2015 DRAFT BOOK

Transcription

2015 DRAFT BOOK

BALTIMORE RAVENS
DRAFT INFORMATION GUIDE
LB C.J. MOSLEY
2014 FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK
PRO BOWLER / 2 ND-TEAM ALL-PRO
RAVENS 2015 DRAFT CHOICES
First Round: 26th
Second Round: 58th
Third Round: 90th
Fourth Round: 122nd
Fourth Round: 125th
Fourth Round: 136th*
Fifth Round: 158th
Fifth Round: 171st*
Fifth Round: 176th*
Sixth Round: 204th
Compensatory *
BALTIMORE’S
THE WIZARD’S DRAFT MAGIC
Since moving to Baltimore in 1996, the
Ravens, led by Ozzie Newsome, have had
19 drafts and selected 19 players in the first
round. These picks have earned an amazing
56 combined Pro Bowls, several All-Rookie
honors, multiple Defensive Player of the Year
Awards and two Super Bowl MVP honors.
RAVENS FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICKS
Year Name
Pick
Pro Bowls
1996 T Jonathan Ogden*
4
11
1996 LB Ray Lewis* ++ ~
26
13
1997 LB Peter Boulware*
4
4
1998 CB Duane Starks*
10
1999 CB Chris McAlister*
10
3
2000 RB Jamal Lewis*=
5
1
2000 WR Travis Taylor
10
2001 TE Todd Heap*
31
2
2002 S Ed Reed* +
24
9
2003 OLB Terrell Suggs* + 10
6
2003 QB Kyle Boller
19
2005 WR Mark Clayton*
22
2006 DT Haloti Ngata*
12
5
2007 G Ben Grubbs*
29
1
2008 QB Joe Flacco^ ~
18
2009 T Michael Oher*
23
2011 CB Jimmy Smith
27
2013 S Matt Elam
32
2014 LB C.J. Mosley*
17
1
* All-Rookie Team ^ Rookie of the Year (NFL.com Fan Vote) ~ Super Bowl MVP
+ Defensive Player of the Year Award = Offensive Player of the Year Award
MID-TO-LATE FIRST-ROUND FINDS
The Ravens have consistently found gems in the middle and later
portions of the first round, including standouts LB Ray Lewis (26th),
TE Todd Heap (31st), S Ed Reed (24th), G Ben Grubbs (29th), QB Joe
Flacco (18th), CB Jimmy Smith (27th) and LB C.J. Mosley (17th).
Mosley - 17th Pick
2014 Rookie Pro Bowler
Reed - 24th Pick
9 Pro Bowls
‘04 Def. POY
Flacco - 18th Pick
Super Bowl XLVII MVP
Lewis - 26th Pick
13 Pro Bowls
‘00 & ‘03 Def. POY
Smith - 27th Pick
6 Career INTs
and 38 PD
DRAFT MAGIC
2015 Ravens Player Personnel Staff
OZZIE NEWSOME
General Manager &
Exec. Vice President
ERIC DeCOSTA
Assistant
General Manager
Pat Moriarty
Sr. VP of Football Administration
Vincent Newsome
Director of Pro Personnel
Jessica Markison
Director of Football Admin.
George Kokinis
Senior Personnel Assistant
Chad Alexander
Asst. Director of Pro Personnel
Joe Douglas
National Scout
Milt Hendrickson
Mid-Regional Scout
Andy Weidl
East-Regional Scout
Lonnie Young
West-Regional Scout
JOE HORTIZ
Director of
College Scouting
Mark Azevedo
Northeast Area Scout
David Blackburn
West Area Scout
Ian Cunningham
Southeast Area Scout
Jack Glowik
Midwest Area Scout
Tolu Lasaki
Player Personnel Assistant
Andrew Raphael
Player Personnel Assistant
Sandy Weil
Director of Football Analytics
Corey Krawiec
Football Analytics Assistant
Maggie Domanowski
Player Personnel Admin. Asst.
The Ravens have had 34 different players earn Pro Bowls
since the team’s inception. Of those, 18 are homegrown
– 16 drafted and two signed as rookie free agents:
RAVENS HOMEGROWN PRO BOWLERS
Year Drafted (Rd). Name.
Pro Bowls
1996 (1st)
LB Ray Lewis
13
1996 (1st)
T Jonathan Ogden
11
2002 (1st)
S Ed Reed
9
2003 (1st)
OLB Terrell Suggs
6
2006 (1st)
DT Haloti Ngata
5
1997 (1st) OLB Peter Boulware
4
2007 (3rd)
G Marshal Yanda
4
1999 (1st)
CB Chris McAlister
3
2008 (2nd)
RB Ray Rice
3
2001 (1st) TE Todd Heap
2
1996 (5th)
WR/RS Jermaine Lewis
2
2007 (4th)
FB Le’Ron McClain
2
2000 (6th)
OLB Adalius Thomas
2
2007 (1st)
G Ben Grubbs
1
2000 (1st)
RB Jamal Lewis
1
2014 (1st)
LB C.J. Mosley
1
2002 (RFA)
LB Bart Scott #
1
2012 (RFA)
K Justin Tucker #
1
# Undrafted rookie free agent
“Baltimore is brilliant. The Ravens’ brass is fantastic, always
seemingly eight steps ahead. ... And nobody – I mean nobody –
runs the war room on draft day better than [Ozzie] Newsome,
Eric DeCosta and Co. [John] Harbaugh doesn’t get the credit
he deserves. He’s a spectacular coach, plain and simple. Every
year, the Ravens’ upside is to compete for a Super Bowl. That’s
saying something. Harbaugh and Newsome have a whopping
72-40 record in their time together.”
– NFL.com/SiriusXM’s Adam Schein
DRAFT SUCCESS:
Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens’ general manager and executive
vice president, is directing his 20th draft. If history repeats itself,
Ozzie and his staff will select players that will have immediate
and long-lasting impact on the Ravens’ continued success
as a playoff contender. Newsome deflects praise regarding
Baltimore’s outstanding draft history: “It’s about our process.
We have one that involves a lot of hard-working, smart people
who try to take the extra steps to make sure we select Ravenstype players,” Newsome explains.
The “process” includes 20 full-time members of the personnel
department, but also has input from Ravens coaches. Most of
Ozzie’s staff has been with the team since the franchise started
in 1996 or has graduated from the “20/20” club. The “20/20”
group includes members who started with the Ravens as young
assistants and grew into evaluators with more input. (The term
“20/20” refers to hiring “20-year-olds for $20,000.” “Actually, the
guys started when they were a little older than 20 and for more
than $20,000, but that’s what we call them,” Newsome adds.)
“There’s a saying within the Ravens that goes,
‘In Ozzie we trust.’ The reason for that is his track
record is tremendous. He has a philosophy, he
stays true to it, and they’re not going to deviate
from that. If the No. 3 player is the No. 3 player, and
he’s on the board, that’s the guy they’re taking.”
– Chris Mortensen, ESPN
The Ravens do not belong to the National Football Scouting
group, which provides member teams a list of and reports on
players eligible for the draft. “We make our own list, and that
means we look at all players on a college roster,” Eric DeCosta,
the Ravens’ assistant general manager and a graduate of the
“20/20” club, says. Baltimore’s personnel department includes
six area scouts, two pro personnel evaluators, who focus on
college talent at this time of year, and additional support staff
to handle the load. “We do a lot of cross-checking,” DeCosta
offers. “A number of us look at everyone, and then we have the
area scouts look at certain players from other regions so we
get multiple grades and opinions on all the players.”
Once a player is defined as a “draftable” talent by the Ravens,
John Harbaugh and his staff are assigned to add more study,
which could include visits and workouts with some of
the players. “Another advantage we have is that many of us
IT’S A PROCESS
The Ravens’ “20/20 Club” includes members of the team’s personnel staff
who started with Baltimore as young assistants and grew into evaluators
with more input. The term “20/20” refers to hiring 20-year-olds for $20,000.
According to Ozzie Newsome: “The guys actually started when they were a
little older than 20 and for more than $20,000, but that’s what we call them.”
RAVENS “20/20 CLUB” GRADUATES
(Current Personnel Staff)
Name
Joined Ravens Current Title
George Kokinis (Cle.)
1991
Senior Personnel Asst.
Eric DeCosta 1996 Assistant General Manager
Joe Hortiz 1998 Director of College Scouting
Chad Alexander 1999 Asst. Dir. of Pro Personnel
Joe Douglas 2000 National Scout
Mark Azevedo 2005 Northeast Area Scout
David Blackburn
2007
West Area Scout
Ian Cunningham
2008
Southeast Area Scout
have worked together or known each other for awhile, so we
scout the scouts and coaches,” Newsome says. “We may have
a scout or coach who has proven he really knows how to spot
talent at a certain position. That opinion carries more weight
when we’re finalizing the board.”
Adds DeCosta: “Ozzie has assembled such a good, hardworking personnel staff, but what has made it even better is
the enthusiasm and thorough work done by coach Harbaugh
and his staff. Their input has had impact on our board and will
again with this draft.”
Newsome encourages all scouts and coaches to have strong
opinions. “We have very open dialogue. We want everyone’s
opinion, especially from the scouts who have looked at the
players the longest. I think another strength of our room is that
we respect and listen to each other,” Newsome says.
Newsome always talks about taking the “highest-rated player
on our board” when it comes time to select a player. The Ravens’
history proves that. When they had a Pro Bowl left tackle with
Tony Jones, Baltimore selected 11-time Pro Bowler and Hall of
Famer Jonathan Ogden, who was the first pick (fourth overall in
’96) in team history. When they had Pro Bowl players like Priest
Holmes and Shannon Sharpe, the Ravens selected Jamal Lewis
and Todd Heap in the first round. “When we have grades that
are even, we sometimes select the player in the area we have
the greatest need,” Newsome notes. “But, our confidence in
our staff and the process we use make draft days easy, exciting
and fun. The hay is in the barn, so to speak. The hardest work is
done year round prior to the draft.”
SUCCESS ACROSS THE DRAFT BOARD
Marshal Yanda (3rd, 2007)
Rd. Players (Years Drafted)
1 Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden (‘96), Future HOFer Ray Lewis (‘96), Todd Heap (‘01), Ed Reed (‘02),
Terrell Suggs (‘03), Haloti Ngata (‘06), Joe Flacco (‘08), Jimmy Smith (‘11), C.J. Mosley (‘14)
2 Jamie Sharper (‘97), Ray Rice (‘08), Torrey Smith (‘11), Courtney Upshaw (‘12), Kelechi Osemele (‘12), Timmy Jernigan (‘14)
3 Casey Rabach (‘01), Marshal Yanda (‘07), Lardarius Webb (‘09), Crockett Gillmore (‘14)
4 Edwin Mulitalo (‘99), Jarret Johnson (‘03), Le’Ron McClain (‘07), Dennis Pitta (‘10)
5 Jermaine Lewis (‘96), Dawan Landry (‘06), Arthur Jones (‘10), Pernell McPhee (‘11), John Urschel (‘14)
6 Adalius Thomas (‘00), Chester Taylor (‘02), Sam Koch (‘06), Haruki Nakamura (‘08)
7 DeAngelo Tyson (‘12), Michael Campanaro (‘14)
RFAMike Flynn (‘97), Priest Holmes (‘97), Will Demps (‘02), Bart Scott (‘02), Ma’ake Kemoeatu (‘02), Jameel
McClain (‘08), Dannell Ellerbe (‘09), Justin Tucker (‘12), Marlon Brown (‘13), James Hurst (‘14)
2015 NFL DRAFT INFORMATION
NFL DRAFT DETAILS
• The Ravens invite members of the media to their training
facility at 1 Winning Drive when they host their 20th annual NFL
Draft from April 30-May 2 (Thursday to Saturday).
• Directing the Ravens’ draft is general manager & executive
vice president Ozzie Newsome, assistant general manager Eric
DeCosta and director of college scouting Joe Hortiz. Baltimore
begins the draft with 10 selections.
• Each of the 32 NFL clubs have representatives in Chicago,
and via continuous telephone communication with their GMs,
owners, scouts and coaches, deliver the selected names to the
NFL officials. Player personnel assistants Corey Krawiec and
Patrick McDonough will represent the Ravens in Chicago.
DRAFT LOCATION • The 80th NFL Draft kicks off in primetime for the sixthconsecutive year, with the opening round starting Thursday,
April 30, at 8 p.m. ET. The second and third rounds are set for
Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. ET followed by rounds 4-7 on Saturday,
May 2 at 12 p.m. ET
• For the first time in 51 years, the Draft will be held away from
New York City. This year, Chicago’s historic Auditorium Theatre
of Roosevelt University will serve as the Draft’s primary site.
Additionally, for the first time ever, teams will make their picks
in tents along Michigan Avenue in “Selection Square.” Next to
their familiar team tables, all 32 NFL clubs will be represented
with a distinct space that celebrates their franchise and the fans.
• In addition to the draft’s primary aspects taking place in two
locations, fans will be free to explore many of the numerous
other activities going on in Grant Park and the adjoining Congress
Plaza. The sets on the Grant Park site will be surrounded by 32
team tables, where officials from each club will be seated and
relaying their picks across the red carpet on Michigan Avenue
and back into the Auditorium Theatre to be announced.
• The Draft will be televised nationally by ESPN and the NFL
Network and can also be heard on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
What: 80th Annual NFL Draft
Where: Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University,
Michigan Avenue in “Selection Square” & Grant Park – Chicago, IL
When: Thursday, April 30: 8 p.m. ET (Round 1)
Friday, May 1: 7 p.m. ET (Rounds 2-3)
Saturday, May 2: Noon ET (Rounds 4-7)
RAVENS 2015 DRAFT CHOICES (10)
Round
1
2
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
Overall Pick
26
58
90
122
125
136
158
171
176
204
Pick Information
Original Pick
Original Pick
Original Pick
From Detroit (Ngata Trade)
Original Pick
Compensatory Pick
From Detroit (Ngata Trade)
Compensatory Pick
Compensatory Pick
From Dallas (McClain Trade)
ALL-TIME DRAFT PICK BREAKDOWN
(19 DRAFTS)
Schools w/ Most Selections . . . . Alabama & Oklahoma (7)
Offensive Players Selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Defensive Players Selected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Specialists Selected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
First-Round Offensive Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
First-Round Defensive Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pro Bowl Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
First-Team All-Pro Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hall of Famers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 (Jonathan Ogden)
Defensive Players of the Year. . . 3 (R. Lewis - twice, E. Reed, T. Suggs)
Offensive Players of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . 1 (Jamal Lewis)
Defensive Rookies of the Year. . . . . 2 (P. Boulware, T. Suggs)
Super Bowl MVPs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 (R. Lewis, J. Flacco)
Draft Selections By Position
QB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
RB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
TE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
DE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
OLB/DE. . . . . . . . . . 12
S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
LS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
MEDIA FACILITIES
• Workspaces at the Under Armour Performance Center will be
set up in the media workroom (please remember this is a working
press area). The press conference auditorium, equipped with
wireless access and televisions tuned to ESPN and NFL Network,
is also available to media and for those who would like to follow
the Draft’s progress.
• There will be televisions and food for media to enjoy in the
defensive meeting room (combined LBs and DBs rooms) just
outside the auditorium’s back hallway.
SELECTION TIMES
• Teams have 10 minutes to select a player in the first round,
seven minutes in the second round and five minutes in each of
the remaining rounds.
DRAFT PICKS’ ELITE HONORS
The Ravens have produced five different AP Player of the Year
honors over the past 15 seasons. Baltimore has also had two
players earn Defensive Rookie of the Year accolades and two others
garner Super Bowl MVP honors. Impressively, all of these players
(listed below) are Baltimore draft picks.
Major Accolades
Draft Pick (Year)
Ray Lewis (1996)
’00 & ’03 Def. POY; Super Bowl XXXV MVP
Peter Boulware (1997) ’97 Defensive ROY
Jamal Lewis (2000)
’03 Offensive POY
Ed Reed (2002)
’04 Defensive POY
Terrell Suggs (2003)
’03 Defensive ROY; ’11 Defensive POY
Joe Flacco (2008)
’12 Super Bowl XLVII MVP
QUOTH THE RAVENS: DRAFT EDITION
“The Ravens are lauded in NFL circles for their ability to identify and
develop blue-chip players. General manager Ozzie Newsome is viewed
as one of the premier player evaluators in the business; his keen eye for
talent has helped the Ravens consistently land Pro Bowl-caliber guys in
the early stages of the draft.”
– Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
“Talk to anyone who has watched [Ozzie] Newsome and his staff work
up close, and they’ll repeat a variation of the same theme: He made the
rare transition from great player to great team executive and personnel
evaluator by prioritizing listening, learning before talking, and being able
to assimilate vast amounts of information and condense it down to its
most salient points. Somehow, Newsome is able to block out the noise
and avoid drowning in the details, which paves the way to more decisive
and reasoned decision-making in the inherently inexact science that is
football scouting and evaluation.”
– Don Banks, SI.com
“Really, Ozzie is an ambassador for the NFL, period. I think about three ‘C’s’
when I think about Ozzie: classy, consistency and championships. That’s
what I think about. We’re all chasing Ozzie Newsome, man. He doesn’t talk
about it, but go in his office, he’s got skins on the wall. He doesn’t have to
talk about it. His resume says it all for him.”
– Jerry Reese, NY Giants GM
“[Ozzie] Newsome, the only GM the Ravens have had during their 19 years
in Baltimore, has produced two Super Bowl champions, drafted future Hall
of Famers with his first two picks ever (Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis),
has had only two head coaches in the last 16 years (Brian Billick and John
Harbaugh), and has either employed or mentored front-office personnel
all over the NFL. A franchise literally couldn’t ask for more than he’s done.”
– David Steele, The Sporting News
“Ozzie Newsome has headed up personnel for [19] years, the last [13] as
GM, and he retains final say over all personnel matters, including the 53man roster. But this behemoth is built on the strength of more than just one
guy. Pat Moriarty, Eric DeCosta, Vince Newsome and George Kokinis were
all part of the original Ravens staff with Ozzie in 1996, and Joe Hortiz came
aboard in 1998. In few other places does that kind of continuity exist, and
the benefit is a tried-and-true system that is inclusive across the board.”
– Albert Breer, NFL Network
“The reason they’ve been successful is they work at it, and they have a
history and a tradition. Really from the moment we got to Baltimore, we
put a lot of emphasis on college free agents. I think the Ravens have always
approached it like it’s the eighth round of the draft, and their scouts take
great pride in unearthing a player or two. If you can get one of those players
on your team, the impact of it on the salary cap is really significant.”
– Phil Savage, Senior Bowl Exec. Director
“If the NFL was a fantasy football league, the Baltimore Ravens are that
guy who always makes the rest of the room say, ‘Nice pick.’ The Ravens
take value. Year after year, they see a blue-chip talent fall for some bogus
reason or another. And then they snap them up, coach them up and make
them into Pro Bowlers.”
– Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
“The draft is improvement [for the team], but it’s also for the fans. It’s also
the brand, it’s selling, it’s everything. It’s the lifeblood of this organization,
and we take it very seriously. We try to make it a science, we really do.
But in the end, it’s probably more of an art than a science. There’s a lot
of nuance involved. It’s a big-picture thing. It’s a lot of bits and pieces of
information. It’s gut instinct. It’s experience, which I think is really, really
important. It’s past things that have happened. It’s memories. And it’s also
a little bit of science involved. It all works together like a mosaic, and you
just end up doing the best you can.”
– Eric DeCosta, Ravens Assistant GM
“I think Ozzie is true to his board, and the Ravens are as good as any team
in the league at staying true and not panicking on draft day.”
– Mike Mayock, NFL Network
“I think Baltimore, historically, has been one of the best and most
consistent drafting teams out there, and it starts with Ozzie Newsome and
his philosophy, and it extends to Eric [DeCosta] and his staff. I think they are
one of the best staffs that I’ve seen in this league, and part of the reason is
they have been together for so long. That’s the first piece. I think there’s a
lot of talent on the personnel side led by Ozzie.”
- Mike Mayock, NFL Network
“The Ravens’ general manager [Ozzie Newsome] has built a perennial
playoff participant through the draft, and he’s done so by spotlighting the
kinds of players the organization is now known for – those who play like
they’d do it for free. Gritty, tough and with a love of the game. Hard-nosed,
nasty and with a certain violence. If you were choosing sides for a street
fight, think about how many Ravens you’d want on your team.”
– Ian Rapoport, NFL.com
“The genius of his ability to absorb all the information is second to none.
I always equate it to watching him look at the draft board is like watching
Russell Crowe [play Nobel Laureate in economics John Nash] in the movie
‘A Beautiful Mind,’ in that scene where the math just kind of comes off
the board for him. That’s Ozzie with all those names and statistics. Of
course, he has a great eye for talent, too, but his ability to orchestrate that
process, to gain that information, is unmatched.”
– Brian Billick, NFL Network
“If I had to pick one guy to draft me a team, I’d take Ozzie Newsome,
the GM of the Ravens. He’s the best I’ve seen since Ron Wolf. No matter
where the Ravens draft, a good player seems to fall to them.”
– Rick Gosselin, The Dallas Morning News
“Three guarantees in life: Death, taxes and the Ravens ruling the draft.
General manager Ozzie Newsome, [assistant general manager] Eric
DeCosta and a great scouting department comprise a front office that
always seems to be three steps ahead.”
– Adam Schein, SiriusXM/NFL.com
“As a player, he was known as the Wizard of Oz, a Hall of Fame tight end
who was hard to stop. As a drafter, he’s a master of finding the right
players. [Ozzie] Newsome built one of the greatest defenses in NFL
history, starting with middle linebacker Ray Lewis.”
– John Clayton, ESPN
“From his very first draft, in 1996 when he selected Jonathan Ogden and
[Ray] Lewis in the first round, [Ozzie] Newsome has displayed a knack
for doing the right thing when the Ravens are on the clock. Although it’s
difficult to predict who he will pick ... there’s a very good chance that player
will end up being a contributor.”
– Dave Ginsburg, The Associated Press
“He’s a great judge of talent. ... He recognizes how talent fits into the
scheme that they use on both sides of the ball. He’s able to use a great
scouting staff to uncover terrific gems down in the lower part of the draft,
and he understands – more than anything else – how to put together a
team, not just a group of 53 guys, but a team that works and functions
together. He understands, because he was such a great player himself, the
characteristics that a player has to have in order to contribute positively to
a team. There’s a difference between judging talent and putting together a
team, and Ozzie is as good as there is at that.”
– Bill Polian, ESPN
“But in Baltimore, [Eric] DeCosta, the Ravens’ [assistant GM], is a rock
star. He’s the missing Jonas Brother. That was DeCosta who explained the
Ravens’ evaluation process to The New York Times like this: ‘We even grade
our lunches. If I say it’s a 6.2 lunch – all the guys know what that means:
pretty good, but not great. A 7.5 is like the Pro Bowl; if I say the soup is a 7.5
today, everybody runs to get the soup.’ Around Baltimore, in the days and
weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, there’s no duo with more juice in town
than Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome and DeCosta.”
– Rick Maese, formerly The Baltimore Sun
2015 NFL FIRST-ROUND DRAFT ORDER
(as of April 6)
Pick
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Team
2014 Record
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2-14
Tennessee Titans
2-14
Jacksonville Jaguars
3-13
Oakland Raiders
3-13
Washington Redskins
4-12
New York Jets
4-12
Chicago Bears
5-11
Atlanta Falcons
6-10
New York Giants
6-10
St. Louis Rams
6-10
Minnesota Vikings
7-9
Cleveland Browns
7-9
New Orleans Saints
7-9
Miami Dolphins
8-8
San Francisco 49ers
8-8
Houston Texans
9-7
San Diego Chargers
9-7
Kansas City Chiefs
9-7
Cleveland Browns (from Buf.) 7-9
Philadelphia Eagles
10-6
Cincinnati Bengals
10-5-1
Pittsburgh Steelers
11-5
Detroit Lions
11-5
Arizona Cardinals
11-5
Carolina Panthers
7-8-1
Baltimore Ravens
10-6
Dallas Cowboys
12-4
Denver Broncos
12-4
Indianapolis Colts
11-5
Green Bay Packers
12-4
New Orleans Saints (from Sea.) 7-9
New England Patriots
12-4
Win %
.125
.125
.188
.188
.250
.250
.313
.375
.375
.375
.438
.438
.438
.500
.500
.563
.563
.563
.438
.625
.656
.688
.688
.688
.469
.625
.750
.750
.688
.750
.438
.750
Strength
.486
.506
.514
.570
.496
.543
.529
.482
.512
.531
.475
.479
.486
.512
.527
.447
.512
.512
.479
.490
.498
.451
.471
.523
.490
.475
.445
.521
.479
.482
.486
.514
RAVENS DRAFT PICKS ON CURRENT ROSTER
(27 as of April 6)
1st Round (5)
No.
Name 55
Terrell Suggs (starter)
5
Joe Flacco (starter)
22
Jimmy Smith (starter)
26
Matt Elam (starter)
57
C.J. Mosley (starter)
Pos.
OLB
QB
CB
S
LB
Drafted
D1a (10th) - 2003
D1 (18th) - 2008
D1 (27th) - 2011
D1 (32nd) - 2013
D1 (17th) - 2014
2nd Round (4)
91
Courtney Upshaw (starter) OLB
72
Kelechi Osemele (starter) G/T
59
Arthur Brown
LB
97
Timmy Jernigan (starter)DT
D2a (35th) - 2012
D2b (60th) - 2012
D2 (56th) - 2013
D2 (48th) - 2014
3rd Round (5)
73
Marshal Yanda (starter) G/T
21
Lardarius Webb (starter) CB/RS
98
Brandon Williams (starter) DT
31
Terrence Brooks
S
80
Crockett Gillmore
TE
D3b (86th) - 2007
D3 (88th) - 2009
D3 (94th) - 2013
D3a (79th) - 2014
D3b (99th) - 2014
4th Round (4)
88
Dennis Pitta (starter)
44
Kyle Juszczyk (starter)
96
Brent Urban
34
Lorenzo Taliaferro
TE
FB
DE
RB
D4 (114th) - 2010
D4b (130th) - 2013
D4a (134th) - 2014
D4b (138th) - 2014
5th Round (3)
25
Asa Jackson
71
Rick Wagner (starter)
64
John Urschel
CB/RS
G/T
G/C
D5 (169th) - 2012
D5 (168th) - 2013
D5 (175th) - 2014
6th Round (4)
4
Sam Koch
95
Kapron Lewis-Moore
77
Ryan Jensen
10
Keith Wenning
P
DE
G/C
QB
D6a (203rd) - 2006
D6a (200th) - 2013
D6b (203rd) - 2013
D6 (194th) - 2014
7th Round (2)
93
DeAngelo Tyson
15
Michael Campanaro
DE
WR/RS
D7 (236th) - 2012
D7 (218th) - 2014
TIMING OF THE DRAFT ROUNDS
• Duration of first round of 2014 Draft: 3 hours, 39 minutes
• Last year’s first-round selections kicked off at 8:04 p.m. ET and were completed at 11:43 p.m. ET
• Longest first round since 1967: 2007 (6 hours, 8 minutes)
• Shortest first round since 1967: 1972 (2 hours)
• As it was first implemented in 2008, teams are allowed 10 minutes to draft in the first round, seven minutes in the second round
and five minutes in the remaining five rounds (third-seventh).
First Round . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 minutes
Second Round. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 minutes
Third-Seventh Rounds. . . . . . . . . . . . 5 minutes
2015 RAVENS DRAFT PICK (10) WORKSHEET
Round
Overall
1
26
2
58
3
90
4
122
4
125
4
136*
5
158
5
171*
5
176*
Position Player
College
6
204
* Compensatory; cannot be traded
NFL COMPENSATORY PICKS
A total of 32 compensatory choices in the 2015 NFL Draft have been awarded to 14 teams this year, including three to the Ravens.
Under the rules for compensatory draft selections, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in
the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of
compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four.
This year, the compensatory picks will be positioned within the third through seventh rounds based on the value of the compensatory
free agents lost. Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The
formula was developed by the NFL Management Council. Not every free agent lost or signed by a club is covered by this formula.
Since 1994 (the first year compensatory draft picks were established), the Ravens have been awarded an NFL-high 44
compensatory selections (see below right chart). Green Bay (35) and Dallas (33) are second and third, respectively.
---- 2015 NFL COMPENSATORY DRAFT PICKS ---Round
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Selection
33-97
34-98
35-99
33-132
34-133
35-134
36-135
37-136
33-169
34-170
35-171
36-172
37-173
38-174
39-175
40-176
Team
New England
Kansas City
Cincinnati
San Francisco
Denver
Seattle
Cincinnati
Baltimore
Carolina
Seattle
Baltimore
Kansas City
Kansas City
Carolina
Houston
Baltimore
Round Selection
6
33-209
6
34-210
6
35-211
6
36-212
6
37-213
6
38-214
6
39-215
6
40-216
6
41-217
7
33-250
7
34-251
7
35-252
7
36-253
7
37-254
7
38-255
7
39-256
Team
Seattle
Green Bay
Houston
Pittsburgh
Green Bay
Seattle
St. Louis
Houston
Kansas City
Denver
Denver
Denver
New England
San Francisco
Indianapolis
Arizona
Most Compensatory Picks
(2015 Draft)
1.Denver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Kansas City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.Baltimore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Houston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Most Compensatory Picks
(Since 1994)
1. Baltimore. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
2. Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
3. Dallas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4. St. Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
RAVENS ALL-TIME DRAFT PICKS
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1a 4 G/T 1b 26 LB 2b 55 CB
5b 153 WR
6a 172 LB
6b 186 WR
7b 238 QB
1996
Player
Jonathan Ogden Ray Lewis DeRon Jenkins Jermaine Lewis Dexter Daniels James Roe Jon Stark College
UCLA Miami
Tennessee
Maryland
Florida
Norfolk State
Trinity Intl.
Obtained second 1st-round choice (26) from SF along with
49ers 1995 1st-, 3rd- and 4th- (from KC) round picks for Cle.
1995 1st-round pick (obtained from Atl. for RB Eric Metcalf
and Cle. original 1995 1st-round pick). First 2nd-round choice
(35) was traded to TB for TE Harold Bishop. Obtained second
2nd-round choice (55) from Den. for 1996 3rd-, 4th- and 7thround picks. First 5th-round choice (136) was traded to NO
for DB Reginald Jones. Obtained second 5th-round pick (153)
from Atl. for G Gene Williams. Third 5th-round choice (157)
obtained from Phi. to Dal. for 1997 4th-round pick. Obtained
second 6th-round choice (186) from Jax. (supplemental) along
with Jaguars 1995 5th-round pick for Cle. 1995 4th-round
pick. Obtained second 7th-round choice (238) from Phi. for
DL Ronnie Dixon.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
4 LB
2a 34 LB
2b 58 S
3
64 RB
4b 118 LB
5 134 C
6a 167 FB
6b 194 LB
7a 205 DE
7b 234 QB
7c 236 S
7d 238 DT
1997
Player
Peter Boulware Jamie Sharper
Kim Herring Jay Graham
Tyrus McCloud Jeff Mitchell Steve Lee
Cornell Brown* Chris Ward Wally Richardson*
Ralph Staten*
Leland Taylor* College
Florida State
Virginia
Penn State
Tennessee
Louisville
Florida
Indiana
Virginia Tech
Kentucky
Penn State
Alabama
Louisville
Obtained second 2nd-round choice (58) from Den. for T Tony
Jones. First 4th-round choice (100) was traded to Atl. through
Sea. for G Jeff Blackshear. Obtained second 4th-round pick from
Dal. for 1996 5th-round pick (obtained from Phi.).
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
10 CB
2
42 WR
5a 124 DT
5b 133 S
6a 154 LB
6b 164 T
7b 241 TE
1998
Player
Duane Starks Patrick Johnson Martin Chase Ryan Sutter
Ron Rogers Sammy Williams Cam Quayle*
College
Miami
Oregon
Oklahoma
Colorado
Georgia Tech
Oklahoma
Weber State
Traded 3rd-round choice (71) along with 1998 4th-round pick
(93) to Ind. for QB Jim Harbaugh and Colts 1998 4th-round pick.
* Compensatory Pick
Traded first 4th-round choice (from Ind.) to Ind. for 1998 4th-,
5th- and 6th-round picks. Traded second 4th-round pick (104) to
TB for 1999 3rd-round pick. Traded first 7th-round choice (199)
to Atl. through Pit. for OL Bernard Dafney.
Rd.
1
4a 4b 7
Pk.
10 105
129
216 Pos.
CB
WR
G
S
1999
Player
Chris McAlister Brandon Stokley Edwin Mulitalo* Anthony Poindexter
College Arizona SW Louisiana
Arizona
Virginia
Traded 2nd-round choice (42) to Atl. for Atl. 2000 1st-round
pick. Traded 3rd-round pick (72) to Det. along with conditional
2000 5th-round pick for QB Scott Mitchell. Traded 5th-round
choice (145) to STL along with 2000 7th-round pick for QB Tony
Banks. Traded first 6th-round choice (180) to NE for TE Lovett
Purnell. Traded second 6th-round choice (185, from Ind.) to
Min. for OL Everett Lindsay.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1a 5 RB
1b 10 WR
3
75 QB
5 148 OL
6a 186 DE
6b 191 DT
2000
Player
Jamal Lewis Travis Taylor Chris Redman Richard Mercier Adalius Thomas Cedric Woodard College
Tennessee
Florida
Louisville
Miami
So. Mississippi
Texas
Acquired first 1st-round pick (5) from Atl. for a 1999 2nd-round choice.
2001
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
31 TE
2
62 DB
3
92 C/G
4 126 LB
5 161 RB
6 194 LS
7 231 DE
Player
Todd Heap Gary Baxter Casey Rabach Edgerton Hartwell Chris Barnes Joe Maese
Dwayne Missouri Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
24 S
2
52 DE
4a 112 P
4b 123 WR
5 155 TE
6a 195 DB
6b 206 WR
6c 207 RB
6d 209 S
7 236 QB
Player
Ed Reed Anthony Weaver Dave Zastudil Ron Johnson Terry Jones Lamont Brightful Javin Hunter* Chester Taylor* Chad Williams* Wes Pate 2002
College
Arizona State
Baylor
Wisconsin
W. Illinois
New Mexico St.
New Mexico
Northwestern
College
Miami
Notre Dame
Ohio
Minnesota
Alabama
E. Washington
Notre Dame
Toledo
So. Mississippi
Stephen F. Austin
Traded 3rd-round choice (96) to Den. for 4th- (112) and
5th-round (155) picks (Ravens had traded their 5th [159] to
Washington to draft Weaver).
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1a 10 LB
1b 19 QB
3
77 RB
4a 109 LB
4b 134 FB
5a 146 DT
5b 173 T
6 182 S
7a 223 TE
7b 250 C
7c 258 S
2003
Player
Terrell Suggs Kyle Boller Musa Smith Jarret Johnson Ovie Mughelli* Aubrayo Franklin Tony Pashos* Gerome Sapp Trent Smith Mike Mabry* Antwoine Sanders* College
Arizona State
California
Georgia
Alabama
Wake Forest
Tennessee
Illinois
Notre Dame
Oklahoma
Central Florida
Utah
Traded 2nd-round choice (41) to NE with 2004 1st-round pick
for NE’s 1st-round pick (19/Boller).
Rd.Pk. Pos.
2
51 DT
3
82 WR
5 153 OLB
6a 187 QB
6b 199 WR
7a 244 WR
7b 246 G
2004
Player
Dwan Edwards Devard Darling Roderick Green Josh Harris Clarence Moore* Derek Abney* Brian Rimpf* College
Oregon State
Washington St.
Cen. Missouri St.
Bowling Green
N. Arizona
Kentucky
East Carolina
Traded 1st-round pick to NE for Pats’ 2003 1st-round selection
(19) to draft QB Kyle Boller. Traded 4th-round pick (120) to Jax.
for WR Kevin Johnson.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
22 WR
2a 53 OLB
2b 64 T
4 124 G/C
5 158 FB
6 213 QB
7 234 LB
2005
Player
Mark Clayton Dan Cody Adam Terry Jason Brown Justin Green Derek Anderson*
Mike Smith College
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Syracuse
North Carolina
Montana
Oregon State
Texas Tech
Obtained second 2nd-round choice (64) from NE in exchange
for Ravens 3rd- (84) and 6th-round (195) picks in 2005 and a
3rd-round selection in 2006.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
12 DT
2
56 C/G
3
87 CB
4a 111 WR
4b 132 RB
5a 146 S
5b 166 TE
6a 203 P
6b 208 CB
7 219 LB/DE
* Compensatory Pick
2006
Player
Haloti Ngata Chris Chester David Pittman Demetrius Williams P.J. Daniels* Dawan Landry Quinn Sypniewski* Sam Koch* Derrick Martin* Ryan LaCasse College
Oregon
Oklahoma
NW State
Oregon
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech
Colorado
Nebraska
Wyoming
Syracuse
Obtained 1st-round choice (12) from Cle. for Baltimore’s 1stround (13) and 6th-round (181) picks. Obtained 2nd-round
(56) and 3rd-round (87) choices from the N.Y. Giants for the
Ravens’ 2nd-round pick (44).
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
29 G
3a 74 WR
3b 86 G/T
4a 134 OLB
4b 137 FB
5 174 QB
6 207 ILB
2007
Player
Ben Grubbs Yamon Figurs Marshal Yanda Antwan Barnes* Le’Ron McClain* Troy Smith* Prescott Burgess* College
Auburn
Kansas State
Iowa
Florida Intl.
Alabama
Ohio State
Michigan
Obtained first 3rd-round pick (74) and a 4th-round choice
(101) from Det. for the Ravens’ 2nd-round (61) pick. Acquired
second 3rd-round choice (86) from Jax. for 4th-round (101),
5th-round (166) and 6th-round (203) picks.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
18 QB
2
55 RB
3a 71 ILB
3b 86 S
3c 99 T
4a 106 WR
4b 133 G/T
6 206 S
7a 215 WR 7b 240 RB
2008
Player
Joe Flacco Ray Rice Tavares Gooden Tom Zbikowski Oniel Cousins* Marcus Smith David Hale* Haruki Nakamura* Justin Harper Allen Patrick* College
Delaware
Rutgers
Miami
Notre Dame
UTEP
New Mexico
Weber State
Cincinnati
Virginia Tech
Oklahoma
Obtained 1st-round (18) choice from Houston for the Ravens’
1st-round (26) and 3rd-round (89) picks that Baltimore
received from Jacksonville, plus the Ravens’ 6th-round
(173) choice. Baltimore began the day with the 8th-overall
pick and traded it to Jacksonville for the Jaguars’ 1st-round
(26), both 3rd-round (71 and 89) and 4th-round (125)
selections. Obtained 2nd-round (55) choice from Seattle
for the Ravens’ 2nd-round (38) pick. Acquired second 3rdround (86) choice, along with 2nd-round pick (Rice, 55) from
Seattle for the Ravens’ 2nd-round (38) pick. Traded 4thround (125) choice to Oakland for CB Fabian Washington.
Note: In 2007, the Ravens used a 5th-round pick in
the July Supplemental Draft to tab T Jared Gaither.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
23 T
2
57 LB/DE
3
88 DB
5a 137 LB
5b 149 TE
6 185 RB
2009
Player
Michael Oher Paul Kruger Lardarius Webb Jason Phillips Davon Drew Cedric Peerman College
Mississippi
Utah
Nicholls State
TCU
East Carolina
Virginia
Obtained 1st-round choice (23) from NE for the Ravens’ 1stround (26) and 5th-round (162) picks. Acquired two 5th-round
choices (137 and 141) from NE for the Ravens’ 4th-round (123)
pick. Obtained 5th-round (149) and 6th-round (185) choices
from Denver for the 5th-round (141) pick.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
2a 43 LB
2b 57 DT
3
70 TE
4 114 TE
5a 156 WR
5b 157 DT
6 194 T
2010
Player
Sergio Kindle
Terrence Cody
Ed Dickson
Dennis Pitta
David Reed
Arthur Jones
Ramon Harewood
College
Texas
Alabama
Oregon
BYU
Utah
Syracuse
Morehouse
Acquired first 2nd-round (43), 3rd-round (70) and 4th-round
(114) choices from Den. for the Ravens’ 1st-round (25) pick.
Traded original 3rd-round (88) and 4th-round (123) choices to
Ari. for WR Anquan Boldin and a 5th-round pick (157).
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
27 CB
2
58 WR
3
85 T
4 123 WR
5a 164 CB
5b 165 DE
6 180 QB
7 225 RB
2011
Player
Jimmy Smith
Torrey Smith
Jah Reid
Tandon Doss
Chykie Brown*
Pernell McPhee*
Tyrod Taylor
Anthony Allen
College
Colorado
Maryland
Central Florida
Indiana
Texas
Mississippi St.
Virginia Tech
Georgia Tech
Traded 3rd-round pick (90) and a 6th-round pick (191) to Phi. in
exchange for Eagles’ 85th selection to acquire Reid.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
2a 35 OLB
2b 60 G/T
3
84 RB
4a 98 G/C
4b 130 S
5 169 CB/RS
6 198 WR
7 236 DE
2012
Player
Courtney Upshaw
Kelechi Osemele
Bernard Pierce
Gino Gradkowski
Christian Thompson*
Asa Jackson*
Tommy Streeter
DeAngelo Tyson
College
Alabama
Iowa State
Temple
Delaware
South Carolina St.
Cal Poly
Miami
Georgia
Obtained 2nd-round pick (35) and 4th-round choice (98) in
a trade with Min. in exchange for the Ravens’ 1st-round (29)
* Compensatory Pick
selection. Obtained the 84th-overall pick in a trade with Atl.
for the Ravens’ 3rd-round (91) and 5th-round (164) selections.
Rd.Pk. Pos.
1
32 S
2
56 LB
3
94 DT
4a 129 OLB
4b 130 FB
5 168 G/T
6a 200 DE
6b 203 C
7a 238 WR
7b 247 CB
2013
Player
Matt Elam
Arthur Brown
Brandon Williams
John Simon
Kyle Juszczyk*
Rick Wagner*
Kapron Lewis-Moore
Ryan Jensen*
Aaron Mellette
Marc Anthony*
College
Florida
Kansas State
Missouri Southern St.
Ohio State
Harvard
Wisconsin
Notre Dame
Colorado St.-Pueblo
Elon
California
Obtained 56th pick in a trade with Seattle for the Ravens’ 2ndround pick (62nd), 5th-round choice (165th) and 6th-round
selection (199th).
2014
Rd.Pk. Pos. Player
1
17 LB C.J. Mosley 2
48 DT Timmy Jernigan 3a 79 S
Terrence Brooks 3b 99 TE Crockett Gillmore* 4a 134 DE Brent Urban* 4b 138 RB Lorenzo Taliaferro* 5 175 G/C John Urschel* 6 194 QB Keith Wenning 7 218 WR/RS Michael Campanaro College
Alabama
Florida State
Florida State
Colorado State
Virginia
Coastal Carolina
Penn State
Ball State
Wake Forest
Ravens acquired the 218th pick from the Browns in exchange
for a 2015 draft choice.
RAVENS DRAFT PICKS BY COLLEGE
Alabama 7, Arizona 2, Arizona State 2, Auburn 1, Ball State
1, Baylor 1, Bowling Green 1, BYU 1, California 2, Cal Poly
1, Central Florida 2, Central Missouri State 1, Cincinnati 1,
Coastal Carolina 1, Colorado 3, Colorado State 1, Colorado
State - Pueblo 1, Delaware 2, East Carolina 2, Eastern
Washington 1, Elon 1, Florida 4, Florida International 1,
Florida State 3, Georgia 2, Georgia Tech 4, Harvard 1,
Illinois 1, Indiana 2, Iowa 1, Iowa State 1, Kansas State 2,
Kentucky 2, Louisville 3, Maryland 2, Miami (FL) 6, Michigan
1, Minnesota 1, Mississippi 1, Mississippi State 1, Missouri
Southern St. 1, Montana 1, Morehouse 1, Nebraska 1, New
Mexico 2, New Mexico State 1, Nicholls State 1, Norfolk
State 1, North Carolina 1, Northern Arizona 1, Northwestern
1, Northwestern State 1, Notre Dame 4, Ohio State 2,
Ohio University 1, Oklahoma 7, Oregon 4, Oregon State 2,
Penn State 3, Rutgers 1, South Carolina State 1, Southern
Mississippi 2, SW Louisiana 1, Stephen F. Austin 1, Syracuse
3, TCU 1, Temple 1, Tennessee 3, Texas 3, Texas Tech 1, Toledo
1, Trinity International 1, UCLA 1, Utah 3, UTEP 1, Virginia 4,
Virginia Tech 3, Wake Forest 2, Washington State 1, Weber
State 2, Western Illinois 1, Wisconsin 2, Wyoming 1
2015 ALPHABETICAL
ROSTER
Last updated: April 2, 2012
Updated
April
2015
As of Aug.
2, 6,
2012
No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Birthdate Exp.
College
Hometown
68 Bilukidi, Christo DT
6-5
320
12/13/89
4
Georgia State
Ottawa, Ontario
31 Brooks, Terrence S
5-11
200
3/2/91
2
Florida State
Dunnellon, FL
59 Brown, Arthur ILB
6-0
235
6/17/90
3
Kansas State
Wichita, KS
14 Brown, Marlon
WR
6-5
214
4/22/91
3
Georgia
Memphis, TN
17 Butler, Jeremy WR
6-2
218
4/22/91
2
Tennessee-Martin Sarasota, FL
15 Campanaro, Michael
WR/RS 5-9
185
1/25/91
2
Wake Forest
Clarksville, MD
99 Canty, Chris
DE
6-7
317
11/10/82
11
Virginia
Charlotte, NC
46 Cox, Morgan LS
6-4
233
4/26/86
6
Tennessee
Collierville, TN
58 Dumervil, Elvis
OLB
5-11
255
1/19/84
10
Louisville
Miami, FL
26 Elam, Matt
S
5-10
200
9/21/91
3
Florida
West Palm Beach, FL
5 Flacco, Joe
QB
6-6
245
1/16/85
8
Delaware
Audubon, NJ
29 Forsett, Justin
RB
5-8
197
10/14/85
8
California
Lakeland, FL
80 Gillmore, Crockett
TE
6-6
251
11/16/91
2
Colorado State
Bushland, TX
42 Greenwood, Chris
CB
6-1
193
7/10/89
3
Albion
Detroit, MI
67 Guy, Lawrence
DE
6-4
318
3/17/90
5
Arizona State
Las Vegas, NV
74 Hurst, James
T
6-5
308
12/17/91
2
North Carolina
Plainfield, IN
25 Jackson, Asa CB/RS 5-10
182
12/2/89
4
Cal Poly
Sacramento, CA
97 Jernigan, Timmy
DT
6-2
300
9/24/92
2
Florida State
Lake City, FL
78 Jones, Marcel
G/T
6-7
320
9/4/88
2
Nebraska
Phoenix, AZ
44 Juszczyk, Kyle
FB
6-1
248
4/23/91
3
Harvard
Medina, OH
4 Koch, Sam
P
6-1
222
8/13/82
10
Nebraska
Seward, NE
41 Levine, Anthony CB
5-11
203
3/27/87
4
Tennessee State
Winston-Salem, NC
23 Lewis, Kendrick
S
6-0
198
6/16/88
6
Mississippi
New Orleans, LA
95 Lewis-Moore, Kapron DE
6-4
310
1/24/90
3
Notre Dame
Weatherford, TX
50 McClellan, Albert
ILB
6-2
248
6/4/86
5
Marshall
Lakeland, FL
60 Monroe, Eugene
T
6-5
300
4/18/87
7
Virginia
Plainfield, NJ
57 Mosley, C.J.
LB
6-2
235
6/19/92
2
Alabama
Mobile, AL
54 Orr, Zachary
LB
6-0
237
6/9/92
2
North Texas
DeSoto, TX
72 Osemele, Kelechi G/T
6-5
330
6/24/89
4
Iowa State
Houston, TX
88 Pitta, Dennis TE
6-4
245
6/29/85
6
BYU
Moorpark, CA
32 Pointer, Quinton
CB
5-9
186
4/16/88
3
UNLV
Cape Coral, FL
85 Reisner, Allen
TE
6-3
255
9/29/88
3
Iowa
Marion, IA
n/a Renner, Bryn
QB
6-3
225
1/22/90
1
North Carolina
West Springfield, VA
86 Reuland, Konrad TE
6-5
260
4/4/87
3
Stanford
Mission Viejo, CA
13 Robinson, Aldrick
WR
5-10
184
9/24/88
3
Southern Methodist Waxahachie, TX
8 Schaub, Matt
QB
6-6
235
6/25/81
12
Virginia
West Chester, PA
35 Small, Kiero
FB
5-9
242
3/1/89
R
Arkansas
Baltimore, MD
51 Smith, Daryl
ILB
6-2
250
3/14/82
12
Georgia Tech
Albany, GA
22 Smith, Jimmy CB
6-2
209
7/26/88
5
Colorado
Colton, CA
89 Smith Sr., Steve
WR
5-9
195
5/12/79
15
Utah
Los Angeles, CA
55 Suggs, Terrell
OLB
6-3
260
10/11/82
13
Arizona State
Chandler, AZ
34 Taliaferro, Lorenzo RB
6-0
226
12/23/91
2
Coastal Carolina
Yorktown, VA
n/a Thompson, Zach
DE
6-5
265
1/18/91
1
Wake Forest
Ashburn, VA
93 Tyson, DeAngelo
DE
6-2
315
4/12/89
4
Georgia
Statesboro, GA
91 Upshaw, Courtney
OLB
6-2
272
12/13/89
4
Alabama
Eufaula, AL
96 Urban, Brent DE
6-7
295
5/5/91
2
Virginia Mississauga, ON, CAN
64 Urschel, John
G/C
6-3
308
6/24/91
2
Penn State
Buffalo, NY
71 Wagner, Rick G/T
6-6
310
10/21/89
3
Wisconsin
West Allis, WI
21 Webb, Lardarius CB/RS 5-10
182
10/12/85
7
Nicholls State
Opelika, AL
10 Wenning, Keith
QB
6-3
222
2/14/91
1
Ball State
Coldwater, OH
98 Williams, Brandon
DT
6-1
335
2/21/89
3
Missouri Southern St. Kirkwood, MO
73 Yanda, Marshal
G/T
6-3
305
9/15/84
9
Iowa
Anamosa, IA
53 Zuttah, Jeremy
G/C
6-4
300
6/1/86
8
Rutgers
Edison, NJ
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS (10)
No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Birthdate Exp.
College
Hometown
11 Aiken, Kamar WR
6-2
215
5/30/89
3
Central Florida
Hollywood, FL
39 Jacobs, Tramain CB
5-11
182
5/20/92
2
Texas A&M
Covington, LA
77 Jensen, Ryan
OL
6-4
306
5/27/91
2
Colorado State-Pueblo Fort Morgan, CO
56 Means, Steven
DE
6-3
260
9/16/90
2
Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
38 Melvin, Rashaan
CB
6-2
193
10/2/89
2
Northern Illinois
Waukegan, IL
48 Scales, Patrick
LS
6-4
228
2/11/88
2
Utah State
North Ogden, UT
84 Supernaw, Phillip
TE
6-5
248
1/30/90
2
Ouachita Baptist
Katy, TX
43 Toussaint, Fitzgerald
RB
5-10
205
5/4/90
2
Michigan
Youngstown, OH
28 Trawick, Brynden
S
6-2
225
10/23/89
3
Troy
Marietta, GA
79 Walker, Casey
DT
6-1
340
12/6/89
2
Oklahoma
Garland, TX
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2)
33 Hill, Will
S
6-1
207
3/7/90
4
Florida
West Orange, NJ
9 Tucker, Justin
K
6-0
189
11/21/89
4
Texas
Austin, TX
2015 NUMERICAL
ROSTER
Updated
April
2015
As of Aug.
2, 6,
2012
2)
----------- 2014 Games -----------
No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Birthdate
Exp. College
How Acq.
P
S
DNP INA
4 Sam Koch
P
6-1
222
8/13/82
9
Nebraska
D6a ‘06
16
0
0
0
5 Joe Flacco
QB
6-6
245
1/16/85
7
Delaware
D1 ‘08
16
16
0
0
8 Matt Schaub
QB
6-6
235
6/25/81
12
Virginia
FA ‘15
11
0
3
2
10 Keith Wenning
QB
6-3
222
2/14/91
R
Ball State
D6 ‘14
0
0
0
0
13 Aldrick Robinson
WR
5-10
184
9/24/88
3
Southern Methodist FA ‘14
5
0
0
7
14 Marlon Brown
WR
6-5
214
4/22/91
2
Georgia
FA ‘13
14
1
0
2
15 Michael Campanaro
WR/RS 5-9
185
1/25/91
R
Wake Forest
D7 ‘14
4
0
0
12
17 Jeremy Butler
WR
6-2
218
4/22/91
R
Tennessee-Martin FA ‘14
0
0
0
0
21 Lardarius Webb
CB/RS 5-10
182
10/12/85
6
Nicholls State
D3 ‘09
13
11
0
3
22 Jimmy Smith
CB
6-2
209
7/26/88
4
Colorado
D1 ‘11
8
8
0
1
23 Kendrick Lewis
S
6-0
198
6/16/88
6
Mississippi
UFA (HOU) ‘15 16
16
0
0
25 Asa Jackson
CB/RS 5-10
182
12/2/89
3
Cal Poly
D5 ‘12
7
6
0
0
26 Matt Elam
S
5-10
200
9/21/91
2
Florida
D1 ‘13
16
11
0
0
29 Justin Forsett
RB
5-8
197
10/14/85
7
California
FA ‘14
16
14
0
0
31 Terrence Brooks
S
5-11
200
3/2/91
R
Florida State
D3a ‘14
11
0
0
3
32 Quinton Pointer
CB
5-9
186
4/16/88
3
UNLV
FA ‘14
0
0
0
0
34 Lorenzo Taliaferro
RB
6-0
226
12/23/91
R
Coastal Carolina
D4b ‘14
13
0
0
1
35 Kiero Small
FB
5-9
242
5/1/89
R
Arkansas
FA ‘14
3
3
0
0
41 Anthony Levine
CB
5-11
203
3/27/87
3
Tennessee State
FA ‘12
16
3
0
0
42 Chris Greenwood
CB
6-1
193
7/10/89
3
Albion
FA ‘14
0
0
0
2
44 Kyle Juszczyk
FB
6-1
248
4/23/91
2
Harvard
D4b ‘13
16
14
0
0
46 Morgan Cox
LS
6-4
233
4/26/86
5
Tennessee
FA ‘10
7
0
0
0
50 Albert McClellan
ILB
6-2
248
6/4/86
4
Marshall
FA ‘10
16
0
0
0
51 Daryl Smith
ILB
6-2
250
3/14/82
11
Georgia Tech
UFA (JAX) ‘13 16
16
0
0
53 Jeremy Zuttah
G/C
6-4
300
6/1/86
7
Rutgers
TR (TB) ‘14
16
16
0
0
54 Zachary Orr
LB
6-0
237
6/9/92
R
North Texas
FA ‘14
15
0
0
1
55 Terrell Suggs
OLB
6-3
260
10/11/82
12
Arizona State
D1a ‘03
16
16
0
0
57 C.J. Mosley
LB
6-2
235
6/19/92
R
Alabama
D1 ‘14
16
16
0
0
58 Elvis Dumervil
OLB
5-11
253
1/19/84
9
Louisville
FA ‘13
16
2
0
0
59 Arthur Brown
ILB
6-0
235
6/17/90
2
Kansas State
D2 ‘13
4
0
0
12
60 Eugene Monroe
T
6-5
300
4/18/87
6
Virginia
TR (JAX) ‘13 11
11
0
5
64 John Urschel
G/C
6-3
308
6/24/91
R
Penn State
D5 ‘14
11
3
0
5
67 Lawrence Guy
DE
6-4
318
3/17/90
3
Arizona State
WAV (SD) ‘14 14
1
0
2
68 Christo Bilukidi
DT
6-5
320
12/13/89
3
Georgia State
WAV (CIN) ‘14 4
0
0
1
71 Rick Wagner
G/T
6-6
310
10/21/89
2
Wisconsin
D5 ‘13
15
15
0
0
72 Kelechi Osemele G/T
6-5
330
6/24/89
3
Iowa State
D2b ‘12
14
14
0
2
73 Marshal Yanda G/T
6-3
305
9/15/84
8
Iowa
D3b ‘07
16
16
0
0
74 James Hurst
T
6-5
308
12/17/91
R
North Carolina
FA ‘14
16
5
0
0
78 Marcel Jones
G/T
6-7
320
9/4/88
2
Nebraska
FA ‘14
0
0
0
0
80 Crockett Gillmore
TE
6-6
251
11/16/91
R
Colorado State
D3b ‘14
15
1
0
1
85 Allen Reisner
TE
6-3
255
9/29/88
3
Iowa
FA ‘14
0
0
0
0
86 Konrad Reuland
TE
6-5
260
4/4/87
3
Stanford
FA ‘14
0
0
0
0
88 Dennis Pitta
TE
6-4
245
6/29/85
5
BYU
D4 ‘10
3
3
0
0
89 Steve Smith Sr.
WR
5-9
195
5/12/79
14
Utah
FA ‘14
16
16
0
0
91 Courtney Upshaw
OLB
6-2
272
12/13/89
3
Alabama
D2a ‘12
16
14
0
0
93 DeAngelo Tyson
DE
6-2
315
4/12/89
3
Georgia
D7 ‘12
11
4
0
5
95 Kapron Lewis-Moore
DE
6-4
310
1/24/90
2
Notre Dame
D6a ‘13
0
0
0
0
96 Brent Urban
DE
6-7
295
5/5/91
R
Virginia
D4a ‘14
0
0
0
0
97 Timmy Jernigan
DT
6-2
300
9/24/92
R
Florida State
D2 ‘14
12
3
0
4
98 Brandon Williams
DT
6-1
335
2/21/89
2
Missouri Southern St. D3 ‘13
16
14
0
0
99 Chris Canty
DE
6-7
317
11/10/82
11
Virginia
FA ‘13
11
11
0
5
n/a Bryn Renner
QB
6-3
225
1/22/90
1
North Carolina
FA ‘15
0
0
0
0
n/a Zach Thompson
DE
6-5
265
1/18/91
1
Wake Forest
FA ‘15
0
0
0
0
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS (10)
----------- 2014 Games -----------
No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Birthdate
Exp. College
How Acq.
P
S
DNP
INA
11 Kamar Aiken
WR
6-2
215
5/30/89
2
Central Florida
FA ‘13
16
0
0
0
28 Brynden Trawick
S
6-2
225
10/23/89
2
Troy
FA ‘13
14
0
0
2
38 Rashaan Melvin
CB
6-2
193
10/2/89
1
Northern Illinois
FA ‘14
3
2
0
4
39 Tramain Jacobs
CB
5-11
182
5/20/92
R
Texas A&M
FA ‘14
3
0
0
0
43 Fitzgerald Toussaint
RB
5-10
205
5/4/90
R
Michigan
FA ‘14
2
0
2
1
48 Patrick Scales
LS
6-4
228
2/11/88
1
Utah State
FA ‘14
2
0
0
0
56 Steven Means
DE
6-3
260
9/16/90
2
Buffalo
FA ‘14
1
0
0
1
77 Ryan Jensen
OL
6-4
306
5/27/91
2
Colorado State-PuebloD6b ‘13
1
0
0
1
79 Casey Walker
DT
6-1
340
12/6/89
1
Oklahoma
FA ‘14
6
1
0
3
84 Phillip Supernaw
TE
6-5
248
1/30/90
1
Ouachita Baptist
FA ‘14
7
1
1
2
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2)
9 Justin Tucker
K
6-0
189
11/21/89
3
33 Will Hill
S
6-1
207
3/7/90
3
Texas
Florida
FA ‘12
FA ‘14
----------- 2014 Games -----------
16
0
0
0
10
8
0
0
MOCK DRAFTS
2015 Mock Drafts
ESPN.com – Mel Kiper, Jr.
Last updated: March 5, 2015
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
th
28. Denver Broncos: Denver’s 28 pick inadvertently omitted from ESPN.com’s website.
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
ESPN.com – Todd McShay
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
MMQB.com – Peter King
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Looked good with his 102-pass workout in Tallahassee on Tuesday, with 96 balls on target, but it might have been one of the more
meaningless workouts in recent pro day history. If the Bucs—whose private eyes have interviewed more than 75 people from Winston’s
past—don’t find any big problems with him, he’ll be the first pick on April 30.
2. Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
I’m going mostly by the look in coach Ken Whisenhunt’s eyes when he talked about the pick last week at the league meetings. P retty
scientific, huh? Well, that plus his nominal starter is Zach Mettenberger. Plus Whisenhunt’s job will be on the line with another fourthplace finish in a bad division.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
The popular pick here is USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams, who might be the best player in the draft. But the Jags have 2014 star
defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks, and two other 300-pound linemen, Tyson Alualu and Jared Odrick. The need is for a rusher.
Fowler fits.
4. Oakland Raiders
Leonard Williams, DT, USC
GM Reggie McKenzie waits for the phone to ring. He’ll trade during his pick, especially with Williams on the board. Interesting trade-up
candidate: Cleveland, with the 12th, 19th and 43rd picks, and with a big need for a dominating three-technique pile-mover.
*5. St. Louis Rams
Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
*Trade: In exchange for giving St. Louis the fifth pick, Washington gets the 10th and 72nd pick.
Washington GM Scot McCloughan badly wants to trade this pick, because his needs don’t match the players on the board. The Rams
don’t love anyone on the board here, but a premier player at wideout is a big need. Interesting if it happens: The two big receiver stars
in recent Mountaineer history, White and Tavon Austin, would be reunited in Missouri.
6. New York Jets
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
After quarterback to Tampa Bay, receiver to the Jets is the most logical pick in the draft. Now watch Mike Maccagnan take a corner.
7. Chicago Bears
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Bears would love White or Cooper. New GM Ryan Pace might trade up for one. But John Fox loves rushers, and even after spending
$39 million in free agency on Pernell McPhee, Beasley is the best value for the rush-starved Bears.
First-year head coach Dan Quinn is hoping to make the Atlanta Falcons into Seattle East. The first step will be finding the right passrusher at the top of this draft, Robert Klemko writes.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Mark my words: Dupree’s getting picked higher than draftniks think. And if there’s one regret Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff has after last
season, it’s that he didn’t go out and buy or draft a premier rusher last year. He won’t get fooled again.
9. New York Giants
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Pretty easy pick, though I have no idea if this is GM Jerry Reese’s man. G-Men need the line to be fortified, and Scherff is the best
offensive lineman on everyone’s board. Don’t think too hard here, Jerry.
*10. Washington Redskins
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
*Trade: In exchange for the No. 5 pick, St. Louis sends Washington the 10th and 72nd. Good first move for McCloughan, if he can
gather another pick while nabbing a pass-rusher in the process to replace Brian Orakpo.
2015 Mock Drafts
11. Minnesota Vikings
Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Coach Mike Zimmer is not telegraphing his wants too much; he was at UConn cornerback Byron Jones’ workout Tuesday in Storrs,
Conn. Jones would be a fallback if Waynes gets taken in the top 10.
12. Cleveland Browns
D.J. Humphries, OT/OG, Florida
It’s a meat-and-potatoes pick for GM Ray Farmer, taking the second-best tackle prospect on many boards.
13. New Orleans Saints
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Saints will have this sign on their draft table in Chicago on April 30: MAKE US AN OFFER. WE WANT MORE PICKS. LOTS OF THEM.
Failing a big offer with some good cornerbacks and rushers on the board, and satisfied that Gregory does not have a case of the
munchies, GM Mickey Loomis makes defensive coordinator Rob Ryan a happy man.
14. Miami Dolphins
DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville.
An obvious need. Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey prays Parker will be on the board at 14.
15. San Francisco
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Had his share of off-field problems in Seattle, but the Niners are used to dealing with those. Chris Culliver-for-Peters is a very good offseason deal for new coach Jim Tomsula.
16. Houston Texans
Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Texans spent big on Kareem Jackson last month at corner, and they certainly could go receiver here. Tough call. Johnson is very proready.
17. San Diego Chargers
Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
GM Tom Telesco could go lots of ways here. Easy to pick a receiver, a corner, a rusher, or the best back in the draft. But Telesco
learned about fortifying lines from Bill Polian. Just a hunch he’ll do that to give Philip Rivers a fighting chance in 2015, grabbing a player
ready to play early from a pro-style scheme.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
Wouldn’t be shocked to see him go as high as 13 or 14, especially after running two sub-4.3 40s at his pro day. He’s getting tons of
love in the scouting community. Chiefs will hope he’s not Stephen Hill.
Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
He’s getting dinged by a few scouts for his inconsistency recently, and he’s likely just a two-down player. But at his peak, he could be a
Vince Wilfork, and the Browns need some defensive beef.
20. Philadelphia Eagles
Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Jordan Matthews: 6-3, 212. Jaelen Strong: 6-2 ½, 219. Chip Kelly then fills in the receiver slots with some Riley Coopers and Miles
Austins.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Have thought all along Cincinnati would take the best offensive lineman here, and it’s certainly possible. But at the combine, Bengals
folk were very high on Collins.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
I guess the Steelers could take something other than a corner in the first round. But it wouldn’t be a good pick.
Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
2015 Mock Drafts
23. Detorit Lions
Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
“Second-best offensive lineman in the draft, to Scherff,” was the word in Phoenix from one GM. He’ll be a steal for someone if he gets
past 20. Lions had awful center play last year, then cut Dominic Raiola. Big need position for Detroit.
24. Arizona Cardinals
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Problems with this pick: Gurley is only four months out from knee reconstruction; it’s likely he won’t be at full strength to start the 2015
season … The Cards like Ameer Abdullah of Nebraska, and know they can get him down the line … The Cards might be able to get—
might—Adrian Peterson at a discount if the Vikings get desperate. So I wouldn’t write this pick with a pen.
25. Carolina Panthers
Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
The Panthers have a few needs, but the one at tackle cries out for an instant fix.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
I have never been one for common wisdom when it comes to predicting the Ravens. Nor has Ozzie Newsome, who must be focusing
on corners and receivers. But Gordon dropping this far, even with found money Justin Forsett in the fold, cannot be ignored.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
Cowboys have needs all over the front seven, and Phillips is the best big body available.
28. Denver Broncos
La’el Collins, OT, LSU
Good value for the spot, but I think GM John Elway would have preferred the value and need pick of Cameron Erving here. Could
Elway be persuaded to trade ahead of Detroit for Erving?
*29. St. Louis Rams
T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
*Trade: In exchange for the 29th pick, Indianapolis gets the 41st and 119th picks.The Rams have done their share of compiling picks
during the Les Snead regime. Now it’s time to spend one to address a very leaky line, especially after Jake Long was released and St.
Louis let Joe Barksdale test the market (he hasn’t left yet, but he could). Teams will be sniffing around the end of the first round for the
remnants of the tackle and receiver markets.
30. Green Bay Packers
Denzel Perryman, MLB/ILB, Miami (Fla.)
Could the Packers get their desperately needed plugger linebacker in the second round? To be sure. They might even be able to get
the 5-11, 236-pound Perryman there. But the Pack loves Perryman, and Ted Thompson’s never been afraid to take a shot on a player
others don’t value as highly.
*31. Chicago Bears
Byron Jones, CB, UConn
*Trade: In exchange for the 31st pick, New Orleans gets the 39th, 106th and 192nd picks. Shot in the dark.The clues: Bears were 30th
in the NFL against the pass last year; Bear corners are ancient; new GM Ryan Pace comes from Mickey Loomis’ classroom in New
Orleans. And Pace knows the Patriots love UConn players, and had a contingent Tuesday at Husky Pro Day, where Jones ran 4.38
and 4.44.
32. New England Patriots
So long, Vince. Hello, Eddie.
Eddie Goldman, NT, Florida State
2015 Mock Drafts
SportsIllustrated.com – Don Banks
Jameis Winston, QB, RS Sophomore, Florida State
Winston did nothing but support his case for going No. 1 with his strong pro day workout in Tallahassee on Tuesday afternoon, throwing
a whopping 102 passes for the assembled NFL evaluators. He certainly sounds convinced that he and the Bucs are a match, calling
himself “the best player in the draft,” and Tampa Bay’s decision-makers continue to give the impression that their comfort level with the
FSU star is sky-high, both on the field and in the realm of the character-issue debate. If those trends hold steady for another couple
weeks, it’s not hard to imagine the Bucs opening early contract negotiations and trying to strike a pre-draft deal.
2. Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota, QB, RS Junior, Oregon
I gave the Titans stud USC defensive end Leonard Williams in my first mock, but after listening to Tennessee’s Ken Whisenhunt for an
hour at last week’s AFC head coaches/media breakfast at the league’s annual meeting, I came away believing a quarterback is very
much in play at No. 2. And when you consider that only the largely untested Zach Mettenberger might be all that stands in the way of
Whisenhunt perhaps losing his second and final NFL head coaching job with another poor season in Nashville, Mariota makes plenty of
sense. It could have been a clever smokescreen to entice someone to trade up to the No. 2 spot, but either way I’m leaning heavily that
Mariota goes in this slot to someone.
Leonard Williams, DE, Junior, USC
Many consider Williams the draft’s most elite prospect, regardless of his non-quarterback status, and Jacksonville’s dream would come
true if both Winston and Mariota are the first two names off the board. The Jags could be in the position to field trade offers at No. 3, but
Williams would be an impact cornerstone-type player to insert into the lead-the-way defense head coach Gus Bradley is trying to build.
4. Oakland Raiders
Kevin White, WR, Senior, West Virginia
The Raiders have their pick between the draft’s top two receivers, and they probably can’t go wrong choosing between White and
Alabama’s Amari Cooper. White’s track record isn’t as proven, but his skill set fits today’s NFL perfectly, with his size-speed
combination and his ability to come down with the contested catch in traffic. Raiders QB Derek Carr should be rooting for White’s
selection, because that combination has big-play potential written all over it.
5. Washington Redskins
Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Junior, Florida
In need of a difference-maker off the edge with oft-injured pass-rusher Brian Orakpo moving on in free agency, Washington is in prime
position to select either Florida’s Fowler or Nebraska outside linebacker/defensive end Randy Gregory. Washington has had its share
of issues with players testing positive for marijuana in recent years—as Gregory did at last month’s scouting combine—so perhaps that
will tilt the pick Fowler’s way.
6. New York Jets
Randy Gregory, OLB, RS Junior, Nebraska
You don’t pass on pass rushers who can be game-changers, and even with Alabama receiver Amari Cooper still on the board, I would
expect new Jets coach Todd Bowles to scoop up another dynamic piece for his greatly improved defense.
7. Chicago Bears
Amari Cooper, WR, Junior, Alabama
Replacing the departed Brandon Marshall with Cooper in the Bears passing game will be a very well-received move both within
Chicago’s locker room and all of Bears Nation. Cooper will ensure that teams can’t gang up in coverage on Alshon Jeffrey.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Vic Beasley, OLB, RS Senior, Clemson
Beasley’s dazzling combine showing helped generate top 10 momentum, and his pass-rushing potential is exactly the kind of disruptive
force the Falcons lack on defense. New Atlanta coach Dan Quinn should be able to come away with one of the top three edge rush
prospects—either Beasley, Fowler or Gregory.
2015 Mock Drafts
9. New York Giants
Brandon Scherff, OL, RS Senior, Iowa
If an elite pass-rusher slips to them, the Giants will probably pounce, because New York always seems to win when it brings the heat
on the opposing quarterback. Top cornerback prospect Trae Waynes of Michigan State could also be tempting, as might a trade
downward. But in the end, Scherff is the draft’s best offensive lineman, and the Giants’ issues there have been crippling in recent
seasons. Scherff’s versatility is another plus, in that he projects at both tackle or guard.
10. St. Louis Rams
Trae Waynes, CB, Junior, Michigan State
The Rams might be just out of the money at No. 10 in terms of the draft’s elite prospects, but selecting the draft’s top-rated cornerback
is a logical move with both Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson slated for free agency in March 2016. There’s still some buzz that
St. Louis could be looking to trade up in a quest for Marcus Mariota, but I’m of the mindset the Rams are content with the newly arrived
Nick Foles under center.
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, RS Junior, Missouri
The Mike Wallace trade makes a first-round receiver much less likely, and unless Minnesota has a strong conviction about an offensive
tackle who probably doesn’t deserve a No. 11 draft slot, I’d think head coach Mike Zimmer would lean in favor of more pass rush. Ray
has that first-step burst everyone is looking for, and one team that could potentially jump ahead of Minnesota to get him would be the
No. 13 Saints.
Danny Shelton, DT, Senior, Washington
Upon further review, the Browns should be able to get the quality receiver they need with their second first-rounder, at No. 19. That
should make their need at nose tackle the priority, and Shelton is a space-eater who can fight off double-team blocks and still manage
to find his way into the backfield consistently. The Browns outside pass rush will get better with Shelton in the trenches, holding the
point of attack.
Bud Dupree, OLB/DE, Senior, Kentucky
Now owning a second pick in the first round, at No. 31, thanks to the stunning Jimmy Graham trade with Seattle, the Saints have a little
more latitude to be on the move come draft night. If they stay at No. 13, Dupree offers some of the pass rush juice they sorely lacked
last season, and his blend of size, speed and athleticism should present opportunities for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to move him
around and find his best role. This might be a tad high for Dupree in the eyes of some teams, but pass rushers never linger long on the
board.
14. Miami Dolphins
Devante Parker, WR, Senior, Louisville
With Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Charles Clay leaving for Minnesota, Cleveland and Buffalo, respectively, the Dolphins are in
need of another passing-game weapon at quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s disposal, even with Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron being
added. Parker has first-year impact potential and should not stay on the board too far behind top-rated receivers Amari Cooper and
Kevin White.
15. San Francisco 49ers
Marcus Peters, CB, Junior, Washington
The 49ers cornerback depth chart took some hits during free agency, even though there were bigger-name defections on defense in
San Francisco. Peters has some well-chronicled baggage he’ll bring to the NFL, but the 49ers organization hasn’t shied away from
taken chances on red-flagged players who have talent. And make no mistake, Peters is considered the draft’s best pure cover man,
with a skill set that should serve him well in the cornerback-rich NFC West. Torrey Smith’s signing in free agency should allow the 49ers
to target some their defensive replenishment in the first round.
16. Houston Texans
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Junior, Missouri
The Texans traditionally play it pretty safe in the first round, but Green-Beckham might be worth bucking that trend. With Andre
Johnson gone to Indianapolis and only possession-receiver Cecil Shorts added to the attack, Houston could use another big target
opposite DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans would have to be comfortable that Green-Beckham could show an increased sense of maturity
and get with head coach Bill O’Brien’s no-nonsense program, but his rare blend of size and speed, and superb play-making skills will
entice someone to invest in him in the top 20.
2015 Mock Drafts
Todd Gurley, RB, Junior, Georgia
Gurley’s 2014 ACL surgery makes him a calculated gamble of sorts, but one that might promise a huge potential payoff in time.
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon might be San Diego’s safer option in the short-term, if starting impact from day one is the goal.
But for now, with the Chargers losing Ryan Mathews to Philadelphia in free agency, Gurley’s upside gives him the nod to be the first
rusher off the board.
La’el Collins, OT, Senior, LSU
The Jeremy Maclin signing in free agency likely shifts the first-round focus from receiver to the offensive line, although a size-speed
pass-catcher like Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong could still be tempting to Kansas City. Collins has the swing-man skills to plug in at
either guard or tackle and upgrade an offensive front that has not been a Chiefs strength in recent years.
Jaelen Strong, WR, Junior, Arizona State
(Pick via Buffalo) Having landed a needed big man for the interior defensive line in Washington’s Danny Shelton at No. 12, the Browns
are expected to address offense with their second first-round pick, taking either the best of the remaining first-round receiver prospects
or an offensive tackle who can start on the right side, opposite left tackle Joe Thomas. Added to the likes of newcomers Dwayne Bowe
and Brian Hartline, Strong would give the Cleveland receiving depth chart an almost entirely new look in 2015.
Landon Collins, S, Junior, Alabama
The Eagles have done major renovation work on offense this offseason, but continuing to upgrade the defense now becomes the focus
of the draft. They’d be very fortunate to find the well-regarded Collins still available this late in the proceedings. He’s an athletic and
rangy free safety whose skill set is an ideal fit for what Chip Kelly seeks from his last line of defense.
Malcolm Brown, DT, Junior, Texas
I had the Bengals selecting UCLA pass-rusher Owamagbe Odighizuma in my first mock, but the return of defensive end Michael
Johnson to the fold in free agency means Cincinnati can beef up its interior defensive line, where Geno Atkins hasn’t looked like the
same dominant player after his 2013 ACL injury. Going for an offensive tackle to eventually replace the aging Andrew Whitworth is the
another solid option for the Bengals, but there’s better value in a prospect of Brown’s pedigree.
Jalen Collins, CB, RS Junior, LSU
The Steelers have a need for more pass rush help, but getting a talent infusion for the secondary has to be the top priority. Collins
underwent recent surgery on his right foot after a small fracture was discovered at the combine, but it’s not thought to be an injury that
will require a long rehab and impact his rookie season. Somewhat light on starting experience at LSU, Collins has ideal size and speed,
and he displays strong press coverage skills.
23. Detroit Lions
Eddie Goldman, DT, Junior, Florida State
The Lions at defensive tackle this offseason have lost Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley and added Haloti Ngata, but the welldecorated ex-Raven is in the final year of his contract and may turn out to be just a short-term fix in Detroit. Goldman is a run-stuffer
who can throw his 300-pound-plus frame into the void that exists up front for the Lions, contributing from day one. Finding an offensive
right tackle is also on the to-do list, which could mean Stanford’s Andrus Peat or Pitt’s T.J. Clemmings are on Detroit’s first-round radar.
Melvin Gordon, RB, RS Junior, Wisconsin
This feels like the right neighborhood in the first round for the ex-Badger, because Arizona’s backfield need for a legit No. 1 rushing
threat is so glaring. Gordon can do serious damage once he gets past the line of scrimmage, and if the Cardinals’ trade interest in
Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson comes to nothing between now and April 30, Arizona would be wise to keep Gordon wearing a familiar red
and white color scheme.
2015 Mock Drafts
Andrus Peat, OT, Junior, Stanford
Carolina’s offensive line issues correspond nicely with where the strength of the bottom fourth of the first round lies. The Panthers need
a plug-and-play tackle, and should have Peat, Pitt’s T.J. Clemmings, Miami’s Ereck Flowers and Florida’s D.J. Humphries to choose
from. Choosing the right guy to have Cam Newton’s back is job one in Charlotte.
Kevin Johnson, CB, RS Senior, Wake Forest
There’s not thought to be much mystery to Baltimore’s top needs. The Ravens are doing their homework on cornerbacks and receivers,
and might wind up taking a couple shots in both of those markets before the draft concludes. Johnson plays a very solid game in all
respects and could likely handle a nickel role immediately in Baltimore. The receiving option who might get the longest look from the
Ravens at No. 26 is Central Florida’s Breshad Perriman, a speedster who would fill the deep threat vacancy created by Torrey Smith’s
departure for San Francisco in free agency.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Jordan Phillips, DT, RS Sophomore, Oklahoma
With the top two running backs (Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon) already off the board, and Greg Hardy signed to help boost the pass
rush, defensive tackle could be in line for first-round attention. Phillips doesn’t carry a consensus first-round grade, but with Danny
Shelton, Eddie Goldman and Malcolm Brown no longer available, Phillips might get pushed up into the bottom of the round. Cornerback
is another option for Dallas (Connecticut’s Byron Jones?), but again, the market there is starting to look pretty well picked over at this
point.
28. Denver Broncos
T.J. Clemmings, OT, RS Senior, Pittsburgh
Finding an offensive right tackle to replace the departed Orlando Franklin is the obvious first-round objective. But Denver also could use
either a starter at nose tackle (Iowa’s Carl Davis?) or a young tight end prospect (Minnesota’s Maxx Williams?). Clemmings is a solid
value this far down in the round, and other tackle options still available include Florida’s D.J. Humphries and Miami’s Ereck Flowers.
29. Indianapolis Colts
Cameron Irving, C/G, RS Senior, Florida State
Two reasons to link the Colts to Irving: His versatility is very attractive, with the ability to play either guard or center, and thus give
Indianapolis more depth and interchangeability. Secondly, he’s thought to be very much on New England’s wish list, and keeping him
away from the defending champion Patriots arguably helps narrow the gap between the Colts and the AFC superpower they’re chasing.
Eric Kendricks, ILB, Senior, UCLA
This week’s re-signing of both B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion points the Packers in another direction besides defensive tackle in the first
round. Cornerback makes sense with both Tramon Williams and Devon House lost in free agency, but I’m not sure there’s great firstround value left at that position. Kendricks would help shore up Green Bay’s sieve-like run defense and he’s a chase-the-ball talent who
would represent a significant upgrade over the recently released A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones.
Maxx Williams, TE, RS Sophomore, Minnesota
The Saints could easily keep their first-round focus on defense, after taking Kentucky pass rusher Bud Dupree at No. 13. But with the
pick they received from Seattle in trade for Jimmy Graham, finding another starting tight end seems logical. Williams isn’t the one-onone mismatch that Graham was—who is?—but he’d make a nice target for Drew Brees and can even add an element of blocking ability
that Graham never exhibited.
Carl Davis, DT, Senior, Iowa
It’s always a decent bet to forecast New England trading out of a low first-round draft slot, but the champs do have needs to address at
cornerback, defensive tackle and the interior offensive line. For now we’ll give them Davis as the potential replacement for departed
veteran nose tackle Vince Wilfork, with better options and value available at cornerback and offensive line in the coming rounds.
2015 Mock Drafts
SportsIllustrated.com – Doug Farrar
The Buccaneers spent free agency jettisoning all the mistakes they made a year earlier. Among those missteps was the signing of
journeyman Josh McCown, who turned one outlier half-season with the Bears into a starting gig and a $10 million deal. Now, the Bucs
need to reload at the position through the draft, and Winston provides a compelling case as to why he should be the guy. He is not as
quick-twitch as some may assume, and all that off-field stuff won't go away no matter how much the narrative shifts (nor should it). But
Winston has the arm to make any throw, he's fearless in the pocket and he has all the physical skills that portend greatness at the NFL
level. It will be up to his NFL coaching staff to refine what needs to be refined—multiple reads, occasional telegraphing and the ability to
consistently adjust out of pressure.
2. Tennessee Titans
Coach Ken Whisenhunt was non-committal when asked at the scouting combine about the future of quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
"We’re going to compare where he ended the season with these young guys in the draft," Whisenhunt said. "Zach did a lot of good
things for us last year. With the way the year went and where we are in the draft, you have to put the time in on the guys that are
coming out."
Mettenberger is a good stopgap for a team that needs to redefine several parts of its roster, but what about the long-term? It's possible
that the Titans see Mettenberger as the guy, but it's just as possible that Mariota is tremendously appealing to Whisenhunt, who has
spent years developing young quarterbacks. There's a lot Mariota will have to learn at the next level—taking snaps under center and
the complexities of an NFL playbook to name two. But he has the mentality to succeed, he's proven that he can handle pressure at the
highest levels and he's highly coachable, by all accounts. Once he gets the hang of all that, his mobility combined with a greater feel for
the pro game could make him a transcendent player.
Brandon Scherff, OT, RS Senior, Iowa
The Jaguars have two receivers they like a lot in Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee. And they dropped serious coin on former Bro ncos
tight end Julius Thomas to round out a passing game in need of redefinition. Now, the real work begins with quarterback Blake Bortles,
who the Jags didn't want to start in his rookie campaign. Injuries forced that issue, and Bortles wasn't ready, though he had his
moments. For Bortles to ascend though, something will have to be done about an offensive line that allowed Bortles to be sacked on a
league-leading 28.9 percent of his dropbacks. Some of those takedowns were Bortles's fault, but there's no question the Jags' line is in
need of improvement as well. Scherff might be a bit of an overdraft with the third pick, but from a need and quality perspective, he's a
major step up with his technique, consistency and toughness. He could play left or right tackle for the Jags, or kick inside to guard, and
there are needs at all of those positions in Jacksonville.
4. Oakland Raiders
Leonard Williams, DT, Junior, USC
This is a case of best player available—yes, the Raiders need better targets to take Derek Carr to the proverbial next level, but Williams
provides a rare level of consistency and toughness, and Oakland's defense could use that. New head coach Jack Del Rio will think he's
hit the jackpot with a player who's drawn comparisons to Richard Seymour. While I'm a little concerned about Williams's quickness off
the snap, he's a true multi-gap disruptor who could grow into one of the best at more than one position.
Whatever it is that Jay Gruden is trying to accomplish with his quarterback situation—and at this point, we're not entirely sure—he's
going to need a top-level receiver in Washington, D.C., as he had in Cincinnati with A.J. Green. The Redskins have the speed quotient
covered with DeSean Jackson, and the possession aspect with a number of players. But White has the ability to take the top off any
defense with his acceleration, he's a wizard at times with contested catches, and he's only going to get better in the right offense. The
combination of 4.35 speed that transfers to the field and his 6'3", 215-pound frame makes White a tantalizing target for any team in the
top 10.
2015 Mock Drafts
6. New York Jets
The Jets have the interior of their defensive line sewn up with the Sons of Anarchy (we assume the Jets retained custody of that
nickname when Rex Ryan moved on to Buffalo), but new head coach Todd Bowles will need a pure edge-rusher who can disrupt inside
in certain packages. Fowler registered 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2014, but it's my belief that he'll be even more effective with
an NFL team that doesn't ask him to fill inside gaps quite as much. Fowler is a powerful guy at 6'3" and 261 pounds, but he gets
washed out at times against bigger men because he needs a more versatile array of moves. As a pure outside factor in a two- or threepoint stance, Fowler has the potential to be the best in this draft class.
7. Chicago Bears
The Bears grabbed a major piece with Pernell McPhee, the former Raven who can wreak havoc all over the line, and Lamarr Houston
has a lot of potential in the same way. Chicago also has a couple of interesting young defensive tackles, but in Vic Fangio's defense, a
true interior force will be needed—and that's where Shelton comes in. You'd expect him to excel at the nose at 6'2" and 339 pounds,
and he does, but he's also a load to deal with as a 3-4 end and a five-tech tackle. Fangio might use Shelton as he did Justin Smith for
years in San Francisco, and possibly with the same level of success over time.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, RS Junior, Nebraska
The Falcons' need for a true pass-rusher is as well-documented as the franchise's number of strikeouts when trying to hit on that
position. But if there's one thing new head coach Dan Quinn learned during his time as Seattle's defensive coordinator, it's how to take
raw defensive linemen and linebackers and turn them into pass-rushing missiles. Gregory is a particularly interesting player with a sillyquick first step, an underrated level of technique and more functional strength than you might imagine at 6'5" and 235 pounds. Ideally,
Gregory will fill out a bit more and marry even more pass-rush moves to his physical gifts, and Quinn is just the guy to get him there.
9. New York Giants
The Giants have several needs to address in the draft—the downturn in winning percentage over the last three seasons is not a
coincidence. And while there are obvious weaknesses along the offensive line, Big Blue has always been defined through the Tom
Coughlin era by its pass rush. The Giants gave the franchise tag designation to Jason Pierre-Paul, but a reliable bookend is needed,
and Beasley has all the tools to make a major impact along that front seven. He's very quick off the snap, has great pursuit against the
run and can drop into coverage at times.
10. St. Louis Rams
The decision to trade Sam Bradford for Nick Foles? The wisdom of that can be debated over time. What's not debatable is that whoever
the Rams' quarterback is in 2015, he'll need better targets than Bradford ever had if the Rams are to ascend to the top of the NFC
West. Cooper isn't as flashy as Kevin White, but he's faster than he looks on tape because he does so many things smoothly and well.
From route-running to toughness over the middle to blocking, Cooper would provide a huge boost to this passing game.
Left tackle Matt Kalil's serious downslide may have been caused by injuries, but it's real, it's obvious, and if it doesn't reverse itself,
Teddy Bridgewater will be spending a lot of time rolling right. Even if Kalil does figure it out, the combination of Phil Loadholt and
Michael Harris gave up 10 sacks at the right tackle position last season. Collins would set that right, as he's a pure mauler.
Do the Browns still need a quarterback after a couple of ill-conceived first-round picks and a veteran flier on Josh McCown? Sure they
do, but with Winston and Mariota gone, the smart play here is to get as many targets for McCown (or Johnny Manziel, should he ever
figure things out) and hope for the best in the short term. Parker could use a little more muscle on his frame and in his play, but he's a
top-level target with good speed and route development. His stats fell off a bit after Teddy Bridgewater moved to the NFL, but Parker
actually increased his yards per reception in 2014, and the sky's the limit in the right system. Cleveland may not be the right system just
yet, but Parker would be a welcome addition.
2015 Mock Drafts
With two first-round picks after the Jimmy Graham trade and a host of needs in the midst of an obvious rebuild, the Saints could go all
sorts of directions here. But a pass-rush enhancement would be a big help for a defense that drastically underperformed in 2014, and
Ray is the kind of player who can help transform a front seven pretty quickly. He led the SEC in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (22.5)
in 2014, and though he's raw at this point, he has a great deal of potential—and potential is what the Saints seem to be backing at this
point.
14, Miami Dolphins
Miami made moves to improve an offense that saw an upswing in 2014, and the addition of Ndamukong Suh should reframe a run
defense that collapsed down the stretch and probably cost the 'Fins a playoff berth.The next step is to solidify the secondary—Brent
Grimes is great on one side, but the rest of the rotation is a bit of a question mark. Waynes should erase a lot of those question marks
with his length, speed and ball skills.
Shaq Thompson, LB, Junior, Washington
Well. The 49ers off-season from hell took an unexpected turn when linebacker Chris Borland retired after just one NFL season, joining
veteran Patrick Willis in the calling-it-quits department. NaVorro Bowman missed the entire 2014 season with a knee injury, leaving a
formerly stout group in complete turmoil. Thompson wouldn't solve all of San Francisco's problems, but I like his versatility in any
defense—he can play outside linebacker and kick back to safety in passing situations, and he's a pretty good running back, for what it's
worth.
16. Houston Texans
Jaelen Strong, WR, RS Junior, Arizona State
Eventually, the Texans will have to stop relying on historic seasons from J.J. Watt as their primary winning currency. The quarterback
position has been a problem to a greater or lesser degree since this franchise came into being in 2002, and the addition of Brian Hoyer
to a decidedly mediocre group doesn't do much. Add in that the Texans lost franchise-defining receiver Andre Johnson this off-season,
and you have a team with a real need to add targets to help DeAndre Hopkins. Strong has just about everything needed to be great in
the NFL—he's big, strong, route-savvy, and he's used to going out of his way to grab passes from some pretty average quarterbacks.
Ryan Mathews took a trip from San Diego to Philly, and while undrafted rookie Branden Oliver is a great story and a nice
complementary piece, the Chargers need to double down and find the back who can define them at that position. Of all the rushers in
this draft class, Gordon has the best balance of speed, acceleration, toughness and durability.
Dorial Beckham-Green, WR, Junior, Missouri
Green-Beckham is a highly risky proposition given all the issue in his past, but the Chiefs just gave Jeremy Maclin—a receiver with one
1,000-yard season on his résumé—a five-year, $55 million deal with $22.5 million guaranteed. That's what happens when your
receivers can't score any touchdowns ... literally in 2014. The reason Green-Beckham is so interesting despite all the drama is that he
has an insane combination of size and speed, and at his full potential, he's nearly impossible to cover one-on-one. He could be one of
the best receivers of the decade, or he could be a cautionary tale—and someone in the first round is going to take the risk on how that
story is told. Given their desperation to turn the passing game around, the Chiefs are a likely suitor.
(Pick via Buffalo) The Browns got their new receiver earlier in the mock, and now it's time to give head coach Mike Pettine a serious
run-stopper for his defense. New acquistion Randy Starks provides rotational pass rush, but Brown would give the Browns something
else—he's a big man with speed and agility, he can tie things up for opposing backs in one- or two-gap roles, and he's disruptive in the
backfield, as well.
2015 Mock Drafts
The Eagles put some water on their dumpster-fire situation at cornerback when they signed former Seahawks cornerback Byron
Maxwell to a big deal, but odds are that the addition of Walter Thurmond won't have the same impact given Thurmond's injury history.
Peters, who would probably be a top-15 pick if not for the issues that got him booted off the Washington squad in the middle of the
2014 season, is the best cornerback in this class, and he made enough amends with Huskies head coach Chris Peterson to be invited
to work out at Washington's pro day in April. The Eagles would do well to take a flier on Peters if he's still there at this spot.
With Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith coming into the last years of their current contracts—and Smith coming off a year in which he
suffered through injury and regression—it may be time for Cincy to invest more in the line. Peat is a giant man who can envelop enemy
pass-rushers when he's technique-solid, and with a few tweaks, he could develop into the kind of road-grader in the run game that the
Bengals prefer.
Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Senior, Kentucky
It seems inconceivable that the Steelers' defense will take the field in 2015 without Dick LeBeau coaching it, but change is afoot in
Pittsburgh. And though the secondary is the obvious need in the Steel City, Dupree could help in another key aspect—a pass-rush that
has not been what it once was. The combine star needs a few technique fixes, but he has a rare combination of size, speed and
quickness. New defensive coordinator Keith Butler, who knows a thing or two about linebackers, would have a field day with him.
23. Detroit Lions
Todd Gurley, RB, Junior, Georgia
Gurley might be a top-15 pick were it not for the knee injury that ended his season last November. There are injury concerns beyond
that torn ACL—he suffered an ankle injury in 2013—but when healthy, Gurley is a slightly faster version of Marshawn Lynch, with the
kind of size, speed and powerful agility that turns college backs into NFL rushing champs. He would add so much to a Detroit offense
that has been unbalanced to the passing side for years.
The Cards lost Antonio Cromartie to the Jets in free agency, and with Patrick Peterson looking more vulnerable to the pass than his
reputation might indicate, head coach Bruce Arians will need a talent infusion in his secondary. Collins would fit the bill perfectly, with a
combination of size and pure athleticism coveted by every NFL team at the position. The exciting thing about Collins is that he's only
going to get better, as he had to fight for reps through most of his time in the Tigers' talented secondary.
Ereck Flowers, OT, Junior, Miami
Sometimes in mock drafts, you go with the players you'd take as a hypothetical general manager, and sometimes, you go with the guys
the real GMs might select. Flowers is a player I'd struggle to keep in the first round were it my choice—his quickness into a backpedal
off the snap worries me, and he's a bit sluggish in pass protection for my taste. But the Panthers have always preferred big, physical
run-blockers in their offense, and Flowers checks all those boxes. Factor in Carolina's huge need along the offensive line, and this is an
easy pick to project.
Preston Smith, DE, Senior, Mississippi State
The Ravens lost Haloti Ngata and Pernell McPhee, their two most versatile defensive players, in free agency, and the addition of Smith
could do a lot to fill those holes over the next few years. Smith can line up and provide decent production as a rotational edge-rushing
and run-stopping end, and he can also slip inside and play tackle in certain packages. With mammoth tackle Brandon Williams taking
Ngata's spot as the pointman along the interior line, Smith and his gap versatility could show up in many ways.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Yes, the 'Boys need a new marquee running back, but Dallas has been rewarded for its fundamental discipline in the draft with the kind
of offensive line that will make any back better, so there's little urgency there. Where they need help is on a defense that was held
together by great coaching and the limited time on the field that such a run game creates. It's time to fill in that defense, and though J.J.
Wilcox and Barry Church played well last year, Collins would bring a different level of talent to that secondary. Collins can crash down
on the play like every Nick Saban-coached defensive back is taught to do, but he's also learning the nuances of pass coverage—and it
shows on the field.
2015 Mock Drafts
28. Denver Broncos
Eli Harold, OLB, Junior, Virginia
You can expect an uptick in Denver's defense with Wade Phillips in charge, but the Broncos need another edge-rusher in Phillips's 5-2
base and four-front nickel packages. Yes, they have Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, but Ware will be 33 in July, so it's a good time to
fill the future need with Harold, who goes 100 miles per hour at all times and has a developing palette of pass-rushing moves. He
already has experience alternating between linebacker and end, and he could be the next great pass-rusher under Phillips's tutelage.
Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE/OLB, RS Senior, UCLA
Similar to the Broncos, the Colts might want to upgrade their pass rush with some youth and promise. The move to sign former Eagles
end Trent Cole was a great one, but Cole's age (33 in October) and contract (two years, $16 million with $8 million guaranteed) indicate
that this isn't a long-term thing. Odighizuwa has a great combination of attributes for Indy's hybrid defense—he played in multiple roles
in Jim Mora's versatile fronts, and he has impressive speed for his 6'3", 267-pound frame. He can get to quarterbacks with his hand on
or off the ground, and he's developing a complete technique package.
The Packers have been trying to figure out their run defense ever since B.J. Raji fell off the map a couple of years ago, and things are
still a bit undefined. Goldman could help set that right—at 6'4", 336 pounds, he's not a stat-collector, but he can play end and tackle in a
defense that requires versatility, and he has a great deal of power at the snap.
Sammie Coates, WR, RS Junior, Auburn
(Pick via Seattle) The Saints are hoping that Brandin Cooks has another great season—and this time, a full season—but with Jimmy
Graham off to Seattle, Kenny Stills traded to the Dolphins and Marques Colston getting up there in age, it's time to get Drew Brees
some new targets. While Coates will need time to develop into a true marquee NFL receiver (especially in his understanding of route
concepts), we've seen more than one untested receiver come into Sean Payton's offense and blow up defenses when Brees is
throwing those deep seam passes. Coates's freakish combination of size, speed and nascent playmaking ability makes me think that
he could work his way into that role as the upside develops.
Jordan Phillips, DT, RS Junior, Oklahoma
Bill Belichick lost Vince Wilfork, who he called the best defensive lineman he's ever coached, to the Texans, and rookie Dominique
Easley wasn't able to escape his collegiate injury history in the NFL. So, assistance is needed, and I really like Phillips as a fit in a
defense that requires gap versatility. He's not fully-formed as a player yet, but Belichick has proven over time that he'll take raw guys on
either side of the line and work them in eventually, and Phillips already has the incredible power and surprising speed to make a serious
dent in that rotation.
2015 Mock Drafts
SportsIllustrated.com – Chris Burke
Say what you will about Winston's maturity, but he took the initiative to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently and the
league noticed. "He went out of his way to make a good impression, and to show that he understood what was going to be expect ed of
him in the NFL," a league executive told The MMQB's Peter King.
Even more noteworthy when discussing this pick is that Winston already has made a lengthy stop in Tampa Bay to meet with the brass
there. ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote that the visit "might be an unprecedented visit for how early it occurred."
Add those occurrences to Winston's impressive performance at the combine, and the possibility of Tampa Bay passing on him here—
even for Mariota, the No. 1 QB on my post-combine Big Board—is dwindling.
2. Tennessee Titans
Leonard Williams, DT, Junior, USC
Since Ndamukong Suh stole free-agency headlines, let's drift back to 2010 when the Lions drafted him. For the next five seasons, Detroit
built its defense around Suh, who became increasingly dominant up front. Tennessee could do the same here with Williams. His tape is
not in the same class as Suh's—not sure anyone will hit that level again soon—but Williams flashes enough to justify making him a
franchise anchor.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, RS Junior, Nebraska
Gregory has more or less said that he feels more comfortable at linebacker right now, and his size (238 pounds at pro day) leans that
direction. So, fine, here ya go. The Jaguars did hand Dan Skuta $8 million guaranteed to play the hybrid Otto role in Gus Bradley's
defense, but that hardly should preclude them from adding Gregory to the mix. Gregory can be effective from a number of spots.
4. Oakland Raiders
While Kevin White was the belle of the combine ball, Cooper just keeps going about his business. He ripped off a 4.42 40 time of his
own—not too shabby considering Cooper also runs sharp routes and has the on-field intelligence to find openings within the defense.
Derek Carr would love this pick.
Beasley demolished the combine, putting to rest most of the fears associated with his size or speed. Adding him to the starting lineup with
Ryan Kerrigan would again give Washington a fearsome 1-2 punch at OLB, while allowing Trent Murphy to remain in a rotational role.
6. New York Jets
So, about the pro day ... "I thought it went OK," Mariota offered as a self-assessment, on the NFL Network. "There were some misthrows
here and there." Yes, there were, which is problematic when there is no defense on the field. But it also was not as bad as some of the
quick reactions, especially since Mariota showed nice footwork from under center. Incompletions just look poor at a pro day. A reminder,
though, that we traveled this road with Teddy Bridgewater last year. As for an explanation for why Mariota still warrants consideration here
and at No. 1 overall, Greg Peshek's QB metrics breakdown on Mariota, Winston and Brent Hundley helps. Peshek charted every throw
made last season by those three quarterbacks, uncovering a couple things that flow against some Mariota scouting reports. To wit:
Mariota threw a higher percentage of his passes from 11-20 yards deep (33.4%) than did Winston (23.0%); he was more accurate from
11-20 yards (70.1%) and deeper (58.1%) than Winston (60.0% and 46.9%, respectively); and hit more passes than his likely Round 1
counterpart when pressured (67.7% to 57.7%). The Jets will have to refine his game, but all the tools are there.
7. Chicago Bears
Their shift to a 3-4 set underway, the Bears scored Pernell McPhee with one of the NFL's better early free-agent moves. Next step: find
some beef up front. Here's my colleague, Doug Farrar, on Shelton: "I haven't seen better overall tape from any player in this draft class. ...
Shelton can destroy pockets, he'll use his surprisingly quick feet to get past blockers and he works very well from multiple gaps."
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8. Atlanta Falcons
Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Junior, Florida
Scooping up Brooks Reed was a solid moment for the Falcons, but it does little to remedy their pass-rush woes—Reed had five sacks in
2013–14 combined in Houston. Fowler, on the other hand, would elevate that area of Atlanta's defense. New head coach Dan Quinn will
want interchangeable pieces, as he had in Seattle, and Fowler excelled from numerous attack points at Florida.
9. New York Giants
Brandon Scherff, OT, RS Senior, Iowa
In Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams and now Shane Vereen, the Giants have a strong enough corps of backs to be able to lean on the
run at times. That's perfect for Scherff, who repeatedly puts defensive linemen on skates. The Giants's quick-trigger passing attack under
coordinator Ben McAdoo could help nullify Scherff's early learning curve as a pass-blocker, too.
10. St. Louis Rams
The Rams should enter 2015 planning to lean on RB Tre Mason as the catalyst for their offense. Doing so with a line bookended by Greg
Robinson and Collins would set Mason up to succeed. New QB Nick Foles also has to have a clean pocket, so taking care of the O-line is
a must.
Pairing a QB with his favorite collegiate receiver probably is more of a fun idea for fans than it is any legitimate consideration for teams.
This time, however, everything lines up to connect Parker with Teddy Bridgewater again. Cooper and White have caused Parker to slide a
bit under the radar. That's a mistake. Parker will be an immediate impact playmaker.
Cleveland's sitting on two first-round picks, and it almost has to use one on a weapon in the passing game. This might be White's floor,
with a (long-shot) ceiling of Tennessee's No. 2 choice. Outside of being an Ohio native, Brian Hartline hasn’t moved the needle much in
Cleveland, but a White-Hartline-Andrew Hawkins receiver group could do some work.
One of the toughest teams to predict right now because the whole roster might get traded at any point. Whether or not the Saints keep
Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette together into 2015 and beyond, they need more punch off the edge. Ray, and his lightning-quick first
step, would round out the rush.
14. Miami Dolphins
For starters, this is a best-player-available move here—Collins is top-10 worthy, in my mind. On top of that, Collins would fill the hole
vacated by Louis Delmas and give Miami flexibility at safety. He and Reshad Jones both fit the in-the-box safety mold better, yet either
can fall back into deep coverage and be plenty effective.
As of the writing of this sentence, Perrish Cox is a free agent, and Chris Culliver is headed to Washington. The 49ers would be shy on
corners should they both leave, and there is no better option to fill a starting role out of the gate than Waynes. Yes, that includes Marcus
Peters. Waynes played both the boundary and field sides at Michigan State, so San Francisco could trust him anywhere.
16. Houston Texans
Shaq Thompson, LB, Junior, Washington
Thompson will have the best chance to succeed early in his NFL career if he can be a defensive wild card. Houston needs help up the
middle in its 3–4, so it could use Thompson as an ILB. But it also could swing him into blitz mode inside as J.J. Watt works outside or
place him just about anywhere in a nickel. The Texans need someone other than Watt flying to the football. That's the Shaq Thompson
M.O.
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The Chargers' offensive line is looking rather formidable these days, what with the arrival of Orlando Franklin from Denver and all. How
about putting a true No. 1 back behind that line? Ryan Mathews heads to Philadelphia, leaving Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver and
Donald Brown in San Diego. Gordon would leapfrog all of them on the depth chart the second his name was announced.
Dorial Beckham-Green, WR, Junior, Missouri
The initial pass at this mock had DGB slipping out of Round 1. I had to circle back and find a slot for him, because even with his off-field
history it's hard to imagine every team taking an early pass. Green-Beckham is simply too talented. Raw? Yes, and those character
questions can’t be ignored. But the 6’5”, 237-pounder has No. 1 receiver written all over him.
(Pick via Buffalo) This could be a spot for one of the inside linebackers. If not, having already nabbed a WR at 12, Cleveland ought to
focus on beefing up its line. Brown (6’2”, 319) has a bit of a Haloti Ngata vibe, even at 20 pounds lighter—size to hold up multiple blockers
at the point of attack, versatility to play anywhere in a 3-4 front and either tackle spot in a 4-3.
Skipping over Marcus Peters because Chip Kelly's brief NFL history indicates that Peters's Washington dismissal might be a dealbreaker. Collins deserves top-20 consideration either way, and his physical, 6’1” frame meshes with what Kelly (and most coaches) like
outside at CB. Nolan Carroll has zero guaranteed money left on his deal, and both Brandon Boykin and recent signee Walter Thurmond
are better in the slot.
Eric Kendricks, LB, RS Senior, UCLA
Emmanuel Lamur is sitting on a restricted free-agent tender and Vontaze Burfict underwent microfracture knee surgery at the close of
2014, leaving the Bengals in need of depth at linebacker. Kendricks would give them that and then some. He'll be a potential three-down
player from Day 1.
Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Senior, Kentucky
Eventually, the Steelers will have to address their secondary (in past mocks, I've had them nabbing Kevin Johnson here). Jason Worilds's
surprising retirement and James Harrison's uncertain future has them waiting a bit at CB and safety. Most scouting reports on Dupree
note that the Kentucky product merely needs a little coaching to turn him into a star. This is as good a fit as any.
23. Detroit Lions
Don't be surprised if a team around the top 10 (like New York or St. Louis, which both took other OTs in this mock) favor Peat. At least in
his rookie season, there will be times when Peat turns in some ugly pass-blocking against speed guys off the edge. Overall, though, he's
a franchise left tackle waiting to happen. Thanks to Riley Reiff, Detroit could even have the luxury of using Peat at RT, where his runblocking prowess would be ideal.
Tyrann Mathieu's Arizona success story eliminates a lot of the "Would they take a risk?" queries here. Granted, Mathieu's college fallout
was different than Peters's, but the latter still will need to land somewhere with a steady staff. Arizona certainly has that, plus a need for
an aggressive CB with Antonio Cromartie exiting.
T.J. Clemmings, OT, RS Senior, Pittsburgh
Still several intriguing OTs on the board, all of whom would not be out of place in Round 1: Jake Fisher, D.J. Humphries, Ereck Flowers.
Carolina all but has to nab one of them if it wants Cam Newton to make it through another season. Clemmings can be clunky (see: Senior
Bowl practices). He also shows the combination of talent and ferocity to develop into an excellent left tackle.
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Kevin Johnson, CB, RS Senior, Wake Forest
Based on where he's likely to go come draft weekend (late Round 1-early Round 2), there honestly might not be a safer pick than
Johnson. He has decent size at 6’0”, 188, and plays bigger than that, with an obvious comfort level in man or zone. At the least, he's a
special-teams contributor and a No. 3 outside cornerback as a rookie.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE/OLB, RS Senior, UCLA
For the Cowboys to carry their surprising 2014 defensive momentum into next season, they absolutely must find some help off the edge.
Jeremy Mincey and Henry Melton were the only players to top three sacks last year in Dallas, and Melton's gone. Odighizuwa has a nice
burst off the line that he can use to push through OTs. The Cowboys might have to be a little patient with him, but it'll be worth it.
28. Denver Broncos
Maxx Williams, TE, RS Sophomore, Minnesota
Williams will not create the same level of mismatch problems for defenses that Julius Thomas did/does. He's a better blocker than
Thomas, however, and fully capable of making plays downfield in the passing game. As the clear top tight end in this class, W illiams
deserves Round 1 consideration. In a proven offensive system, like Denver’s, he can be a 50- or 60-catch guy.
Jordan Phillips, DT, RS Junior, Oklahoma
Leaned heavily toward an inside linebacker at this pick, then shifted gears because the LB talent remaining means Indianapolis would
have a shot there in Round 2. That's not necessarily the case up front, particularly if the Colts want a big body to compete at the nose.
Phillips moves about as well as a 330-pound man can, adding to his value as a gap-stuffing force.
Kendricks is probably the dream choice, if he makes it this far. Would Green Bay pull the trigger on Benardrick McKinney, Paul Dawson or
Denzel Perryman instead? It's quite possible. But for the moment, the Packers are slotted to nab the 336-pound Goldman. Assuming
either Letroy Guion or B.J. Raji (both unrestricted free agents) leaves, Goldman can slot in as a rotational player for 2015 and the future
NT beyond.
Benardrick McKinney, LB, Junior, Mississippi State
(Pick via Seattle) Ray, at pick No. 13, adds speed to the Saints' front seven. McKinney follows up 18 picks later with a little run-stuffing
thunder. His college play was a little inconsistent, but McKinney is a rock (6’4”, 246) and still manages to chase down ball-carriers. With a
hypothetical Ray-Cam Jordan-Junior Galette trio causing havoc in the backfield, the Saints would need someone inside to clean up what's
left.
Michael Bennett, DT, Senior, Ohio State
The most prudent way right now for New England to enter life minus Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner is by getting better along the Dline. Create more havoc up front and the secondary doesn't need to be as dominant. Enter Bennett, a disruptive player on Ohio State's
title team. He wins with technique, and Bill Belichick would love him because of his ability to be effective all over the line.
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NFL.com – Charles Davis
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FoxSports.com – Peter Schrager
Winston showed up to Indianapolis last month with questions surrounding his draft stock. He answered many of them emphatically.
Issues about his shoulder? He addressed them in both his interviews with teams and in his workout on Saturday, throwing the ball
better than any other prospect in the field. Questions about how he'd handle media? He took care of those with a confident approach to
the many inquiries he was faced with. His 4.91 40-yard dash? One NFL executive said: "It's just about what we expected. And we're
looking for the best quarterback in this draft, not the best track star." Winston was confident and borderline cocky, and another league
executive said he "loved the presence." He's a fiery competitor, he loves football, and his teammates love him. I'm told Tampa Bay's
two-day meeting with Winston earlier this month went very well, and an NFL front office executive described his team's meeting with
Winston in Indianapolis as "extremely impressive." There may be off-field concerns, but when it comes to an NFL quarterback who's
ready to start Day 1, he could be the most prepared for the challenge since Andrew Luck. This pick could end up being the most
important one of Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht's career.
2. Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota's pro day was an NFL convention consisting of a "who's who" of decision makers involved with clubs holding top-10
picks. No team had more bodies in Eugene than the Tennessee Titans. I counted nine different Titans staffers, and am told that they
had a "very good" private session with Mariota immediately after he finished throwing. But I still have Tennessee taking Leonard
Williams at No. 2. The Titans addressed a lot of needs on the defensive side of the ball this month, first hiring Dick LeBeau as assistant
head coach in charge of defense and then signing Brian Orakpo and Da'Norris Searcy and re-signing Derrick Morgan. Williams is a
defensive cog who can be a franchise player. Mariota and the Titans seem like a perfect match, but I don't get the feeling they're crazy
about him. And I know everyone down there really likes incumbent Zach Mettenberger. A lot. Thus, Mariota slips.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Jacksonville had a good week in free agency, scooping up tight end Julius Thomas and cornerback Davon House. It still needs an ace
pass rusher for Gus Bradley's defense, though. Fowler is that guy. At 260 pounds, he can play any linebacker spot (he did at Florida)
and is the perfect personality to match the positive energy that oozes through that Jacksonville facility. Perhaps more than any other
defensive player in this year's class, Fowler was the buzz of the Combine. That buzz will carry over right through April and into the draft.
He can get to the quarterback and also perform in coverage. Get him to Jacksonville.
4. Oakland Raiders
White was the star of the Combine and wowed many around the league at the West Virginia pro day. After a frustrating junior season in
which he caught fewer than 40 passes, White hauled in 107 as a senior and then absolutely tore up Indianapolis. At 6-foot-2 and 215
pounds, he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and left scouts with their jaws dropped after catching just about everything thrown his way. When
asked what makes him so special, White said: "No one can do what I can do. And I can do it all." Amari Cooper is the more polished of
the two top wideouts, and there are many who think the Raiders can't afford to draft anything less than the most polished wideout. Still,
White has all the tools to give Derek Carr the receiving threat he needs and deserves.
If things shake out this way, Marcus Mariota could be sitting right there for Washington. You've got to think the Redskins would be at
least tempted to consider him. But the Washington front office took a new approach to free agency this year, resisting the usual rash of
over-the-hill veteran signings and flashy names and instead picking up players in key positions at the right value. Defensive tackles
Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea and cornerback Chris Culliver were signed to smart deals and can all contribute at a high level
next year. Beasley fits the base 3-4 defense, filling any void the departed Brian Orakpo left as the outside linebacker opposite Ryan
Kerrigan. A coach I spoke with said he expected Beasley to weigh in around 235 pounds at the Combine and that there was a fear he
was too light. Beasley not only weighed in at 246 pounds, but he also did an outstanding 35 reps of 225 pounds on the bench the
following day. There's a new feel in D.C., and Beasley would be a wonderful addition.
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6. New York Jets
I'm told that the Jets could be in the market to trade down here, too. Or, they can just go with the other franchise quarterback in this
draft. As it stands now, I think a pass rusher is their first priority, but Mariota could still very well end up as the next signal caller for
Gang Green. There was a large Jets contingent at Mariota's pro day in Eugene, Ore., including the team's general manager, offensive
coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. Taking Mariota would be consistent with bold moves like the Brandon Marshall trade, the Darrelle
Revis and Antonio Cromartie signings and even the trade for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Make a big splash, own the back pages and start anew.
7. Chicago Bears
Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Shelton was the star of Senior Bowl week, and in a draft light on big-boy defensive tackles, he could go as high as the top four. He was
a man among boys in Mobile, tossing aside centers and guards with ease and penetrating the backfield. He had some injury issues at
Washington but looked good during his senior year and interviewed well in Indianapolis. The Bears are going to have to get Jay Cutler
some weapons, but I think new GM Ryan Pace and coach John Fox will go for the slam dunk in Shelton if he's available.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
The SEC co-Defensive Player of the Year might be the best pure pass rusher in this draft class. The Falcons, of course, struggled
immensely on defense last year, with their pass rush among the very worst in the league. Aging veteran Kroy Biermann led the team in
sacks with just 4.5. Ray, who is still nursing a foot injury, didn't run the 40 at the Combine. He should do so at his pro day at Missouri
this week, and there's an expectation he'll be up from his typical 240-pound weight to 250 for the start of the NFL season. Ray is a solid
kid all around and a beast off the edge; this would be a wise selection by Atlanta if the medicals check out.
9. New York Giants
The Giants traded up and got Eli Manning in the NFL Draft 11 years ago when a lot of fans were clamoring for an offensive tackle out of
Iowa named Robert Gallery. That worked out fairly well for Big Blue. This year I see Scherff, a workout warrior with a bit of a mean
streak, as the first offensive lineman taken. He can play inside at guard or move outside and play tackle and can do either right away.
He was No. 2 on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List last year and has some real football IQ. Scherff won't send the Giants' faithful running to
buy jerseys, but that's not what the Giants need this year.
10. St. Louis Rams
St. Louis added stalwart defensive tackle Nick Fairley in free agency, and the offensive line could be an area of interest with the
departures of Scott Wells and Jake Long, but coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead can't pass on a rare talent like Cooper. The
Alabama superstar is a 6-1, 210-pound precise route runner with 4.42 speed. He did it at the college level, and he'll do it at the pro
level. Compared often to Reggie Wayne, he could end up being the perfect go-to guy for Nick Foles — or whoever ends up being
quarterback, in whatever city the Rams are playing in.
DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Head coach Mike Zimmer, offensive coordinator Norv Turner and the Minnesota front office decides to get the band back together, and
Teddy Bridgewater gets his favorite target from Louisville. Minnesota has already traded for Mike Wallace, who is a burner, and Parker
can be the go-to guy. I'm told Parker's stock is on the rise and he can end up jumping even Amari Cooper by the time the NFL Draft
rolls around. He ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and had a 36.5-inch vertical jump at the Combine even though he is still coming back from a
devastating foot injury he suffered in 2014.
The run on wide receivers continues. Arizona State hasn't had a first-round pick since 2003, when Terrell Suggs went to Baltimore.
Strong will end that drought. Cleveland clearly needs help at wideout with Josh Gordon slated to miss the 2015 season since neither
Andrew Hawkins nor Brian Hartline is a true No. 1. Strong ran a lightning-fast 4.40 40-yard dash at the Combine and came in at 6-3,
215 pounds. There were some questions about his speed, but his 40 time silenced those. The top 12 is not beyond reason for this
JUCO transfer who has a lot of upside.
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Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
The Kentucky star posted the fastest 40-yard time among all linebackers, clocking in at 4.57 seconds with a 42-inch vertical while
battling a groin injury at the Combine. Dupree can get to the quarterback, and with all the big QBs in the NFC South, there are never
enough quality pass rushers to go around. He's a good fit in Rob Ryan's 3-4 and if he slips to 13, he'll fit that Saints "Us against the
World" ethos just right.
14. Miami Dolphins
Trae Waynes, DB, Michigan State
Waynes could go earlier, depending on team needs in the top 10. He is a 6-foot, 186-pound corner who starred in a man-to-man
defense at Michigan State. He played on an island against some of the best players in the country, and according to sources worked
his tail off with Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi and MSU secondary coach Harlon Barnett to polish his game. He does it all and runs a
4.32 40-yard dash. Miami beefed up the front seven in signing Ndamukong Suh. Now it needs to address the back end.
Ereck Flowers, OT/OG, Miami
The loss of guard Mike Iupati hurts but has been overshadowed by the stunning retirements of linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris
Borland and the departures of several other key veterans. Though the 49ers can go a variety of ways, I think they look to address a
once-dominant offensive line that took a step back in 2014. Flowers benched 225 pounds 37 times in Indianapolis, the best of any
offensive lineman invited to the Combine. He played tackle in college and could move to guard in the pros and play on either side. An
interesting note: Flowers was the only player at the Combine who doesn't have an agent. He works out at Miami, says he uses the
University of Miami family for counsel and will simply consult with a family lawyer to sign his rookie contract. He just wants to play
football. I think new head coach Jim Tomsula will like this kid a lot.
16. Houston Texans
Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas
It'll be Ryan Mallett against Brian Hoyer for the starting quarterback gig in Houston. One guy who won't be back? Andre Johnson.
Conventional wisdom says the Texans address the wide receiver position here, but I think they go defensive tackle, beefing up the front
seven and taking the local guy. He's a 6-2, 320-pound run stuffer who made most of his big plays behind the line of scrimmage. Coach
Bill O'Brien will like his maturity, too. Brown is married with two children and was one of Charlie Strong's most reliable leaders at Texas.
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Speaking to a lot of front office executives in Indianapolis at the Combine, there are some differing opinions on Gregory. One thing is for
certain: The guy can fly off the edge. I know a lot of mock drafts have him going top five, but from what I'm hearing, he may slip out of
the top 15. He weighed in at just 235 pounds, but there's hope he can get bigger at the next level. The Chargers run a 3 -4 scheme that
suits his skill set. Let Gregory rush the blind side, with Melvin Ingram coming from the other end, and John Pagano's defense could be
significantly improved in 2015.
Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
Often compared to Cardinals star Calais Campbell, Armstead could play either the three-gap technique or the five-technique and
performed at a high level for a great Oregon team. At 6-foot-8, 290 pounds, the sky is the limit for Armstead with good coaching.
Kansas City's 3-4 scheme will fit him well, as he can slide into one of the two defensive end spots and make an impact. He's still a
relatively raw product, and when I spoke to Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich about him, he said the young pass rusher is just starting
to scratch the surface. Kansas City could go a lot of ways, but it could do a lot worse than snagging Armstead.
19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo)
La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Collins didn't blow anyone away at the Senior Bowl, but he performed much better at the Combine, solidifying a first-round grade. He
weighed in at 305 pounds and has a good physical frame. He did it all at LSU, can play tackle or guard and could be a nice addition to
an offensive line that is already pretty strong (when healthy). Cleveland has the luxury of two first-round picks and could be in the
market for some trading activity. If Collins is still on the board at 19 and the Browns have already snagged Jaelen Strong, that's a good
first round.
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The Eagles' roster looks drastically different than it did when we posted our last mock draft, but I still have Philadelphia going with a
cornerback here. Collins was impressive in Indianapolis, coming in at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds and running a 4.43 40-yard dash. He started
just 10 games at LSU but had three interceptions and 25 pass breakups. He has all the natural ability in the world and just needs to put
it together. Collins has a good build, a bit of an edge and some real play-making skills; this is a good fit for Chip Kelly's new-look squad.
Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
Thompson will be a first-round pick. The question is where he'll go. He could be a top-10 selection or a bottom-third guy. A good
landing spot is Cincinnati, where the 6-2, 230-pound defensive playmaker could join one of the best defenses in the league. Thompson
says he's a linebacker, but he could be used as a Swiss Army knife. Need him at nickel? Fine. Need him at safety? Sure. Special
teams? Go. Running back? Sure. I liked what he did in Indianapolis and think this is a great fit.
Peters had multiple confrontations with a new coaching staff in Washington last year, escalating to the point where he was ultimately
removed from the team. He was upfront, honest and regretful during interviews with the media at the Combine. I'm told he was the
same — and actually quite impressive — in interviews with teams during the week. He's 6-foot, 198 pounds and looks longer than you'd
expect. He didn't run a lights-out 40-yard dash, but he's a top press corner. Right now, Pittsburgh's starting corners are set to be
William Gay and Cortez Allen. They're solid but not scary. If Peters' head is on straight, he could be a starter by September. I like the
thought of Mike Tomlin working with him and Peters making a splash as the next great Steelers defensive back.
23. Detroit Lions
Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Goodbye, Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Hello, Haloti Ngata. I don't think Detroit is done adding big bodies up front. Goldman is a
6-foot-2, 334-pound physical specimen who loves to stop the run. Goldman could be a defensive tackle in the Lions’ 4-3. At the
Combine, he rattled off names like Lee Roy Selmon, Merlin Olsen and Tony Brackens when describing players he modeled himself
after. He's a football historian and a big run stuffer. I like this one for coach Jim Caldwell.
The Cardinals would be delighted to see Johnson slip to 24. Potentially the first or second cornerback on some teams' boards, this is a
good fit for Arizona if he's there. A talented 6-foot, 190-pound cover corner, Johnson went through position drills at his Pro Day and got
rave reviews. He never missed a game at Wake and handled some of the nation's best wide receivers. GM Steve Keim and coach
Bruce Arians went defensive backfield last year in the first round. I think they go there again.
Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
Carolina went with a wide receiver in the first round a year ago, and I expect a repeat. Though offensive line remains a glaring issue,
Perriman is the type of selection who can further elevate quarterback Cam Newton's game. A 6-2, 215-pound specimen, he's a wildcard prospect who has some scouts' mouths watering and others calling him a project. He didn't compete at the Combine, even further
making his first-round grade a difficult one to cement. Perriman isn't a household name, but I like the fit for Carolina.
Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (Ohio)
Ravens coach John Harbaugh was once a star defensive back at Miami of Ohio. Here's another one. Rollins' story is unique: He was a
star on the Miami hoops team for four years before ever stepping on the football field. At the urging of some at the school, he suited up
for the football team and somehow was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year after a seven-interception debut campaign. Rollins is
truly just scratching the surface. He has the size and smarts teams crave at cornerback, and he's still learning the game. This is a big
area of need in Baltimore, and this is the right type of player for its system. If the Ravens are a little patient with Rollins, a quick study,
there could be a great payoff.
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27. Dallas Cowboys
Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Collins is the best safety in the draft. He wore No. 26 at Alabama to honor his idol, former Miami Hurricanes great Sean Taylor. He also
has some of Taylor's game — the explosiveness, the versatility and the leadership — in his repertoire. A 6-foot, 228-pound thumper, he
ran a 4.53 40, topping the time of a former teammate, Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who ran a 4.58 in Indianapolis a year ago. Not
a flashy pick — yes, the temptation is to go with a running back here — but a wise one. In recent years, the Cowboys have (surprisingly
or not) fought off such temptation and made the right picks.
28. Denver Broncos
Tight end Julius Thomas and defensive tackle Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton weren't Denver’s only offseason losses. Offensive tackle
Orlando Franklin was a big departure, too. Peat's father, Todd, was a starting offensive lineman for the Cardinals in the 1990s, and this
younger version, though not quite a finished product, has started for more than two seasons at Stanford. He's 6-foot-7, 314 pounds,
and could compete for the starting right tackle job in Denver next season.
Cam Erving, OT/OG/C, Florida State
The offensive line class in this year's draft is solid but not particularly top-heavy in the first round. This could be a sweet spot for
Indianapolis, as a top-five talent could slip to 29th. I loved chatting with Erving, a guy willing to play any place along the line. He's 6-5,
313 pounds and could step in wherever the Colts need a capable starter next season.
Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
The 2014 Butkus Award winner had a great Pro Day at UCLA last week. Though outside pass rushers are always going to be the hotter
prospects these days, Kendricks is an elite inside linebacker. He ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash, interviewed well and showed that he
likely can play right away. The all-time leading tackler at UCLA would be a solid pickup for the Packers, who let go of A.J. Hawk.
31. New Orleans Saints (from Seattle)
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Green-Beckham did not play in 2014 after catching 59 passes the previous season at Missouri. There are off -field issues and
questions as to whether he has his act together after a year away from the game. There are no questions as to whether he can play the
game. He had a tremendous week at the Combine and at 6-5 has the size to be a red zone threat right from the start for the Saints.
Jimmy Graham is in Seattle in exchange for this pick, and Kenny Stills is in Miami. Green-Beckham in black and gold would be an
awfully intriguing match.
Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
The last pick in the first round is usually a "best player available" spot, as opposed to a need pick. With their top three wideouts from the
Super Bowl squad returning, wide receiver certainly isn't the primary need in New England. But to come away with a polished, smooth
wideout like Agholor — a guy Tom Brady and eventually Jimmy Garoppolo, can work with — at 32nd overall would be quite a haul.
Agholor can be the deep threat or be a precise route-running underneath guy. His versatility and his production at the college level
make him a very tempting prospect.
2015 Mock Drafts
L.A. Times – Sam Farmer
The Buccaneers have made it clear they’re comfortable with Winston, baggage and all.
2. Tennessee Titans
Mariota isn’t an ideal fit for Titans, who could take a pass rusher here. But somebody might trade up for the Heisman winner.
Leonard Williams, DE, USC
The Jaguars have spent a ton to upgrade through free agency but they still need help on their defensive line.
4. Oakland Raiders
There’s no consensus on who’s the better receiver in this class, but indications are the Raiders like the 6-foot-3 White over 6-1 Amari
Cooper.
Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
With Brian Orakpo gone, Fowler could be a bookend to outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan.
6. New York Jets
Randy Gregory, OLB, RS, Nebraska
The Jets are looking for an edge rusher, and Gregory is an elite one. Former Jets coach Herm Edwards has been working with him.
7. Chicago Bears
Brandon Marshall is now with the Jets, and the Bears are looking for another receiver who can stretch the field.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Vic Beasley, OLB, RS, Clemson
Atlanta fans looking for somebody who can get to the quarterback, and Beasley, who grew up a Falcons fan, fills the bill.
9. New York Giants
Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
The Giants are looking for a starting right tackle, and Scherff, the best offensive lineman in this class, could step right in.
10. St. Louis Rams
La’el Collins, OT, LSU
Collins can play guard or tackle for the Rams, who are hurting on the offensive line and need to protect Nick Foles.
Landon Collins, Alabama
Collins is the most talented safety in this class, and the Vikings are looking for someone to step in and start over Robert Blanton.
The Browns have added Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe, but they’re still looking for a game-breaking receiver.
Shane Ray, DE. Missouri
Aside from Junior Galette, the Saints don’t have a dangerous edge-rushing threat. Ray could fill that void.
14. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have Pro Bowl player Brent Grimes, and a bunch of young, unproven corners. Wayne is at the top of the class.
2015 Mock Drafts
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Junior, Missouri
The 6-5 Green-Beckham would be a huge target for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
16. Houston Texans
Bud Dupree, DE Kentucky
Even after using their first pick on pass rushers in three of the past four drafts, the Texans could still use help pressuring quarterbacks.
With Ryan Mathews gone, the Chargers need a big-bodied back who can get the hard yards, and has breakaway potential.
The Chiefs could go for a receiver, but Peat would be a solid and safe pick, and he could lock down the right tackle job for years.
Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
The Browns had the last-ranked run defense in 2014, and Armstead could bolster that line in a hard-running division.
Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
The Eagles could trade up for Mariota, but the versatile Fisher would be a strong choice who could play guard or tackle.
A former defensive tackle, Clemmings has a lot of raw talent as a right tackle. A youth infusion would help that line.
The Steelers haven’t taken a cornerback in the first round since Chad Scott in 1997, but they’re sorely in need of help there.
23. Detroit Lions
Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas
With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley gone, the Lions need to restock at defensive tackle. Brown is a good start.
Melvin Gordon, RB, RS, Wisconsin
Gordon, who led college football in rushing last season, would be a productive complement to Andre Ellington.
D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
The Panthers got Cam Newton a top-notch receiver last year, and this year they need to buy him more time to find his targets.
New offensive coordinator Marc Trestman likes big receivers, and Strong could step in and fill the vacancy left by the departed Torrey
Smith.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Peters was dismissed from his college team for butting heads with coaches, but the Cowboys can handle difficult personalities.
28. Denver Broncos
Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
If Flowers lasts this long, he would be a steal for the Broncos, who need to find a long-term answer at right tackle.
2015 Mock Drafts
Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
With Reggie Wayne gone, the Colts will probably pick up a receiver fairly early. But a pass rusher like Harold would be a good fit here.
Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
The Packers parted ways with inside linebackers A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones. Enter Kendricks, the Butkus Award winner and a Day 1
starter.
Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
The son of former Saints (and Lions) receiver Brett Perriman, Breshad ran the 40 in a scorching 4.22 seconds.
With Vince Wilfork in Houston, the Patriots will look for a space-eating defensive tackle, and the 6-4, 336-pound Goldman is that.
2015 Mock Drafts
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
CBSSports.com – Pat Kirwan
Last updated: February 24, 2015
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
2015 Mock Drafts
PLAYER RANKINGS
2015 Player Rankings By Position
Remember: Prospects are listed under my projected NFL position, and that can be a little tough with some of the more versatile
players, even before you get into schemes. A college tackle could be listed at guard, a college defensive end listed at linebacker, and
so on.
* Denotes junior
** Denotes third-year sophomore
Quarterbacks
1. **Jameis Winston, Florida St.
2. *Marcus Mariota, Oregon
3. Bryce Petty, Baylor
4. Garrett Grayson, Colorado St.
5. *Brett Hundley, UCLA
6. Sean Mannion, Oregon St.
7. Bryan Bennett, Southeastern Louisiana
8. Brandon Bridge, South Alabama
9. Shane Carden, East Carolina
10. Grant Hedrick, Boise St.
Not a single change among this group since the last round of rankings. The big question is whether every player on this list gets
drafted. I think they all have a chance, but it will be close.
Running Backs
1. *Todd Gurley, Georgia
2. *Melvin Gordon III, Wisconsin
3. *Tevin Coleman, Indiana
4. *Jay Ajayi, Boise St.
5. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
6. *Duke Johnson, Miami (Fla)
7. Jeremy Langford, Michigan St.
8. David Johnson, No. Iowa
9. David Cobb, Minnesota
10. *T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
The top riser here is Ajayi, who moves from No. 6 in the previous ranking up to No. 4. T.J. Yeldon isn't exactly a new name to most, but
he was previously outside my top 10 and has also moved up. I feel like there's some momentum around the idea we'll have a RB taken
in Round 1 for the first time since 2012.
Fullbacks
1. Jalston Fowler, Alabama
2. Tyler Varga, Yale
3. Zach Zenner, South Dakota St.
4. Paul Lasike, BYU
5. Mark Weisman, Iowa
6. Michael Burton, Rutgers
7. Aaron Ripkowski, Oklahoma
8. Lee Ward, Stanford
9. Cameron Stingily, No. Illinois
10. Connor Neighbors, LSU
The single biggest change here is the move of Lasike into the top five. He has a decent chance to stick on an NFL roster. Varga is a
name people are talking about because he's got a lot of quickness for a fullback, though he's more of a hybrid and isn't a dominating
blocker.
Wide Receivers
1. *Amari Cooper, Alabama
2. Kevin White, West Virginia
3. *Breshad Perriman, Central Florida
4. DeVante Parker, Louisville
5. *Nelson Agholor, USC
6. *Jaelen Strong, Arizona St.
7. Phillip Dorsett, Miami (Fla)
8. Devin Smith, Ohio St.
9. *Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri
10. *Devin Funchess, Michigan
Perriman makes the most notable move here, as he's also cracked the top 10 of my latest Big Board. I was a big fan of his tape, and
his pro day performance really sealed it for me. He belongs among Cooper, White and Parker as guys likely to come off the draft board
in the first 15 picks. I also have Agholor moving up.
Tight Ends
1. **Maxx Williams, Minnesota
2. Clive Walford, Miami (Fla)
3. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio St.
4. *Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
5. Nick Boyle, Delaware
6. Blake Bell, Oklahoma
7. MyCole Pruitt, So. Illinois
8. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame
9. Wes Saxton, South Alabama
10. Nick O'Leary, Florida St.
Pruitt is the guy who I've added since the last ranking. Beyond that it's pretty much the same, with the top five names here all where I
had them previously. Again, I don't think it's likely at this point we'll see a first-rounder out of this group.
Offensive Tackles
1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
2. La'el Collins, LSU
3. *Andrus Peat, Stanford
4. *Ereck Flowers, Miami (Fla)
5. Jake Fisher, Oregon
6. *D.J. Humphries, Florida
7. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
8. T.J. Clemmings, Pitt
9. *Donovan Smith, Penn St.
10. Daryl Williams, Oklahoma
It's odd to have a guy many in the league see as a future guard leading the tackle group, but if he does move to guard, Scherff is going
to be a great one, and I do think he'd be fine at right tackle. In terms of movement, the biggest riser is Fisher, who was previously at No.
9. He's been great during the draft process and it made me take a closer look.
Offensive Guards
1. Laken Tomlinson, Duke
2. Tre' Jackson, Florida St.
3. A.J. Cann, South Carolina
4. Ali Marpet, Hobart
5. John Miller, Louisville
6. Ty Sambrailo, Colorado St.
7. Antoine Everett, McNeese St.
8. Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech
9. Josue Matias, Florida St.
10. Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M
Tomlinson takes over the top spot, and the rise of Marpet continues. I don't see a first-rounder here, but part of that is because you'll
see several tackles drafted early with the assumption they'll play guard to start their NFL careers.
Centers
1. Cameron Erving, Florida St.
2. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
3. Reese Dismukes, Auburn
4. Andy Gallik, Boston College
5. BJ Finney, Kansas St.
6. Shane McDermott, Miami (Fla)
7. Greg Mancz, Toledo
8. Jake Smith, Louisville
9. David Andrews, Georgia
10. Dillon Day, Mississippi St.
Only one new name here from the previous ranking, and that would be Day at No. 10. Overall you're likely to see Erving go in Round 1,
with the next four names all possible day-two picks. It's actually a really solid group.
Defensive Ends
1. *Leonard Williams, USC
2. *Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
3. *Shane Ray, Missouri
4. *Arik Armstead, Oregon
5. Preston Smith, Mississippi St.
6. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA
7. *Mario Edwards, Florida St.
8. *Danielle Hunter, LSU
9. Trey Flowers, Arkansas
10. Henry Anderson, Stanford
Again, I know the "defensive end" designation leaves something to be desired, based on some wide gaps here in terms of the types of
players you see -- especially since the No. 1 player here has shown capable of handling two gaps on the inside. One notable change
here is the move of Randy Gregory to the outside linebackers, and that created space for a new name, Henry Anderson.
Defensive Tackles
1. Danny Shelton, Washington
2. *Malcom Brown, Texas
3. *Eddie Goldman, Florida St.
4. **Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
5. Carl Davis, Iowa
6. *Xavier Cooper, Washington St.
7. Michael Bennett, Ohio St.
8. **Darius Philon, Arkansas
9. Gabe Wright, Auburn
10. *Christian Covington, Rice
The biggest riser here is Cooper, who flew under the radar during the season (at least compared to now) but has been a stud in
workouts and the productivity really backs it up. It's another case where great workouts call for more tape examination and the player
benefits. Covington is also back in the top 10, which is where I had him ranked earlier in the 2014 season.
Inside Linebackers
1. *Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi St.
2. Stephone Anthony, Clemson
3. Denzel Perryman, Miami (Fla)
4. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
5. Hayes Pullard, USC
6. Bryce Hager, Baylor
7. Ramik Wilson, Georgia
8. Jake Ryan, Michigan
9. Taiwan Jones, Michigan St.
10. Ben Heeney, Kansas
There is no change among the top four players here. Pullard moves up, but just one spot. There's a decent chance none of these
players are taken in Round 1, but any of the top four could be off the board in Round 2.
Outside Linebackers
1. *Randy Gregory, Nebraska
2. Vic Beasley, Clemson
3. Alvin Dupree, Kentucky
4. *Eli Harold, Virginia
5. *Shaq Thompson, Washington
6. Paul Dawson, TCU
7. Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
8. Nate Orchard, Utah
9. *Kwon Alexander, LSU
10. Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
I've moved Gregory here because it seems clear he's a scheme fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He's just 235 pounds, so there's no way
I could reasonably project him to grow into a 4-3 DE at this point. I'll say this: It's really a close grouping among the top three guys here,
and they could go in any order and it wouldn't be much of a surprise. I should note that I see Thompson as a 4-3 OLB, more in the
Lavonte David mold.
Cornerbacks
1. *Trae Waynes, Michigan St.
2. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
3. *Marcus Peters, Washington
4. Byron Jones, Connecticut
5. *P.J. Williams, Florida St.
6. *Jalen Collins, LSU
7. *Ronald Darby, Florida St.
8. D'Joun Smith, Florida Atlantic
9. Senquez Golson, Mississippi
10. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
Jones inches up another spot, and I'm starting to think he has a decent shot to land in Round 1. Williams is another riser here, as I
previously had him listed just outside the top 10. Darby is the one with a big variance here, as teams really avoided throwin g his way in
2014, which should be a positive, but it also doesn't give you as much to work with. He's a special athlete, however, and you can see
the potential.
Safeties
1. *Landon Collins, Alabama
2. Damarious Randall, Arizona St.
3. Eric Rowe, Utah
4. Derron Smith, Fresno St.
5. Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio)
6. *James Sample, Louisville
7. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
8. Anthony Harris, Virginia
9. Adrian Amos, Penn St.
10. Dean Marlowe, James Madison
Collins holds onto the top spot, though he won't be coveted by every team that needs a safety because fit will matter, given his skill set.
Rowe is the player I have moved up the most, perhaps across every group here, as I got to spend more time watching him. I now like
him as a second-round option.
Placekickers, Punters
1. Kyle Loomis, P, Portland St.
2. Tom Obarski, PK, Concordia, (MN)
3. Wil Baumann, P, NC St.
4. Spencer Roth, P, Baylor
5. Justin Manton, PK & P, Louisiana-Monroe
6. Trevor Pardula, P, Kansas
7. Darragh O'Neill, P, Colorado
8. Kyle Christy, P, Florida
9. Will Johnson, P, Texas St.
10. Mike Sadler, P, Michigan St.
Sorry to disappoint, but for the second time in a row, the kickers and punters remain unchanged. For those of you who scrolled right to
the bottom, my apologies.
2015 Player Rankings
ESPN.com – ESPN Scout’s Inc.
GRADE
NAME
POS
HT
WT
SCHOOL
OVR RANK
Jameis Winston
QB
6'3¾"
231
Florida State
97
1
Leonard Williams
DE
6'4⅝"
302
USC
96
2
Amari Cooper
WR
6'0⅞"
211
Alabama
93
3
Kevin White
WR
6'2⅝"
215
West Virginia
93
4
Marcus Mariota
QB
6'3¾"
222
Oregon
93
5
Randy Gregory
OLB
6'4⅞"
235
Nebraska
93
6
Arik Armstead
DE
6'7⅛"
292
Oregon
92
7
Brandon Scherff
T
6'4⅝"
319
Iowa
92
8
Danny Shelton
DT
6'2⅛"
339
Washington
93
9
Andrus Peat*
OT
6'6⅞"
313
Stanford
90
10
DeVante Parker
WR
6'2⅝"
209
Louisville
92
11
Dante Fowler Jr.
DE
6'2⅝"
261
Florida
92
12
Malcom Brown
DT
6'2⅜"
319
Texas
91
13
Todd Gurley
RB
6'0⅝"
222
Georgia
91
14
Shane Ray
OLB
6'2⅝"
245
Missouri
91
15
Trae Waynes
CB
6'0⅛"
186
Michigan State
91
16
Landon Collins
S
6'0"
228
Alabama
90
17
Cameron Erving
C
6'5½"
313
Florida State
90
18
Ereck Flowers
OT
6'6¼"
329
Miami (FL)
90
19
Eddie Goldman
DT
6'3⅞"
336
Florida State
90
20
Marcus Peters
CB
5'11⅝"
197
Washington
90
21
T.J. Clemmings
T
6'4¾"
309
Pittsburgh
89
22
La'el Collins
?
6'4½"
305
LSU
88
23
Breshad Perriman
WR
6'2"
212
UCF
89
24
Vic Beasley
OLB
6'3"
246
Clemson
89
25
Melvin Gordon
RB
6'0⅝"
215
Wisconsin
89
26
Jaelen Strong
WR
6'2⅜"
217
Arizona State
89
27
Kevin Johnson
CB
6'0¼"
188
Wake Forest
89
28
Carl Davis
DT
6'4⅝"
320
Iowa
86
29
Dorial Green-Beckham
WR
6'5⅛"
237
Missouri
88
30
Eli Harold*
OLB
6'3⅛"
247
Virginia
88
31
Jalen Collins
CB
6'1½"
203
LSU
88
32
Devin Smith
WR
6'0⅜"
196
Ohio State
88
33
Hau'Oli Kikaha
OLB
6'2⅜"
253
Washington
87
34
Phillip Dorsett
WR
5'9¾"
185
Miami (FL)
87
D.J. Humphries
OT
6'5"
307
Florida
89
35
36
Ameer Abdullah
RB
5'8¾"
205
Nebraska
87
37
Eric Kendricks
ILB
6'0¼"
232
UCLA
87
38
Nelson Agholor
WR
6'0⅛"
198
USC
86
39
Denzel Perryman
ILB
5'10¾"
236
Miami (FL)
86
40
Bud Dupree
OLB
6'4"
269
Kentucky
86
41
Jordan Phillips
DT
6'5¼"
329
Oklahoma
85
42
Preston Smith
DE
6'4⅞"
271
Mississippi State
86
43
Maxx Williams
TE
6'3⅞"
249
Minnesota
86
44
Devin Funchess
WR
6'4¼"
232
Michigan
85
45
Cedric Ogbuehi
T
6'5¼"
306
Texas A&M
85
46
Byron Jones
CB
6'0⅝"
199
Connecticut
84
47
Owamagbe Odighizuwa
DE
6'3½"
267
UCLA
83
48
Pj Williams
CB
6'0"
194
Florida State
82
49
Stephone Anthony
ILB
6'2⅝"
243
Clemson
81
50
Mike Bennett
DT
6'2"
293
Ohio State
87
51
Tevin Coleman
RB
5'11⅜"
206
Indiana
81
52
Ronald Darby
CB
5'10⅝"
193
Florida State
80
53
Jake Fisher
T
6'6⅛"
306
Oregon
84
54
Trey Flowers
DE
6'2⅛"
266
Arkansas
80
55
Grady Jarrett
DT
6'0¾"
304
Clemson
80
56
Duke Johnson
RB
5'9⅛"
207
Miami (FL)
80
57
Tyler Lockett
WR
5'9⅞"
182
Kansas State
80
58
Benardrick McKinney
ILB
6'4⅛"
246
Mississippi State
80
59
Shaq Thompson
OLB
6'0⅛"
228
Washington
80
60
Laken Tomlinson
?
6'3⅜"
323
Duke
80
61
Jay Ajayi
RB
5'11¾"
221
Boise State
79
62
Tre Jackson
?
6'3¾"
330
Florida State
79
63
Nate Orchard
OLB
6'3¼"
250
Utah
79
64
Clive Walford
TE
6'4"
251
Miami (FL)
79
65
A.J. Cann
?
6'2¾"
313
South Carolina
78
66
P J Dawson
ILB
6'0⅛"
235
TCU
78
67
Rashad Greene
WR
5'11⅜"
182
Florida State
78
68
Tj Yeldon
RB
6'1¼"
226
Alabama
78
69
Kwon Alexander
ILB
6'0¾"
227
LSU
77
70
Markus Golden
DE
6'2⅜"
260
Missouri
77
71
Ty Montgomery
WR
5'11⅞"
221
Stanford
77
72
Quinten Rollins
CB
5'11⅛"
195
Miami (OH)
77
73
Daryl Williams
T
6'5¼"
327
Oklahoma
77
74
Derron Smith
FS
5'10"
200
Fresno State
76
75
Sammie Coates
WR
6'1⅜"
212
Auburn
75
76
Danielle Hunter
DE
6'5⅛"
252
LSU
75
77
Steven Nelson
CB
5'10⅛"
197
Oregon State
75
78
Damarious Randall
FS
5'10⅞"
196
Arizona State
75
79
Justin Hardy
WR
5'10¼"
192
East Carolina
74
80
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
CB
5'9⅛"
192
Oregon
73
81
Corey Robinson
T
6'6⅝"
324
South Carolina
73
82
James Sample
S
6'2⅛"
209
Louisville
73
83
Henry Anderson
DE
6'6¼"
294
Stanford
71
84
Doran Grant
CB
5'10¼"
200
Ohio State
71
85
Marcus Hardison
DT
6'3⅛"
307
Arizona State
71
86
Bryce Petty
QB
6'2⅞"
230
Baylor
71
87
Stefon Diggs
WR
6'0"
195
Maryland
70
88
Senquez Golson
CB
5'8⅝"
176
Mississippi
70
89
Garrett Grayson
QB
6'2½"
213
Colorado State
70
90
Lorenzo Mauldin
OLB
6'3⅝"
259
Louisville
70
91
Ty Sambrailo
T
6'5⅞"
311
Colorado State
70
92
David Johnson
RB
6'0⅝"
224
Northern Iowa
69
93
Donovan Smith
OT
6'5⅝"
338
Penn State
69
94
Jaquiski Tartt
SS
6'1⅜"
221
Samford
69
95
Jeff Heuerman
TE
6'5⅛"
254
Ohio State
68
96
Darius Philon
DT
6'1⅜"
298
Arkansas
68
97
Tyrus Thompson
T
6'4⅞"
324
Oklahoma
68
98
Mario Edwards Jr.
DE
6'2⅝"
279
Florida State
67
99
Brett Hundley
QB
6'3¼"
226
UCLA
67
100
ERIC Rowe
CB
6'0¾"
205
Utah
67
101
Buck Allen
RB
6'0½"
221
USC
66
102
Anthony Harris
FS
6'0⅝"
183
Virginia
66
103
Ali Marpet
?
6'3⅞"
307
Hobart
66
104
Za'Darius Smith
DE
6'4½"
274
Kentucky
66
105
Clayton Geathers
SS
6'1⅝"
218
UCF
65
106
Tyler Kroft
TE
6'5½"
246
Rutgers
65
107
Mike Davis
RB
5'9⅛"
217
South Carolina
64
108
Cody Prewitt
SS
6'2"
208
Mississippi
64
109
Davis Tull
OLB
6'2⅜"
246
Tennessee
Chattanooga
64
110
Jeremy Langford
RB
5'11⅝"
208
Michigan State
63
111
Jamison Crowder
?
5'8⅜"
185
Duke
62
112
Hroniss Grasu
C
6'3"
297
Oregon
62
113
Gerod Holliman
S
5'11¾"
218
Louisville
62
114
Sean Mannion
QB
6'5⅝"
229
Oregon State
62
115
Hayes Pullard
ILB
6'0½"
240
USC
62
116
Ramik Wilson
ILB
6'1¾"
237
Georgia
62
117
Gabe Wright
DT
6'2¾"
300
Auburn
62
118
Antoine Everett
?
6'2⅜"
328
McNeese State
61
119
JEAN SIFRIN
TE
6'5¼"
245
Massachusetts
61
120
D J Smith
CB
5'10"
187
Florida Atlantic
61
121
Alex Carter
CB
6'0⅛"
196
Stanford
60
122
Kyle Emanuel
ILB
6'3¼"
255
North Dakota State
60
123
Jalston Fowler
FB
5'11"
254
Alabama
60
124
Josh Harper
WR
6'0⅞"
191
Fresno State
60
125
Matt Jones
RB
6'2⅜"
231
Florida
60
126
Nick O'Leary
TE
6'3¼"
252
Florida State
60
127
Corey Crawford
DE
6'5¼"
283
Clemson
59
128
Jarvis Harrison
?
6'4⅛"
330
Texas A&M
59
129
Mitch Morse
C
6'5⅜"
305
Missouri
59
130
Jake Ryan
ILB
6'2⅜"
240
Michigan
59
131
B J Finney
C
6'3¾"
318
Kansas State
58
132
Robert Havenstein
T
6'7⅜"
321
Wisconsin
58
133
Tre Mcbride
WR
6'0¼"
210
William & Mary
57
134
Christian Covington
DT
6'2⅜"
289
Rice
56
135
Geneo Grissom
DE
6'3⅜"
262
Oklahoma
55
136
Taiwan Jones
ILB
6'2⅝"
245
Michigan State
55
137
Tye Smith
CB
6'0⅛"
195
Towson
55
138
Charles Gaines
CB
5'9⅞"
180
Louisville
54
139
Jordan Hicks
ILB
6'1⅜"
236
Texas
54
140
Mike Hull
ILB
5'11⅞"
237
Penn State
54
141
Jeremiah Poutasi
OT
6'5⅛"
335
Utah
54
142
E J Bibbs
TE
6'2"
258
Iowa State
53
143
Deontay Greenberry
WR
6'1"
0
Houston
53
144
Terrence Magee
RB
5'8½"
213
LSU
53
145
Jacorey Shepherd
FS
5'10⅞"
199
Kansas
53
146
Justin Coleman
CB
5'10⅝"
185
Tennessee
52
147
Andrew Donnal
T
6'5⅞"
313
Iowa
52
148
Durell Eskridge
FS
6'2⅞"
208
Syracuse
52
149
Ben Koyack
TE
6'4⅞"
255
Notre Dame
52
150
SportsIllustrated.com – Chris Burke & Doug Farrar
RANKINGS
BURKE'S TOP 40
FARRAR'S TOP 40
1
2
3
4
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
5
Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida
6
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
7
Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
8
9
10
Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
11
Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida
12
13
14
15
16
Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
17
18
19
20
P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
21
Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Fla.)
P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
22
23
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri
Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
24
Benardrick McKinney, LB, MS. State
Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
25
Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
SportsIllustrated.com – Chris Burke & Doug Farrar
26
27
Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
28
Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
29
Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
30
Cameron Erving, G/C, Florida State
Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
31
Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
32
Nate Orchard, DE, Utah
33
Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
34
Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami (Fla.)
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri
35
Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
36
Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
37
Paul Dawson, LB, TCU
Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
38
Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
39
Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
40
Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
TEAM REPORTS
2015 AFC North Draft Needs
NFL.com – Gil Brandt
Baltimore Ravens
2014 record: 10-6 (.475)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, RB, OL
Top-rated prospects at positional needs: Pass rusher: Leonard Williams (USC), Shane Ray (Missouri), Dante Fowler, Jr.
(Florida); RB: Todd Gurley (Georgia), Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin), Tevin Coleman (Indiana); OL: Brandon Scherff (Iowa),
Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La'el Collins (LSU).
Cincinnati Bengals
2014 record: 10-5-1 (.498)
Top three needs: CB, S, PK
Top-rated prospects at positional needs: CB: Marcus Peters (Washington), Trae Waynes (Michigan State), Kevin Johnson
(Wake Forest); S: Landon Collins (Alabama), Gerod Holliman (Louisville), Derron Smith (Fresno State).
Cleveland Browns
2014 record: 7-9 (.479)
Top three needs: WR, ILB, DL
Top-rated prospects at positional needs: WR: Amari Cooper (Alabama), DeVante Parker (Louisville), Kevin White (West
Virginia); ILB: Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi State), Denzel Perryman (Miami), Eric Kendricks (UCLA); DL: Leonard
Williams (USC), Shane Ray (Missouri), Arik Armstead (Oregon).
Pittsburgh Steelers
2014 record: 11-5 (.451)
Top three needs: S, DL, CB
Top-rated prospects at positional needs: S: Landon Collins (Alabama), Gerod Holliman (Louisville), Derron Smith (Fresno
State); DL: Leonard Williams (USC), Shane Ray (Missouri), Arik Armstead (Oregon); CB: Marcus Peters (Washington),
Trae Waynes (Michigan State), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest).
Has there ever been another division where we've talked as much about the last-place team?
While the Steelers and Ravens keep butting heads and the Bengals keep making the playoffs, the Browns -- who own a
playoff drought dating back to the 2002 season -- keep swiping many of the headlines.
Cleveland would prefer to live a little more in the shadows, eliminating the drama from its front office on down. After all,
just across the state, Cincinnati has built one of the more monotonous franchises in the NFL with four consecutive playoff
berths. Granted, none of those trips has resulted in a victory but still...
The North actually claimed three of six AFC postseason berths last year, with Baltimore qualifying after missing out in
2013 and Pittsburgh making it for the first time since '11.
Will any of those teams get back in 2015? Can Cincinnati climb any higher on the NFL ladder? What else can go wrong in
Cleveland? Day Two of our Off-season Primer series takes us on a stroll through the AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens
• Key free agents: WR Kamar Aiken (exclusive rights), TE Owen Daniels, RB Justin Forsett, S Will Hill
(RFA), CB Anthony Levine (RFA) OLB Pernell McPhee, WR Torrey Smith, S Darian Stewart, QB Tyrod
Taylor, K Justin Tucker (RFA)
• Players team needs to bring back: Daniels, Hill, Tucker ... and Smith?
CBS' Jason La Canfora reported last week that the Ravens offered Torrey Smith a five-year, $35 million deal with $19
million guaranteed before the 2014 season. Smith then proceeded to produce a career high in TD catches (11) and a
career low in yards receiving (767). So, where does his value lie now? Probably around that $7 million-per-year range -- a
healthy chunk of change for a team currently projected to be right around next year's salary cap (restructuring Haloti
Ngata's deal, among other things, will help).
The Ravens could find a replacement for Smith in the draft -- someone like, say, Ohio State's Devin Smith, who brings the
same deep threat that Torrey Smith has for Baltimore. Or, they could re-sign Torrey Smith and draft a big-bodied wideout:
Jaelen Strong, Devin Funchess, etc.
Young receivers Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown showed promising potential last season, but neither can fill Smith's role.
It's a critical one in the Joe Flacco-led offense, too, given the veteran QB's propensity for picking up chunks of yardage via
deep completions or -- as often is the case with Flacco-Smith -- drawing pass-interference calls.
Along with Ngata's salary, the Torrey Smith dilemma is among Baltimore's most pressing issues this off-season. The other
choices here are relative no-brainers: Hill is a bargain (assuming he can avoid off-field issues) as a restricted free agent,
Tucker is one of the game's best kickers and Daniels served a needed role in the offense with Dennis Pitta injured again.
The Ravens would love to keep McPhee, but he's probably played his way into more money elsewhere a la Paul Kruger
and Dannell Ellerbe. Meanwhile, Forsett will be near the top of the Ravens' wish list. The minimum contract he signed last
off-season, though, prevents Baltimore from re-signing him until free agency begins, meaning another franchise could
swoop in with an offer.
They needed help to sneak into the playoffs, but the Ravens' roster has the look of a 2015 contender. If Daniels, Smith
and Forsett all return and Pitta makes it back from injury, the secondary will be the clear focus over the coming months.
Neither Lardarius Webb nor Jimmy Smith was able to stay healthy last season, and Baltimore saw the muddled results.
Cincinnati Bengals
• Key free agents: G Clint Boling, TE Jermaine Gresham, LB Emmanuel Lamur (RFA), LB Rey Maualuga,
OT Marshall Newhouse, CB Terence Newman, K Mike Nugent, WR Brandon Tate, OT Eric Winston
• Players team needs to bring back: Boling and Lamur.
Lamur leaves something to be desired against the run (Pro Football Focus rated him as the Bengals' second-worst
defender there), but the 25-year-old starting linebacker covers the field well. Cincinnati has enough question marks at
linebacker without letting Lamur walk -- Maualuga could hit the road and Vontaze Burfict recently underwent microfracture
knee surgery. Overpaying Lamur would be a misstep. So would losing him.
Let's also not forget that this team was burned by letting another RFA get away last off-season: WR Andrew Hawkins.
Cincinnati low-balled him with its qualifying offer, then watched him catch 63 passes for 824 yards after signing with
Cleveland.
Boling, like Lamur, may never be an All-Pro, but he has more than proven his value to the Bengals at both guard and
tackle. Cincinnati can lock him in along the interior for 2015 and turn its attention to adding depth elsewhere.
Speaking of which, Winston should be of higher priority than Newhouse, should the Bengals opt to retain one of their
backup tackles. He would provide a steady safety net behind projected starters Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith.
And what of Gresham? The 26-year-old TE averaged a paltry 7.4 yards per catch this season, with Tyler Eifert expected
back in 2015 after an injury-halted '14 campaign. The pro-Gresham argument is that he is the Bengals' best run-blocker at
the TE position and Gresham-Eifert two-TE sets might be the ideal plan of attack for this offense.
I'm gonna go ahead and skip the Cincinnati quarterback discussion. There's nothing to be said about Andy Dalton at this
point that has not already been said, and that goes for the positives and negatives.
Geno Atkins will be around for a long time, but (when healthy) he needs more production next to him. Carlos Dunlap
found himself in a similar predicament at DE last season -- he led the team with 8.0 sacks, Atkins had 3.5 and no other
Bengal made it to 2.0. A bounceback from Wallace Gilberry or breakthrough by Margus Hunt would be welcome.
Cincinnati might have to look elsewhere.
The Bengals also are still shy enough reliable pass-catchers, even though Mohamed Sanu's step forward was
encouraging. This is a good draft for finding a mid-round guy ready to contribute.
Cleveland Browns
• Key free agents: WR Miles Austin, TE Jordan Cameron, S Tashaun Gipson (RFA), QB Brian Hoyer, LB
Craig Robertson (exclusive rights), DL Ahtyba Rubin, OLB Jabaal Sheard, CB Buster Skrine
"We'll see," Jordan Cameron told Fox Sports Ohio's Fred Greethem at the end of the season, regarding his Cleveland
future. "There are a lot of things that have to go into it. It's not just me wanting to come back. There are a lot of situations
that have to go in my favor. I really haven't given it a lot of thought. It's really up in the air."
Early this month, ESPNCleveland beat writer Tony Grossi put the odds of Cameron sticking around at 1%. If that guess is
on the ball, it's tough to figure out what the Browns are thinking at this point. They'll already be without No. 1 receiver Josh
Gordon for the duration of 2015, so subtracting Cameron, injury-prone as he was last season, would force a hard reset on
the offense.
There are but a handful of tight ends who pose as many matchup problems as does Cameron when he's on the field. The
draft certainly offers a limited quantity of those types, a list perhaps starting and ending with Minnesota's Maxx Williams.
Cleveland should be trying to get Gipson locked up long-term, despite the knee injury that sent to IR late in 2014. He
picked off six passes in 10 games before that and earned a Pro Bowl nod anyway.
The Browns badly need Skrine back in their secondary, too. The 2014 season was the best of his career. Sure, there's
always a slight concern a guy will regress after a huge contract-year effort, but with Justin Gilbert racing toward bust
status Skrine is a must-have for this defense.
Robertson played in all 16 games and started 11. His ERFA tender last season paid him $570K. At or around that same
price, he's worth it.
There are a few bright spots for Cleveland: safety (provided Gipson's back) and the offensive line (aside from the RT spot)
are in decent shape, and there is some clear upside at running back. Everywhere else, work remains.
Moving forward with any grand designs will be difficult until the discombobulated front office sorts out Johnny Manziel's
situation and/or re-signs Brian Hoyer. Of course, it may not matter who is under center if the Browns cannot come up with
some more help at the skill positions. With two first-round picks, Cleveland might even consider doubling down at WR/TE
early.
The defense finished ninth in points allowed ... and 32nd against the run. Reshaping the line will be on the to-do list,
especially if Rubin is permitted to test the free-agent waters. Another pass-rusher wouldn't hurt, either.
Pittsburgh Steelers
• Key free agents: S Will Allen, CB Antwon Blake (RFA), OLB James Harrison, FB Will Johnson (RFA), CB
Brice McCain, OLB Arthur Moats, CB Ike Taylor, RB Ben Tate, OLB Jason Worilds
• Players team needs to bring back: Allen, McCain, Moats.
The Steelers' on-the-fly facelift, a process that has been underway for several off-seasons now, will continue into the
coming months. Longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau already has relocated to Tennessee; familiar faces Jason
Worilds, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and Ike Taylor all could follow him out the door.
Thus, the onus is on Steelers GM Kevin Colbert to find versatile contributors, ideally for manageable prices.
Moats fits the bill. Capable of playing anywhere across the Steelers' linebacker alignment, the ex-Bill turned in nine starts
and a career-high 4.0 sacks -- two coming in a Week 14 win over Cincinnati, with Harrison out of the lineup. Transitioning
from Worilds and Harrison as the starting OLBs to Moats and 2013 first-rounder Jarvis Jones may take some time, yet it's
not the worst plan. If nothing else, Moats again could give Pittsburgh a multi-positional backup.
The secondary has a matching need for the 32-year-old Hill, who saw four starts last season and could bump into the
lineup permanently if Polamalu is released. The Steelers also could give Shamarko more responsibility and keep Hill in
their back pocket as insurance.
McCain tied William Gay for the team lead in interceptions (three), as part of a patchwork CB group. He won't come
anywhere close to breaking the bank.
That whole "RB depth" headache started when the Steelers cut (future Super Bowl champion) LeGarrette Blount and
ended with Tate et al stumbling to replace Le'Veon Bell during a playoff loss. The draft has loads of capable backs.
Pittsburgh should pluck one to serve as Bell's backup.
The aforementioned defensive depth is problematic even if Polamalu, Worilds and Harrison all return -- unlikely as that
scenario is. The Steelers found themselves scrambling at the cornerback and linebacker sports for varying chunks of the
season, because of injury and inconsistency.
2015 Baltimore Ravens Draft Needs
CBSSports.com – Frank Cooney
On The Clock: Who should Ravens pick in NFL Draft at No. 26?
2014 Record: 10-6, 3rd in AFC North
First Draft Pick: No. 26 Overall
When the Baltimore Ravens are On The Clock with the No. 26 pick in the NFL Draft April 30 in Chicago, who should they pick?
Here is an in-depth look at the team's needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com's experts.
All things considered, who would you pick and why?
TEAM NEEDS
1. Cornerback: The Ravens' secondary was in a shambles for most of the season due to injuries to starting cornerbacks Jimmy Smith
(Lisfranc foot sprain) and Lardarius Webb (back), among others. The position remains a need with Smith coming off surgery and
Webb's injury history still factors.
2. Wide receiver: Steve Smith will be 36 years old next season. Torrey Smith left for the 49ers as a free agent. The Ravens are
planning to draft a wide receiver and also rely on younger wide receivers, including Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro and Kamar
Aiken.
3. Pass rusher: The Ravens lost top situational pass rusher Pernell McPhee in free agency, and outside linebackers Terrell Suggs and
Elvis Dumervil are both getting up in years.
OFFSEASON TRANSACTIONS
Players re-signed: DT Christo Bilukidi: Not tendered as RFA; $1.5M/2 yrs, $80,000 SB; DE Chris Canty: FA Ravens; $4.65M/2 yrs,
$1.5M SB; LS Morgan Cox: UFA; $825,000/1 yr, $80,000 SB; RB Justin Forsett: UFA; $9M/3 yrs, $2.1M SB/$3M guaranteed; DE
Lawrence Guy: UFA; $2.3M/2 yrs, $500,000 SB; CB Anthony Levine: Not tendered as RFA; $2.4M/2 yrs, $400,000 SB.
Players acquired: S Kendrick Lewis: UFA Texans; $5.4M/3 yrs, $1.4M SB.
Players lost: NT Terrence Cody (released); TE Owen Daniels: UFA Broncos; $12.25M/3 yrs, $3M SB; LB Jarret Johnson (retired); WR
Jacoby Jones (released); OLB Pernell McPhee: UFA Bears; $38.75M/5 yrs, $2.5M SB/$15.5M guaranteed; NT Haloti Ngata (traded
Lions); RB Bernard Pierce (released); WR Torrey Smith: UFA 49ers; $40M/5 yrs, $8M SB/$22M guaranteed; S Darian Stewart: UFA
Broncos; $4.25M/2 yrs, $1.5M SB/$2.25M guaranteed; QB Tyrod Taylor: UFA Bills; $3.35M/3 yrs, $400,000 SB/$1.15M guaranteed.
BEST FIT: Wide receiver, Breshad Perriman, UCF
With Torrey Smith signing a lucrative free agent deal in San Francisco, the Ravens are left with 36-year old Steve Smith and Marlon
Brown as the projected opening day starters at wide receiver. Perriman might have put himself out of range for Baltimore after his 4.25
40-yard dash at his pro day, but his combination of size, speed and upside is an ideal fit in the Ravens' offense.
NFLDRAFTSCOUT.COM/CBS SPORTS EXPERTS' PICKS
Rob Rang: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State. Given the loss of Torrey Smith in free agency and the advancing age of Steve Smith, the
Ravens will be in the market for receivers. Strong is aptly named, showing the physicality and body control to make acrobatic catches
and he showed off his explosiveness with stellar marks in the 40-yard dash (4.44) and vertical jump (42 inches) at the Combine. He
also comes with high marks for his work ethic and dependability.
Dane Brugler: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma. It's a fair bet that the Ravens will pick a receiver at some point and while GreenBeckham has his baggage, the reward out-weighs the risk at this point in the draft.
Pete Prisco: Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida. With Torrey Smith taking his deep speed to the 49ers, this is a kid with the speed
to replace that ability to stretch the field.
NFL.com – Elliot Harrison
Baltimore Ravens: Will Ozzie Newsome add a first-round pick to the defensive front?
The Ravens' front seven took a beating over the last few weeks. Is Baltimore cool with Timmy Jernigan (second-round
pick in 2014), Brandon Williams (third-rounder in '13) and DeAngelo Tyson (seventh-rounder in '12) up front? The team
did sign re-sign Chris Canty, but he'll turn 33 this season. With Le'Veon Bell and Jeremy Hill suiting up for Baltimore's
rivals in the AFC North, this area is key. Another need: The Ravens must add a wide receiver early.
Cincinnati Bengals: Is this a true best player available situation?
More than any other club in the AFC, the Bengals are in the best position to take the best college player who lands in their
lap. Even after winning a race against the Vikings for Michael Johnson's services, drafting another pass rusher could be
just what the doctor ordered. Or maybe they should snag a cornerback. Or a defensive tackle. The point is, Cincinnati is
as talented as any team in the conference. (We can have the Andy Dalton conversation another day.) Being able to take
the top player -- irrespective of position -- is a luxury, not an issue.
Cleveland Browns: How far are the Brownies willing to go to get a quarterback?
Chances are, Marcus Mariota will not drop to the 12th spot. Yet, with the 19th pick in their hip pocket (thank you, Sammy
Watkins trade), Cleveland has the firepower to fly up the board. One possibility: making a deal with Atlanta, which
obviously already has a franchise QB (Matt Ryan), at No. 8. Unfortunately, that might not be high enough to grab Mariota.
If Cleveland doesn't go QB ... I like the Browns to draft a wideout -- Louisville's DeVante Parker could be there at 12 -- and
hit the front seven in some capacity.
Pittsburgh Steelers: "Hey, have we drafted an offensive player yet?"
I could see Steelers fans asking this question some time during Day 3 of the draft. Pittsburgh must get an outside rush
linebacker. Next up: a safety. Then probably a corner (or two) after that. Nose tackle Steve McLendon is 29, and obtaining
another solid player who can man the inside would be desirable. At some point, drafting another tight end makes sense.
Heath Miller has been at it for a decade now.
NFL.com – Lance Zierlein
Baltimore Ravens
Top 5 needs: WR, CB, OLB, RB, S
No. of selections: 10
Draft picks: Round 1 (26), Round 2 (58), Round 3 (90), Round 4 (122), Round 4 (125), Round 4 (136), Round 5 (158),
Round 5 (171), Round 5 (176), Round 6 (204)
Analysis: The loss of Torrey Smith isn't insurmountable at wide receiver, but the Ravens know Steve Smith won't post the
production he once did, so finding help at the position is necessary. CB Lardarius Webb needs competition and free-agent
addition Kendrick Lewis is a band-aid at free safety. The Ravens ran the ball well and rushed the passer well last season,
but RB and OLB could be in play at some point with aging veterans at those spots.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top 5 needs: NT, WR, OT, LB, TE
Round 6 (197), Round 7 (238)
Analysis: While Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu offer nice complementary receivers next to A.J. Green, the Bengals
could really use an effective slot man. Offensive tackle makes sense with Andrew Whitworth turning 34 in 2015. The
Bengals could look for depth or a potential replacement for NT Domata Peko, and adding speed at linebacker is a very
real possibility.
Cleveland Browns
Top 5 needs: WR, QB, TE, OLB, NT
Round 6 (189), Round 6 (202), Round 7 (229)
Analysis: The additions of Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe mean the Browns won't feel pressure to reach on a wide
receiver, but they still need one badly. They could replace TE Jordan Cameron with another athletic pass-catcher in the
early or middle rounds. The defensive front was a disappointment last season and it's time to restock; that includes adding
depth at OLB.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top 5 needs: CB, S, OLB, TE, OL
Round 7 (239)
Analysis: Age has been catching up with the Steelers' secondary for some time and there's really no way of getting
around the holes that have developed at cornerback and safety. The loss of Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones' failure to
emerge forced Pittsburgh to re-sign James Harrison, who turns 37 in May. The Steelers need another pass rusher and a
young TE to groom under Heath Miller.

2015 DRAFT BOOK

Transcription

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