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2015 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Miller's Post-Super Bowl Projections
February 2, 20152015 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Miller's Post-Super Bowl Projections
Anyone can do a one-round mock draft. Two rounds? That's tougher. Seven rounds? Well, this should be unique.
Doing a seven-round mock draft in February is a bit crazy, as free agency and the draft process will ultimately change many things. But what's a mock draft if not unrealistically fun while also being informative about team needs and player values as they currently stand?
The thing about a mock draft is that it doesn't work as simply as most think. Say the San Francisco 49ers badly need a wide receiver in the first round. If no wide receiver of value is there at pick No. 15, though, they won't draft a player at that position. So keep that in mind while reading this mock draft—your favorite team's needs must be filled with value, not just connecting the dots between "top-ranked player and top-ranked need" regardless of value.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pick: Quarterback Jameis Winston, Florida State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot go into 2015 with Josh McCown and Mike Glennon as the starting quarterbacks. Not if head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht want to keep their jobs.
Jameis Winston is pro-ready, pro-built and offers the best quarterback tools to play in Year 1, and that's important to the Buccaneers. With receivers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and running back Doug Martin around him, Winston can step into an offense that has the talent at the skill positions to let him grow on the job while still getting the production needed to win.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Pick: Defensive Tackle Leonard Williams, USC
Many expect a quarterback here, but the Tennessee Titans got a second-round talent in the sixth round with Zach Mettenberger last year. He may not be the future of the Titans, but he has enough talent and tools to work with for at least another season before the team gives up on him.
The Titans could build a dominant defensive line by putting Leonard Williams opposite Jurrell Casey, though. Williams is a special athlete and rare player at defensive tackle. He's also versatile enough to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense—something coordinator Ray Horton desperately needs to run his hybrid defense.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: Defensive End Randy Gregory, Nebraska
The Jacksonville Jaguars spent the majority of their draft on offensive picks in 2014. Now it's time to build up the defense.
With money to spend in free agency, the Jaguars may enter the draft with few real needs, which allows for a great "best player available" strategy. Whether he's a need or value, Randy Gregory is an ideal fit in Gus Bradley's defense. The 6'6", 240-pound Gregory has length, awesome burst and a finisher's mentality off the edge. He moved all around the Nebraska defense and has the traits and production to back up his high ranking.
4. Oakland Raiders
The Pick: Wide Receiver Kevin White, West Virginia
Fans of the Oakland Raiders want a wide receiver, but this may not be the one they were expecting.
Amari Cooper held the top wide receiver spot all season, but the more I dig into the wideouts' film and upside, it's Kevin White who comes out on top as the best prospect in this class. White has better size (6'3", 210 lbs) and comparable speed and vision, and he moves in the open field to be a threat after the catch. He has the length and body to be a threat in the red zone.
Cooper is a very good receiver prospect, but White gives the Raiders a Day 1 threat for Derek Carr's big arm.
5. Washington
The Pick: Offensive Tackle Brandon Scherff, Iowa
This pick may be a surprise, but Brandon Scherff has the talent to be a top-five pick and fills a position of need for Washington.
It may be trendy to mock an outside linebacker here, but the team spent a second-round pick on Trent Murphy in last season's draft to pair him up with Ryan Kerrigan. Others will say the addition of Morgan Moses in the 2014 draft makes this pick unnecessary, but Scherff is a legitimate All-Pro talent who is versatile enough to play left tackle, any guard spot or right tackle.
New general manager Scot McCloughan will add the best football players he can find, and Scherff is a damn good football player.
6. New York Jets
The Pick: Quarterback Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Marcus Mariota entered the offseason as the hyped No. 1 player in this draft, but extended film study shows that the Oregon quarterback needs work before he's ready to be a starting quarterback.
The best bet for Mariota? Sitting for a season while learning in the NFL.
The New York Jets may not have time to let Mariota mature on the field, but they do still have Geno Smith in place, and new coordinator Chan Gailey will be patient with the young quarterback. But if Smith isn't the answer at quarterback—and he doesn't look to be—the Jets cannot wait to replace him.
Mariota has the tools and athleticism to be special. He could acclimate faster than expected and become the man for the Jets this coming season.
7. Chicago Bears
The Pick: Outside Linebacker Shane Ray, Missouri
The hiring of John Fox as head coach and (more importantly) Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator points to the Chicago Bears running a 3-4 defense. To do that, they need a pass-rusher off the edge.
Shane Ray isn't the biggest player (6'3", 245 lbs), but he's built like Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake and has the first-step quickness and agility to be dangerous in passing situations. He won't be a fit for many 4-3 teams, but in a 3-4 he's an ideal outside linebacker with Day 1 impact potential. For the Bears to get back on top, they need a defender like Ray sparking the change to a 3-4.
8. Atlanta Falcons
The Pick: Defensive End Dante Fowler, Florida
The move to a 3-4 defense in Atlanta was short-lived with reported new head coach Dan Quinn (per ESPN's Vaughn McClure and Adam Schefter) bringing Seattle's Cover 3 4-3 defense to town. Now the Falcons must retool their defense one year after loading up in free agency and the NFL draft for a different system.
Dante Fowler is a legitimate top-10 pick, and his combination of athleticism and production makes him a worthy selection at No. 8 overall. He's the type of explosive athlete who can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up in a pass-rushing role. Quinn could see a lot of Cliff Avril in the former Florida Gator.
9. New York Giants
The Pick: Defensive Tackle Danny Shelton, Washington
The New York Giants are in desperate need of help on defense, which is why the pick of a "best available talent" like Danny Shelton is both a need and great value.
Shelton is 343 pounds of "you ain't moving him" in the middle of a defense. But he's also agile and quick, showing the lateral skills to run down ball-carriers and quarterbacks. It's not uncommon to see him flushing the pocket one play and shutting down the A-gap on another. He's big, strong, versatile and a rare athlete for the nose tackle position.
The Giants may have a bigger need at defensive end, but there isn't a true 4-3 defensive end prospect worth drafting here. Shelton, however, is well worth this pick.
10. St. Louis Rams
The Pick: Offensive Tackle La'el Collins, LSU
Will Jake Long ever return to his top-tier tackle ways? It doesn't look like it, as injuries and regressed play have haunted the former All-Pro talent. Now the St. Louis Rams must move forward to build an offensive line for the next generation.
They made the first move last season by selecting Greg Robinson No. 2 overall. The former Auburn star can hold down the left side for the next 10 years, but he needs a running mate at right tackle. That's where La'el Collins comes in to give the Rams a dynamic SEC duo at tackle.
Collins has the strength in the run game to play right tackle at a high level, and he also has the quick feet needed to do work in pass protection. This isn't a bad left tackle being moved to right tackle, but a top-tier offensive lineman with the versatility to play either side.
11. Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: Wide Receiver Amari Cooper, Alabama
Many fans expect Amari Cooper to be a top-five draft pick this year, and he may be, but his value and fit in terms of team needs place him closer to the No. 10-12 range.
The Minnesota Vikings would love to pair Cooper with his high school quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to form a truly explosive duo in the passing game. With Greg Jennings not being a factor, Cordarrelle Patterson struggling to develop and Charles Johnson being the team's best receiver last year, this is both a need and a great value for the Vikings.
12. Cleveland Browns
The Pick: Wide Receiver DeVante Parker, Louisville
The Cleveland Browns passed on wide receivers in the 2014 draft, and it really came back to haunt them as the rookie receiver class had a historic year and the Browns' need at the position grew with Josh Gordon suspended. Now, with Gordon facing a year-long suspension, per ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, general manager Ray Farmer cannot afford to pass on a wide receiver again.
DeVante Parker is too-often forgotten in this wide receiver class. He's 6'3", 210 pounds and has shown excellent hands in traffic, ability to control his body in the air and on the ground, and the speed to run past defenders at the college level. Parker did miss time in his senior season with a foot injury, but he ended the season on a high note and is NFL-ready from Day 1.
13. New Orleans Saints
The Pick: Outside Linebacker Bud Dupree, Kentucky
The pass rush in New Orleans struggled in 2014, and an infusion of talent is sorely needed to power Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense. Even with Junior Galette, who has been very good the past two seasons, another edge-rusher with some speed and power is a must-have.
Alvin "Bud" Dupree is a powerhouse off the edge. He's long and powerful at the point of attack and has the first-step speed to make an impact off the ball. He will struggle with balance at times but has the tools to be very, very good if unleashed to attack the edge.
14. Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Defensive Tackle Malcom Brown, Texas
The Miami Dolphins were able to patch together a solid defensive tackle rotation in 2014, but they need a young buck with the speed to cause problems for interior offensive lines. They're not getting that from Jared Odrick and Randy Starks.
Malcom Brown is 6'2", 320 pounds and can hold anchor to stop the run. He's also explosive enough off the ball to be a penetrator when working in the A- or B-gap. Brown can play the 1-tech or 3-tech and be an impact defender. He's been well-coached by Charlie Strong's staff, too, and comes to the league ready to roll as a starter on all three downs.
15. San Francisco 49ers
The Pick: Wide Receiver Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
The San Francisco 49ers need speed and size at wide receiver, and they need it right now.
Arizona State's Jaelen Strong has both. He's 6'3", 215 pounds and has both speed and the big catch radius teams are sure to go crazy over. He can be the deep threat the 49ers haven't had with Michael Crabtree (a free agent unlikely to return) or Anquan Boldin on the field.
Strong is the best receiver on the board and plays in a position where the 49ers have a clearly defined need. He's a match of value and need.
16. Houston Texans
The Pick: Cornerback Trae Waynes, Michigan State
The Houston Texans went from two wins in 2013 to nine wins in 2014 and did so with few of their rookies making an impact. Jadeveon Clowney, Xavier Su'a-Filo, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Louis Nix and Tom Savage were the team's first five picks, and none made a major contribution in his first season. Now the team looks toward a 2015 draft where it must get impact players.
Trae Waynes at cornerback can be one such impact player. Lining up opposite Johnathan Joseph, Waynes could be a strong No. 2 cornerback right off the bat and eventually transition into a solid No. 1 cornerback. He's long (6'1"), lean, physical and smooth in man coverage. With Kareem Jackson a free agent and a need for depth already existing, Waynes makes a ton of sense for the Texans.
17. San Diego Chargers
The Pick: Tackle Andrus Peat, Stanford
The San Diego Chargers need tackles. And they need two of them who can step in and start right away.
Left tackle King Dunlap is a free agent. Right tackle D.J. Fluker is being moved to guard, where he'll likely replace free agent Jeromey Clary. Oh, and center Nick Hardwick is a free agent too. The offensive line will see major changes in 2015, and unless the Chargers spend a ton in free agency, those changes will come through the draft.
Stanford's Andrus Peat can move right down the coast and become a starter in his first season. He's long, athletic and technically sound and has big potential as a blindside blocker. He has shown all the tools to be an early player in pass protection and the run game.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
The Pick: Wide Receiver Devin Funchess, Michigan
By now you've definitely heard that the Kansas City Chiefs didn't have a wide receiver catch a touchdown in 2014. And if you're a fan of the Chiefs, you're definitely tired of hearing this stat. The best way to fix it? Draft a wide receiver with the skill set to separate and score.
Michigan's Devin Funchess spent three years listed at tight end, but his 6'5", 236-pound frame was split out at wide receiver wearing No. 1 in 2014. And he looked like an NFL wide receiver there.
Funchess is a bit raw as a route-runner from a wide receiver perspective, but he has the size and length to be a post-up receiver (a la Kelvin Benjamin) and has more speed than many realize. Funchess reportedly ran a hand-timed 4.33 in the 40-yard dash before the season, per MaizeAndBlueNews.com's Matt Pargoff, and even if you add a tenth of a second to account for human error, that's a ridiculously fast time for a 236-pounder.
19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo)
The Pick: Defensive Tackle Eddie Goldman, Florida State
With their second pick in the first round, this one courtesy of the Sammy Watkins trade in the 2014 draft, the Cleveland Browns can focus on rebuilding a defensive line that's fallen apart in the past few seasons.
Eddie Goldman was one of college football's most dominant defensive linemen in 2014, beating up offensive linemen with power and speed. He's a finisher, showing the toughness and mean streak to punish blockers in a one-on-one situation. Goldman is also athletically versatile enough to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, which makes him all the more valuable to the Browns.
20. Philadelphia Eagles
The Pick: Strong Safety Landon Collins, Alabama
Landon Collins was at times this season projected as a top-10 pick. That may still be the case, but as the NFL shifts and classic in-the-box safeties become less valuable for most defenses, Collins becomes more likely to be a top-20 pick instead.
The Philadelphia Eagles will take it.
Collins can immediately step into the Eagles secondary—which was as soft as warm butter in 2014—and bring an intimidating presence to the field. He is a hitter, but he's also good enough in zone coverage to attack the ball and make plays in the air. To fix the Philadelphia defense, an impact safety like Collins is a great first step.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: Outside Linebacker Shaq Thompson, Washington
Much like Landon Collins, Washington outside linebacker Shaq Thompson has been often projected as a top-10 pick. It's more likely he'll be selected in the latter half of the first round based on his stock right now, and that's great news for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thompson, who has played running back, safety and outside linebacker for Washington, projects best as an outside linebacker in the pros. He's athletic enough to play on the weak side and looks like a star in coverage, as a pass-rusher and in the run game. Some will justifiably question his instincts on defense, but as a part-time player there, he's still developing. Athletically, he has it all.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pick: Cornerback Marcus Peters, Washington
Marcus Peters is the most talented cornerback in this draft. He may have even been the most talented cornerback in last year's class. You could argue he would be the best cornerback prospect since at least 2012. But Peters doesn't come without question marks after Washington dismissed him midseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the leadership in place to take on a potential character risk in Peters, and the reward could be huge. With an aging secondary in place and a major need for young, fast talent, the Steelers could make Peters their No. 1 cornerback from Week 1.
23. Detroit Lions
The Pick: Defensive Tackle Carl Davis, Iowa
No player dominated the Senior Bowl like Iowa's Carl Davis, and that will be rewarded on draft day. The Detroit Lions were hopefully paying attention.
Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley—the Lions' two starting defensive tackles—are both free agents. Backups C.J. Mosley and Andre Fluellen are too. To say defensive tackle is a major need for Detroit would be the easiest statement anyone will make during the draft process.
Davis is athletic enough to play the 3-technique position right away, and he's shown the power and run-stuffing skill to line up as a 1-technique too. With so much talent possibly leaving Detroit this offseason, Davis' production and versatility make him a great match for the Lions at No. 23.
24. Arizona Cardinals
The Pick: Inside Linebacker Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
The Arizona Cardinals face a world of uncertainty at linebacker, and much of that centers on suspended star Daryl Washington. Without him, the team relied heavily on Larry Foote, Kevin Minter and safety Deone Bucannon in the middle of the field. And while that got the Cardinals to the playoffs, they'll need to get younger and faster at middle linebacker with Washington's role in doubt.
Benardrick McKinney is the draft's best inside linebacker prospect. He's big (6'5", 245 lbs), long, lean, fast and versatile. He'll be able to replace Washington, and with Minter and Bucannon in the mix, the Cardinals are in great shape for the future.
25. Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Offensive Tackle T.J. Clemmings, Pitt
The Carolina Panthers had the worst offensive tackle situation in the NFL during the 2014 season after the surprise retirement of Jordan Gross. Now, with starter Byron Bell entering free agency and not living up to starter status, it's time to draft a stud left tackle.
T.J. Clemmings was a star basketball player in high school, good enough to be recruited to Rutgers as well as other schools, and he brings that athleticism to the offensive line. He's lean, smooth, fluid and a bit raw, but he has the tools and upside to become a complete, Pro Bowl-caliber player at left tackle.
26. Baltimore Ravens
The Pick: Running Back Todd Gurley, Georgia
A torn ACL ended Todd Gurley's season on November 15, at a time when he looked like a top-10 player in the 2015 draft class. With time to rehab and prepare for the upcoming season, Gurley could still be a Round 1 pick if he's on track for medical checkups at the NFL Scouting Combine (late February) and a pro day (early April).
If he's on track to play in 2015, the Baltimore Ravens would be wise to build their backfield around him.
Gurley is a rare big back (6'1", 231 lbs) with speed, lateral agility, power and balance. He moves like a smaller back but can lower his pads and attack tacklers like a 230-pound bruiser. There's no guarantee the Ravens will look to draft a running back early, but if they are drafting the best player available (as they generally do), Gurley will be a great asset.
27. Dallas Cowboys
The Pick: Free Safety Gerod Holliman, Louisville
Gerod Holliman had 14 interceptions in 2014. The Dallas Cowboys, as a team, had 18 in three more games. An upgrade across the board is needed on defense, but they were able to win an NFC East title without a great player on defense. That has to change in 2015.
The Cowboys do need help at defensive end, defensive tackle and linebacker, but the strategy has to be drafting the best available player on defense. And that's Holliman. The redshirt sophomore center fielder has the range, instincts and hands to be a playmaker on defense. He won't put many running backs in the dirt as a run defender, but he'll be a Devin McCourty-type of free safety who teams will fear in the passing game.
28. Denver Broncos
The Pick: Offensive Tackle Ereck Flowers, Miami (Florida)
The Denver Broncos failed to meet expectations in 2014, and many heads rolled because of it. John Fox, Adam Gase and Jack Del Rio will all be coaching elsewhere in 2015. Free agents Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Terrance Knighton and Orlando Franklin could all be gone too. Oh, and Peyton Manning isn't a guarantee to return.
The best strategy for the Broncos is rebuilding the roster while managing the salary cap (especially on defense) and preparing for life after Peyton. Adding an offensive tackle with the skills to slide in at right tackle immediately and potentially replace Ryan Clady long-term is smart and a great value.
Ereck Flowers can be the Broncos' right tackle in 2015 and their long-term plan on the left side moving into their uncertain future.
29. Indianapolis Colts
The Pick: Outside Linebacker Eli Harold, Virginia
Deflated footballs didn't lose the AFC Championship Game for the Indianapolis Colts—a lack of defense did. Changing that will require a solid draft class and smart free-agent spending, but it's a must for the Colts as they move closer to competing for a Super Bowl title.
Eli Harold isn't a well-known name outside of NFL draft circles right now, but he will be once the draft season heats up. He's 6'4", 250 pounds and has the length, speed and agility to become a star at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Harold, teamed with the existing linebacker corps, will give the Colts a pass rush that can help keep Andrew Luck's offense in more games.
30. Green Bay Packers
The Pick: Inside Linebacker Eric Kendricks, UCLA
It's no surprise that the Green Bay Packers need help at inside linebacker. The selection of Eric Kendricks at the end of Round 1 will go as one of the least shocking picks of this entire mock draft.
Kendricks lives around the football and has the speed, instincts and agility to be a lockdown player in the middle of the 3-4 defense. He's not very big (6'0", 230 lbs), but he has top-tier athleticism and football skills. He can roll in coverage, blitz through A-gaps, stop the run between the tackles and is already an impressive player on all three downs. That's exactly what the Packers need on defense.
31. Seattle Seahawks
The Pick: Running Back Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Two running backs in the first round? You're not seeing things.
The Seattle Seahawks are the NFC's best team, but they cannot rely on Marshawn Lynch to continue to carry the load—because of his punishing style and the wear and tear he takes and because of his enigmatic ways wearing on the front office.
Christine Michael and Robert Turbin haven't had many chances, but they have not flashed the skills to be featured backs in this offense. Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon has been one of college football's most exciting and productive runners, and he has the speed plus power combination needed to excel in this scheme.
32. New England Patriots
The Pick: Defensive Tackle Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
Vince Wilfork may someday put on a large gold jacket as a Hall of Famer, but his play has dropped off as he nears the end of his career. The time to draft his replacement is here.
At 6'6" and 334 pounds, Jordan Phillips is both huge and hugely athletic. He does backflips, runs down ball-carriers and destroys offensive linemen. There are injury concerns as Phillips missed the 2013 season with a back injury, but in 2014 he was dominant. That question mark could push him down to the end of Round 1, and if so, the New England Patriots would be wise to jump all over him.
Round 2
1. Tennessee—OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
Beasley is the edge-rusher the Titans are lacking and will be a third-down specialist from Day 1.
2. Tampa Bay—DE Owa Odighizuwa, UCLA
The Buccaneers paid Michael Johnson big money, but they need a speed-rusher at defensive end.
3. Oakland—CB Jalen Collins, LSU
D.J. Hayden hasn't lived up to his first-round status yet, and the Raiders need talent at cornerback.
4. Jacksonville—TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota
Marcedes Lewis is aging, while the Jaguars have a major need to get younger and faster at tight end.
5. N.Y. Jets—CB Alex Carter, Stanford
Dee Milliner has potential, but he's yet to show it on the field. The Jets need all the help they can get in the secondary.
6. Washington—CB PJ Williams, FSU
A long, physical, instinctive cornerback is what Washington is missing.
7. Chicago—ILB Denzel Perryman, Miami
The 3-4 defense means more linebackers on the field, and the Bears need a lot more talent at every position on defense.
8. N.Y. Giants—ILB Paul Dawson, TCU
The Giants don't historically draft linebackers, and they've been left with a roster void of talent there. Dawson can be their starting "Mike" from Week 1 on.
9. St. Louis—QB Brett Hundley, UCLA
The Sam Bradford era is coming to a sharp end, and the Rams are left with nothing at quarterback. Brett Hundley has huge potential but needs time to develop.
10. Atlanta—T Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
If not for an ACL tear during the Liberty Bowl, Ogbuehi would be a first-rounder.
11. Cleveland—OLB Nate Orchard, Utah
Orchard dominated at the Senior Bowl and has the size and tools to be a three-down star at outside linebacker.
12. New Orleans—CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
After grabbing an outside linebacker in Round 1, the Saints have to get a cornerback in Round 2.
13. Minnesota—T Donovan Smith, Penn State
Matt Kalil has regressed quickly in the past two seasons, leaving the Vikings offensive line in limbo.
14. San Francisco—CB Quinten Rollins, Miami
The need for speed, and playmakers, at cornerback is right underneath wide receiver on the 49ers' draft board.
15. Miami—WR Devin Smith, Ohio State
Bye bye, Mike Wallace; hello, Devin Smith. He's a younger, cheaper option and a similar deep threat.
16. San Diego—WR Sammie Coates, Auburn
Keenan Allen is a stud, but the Chargers need an infusion of talent, youth and depth at receiver.
17. Kansas City—SS Chris Hackett, TCU
Eric Berry's future is on hold, and the Chiefs are looking at a major hole at safety that must be filled.
18. Buffalo—T/G Ty Sambrailo, Colorado State
With no quarterback worthy of the pick, the Bills look at their next biggest hole—offensive guard.
19. Houston—OLB Danielle Hunter, LSU
Hunter looks the part and has length and speed, but he needs to fill out his frame. The Texans can employ him on third downs until he's ready to play all three.
20. Philadelphia—CB Ronald Darby, FSU
Darby has speed and instincts, but off-field questions could push a first-round talent into Round 2.
21. Cincinnati—DT Ellis McCarthy, UCLA
Geno Atkins is a monster, but the Bengals need a mauler beside him. McCarthy has the tools to be a rookie starter.
22. Detroit—CB Jacoby Glenn, UCF
The Lions have needed depth and talent at cornerback for years. Jacoby Glenn is quietly a star in the making.
23. Arizona—DE Mario Edwards, FSU
As the defense ages, it's smart to keep reloading it. Mario Edwards has the physical gifts to be an instant impact at 5-technique.
24. Pittsburgh—OLB Max Valles, Virginia
Jason Worilds hits free agency, and Jarvis Jones has yet to live up to his first-round status.
25. Carolina—WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri
On the field, DGB is a first-rounder. Off the field, he's scary. The Panthers could roll the dice on him in Round 2.
26. Baltimore—DE Arik Armstead, Oregon
He's a big-bodied athlete tailor-made for the 5-technique position in Baltimore's hybrid defense.
27. Denver—OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
DeMarcus Ware is no guarantee to be on the team with a huge salary in 2015. Either way, the Broncos have to get depth and youth behind him in the new 3-4 defense.
28. Dallas—DT Michael Bennett, Ohio State
A pass-rusher is important for Dallas to add here and in future rounds. Bennett will be an impact player but falls because he's scheme-specific to the 4-3.
29. Indianapolis—RB Duke Johnson, Miami
Trent Richardson didn't get the job done. Duke Johnson has speed, power, vision and hands.
30. Green Bay—WR Nelson Agholor, USC
Randall Cobb could leave in free agency, and if so, the Packers have to keep restocking the cupboard at receiver.
31. Seattle—WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami
Give Russell Wilson a legit deep threat with first-class speed, and this offense could be unstoppable.
32. New England—RB Tevin Coleman, Indiana
Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are both free agents, and while the Patriots haven't invested high in running backs since drafting the duo in 2011, this is a big need.
Round 3
1. Tampa Bay—CB Charles Gaines, Louisville
2. Tennessee—WR Deontay Greenberry, Houston
3. Jacksonville—T Jake Fisher, Oregon
4. Oakland—RB T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
5. Washington—DE Preston Smith, Miss. State
6. N.Y. Jets—RB David Cobb, Minnesota
7. Chicago—FS Derron Smith, Fresno State
8. St. Louis—CB Lorenzo Doss, Tulane
9. Atlanta—FS Durell Eskridge, Syracuse
10. N.Y. Giants—G Jeremiah Poutasi, Utah
11. New Orleans—ILB Jordan Hicks, Texas
12. Minnesota—DT Darius Philon, Arkansas
13. Cleveland—DE Henry Anderson, Stanford
14. Miami—DE Trey Flowers, Arkansas
15. San Francisco—G A.J. Cann, South Carolina
16. Kansas City—CB Steven Nelson, Oregon St
17. Buffalo—TE Clive Walford, Miami (Fla.)
18. Houston—T Rob Havenstein, Wisconsin
19. San Diego—RB Mike Davis, South Carolina
20. Philadelphia—G Laken Tomlinson, Duke
21. Cincinnati—C Cam Erving, FSU
22. Arizona—OLB Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
23. Pittsburgh—FS Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
24. Detroit—RB Jay Ajayi, Boise State
25. Carolina—OLB Kwon Alexander, LSU
26. Baltimore—CB Quandre Diggs, Texas
27. Dallas—T Daryl Williams, Oklahoma
28. Denver—ILB Stephone Anthony, Clemson
29. Indianapolis—CB Senquez Golson, Ole Miss
30. Green Bay—DE Xavier Cooper, Wash. State
31. Seattle—TE Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State
32. New England—WR Chris Harper, Cal
Round 4
1. Tennessee—CB D'Joun Smith, FAU
2. New England—DE Markus Golden, Missouri
3. Oakland—DT Gabe Wright, Auburn
4. Jacksonville—FS Josh Shaw, USC
5. N.Y. Jets—WR Jamison Crowder, Duke
6. Washington—WR Rashad Greene, FSU
7. Chicago—WR Josh Harper, Fresno
8. Atlanta—DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Southern Miss
9. N.Y. Giants—WR Justin Hardy, ECU
10. Tampa Bay—C Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
11. Minnesota—RB David Johnson, NIU
12. Cleveland—G Josue Matias, FSU
13. New Orleans—OLB Zach Hodges, Harvard
14. Philadelphia—FS Kurtis Drummond, Michigan St
15. Miami—CB Kevin White, TCU
16. Cleveland—QB Garrett Grayson, CSU
17. Houston—RB Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
18. San Diego—DE Chris Covington, Rice
19. Kansas City—G Ali Marpet, Hobart
20. Philadelphia—WR Tyler Lockett, Kansas St
21. Cincinnati—CB Imoan Claiborne, Northwestern St
22. Pittsburgh—TE Jesse James, Penn State
23. Detroit—T Corey Robinson, South Carolina
24. Arizona—C Reese Dismukes, Auburn
25. Carolina—CB Ladarius Gunter, Miami
26. Baltimore—OLB Martrell Spaight, Arkansas
27. San Francisco—TE Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
28. Dallas—RB Buck Allen, USC
29. Indianapolis—T Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma
30. Green Bay—QB Bryce Petty, Baylor
31. Seattle—DT Grady Jarrett, Clemson
32. New England—SS Anthony Harris, Virginia
Round 5
1. Buffalo—QB Sean Mannion, Oregon St
2. Tennessee—ILB Mike Hull, Penn State
3. Jacksonville—ILB Hayes Pullard, USC
4. Oakland—DE Za'Darius Smith, Kentucky
5. Washington—TE Ben Koyack, Notre Dame
6. N.Y. Jets—WR Ty Montgomery, Stanford
7. Denver—TE E.J. Bibbs, Iowa State
8. N.Y. Giants—DE Deion Barnes, Penn State
9. St. Louis—WR Vince Mayle, Wash. State
10. Atlanta—G Jamil Douglas, Arizona State
11. Cleveland—TE Randall Telfer, USC
12. New Orleans—C Andy Gallik, Boston College
13. Minnesota—CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
14. Miami—FS Damarious Randall, Arizona State
15. San Francisco—WR Antwan Goodley, Baylor
16. Houston—WR Tony Lippett, Michigan St
17. San Diego—CB JaCorey Shepherd, Kansas
18. Kansas City—T Sean Hickey, Syracuse
19. Buffalo—DT Tyeler Davison, Fresno State
20. Philadelphia—QB Brandon Bridge, South Alabama
21. Cincinnati—G Arie Kouandjio, Alabama
22. Detroit—WR Stefon Diggs, Maryland
23. Arizona—OLB Lynden Trail, Norfolk St
24. Pittsburgh—G Tre' Jackson, FSU
25. Carolina—G Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M
26. Tampa Bay—WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
27. Dallas—DE Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma
28. Denver—DT Louis Trinca-Pasat, Iowa
29. Indianapolis—SS Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
30. Green Bay—ILB Ramik Wilson, Georgia
31. Seattle—CB Eric Rowe, Utah
32. Tampa Bay—SS Jordan Richards, Stanford
Round 6
1. Tennessee—QB Bo Wallace, Ole Miss
2. New England—G John Miller, Louisville
3. Oakland—WR DaVaris Daniels, Notre Dame
4. Jacksonville—RB Josh Robinson, Miss. State
5. Seattle—DE Cedric Reed, Texas
6. Washington—RB Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn
7. Chicago—DE Travis Raciti, San Jose State
8. Tampa Bay—T Robert Myers, Tenn State
9. Atlanta—LB Tony Washington, Oregon
10. N.Y. Giants—TE Nick O'Leary, FSU
11. New Orleans—QB Shane Carden, ECU
12. Minnesota—DE Corey Crawford, Clemson
13. Cleveland—SS James Sample, Louisville
14. San Francisco—DT Joey Mbu, Houston
15. Miami—TE Gerald Christian, Louisville
16. San Diego—G Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech
17. Kansas City—WR Dres Anderson, Utah
18. Buffalo—WR George Farmer, USC
19. Houston—ILB A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
20. Philadelphia—ILB Trey DePriest, Alabama
21. Cincinnati—DE Jermauria Rasco, LSU
22. Arizona—TE Wes Saxton, South Alabama
23. Pittsburgh—RB Jeremy Langford, Michigan St
24. Detroit—DT Chucky Hunter, TCU
25. Carolina—SS Erick Dargan, Oregon
26. Cleveland—CB Doran Grant, Ohio State
27. Denver—RB Malcolm Brown, Texas
28. Baltimore—WR Austin Hill, Arizona
29. Indianapolis—FS Justin Cox, Miss State
30. Green Bay—CB Cam Thomas, Western Kentucky
31. Indianapolis—ILB Amarlo Herrera, Georgia
32. Tennessee—WR Dezmin Lewis, Central Arkansas
Round 7
1. Tampa Bay—G Miles Dieffenbach, Penn State
2. New England—CB Cody Riggs, Notre Dame
3. Jacksonville—ILB Ben Heeney, Kansas
4. Oakland—C Greg Mancz, Toledo
5. Washington—OLB Xzavier Dickson, Alabama
6. N.Y. Jets—T Eric Lefeld, Cincinnati
7. Chicago—OLB J.R. Tavai, USC
8. Atlanta—RB Matt Jones, Florida
9. N.Y. Giants—FB Jalston Fowler, Alabama
10. Atlanta—WR Devante Davis, UNLV
11. Minnesota—ILB Bryce Hager, Baylor
12. Cleveland—WR Kenny Bell, Nebraska
13. New Orleans—TE MyCole Pruitt, Southern Illinois
14. Baltimore—SS Kyshoen Jarrett, Virginia Tech
15. Miami—RB Dee Hart, Colorado State
16. Kansas City—G Adam Shead, Oklahoma
17. Buffalo—FB Connor Neighbors, LSU
18. Houston—TE Nick Boyle, Delaware
19. Dallas—WR Levi Norwood, Baylor
20. Philadelphia—DE Brandon Ivory, Alabama
21. Cincinnati—WR Titus Davis, Central Michigan
22. Pittsburgh—SS Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern
23. Detroit—G Christian Lombard, Notre Dame
24. Arizona—DT Kaleb Eulls, Miss. State
25. Carolina—CB Deshazor Everett, Texas A&M
26. Dallas—RB Dominique Brown, Louisville
27. Dallas—TE C.J. Uzomah, Auburn
28. N.Y. Giants—OLB Michael Orakpo, Texas State
29. San Francisco—CB Nick Marshall, Auburn
30. Green Bay—OLB Martin Ifedi, Memphis
31. Seattle—FS Jermaine Whitehead, Auburn
32. St. Louis—T D.J. Humphries, Florida