2015 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Shrine Game Projections
With the East-West Shrine Game and a number of other postseason all-star games having already been played, only the Senior Bowl remains for potential top picks in the 2015 NFL draft to improve their stock while actually playing football in a live game.
While it looks unlikely that any first-round picks will come out of this year’s Shrine Game, a number of other happenings in the past week have affected the projections of the draft’s top 32 selections.
The pool of players available for this year’s draft has officially been set, as 76 underclassmen and 10 graduates with remaining collegiate eligibility declared to be in this year’s class, according to Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations.
Picks 25 through 28 in the draft order were solidified, as four more teams were eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, while five teams—the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills (who have no first-round pick)—hired head coaches, which makes it more plausible to project realistic possibilities for their teams’ drafts.
It’s still early in the predraft process, with free agency yet to come and more than three months left until the actual draft, but the draft picture is becoming clearer by the week. With the Shrine Game complete and the Senior Bowl on the horizon, the following slides project potential candidates for each of the draft’s first 32 slots.
Picks 29 through 32 have been ordered by record and strength of schedule; the better the record and strength of schedule, the lower the pick.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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The last game of Marcus Mariota’s college career did not go as he hoped, as Oregon lost to Ohio State by 22 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, but he remains the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
You’ve probably heard people say that Mariota’s draft stock plummeted because of the loss, but that’s mostly because we’ve reached the season of overanalysis, where analysts look for reasons to pick apart the projected top picks.
In reality, Mariota had a solid performance against OSU, completing 24-of-37 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns while running for 39 yards on 10 attempts. He threw one interception but still finished the game with a plus-5.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, the third-best individual grade for the game behind two projected 2016 first-round picks in Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa and running back Ezekiel Elliott.
There are legitimate concerns about how well Mariota will transition to an NFL offense from Oregon’s spread system. That said, he has all the physical tools to be great while carrying none of the character risks of the 2015 draft’s other top quarterback, Florida State’s Jameis Winston. ESPN NFL Nation reporter James Walker tweeted that geographically speaking, fans may want Jameis Winston, but Marcus Mariota is the safer pick.
It’s possible the Buccaneers could prefer Winston over Mariota, as Winston projects as a more natural fit for a pro-style offense, but Mariota is a much safer choice. Don’t let the overanalysis fool you: While Mariota won’t be considered a “sure thing,” he’s a better prospect than many other quarterbacks who have been top picks in recent years.
2. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
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If Marcus Mariota is off the board, the Tennessee Titans will have one of the 2015 draft’s toughest decisions: Take a chance on Jameis Winston or select the best overall player?
The Titans could use an upgrade at quarterback, and their offense projects as a good fit for Winston. But they could also stand to upgrade just about every area of their roster, as their 2-14 record this past season came as a result of having a depth chart full of mediocrity.
If the Titans are willing to give Zach Mettenberger the 2015 season to prove his worth as a starting quarterback and/or are not fully sold on Winston given his on-field inconsistency and off-field history, they should deploy a best-player-available strategy.
In that case, their pick should be USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Tremendously active on the Trojans defense for a 6’5”, 300-pound player, Williams is disruptive from both inside and outside and is tailor-made to play as a 3-4 defensive end in Tennessee’s defensive front.
Among a draft class that is lacking in truly elite talent, Williams projects as a crown jewel.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
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After using their first four picks in last year’s draft on offensive players, the Jacksonville Jaguars should look to add a star to their defense with the No. 3 overall pick this year.
Specifically, the Jaguars could use this pick on a star defensive end, as the 2015 draft class has no shortage of pass-rushers who are in the mix to be top picks.
The best among them is Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr., a 6’3”, 260-pound edge-defender who can play all over a defensive front and is an explosive athlete who uses his hands well.
Fowler projects well to the “Leo” rusher spot in the Jaguars defensive front. He has the most versatility and well-rounded game of any of the top pass-rushers, which also include Nebraska’s Randy Gregory, Clemson’s Vic Beasley and Missouri’s Shane Ray.
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4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
4 of 32The Oakland Raiders might have their quarterback of the future in Derek Carr, but if they are going to be successful with him, they have to give him some offensive weapons to work with.
Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper is the best offensive weapon in this year’s draft. A skilled pass-catcher who runs crisp routes and moves with ease in the open field, he has the potential to be a star NFL wideout.
Coming off a year in which he caught 124 passes for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns, Cooper has no significant weaknesses in his game. There are bigger and faster receivers in this year’s class, but no one has been as consistently productive.
After not having a single player reach 700 receiving yards this year, the Raiders need a true go-to receiver. They can get that in Cooper, who should be able to develop an immediate rapport with Carr and continue using his quickness and awareness to get open and make plays.
5. Washington Redskins: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
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When the Dallas Cowboys selected Notre Dame left tackle Zack Martin with their first-round pick in last year’s draft, offensive line coach Bill Callahan moved him to right guard and made him the missing piece of a unit that emerged as the league’s best in 2014.
Now the offensive line coach of the Washington Redskins, Callahan is not going to have nearly as much talent at his disposal this year. The Redskins could start to remedy that, however, by drafting another collegiate offensive tackle with the potential to switch positions in Iowa’s Brandon Scherff.
The best all-around offensive-line prospect in the 2015 draft class, Scherff is a technically sound blocker who is explosive off the snap and can drive defenders downfield with his power.
Like Martin, Scherff does not have the length that NFL teams desire in a left tackle, but his game is well-suited for a transition to guard or right tackle—both positions where Washington should be in the market for upgrades.
If Washington is ready to move on from Robert Griffin III, another possibility with this pick could be Jameis Winston. Trading down to acquire more assets would also be a smart move. But the best pick, especially considering Callahan’s track record of developing offensive linemen, might be Scherff.
6. New York Jets: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
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Like the Titans and Redskins, the New York Jets could also face a decision of whether to roll the dice with Jameis Winston, as they are in need of a quarterback upgrade.
For on-field reasons, drafting Winston would make sense. Geno Smith has failed to look like a franchise quarterback in his first two NFL seasons, and Winston’s combination of arm strength, athleticism and ability to make plays under pressure could translate to an immediate upgrade.
Furthermore, the Jets have a new regime, led by coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan. New regimes often look for new quarterbacks, and Winston is arguably the best available to them this year.
That new regime, however, must decide whether Winston is worth the risk, especially considering the city in which the Jets play. Bringing Winston and his questionable past to the Big Apple could be a recipe for disaster for a franchise that was labeled as a “circus” under its previous regime.
Both Bowles and new Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey have a history of working with less-than-stellar quarterbacks, so there’s reason to believe they could be willing to give Smith one more chance to succeed. Should that be the case, look for the Jets to add a pass-rusher who can help Bowles build a great defense like he did in Arizona.
The most natural fit for Bowles’ defensive scheme would be Clemson’s Vic Beasley. An undersized (6'3", 235 lbs) but explosive edge-defender, Beasley is well-suited to play 3-4 outside linebacker and could provide an immediate spark to a team that needs another pass-rushing playmaker.
7. Chicago Bears: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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In John Fox’s first year as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, they drafted Julius Peppers with the No. 2 overall pick, and he became one of the NFL’s best pass-rushers. In Fox’s first year with the Denver Broncos, they drafted Von Miller, again with the No. 2 overall pick, who also became one of the NFL’s elite edge-defenders.
Now entering his first year coaching the Chicago Bears, Fox is likely to covet an explosive pass-rusher with star potential for his defense once again. The Bears will have the chance to land that player if Nebraska’s Randy Gregory is still on the board at No. 7 overall.
An outstanding athlete listed at 6’6” and 240 pounds, Gregory is the most freakish defensive prospect in this year’s draft class. He needs to bulk up to be an every-down player, and his game is still somewhat raw, but his length and speed alone make him immediately dangerous.
The Bears don’t have a great need at the defensive-end position, as they signed Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young in free agency last year, but they need to add young talent to all three levels of their defense. The chance to develop Gregory will be tough to pass up if he’s still on the board.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
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Having tied for second-to-last in the NFL this season with just 22 team sacks, the Atlanta Falcons should set their sights on upgrading their pass rush with the No. 8 overall pick.
With Dante Fowler Jr., Vic Beasley and Randy Gregory off the board, the best pass-rusher available in this scenario is Missouri’s Shane Ray, who recorded 14.5 sacks during the 2014 college football season.
Ray has great speed off the edge and is skilled with his hands. He’s not an excellent run-defender, but for what the Falcons really need—someone who can get after the quarterback with regularity—Ray is a good fit.
The Falcons haven’t hired a head coach yet, so it’s unknown what their defensive scheme will be in 2015, but Ray should be able to play either 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. At 6'3", 245 pounds, he’s too small to line up inside like he did sometimes at Missouri, but he’s a player the Falcons should be able to move around in order to utilize his full skill set.
9. New York Giants: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
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If Jerry Reese sticks to his mantra of drafting the “best player available” in 2015, it could lead the New York Giants to this draft’s most versatile prospect, Washington’s Shaq Thompson.
A tremendous athlete who has played in the linebacker corps, as a defensive back and even as a running back during his three-year collegiate career, Thompson is one of the most gifted talents in this year’s draft. In an NFL that has quickly become more inviting to undersized linebackers who can cover like safeties, Thompson projects as a top-10 pick.
His versatility would be an instant gift to the Giants, who could use an upgrade at weak-side linebacker but also could have a need at safety, as starters Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown are both unrestricted free agents.
Another defensive player who has a similar skill set and playmaking ability, despite technically playing a different position, is Alabama safety Landon Collins. If the Giants need a true replacement for Rolle or Brown, Collins could be the pick at No. 9 overall.
In a best-player-available decision, Thompson’s versatility and big-play potential should give him the edge.
10. St. Louis Rams: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
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As Sam Bradford enters the final year of his contract while coming off ACL tears in back-to-back years, it’s time for the St. Louis Rams to start looking for his replacement at quarterback. If they have a chance to draft Jameis Winston, they shouldn’t pass it up.
Outside of the quarterback position, the Rams have a roster solid enough that they could even consider trading up to select Winston if they think they need to move ahead of the Jets or another team to draft him. But if he falls to No. 10 overall, they should select him so long as they believe he can overcome his interceptions and immaturity.
Perhaps the most talented quarterback in this year’s draft, Winston has the size (6'4", 230 lbs), arm and athleticism that NFL teams want in a pocket passer. He shows the ability to make challenging throws with timing and deliver from the pocket against the rush.
If the Rams draft Winston, they could trade or cut Bradford, which would save them nearly $13 million, according to OverTheCap.com.
The Rams should also be looking to upgrade the right side of their offensive line in this year’s draft, so other options here could include Colorado State’s Ty Sambrailo and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings. But one would think the Rams, who are seemingly a quarterback upgrade away from being a legitimate contender, would be hard-pressed to pass on Winston.
11. Minnesota Vikings: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
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Minnesota Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2012 draft, but he has regressed in each of his three seasons in the NFL. The Vikings can no longer confidently go forth with the idea that Kalil will be a bookend of their offensive line for years to come.
Even if they plan to give Kalil a chance to turn it around in 2015, they should look to add an offensive lineman whom they can groom as his potential replacement and have ready to take over the position if he continues to be a liability like he was this past season.
LSU’s La’el Collins would be a good match for the Vikings, because he has experience playing both left tackle and left guard and could project to either position in the NFL. He would likely step in immediately as a left-guard upgrade over Charlie Johnson and then move back out to tackle if Kalil’s play remains problematic.
Collins lacks the ideal agility of an NFL offensive tackle, but he is a technically sound blocker who packs a strong punch. Having held his own against the top pass-rushers in the SEC in two seasons at left tackle, Collins should find success on an NFL offensive line, whether outside or inside.
Other offensive-tackle options for the Vikings could include Colorado State’s Ty Sambrailo and Miami’s Ereck Flowers, while reuniting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker is also a popular projection for this pick.
12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
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The Cleveland Browns’ top two wide receivers of the 2014 season, Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel, have respective measurables of 5’7”, 180 pounds and 5’8”, 167 pounds. With Josh Gordon’s future in Cleveland murky, the Browns need to add a big receiver with big-play ability to their offense.
They could get that from Louisville’s DeVante Parker. Listed at 6’3” and 211 pounds, Parker is also a gifted athlete who can both separate from defenders with his speed and make contested catches over coverage.
With his terrific body control, Parker has had a flair for making spectacular catches throughout his Louisville career. He doesn’t possess the lateral agility to make defenders miss often in the open field, but he can finish through contact to extend plays.
If the Browns believe they can get a receiver upgrade with the No. 19 overall pick they have from the Buffalo Bills or in the second round, they could also target a defensive lineman, such as Texas’ Malcom Brown, or an offensive lineman, such as Colorado State’s Ty Sambrailo, here. That said, they would be smart not to overlook Parker’s talents, especially if Cleveland ousts Gordon this offseason.
13. New Orleans Saints: Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
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The New Orleans defense took a huge step back in 2014 after a promising 2013 season, so the Saints need to be looking to improve their defensive talent this offseason. Specifically, the Saints could use a versatile edge-defender who would enable defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to use more of the 3-4-based defensive fronts that have typically been staples of his units.
In this scenario, the top available edge-defender prospect is Alvin Dupree, an outstanding athlete from Kentucky who has experience playing both defensive end and outside linebacker.
A skilled rusher off the edge and a player with great mobility in space, Dupree has the potential to play both defensive end and strong-side linebacker in 4-3 looks. He can certainly give the team the outside linebacker it needs to pair with Junior Galette in running 3-4 sets.
Dupree still needs to improve his technique, but he was productive in college and has huge athletic upside. He would be well worth the No. 13 overall pick, especially considering Galette’s uncertain future after a domestic violence arrest.
14. Miami Dolphins: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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Likely to be considered the best player available if he is available in this slot, Alabama strong safety Landon Collins would give the Miami Dolphins a replacement for and upgrade over Louis Delmas, who is an unrestricted free agent and tore his ACL in December.
Both a big hitter and a ball hawk, Collins did everything from attacking plays at the line of scrimmage to covering the deep middle in his three-year collegiate career. A rangy, 6’0”, 222-pound safety, Collins has the athleticism and instincts to make plays all over the field.
He had more lapses in coverage than expected in his junior season, but he still stands out as the top safety prospect in the 2015 draft class. Collins could give the Dolphins, in tandem with free safety Reshad Jones, one of the NFL’s top playmaking pairs on the back end.
Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown would also be a good option at the No. 14 overall pick, but they might be kicking themselves later if they pass on Collins.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
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Having coached the team’s defensive line since 2007, new San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula knows the importance of strength and depth in that unit. After that unit started to become depleted in 2014, expect the 49ers to prioritize defensive-line reinforcement this offseason.
The 49ers released former starting defensive end Ray McDonald in 2014 due to off-field issues, while another starting defensive end, Justin Smith, is pondering retirement this offseason.
Even if Smith comes back, the 49ers should still be in the market for a defensive tackle, as they are expected to switch to a 4-3 defense in 2015, according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, via David Fucillo of Niners Nation. Texas’ Malcom Brown projects as the best defensive tackle available.
An athletic interior penetrator who also has great point-of-attack strength at 6’2” and 320 pounds, Brown can play either defensive-tackle spot in a four-man front. He can be a big asset in the nickel defense as an inside pass-rusher but also provide quality play against the run.
Another possibility for the No. 15 overall pick could be West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White, but the 49ers would be wise to use this spot to rejuvenate their defensive line.
16. Houston Texans: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
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Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien knows the value of having playmakers at the tight-end position from his time with the New England Patriots, so it should come as no surprise if he goes after the position’s best player in this year’s draft.
Minnesota’s Maxx Williams is not widely projected as a top-half-of-Round 1 talent, but a big drop-off between him and the next tight end should propel him up the board.
A great athlete for 6’4” and 250 pounds, Williams would give the Texans a level of weapon they do not currently boast over the middle of the field. His size and terrific hands make him a reliable red-zone threat, while he also displays the kind of acceleration to create big plays downfield.
In Williams, who is also an adequate blocker, O’Brien could bring in a lite version of Patriots star Rob Gronkowski. While the Texans drafted C.J. Fiedorowicz in the third round of last year’s draft and should still be able to utilize him in an in-line role, he does not have nearly as much playmaking ability as Williams provides.
The Texans’ biggest need is at quarterback, but they would likely have to trade up to land Jameis Winston, while UCLA’s Brett Hundley would be a reach at No. 16 overall. Unable to land a signal-caller, Houston’s best bet might be to give its current quarterbacks another weapon.
17. San Diego Chargers: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
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In 2013, the San Diego Chargers signed King Dunlap to play left tackle and drafted D.J. Fluker with the No. 11 overall pick to play right tackle. Two years later, however, Dunlap is slated to be an unrestricted free agent, while Fluker might be moving to guard, according to Bolts from the Blue’s John Gennaro.
That likely leaves the Chargers in need of at least one new offensive tackle in this year’s draft.
The best offensive tackles available in this scenario are Colorado State’s Ty Sambrailo and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings. If the 2013 signings are any indication, however, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco seems to favor more massive offensive tackles, which could lead them to Miami’s Ereck Flowers.
Listed at 6’6” and 324 pounds, Flowers is also a good athlete for his size. A two-year starter for Miami at left tackle, he was not always dominant for the Hurricanes, but his length and physical potential give him the upside to emerge as a great starter on either side of an NFL offensive line.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
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The first team in a full 50 years to go an entire NFL season without a single touchdown caught by a wide receiver, the Kansas City Chiefs need to find playmakers for their passing offense this offseason.
Should West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White still be available at the No. 18 overall pick, the Chiefs shouldn’t blink.
An athletic, 6’3”, 210-pound pass-catcher who emerged as one of college football’s best wideouts in his senior season, White has terrific ball skills and can be a red-zone threat for the Chiefs.
He does not have explosive speed or lateral agility, but he runs solid routes and makes contested catches against coverage. He would be an immediate upgrade in the starting lineup opposite Dwayne Bowe.
19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo Bills): Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
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The Cleveland Browns should use at least one of their draft picks to upgrade their defensive line, so if they choose the offensive playmaker in DeVante Parker with the No. 12 overall pick, expect them to use their selection acquired from the Buffalo Bills to add a disruptor to their defensive front.
Among the players who are available in this scenario, no one has more potential than Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips.
A massive nose tackle at 6’6” and 334 pounds, Phillips is also a terrific athlete for his size who creates movement in the middle of the line with his power. He projects as an immediate upgrade at nose tackle but also has enough quickness and penetrative ability to potentially play some defensive end situationally on Cleveland’s 3-4 defensive front.
Washington’s Danny Shelton and Ohio State’s Michael Bennett would also be options at this spot to improve Cleveland’s defensive line, but Phillips projects as the best fit for their defensive scheme.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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After a promising sophomore season in 2013, Nick Foles’ play regressed badly in 2014 before his year ended early due to a broken collarbone. It’s now uncertain whether Foles, going into the final year of his rookie contract, has earned the right to be a long-term quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
It shouldn’t come as a shock if Eagles coach Chip Kelly, who is now in control of all personnel decisions in Philadelphia after a front office shakeup this offseason, decides to take a chance on UCLA’s Brett Hundley being the franchise quarterback Foles might not be.
While Foles is a less-than-ideal fit for Kelly’s uptempo offensive system, Hundley has the athleticism Kelly covets. A 6’3”, 226-pound quarterback with a big arm, Hundley has the physical tools to develop into a quality NFL starter.
Taking Hundley at No. 20 overall would be both a risk and a reach. Troubled at UCLA by inconsistent accuracy and a lack of pocket presence, Hundley must develop significantly to have sustained success at the next level.
However, if any situation would seem congruous for Hundley to be successful, it would be going to Philadelphia. And while his value would be more appropriate for the No. 52 overall pick, it’s likely he’ll be off the board within the top 50. With Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones' decision to return to school, no other available passers in this year’s class have franchise-quarterback potential.
The Eagles’ biggest need is upgrading their secondary, so other possibilities here include Louisville safety Gerod Holliman, Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes and Washington cornerback Marcus Peters.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
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While the struggles of quarterback Andy Dalton are once again the focus following the Cincinnati Bengals’ failure to advance in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, a bigger problem for the Bengals this past season was their inability to generate pressure, as they recorded a league-low 20 sacks on the year.
The Bengals can take a step toward rectifying that problem with the addition of Danny Shelton, who could be an upgrade over Domata Peko at the nose-tackle position, especially in pass-rushing situations.
Although Shelton has the measurables of a gap-plugging run-stopper at 6’2” and 339 pounds, he is a great athlete who is actually better at moving along the line of scrimmage and penetrating the backfield to make plays.
Shelton has the skill set to be an every-down player on an NFL defensive line, but he could at least be a valuable playmaker in a rotation at the start of his Bengals career. For a team that has few pressing needs on its roster but could benefit from adding a spark to its defensive front, Shelton would be good value at No. 21 overall.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have let too many drafts go by without addressing their need for cornerback upgrades. Even in a draft that has no surefire first-round picks at the cornerback position, the Steelers should look to use the No. 22 overall pick to better their secondary.
Michigan State’s Trae Waynes was more inconsistent in coverage this past season than one would like in a first-round cornerback, but he projects as a good fit for the Steelers defense.
Waynes, who measures in at 6’1” and 182 pounds, has good length and is a fluid athlete. He has natural coverage instincts, the ball skills to make big plays and the proven ability to go deep against top receivers in man-to-man coverage.
Another cornerback option with this pick could be Washington’s Marcus Peters. The former Husky has the most talent of any defensive back in this year’s draft but is projected to fall due to character concerns stemming from his dismissal from Washington’s football team following several altercations with coaches this past season.
23. Detroit Lions: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
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The Detroit Lions have six defensive linemen—including defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley and Andre Fluellen—slated for unrestricted free agency. Given that at least some of those players will likely find new teams this offseason, the Lions will be looking for defensive-line reinforcements, especially on the inside, in this year’s draft.
Dominant down the stretch of his senior season for the Ohio State defensive line, Michael Bennett showed his ability to be a disruptive interior penetrator during the Buckeyes’ national championship run. Quick off the snap, skilled with his hands and possessing the ability to move blockers by playing with leverage, Bennett has the tools to be a great 3-technique tackle in a 4-3 defensive front.
Bennett is undersized for a defensive tackle at 6’2” and 288 pounds, but he has the versatility to also play some defensive end, where the Lions like to line up big players.
Florida State’s Eddie Goldman is a bigger defensive tackle with the upside to play both defensive-tackle spots and might have more long-term potential as a replacement for Suh, but Bennett is a more skilled player at this point. If the Lions are looking for a defensive tackle to step in right away and be productive in 2015, they should get that from Bennett.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington
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The Arizona Cardinals defense did its job well in 2014, but it lacks a premier pass-rushing playmaker on the edge. As the Cardinals prepare to move forward with a new defensive coordinator in 2015, they should look for an edge-defender who projects well to the 3-4 outside-linebacker position and can bring more heat against opposing quarterbacks.
Arizona should look no further than Washington’s Hau’oli Kikaha, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 19 sacks this past season, his first year playing as an outside linebacker as Washington transitioned to a 3-4 style defense.
Although Kikaha likely won’t be one of the first pass-rushers selected in this year’s draft, he might be the most complete pass-rusher in the class. He has excellent hand skills that enable him to work his way off and around blockers to make plays in the backfield.
Kikaha does not have spectacular explosiveness, and he also has a concerning history of knee injuries, but the 6’3”, 246-pound linebacker has adequate athleticism and wins with technique. In terms of fit, need and value, Kikaha would be a great choice for Arizona at No. 24 overall.
25. Carolina Panthers: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
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The Carolina Panthers did not have one offensive tackle on their 2014 roster who should be starting in the NFL. Regardless of whether they re-sign incumbent left tackle and unrestricted free agent Byron Bell, the Panthers need to upgrade the ends of their offensive line.
Colorado State’s Ty Sambrailo is a skilled tackle who has been somewhat overlooked because he played at a non-Power Five program. His stock could soar at the Senior Bowl this week.
Listed at 6’5” and 315 pounds, Sambrailo has the tools to project as a starter on either side of an NFL offensive line. He has good length and agility for the position and shows the ability to move defenders down the field as a run-blocker.
Although he has to demonstrate better leverage to maximize his physical tools, Sambrailo was largely dominant in his senior season. If he can continue that dominance in Mobile, Alabama, the Panthers would be lucky to nab him with the No. 25 overall pick.
Stanford’s Andrus Peat and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings are other offensive tackles who could be options at No. 25 overall.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
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A player who is worthy of being considered a top-25 prospect in this year’s draft, Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong would satisfy the Baltimore Ravens’ typical strategy of drafting for value over need while also giving them a player who can immediately contribute at an area where they should be looking for young talent.
A 6’3”, 215-pound target who attacks the ball in the air, Jaelen Strong projects as a more athletic version of former Ravens (and current San Francisco 49ers) wideout Anquan Boldin. He’s not going to burn NFL defensive backs deep with speed, but he’s a sure-handed pass-catcher who utilizes his size to box out opponents.
Strong has enough athleticism to extend plays in the open field. The best part of his game is winning on intermediate routes, but he still has the ball-tracking ability to make plays on the deep balls that Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco loves to throw.
Torrey Smith is an unrestricted free agent, and Steve Smith will be 36 by the start of the season, so the Ravens would be smart to invest in a receiver of Strong’s caliber with the No. 26 overall pick.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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In a press conference Thursday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged that “it probably doesn’t look reasonable” for his team to re-sign both running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Dez Bryant this offseason, according to David Helman of DallasCowboys.com.
Even though Murray is coming off an incredible season in which he led the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards, the Cowboys should focus on re-signing Bryant if they can only keep one player. Top wide receivers have more long-term value than top running backs in today’s NFL, and Bryant is as excellent as any player at his position in the league.
If the Cowboys lose the NFL’s leading rusher, they could replace him with college football’s leading rusher from this past season, Melvin Gordon, who ran for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns for Wisconsin in 2014.
The Cowboys arguably have bigger needs than running back even if they lose Murray, but unless Dallas makes a move for another high-profile veteran back like Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch, Jones’ team would likely set its sights on Gordon, and it would make a lot of sense to do so.
A true big-play threat from the running-back position, Gordon has a rare combination of acceleration, lateral agility and size (6’1”, 213 lbs). Anytime he hits a hole at the line of scrimmage, he is a threat to turn a routine run into a game-changing play.
Gordon is not as skilled of a receiver out of the backfield as Murray, but his game is similar to Murray's in many facets. Behind arguably the league's best offensive line in Dallas, Gordon could immediately emerge as one of the NFL’s most productive running backs.
28. Denver Broncos: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
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Due to instability at the right-tackle position this year, the Denver Broncos were forced to move All-Pro guard Louis Vasquez, who is much better suited to play inside, to the outside. While Vasquez did a decent job of filling in at tackle, the Broncos should look to upgrade the position this offseason so that Vasquez can return to the spot where he excels.
If Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings is still available at No. 28 overall, he would be an ideal fit.
While collegiate right tackles are not frequently first-round selections, Clemmings is well-suited to continue playing that position at the next level. A great athlete for his size at 6’6” and 315 pounds, Clemmings has a combination of power, length and explosion that NFL scouts will love.
Another player who could shoot up the board with a strong Senior Bowl week, Clemmings is still coming along fundamentally but displayed massive improvement in 2014. Possessing as much upside as any blocker in this year’s draft class, he represents great value late in Round 1 to shore up Denver’s offensive line.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Gerod Holliman, FS, Louisville
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The Indianapolis Colts should be in the market for an upgrade at safety in this year’s draft. Mike Adams has played well this year, but he is only a temporary fix, as he is 33 years old and on a one-year contract. Meanwhile, LaRon Landry has been a coverage liability.
Louisville’s Gerod Holliman could be an enticing option for the Colts if they have a chance to draft him late in the first round. Holliman, who tied the FBS single-season record with 14 interceptions in his final collegiate year, is a ball hawk with the skills to be an effective deep-cover safety on the back end.
His reputation has taken a hit in recent weeks, as analysts have zeroed in on his problems with tackling, but his potential remains high. A nimble athlete at 6’2” and 213 pounds, Holliman has great range and, with experience at cornerback, the ability to cover receivers all over the field.
While Holliman will need to develop as a tackler to be productive in run support, he could be an immediate difference-maker for a secondary that does not appear to have any long-term fixtures outside of star cornerback Vontae Davis.
30. Green Bay Packers: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
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Having had a lingering weakness at inside linebacker for years, the Green Bay Packers need to find an authoritative thumper for the middle of their defense. If they have the chance to draft Miami’s Denzel Perryman, they shouldn’t pass him up.
A hard-hitting downhill attacker, Perryman has great short-area burst and explodes through ball-carriers. Between the hashes, he consistently diagnoses plays with his instincts and fights through blocks to shut them down.
Perryman is not an exceptional athlete who will make plays from sideline to sideline, and he’s shorter than an ideal NFL linebacker at 6’0”. Even so, he offers the run-stopping ability that the Packers need and have not had in a “Mike” linebacker since Nick Barnett was in his prime more than a half-decade ago.
Because of his ability to kill plays inside the box, Perryman is the better fit for the Packers over two other inside linebackers, Mississippi State’s Benardrick McKinney and UCLA’s Eric Kendricks, who are also in the mix to potentially be late first-round picks.
31. New England Patriots: A.J. Cann, G, South Carolina
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Both of the New England Patriots’ starting guards, Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell, are spot starters who are better suited to be swing backups on NFL interior offensive lines than full-time starters. With the No. 31 overall pick, the Patriots would be smart to invest in a potential long-term solution, South Carolina’s A.J. Cann.
The best prospect in this year’s draft among linemen who played guard collegiately, Cann combines the power to drive-block opponents with the foot skills to get to the second level and mirror defensive tackles in pass protection.
At 6’4” and 311 pounds, Cann is just adequate in regard to size, athleticism and length. He makes up for it, however, by playing with great leverage and exhibiting an all-around technically sound game.
When the Patriots used their 2005 first-round pick on Logan Mankins, they ended up solidifying the left-guard position on their offensive line until prior to this season, when they traded him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Cann, the Patriots could potentially lock down that position for a long time once again.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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The Seattle Seahawks have the most complete roster in the NFL and will not lose many key players to free agency this year, so they can afford to swing for the fences with their first-round draft pick if they choose to do so with Georgia running back Todd Gurley.
Perhaps a top-10 talent in this year’s class, Gurley’s draft stock was crushed when he tore his ACL in November.
Even so, the possibility remains that he could be a late first-round pick despite playing a position that rarely produces first-rounders—Gurley is that good. A tremendous athlete who runs hard at 6’1” and 226 pounds, Gurley is tough to stop between the tackles but can also eat up chunks of yardage on the perimeter. He has the agility to make defenders miss and the speed to run away from his opponents.
One can never be sure how well a player will come back from a significant knee injury, so it is risky to use a top-32 pick on Gurley. That risk, however, could yield a huge reward if the Seahawks are willing to take it.
As it is unlikely that Marshawn Lynch will be in Seattle beyond the 2015 season, Gurley would be an exceptional replacement if he gets healthy and returns to form. It’s uncertain if Gurley will be ready in time for training camp, but either way, he could be groomed slowly as a rookie before taking over the lead role in Seattle’s backfield upon Lynch’s departure.
If the Seahawks opt not to take a shot at Gurley, other options could include Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, UCLA defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa and Washington cornerback Marcus Peters.
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