2015 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions Before Free Agency
The 2015 NFL combine resides in the rearview mirror, while the start of free agency rapidly approaches. And NFL rosters are changing daily, whether a veteran has been released, re-signed or hit with a salary-cap tag.
All of these actions provide clues for April's draft.
For example, each year the combine proves to be beneficial when asked to separate prospects. It certainly isn't the be-all, end-all of the NFL draft process, but it helps determine slight differences in those players who are closely graded.
This year, the combine proved to be an opportunity for West Virginia's Kevin White to separate himself—both literally and figuratively—from two players, Alabama's Amari Cooper and Louisville's DeVante Parker, and become the top-rated wide receiver prospect.
Each of them remains highly regarded. White simply seized the moment to give him a slight edge.
The combine also highlighted the type of talent that will be available in this year's class. While the top two quarterbacks will be discussed ad nauseam, 12 defensive linemen and seven offensive linemen worked their way into first-round consideration (at least in this week's mock draft).
And then there is Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winton. The tide certainly seems to be turning in favor of one of these signal-callers to become the No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now, on to this week's mock draft...
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Pick: Quarterback Jameis Winston, Florida State
I can't fight this feeling anymore.
As much as I believe the divide between Winston and Oregon's Marcus Mariota isn't as wide as it's often made out to be, Winston has established himself as the favorite to be selected with the first overall pick.
Either the Buccaneers are doing a wonderful job creating a smokescreen around this particular selection, or they genuinely like Winston as the top quarterback prospect.
"I have not talked to one person [in the NFL] who does not think the Bucs won't draft Jameis Winston," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said after the combine.
Of course, the primary concerns regarding Winston that prevent him from being a slam-dunk first pick continue to be his previous off-the-field issues. However, comments provided by Buccaneers Jason Licht were very telling.
“Bad guy or immaturity?” Licht asked when MMQB.com's Peter King broached the subject of Winston. “I’m leaning toward the latter.”
If the Buccaneers believe in Winston the person as much they do Winston the player, it's an easy choice for the franchise. If they don't, Mariota is a legitimate option and shouldn't be considered a consolation prize.
2. Tennessee Titans
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The Pick: Quarterback Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Since the Buccaneers are basically guaranteed to stay put and select a quarterback, this selection is when the fun really begins.
The Titans will face three different options in this scenario.
First, they could select whichever quarterback is still available. While the organization might like what it saw in Zach Mettenberger last season, it shouldn't have been enough to sway the franchise one way or another. It could prove to be a major mistake if the Titans were to pass on a quarterback when the opportunity is clearly there to upgrade the position.
Second, this slot could well be for sale to the highest bidder. Maybe, the Titans aren't sold on Mariota (or Winston depending on what Tampa Bay does). Tennessee would benefit from trading down and adding picks in this year's or next year's drafts.
These seem to be the most likely options, hence the selection of Mariota in this slot. But the Titans could blow everything up by selecting the best defensive player in the draft to address its subpar defense.
Building a franchise around USC's Leonard Williams or Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. doesn't carry the same weight, though. There is a reason why quarterback is often referred to as the most important position in sports.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
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The Pick: Defensive End Leonard Williams, USC
While the top two teams agonize over their quarterback decisions, the Jaguars are secure in the fact—at least they should be after selecting Blake Bortles in the first round of last year's draft—they have their quarterback of the future already on the roster.
Bortles still requires plenty of help, but the strength of this year's draft lies along the defensive line, and Williams remains at the head of the class.
At the combine, he solidified his status as the best non-quarterback prospect. The versatile defender measured 6'4.5" and 302 pounds. He then ripped off a smooth 4.97-second 40-yard dash with a 1.72-second 10-yard split. Once he got on the field during drills, Williams looked even more athletic. He is far more fluid than anyone his size should be.
The USC product presents the potential to be a legitimate difference-maker. This is exactly why a team like the Titans will consider him over a quarterback. Whatever team eventually passes or doesn't need a new signal-caller will have Williams in its cross hairs.
In this particular scenario, the Jaguars benefit by getting a much-needed presence along their defensive line.
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4. Oakland Raiders
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The Pick: Defensive End Dante Fowler Jr.
Fowler's draft status was already on the rise prior to the combine. It reached another stratosphere after his workout in front of teams and a national television audience.
Not only did Fowler impress in Indianapolis, he did so in style. He reached legendary status on social media by wearing his lucky gold watch during his workout.
The watch only proved to be part of the story.
Fowler's versatility and ability to rush the passer were already his best selling points. But he also proved he is a top-notch athlete as well. The defensive end ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash at 6'2" and 261 pounds. His 1.56-second 10-yard split was tied for the best among any of the defensive linemen in attendance.
The Florida product is big, quick and athletic. He's the perfect bookend to Oakland's Khalil Mack. This potential duo could terrorize the NFL for a long time.
5. Washington Redskins
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The Pick: Defensive End Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Concerns arose at the combine when Gregory only weighed 235 pounds. The weigh-in was followed by a report by DraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline that the defensive end only weighed 218 pounds when offseason workouts began.
He eased those initial concerns about an inability to keep on weight when he admitted, via NFL.com, that he lost weight just prior to the combine due to illness.
However, Gregory's natural athleticism and ability to rush the passer remain highly valuable traits.
"Well, he's a better athlete than [Jadeveon] Clowney," NFL Films' Greg Cosell told Paul Kuharsky on Midday 180, per ESPN.com's Tania Ganguli. "He's more flexible. He's more explosive in his movement. Clearly not as strong. Clowney could get inside and push back. Clowney did not have the loose hips that this guy does. Gregory is a much more explosive mover, a much looser athlete."
One thing Brian Orakpo proved during his time with the Redskins is that he could never be considered a "loose athlete." Thus, Gregory should be the perfect bookend opposite Ryan Kerrigan at outside linebacker.
6. New York Jets
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The Pick: Wide Receiver Kevin White, West Virginia
The Jets have two options this offseason in regard to the team offense—either the organization replaces quarterback Geno Smith or attempts to build around his skills.
Without better options available at quarterback, the most realistic route would be to add legitimate talent around the young signal-caller in hopes of putting him in the best position to succeed.
Smith, a former Mountaineer, never played alongside White, who was a JUCO transfer, but the quarterback can help ease the wide receiver's transition to the pro ranks by explaining how concepts at West Virginia translate to the Jets offense.
From a draft perspective, White established himself as the top wide receiver prospect when he proved to be bigger (6'2.5", 215 lbs) and faster (4.35-second 40-yard dash) than Alabama's Amari Cooper and Louisville's DeVante Parker.
With White and Eric Decker at wide receiver and Jace Amaro at tight end, Smith should have the necessary talent around him to finally lift the Jets offense off the ground.
7. Chicago Bears
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The Pick: Defensive End Shane Ray, Missouri
New Chicago Bears head coach John Fox confirmed prior to the combine that his defense will switch to a base 3-4 alignment.
“We’re going to be out of a 3-4, terminology-wise,” Fox told CBS Chicago's Dan Durkin.
Two positions, nose tackle and outside linebacker, are usually highlighted the moment a team decides to convert to three-man front. They are the two most important impositions in the system, because a nose tackle sets the tone against the run, while the outside linebackers are the scheme's primary pass-rushers.
Chicago needs both.
There is talent on the roster, but none of the current players are ideal fits in the system at those particular positions. It won't be an easy transition.
With all the talent the Bears own on offense, the defense should the organization's first, second and third priorities this offseason.
In this particular case, Ray, who is projected as an outside linebacker, gets the nod over Washington nose tackle Danny Shelton because he's the higher-rated prospect.
8. Atlanta Falcons
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The Pick: Defensive End Vic Beasley, Clemson
No player benefited more from the combine than Beasley.
The defensive end amazed with his 4.52-second 40-yard dash, 1.59-second 10-yard split, 6.91-second three-cone, 41-inch vertical, 10'10" broad jump, 35 reps on bench and a nearly flawless workout during positional drills.
Despite an absolutely tremendous workout, none of those things actually propelled him into top-10 status. The fact he did so at 246 pounds was the determining factor.
Beasley was listed at 235 pounds on Clemson's official roster. There were questions, though, whether he actually played at a lower weight. The defensive end clearly added solid weight and maintained all of the explosiveness and athleticism seen during games.
The Falcons, meanwhile, tied for 30th last season with only 22 sacks. Over the last two seasons, Beasley registered 25 sacks and 44.5 tackles for loss with the Tigers.
New head coach Dan Quinn is tasked with rebuilding the NFL's worst defense. Beasley's addition would be a good starting point.
9. New York Giants
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The Pick: Offensive Tackle Brandon Scherff, Iowa
How much value does an offensive line prospect present if he's not considered a left tackle?
In Scherff's case, his value lies in his versatility and All-Pro potential, particularly at guard.
Normally, top-10 selections are reserved for those precious blindside protectors. Left tackles generally face the opposing team's most athletic edge-rushers and protect the quarterback's back side. The NFL, however, is changing.
Right tackles hold more value than ever. Elite guards are also paid handsomely to keep the middle of the pocket clean.
Scherff, who is the reigning Outland Trophy winner, brings a nasty disposition and could theoretically start at four of the five offensive line positions, excluding center. But he should slide to guard between Will Beatty and Weston Richburg to form a good left side of the offensive line.
10. St. Louis Rams
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The Pick: Wide Receiver Amari Cooper, Alabama
The search for a No. 1 wide receiver continues in St. Louis.
After failed attempts with Brian Quick and Tavon Austin, Cooper would be a welcome change of pace. The Alabama product presents a combination of traits that the previously mentioned wide receivers lacked.
Cooper has more size (6'1", 211 lbs) and polish than Austin when he came out of West Virginia. He also produced and dominated at a level Quick didn't.
The Rams lack the type of wide receiver who can consistently get open and become a reliable target for whoever is behind center once the season starts.
If it's Sam Bradford leading the way—and that seems to be the likeliest outcome—Cooper would be the best wide receiver he's played with after becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NFL draft.
Cooper's route running, production—127 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior—and ability to separate from defenders should make him far too tempting for the Rams at this juncture.
11. Minnesota Vikings
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The Pick: Wide Receiver DeVante Parker, Louisville
It's all about Teddy Bridgewater as the Vikings continue to build around the second-year quarterback.
What's really intriguing about this particular selection is Minnesota can't go wrong with either of the wide receivers slotted in this range.
Amari Cooper, who was selected a pick earlier by the St. Louis Rams in this mock, was Bridgewater's high school teammate. Parker, meanwhile, was the quarterback's favorite target at Louisville, and he wouldn't mind a reunion in Minneapolis.
"We have connections, so that'd be good," Parker said during an interview on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. "We already knew what Teddy could do, he was prepared the whole time. People doubted him, he just proved everybody wrong."
Bridgewater made his intentions known regarding his former teammate.
"It would be amazing to reunite with that guy knowing what he's capable of doing," Bridgewater told 1500 ESPN's Darren Wolfson.
If the quarterback's favored choice is available and worthy of the selection, there is no reason to pass on him.
12. Cleveland Browns
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The Pick: Defensive Tackle Malcom Brown, Texas
After last year's first-round implosion, the Browns can't miss with this year's pair of first rounders.
Brown is a good start. The former Texas Longhorn has top-10 potential. The massive defensive tackle (6'2", 319 lbs) can play either defensive end or nose tackle in Cleveland's three-man front. In fact, Brown was already asked to be a 5-technique (defensive end) in Texas' 3-4 scheme last year.
What makes Brown a tantalizing prospect beyond the aforementioned versatility is his first-step quickness, polish and production.
Over the past two seasons, he produced at a similar level as Washington's Danny Shelton, who is often lauded for last season's totals.
The defensive lineman is merely the first step to address the team's 32nd-ranked run defense. With Ahtyba Rubin likely to leave Cleveland via free agency and Phil Taylor possibly doing the same a year later, the defensive front is the organization's most pressing concern aside from the quarterback position.
Brown presents the type of potential to be a difference-maker along the defensive line, which Cleveland lacked since Michael Dean Perry roamed the north shore more than 20 years ago.
13. New Orleans Saints
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The Pick: Cornerback Trae Waynes, Michigan State
A Rob Ryan defense is actually built back to front. It's due to the defensive coordinator's penchant to apply pressure on the quarterback with numerous blitzes while often leaving his cornerbacks on an island. Thus, it's important for the cornerbacks in his scheme to play press coverage and be able to cover one-on-one.
Keenan Lewis excelled as the Saints' top cornerback, but the other starting spot was a revolving door.
Waynes is an ideal fit for the Saints' defensive scheme. Michigan State's defense operated under a similar philosophy, and it's easy to project Waynes as a member of the Saints.
New Orleans spent a second-round pick on Stanley Jean-Baptiste last year, and the organization expects him to contribute more in Year 2. But it's hard to pass on this year's top cornerback prospect in hopes of another young defender developing.
Waynes is a tremendous athlete, and he proved at the combine that he was head and shoulders above the rest of the class with a blazing 4.31-second 40-yard dash and smooth positional workout.
14. Miami Dolphins
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The Pick: Nose Tackle Danny Shelton, Washington
Shelton is often—and wrongly—compared to the Baltimore Ravens' Haloti Ngata. A better comparison for the Washington product might be to a former member of the Miami Dolphins.
Paul Soliai provided bulk and a run-stuffing presence in the middle of the Dolphins defense during his eight seasons with the organization. That presence was sorely missed once he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent last year.
Plus, the Dolphins may have to deal with the possibility of losing Jared Odrick via free agency, too. And fellow defensive tackle Randy Stars will turn 32 years old during the season.
Miami severely lacks a legitimate presence among its defensive interior. Shelton could provide size and versatility as a 1-technique in a four-man front or a pure nose tackle in a three-man scheme.
The former Washington Husky also played an immense amount of snaps for a 339-pound man. Yet, he's still known for his hustle even when he starts to wear down.
It may not be a sexy pick for the Dolphins, but Shelton's potential addition could have a tremendous effect on the entire defense. Defensive ends Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon would certainly benefit from a defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket.
15. San Francisco 49ers
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The Pick: Offensive Tackle La'el Collins, LSU
The 49ers' current identity was built on strong defensive play and a physical running game.
In order to run the ball as well as San Francisco previously did under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, the organization built one of the game's best offensive lines.
Left guard Mike Iupati was a big reason behind the strong ground game, but he's a free agent and expected to cash in with a monster contract once the NFL's new year officially begins.
While the 49ers won't be able to immediately replace Iupati's aggressive play and overwhelming presence, Collins can slide inside to guard and eventually develop into similar dominating presence.
Another team may draft the LSU product to play left tackle, but the 49ers would get the most out of his natural abilities to uproot defenders and drive them off the ball.
This type of addition would allow the 49ers to continue their dominant play in the trenches.
16. Houston Texans
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The Pick: Offensive Tackle Andrus Peat, Stanford
Quarterback remains Houston's top priority, but free agency and the upcoming draft class leave much to be desired.
Instead of trying to force a selection at another position, Bill O'Brien's offense would benefit from adding a talented offensive tackle with plenty of upside.
With right tackle Derek Newton about to enter free agency, Peat can start his career at right tackle. He could then move to the blind side once the team moves on from Duane Brown, who turns 30 years old before the start of the season.
Evaluations of Peat are all over the board, though. Three things, however, can't be denied about him as a prospect. He's only 21 years old, stands 6'7" tall and weighs 313 pounds. His frame and awkward athleticism—he doesn't look great but gets the job done—present a ton of potential to develop.
Peat's technique and playing demeanor can also be inconsistent, yet teams in search of a prototypical offensive tackle will start with the Stanford product.
17. San Diego Chargers
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The Pick: Center Cameron Erving, Florida State
After a stellar combine performance, there is absolutely no reason to change this particular selection from my previous mock draft.
This may be considered a little high for Erving, but he showed exactly the caliber of athlete he is in Indianapolis. At 6'5" and 313 pounds with 34.5" arms, he was the top performer among the offensive linemen in bench press, broad jump and the three-cone drill. He also ran a 5.15-second 40-yard dash and posted a 30.5" vertical jump.
The offensive lineman quietly put together a strong effort during position-specific drills, too. Erving might not force teams to reconsider him as an offensive tackle, but he's clearly a good athlete for an interior blocker.
With the major questions marks the Chargers currently have at center, Erving should prove to be an anchor in the middle from Day 1.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
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The Pick: Wide Receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri
Every conversation regarding Green-Beckham starts with his previous off-the-field history. Teams don't question his natural ability, though.
"Physically, we think he has all the gifts in the world," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said at the combine, via KCChiefs.com's B.J. Kissel.
However, Green-Beckham didn't provide many answers when questioned about his dismissal from the University of Missouri.
"All the decisions I made, I wish I could take them back," the wide receiver offered, via SI.com's Joan Niesen. "It happened. I was young. I made mistakes. I understand that.
"I know what’s at stake. I know what type of person I am, and I realize what the NFL is looking for in me as a person. I want them to know that I’m going to go out there and give it my all."
The wide receiver is an impressive specimen at 6'6" and 237 pounds with 4.49-second 40-yard-dash speed.
Some team is eventually going to take a leap of faith and select Green-Beckham. The Chiefs make as much sense as any of them.
19. Cleveland Browns (from the Buffalo Bills)
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The Pick: Wide Receiver Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
Without Josh Gordon, the Browns lack a physical presence at wide receiver. Since Gordon is suspended for the year, the organization needs to find a target over 6'0" with the ability to win 50-50 balls. No one currently on the roster presents either option.
Strong certainly fits the bill, though.
The Arizona State wide receiver proved during his two-year career in the desert that he was arguably the most physical target in the nation. He used his body well to shield defenders. The former Sun Devil also displayed the strongest pair of hands among any receiver in this year's class.
In two seasons with the program, Strong caught 157 passes for 2,287 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Questions swirled about his ability to separate from defenders, though. The 6'2", 217-pound target surprised many with a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and a 42" vertical jump.
Strong might not be considered part of the elite group of wide receivers in this class, but he's not far below their standard.
20. Philadelphia Eagles
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The Pick: Safety Landon Collins, Alabama
While Collins was already considered the top safety prospect in this year's class, there were still questions about his ability to cover in space and whether his athleticism will translate to the NFL.
The Alabama safety didn't play as well at free safety in 2014 as he did a year earlier at strong safety. His ball skills were questioned, and he wasn't viewed as a prospect who could cover sideline to sideline.
However, Collins tested much better than expected at the combine. At 6'0" and 228 pounds, the safety ran a respectable 4.53-second 40-yard dash. He also looked smooth during position drills.
All of this simply means that Collins could prove to be more versatile in the NFL than originally expected.
The Eagles don't necessarily need a safety who can cover ground along the back end of the defense. Malcolm Jenkins does that. But Collins' overall athleticism could allow the two to become interchangeable parts depending on the defensive call. And he would add a physical presence to the Eagles secondary.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
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The Pick: Linebacker Shaq Thompson, Washington
The Bengals' linebacker corps is a bit of a mess with free agency set to begin in a week. Vontaze Burfict suffered multiple injuries last season, while Rey Maualuga and Emmanuel Lamur are free agents.
The group was never considered the most athletic bunch either.
Thompson, who also played safety and running back during his career, remained adamant at the combine that he is a linebacker, particularly a "Sam" or strong-side backer.
The versatile defender didn't test as well as expected at the combine, though.
The Washington product measured a little smaller than expected at 6'0" and 228 pounds. He then ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash. Thompson swears he's faster than what he previously showed, and he'll have to exceed expectations at Washington pro day on April 2.
However, Thompson's versatility shouldn't be underestimated. He can be a three-down linebacker in numerous defensive sub-packages. The Washington product could answer numerous questions for a Bengals position group that is currently mired in uncertainty.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Pick: Linebacker Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky
During the first round of last year's draft, the Steelers became far more athletic at linebacker with the addition of Ryan Shazier. The transformation of an aging and underperforming defense can continue with the potential selection of Dupree.
The Kentucky product wowed at the combine without even completing a full workout. What he completed, though, impressed.
Dupree ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at 6'4" and 269 pounds. His speed at that size wasn't the only jaw-dropping moment from the edge-rusher. He also showed off his lower-body explosiveness with a 42-inch vertical jump, which tied Shazier for second best over the last two seasons. His 11'6" broad jump was the second-best effort from a linebacker since the NFL officially started to register the numbers in 2006.
The SEC pass-rusher isn't simply an elite athlete. He produced over the course of his career, too. During his four years in Lexington, Dupree registered 25.5 sacks.
With Jason Worilds set to test free agency and the continued disappointment of Jarvis Jones, the Steelers would welcome Dupree's athleticism.
23. Detroit Lions
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The Pick: Cornerback Marcus Peters, Washington
Peters had two goals at the combine.
First, he needed to answer questions as to why he was dismissed from Washington's football program. He took full blame for what happened, and he'll compete at the Huskies pro day.
Second, Peters was presented with an opportunity to sell himself as the No. 1 cornerback in this year's class. He fell short of those expectations, though.
While Michigan State's Trae Waynes tore up the track in Indianapolis, Peters wasn't nearly as impressive. The former Husky ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash. He wins with length and technique, but he'll want to improve upon that number once he works out in front of scouts again.
Even so, it's hard to deny the level of play Peters presented prior to being kicked off the team. Obviously, his former teammates and coaches still support him, which speaks to his character. He simply needs to show he's the level of athlete that was seen during Washington games.
Detroit shouldn't complain, though. A good workout could take him out its range. Instead, Peters could prove to be the perfect complement to the Lions' Darius Slay.
24. Arizona Cardinals
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The Pick: Linebacker Eli Harold, Virginia
If this year's draft class wasn't so loaded with edge-rushers, Harold would receive far more recognition.
In three seasons, the hybrid defensive end amassed 36.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. Harold is quick off the snap and showed the type of flexibility to bend the edge against bigger offensive linemen.
His athleticism translated during combine workouts too, when he ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash and put together a solid overall workout. Everything indicates Harold will translate well to Arizona's 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker.
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim will need to address the position since John Abraham and Sam Acho are about to enter free agency. Alex Okafor led the team with eight sacks, but the remaining outside linebackers on the roster only managed two more.
Harold is the type of athlete that Arizona has lacked at the position for years.
25. Carolina Panthers
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The Pick: Offensive Tackle D.J. Humphries, Florida
The combine isn't simply beneficial for prospects. Teams could be positioned far better after the event than they were before it started.
The Panthers are a perfect example.
Carolina desperately needs to upgrade its left tackle position. However, the offensive tackles who were generally considered first-round prospects prior to the combine all had questions about their ability to play on the blind side.
One emerged in Humphries.
The early entrant wasn't considered a first-round talent due to injuries during his junior season and the fact he weighed 280 pounds last season, according to DraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline.
Humphries' nimble feet and overall talent to play left tackle were never in question, but could he play at or over 300 pounds without losing any of that athleticism?
The former Gator showed up in Indianapolis at 307 pounds and looked exceptional during movement drills. Carolina now has another option to consider at one of the game's most valuable positions.
26. Baltimore Ravens
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The Pick: Defensive End Arik Armstead, Oregon
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome restocks and reloads his defense each and every year. This year Newsome should concentrate on his defensive line.
The organization already released veteran Chris Canty. It's now in a standoff with former All-Pro Haloti Ngata, who the team needs to reduce his $16 million cap hit.
Without Canty and possibly Ngata, the Ravens will need to add talent at defensive end.
Armstead is a divisive prospect. At 6'7" and 292 pounds, the former basketball player oozes talent. No defensive line prospect shows heavier hands. His consistency, effort and production can all be questioned, though.
The Sacramento, California, native chose Oregon to be a two-sport star. After one uneventful season on the hardwood and a start to another, Armstead finally gave up playing roundball to concentrate on football. He's only had one season of just playing football.
Due to his immense talent, this could easily be a case where a prospect turns out to be a better professional player than during his collegiate years.
26. Dallas Cowboys
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The Pick: Defensive Tackle Michael Bennett, Ohio State
Nearly 10 months ago, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones faced a difficult decision. Jones could either select the safe pick in Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin with the 16th overall selection in the 2014 NFL draft or take Texas A&M's mercurial quarterback, Johnny Manziel.
The owner avoided temptation and went with the sensible selection.
Martin became an All-Pro during his rookie campaign, and he helped the Cowboys offensive line become the best in the business. The unit reached another level, because Jones invested heavily up front in recent years.
It's now time to do the same along the defensive line.
Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence are the first two legitimate pieces of the puzzle. Bennett can be the next.
The Ohio State product is ideally suited for Rod Marinell's version of the Tampa 2 defense. Bennett is a versatile performer who is at his best when asked to shoot gaps and disrupt opposing offenses. His upfield explosiveness should add another dynamic to the defense in "Big D."
28. Denver Broncos
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The Pick: Nose Tackle Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
The Broncos have the talent in place to transition relatively easily to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
However, the team lacks a true nose tackle, especially if Terrance Knighton leaves during free agency.
Wade Phillips' scheme doesn't require a true wide body at nose tackle to excel. He likes to run plenty of one-gap schemes out of his three-man front. But it's always a bonus when that massive nose tackle is in the middle to take up space and presents enough athleticism to do what Wade Phillips prefers.
Jordan Phillips didn't quite live up to the level of athlete he was billed to be prior to the combine, but he wasn't a complete disappointment either.
The Oklahoma product stands 6'5" and weighs 329 pounds. He was absolutely immovable at times for the Sooners, but the early entrant proved to be inconsistent in his effort and technique. An added back problem also factors into the equation.
A fully healthy Phillips, though, displays the potential to be the best nose tackle in this year's class, and the Broncos shouldn't pass on the opportunity to land that type of prospect this late in the first round.
29. Indianapolis Colts
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The Pick: Offensive Tackle Ereck Flowers, Miami
It's not out of line to say that neither Gosder Cherilus nor Anthony Castonzo has lived up to expectations considering the investment the Colts made in both.
The two will account for more than $14 million against this year's salary cap. Yet the duo surrendered 47 quarterback hurries last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Meanwhile, Joe Reitz, who took over at right tackle late in the season, is also a free agent.
Flowers presents two key ingredients to any team that eventually selects him. The 6'6", 329-pound lineman brings versatility and upside.
The Miami product started 12 games at right tackle as a true freshman before moving to left tackle for his final two years in Coral Gables. Due to his physical style of play, guard isn't out of the question either.
Also, Flowers is only 20 years old. While his game needs refinement, he presents enough potential to warrant future consideration as a left tackle. He'll likely start his career on the strong side before getting an opportunity on the blind side.
For the Colts, the team simply needs an infusion of talent along one of the NFL's worst offensive lines.
30. Green Bay Packers
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The Pick: Linebacker Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Green Bay finally parted ways with A.J. Hawk after a nine-year marriage with the former fifth overall pick. Hawk, who was the highest drafted middle linebacker in the past 23 years, produced every year, but his level played dropped off over the past few seasons.
In particular, Hawk wasn't a three-down player during his final years in Green Bay. The Packers' inside linebackers were often exploited in the passing game.
Kendricks, meanwhile, is the most instinctive linebacker in this year's class. The reigning Butkus Award winner left UCLA as the school's all-time leading tackler with 481 career stops.
His ability to diagnose plays early often places him in position far sooner than his physical skills should dictate. At 6'0" and 232 pounds, Kendricks isn't an intimidating presence or extremely fast with a 4.61-second 40-yard dash (in which he pulled up slightly due to injury and didn't re-run).
But the linebacker knows how to play football at a high level. It was impossible to watch the Bruins without Kendricks making a positive impression. He would step in immediately for the Packers and fill a void at inside linebacker. It also wouldn't be much of a surprise if he went on to become the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
31. Seattle Seahawks
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The Pick: Cornerback Jalen Collins, LSU
The "Legion of Boom" is in bad shape, particularly at cornerback, after the Seahawks' 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.
Byron Maxwell is a free agent. Richard Sherman suffered torn ligaments in his elbow during the playoff run. And nickle corner Jeremy Lane suffered a gruesome arm injury and a torn ACL when he was tackled after an interception in the Super Bowl.
The status of all three cornerbacks is currently up in the air, and Seahawks general manager John Schneider needs to replenish the position.
Collins certainly fits the mold of a Seattle defensive back.
The LSU product stands 6'1" and weighs 203 pounds with 4.48-second 40-yard-dash speed. His size and length make him an intriguing option to place opposite Sherman even after an underwhelming career in Baton Rouge. The physical skills are certainly present, though, for Collins to help the Seahawks early in his career.
32. New England Patriots
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The Pick: Guard Laken Tomlinson, Duke
Whatever the Patriots are expected to do, everyone should just expect the opposite to actually happen.
Very few teams are as adept at manipulating the draft as New England under the supervision of head coach Bill Belichick.
One of the biggest draft-day surprises under Belichick came when the Patriots selected an offensive tackle from Fresno State in the first round of the 2005 draft. Logan Mankins wasn't generally considered a first-round talent. He was rated much lower that year. Yet, the Patriots head coach and de facto general manager saw a plug-and-play prospect at left guard. Mankins went on to become a five-time All-Pro performer.
Tomlinson is a similar prospect as a right guard who can step in from Day 1 and be forgotten about for the next eight to 10 years. He's intelligent, reliable and a powerful run-blocker at 6'3" and 323 pounds.
The Patriots, meanwhile, need help at guard. Dan Connolly is a free agent, and Jordan Devey didn't prove to be the answer at one of the starting spots. New England can shuffle former center Ryan Wendell to left guard and place Tomlinson next to Sebastian Vollmer to form one of the most physical right sides in the NFL.
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