs some talent to work with. Florida's Dante Fowler is a freak on tape. He's a guy who's name has taken off the last few weeks for specific reasons. He's a workout warrior and has an excellent shot at becoming the best pass rusher in this draft. You don't think the Redskins would want a talent like that?
Other Potential Picks:
-Amari Cooper (WR) Alabama
-Randy Gregory (DE/LB) Nebraska
-Vic Beasley (DE/LB) Clemson
6. New York Jets: Amari Cooper (WR) Alabama
The Jets would LOVE to have one of the QB's or Williams fall to them here, unfortunately that probably won't happen. Instead, they'll likely be forced to take the best player available. Something tells me if Amari Cooper is that player, the Jets would have no problem with that. If New York is going to be forced to play another season with Geno Smith at QB (and they probably will), you should at least get the kid some weapons and Cooper is a fantastic weapon to add. Line-up Decker on one side, Cooper on the other, re-sign Percy Harvin and have him play the slot and Geno Smith will be running out of excuses as to why he can't play football at the next level.
Other Potential Picks:
-Shane Ray (DE/LB) Missouri
-Vic Beaslery (DE/LB) Clemson
-Randy Gregory (DE/LB) Nebraska
7. Chicago Bears: Randy Gregory (DE/LB) Nebraska
The Bears are likely going defense here and they will have their picks of pass-rushers, that's for sure. Randy Gregory's stock took a bit of a dip following the combine (he was considered almost a guaranteed top-5 pick just a month ago), but Chicago will likely be enticed by him with the 7th pick. The Bears are in dire need of a defensive overhaul and Gregory is a good first step in that direction.
Other Potential Picks:
-Shane Ray (DE/LB) Missouri
-Vic Beasley (DE/LB) Clemson
-Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
8. Atlanta Falcons: Trae Waynes (CB) Michigan State
The Falcons have a lot of needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They also have a big hole at tight end, but there are no tight end's in this draft that are worth even close to a top-10 pick. With that said, I see the Falcons taking either one of the many pass rushers in the draft or taking a look at the best cornerback in the draft in Trae Waynes. The addition of Waynes would give Atlanta a nice 1-2 punch in the secondary with Desmond Trufant already playing like one of the best CB's in the NFL. Seattle showed that you can do some serious damage in the NFL with an excellent secondary and the Falcons would be wise to follow suit.
Other Potential Picks:
-Vic Beasley (DE/LB) Clemson
-Shane Ray (DE/LB) Missouri
-Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
9. New York Giants: Vic Beasley (DE/LB) Clemson
This pick largely is based on what the Giants decided to do with Jason Pierre-Paul in free agency. If they re-sign JPP, they could end up going numerous directions. If they decide to let JPP walk, then they will likely add a pass rusher in the draft. With an influx of pass rushers in this draft, the smart thing for the Giants to do would likely be to let JPP take his high price tag to another team while they target a guy in the first-round that will come with a cheaper price tag. Losing JPP and adding a player like Vic Beasley wouldn't exactly be a bad deal for Giants fans as it would give them a young guy to replace JPP and would also give them more money to throw towards other positions.
Other Potential Picks:
-Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-Danny Shelton (DT) Washington
10. St. Louis Rams: DeVante Parker (WR) Louisville
The Rams are a tough team to mock. Their biggest need is at QB, which makes them a prime target to trade up and grab a player like Marcus Mariota at the #2 pick. They also are a prime candidate to trade down if they don't like anyone who's currently sitting there. In this scenario, the best bet for the Rams would be to trade down and grab an extra draft pick and also an offensive lineman somewhere in the 20's. If they decide to stay put though, they could do a lot worse than adding an offensive playmaker like DeVante Parker to help give WHOEVER is throwing the ball for St. Louis next year a serious weapon.
Other Potential Picks:
-Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
-Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
-Danny Shelton (DT) Washington
11. Minnesota Vikings: Shane Ray (DE/LB) Missouri
This is a nightmare scenario for the Vikings. Minnesota is likely heading into this draft looking to grab one of the top wide receiver's to help the development of Teddy Bridgewater. Unfortunately for them, the 3 best WR's in the draft are already off the board and I can't see them reaching for a player like Dorial Green-Beckham this early. In this scenario, the Vikings would probably look to trade down and grab a guy like DGB or Jaelen Strong in the late-first round. However, if they stick here, they could do a lot worse than grabbing a player like Shane Ray to replace the awful Chad Greenway at right linebacker.
Other Potential Picks:
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
-Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
12. Cleveland Browns: Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
The Browns have two first-round picks, so that gives them a choice here. They can either package the two picks together and move up in this draft to grab one of the QB's. Or they can stay put and add more talent and hope that Johnny Football improves this season (BWAHAHAHAHAHA!). I think they stick with Johnny Football for another year and something tells me they will be enticed by Oregon's Arik Armstead if he's available here. Armstead is a guy who's stock has risen the last few weeks, mainly due to his size. The Browns could take him here and line him up anywhere they wanted on the defensive line. Armstead is one of those guys who looks like he's going to get "it" in the NFL and when you have a guy his size with that much promise....you take him.
Other Potential Picks:
-Dorial Green-Beckham (WR) Oklahoma
-Danny Shelton (DT) Washington
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
13. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Peters (CB) Washington
The Saints could go numerous different ways, but I think they pick a defensive player considering their defense was absolutely atrocious at times last season. Marcus Peters comes with a lot of baggage, but if he can put that all behind him, I think he'll end up having a very good professional football career. At one time, Peters was considered the best CB in the draft, but after he was kicked off the Huskies football team last season, many were left wondering what the problem with him actually was. According to him, he doesn't have one and he just didn't get along with the new Huskies coaching staff. Everyone deserves a second chance and if the Saints give Peters one, I bet they'll be satisfied with the results.
Other Potential Picks:
-Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
-Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
14. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
This is a nightmare scenario for the Dolphins who would ideally want one of the top 3 WR's or one of the top 2 CB's in this draft. Unfortunately for Miami, they are all gone by the time the Dolphins are up to pick. If that happens, the Dolphins are in a prime position to trade with a team looking to perhaps add an offensive lineman. If they don't like that situation, they could always go out and grab the best player avaliable. Grabbing a player like Brandon Scherff and adding him on the offensive line next to Branden Albert and Ja'Wuan James would give Miami options on the offensive line and I bet Ryan Tannehill would love that. Tannehill has actually looked decent so far as a pro and if Miami can get him even more protection, we might see even more improvement from him.
Other Potential Picks:
-Dorial Green-Beckham (WR) Oklahoma
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-Maxx Williams (TE) Minnesota
15. San Francisco 49ers: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR) Oklahoma
Another first-round "shocker". The 49ers have made it clear in the past that they aren't afraid to reach for a guy who comes into the league with some baggage. Well, perhaps no other player in NFL history comes into the league with more baggage than Dorial Green-Beckham, The one-time #1 high school recruit in the Nation has had an up-and-down career in college. There's been multiple marijuana arrests, a domestic abuse problem, and other questions surrounding the kid. However, he looks like the real deal. If this kid can get his head on straight, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see him end up as the best wide receiver in the draft and go on to have a long career in the NFL. Sometimes risks can pay off in the NFL and if there's a team willing to take a risk on a guy, it's the 49ers.
Other Potential Picks:
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
16. Houston Texans: Shaq Thompson (LB) Washington
The Texans are looking to make a name for themselves on the defensive side of the ball. With players like J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney already in place, the Texans are envisioning adding another playmaker on that side of the ball to help strike fear into NFL offenses everywhere. Grabbing a guy like Shaq Thompson gives the Texans plenty of options. They could line Thompson up at LB if they wish, or they could even move him to safety where I'm sure he would absolutely blossom into an NFL stud. He's one of those players that you could put almost anywhere on-the-field and he's going to have an impact.
Other Potential Picks:
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
-Andrus Peat (OT) Stanford
17. San Diego Chargers: T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
A lot of people think the Chargers are going to grab a running back in the first-round, but I can't see them doing it. There's a new trend going on in the NFL and it's NOT drafting a running back in the first-round. You can get a stud RB anywhere (even in free agency) and it's becoming less important to have to draft one, especially this high. With that said, there's still a plethora of good offensive line talent available here and the Chargers could do a lot worse than giving Phillip Rivers more protection. Plus, whoever they do decide to add at running back would get a nice boost if San Diego had a player like T.J. Clemmings on the line.
Other Potential Picks:
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
-Andrus Peat (OT) Stanford
-Todd Gurley (RB) Georgia
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Landon Collins (S) Alabama
SHOCKER: The Chiefs need a wide receiver bad.
ANOTHER SHOCKER: They aren't reaching for one here. Not with the guys left on the board.
Kansas City managed to go the entire season last year without throwing a TD pass to a WR. Instead, Alex Smith was left throwing darts to his TE and RB's because the WR talent he had was just atrocious. In this scenario, the Chiefs are left scrambling. Guys like Devin Smith and Jaelen Strong aren't worth a selection this high in my opinion. Instead, the Chiefs could be left looking at a player like Landon Collins. Collins is the best safety in the draft and with Eric Berry's career in question and Ron Parker likely heading to free agency, the Chiefs could look at grabbing a guy who fashions his game after Sean Taylor. Another dynamic piece added to an already dangerous Chiefs defense? Watch out!
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
-Maxx Williams (TE) Minnesota
19. Cleveland Browns: Andrus Peat (OT) Stanford
The Browns added a significant piece on defense with their selection of Arik Armstead earlier. It's time for them to shore up their offensive line and help give Johnny Football some protection. Enter Stanford's Andrus Peat.
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Collins (CB) LSU
The Eagles are trading up and drafting Marcus Mariota. Mark my words. If they don't, they will take whoever the best defensive back left is. In this case, it's Jalen Collins of LSU.
Other Potential Picks:
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
-Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Danny Shelton (DT) Washington
This is a dream scenario for the Bengals. Danny Shelton could honestly go anywhere from a top-5 pick to somewhere in the late-20's. I think Shelton has the talent to be a top-10 pick in this draft, but for some reason he just fell this far in my mock. Lucky for the Bengals though. I'm sure they would love to add a guy who people are comparing to Haloti Ngata, especially with the 21st pick in the draft. Some people's mistakes are other people's fortunes.
Other Potential Picks:
-Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
-Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
Bud Dupree just sounds like a Steelers pick to me. Dupree fits a need for the Steelers and he's also a player who's name has risen among draft experts. A lot of experts think that Dupree will actually end up as the best pass rusher in this draft. The Steelers ending up with a guy like that with the 22nd overall pick sounds like a very "Steelery" move to me. What about you?
Other Potential Picks:
-Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
23. Detroit Lions: Malcolm Brown (DT) Texas
This pick largely depends on whether or not the Lions can come to an agreement with free agents Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. If they lose Suh to free agency, I would consider it almost a lock that the Lions pick an interior defensive linemen to replace him. If Brown's available, he would easily be the Lions pick and while he may never end up as good as Suh, he would be a better option than bringing back the inconsistent Fairley and hoping he finally figures it out.
Other Potential Picks:
-Eddie Goldman (DT) Florida State
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
24. Arizona Cardinals: Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
Pass-rushers are flying off the board at this point and the Cardinals need one. Harold had an impressive showing at the Combine and is the best pass rusher still available. After him, it's real slim pickins. They could also look to add more playmakers to an already impressive secondary that includes Patrick Peterson and the "Honey Badger".
Other Potential Picks:
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-Cameron Erving (OL) Florida State
-Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Mississippi State
25. Carolina Panthers: La'El Collins (OT) LSU
The Panthers need to protect Cam Newton if they want to win more football games. They are seriously lacking some talent on the offensive line and could fix a huge hole by adding LSU's La'El Collins to the roster. If they don't like Collins, they could always take Ereck Flowers, Cedric Ogbuehi, or D.J. Humphries. There are a ton of options here for Carolina.
Other Potential Picks:
-Ereck Flowers (OT) Miami
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-D.J. Humphries (OT) Florida
26. Baltimore Ravens: P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
The Ravens are in desperate need of some help in the secondary. As of right now, all they have at cornerback on their roster is Jimmy Smith (stud), Lardarius Webb (average player), Asa Jackson (horrible), and a bunch of unknowns. The addition of P.J. Williams would give them an immediate starter to line-up opposite Smith.
Other Potential Picks:
-Todd Gurley (RB) Georgia
-Melvin Gordon (RB) Wisconsin
-Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
27. Dallas Cowboys: Owa Odighizuwa (LB/DE) UCLA
A lot of people think the Cowboys will take one of the running backs here, and they very well could. However, I think they could get a good running back in the second-round that they could plug in and start right away. Dallas also needs help on the defensive side of the ball and it's about time they invested a high draft pick on a good pass rusher. With all the great pass-rusher's going off the board at a fast pace, Dallas would be wise to grab one in the first and look at targeting a running back to replace DeMarco Murray (who is more than likely gone in free agency) in the later rounds.
Other Potential Picks:
-Todd Gurley (RB) Georgia
-Melvin Gordon (RB) Wisconsin
-Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
28. Denver Broncos: Maxx Williams (TE) Minnesota
The Broncos should let Julius Thomas walk in free agency and grab a player like Maxx Williams to replace him. Thomas is one of those guys who's name resonates around the league as a "great player", but that's because he's been playing with Peyton Manning. He's going to command some big time money in free agency and Denver would be wise to let him go. I don't think he's going to be worth the money he's asking for and the Broncos could go cheaper and younger in the draft.
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
-Cameron Erving (OL) Florida State
29. Indianapolis Colts: Cameron Erving (OL) Florida State
The Colts need to give Andrew Luck some more protection. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and he doesn't have a whole lot of help at all. That shouldn't come as a surprise to Luck though. Ever since he arrived in Indy, the Colts have been atrocious on the line. Things could start to shift if the Colts decided to take Cameron Erving out of Florida State. The Colts could line Erving up anywhere on the interior and watch as magic happens. We all know Luck is going to be the next star of the NFL. How about giving the guy some protection?
Other Potential Picks:
-Paul Dawson (LB) TCU
-Denzel Perryman (LB) Miami
-Ereck Flowers (OT) Miami
30. Green Bay Packers: Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
The Packers are likely going to lose Randall Cobb in free agency. If so, they will have no proven weapons outside of Jordy Nelson and that leaves a glaring hole on their offense and will cause Aaron Rodgers some serious headaches. Taking a player like Jaelen Strong at the end of the first-round would be a huge get for the Packers. A lot of draft experts have Strong going off the board in the teens and if he's still available here, the Packers could do a lot worse than grabbing a guy they could start immediately. Would definitely help ease the pain of losing Cobb (who's going to Kansas City....hopefully.....).
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Devin Funchess (WR/TE) Michigan
-Eddie Goldman (DT) Florid State
31. Seattle Seahawks: Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
The "Legion of Boom" is all of a sudden lacking some serious depth at corner. The Seachickens will likely lose Byron Maxwell in free agency and Jeremy Lane reportedly won't be fully healthy by the time next season rolls around (he got hurt in the Super Bowl in case you don't remember). That's OK because Seattle could just draft a player like Ronald Darby at the end of the first-round and continue moving along without missing a beat. The rich get richer.
Other Potential Picks:
-Ereck Flowers (OT) Miami
-Cedric Ogbuehi (OT) Texas A&M
-Kevin Johnson (CB) Wake Forest
32. New England Patriots: Jordan Phillips (DT) Oklahoma
No one knows what the Patriots are thinking and that makes predicting what they are going to do pretty much impossible. The Patriots need some help on the defensive line and Jordan Phillips would be a tremendous pick-up for them, especially this late in the first-round.
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Devin Funchess (WR/TE) Michigan
-Phillip Dorsett (WR) Miami
10. St. Louis Rams: DeVante Parker (WR) Louisville
The Rams are a tough team to mock. Their biggest need is at QB, which makes them a prime target to trade up and grab a player like Marcus Mariota at the #2 pick. They also are a prime candidate to trade down if they don't like anyone who's currently sitting there. In this scenario, the best bet for the Rams would be to trade down and grab an extra draft pick and also an offensive lineman somewhere in the 20's. If they decide to stay put though, they could do a lot worse than adding an offensive playmaker like DeVante Parker to help give WHOEVER is throwing the ball for St. Louis next year a serious weapon.
Other Potential Picks:
-Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
-Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
-Danny Shelton (DT) Washington
11. Minnesota Vikings: Shane Ray (DE/LB) Missouri
This is a nightmare scenario for the Vikings. Minnesota is likely heading into this draft looking to grab one of the top wide receiver's to help the development of Teddy Bridgewater. Unfortunately for them, the 3 best WR's in the draft are already off the board and I can't see them reaching for a player like Dorial Green-Beckham this early. In this scenario, the Vikings would probably look to trade down and grab a guy like DGB or Jaelen Strong in the late-first round. However, if they stick here, they could do a lot worse than grabbing a player like Shane Ray to replace the awful Chad Greenway at right linebacker.
Other Potential Picks:
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
-Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
12. Cleveland Browns: Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
The Browns have two first-round picks, so that gives them a choice here. They can either package the two picks together and move up in this draft to grab one of the QB's. Or they can stay put and add more talent and hope that Johnny Football improves this season (BWAHAHAHAHAHA!). I think they stick with Johnny Football for another year and something tells me they will be enticed by Oregon's Arik Armstead if he's available here. Armstead is a guy who's stock has risen the last few weeks, mainly due to his size. The Browns could take him here and line him up anywhere they wanted on the defensive line. Armstead is one of those guys who looks like he's going to get "it" in the NFL and when you have a guy his size with that much promise....you take him.
Other Potential Picks:
-Dorial Green-Beckham (WR) Oklahoma
-Danny Shelton (DT) Washington
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
13. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Peters (CB) Washington
The Saints could go numerous different ways, but I think they pick a defensive player considering their defense was absolutely atrocious at times last season. Marcus Peters comes with a lot of baggage, but if he can put that all behind him, I think he'll end up having a very good professional football career. At one time, Peters was considered the best CB in the draft, but after he was kicked off the Huskies football team last season, many were left wondering what the problem with him actually was. According to him, he doesn't have one and he just didn't get along with the new Huskies coaching staff. Everyone deserves a second chance and if the Saints give Peters one, I bet they'll be satisfied with the results.
Other Potential Picks:
-Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
-Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
14. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Scherff (OT) Iowa
This is a nightmare scenario for the Dolphins who would ideally want one of the top 3 WR's or one of the top 2 CB's in this draft. Unfortunately for Miami, they are all gone by the time the Dolphins are up to pick. If that happens, the Dolphins are in a prime position to trade with a team looking to perhaps add an offensive lineman. If they don't like that situation, they could always go out and grab the best player avaliable. Grabbing a player like Brandon Scherff and adding him on the offensive line next to Branden Albert and Ja'Wuan James would give Miami options on the offensive line and I bet Ryan Tannehill would love that. Tannehill has actually looked decent so far as a pro and if Miami can get him even more protection, we might see even more improvement from him.
Other Potential Picks:
-Dorial Green-Beckham (WR) Oklahoma
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-Maxx Williams (TE) Minnesota
15. San Francisco 49ers: Dorial Green-Beckham (WR) Oklahoma
Another first-round "shocker". The 49ers have made it clear in the past that they aren't afraid to reach for a guy who comes into the league with some baggage. Well, perhaps no other player in NFL history comes into the league with more baggage than Dorial Green-Beckham, The one-time #1 high school recruit in the Nation has had an up-and-down career in college. There's been multiple marijuana arrests, a domestic abuse problem, and other questions surrounding the kid. However, he looks like the real deal. If this kid can get his head on straight, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see him end up as the best wide receiver in the draft and go on to have a long career in the NFL. Sometimes risks can pay off in the NFL and if there's a team willing to take a risk on a guy, it's the 49ers.
Other Potential Picks:
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
16. Houston Texans: Shaq Thompson (LB) Washington
The Texans are looking to make a name for themselves on the defensive side of the ball. With players like J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney already in place, the Texans are envisioning adding another playmaker on that side of the ball to help strike fear into NFL offenses everywhere. Grabbing a guy like Shaq Thompson gives the Texans plenty of options. They could line Thompson up at LB if they wish, or they could even move him to safety where I'm sure he would absolutely blossom into an NFL stud. He's one of those players that you could put almost anywhere on-the-field and he's going to have an impact.
Other Potential Picks:
-T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
-Andrus Peat (OT) Stanford
17. San Diego Chargers: T.J. Clemmings (OT) Pittsburgh
A lot of people think the Chargers are going to grab a running back in the first-round, but I can't see them doing it. There's a new trend going on in the NFL and it's NOT drafting a running back in the first-round. You can get a stud RB anywhere (even in free agency) and it's becoming less important to have to draft one, especially this high. With that said, there's still a plethora of good offensive line talent available here and the Chargers could do a lot worse than giving Phillip Rivers more protection. Plus, whoever they do decide to add at running back would get a nice boost if San Diego had a player like T.J. Clemmings on the line.
Other Potential Picks:
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
-Andrus Peat (OT) Stanford
-Todd Gurley (RB) Georgia
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Landon Collins (S) Alabama
SHOCKER: The Chiefs need a wide receiver bad.
ANOTHER SHOCKER: They aren't reaching for one here. Not with the guys left on the board.
Kansas City managed to go the entire season last year without throwing a TD pass to a WR. Instead, Alex Smith was left throwing darts to his TE and RB's because the WR talent he had was just atrocious. In this scenario, the Chiefs are left scrambling. Guys like Devin Smith and Jaelen Strong aren't worth a selection this high in my opinion. Instead, the Chiefs could be left looking at a player like Landon Collins. Collins is the best safety in the draft and with Eric Berry's career in question and Ron Parker likely heading to free agency, the Chiefs could look at grabbing a guy who fashions his game after Sean Taylor. Another dynamic piece added to an already dangerous Chiefs defense? Watch out!
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
-Maxx Williams (TE) Minnesota
19. Cleveland Browns: Andrus Peat (OT) Stanford
The Browns added a significant piece on defense with their selection of Arik Armstead earlier. It's time for them to shore up their offensive line and help give Johnny Football some protection. Enter Stanford's Andrus Peat.
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Collins (CB) LSU
The Eagles are trading up and drafting Marcus Mariota. Mark my words. If they don't, they will take whoever the best defensive back left is. In this case, it's Jalen Collins of LSU.
Other Potential Picks:
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
-Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Danny Shelton (DT) Washington
This is a dream scenario for the Bengals. Danny Shelton could honestly go anywhere from a top-5 pick to somewhere in the late-20's. I think Shelton has the talent to be a top-10 pick in this draft, but for some reason he just fell this far in my mock. Lucky for the Bengals though. I'm sure they would love to add a guy who people are comparing to Haloti Ngata, especially with the 21st pick in the draft. Some people's mistakes are other people's fortunes.
Other Potential Picks:
-Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
-Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bud Dupree (LB/DE) Kentucky
Bud Dupree just sounds like a Steelers pick to me. Dupree fits a need for the Steelers and he's also a player who's name has risen among draft experts. A lot of experts think that Dupree will actually end up as the best pass rusher in this draft. The Steelers ending up with a guy like that with the 22nd overall pick sounds like a very "Steelery" move to me. What about you?
Other Potential Picks:
-Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
23. Detroit Lions: Malcolm Brown (DT) Texas
This pick largely depends on whether or not the Lions can come to an agreement with free agents Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. If they lose Suh to free agency, I would consider it almost a lock that the Lions pick an interior defensive linemen to replace him. If Brown's available, he would easily be the Lions pick and while he may never end up as good as Suh, he would be a better option than bringing back the inconsistent Fairley and hoping he finally figures it out.
Other Potential Picks:
-Eddie Goldman (DT) Florida State
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-La'El Collins (OT) LSU
24. Arizona Cardinals: Eli Harold (LB/DE) Virginia
Pass-rushers are flying off the board at this point and the Cardinals need one. Harold had an impressive showing at the Combine and is the best pass rusher still available. After him, it's real slim pickins. They could also look to add more playmakers to an already impressive secondary that includes Patrick Peterson and the "Honey Badger".
Other Potential Picks:
-P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
-Cameron Erving (OL) Florida State
-Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Mississippi State
25. Carolina Panthers: La'El Collins (OT) LSU
The Panthers need to protect Cam Newton if they want to win more football games. They are seriously lacking some talent on the offensive line and could fix a huge hole by adding LSU's La'El Collins to the roster. If they don't like Collins, they could always take Ereck Flowers, Cedric Ogbuehi, or D.J. Humphries. There are a ton of options here for Carolina.
Other Potential Picks:
-Ereck Flowers (OT) Miami
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-D.J. Humphries (OT) Florida
26. Baltimore Ravens: P.J. Williams (CB) Florida State
The Ravens are in desperate need of some help in the secondary. As of right now, all they have at cornerback on their roster is Jimmy Smith (stud), Lardarius Webb (average player), Asa Jackson (horrible), and a bunch of unknowns. The addition of P.J. Williams would give them an immediate starter to line-up opposite Smith.
Other Potential Picks:
-Todd Gurley (RB) Georgia
-Melvin Gordon (RB) Wisconsin
-Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
27. Dallas Cowboys: Owa Odighizuwa (LB/DE) UCLA
A lot of people think the Cowboys will take one of the running backs here, and they very well could. However, I think they could get a good running back in the second-round that they could plug in and start right away. Dallas also needs help on the defensive side of the ball and it's about time they invested a high draft pick on a good pass rusher. With all the great pass-rusher's going off the board at a fast pace, Dallas would be wise to grab one in the first and look at targeting a running back to replace DeMarco Murray (who is more than likely gone in free agency) in the later rounds.
Other Potential Picks:
-Todd Gurley (RB) Georgia
-Melvin Gordon (RB) Wisconsin
-Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
28. Denver Broncos: Maxx Williams (TE) Minnesota
The Broncos should let Julius Thomas walk in free agency and grab a player like Maxx Williams to replace him. Thomas is one of those guys who's name resonates around the league as a "great player", but that's because he's been playing with Peyton Manning. He's going to command some big time money in free agency and Denver would be wise to let him go. I don't think he's going to be worth the money he's asking for and the Broncos could go cheaper and younger in the draft.
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
-Cameron Erving (OL) Florida State
29. Indianapolis Colts: Cameron Erving (OL) Florida State
The Colts need to give Andrew Luck some more protection. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and he doesn't have a whole lot of help at all. That shouldn't come as a surprise to Luck though. Ever since he arrived in Indy, the Colts have been atrocious on the line. Things could start to shift if the Colts decided to take Cameron Erving out of Florida State. The Colts could line Erving up anywhere on the interior and watch as magic happens. We all know Luck is going to be the next star of the NFL. How about giving the guy some protection?
Other Potential Picks:
-Paul Dawson (LB) TCU
-Denzel Perryman (LB) Miami
-Ereck Flowers (OT) Miami
30. Green Bay Packers: Jaelen Strong (WR) Arizona State
The Packers are likely going to lose Randall Cobb in free agency. If so, they will have no proven weapons outside of Jordy Nelson and that leaves a glaring hole on their offense and will cause Aaron Rodgers some serious headaches. Taking a player like Jaelen Strong at the end of the first-round would be a huge get for the Packers. A lot of draft experts have Strong going off the board in the teens and if he's still available here, the Packers could do a lot worse than grabbing a guy they could start immediately. Would definitely help ease the pain of losing Cobb (who's going to Kansas City....hopefully.....).
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Devin Funchess (WR/TE) Michigan
-Eddie Goldman (DT) Florid State
31. Seattle Seahawks: Ronald Darby (CB) Florida State
The "Legion of Boom" is all of a sudden lacking some serious depth at corner. The Seachickens will likely lose Byron Maxwell in free agency and Jeremy Lane reportedly won't be fully healthy by the time next season rolls around (he got hurt in the Super Bowl in case you don't remember). That's OK because Seattle could just draft a player like Ronald Darby at the end of the first-round and continue moving along without missing a beat. The rich get richer.
Other Potential Picks:
-Ereck Flowers (OT) Miami
-Cedric Ogbuehi (OT) Texas A&M
-Kevin Johnson (CB) Wake Forest
32. New England Patriots: Jordan Phillips (DT) Oklahoma
No one knows what the Patriots are thinking and that makes predicting what they are going to do pretty much impossible. The Patriots need some help on the defensive line and Jordan Phillips would be a tremendous pick-up for them, especially this late in the first-round.
Other Potential Picks:
-Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
-Devin Funchess (WR/TE) Michigan
-Phillip Dorsett (WR) Miami
Quick Round 2 Mock
33. Tennessee Titans: Danielle Hunter (LB/DE) LSU
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerod Holliman (S) Louisville
35. Oakland Raiders: Paul Dawson (LB) TCU
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Smith (WR) Ohio State
37. New York Jets: Bryce Petty (QB) Baylor
38. Washington Redskins: Cedric Ogbuehi (OT) Texas A&M
39. Chicago Bears: D.J. Humphries (OT) Florida
40. New York Giants: Ereck Flowers (OT) Miami
41. St. Louis Rams: Devin Funchess (WR/TE) Michigan
42. Atlanta Falcons: Eddie Goldman (DT) Florida State
43. Cleveland Browns: Melvin Gordon (RB) Wisconsin
44. New Orleans Saints: Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Mississippi State
45. Minnesota Vikings:Phillip Dorsett (WR) Miami
46. San Francisco 49ers: Laken Tomlinson (OT) Duke
47. Miami Dolphins: Kevin Johnson (CB) Wake Forest
48. San Diego Chargers: Carl Davis (DT) Iowa
49. Kansas City Chiefs: Nelson Agholor (WR) USC
50. Buffalo Bills: Brett Hundley (QB) UCLA
51. Houston Texans: Clive Walford (TE) Miami
52. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Orchard (LB/DE) Utah
53. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Cann (OL) South Carolina
54. Detroit Lions: Todd Gurley (RB) Georgia
55. Arizona Cardinals: Byron Jones (CB) UConn
56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derron Smith (S) Fresno State
57. Carolina Panthers: Rashad Greene (WR) Florida State
58. Baltimore Ravens: Jaquiski Tartt (S) Samford
59. Denver Broncos: Ibraheim Campbell (S) Northwestern
60. Dallas Cowboys: Duke Johnson (RB) Miami
61. Indianapolis Colts: T.J. Yeldon (RB) Alabama
62. Green Bay Packers: Jake Fisher (OT) Oregon
63. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Lockett (WR) Kansas State
64. New England Patriots: Tre' Jackson (OL) Florida State
