2015 NFL Mock Drafts

[JerseyShore99]

Just saw my first one from WalterFootball (2 rounds)
Pats Draft:
1.31. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
2.63. Devin Funchess, TE, Michigan

Well this mock is already off since we're at 1.31 not 1.32 but I do like this early partial mock. I don't see BB taking an RB that early nor recreating the Wisconsin backfield. A RB selection for NE is more likely on Day 2 or Day 3. I do like Melvin Gordon as a prospect however.

At 2.63. I do love the Funchess selection. He's arguably the best TE in CFB, athletic, strong, powerful, somewhat fast, with great hands, adding him next to a hopefully healthy Gronk can give us a legitimate 2 TE set, one that I've loved and still miss and need back. I wouldn't mind Funchess for us at all at any pick.

Although this mock is somewhat flawed, I do agree on thier mock for the Jets on where they're picking:
Jets Draft:
1.1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
2.33. Jalen Strong, WR, Arizona State

Also saw another one for NE picking Funchess in first and Duke G Laken Tomlinson in 2nd, wouldn't mind that draft either

Just for the hell of it, my newest 2015 Pats Mock:
1. Shilique Calhoun, DE, MSU
2. Devin Funchess, TE, Michigan
3. Kieth Marshall, RB, UGA
3. Arie Kouandjio, OG, 'Bama
4. AJ Tarpley, LB, Stanford
5. Damian Swann, CB, UGA
6. Braxston Deaver, TE, Duke

Please, ask, comment, and share your own

 

[mayoclinic]

I don't have a mock this year, but right now I want some combination of:

- OL Brandon Scherff, Iowa
- TE Jesse James, Penn St.
- DE/OLB Dante Fowler, Florida / Bud Dupree, Kentucky (Shilique Calhoun would be fine, too)
- LB/S Shaq Thompson, Washington / S Cody Prewitt, Mississippi

Also keeping a close eye on Shawn Oakman and Arik Armstead this year. And Kyler Fackrell might be a good LB option if the Pats don't pick up Dont'a Hightower's option.

 

[patsfaninpa]

As of today, I'd like to get a de to play opposite Chandler Jones first. I think we'll get an OL early. I like Funchess quite a bit too. We can use a move TE like him. Looks good.

We have to hope that Revis gets extended. And, how the DT's hold up. We could be looking for one of BB's specials. A big, space-eating dt.

I don't even focus on rb and wr's yet. Fantasy football players talk about them all the time. Real football fans. Not so much.

 

[manxman2601]

I don't have a mock but Zach Hodges of Harvard will certainly be in there. Fast edge player with an explosive punch.

http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/11/22/zach-hodges-harvard-football

And of course there will be the obligatory WR (one seems to make my pinky list every year) which, I presume means I'm not a real football fan (harrumph!)

 

[patsfaninpa]

I don't have a mock but Zach Hodges of Harvard will certainly be in there. Fast edge player with an explosive punch.

http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2013/11/22/zach-hodges-harvard-football

And of course there will be the obligatory WR (one seems to make my pinky list every year) which, I presume means I'm not a real football fan (harrumph!)

Good to see ya posting manxman. College football is right around the corner. Practice is under way. Pats pre-season opener is tomorrow night. Can't get hear soon enough.

I mentioned DE earlier. But, after looking at the roster. I think Hightower is going to play a lot like a stand-up de and play Ninko's role. If that happens, de slides back as a priority. One won't fall to 32. But, a lb like Ryan Shazier or maybe Levonte David-type becomes a bigger need.

I'm looking at the OL. The only plus players to me are; Mankins, Solder and Vollmer. Vollmer has had a ton on injury issues. Mankins has fought through his injuries. But, it's taking a toll. If the rookies don't look good(And we both don't think they will), that might be a better target area.

 

[manxman2601]

Good to see ya posting manxman. College football is right around the corner. Practice is under way. Pats pre-season opener is tomorrow night. Can't get hear soon enough.

I mentioned DE earlier. But, after looking at the roster. I think Hightower is going to play a lot like a stand-up de and play Ninko's role. If that happens, de slides back as a priority. One won't fall to 32. But, a lb like Ryan Shazier or maybe Levonte David-type becomes a bigger need.

I'm looking at the OL. The only plus players to me are; Mankins, Solder and Vollmer. Vollmer has had a ton on injury issues. Mankins has fought through his injuries. But, it's taking a toll. If the rookies don't look good(And we both don't think they will), that might be a better target area.

Agree with what you say. I do think Solder needs to step up this year and I'm not completely comfortable relying on Vollmer and Mankins. Like Mayo, as things stand, I'm 100% on the Scherff bandwagon right now as an outstanding RT or elite LG. A specialist pass rusher is someone I'd like and I really like Hodges for that and do we get comfortable with Ryan/Dennard playing opposite of Browner if Revis isn't re-signed? If not, then that becomes a priority either as a first round pick or a FA. And TE still looks to be a huge need.

I haven't come close to starting any real scouting yet, but this draft does look potentially very good for pass rushers. There could be some very good value to be had there in the first two rounds.

Edit: And despite my disappointment in this years draft, I'm very excited for the team's chances this year - that's what comes from adding an elite player like Revis on defense.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I'm hearing Scherff could be the first non-qb selected. He's gonna be well out of our range. Prob the next three are Top 20 picks too; Peat-Stanford, Erving - FSU and Ogbuehi - Texas A&m. We're going to have to look at the next tier of guys.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm hearing Scherff could be the first non-qb selected. He's gonna be well out of our range. Prob the next three are Top 20 picks too; Peat-Stanford, Erving - FSU and Ogbuehi - Texas A&m. We're going to have to look at the next tier of guys.

With the usual disclaimer that I've watched nowhere near enough, that would surprise me. Not sure he has the length to be considered a top of the draft LT. I'm thinking he ends up more like Iupati or Riley Reiff. That will still put him too high for us but one can dream. still, there's a season to get through yet so who knows?

 

[mayoclinic]

With the usual disclaimer that I've watched nowhere near enough, that would surprise me. Not sure he has the length to be considered a top of the draft LT. I'm thinking he ends up more like Iupati or Riley Reiff. That will still put him too high for us but one can dream. still, there's a season to get through yet so who knows?

I agree. I don't worry too much about where guys will be ranked, especially this early. I personally think there's a chance that Scherff may slip a bit when subjected to the pre-draft scrutiny process, but at this point, who knows?

 

[JerseyShore99]

Second Updated Mock (Purely using CBS Rankings):
1. Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
2. Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama
3. Ramik Wilson, ILB, UGA
3. Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
4. Jermaine Whitehead, FS, Auburn
5. Damian Swann, CB, UGA
6. Jordan Taylor, WR, Rice
UDFAs: Bo Wallace, QB, Ole Miss (PROMISE: he WILL be drafted); Braxton Deaver, TE, Duke; Prince-Tyson Gulley, RB, Syracuse; David Andrews, C, UGA

Any questions or comments please share

 

[manxman2601]

Second Updated Mock (Purely using CBS Rankings):
1. Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
2. Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama
3. Ramik Wilson, ILB, UGA
3. Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
4. Jermaine Whitehead, FS, Auburn
5. Damian Swann, CB, UGA
6. Jordan Taylor, WR, Rice
UDFAs: Bo Wallace, QB, Ole Miss (PROMISE: he WILL be drafted); Braxton Deaver, TE, Duke; Prince-Tyson Gulley, RB, Syracuse; David Andrews, C, UGA

Any questions or comments please share

I like the Tyler Kroft pick, he's on my radar at the moment. Sorry, don't know enough about the others (except Shaq) to comment.

 

[JerseyShore99]

I like the Tyler Kroft pick, he's on my radar at the moment. Sorry, don't know enough about the others (except Shaq) to comment.

All good, Kroft was recruited by Schiano too I believe, fairly atheltic TE, strong with good hands, runs good routes, RU is gonna blow this year however, maybe 2 wins at most

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I am looking DT with pick #32. I have my eyes on DT Lake of Alabama and McCarthy of UCLA.

Then we come back in the second with an inside LB. Depriest of Alabama or Johnson of Tenn.

 

[JerseyShore99]

I am looking DT with pick #32. I have my eyes on DT Lake of Alabama and McCarthy of UCLA.

Then we come back in the second with an inside LB. Depriest of Alabama or Johnson of Tenn.

Still early but I'm looking for a DT, DE, or coverage LB at #32, would love a top notch deep threat but BB won't do that, I'd love Gurley as recently mocked to us a 30 on B/R (my top RB in '15 and in years) at 32 however I find that unrealistic as he will be gone and Pats won't take RB, still way too early for me to make up my mind

 

[mayoclinic]

I am looking DT with pick #32. I have my eyes on DT Lake of Alabama and McCarthy of UCLA.

Then we come back in the second with an inside LB. Depriest of Alabama or Johnson of Tenn.

I was going to post this morning that I was hoping we wouldn't need to prioritize DT at #32. Unfortunately, today's game didn't help give me confidence in that conclusion. We'll see how things shape up the rest of the season.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Second Updated Mock (Purely using CBS Rankings):
1. Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
2. Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama
3. Ramik Wilson, ILB, UGA
3. Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
4. Jermaine Whitehead, FS, Auburn
5. Damian Swann, CB, UGA
6. Jordan Taylor, WR, Rice
UDFAs: Bo Wallace, QB, Ole Miss (PROMISE: he WILL be drafted); Braxton Deaver, TE, Duke; Prince-Tyson Gulley, RB, Syracuse; David Andrews, C, UGA

Any questions or comments please share

Even if he isn't, I'd put it at 50-50, at best, that the Patriots will even sign an UDFA QB next year. They've gone from "not really interested in trading Mallett" to "not really interested in having a developmental QB3."

 

[mayoclinic]

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.
- Pats play a hybrid defense alternating between a 3-4/4-3 Under/5-2 in base and playing about 2/3 of the snaps in sub packages.
- Pats use a lot of jumbo line packages and multiple TE sets.

*** Trade: Pats trade their 1st round pick for 2nd and 3rd round picks.

2a. Arik Armstead, DE/DT, Oregon. 6'7" 296#. Currently NFLDraftScout #45.

Beast! Poetic irony - the Pats draft Arik Armstead to play the role that they had hoped his older brother Armond would play. Armstead is a huge, athletic player who can play 3-4 DE, 4-3 Under LDE, and DT in 4 man or larger fronts. He's still a bit raw, but has a ton of versatility, athleticism and upside. Carl Davis (#24) could be an option if he drops. Rice DT Christian Covington (#57) is an intriguing option.

2b. Bernardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi St. 6' 4 1/2" 245#. Currently NFLDraftScout #55.

Beast! A Collinesque LB who can play all over the field, inside or out. Bud Dupree (62) and Eric Striker (#67) also get consideration.

3a. Cody Prewitt, S, Mississippi. 6'2" 212#. Currently NFL DraftScout #81.

Beast! Prewitt is exactly what the Pats' secondary needs to be elite - an enforcer with coverage skills. He will be our Kam Chancellor, with better coverage skills. Durrell Eskridge (6'3" 203#, #76) would also be a nice fit.

3b. Kasen Williams, WR, Washington. 6'2" 216#. Currently NFL DraftScout #61.

Stud Horse! Williams is a big, physical split end who can move the chains. He has the ability to go over the middle and to go up for the ball. With Danny Amendola not showing enough to this point to justify a 3rd year on his contract, the Pats could do to get bigger and more physical at WR.

3c (comp). Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina. 6'7" 340#. Currently NFL DraftScout #97.

Stud Horse! Robinson is a mammoth of a man. Along with Cam Fleming, he will give the Pats some depth at tackle behind Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer.

4a. Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke. 6'3" 320#. Currently NFL DraftScout #123.

Stud Horse! Tomlinson is a big, physical guard who is good value at this point. He is a power player but has good quickness and agility for his size, and fairly quick feet. He is smart (a Dukie and a 2-time all-ACC academic selection), and also some experience playing center. Arie Kouandjio or Josue Matias could be options here if they slip.

4b. Shaquille Riddick, DE/OLB, West Virginia. 6'5" 242. Currently NFL DraftScout #263.

Sleeper! JUCO transfer with a ton of athleticism and upside. Needs to get stronger to play on the line, but has the fluidity to play in space and some nice burst to his game. Pats load up on edge players with some versatility.

5. Clive Walford, TE, Miami. 6'4" 263. Currently NFL DraftScout #173.

Stud Horse! Walford has been a bit inconsistent, but he is a true double-threat TE who can be effective as a blocker or as a receiving option. He would be a huge upgrade over Michael Hoomanwanui.

6a. Michael Dyer, RB, Louisville. 5'9" 213#. Currently NFL DraftScout #180.

Fallen Beast! Stevan Ridley is likely to move on after 2013. The Pats have Tyler Gaffney coming off of IR, but will need to add another back or two for competition and roster depth. BB has shown that he doesn't value the RB position terribly highly, and that he is content to find late round/UDFA values (Shane Vereen and Ridley excepted). Michael Dyer is a very talented back who has had off-field issues, but he may be worth taking a chance on. He wasn't used much as a receiver at Auburn, but he has the basic skills, and could develop into a poor man's Doug Martin.

6b (comp). Detrick Bonner, DB, Virginia Tech. 6' 194#. Currently NFL DraftScout #208.

Sleeper! Virginia Tech has a history of producing good DBs. Bonner is kind of a poor man's Kyle Fuller, a guy with 30 games starting experience prior to this season who has played a variety of positions, form the "whip" hybrid LB/S position to corner to safety. He is reportedly very strong for his size and has a 38" VJ. You can never have enough depth at DB.

Early 2015 Roster:

QB(2): Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo
RB(4): Shane Vereen, James White, Tyler Gaffney, Michael Dyer. Vereen gets an extension, Stevan Ridley and Brandon Bolden move on.
FB/H-Back(1): James Develin
TE(3): Rob Gronkowski, Tim Wright, Clive Walford. Walford has much more upside than Michael Hoomanawanui.
WR(5): Julian Edelman, Aaron Dobson Dobson, Kasen Williams, Kenbrell Thompkins, Brandon LaFell. Danny Amendola gets the boot.
OT(4): Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Cameron Fleming, Corey Robinson. huge OL; Solder gets an extension.
OG/C (5): Marcus Cannon, Bryan Stork, Jordan Devey, Dan Connolly, Laken Tomlinson. Cannon gets an extension; Ryan Wendell and Josh Kline get dumped.

DT(2): Vince Wilfork, Sealver Siliga
DT/DE(4): Dominique Easley, Arik Armstead, Chris Jones, Zack Moore. Moore bulks up and plays a backup role to Armstead.
DE/OLB(5): Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower, Rob Ninkovich, Michael Buchanan, Shaquille Riddick. Pats use 5th year option on Jones and Hightower, possibly lock up Jones long term.
LB(4): Jerod Mayo, Jamie Collins, Bernardrick McKinney, +1 (I'd like to see Darius Fleming stick, though James Morris could also be an option). Having 3 really good LBs who can play in space would give the Pats tremendous depth and matchup advantages.
S(4): Devin McCourty, Cody Prewitt, Duron Harmon/Detrick Bonner, Nate Ebner. McCourty gets an extension; Pat Chung and Tavon Wilson go bye-bye.
CB(6): Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Kyle Arrington. Pats lock up Revis long term. Strongest unit on the team.

ST(4): Gostkowski, Allen, Aiken, Slater.

- Roster losses(10): OL Ryan Wendell, OL Josh Kline, WR Danny Amendola, TE Michael Hoomanwanui, RB Stevan Ridley, RB Brandon Bolden, DT/DE Joe Vellano, LB Chris White, S Pat Chung, S Tavon Wilson.
- Roster gains (10): OL Corey Robinson, OL Laken Tomlinson, WR Kasen Williams, TE Clive Walford, RB Tyler Gaffney, RB Michael Dyer, DT/DE Arik Armstead, LB Bernadrick McKinney, DE/OLB Shaquille Riddick, S Cody Prewitt.
- Bubble: Duron Harmon gets a fight from rookie Detrick Bonner for a backup safety position.

Note: If Vince Wilfork shows signs of falling off, I wouldn't mind going after Broncos DT Terrance Knighton, who is a UFA after this season (though I suspect the Broncos will lock him up). But I'm guessing that most of the Pats $$$ goes to locking up Darrelle Revis and 2015 UFAs Devin McCourty, Marcus Cannon and Shane Vereen, and tying up Nate Solder, Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower for the long term.

Both lines get much stronger, a starting caliber safety is added, the defense adds more speed and versatility on the back end and more depth on the front end, and the offensive skill positions get some upgraded depth.

 

[manxman2601]

Good job Mayo, I was going to do my first of the season tomorrow. I think my players will be different but I suspect we're singing from roughly the same song sheet in terms of positional need. For me, the two I'd have the biggest issue with in your mock are Prewitt and Robinson - wasn't a fan of either in limited watching.

 

[mayoclinic]

Good job Mayo, I was going to do my first of the season tomorrow. I think my players will be different but I suspect we're singing from roughly the same song sheet in terms of positional need. For me, the two I'd have the biggest issue with in your mock are Prewitt and Robinson - wasn't a fan of either in limited watching.

Based on how Kyle Fuller and Jimmy Ward looked last night, I think I'd better start following your advice more.

Seriously, I'm not so much fixated on players as on types and fits right now. Not so much "needs" as "fits", especially at OL, DL, and LB/S.

I have been thinking about edge players as a likely major focus for 2015, so guys like Shawn Oakman, Dante Fowler and Bud Dupree (thanks to you) have been high on my list. But with Dont'a Hightower starting to declare himself as a force on the edge, I'm moving more towards a 3-4 DE/4-3 Under LDE/4-3 3-Tech kind of player to complement Dominique Easley on the other side of the NT. That's more of a power player with some athleticism - Lamarr Houston (who I wanted in FA), Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson come to mind. For the 2015 draft the guys who seem to best fit that mold are Leonard Williams (way out of reach), Arik Armstead, Carl Davis and possibly Mario Edwards (not impressed with him so far) and Christian Covington. I'm intrigued by Armstead's size, athleticism and upside, but he's just a placeholder for a potential positional fit.

I think adding some beef and talent on the OL is important. There seem to be a lot of solid guards in the 2015 draft, and a number of tackle/guard prospects. Brandon Scherff, like Leonard Williams, is probably in a class by himself and out of reach. But La'el Collins, Spencer Drango, Ereck Flowers, Tyrus Thompson and possibly even Cam Erving are all interesting tackles who could move to guard, and Josue Matias, AJ Cain, Arie Kouandjio and Laken Tomlinson are all interesting guard prospects. I'm hoping that Bryan Stork sticks and makes OC less of a priority. I'm also guessing a bit about the changing phenotype of offensive linemen under Dave DeGuglielmo - so far there seems to be a concerted move towards more beef on the line. Tomlinson and Robinson are just placeholders for big, physical linemen who might possibly fit and who are currently in the right range using DraftScout's rankings. I'm certainly not wedded to any picks at the moment.

You and I both wanted more speed and range on the back end of the defense in the last draft, and it wasn't addressed that much. I hope it will be in 2015. Bernardrick McKinney seems like a cross between Jamie Collins and Kiko Alonso. Shaq Thompson, Eric Striker, Cody Prewitt and Durrell Eskridge are all speed LBs/physical safeties who could add a new dimension to the back end of the defense. Again, I'm not fixated on players right now, and I'm not just trying to identify needs, but somewhere in there I hope the Pats can find some "fits".

I tried to use NFL DraftScout rankings as a rough guide, so I couldn't put in everyone that I liked. Your guy Zack Hodges didn't fit ranking-wise, though I certainly consider him a prospect of interest.

I look forward to seeing some of the guys you like.

 

[manxman2601]

Yes, "fits" is a better determination than "need", I agree with you whole-hearted lay there although, as you'll see, we will have seen many of the same "fits" with a couple of exemptions.

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.

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.