2015 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: 3rd Round
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
71.) Chicago Bears – DE Mario Edwards Jr, Florida St
New Bears DC Vic Fangio has a recent track record of working with talented but underachieving D-lineman (Carradine, Dial) and Edwards fits that mold. He’s a former top recruit who dominated in spurts but couldn’t do it with any consistency. The Bears made a couple depth signings on the D-line yesterday (Jenkins, McDonald), but don’t have much youth at the position and a guy like Edwards has the size, quick first step, and strength to be a perfect fit for the left end role that the Bears just signed 30 year old Ray McDonald to play. Edwards is just scratching the surface of his Pro Bowl potential but needs to improve his technique and play with a more consistent motor to get there.
72.) St. Louis Rams – CB Steven Nelson, Oregon St
Tough, scrappy corner who has had a great offseason and boosted his draft stock a few rounds after shutting down the much bigger Sammy Coates in the Senior Bowl. Nelson doesn’t have great height (5’10), but is well-built (197 pounds) and very aggressive. His best position is probably the slot, but is tough enough to play outside as well.
73.) Atlanta Falcons – G Ali Marpet, Hobart
The Falcons cut powerful run blocker G Justin Blalock because he didn’t fit the style of new OC Kyle Shanahan, but the athletic Marpet could be a better fit. The Falcons are looking for mobile lineman and Marpet was the fastest and quickest lineman at the combine.
74.) New York Giants – S Derron Smith, Fresno St
Has all the tools to be a starting safety in the NFL, but is just a little smaller than most teams like at the position (5’10 | 199). Smith has great instincts in coverage, good ball skills, closes on the ball well, and is aggressive against the run. If he were two inches taller Smith would be a first round pick. He was in the mix for my Bears pick at 71.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
75.) New Orleans Saints – WR Nelson Agholor, USC
The losses of Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills leave a big hole in the Saints offense and they don’t have many options to fill it besides promising 2nd year receiver Brandin Cooks. Agholor is polished enough to step in and contribute as a rookie. He is one of the better route runners in the draft, with reliable hands and the ability to do damage after the catch.
76.) Minnesota Vikings – OG Josue Matias, Florida St
Ran slow at the combine and looked sluggish in drills which may have dropped his stock a round, but Matias’ game tape is very solid and the Vikes could be getting a steal here. It would be hard for Matias to be worse than Viking’s starting guard Charlie Johnson was last season.
77.) Cleveland Browns – OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
They lost underrated pass rusher Jabaal Sheard in free agency (NE) and both Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo have been disappointing as starting OLBs for the Browns. Mauldin is a little slower than ideal and doesn’t offer much in coverage, but can get to the QB which is what the Browns need.