2015 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1
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11.) Minnesota Vikings – WR DeVante Parker, Louisville (6’2 | 207 | 4.48)
Teddy Bridgewater looks like a legit starting QB, but the Vikings need to give him some weapons. His old college go-to WR Parker would be a quick fix. If the Vikes can get Cordarrelle Patterson back to his rookie form they could have a suddenly dangerous receiver group with Parker, Patterson, and the underrated Charles Johnson. As a Bears fan, this pick scares me a little.
12.) Cleveland Browns – WR Kevin White, West Virginia (6’3 | 210 | 4.49)
With the Josh Gordon facing another suspension and nothing but underneath type receivers on the roster (Hawkins, Gabriel) the Browns need a legit #1 WR and red zone threat. White had a monster 2014 season and there may not be a better red zone threat in the draft. He uses his size and elite leaping ability to own red zone fades. Of course the Browns need to find someone to throw a decent fade, but there is no QB worth drafting at this point.
13.) New Orleans Saints – CB Trae Waynes, Michigan St (6’1 | 183 | 4.53)
Keenan Lewis has developed into a solid starter, but it was a black hole across from him and teams picked apart whoever the Saints played opposite Lewis. Waynes uses his size well and is a physical corner with good burst who should be able to start as a rookie.
14. Miami Dolphins – S Landon Collins, Alabama (6’0 | 222 | 4.53)
Safety isn’t the most pressing need for the Dolphins, but it was definitely a weak spot last year and Collins is the best player on the board at this point of the draft. Last year’s starting strong safety, Louis Delmas, is a free agent who probably won’t be back and the other starter, Jimmy Wilson, would be better suited as a backup.
15.) San Francisco 49ers – CB Marcus Peters, Washington (6’0 | 198 | 4.52)
Wide receiver is another possibility with Crabtree a free agent and not likely to return, but the WR group is very deep this year and they can probably find a solid option on day 2. Starting corners Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver are also free agents and Peters might be the most talented corner in the draft despite his off-field red flags. GM Trent Baalke will probably trade down, but if not Peters is a good fit.
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16.) Houston Texans – DT Danny Shelton, Washington (6’2 | 343 | 5.16)
This is a bit of a luxury pick for the Texans, but Shelton would be a huge upgrade over Pickett and Powe at nose tackle. If Shelton can keep his weight under control, the Texans could have the best D-line in football.
17.) San Diego Chargers – OT La’el Collins, LSU (6’5 | 308 | 5.12)
Current left tackle King Dunlap is mediocre at best and a free agent anyway. The Chargers need to do a better job protecting Philip Rivers and Collins would help either at tackle or guard.
18.) Kansas City Chiefs – OT Ereck Flowers, Miami (6’5 | 324 | 5.26)
The Chiefs have issues at both tackle positions, but perhaps they can salvage some value from former #1 overall pick Eric Fisher by moving him to the right side and playing Flowers on the left. The Chiefs could go wide receiver here, but for a team that rarely throws the ball down field, it seems like overkill using a 1st rounder on the position.
19) Cleveland Browns – OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh (6’5 | 307 | 5.14)
The Browns could use a short-term upgrade over right tackle Mitchell Shwartz and a long-term left tackle with All-Pro Joe Thomas turning 31 this season. Clemmings struggled at left tackle in the Senior Bowl, but has only played tackle for two seasons and still has a ton of upside. He could be a solid right tackle right off the bat and has the long arms and quick feet to be a good left tackle down the road.
20.) Philadelphia Eagles – CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest (6’0 | 175 | 4.49)
The Eagles could use upgrades at all three corner positions and take the best corner available in Johnson. Former Oregon Duck Ifo Ekpre-Olomo could be an option for his former coach Chip Kelly, but his late season ACL tear makes it a bit too risky for my taste. Johnson has good size, instincts and ball skills and should be ready to play as a rookie.