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With the Combine wrapped up, big boards are starting to become more solidified as we see who helped and hurt their stocks in Indianapolis. Of course, things will still change depending on free agency, and with the results of upcoming pro days, but lets take a look at Hogs Haven's latest mock draft:
Round 1:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
Although I would not feel comfortable making Jameis Winston the face of my franchise, he performed well on the field, in the interview process, as well as putting his X and O knowledge of the game on display, and it appears that the Buccaneers are comfortable with this decision.
2. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
The Titans don't reach for a quarterback, and ride out Zach Mettenberger for another year, instead they select arguably the best overall player in the draft, Leonard Williams, the havoc wreaking defensive lineman from USC.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler, LB, Florida
The Jaguars are slowly building a solid team, and they elect to add the physically gifted versatile pass rusher out of Florida, Donte Fowler.
4. Oakland Raiders: Kevin White, WR, WVU
Kevin White's stock has blown up since he ran a ridiculous 40 time of 4.35. Combine that with his size and play-making ability and he may have just overtaken Amari Cooper as the top receiver in the draft. The Raiders select him over the Bama product at #4 overall.
5. TRADE: Cleveland Browns: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
With Johnny Football rehabbing, and Brian Hoyer on his way out, the Browns select their 3rd first round quarterback in 4 years. The Browns swap the number 12 overall selection with the Redskins as well as giving the Skins an additional second and third round pick to select the Oregon signal caller. The latest savior of Cleveland: Marcus Mariota.
6. New York Jets: Randy Gregory, LB, Nebraska
New head coach Todd Bowles loves to get after the quarterback, and is pleasantly surprised to find the athletically gifted pass rusher out of Nebraska still available at number six overall.
7. Chicago Bears: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
The Bears will switch to a 3-4 with the addition of Vic Fangio to their defensive staff, and unlike the Redskins transition to the 3-4 alignment the Bears waste no time finding a space eater to plug in at nose tackle, selecting Danny Shelton, the massive Washington product who often receives Haloti Ngata comparisons.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE/LB, Missouri
Ray has arguably the best get off speed of any edge rusher in this class, and the Falcons need to do a better job of getting after Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and now Jameis Winston. Ray will immediately improve Atlanta's pass rush.
9. New York Giants: La'el Collins, T, LSU
The Giants select in my opinion, the best tackle of this draft class. The G-men get the physically imposing, versatile former LSU Tiger La'el Collins to shore up their pass protection.
10. St. Louis Rams: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
There are other directions the Rams could have gone with this pick, but at this point Cooper is simply too good to pass up. No matter who ends up lining up at quarterback for the Rams in 2015, they will greatly benefit from Cooper's presence.
11. Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Vikings re-unite college teammates Teddy Bridgewater and DeVante Parker, giving the promising signal caller huge weapon upgrade. The Vikings can get used to the Bridgewater to Parker connection for years to come.
12. Washington Redskins: Shaq Thompson, S, Washington
Redskins fans, meet your new starting "athlete" Shaq Thompson. When your defense only forces 7 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries for a grand total of 19 turnovers, you need playmakers. Thompson wants to be a linebacker, and the Redskins might have to sell him on the role, but I think Thompson can be a three down player shifting between safety and linebacker. Thompson could be the perfect player to play the role that the Arizona Cardinals use Deone Buccannon in so well. Thompson can use his play making ability to be an asset to the Redskins defense in the box as a safety, or closer to the line of scrimmage as a hybrid linebacker beside Keenan Robinson. Thompson has a nose for the football and would be a welcomed addition to the Skins defense.
13. New Orleans Saints: Vic Beasley, DE/LB, Clemson
Beasley absolutely blew up the combine, posting some solid numbers that solidified his spot as a first round talent. New Orleans needs some more guys to get after Cam Newton and Matt Ryan, and Beasley can certainly help that effort.
14. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Scherff, G/T, Iowa
Brandon Scherff is a good player, and it really isn't his fault that analyst are over hyping him throughout the draft process. It's nothing against Scherff really, but the simple fact is that Scherff's future is as an average tackle or a possible pro bowl guard. You do not take a player with that type of ceiling in the top five, no matter how "safe" of a pick it may be. The Dolphins get a solid player here.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Devin Smith, WR, OSU
There are rumors swirling that the 49ers will let Michael Crabtree walk in free agency and go after a receiver early in the draft, likely in the first round. The 49ers showed interest in DeSean Jackson before the Redskins ultimately signed him. However, the 49ers could get a younger, taller version of Jackson in Devin Smith. The production isn't where you would like it to be for a first round receiver, but Smith has phenomenal body control and adjust to the ball better than anyone. That cannot be taught or undervalued.
16. Houston Texans: Ereck Flowers, T, Miami
I'm higher on Flowers than most, and I really think the Texans can get some good value out of this pick. Flowers will translate best as a right tackle in the NFL, and has the potential to be a very good one if developed well.
17. San Diego Chargers: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
The Chargers select the versatile defensive lineman out of Texas, Malcolm Brown. Brown is a productive and disruptive player, whose best football is still in front of him.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
When you fail to have a receiver score a touchdown throughout an entire season, you're willing to take a chance on a receiver with character concerns that also comes with Calvin Johnson like measurements. Green-Beckham is the definition of a boom or bust pick, and if he can stay out of trouble will be an absolute steal at this point.
19. Cleveland Browns: Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon
Arik Armstead looks like a tree, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. Armstead stands at 6'7 290 pound defensive lineman was made to be a 3-4 defensive end. A former basketball player, gave up the hardwood because he like the physicality of football. Armstead's ceiling is enormous, and is capable of become an Aldon Smith type talent if properly developed.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Marcus Peters has top 15 talent, and if it weren't for off the field concerns, he probably would not be available here. However, the press coverage specialist is still on the board, and the Eagles desperately need an upgrade in their secondary which Peters can immediately provide.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Collins is a physical in the box type safety who can essentially provide you a more athletic linebacker near the line of scrimmage. Collins man to man coverage can improve, but he is a high energy player who can make an impact early in his career on both defense and special teams.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Trae Waynes is certainly in the discussion with Marcus Peters for the best corner of the class. Waynes has a great combination of size and speed, is excellent in press coverage and comes from very good coaching from Michigan State. Waynes can make an impact in the Steelers secondary from day one.
23. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, FSU
With the possibility of losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, the Lions add another defensive lineman to their already fearsome defense. Goldman was good at Florida State, but never quite lived up to his potential. When Goldman is playing to his capabilities, he can take over a game, can the Lions get that consistent effort from Goldman? They're willing betting on it.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Alvin "Bud" Dupree, LB, Kentucky
The Cardinals defense puts heat on the quarterback just about as well as anyone in the league. However, as they say, you can't have enough pass rushers, and Bud Dupree represents solid value at this point in the first round.
25. Carolina Panthers: Andrus Peat, T, Stanford
The Panthers attempt to protect Cam Newton by adding Andrus Peat, the mammoth tackle from Stanford. I'm not sure that Peat is a day one starter, but he has the measurements you want from an NFL tackle, and will crack the starting lineup sooner than later.
26. Baltimore Ravens: TJ Clemmings, T, Pittsburgh
The Ravens have one of the best offensive lines in all of football, and they add another young piece here with the selection of Clemmings. This pick makes a lot of sense to me, because Clemmings probably isn't ready to play right away, but on the Ravens he won't need to. Clemmings long-term potential is huge, providing Baltimore with depth now, and another possible pro-bowler in the long run.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Benardrick MicKinney ILB, Mississippi State
The Cowboys got a solid season out of Rolando McClain, however, the troubled linebacker is facing a four game suspension heading into 2015, and is a free agent. The Cowboys can't rely on him. Enter: Benardrick MicKinney, an athletic inside linebacker with all the measurements you want from a player to roam the middle of your defense.
28. Denver Broncos: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
The Broncos improved their defense last season, signing players like TJ Ward, and drafting Bradley Roby. However, the theme of this mock draft: You can never have enough pass rushers: Odighizuwa tested very well at the combine, and looks the part of a defensive end who has a bright future in the NFL.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
There were a few directions the Colts could have gone with this pick, however, I opted to give Andrew Luck something he has never had during his short NFL career, a true running back. Provided Gurley can return to pre-ACL form, he will give the Colts a versatile weapon out of the backfield, as well as a big play threat in the return game.
30. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
Jordan Phillips is yet another player whose production doesn't quite match his first round selection. However, there is no better team at drafting and developing players than the Green Bay Packers, so I have to believe that the physically gifted Phillips will be just fine in Lambeau.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
The Seattle Seahawks are a very good football team, they are young and have solid depth. This allows them to be flexible with their selection. The Seahawks opt to give Russell Wilson a new versatile weapon in the passing game, they learned the hard way in the Super Bowl how much impact a mismatch tight end can have...
32. New England Patriots: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Super Bowl champs don't have a ton of holes in their roster. However, with Stephen Ridley and Shane Vereen both set to hit free agency the Pats select Melvin Gordon, the versatile, highly productive runner from Wisconsin. Gordon would provide a solid one-two punch with LeGarrette Blount.
Round 2:
33. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Jalen Collins has the length and speed NFL teams covet in cornerbacks. However, a very raw player Collins is still on the board at the top of the second round. I think Collins could be a dark horse to be the best corner of this class when it's all said and done. Tennessee makes sure he doesn't last any longer.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
I think Carl Davis has a bright future as a 5-tech defensive end, and would have looked his direction with the Redskins pick if he were still on the board. Under the guidance of Lovie Smith, Davis will have plenty of opportunity to succeed in Tampa.
35. Oakland Raiders: Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH)
The Raiders select one of my favorite players in the entire class in Rollins. With only a year of college football under his belt, Rollins is an athletic specimen with lightening quick feet. Rollins ceiling is huge, as Oakland adds another young piece to their already promising defense.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars, Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Johnson is a good value pick here. He could use some more weight on his frame, but he is a physical corner, plays press coverage well, and is a leader. Has the length that NFL teams are looking for in cornerbacks.
37. New York Jets: Jaelan Strong, WR, Arizona State
I don't think Geno Smith is the long term solution in New York, and since there aren't many options to replace Smith in this draft, the next best thing to do is get him some more weapons. Strong has above average size and leaping ability, and will be a solid receiver in the big apple.
38. Washington Redskins: Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
Eli Harold gets his wish, and is selected by the Washington Redskins. Harold is a raw player who is still reaching his potential, and will provide the Redskins will depth at the outside linebacker position and another guy to put heat on the quarterback from the opposite side of Ryan Kerrigan. Harold is a phenomenal athlete with great burst and bend around the edge, Harold and Trent Murphy will provide a solid rotation rushing from the right side.
39. Chicago Bears: PJ Williams, CB, FSU
The Bears defense needs help across the board, especially in the secondary. Chicago elects to add PJ Williams to the mix with their 2014 first round selection Kyle Fuller, a promising corner himself.
40. New York Giants: Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami
The Giants elect to add a thumper in the middle by adding the physical Miami product. Perryman compares very well to a current Giant, Jon Beason, as well as Brandon Spikes. Perryman isn't the best athlete but he is a tone setter in the middle.
41. St. Louis: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Brett Hundley is a project, and while the Rams give Same Bradford one more shot, they can develop Hundley and see if they have a potential long term option to replace the often injured former number one overall selection.
42. Atlanta: Devin Funchess, TE/WR, Michigan
Matt Ryan used Tony Gonzalez well during his time in Atlanta, and the Falcons select another matchup nightmare in Funchess. Is he a tight end or a wide receiver? I couldn't tell you, or care any less, the bottom line is that Funchess is a matchup nightmare.
43. Washington Redskins: Paul Dawson, LB, TCU
With the extra second round pick resulting from the Browns trade, the Redskins select one of my favorite players to watch on film, Paul Dawson. Dawson will likely be available here because of some disappointing combine numbers. However, as Dawson put it:
"I'm an awesome football player. The best/most productive linebacker in this draft. Not a track star. #meetmeonthefield"
I couldn't have said it better myself. Dawson is a stud, an athletic, rangy linebacker who is a flat out playmaker. He reminds me of Lavonte David, as well as Bobby Wagner, a player McCloughan drafted in the second round as well. McCloughan cares more about tape than workout numbers in spandex, and Dawson has some of the most impressive film of the class. A lot of fans will not be a fan of this pick now, but I fully believe it would be considered a steal 3-4 years down the road.
The Bottom Line:
With the additions of Thompson, Harold, and Dawson, the Redskins defense will be faster, more athletic, and feature a few more playmakers. I know there will be comments screaming at me for ignoring the offensive line, but this is only a mock of the first two rounds, and I feel as though these players were the best available, and all have the potential to improve at the next level.
To put it in perspective for you, the Redskins defense had a total of 19 turnovers all of last year, Thompson, Harold, and Dawson combined for 8 turnovers forced just between the three of them.