NFL Mock Draft 2015

It's  less than a week until the NFL's annual collegiate draft and it's time to have a pop at a bit of a mock draft. Here goes it for 2015 . . .

1.       Tampa Bay – Jameis Winston  QB Florida St 

The general consensus is that the Bucs will take Jameis Winston #1. They allowed Luke McCown to leave via free agency and have only Mike Glennon on their roster. I think Glennon's a serviceable option but when you have #1 pick it's usually an opportunity to draft a face of a franchise. The Bucs recently drafted young weapons Mike Evans and Austin Seferian Jenkins, and need someone capable of getting the ball into their hands more often.

I think it almost certain a QB will be selected 1^st overall for the 8^th time in the last 12 years. I don’t think this pick is a Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck kind of sure thing pick. However, Winston is pro-ready and a confident and intelligent gameday QB who has successfully run a pro-style offense in college. He’s an on field leader who has incredibly only lost 4 competitive games in total over his last 4 years of high school and college. Winston has received criticism for a high number of interceptions but the main knocks on Winston which make this a higher risk pick are for numerous off-the-field misdemenaours. If the Buccaneers decide these were down to immaturity and not character flaws then I believe he will be chosen #1 overall. If they believe Winston is a red flag, I'd suggest the Bucs should be looking Leonard Williams or to stockpile some picks.

2.       Tennessee Titans – Marcus Mariota QB Oregon 

In 2012 Quarterbacks were selected with the first two picks of the draft (Andrew Luck and RGIII) for the first time since Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb went #1 and #2 in 1999. It’s not a strong QB class and coupled with a barren free agency pool where arguably the best free agent, the ex-Titans cast-off Jake Locker opted for retirement aged 26, there could be a scramble for essentially the only other QB with a 1^st round scouting grade.

I've changed this pick so often, usually plumping for Leonard Williams, but with the Titans making noises about their QB bargain Zach Mettenberger in the 6th round last year I start to feel suspicious.... In a weak division the Titans could be a great spot for Marcus Mariota to develop into an NFL calibre QB. Mariota is definitely not a sure fire pick having played his college career from the shotgun. What he is though is mobile, athletic and high character.  I’m torn on this one, if the Tennessee Front Office plays safe they go with Leonard Williams whose regarded as the best player in the draft, but if they roll the dice on QB it’s a brave pick but could provide a lift to the franchise Eddie George labelled as rudderless.

3.       Jacksonville Jaguars – Dante Fowler Jr DE/OLB Florida 

In my mock of 2014 I wrote verbatim that the last time the Jaguars failed to pick outside the top 10 was back in 2007 and here they are again, projected to select a player #3 overall. This is a team with many needs who could be in a prime position to stock some picks from a QB needy team should Mariota be available. I never really know where Jacksonville will go, they always surprise and go with their board (Tyson Alualu in 2010 and Blake Bortles in 2014) regardless of where they are predicted to be selected by draft experts, which you have to admire to a certain extent.

Looking objectively at the Jaguars I’d say they need playmakers - defensively via pass-rush and offensively via WR and RB. Based on the fact that no-one picks RB's high anymore I'd discount this but would it be a huge shock for Jacksonsville to buck that trend? Even for the Jaguars that would be a surprise. I'd personally take West Virginia WR Kevin White here, but think it's unlikely. I think the Jaguars jump at Leonard Williams if he’s on the board, based on best player, or take an explosive difference maker such as Dante Fowler Jr or Vic Beasley - I'll ignore Randy Gregory and Shane Ray as options following recent drug related admissions. The Jags have been burnt with red-flag draftee Justin Blackmon and will be looking for a player they can keep on the field. I'm leaning towards Fowler as the choice right now.

4.       Oakland Raiders – Kevin White WR West Virginia

Leonard Williams, the supposed best player in the draft class is still available and the Raiders will be interested. They have also made noises about being open for business with a potential trade partner. However, Derek Carr was a relative success in his rookie year and the Raiders will be looking to provide him with a better supporting cast. I’m thinking a receiving target would benefit Carr most picking at #4. There's an argument that the Raiders bide their time until round 2 in a deep receiver class, so there is still a strong case for Williams being the pick here.

However, the highlight of the combine for me was West Virginia’s Kevin White who had a monster day and moved himself above Amari Cooper into the top receiver available. The knock on White was his top-end deep speed - but his 40 time of 4.35 displayed enough deep speed to add to his portfolio of 109 receptions in 2014. He would likely provide Carr with a legitimate #1 receiver immediately. I think he could become the best Raiders receiver since Tim Brown, he really looks a beast.

5.       Washington Redskins – Leonard Williams DE/DT USC

Rumours were that the Skins were eyeing up a trade with Philadelphia if Mariota remained on the board. I don't buy them helping a divisional rival, but can see a potential deal with Cleveland here who own 2 first round picks and may be targeting a leapfrog of the Jets to gain Mariota.

However, I have Mariota mocked off the board regardless. With Leonard Williams still available I think there could still be suitors for the #5 pick in a trade, but assuming the Skins remain at #5, will they be looking O or D? 

Fundamentally I’m unsure of the match-up with Jay Gruden and RGIII as scheme / philosophy fit, but I think it's one of those marriages that both HC and QB need to make work or they're out of the capital. With this in mind, maybe a WR weapon might be of interest to aid a return to form for the struggling passer.

It’s pretty obvious that this Washington team is devoid of talent on defense outside of Ryan Kerrigan and Jason Hatcher. Injury prone Brian Orakpo was allowed to leave in free agency so Washington may look to acquire pass-rush help, but with Leonard Williams still on my board, I hardly think Washington can believe their luck handing in the card for the powerful lineman who can probably play anywhere on the line and may be an ideal 3-4 end fit.  Should the Skins actually trade down I think the priority would change to O-line, but I don’t think any O-linemen are rated highly enough in this draft class to go top 5.

6.       New York Jets – Shane Ray DE/OLB Missouri

A lot of people are predicting Mariota to the Jets. This would mean giving up on their 2013 2^nd round pick Geno Smith after only 2 seasons. There is a new regime in New York and they are not tied to previous draft picks, so I could certainly see it happening. 

However, aside from the fact I have Mariota as gone, I suspect a move to the Jets could be a disastrous fit for the unassuming passer in the cauldron of New York.  

Instead, my guess is another addition to the D, new HC Todd Bowles loves to blitz and I've previously had Shane Ray on their board due to his dynamic pass rush ability and versatility to fit in a number of defensive systems. However, an injury concern followed by a marijuana possession citation this week is likely to lead to a drop down draft boards by many teams. I think it more likely now that the Jets switch their attention to Clemson's Vic Beasley as their guy.

7.       Chicago Bears – Danny Shelton NT Washington

The Chicago defense of '85 is all but a distant memory - last year it was porous and a new 3-4 scheme is to be adopted by Vic Fangio in 2015. They face Green Bay twice a season and Matt Stafford and Megatron twice also. Consequently I think CB could be a consideration on D, but the switch to 3-4 also requires a powerful plugger in the middle - hence my leaning towards the huge Danny Shelton.

The trade of Brandon Marshall could bring into play someone such as Alabama’s Amari Cooper as a polished replacement at receiver, but I’m going to stick with man mountain Shelton to Chicago, on the basis of him being such a good fit in their move to a 3-4 system and the deep class at receiver in 2015.

It's a hard pick to predict - pass rush, DB, or even O-line. There are a lot of holes to fill on this team. They could even be a trade up target for someone wishing to leapfrog Atlanta for a pass-rusher.

8.       Atlanta Falcons – Vic Beasley OLB Clemson

This is where it gets interesting.... I don’t think there is any secret that the Falcons are targeting dramatic improvements defensively with the hire of Dan Quinn as HC. The glaring absence of a pass rush since John Abraham departed is something the Falcons have failed to address in recent drafts, it’s now imperative it is addressed successfully this time around.

Picking at #8 the Falcons know they are likely to have at least 1 of the top 4 ranked pass rushers available here. The revelations of Randy Gregory's failed drug tests coupled with Shane Ray's marijuana citation this week now leave the waters particularly murky. It could be a special moment for Vic Beasley to be joining his boyhood team, he blew up the combine, but some feel the best fit for Beasley may be more of a 3-4 look than Atlanta's D. He's an athletic freak but some scouts suggest he is a bit one dimensional at present, but that's surely a great project for Dan Quinn to earn his hire. Other mocks keep mentioning the raw Bud Dupree as an option and with Gregory and Ray on the slide this is conceivable. Arthur Blank has talked about relaxing the character scoring on their scouting evaluation so maybe Randy Gregory or Shane Ray do remain options, but I'm not sure I get that feeling from either Thomas Dimitroff or Coach Quinn. I'm sticking with the Pick Vic option right now, but this is while I consider the Jets pick at #6. There seem to be rumours coming out of Atlanta that a move up the draft could be in order. If so, I think this could be a consequence of yesterdays news with Shane Ray - the Falcons now needing to move up to secure Dante Fowler or Beasley.

Other pressing needs for the franchise to address in later rounds will be further pass rush help plus slots at linebacker, tight end and running back to fill. A real exciting gamble would be for Atlanta to bypass the pass-rushers again and go hometown hero and bring in Georgia RB Todd Gurley - I'm not sure Thomas Dimitroff could be seen to abandon the pass-rush problems in yet another draft class though.

I've got a keen eye on Jay Adayi, Tevin Coleman or Ameer Abdullah as possible second or third round picks at RB, or Michigan State's Jeremy Langford in a later round. I also like the look of small school O-lineman Ali Marpet if he was around in the 3rd, who not only would be an amazing story as the first player ever drafted from Hobart & William, but could be a good zone block fit in Kyle Shanahan's system. If TE Maxx Williams hasn't slid into the Falcons hands in Round 2, I'd like the selection of Tyler Kroft from Rutgers in the 4th or 5th round. I've seen a fair bit of him and he's more athletic than people realise and is off the radar a little bit due to poor QB play at Rutgers. He'd be surprisingly worthwhile value and shows versatility from the position.

9.       New York Giants – Amari Cooper WR Alabama

The Giants could be looking to improve either side of their lines in the draft. Based on an already thin O-line free agency market combined with projecting the top 3 edge rushers off the board, I’m assuming that the Giants will look to bolster the O-line with their first pick of the draft. The top rated pick here is Scherff who might not be top 10 talent but is arguably the best O-lineman available in 2015. My only consideration here may be that Scherff is better suited to guard and a high 1st round pick on an interior lineman could be a stretch.

The Giants run defense was ranked last in yards per rush (4.9 avg) in 2014 and should Danny Shelton slip past the Bears he could come into play here. However, I project him off the board by now.

On this basis, I'm going for a leftfield selection and going WR – Victor Cruz injury woes have mounted and the addition of another playmaker opposite Odell Beckham would give the Giants a fearsome group of receivers. Alabama's Amari Cooper may not be as explosive as former Alabama wideout Julio Jones, but he has broken some of his school records and is a polished prospect ready for the pros.

10.   St Louis Rams – Brandon Scherff OG/OT Iowa

The Rams are woefully short on the O-line and are dropping a new QB into their system in 2015. They need to provide a pocket to help the new passer, so #1 priority is likely to be the O-line. This team isn't too far away from playoffs with good QB play but whether they have that QB in place yet or not I do not know. I wonder if Mariota would be a trade up target if he gets past the Titans?

I'm not completely sold on Nick Foles, and I have to wonder whether rumours of Sam Bradford 's retirement threat led to the Rams pulling the trigger on a rare QB-QB trade in an effort to get a return on a former 1st rounder? This might be unfair on Foles who is only 1 year removed from his breakout season in Philly, but I still think there would be a likelihood of a Mariota pick here if he was available. 

Instead with Mariota gone, I think the Rams will still look to help the offensive side of the ball via O-line support or an explosive WR, though CB could be an equally tempting move. 

Brandon Scherff is regarded as the top lineman in the draft and would be an immediate plug-in at a position of need, so I'll lean that way here.

11. Minnesota Vikings - Trae Waynes CB Michigan St

If the AP situation becomes clearer this may influence any draft decisions in Minnesota. Right now I don't see a deal happening and I expect AP back in Minnesota. 

I'm projecting Mike Zimmer to look to bring in a physical press corner to match up with Xavier Rhodes and allow Minnesota to challenge receivers and put pressure on opposing QB's in a division which includes Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford and (ahem) Jay Cutler. 

Trae Waynes is the obvious choice here - he was the fastest corner at the combine and excels in man-to-man coverage. Left on an island in college, he conceded only 2 receiving TD's over the last 2 seasons. The only knock on him has been his tendency to grab receivers. This needs coaching out of him in the NFL or the 9 penalties conceded over the last 2 seasons in college will multiply in the pros.

If an AP trade happens in the meantime, Minnesota may need a change of strategy to focus on keeping pressure off the shoulders of 2nd year QB Teddy Bridgewater. I could see them looking at RB's Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley to help ease the burden. The wildcard pick here could be WR Devante Parker - which would be a reunion with Teddy Bridgewater's #1 target in college.

12. Cleveland Browns - Randy Gregory OLB Nebraska

I'd love Mariota to be around at this point to test how much Cleveland likes Johnny Manziel. I don't think he'll be available, but won't discount an Aaron Rodgers like slide or indeed a Browns trade-up courtesy of their 2 first round picks.

However, I'm suggesting another risky pick, by way of Nebraska's Randy Gregory. I suspect the Browns may shy away from Gregory, following issues with previous red flag draftees Josh Gordon, Johnny Manziel and Justin Gilbert. They've seemingly wasted these high picks on players with debatable personality traits.

However, based on talent alone, Randy Gregory could have gone top 5. A failed drug test at the combine - not his first either apparently - means that Gregory is on the slide and a high risk / reward for someone brave enough to pull the trigger. The Browns have a need on defense and I'm going Randy Gregory at #12 to stop him getting to the Saints!

13. New Orleans Saints - Jalen Collins CB LSU

The Saints have both leading pass rushers hitting free agency after 2015 and I suspect they will be hoping Randy Gregory continues to slide down draft boards and falls into their lap. Failing this, other options remain with high-ceiling / low-floor pick such as Bud Dupree or Arik Armstead if they focus on the pass-rush.

The departure of Jimmy Graham, whilst irreplaceable, could lead to the Saints looking for an offensive weapon to placate Drew Brees (Parker, Perriman, Strong). Parker seems to be the #3 ranked receiver, but Strong is a bigger target who has been compared with former Saint Marques Colston and even Larry Fitzgerald in his style of play. However, I'm going to factor in the Saints owning two first round picks and wishing to prioritise defense initially.

On this basis, my scenario would be  for the Saints to stay on defense but focus on improving the secondary, possibly with LSU's highly rated but inexperienced corner Jalen Collins or maybe risking the talented but troublesome Marcus Peters.

14. Miami Dolphins - Devante Parker WR Louisville

The Dolphins could have interest in OT Marcus Peat here and could also be looking CB if Waynes or Collins remained on the board. However, I'm going to push for a replacement for Mike Wallace at WR. There are a host of good WR's available in this draft and whilst Parker may not have been the most eye-popping at the combine he owns possibly the best hands in the entire class. He's been attributed with only 3 drops in his entire college career and should make a #1 receiver for a West Coast style offense such as in Miami.



15. San Francisco 49ers - Arik Armstead DT/DE Oregon

The 49ers have a number of needs to address in the early rounds of this years draft. The O-line needs some help following the departure of Mike Iupati and I'd certainly expect a WR to be taken at some point in the first 3-4 rounds. There is also a need for LB depth following the retirements of veteran Patrick Willis and Chris Borland after a single NFL season, and finally the defensive line is in desperate need of an injection of youth.

Upon this basis I think the 49ers will look for the best player available at any of these positions of need. In likelihood this will likely result in a DT or DE be selected. I'm plumping for the raw Arik Armstead who flashed serious signs of improvement in his last year at Oregon after he left the basketball team to focus on football. He draws comparisons with Calais Campbell with his ability to play either end or inside on the D-line. The 49ers would be happy with this pick if they were to get Campbell type play out of Armstead.

16. Houston Texans - Andrus Peat OT Stanford

In my opinion the biggest need for this team is at QB but it's a pretty poor class overall and at #16 the Texans aren't really likely to be able to consider addressing the position. 

There is talk of the Texans looking towards WR following the departure of Andre Johnson, but I think it more important for the team to address the need at OT. Andrus Peat may be ideally suited to RT but could probably play both positions, and could certainly plug and play at RT as a rookie. In a deep class of WR's it's probably most likely the Texans address the O-line first.

Should the Texans look to defense in the 1st round, I think the likeliest option would be at cornerback.


17. San Diego Chargers - Todd Gurley RB Georgia

Ignoring the Philip Rivers trade rumours, the Chargers lost Ryan Matthews in free agency and sitting at #17 are likely to be in a position to have their pick of running backs as a replacement.

No RB has been selected in the 1st round since 2012 - the inauspicious picks of Trent Richardson, Doug Martin and David Wilson were the last occasions, but it's time to buck the trend. The obvious option is a choice between the ultra-productive Melvin Gordon or the arguably more talented but injured (ACL tear) Todd Gurley who may only just be coming to fitness during the pre-season.

18. Kansas City Chiefs - La'el Collins OT FSU

I was once told that Andy Reid always takes linemen high in his draft and the Chiefs have followed this trend since 2012 (Dontari Poe, Eric Fisher, Dee Ford). The need to replace Dwayne Bowe at WR was addressed via Jeremy Maclin in free agency so all I can see here are the Chiefs following the Andy Reid blueprint and in this instance going O-line with La'el Collins. Don't ignore a potential trade-down here.


19. Cleveland Browns - Malcolm Brown DT Texas

The second of the Browns picks is scheduled at #19, assuming no huge trade up earlier in the day. This is a big draft for Ray Farmer and I do expect moves. In this situation I'm going with the Browns sticking to defense with their second pick and looking for value on the interior D-line. There is a definite need here and Malcolm Brown from Texas offers versatility inside as a 3-4 or 4-3 tackle whom experts are seeing rise up their draft boards. 

There are other positions to address and if the Browns retain both their first round picks it's possible they split them between offensive and defensive picks such as in 2014. If this were the case, WR could likely come into play and there are plenty of viable options at the position still such as Breshad Perriman, Jaelen Strong and Dorial Green-Beckham. O-line could also be a possibility. 


20. Philadelphia Eagles - Landon Collins S Alabama


No reunion for Chip and Marcus here. The Eagles could consider raw prospect Bud Dupree if still available, or another Oregon reunion for Kelly and Arik Armstead, but the Eagles were probably a QB and defensive secondary away from a serious challenger last year.

Landon Collins is inconsistent but a playmaker and easily the best safety available this year. He's better as a downhill safety and can offer some pop across the middle and in run support. He may not be the most convincing in deep coverage but if allowed to attack could generate some big plays.

Other logical options here could be a WR following Jeremy Maclin's free agency departure, or maybe the drafting of an OT prospect to eventually replace the immense Jason Peters.

In terms of some later round fanciful picks for the Eagles - Mychal Kendricks younger brother Eric could be around late in Round 2 and would offer LB help, so too could Virginia's Eli Harold who could be a nice OLB pass rush prospect, and what about former Duck Ifo Ekpre-Olomu whose injuries could see his stock fall and be a bargain pick for Chip in rounds 3-4?

21. Cincinnati Bengals - T.J Clemmings OT Pittsburgh

Do the Bengals reach for a need such as their secondary or draft based on rating? I'm going halfway house with the Bengals, aware of both OT's potentially hitting free agency at the end of 2015, looking for OT depth. Because of this they can go with the rd1 prospect rated with the higher potential ceiling.

Scouts believe Clemmings protection technique has issues but they are perceived as coachable, and if ironed out could see him as a potential Pro Bowler. He's only a one year starter on the O-line in college, but personnel evaluators are reminding people that the same was true of the Eagles Lane Johnson who went #4 overall in 2013.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Eddie Goldman DT/NT Florida State

The end of the Troy Polamalu era, and for certain he can't be replaced in this draft. The Steelers defense, so long a strength, needs further investment from this years draft, and it starts here for Pittsburgh.

I've had Bud Dupree down as a selection for a while,  which would provide an improvement to the pass-rush, but I've changed my mind and opted for Florida State's Eddie Goldman, who would be a good-fit in the Steelers system and would do everything that would be asked for of a Steelers noseguard. He may not provide the dynamic pass rush of Dupree, but is strong against the run and will remain a threat on passing downs.

23. Detroit Lions - Michael Bennett DT Ohio State

The biggest free agency story outside of Philadelphia was Ndamukong Suh's free agency movements. With Suh finally off to Miami and a $114m contract over 6-yrs, the Lions quickly addressed his departure via a trade with the Ravens for Haloti Ngata, which is a great signing but purely a short term measure.

The franchise know that Suh can't be replaced and it may be unfair to even select a DT following his departure, but I'm going to suppose that the Lions look for a successor and since fellow 1st round pick Nick Fairley also departed in free agency, there is necessity at the position. 

I have the Lions taking Ohio State's Michael Bennett, which may be a little bit of a reach as he's regarded as borderline 1st/2nd round. He may lack Suh's power but is a disciplined up-field disruptor according to scouts in the know and was a team leader in college.

24. Arizona Cardinals - Bud Dupree OLB Kentucky

I've considered this one at length. I know Bruce Arians is interested in upgrading the running attack and would love to coax Adrian Peterson to Arizona. Failing this, I have the outstandingly productive Melvin Gordon on the board to tempt the Arizona Front Office.

I've also got WR Jaelen Strong on the board, who Mike Mayock compared to Larry Fitzgerald during the combine, so who better to learn from than the man himself in Arizona?

However, I've an inkling that the Cardinals want to address departures at LB and former basketball player Bud Dupree brings power and athleticism, even if maybe not yet the strength to be an every down player initially.

25. Carolina Panthers - D.J Humphries OT Florida

It's the part of the 1st round where conflict of need and the board becomes noticeable. Fortunately for the Panthers I have a couple of 1st round graded O-linemen available and a nice match with one of Carolina's pressing needs. They could also reach for a WR need with Strong and Perriman moving up a number of experts draft boards recently or the wildcard of Dorial Green Beckham who possesses round 1 talent but a host of on-field and off-field red flags, which led to him being kicked off the team at Missouri. 

This one could come down to personal preference. I've settled on OT D.J Humphries out of Florida which could be a reach. He's been injured during his last 2 college seasons, missing 7 games, but still elected to take early eligibility and carries only 19 college starts into the draft. However, he's athletic and quick but understandably needs to learn more about playing the position.

26. Baltimore Ravens - Melvin Gordon RB Wisconsin

Do the Ravens take the final OT with a 1st round grade or do they look at addressing WR or even possibly TE position?

I'm going with a surprise pick here, despite a breakout season for Justin Forsett, he's no spring chicken, and whilst I think Baltimore can get value from RB's in later rounds, the production of Gordon could be just too much to pass up on.


27. Dallas Cowboys - Marcus Peters CB Washington

They need a replacement RB following the departure of their bell-cow Demarco Murray to divisional rivals Philadelphia, but with such a strong draft class I don't think the Cowboys will be tempted to reach with a 1st round pick if Gurley and Gordon are off the board.

I've got an inkling the Cowboys may roll the dice on Marcus Peters. He's a talented corner but comes with baggage having been kicked off the team at Washington. He seems to divide opinion by talent evaluators who seem to have him listed as top 15 talent through to 5th best corner in the draft class. He's the sort of player the Cowboys seem to like taking risks on. Jerry Jones certainly isn't afraid of baggage, maybe Dez Bryant could take him under his wing!

28. Denver Broncos - Breshad Perriman WR Central Florida

I have Denver drafting a need position and going for a big wide receiver with big play speed. The son of Brett Perriman who played 10-yrs for the Lions at WR, Breshad is 6'3 and has acceleration and deep speed. So why is he still on the board at #28? Because his hands can be inconsistent. He's possibly the most talked about receiver in this draft by the scouting fraternity (well ok, maybe outside of Dorial Green Beckham) but it's his hands that will provide most causes for concern. No-one dares drop a Peyton Manning pass. The more safe-handed Jaelen Strong could also be considered here.

In terms of other options, I could see an OT as a pick for Denver but I only have Ereck Flowers remaining with a 1st round grade and personally don't see him fitting a zone block scheme.

29. Indianapolis Colts - Paul Dawson ILB TCU

The time is now for Indy with some veteran grey beards added in free agency with the hope to push them further in the playoffs. 

The Colts could do with some OL help but think they may be looking for instant impact in rd1 so I'm rolling the dice with Paul Dawson who was equally disruptive on the field making plays or off the field in a not so positive manner. 

It's probably likely this is too high for Dawson, he's talented but some scouts are dropping him a round or two solely down to character issues. 

My logic is that the Colts know they have to focus on improving their run defense after the Patriots ran all over them twice last season. Dawson would be someone who could act as an enforcer as an interior LB. Equally the Colts could be looking at a big plugger on the D-line. 

30. Green Bay Packers - Maxx Williams TE Minnesota

This pick might be a bit of a reach for the 1st round but Williams is undeniably the best pass catching tight end prospect in this years class, with good hands and impressive straight line speed. It's entirely possible Williams slips into the 2nd round but I think he would offer an instant upgrade on Andrew Quarless in Green Bay.

Other likely options for Green Bay here could be re-enforcements in the Packers secondary - I don't have many of the 1st round graded corners remaining here but maybe Connecticut's Byron Jones or one of Florida State's pairing of Ronald Darby and P.J Williams could be an option or possibly Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson. My other inkling on defensive picks could be an inside linebacker to allow Clay Matthews to move back to outside LB permanently. I've Dawson off the board a pick earlier so maybe Benardrick McKinney or Eric Kendricks could be positional need picks.

The real wild card could be Washington's Shaq Thompson who could be a real playmaker in the right scheme. He's undersized to be used as a conventional linebacker but played inside and out in college (and also played tailback, rushing for 456 yards). Safety is a possible switch for him, and the reason I place him here with Green Bay is that I could see him being used in the sort of attacking Charles Woodson role, operating as a safety but lining up all over the field. Because of the questions over his ability to play safety, it's unlikely Thompson will go this high, but stranger things have happened...

31. New Orleans Saints - Jaelen Strong WR Arizona State

The Saints may be beginning to prepare for the end of the Drew Brees era, their moves this off-season appear to be re-setting their approach to more focus on power running and improving their defense.  This is their second pick of the 1st round and comes courtesy of their trade of Jimmy Graham to Seattle. 

This pick could be another opportunity to upgrade their defense, or even possibly to secure a replacement for Graham, although in a supposed weak TE class this may not be likely. The only possible 1st rounder at the position is Maxx Williams, but many experts think that this is too high for him.

I do suspect though that the organisation may make an offering to Brees after losing his favourite target. The option I'm going for is a big strong possession receiver - the Saints selecting WR Jaelen Strong, whose earned comparisons as Marques Colston part deux.

32. New England Patriots - Jordan Phillips NT Oklahoma

I can never predict the Patriots come draft day and they do enjoy trading down to stockpile picks. Will they select at #32? 

My offerings.... RB Tevin Coleman would be a surprise but one heck of a physical runner up in New England. CB is a need and Ronald Darby of Florida State is a good cover guy. Belichick was willing to take a risk with Aqib Talib, so if Marcus Peters falls this low I could see him risking the pick on another talented corner with off-field issues. 

OT Ereck Flowers is a possible future Left Tackle in the pro's and whilst he would be a development pick, he shows huge upside. 

However, I'm plumping for NT Jordan Phillips as someone who could contribute immediately in attempting to fill the large boots of Vince Wilfork. Phillips would be a good plug to fit into the middle of the D-line to help against the run and is a good scheme fit too for the defending Super Bowl champions.