2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Round 5
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
151.) Arizona Cardinals – TE Jeff Heuerman, Ohio St
The Cards haven’t been able to find a reliable tight end the last few seasons despite using a 3rd round pick on one last season (Troy Niklas). Heuerman wasn’t used as a receiver much at OSU but has all the tools to be a productive NFL tight end. At this point in the draft, he’s worth the dice roll.
152.) Pittsburgh Steelers – S James Sample, Louisville
It’s a sad story that the Steelers are all but forcing legend Troy Polamalu into retirement due to his salary cap number, but it’s probably the right move as his effectiveness has declined the last two seasons. Ideally Polamalu will take a pay cut and stick around to work with promising strong safety James Sample, who is very raw after only starting one season in Louisville. Sample has great size (6’2 | 209), hits like a missile, and has shown flashes of coverage ability. It may take a year or two, but Sample has a really high ceiling.
153.) Carolina Panthers – RB Karlos Williams, Florida St
Perfect fit for a Panthers RB in that he has tons of talent and will probably underperform. Williams has the size (6’1 | 230) and speed (4.46) to dominate but he wasn’t as effective as he should have been in college. The Panthers are losing DeAngelo Williams in free agency and are left with just oft-injured Jonathan Stewart as their primary RB.
154.) Tampa Bay Bucs – CB Cam Thomas, Western Kentucky
Physical corner with great size (6’1, 205) who is an ideal fit for Lovie Smith’s cover two scheme and reminds me of a poor man’s Charles Tillman. Thomas will need some technique work but I could see him earning a starting role in Lovie’s D in a season or two.
155.) Dallas Cowboys – OT/OG Sean Hickey, Syracuse
The Cowboys had a great O-line last season, but are about to lose effective swing tackle Jermey Parnell. They have very little depth on the line besides Parnell, but a versatile grinder like Hickey could provide depth at multiple positions and eventually contribute if he gets stronger and cleans up his technique.
156.) Denver Broncos – DT Terry Williams, East Carolina
Athletic for 344 pounds with a quick first step to generate occasional pressure and more than enough bulk to hold up against double teams. Williams had an inconsistent motor but dominated at times. His Virginia Tech tape was impressive with multiple plays that Williams was unblockable inside. It’s going to take plenty of work to get Williams in playing shape, but guys that are quick at 350 pounds are pretty rare and he’s worth a pick if the Broncos lose Terrance Knighton.
157.) Indianapolis Colts – DE/OLB Lyden Trail, Norfolk St
The Colts need pass rushers and a versatile athlete like Trail could eventually become a force somewhere. He’s raw as can be, but has ideal length and potential.
158.) Green Bay Packers – OLB Kyle Emanuel, North Dakota St
Productive pass rusher but at the DII level. He has good burst off the edge, elite change of direction ability, and a non-stop motor. Emanuel will have to make the switch from a 4-3 DE to a stand-up OLB, but he showed surprising fluidity at the combine and could make an early impact as a pass rushing OLB.
159.) Seattle Seahawks – WR Vince Mayle, Washington St
The Seahawks get another undervalued WR due to a slow 40-time at the combine. Mayle has a LB build with wide shoulders and long arms, but a 4.67 time is going to drop him a round or two. Mayle is one of my favorite late round receivers and his tape his excellent. He catches everything in his vicinity and is tough to bring down after the catch. I could see Mayle being the Seahawks #1 WR by the end of his rookie year.
160.) New England Patriots – DT Leterrius Watson, Central Michigan
With the recent release of DT Vince Wilfork and based on their current roster I think that the Patriots are going to switch to a 4-3 base. I’m sure they will run multiple schemes, but without a beast like Wilfork inside a scheme switch seems probable. Watson has the size and talent to play the 1, 3, or 5-tech depending on what the new alignment looks like. Watson has the potential be an impact player in multiple roles which would give the Pats great versatility, but he is very raw and probably a year or two away from consistent playing time.