We are two months away from the 2015 NFL Draft, and a couple of WIUX Sports personalities have done some homework and provided their "expertise" for WIUX's Mock Draft 1.0.
Will DeWitt (@Wi11DeWitt) and Andrew Vailliencourt (@AndrewVcourt) give their 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
It appears the Bucs are ready for a change at quarterback, with the Josh McCown experiment only lasting one season. ESPN's Todd McShay believes Winston is the second best quarterback in the last decade. Surely, the Buccaneers keep him in the Sunshine state.
Vailliencourt- Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
The Bucs clearly need a QB. The big question is whether they take Winston or Mariota, and it appears Winston is the current choice.
2. Tennessee Titans:
DeWitt- Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Tennessee has a lot of issues (hence, having the second overall pick). After a decade in Pittsburgh, Dick LeBeau is now in charge of the Titans' defense, and Williams is a player to covet. He is a versatile player that can play a number of positions, making him the perfect pick to build a defense around.
Vailliencourt- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Zach Mettenberger or Marcus Mariota? Mariota has a much higher upside and can put the Titans in a position to compete, where it might take Mettenberger longer.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars:
DeWitt- Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
Yet another Florida player staying put. Fowler has a high motor, a high IQ and is going to be a high draft pick.
Vailliencourt- Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Easy pick here as the Jaguars get a beast on the defensive line.
4. Oakland Raiders:
DeWitt- Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Derek Carr needs a playmaker. Originally, I had Amari Cooper pegged for this pick, but White's impressive combine, in which he ran a 4.35 second time in the 40-yard dash, propels him into the top five. At 6-foot-3, White has the size and speed to be an elite receiver in this league.
Vailliencourt- Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Oakland got its QB in Derek Carr last year. Now the Raiders need to give him someone to throw to. It’s Cooper versus White, but I have the go with the more productive college player against the combine freak.
5. Washington Redskins:
Brian Orakpo's return to Washington is yet to be determined, but either way I see the Redskins going defense with their pick. Ray is an exceptional pass-rusher that will fit perfectly in Washington's 3-4 scheme.
Vailliencourt- Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
Washington needs pass rushers. Fowler can play multiple positions and will help the defense immediately.
6. New York Jets:
Geno Smith is entering his third season, in which he needs to prove he can be an NFL QB. Pairing Cooper with veteran Eric Decker would be a smart move, giving the young quarterback two premier targets to work with.
Vailliencourt- Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Mariota doesn’t fall to the Jets, but they are able to pick up a very athletic receiver for whoever plays QB in New York next season (Brett Hundley second round?)
7. Chicago Bears:
DeWitt- Vic Beasly, OLB, Clemson
It's a new era in Chicago. The Bears are switching to a 3-4 defense and need all the help on the edge they can get. Beasly is arguably the draft's best pass-rusher and Chicago has been poor at getting to the quarterback ever since it fired Lovie Smith in 2012.
Vailliencourt- Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
The Bears defense was awful last year. Switching to a 3-4, Gregory can start from day one at OLB.
8. Atlanta Falcons:
Matt Ryan has struggled the past few seasons largely due to poor pass protection. Atlanta shores that up by selecting the first offensive lineman in the draft. Scherff is a huge addition for the Falcons.
Vailliencourt- Vic Beasly, OLB, Clemson
New head coach Dan Quinn loves guys that can blitz. He’ll want to build Atlanta’s defense up before the offense just like he did in Seattle.
9. New York Giants:
DeWitt- Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Gregory falls to the Giants after showing up to the combine underweight. New York won't complain as they get one of the better pure pass rushers in the draft.
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.
10. St. Louis Rams:
DeWitt- La'el Collins, OT, LSU
The Rams need help on the line after a season plagued with injuries. Collins fits nicely as he can play multiple positions.
Vailliencourt- La'el Collins, OT, LSU
With injuries to multiple members of the offensive line, the Rams would like to go elsewhere with this pick, but Collins can rotate around the line and keep whoever starts at QB in 2015 safe.
11. Minnesota Vikings:
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.
Vailliencourt- Davante Parker, WR, Louisville
Teddy Bridgewater is reunited with his former teammate. Parker is very talented and will help the Vikings a lot on the other side of Cordarrelle Patterson — especially in a division where you have to score points to keep up with Green Bay and Detroit.
12. Cleveland Browns:
Cleveland gets a steal with Shelton, the draft's best defensive tackle, who will fall to them.
Vailliencourt- Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
The Browns need helping stopping the run, and Shelton falls nicely to them here at 12.
13. New Orleans Saints:
New Orleans needs secondary help and Collins is the type of player that can fill that role. He has all the tools to develop into a premier corner in this league.
Vailliencourt- Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Ray slipped a little because he was not able to participate in the combine because of injury, but he will help the Saints' defense as they try to recapture the NFC South.
14. Miami Dolphins:
Back-to-back Collins. This Alabama player is a big, physical safety that will help the Dolphins eliminate the number of big plays they have given up in recent years.
Vailliencourt- Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
After cutting Cortland Finnegan, it is clear the Dolphins need a corner. They happen to grab the best one in the draft in Waynes.
15. San Francisco 49'ers:
DeWitt- DeVante Parker , WR, Louisville
Kapernick is in need of a new target. Crabtree is a free agent, and Parker can step in and perform from day one. A playmaker, he catches anything and everything thrown at him.
Vailliencourt- Jalen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Playmakers are needed on this 49er offense. Anquan Boldin is getting old, Michael Crabtree is unreliable and Vernon Davis is nearing the end.
16. Houston Texans:
Not a popular pick, but let me explain. Yes, the Texans need a quarterback, but I don't see them finding one they like here. Yes, they have Arian Foster, but he is usually injured more than he is healthy. Houston limiting Foster's carries would be wise, and who better to carry the rock than this Heisman finalist.
Vailliencourt- Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Collins can step in and fill the void at safety that has been missing the past two years without Glover Quin. If the Texans stay healthy, this defense can be great.
17. San Diego Chargers:
DeWitt- T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
San Diego needs to solidify its offensive line and keep Phillip Rivers upright if it wants to return to the playoffs. Drafting Clemmings would be a step in the right direction.
Vailliencourt- Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Ryan Matthews is a free agent, and Brandon Oliver can’t do it by himself. Gordon could be the piece that puts the Chargers back into the playoffs.
18. Kansas City Chiefs:
DeWitt- Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Andy Reid doesn't like drafting receivers in the first round, and with a deep class at the position, he can afford to wait until the second round. Instead, I see the Chiefs going with Stanford's Peat.
Vailliencourt- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
The Chiefs' wide receivers didn’t catch a touchdown pass all season long. Though Green-Beckham has off the field issues, his talent is too great to ignore.
19. Cleveland Browns (From Bills):
Drafting Armstead to go along with Shelton would be wise. This would give Cleveland an interior defensive line that every team would fear. Last year, Cleveland was dead last in the NFL in run defense, and pairing the stout Armstead (6-4,320) with Shelton will solve that problem.
Vailliencourt- Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
The Browns want to take a wide receiver here. However, there isn’t one good enough to be justifiably taken at this spot, and the Browns aren't good enough to reach for a player. Paired with Shelton, Dupree is a physical monster that could help Cleveland’s defense become really strong in such a tough division. Look for that wide receiver in round two if the Browns can’t get one here.
20. Philadelphia Eagles:
DeWitt- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Lucky. That is what Chip Kelley would be if Mariota fell to the Eagles with the 20th pick. It has been made clear the former Ducks coach wants Mariota, and if he is on the board, there is no chance Philadelphia passes on him.
Vailliencourt- Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The Eagles take a long look at Marcus Peters here, but the character concerns (he was kicked off his football team) are too much. Collins is a big, fast corner that will fit in Chip Kelly’s system.
21. Cincinnati Bengals:
DeWitt- Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Bengals need to bolster their pass rush, and selecting Thompson will do just that. He will give this defense the versatility and speed that they need.
Vailliencourt- Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The Bengals get a steal here. Peat could go in the top 10, but with so many quality lineman, falls here where Cincinnati will gladly take him and solidify that line for Andy Dalton.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Jason Worilds is set to be a free agent, and Pittsburgh can instantly replace him with this pick. Dupree is a steal this late in the first round, and the Steelers would be foolish to pass up on him.
Vailliencourt- Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Pittsburgh needs the secondary help, and Mike Tomlin will lay down the law on Peters. He's a talented player as long as he keeps it together.
23. Detroit Lions:
DeWitt- Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
The Lions currently have three DTs hitting the market in Suh, Fairley and Mosley. Detroit won't sign them all, so look for them to select a tackle and keep this a position of strength instead of allowing it to turn into a weakness.
Vailliencourt- Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
With Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and CJ Mosley all free agents, a defensive tackle becomes a need for Detroit. Even if they resign Suh, don’t be surprised to see a DT go here.
24. Arizona Cardinals:
DeWitt- Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Arizona has had a hard time covering tight ends, largely due to their inside linebackers. Karlos Dansby has been missed, but selecting Kendricks would drastically improve the defense.
Vailliencourt- Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
The Cardinals just released Darnell Dockett and have a spot in the defensive line rotation open. Armstead has huge upside and could fit in well here.
25. Carolina Panthers:
DeWitt- D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
Carolina had a hard time blocking last season with both run blocking and pass protection. Selecting Humphries turns the Panthers in the right direction.
Vailliencourt- T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Cam Newton needs to be protected a lot better this year. This is a start.
26. Baltimore Ravens:
DeWitt- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Torrey Smith is a free agent, and Steve Smith will be 36 years old at the beginning of next season. Green-Beckham is a boom or bust pick, and the Ravens hope for the boom.
Vailliencourt- Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
No Ray Rice, Justin Forsett is a free agent, and with Gurley available, the Ravens have to take a chance.
27. Dallas Cowboys:
DeWitt- Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Another Texas team taking a running back in the first round. Murray has a big payday ahead of him, but it remains unseen if Dallas is going to pay him. Gurley is a similar type of back who would come at a much more reasonable price.
Vailliencourt- Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
Multiple guys could fit here, but Harold can rush the passer, which the Cowboys needed in the playoffs.
28. Denver Broncos:
DeWitt- Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
As of now, it is uncertain whether or not Julius Thomas will return to Denver. If he decides to go elsewhere, Denver can replace him with this pick. Williams has the size and mobility to flourish under Denver's new head coach's, Gary Kubiak's, tight end friendly system.
Vailliencourt- Shaq Thompson, OLB/S, Washington
Split between a linebacker and a safety, Thompson is a strange prospect. However, the Broncos are a team that can afford to take him and plug him in wherever they see fit.
29. Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts need to improve their defense if they want a real chance at a Super Bowl run.
Vailliencourt- Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
The Colts allowed way too many sacks last year. Flowers is a strong guy that could challenge for a starting job to open the year, especially at right tackle with Gosder Cherilus. A wide receiver or defensive lineman make sense here too, but nobody in particular stands out more than Flowers.
30. Green Bay Packers:
DeWitt- Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
With A.J. Hawk's release, I see the Packers selecting McKinney to solidify the interior of their defense. Even though he lacks size, McKinney has the instincts and ball skills to be a difference maker for Green Bay.
Vailliencourt- Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
The Packers need a linebacker and a tight end in the first two rounds. They are able to nab a top-rated tight end here, giving Aaron Rodgers yet another target. UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks is a possibility here.
31. Seattle Seahawks:
DeWitt- Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Seattle has one of the league's best rosters. However, Russell Wilson needs a target that he can rely on. The Seahawks love athletic players, and Strong fits that mold. He had an outstanding combine and has the potential, warranting him as a first round pick.
Vailliencourt- Breshad Perriman, WR, Florida
Seattle needs a reliable wide receiver. Perriman was very solid with multiple QBs at UCF and can be a top target for Russell Wilson.
32. New England Patriots:
Irving is a solid prospect that could help the Patriots up front. He has the versatility to play center or guard, two positions New England needs help with.
Vailliencourt- Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan
What team out there is a better fit for a tight end/wide receiver mix? Funchess at 6-foot-4 can become a complementary tight end to Rob Gronkowski like Aaron Hernandez was or can be a play maker on the outside. He will need to be more consistent but has so much potential, and the Patriots take him to close out the first round.
Tevin Coleman:
DeWitt- 45. Minnesota
Every day it looks less and less likely Adrian Peterson will return to the Vikings. If that is the case, Minnesota will have to replace him, and selecting Indiana's Tevin Coleman with their second round pick is a decent plan. No one expects Coleman to become the next AP, but he should have a solid professional career ahead of him.
Vailliencourt- 42. Atlanta
Coleman will be the first running back taken in the second round. With no Steven Jackson, the Falcons are a prime candidate to take the IU star. If not here, some other potential destinations are: 45th to Minnesota, 50th to Buffalo, 54th to Detroit, 55th to Arizona, 60th to Dallas and 61st to Indianapolis.
