JohnnyU
Footballguy
Why isn't Melvin Gordon on this list? I happen to think he gets chosen before Gurley because of the ACL thingy.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-draft-watch--2015-mock-draft-1-0-lands-mariota--winston-up-high-195046920.html
1. Oakland Raiders — USC DL Leonard Williams
The Raiders nailed the Khalil Mack and Derek Carr 2014 picks, and they also appear to have picked up a few other nice rookies in that crop. Expect their 2015 class to have a bit more of an offensive feel to it — depending on the coach/general manager hires — after being predominantly defensively flavored in this year’s draft, so as to help out Carr. They have a slew of No. 3 receivers, age and dead weight at running back (even with the promising Latavius Murray) and major needs on the offensive line. But Williams might be too tempting here, making life easier on Mack and Co.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Florida State QB Jameis Winston
This selection will require a leap of faith from head coach Lovie Smith, who certainly has a measure of say over personnel decisions, and the front office and ownership. They must weigh the wisdom in bringing on a lightning-rod player who would be starting his pro career a mere four hours down the road from where Winston has had so much trouble staying out of trouble. But his talent, playmaking ability, competitiveness and football IQ are all traits of a rare, once-a-generation prospect. The Bucs have not had a quarterback of his ilk in decades, maybe ever, but you could understand them favoring Oregon’s Marcus Mariota from a comfort standpoint.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — Nebraska DE-OLB Randy Gregory
The Jaguars find themselves in a decent spot despite having drafted a quarterback last season who is still going through growing pains and facing a draft where the two most coveted players might be quarterbacks. Fine, then: Trading down — even a spot or two or three — is a viable option, adding more picks to the nine they made in May. Gregory fits the build of the “Leo” rush end they could have chosen in Mack a year ago.
4. Tennessee Titans — Oregon QB Marcus Mariota
There are some who believe that the Titans struck quarterback gold with sixth-rounder Zach Mettenberger. Those thoughts could go out the window when the team considers Mariota’s complete package, even if he likely has a ways to go as a pro passer. Titans offensive coordinator Jason Michael spent time working with Alex Smith with the 49ers, and Mariota’s game translates similiarly. Ken Whisenhunt can be patient with his pet project knowing that Mettenberger has some experience and skills to bridge the gap.
5. New York Jets — Alabama WR Amari Cooper
In this scenario, the Jets are left out in the quarterback cold, but you can’t look past their potential desperation — depending on their coach — to land a top-tier QB. Geno Smith isn’t the answer. But short of accomplishing that, the Jets also should target another playmaker high in the draft, as there might not be enough offensive tackle or defensive back prospects worth considering with a selection this high. Cooper is a vertical threat whose skills would complement those of Eric Decker, Percy Harvin, Jace Amaro and Chris Ivory. GM John Idzik was at the Iron Bowl to scout Cooper, but that said, we’re not sure Idzik will be making this pick.
6. Washington Redskins — Missouri DE-OLB Shane Ray
Like the Jets, the Redskins need safety and offensive line help, but this still might be a bit high for that. Instead, the best way to help a beleaguered secondary might be to boost the pass rush with the fiery Ray, who can play down (in multiple techniques) or up with his great athleticism. Brian Orakpo's days might be over following his season-ending pectoral injury, and Ray might be a better finisher at the quarterback. This team also could use some of his raw emotion.
7. New York Giants — Kentucky DE-OLB Bud Dupree
Tricky projection here because Jason Pierre-Paul is a free agent whose status is unclear, and the coaching staff’s status is unknown. But adding Dupree would help regardless; he can rush the passer from either side relentlessly and reinforce what has been one of the NFL’s worst run defenses this season.
8. Carolina Panthers — Iowa OT Brandon Scherff
Scherff is a nasty, bruising blocker who can add some grit to this poor O-line. He can squat a house and can help reestablish the tone up front. He also can play either tackle spot, scouts say, and the Panthers just happen to have needs at both positions. Cam Newton has regressed as a pocket passer, and the run game has been inconsistent this season.
9. Minnesota Vikings — Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley
Stanley is a fast-rising prospect who could find himself going this high because of the way he has played, even amid the Irish’s struggles the past month. Matt Kalil has struggled, but it’s too early to give up on him. Phil Loadholt has two more years on his contract extension left, but he has disappointed this season. Center John Sullivan is a building block, but the Vikings know they must build a foundation up front to protect Teddy Bridgewater.
10. Chicago Bears — Baylor DE Shawn Oakman
The Bears’ defense has been mostly bad, lacking grit and fire in most games. Oakman’s motor can run a bit hot and cold, and the Bears have a slew of bodies up front, but Jared Allen is in the twilight of his career and they need another edge presence to help disrupt the action up front.
11. New Orleans Saints — Washington LB Shaq Thompson
The Saints have suffered from — among other things — terrible linebacker play this season. A big, strong lineman or one of the many edge rushers available in this draft might be tempting options, but adding a defensive playmaker (something they sorely have lacked) such as Thompson might be too tempting to pass over. And can Sean Payton help himself with a two-way player who has been as good a running back this season? Likely not.
12. St. Louis Rams — UCLA QB Brett Hundley
Too high for Hundley? Probably, and a trade down might be a strong possibility, considering they lack fourth- and sixth-round draft picks from the Mark Barron deal. What the past few weeks have shown is that the Rams are a quarterback away from being a competitive team, and though Hundley is going to require a serious measure of patience in his development, he might have the exact temperament and athleticism to fit this offense if they can improve the wide receiver position.
13. Houston Texans — ex-Oklahoma WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Finding a long-term quarterback must be a priority, but there is no current prospect who appears to fit the mold of what head coach Bill O’Brien is seeking. Instead, we project them the intriguing Green-Beckham who can give the Texans a nice three-WR set and be a long-term replacement for Andre Johnson, who is approaching his 13th NFL season (and frankly has been rather average this year). DBG is a top-10 talent whose major character concerns (and the fact he hasn’t played football this season and remains raw) will knock him down, and perhaps off of, some draft teams’ boards.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers — Alabama S Landon Collins
There's a lot to like about Collins’ upside but he’s far from a perfect prospect. He will need some time before he reaches a Pro Bowl level of impact. The good news is that he’s ready made for the pro game and appears to have more polish and finesse than the Jets’ Calvin Pryor, who was taken in this same range a year ago.
15. Cleveland Browns — Mississippi State ILB Bernardrick McKinney
Mike Pettine has the luxury of adding help to both sides of the ball with each of his two first-round picks, and McKinney is the kind of long, versatile and athletic defender the coach wants to build around. Front-seven injuries have hurt the Browns as they seek the right combination of players to stop the run, rush the passer and cover backs and tight ends.
16. Cleveland Browns (from the Buffalo Bills) — Michigan WR Devin Funchess
The pick earned in the Sammy Watkins trade can be used to acquire another offensive mismatch piece to run alongside Josh Gordon and (if he’s re-signed) Jordan Cameron. Funchess is a tall receiver in a TE-ish frame, not unlike the Bucs’ Mike Evans, and he can make some good jump-ball plays for whoever the Browns quarterback will be.
17. Baltimore Ravens — Clemson OLB-DE Vic Beasley
A classic Ravens pick. Their scouting department believes that sacks translate from the college level to the NFL game, and Beasley has been the Tigers’ best-ever pass-rush artist despite a long line of defensive talent. Beasley is undersized and will need to be schemed a bit to make an impact. But he’ll have two great models to learn from in Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs, and likely will be viewed as a value pick in a few years.
18. Kansas City Chiefs — Louisville WR Devante Parker
More than any team in the postseason picture, the Chiefs are in dire need of a playmaking wideout. Dwayne Bowe is being paid way too much to be a chain-moving, station-to-station receiver, and Parker’s size, wingspan and yards-after-catch ability would make him an instant starter in this offense.
19. San Francisco 49ers — Ohio State DL Michael Bennett
The NFC West certainly could use another Michael Bennett, as the 49ers’ age up front might force them to address the position early in the draft. Bennett can play multiple techniques, and the 49ers’ scouting department hit gold on Big Ten selections Carlos Hyde and Chris Borland a year ago, creating a level of security in this pick. Justin Smith (will he retire?) is 35, and Ray McDonald is 31 and might not be in the team’s long-term plans despite playing well.
20. Dallas Cowboys — Stanford CB Alex Carter
Remember the name. He has been a standout in pass coverage and run support for the Cardinal and would be an instant upgrade in the Cowboys’ secondary, which needs a talent boost. He has nice size for the position and can allow the team to cut Brandon Carr, who is not worth franchise money.
21. Atlanta Falcons — Florida DE Donte Fowler
The Falcons lose in this scenario by “winning” the NFC South, and thus sliding 10-12 draft slots in the process, as playoff teams earn picks Nos. 21-32 by NFL rules. Atlanta isn't tough enough up front and can’t pressure quarterbacks with consistency. Enter Fowler, who will declare early and might have his best football in front of him. He’d be a major upgrade over Kroy Biermann, who has played way too many snaps, and Osi Umenyiora, who is as good as gone.
22. Miami Dolphins — Georgia RB Todd Gurley
What really would take this offense to a different level would be a first- and second-down back to move the chains, hit the occasional deep shot and keep defenses from keying in too much on Ryan Tannehill, who has made strides. An encouraging bill of health would be needed to take Gurley this high considering he suffered a torn ACL and might not be back before August. But the Dolphins’ patience could be rewarded with his low-floor prospect assuming his knee is in good shape.
23. San Diego Chargers — Washington DT Danny Shelton
The Chargers have gotten by without upgrading the interior of their defense significantly, and the 332-pound Shelton would be a nice addition inside to help shield off blockers for their linebackers as well as being able to penetrate and make plays in the backfield. He has shown more quickness and playmaking ability this season than last.
24. Indianapolis Colts — Stanford OT Andrus Peat
The Cardinal's train to Indy keeps rolling. This might be more coincidence than anything, but the Colts need help on the offensive line and Peat might be able to play right tackle. Anthony Castonzo has been fine at left tackle, but right tackle Gosder Cherilus has not panned out for the money the Colts spent on him. Peat could end up landing in the top-15 picks, so this would be a bargain choice for a team that must give Andrew Luck cleaner pockets and open up better running holes for its system backs.
25. Detroit Lions — ex-Washington CB Marcus Peters
Perhaps this is the type of player the new Lions coaching staff isn’t interested in dealing with, as Peters’ character must be assessed after he was kicked off the Huskies' team midseason despite being a clear first-round talent. Still, the Lions have missed with some of their DB draft picks in recent years and could stand to upgrade. Another possibility, with a local tie: Michigan State’s Trae Waynes.
26. Seattle Seahawks — Texas DT Malcom Brown
Losing Brandon Mebane and others up front has left the Seahawks surprisingly vulnerable inside, and Brown fits the mold of an athletic, attacking defensive tackle who can disrupt and make the most of his snaps up front. Brown is very mature and grounded, married with two children, and he plays with a hot motor. All important for a Seahawks team trying to protect the locker room. The Seahawks were poised to select a similar type of penetrator — Dominique Easley — in May before the New England Patriots snagged him a couple picks prior.
27. Cincinnati Bengals — Texas A&M OT Cedric Ogbuehi
The athletically special Ogbuehi didn’t look comfortable at left tackle this season but could project to being a nice right tackle. He also could be a good pulling, second-level guard. Right tackle, though, has been a gaping hole all season long for Cincinnati — to the point where the Bengals have signed retread Eric Winston to patch it up.
28. Philadelphia Eagles — Louisville S Gerod Holliman
View gallery
The Eagles have only 10 interceptions on the season and are minus-6 in turnover differential. They don’t appear all that sold on Nate Allen as the long-term answer at safety opposite Malcolm Jenkins, and Chip Kelly knows how rare it is to find a player such as Holliman — even as young as he is — who can cover so much of the field. His incredible 14 interceptions are far from a fluke, and the team would be fortunate to grab a talent such as this at a position that appears lean in this class.
29. Green Bay Packers — Florida State DT Eddie Goldman
The tackles have been underwhelming, and B.J. Raji’s status for next season is unknown. Goldman is a hustler who has raised his level of play despite the Seminoles suffering multiple injuries up front. He’d be a nose tackle, or a shade player, in this scheme. Goldman’s tape should stand out to Ted Thompson, who knows the need for reinforcements up front.
30. Denver Broncos — LSU OT La’el Collins
They could go a number of directions here, and as usual John Elway will wait for a late-round slider; the past few years, they’ve been surprised to see a highly rated player on their board still available. Collins could rise as far as the top half of the first round, but in this scenario he’s a steal for the Broncos in what appears to be an OT-rich draft that will reward the later-picking teams.
31. New England Patriots — Indiana RB Tevin Coleman
Lost a bit amid the hype of Gurley, Melvin Gordon and other more hyped college backs, Coleman has been a beast for the downtrodden Hoosiers, racking up huge numbers against some of the better defenses he has faced, including Missouri, Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State. Only Penn State has held him in check. Bill Belichick has received great utility from lower-round backs, but with Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen set to hit free agency, the Patriots could thrive with a Coleman-LeGarrett Blount-James White-Jonas Gray backfield in Tom Brady’s golden years.
32. Arizona Cardinals — Washington DE-OLB Hau'oli Kikaha
The Cardinals have generated a pass rush thanks to some smart scheming from coordinator Todd Bowles, but they could use another edge player capable of finishing at the quarterback. Kikaha has the ability to fill a John Abraham-like role, either standing up or with his hand on the ground in the Cardinals’ multiple-front defense.
And, just for fun, a bonus five second-round picks …
33. Oakland Raiders — West Virginia WR Kevin White
In this scenario, the Raiders come away with a quality 1-2 punch on offense and defense, much like in 2014 with the Mack-Carr combo.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Colorado State OT Ty Sambrailo
Might lack raw strength and power but has all the makings of a quality left or right tackle.
35. Jacksonville Jaguars — Pitt OL T.J. Clemmings
Clemmings has a defensive mentality and has been fantastic at getting out to the second level as a right tackle for the Panthers, anchoring the run game.
36. Tennessee Titans — Michigan State CB Trae Waynes
There are those who say that Waynes is better than his former Spartans teammate, Darqueze Dennard, who was drafted late in the first round in 2014.
37. New York Jets — Oregon CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
Certainly a quarterback such as Baylor’s Bryce Petty could be an option (depending on who the GM and coach are), but DB help is badly needed, too.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him atedholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-draft-watch--2015-mock-draft-1-0-lands-mariota--winston-up-high-195046920.html
1. Oakland Raiders — USC DL Leonard Williams
The Raiders nailed the Khalil Mack and Derek Carr 2014 picks, and they also appear to have picked up a few other nice rookies in that crop. Expect their 2015 class to have a bit more of an offensive feel to it — depending on the coach/general manager hires — after being predominantly defensively flavored in this year’s draft, so as to help out Carr. They have a slew of No. 3 receivers, age and dead weight at running back (even with the promising Latavius Murray) and major needs on the offensive line. But Williams might be too tempting here, making life easier on Mack and Co.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Florida State QB Jameis Winston
This selection will require a leap of faith from head coach Lovie Smith, who certainly has a measure of say over personnel decisions, and the front office and ownership. They must weigh the wisdom in bringing on a lightning-rod player who would be starting his pro career a mere four hours down the road from where Winston has had so much trouble staying out of trouble. But his talent, playmaking ability, competitiveness and football IQ are all traits of a rare, once-a-generation prospect. The Bucs have not had a quarterback of his ilk in decades, maybe ever, but you could understand them favoring Oregon’s Marcus Mariota from a comfort standpoint.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — Nebraska DE-OLB Randy Gregory
The Jaguars find themselves in a decent spot despite having drafted a quarterback last season who is still going through growing pains and facing a draft where the two most coveted players might be quarterbacks. Fine, then: Trading down — even a spot or two or three — is a viable option, adding more picks to the nine they made in May. Gregory fits the build of the “Leo” rush end they could have chosen in Mack a year ago.
4. Tennessee Titans — Oregon QB Marcus Mariota
There are some who believe that the Titans struck quarterback gold with sixth-rounder Zach Mettenberger. Those thoughts could go out the window when the team considers Mariota’s complete package, even if he likely has a ways to go as a pro passer. Titans offensive coordinator Jason Michael spent time working with Alex Smith with the 49ers, and Mariota’s game translates similiarly. Ken Whisenhunt can be patient with his pet project knowing that Mettenberger has some experience and skills to bridge the gap.
5. New York Jets — Alabama WR Amari Cooper
In this scenario, the Jets are left out in the quarterback cold, but you can’t look past their potential desperation — depending on their coach — to land a top-tier QB. Geno Smith isn’t the answer. But short of accomplishing that, the Jets also should target another playmaker high in the draft, as there might not be enough offensive tackle or defensive back prospects worth considering with a selection this high. Cooper is a vertical threat whose skills would complement those of Eric Decker, Percy Harvin, Jace Amaro and Chris Ivory. GM John Idzik was at the Iron Bowl to scout Cooper, but that said, we’re not sure Idzik will be making this pick.
6. Washington Redskins — Missouri DE-OLB Shane Ray
Like the Jets, the Redskins need safety and offensive line help, but this still might be a bit high for that. Instead, the best way to help a beleaguered secondary might be to boost the pass rush with the fiery Ray, who can play down (in multiple techniques) or up with his great athleticism. Brian Orakpo's days might be over following his season-ending pectoral injury, and Ray might be a better finisher at the quarterback. This team also could use some of his raw emotion.
7. New York Giants — Kentucky DE-OLB Bud Dupree
Tricky projection here because Jason Pierre-Paul is a free agent whose status is unclear, and the coaching staff’s status is unknown. But adding Dupree would help regardless; he can rush the passer from either side relentlessly and reinforce what has been one of the NFL’s worst run defenses this season.
8. Carolina Panthers — Iowa OT Brandon Scherff
Scherff is a nasty, bruising blocker who can add some grit to this poor O-line. He can squat a house and can help reestablish the tone up front. He also can play either tackle spot, scouts say, and the Panthers just happen to have needs at both positions. Cam Newton has regressed as a pocket passer, and the run game has been inconsistent this season.
9. Minnesota Vikings — Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley
Stanley is a fast-rising prospect who could find himself going this high because of the way he has played, even amid the Irish’s struggles the past month. Matt Kalil has struggled, but it’s too early to give up on him. Phil Loadholt has two more years on his contract extension left, but he has disappointed this season. Center John Sullivan is a building block, but the Vikings know they must build a foundation up front to protect Teddy Bridgewater.
10. Chicago Bears — Baylor DE Shawn Oakman
The Bears’ defense has been mostly bad, lacking grit and fire in most games. Oakman’s motor can run a bit hot and cold, and the Bears have a slew of bodies up front, but Jared Allen is in the twilight of his career and they need another edge presence to help disrupt the action up front.
11. New Orleans Saints — Washington LB Shaq Thompson
The Saints have suffered from — among other things — terrible linebacker play this season. A big, strong lineman or one of the many edge rushers available in this draft might be tempting options, but adding a defensive playmaker (something they sorely have lacked) such as Thompson might be too tempting to pass over. And can Sean Payton help himself with a two-way player who has been as good a running back this season? Likely not.
12. St. Louis Rams — UCLA QB Brett Hundley
Too high for Hundley? Probably, and a trade down might be a strong possibility, considering they lack fourth- and sixth-round draft picks from the Mark Barron deal. What the past few weeks have shown is that the Rams are a quarterback away from being a competitive team, and though Hundley is going to require a serious measure of patience in his development, he might have the exact temperament and athleticism to fit this offense if they can improve the wide receiver position.
13. Houston Texans — ex-Oklahoma WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Finding a long-term quarterback must be a priority, but there is no current prospect who appears to fit the mold of what head coach Bill O’Brien is seeking. Instead, we project them the intriguing Green-Beckham who can give the Texans a nice three-WR set and be a long-term replacement for Andre Johnson, who is approaching his 13th NFL season (and frankly has been rather average this year). DBG is a top-10 talent whose major character concerns (and the fact he hasn’t played football this season and remains raw) will knock him down, and perhaps off of, some draft teams’ boards.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers — Alabama S Landon Collins
There's a lot to like about Collins’ upside but he’s far from a perfect prospect. He will need some time before he reaches a Pro Bowl level of impact. The good news is that he’s ready made for the pro game and appears to have more polish and finesse than the Jets’ Calvin Pryor, who was taken in this same range a year ago.
15. Cleveland Browns — Mississippi State ILB Bernardrick McKinney
Mike Pettine has the luxury of adding help to both sides of the ball with each of his two first-round picks, and McKinney is the kind of long, versatile and athletic defender the coach wants to build around. Front-seven injuries have hurt the Browns as they seek the right combination of players to stop the run, rush the passer and cover backs and tight ends.
16. Cleveland Browns (from the Buffalo Bills) — Michigan WR Devin Funchess
The pick earned in the Sammy Watkins trade can be used to acquire another offensive mismatch piece to run alongside Josh Gordon and (if he’s re-signed) Jordan Cameron. Funchess is a tall receiver in a TE-ish frame, not unlike the Bucs’ Mike Evans, and he can make some good jump-ball plays for whoever the Browns quarterback will be.
17. Baltimore Ravens — Clemson OLB-DE Vic Beasley
A classic Ravens pick. Their scouting department believes that sacks translate from the college level to the NFL game, and Beasley has been the Tigers’ best-ever pass-rush artist despite a long line of defensive talent. Beasley is undersized and will need to be schemed a bit to make an impact. But he’ll have two great models to learn from in Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs, and likely will be viewed as a value pick in a few years.
18. Kansas City Chiefs — Louisville WR Devante Parker
More than any team in the postseason picture, the Chiefs are in dire need of a playmaking wideout. Dwayne Bowe is being paid way too much to be a chain-moving, station-to-station receiver, and Parker’s size, wingspan and yards-after-catch ability would make him an instant starter in this offense.
19. San Francisco 49ers — Ohio State DL Michael Bennett
The NFC West certainly could use another Michael Bennett, as the 49ers’ age up front might force them to address the position early in the draft. Bennett can play multiple techniques, and the 49ers’ scouting department hit gold on Big Ten selections Carlos Hyde and Chris Borland a year ago, creating a level of security in this pick. Justin Smith (will he retire?) is 35, and Ray McDonald is 31 and might not be in the team’s long-term plans despite playing well.
20. Dallas Cowboys — Stanford CB Alex Carter
Remember the name. He has been a standout in pass coverage and run support for the Cardinal and would be an instant upgrade in the Cowboys’ secondary, which needs a talent boost. He has nice size for the position and can allow the team to cut Brandon Carr, who is not worth franchise money.
21. Atlanta Falcons — Florida DE Donte Fowler
The Falcons lose in this scenario by “winning” the NFC South, and thus sliding 10-12 draft slots in the process, as playoff teams earn picks Nos. 21-32 by NFL rules. Atlanta isn't tough enough up front and can’t pressure quarterbacks with consistency. Enter Fowler, who will declare early and might have his best football in front of him. He’d be a major upgrade over Kroy Biermann, who has played way too many snaps, and Osi Umenyiora, who is as good as gone.
22. Miami Dolphins — Georgia RB Todd Gurley
What really would take this offense to a different level would be a first- and second-down back to move the chains, hit the occasional deep shot and keep defenses from keying in too much on Ryan Tannehill, who has made strides. An encouraging bill of health would be needed to take Gurley this high considering he suffered a torn ACL and might not be back before August. But the Dolphins’ patience could be rewarded with his low-floor prospect assuming his knee is in good shape.
23. San Diego Chargers — Washington DT Danny Shelton
The Chargers have gotten by without upgrading the interior of their defense significantly, and the 332-pound Shelton would be a nice addition inside to help shield off blockers for their linebackers as well as being able to penetrate and make plays in the backfield. He has shown more quickness and playmaking ability this season than last.
24. Indianapolis Colts — Stanford OT Andrus Peat
The Cardinal's train to Indy keeps rolling. This might be more coincidence than anything, but the Colts need help on the offensive line and Peat might be able to play right tackle. Anthony Castonzo has been fine at left tackle, but right tackle Gosder Cherilus has not panned out for the money the Colts spent on him. Peat could end up landing in the top-15 picks, so this would be a bargain choice for a team that must give Andrew Luck cleaner pockets and open up better running holes for its system backs.
25. Detroit Lions — ex-Washington CB Marcus Peters
Perhaps this is the type of player the new Lions coaching staff isn’t interested in dealing with, as Peters’ character must be assessed after he was kicked off the Huskies' team midseason despite being a clear first-round talent. Still, the Lions have missed with some of their DB draft picks in recent years and could stand to upgrade. Another possibility, with a local tie: Michigan State’s Trae Waynes.
26. Seattle Seahawks — Texas DT Malcom Brown
Losing Brandon Mebane and others up front has left the Seahawks surprisingly vulnerable inside, and Brown fits the mold of an athletic, attacking defensive tackle who can disrupt and make the most of his snaps up front. Brown is very mature and grounded, married with two children, and he plays with a hot motor. All important for a Seahawks team trying to protect the locker room. The Seahawks were poised to select a similar type of penetrator — Dominique Easley — in May before the New England Patriots snagged him a couple picks prior.
27. Cincinnati Bengals — Texas A&M OT Cedric Ogbuehi
The athletically special Ogbuehi didn’t look comfortable at left tackle this season but could project to being a nice right tackle. He also could be a good pulling, second-level guard. Right tackle, though, has been a gaping hole all season long for Cincinnati — to the point where the Bengals have signed retread Eric Winston to patch it up.
28. Philadelphia Eagles — Louisville S Gerod Holliman
View gallery
The Eagles have only 10 interceptions on the season and are minus-6 in turnover differential. They don’t appear all that sold on Nate Allen as the long-term answer at safety opposite Malcolm Jenkins, and Chip Kelly knows how rare it is to find a player such as Holliman — even as young as he is — who can cover so much of the field. His incredible 14 interceptions are far from a fluke, and the team would be fortunate to grab a talent such as this at a position that appears lean in this class.
29. Green Bay Packers — Florida State DT Eddie Goldman
The tackles have been underwhelming, and B.J. Raji’s status for next season is unknown. Goldman is a hustler who has raised his level of play despite the Seminoles suffering multiple injuries up front. He’d be a nose tackle, or a shade player, in this scheme. Goldman’s tape should stand out to Ted Thompson, who knows the need for reinforcements up front.
30. Denver Broncos — LSU OT La’el Collins
They could go a number of directions here, and as usual John Elway will wait for a late-round slider; the past few years, they’ve been surprised to see a highly rated player on their board still available. Collins could rise as far as the top half of the first round, but in this scenario he’s a steal for the Broncos in what appears to be an OT-rich draft that will reward the later-picking teams.
31. New England Patriots — Indiana RB Tevin Coleman
Lost a bit amid the hype of Gurley, Melvin Gordon and other more hyped college backs, Coleman has been a beast for the downtrodden Hoosiers, racking up huge numbers against some of the better defenses he has faced, including Missouri, Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State. Only Penn State has held him in check. Bill Belichick has received great utility from lower-round backs, but with Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen set to hit free agency, the Patriots could thrive with a Coleman-LeGarrett Blount-James White-Jonas Gray backfield in Tom Brady’s golden years.
32. Arizona Cardinals — Washington DE-OLB Hau'oli Kikaha
The Cardinals have generated a pass rush thanks to some smart scheming from coordinator Todd Bowles, but they could use another edge player capable of finishing at the quarterback. Kikaha has the ability to fill a John Abraham-like role, either standing up or with his hand on the ground in the Cardinals’ multiple-front defense.
And, just for fun, a bonus five second-round picks …
33. Oakland Raiders — West Virginia WR Kevin White
In this scenario, the Raiders come away with a quality 1-2 punch on offense and defense, much like in 2014 with the Mack-Carr combo.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Colorado State OT Ty Sambrailo
Might lack raw strength and power but has all the makings of a quality left or right tackle.
35. Jacksonville Jaguars — Pitt OL T.J. Clemmings
Clemmings has a defensive mentality and has been fantastic at getting out to the second level as a right tackle for the Panthers, anchoring the run game.
36. Tennessee Titans — Michigan State CB Trae Waynes
There are those who say that Waynes is better than his former Spartans teammate, Darqueze Dennard, who was drafted late in the first round in 2014.
37. New York Jets — Oregon CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
Certainly a quarterback such as Baylor’s Bryce Petty could be an option (depending on who the GM and coach are), but DB help is badly needed, too.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him atedholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
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