2015 NFL Mock Drafts

mayoclinic said:

Again, I haven't seen the game, so I can't judge. It's quite possible it wasn't one of his best. I wasn't criticizing. Rang's comment got my attention, though, after your description.

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I was just following Twitter as that game was being played and his lack of impact was being consistently noted. But, I didn't watch it so shouldn't have leapt to a conclusion.

Here's a tweak with some major "what if" assumptions:

- Devin McCourty and Darrelle Revis are extended
- Shane Vereen is extended, and Stevan Ridley is re-signed to a 1 year deal
- Alan Branch and Akeem Ayers both work out as solid rotational players, and are extended (BIG assumption, just for working purposes). Branch gives them a big inside/outside run stopper, and Ayers gives them a versatile LB/DE and sub rusher.
- Dan Connolly is re-signed. He's a useful 3-position utility man. Marcus Cannon may or may not be extended, depending on how he recovers this season, and how Jordan Devey develops.

*** Trade: Pats trade 1st and 4th round picks (from TB) to move up in the 1st round.

1. Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor. 6'8" 285#. Worth trading up for. Oakman and Jones will be tremendous bookends, and allow the Pats to eventually use Rob Ninkovich in a rotational role at both DE and LB.

2. TJ Clemmings, OL, Pittsburgh. 6'6" 315#. Manx has sold me on Clemmings.

3. Cameron Erving, OL, Florida St. 6'5" 320#. Erving's stock has slipped, but I still like his upside. Like Clemmings, he is a converted DT with athleticism who could play inside or out.

3 (comp). Jaquiski Tartt, S, Stamford. 6'1" 218#. WalterFootball has Tartt going in the 2nd round in their most recent mock, FWIW. He's a thumper who can cover.

4. Karlos Williams, RB, Florida St. 6' 219#. Like Erving, Williams has gotten some criticism this season, but the talent is there. With Ridley back for at least 1 season, the Pats can give Williams time to develop.

5. Clive Walford, TE, Miami. 6'3" 263#.

6 (comp). Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson. 6'2" 245#.

7 (from Tenn). Kasen Williams, WR, Washington. 6'2" 215#. Another guy with talent who has slipped due to consistency issues.

Notes:

1. Ayers and Branch contributing and being worth keeping would significantly affect the draft, and allow the Pats to focus on DE and OL.

2. Depending on how much they think he has left, the Pats could move on from Wilfork in 2015 and sign a FA DT. Suh and McCoy are out of reach, but Terrance Knighton would be a good run stuffer, and Jerod Odrick would be solid.

3. Danny Amendola could be cut, and a FA WR replacement signed. Jeremy Maclin would be a nice fit.

Rough Projected Roster (54 players for now):

QB(2): Brady, Garoppolo.
RB(4-5): Ridley, Vereen, White, Williams, Gaffney
FB/H-Back(1): Develin
WR(5-6): Edelman, LaFell, +1, Dobson, Tyms/Williams
TE(3): Gronkowski, Wright, Walford
OL(9): Solder, Vollmer, Stork, Fleming, Connolly, Clemings, Erving, Wendell, Devey/Cannon

DT(5-6): Wilfork, Easley, Branch, Siliga, Jones, [Walker] (Easley and Branch both play end at times)
DE(4-5): Jones, Ninkovich, Oakman, Moore, Buchanan; Walker and Buchanan can fight for the 10th DL spot
LB(5): Mayo, Hightower, Collins, Ayers, Anthony (Ninkovich also gets reps at LB)
S(4-5): McCourty, Tartt, Ebner; 1-2 of Chung/Wilson/Harmon
CB(5-6): Revis, Browner, Dennard, Ryan, Arrington; Butler vs. a 5th safety

ST(4): Gronkowski, Allen, LS, Slater

I like that roster Mayo. I wonder if BB tries to appease TB12 this coming off-season. I surely don't want to trade him. He's our best shot at another Lombardi. I'm guessing our post-season isn't going to end well. Does TB12 have a sitdown with BB about getting some talent around him. No way to answer now. But, have to think Brady won't be happy if we're out early and Peyton makes it to another Super Bowl with his shiney toys in Denver.

patsfaninpa said:

I like that roster Mayo. I wonder if BB tries to appease TB12 this coming off-season. I surely don't want to trade him. He's our best shot at another Lombardi. I'm guessing our post-season isn't going to end well. Does TB12 have a sitdown with BB about getting some talent around him. No way to answer now. But, have to think Brady won't be happy if we're out early and Peyton makes it to another Super Bowl with his shiney toys in Denver.

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I have to say, I like it, too. I wanted to do a mock based on the possibility of Branch and Ayers working out, and being part of a long term plan - obviously speculative at this point, but something I thought was worth thinking about. IF Branch adds a veteran run stopper who can play 3-4 DE, 4-3 Under LDE, and DT, and IF Ayers can be a versatile utility-man who can provide borderline starter capability at different positions, then it solves a lot of long term problems, and allows the Pats to focus more on DE and OL. It would certainly reduce the urgency to draft a run-stopping DT, or a versatile player like Bernardrick McKinney, Dante Fowler or Bud Dupree.

Trading Brady isn't something that I think is a consideration at this point. It's silly. I also think that Brady and BB are on the same page as much as any coach and QB can be. They both just want to win, and will do whatever it takes to do so. I don't think looking at Denver is much of a consideration.

As for "shiny toys", I think good OL play is more important. I think that Gronk, Edelman, LaFell, Vereen and Wright are a solid set of "toys" to start with. There are major questions about Amendola and Dobson right now, and those need to be sorted out over the rest of the season. But sort those out and give Brady some protection, and I think our offense is fine.

I like this offensive line a lot. Stork, Connolly and Wendell can all place center or guard. Clemmings, Erving, Fleming and Cannon/Devey can all play tackle or guard, and provide a lot of beef inside. Solder and Vollmer are the pure tackles, and should be good once the interior of the line settles down.

Again, this is purely speculative based on the assumption that Ayers and Branch work out and stay for 2015. Maybe not realistic, and certainly premature. But it sure would be nice.

mayoclinic said:

I have to say, I like it, too. I wanted to do a mock based on the possibility of Branch and Ayers working out, and being part of a long term plan - obviously speculative at this point, but something I thought was worth thinking about. IF Branch adds a veteran run stopper who can play 3-4 DE, 4-3 Under LDE, and DT, and IF Ayers can be a versatile utility-man who can provide borderline starter capability at different positions, then it solves a lot of long term problems, and allows the Pats to focus more on DE and OL. It would certainly reduce the urgency to draft a run-stopping DT, or a versatile player like Bernardrick McKinney, Dante Fowler or Bud Dupree.

Trading Brady isn't something that I think is a consideration at this point. It's silly. I also think that Brady and BB are on the same page as much as any coach and QB can be. They both just want to win, and will do whatever it takes to do so. I don't think looking at Denver is much of a consideration.

As for "shiny toys", I think good OL play is more important. I think that Gronk, Edelman, LaFell, Vereen and Wright are a solid set of "toys" to start with. There are major questions about Amendola and Dobson right now, and those need to be sorted out over the rest of the season. But sort those out and give Brady some protection, and I think our offense is fine.

I like this offensive line a lot. Stork, Connolly and Wendell can all place center or guard. Clemmings, Erving, Fleming and Cannon/Devey can all play tackle or guard, and provide a lot of beef inside. Solder and Vollmer are the pure tackles, and should be good once the interior of the line settles down.

Again, this is purely speculative based on the assumption that Ayers and Branch work out and stay for 2015. Maybe not realistic, and certainly premature. But it sure would be nice.

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I agree that if Ayers sticks, then there's probably no need for Dupree - they'll bot fill a similar Hightower back up role.

One other thought is that if you draft two linemen then I think that reduces the need to draft another TE because one of the extra linemen would be unused and could be put to use as a blocking TE. Hooman is little more than a blocker anyway.

Good job on the mock.

manxman2601 said:

I agree that if Ayers sticks, then there's probably no need for Dupree - they'll bot fill a similar Hightower back up role.

One other thought is that if you draft two linemen then I think that reduces the need to draft another TE because one of the extra linemen would be unused and could be put to use as a blocking TE. Hooman is little more than a blocker anyway.

Good job on the mock.

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I included a true TE because I think we need one for depth behind Gronk, less than for true 2-TE sets. 5th round seems about right to me. I think that Walford has the ability to be more than Hooman.

Again, it was purely a speculative exercise. We obviously need to see how Ayers and Branch work out. But they are interesting additions.

Excellent mock.

I saw film on Ellis McCarthy of ucla recently . He is a very intriguing prospect. I liked what I saw.

I have him and Darren lake of Alabama high on my DT want list

Aj cann of sc is my favorite internal o lineman and yeldon my favorite rb this far.

I have not made it to the de's yet.

Right, time for a mock.

I'm going to borrow some of Mayo's assumptions here:

1. Revis and McCourty are extended.

2. So are Vereen and Ridley. As with Mayo, I'm going for a one year extension for Ridley at close to minimum.

3. Ayers (who I think backs up Hightower) and Branch are serviceable or better and both are extended for at least another season.

4. Connolly and Gostkowski also get extensions possibly more than a year whilst Jonas Gray, Patrick Chung, Siliga and the usual suspects (Slater, Develin etc) get one year extensions.

5. Marcus Cannon is not re-signed however. I suspect Fleming is his replacement on the roster in the long term.


Mock


Rnd One

Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri

I'm hesitant to make this pick because at 6-3 and under 250lbs, he's not a BB edge player and in truth, I don't think this pick gets made. But, with Branch, Siliga, Wilfork and Easley, this team will need a sub-rusher that can eventually replace Ninkovich. I think a bigger bodied DE on the left hand side like Branch or Siliga becomes the norm and on passing downs, Ray comes on to add some much needed quickness to the defence. And as to that quickness, cripes! Watch his game against S Carolina. When lined up against the LT he was constantly being held and when lined up inside over the RG, he was getting into the backfield virtually untouched because of the quickness of his play. With a potential sub 4.5 forty and 40" plus vert plus an outstanding work ethic, Ray is an outstanding prospect. Unfortunately I'm just not sure he will be for us. Should be though.


Rnd Two

TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

Clemmings has an outstanding physique and athleticism for the OT position and whilst he likely projects inside or at RT ultimately, I and the guys at ESPN think that LT isn't beyond him and with Nate Solder on a poor year, a future LT might be a need. Scherff is the dream prospect in this draft for many of us and he's the finished product but Clemmings has lots of potential growth in him yet. Pay attention to the name because he's a climber (ESPN already have him as a first rounder).


Rnd Three

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

Hopefully we'll have more luck with this Indiana RB. At 6' and 210 lbs Coleman has great size, a willingness to finish runs physically and the speed to break the big one. He might not be as big as Blount but he offers much of what Blount did in terms of pounding the ball and breaking the big one. Coleman is currently the FBS Rush yardage leader.


Rnd Three (Comp)

Adrian Amos, S/CB, Penn State

One of those 'feels like a BB guy' picks. A Senior and Captain at a big school with the versatility to play at both CB and safety and excellent size (6-0, 209) combined with good athleticism (PSU website reports 4.45 and 35.5 vert).


Rnd Four (TB)

Reshard Cliett, LB, USF

If Ayers backs up Hightower and Hightower backs up Mayo, then Cliett will back up Collins. Cliett has great length at 6'2" but is only 235lbs. he is an excellent tackler and showcases the ability to drop into coverage with RBs and TEs too. Originally a safety, and still sometimes quoted at 220lbs, Cliett also offers that LB/safety hybrid I was looking for last year. If he does play around 220lbs, then he becomes a Kam Chancellor type.


Rnd Five


Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma


He's not a QB and he's playing his first year at TE and whilst he's not a burner (4.8 approx)' he has good size for the position at 6-6 and 259lbs. However, he also has 36 college TDs. The guy is a short yardage beast. Well worth the fifth round gamble.


Rnd Six (comp)

Venric Mark, RB/WR, West Texas A&M


It seems like every year We sign a UDFA scat back type and Mark is one of the best in that area. Not that I think he's like to make the final roster but Mark is an excellent football player who provides some returner backup on the PS. And you never know...


Rnd Seven


Terry Williams, DT, East Carolina


He's currently the lowest ranked DT at CBS who rank him number 997 and Tony Pauline says that NFL scouts are staying away but watch the below:




The guy is a Wilforkian-beast. I think his character is the issue. He has two suspensions in his past, one of which was for supplying dope and I'm quite happy to acknowledge he's too much of a risk, but man he can play.

manxman2601 said:

Right, time for a mock.

I'm going to borrow some of Mayo's assumptions here:

1. Revis and McCourty are extended.

2. So are Vereen and Ridley. As with Mayo, I'm going for a one year extension for Ridley at close to minimum.

3. Ayers (who I think backs up Hightower) and Branch are serviceable or better and both are extended for at least another season.

4. Connolly and Gostkowski also get extensions possibly more than a year whilst Jonas Gray, Patrick Chung, Siliga and the usual suspects (Slater, Develin etc) get one year extensions.

5. Marcus Cannon is not re-signed however. I suspect Fleming is his replacement on the roster in the long term.


Mock


Rnd One

Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri

I'm hesitant to make this pick because at 6-3 and under 250lbs, he's not a BB edge player and in truth, I don't think this pick gets made. But, with Branch, Siliga, Wilfork and Easley, this team will need a sub-rusher that can eventually replace Ninkovich. I think a bigger bodied DE on the left hand side like Branch or Siliga becomes the norm and on passing downs, Ray comes on to add some much needed quickness to the defence. And as to that quickness, cripes! Watch his game against S Carolina. When lined up against the LT he was constantly being held and when lined up inside over the RG, he was getting into the backfield virtually untouched because of the quickness of his play. With a potential sub 4.5 forty and 40" plus vert plus an outstanding work ethic, Ray is an outstanding prospect. Unfortunately I'm just not sure he will be for us. Should be though.


Rnd Two

TJ Cummings, OT, Pittsburgh

Cummings has an outstanding physique and athleticism for the OT position and whilst he likely projects inside or at RT ultimately, I and the guys at ESPN think that LT isn't beyond him and with Nate Solder on a poor year, a future LT might be a need. Scherff is the dream prospect in this draft for many of us and he's the finished product but Cummings has lots of potential growth in him yet. Pay attention to the name because he's a climber (ESPN already have him as a first rounder).


Rnd Three

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

Hopefully we'll have more luck with this Indiana RB. At 6' and 210 lbs Coleman has great size, a willingness to finish runs physically and the speed to break the big one. He might not be as big as Blount but he offers much of what Blount did in terms of pounding the ball and breaking the big one. Coleman is currently the FBS Rush yardage leader.


Rnd Three (Comp)

Adrian Amos, S/CB, Penn State

One of those 'feels like a BB guy' picks. A Senior and Captain at a big school with the versatility to play at both CB and safety and excellent size (6-0, 209) combined with good athleticism (PSU website reports 4.45 and 35.5 vert).


Rnd Four (TB)

Reshard Cliett, LB, USF

If Ayers backs up Hightower and Hightower backs up Mayo, then Cliett will back up Collins. Cliett has great length at 6'2" but is only 235lbs. he is an excellent tackler and showcases the ability to drop into coverage with RBs and TEs too. Originally a safety, and still sometimes quoted at 220lbs, Cliett also offers that LB/safety hybrid I was looking for last year. If he does play around 220lbs, then he becomes a Kam Chancellor type.


Rnd Five


Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma


He's not a QB and he's playing his first year at TE and whilst he's not a burner (4.8 approx)' he has good size for the position at 6-6 and 259lbs. However, he also has 36 college TDs. The guy is a short yardage beast. Well worth the fifth round gamble.


Rnd Six (comp)

Venric Mark, RB/WR, West Texas A&M


It seems like every year We sign a UDFA scat back type and Mark is one of the best in that area. Not that I think he's like to make the final roster but Mark is an excellent football player who provides some returner backup on the PS. And you never know...


Rnd Seven


Terry Williams, DT, East Carolina


He's currently the lowest ranked DT at CBS who rank him number 997 and Tony Pauline says that NFL scouts are staying away but watch the below:




The guy is a Wilforkian-beast. I think his character is the issue. He has two suspensions in his past, one of which was for supplying dope and I'm quite happy to acknowledge he's too much of a risk, but man he can play.

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Wow! A mock in which you have a DT and I don't! Even if it is the 7th round, I think that's a first!

Nice mock.

It's interesting how much the assumption that Branch and Ayers will be at least serviceable clarifies things, isn't it?

Some thoughts for comparison between our 2 mocks:

1. DE. We both have a DE in the 1st. I have Oakman, you have Ray. Both could easily be out of reach. My biggest question with Ray is whether he can be a 3 down player. You've covered all of the reasons why I doubt he will be the pick in your writeup - I agree he's a fine player. I still prefer Oakman's upside.

2. OL. We both have TJ Clemmings in the 2nd (all the credit on that one to you; I'm just jumping on the bandwagon). I also had Cam Erving in the 3rd as a "value" pick, based on his sliding draft status. This may change based on how the OL evolves this season, but I really want to double up on OL as of right now.

Note: I'm not assuming that Marcus Cannon is re-signed, BTW. I did say that one of Cannon and Devey stuck as a tackle/guard backup. If Devey continues to develop, Fleming develops, and Cannon doesn't improve, then I wouldn't re-sign Cannon.

3. RB. I have Williams in the 4th, you have Coleman in the 3rd. I would gladly go with Coleman in the 3rd, but he's been getting so much favorable press recently that I thought he wouldn't be available, which is why I didn't mock him. Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Broocks had this to say about Coleman this week:

The scoop: "Tevin Coleman is quickly playing his way into second-round consideration with his ability not just to run but also catch the football." -- NFC scout

The skinny: This is the second mention of Coleman by an NFL scout this week. Coleman has an FBS-best 1,192 rushing yards (he's played one more game than Gordon) and has caught 17 passes for 140 yards. He's also improved his pass protection, which bodes well for him at the next level if he wants to be considered a three-down back. Even with the improvement in that area, he might be smart to return for his senior season given that Gurley and Gordon are likely to leave early and there's no guarantee he'd even go in the second round.

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-us-what-were-hearing-about-top-nfl-prospects

I agree with your pick, as much as I would fine with Coleman if he was available in the 3rd. If Coleman and Erving are both available, then I'd be torn, and I'd reserve a decision until later in the draft process.

4. DB. I have Jaquiski Tartt in the 3rd, you have Adrian Amos. Tartt is quickly approaching binky status with me, but I'm fine letting this one sort itself out between now and the draft. A S who can both hit and cover would be nice.

5. TE. I have Clive Walford in the 5th, you have Blake Bell. Another case where I'm happy to let things sort themselves out and see who is available.

6. LB. I have Stephone Anthony have in the 6th, you have Reshard Cliett in the 4th. I love your idea of Cliett as a LB/S, and with James Morris coming off IR we might not need a MLB backup. I'd be thrilled to have Morris as the MLB backup and have Cliett as a LB/S hybrid, replacing Chung, and as a Collins backup. I'm just not sure I'd go LB this high IF Ayers works out.

7. WR. I have Kasen Williams slipping all the way to the 7th round. You have a different type of WR in Venric Mark in the 6th (comp pick). It's a question of what you want; whether the Pats view Josh Boyce as developing could also be a consideration. I tend to favor bigger "move the chains" WRs, but again, I like both players.

8. DT. I like Williams, and he could be a good gamble this late in the draft. But if Branch works out then we have Wilfork (or a replacement), Easley, Branch, Siliga, Jones and Walker at DT, so I passed on the position.

Our mocks are extremely similar in structure and positions targeted. I like all of your players. It's mostly a question of who is available, who the Pats end up liking best, and some minor tweaks in prioritization.

Of course, if Branch and Ayers flop, then my mock changes considerably.

BTW, if Cam Erving drops to the 4th and Tevin Coleman is available in the 3rd, then I love this combination of Manx's mock and mine:

1 (with a trade up using TB's 4th). Potential impact DE. Shawn Oakman vs. Shane Ray. Either could be an impact player worth trading up for.

2. OL. TJ Clemmings would be really solid here.

3. RB. Tevin Coleman would be great.

3 (comp). S. Jaquiski Tartt or Adrian Amos.

4. OL. If Cam Erving slips here, he'd be a great value.

5. TE. Clive Walford of Blake Bell. I'd be fine with either.

6 (comp). LB. NFL DraftScout currenlty has Reshard Cliett projected as a 6th round pick (211 overall). To early to tell where he'll end up, but it's possible. Telvin Smith was projected as a day 2 pick right up to the 2014 draft, and fell to the 5th round.

7. WR. Kasen Williams or Venric Mark, depending on what kind of player fits best.

- Sign Terry Williams as a UDFA DT.

Note: If the Pats don't have to trade up in the 1st for a DE, then there's an early 4th round pick from TB to use. Then you could go Erving at 4a, Cliett at 4b, WR with the 6th comp pick, and Williams with the 7th from Tennessee.

mayoclinic said:

Wow! A mock in which you have a DT and I don't! Even if it is the 7th round, I think that's a first!

Nice mock.

It's interesting how much the assumption that Branch and Ayers will be at least serviceable clarifies things, isn't it?

Some thoughts for comparison between our 2 mocks:

1. DE. We both have a DE in the 1st. I have Oakman, you have Ray. Both could easily be out of reach. My biggest question with Ray is whether he can be a 3 down player. You've covered all of the reasons why I doubt he will be the pick in your writeup - I agree he's a fine player. I still prefer Oakman's upside.

2. OL. We both have TJ Clemmings in the 2nd (all the credit on that one to you; I'm just jumping on the bandwagon). I also had Cam Erving in the 3rd as a "value" pick, based on his sliding draft status. This may change based on how the OL evolves this season, but I really want to double up on OL as of right now.

Note: I'm not assuming that Marcus Cannon is re-signed, BTW. I did say that one of Cannon and Devey stuck as a tackle/guard backup. If Devey continues to develop, Fleming develops, and Cannon doesn't improve, then I wouldn't re-sign Cannon.

3. RB. I have Williams in the 4th, you have Coleman in the 3rd. I would gladly go with Coleman in the 3rd, but he's been getting so much favorable press recently that I thought he wouldn't be available, which is why I didn't mock him. Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Broocks had this to say about Coleman this week:



http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-us-what-were-hearing-about-top-nfl-prospects

I agree with your pick, as much as I would fine with Coleman if he was available in the 3rd. If Coleman and Erving are both available, then I'd be torn, and I'd reserve a decision until later in the draft process.

4. DB. I have Jaquiski Tartt in the 3rd, you have Adrian Amos. Tartt is quickly approaching binky status with me, but I'm fine letting this one sort itself out between now and the draft. A S who can both hit and cover would be nice.

5. TE. I have Clive Walford in the 5th, you have Blake Bell. Another case where I'm happy to let things sort themselves out and see who is available.

6. LB. I Stephone Anthony have in the 6th, you have Reshard Cliett in the 4th. I love your idea of Cliett as a LB/S, and with James Morris coming off IR we might not need a MLB backup. I'd be thrilled to have Morris as the MLB backup and have Cliett as a LB/S hybrid, replacing Chung, and as a Collins backup. I'm just not sure I'd go LB this high IF Ayers works out.

7. WR. I have Kasen Williams slipping all the way to the 7th round. You have a different type of WR in Venric Mark in the 6th (comp pick). It's a question of what you want; whether the Pats view Josh Boyce as developing could also be a consideration. I tend to favor bigger "move the chains" WRs, but again, I like both players.

8. DT. I like Williams, and he could be a good gamble this late in the draft. But if Branch works out then we have Wilfork (or a replacement), Easley, Branch, Siliga, Jones and Walker at DT, so I passed on the position.

Our mocks are extremely similar in structure and positions targeted. I like all of your players. It's mostly a question of who is available, who the Pats end up liking best, and some minor tweaks in prioritization.

Of course, if Branch and Ayers flop, then my mock changes considerably.

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top post Just to respond.

1. I am more intrigued by Branch than Ayers mainly because I think that signing sends us further towards that Seahawks defense. As someone noted on Twitter, we've now signed three former Seahawks in Browner, Branch and Siliga. I like the Ayers pick but I think the Branch one will have the bigger impact. Which leads me on to

2. If we are headed in a Seahawks direction then I wonder whether someone like Armstead or Oakman makes sense. The base front four would be something like Branch-Wilfork/Siliga-Easley-Jones. In that situation, I don't see that much improvement in the pass rush by moving to Oakman in the sub package and I just think Ray would make more sense as a sub package guy. Of course that assumes a 4-3 under or 3-4 (Ray can play OLB). It may well be that we comtinue as we are and that a more typical 4-3 LDE is needed and then Oakman makes more sense.

3. If we bring back Conolly which I think we should right now providing the money is right, it becomes hard to see beyond one OL making the roster even if Cannon is let go. There are four OTs in Solder, Vollmer, Fleming and Cummings with Cummings probably playing at OG and then you have an interior of Connolly, Wendell and Stork. That's seven potential starters and I found it hard to justify adding another on top. I did consider someone like Eric Lefeld later on but chose not too.

4. RBs are too much in the air to really get a grip on. We could end up drafting one, two or none depending on what happens with Vereen and Ridley and depending on how Gray plays. Mocking a RB is a complete lottery at the moment but I've already dumped three binkies in Abdullah, Hodges and Dupree and I couldn't dump Coleman too.

5. I'm still a fan of adding more speed to this defense, hence the Cliett pick. And if we are going full on Seahawks then he makes for a nice Kam Chancellor.

6. I haven't really scouted safeties yet and could easily have gone with Tartt. The Amos pick was nothing more than wanting to make my mock a little different to yours and Amos seems like a nice Pats fit.

7. At this stage not much can be read in to mocking day three players and so I tend to look at interesting possibilities that go beyond need and value and I think both Bell and Mark are interesting guys. I can easily see Bell replicate what Hooman does and I like his short yardage upside.

8. I only discovered Terry Williams today and I have to say, if I was grading him solely on that one piece of limited tape, I'd grade him as a first rounder. So I really just wanted to highlight that special bit of tape and contrast it with the apparent lack of interest in him.

I still haven't given this draft class anywhere near the attention it deserves so these players are far from locked in. These are just the ones I like so far. There's a long way to go yet. It is interesting that you and I see many things similarly but can also differ quite significantly in philosophy. It will be interesting to see whether we converge or diverge from this point. What I will say is that if there is a divergence, it will be a very respectful one.

Finally just want to urge people to watch Shane Rays S Carolina tape. I literally said "wow!" Out loud four or five times. It convinced me to put him in the first round of my mock.

mayoclinic said:

BTW, if Cam Erving drops to the 4th and Tevin Coleman is available in the 3rd, then I love this combination of Manx's mock and mine:

1 (with a trade up using TB's 4th). Potential impact DE. Shawn Oakman vs. Shane Ray. Either could be an impact player worth trading up for.

2. OL. TJ Clemmings would be really solid here.

3. RB. Tevin Coleman would be great.

3 (comp). S. Jaquiski Tartt or Adrian Amos.

4. OL. If Cam Erving slips here, he'd be a great value.

5. TE. Clive Walford of Blake Bell. I'd be fine with either.

6 (comp). LB. NFL DraftScout currenlty has Reshard Cliett projected as a 6th round pick (211 overall). To early to tell where he'll end up, but it's possible. Telvin Smith was projected as a day 2 pick right up to the 2014 draft, and fell to the 5th round.

7. WR. Kasen Williams or Venric Mark, depending on what kind of player fits best.

- Sign Terry Williams as a UDFA DT.

Note: If the Pats don't have to trade up in the 1st for a DE, then there's an early 4th round pick from TB to use. Then you could go Erving at 4a, Cliett at 4b, WR with the 6th comp pick, and Williams with the 7th from Tennessee.

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I'm game. Shall we send it in now?

Great comments. Thanks. I've put some responses in red, just to further the discussion:

manxman2601 said:

1. I am more intrigued by Branch than Ayers mainly because I think that signing sends us further towards that Seahawks defense. As someone noted on Twitter, we've now signed three former Seahawks in Browner, Branch and Siliga. I like the Ayers pick but I think the Branch one will have the bigger impact. Which leads me on to

It's interesting that the Seahawks didn't re-sign Branch given their losses on DT this off-season. They are noticeably thinner in their rotation inside this year than last, so I would have thought they could have used him back. It makes me wonder a bit, whether they'd burned that bridge, or whether they've moved on from Branch.

2. If we are headed in a Seahawks direction then I wonder whether someone like Armstead or Oakman makes sense. The base front four would be something like Branch-Wilfork/Siliga-Easley-Jones. In that situation, I don't see that much improvement in the pass rush by moving to Oakman in the sub package and I just think Ray would make more sense as a sub package guy. Of course that assumes a 4-3 under or 3-4 (Ray can play OLB). It may well be that we comtinue as we are and that a more typical 4-3 LDE is needed and then Oakman makes more sense.

Good thoughts. I think another factor is how Zach Moore develops. He has the raw talent to contribute, and if he develops nicely than that could also favor a guy like Ray.

3. If we bring back Conolly which I think we should right now providing the money is right, it becomes hard to see beyond one OL making the roster even if Cannon is let go. There are four OTs in Solder, Vollmer, Fleming and Cummings with Cummings probably playing at OG and then you have an interior of Connolly, Wendell and Stork. That's seven potential starters and I found it hard to justify adding another on top. I did consider someone like Eric Lefeld later on but chose not too.

I'm assuming 9 OL. Solder, Vollmer, Stork, Fleming and Wendell seem like locks right now. I agree that re-signing Connolly makes sense. That makes 6 OL. Assuming one of Cannon/Devey sticks, I still felt we had room to add 2 linemen, replacing Kline and one of Devey/Cannon. Clemmings (I've made the "Cummings" mistake several times, LOL) and Erving both have nice tackle/guard flexibility, and talent-wise are a huge upgrade. That was my thinking when I did my mock.

4. RBs are too much in the air to really get a grip on. We could end up drafting one, two or none depending on what happens with Vereen and Ridley and depending on how Gray plays. Mocking a RB is a complete lottery at the moment but I've already dumped three binkies in Abdullah, Hodges and Dupree and I couldn't dump Coleman too.

I completely agree. Tyler Gaffney and Brandon Bolden are also considerations. I originally had Coleman in the 3rd in my mock and Tartt in the 4th, and then I took Coleman out because of the scouting comments projecting him as a possible 2nd, and mocks having Tartt going as high as the 2nd, so I moved both guys' draft value up a bit.

5. I'm still a fan of adding more speed to this defense, hence the Cliett pick. And if we are going full on Seahawks then he makes for a nice Kam Chancellor.

I completely agree.

6. I haven't really scouted safeties yet and could easily have gone with Tartt. The Amos pick was nothing more than wanting to make my mock a little different to yours and Amos seems like a nice Pats fit.

I've considered Amos, and like him. I like Tartt more right now, but it's early. I think the more good fits and potential prospects we can identify, the better. I'm not locked in on anyone at this point.

7. At this stage not much can be read in to mocking day three players and so I tend to look at interesting possibilities that go beyond need and value and I think both Bell and Mark are interesting guys. I can easily see Bell replicate what Hooman does and I like his short yardage upside.

Again, I completely agree. I'm not locked in to anyone at this point.

8. I only discovered Terry Williams today and I have to say, if I was grading him solely on that one piece of limited tape, I'd grade him as a first rounder. So I really just wanted to highlight that special bit of tape and contrast it with the apparent lack of interest in him.

I've learned to pay attention to your finds. I'm intrigued. You won't find it hard to sell me on a DT, as you should know by now.

I still haven't given this draft class anywhere near the attention it deserves so these players are far from locked in. These are just the ones I like so far. There's a long way to go yet. It is interesting that you and I see many things similarly but can also differ quite significantly in philosophy. It will be interesting to see whether we converge or diverge from this point. What I will say is that if there is a divergence, it will be a very respectful one.

Finally just want to urge people to watch Shane Rays S Carolina tape. I literally said "wow!" Out loud four or five times. It convinced me to put him in the first round of my mock.

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It's early, but it's fun how this is shaping up. Of course, it never works out the way you think it will.

Nice work Manx. I'm going to get a first-hand look at Amos tomorrow night. Also, watch out for Mike Hull. He plays the Mike but is only 225-230 pounds. OLB in the NFL. Reported to have 4.6 forty speed and might be one of the strongest players on the team. A little light in the pants for a BB linebacker. But, the kid is tough and has great instincts. If Joey Bosa is missing, no truth to the rumor he is tied up in a trunk at someone's tailgate


The PSU White-Out games are half football and half rock-concert atmosphere. Spectacular setting on a beautiful fall Saturday. I expect OSU to win by 2-3 scores.

patsfaninpa said:

Nice work Manx. I'm going to get a first-hand look at Amos tomorrow night. Also, watch out for Mike Hull. He plays the Mike but is only 225-230 pounds. OLB in the NFL. Reported to have 4.6 forty speed and might be one of the strongest players on the team. A little light in the pants for a BB linebacker. But, the kid is tough and has great instincts. If Joey Bosa is missing, no truth to the rumor he is tied up in a trunk at someone's tailgate


The PSU White-Out games are half football and half rock-concert atmosphere. Spectacular setting on a beautiful fall Saturday. I expect OSU to win by 2-3 scores.

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I live in the UK so will never get to see a CFB game much to my regret. As sporting spectacles go, I suspect it even trumps the NFL (been to a few of the Wembley games). You can't imagine how alien the notion of university sports getting 100,000 fans is to us Brits. Would love your feedback on both Amos and Hull later.

mayoclinic said:

Great comments. Thanks. I've put some responses in red, just to further the discussion:



It's early, but it's fun how this is shaping up. Of course, it never works out the way you think it will.

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I've changed Cummings to Clemmings in my mock. Thank you for pointing it out as subtly as you did. How embarrassing.

This draft appears deep at de. So who are we interested in trading up for?

Calhoun of mich state?
Oakman of Baylor?
Edwards of fsu?

Ochmed Jones said:

This draft appears deep at de. So who are we interested in trading up for?

Calhoun of mich state?
Oakman of Baylor?
Edwards of fsu?

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None of the above for me, maybe Calhoun. I'd take Oakman at our pick though.For me it would be Dante Fowler or Shane Ray. You are ke Oakman at our picright though, potentially very deep Edge player class. Bud Dupree, Kikaha, Zach Hodhes, Odighizuwa and more can be had on day two too. I'll be disappointed if we don't come out of this draft without a day one or two pass rusher.

manxman2601 said:

None of the above for me, maybe Calhoun. I'd take Oakman at our pick though.For me it would be Dante Fowler or Shane Ray. You are ke Oakman at our picright though, potentially very deep Edge player class. Bud Dupree, Kikaha, Zach Hodhes, Odighizuwa and more can be had on day two too. I'll be disappointed if we don't come out of this draft without a day one or two pass rusher.

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For me there are 2 main groups, base DEs with 3-4/4-3 versatility who can play inside at times, and DE/OLB/Sub Rushers. My personal list:

Base DEs: Shawn Oakman (worth a trade-up) and Arik Armstead are at the top for me; then Mario Edwards, Owamagbe Odighizuwa and Drew Ott in some order. Leonard Williams will be out of reach.

DE/OLB/Sub Rushers: Dante Fowler, Shane Ray, then Shilique Calhoun (whose stock has slipped somewhat this year) and Bud Fowler, then Zach Hodges, Hauoli Kikaha and Lorenzo Maudlin in some order. Randy Gregory will be out of reach. Bronson Kaufusi is a tweener between the 2 groups - not sure where he fits right now. Vic Beasley seems too light for us, though he gets some Von Miller comparisons.

It's a deep group.

Shiquille Riddick is also of interest to me as a day 3 sub rusher.

-Revis and D-MAC are extended long term
-Ridley is brought back on a 1 year deal
-Vince and Mayo both return
-Amendola is released/traded
-Jones and Hightower are later extended
- Vereen and Slater is extended
- Chung resigns

1. Shilique Calhoun, DE, MSU
2. Arie Kouandjio, OG, 'Bama
3. Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
3 (Talib Comp). Ramik Wilson, MLB, UGA
4 (Mankins trade). Karlos Williams, RB, FSU
4. Jermaine Whitehead, FS, Auburn
5. Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke
6 (Spikes Comp). Jordan Taylor, WR, Rice
UDFAs: OT Rob Havenstein, Wisonsin; DT Jeffrey Whitaker, Auburn; RB Prince-Tyson Gulley, Syracuse; RB Bill Belton, PSU, TE Braxton Deaver, Duke

Any questions or comments please share, I will answer every one, have a lot of thought go into this