2015 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Week 7 Breakdown
The top and bottom of the prospective 2015 NFL draft order saw a shakeup of sorts in Week 7. The Jacksonville Jaguars' win over the Cleveland Browns got them off a winless skid, leaving the Oakland Raiders slated for the No. 1 overall pick.
A second straight loss by the Seattle Seahawks could bump them further up than 31st overall next week, as the defending Super Bowl champions are struggling to find synergy in their bid to retain the Lombardi Trophy.
Odds Shark's Super Bowl odds didn't reflect what transpired during the majority of Sunday's NFL action, but the prior listings nevertheless paint an accurate picture of what the draft board could look like come late April.
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Below is an updated mock draft of the first round, featuring focused analysis on the top selections who would fill their teams' most pressing, current needs.
1. Oakland Raiders: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
A franchise left tackle to protect potential quarterback of the future Derek Carr should be the move for Oakland here, regardless of whether general manager Reggie McKenzie is still in charge.
Ogbuehi has played as a guard, right tackle and is now filling in at left tackle in College Station. That type of versatility makes him an elite offensive line prospect and one the Raiders can't afford to pass on at the top.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
A tenacious defensive line is starting to jell, as the Jags hounded Cleveland's top-flight rushing attack in Week 7. Thus, the focus can shift to Scherff, a similar, jack-of-all-trades lineman to Ogbuehi who can slide in at either right tackle or one of the guard positions to bolster Jacksonville in the trenches on offense.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Glaring indeed is the need for a franchise passer in Tampa Bay. Coach Lovie Smith should turn the defense around in time, but the pair of Josh McCown and Mike Glennon won't carry the Bucs to pro football's promised land.
Another wonderful performance on Saturday saw Mariota get it done with his arm rather than his legs against a talented Washington defense (24-of-33 passing for 336 yards, two touchdowns). He is completing over 70 percent of his passes at 10.41 yards per attempt for the year, with 19 TDs and zero interceptions.
Tampa Bay needs someone to distribute the ball to Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, and Mariota can be the one to do it. Throwing into tighter windows won't be as much of an adjustment for Mariota if he has two wideouts with those type of pass-catching radii.
Mariota has the arm talent to make all the throws and would allow the Bucs to integrate spread concepts into the game plan. The NFC South features Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan as quarterbacks. This pick would give Tampa Bay someone with the most upside to develop into that type of elite leader on the field.
4. New York Jets: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
A suspension earlier in the season seems like a distant memory now, because Peters is emerging as the top cornerback in this class. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller even tossed Peters into the discussion for the Jets:
Coach Rex Ryan shouldn't lose his job, as many of New York's issues aren't on him. A young cornerback duo of Peters and Dee Milliner would be a critical upgrade whatever the coaching situation is in 2015.
5. St. Louis Rams: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
A massive win over Notre Dame saw Winston operate the intricate, pro-style FSU offense with great proficiency. Austin Davis has played rather well, but Winston should be a franchise passer ready to make St. Louis competitive sooner in a stacked NFC West division.
6. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
The need for quarterbacks and help on offense, the side of the ball modern NFL rules favors, bumps Williams down to No. 6. If drafting this high, Tennessee could opt to trade down, gather assets and take a flier on a different QB. That would be tough to do with Williams, the top defensive prospect, still on the board.
7. Washington Redskins: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Leadership and a pro-readiness are traits Washington should be looking for in choosing in the top 10. That makes Collins an ideal fit, as he can be a run-stopping tone-setter whose pass-coverage skills and understanding of complex Alabama schematics should see him produce in year one.
8. Minnesota Vikings: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
The offensive line has been disappointing, but Minnesota will continue developing its young defense at the behest of coach Mike Zimmer. Alex Lantz of the Lincoln Journal Star has strong testimony from Nebraska assistant coach Ross Els:
Gregory fits the bill as a supreme athlete and edge pass-rusher the Vikings could throw into their rotation and wreak havoc on the NFC North, which features three talented opposing offenses.
9. Atlanta Falcons: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
The defense continues to disappoint, and while those issues can be addressed in free agency, GM Thomas Dimitroff goes bold with the selection of Oakman. The Bears standout is a work in progress, but Atlanta would do well to invest in the freakish, 6'9" and 280-pound athlete and coach him up hard.
10. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
In a humorous coincidence, Cleveland uses the pick it got from Buffalo in the Sammy Watkins draft-day trade to grab the best receiver in the 2015 draft.
Cooper had a monster showing against Texas A&M this past weekend, catching eight passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He already has 908 yards and seven scores on the year, getting a chance to showcase his immense skills under offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.
The Browns' loss to Jacksonville highlighted the need for another wideout. Adding Cooper to the outside opposite Josh Gordon, in addition to slot dynamo Andrew Hawkins, gives Cleveland three legitimate targets to work with. That's great news for whoever starts under center in 2015, be it Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel.
11. Houston Texans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Among the potential top-tier QBs, Hundley has the most work to do. All the tools are there for him to thrive, but he just has a hard time with decision-making and holding onto the ball too long.
An anonymous scout lauded Hundley's choice to return to UCLA when he could have entered last year's draft, per the Los Angeles Times' Chris Foster (via Chase Goodbread of NFL.com):
"I think he made the right decision coming back. He has holes, and scouts would have found them last year. He holds the ball too long. He's not as accurate in the pocket once you start charting him. Those things would pop up as scouts go through their evaluation of him.
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Some of the evident problems in Hundley's game are masked by his mobility and knack for making plays outside the pocket. What he needs is a QB guru to fix his flaws, which Texans coach Bill O'Brien can do.
Houston has a defense and an Arian Foster-led running game that is worthy of the playoffs. Now GM Rick Smith can take the plunge on a possible franchise QB, who could be ready to thrive even as a rookie under O'Brien's direction.
12. Miami Dolphins: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
A strong value pick at No. 12, Calhoun is yet another strong pass-rusher who is more polished than Oakman. The Dolphins would be happy to take him here, though a QB may be in play if Miami finishes this far out of the playoff hunt with Ryan Tannehill under center.
13. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
This is the first year Funchess is playing receiver after starting his collegiate career at tight end. Despite spotty quarterback play, the big-bodied wideout is still making plays as the Wolverines' clear No. 1 option.
It may take a while for Funchess to digest the Andy Reid playbook, but he would eventually be an intriguing complement to Dwayne Bowe as the No. 2 receiver Kansas City lacks at the moment.
14. Cleveland Browns: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
A thin defensive line has hurt Cleveland this year, so that area should be beefed up with veterans. In the meantime, adding a quick pass-rusher to the rotation would behoove the Browns with their penchant for pressure-based schemes.
Beasley fits the description and could even challenge Barkevious Mingo for time in training camp, provided Jabaal Sheard departs in free agency.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
The song remains the same in Pittsburgh in terms of mock drafts. Aging veteran Ike Taylor has been the team's best cornerback, and he's injured amid a contract year. That leaves a void Williams can capably fill as a physical, press-specializing cover corner.
16. New York Giants: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Huskies defensive playmaker should keep rising up draft boards. New York could use someone of his caliber to add to its linebacker corps on the weak side. A trio of Jameel McClain, Jon Beason and Thompson would be a handful for the rest of the NFC East to handle.
17. Carolina Panthers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The declining defense and absence of viable receivers are noticeable issues in Carolina, but keeping dual-threat QB Cam Newton as upright as possible is of optimal importance. That makes Peat the logical choice, given his tutelage at a quality Stanford program based on pro-style principles.
18. Chicago Bears: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Goldman gets all the opposition can handle and has the faculties to take on multiple blockers. Dion Caputi of the National Football Post noticed how Goldman maintained stamina in Saturday's win over Notre Dame:
For someone who measures 6'4" and weighs 314 pounds (per Seminoles.com), that type of endurance is impressive. Throw Goldman into the mix with Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young among others and Chicago suddenly looks quite scary in that area.
19. Detroit Lions: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
The previous two drafts saw zero running backs chosen in the first round. That changes in 2015, because Gurley is the best prospect at the position in recent memory.
His indefinite suspension prevents further wear and tear, and Gurley would form quite a tandem with Reggie Bush, who is having an underwhelming 2014 campaign at age 29.
20. New Orleans Saints: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Name a place besides safety and the Saints could probably use the help on defense. McKinney has been a big leader and reason why MSSU's defense has been so strong. A new coordinator in New Orleans may be in order, but McKinney is a savvy pick no matter who calls the plays.
21. Baltimore Ravens: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
The Ravens are the class of the AFC North at the moment, so they can afford a bit of a risk at this stage of the first round. Steve Smith should still have one more year, allowing Baltimore to bring along Green-Beckham at an appropriate pace.
Having to sit out 2014, Green-Beckham is a 6'5" target who is also a dangerous threat after the catch. The former Missouri star had 12 touchdowns on 59 receptions in 2013, accentuating his value as a red-zone extraordinaire with explosiveness to boot.
22. Arizona Cardinals: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
The Achilles' heel that may prevent Arizona from a deep playoff run this year is the absence of pressure on the opposing QB. Armstead is a unique blend of size and quickness who can be either a defensive end or standup linebacker in the Cardinals' multifaceted defense.
23. Cincinnati Bengals: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
The Tigers have had no shortage of star power at defensive end. Look no further than last year's draftees in Kony Ealy and Michael Sam. That's what makes this analysis from CBS Sports 920's T.J. Moe so fascinating:
"Shane Ray is at 9.5 sacks 7 games into the season. Mizzou single season record is 11.5. Kid is the most explosive D-end Mizzou has ever had
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) October 19, 2014"
Such praise doesn't come without merit, and Ray is bound to climb further up draft boards before April if he keeps making such a tremendous impact in the SEC. Carlos Dunlap and Ray could become an epic defensive end tandem for years to come in the AFC North if the latter lands in Cincinnati.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
Since McKinney is off the board as a potential heir apparent to DeMeco Ryans at inside linebacker, Philadelphia opts to bolster the Chip Kelly offense with Coates. As a player familiar with fast-paced, run-heavy offenses, Coates makes a lot of sense for the Eagles.
25. Indianapolis Colts: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Here's another ball-carrier off the board in the first round. The Colts lost their 2014 first-round pick in the Trent Richardson trade. To make up for that, Indy adds Gordon to upgrade the running game in support of franchise signal-caller Andrew Luck.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
America's Team is 6-1, and as much attention as the offense gets, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has done a masterful job in Dallas.
Marinelli specializes in defensive line play, so he'd love to work with an interior pass-rusher of Bennett's caliber, not to mention 2014 second-round DE DeMarcus Lawrence once he's healthy.
27. Green Bay Packers: Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor
Blocking has been problematic, both in pass protection and in paving lanes for Green Bay's running backs. Aaron Rodgers would love another big man up front, so after investing the past three first-rounder on defense, GM Ted Thompson opts for Drango at No. 27 overall.
28. New England Patriots: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
As mentioned before in the Peat pick to Carolina, the Cardinal have an intricate offense that asks more of its players than a lot of spread schemes. That makes Montgomery a great fit in New England, to be a young, sure-handed weapon QB Tom Brady can count on right away.
29. San Francisco 49ers: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Somehow the Niners' defense got by all year with such a thin lot of cornerbacks. Then they played against Peyton Manning and Denver on Sunday night and got lit up. Look for GM Trent Baalke to perhaps trade up to grab a player like Ekpre-Olomu to help the secondary.
30. San Diego Chargers: Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
Infusing the outside linebacker position with speed and youth is a great route for the Chargers to go. Taking a late first-round flier on the undersized Striker is a measured risk and one that could pay big dividends if Striker's elite speed translates well to the NFL.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Richard Sherman is one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, but the Seahawks need someone on the other side. Waynes is one of the best pure corners in coverage, and his physical style fits well with the Legion of Boom secondary's identity.
32. Denver Broncos: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
Week 7 saw the Broncos firing on all cylinders on offense yet again, so Cann becomes a luxury choice to make Denver's running game even more formidable. With Peyton Manning leading the perpetual aerial assault, Cann's development can be fast-tracked, thanks to the presence of a legendary, cerebral signal-caller to help mentor him.
It's hard to argue against Denver being the top Super Bowl favorite, given the Broncos' dismantling of San Francisco, a team that's been to three straight conference championship games. Manning is playing as well as he ever has and has perhaps the best all-around set of weapons of his entire career.
As long as the Broncos defense, bolstered by the presence of added veterans and a return to form by Von Miller, can hold up their end of the bargain, a second Super Bowl ring seems in sight for Manning.
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