NFL Mock Draft – Final 1st Round
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8.) Vikings: LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama (6’2, 234) – Mosley is the complete package at linebacker and is versatile enough to play in the middle or outside if needed. The Vikings current MLBs are 2013 7th rounder Mike Mauti & Jasper Brinkley. Mosley is a significant upgrade over either and will give new HC Mike Zimmer a coach on the field.
9.) Bills: T Taylor Lewan, Notre Dame (6’8, 302) – Is just a notch below Robinson in upside and almost as NFL ready as Matthews. Lewan showed off his elite athleticism at the combine and his technique is solid enough to step in and start right away. He has some off-field red flags and is rumored to have some maturity issues, but has too much talent and potential to drop any farther. The Bills have a huge hole at RT which Lewan could fill until he’s ready to take over at LT.
10.) Lions: CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma St (6’0, 194) – The Lions have spent free agent money (Houston) and high draft picks (Slay, Bentley) on the corner position but haven’t been able to find starting caliber talent. Gilbert could be the answer. He’s one of the best athletes in the draft with great speed, acceleration and ball skills. Some question his effort level and aggressiveness but if new Lions DC Teryl Austin, a former DB coach with the Ravens, can get him to play hard consistently Gilbert could be not just starting caliber, but an all-pro.
11.) Titans: QB Blake Bortles, UCF (6’4, 240) – The Titanss get lucky with Bortles falling this far as he is a good fit for new HC Ken Whisenhunt’s offense. Whisenhunt was involved in the decision to draft Roethlisberger and Bortles has many similarities. Bortles has the prototype size, arm, and look for a franchise QB. Despite his big arm, he’s not an accurate deep passer and is probably a year or two away from being an above average NFL QB. The Titans decline Jake Locker’s 2015 extension, but they are going to give him one more year to prove himself which will give Bortles some time to develop. He has plenty of upside, but Bortles is the farthest away from being NFL ready of the three top QBs.
12.) Giants: TE Eric Ebron, UNC (6’4, 245) – TE Brandon Myers was a bust last year and is already gone (TB). Ebron has tight end size but the speed and acceleration of a wide receiver. His hands need to be more consistent; He made some highlight reel grabs, but also dropped some easy ones. Ebron has the talent to be a poor man’s Jimmy Graham and gives Eli a dangerous weapon to replace Hakeem Nicks.
13.) Rams: WR Odell Beckham, LSU (6’0, 187) – I think the Rams will ultimately trade this pick and whoever ends up here (49ers, Jets) will draft Beckham. If the Rams keep it, Beckham is a good fit for them as well. He is a polished receiver with exceptional quickness, hands, and route-running ability. He is very explosive after the catch and should thrive in Rams short passing game.