On the eve of the NFL Draft, many experts are releasing their final version of their Mocks. Elite Sports NY brings you ours.
By Robby Sabo
Earlier in the day we had the news surrounding the Cleveland Browns and their possible pursuit of the No. 2 pick. The reported offer was their two first-round draft picks – No. 12 and 19 overall – to the Tennessee Titans for the No. 2 overall pick, having intentions to draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Many outlets have reported it, and others have disputed it.
Even the initial report, by ESPN’s SportsCenter, was later rebuffed by somebody close to the Titans (via ESPN yet again).
Most people firmly believe it’ll take a whole lot more to get the No. 2 overall pick. Considering the hype surrounding these two quarterbacks, it might warrant a Robert Griffin III-type haul.
Nevertheless, here’s our 2015 NFL Mock Draft on the eve of Round 1 in Chicago:
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1. Tampa Bay Bucs – Jameis Winston, QB-Florida State
No surprise here. Sure, will the Glazer family be wondering about the off field issues surrounding Jameis Winston? Of course. But they’ll take him nonetheless.
2. Tennessee Titans – Leonard Williams, DE-Southern Cal
The hot-spot of the NFL Draft is the No. 2 selection. While the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles will be looking to move up for Marcus Mariota, the price will be too rich. Ken Whisenhunt will go with the sure thing of Leonard Williams, as he’s already made his choice in strong-armed Zach Mettenberger.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dante Fowler, JR, OLD-Florida
A few unnamed NFL execs have claimed that the Jaguars might surprise by taking a receiver here. I don’t see it. Dante Fowler Jr. is a physical specimen who’s pro-ready and tough to pass up at No. 3.
4. Oakland Raiders – Kevin White, WR-West Virginia
Ah, yet again the Raiders will go with the speed and upside of Kevin White over the readiness of Amari Cooper. Although there’s no more Al Davis, they still are the Raiders.
5. Washington Redskins – Vic Beasley, OLB-Clemson
With Brian Orakpo now gone, Vic Beasley will be perfect in Washington as an edge presence.
6. New York Jets – Amari Cooper, WR-Alabama
Because Vic Beasley is off the board, Mike Maccagnan will have a decision to make. Will he take Bud Dupree or even Shane Ray? No, we go with the upset as Amari Cooper is way too tough to pass up at No. 6.
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7. Chicago Bears – Trae Waynes, CB-Michigan State
Trae Waynes is the best cornerback in the NFL Draft by a wide margin. John Fox will be thrilled to get his mitts on him.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Bud Dupree, OLB-Kentucky
For new head coach Dan Quinn, defense will be the name of the game Thursday night. The only question remains which defender he’ll select first.
9. New York Giants – Brandon Scherff, OG-Iowa
The Giants positions of need are simple: offensive line. Of course they are others, such as linebacker and possibly safety, but Eli Manning and the running game need a much improved o-line.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Rams) – Marcus Mariota, QB-Oregon
In the shock of the NFL Draft, Marcus Mariota lasts until the No. 10 pick. With the Titans comfortable with Mettenberger, and nobody willing to give up a king’s ransom, Mariota will pass by the Jets and last to this position. This will prompt Chip Kelly to go back to the well with Les Snead, Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis Rams. Just like they did in the Bradford-Foles deal, St. Louis will once again pick up valuable assets from Philly.
11. Minnesota Vikings – DeVante Parker, WR-Louisville
Easy choice for the Vikings with a talented receiver who could blossom with Teddy Bridgewater for the next several seasons.
12. Cleveland Browns – Danny Shelton, DT-Washington
The Browns will be upset they missed out on the Mariota sweepstakes. It won’t stop them from making a solid selection in the No. 12 hole.