FanPost

First round mock


OK, here's my first attempt at the complete joke that is a mock draft (especially one that's pre-free agency).

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Jameis Winston
Lovie Smith wants to win now, but with no starting caliber quarterback free agents, and no one on the roster who looks like a franchise signal caller, he has no choice in this passing league than to get the number one QB on most boards. Winston has some well-documented incidents that make people question his maturity, but his performance at the combine was stellar and all reports indicate he interviewed very well. A few analysts reported that some coaches were amazed by his football intelligence. Mariota has the physical tools, but with questions about how pro-ready he is, the Bucs have to go with Winston, who will start for them on day 1.

2. Tennessee Titans - QB Marcus Mariota
It's being reported that the Eagles want to trade up for Mariota and I think if he makes it past the Titans, they trade up to #4 to get him (#5 Washington won't give their rival Mariota and he'll be gone at #6 to the Jets). In this mock, Mariota is scooped up by Tennessee. They didn't appear too committed to Mettenberger when asked about their QB situation and when you have a pick this high up, I think you have to take a shot at a franchise guy. Mariota has been described by some as the most competative player they've ever been around and although he may not be day 1 ready, he could be an elite talent in time.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Leonard Williams
I'm sure Gus Bradley would love to get an edge rusher for his D, but there's no way he'll pass up the top defensive player in the draft. Even at 300 pounds, Williams can line up anywhere on the defensive line, in any scheme. He's drawn comparisons to J.J. Watt as far as his versatility and Bradley will be able to get very creative having this monster leading his defensive charge.

4. Oakland Raiders - DE Dante Fowler Jr
The popular pick for Oakland is wide receiver, but I don't think that's what we'll see. I think we're more likely to see them land Randall Cobb to give their young QB a top veteran to help him grow. Besides, the Raiders are in a division with three top-tier quarterbacks and one rookie wide receiver is not going to help them win in a shoot out. They need to create pressure. I think they draft the best defensive lineman on their board with this pick and pair him with last year's first rounder Khalil Mack to start building a young, formidable defense.

5. Washington Redskins - OLB Shane Ray
The Redskins have several different ways they can go with this pick and it wouldn't surprise me if they try to trade down to accumulate more. If they stay put, I think it comes down to offensive tackle versus pass rusher. Gruden likes bigger offensive lines and the one he inherited leaves much to be desired. However, I don't think there is an offensive lineman in this draft worthy of a top five pick. That doesn't mean they won't reach, but the smart money is that the Skins will fill the hole left by Brian Orakpo's departure. Yes, they drafted Trent Murphy last year, but I see him as more of a quality backup. He doesn't possess the explosiveness of Ray who notched 14.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 2014.

6. New York Jets - WR Kevin White
This is a worst-case scenario for the Jets. I think they'd run to the podium if either QB was still on the board. Although they have significant needs on defense, I think they still go offense with this pick. Like 2014, there are a lot of good WR prospects in this draft. However, not many deserve to be taken in the top 10. The choice for the Jets will be between White and Amari Cooper. With White's size, speed, and ability to make contested catches, I think he would be the Jets choice.

7. Chicago Bears - DT Danny Shelton
Next to Winston going to Tampa, I think this is the second easiest pick in the draft. The Bears are transitioning to the 3-4 defense and if you're going to do that, you need a big nose tackle (sorry Wade, but you do). Add to that the fact this team ranked 31st against the run, and Shelton is a no-brainer. The 350 pounder has drawn comparisons to Haloti Ngata and he'll be the cornerstone of this defense for a long time.

8. Atlanta Falcons - DE Randy Gregory
The Falcons worked to beef up the middle of their defensive line last year, but they're still a work in progress on the edges. Gregory showed up at the Combine weighing in at 235lbs, but at 6'5", he has plenty of frame to get bigger. Even though he's a slight edge rusher, he holds up surprisingly well against the run. He needs to get stronger and get better at using leverage, but his upside is huge.

9. New York Giants - OT Brandon Scherff
I'm sure the Giants took notice of their division rivals success when sporting a quality offensive line. By franchising JPP, they no longer are desparate for a pass rusher. What they really need is help protecting their quarterback. Manning will be getting Victor Cruz back this year and has OBJ to go with him, but neither one will be great if he's flat on his back. By drafting Scherff, the Giants can move former first round pick Justin Pugh inside where he's a more natural fit.

10. St Louis Rams - OT/G La'el Collins
Is Sam Bradford fragile? Perhaps, but no matter who you put behind the Rams current line, they're going to be a high injury risk candidate. With impressive young talent on the defensive side of the ball, they need to allocate resources to their line. They have questions across the board and a player like Collins would help a lot due to his ability to play tackle or guard. Adding him will go a long way in allowing the Rams to put a decent line on the field.

11. Minnesota Vikings - WR Amari Cooper
This pick would be bittersweet for Teddy Bridgewater. On one hand, he gets the most polished route runner in the draft and a player I feel has a real chance to catch 100 passes in his first season. On the other hand, because Cooper is on board, Bridgewater will lose out on the change to reunite with college teammate wide receiver DeVante Parker. The heartbreak will be short lived however. After throwing passes last year to Cordarrelle Patterson, who is still struggling with some of his routes, he'll have a player who is where he's supposed to be, when he's supposed to be there. He'll make Bridgewater a better QB.

12. Cleveland Browns - WR DeVante Parker
With two first round picks, the Browns have many options. However, I don't think they'll wait to see what receivers are available as the draft goes on. With their first pick, they'll take the best receiver on the board as long as the value is there. Dorial Green-Beckham may be the most talented WR in the draft, but the Browns won't touch another receiver with off-field question marks. At 6'3" and plenty of speed, Parker is what the Browns need and the value matches up. Parker is a fluid receiver with big-play potential. The Browns just signed Josh McCown and he's had some success throwing to bigger receivers so as long as they can keep him clean, they may be starting to build something here.

13. New Orleans Saints - OLB Alvin "Bud" Dupree
The Saints need help at pass rusher so picking the position was easy. The tough part was deciding between Dupree and Beasley. Dupree worked out at the combine with the linebackers and played OLB Kentucky's 3-4 scheme. The clincher between the two for me was the size difference. Dupree is nearly 270 and stands around 6'4". Rob Ryan loves to use multiple schemes and I think Beasley length (or lack thereof) limits him as far as his versatility. Ryan can get very creative with a guy like Dupree and that's what will put him in a Saints uniform.

14. Miami Dolphins - CB Trae Waynes
I would not be at all surprised if Waynes is gone by this point. He's a tremendous talent and has pulled away from the competition to solidify himself as the top corner in this draft class. The latest rumors put the Dolphins as players in the Ndamukong Suh sweepstakes. If they can land him and snag the best corner in the draft, the Dolphins defense, which was already pretty solid, could get scary.

15. San Francisco 49ers - DT Eddie Goldman
The Niners are getting old along their defensive line and Goldman would be a great addition. Standing at 6'4" and weighing around 320lbs, Goldman has surprising athelticism for a man his size. He played defensive end in 2013 before moving to tackle in 2014. I think in the Niners 3-4 alignment, he could play nose or defensive end, but with his explosiveness, they'll line him up at end first and go from there.

16. Houston Texans - TE Maxx Williams
There's always at least a pick or two that people deem a reach and this could be one of them. With Andre Johnson asking to be cut or traded, the Texans will need some pass-catching help. While Williams isn't a receiver, he's the best tight end in the draft and has drawn comparisons to Jason Witten. Bill O'Brien likes to use multiple tight ends and he may see a little bit of Gronkowski in Williams as he's not a speedy, pass-catching tight end. Williams is a do-everything player that O'Brien will love to have on his team.

17. San Diego Chargers - C Cameron Erving
Here's the first big surprise of the draft so far. The Chargers went through five centers last year and you're not going to win many games with that situation. There really isn't quality in free agency and if you don't get one of the top centers, you're drafting a backup. Erving played LT in 2013 and some of 2014 before moving to center. Many feel the line improved greatly with his move inside. Before playing on the offensive line, he was a defensive tackle so he's still growing and learning and that makes his ceiling quite high. I think the Chargers make this move and get arguably the drafts move versatile lineman.

18. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Jalen Strong
It has been well documented over the last few months that the Chiefs went the entire 2014 season without a touchdown reception by a wide receiver. You simply won't win games in the NFL with that kind of stat. They need a true number one receiver and a guy like Strong has all the measurable to fit that mold. At 6'2" and over and nearly 220 pounds, he lit up the combine with a 4.44 in the 40 and a 42" vertical jump. He has extremely strong hands and an ability to make the acrobatic catch and come down with contested balls. The norm for Andy Reid is to select a lineman with his first round pick, but a receiver in the first is not unheard of. He did select Jeremy Maclin and with the tight budget the Chiefs are on, the draft may be the only way to improve this group of underwhelming receivers.

19. Cleveland Browns - OLB Vic Beasley
The Browns can only hope to be this lucky when the real draft rolls around. I can see Beasley going in the top 10 with his freakish showing at the combine, but in this scenario, he falls to the Browns who have several needs on both sides of the ball. I could see them going with Malcom Brown here to bring some quality to their defensive line, but they can get a quality big body in round two. Beasley plays a premium position and his value is simply too good to pass up at this point.

20. Philadelphia Eagles - RB Todd Gurley
With no shot at Mariota, Kelly turns to the other void on offense and fills it with a top 10 talent. He traded away Philly's All Pro RBs LeSean McCoy to clear some cap space, but I think he had this plan in mind. He likes a run-heavy offense and I wouldn't be surprised if he and his medical staff spent a lot of time checking on Gurley's health at the combine. If all looks good, I can see the Eagles making a splash pick and selecting Gurley to be a cornerstone of this team. Word is, Kelly really likes Brett Hundley too, so it's possible he reaches for the QB or drops back and attempts to draft him, but with the McCoy trade, this pick makes a lot of sense. It's a big splash pick that will feed Kelly's ego.

21. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Malcom Brown
Domata Peko looks like he may get released and even if he's retained, he looks to be on the downside of his career. Brown would be a massive (literally and figuratively) upgrade to the Bengals d-line. Even at 320 pounds, he has a quick first step and is equally sound at collapsing the pocket as he is at stopping the run.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers - S Landon Collins
Troy Polamalu has been one of the best safeties in the NFL for a long time, but he's no longer the same player he used to be. The latest reports are saying the Steelers will not bring him back in 2015 and they hope he retires. The entire secondary of the Steelers needs an overhaul and the best defensive back on the board is Collins. Although he's played both free safety and strong safety during his career, his best asset is as a down-hill player attacking the line of scrimmage. He's an explosive hitter who's tough and aggressive. He should fit what the Steelers like to do very well.

23. Detroit Lions - OT Ereck Flowers
The Lions are losing three of the defensive tackles to free agency so the biggest need is there. This pick could easily be Carl Davis, who has had an impressive off season leading up to the draft. I think they'll address another glaring weakness on the team though and select Flowers to be there new right tackle. Flowers is a day one starter who plays with a nasty streak. He'll bring a contagious attitude to this line and improve the running game as well as the passing game.

24. Arizona Cardinals - OLB Eli Harold
The Cardinals have sported an excellent defense for the last few years, but they've always seemed to lack a pass rush that teams fear. Harold is a bit raw, but he's one of the most explosive players at his position in the draft. he's a tenacious defender who is always flying to the ball. Adding him will be a good first step in fixing the biggest weakness on this defense.

25. Carolina Panthers - OT T.J. Clemmings
Clemmings has played only two years at offensive tackle and his inexperience is noticeable at times. However, what can also be noticed is how quickly he's picked up the position. He's played right tackle, but his skillset would allow him to play left tackle in the NFL. The Panthers are in need of serious help along the offensive line, and Clemmings can contribute immediately while continuing to grow and get better. With his athleticism, he could grow into a pro bowl tackle.

26. Baltimore Ravens - WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Steve Smith looked great in the first half of 2014, but slowed down significantly as the season wore on. The Ravens have shown in the past they will overlook potential off-field red flags when drafting and I think they'd jump at the chance to draft Green-Beckham. He's a freakish athlete who is the true meaning of matchup nightmare. Standing at 6'5" and weighing in at 235lbs, he is more than a small tight end. He has top-end speed (4.49 in the 40) and has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones for his athleticism. Steve Smith has had his share of knucklehead moments in the NFL, but has turned into a team leader over the years, both in Carolina and in his first year in Baltimore. He may be able to mentor Green-Beckham and teach him what it takes to be a pro. If that happens and Green-Beckham keeps his nose clean and focuses on his craft, the Ravens may end up with the steal of the draft with this pick.

27. Dallas Cowboys - DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa
Garrett made his plan clear of the course of his first contract with the team. Fix the lines and things get better. The offensive line is now the envy of most teams in the NFL, but the defensive line is the complete opposite. Tyron Crawford may be an interior fixture for years to come, but he hasn't shown enough to warrant complete trust. DeMarcus Lawrence came on at the end of 2014 and in the playoffs and he looks like he may just be a keeper. Outside of those two, there are some 2014 rookies who are currently in development and a few veterans who will never be feared. A 1-tech defensive tackle and left defensive end are needed and all indications are Marinelli doesn't think a 1-tech is a first round need. So, Dallas goes with the best left defensive end on the board with "Diggy". He can hold up against the run and has a good first step to compliment Lawrence in the pass rush.

28. Denver Broncos - OT Andrus Peat
Peat is probably the top player on the board and he fills a need at offensive tackle for the Broncos. Manning is no spring chicken so they need to make sure the keep the quality up on the offensive line in order to make one last push to the super bowl. Jordan Phillips may be in play with this pick as well if Denver does not retain Terrance Knighton, but overall, I think they have to improve the o-line.

29. Indianapolis Colts - RB Melvin Gordon
Reports are the Colts are interested in Frank Gore. Wait, the reports are the Colts want AP. No, they want Murray. The idea is, everyone knows the Colts are determined to fix their problem at running back. If they land Peterson or Murray, this pick will of course change. If they take Gore, I don't know that he prevents them from taking Gordon. In any event, I don't think the Colts will land any big name running back and will decide to use that cap space on proven defenders. Rookie running backs help faster than rookie defenders, so why not draft the runner and sign the defenders? With Gordon, they get an explosive runner who can play all three downs. No, he didn't catch much in college, but that doesn't mean he can't catch. He is a fine pass catcher and pass protector. He'll be a star lined up behind Luck.

30. Green Bay Packers - ILB Eric Kendricks
The Packers played Clay Matthews at inside linebacker in 2014 and that alone should tell you the dire need for help in that area. Matthews is best used as a pass rushing outside linebacker, not inside. The Pack have let two ILBs go this off season so the need is amplified even more. Kenricks is a sideline-to-sideline type linebacker and will bring a real playmaker to the middle of the Packers defense. Make no mistake, he's not being drafted high just because his brother is such a good player in the NFL. He is the best inside linebacker in this draft.

31. Seattle Seahawks - CB Marcus Peters
Peters could very well be a top 15 talent, but his off field issues will make him tumble in the draft. He could be taken much higher than this, but I have the Seahawks pulling the trigger. Coming off two Super Bowl appearances, they have the credible leaders that can keep a potential problem child rookie in line. With the addition of Peters, the Legion of Boom will continue to be the top secondary in the league.

32. New England Patriots - OG A.J. Cann
The Patriots can use some improvement in the interior of their line in order to keep their quarterback, who is closing in on retirement, off his back. Cann is the top guard in the class and his addition will help the entire offense run better. I was very tempted to put Devin Funchess here. I know he lost ground because of his poor 40 time, but I could see him being used in the Aaron Hernadez role in this offense. Still I think interior offensive line help is the biggest priority for the Pats and this pick makes a lot of sense.

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.