2015 NFL Draft: MY FINAL MOCK DRAFT

My mock is listed on Walter Football's Mock Draft Database along with over 300 mock drafts:

http://walterfootball.com/draftdata.php


First Round

1. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
JAMEIS WINSTON-QB-FSU 
6-4/231 
NFL Comparison: Byron Leftwich/Ben Roethlisberger 
Despite issues with immaturity and off the filed allegations, it appears as though Tampa will pick the former Heisman winner. Lovie Smith is the right type of coach and role model to help Winston in his young career. However the common denominator with every top 10 QB draft bust has been immaturity issues. Ryan Leaf, Vince Young, Matt Leinart and JaMarcus Russell are all examples of this. The other concern with Winston was his regression from his 2013 Heisman season to last year. Was this due to losing key pieces on offense like Kelvin Benjamin and Devonta Freeman or was it due to him just not taking the next step as a QB? Taking Winston at #1 is a risk, but Tampa NEEDS a franchise QB in the worst way.
  

2. TENNESSEE TITANS
MARCUS MARIOTA-QB-OREGION
6-4/222 
NFL Comparison: Jake Plummer/Randall Cunningham
It seems like one way or another Mariota will be the pick here. The smartest move for the Titans would be to package the pick and trade down.

Even if a trade doesn't happen, the Titans should take Mariota at #2. He's an instant upgrade over incumbent Zach Mettenberger. Mariota has the size, speed, maturity and intangibles that one looks for in a franchise QB. Many scouts still doubt if he can transition to a pro style offense in the NFL.

The trade rumor that has been gaining the most traction is for Cleveland to package picks #12 and #19 along with a 1st or 2nd next year in order to move up and take Mariota.


3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
LEONARD WILLIAMS-3T/5T/DT/DE-USC
6-5/302
NFL Comparison: Richard Seymour/Gerald McCoy 
As I put in my team needs section, Edge Rusher Dante Fowler may be the better fit, but Williams is the better talent. He is regarded by most as the best overall player in the draft and his upside is JJ Watt. He also might be the safest player in the draft this year.

It now makes sense for the Jags to take Williams or Amari Cooper at #3 then wait to take the best edge rusher in the second round. There's even a chance Shane Ray could fall to #36. Even if Ray is gone, plenty of other good pass rushers such as Nate Orchard, Preston Smith and Owa Odighizuwa will still be on the board.



4. OAKLAND RAIDERS 
AMARI COOPER-WR-BAMA 
6-1/211
NFL Comparison: Antonio Brown/Marvin Harrison 
With Williams off the board it's a pretty easy decision to go with Cooper. He is the best player on the board AND fills Oakland's biggest need. Cooper is bigger than Harrsion and Brown, yet his route running and ability to make yards after the catch are similar to both guys.



5. WASHINGTON REDSKINS 
DANTE FOWLER-EDGE RUSHER/DE-FLORIDA
6-4/261 
NFL Comparison: Terrell Suggs/Willie McGinist
With Brian Orakpo leaving for Tennessee, the Redskins can use another pass rusher to help out Ryan Kerrigan. The two best players on the board are WR's Amari Cooper and Kevin White but Washington already has one of the best duos in the NFL in Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson. This could the prime spot for a WR needy team like St. Louis, Minnesota or Miami looking to trade up.

While other edge players in the class may be faster (Vic Beasley) or more explosive (Randy Gregory), no one has the size, motor and pass rushing combination that Fowler has.

6. NEW YORK JETS 
VIC BEASLEY-EDGE/OLB-CLEMSON
6-3/246
NFL Comparison: Von Miller
f the Jets can add an edge rusher, they may overtake Seattle as the best defense in the NFL. Beasley was the star of the combine running a 4.53 forty, a 6.08 3-cone drill and putting up 35 reps on the 225 bench press. Beasley is more than just an athletic freak, he was also very productive at Clemson where he had 33 sacks over the past three seasons.


7. CHICAGO BEARS
KEVIN WHITE-WR-WEST VIRGINIA 
6-3/215
NFL Comparison: slightly smaller Julio Jones/DeAndre Hopkins 
The Bears can give inconsistent QB Jay Cutler another weapon to have on the outside. He already has two big targets in Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett. White has both the ability and physical tools to become an elite NFL WR. He will be a good replacement for Brandon Marshall.


8. ATLANTA FALCONS
ALVIN "BUD" DUPREE-EDGE/DE/OLB-KENTUCKY
6-4/269
NFL Comparison: Everson Griffin 
One mans loss is another mans gain. If not for character concerns, Randy Gregory would be the pick here. His recent failed marijuana test will cause him to drop down draft boards. Dupree may end up being the biggest beneficiary. Like Fowler, Dupree has both the size and explosiveness to play DE in a 4-3.


9. NEW YORK GIANTS
BRANDON SCHERFF-OT/G-IOWA
6-5/318
NFL Comparison: Bryan Bulaga as an OT/Zack Martin as an OG
The Giants need to keep Eli upright and give him time to get the ball into the hands of Odell Beckham. The Giants also need to upgrade the running game. Scherff would be an instant upgrade at OT or on the inside of the line. He's probably the safest pick to be an impact player in this entire draft class.

10. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 
(projected trade with ST. LOUIS) 
St. Louis receives picks #19 and #49
Kansas City receives pick #10
DAVANTE PARKER-WR-LOUISVILLE 
6-3/209
NFL Comparison: Jordy Nelson
I'm calling this the SHOW ME STATE SWAP. It makes sense for both teams as the Chiefs need a big WR to pair with Jeremy Maclin and the Rams are looking to trade down to get an offensive lineman. The Chiefs have 10 total picks, therefore moving up is a major possibility while the Rams on have 6 total picks. Peter King has reported that the Chiefs are very high on Parker. Also there's a pretty significant drop between Parker and the second tier of WR's.

Parker was good last year putting up a 43/885/5 stat line in only 7 games. He had his best game against then #1 FSU catching 8 balls for 214 yards. He repeatedly beat PJ Williams and Ronlad Darby (both 2nd/3rd players) on big plays. The Jordy Nelson comparison makes sense given each players size and ability to make big plays down the field. Both are sure handed players that attack the football. Andy Reid will love this guy.

11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
TRAE WAYNES-CB-MICHIGAN ST. 
6-0/186
NFL Comparison: Stephon Gilmore
With Parker off the board the Viking take a CB to fill their second biggest need. Coach Mike Zimmer  loves big corners and in the NFC North he needs a #1 CB to guard guys like Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson and Alshon Jeffery. Waynes showed 4.31 speed at the combine and has long arms to contend with bigger WRs. He has the ability to be a good fit in a man or zone scheme.


12. CLEVELAND BROWNS
DANNY SHELTON-DT/NT-WASHINGTON 
6-2/339
NFL Comparison: BJ Raji/Haloti Ngata 
Last year the Browns were DEAD LAST against the run giving up 144 rushing yards per game (and this is a passing league). They need a big anchor inside and Shelton would be aperfect fit as a 3-4 nose tackle. At #19 and #43 they can get address WR and the O-Line


13. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
ANDRUS PEAT-OT/LT-STANFORD 
6-7/313
NFL Comparison: Jared Veldheer
The sense around the league is that the Saints will go with the best player on the board at #13 then fill needs at pass rusher, WR and ILB at picks #31 and #44 (rumors also say they could draft QB Bryce Petty in one of those spots). Peat is rising back up draft boards and sources say he may go as high as the top 10 now. Protecting Drew Brees is always a high priority in New Orleans.

14. DALLAS COWBOYS 
(projected trade with MIAMI)
MIAMI receives pick #27 and a 2016 1st round pick
Dallas receives pick #14
TODD GURLEY-RB-GEORGIA
6-1/222
NFL Comparison: Fred Taylor/Marshawn Lynch 
The recent medical checkout said that Gurley was 100% healthy and good to go. As we get closer to the draft, Gurley keeps rising back up draft boards. If the Cowboys really want him, they will need to trad up to get him.

Gurley's tape and on the field production are simply outstanding. The Cowboys have the best run blocking offensive line in football. It's a match made in heaven. All us fantasy nerds will instantly want Gurley on our team too.

A trade down is the perfect scenario for Miami as they are targeting a WR or DB early in the draft. There's plenty of good options for Miami at #27.

15. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
DORIAL GREEN BECKHAM-OKLAHOMA 
6-5/237
NFL Comparison: Plaxico Buress
You can't teach the type of size and skill that Green Beckham possesses. He's had some off the filed issues and missed all of 2014 due to suspension. Luckily the 49ers have the perfect mentor for a guy like DGB. Current WR Anquan Boldin is a model citizen off the field and a very respected competitor on the field.

The 49ers have the players to get the ball into the red zone with guys like Boldin, newly acquired Torrey Smith, second year RB Carlos Hyde and QB Colin Kaepernick. DGB will give them the much needed red zone threat they have lacked.

Don't rule out San Fran taking a chance on another player with off the field issues in CB Marcus Peters.
  

16. HOUSTON TEXANS
LANDON COLLINS-SS-BAMA 
6-0/228
NFL Comparison: Kam Chancellor 
The Texans really don't have a glaring need other than QB. They will likely go best player available regardless of position. Collins would be a good fit in Romeo Crennel's scheme. Crennel runs a 3-4 cover 1 scheme with a roaming safety. They signed Rahim Moore this off season to be the roaming free safety. Collins would fit as the perfect in the box safety, He has the size to be great player in run support and to cover tight ends.



17. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
RANDY GREGORY-EDGE/OLB-NEBRASKA  
6-5/235
NFL Comparison: Clay Matthews/Bruce Irvin  
Like the 49ers, the Chargers have the right mature leaders on their defense in Eric Weddle and Brandon Flowers. The Chargers need some help with their pass rush. They were 29th in the league last year with only 26 total sacks.

18. ST. LOUIS RAMS
(projected trade down with  KANSAS CITY)  
ERECK FLOWERS-OT/RT-MIAMI
6-6/329
NFL Comparison: Andrew Whitworth 
The Rams drafted Greg Robinson #2 overall last year but that doesn't mean they don't need help on the offensive line. Coach Jeff Fisher wants win games with his talented defense and by keeping opposing offenses off the field with a power running game. Flowers is a solid prospect that gives St. Louis exactly what they need up front. In Flowers and Robinson they can have two good bookends for the next decade


19. CLEVELAND BROWNS
MELVIN GORDON-RB-WISCONSIN 
6-1/215
NFL Comparison: Matt Forte
Cleveland has two average young backs right now in Terrance West and Isiah Crowell. Gurley would instantly be the most talanted back on the roster. Unless the Browns move up for Mariota, they will have below average QB play this season. The only way for them to have success on offense is on the ground. Gordon could spark a very good rushing attack behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. Gordon is a mid-western kid having grown up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He knows how to play in bad NFC North weather.

20. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 
NELSON AGHOLOR-WR-USC 
6-0/198
NFL Comparison: Jeremy Maclin
What better way the replace Jeremy Maclin than by drafting a player that is similar to him in both size and skill set. Agholor is move moving up draft boards lately and he would be a perfect fit in Chip Kelly's system. Kelly love guys with versatility, speed and high college production. Agholor posted a stat line of 104/1313/12 and also returned two kicks for touchdowns. The Eagles would instantly have one of the best young WR duos in the league with Agholor and Jordan Matthews.


21 CINCINNATI BENGALS 
MALCOM BROWN-3T/NT/DT-TEXAS  
6-2/319
NFL Comparison: Dan Williams
Arik Armstead would be an interesting option here, however the Bengals usually value high level college production over a player's measurements. Armstead is a freak of nature with a 6-7/290 frame. Brown is the better player at this point though, he was a first team All-American and come in and start from day one at nose tackle. Brown would provide the perfect complement to 3 technique DT Geno Atkins. A WR like Breshad Perriman or Jaelen Strong is a possibility here as well.



22. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 
KEVIN JOHNSON-CB-WAKE FOREST
6-0/188
NFL Comparison: Sam Shields
The Steelers D was torched on many a deep ball last year. Longtime CB Ike Taylor just retired and they need a player that can come in and start from day one. Marcus Peters may be just as good as Johnson, but Pittsburgh doesn't have time to deal with his immaturity issues. Johnson was a three year starter in the ACC.


23. DETROIT LIONS
CAMERON ERVING-C/G/OT-FSU
6-5/313
NFL Comparison: Eric Wood  
With his ability to play C and OT, Cameron Irving would be the perfect player to help the Lions offensive line. Detroit has two good young players in LT Riley Reiff and RG Larry Warford. The rest of the line needs to be seriously upgraded, especially RT and LG.

The Lions could also need a DT to make up for the loss of Ndamukong Suh, If Danny Shelton or Malcolm Brown were on the board I think they would sprint to the podium. It's also worth noting they worked out several 2nd/3rd round DT prospects including Jordan Phillips, Carl Davis and Xavier Cooper.

24. ARIZONA CARDINALS 
ARIK ARMSTEAD-5T/DE/DT-OREGON
6-7/292
NFL Comparison: Calais Campbell 
Calais Campbell does a great job getting pressure from the 5 technique but the Cards lack an outside pass rush. Shane Ray would be an interesting option here but the Cards were just burned by ILB Daryl Washington's character issues (PED suspension and domestic violence arrest).

Armstead makes a lot of sense if he were to slip past their division rivals in San Francisco. He can learn from Campbell and the Cards can pair them together. Having two 6-7 freak athletes on your defensive line is never a bad thing.

25. CAROLINA PANTHERS  
DJ Humphries-OT/LT-FLORIDA 
6-5/307
NFL Comparison: D'Brickashaw Ferguson 
The retirement of Jordan Gross leaves a huge void at LT. It would be the shock of the draft if Carolina doesn't take a LT at #25. The Panthers need a sure fire LT that can come in and start form day one. Humphries is very athletic for his size and has the length that scouts look for. He underachieved at Florida, relying too much on athletic ability and not enough technique. However with the right coaching, he can develop into a Pro Bowl player.


26. BALTIMORE RAVENS
MARCUS PETERS-CB-WASHINGTON
6-0/197
NFL Comparison: Vontae Davis 
The Ravens have a history of taking chances on talented players with character concerns. Gregory or DGB will also be options if they fall here. In Peters, the Ravens have a chance to get the best overall CB in the draft. Jimmy Smith is good, but he was hurt last year and the Ravens got torched game after game. In a division with WRs AJ Green and Antonio Brown, having a good cover corners is a must.

27. MIAMI DOLPHINS 
projected trade down with 
DALLAS
BRESHAD PERRIMAN-WR-UCF  
6-2/217
NFL Comparison: Mike Wallace
The Dolphins trade down and still get the WR they wanted all along. Perriman seems to be the darling of the draft season after posting an amazing 4.25 forty. Rumors are that he may crack the top 10. That seems a little far fetched when you consider all the other WR options that are more polished. At #14 he would be a reach for Miami but at #27 he's a good pick.

28. DENVER BRONCOS 
SHANE RAY-EDGE/OLB-MISSOURI 
6-3/245
NFL Comparison: Bruce Irvin
The Broncos already have a good team and a great locker room. Ray is worth the risk at #28. They already have one of the best pass rush duos in the NFL with Von Miller (14 sacks in 2014) and DeMarcus Ware (10 sacks in 2014). Ware is a future Hall of Famer but will turn 33 in July. Ray could be an eventual successor to Ware and be used as a pass rush specialist early in his pro career.

29. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
SHAQ THOMPSON-SS/WLB/RB-WASHINGTON 
6-0/232
NFL Comparison: Kam Chancellor/Bernard Pollard
(via Matt S).  I don't know what position he will play but I know the Colts need play makers on defense, especially in the secondary. He can even play some RB, Thompson is an issue, a very good issue to have.

The Colts are very interested in taking a safety early. Don't be surprised if DeMarcus Randall, Eric Rowe or Landon Collins is the pick here.


30. NEW YORK GIANTS 
projected trade with GREEN BAY
GREEN BAY receives picks #40 and #74 
NEW YORK GIANTS receives picks  #30 and #94
DAMARIOUS RANDALL-FS-ARIZONA ST.
5-11/196
NFL Comparison: Devin McCourty  
The Giants trade back into the first round to guarantee the free safety they covet. Randall is undersized but makes up for it with great production, coverage skills, toughness and football IQ. Has nearly identical size and athletic ability to McCourty


31. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
BRYCE PETTY-QB-BAYLOR
6-4/230
NFL Comparison: poor man's Carson Palmer or Eli Manning 
I am a sucker for the rumors. At #31 Petty really isn't that much of a reach if the Saints feel that he will be the eventual successor for Drew Brees.


32. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
EDDIE GOLDMAN-3T/NT/DT-FSU 
6-4/336
NFL Comparison: Randy Starks
New England pairs Goldman him with a former Florida Gator in Dominique Easley. The two of them will replace the void in the middle left by former Miami Hurricane Vince Wilfork. A Gator and a Nole to replace a Cane. A LOT of talent in the sunshine state.



Second Round
with short explanations 

33. TENNESSEE TITANS
JAELEN STRONG-WR-ARIZONA ST. 
6-2/217
NFL Comparison: faster Anquan Boldin
They give their new franchise QB a big weapon on the outside

34. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
JAKE FISHER-OT-OREGON
6-6/306
NFL Comparison: Lane Johnson
They give their new franchise QB some protection

35. OAKLAND RAIDERS 
BYRON JONES-FS/CB-UCONN 
6-1/199
NFL Comparison: Chris Culliver/Richard Sherman coming out of college
Charles Woodson's replacement at FS or a starting CB

36. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
NATE ORCHARD-EDGE/DE/OLB-UTAH
6-3/250
NFL Compariosn: Trent Cole/Willie Young
Perfect "Leo" edge rusher for coach Gus Bradley's defense

37. NEW YORK JETS

PHILLIP DORSETT-WR-MIAMI
5-10/185
NFL Comparison: DeSean Jackson
Good speed WR that can be used both outside and in the slot

38. WASHINGTON REDSKINS 
CEDRIC OGBUEHI-OT-TEXAS A&M 
6-5/306
NFL Comparison: Trent Williams
Top 10 talent with injury issues, could be a real steal here

39. CHICAGO BEARS
JORDAN PHILLIPS-DT/NT-OKLAHOMA
6-5/329
NFL Comparison: Terrance Knighton/Albert Haynesworth
The Bears need a big body run stuffer

40. GREEN BAY PACKERS
(projected trade down with New York Giants)
ERIC KENDRICKS-WLB/ILB-UCLA  
6-0/232
NFL Comparison: Lavonte David
They trade down and get an instant starter at ILB, can now move Clay Matthews back to OLB

41. ST. LOUIS RAMS
BERNARDRICK MCKINNEY-ILB-MISSISSIPPI ST.  
6-4/246
NFL Comparison: Rolando McClain/Brian Cushing
Could become the man they need in the middle of their defense

42. ATLANTA FALCONS
JAY AJAYI-RB-BOISE ST. 
6-0/221
NFL Comparison: Joique Bell
The best of the 2nd tier RB's

43. CLEVELAND BROWNS
ELI HAROLD-EDGE/OLB-VIRGINIA
6-3/247
NFL Comparison: Kamerion Wimbley
They need a WR, but Harold is too good to pass up here, he would fit perfectly as a 3-4 edge rusher

44. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
DENZEL PERRYMAN-ILB/MLB-MIAMI 
5-11/236
NFL Comparison: Jon Beason
Will remind Saints fans of Jonathan Vilma

45. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
STEPHONE ANTHONY-ILB/MLB-CLEMSON 
6-3/243
NFL Comparison: Justin Durant
The run on inside line backers continues

46. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
JALEN COLLINS-CB-LSU
6-2/203
NFL Comparison: Antonio Cromartie
They may consider him at #15, great value in the second round

47. MIAMI DOLPHINS
TJ CLEMMINGS-OT/G-PITTSBURGH 
6-5/309
NFL Comparison: Duane Brown
Developing OT that can play guard too

48. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
DEVIN SMITH-WR-OHIO ST.
6-0/196
NFL Comparison: Kenny Stills
Replacement/upgrade from the departed Eddie Royal

49. ST. LOUIS RAMS
(via projected trade down with  KANSAS CITY)  
DEVIN FUNCHESS-WR/TE-MICHIGAN   
6-4/232
NFL Comparison: Gavin Escobar as a TE/Malcolm Floyd as a WR
Hybrid WR/TE that can be the big red zone target they need

50. BUFFALO BILLS
BRETT HUNDLEY-QB-UCLA
6-3/226 
NFL Comparison: Jason Campbell
EJ Manual is NOT the answer

51. HOUSTON TEXANS
MICHAEL BENNETT-3T/DT/DE-OHIO ST.
6-2/293
NFL Comparison: Mike Daniels
Perfect 3 technique to pair with JJ Watt and Vince Wilfork

52. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 
ERIC ROWE-CB/FS-UTAH 
6-1/205
NFL Comparison: Jarius Byrd/Rahim Moore
Chip wants big, physical DBs

53. CINCINNATI BENGALS 
TYLER LOCKETT-WR-KANSAS ST.
5-10/182
NFL Comparison: Randall Cobb
Small, but very dangerous play maker in the open field

54. DETROIT LIONS
CARL DAVIS-IOWA
6-5/320
NFL Comparison: Red Bryant
They need a replacement for Suh

55. ARIZONA CARDINALS 
TJ YELDON-RB-BAMA
6-1/226
NFL Comparison: Thomas Jones (former Jets RB)
Power back to complement Andre Ellington

56. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 
OWA ODIGHIZUWA-EDGE/OLB/DE-UCLA
6-3/267
NFL Comparison: Sam Acho
Upgraded the secondary in the 1st, need to upgrade the pass rush here 


57. CAROLINA PANTHERS  
TEVIN COLEMAN-RB-INDIANA
5-11/206
NFL Comparison: DeMarco Murray
The DeAngelo Williams era is over in Carolina, time for a new feature back


58. BALTIMORE RAVENS
DONOVAN SMITH-OT/G-PENN ST.
6-6/338
NFL Comparison: Duane Brown
Developing OT with insane size, great RT prospect

59. DENVER BRONCOS 
GARRETT GRAYSON-QB-COLORADO ST. 
6-2/213 
NFL Comparison: Matt Schaub
Local product could be Peyton's replacement in two years


60. DALLAS COWBOYS 
PRESTON SMITH-EDGE/DE-MISSISSIPPI ST. 
6-5/271 
NFL Comparison: Carlos Dunlap
Dallas must upgrade the D-Line and Smith is the best player on the board


61. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
LAKEN TOMLINSON-RG/LGDUKE
6-3/323
NFL Comparison: Jahri Evans
A smart guy from Duke to protect a smart guy from Stanford (I hope they watch Jeopardy together)

62. GREEN BAY PACKERS
MAXX WILLIAMS-TE-MINNESOTA   
6-4/249
NFL Comparison: Kyle Rudolph
Another weapon for Aaron Rodgers

63. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 
ALI MARPET-C/G/OT-HOBART 
6-4/307
NFL Comparison: Jeremy Zuttah
I've never heard of Hobart either, they need a replacement for Max Unger

64. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
AJ CANN-LG/RG-SOUTH CAROLINA 
6-3/313
NFL Comparison: Ben Grubbs
Run on interior O-Line continues, the Pats can find a solid corner in the 3rd 







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