We are now two days away from the 2015 NFL Draft!
After months of research, analyzing, and some debate, our Will DeWitt (@Wi11DeWitt) and Andrew Vailliencourt (@AndrewVcourt) provide their final predictions for each first round pick and tell you who they believe will select IU's Tevin Coleman.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
DeWitt- Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Still nothing new here as Winston has been the consensuses No. 1 pick for quite some time.
Vailliencourt- Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
This one is pretty much set in stone, and has been.
2. Tennessee Titans:
DeWitt- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon (Previous Pick: Leonard Williams)
Okay. Fine. I give in. Marcus Mariota will be selected second overall. The question is, will it be the Titans or will a team trade up to nab the Heisman winning quarterback?
Vailliencourt- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
I don’t think there’s any way the Titans could justify not taking Mariota here, as Zach Mettenberger is not the answer. The only question is whether they trade the pick to let someone else take him.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars:
DeWitt- Dante Fowler, DE, Florida
Another original pick staying put. I am still impressed with Fowler, and the Jaguars need to improve their EDGE position.
Vailliencourt- Dante Fowler, DE, Florida (Previous Pick: Amari Cooper)
The Jags could go with Cooper, or pick Fowler who gives them a big pass rush off the edge.
4. Oakland Raiders:
DeWitt- Leonard Williams, DL, USC (Previous Pick: Kevin White)
I've had Oakland drafting White in my last two mocks, but Williams would be a wiser choice as the WR class is incredibly deep.
Vailliencourt- Leonard Williams, DL, USC (Previous Pick: Amari Cooper)
Oakland is in an interesting situation. They need a WR, however, it’s hard to pass on Williams here. He will pair with last year’s first round pick Khalil Mack to start a strong defensive foundation. They get their WR in round 2.
5. Washington Redskins:
I still believe Beasly gets selected in the top five, and the Redskins will bolster their pass rush by selecting one of the draft's best players at getting to the quarterback.
Vailliencourt- Vic Beasly, OLB, Clemson (Previous Pick: Dante Fowler)
Washington gets put in a tough spot after both Fowler and Williams are gone. Beasley is the next man up.
6. New York Jets:
Originally had Amari Cooper for this pick, then I was sold on Dupree. However, I have reconsidered and have the Jets selecting a WR again. Some say selecting a WR doesn't make sense, but you have to admit the trio of Kevin White, Brandon Marshall, and Eric Decker sounds pretty scary, no matter who is at quarterback.
Vailliencourt- Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, Kentucky (Previous Pick: Vic Beasly)
Mariota doesn’t fall to the Jets, and with the addition of WR Brandon Marshall, WR is not a need anymore. Look for the Jets to consider trading down if they don’t fall in love with one of the pass rushers here.
7. Chicago Bears:
DeWitt- Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama (Previous Pick: Vic Beasley)
New GM Ryan Pace has added a plethora of defensive players, and the team now has a logjam at linebacker. The Bears are in position to draft the best player available, which is Alabama's Amari Cooper. The Bears get lucky as they get to replace the 'Jett'isoned Brandon Marshall. (Pun intended).
Vailliencourt- Danny Shelton, DT, Washington (Previous Pick: Kevin White)
The Bears defense was awful last year. Even after a few free agent signings, they need help on the line. Shelton is a big time run stopper.
8. Atlanta Falcons:
That's right. You heard it here first, a RB will be selected in the top ten! Atlanta is in desperate need of one, and it's hard to pass up on arguably the best prospect in the draft.
Vailliencourt- Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State (Previous Pick: Shane Ray)
With both top WR’s left, Atlanta is looking to trade this pick. But since we don’t do trades in this mock draft, they have to pick. With no top end pass rushers available, the Falcons could go three ways: Take Amari Cooper to soon replace Roddy White, Take Todd Gurley to be their RB, or go defense like they planned. Trae Waynes is a starter from day one.
9. New York Giants:
DeWitt- Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa (Previous Pick: Danny Shelton)
Eli needs protection and so this pick makes the most sense. Scherff will be a solid pro for a long time.
Vailliencourt- Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
The Giants must protect Eli Manning. Scherff is a very good lineman that will help give Manning time in the pocket. This pick has stayed the same for all three drafts.
10. St. Louis Rams:
DeWitt- Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford (Previous Pick: Brandon Scherff)
The Rams need help on the line after a season plagued with injuries. Peat fits nicely and is the second lineman to come off the board.
Vailliencourt- Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama (Previous Pick: La'el Collins)
Amari Cooper and Kevin White available at 10?! The Rams would be jumping for joy and gladly take Cooper.
11. Minnesota Vikings:
Keeping my pick from our original mock draft. To quote myself, "Waynes is an athletic corner, and if he's paired with Xavier Rhodes, the Vikings have a duo that can cover the mega-receiving corps in the NFC North." Waynes has been projected in the top 10, and the Vikings get a great value by selecting him with this pick.
Vailliencourt- Kevin White, WR, West Virginia (Previous Pick: Trae Waynes)
The Vikings can’t take the guy they want (Waynes), but get a pretty dang good second choice as White falls.
12. Cleveland Browns:
I had Flowers here, but now believe the Browns select Parker. He is a true No. 1 WR and Cleveland (even though they have QB issues) will benefit by the addition of this monster of a receiver.
Vailliencourt- Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon (Previous Pick: Danny Shelton)
The Browns need helping stopping the run and could use a WR. It’s a toss-up between Devante Parker and a DT. The next question is Armstead or Malcom Brown.
13. New Orleans Saints:
One thing I am positive of, the Saints will select a defensive player with their first pick in this round. I am torn on who, but believe selecting Shelton, who is the drafts best defensive tackle, will give the Saints an 'anchor' for their defense for years to come.
Vailliencourt- Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Gregory falls out of the top 10 because of character concerns. He failed another drug test, possibly earning him a suspension to start 2015. He is very talented on the field though, and Sean Payton will look to keep Gregory in check. He could fall further, but he’s the best defensive player available.
14. Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins need a WR, but like I've stated, the draft is very deep at the position. Miami also needs secondary help, and Peters fits the mold.
Vailliencourt- Devante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Dolphins are lucky Parker is still around. No more Mike Wallace, no more Brian Hartline. Ryan Tannehill needs someone to throw to. Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills are not answers.
15. San Francisco 49'ers:
DeWitt- Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon (Previous Pick: La'el Collins)
San Fransisco's defense has been dismantled. Armstead is arguably the best defensive player on the board. It's a no-brainier.
Vailliencourt- Malcom Brown, DT, Texas (Previous Pick: Arik Armstead)
The 49ers have lost nearly half their defense from last year. They need defense in the draft, and lots of it.
16. Houston Texans:
Although I had Gordon going here in the first two mocks, I now see it doesn't make much sense. With Foster carrying the rock, even though he is injury prone, there is no need to select a RB in the first round. My question: Who do the Texans have to throw the football to? I can't think of any names off the top of my head. So, I give them the best WR left on the board whom I believe can replace Andre Johnson.
Vailliencourt- Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF (Previous Pick: Landon Collins)
Houston needs someone to replace Andre Johnson. Perriman has the ability to do so.
17. San Diego Chargers:
DeWitt- Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin (Previous Pick: Marcus Mariota)
With the departure of Matthews, the Chargers have a hole to fill at RB.
Vailliencourt- Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia (Previous Pick: Melvin Gordon)
After losing Ryan Matthews, the Chargers need a RB. This is a big change for me, as I have had Melvin Gordon as the first back being taken until this draft. But Gurley’s improvement health wise may give him the advantage.
18. Kansas City Chiefs:
DeWitt- Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State (Previous Pick: Andrus Peat)
Changing my original pick here. With a deep class at the position, the Chiefs can afford to wait until the second round for a tackle. Instead, I still see the Kansas City going with one of the fast-rising corners in the draft, Darby.
Vailliencourt- La'el Collins, OL, LSU (Previous Pick: Dorial Green-Beckham)
The Chiefs got their WR in Jeremy Maclin, now they need to shore up the offensive line and have plenty of options here.
19. Cleveland Browns (From Bills):
Have to change the pick, because I have Armstead going higher. However, it's the same logic. By drafting Brown, Cleveland gets a boost in the interior of their defensive line. The Browns need it, as last year Cleveland was dead last in the NFL in run defense.
Vailliencourt- Andrus Peat, OL, Stanford (Previous Pick: Alvin Dupree)
After getting Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, WR isn’t as pressing of a need as before. Peat is a guy that can be the future at RT.
20. Philadelphia Eagles:
DeWitt- Byron Jones, CB, UConn (Previous Pick: Marcus Mariota)
I still see the Eagles drafting a CB in the first round, but this time Chip Kelly can't help himself by selecting this "combine star" as his fixation with "athletes" is well known.
Vailliencourt- Nelson Agholor, WR, USC (Previous Pick: Jaelen Strong)
The Eagles signed Byron Maxwell, solidifying the CB position. After wheeling and dealing, the Eagles need a WR pretty badly for new QB Sam Bradford to throw to.
21. Cincinnati Bengals:
DeWitt- Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska (Previous Pick: Malcom Brown)
The Bengals need to improve their defensive front. Gregory can instantly fill in and make an impact. He was projected to go in the top ten, but failing multiple drug tests will drop him out of the top twenty. So, the Bengals get sort of a "steal" by selecting the Cornhusker.
Vailliencourt- Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Previous Pick: Marcus Peters)
Flowers will fit in well, and gives the Benagls long-term flexibility.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Another DE from the Midwest falling out of the top ten after reportedly failing multiple drug tests. After the first team selects one of these guys and breaks the ice, then anyone can feel better about drafting the other. Hence, the Steelers select Ray immediately after the selection of Gregory.
Vailliencourt- Landon Collins, S, Alabama (Previous Pick: Andrus Peat)
With Troy Polamalu gone, Collins can step in right away.
23. Detroit Lions:
DeWitt- D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida (Previous Pick: Todd Gurley)
Detroit has a few ways they can go with this pick. I can still see them selecting Gurley, but perhaps his injury will scare them off. With some of the top-tier DT's of the board I don't see them selecting one here. The Lions need to upgrade their tackle position, and Humphries is a strong option that they should consider.
Vailliencourt- Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State (Previous Pick: Malcom Brown)
Since Malcolm Brown and the other top DT’s are gone, the Lions turn their focus to offensive line where they need two starters still. Irving can play center, guard, or tackle, and can start right away. Melvin Gordon is a strong possibility here as well, as the choice will likely come down to Erving, Gordon, and D.J. Humphries.
24. Arizona Cardinals:
DeWitt- Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest (Previous Pick: Jordan Phillips)
Reports are circulating that Johnson could be a "lock" to go in the first round. If that's the case, I can easily see the Cardinals selecting the CB as they need some secondary help. Pairing Johnson with the young Tyrann Mathieu would give the Cardinals a secondary to fear for years to come.
Vailliencourt- Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin (Previous Pick: Eddie Goldman)
If the Cardinals can’t trade for Adrian Peterson, Gordon will fit them perfectly.
25. Carolina Panthers:
DeWitt- Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Previous Pick: T.J. Clemmings)
I have changed the pick here in each mock, but one thing has not changed and that is the position. Carolina had a hard time blocking last season with both run blocking and pass protection. They need a tackle and selecting Flowers turns the Panthers' line in the right direction.
Vailliencourt- D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida (Previous Pick: T.J. Clemmings)
Cam Newton needs to be protected a lot better this year. This is a start.
26. Baltimore Ravens:
DeWitt- Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Strong is staying put. Torrey Smith is a free agent, and Steve Smith will be 36 years old at the beginning of next season. Green-Beckham was a boom or bust pick, and the Ravens play it safe and choose the 'Strong'er receiver here.
Vailliencourt- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri (Previous Pick: D.J. Humphries)
The Ravens get a guy who has major character concerns, but is incredibly talented. With little depth at WR, this could turn out very well.
27. Dallas Cowboys:
DeWitt- Jalen Collins, CB, LSU (Previous Pick: P.J. Williams)
The Cowboys need help at the corner position. Collins fits that need.
Vailliencourt- Marcus Peters, CB, Washington (Previous Pick: Todd Gurley)
Highly skilled corner with major character concerns after getting kicked off his college team. But Dallas needs a corner and opts for higher talent over higher morals.
28. Denver Broncos:
DeWitt- La'el Collins, OL, LSU (Previous Pick: Owamagbe Odighizuwa)
Back-to-back Collins. Peyton Manning's pass protection wasn't all that great last season. With Orlando Franklin no longer with the team, fortifying their offensive line should be the Broncos' top priority. The older Manning gets, the more protection he'll need. Collins would be a starter from day one.
Vailliencourt- Jake Fischer, OT, Oregon (Previous Pick: Owamagbe Odighizuwa)
The Broncos could add some help on the offensive line and Fischer fits in well under the new coaching staff.
29. Indianapolis Colts:
Colts make it three straight Collins. Indianapolis' safety corps is mediocre and selecting Landon Collins gives Indianapolis a boost in their secondary that they are in desperate need of.
Vailliencourt- Shane Ray, DE, Missouri (Previous Pick: Ereck Flowers)
The Colts want extra help on the defensive line. Ray, however, is battling an injury and was just arrested for marijuana. If he can get healthy and stay clean, he’s a top 10 talent. Ray could go late first or slide into the second or even third round depending on how teams view him. Another option is for the Colts to take an offensive lineman.
30. Green Bay Packers:
DeWitt- Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Keeping Kendricks here. With A.J. Hawk's release, I see the Packers selecting an ILB to solidify the interior of their defense. Originally had Benardrick McKinney pegged here, but in this mock the better player in Eric Kendricks is still available, thus the Packers select the UCLA product.
Vailliencourt- Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
The Packers need a linebacker and a tight end in the first two rounds. They are able to nab a solid linebacker here.
31. New Orleans Saints:
DeWitt- Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia (Previous Pick: Dorial Green-Beckham)
Eli Harold. Well, there's a name that hasn't been mentioned on our mock drafts before. The Saints grabbed their defensive lineman early in the draft. Now, it's time to draft a pass rusher.
Vailliencourt- Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami (FL) (Previous Pick: Breshad Perriman)
Seattle traded this pick to the Saints for TE Jimmy Graham, and there are plenty of needs to fill. Dorsett is a rising prospect and has blazing speed. He and Brandin Cooks can make a nice pair for Drew Brees. Especially with the taller Marques Colston on the outside.
32. New England Patriots:
From one Seminole to another. Instead of selecting Jones, the Patriots can select Eddie and hope to find "Gold" as they attempt to replace Vince Wilfork.
Vailliencourt- Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest (Previous Pick: Cameron Erving)
The Patriots have several needs here. They get lucky with Johnson who could go wind up going earlier. DT or RB are also possible.
Tevin Coleman:
DeWitt- 54. Detroit Lions (Previous Pick: 42-Atlanta)
Trying to figure out where Coleman will end up is becoming a more difficult task with each passing day as he has been linked to a number of teams. I don't think he escapes the second round, he has the talent to go high in the round, but don't see the draft falling in his favor. (Missing the combine didn't help) Instead, he slips a little to Detroit which isn't terrible has he joins a team that has improved each of the past few seasons and can be an instant contributor to a playoff caliber football team in Detroit.
Vailliencourt- 36. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Toby Gerhart experiment is over and Denard Robinson showed promise. Adding Coleman would help immediately. Coleman could work his way into the late first round, depending on whether certain teams (Miami, Detroit, Arizona, Baltimore, Dallas, New England) decide to take a RB in the first or second round and how much they value the position.
Possible landing spots: 32nd to New England, 37th to New York (Jets), 42nd to Atlanta. Doubtful Coleman falls past Detroit at 54.
