2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Round 5
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143.) San Francisco 49ers – WR Justin Hardy, East Carolina
They got a deep threat for Kaepernick in round 1 with DGB and now grab an elite route-runner with great hands in Hardy.
144.) Houston Texans – RB Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn
The Texans found a good backup late in last year’s draft in Alfred Blue, but there are rumors some of the management team is sick of Arian Foster’s minor injuries and off-field distractions. Artis-Payne is a solid north-south runner who would probably go a few rounds higher if the RB class wasn’t stacked this year.
145.) San Diego Chargers – RB Matt Jones, Florida
Rookie RB Brandon Oliver established himself as an effective scat-back last year, but the Chargers will probably lose RB Ryan Matthews in free agency. Matthews has been hurt so often that the Chargers are probably better off finding a more reliable power back. Jones has ideal size (6’3 | 231) and more shiftiness than expected for a big dude.
146.) Kansas City Chiefs – ILB Taiwan Jones, Michigan St
Both Chiefs ILBs were sub-par last year and they need upgrades at the position. Jones is a thumper inside who should improve the Chiefs run defense right away. He will struggle in coverage, so the Chiefs will need to pair him with a faster, more athletic ILB.
147.) Buffalo Bills – OT/OG Jamon Brown, Louisville
The Bills may have started the worst RT in the league last year in rookie Seantrel Henderson. Brown has the size to play the position (6’4 | 323) but may be a better fit at guard. The Bills need help there too despite their recent signing of Richie Incognito. If the Bills are going to be a ground-and-pound team, they need to drastically improve their run blocking and that is Brown’s strength.
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148.) Philadelphia Eagles – OLB Tony Washington, Oregon
Chip Kelly adds another Duck alumni and fills a need with the recent release of OLB Trent Cole. Washington had a disappointing combine (4.99, 40-time), but was very productive during his time at Oregon and I was impressed with his performance against FSU in the BCS playoffs. There was a play in particular where he drove G Tre Jackson deep into the backfield despite being out weighed by almost 100 pounds. Washington is just a good football player who regularly outperforms his measurables.
149.) Cincinnati Bengals – OG Jeremiah Poutasi, Utah
The Bengals are probably going to lose 4-year starter Clint Boling at guard and need to start looking for a replacement. Poutasi may not be ready to start right away, but he is a massive dude who can eventually be a mauling run blocker. Moving him to guard will hide his lack of lateral agility and let him use his elite power to drive back DTs.
150.) Detroit Lions – G Mark Glowinski, West Virginia
Last year’s starting guard Rob Sims (31) is adequate but not getting any younger and 2nd-year center Travis Swanson looked overmatched when given a chance. Glowinski is one of the most underrated interior lineman in the draft and could provide depth at both positions with the upside to start at either.