2015 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: 2nd Round
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
55.) Arizona Cardinals – RB Jay Ajayi, Boise St
If the Cards end up trading for Adrian Peterson then this pick is mute, but the Cards definitely need a power back complement to scat-back Andre Ellington. Ajayi is bigger (6’0 | 221), but agile enough to catch the ball out of the backfield and fast enough to get the edge outside (4.57).
56.) Pittsburgh Steelers – OLB Danielle Hunter, LSU
The surprising retirement of OLB Jason Worilds leaves the Steelers without a solid edge rusher. Hunter didn’t put up impressive sack numbers at LSU but he came close with plenty of QB pressures and the athleticism and potential are there for Hunter to be a dangerous edge rusher.
57.) Carolina Panthers – WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami
The Panthers scored with their pick of Kelvin Benjamin last year but they have little talent besides him at WR. Dorsett would give the Panthers a deep threat they haven’t had since Cam Newton arrived. The Benjamin / Dorsett combo could eventually become one of the more dangerous pairings in the league. The Panthers are talking about potentially signing WR Greg Jennings as well which would give them a pretty solid group of Benjamin, Dorsett, and Jennings.
58.) Baltimore Ravens – RB Tevin Coleman, Indiana
The Ravens got a surprisingly effective season from journeyman RB Justin Forsett and re-signed him on a short term deal but he’s not the long-term answer. Last year’s 4th round pick RB Lorenzo Taliaferro is a solid between-the-tackles back, but Coleman has legit 3-down potential and the break away speed that no other Ravens’ back has.
59.) Denver Broncos – OT/OG Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
QB Peyton Manning is nearing the last year(s) of his illustrious career and the Broncos need to do whatever they can to keep him clean. The Broncos lost valuable G Orlando Franklin in free agency and need a replacement at RG and probably RT as well, Ogbuehi can play well at either.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
60.) Dallas Cowboys – DT Michael Bennett, Ohio St
The Cowboys have already lost DT Henry Melton, DE George Selvie and are likely to lose DEs Anthony Spencer in free agency. Bennett should be able to step in to Melton’s 3-tech position on day 1 and provide similar production.
61.) Indianapolis Colts – CB Byron Jones, UConn
The Colts have a lock down corner in Vontae Davis, but little else at the position. Jones has proven to be a freakish athlete at the position and played very well at corner for UConn.
62.) Green Bay Packers – CB Quentin Rollins, Miami OH
The Pack lost starter Tramon Williams and sub package corner Davon House, but replace them with Rollins who has high ceiling starter potential.
63.) Seattle Seahawks – CB Alex Carter, Stanford
The Seahawks lost starting corner Byron Maxwell in free agency, but could replace him with a similar and perhaps more talented player in Carter. He’s a perfect fit for the Seahawks press coverage scheme.
64.) New England Patriots – G Tre Jackson, Florida St
The Pats interior line struggled at times last season and could use an influx of power. They got the job done last year, but a mauling run bloker like Jackson could help re-ignite their interior running game.