I blame Matt Chernoff (@realmattlanta) for this mock draft in January. He had the awful idea that I should put together a top 10 and than take a look back at it in April. Why does this suck?
- I've been swamped putting together my NFL Offseason Guide 2015. Free agents, cap space, team outlooks...etc. I have only done about 5% of my normal draft work. I try to watch three to five games for each player in my top 100. That hasn't happened yet.
- Matt knows this makes me crazy, being unprepared.
1. Tampa – QB – Marcus Mariota – Oregon - 6'4'' 219lbs The type of athlete and person he is what you build around. Doesn’t make many mistakes with the football displaying his good decision making (three interceptions in 2014, four in 2013). Strong arm that really shows up when he moves to his left or right and fires a strike to the sideline. Does leave some throws out there as the offense features pre-determined throws and lots of two receiver reads. Mariota’s footwork is different as his offense also has a ton of read option play-action.
2. Tennessee – DT – Leonard Williams – Southern Cal – NFL ready body (6'5'' 300lbs) who can command the line of scrimmage in the run game and provide a pass rush from the DT position. (6.5 sacks in 2014)
3. Jacksonville – DE – Randy Gregory - Nebraska – The Jaguars have needs at OT, but have money to spend this offseason in free agency. Gregory would be the highest rated player at this point in the draft. At 6'6'' 245lbs, Gregory is expected to reach 260lbs during this draft process. Very explosive off the edge.
4. Oakland – WR – Amari Cooper - Alabama - I really feel that LT Brandon Scherff from Iowa would be better here. If Cooper runs well in pre-draft workouts I can see this pick happening. But if he doesn't, everyone will go back and look at a player who is incredibly smooth but maybe not overly fast. He's not the biggest guy around. (6'1'' 210lbs)
5. Washington – Shane Ray – OLB – Missouri - Smaller (6’3’’ 245lb) but ultra-explosive athlete who should run very well in pre-draft testing. 14.5 sacks to lead SEC was a school record at a university who turns out pass rushers. I could see Ray or Fowler selected here if Washington continues to stay as a 3-4 defense.
6. New York Jets – Jameis Winston – QB – Florida State - (6'4'' 230lbs) More pro-ready than Marcus Mariota at this point, but decision making is a bit sketchy on and off the field. Reviewed 2014 NC State game and was surprised by the amount of interceptions that the Wolfpack dropped. Winston threw more interceptions than any other quarterback in the power five conferences. A bit of a funky load up and throwing motion, but plenty of arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows.
7. Chicago – Dante Fowler – OLB/DE Florida – 6’3’’ 266 lbs – Versatile defender who moved around the entire Florida defense when reviewing games. Fowler rushed the passer from OLB, LDE and RDE. In some of the Gators schemes, Fowler rushed from the DT position. Bigger than some of the smaller pass rushing options out there.
8. Atlanta – Alvin Bud Dupree – DE – Kentucky - 6’4 270 lbs – 24 career sacks, versatile athlete who played 4-3 DE and outside linebacker for the Wildcats. Dupree has pro size for the NFL and plays with technique. Not the strongest player on tape. 5th all time in the SEC in career sacks for a team that didn't have additional NFL players surrounding him.
9. New York Giants – Landon Collins – S – Alabama (Giants were 29th in total D) / LT Brandon Scherff - Iowa - The Giants are in a tough spot as their defense requires both additional pass rushers and help in the secondary. Collins would be the highest player on the board and would be capable of playing strong and free safety. Has a few issues in coverage but covers ground. Also, Brandon Scherff would be an option here.
10. St. Louis – Dorial Green Beckham – WR – Oklahoma - Kenny Britt is a free agent, and the team has suffered injuries at the position. DGB has his issues in his past, but has kept out of trouble for a year. If he can convince teams he's changed, he's a no-doubt first round talent. At 6'6'' 225, he would provide the size option to compliment Tavon Austin's deep speed.