2015 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Who Are the Experts Picking?
The NFL draft, for the most part, is far from a consensus practice. Writers have varying opinions on topics regarding the weekend, and creating mocks is a tough exercise. Some of the best mocks year-to-year only have a couple of picks slated correctly, as one surprise on draft weekend can shift how the board falls.
In an effort to try to come to a consensus, though, we're going to juxtapose three recent mocks from three well-known draft writers. They are Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, Dane Brugler of CBS Sports and Josh Norris of NBC Sports and Rotoworld.
When you put projections toe-to-toe, you get a better feel for an overall team's theme heading into the fateful day in Chicago. Observing their selections in the first round, I'll give my analysis on the picks as a group and individually.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
If there's one thing a coaching staff that just went 2-14 is thinking about, it's job security. It's not that the concept of "quarterback wins" is significant, but we've seen again and again that Jameis Winston was able to push Florida State through tight games, as he lost only one total match in his two full years as a starter.
Last season, the Buccaneers went 1-8 in games decided by seven or fewer points. Winston was 7-0 in similar games in 2014. He could bring the ice-in-veins leader at the end of matches, giving them a much-needed passer in crunch time.
This pick shouldn't surprise anyone at this point. Since the combine, we've seen Winston essentially as the consensus pick to go first overall. The Buccaneers' quarterback depth chart is currently Mike Glennon and a second-year undrafted free agent in Seth Lobato. Their roster needs read clear, and quarterback is on the top of the list.
2. Tennessee Titans
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
The Tennessee Titans are in an interesting position. In the NFL, you need a quarterback to win games, and head coach Ken Whisenhunt is on a 3-25 run dating back to his days in Arizona. If the team starts out slow, he might not even be guaranteed to coach the first 10 games of the year. The seat should be scalding hot underneath him.
What will cool that seat down is a quarterback, though. There are two that most draft writers seem to talk about. The first is Marcus Mariota of Oregon, who is widely considered to be the second quarterback off the board. The second is Philip Rivers, a proven quarterback for the Chargers who spent a season with Whisenhunt in 2013. The second overall pick may be used as a chip to either pick Mariota or trade for Rivers, solidifying Whisenhunt's job security for at least a little longer.
If the team is sold on Zach Mettenberger, last year's sixth-round pick, as its quarterback of the future, then Leonard Williams of USC makes a lot of sense. As a 5-technique defensive end for the Trojans, the defensive lineman fits great in a 3-4 scheme. Last season, the Titans made the switch to a 3-4, and their defense was a major reason for their 2-14 record.
The front seven needed at lot of work, but Tennessee has added two edge-rushers with Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan in free agency. Outside of Jurrell Casey, who was better suited for a one-gap scheme, the Titans lack impact defensive linemen. Williams could develop into the star on that defense in a couple of years.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE, Florida
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon (trade to Cleveland Browns)
There shouldn't be a giant surprise coming from Jacksonville this year. In 2014, the Jaguars shocked the world by taking Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles third overall when most mock drafts pinned them down to Sammy Watkins, a receiver from Clemson whom the Buffalo Bills eventually traded up for.
The Jaguars have built a solid front seven without spending a bunch of assets on the unit. What they still need is a top edge-rusher, though. At third overall, since the Buccaneers are seemingly going quarterback and the Titans just signed two large free agents at 3-4 outside linebacker, Jacksonville should have its pick of the litter.
Some like Clemson's Vic Beasley, who to me is on the Bruce Irvin to Von Miller spectrum of being a talented pass-rusher. He might have to play an "Otto" role in the 4-3 defense instead of the premier "Leo" edge-rushing role, though.
On the other hand, Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. is younger and can play with his hand in the dirt but doesn't have Pro Bowl potential on film. He's the safer pick of the two, but his peak is Chandler Jones, who is solid but not worth the third overall selection in a draft class.
The wild card could be the team trading out. In an absolutely loaded edge-rusher class, it's easy to speculate that the franchise might be willing to punt the third overall selection for a second- or third-round pick, waiting for the board to play out and taking another talented rusher later in the draft.
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4. Oakland Raiders
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Oakland Raiders are one of the biggest dominoes of the draft. Because they aren't in the running for a quarterback and don't have a definitive need like Jacksonville, their selection can cause a giant shift in the draft landscape.
Amari Cooper, Miller's selection, and Kevin White, Norris' selection, make sense. Since the team drafted Derek Carr in the second round last season, the future of the franchise is now in the huddle. When reading off Carr's play-by-plays, though, you notice a trend. He threw too many short passes, which led to an incredibly low 5.5 yards-per-attempt statistic.
Both wideouts would improve the passing game greatly, allowing for Carr to develop. Cooper is more of a Santonio Holmes type but is safe and young. White, on the other hand, is a one-year wonder who will be 23 years old this summer. He has the potential to be Larry Fitzgerald, but he's more of a boom-or-bust type.
Leonard Williams is an interesting prospect, too. In a 4-3 defense, he's most likely going to play a 3-technique role as an under tackle. Recently, the Raiders cut Antonio Smith, which could either signify that they're either looking for a new under tackle or that they're fine with Smith's former backup, Ricky Lumpkin.
5. Washington Redskins
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE, Florida
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Brandon Scherff, IOL, Iowa
The Washington Redskins, after years of missing out on picks due to the Robert Griffin III trade, now just need consistent players with which to rebuild their roster. The last players they should be looking at should be boom-or-bust types, as there are even safe third-round picks who would probably fit in as Day 1 starters on the depth chart.
Dante Fowler Jr., Vic Beasley and Brandon Scherff all have high floors. As far as upsides, I believe most are looking at Scherff as a Zack Martin type, who was the first rookie All-Pro offensive lineman in basically the last six decades, so it's safe to say Scherff has high expectations. The same goes for Beasley, who has been compared to Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, among others.
The Redskins taking an edge player doesn't make too much sense from an economic standpoint, though. There's a new staff in play, so the team may not be sold on past investments, but it currently has Ryan Kerrigan, a Pro Bowler, and Trent Murphy, last year's second-round pick, as the slated starters. Even if the team isn't sold on Murphy, it probably would have retained Brian Orakpo, who in free agency left Washington for the Tennessee Titans.
6. New York Jets
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The New York Jets are going to continue running a 3-4 defense with new head coach Todd Bowles. In Arizona, he was able to generate pressure without a top edge defender, and New York's defense is, on paper, one great edge player away from having a top-five defense in the league.
Bowles, at least if you track the players he had at previous stops, likes bigger edge-rushers. For that reason, the selection of Shane Ray makes little sense. At Missouri, he was an effort tweener with a good burst from his hand in the dirt. Matching him up with a linebacker transition to a coach who hasn't needed an elite player at that position and hasn't used defenders of his shape before seems odd.
Amari Cooper looks like a best-player-available option, but after the Jets added Brandon Marshall this offseason and signed Eric Decker, are they going to draft a slot receiver at sixth overall? The more I think about this pick, the more I think Alvin "Bud" Dupree of Kentucky is the selection.
7. Chicago Bears
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon
Chicago has a huge need on the defensive side of the ball. In a class with Leonard Williams of USC and plenty of pass-rushers, they need to completely revamp their new 3-4 defense. Playing a 4-3 last year, they weren't successful, and now they need to bridge the two schemes in an offseason.
That's why a sleeper selection here might be Norris' pick: Arik Armstead of Oregon. He played in a true 3-4 defense in college, where he had a similar role to the one he'd play under Vic Fangio, the Bears' new defensive coordinator. As a 5-technique defensive end, he has all the potential to be a Calais Campbell type.
Kevin White makes sense too, as the Bears could use another outside receiver opposite of Alshon Jeffery. With Brandon Marshall shipped to the New York Jets, a hole was created. White may be a Larry Fitzgerald clone who could give quarterback Jay Cutler another giant target.
8. Atlanta Falcons
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Alvin Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE, Florida
The Atlanta Falcons were second-to-last in sacks in 2014, and our three mock drafters know it. After largely ignoring the need to bring in pressure-creators in the last draft class, the Falcons must make a move to stay competitive in 2015.
Randy Gregory of Nebraska is the largest question mark, as he's the best or second-best pure pass-rusher in the draft class behind Vic Beasley, but his off-field issues, including a failed drug test at the combine, hang over his head. If the team can get him past that bump in the road, he has a chance to be special.
Kentucky's Alvin Dupree and Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. are also mocked selections. Dupree is a massively athletic prospect who needs to develop, but he can be a player up to par with a Cameron Wake by 2016. Fowler is the opposite, a more ready but less athletic base defender who is going to grow, as he's only 20 years old, but the question surrounding him regards his ceiling as a professional.
9. New York Giants
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Brandon Scherff, IOL, Iowa
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Brandon Scherff, IOL, Iowa
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The New York Giants have a hole on their offensive line, but they also have flexibility. They do not currently have a center who can start 16 games at the NFL level, but their guard, Weston Richburg, who was drafted in the second round last season, was a college center. Their right tackle, former first-round pick Justin Pugh, can also bump inside to guard.
The best way to explain the situation is like this: The Giants need an offensive lineman, but the position of said player doesn't matter, as the rest of the team can be molded around him. Sitting at the ninth pick, New York can simply just select the best offensive lineman on the board.
To most, that's Brandon Scherff, the left tackle from Iowa, who is better built to play guard at the next level because of his smaller frame. Andrus Peat of Stanford, Norris' selection, might be the more valuable pick, though, because he would be an improvement over Pugh at right tackle, Pugh would be an improvement over Richburg at guard and Richburg can fill the center need.
With one draft pick, the Giants can improve three positions on the offensive line. That should be one of the best selections of the draft on paper.
10. St. Louis Rams
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
If I were the St. Louis Rams, I wouldn't go receiver at the top of the draft again. I'll start this conversation with that note. Despite the fact that they don't have "the guy," they still have many assets which haven't proved to be failures as of yet. Tavon Austin was drafted in the first round of 2013; Brian Quick was a second-round pick in 2012; Stedman Bailey was a third-rounder in 2014; and Kenny Britt, a former first-round pick, showed promise last season.
For that reason, the selection of Amari Cooper of Alabama isn't something I'd consider. Taking him means cutting your losses with two or more of those options having any sort of plus value. The offensive tackles, Andrus Peat of Stanford and La'el Collins of LSU, seem like logical selections, though.
Now you're thinking, "Didn't the Rams just select Greg Robinson second overall last season?" The answer to that question is yes, but they also let Jake Long, their former left tackle, walk. A tackle prospect can play right tackle for them, as long as they chose to keep Robinson at left tackle in 2015, as opposed to 2014, when he saw guard snaps early on.
11. Minnesota Vikings
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
The Minnesota Vikings are an interesting team because they really don't have many holes. They could use a linebacker, but there isn't a linebacker worth drafting in the first half of the first round. They could use consistency at receiver, but they just traded for Mike Wallace, and it's only Year 3 of the Cordarrelle Patterson experiment.
Matt Kalil struggled some at left tackle after his solid rookie year, but are they going to give up hope on one of the top picks of the 2012 draft? I doubt it. So, where do they go?
One position is cornerback, where Xavier Rhodes is planted firmly in the starting lineup. Opposite of him is Terrance Newman, the 36-year-old who is going to reunite with head coach Mike Zimmer. He's not a long-term option, so maybe they look toward a definitive future need while the rest of the roster still develops.
Many consider Trae Waynes to be the top cornerback in this class, mostly because the NFL is so focused on length and speed at the position currently. Marcus Peters of Washington is the best press boundary player in the class but was kicked off the team during his last season. Kevin Johnson of Wake Forest is solid as an Al Harris clone, but he shouldn't be valued as a borderline top-10 pick.
12. Cleveland Browns
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson (trade to Jacksonville Jaguars)
There are two pretty clear needs on the Browns roster. If you're to assume that the Johnny Manziel experiment is over, then quarterback is the first. After a poor start to his career, it's hard to imagine he turns it around and becomes a Pro Bowler, as even late first-round quarterbacks have a high bust rate.
The second position would be receiver, where the unit has greatly dropped off when Josh Gordon hasn't been on the field. Gordon is suspended for the entire 2015 season due to drinking alcohol during his NFL-mandated probation period. DeVante Parker, a long receiver who compares to a Jordy Nelson, would instantly take Gordon's place as the top receiver on the squad for the coming season.
To me, it's a reach to expect Marcus Mariota to land all the way into the middle portion of the draft, but if he were there, that's a slam dunk for the front office. Most staffs get fired when they pick the wrong quarterback. Having the opportunity to select a second one is a blessing.
13. New Orleans Saints
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Alvin Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky
The New Orleans Saints made one of the oddest moves in the offseason by trading away Kenny Stills. A young receiver on a rookie contract, Stills seemed to be a premium value to the squad, but they've moved on. Between that, the Jimmy Graham trade and Marques Colston aging, the receiver position seems like it needs to be addressed quickly.
DeVante Parker is a solid fit as an outside receiver who might also be able to move inside as a "jumbo slot" type due to his 6'3" frame. He's not going to replace Graham or Stills, but he could be next in line behind Colston.
Arik Armstead doesn't make much sense to me, unless New Orleans plans to move past Akiem Hicks or Cameron Jordan next season. Armstead is a blue-chip talent, but the Saints already have two good 3-4 defensive ends, and a first-rounder's contract isn't that much of a value move when you have to burn a rare asset for about a two- or three-year stretch before he needs an extension too.
Of the selections made, Alvin Dupree is my favorite. Coming out of Kentucky, he has the potential to be a Cameron Wake type of pass-rusher. The Saints greatly need help in their pass defense, and after adding Brandon Browner to the secondary, the next move should be to pick up an edge defender.
14. Miami Dolphins
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Miami Dolphins could go for a receiver early in the draft, but there's a solid chance that the first run on the position, including Alabama's Amari Cooper, West Virginia's Kevin White and Louisville's DeVante Parker, is going to be over by the 14th pick.
After receiver, Miami could address the cornerback position. Brent Grimes could use some help next to him, and Marcus Peters is the best corner in the class. A Charles Woodson clone, he may drop due to character concerns, but if a team can channel his aggressiveness, it will have a Pro Bowler on its hands. Michigan State's Trae Waynes also would help the Dolphins, as he can be the speed and length corner to counter Grimes' smaller frame.
If Todd Gurley were healthy, he might be a top-five pick in this class. The elite depth just isn't present this year, and Gurley flashes elite skills at running back. Miami should feel OK with Lamar Miller in a rotation, but there's no other back on the roster who should receive significant snaps. I'm not sure if the opportunity cost is set to draft a running back with an injured knee in the first round when the draft is loaded with quality players at the position, but I understand how Gurley isolated would be a promising selection.
15. San Francisco 49ers
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Danny Shelton, DL, Washington
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
With a new coaching change, the San Francisco 49ers seem to be in a rebuilding mode. Over the last couple of years, there have been many changes to the defensive personnel, but nothing is bigger than defensive coordinator Vic Fangio leaving for the Chicago Bears. Keeping a true 3-4 defense intact, as far as scheme is concerned, they'll need to revamp their defensive line.
For that reason, Arik Armstead of Oregon and Danny Shelton of Washington are good fits. Both are 3-4 defensive linemen from the West Coast, so the transition to San Francisco should be easier for them than others. Armstead is a defensive end, or 5-technique, while Shelton is a true nose tackle, a rare prospect out of the spread-happy college football universe.
On the other hand, Colin Kaepernick doesn't seem to be developing as a talent, instead being more of a Jay Cutler on wheels. When Cutler has prospered at the NFL level, he's needed a great receiving unit around him. DeVante Parker of Louisville, a poor man's A.J. Green as a prospect, teamed with Torrey Smith, a receiver brought from Baltimore, can bring the edge to the team that Kaepernick needs.
16. Houston Texans
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Alvin Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
Everything in Houston surrounds one factor: Do the Texans feel that Jadeveon Clowney is going to recover well from his microfracture surgery? If you read into the history of the injury, it might already be time to cut ties with last year's first overall pick, a player who was once considered a generational talent.
If they do believe the writing is on the wall, another edge defender could be in play. Randy Gregory is one of the two best pure pass-rushers, along with Clemson's Vic Beasley, in this class. Alvin Dupree, a raw but promising talent, should be someone to consider as a "best player available" selection, should he slip into the lap of the Texans. Both should be in play, taking all factors into consideration.
Eric Kendricks of UCLA is my favorite off-the-ball linebacker in the class, but I'm not sure his value presents as a positive at this point in the draft. What's the opportunity cost of a 3-4 outside linebacker in the first round compared to a second-round linebacker like Denzel Perryman of Miami? To me, the Texans can wait another round to take a swing at a linebacker and instead take a premier position early on.
17. San Diego
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska
If the San Diego Chargers don't ship off quarterback Philip Rivers to the Tennessee Titans for the second overall selection (and Marcus Mariota), then their first pick will be the 17th selection. With Ryan Mathews, the Chargers' former first-round pick from Fresno State, gone, San Diego needs help in the backfield.
Ironically, Mathews had a history of injuries for the Chargers, and the best running back on the board is Todd Gurley of Georgia, who is overcoming an ACL tear. If healthy, he could have been a top-five or top-10 selection in this draft class, which doesn't have many elite prospects at the position. A healthy alternative who will be ready on Day 1 is Melvin Gordon, the flexible Wisconsin back who compares to a Jamaal Charles as a runner, but he needs to be developed in the passing game, as both a catcher of the football and a pass protector.
Randy Gregory, like Gurley, is an elite talent in this class as a pass-rusher, but I'm not sure the Chargers would take a swing at him. They already have a couple of investments on their roster at the position. Last season, they drafted Jeremiah Attaochu in the second round. On top of that, they also picked up a fifth-year option for their 2012 first-round pick, Melvin Ingram.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Cameron Erving, IOL, Florida State
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
When Rodney Hudson signed a megadeal with the in-division rival Oakland Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs were left strapped for the center position. At this point, Eric Kush, a late-round pick out of Division II California (Penn.), is the slated starter. If the team isn't comfortable with him as a starter, the best option to replace Hudson is Cameron Erving of Florida State.
Erving played left tackle for most of his college career but made a late switch to center. Athletically limited on the edge, he proved his worth with his strong anchor in the middle of the Seminole offensive line. Erving now is an elite center prospect, full tiers above the next draft options at the position.
Another position the team might address is outside cornerback. One of the starters, Sean Smith, is entrenched at the top of the depth chart, but the other boundary back looks to be Phillip Gaines, last season's third-round pick from Rice. Again, it comes down to how comfortable the team is at throwing its young mid-to-late-round picks into the fire. If they aren't fine with that reality, Byron Jones is an explosive corner with upside, and Kevin Johnson is a safe Day 1 starter.
19. Cleveland Browns
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Danny Shelton, DL, Washington
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia (traded to Jacksonville Jaguars)
In 2011, the Cleveland Browns drafted Phil Taylor, a nose tackle from Baylor. He hasn't totally worked out, and the 3-4 defensive line could use a lot of help. If Danny Shelton of Washington is still on the board, the Browns wouldn't have to worry about the future of the center of their defense, moving Taylor to a run-stopping defensive end position for a year before moving on, if the price he's asking for isn't right for them.
Everyone will tell you that Cleveland had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL in 2014. With Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio and Alex Mack, the left side of the line is absolutely stacked. Mitchell Schwartz is a solid right tackle, and John Greco is an OK right guard, but those positions can be improved.
La'el Collins, a left tackle at LSU, is flexible enough to play all five positions on the offensive line. If he were drafted to Cleveland, the team could immediately compete with the Dallas Cowboys for the best offensive line in the league. With questions surrounding the receiving unit and who is the long-term quarterback for the team, this is an important factor.
20. Philadelphia Eagles
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
In 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles have made so many moves that it's hard to keep track of them. On the top of their free-agency acquisitions, though, is Byron Maxwell. Maxwell, after playing one year as a full-time starter for the Seattle Seahawks next to three Pro Bowlers in that secondary, signed a six-year deal worth more than $60 million.
At cornerback, the team also has Brandon Boykin and Walter Thurmond III, but in that defense, they're more like slot cornerbacks than boundary players. Because of that, there's a chance that the Eagles take another swing at a boundary cornerback.
If Byron Jones' shoulder clears through the medicals for the Eagles, he fits great for what Philadelphia wants. He's long, fast and explosive, and matching the two Byrons next to each other makes too much sense on paper.
Jake Fisher has the Oregon connection. A right tackle until an injury forced him to the left side his last year in Eugene, Fisher can start on either side at the next level. He also is aggressive enough in the ground game that he can play guard in the NFL. Because of Fisher's flexibility, he's a plug-and-play guard who can kick back outside to tackle down the line, which gives him more value than some other developmental bookends.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Malcom Brown, DL, Texas
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
The Cincinnati Bengals have historically been a 4-3 team defensively, and they've built pressure through the interior, cleaning up with outside edge-rushers, which is typically the opposite for most defenses. With Geno Atkins' injury, it wouldn't surprise me if the team wanted a safer option at under tackle, if Atkins doesn't come back to total health, considering his large contract.
Domata Peko is also getting up there in age at nose tackle, and Malcom Brown of Texas can play both tackle positions for the team. In one move, Brown could be the future for the Bengals inside to replace Atkins or Peko, giving Cincinnati some flexibility.
The Bengals are also notoriously a cheap team historically. Both starting offensive tackles, Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, are in contract seasons, so if the team wanted to replace them with a cheaper and younger developmental option, this would be the year to make the move. That's why Ereck Flowers, more of a right tackle prospect, and D.J. Humphries, who has the upside to be a Tyron Smith type of dancing bear, would be solid selections for the team.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The most obvious need on the Pittsburgh roster is cornerback. Year after year, the draft media seem to list the position as a need, but the Steelers continue to ignore the calls. At this point, it's time for the team to make a real move and bring in a splash player.
Luckily, there are plenty of boundary cornerbacks in this draft, and the Steelers should be picking in the middle of where they're slated to come off the board. Kevin Johnson of Wake Forest is an Al Harris clone, a good press-man cornerback who should be able to start Day 1, but he doesn't have the upside to make a Pro Bowl on paper.
Marcus Peters of Washington might be Charles Woodson, but you have to take in his fiery attitude with his skill. Peters won't be on everyone's boards because of his dismissal, but a family franchise like the Steelers is where he should fit best at. Jalen Collins is the opposite of Johnson: He's a high-upside selection who will probably need a redshirt year before seeing significant snaps as a starter.
23. Detroit Lions
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Danny Shelton, DL, Washington
The Detroit Lions are an interesting team who are on the cusp of becoming a contender. Losing their two prized defensive tackles, Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, makes them a hard projection going forward, though, despite adding Haloti Ngata from Baltimore via a trade. Danny Shelton of Washington would probably be viewed as a value pick by them, but it's hard to imagine either Shelton or Ngata being a 3-technique in that 4-3 defense, which means he'd be the future plan to replace Ngata.
At cornerback, Darius Slay seems to have locked down one of the outside spots for the foreseeable future. Opposite of him, though, is an aging Rashean Mathis. Bill Bentley and Nevin Lawson are recent mid-round picks, and Mohammed Seisay is a solid developmental player, but none are locks to be starting-caliber at this level. For that reason, the Lions could get involved in the run at the position and draft Ronald Darby of Florida State, who played well for three years in Tallahassee.
The most intriguing pick of the bunch is Andrus Peat of Stanford. He is the consensus top offensive tackle in the class, and if he should slip, he would be an amazing addition for the team. He would be able to start at right tackle with the skill set of a left tackle. In that pass-happy offense, there's not much more you can ask for out of a right bookend.
24. Arizona Cardinals
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Eddie Goldman, DL, Florida State
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Cameron Erving, IOL, Florida State
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri
With Dan Williams out of the picture in Arizona, it's easy to see why a player like Eddie Goldman of Florida State would be a great fit. I'm not sold on him being a lock to go in the first round, but he's a rare nose tackle who is athletic for his 336-pound frame. He could be a Day 1 starter, and in this class, where the third-tier players all mesh together, he wouldn't be a bad selection.
Cameron Erving, Goldman's former teammate, makes sense on some levels but not others. Jonathan Cooper, the 2013 first-round selection of the team, was a guard at North Carolina but can project to the center position too. If the team needs a center so badly, Arizona should move Cooper to center and find a guard later in the draft, instead of spending assets on the only top-tier center in the class.
Shane Ray of Missouri will be viewed by most as a value pick at this point. Arizona doesn't really like tweener types on the edge, but many like Ray's production at the SEC level and his snap anticipation. My question about Ray is how much that snap anticipation will work at the next level, though.
Will he be the pass-rushing version of Jerel Worthy? He was a second-round pick out of Michigan State, and in a matter of years, he was traded for a conditional seventh-round pick, was cut and ended his third season in the league on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.
25. Carolina Panthers
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
For years, the Carolina Panthers offense has been the Cam Newton show. After being drafted first overall by the team in 2011, Newton hasn't had much help offensively. Last season, the Panthers drafted Florida State receiver Kelvin Benjamin in the first round, and the time is now to add some talent on the liability of an offensive line in front of Newton.
D.J. Humphries has quite possibly the highest upside of any tackle in the class. With his movement skills, if anyone is going to be considered a Tyron Smith type, it has to be him. He's young and will need time to grow, just like Smith did, but there's a chance that he's the second tackle off the board behind Andrus Peat of Stanford.
Cedric Ogbuehi is similar to Humphries, but there are multiple factors going on with his development. After tearing his ACL in Texas A&M's bowl game, some might red-flag him for injury. On top of that, he has an ill-timed punch, which leads to the mislabeling of him as a "weak" tackle. He has clear positives and negatives, but if the right coaches get their hands on him—and a team is fine with letting his knee recover—then he has a shot to be a special left tackle.
26. Baltimore Ravens
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
The Baltimore Ravens are built around the success of Joe Flacco. After the quarterback signed a nine-figure contract, that's what is mandated from the team. Flacco has historically been a plus value as a deep passer, and with Torrey Smith, the team's top receiver, leaving for the San Francisco 49ers, the Ravens no longer have a deep threat.
Steve Smith Sr. is still solid, but he's going to be 36 years old when the season starts, and there's no telling what his 40-yard dash time will be in January. Point blank: The Ravens need to add a receiver early in the draft.
Dorial Green-Beckham has the potential to be the top pass-catcher in the class, but he hasn't played football in a season, as he was kicked out of Missouri and sat out during his transfer year at Oklahoma before declaring for the draft. With the Ray Rice scandal consuming the 2014 season for the squad, are the Ravens willing to take a character risk this early in the draft?
Breshad Perriman of Central Florida would be a strong alternative to Green-Beckham. Perriman is a freak athlete, and it wouldn't be out of line to say you believe he'll surpass Amari Cooper, who is being viewed as one of the best receivers (if not the best overall) in the class. Flacco wants to go deep, and Perriman can absolutely fly.
27. Dallas Cowboys
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
On the offensive side of the ball, the Dallas Cowboys look great. They have a quarterback, a star receiver and the best offensive line in football. Going into last season, many expected the team to have the worst defense in the league, though. Through amazing coaching, Dallas was able to mask many flaws, but it should invest on that side of the ball on draft day.
The linebacking unit is sold, but the team needs to look at the premier pass-defense positions. After adding Greg Hardy as a pass-rusher, the team should be eyeing some defensive backs. With Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox at safety, it's hard to make the case that the Cowboys are set in the back end of their defense.
That's why a player like Landon Collins, who played both high and in the box for Alabama, is a solid selection for the team. The Cowboys have adequate starters on the boundary, but neither looks to be a future investment, so a developmental player like Jalen Collins of LSU or a boom-or-bust attitude player like Marcus Peters of Washington could also be in the mix.
28. Denver Broncos
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
The way to beat Peyton Manning is bringing consistent pressure at him while only rushing four pass-rushers. Because of this, it's almost impossible to beat him, unless you're a team like the Seattle Seahawks, who have freak athletes across the board on their defensive line. The best way to negate a great pass-rushing edge is by building an equally great or better offensive line.
The Denver Broncos could use an improvement at tackle or guard, and all of the three players mocked by our selected experts are prospects who were tackles in college but might see early reps in the NFL as interior offensive linemen. La'el Collins of LSU has a mean streak and can play left tackle in the league, but there's a chance he's a Pro Bowl road-grader inside.
T.J. Clemmings of Pittsburgh was a right tackle but converted from the defensive side of the ball. He's raw and has poor footwork, but you see "it" with him. The inside game is built off quick movement, and with Clemmings' sloppy feet, I wouldn't be as confident as others are that he'll transition easily to guard. To me, he's a developmental right tackle.
Ereck Flowers is a fine tackle prospect from Miami, but my concern with him is his strength. When facing Randy Gregory of Nebraska, who has been labeled as undersized, he was absolutely rag-dolled, which makes me compare him to Marshall Newhouse, who has a left tackle's mentality in a guard's body. If Flowers can flip that switch, he can be an Orlando Franklin type of athlete as an interior lineman.
29. Indianapolis Colts
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts added Dwight Lowery to their safety unit. Lowery should start at free safety for the squad, but Mike Adams, the safety next to him, is a question mark. Sure, Adams made a Pro Bowl last season, but the NFL's standard for Pro Bowlers at the position isn't as high as others, and he's going to be 34 years old on a short-term contract.
In short, Adam's days are numbered. Damarious Randall of Arizona State has been a late riser in the process, and looks to be a solid coverage safety. Matching him next to Lowery would make an interesting matchup on run downs, but if the team wants to play Cover 2 or Cover 4 often, it's going to be hard for anyone in the league to match the combo.
Landon Collins of Alabama plays more off of Lowery's skill set. Lowery may not be a one-high exclusive player like Earl Thomas, but Collins can play two-high with Lowery and give the Colts an option to drop him in the box as an enforcer. Indianapolis needs more young stars on their rapidly aging roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball, so either should be looked at as improvements.
30. Green Bay Packers
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Malcom Brown, DL, Texas
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Jordan Phillips, DL, Oklahoma
The Green Bay Packers have two large needs heading into the draft. The first is inside linebacker, where there may not be an off-the-ball linebacker worthy of a top-30 selection, and the second is cornerback. There is going to be a cornerback run in the middle of the first round, and if the Packers can capitalize by taking the last boundary prospect left, more power to them.
Jalen Collins may not be ready in September, but if he's eased in by midseason, like the Packers did with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, their first-round pick from 2014, he should be fine. The other way they might draft is by picking a big body, which Ted Thompson, the general manager of the squad, surprisingly does often.
When they drafted Justin Harrell in 2007, the Packers were loaded with defensive tackles, but Thompson seems to like to swing at premier positions over and over early, enhancing his changes on a "hit." Malcom Brown of Texas can do a little of everything and can play either 1-technique or 3-technique in Dom Capers' pressure-heavy defense.
The other player mocked is Jordan Phillips, a nose tackle from Oklahoma. Phillips can get into the backfield as a 1-technique or 3-technique, but there's also a chance that he can be a stud two-gapping player. If he can fill two assignments, he'll be able to open up the defense for players to aggressively fly around.
31. New Orleans Saints
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Eli Harold, EDGE, Virginia
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Cameron Erving, IOL, Florida State
The New Orleans Saints just traded for Max Unger, so the logical spot for Cameron Erving to slide into is at guard. Unger is a center, and Erving is the top center prospect on the board, but should he fall all the way to the end of the first round, some may see him as a value pick at the other interior line positions on offense.
The Saints had a poor passing defense last season, and they've since added Brandon Browner. If they can add an edge player like Owamagbe Odighizuwa, they'll be much improved. The issue with Odighizuwa is that he's a one-year wonder coming off two hip surgeries. He's a pass-rusher on the level of Brian Orakpo coming out, but can he withstand the punishment of the NFL?
Eli Harold would also be an improvement over what they currently have at outside linebacker, but I'm not a big fan of his game. He doesn't generate enough force to beat quality tackles through contract, and he won't be so supremely athletic compared to NFL tackles. He can bend the edge in space, but can he do it against a left tackle like Joe Thomas or Tyron Smith?
32. New England Patriots
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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports: Mario Edwards Jr., DL, Florida State
Josh Norris, Rotoworld: Grady Jarrett, DL, Clemson
One of the ways the New England Patriots have been ahead of the curve in the NFL is their devaluation of the running back position. In what feels like a decade, they haven't invested much in their backfield, instead choosing to go with a committee. With Tom Brady's aging arm, though, maybe it's time for that ideology to flip.
Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin is the best healthy running back in the class, and he runs like Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs. The one issue with Gordon is you don't know if he can contribute much to the passing game. He hasn't been tested much as a pass-catcher or pass protector at the college level, as he was the featured star of the Badgers offense.
The selections of 3-technique defenders is an interesting concept to me. Last season, the Patriots took Dominique Easley in the first round out of Florida. He had a history of knee issues but looked like a top-five pick when healthy. It would be odd for the squad to move on after one season, but if New England doe, Mario Edwards Jr. of Florida State, a defensive end last season, and Grady Jarrett of Clemson, who some think might be a Geno Atkins clone, would be high on the list.
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