2015 NFL Mock Draft: Post Free Agency Edition
By Les Bailey
Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams (18) is tackled by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Malcom Brown. 21. player. 56. The Bengals could use some help on the defensive line, and in a draft rich with defensive talent, the University of Texas defensive tackle fell to the Bengals. Brown has the unique talent where he can play the nose in a 3-4, but like Suh, can provide a pass rush from that position. He has the right size to play any position on the D-Line, and is a tough competitor.. Defensive Tackle. Texas
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
player. 55. The Steelers had put Jason Worilds on the UFA list but he decided to retire, so they were going to need to add a pass-rush outside linebacker to replace him anyway. Shane Ray will need to add some weight as he moves to the pros, and if he can do that, will make the Steelers a fine linebacker.. Defensive End. Missouri. Shane Ray. 22
23. Detroit Lions
Arizona State. Jaelen Strong. 23. player. 50. The Lions survived the loss of Ndamukong Suh in free agency, so they can continue to look for someone to take the heat from Calvin Johnson. The ASU receiver will provide a nice complement for Mega-Tron, and give defensive coordinators even more gray hairs.. Wide Receiver
24. Arizona Cardinals
player. 32. At 6-3 246, the Clemson linebacker has the size, and speed to play standing up in the 3-4, or put his hand in the dirt if needed. Beasley move up during the combine, but fell to Arizina because teams were drafting for need, and not necessarily the best player on the board.. Linebacker. Clemson. Vic Beasley. 24
25. Carolina Panthers
Offensive Tackle. LSU. La'el Collins. 25. player. 87. The Panthers need to find more ways to keep their franchise quarterback in the pocket, and the best was to accomplish that, is get some help on the offensive line. They really wanted T.J. Clemmings, but the big offensive tackle went to San Diego, so the next best player is the big tackle out of LSU.
26. Baltimore Ravens
26. player. 26. The Ravens didn’t get into the Darrell Revis and Brandon Browner deals, and will take their chance in the draft to fill much needed holes in the defensive backfield. Collins lacks starting time, but is a long CB which is great for guarding proto-typical receivers. Collins should be coachable, and can provide run support from the position.. Cornerback. LSU. Jalen Collins
27. Dallas Cowboys
Defensive Tackle. Iowa. Carl Davis. 27. player. 123. The Cowboys are always looking for people to fill positions on the D-Line, and this kid from Iowa fits the bill. Todd McShay had this to say: His effort was inconsistent at Iowa but he has the traits you’re looking for at the position: 6-5, 320 pounds with 34.6-inch arms and very good explosiveness (5.07 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical leap).
28. Denver Broncos
45. When you have an aging quarterback, you have to protect him. The Broncos need a Defensive Tackle, and a Center, so Erving could be a possibility for filling both needs. He spent the last two years blocking for Jameis Winston, so could do the same for Payton Manning’s last year.. Center. Florida State. Cameron Erving. 28. player
29. Indianapolis Colts
Florida State. Eddie Goldman. 29. player. 46. Indianapolis took care of some needs during the early free agency frenzy with a much-needed running back, but could still use some help on defense if they want to challenge the Pats in 2015. The Florida State product has big-time college experience, and should provide some options for the defensive line to go along with the other pieces already signed.. Defensive Tackle
30. Green Bay Packers
player. 49. The Pack could really use some help on the D-Line, and at inside linebacker, but also need a good corner. Good cornerbacks are becoming a premium in the NFL, and the kid from Wake Forest is still available, they can’t pass on him.. Cornerback. Wake Forest. Kevin Johnson. 30
31. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks got their tight end during free agency, and could use some backup for “Beast Mode” You can’t pass on a running back of this caliber just because it’s the first round. With Todd Gurley already in San Francisco, Melvin Gordon is the man.. Running Back. Wisconsin. Melvin Gordon. 31. player. 36
32. New England Patriots
player. 47. The World Champs took a big hit in the defensive backfield, a hit I’m not sure they can recover from. The Dolphins, Bills, and Jets are all coming after them this year along with the Colts from the South, so they need to triage some of the damage.. Cornerback. Washington. Marcus Peters. 32