Following my previous Mock Draft post with trades, I received a lot of questions such as, "But what if the Jets didn't trade up", or "What if so-and-so was already gone when my team picks". To answer these questions I have decided to do a second Trade Mock Draft with some different scenarios at the top of the draft, to see what would be impacted downstream.
Again, this is a "just-for-fun" mock draft. Please don't expect this to be a prediction of what may happen in two weeks. Also, keep in mind, this is all based off my assessment of team needs, and my assessment of player talent / scheme fit.
Again, like last time, we will go 4 rounds deep, and I will provide commentary on the first two rounds.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
Again, this is a "just-for-fun" mock draft. Please don't expect this to be a prediction of what may happen in two weeks. Also, keep in mind, this is all based off my assessment of team needs, and my assessment of player talent / scheme fit.
Again, like last time, we will go 4 rounds deep, and I will provide commentary on the first two rounds.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
Another mock, and another time as the GM for the Bucs, I choose Winston. His off the field issues, which are the primary source of my concern are well documented. His high number of interceptions thrown last season are also a issue for me. However, despite all of that, I still see him as the better QB of the top 2 options right now, and I think his being more "pro-ready" makes him a better fit for the QB needy Bucs.
2. Cleveland Browns via Tennessee (Browns give up #12, #19, and 2nd & 2016 2nd) - Marcus Mariotta, QB, Oregon
The Titans are a team with many needs, and trading out will allow for the team to address more of them sooner than sitting put. This time, they move the pick to the Cleveland Browns, who are still searching for their QB of the future having come to the conclusion that drafting Johnny Football was a mistake from a year ago. Getting Mariotta as their QB of the future gives them a tented kid, with high character traits, which cannot be undervalued in Cleveland. Is the price high, yes, but they do get away at a lesser cost than what the Skins ponied up to move up for RG3 a few years ago.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dante Fowler Jr, OLB, Florida
During this go around, rather than trade out of this pick, I as the Jags GM come down to selecting between Fowler and Leonard Williams. Williams is the top player on my board overall, but I think Fowler is the perfect fit for HC Gus Bradley's Leo position, which is a must-have in this defensive system. In the end I picked the better fit over the better prospect, and make Fowler the cornerstone of the Jacksonville defense for the foreseeable future.
4. Atlanta Falcons via Oakland (Falcons give up #8, #42) - Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
In this scenario, the Oakland Raiders become big beneficiaries of the Jags staying put and choosing Fowler. This leaves both Williams and the only other elite edge rusher, Vic "Beastly" Beasley, still on the board. Although the Falcons added both Justin Durant and Brooks Reed this offseason, neither is an elite pass rusher, so they still have a need. With Fowler gone, and the Skins on deck, Atlanta gives up their 1st and 2nd this year to grab Beasley who becomes the Leo in new HC Dan Quinn's defense.
5. Tennessee Titans via Washington (Titans give up #12, #33) - Leonard Williams, DL, USC
How about this for a first hour of the 2015 NFL draft. First the Titans trade down out of the 2, and now they use the #12 pick which was acquired in that deal along with the first pick in the second round to move back up to 5 to get the best overall player on the board in Leonard Williams. Staying put at 2, Williams would have been the selection. Now, they still get him, and they essentially traded up from the #33 pick to the #19, and added a 2 in next years draft to boot. Williams steps in to fill the DE in the 3-4 defense of Tennessee immediately, and heads the rebuild for this defense.
6. New York Jets -
With both elite QB prospects, and both elite pass rushing prospects gone, the Jets are left to fill some other needs here. With Williams gone, and all of the top tier receivers still remaining, the Jets are not in a great position to trade down here either. So instead of taking a bad trade, they stay put and select Shelton, who is the best NT prospect in the class, which also happens to be a position of need for this team. Shelton has exceptional upside. He is quick and agile for a man of his size, and he will fit well in the Jets defensive scheme. He does have "bust potential" too, but the more tape of his I watch, the more I like him.
7. Chicago Bears - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Ideally, the Bears would want to see Shelton fall to them here, but with the Jets snapping him up one pick earlier, I instead select Cooper, the top receiver on my board, to pair with Alshon Jeffrey, replacing Brandon Marshall. Although Marshall is more proven, Cooper has all of the physical traits needed to be a true #1 receiver in the league. Considering Cooper lacks all of the off-the-field drama that Marshall comes with, this ultimately seems to be a net gain for the organization.
8. St Louis via Oakland via Atlanta (Rams give up #10 & #119) - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Having acquired this pick earlier from the Falcons, Oakland opts to deal back a few more spots and add some additional assets to allow the Rams to step up and steal Kevin White from them. For Oakland this makes perfect sense, as they have multiple needs, and the wide-out crop in this class is deep. For the Rams, parting with the 4th rounder to move up 2 spots also makes sense because they land the potential #1 wide receiver they so badly need. White has the size, speed, and athleticism you want in a pro pass catcher. He is unproven, with only one year of elite production at a college whose offense in no way resembles a pro system though, so there is some risk with this deal.
9. New York Giants - Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas
For most of my previous mocks, I have had the Giants selecting OT, Brandon Scherff with this pick. The G-men do need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and Scherff will be a strong consideration here, but in the end, I like Brown a bit more. I have Brown rated higher than a lot of the experts do in their mocks, but I absolutely love the potential I see in this kid when I watch him play. I think he projects best as a 4-3 DT where he can play the 3-technique. In New York, that is exactly where they will use him. New York will simply have to wait till later to get additional help on their o-line.
10. Oakland Raiders via St Louis - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Having moved back twice the Raiders have collected additional picks, and are still in a position to add an exceptional talent who can make an immediate impact on this team. With what still remains, I opted not to take one of the remaining pass rushers, but instead address their porous secondary with the top CB in this class. Waynes is a top 5 overall player in this class on my board, and for the Raiders to get this kid who can learn from Charles Woodson, and eventually develop into a shut-down corner for this team is the perfect fit.
11. Philadelphia Eagles via Minnesota (Eagles give up #20 & #52) - Devante Parker, WR, Louisville
Just like my last trade mock, the Vikes prove to be best served by trading down from this pick. This time however, the trade is with Phily. Chip Kelly has shown he is not afraid to make moves, and with the top 2 receivers already off the board, he moves up to get the third. In my opinion, Parker is an excellent fit in the Chip Kelly offense. He is long, fast, and has excellent hands. He could stand to add some strength, but that can come as he matures into his body. The Eagles absolutely need another threat or two on the outside after losing Jackson and Maclin in back-to-back offseasons.
12. Washington Redskins via Tennessee via Cleveland - Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
It would have been Washington's preference to land one of the top two edge rushers while sitting at 5. Unfortunately for them, both Fowler and Beasley had been taken, so they did the smart thing and traded down. Now they could still go grab Randy Gregory here, and he will be under consideration, however his dedication has come into question based on his multiple failed drug tests. Instead, I think the new brass in Washington capitalizes on the fall of the top OT in the draft and gets Scherff. Like most Iowa linemen, Scherff is tough, gritty, and technically sound. He can compete for a job as the RT for the Skins, or he has the skills needed to move inside and play guard if needed.
13. New Orleans Saints - Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Last mock I had the Saints staying put and taking Gregory. But, since then things have changed. Thanks to the failed drug tests, Gregory is sliding down boards, including mine. In addition, I have watched some additional tape on Dupree, and I am amending my opinion. I no longer see him as the one-trick pony I initially though he was. Instead, I have seen him be able to play the run too, so Dupree is moving up my board, and has eclipsed Gregory in my ratings. As such, he becomes the selection for the Saints here at 13.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers via Miami (Pitt gives up #22 & #56) - Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Last mock I had the Steelers, who are in desperate need at both secondary positions, trade up to 11 to get CB Trae Waynes. This time, that wasn't an option for them, so they instead move up here to grab the top Safety on the board in Collins. Having Polomalu gone from their secondary will hurt, but adding Collins really starts to bridge the gap. I'm not saying Collins will play at the same level as the future hall-of-famer did in his prime, but he will certainly provide the Steelers secondary with more than Polomalu did his last few seasons.
15. Baltimore Ravens via San Francisco (Ravens give up #26 & #58) - Jalen Strong, WR, Arizona State
A lot of the experts have Strong rated as a high second round talent rather than the mid first I see him has. Recently, it has become almost universally accepted that Strong is behind guys like Breshard Perriman on most boards. I've watched more tape recently, and although Perriman has moved up my board, Strong has stayed put as my 4th best receiver. I really like his overall game. With Baltimore having lost so much at receiver recently, and the age of Steve Smith Sr, this has to be an area of focus for the team, so to me, this trade up for Strong is perfectly appropriate.
16. Houston Texans - Dorial Green Beckham, WR, Missouri
Is his past a bit checkered? Sure it is. But there is also no denying the talent that Green Beckham brings to the table. Many have compared his skill set to Calvin Johnson's and I see that as a fair comparison. The Texans need another wide out in a bad way to offset the loss of Andre Johnson. If Green Beckham can keep his head on straight, he would make a nasty 1-2 with Nuk Hopkins.
17. San Diego Chargers - Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Chargers are a team which is on the edge of being ultra-competitive. They could absolutely make the jump to best in the West this year with some changes. The Bolts must get better up front defensively, and they need to become better at running the ball, especially with Ryan Matthews now in Philly. With Shelton already gone, it makes sense to add the top RB of the class here. Melvin Gordon will be the type of runner this team hasn't has since LT left.
18. Carolina Panthers via Kansas City (Ravens give up #25 & #89) - La'El Collins, OT, LSU
With the Chiefs on the clock and their need at WR, they could absolutely go with Brashad Perriman here to fill their need. Instead, as the GM of KC, I took a gamble and traded down in the hopes Perriman would still be there at 25. The Panthers are the team moving up. With OT needy Tennessee now on deck, the Panther jump up to grab Collins, who is the second best OT on my board. He has all of the tools the Panthers need to replace Jordan Gross, and they are willing to part with a 3 rather than risk losing him.
With the Chiefs on the clock and their need at WR, they could absolutely go with Brashad Perriman here to fill their need. Instead, as the GM of KC, I took a gamble and traded down in the hopes Perriman would still be there at 25. The Panthers are the team moving up. With OT needy Tennessee now on deck, the Panther jump up to grab Collins, who is the second best OT on my board. He has all of the tools the Panthers need to replace Jordan Gross, and they are willing to part with a 3 rather than risk losing him.
19. Washington Redskins via Tennessee Titans via Cleveland via Buffalo (Ravens give up #33 & #69) - Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
For the second time today, The Redskins and Titans come to an agreement to swap picks. Earlier in this draft, the Skins added the first pick in the second round from Tennessee as they moved back up to the 5 spot. Now that 33rd overall selection returns to Tennessee. Why? Once the Panthers moved up to get Collins, the Titans recognized they could wait on an OT until slightly later in the draft. Washington however, see the window of opportunity closing to grab the talented, yet falling Randy Gregory. So come the deal, and so comes Gregory to the nations capital. If he can stay focused on his career he could be very good.
20. Minnesota Vikings via Philadelphia - Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
As of right now, there are only microscopic shades of difference that I have between all 4 of the top ILBs from this class. This is the next group I have to watch more tape on. But as of now, Denzel Perryman is the guy at the top of my list. With the Vikings having traded down to add assets earlier, they can now grab Perryman to fill a position of need for this team, and use the additional picks to help round out the roster later in the draft.
21. Oakland Raiders via Cincinnati (Raiders give up #35 and #68) - Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Having just watched Washington use some of their additional firepower from their earlier trade down to come back into round 1 for a pass rusher they covet, Oakland decided to follow suit. With The Dolphins on deck as a possibility to grab the pass rusher from Mizzou, the Raiders move their early second round pick and their early 3rd rounder to Cincy to come get Ray. Although I still see Ray as overrated, grabbing him here in the 20's rather than in the top 10 mitigates some of the cost should he become a bust.
22. Miami Dolphins via Pittsburgh - Cameron Ewing, C, FSU
For an team knocking on the door of the playoffs, the Dolphins have a surprising number of holes. With this pick they could look at Jalen Strong at corner, Brashad Perriman at wideout, or Eli Harold at LB. All will be discussed, but in the end, the Phins will choose to continue to address the o-line, which they spent so much time working on last offseason. The uber-flexible Ewing can play all three positions on the front, and this will allow them to put him in at Center and move Mike Pouncy back to guard, and really solidify things in front of their emerging signal caller, RyanTannehill.
23. Detroit Lions - Eddie Goldman, DT, FSU
For the second straight pick, a former Seminole will hear his name called. This one, Eddie Goldman really came into his own last season as a force on the defensive front. This will come in handy in Detroit, who lost both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairly this past offseason. Goldman alone will not fully fill this gap, but he will certainly start the repair job.
24. Arizona Cardinals - Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
During the last mock, I had the Cards dealing down. This time however, finding a trade up partner was a little tougher, so instead, they Cards use this pick to add the long and rangy former Bulldog, Benardrick McKinney. Currently Kevin Minter is atop the Arizona depth chart at MLB. He is a decent, young player, but there is definitely room here for McKinney to unseat him. With Todd Bowles having left for the Jets top job, there will be a new defense to adjust to, so everything should be up for grabs, and this would suit McKinney just fine.
25. Kansas City Chiefs via Carolina - Brashad Perriman, WR, UCF
Earlier I talked about the gamble I was making as the GM of KC by trading down. Here, the Chiefs can cash in their chips because the bet payed off. Brashad Perriman has been moving up draft boards everywhere because his pedigree is stout, and his game is complete. He has traveled up my board too, now entering the mix as one of the first round WR selections. Paired across from Jeremy Maclin, the Chiefs will have little excuse to replicate their disgraceful production from the wide out position from a year ago.
26. San Francisco 49ers via Baltimore - Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
The Niners have had themselves quite a difficult offseason, starting with letting go of one of the most successful coaches in the league, then watching many player skip town or retire. So for a team who only 12 months ago were coming off consecutive NFC Title game appearances, let the rebuild begin. They traded down here, and now have added some extra picks, and can still grab one of the first round talents to fill the suddenly bare ILB position. Kendricks is a fast inside backer who plays with a ferocity, and this will be important as the team tries to replace some of what was lost with Patrick Willis' retirement announcement.
27. Green Bay Packers via Dallas (GB give up #30 & #94) - Paul Dawson, ILB, TCU
In an uncharacteristic move for the franchise, the Green Bay Packers opt to move up the draft board here near the end of the first round. Why? Well with three of the 4 round 1 ILBs gone, the Pack do not want to let the Broncos grab the last one, so they give up a third to the Cowboys for the right to select Dawson. Dawson is a very good all around ball player, and could just as easily have gone to the Vikings almost 10 picks ago. In Green Bay, he joins a very good team who was a muffed on-side kick away from a Super Bowl last season.
28. Denver Broncos - Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
It is hard to look at the Denver Broncos and not see a team that is weaker than their squad from a year ago. Some players are quickly aging, and others have left for new opportunities. One of those guys seeking greener pastures (pun intended), was TE Julius Thomas. Thomas was a match-up nightmare for opposing DCs over the last few seasons. With him gone, the team has to find some answers to keep Peyton manned with weapons, no disrespect intended for newly acquired Owen Daniels. Maxx Williams may not be Thomas, but he can be a dangerous receiver, and he is a better in-line blocker than Thomas was too.
29. Indianapolis Colts - Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
This is another one of those picks that has not changed much though out my different mock drafts. It is simply such a good match. With the Cowboys having traded down from above, there is no other team who would even be in the mix for Gurley, allowing him to fall to the Colts here. With his injury, Gurley may not be at full strength at the start of the season, but in Indy, that is just fine. They added Frank Gore in the offseason from San Francisco. Gore may not be the same player he was a few seasons ago, but there is still something left in the tank. Especially if Gurley can be relied upon to take half the load by midseason.
30. Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay - Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
Armstead is another player with boom-bust potential in this class. When watching most Oregon games from last season, Armstead does nothing to jump off the tape at you. He has great size, and excellent measurables, but his production was nearly invisible. In the National Championship game however, he flashed that potential, and showed why he is a first round candidate. Despite having already added Greg Hardy this offseason, the need for defensive talent has not been fully abated, so the addition of Armstead make perfect sense.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars via New Orleans via Seattle (Jags give up 2016 1st) - Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Having sensed the fall of Jalen Collins, an easy first round talent at corner, is about to end with the Patriots coming up next, the Jag part ways with a first round pick in next year's draft to grab an extra pick in this year's first round. They are then able to add Collins to their roster where he can join the team's other top pick from this year, Dante Fowler to help anchor the future of this team. Gus Bradley will be on a very hot seat if the Jags don't show some marked improvement, so this move is a must do for the team.
32. New England Patriots - Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Belichick is a master at manipulating the draft board, and sometime, the masterful move is doing nothing at all. With this draft which is heavy on the late 1st / early 2nd round talent, sitting tight would likely result in a player falling to this spot who the Pats would find attractive. Enter Peters. He is another very talented young man, who struggled with behavioral issues in college. Belichick has never been shy about taking players with baggage, so the challenges Peters faced at Washington will not dissuade him in the least. Instead, he will see it as another very talented player to add to his championship roster.
33. Tennessee Titans via Washington via Tennessee - DJ Humphries, OT, Florida
In another nice move for the Titans during this draft, they have reacquired this pick in their trade down with Washington from earlier, and they are now in position to add the first round talent, DJ Humphries here in the early second round. Of all of the top tier o-linemen in this class, Humphries may exhibit the best footwork of them all. All of the top o-line coaches will tell you that this position gets played from the feet up, so this excellent footwork will serve him well in the NFL, on a team which sorely needs to bolster their front.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
During the last mock, the Bucs had to jump back into the late first round to ensure securing Odighizuwa (pronounced O-Diggy-Zoo-Wah). Here they get the same result without having to part with any additional compensation. Odighizuwa is a raw talent with althleticism to spare. Although not quite the athletic freak that Jason Pierre Paul is, he still reminds many, including yours truly, of the former South Florida Bull. If his career arc is anything similar, the Bucs will have gotten a stud pass rushing end for the next decade or so.
During the last mock, the Bucs had to jump back into the late first round to ensure securing Odighizuwa (pronounced O-Diggy-Zoo-Wah). Here they get the same result without having to part with any additional compensation. Odighizuwa is a raw talent with althleticism to spare. Although not quite the athletic freak that Jason Pierre Paul is, he still reminds many, including yours truly, of the former South Florida Bull. If his career arc is anything similar, the Bucs will have gotten a stud pass rushing end for the next decade or so.
35. Cincinnati Bengals via Oakland - Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
In all of my previous mocks, Eli HArold has gone in the first round. Although I have cooled on him somewhat, I still think highly of the pass rushing linebacker from Virginia. Adding him to this already talented Bengals defense sets up the team to continue to be successful, and likely to reach the playoffs again. Some will be down on the Bengals for passing on picking in the first round. I'm not. I think this was an excellent play.
In all of my previous mocks, Eli HArold has gone in the first round. Although I have cooled on him somewhat, I still think highly of the pass rushing linebacker from Virginia. Adding him to this already talented Bengals defense sets up the team to continue to be successful, and likely to reach the playoffs again. Some will be down on the Bengals for passing on picking in the first round. I'm not. I think this was an excellent play.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Come draft night, I think it is likely that Ereck Flowers will hear his named called during the Thursday broadcast. Having said this, this is just a testament to how much talent will still be sitting there for teams when Friday's proceedings get underway. Having already secured the services of two defensive studs, the Jags can now help add to the wall in front of young Blake Bortles.
Come draft night, I think it is likely that Ereck Flowers will hear his named called during the Thursday broadcast. Having said this, this is just a testament to how much talent will still be sitting there for teams when Friday's proceedings get underway. Having already secured the services of two defensive studs, the Jags can now help add to the wall in front of young Blake Bortles.
37. San Diego via Jets (Chargers give up #48 and #117) - Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
With this selection, the Jets decide to add some firepower in the form of more picks, and allow the Chargers to move up into their place. With this pick, the Bolts add Jordan Phillips, who is another guy who has gone in the late first in many previous mock drafts. The Chargers have to become more stout against the run, and the big NT should be able to help them do just that.
With this selection, the Jets decide to add some firepower in the form of more picks, and allow the Chargers to move up into their place. With this pick, the Bolts add Jordan Phillips, who is another guy who has gone in the late first in many previous mock drafts. The Chargers have to become more stout against the run, and the big NT should be able to help them do just that.
38. Washington Redskins - Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
With the new GM comes a new way of behaving during the draft. Gone are the days of selling away prime draft picks in exchange for high priced, aging, veteran talent. Instead, they managed their board well, sold high on some pick for additional gain, and now add Stephone Anthony to a draft haul that already includes both Brandon Scherff and Randy Gregory. Anthony can come in to man the middle of this defense. He is quicker than he is fast, but he is a sure handed tackler. Although much larger in stature, his tenacity and nose for the football will remind some older Washington fans of London Fletcher.
With the new GM comes a new way of behaving during the draft. Gone are the days of selling away prime draft picks in exchange for high priced, aging, veteran talent. Instead, they managed their board well, sold high on some pick for additional gain, and now add Stephone Anthony to a draft haul that already includes both Brandon Scherff and Randy Gregory. Anthony can come in to man the middle of this defense. He is quicker than he is fast, but he is a sure handed tackler. Although much larger in stature, his tenacity and nose for the football will remind some older Washington fans of London Fletcher.
39. Chicago Bears - Carl Davis, DT, Kentucky
Having glossed over needs on the defense in the first, to instead acquire the uber-talented Amari Cooper, the Bears now tend to the side of the ball where they are most deficient. Another team who has to figure out how to stop the opposing RB, the Bears will be utilizing a brand new defensive scheme, and Carl Davis could be the man in the middle of the defensive line. Although he was a 1 and 2-Technique most of the time at Kentucky, he has the size and playing style to fill the Bears role of 0-Tech.
Having glossed over needs on the defense in the first, to instead acquire the uber-talented Amari Cooper, the Bears now tend to the side of the ball where they are most deficient. Another team who has to figure out how to stop the opposing RB, the Bears will be utilizing a brand new defensive scheme, and Carl Davis could be the man in the middle of the defensive line. Although he was a 1 and 2-Technique most of the time at Kentucky, he has the size and playing style to fill the Bears role of 0-Tech.
40. New York Giants - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Not a bad draft thus far for the Giants. Round one netted them Malcolm Brown, and now here in round 2 they land Peat. Admittedly, I have Peat rated lower than almost every expert mock I have seen, but, its my mock, my ratings, so kudos to the Giants for landing him here.
Not a bad draft thus far for the Giants. Round one netted them Malcolm Brown, and now here in round 2 they land Peat. Admittedly, I have Peat rated lower than almost every expert mock I have seen, but, its my mock, my ratings, so kudos to the Giants for landing him here.
41. Houston Texans via St Louis (Texans give up #51 & #116) - Tre Jackson, OG, FSU
With the very talented big man, Tre Jackson, still on the board, the Texans decide to deal away their 4th round pick in this year's draft to move up and grab him. The Texans are a pretty good team, and if last year's top overall selection Jadaveon Clowney can stay healthy, they could be downright nasty. Adding Jackson will help Ryan Mallett stay upright for longer, and hopefully provide a shot in the arm for the offense.
With the very talented big man, Tre Jackson, still on the board, the Texans decide to deal away their 4th round pick in this year's draft to move up and grab him. The Texans are a pretty good team, and if last year's top overall selection Jadaveon Clowney can stay healthy, they could be downright nasty. Adding Jackson will help Ryan Mallett stay upright for longer, and hopefully provide a shot in the arm for the offense.
42. Oakland Raiders via Atlanta Falcons - Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
As part of the cost for Atlanta moving up to get Beasley, they had to sacrifice this pick to Oakland, who in turn uses it to select Funchess. The jury is still out on this kid. He has the size and strength, as he is a converted TE, but his skills as a receiver are still developing. He is not a burner, but he can create match-up issues against smaller corners. Him being a big target will be a nice plus for their Developing second round QB from a year ago, David Carr.
As part of the cost for Atlanta moving up to get Beasley, they had to sacrifice this pick to Oakland, who in turn uses it to select Funchess. The jury is still out on this kid. He has the size and strength, as he is a converted TE, but his skills as a receiver are still developing. He is not a burner, but he can create match-up issues against smaller corners. Him being a big target will be a nice plus for their Developing second round QB from a year ago, David Carr.
43. Cleveland Browns - Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
After trading up to grab Mariotta in round 1, the Browns were not left with much ammunition to do much until now. Since they added the signal caller on the offensive side of the ball earlier, now they need to focus on D. Smith is an underrated prospect who really can set the edge well in that 3-4 front. He is a high floor type of player, and that safe kind of play makes him the right choice for the Browns here.
After trading up to grab Mariotta in round 1, the Browns were not left with much ammunition to do much until now. Since they added the signal caller on the offensive side of the ball earlier, now they need to focus on D. Smith is an underrated prospect who really can set the edge well in that 3-4 front. He is a high floor type of player, and that safe kind of play makes him the right choice for the Browns here.
44. New Orleans Saints - Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke
Thanks to the Jimmy Graham trade the Saints have plenty of firepower to make things happen in this draft. In our scenario here, rather than use it all in this draft, they parlayed the pick from Seattle into a first next year, which will likely be a better pick than the first they ditched this year. Now here in the second round with Bud Dupree already in the fold, the Saints can focus on trying to rebuild the hole left at guard with the trade of Ben Grubbs to the Chiefs. Tomlinson is an smart, technically sound player who will adapt to this Saints offense quickly.
45. Minnesota Vikings - TJ Clemming, OT, Pittsburgh
For the second straight mock, the Vikings are in a position to land the athletic TJ Clemmings to their offensive front. His technique needs some time to develop, but there is no arguing with the physical tools he brings to the table. If Minnesota can be patient with him this investment could really pay off in a few years.
For the second straight mock, the Vikings are in a position to land the athletic TJ Clemmings to their offensive front. His technique needs some time to develop, but there is no arguing with the physical tools he brings to the table. If Minnesota can be patient with him this investment could really pay off in a few years.
46. San Francisco 49ers - Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Talk about a coup. The offseason has left the Niners with multiple holes to fill on both sides of the ball. So for them to be able to land a borderline first round talent here in the middle of the second round to fill their hole at corner, they have to jump. This would be almost a dream scenario for San Francisco should the board materialize this way.
Talk about a coup. The offseason has left the Niners with multiple holes to fill on both sides of the ball. So for them to be able to land a borderline first round talent here in the middle of the second round to fill their hole at corner, they have to jump. This would be almost a dream scenario for San Francisco should the board materialize this way.
47. Miami Dolphins - Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
Earlier the Phins chose to address their need at o-line rather than add a pass rusher or a wide out. Arguably the need at wide out is greater, but not arguably, the talent remaining at the receiver position is significantly deeper. As such, Miami will choose the highly rated Shaq Thompson. Realistically, Thompson will not be available by the middle of the second round of the draft. He is very athletic and that has enticed many teams. Unfortunately I have him rated as a bit lower than many, hence the reason he is still available in this mock.
Earlier the Phins chose to address their need at o-line rather than add a pass rusher or a wide out. Arguably the need at wide out is greater, but not arguably, the talent remaining at the receiver position is significantly deeper. As such, Miami will choose the highly rated Shaq Thompson. Realistically, Thompson will not be available by the middle of the second round of the draft. He is very athletic and that has enticed many teams. Unfortunately I have him rated as a bit lower than many, hence the reason he is still available in this mock.
48. New York Jets via San Diego - AJ Cann, OG, South Carolina
Some will say the Jets have bigger fish to fry than adding a guard at this point, but first, I see the o-line as a significantly downgraded unit from only a few years ago, and secondly, I really like AJ Cann. He is on the rise on many boards for good reason, and it would not surprise me at all on draft day to see him selected here or slightly higher.
Some will say the Jets have bigger fish to fry than adding a guard at this point, but first, I see the o-line as a significantly downgraded unit from only a few years ago, and secondly, I really like AJ Cann. He is on the rise on many boards for good reason, and it would not surprise me at all on draft day to see him selected here or slightly higher.
49. Kansas City Chiefs - Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
Considering the loss of Eric Berry, I suspect the Chiefs will think long and hard about using this pick to select his replacement, like Derron Smith. However, considering the very good center they had, Rodney Hudson, split for Oakland in the offseason, I think the need at center is just as significant, and I think Grasu provides greater value at this spot than Smith. As a result, I would select the athletic Grasu to become the new signal caller for the o-line in KC.
Considering the loss of Eric Berry, I suspect the Chiefs will think long and hard about using this pick to select his replacement, like Derron Smith. However, considering the very good center they had, Rodney Hudson, split for Oakland in the offseason, I think the need at center is just as significant, and I think Grasu provides greater value at this spot than Smith. As a result, I would select the athletic Grasu to become the new signal caller for the o-line in KC.
50. Buffalo Bills - Hau'oli Kikaha, LB, Washington
Although overshadowed at Washington by teammates Danny Shelton and Shaq Thompson, I love what Kikaha brings to the table. This kid was made to play linebacker. He has good size, decent speed, and good quickness. But what really sets him apart from others is is attitude towards the game. This kid eats, drinks, and breathes football, and you can see it in every snap he plays. If not for his season being cut short by a knee injury, I think Kikaha could have been talked about in the first round.
Although overshadowed at Washington by teammates Danny Shelton and Shaq Thompson, I love what Kikaha brings to the table. This kid was made to play linebacker. He has good size, decent speed, and good quickness. But what really sets him apart from others is is attitude towards the game. This kid eats, drinks, and breathes football, and you can see it in every snap he plays. If not for his season being cut short by a knee injury, I think Kikaha could have been talked about in the first round.
51. St Louis Rams via Houston - Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
Trading down in the second represented a calculated risk for the Rams. In this mock, that risk paid off. Fisher has been rocketing up boards because of his unusual athleticism at the OT position. A converted TE, he can stay with the fast edge rushers which are in today's NFL, and that skill is at a premium. Although I doubt he will still be available here in the second round when the show goes live in a few weeks, in this mock, Fisher joins a very good young Rams team.
Trading down in the second represented a calculated risk for the Rams. In this mock, that risk paid off. Fisher has been rocketing up boards because of his unusual athleticism at the OT position. A converted TE, he can stay with the fast edge rushers which are in today's NFL, and that skill is at a premium. Although I doubt he will still be available here in the second round when the show goes live in a few weeks, in this mock, Fisher joins a very good young Rams team.
52. Minnesota Vikings via Philadelphia Eagles - Nate Orchard, DE, Utah
As part of the spoils the Vikes received for allowing the Eagles to trade up earlier, the team is able to add to their pass rush with the selection of Utah's Nate Orchard. Orchard can play standing up, or with his hand in the dirt, which will likely be how he is used in Minnesota's defensive front. He has a good first step, and deceptive power, which will come in handy in the NFC North.
As part of the spoils the Vikes received for allowing the Eagles to trade up earlier, the team is able to add to their pass rush with the selection of Utah's Nate Orchard. Orchard can play standing up, or with his hand in the dirt, which will likely be how he is used in Minnesota's defensive front. He has a good first step, and deceptive power, which will come in handy in the NFC North.
53. Cincinnati Bengals - Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
With the Chiefs opting to choose Grasu, Smith slips a little further, much to the delight of the Bengals leadership. Still trying to add more pieces to the defense, the Bengals will select Smith to come in to compete for a starting position from his first day in camp. Although Smith is not outstanding in any single measurement, he is solid in all of them, and that makes him valuable.
With the Chiefs opting to choose Grasu, Smith slips a little further, much to the delight of the Bengals leadership. Still trying to add more pieces to the defense, the Bengals will select Smith to come in to compete for a starting position from his first day in camp. Although Smith is not outstanding in any single measurement, he is solid in all of them, and that makes him valuable.
54. Detroit Lions - Byron Jones, CB, UConn
Jones is a freakish athlete, and his measurables are off the charts. This is why a lot of the experts feel like he will go at the bottom of the first round. I agree he can burn, but his technique needs some refinement, and the year off due to injury last season didn't help. I do think he can be an effective player in the NFL, I just suspect it will take a little time.
Jones is a freakish athlete, and his measurables are off the charts. This is why a lot of the experts feel like he will go at the bottom of the first round. I agree he can burn, but his technique needs some refinement, and the year off due to injury last season didn't help. I do think he can be an effective player in the NFL, I just suspect it will take a little time.
55. Arizona Cardinals - Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Carson Palmer is not young anymore, so the Cards need to start looking ahead. Hundley has a lot of good qualities, and he checks off all of the key physical boxes you look for in a QB. He just needs some time to develop. Giving him Bruce Arians as his coach, and Carson Palmer as his mentor should really aid in turning him into a quality NFL starter.
Carson Palmer is not young anymore, so the Cards need to start looking ahead. Hundley has a lot of good qualities, and he checks off all of the key physical boxes you look for in a QB. He just needs some time to develop. Giving him Bruce Arians as his coach, and Carson Palmer as his mentor should really aid in turning him into a quality NFL starter.
56. Miami Dolphins via Pittsburgh - Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
The Steelers parted with this pick for the right to land Landon Collins. The Phins will take advantage by adding this speedy local to their receiving corps. Dorsett has really had an excellent offseason, and had impressed with his hands, his speed, and his work ethic. Kepping him in South Florida will be a priority for the Phins with this pick.
The Steelers parted with this pick for the right to land Landon Collins. The Phins will take advantage by adding this speedy local to their receiving corps. Dorsett has really had an excellent offseason, and had impressed with his hands, his speed, and his work ethic. Kepping him in South Florida will be a priority for the Phins with this pick.
57. Carolina Panthers - Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU
Because Carolina moved up in the first to add La'el Collins, they spend their second round pick on the defensive side of the ball. The pick come down to Hunter vs FSU CB PJ Williams. considering the recent troublesome behavior of the Seminole corner, and the experience the team had a year ago with Greg Hardy, I see them opting for Hunter easily. Hunter doesn't just get chosen because of Williams. He has had an excellent pre-draft season too, and he is climbing up boards because of his athleticism and his ability to cover lots of ground quickly from his DE position. The irony that he is replacing the aforementioned Hardy is not lost on me either.
Because Carolina moved up in the first to add La'el Collins, they spend their second round pick on the defensive side of the ball. The pick come down to Hunter vs FSU CB PJ Williams. considering the recent troublesome behavior of the Seminole corner, and the experience the team had a year ago with Greg Hardy, I see them opting for Hunter easily. Hunter doesn't just get chosen because of Williams. He has had an excellent pre-draft season too, and he is climbing up boards because of his athleticism and his ability to cover lots of ground quickly from his DE position. The irony that he is replacing the aforementioned Hardy is not lost on me either.
58. San Francisco 49ers via Baltimore - Mario Edwards, DE, FSU
With this pick added thanks to their trade down in round 1, the Niners continue to work to rebuild their D. The Niners have to find a replacement for the veteran DE Justin Smith, and I would tap Mario Edwards as the guy. He is big enough and strong enough to hold up at the point of attack in this defense, and he comes from a good NFL pedigree, so he should have exposure to what it takes to be successful at this level.
With this pick added thanks to their trade down in round 1, the Niners continue to work to rebuild their D. The Niners have to find a replacement for the veteran DE Justin Smith, and I would tap Mario Edwards as the guy. He is big enough and strong enough to hold up at the point of attack in this defense, and he comes from a good NFL pedigree, so he should have exposure to what it takes to be successful at this level.
59. Jacksonville Jaguars via Denver (Jags give up #67 & #103) - Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraksa
Continuing their assault on tr the only person in America who still thinks Abdullah should be the third back off the board, but I do. I think he runs strong, played against top tier talent, and really lead his offense at Nebraska. The Jags need a bell cow, and I still believe that Abdullah is more capable of filling that role than some of the other backs available.
Continuing their assault on tr the only person in America who still thinks Abdullah should be the third back off the board, but I do. I think he runs strong, played against top tier talent, and really lead his offense at Nebraska. The Jags need a bell cow, and I still believe that Abdullah is more capable of filling that role than some of the other backs available.
60. Dallas Cowboys - Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
With Abdullah having been stolen out from under them, the Cowboys instead opt to select the intriguing, Tevin Coleman. Consider how much he accomplished this past season, at a poor school, WITH A BROKEN FOOT. Seriously, imagine what this kid could do when healthy behind the top o-line in the league. Just as Murray was able to emerge as a pro behind this line after injuries held him back, so too should Coleman.
With Abdullah having been stolen out from under them, the Cowboys instead opt to select the intriguing, Tevin Coleman. Consider how much he accomplished this past season, at a poor school, WITH A BROKEN FOOT. Seriously, imagine what this kid could do when healthy behind the top o-line in the league. Just as Murray was able to emerge as a pro behind this line after injuries held him back, so too should Coleman.
61. Indianapolis Colts - BJ Finney, C, Kansas State
For the Colts this pick come down to Louisville S, James Sample vs former Wildcat C, BJ Finney. Although both are good players, Finney provides better overall value at a more shallow position than Sample, and that is why the Colts select him here. His leadership qualities are outstanding as well, and although no one questions Andrew Luck's leadership, to have Finney on board will no doubt help this team.
For the Colts this pick come down to Louisville S, James Sample vs former Wildcat C, BJ Finney. Although both are good players, Finney provides better overall value at a more shallow position than Sample, and that is why the Colts select him here. His leadership qualities are outstanding as well, and although no one questions Andrew Luck's leadership, to have Finney on board will no doubt help this team.
62. Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Green Bay (Bucs give up #65 & 2016 5th) - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, TAMU
Having already added an impressive pair of players, the Bucs still have a bunch of needs, not the least of which is finding another player to help protect thier new franchise QB. As a result, the Bucs part with a 5th rounder next year for the right to leap the o-line hungry Seattle Seahawks and take Ogbuehi. Ogbuehi is not a star in the making, but he can be a consistent contributor. Here in the late second round, that is exactly what teams are searching for.
Having already added an impressive pair of players, the Bucs still have a bunch of needs, not the least of which is finding another player to help protect thier new franchise QB. As a result, the Bucs part with a 5th rounder next year for the right to leap the o-line hungry Seattle Seahawks and take Ogbuehi. Ogbuehi is not a star in the making, but he can be a consistent contributor. Here in the late second round, that is exactly what teams are searching for.
63. Tennessee Titans via Seattle Seahawks (Titans give up #66 & 2016 5th) - Ellis McCarthy, NT, UCLA
ideally the Titans would like to sit put and have McCarthy fall to them early in the third, but with the Wilfork-less Pats coming up next, the Titans decide to jump. No strange to moving around the board in this draft, the Titans add McCarthy whose big body will pair nicely with their first round selection Leonard Williams to provide opponents a brand new, young, hungry front to deal with moving forward.
ideally the Titans would like to sit put and have McCarthy fall to them early in the third, but with the Wilfork-less Pats coming up next, the Titans decide to jump. No strange to moving around the board in this draft, the Titans add McCarthy whose big body will pair nicely with their first round selection Leonard Williams to provide opponents a brand new, young, hungry front to deal with moving forward.
64. New England Patriots - Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
In the Patriots system, RBs seem to have a lot of success. Still, the team lost both Shane Vereen and Stephen Ridley this offseason, so finding another player to pair with LaGarrett Blount has to be on the agenda. Johnson brings a nice element to this team as he is explosive, and when he finds a seam, he can take it the distance. Cominded with Blount's bruising running style, this could be a dynamite thunder and lightning combination for the champs.
In the Patriots system, RBs seem to have a lot of success. Still, the team lost both Shane Vereen and Stephen Ridley this offseason, so finding another player to pair with LaGarrett Blount has to be on the agenda. Johnson brings a nice element to this team as he is explosive, and when he finds a seam, he can take it the distance. Cominded with Blount's bruising running style, this could be a dynamite thunder and lightning combination for the champs.
65. Green Bay Packers via Tampa Bay - PJ Williams, CB, FSU
66. Seattle Seahawks via Tennessee - Josue Matias, OG, FSU
67. Denver Broncos via Jacksonville - James Sample, S, Louisville
68. Cincinnati Bengals via Oakland - Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
69. Tennessee Titans via Washington - Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia
70. New Orleans Saints via Jets (Saints give up 2015 5th) - Clive Walford, TE, Miami
71. Chicago Bears - Ben Heeney, ILB, Kansas State
72. St Louis Rams - Reese Dismukes, C, Auburn
73. Atlanta Falcons - Jay Ajayi, RB, Bosie State
74. New York Giants - Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss
75. New York Jets via New Orleans - Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas
76. Minnesota Vikings - Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
77. Cleveland Browns - Nick O'Leary, TE, FSU
78. New Orleans Saints via Miami - Bryce Hagar, ILB, Baylor
79. San Francisco 49ers - Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart
80. Kansas City Chiefs - Quentin Rollins, DB, Miami (OH)
81. Buffalo Bills - Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern
82. Houston Texans - Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, LSU
83. San Diego Chargers - John Miller, OG, Louisville
84. Philadelphia Eagles - Lynden Trail, DE, Norfolk State
85. Cincinnati Bengals - ZaDarius Smith, DE, Kentucky
86. Arizona Cardinals - Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
87. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ronald Darby, CB, FSU
88. Detroit Lions - Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU
89. Kansas City Chiefs via Carolina - Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford
90. Baltimore Ravens - Xavier Cooper, DL, Washington State
91. Dallas Cowboys - Markus Golden, OLB, Missouri
92. Denver Broncos - Arie Kuandjio, OG, Alabama
93. Indianapolis Colts - Grady Jarrett, NT, Clemson
94. Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay - Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
95. Seattle Seahawks - Andy Gallick, C, Boston College
96. Chicago Bears via New England (Bears give up #106 & 2016 4th) - Marcus Hardison, DE, Arizona State
97. New England Patriots (Comp) - Gabe Wright, NT, Auburn
98. Kansas City Chiefs (Comp) - Rashard Green, WR, FSU
99. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp) - Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
100. Tennessee Titans - Demarius Randall, S, Arizona State
101. New England Patriots via Tampa Bay - Jarvis Harrison, OG, TAMU
102. Oakland Raiders - Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
103. Denver Broncos via Jacksonville - Jake Ryan, ILB, Michigan
104. New York Jets - Haynes Pullard, ILB, USC
105. Washington Redskins - TJ Yeldon, RB, Alabama
106. New England Patriots via Chicago - David Tull, OLB, Chattanooga
107. Atlanta Falcons - Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
108. Miami Dolphins via Giants (Phins give up #114 & 2016 6th) - Cedric Thompson, S, Minnesota
109. Tampa Bay Buccaneers via St Louis - Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville
110. Minnesota Vikings - Durrell Eskridge, S, Syracuse
111. Cleveland Browns - Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Miss
112. Seattle Seahawks via New Orleans - Justin Hardy, WR, ECU
113. Philadelphia Eagles via San Francisco - DeJoun Smith, CB, FAU
114. New York Giants via Miami - Mitch Morse, OG, Missouri
115. Cleveland Browns via Buffalo - Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan State
116. St Louis Rams via Houston - Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
117. New York Jets via San Diego - Rob Havenstein, OT, Ohio State
118. Kansas City Chiefs - Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma
119. Oakland Raiders via St Louis via Philadelphia - Ben Koyak, TE, Notre Dame
120. Atlanta Falcons via Cincinnati (Falcons give up 2016 4th) - Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State
121. Pittsburgh Steelers - Leterrius Walton, NT, Central Michigan
122. Baltimore Ravens via Detroit - Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
123. Arizona Cardinals - Jordan Hicks, OLB, Texas
124. Carolina Panthers - Iko Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
125. Baltimore Ravens - Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
126. San Francisco 49ers via Denver - Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
127. Dallas Cowboys - Josh Shaw, CB, USC
128. Indianapolis Colts - Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford
129. Green Bay Packers - Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma
130. Seattle Seahawks - Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State
131. Houston Texans via New Engalnd - Jesse James, TE, Penn State
132. San Francisco 49ers (Comp) - David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
133. Denver Broncos (Comp) - Bobby Richardson, DT, Indiana
134. Seattle Seahawks (Comp) - Austin Shephard, OT, Alabama
135. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp) - Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma
136. Baltimore Ravens (Comp) - David Johnson, RB, Iowa
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