2015 NFL Mock Drafts

stelfans · Sep 15, 2014

Nice one Mayo. Not really a fan of Armstead but since you have Prewitt all is forgiven

Its early but i will do one in the next few days.

mayoclinic · Sep 15, 2014

manxman2601 said:
I have to say, and this galls me no end, but Zach Hodges won't be in my mock. Unfortunately I don't see the fit and that really irks me.

Like you, I like Hodges; but I also don't see the "fit" at the moment. He's not a coverage LB or hybrid LB/S, he's not an ILB, and he lacks the size that BB liked in edge players. But depending on how things shape up, that could change. Definitely a prospect worth keeping an eye on.

manxman2601 said:
It's interesting that you've talked about big guards because I've gone in that direction too but he's not amongst those you've listed. Guy is a man mountain and a scarily good run blocker when he latches on.

I'll be curious to see who you like.

I'm not wedded to those particular prospects, though I don't think they are unreasonable. I do think that the trend is to bigger lineman, so I shied away from some of the smaller athletic prospects who I might have looked at in the past such as Sean Hickey. I thought it was interesting that the Pats showed no interest in Reid Fragel, an athletic former TE who I thought might be on their radar in 2013. I think it will be interesting to see if they show more interest in guys like Tyrus Thompson and Ereck Flowers.

mayoclinic · Sep 15, 2014

stelfans said:
Not really a fan of Armstead but since you have Prewitt all is forgiven

And Manx isn't a fan of Prewitt. You can't please everyone.

Seriously, is it that you don't like something in particular about Armstead, or that you don't want that kind of player? Armstead is obviously raw, but he has a lot of physical ability and upside. Again, I was focused more on "fits" than on specific players. I felt that a big (290-310+#), agile player who could play both 3-4 DE, 4-3 Under LDE and 4-3 DT would fill the biggest hole on the DL right now, assuming that Hightower and Ninkovich platoon as edge rushers. Carl Davis would be a good alternative, but right now he's ranked #24 on NFL DraftScout and I generally used their rankings as a guide. Leonard Williams would be fine with me, if you can figure out a way to swing that.

I personally still really like Shawn Oakman and Dante Flowers, but their playing style is more redundant with the edge players that we already have (Oakman is a bigger Chandler Jones and Flowers is somewhat similar to Hightower in his versatility). A lot depends on what kind of scheme the Pats want to run, and what kind of player they are looking for. I've assumed a certain defensive hybrid front.

mayoclinic · Sep 15, 2014

mayoclinic said:
I personally still really like Shawn Oakman and Dante Flowers, but their playing style is more redundant with the edge players that we already have (Oakman is a bigger Chandler Jones and Flowers is somewhat similar to Hightower in his versatility). A lot depends on what kind of scheme the Pats want to run, and what kind of player they are looking for. I've assumed a certain defensive hybrid front.

I've been thinking of Andy Johnson's discussion of how the Pats flip-flopped Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich between OLB and the 5-tech. Shawn Oakman could be a beast in such a role, with the athleticism to stand up. If Oakman was still on the board, I could see foregoing a trade back. He's raw, but his size and athleticism are ridiculous.

stelfans · Sep 16, 2014

mayoclinic said:
And Manx isn't a fan of Prewitt. You can't please everyone.

Seriously, is it that you don't like something in particular about Armstead, or that you don't want that kind of player? Armstead is obviously raw, but he has a lot of physical ability and upside. Again, I was focused more on "fits" than on specific players. I felt that a big (290-310+#), agile player who could play both 3-4 DE, 4-3 Under LDE and 4-3 DT would fill the biggest hole on the DL right now, assuming that Hightower and Ninkovich platoon as edge rushers. Carl Davis would be a good alternative, but right now he's ranked #24 on NFL DraftScout and I generally used their rankings as a guide. Leonard Williams would be fine with me, if you can figure out a way to swing that.

I personally still really like Shawn Oakman and Dante Flowers, but their playing style is more redundant with the edge players that we already have (Oakman is a bigger Chandler Jones and Flowers is somewhat similar to Hightower in his versatility). A lot depends on what kind of scheme the Pats want to run, and what kind of player they are looking for. I've assumed a certain defensive hybrid front.

I havent seen much from him, but from those few views he really hasnt shown me anything special. I definitely want someone to play that role but at this point he is not that guy.

manxman2601 · Sep 16, 2014

OK, time for my first mock of the year. For the purposes of this mock, I'll borrow some of Mayo's assumptions:

- Revis and McCourty get locked up long term
- Pats get 3rd and 6th round comp picks.
- Pats pick in the 28-32 range.
- Our extra 4th round pick from Tampa Bay is in the top half of the round.

And a couple of caveats:

- I'm only including players that I have watched to some degree
- BUT, I'm a long long way from getting any real feel for this draft class so take this as no more than a snapshot of where I am right now in terms of watching prospects.
- I have been fairly liberal in terms of where CBS has a prospect ranked.

Rnd 1

Carl Davis, DT, Iowa

This isn't a pick I'm completely sold on, particularly in the first round, but if we are to continue playing with a three man front, we'll need a stronger, better run-defender than Chris Jones or Joe Vellano. Carl Davis can be that player and sometimes is a dominating run defender but he needs to do it more consistently. Based largely on the Dolphins game, I think a five or one tech that partners Wilfork to defend the run freeing up Easley to be a one gap specialist is a priority. Carl Davis becomes our Red Bryant (hopefully).

Rnd 2

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

He's in this mock because he excites me when I watch him, he really has the wow! factor. He most likely won't be in my final mocks but I'll indulge myself for now. And let's not forget him tweeting Alfonzo Dennard "bro tell the Pats to draft me! Lol" so we know his heart is in the right place.

Rnd 3A

Anthony Harris, S, Virginia

a 6'1" safety, Harris reminds a lot of Devin McCourty. He's a smart excellent centrefield ballhawk who, whilst not a big-hitting tackler, is more than good enough when filling in inside the box. Like Jimmie Ward last year, he won't appeal to those who would like a Kam Chancellor type on the team but in a defence that wants to put two similar safeties on the field together like we do, Harris is an excellent candidate for the second safety spot.

Rnd 3B

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Beyond Edelman, Gronk, Dobson and Vereen, there are questions about our receiving corps. White is a 6'3" WR who has had a blistering start to the season (32 catches, 460 yds in three games), a start not reflected in CBS' rankings who have him ranked no 296.

Rnd 4A

Aundrey Walker, OG, USC

Walker is 6'6" and 319lbs and unfortunately sometimes looks like a 6'6" person playing guard in that he'll lose leverage. But at times, Walker drives defensive linemen 10 yards downfield and that's the Walker I have in my mock. He also has long arms and tremendous feet for someone of his size which makes me wonder why he's not playing tackle, admittedly something else that concerns me. But then I watch him and see an athletic DJ Fluker playing OG and I get excited.

Rnd 4B

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

a 6'3" 270lb DE who would be ideal as a RDE in our new 3 man front. Odighizuwa has excellent burst at the snap and showcases tremendous strength with very powerful hands. Think about how we used Zach Moore in pre-season for the role I see Obdighizuwa playing. I'll make two predictions about him should he stay healthy all year. Firstly, he'll become a board favourite, and secondly, he'll be a first round pick.

Rnd 5

Jake McGee, TE, Florida

He left Virginia last year to go to Florida because he wanted more experience inline and didn't want to just be thought of as a receiving TE. On very limited watching, he has a very good pair of hands as you can see below:

Rnd 6

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

Another RB, another player I just want to showcase. Josh Norris compares Coleman to Darren McFadden. That strikes me as a little lofty, but Coleman is a strong runner that breaks contact and has the speed to go all the way. His tape last year didn't overly impress me but his first game this year was outstanding. am looking forward to seeing him again.

The big omission in this mock is a linebacker. I definitely think we need a Mayo/Collins backup but I've yet to see someone I like in the middle or late rounds, hence the omission.

mayoclinic · Sep 16, 2014

manxman2601 said:
OK, time for my first mock of the year. For the purposes of this mock, I'll borrow some of Mayo's assumptions:

- Revis and McCourty get locked up long term
- Pats get 3rd and 6th round comp picks.
- Pats pick in the 28-32 range.
- Our extra 4th round pick from Tampa Bay is in the top half of the round.

And a couple of caveats:

- I'm only including players that I have watched to some degree
- BUT, I'm a long long way from getting any real feel for this draft class so take this as no more than a snapshot of where I am right now in terms of watching prospects.
- I have been fairly liberal in terms of where CBS has a prospect ranked.

Rnd 1

Carl Davis, DT, Iowa

This isn't a pick I'm completely sold on, particularly in the first round, but if we are to continue playing with a three man front, we'll need a stronger, better run-defender than Chris Jones or Joe Vellano. Carl Davis can be that player and sometimes is a dominating run defender but he needs to do it more consistently. Based largely on the Dolphins game, I think a five or one tech that partners Wilfork to defend the run freeing up Easley to be a one gap specialist is a priority. Carl Davis becomes our Red Bryant (hopefully).

Rnd 2

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

He's in this mock because he excites me when I watch him, he really has the wow! factor. He most likely won't be in my final mocks but I'll indulge myself for now. And let's not forget him tweeting Alfonzo Dennard "bro tell the Pats to draft me! Lol" so we know his heart is in the right place.

Rnd 3A

Anthony Harris, S, Virginia

a 6'1" safety, Harris reminds a lot of Devin McCourty. He's a smart excellent centrefield ballhawk who, whilst not a big-hitting tackler, is more than good enough when filling in inside the box. Like Jimmie Ward last year, he won't appeal to those who would like a Kam Chancellor type on the team but in a defence that wants to put two similar safeties on the field together like we do, Harris is an excellent candidate for the second safety spot.

Rnd 3B

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Beyond Edelman, Gronk, Dobson and Vereen, there are questions about our receiving corps. White is a 6'3" WR who has had a blistering start to the season (32 catches, 460 yds in three games), a start not reflected in CBS' rankings who have him ranked no 296.

Rnd 4A

Aundrey Walker, OG, USC

Walker is 6'6" and 319lbs and unfortunately sometimes looks like a 6'6" person playing guard in that he'll lose leverage. But at times, Walker drives defensive linemen 10 yards downfield and that's the Walker I have in my mock. He also has long arms and tremendous feet for someone of his size which makes me wonder why he's not playing tackle, admittedly something else that concerns me. But then I watch him and see an athletic DJ Fluker playing OG and I get excited.

Rnd 4B

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

a 6'3" 270lb DE who would be ideal as a RDE in our new 3 man front. Odighizuwa has excellent burst at the snap and showcases tremendous strength with very powerful hands. Think about how we used Zach Moore in pre-season for the role I see Obdighizuwa playing. I'll make two predictions about him should he stay healthy all year. Firstly, he'll become a board favourite, and secondly, he'll be a first round pick.

Rnd 5

Jake McGee, TE, Florida

He left Virginia last year to go to Florida because he wanted more experience inline and didn't want to just be thought of as a receiving TE. On very limited watching, he has a very good pair of hands as you can see below:

Rnd 6

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

Another RB, another player I just want to showcase. Josh Norris compares Coleman to Darren McFadden. That strikes me as a little lofty, but Coleman is a strong runner that breaks contact and has the speed to go all the way. His tape last year didn't overly impress me but his first game this year was outstanding. am looking forward to seeing him again.

The big omission in this mock is a linebacker. I definitely think we need a Mayo/Collins backup but I've yet to see someone I like in the middle or late rounds, hence the omission.

Great work, as usual. I haven't studied most of these guys in detail yet, so I can't comment on too many of the individual choices. Can't wait to go watch some film of them.

manxman2601 · Sep 16, 2014

mayoclinic said:
Grat work, as usual. I haven't studied most of these guys in detail yet, so I can't comment on too many of the individual choices. Can't wait to go watch some film of them.

I think Anthony Harris is going to be someone that'll get attention hereabouts but 'm not sure he's your kind of guy. However, I strongly urge you to take a look at Odighizuwa, I think you'll like him. There's a video at Draft Breakdown.

mayoclinic · Sep 17, 2014

I'm not a fan of Walter Football, but their latest mock (using last year's draft order) had the Pats taking Florida St. OL Cameron Erving in the 1st round.

http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2015.php

Erving is an interesting player, a converted DT with terrific strength and athleticism but still a bit technically raw. I think he could play both tackle and guard, and that he would make a stud LG. That would allow the Pats to move Marcus Cannon (assuming he is extended) to RG. A line of Solder - Erving - Stork - Cannon - Vollmer (with Fleming, Devey and Connolly if he is extended as backups) would potentially be very strong.

They have the Pats taking Florida St. RB Karlos Williams at 61. Arik Armstead goes 62 to SF, Owamagbe Odighizuwa at 64 to Seattle.

stelfans · Sep 17, 2014

Here's my first try of the year although i have to say this was much harder than i anticipated. Its really early so i mostly wanted to put out there some names that i havent heard yet and went with players i know and liked from last year.
I also borrowed Mayo's assumptions but didnt pay much attention to cbs rankings.

Round 1 - Spencer Drango, OL, Baylor
We need all the help we can get on the Oline, Drango can play tackle but i think he will play guard in the NFL. Strong in run support and mobile in pass protection.

Round 2 - Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss
I gotta say, i love Prewitt and i think he could be a 1st rounder. Is he perfect? Far from it, but he is everything i want in someone next to McCourty. Led the SEC and tied for seventh nationally with six interceptions last year plus is a big hitter.

Round 3a - Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise St
Both Ridley and Vereen are in contract years, i think we can all agree we need at least 1 RB. This is what Grid wrote about him last year and should tell you all you need to know: "What an explosive, athletic, marauding Beast!!"
Thanks Grid, a great read as always http://www.fanaticalyankee.com/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-reports/category/jay-ajayi

Round 3b - Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan
Another old crush of mine. 2 seasons ago he was playing OLB and was arguably the best defensive player for Michigan then he had ACL injury that kept him out almost the entire season.
A team captain this year, Michigan moved him to the middle, could be a good backcup linebacker here with versatility. Someone to keep an eye on.

Round 4a - Devante Davis, WR, UNLV
Like Manx and Mayo i think we could upgrade the receiver position, Amendola is disappointing and Lafell is just there to block or whatever. Davis had 87 passes for 1,290 yards and a school-record of 14 touchdowns last year and everyone thought he would leave, lucky for us he didnt. A 6'3 guy with a long frame and ball skills to match.

Round 4b - Lynden Trail, DE/OLB, Norfolk St
Trail is a Florida transfer, he was a high regarded recruit who never really had the chance do showcase in Florida. Plays OLB in Norfolk but can play end too. Terrific speed and agility, he actually lines up as a receiver(he is a former high school receiver) in some red zone sets.

Round 5 - Charles Tuaau, DT, Texas A&M Commerce
Wait..wat? Commerce? Are you sure you're not making that up?
Another small school prospect(yes, i love those). My Carl Davis backup, since i wanted a top O-Line player i couldnt get a top tier DT so i go with Tuaau here who could be a gem in this scheme we are playing now. He's good against the run and had 12.5!!! sacks last year. Yes i know its Division II football but still..

Round 6 - Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma
Bell was the sooners QB just last year, this year moved to TE. A project yes, but at 6'6 250lbs he has tremendous potential.

There you have it, probably not my best effort but oh well its only the first ihih

mayoclinic · Sep 17, 2014

stelfans said:
Here's my first try of the year although i have to say this was much harder than i anticipated. Its really early so i mostly wanted to put out there some names that i havent heard yet and went with players i know and liked from last year.
I also borrowed Mayo's assumptions but didnt pay much attention to cbs rankings.

Round 1 - Spencer Drango, OL, Baylor
We need all the help we can get on the Oline, Drango can play tackle but i think he will play guard in the NFL. Strong in run support and mobile in pass protection.

Round 2 - Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss
I gotta say, i love Prewitt and i think he could be a 1st rounder. Is he perfect? Far from it, but he is everything i want in someone next to McCourty. Led the SEC and tied for seventh nationally with six interceptions last year plus is a big hitter.

Round 3a - Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise St
Both Ridley and Vereen are in contract years, i think we can all agree we need at least 1 RB. This is what Grid wrote about him last year and should tell you all you need to know: "What an explosive, athletic, marauding Beast!!"
Thanks Grid, a great read as always http://www.fanaticalyankee.com/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-reports/category/jay-ajayi

Round 3b - Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan
Another old crush of mine. 2 seasons ago he was playing OLB and was arguably the best defensive player for Michigan then he had ACL injury that kept him out almost the entire season.
A team captain this year, Michigan moved him to the middle, could be a good backcup linebacker here with versatility. Someone to keep an eye on.

Round 4a - Devante Davis, WR, UNLV
Like Manx and Mayo i think we could upgrade the receiver position, Amendola is disappointing and Lafell is just there to block or whatever. Davis had 87 passes for 1,290 yards and a school-record of 14 touchdowns last year and everyone thought he would leave, lucky for us he didnt. A 6'3 guy with a long frame and ball skills to match.

Round 4b - Lynden Trail, DE/OLB, Norfolk St
Trail is a Florida transfer, he was a high regarded recruit who never really had the chance do showcase in Florida. Plays OLB in Norfolk but can play end too. Terrific speed and agility, he actually lines up as a receiver(he is a former high school receiver) in some red zone sets.

Round 5 - Charles Tuaau, DT, Texas A&M Commerce
Wait..wat? Commerce? Are you sure you're not making that up?
Another small school prospect(yes, i love those). My Carl Davis backup, since i wanted a top O-Line player i couldnt get a top tier DT so i go with Tuaau here who could be a gem in this scheme we are playing now. He's good against the run and had 12.5!!! sacks last year. Yes i know its Division II football but still..

Round 6 - Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma
Bell was the sooners QB just last year, this year moved to TE. A project yes, but at 6'6 250lbs he has tremendous potential.

There you have it, probably not my best effort but oh well its only the first ihih

Nice job, with some interesting and obscure prospects - lots of food for thought, which is the main purpose of these early mocks. I like Drango (not necessarily my first choice, but I'd be quite happy with him) and I like Prewitt. I'm not sure I'd go RB that early, but I like Ajayi. I'll have to look into the other guys more. Anyone with a name like Charles "can I buy a vowel?" Tuaau has got to be interesting.

manxman2601 · Sep 17, 2014

stelfans said:
Here's my first try of the year although i have to say this was much harder than i anticipated. Its really early so i mostly wanted to put out there some names that i havent heard yet and went with players i know and liked from last year.
I also borrowed Mayo's assumptions but didnt pay much attention to cbs rankings.

Round 1 - Spencer Drango, OL, Baylor
We need all the help we can get on the Oline, Drango can play tackle but i think he will play guard in the NFL. Strong in run support and mobile in pass protection.

Round 2 - Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss
I gotta say, i love Prewitt and i think he could be a 1st rounder. Is he perfect? Far from it, but he is everything i want in someone next to McCourty. Led the SEC and tied for seventh nationally with six interceptions last year plus is a big hitter.

Round 3a - Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise St
Both Ridley and Vereen are in contract years, i think we can all agree we need at least 1 RB. This is what Grid wrote about him last year and should tell you all you need to know: "What an explosive, athletic, marauding Beast!!"
Thanks Grid, a great read as always http://www.fanaticalyankee.com/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-reports/category/jay-ajayi

Round 3b - Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan
Another old crush of mine. 2 seasons ago he was playing OLB and was arguably the best defensive player for Michigan then he had ACL injury that kept him out almost the entire season.
A team captain this year, Michigan moved him to the middle, could be a good backcup linebacker here with versatility. Someone to keep an eye on.

Round 4a - Devante Davis, WR, UNLV
Like Manx and Mayo i think we could upgrade the receiver position, Amendola is disappointing and Lafell is just there to block or whatever. Davis had 87 passes for 1,290 yards and a school-record of 14 touchdowns last year and everyone thought he would leave, lucky for us he didnt. A 6'3 guy with a long frame and ball skills to match.

Round 4b - Lynden Trail, DE/OLB, Norfolk St
Trail is a Florida transfer, he was a high regarded recruit who never really had the chance do showcase in Florida. Plays OLB in Norfolk but can play end too. Terrific speed and agility, he actually lines up as a receiver(he is a former high school receiver) in some red zone sets.

Round 5 - Charles Tuaau, DT, Texas A&M Commerce
Wait..wat? Commerce? Are you sure you're not making that up?
Another small school prospect(yes, i love those). My Carl Davis backup, since i wanted a top O-Line player i couldnt get a top tier DT so i go with Tuaau here who could be a gem in this scheme we are playing now. He's good against the run and had 12.5!!! sacks last year. Yes i know its Division II football but still..

Round 6 - Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma
Bell was the sooners QB just last year, this year moved to TE. A project yes, but at 6'6 250lbs he has tremendous potential.

There you have it, probably not my best effort but oh well its only the first ihih

Very nice work. I haven't seen Drango but I can't help think of Cyril Richardson when I think of a Baylor LT projected to guard which is unfair I know. And I'm not an early fan of Prewitt but will keep an open mind.

I have to say, for now my top four hopes for future Patriots are Bernadrick McKinney (Mayo's persuaded me with the caveat that I need to watch him properly), Odighizuwa (an ideal pick), Ameer Abdullah (so exciting) and Anthony Harris (the logical Patriots type player pick I latch onto every year). Now I just need the obligatory WR to fall in love with and I'm golden

mayoclinic · Sep 17, 2014

manxman2601 said:
Very nice work. I haven't seen Drango but I can't help think of Cyril Richardson when I think of a Baylor LT projected to guard which is unfair I know. And I'm not an early fan of Prewitt but will keep an open mind.

I have to say, for now my top four hopes for future Patriots are Bernadrick McKinney (Mayo's persuaded me with the caveat that I need to watch him properly), Odighizuwa (an ideal pick), Ameer Abdullah (so exciting) and Anthony Harris (the logical Patriots type player pick I latch onto every year). Now I just need the obligatory WR to fall in love with and I'm golden

No OL?

manxman2601 · Sep 17, 2014

mayoclinic said:
No OL?

Not convinced they're an early round priority, or at least not in BBs mind, and haven't found one I really like yet although Aundrey Walker intrigued me as does the Oregon RT whose name I've forgotten. But if you think about the OL, it's not impossible that Solder-Cannon-Stork-Connolly-Vollmer becomes a more than serviceable OL in time, particularly when the new coach has more time to spend with them. At most then, you are probably only looking at one OG as a priority if at all with the potential for an OT depth/upside pick too.

Edit: Forgot about Scherff though. He would definitely qualify.

Luxusdk · Sep 17, 2014

Surpriced WR is lefted out in peoples mocks. Right now that happens so be Patriots biggest need. They havn't had a true 1.WR since Moss.

mayoclinic · Sep 17, 2014

Luxusdk said:
Surpriced WR is lefted out in peoples mocks. Right now that happens so be Patriots biggest need. They havn't had a true 1.WR since Moss.

Both Manx and I had a WR in the 3rd round in our mocks - I had Kasen Williams, he had Kevin White. Both big split ends.

I don't think that WR is the Pats' biggest need by far, I don't believe in drafting for need, and I don't generally believe in using high picks on WRs. I also think we need to give Dobson and Thompkins more time to evaluate the position. But I think it is an area that will probably be addressed at some point in the draft, and I think that a bigger, more physical WR is the way to go. I don't think that we need a "true #1 WR", but we need more options to effectively move the chains.

manxman2601 · Sep 17, 2014

Luxusdk said:
Surpriced WR is lefted out in peoples mocks. Right now that happens so be Patriots biggest need. They havn't had a true 1.WR since Moss.

Well we need to see what Dobson has to offer in that regard. He hasn't really been given much of a chance yet. also, if you ignore the WR designation and just look at receivers generally, one you take into account Edelman, Gronk, Vereen and Dobson, that only leaves one position player that might get significant receiving opportunities, and only then if he beats out Tim Wright, Amendola, Lafell, Thompkins and assuming we don't have a blocking backfield player on the field like Develin and Hooman. take all that into account, and assuming success for Dobson and you don't really have that many spare snaps for another WR.

mayoclinic · Sep 17, 2014

manxman2601 said:
Not convinced they're an early round priority, or at least not in BBs mind, and haven't found one I really like yet although Aundrey Walker intrigued me as does the Oregon RT whose name I've forgotten. But if you think about the OL, it's not impossible that Solder-Cannon-Stork-Connolly-Vollmer becomes a more than serviceable OL in time, particularly when the new coach has more time to spend with them. At most then, you are probably only looking at one OG as a priority if at all with the potential for an OT depth/upside pick too.

Edit: Forgot about Scherff though. He would definitely qualify.

Scherff is still my uber-binky for 2015. The perfect prospect in all respects except one - he won't be available. Cam Erving intrigues me. Otherwise I really haven't settled on anyone I particularly like, though I think there are a lot of solid options. Your scenario is certainly reasonable, but Connolly turns 32 and is in a contract year, and I could certainly see the Pats adding 1-2 linemen, not necessarily in the first 2 rounds, but at some point. I think there is good OL depth in this draft.

stelfans · Sep 17, 2014

manxman2601 said:
Not convinced they're an early round priority, or at least not in BBs mind, and haven't found one I really like yet although Aundrey Walker intrigued me as does the Oregon RT whose name I've forgotten. But if you think about the OL, it's not impossible that Solder-Cannon-Stork-Connolly-Vollmer becomes a more than serviceable OL in time, particularly when the new coach has more time to spend with them. At most then, you are probably only looking at one OG as a priority if at all with the potential for an OT depth/upside pick too.

Edit: Forgot about Scherff though. He would definitely qualify.

Fisher, or Johnstone? Fisher was the RT until Johnstone got injured so he moved to LT and did a great job against Michigan St. But he got injured himself and will be out quite some time. I like him a lot too but he is a bit light for what the Patriots seem to want these days.
Right, i thought about that(BB not picking OL early) but is still a big hole in the team for me so i went with it. Everytime i think about Bitonio...

manxman2601 said:
Very nice work. I haven't seen Drango but I can't help think of Cyril Richardson when I think of a Baylor LT projected to guard which is unfair I know. And I'm not an early fan of Prewitt but will keep an open mind.

I have to say, for now my top four hopes for future Patriots are Bernadrick McKinney (Mayo's persuaded me with the caveat that I need to watch him properly), Odighizuwa (an ideal pick), Ameer Abdullah (so exciting) and Anthony Harris (the logical Patriots type player pick I latch onto every year). Now I just need the obligatory WR to fall in love with and I'm golden

Thanks. McKinney is certainly a BB kind of player and someone i like from last year. I didnt include him in my mock because a)i wanted to put Ryan there who has a very similar skillset and b)i only had one 2nd round pick ahah.

mayoclinic said:
Nice job, with some interesting and obscure prospects - lots of food for thought, which is the main purpose of these early mocks. I like Drango (not necessarily my first choice, but I'd be quite happy with him) and I like Prewitt. I'm not sure I'd go RB that early, but I like Ajayi. I'll have to look into the other guys more. Anyone with a name like Charles "can I buy a vowel?" Tuaau has got to be interesting.

Thanks. RB could become a complete non issue if Ridley and Vereen get extended.

manxman2601 · Sep 17, 2014

manxman2601 said:
OK, time for my first mock of the year. For the purposes of this mock, I'll borrow some of Mayo's assumptions:

- Revis and McCourty get locked up long term
- Pats get 3rd and 6th round comp picks.
- Pats pick in the 28-32 range.
- Our extra 4th round pick from Tampa Bay is in the top half of the round.

And a couple of caveats:

- I'm only including players that I have watched to some degree
- BUT, I'm a long long way from getting any real feel for this draft class so take this as no more than a snapshot of where I am right now in terms of watching prospects.
- I have been fairly liberal in terms of where CBS has a prospect ranked.

Rnd 1

Carl Davis, DT, Iowa

This isn't a pick I'm completely sold on, particularly in the first round, but if we are to continue playing with a three man front, we'll need a stronger, better run-defender than Chris Jones or Joe Vellano. Carl Davis can be that player and sometimes is a dominating run defender but he needs to do it more consistently. Based largely on the Dolphins game, I think a five or one tech that partners Wilfork to defend the run freeing up Easley to be a one gap specialist is a priority. Carl Davis becomes our Red Bryant (hopefully).

Rnd 2

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

He's in this mock because he excites me when I watch him, he really has the wow! factor. He most likely won't be in my final mocks but I'll indulge myself for now. And let's not forget him tweeting Alfonzo Dennard "bro tell the Pats to draft me! Lol" so we know his heart is in the right place.

Rnd 3A

Anthony Harris, S, Virginia

a 6'1" safety, Harris reminds a lot of Devin McCourty. He's a smart excellent centrefield ballhawk who, whilst not a big-hitting tackler, is more than good enough when filling in inside the box. Like Jimmie Ward last year, he won't appeal to those who would like a Kam Chancellor type on the team but in a defence that wants to put two similar safeties on the field together like we do, Harris is an excellent candidate for the second safety spot.

Rnd 3B

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Beyond Edelman, Gronk, Dobson and Vereen, there are questions about our receiving corps. White is a 6'3" WR who has had a blistering start to the season (32 catches, 460 yds in three games), a start not reflected in CBS' rankings who have him ranked no 296.

Rnd 4A

Aundrey Walker, OG, USC

Walker is 6'6" and 319lbs and unfortunately sometimes looks like a 6'6" person playing guard in that he'll lose leverage. But at times, Walker drives defensive linemen 10 yards downfield and that's the Walker I have in my mock. He also has long arms and tremendous feet for someone of his size which makes me wonder why he's not playing tackle, admittedly something else that concerns me. But then I watch him and see an athletic DJ Fluker playing OG and I get excited.

Rnd 4B

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

a 6'3" 270lb DE who would be ideal as a RDE in our new 3 man front. Odighizuwa has excellent burst at the snap and showcases tremendous strength with very powerful hands. Think about how we used Zach Moore in pre-season for the role I see Obdighizuwa playing. I'll make two predictions about him should he stay healthy all year. Firstly, he'll become a board favourite, and secondly, he'll be a first round pick.

Rnd 5

Jake McGee, TE, Florida

He left Virginia last year to go to Florida because he wanted more experience inline and didn't want to just be thought of as a receiving TE. On very limited watching, he has a very good pair of hands as you can see below:

Rnd 6

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

Another RB, another player I just want to showcase. Josh Norris compares Coleman to Darren McFadden. That strikes me as a little lofty, but Coleman is a strong runner that breaks contact and has the speed to go all the way. His tape last year didn't overly impress me but his first game this year was outstanding. am looking forward to seeing him again.

The big omission in this mock is a linebacker. I definitely think we need a Mayo/Collins backup but I've yet to see someone I like in the middle or late rounds, hence the omission.

Thanks to Mayo and others, and the analysis of how the front seven plays, I'd revise this mock by swapping out Carl Davis and substituting in Bernadrick Mckinney. McKinney not only backs up the Mayo/Collins role (no more Deonte Skinner) but also backs up Hightower's too. We'd still need a DT player to keep Vellano and Chris Jones off the field but hopefully that would come in FA.

2015 NFL Mock Drafts

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