2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Round 5
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134.) Chicago Bears – DT/DE Bobby Richardson, Indiana
Underrated prospect who has experience as a 3-4 DE, has extremely long arms (34 5/8″), huge hands (11″), a non-stop motor and surprising quickness. He’s a bit of a tweener with size between a 5-tech in a 3-4 and a 3-tech in a 4-3. Luckily for the Bears new DC Vic Fangio uses both of those positions in his hybrid scheme and Richardson could play the Justin Smith 5-tech role (RE) or the Ray McDonald 3-tech position (LE) with upside at both. He was double-teamed constantly in college due to the lack of talent on the Hoosier’s D-line and still was productive against B1G lineman. The Bears lost depth on the D-line with their transition to a 3-4 scheme and Richardson could provide it at two positions with the potential to earn a starting job at either.
135.) Denver Broncos – CB/S Ladarius Gunter, Miami
Was projected to be a much higher pick after a solid Senior Bowl showing, but a 4.69 40-time raised questions of whether Gunter can play corner at the NFL level. With his size (6’1 | 202) and ball skills Gunter could be a solid free safety but it make take some time for him to make the transition.
136.) New York Giants – S Adrian Amos, Penn St
With safety Stevie Brown a free agent, the Giants may need to find a replacement and Amos is polished enough to contribute as a rookie. As a former corner, Amos has good coverage skills and hits better than most safeties in this class.
137.) St Louis Rams – OLB Kwon Alexander, LSU
Would give the Rams one of the fastest, most athletic LB groups in the league. They could use help on the strong-side which isn’t Alexander’s ideal position but Alec Ogletree could move there or they could sign a stop-gap free agent to give Alexander enough time to gain some weight.
138.) Atlanta Falcons – OLB Xzavier Dickson, Alabama
The Falcons need edge rushers and Dickson was one of the better ones in CFB the 2nd half of last season, but had a very inconsistent career. If Dickson plays like he did the last few weeks of the season, then the Falcons get a steal here. He has the size and all the tools to be a solid 3-4 OLB.
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139.) Cleveland Browns -ILB Ben Heeney, Kansas
The Browns run defense was awful last season, but with the addition of DT Danny Shelton in round 1 Browns ILBs will see less blockers and Heeney could be effective right away. He’s a bit undersized, but has great football instincts and is always around the ball. He needs to improve his tackling, but with a 4.6 40 at the combine and his play recognition skills Heeney could be a sideline-to-sideline run stuffer.
140.) New Orleans Saints – C B.J. Finney, Kansas St
Last year’s starting center Jonathan Goodwin is 36 years old and regressed a bit last season. Finney may be the highest drafted former walk-on in years, but has good instincts, is a leader on and off the field, and shows an innate understanding of blocking angles and leverage. Finney’s upside is limited, but I think he will have a long NFL career.
141.) Minnesota Vikings – CB Justin Coleman, Tennessee
The Vikings could use an upgrade at their 2nd CB across from Xavier Rhodes and Coleman has starter potential. He regularly faced top WRs in the SEC and held his own. Coleman had a surprisingly strong combine performance in both the 40 and 3-cone drills which may bump him up a round or two.
142.) Miami Dolphins – CB Quandre Diggs, Texas
They have a shut down corner in Brent Grimes, but thats about it. The Dolphins need some depth at the position and Diggs has sticky cover skills and plays bigger than his size (5’9 | 195).