2015 NFL Mock Drafts

BobDigital · Jan 17, 2015

manxman2601 said:
Pre-Senior Bowl Mock

Re-sign:

Alan Branch
Akeem Ayers
Darelle Revis
Devin McCourty
Shane Vereen (if the money is right)
Stephen Gostkowski
Seaver Siliga
James Develin

Sign:

Delvin Breaux

Keep if affordable:

Vince Wilfoek
Jerod Mayo
Danny Amendola

Draft

I have a trade scenario to propose here. Firstly, let me just acknowledge that it's unrealistic so can we leave that as given please. However, I need it to demonstrate that without Clemmings, Scherff, Collins, Dupree and Fowler being available as things stand, my interest in the first round has declined significantly. Secondly, whilst there are a number of second rounders that interest me (Erving, Obdighizuwa, Maxx Williams), for this mock, I have equivalent and arguably better value prospects later in the mock.

The Trade

The Falcons have demonstrated that they're prepared to be aggressive in the draft and that they value offensive skill position players. They need a pass rusher badly and are ideally positioned in the top 10 to get a really good one. They also need a TE and, arguably, an elite RB. To that end, they trade their third, fourth round picks and a 2016 first rounder to us for our first round pick. that enables them to draft Maxx Williams and Todd Gurley with our pick and their own second rounder to go along with their first round pass rusher. I'd argue that that would be a significant haul for them. Even if Gurley takes a redshirt year, one can argue that getting him back next year is worth the first rounder they lost this year. Or t least goes some way towards relieving some of the pain of losing the first rounder.

**Trade 2015 first rounder for Atlanta's 2015 3rd (74) and 4th Rounder (104) and 2016 1st rounder.

64

Jeremiah Poutasi, OL, Utah

I haven't scouted him properly yet and I still would prefer the other linemen I mentioned earlier (Scherff, Collins etc) but, and all credit to Mayoclinic here, Poutasi definitely intrigues me. Certainly we seem to be moving more towards linemen where size and strength have caught up with athleticism as a requirement and Poutasi certainly scores highly in terms of size/strength. Poutasi-Stork-Fleming is a really intriguing interior O-Line moving forward that makes me think of the Ravens OL and what they did to our DL last weekend.

And by the way, Poutasi can do this:

74 (From Atl)

Marcus Hardison DE/DT, Arizona State

I know, this is an ambitious evaluation as things stand and based upon current projections. But here's the thing, I'm not sure it will turn out that way. in fact, I think this could end up being somewhat of an under-estimation. At this time in 2012, Seattle's LB Bobby Wagner was an unheralded prospect barely considered as draftable. He went on to be the North squad's MVP at the Senior Bowl and had a terrific combine and ended up taken ahead of Lavonte David. I think, that if Hardison excels at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine, then he too could benefit from such a rise. That's a lot too ask, but it's not impossible.

Previously I've suggested a Stephon Tuitt comparison for Hardison but having rewatched him, I have a different comparison for you. How about Sheldon Richardson? Hardison can be terrifically quick off the snap, has the athleticism to bend the edge like someone 30 or 40 pounds lighter and whereas Richardson performed well at the combine running a heralded 4.86 forty, according to his school bio, Hardison runs a 4.7 forty. Now a forty time for a defensive lineman is far from the be all and end all but I do think it reflects a level of athleticism (big guys with good forty times rarely bomb at other athletic tests) and I also think that the 4.7 time probably is a touch exaggerated but it's still likely to be in the 4.8s/9s at worse. For perspective, a quick research of DEs of 290lbs plus has Mario Williams tops at 4.7, the same as Hardison is currently being reported at.

So now that I've justified why I am picking him so high, why am I picking him for The Patriots. I have debated with Mayoclinic and others the direction we should look towards as regards our DL. Mayo and others have made compelling cases, in Mayo's case for adding an interior disruptor like Eddie Goldman/Jordan Phillips and an EDGE player/Linebacker like Max Valles. I have no problem with that hypothesis. But here's why I go in a slightly different direction.

As has been evidenced by what has happened to Akeem Ayers since Chandler Jones has returned, BB is happy to play Jones/Ninkovich on every down. With Hightower and Collins being every down players too, that leaves little to room for an additional EDGE player to play straight away.

I saw a statistic that said that the Patriots are the second lowest blitzers in the NFL. That means there is a greater onus on the DL to get pressure which is why I'm looking at these bigger DEs that can kick inside and that can generate pressure off the edge and inside too without compromising the run or contain. Hardison and Odhigizuwa are top of my list of those player types.

One of the most iconic plays for me this year was that one against the Packers where we rushed only three and Rodgers had well over ten seconds to sit in the pocket. That play has driven me to look at prospects that can get pressure when we only rush three. A three man DL of Hardison-Easley-Chandler Jones has a much better chance.

Now that I've written an essay on Hardison, on to my next pick

96

Zach Hodges, EDGE, Harvard

Hodges was my first binky of the year so he sticks in the mock for now. A potential 3rd down LEO and Jamie Collins backup is how I best see Hodges fitting on our roster.

97 (Comp)

David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa

Johnson is a fascinating guy at 6'3" and 225lbs that runs in the 4.5's. I see him best as 3rd down back/H-Back. A future Charles Clay type perhaps or merely a bigger Shane Vereen? He's fairly difficult to project but I can see a myriad of ways that he can be used to help the offense. I find him very intriguing.

102 (From TB)

Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary

I've spent all week on Tre McBride so I really don't need to repeat myself. I'll just leave you with a poor man's Amari Cooper/sammy Watkins comparison. I'm fine with that player on our team.

104 (From Atl)

Deandre Smelter, WR, Georgia Tech

Note: I'd trade further back with this pick to pick up additional day three pick. Let's say an additional 5th rounder.

He seems to be edging towards board binky status and i'm very happy with that. Whilst I think Smelter's upside is much higher, I'd be fine with describing him as an excellent Lafell backup/successor; their games aren't dissimilar. If he ends up as little more than that, I still think this is an excellent pick. McBride and Smelter would add real competition to a camp that will probably still feature Josh Boyce and Aaron Dobson.

What a post. A lot of thoughts went into this and I appreciate that. Of course I do not agree with every pick but your Falcons trade idea is interesting though highly doubtful. If such a trade were possible I would jump on it.

As far as the players you picked... I like your first 2 as good fits for team needs but again I have the same complaint about not trading up to get better talents especailly after acquiring draft capital with the first trade making the process less painful.

Also I must turn the argument you used on Mayo around on you. You were correct to notice Ayers' lack of play since Jones has returned but you draft 2 WRs with the knowledge with Lafell/Edelman & possibly Amendola (you are open to bringing him back) they will also not likely see any meaningful snaps. I like these players from the little I know of them but I doubt unless they blow doors off they will sniff the field much.

I have looked at RBs a bit and Johnson is one I have no idea what to think of. He looks impressive but he might be fit for more of a "joker" role than a true RB and I think if a RB is a drafted one that can catch well and a pure 3rd down back be a better option.

Again though; I enjoyed reading it and it gave me plenty to consider.

manxman2601 · Jan 17, 2015

BobDigital said:
What a post. A lot of thoughts went into this and I appreciate that. Of course I do not agree with every pick but your Falcons trade idea is interesting though highly doubtful. If such a trade were possible I would jump on it.

As far as the players you picked... I like your first 2 as good fits for team needs but again I have the same complaint about not trading up to get better talents especailly after acquiring draft capital with the first trade making the process less painful.

Also I must turn the argument you used on Mayo around on you. You were correct to notice Ayers' lack of play since Jones has returned but you draft 2 WRs with the knowledge with Lafell/Edelman & possibly Amendola (you are open to bringing him back) they will also not likely see any meaningful snaps. I like these players from the little I know of them but I doubt unless they blow doors off they will sniff the field much.

I have looked at RBs a bit and Johnson is one I have no idea what to think of. He looks impressive but he might be fit for more of a "joker" role than a true RB and I think if a RB is a drafted one that can catch well and a pure 3rd down back be a better option.

Again though; I enjoyed reading it and it gave me plenty to consider.

Thanks for the reply. In answer to your points, I'd say the following.

1. With regards to the first two picks, my go to idea for my first two picks has been Cameron Erving/Odhigizuwa. But I'd been thinking about Poutasi of late thanks to Mayoclinic and I'd just re watched some Hardison and got hit by that Sheldon Richardson comparison and so I wanted to reflect that. As for their abilities, I take your point. I recognise that I'm a lot higher on Hardison than most and that could be a failure of mine. But personally I think he's someone with a chance to challenge the first round. The Senior Bowl and combine will make or break my evaluation. We shall see over the next few weeks.

2. I just watched David Johnson today for the first time and I'm fascinated by him. I don't think he's a conventional RB at all and I like him as a 3rd down guy/h-back a lot. I think he's someone you scheme to create defensive mismatches. I don't know what the plan at RB is. I'm starting to lean towards there being little requirement now, particularly if Vereen comes back. But. Just felt Johnson was different enough to be included.

3. As for the WRs, I absolutely take your point. Dobson and Boyce are still part of the equation too. But WRs tend to be my thing and every year I tend to have a WR I really like. Well this year I have two and I just had to include them. McBride and Smelter are two of my favourite prospects.

manxman2601 · Jan 17, 2015

BobDigital said:
A new mock cause it is a new week with risers and fallers. I am going to do this mock with players I have not used that often and go a bit different than usual and get really creative. Also with the recent Chung contract it seems unlikely we take a safety high as they seem happy with him. Also I think after this playoff game Amendola has saved his job though he will come back for a reduced rate making WR less of a need position. Pats will give Dobson 1 more off season to prove it before moving on.

#1 - Trade Down (a a 2nd and a 4th) - I am not for trading down but to mix things up this is required and it will make sense once seeing the rest of the mock

#40 - Josie Mathias - OG - Need an impact OL and this one fits.

-TRADE up- using your 2nd and the 4th you just got.

#48 - Malcolm Brown - DT - The pass rush could use an upgrade.

-TRADE up- Using your 3rd and the TB 4th-

#72 - Jalen Collins - CB - Pure luxury pick here. Collins has measurable and a track record. I think the 6'2 CB could be the guy who replaces Browner as the "physical corner" in our D when he is gone in a few years.

3rd round comp - Preston Smith - DE - 6'6 and 265 he has the right build for a DE and seems to have made a jump since last year. I am hoping the upside is there. This is another luxury pick if Ayers stays but it adds good depth cause Moore is not a true DE and of a specialist role. If Ayers is gone DE becomes more important to address but I still like this player.

4th (ours) - Miles Dieffenbach - OG - I made this pick last time and I want to stick with it. Lots of upside in the 4th and worth a shot. OG is a good spot to double dip this year.

Per usually I am just doing the first 4 rounds.

I'm sorry I missed this. It's interesting in light of your comments on my mock because I don't think we're that far apart.

The big difference between our two mocks is your Malcom Brown pick. I actually really like the player and like the value there but I'm not there on needing a DT yet if Wilfork and Branch come back for another year. If either of them is off the team next year then that's a different matter and I'd be right with you on the Brown pick. But I believe we need to generate more pass rush from the sub-package which is why I've targeted a DE that can shift inside on passing downs.

But you've also gone for Mathias/Collins/Preston Smith and this is where I think we're very similar, particularly if you discount the above mock and substitute in one that has Cam Erving and Odhigizuwa with the first two picks along with a FA signing of Delvin Breaux. That has been my preferred option of late and it was just that changed things up a bit of late. So we've basically gone for the same positions and what I think are similarly graded players - I mean I prefer my choices but that's a personal evaluation thing, I'd still be very happy with yours. So compare and contrast:

You

Josue Mathias
Malcolm Brown
Jalen Collins
Preston Smith

Me

Cam Erving
Owamagbe Odhigizuwa/Marcus Hardison
Delvin Breaux
Terry Williams

I think they are two very similar mocks. So I'm obliged to say....Good job!

mayoclinic · Jan 17, 2015

manxman2601 said:
Pre-Senior Bowl Mock

Re-sign:

Alan Branch
Akeem Ayers
Darelle Revis
Devin McCourty
Shane Vereen (if the money is right)
Stephen Gostkowski
Seaver Siliga
James Develin

Sign:

Delvin Breaux

Keep if affordable:

Vince Wilfoek
Jerod Mayo
Danny Amendola

Draft

I have a trade scenario to propose here. Firstly, let me just acknowledge that it's unrealistic so can we leave that as given please. However, I need it to demonstrate that without Clemmings, Scherff, Collins, Dupree and Fowler being available as things stand, my interest in the first round has declined significantly. Secondly, whilst there are a number of second rounders that interest me (Erving, Obdighizuwa, Maxx Williams), for this mock, I have equivalent and arguably better value prospects later in the mock.

The Trade

The Falcons have demonstrated that they're prepared to be aggressive in the draft and that they value offensive skill position players. They need a pass rusher badly and are ideally positioned in the top 10 to get a really good one. They also need a TE and, arguably, an elite RB. To that end, they trade their third, fourth round picks and a 2016 first rounder to us for our first round pick. that enables them to draft Maxx Williams and Todd Gurley with our pick and their own second rounder to go along with their first round pass rusher. I'd argue that that would be a significant haul for them. Even if Gurley takes a redshirt year, one can argue that getting him back next year is worth the first rounder they lost this year. Or t least goes some way towards relieving some of the pain of losing the first rounder.

**Trade 2015 first rounder for Atlanta's 2015 3rd (74) and 4th Rounder (104) and 2016 1st rounder.

64

Jeremiah Poutasi, OL, Utah

I haven't scouted him properly yet and I still would prefer the other linemen I mentioned earlier (Scherff, Collins etc) but, and all credit to Mayoclinic here, Poutasi definitely intrigues me. Certainly we seem to be moving more towards linemen where size and strength have caught up with athleticism as a requirement and Poutasi certainly scores highly in terms of size/strength. Poutasi-Stork-Fleming is a really intriguing interior O-Line moving forward that makes me think of the Ravens OL and what they did to our DL last weekend.

And by the way, Poutasi can do this:

74 (From Atl)

Marcus Hardison DE/DT, Arizona State

I know, this is an ambitious evaluation as things stand and based upon current projections. But here's the thing, I'm not sure it will turn out that way. in fact, I think this could end up being somewhat of an under-estimation. At this time in 2012, Seattle's LB Bobby Wagner was an unheralded prospect barely considered as draftable. He went on to be the North squad's MVP at the Senior Bowl and had a terrific combine and ended up taken ahead of Lavonte David. I think, that if Hardison excels at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine, then he too could benefit from such a rise. That's a lot too ask, but it's not impossible.

Previously I've suggested a Stephon Tuitt comparison for Hardison but having rewatched him, I have a different comparison for you. How about Sheldon Richardson? Hardison can be terrifically quick off the snap, has the athleticism to bend the edge like someone 30 or 40 pounds lighter and whereas Richardson performed well at the combine running a heralded 4.86 forty, according to his school bio, Hardison runs a 4.7 forty. Now a forty time for a defensive lineman is far from the be all and end all but I do think it reflects a level of athleticism (big guys with good forty times rarely bomb at other athletic tests) and I also think that the 4.7 time probably is a touch exaggerated but it's still likely to be in the 4.8s/9s at worse. For perspective, a quick research of DEs of 290lbs plus has Mario Williams tops at 4.7, the same as Hardison is currently being reported at.

So now that I've justified why I am picking him so high, why am I picking him for The Patriots. I have debated with Mayoclinic and others the direction we should look towards as regards our DL. Mayo and others have made compelling cases, in Mayo's case for adding an interior disruptor like Eddie Goldman/Jordan Phillips and an EDGE player/Linebacker like Max Valles. I have no problem with that hypothesis. But here's why I go in a slightly different direction.

As has been evidenced by what has happened to Akeem Ayers since Chandler Jones has returned, BB is happy to play Jones/Ninkovich on every down. With Hightower and Collins being every down players too, that leaves little to room for an additional EDGE player to play straight away.

I saw a statistic that said that the Patriots are the second lowest blitzers in the NFL. That means there is a greater onus on the DL to get pressure which is why I'm looking at these bigger DEs that can kick inside and that can generate pressure off the edge and inside too without compromising the run or contain. Hardison and Odhigizuwa are top of my list of those player types.

One of the most iconic plays for me this year was that one against the Packers where we rushed only three and Rodgers had well over ten seconds to sit in the pocket. That play has driven me to look at prospects that can get pressure when we only rush three. A three man DL of Hardison-Easley-Chandler Jones has a much better chance.

Now that I've written an essay on Hardison, on to my next pick

96

Zach Hodges, EDGE, Harvard

Hodges was my first binky of the year so he sticks in the mock for now. A potential 3rd down LEO and Jamie Collins backup is how I best see Hodges fitting on our roster.

97 (Comp)

David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa

Johnson is a fascinating guy at 6'3" and 225lbs that runs in the 4.5's. I see him best as 3rd down back/H-Back. A future Charles Clay type perhaps or merely a bigger Shane Vereen? He's fairly difficult to project but I can see a myriad of ways that he can be used to help the offense. I find him very intriguing.

102 (From TB)

Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary

I've spent all week on Tre McBride so I really don't need to repeat myself. I'll just leave you with a poor man's Amari Cooper/sammy Watkins comparison. I'm fine with that player on our team.

104 (From Atl)

Deandre Smelter, WR, Georgia Tech

Note: I'd trade further back with this pick to pick up additional day three pick. Let's say an additional 5th rounder.

He seems to be edging towards board binky status and i'm very happy with that. Whilst I think Smelter's upside is much higher, I'd be fine with describing him as an excellent Lafell backup/successor; their games aren't dissimilar. If he ends up as little more than that, I still think this is an excellent pick. McBride and Smelter would add real competition to a camp that will probably still feature Josh Boyce and Aaron Dobson.

132
Ben Heeney, LB, Kansas

With me not re-signing Casillas, I need a backup linebacker. Heaney may be undersized at 230lbs and lacking in top notch athleticism but Heeney has outstanding instincts, a leader and one of the top tacklers in CFB. He might also come with the recommendation of his former HC Charlie Weis. Heeney could be an outstanding backup and special teams player.

145 (Acquired with trade back from #104. See Deandre Smelter above)

Terry Williams, DL, Eastern Carolina

My favourite day three DL. in fact, one of my favourite DLs period. In the past, BB has partnered Kyle Love and Vince Wilfork and lately Sealver Siliga and Vince Wilfork. Terry Williams and Sealver Siliga becomes the continuation of that pattern after the 2016 season.

217 (From Tenn)

Jean Sifrin, TE, UMass

He's 27, he's not an outstanding blocker and he doesn't have a long track record of success. However, he's outstanding athletically and is a very good catcher of the ball. Tim Wright might still be a success for us but his effect on our offence has been in a bit of a decline and whilst things might work out for him after camp next year, Sifrin adds some camp insurance.

178 (From TB)

Shaq Mason, OG, Georgia Tech

I'm a big fan of Mason and I think he can be a potential starter - I love his athleticism. However, after drafting Poutasi earlier, I see an interior DL of Poutasi-Stork-Fleming as the future. Mason adds depth and can work as a backup or go on the PS.

Just a final word. I love Odighizuwa and I don't like presenting a mock without him being there. But I love Hardison too and it's difficult to justify both. Please regard those two as interchangeable.

Great job, as usual. Some thoughts:

1. A 2016 1st would be sweet. If I can't get Goldman, Clemmings, Phillips or Malcolm Brown then I'm fine with that trade, but as you say, it's a bit unlikely.

2. Love Poutasi at 64.

3. I'd take Max Valles at 74. Not a fan of the Zach Hodges pick. Hardison at 96 would be fine by me if he's available. I also think that would be a good range to take a gamble on Ellis McCarthy, who is inconsistent but as a ton of talent.

4. Love McBride and Smelter, and would be happy to take them there, though I hope we can Smelter for a bit less.

5. Not a huge Heeney fan. I'd go for a DB like Josh Shaw. Love the Breaux pickup, BTW.

6. I'd go with Blake Bell over Jean Sifrin, personally.

Just personal preferences and nitpicks, but it's a great mock.

mayoclinic · Jan 17, 2015

Following up on the previous post, using Manx's trade and picks and tweaking them:

64. Jeremiah Poutasi - OL - Utah. 6'6" 322#.
74. Max Valles - EDGE - Virginia. 6'5" 240#.
96. Marcus Hardison - DE/DT - Arizona St. 6'4" 300#.
97 (comp). Ellis McCarthy - DT - UCLA. 6'5" 330#.
102. Josh Shaw - CB/S - USC. 6'1" 200#. Or Eric Rowe - CB/S - Utah. 6'1" 201#.
104. Tre McBride - WR - William & Mary. 6'1" 205#.
132. Best available RB or OL. You might still get David Johnson here. OL Robert Myers or Hart would be ok for me, too.
145. DeAndre Smelter - WR - Georgia Tech. 6'3" 222#.
178. Best available OL or RB. I'm ok with Shaq Mason here if you go RB at 132. I also like Josh Robinson if the choice at 132 is an OL.
217. Blake Bell - TE - Oklahoma. 6'6" 263#.

My only complaint with this is that it's a lot of draft picks for probably very few roster spots, but I think they are all competitive.

Patriot Missile · Jan 17, 2015

BobDigital said:
Mayo, often we see the draft the same way but this is one I am just not a fan of. It is really good when looked at from a 2016 or so perspective but as far as the 2015 season I just don't see much impact from it.

Since you took the time and thoughtfully about it let me go move by move.

#1 Jordan Phillips - DT - This is actually my favorite pick of your draft. He is probably going to be stuck behind Wilfork and Easley for a year but seems like a potential big time impact player in 2016 when he gets more time and is the kind of player I am okay drafting standing pat at 32 as i assume he will rise as you do.

#2 - Trade d0wn - I honestly hate this move Mayo. I know you like to go deep into drafts and find golden nuggets but I am not a fan of trading down particularly with a roster as loaded as ours. I would like to see the exact opposite done. The golden nugget players in round 5 are enticing but they are in round 5 for a reason. They are long shots that rarely work out.

Look at the Pats draft this year.
#1 Easley (kind of taking a red shirt year and hoping he becomes a super star but worth the risk)
#2 Gara - Showed a good amount this year and worth that pick.
#4 Stork - Starting Center.
#4 White - RB - miss looks like.
#4 Fleming - OL - Injured but shows promise
#6 Halapio - G - miss
#6 Zach Moore - we will see but no real impact this year.
#6 Thomas - miss
#7 Gallon - miss

I mean the lower you go the worse it gets consistently. The late round gems who show real promise tend to move up as the process goes along into the 2nd 3rd and 4th usually.

I know you like competition and i do to but i find often times a trade down is almost the same as dividing talent between 2 players which is something we should not be doing right now. Sorry i did not mean to get on you for this and i know you are not the only one who proposes such trades. I have been proven wrong about trade downs in the past but this is a year i just don't see a reason to. I want to combine talent getting capital not divide it.

#3 Max Valles -DE/OLB - I feel if we keep Ayers who doesn't get to play much now anyway with Jones healthy then this just becomes redundant and you used the 2nd highest pick on a player that hopefully will not get any snaps if all goes to plan and Collins, Ayers, Jones are healthy.

#3 Potasi - OG/OT - I like this pick and think it is good value. I just feel we left better players on the board and waiting till the top of the 3rd to pick a guy who might see snaps for a lot of 2015.

#3comp Rollins - CB - Have not seen any tape on him. I hear he is talented though.

#4 Hart - OG - I honestly don't know how i feel about Hart. He is fast for his size but he might be too big. I like 1 big interior G but think having a smaller one is good for when you need someone to do more athletic stuff in space. Also I wonder how he will do against smaller speed rushers ala Seattle when it comes to pass protection. I think the OIL needs some beef and finesse and overloading one can lead to bad things. I like the player in principle but i feel to many big guys like him could be bad for us.

Picks #5-UDFA - I like Blake Bell - TE the best of any player there. The late round WRs are always talented and have great measurables but I am weary of hoping for much from them. Most of them turn into "Harrison" types from Rutgers that have all the numbers on a clip board you could want but fail to get it. Also it is unlikely anyone sees time with Edelman/Lafell/Amendola or Royal (as i know you like the idea of him for Amendola IIRC. I think we would need a top end talent with a proven track record to cut into that line-up.

I love taking big raw CB/S as UDFA and RBs but usually don't expect a lot from them. Usually 1 surprises though ala Butler but that was not many people's pick for the standout UDFA when those guys were picked up.

Not trying to get on you or anything; just it seems we have different thoughts on how to approach the draft is all : P

To be fair, Mayo Clinic is throwing his hat out there with players he likes in the late rounds. Sure, BB missed on some of his late rounders possibly and so do a lot of teams. Sometimes BB knocks a late pick out of the park. But Mayo had his own set like Jonathan Dowling, Arthur Lynch, Cauran Reid, Antone Exum to name a few. They were identified and not taken by the Patriots but big kudos to him because some of those players were great finds for other teams. As everyone knows by the annual draft game, most people don't know wtf BB is gonna do on draft day. Your lucky if you get 2 picks right never mind 3 which I think has been done by Pat Chick once.

mayoclinic · Jan 17, 2015

Patriot Missile said:
To be fair, Mayo Clinic is throwing his hat out there with players he likes in the late rounds. Sure, BB missed on some of his late rounders possibly and so do a lot of teams. Sometimes BB knocks a late pick out of the park. But Mayo had his own set like Jonathan Dowling, Arthur Lynch, Cauran Reid, Antone Exum to name a few. They were identified and not taken by the Patriots but big kudos to him because some of those players were great finds for other teams. As everyone knows by the annual draft game, most people don't know wtf BB is gonna do on draft day. Your lucky if you get 2 picks right never mind 3 which I think has been done by Pat Chick once.

I usually try and find a balance between players that I like, players that I think would be a good fit for the Pats and what BB does, what I think the Pats should do, and projected availability. Guys who I liked on day 3 last year included Kevin Pierre-Louis, Antone Exum, John Urschel and Trey Millard, any of whom I think would have been great picks by the Pats.

It's early for day 3 guys right now, but so far I really like DeAndre Smelter, Tre McBride, Blake Bell and Josh Shaw, among many others. I usually look to guys with developmental upside who I project down the road. Getting guys like Bryan Stork and Cam Fleming who contribute out of the gate is more the exception than the norm, even in the 4th round.

As a general philosophy, I don't believe in drafting mainly for need or to plug short term holes. You can do that with low-cost vets. Need does factor into overall value, but I believe in upgrading the long term talent of the team more than in looking for immediate ROI.

Patriot Missile · Jan 17, 2015

Well I'm sure everyone knows the Patriots are Drafting LS Joe Cardona from Navy with one of those late round picks.

manxman2601 · Jan 17, 2015

Patriot Missile said:
To be fair, Mayo Clinic is throwing his hat out there with players he likes in the late rounds. Sure, BB missed on some of his late rounders possibly and so do a lot of teams. Sometimes BB knocks a late pick out of the park. But Mayo had his own set like Jonathan Dowling, Arthur Lynch, [B}Cauran Reid, Antone Exum[/B] to name a few. They were identified and not taken by the Patriots but big kudos to him because some of those players were great finds for other teams. As everyone knows by the annual draft game, most people don't know wtf BB is gonna do on draft day. Your lucky if you get 2 picks right never mind 3 which I think has been done by Pat Chick once.

There are others of us posting you know. Caraun Reid and Antone Exum were guys I introduced to the forum. By all means credit Mayo for the great work he does here but there are others that contribute too.

mayoclinic · Jan 17, 2015

manxman2601 said:
There are others of us posting you know. Caraun Reid and Antone Exum were guys I introduced to the forum. By all means credit Mayo for the great work he does here but there are others that contribute too.

KPL, too. This Mayo is all too happy to piggy back on your draft bandwagon.

manxman2601 · Jan 17, 2015

mayoclinic said:
KPL, too. This Mayo is all too happy to piggy back on your draft bandwagon.

And you are always good in acknowledging my contribution and i'm grateful for that. I realise I'm being a bit thin skinned here and that's a failure on my part but I do work at contributing to this forum and some recognition of that is appreciated. I know it's not done deliberately, I just ask that people recognise that others are making contributions too - something I know you'd be fine with.

mayoclinic · Jan 17, 2015

manxman2601 said:
And you are always good in acknowledging my contribution and i'm grateful for that. I realise I'm being a bit thin skinned here and that's a failure on my part but I do work at contributing to this forum and some recognition of that is appreciated. I know it's not done deliberately, I just ask that people recognise that others are making contributions too - something I know you'd be fine with.

You contribute tremendously to the forum in many ways, and I certainly have no interest in stealing your thunder. I may be a bit more vocal about prospects once I jump on the bandwagon, so people who aren't familiar with all the history may associate them with me (Exum, Smelter), but that's certainly not my intent. I don't know what to tell you, as I can't control what others write, but I always try to be honest about where I got ideas from. I personally don't put much stock in originality - I think there's just as much value in recognizing a good thing as being the first one to spot it.

BobDigital · Jan 17, 2015

Patriot Missile said:
To be fair, Mayo Clinic is throwing his hat out there with players he likes in the late rounds. Sure, BB missed on some of his late rounders possibly and so do a lot of teams. Sometimes BB knocks a late pick out of the park. But Mayo had his own set like Jonathan Dowling, Arthur Lynch, Cauran Reid, Antone Exum to name a few. They were identified and not taken by the Patriots but big kudos to him because some of those players were great finds for other teams. As everyone knows by the annual draft game, most people don't know wtf BB is gonna do on draft day. Your lucky if you get 2 picks right never mind 3 which I think has been done by Pat Chick once.

Oh i do not begrudge mayo for his thought process or the knowledge he brings in which frankly is generally more extensive than my own when it comes to draft prospects. However, why are we here is not to share different points of view? What makes this particular discussion so fun is the fact that no one really knows what the correct answer is. I have the fact I took so much time and effort to respond to his post like i did is a sign of respect for what he brings to the discussion. I would like to think that is how it is taken.

Also East/West Shrine game on NFL network. Time to do some scouting : )

mayoclinic · Jan 17, 2015

BobDigital said:
Oh i do not begrudge mayo for his thought process or the knowledge he brings in which frankly is generally more extensive than my own when it comes to draft prospects. However, why are we here is not to share different points of view? What makes this particular discussion so fun is the fact that no one really knows what the correct answer is. I have the fact I took so much time and effort to respond to his post like i did is a sign of respect for what he brings to the discussion. I would like to think that is how it is taken.

Also East/West Shrine game on NFL network. Time to do some scouting : )

As I've said numerous times, my views are not certainly not dogma, and they change constantly. Exchange of ideas and constructive criticism is always appreciated.

Patriot Missile · Jan 17, 2015

manxman2601 said:
There are others of us posting you know. Caraun Reid and Antone Exum were guys I introduced to the forum. By all means credit Mayo for the great work he does here but there are others that contribute too.

No **** Manx. I could go down a list of your binkies as well off the top of my head if it makes you feel better. Hightower,Barron, Exum, Marvin Jones, Ansah etc. I have no idea why you seek recognition when you are one of the top posters in the draft forum? You've already earned the recognition awhile back in my mind. I think I've liked enough of your threads regarding your prospects to give you your due. Sorry if you feel slighted as that wasn't my intention. Peace.

Patriot Missile · Jan 17, 2015

BobDigital said:
Oh i do not begrudge mayo for his thought process or the knowledge he brings in which frankly is generally more extensive than my own when it comes to draft prospects. However, why are we here is not to share different points of view? What makes this particular discussion so fun is the fact that no one really knows what the correct answer is. I have the fact I took so much time and effort to respond to his post like i did is a sign of respect for what he brings to the discussion. I would like to think that is how it is taken.

Also East/West Shrine game on NFL network. Time to do some scouting : )

Sorry if I came off that way. I understood you weren't begrudging him. It was just a reply is all. It was taken in kind.

This Shrine Game could use a couple of good QBs. McBride looks good in his routes. Too bad his QB couldn't hit a broad side of a barn.

ATippett56 · Jan 19, 2015

The ATippett56 Early Bird Special

2015 New England Patriots Realistic Mock Draft - 1/19/15

1st Round - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE - UCLA (44)
2nd Round - Tre Jackson, OG - Florida State (59)
3rd Round - Laken Tomlinson, OG - Duke (95)
4th Round - David Cobb, RB - Minnesota (109) or Jeremy Langford, RB - Michigan State (116)
4th Round - Jeff Heuerman, TE - Ohio State (129)
6th Round - Tre McBride, WR - William & Mary (178)
7th Round - Ben Beckwith, OG - Mississippi State (231) or Jon Feliciano, OG - Miami, Fla. (239)

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/member...=DE&draftyear=2015&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/member...=OG&draftyear=2015&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/member...=RB&draftyear=2015&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/member...=TE&draftyear=2015&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/member...=WR&draftyear=2015&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC

Priority UDFAs
Jake Waters, QB - Kansas State
Taylor Kelly, QB - Arizona State
Mark Weisman, FB - Iowa
Corey Grant, RB - Auburn
Kenny Hilliard, RB - Louisiana State
Dillon Day, OC - Mississippi State
Kaleb Johnson, OG - Rutgers
Terry Poole, OT - San Diego State
Gerald Christian, TE - Louisville
Sam Arneson, TE - Wisconsin
Deon Long, WR - Maryland
Chris Conley, WR - Georgia
Cam Worthy, WR - East Carolina
Andre Davis, WR - South Florida
Ryan Russell, DE - Purdue
Amarlo Herraro, ILB - Georgia
Maurice Falls, OLB - East Carolina
Nick Perry, FS - Alabama
Ronald Martin, SS - LSU
Craig Mager, CB - Texas State
Garry Peters, CB - Clemson
Joe Cardona, LS - Navy

Brady6 · Jan 20, 2015

Patriots trade picks #32 and #96 to the Falcons for picks #40 and #72
Patriots trade picks #64 and #102 to the Houston Texans for pick #51

#40 - Jordan Phillips, DL
#51 - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE
#72 - Jeremiah Poutasi, OL (Kudos to Manx and Mayo for putting me onto him, he could be a day 1 starter.)
#98 - Zach Hodges, LB
#132 - Robert Myers, OL
#178 - Nick Boyle, TE
#215 - Malcolm Agnew, RB
#217 - Donatela Luckett, WR

Ochmed Jones · Jan 20, 2015

Brady6 said:
Patriots trade picks #32 and #96 to the Falcons for picks #40 and #72
Patriots trade picks #64 and #102 to the Houston Texans for pick #51

#40 - Jordan Phillips, DL
#51 - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE
#72 - Jeremiah Poutasi, OL (Kudos to Manx and Mayo for putting me onto him, he could be a day 1 starter.)
#98 - Zach Hodges, LB
#132 - Robert Myers, OL
#178 - Nick Boyle, TE
#215 - Malcolm Agnew, RB
#217 - Donatela Luckett, WR

Interesting trade scenarios. I am absolutely sure someone is going to call bb about pick #32.

I would love for bb to get as much as you have outlined in your trade.

Ps: got to make sure bb does not pick in the third round, unless it is a comp pick. His record in the third round is weak.

patsfaninpa · Jan 22, 2015

Deflategate driving me batty until I hear TB12. Here ya go. Releasing VW. Gets me under CAP. Then, I'm extending Revis and Solder. Re-working Mayo. I think I can save about 15m there. Should be enough for the first year of; McCourty, Gostkowski, Casillas, Siliga and Branch(10-11m). I'm not going to extend these guys; Connolly, Ridley and Ayers. There are 3 skill positions that are flexible.

1. RB - I believe we have enough to extend Vereen. I think he's played his way back as our 3rd down back. I don't see him being an every down back for other teams. Meaning, we should be able to afford him.

2. WR - Still have Amendola in this scenario. Would consider dropping him for a vet. Post June 1st designation frees up 4.5m if you go there. Want a deal in place before pulling the trigger.

3. TE - I'm going to draft a younger one. Hoping he's a better blocker than Hoo-Man.

We have a couple of other guys who can be extended to save money; Arrington, Browner and Vollmer. I'm going to hold off on those. Now, the draft. I want a dt who can play in the rotation, a guard who can push Wendell and Fleming. Should be able to start. The rest is really depth. I think the Ravens are our biggest threats in the AFC. Want to get a little bigger and tougher to compete with them. That strategy won't hurt against our divisional opponents either. They seem to be going with big, tough defenses and running games too.

1. Trading 32 and 96 to move up and get a DT; Jordan Phillips, Malcolm Brown or Goldman. I think we can get to 25 with Carolina. They need picks because they're drafting much lower than they should. I'll say Jordan Phillips for now.

2. Laken Tomlinson - G - Duke - I think he can start as a rookie. Big, smart and strong player. Isn't that what you want in your RG?

3. tRADED

3 Supple - Preston Smith - DE - Miss St - Not that true pass rusher. But, if you're running a 4-2-5 as your base most of the time. The LDE has to be a bit of an anchor vs the run. Take him out and put a pass rusher in obvious passing situations. Like Hightower. Has a year or two to develop behind Ninko.

4 fm TB - David Cobb - RB - Minnesota - May not be here. But, I think he might become a starter with a year or two in a pro S&C program.

4 Shaq Mason - G - Ga Tech - 8th or 9th OL in 2015. Replaces Wendell in your gameday 7 OL in 2016 because he can prob learn to be back-up C. Battles Fleming for G spot.

6 Blake Bell - TE - Oklahoma - Big body and a decent athlete.

7 K. Smelter - WR - Georgia Tech - Required pic. Just kidding Manx.

7 T. Williams - DT - ECU - Takes more than one body to replace VW

2015 NFL Mock Drafts

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