Final 2015 3-Round Mock Draft
The most anticipated NFL event of the entire offseason is finally here, as the first round of the draft kicks off in just a few hours. The draft, which may as well be the offseason version of the Super Bowl, will be held in Chicago after a number of years in New York City.
The major storyline for this draft circles around the top two picks, where Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are expected to be drafted. Winston, the consensus top quarterback, is the likely choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bucs trade the pick or pass on Winston to grab a player such as Mariota.
Mariota, of course, has been the subject of countless trade rumors over the last few months. The final week leading up to the draft is lying season around the National Football League, so it's unclear exactly which teams are in pursuit of the Titans' No. 2 pick. However, it makes sense for the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles to try to trade up and acquire a potential franchise quarterback.
In all, this feels like a top-heavy draft with a number of elite prospects who will be taken off the board in the first dozen or so picks. Of course, other questions will also be answered in the next few days, notably the big question of whether the Minnesota Vikings trade future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson.
The following slides will highlight my projections for the NFL draft through the first three rounds. That's 99 picks in all. I also included trades when applicable.
First Round: Picks 1-10
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Recent reports have surfaced, including the one by ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski on Philly Sports Talk (h/t Philadelphia, via Pro Football Talk), that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are planning to draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. But I just don't see it.
Winston, who definitely has character concerns, is also the much safer pick as a player. He's been compared to Andrew Luck with his on-field ability by ESPN's Todd McShay (h/t Business Insider, via FanSided). He's exactly the type of player the Buccaneers need to compete in a division that already has three top-12 quarterbacks.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (from Tennessee): Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Titans basically have three options with the No. 2 pick. They could draft quarterback Marcus Mariota, who isn't the style of quarterback Ken Whisenhunt has preferred in the past. They could draft defensive lineman Leonard Williams, the consensus top non-quarterback prospect. Or they could trade back and land a combination of players and draft picks.
While the Rivers-to-Tennessee rumors seem to be legitimate, as Peter Schrager of Fox Sports and Alex Flanagan of NBC Sports have reported, in the end, the guess here is that Chip Kelly gives up enough to reunite with his former Heisman quarterback Marcus Mariota.
I have the Eagles parting ways with their 2015 first- and second-round picks, their 2016 first- and third-round picks, Sam Bradford, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Boykin. That's a hefty haul, even for a potential franchise quarterback, but Kelly has shown that he's not afraid to make a bold move and doesn't care what others think.
Tennessee has the advantage here because the entire world, including Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, knows how much Kelly wants Mariota. If the Titans don't fleece the Eagles in this move, they're not doing their job.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler, EDGE, Florida
The Jaguars need significant help on both sides of the ball. In fact, they need an impact player from day one because both GM Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley need major improvement in 2015 to save their jobs.
Bradley, a defensive-minded coach, has gone offensive tackle and quarterback with each of his two top-five selections. It's time to grab a defensive player, and in a division with Andrew Luck, it's all about putting pressure on the quarterback.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Oakland Raiders actually made perhaps the two best individual picks in the 2014 draft: linebacker Khalil Mack and QB Derek Carr. Yet, they still won just three games and have a tremendous number of holes. Name the prospect, and he'd fill a major hole on the Raiders.
But with Carr looking like he's the real deal at the quarterback position, the Raiders have to be able to surround him with better targets than a washed-up Michael Crabtree. Enter Amari Cooper, the best pass-catching threat in the draft and a player who would immediately help an offense that ranked 31st in scoring last season.
5. Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
The consensus No. 2 pick in the draft by most mock drafts, Leonard Williams falls to pick No. 5 in this scenario. While he's definitely a dominant player, he lacks the ability as an elite pass-rusher that Dante Fowler possesses. Williams, compared to Gerald McCoy by CBS Sports, is just disruptive in everything he does, and he's a player who can line up anywhere on the defensive line. He's too big, strong and quick for offensive tackles, and he's a mismatch for guards. He'll improve the Redskins defense from day one.
6. Atlanta Falcons (from NY Jets): Vic Beasley, EDGE, Florida
The Atlanta Falcons give up a third-round pick to move up two spots in the draft, where they select pass-rusher Vic Beasley. Although considered to be just a bit undersized, Beasley was incredible at the scouting combine, vaulting himself into the discussion for a top-10 pick. His player comparison on CBS Sports is Von Miller, which tells you all you need to know about Beasley's abilities in the NFL. For years, Atlanta has been desperate for pass-rushers. Beasley should take a big step toward fixing that need.
7. Chicago Bears: Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon
It'll be tempting for the Chicago Bears to pass on a big receiver such as Kevin White with the seventh pick, but the league's 31st-ranked scoring defense in 2014 desperately needs an upgrade in the form of the best player available. At 6'7", 292 pounds, the massive Armstead could rotate anywhere on Vic Fangio's defensive line, and he projects to be a similar player to Arizona defensive end Calais Campbell, one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league over the past few seasons.
8. New York Jets (from Atlanta): Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri
Even with the recent reports that Shane Ray was cited for possession of marijuana, the guess here is that a team wants to take a chance on one of the best pure pass-rushers in the draft. A defensive coach such as Todd Bowles could use another playmaker on defense, especially if Muhammad Wilkerson really is on the trade block, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
9. New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
It'll be extremely tempting for the Giants if Kevin White is on the board. Pairing White with Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz, assuming he returns healthy from his Achilles tear, will give Eli Manning the best trio of wide receivers in the NFL. But Brandon Scherff is probably the top offensive lineman in the draft. The Giants can plug him in at tackle or guard, and he'll hold down the position for the next decade.
10. St. Louis Rams: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Heading into the draft, the Rams have to be seriously considering drafting Louisville's DeVante Parker if he makes it to the 10th selection in the first round. So with West Virginia's Kevin White still on the board, this can't be a difficult decision.
White tested off the charts at the combine, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash. He has all the tools to be a No. 1 receiver in the National Football League. It'll also make life a lot easier for Nick Foles, who has one year left on his deal before he hits free agency.
First Round: Picks 11-21
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11. Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The prospect of reuniting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with his top college wide receiver, DeVante Parker, might be too good for the Vikings to pass up. Although they traded for veteran Mike Wallace and former undrafted free agent Charles Johnson, who looks like a breakout candidate, the Vikings could add another threat in the passing game. The Bridgewater-to-Parker connection produced 22 receiving touchdowns during the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
12. Cleveland Browns: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Despite two first-round picks and plenty of buzz that the Cleveland Browns could try to trade up for Oregon's Marcus Mariota, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon (h/t SportsCenter, via CBS Sports), I think the organization is set on giving last year's first-round pick, Johnny Manziel, another chance at the position. After all, Manziel had just two starts during his rookie season. Stanford's Andrus Peat is the most likely franchise left tackle in the draft, and improving the offensive line will make life a lot easier for Manziel in year two. He can begin his career at right tackle over Mitchell Schwartz, the 2012 second-round pick who has surrendered 18 sacks during the last two seasons, per Pro Football Focus.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans): Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
One of the NFL's best teams just a year ago, the San Francisco 49ers are now filled with holes on their roster, especially on defense, where they lost Justin Smith (retirement), Patrick Willis (retirement), Chris Borland (retirement), Perrish Cox (free agency) and Chris Culliver (free agency) this offseason. Trading away a fifth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints, who have clearly shown they're looking to add more draft picks, to secure the draft's top cornerback is a move that makes sense for both teams. Expect Waynes to start as a rookie.
14. San Diego Chargers (from Miami): Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
It wouldn't surprise me to see Todd Gurley go in the top 10 picks of the draft. He's one of the best individual prospects in the 2015 draft class. In this scenario, he falls to No. 14 before the running back-needy Chargers give up a third-round pick to snag the former Georgia superstar. Despite a torn ACL, Gurley should be able to contribute immediately. Plus, it's not about the 2015 season with Gurley. It's about the rest of his career. The Dolphins have shown interest in Gurley, but they also have a 24-year-old running back who averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2014.
15. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco): Bud Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky
One of the top pass-rushers in the draft, the Saints have to be loving their chance at grabbing Bud Dupree in the middle of the first round. Dupree is going to continuously pressure the quarterback, play after play—a necessity in a division that has Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and, if this mock is accurate, Jameis Winston.
16. Houston Texans: La'el Collins, OT/G, LSU
One of the more versatile offensive linemen in the draft, La'el Collins can play either tackle or guard, though he's probably best suited as a guard due to his struggles against elite pass-rushers. He's an absolute mauler at run blocking and could start for the Texans right away at right guard. (For what it's worth, this mock doesn't account for the recent off-field reports, as detailed by Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper.)
17. Miami Dolphins (from San Diego): Byron Jones, CB, UCLA
Some team is going to fall in love with Byron Jones' off-the-charts testing at the combine and pick him a lot higher than he probably should go. I went with the Miami Dolphins, who have a glaring need at cornerback across from veteran Brent Grimes. It'll be fascinating to see how Jones, the only three-sigma athlete available in the draft, performs in the NFL.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Erving, G/C, Florida State
Head coach Andy Reid has always been a big fan of drafting offensive linemen in early rounds, as he took Shawn Andrews and Danny Watkins with first-round picks during his tenure as Eagles head coach. Although Erving may be just a bit of a reach with the 18th pick, he can play any of the interior offensive line positions and will help extend the career of underrated running back Jamaal Charles.
19. Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
The draft's top nose tackle, Danny Shelton is a necessity for a defense that was absolutely torched in the ground game in 2014. Rob Rang of CBS Sports says Shelton is "built like a Coke machine and just as tough to move." The player comparison for the Washington lineman? Vince Wilfork.
20. Tennessee Titans (from Philadelphia): Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska
The Titans would love this scenario, as they land one of the draft's top players despite moving back 18 spots in the first round. Nebraska's Randy Gregory saw his draft stock take a tumble after he failed a drug test at the NFL's combine, but there's no way a Titans defense that desperately needs a pass-rusher can pass on Gregory at pick 20. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports compares Gregory to Aldon Smith, the 49ers pass-rusher who has recorded 44 sacks in four seasons.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Former first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick has finally started playing well, but the Bengals will need a replacement for Leon Hall in a year or two. Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson has the physical tools to play press coverage and keep up with the division's top receivers such as Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon.
First Round: Picks 22-32
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22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Rowe, CB/S, Utah
After losing veterans Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu this offseason, the Steelers could really use an upgrade in their secondary. In Utah's Eric Rowe, they acquire one of the top defensive backs available in the draft, a player who can fill in and compete for a starting spot at either secondary position.
23. Detroit Lions: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
I still think the Lions made a foolish move in passing on versatile offensive lineman Taylor Lewan last year to draft a potential playmaking tight end. In Miami's Ereck Flowers, they grab a player who can take over for LaAdrian Waddle at right tackle.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Arizona Cardinals could still pull off a trade for veteran Adrian Peterson, but in the event they don't want to pay $12 million per season for a 30-year-old running back, they could grab the best available one in the draft. Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon was an absolute monster during his senior year in 2014, rushing for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns on 7.5 yards per run. The addition of free-agent guard Mike Iupati, one of the best run-blockers in the NFL, should give the Cardinals a much-improved offensive line.
25. Carolina Panthers: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
Just like last offseason, Carolina desperately needs an upgrade at offensive tackle. Even with the torn ACL, Texas A&M's Cedric Ogbuehi makes some sense. But it's probably a better idea for the Panthers to draft a healthy tackle who can help keep Cam Newton upright in 2015.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
It feels like no team has had more injuries at the cornerback position over the years than the Baltimore Ravens. Even with NFL.com's Albert Breer reporting Jalen Collins failed multiple drug tests, he's a great option to play a major role in Baltimore's secondary moving forward.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that has clearly shown it's not afraid to take a chance on a player with character issues. With troubled yet talented corner Marcus Peters still on the board, expect them to pull the trigger. Brandon Carr has been a major disappointment since signing a $50 million deal in free agency before the 2012 season, and former top-10 pick Morris Claiborne has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies over the years.
28. Denver Broncos: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Protecting Peyton Manning in what could be the final season of his incredible career needs to be the No. 1 priority for the Broncos. Their window is closing, and nothing will shut it quicker than a potential injury to one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
In a division with quarterbacks like Brian Hoyer, Blake Bortles and Zach Mettenberger, it's more important for the Colts to be able to stop the run than the pass. Alabama's Landon Collins is a physical presence who can play up in the box and help stop elite running backs like Arian Foster.
30. Green Bay Packers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
The Green Bay Packers have been one of the NFL's best teams since Aaron Rodgers' second season, but they're a few years removed from the great defensive squad that helped them win Super Bowl XLV. The only legitimate defensive playmaker on their squad is Clay Matthews III, and he's struggled with injuries over the past few seasons. Adding defensive lineman Eddie Goldman to a 3-4 defense that will likely move on from veteran B.J. Raji after the season makes all the sense in the world.
31. New Orleans Saints: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Defense, defense, defense. That's what the New Orleans Saints need to be focusing on heading into this draft. With Drew Brees entering his age-36 season, the window is quickly closing for the Saints. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's unit ranked 28th in points scored in 2014. Adding playmakers like Bud Dupree as an edge-rusher with their first pick and a speedy linebacker like Eric Kendricks with their second pick should move them closer to being an average unit.
32. Chicago Bears (from New England): Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Other than the Eagles landing Chip Kelly's Heisman quarterback, a trade back into the first round by the Chicago Bears is the most shocking move of the draft. It makes sense, though, as the Bears have reportedly been trying to move on from Jay Cutler. In Hundley, they grab a player who can sit for a year or two and learn from a veteran before taking over as the starter. The Patriots, always one to trade back and accumulate extra picks, grab an extra fourth-round pick from the Bears.
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Second Round: Picks 33-48
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33. Tennessee Titans: Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
Breshad Perriman in the second round? That's a steal for the Tennessee Titans, and it gives newly acquired quarterback Sam Bradford a potentially dominant receiver to stretch the field. Perriman's ridiculous 40-yard dash time in the combine vaulted him up draft boards. If he can cure the drops, he'll be a legitimate weapon in the NFL one day, just like his father.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Fisher, OT/G, Oregon
One of the best overall athletes in the 2015 draft, Jake Fisher has the ability to play either tackle or guard. It'd make sense for Fisher to begin his transition into the NFL as a guard for rookie quarterback Jameis Winston, but he could move to tackle by his second or third season.
35. Oakland Raiders: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
When you're the Oakland Raiders, you draft the best player available, regardless of position, and a projected first-round talent like Owamagbe Odighizuwa makes a lot of sense early in the second round. He'll be the only star on one of the most no-name defensive lines in the National Football League.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eli Harold, EDGE, Virginia
Head coach Gus Bradley helped turn the Seattle Seahawks into the best defense the NFL has seen in years, but his units in Jacksonville have ranked 28th and 26th in scoring the last two seasons. In Blake Bortles, Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson and Luke Joeckel, the Jaguars have a number of potentially talented players on the offensive side of the ball. Eli Harold gives Jacksonville a second straight pass-rusher to help rush Andrew Luck. In the AFC South, if you can't stop Luck and company, you have no shot.
37. New York Jets: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
Whether it's Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick or Marcus Mariota in 2015, the Jets need to protect their quarterback. With veterans Willie Colon and James Carpenter as their starters, they need an upgrade. Cann feels like a safe pick at this point in the draft.
38. Washington Redskins: Malcom Brown, DE, Texas
Many mocks have had Brown drafted as high as the middle of the first round. If he's available, the Redskins need him to fix their dumpster fire of a defense, which allowed 438 points last season.
39. New England Patriots: Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
In a classic Bill Belichick move, the Patriots head coach released future Hall of Fame nose tackle Vince Wilfork following an injury-plagued 2014 season, his 11th in New England. The Patriots need a replacement, and Oklahoma's Jordan Phillips is a borderline first-round talent who can hold down the middle of the defensive line for the next half-decade or more. Rob Rang of CBS Sports compares him to Dontari Poe, the mammoth two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs.
40. New York Giants: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
Just three drafts removed from using their first-round pick on a running back, the Giants will use another high draft pick on the game's most replaceable position. In Ameer Abdullah, they grab a player Dane Brugler and Brandon Thorn of CBS Sports compare to Ahmad Bradshaw, the versatile back who helped Eli Manning and the Giants win the Super Bowl in both 2007 and 2011. Expect Abdullah to be the team's starter by the end of the season.
41. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Despite a torn ACL, Cedric Ogbuehi is one of the best offensive tackles available in the draft. In fact, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller had him going fourth overall in a mock draft written right after the 2014 draft. The Rams have last year's No. 2, pick Greg Robinson, as their expected blindside blocker for Nick Foles, but there's a hole at right tackle with free-agent Joe Barksdale still unsigned. One of the big reasons for Sam Bradford's failure in St. Louis, as well as Foles' struggles in Philadelphia in 2014, was a weak offensive line. Protecting their quarterback should be the biggest priority for the Rams.
42. Atlanta Falcons: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
It's been one season without future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, and Levine Toilolo's 238 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in 2014 just isn't going to cut it. The Falcons grab the top tight end in the draft with their second pick.
43. Cleveland Browns: Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
Tashaun Gipson is one of the best young safeties in the NFL and veteran Donte Whitner did just sign a four-year deal before the 2014 season, but Randall is too good of a talent to pass up at this point in the draft. Mike Mayock called him the best cover safety in the draft (via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk), a necessity for a division with Super Bowl winning quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco.
44. New Orleans Saints: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
With veterans Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner, the Saints can look to add Florida State's Ronald Darby as a project, a player who could compete for a starting job in a year or two.
45. Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota): Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Even before he claimed on Twitter that he had played through a broken bone in his wrist, Jaelen Strong's draft stock was slipping. Originally a first-round pick on many mock drafts, Strong's disappointing speed during the combine will knock him down to the middle of the second round. Here, Andy Reid gets a big weapon to pair with Jeremy Maclin for at least the next half-decade.
46. San Francisco 49ers: Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
It's going to be completely impossible for the 49ers to replace Patrick Willis and Chris Borland in a single offseason. Willis is a future Hall of Famer and Borland was one of the best rookies in the league in 2014. But Clemson's Stephone Anthony was the clear leader of the nation's best defense in 2014, and he's a physical run-stopping presence in the middle of the field. He may not ever reach the potential of Willis or Borland, but he'll immediately bring toughness back to the 49ers defense.
47. Miami Dolphins: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Sometimes drafts are simple, and here's a pick that makes all the sense in the world. Devin Smith is the deep threat to replace veteran Mike Wallace; only, Smith costs about $10 million per season less than Wallace.
48. San Diego Chargers: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
The "Philip Rivers to Tennessee" rumors picked up steam for a while, and there's no doubt in my mind that head coach Ken Whisenhunt would love an opportunity to reunite with the quarterback he coached as San Diego's offensive coordinator in 2013. But in the end, I think Chip Kelly is a little more desperate to reunite with his Heisman quarterback from college.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Mike & Mike (via CBS Sports' Will Brinson), the Chargers plan on keeping Rivers for the 2015 season. San Diego still needs a quarterback, though, as Rivers reportedly doesn't plan to be back with the team in 2016. Baylor's Bryce Petty is the fourth-best quarterback in the draft, and selecting him in the second round gives him a year to watch one of the game's best veteran passers before he could be forced to start.
Second Round: Picks 49-64
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49. Minnesota Vikings: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
Whether or not the Vikings end up trading future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson, they need to consider drafting a replacement for the 30-year-old Peterson. Coleman is one of a number of talented running backs in this draft class who could split carries with Peterson in 2015.
50. Buffalo Bills: Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart
Clearly, the Bills are intent on establishing the ground game for the next few seasons, as they traded for veteran LeSean McCoy and extended him on a $26 million deal. Marpet is one of the best pure guards in the draft.
51. Houston Texans: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
A few months ago, McKinney was regularly getting mocked in the first round of mock drafts. Halfway through the second round, this feels like a value pick for a defense that has J.J. Watt and some major health question marks in Brian Cushing and Jadeveon Clowney on their defense.
52. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia): Danielle Hunter, EDGE, LSU
Two years after selecting Barkevious Mingo with the sixth overall pick, the Browns are still waiting for him to emerge as an elite defensive presence on their defense. LSU's Danielle Hunter could contribute out of a pass-rushing role for a quietly underrated defense.
53. Cincinnati Bengals: Carl Davis, NT, Iowa
There's nothing flashy about this pick, but with veteran Domata Peko entering the tenth season of his career, it's safe to say an upgrade is needed. ironically, CBS Sports' player comparison for Davis is Domata Peko.
54. Carolina Panthers (from Detroit): Ty Sambarilo, OT, Colorado State
When your starting offensive tackles are Nate Chandler and Michael Oher, you're not foolish for selecting an offensive tackle with each of your first two picks. The Panthers give up a sixth-round pick here to move up three spots and grab Colorado State tackle Ty Sambarilo, who will assuredly be given every chance to compete for a starting job in 2015.
55. Arizona Cardinals: Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami
Patrick Peterson has one side of the field locked down, and Miami's versatile defensive back Quinten Rollins is a player who can play in a nickel package as a rookie before competing for a starting job in 2016.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
It's unlikely that the Steelers will plan to draft another wide receiver heading into this draft. The combination of Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant was lethal in 2014. But if Sammie Coates is available near the end of the second round, they should grab him and add one more playmaker for Roethlisberger.
57. Detroit Lions (from Carolina): Mario Edwards, DE, Florida State
After losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in free agency, it's not a question of IF the Lions select a defensive lineman. It's WHEN. Here they grab a player who can rotate between tackle and end in their defensive front.
58. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
Although the Ravens locked up veteran Justin Forsett to a three-year deal, he's still 30 years old. Bernard Pierce never panned out as the team expected and they really need to add a future starter at some point in the draft, preferably in the earlier rounds.
59. Denver Broncos: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Peyton Manning is nearing the tail end of his career and there's not a team in the NFL more all-in than the Denver Broncos, who might have one or two more seasons before Manning retires to grab a Super Bowl title. With Demaryius Thomas, Cody Latimer and Phillip Dorsett in 2015, the Broncos should, as expected, have one of the best offenses in the National Football League.
60. Dallas Cowboys: Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami
There's not a position on the defensive side of the ball where the Dallas Cowboys don't need a big upgrade. But the middle of their defense, where veteran Sean Lee continues to struggle with injuries, could use a versatile playmaker like Miami's Denzel Perryman.
61. Seattle Seahawks (from Indianapolis): Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
Nelson Agholor has been generating first-round buzz recently, but here he comes within a few picks of slipping into the third round. As the Seahawks prepare for an eventual life without Marshawn Lynch, they'll need more pass-catchers for quarterback Russell Wilson. The combination of Jimmy Graham and slot man Nelson Agholor will give defensive coordinators nightmares. The Seahawks give up just a seventh-round pick to move up two spots in the draft.
62. Philadelphia Eagles (from Green Bay): Shaq Thompson, LB/S, Washington
In my seven-round Eagles mock, I predicted the Eagles would trade inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks to the Packers for their late second-round pick. Jason La Canfora reported that the "Eagles are shopping LB Mychal Kendricks. Seeking a second-round pick in return." With Kendricks in the middle of their defense, the Packers can move Clay Matthews III back to outside linebacker, where he's better as a pass-rusher.
63. Indianapolis Colts (from Seattle): Nate Orchard, EDGE, Utah
Veteran Robert Mathis recently suffered a setback on his torn Achilles and it's not unlikely to expect him to miss the entire 2015 season. Utah's Nate Orchard makes sense as a great option to rush the passer on third downs.
64. New England Patriots: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan
If there's one weakness Bill Belichick has a general manager, it's his ability to draft wide receivers. Thankfully, he has the best quarterback in NFL history to make up for his deficiencies scouting pass-catchers. In Michigan's Devin Funchess, he gets a hybrid wide receiver tight end who can be the closest thing to Aaron Hernandez the Patriots have had since 2013.
Third Round
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65. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preston Smith, EDGE, Mississippi State
66. Tennessee Titans: Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
67. Jacksonville Jaguars: David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa
68. Oakland Raiders: Paul Dawson, ILB, TCU
69. Washington Redskins: Lorenzo Mauldin, EDGE, Louisville
70. New York Jets: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
71. Chicago Bears: Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern
72. St. Louis Rams: Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State
73. New York Jets (from Atlanta): Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State
74. New York Giants: Markus Golden, EDGE, Missouri
75. New Orleans Saints: Clive Walford, TE, Miami
76. Minnesota Vikings: Steve Nelson, CB, Oregon State
77. Cleveland Browns: Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina
78. New Orleans Saints: Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma
79. San Francisco 49ers: Hau'oli Kikaha, EDGE, Washington State
80. Kansas City Chiefs: Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
81. Buffalo Bills: Josue Matias, OG, Florida State
82. Houston Texans: Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
83. San Diego Chargers: Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford
84. Philadelphia Eagles: Adrian Amos, S, Penn State
85. Cincinnati Bengals: Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU
86. Arizona Cardinals: Trey Flowers, EDGE, Arkansas
87. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
88. Detroit Lions: D'Joun Smith, CB, Florida Atlantic
89. Carolina Panthers: James Sample, S, Louisville
90. Baltimore Ravens: Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary
91. Dallas Cowboys: Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina
92. Denver Broncos: Jesse James, TE, Penn State
93. Indianapolis Colts: Tre' Jackson, G, Florida State
94. Green Bay Packers: Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
95. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma
96. New England Patriots: Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
97. New England Patriots: Grady Jarrett, NT, Clemson
98. Kansas City Chiefs: Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville
99. Cincinnati Bengals: Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke
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