2015 NFL Mock Draft - Latest Picks & Rumors!

The 2015 Draft will be another big draft. It will feature a bevy of quarterbacks and defensive players who skipped out on 2014 to polish their game for another year. This is extremely early, but let's project some picks anyways. Who will draft Jameis Winston? Where will Marcus Mariota go?

Find out below. 

 (Note: these picks are fluid, I will update on MockDraftHQ.com)


1. Raiders: Marcus Mariota QB Oregon If the Raiders pick top 5 two years in a row, its Derek Carr's fault. It would be time to bring in a franchise QB. Mariota is billed as a prototypical NFL "new age" type of running/passing threat at QB.  

2. Jaguars: Leonard Williams DE USC The Jags would like to draft an offensive threat here to help the youth movement, but stay true to the board as usual.  

3. Giants: Andrus Peat OT Stanford The Giants look horrible. The new quick passing offense isn't working because Eli Manning has no time to throw.  

4. Buccaneers: Connor Cook QB Michigan State 56-0. Do I need to say more? The Buccaneers couldn't get a point on the board this past Thursday in Atlana under Josh McCown.  

5. Chiefs: Amari Cooper WR Alabama The Chiefs are still looking to build out a formidable WR group. Dwayne Bowe is still one of the best at what he does, but alongside him have been young inexperienced players who haven't grown to potential.  

6. Steelers: Cameron Erving OT Florida State This group at tackle doesn't have a player with franchise potential. Irving would be an attractive candidate at this point.  

7. Titans: Landon Collins S Alabama Youth is needed behind veteran Bernard Pollard.

8. Cowboys: Randy Gregory DE Nebraska The Cowboys are so desperate to find help upfront on defense, they signed that one guy.... but yeah. Randy Gregory plays that same position and is a MUCH better prospect than the practice player that shall not be named.  

9. Redskins: PJ Williams CB Florida State The Skins have spent the big money on offense... when will it trickle down building some quality youth in the defensive backfield?  

10. Jets: Ronald Darby CB Florida State We'll see if "the other best corner in the game" Dee Milliner (his words) lives up to that hype.  

11. Dolphins: Shilique Calhoun DE Michigan State I initially had the Dolphins going tackle, but they need help on defense in a major way right now. Quarterback is also in play.  

12. Browns: Stefon Diggs WR Maryland Diggs is a speedy WR who can help alleviate the loss of Josh Gordon, whether that is temporary or long term.  

13. Browns: Cedric Ogbuehi OT Texas A&M After grabbing a young threat at WR to pair with Gordon, the Browns build out the offense with a guy that Johnny Football may recognize. Gotta keep him upright and in the pocket for this team to go places.  

14. Bears: Brandon Scherff OT Iowa The Bears build depth around Kyle Long and crew with a top offensive tackle.  

15. Texans: Dante Fowler DE Florida After drafting the beast Jadeveon Clowney and locking up JJ Watt, the Texans continue to fuel the line with more youth.

16. Rams: Shawn Oakman DE Baylor Shawn Oakman is a freak athlete who would add a terrorising element to an already near elite defense. Chris Long can't play forever. In a perfect world Oakman and Robert Quinn continue the dominance of this defense for another half decade or so.  


17. Vikings: Leonard Floyd DE Georgia The Vikings are relying on a bevy of young players up front on D. If no one emerges they must continue to look.  

18. Falcons: Todd Gurley RB Georgia Atlanta will likely look for a long term replacement for Steven Jackson. This is a very good class at this position.  

19. Lions: Trae Waynes CB Michigan State I'm still trying to figure out why this team felt the need to draft Eric Ebron. Oh well....  

20. Panthers: Vic Beasley OLB Clemson Greg Hardy is getting paid $13 million to stay at home, and Thomas Davis is literally on his last legs. Carolina's patchwork WR corps is actually getting the job done, so they can devote this pick to replacing Davis or Hardy.  

21. Ravens: La'el Collins OT LSU Outside of of Eugene Monroe, the Ravens need to upgrade their tackles.  

22. Colts: TJ Yeldon RB Alabama Trent Richardson is still showing a lack of elite vision, and that is leaving the Colts struggling to run consistently.  

23. Eagles: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB Oregon The Eagles have made it no secret they covet fast, athletic players on defense.  

24. Cardinals: Markus Golden DE Missouri Right now the Cardinals are suffering from the loss of Darnell Dockett. Consider that a preview of the future when he retires.  

25. Bengals: Alex Carter CB Stanford The Bengals still rely on old-timers at corner, and the youth movement isn't picking up as quite planned.  

26. Chargers: Melvin Gordon III RB Wisconsin Ryan Matthews cannot figure out how to stay on the field. Even if he continues to develop into a reliable starter the Chargers could always use a young dynamic threat alongside. Danny Woodhead will turn 30 this season.  

27. Packers: Eric Kendricks ILB UCLA A team in need of a push in the middle of that defense.  

28. Saints: Jalen Collins CB LSU This team was so desperate, they auditioned Champ Bailey during the preseason. The Saints need another corner, and have made it no secret.

29. Patriots: Devin Funchess TE Michigan Do we need to say why? Their star end is one injury away from hanging is up and the other... umm.... I'm not going to comment on the other tight end that played here.  

30. 49ers: Jaelen Strong WR Arizona State The Niners are working on kicking down that championship door. Will Michael Crabtree stay healthy long enough to get it done? Will this coaching staff finally craft an offense to suit Colin Kaepernick's unique abilities while getting multiple receivers involved? We'll see.  

31. Seahawks: Marcus Peters CB Washington The "best corner in da game" and his buddies need depth after losing Brandon Browner.  

32. Broncos: Denzel Perryman ILB Miami (Fla.) This is a pick I routinely mocked in 2013. The Broncos still need a reliable ILB a year later. Did you forget Paris Lenon started the Super Bowl for this team?

2014 Draft Scouting Report: Johnny Manziel

2014 Draft Scouting Report: Jadeveon Clowney

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Picks & Thoughts

1. Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT Texas AM
The Chiefs have traded for Alex Smith so this one is set in stone.  Joeckel is the latest OL to go #1 overall.


2. Jaguars: Dion Jordan DE Oregon
Dion Jordan is gaining traction fast. Probably the best pure athlete in the class and a good pass rusher.  Put that together and you got magic.


3. Raiders: Sharrif Floyd DT Florida
Sharrif has come on strong lately.  He was demolishing the drills at the combine while Star Lotuleli was on the sidelines with medical issues.  Thus, he moves up.


4. Eagles: Demarcus Milliner CB Alabama
Milliner had his own medical issues but still shut down the combine.  Nnamdi Asomugha's replacement.


5. Lions: Bjoern Werner DE Florida State
Lions released Vandenbosh and need a replacement.  Is it Werner? Could be. 


6. Browns: Barkevious Mingo OLB LSU
Fits in well with what they want to do in the 3-4.  Phil Taylor clogging up the middle will give him room to operate.


7. Cardinals: Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan
Kolb is supposed to be restructuring his contract so Fisher is the guy we are looking at here.  Young OT to stabilize the line.


8. Bills: Geno Smith QB West Virginia
Geno is the man who helped himself the most of the quarterbacks in the combine.  All of the previous 2013 mock drafts had him going top 10 now it is no question.  Bills finally put Fitzpatrick on the bench.


9. Jets: Ezekiel Ansah DE BYU
Ansah had a monster Senior bowl and is a solid top 15 pick.  Jets would love a QB but will have to look a little bit later in the draft. Mike Glennon?


10. Titans: Chance Warmack OG Alabama
Titans need to provide Chris Johnson some running lanes.  Warmack to the rescue?


11. Chargers: Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma
It's time to rebuild and the best way to start a mini-rebuild is at left tackle.


12. Dolphins: Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee
The best receiver in the draft class, well at least on paper, goes to the Fins. They still need another WR.


13. Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant CB Washington
Shooting up the boards fast.


14. Panthers: Star Lotulelei DT Utah
Falls due to medical condition but he is still top 15-type talent.


15. Saints: Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia
Also falls due to his medical issue but the Saints can't be luckier.  Possibly the next Von Miller.


16. Rams: Jonathan Cooper OG North Carolina
Rams have needed linemen for years.


17. Steelers: Damontre Moore DE Texas AM
Falls because of a crappy combine but Steelers plug him into a first class organization.


18. Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro S Texas
Sensebaugh is good, but talent can be upgraded.


19. Giants: Alec Ogletree ILB Georgia
The Giants are in a cap crunch, so Chase Blackburn might not be back.


20. Bears: Tyler Eifert TE Notre Dame
Jay Cutler needs a big TE to throw to over the middle.


21. Bengals: Sam Montgomery DE LSU
Michael Johnson is going to leave in free agency.


22. Rams: Keenan Allen WR California
Brian Quick wasn't active much so maybe they aren't sold on him.


23. Vikings: Tavon Austin WR West Virginia
The new Percy Harvin?


24. Colts: Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri
The 3-4 needs players.


25. Seahawks: Kawann Short DT Purdue
Possibly converts to DE full time.


26. Packers: Eddie Lacy RB Alabama
You have to stop re-signing Ryan Grant every time you are in a jam and develop someone.


27. Texans: Kevin Minter ILB LSU
Brian Cushing tore his ACL, Minter will help ease him back.


28. Broncos: Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State
I think Champ is still a top corner, but he is 34.


29. Patriots: Justin Hunter WR Tennessee
Brandon Lloyd will not be back.


30. Falcons: Matt Elam S Florida
William Moore is getting franchsied.


31. 49ers: Alex Okafor DE Texas
Need someone to take over for Justin Smith when he retires.


32. Ravens: Manti Teo ILB Notre Dame
Not the fastest LB in the draft, but nor was Ray Lewis and they won the Super Bowl.

photo credit: Hoosierguy Jeff via photopin cc

Will Johnny Manziel Ever Make Money From Himself?

Quick rant.  This is the reason why the NCAA must do something.

Ever since the freshman Johnny Manziel won the Heisman trophy he has been everywhere.  David Letterman, courtside at NBA games, etc.  But what he hasn't done is made any money.

Why?

Simple. Because he isn't allowed too.  NCAA rules say that no player can profit from his image or athletic status.  That is because they are "amateurs."  Considering that every school sells jerseys with the numbers of current players, and cut the players in none of that cheese nor any of the gate or TV revenue it is a joke.  Texas A&M lucked up.  They have 3 more years to milk Johnny Football for every penny.

The only way he'll cash out is if he escapes a college career uninjured, makes an NFL team, and gets a big contract plus endorsements.  Until then I guess in street terms A&M is going to pimp him for what he's worth.

The #1 Pick in the 2013 NFL Draft Will Be...

There is a lot of speculation going on right now regarding who will be the first player picked in the 2013 NFL Draft.  There are a whole lot of scenarios and each one could end up in a different player picked at the #1 position.  Let's take a look...

Right now the four worst teams in the NFL are the Chiefs, Jaguars, Browns, and Panthers.  Depending on who beats who and how the schedule works out one of those four teams will get the pick.  Let's take a look at who may be the selection depending on which team ends up #1.

• If the Chiefs get the #1 pick- they should draft a Quarterback.  Either Geno Smith or Matt Barkley, whoever they like more.
• If the Jaguars get the #1 pick- they should draft a Quarterback, but will likely draft the best player available instead.  This not only includes Smith and Barkley as options, but brings Manti Teo, Jarvis Jones, and Luke Joeckel into play as serious options as well.
• If the Browns get the #1 pick- they should draft the best overall player.  This means they would select either linebacker- Manti Teo or Jarvis Jones.
• If the Panthers get the #1 pick- they should draft the best defensive player.  This would make Teo and Jones options but also defensive tackle Star Lotuleli.

All in all, one of the scenarios above will happen.  But which one? We shall see... and thus is the beauty of the 2013 NFL Draft.

2013 Draft Needs: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are a team that sadly I have to see play every Sunday. How can a team with Cam Newton at QB be *this* bad?

The struggle is real but it is simple actually. Carolina's problems boil down to two things:

(1) An inconsistent offense with no featured running game

(2) Inability to stop the run.

Though Carolina is improving on defense you have to say this teams main issues are defensive.

With no further adieu here are the Panthers 2013 NFL Draft needs:

(1) Defensive tackle
(2) Cornerback
(3) Wide Reciever

2013 NFL Mock Draft v1.0

1. Browns- MATT BARKLEY, QB, USC
   
2. Panthers- STAR LOTULELEI, DT, UTAH
   
3. Jaguars- GENO SMITH, QB, WEST VIRGINIA
   
4. Chiefs- JARVIS JONES, OLB, GEORGIA
   
5. Saints- BARKEVIOUS MINGO, DE, L.S.U.
   
6. Raiders- TYLER BRAY, QB, TENNESSEE
   
7. Buccaneers- JOHNATHAN HANKINS, DT, OHIO ST.
   
8. Lions- DEE MILLINER, CB, ALABAMA
   
9. Bills- JUSTIN HUNTER, WR, TENNESSEE
   
10. Bengals- MANTI TE'O, ILB, NOTRE DAME
    
11. Jets- SAM MONTGOMERY, OLB, L.S.U.
    
12. Rams- ERIC REID, S, L.S.U.
    
13. Titans- CHANCE WARMACK, OG, ALABAMA
    
14. Rams (from Washington)- LUKE JOECKEL, OT, TEXAS A&M
    
15. Cowboys- KAWANN SHORT, DT, PURDUE
    
16. Broncos- JOHNTHAN BANKS, CB, MISSISSIPPI ST.
    
17. Colts- KEENAN ALLEN, WR, CALIFORNIA
    
18. Dolphins- ROBERT WOODS, WR, USC
    
19. Eagles- D.J. FLUKER, OT, ALABAMA
    
20. Steelers- KENNY VACCARO, S, TEXAS
    
21. Chargers- TYLER EIFERT, TE, NOTRE DAME
    
22. Cardinals- TYLER WILSON, QB, ARKANSAS
    
23. Packers- LE'VEON BELL, RB, MICHIGAN ST.
    
24. Bengals (from New England- MARCUS LATTIMORE, RB, SOUTH CAROLINA
    
25. Seahawks- RICK WAGNER, OT, WISCONSIN
    
26. Ravens- T.J. MCDONALD, S, USC
    
27. Vikings- COREY LEMONIER, OLB, AUBURN
    
28. Giants- DAVID AMERSON, CB, NORTH CAROLINA ST.
    
29. 49ers- BARRETT JONES, C, ALABAMA
    
30. Bears- JACKSON JEFFCOAT, DE, TEXAS
    
31. Texans- TAYLOR LEWAN, OT, MICHIGAN
    
32. Falcons- MICHAEL BUCHANAN, DE, ILLINOIS

RIP Steve Sabol

I was incredibly and deeply saddened to learn about the passing of NFL Films President Steve Sabol.

Not just because he produced awesome footage but because he was one of the reasons I became a real fan of the NFL.

If it weren't for the NFL Yearbook series I have no idea how I would have ever been able to learn so much about the league's history as a young fan.

I always admired the quality of Sabols work not only as a fan but as an artist as well. NFL Films under Sabol was truly that. Art.

RIP to a legend of the game.

Darrelle Revis Agrees to New Contract With the Jets

ESPN reports that Jets CB Darrelle Revis has agreed to a $32 million dollar guaranteed deal with the New York Jets.

If you bet "no" on Revis sitting out the entire season, you were correct.

That's a lot of money to keep him warm on that island.

Bills Cut Former Second Rounders Chad Jackson and James Hardy

The Buffalo Bills cut two former college star receivers: James Hardy and Chad Jackson. James Hardy was a prospect with a ton of potential with his 6'6 frame but never showed any flashes in Buffalo. Maybe going to a team with a better QB will help.

Chad Jackson the former Patriots WR was a second round pick who many thought was a steal at the time he came out of Florida. I remember many blogs mocking him to the Denver Broncos. He would later play for the Broncos and be cut there as well... UFL is the next stop for Chad unfortunately.

More notable names on the cut list today include TJ Houshmandzadeh, Matt Jones, Pat White, Macho Harris, Bobby Carpenter, and "Regular Speed" Willie Parker.

Cardinals Release Matt Leinart

Breaking news is that Matt Leinart will be released later today. The former #10 overall selection has been benched and now booted off the team after publicly addressing head coach Ken Wisenhunt.

So what do I think? First of all this is good for Matt. They didn't want him anyways, and he is still young enough to go compete elsewhere. But where exactly is elsewhere? I'm not sure but I am going to guess Matt finds his way to Southern California someway. Maybe as the Chargers backup. You never know.

All in all, it is going to be interesting to see if he can get his career back started.

Marcell Dareus is... Ineligible!

DUN DUN DUN

Marcel Dareus has been ruled ineligible for the first two games of Alabama's season. Darues allegedly went to a party in Miami, and his travel expenses were paid for by some sort of an agent or benefactor. Several North Carolina players are also hooked up in this scandal as well.

All this drama for going to Miami? You would think these guys were on King James status.

According to ESPN, the school will appeal the suspension.

We will see what happens.

Is Brady Quinn's Career Over?

As a Bronco fan this preseason has been pretty interesting to say the least. Not only has the most exciting draft pick since Jay Cutler set foot in Dove Valley but the team seems poised to become a dominate defensive team, something they were never close to under the leadership of Coach Shanahan. Unknown to the rest of the NFL the Broncos are quietly turning the corner into a legit perennial playoff contender.

But that's not the topic of my article. What I want to talk about is Brady Quinn. Why is he doing so bad?

He had a lot of talent coming out of Notre Dame and playing under Charlie Weiss. He helped make Darius Walker and Maurice Stovall household names for about 3 years while they were in college. Al Davis even considered taking Brady #1 overall... but went with that Jamarcus guy instead.

None of those things could have predicted how bad Quinn would do in the NFL. He never could outseat Derek Anderson as the Browns full time Quarterback (what's up Matt Leinart) and now it looks like Tim Tebow is going to take his backup duties before the season even begins.

Is it a mental thing with Brady Quinn? Was the anguish of playing for the Browns enough to shoot his chances of being productive at the NFL level to nothing? Is it a talent question? Does he just not have "it" in the arm department?

The numbers say that he is a middle-of-the-road QB at best so far. His career completion percentage is a pedestrian 52% . His 10 career touchdowns to 9 interceptions isn't setting the world on fire as well. In 2009, he appeared in 10 games, of which the Browns only won 2, and Quinn threw 8 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. To his credit the cupboard was bare in Cleveland with a aging Jamal Lewis and no Braylon Edwards, but still you have to wonder.

I don't know what is in store for Brady. But what I do know is that if Quinn doesn't do something to turn it around quickly he may be trying out for the Omaha Nighthawks pretty soon.

Masoli Is Sitting Out

The NCAA ruled today that Jeremiah Masoli will not be eligible for the Ole Miss Rebel's this entire season. Masoli enrolled at Ole Miss after being suspended by Oregon for an off the field incident. Ole Miss is going to appeal the suspension.

I do not see him playing in college ever again. How many years of eligibility does he have left? He is already 22. If he sits out now, he won't be eligible to play until he is 23, then entering the NFL around the age of 24. I don't see how he can afford to stay off the field that long.

If I were him I'd go to the UFL for a year, then enter the draft next year if possible.

Colt McCoy May Get Cut

That is no typo folks. Colt McCoy may get cut before he ever gets a shot at playing a down in the NFL. The quarterback who won more games than anyone, and looked to be the Browns future at the position may be a casualty as Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme have proved themselves better options for the Browns.

The full story is at Yahoo.

Here is just a small fraction of the reasons why Colt may be looking for a new gig soon;

Coaches are reportedly more impressed with veteran newcomers Jake Delhomme(notes) and Seneca Wallace(notes), possibly leaving the third-round pick as a camp casualty

Hide Ya Kids, Hide Brett Favre: Only Plays 4 Plays In Preseason Debut

You know the guys at NBC are upset that Brett Favre only played 4 plays in his preseason debut. To his credit the guy just rolled off the tractor about 6 days ago and is already looking like he is in game shape. You have to credit a 41 year old player for keeping his body ready to play on call like that.

The Vikings did the smart thing in protecting their 16 million dollar investment and took Brett out after getting hit pretty good by Patrick Willis.

LeGarrette Blount Still Throwing Blows

This story is overblown but interesting to say the least. Titans rookie RB, LeGarrette Blount (last seen knocking some Boise State player out) got into a shoving match and punched a Titans teammate yesterday. The guy he punched still had his helmet on, so it was kind of pointless to punch him but people are making a big spectacle about this.

Really, its football. People curse. People fight. Teammates will talk about your mother. Everyone isn't Tim Tebow or Tony Dungy. If you don't like that, then maybe following such a violent sport is not for you.

Tim Tebow Makes His Debut For the Broncos

Tim Tebow’s debut.

Where do I begin? It was pretty normal for your average rookie QB. He made a few mistakes, that were saved due to the collective inexperience of his competition. Tebow would have thrown two interceptions against first string competition and would have been credited with a fumble in any normal situation. He also ran with the ball too much and failed to make quick decisions.

On a positive note, he threw a nice deep ball to Matt Willis that was dropped and showed the ability to get away from pressure.

All in all, I do not think that the throwing motion will ever be “fixed” nor will he ever be the best Quarterback in the league, but he looks to be a serviceable starter with the ability to scramble.

And thus begins the most interesting career in the NFL.

Here is the video of Tebow’s debut:

Glen Coffee Retires at Age 23

A lot of people are shocked that a 23 year old NFL running back would up and retire without injury. But in the case of Glen Coffee it does not matter. The former Alabama star will be taking his talents to a ministry near you this fall.

Some people have a higher calling than just playing sports. You can't get mad at this kid.