2015 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 – Round 5
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
151.) San Francisco 49ers – ILB Ben Heeney, Kansas
I’m pretty sure the Niners weren’t expecting to take two inside LBs in this draft after having the best combo in the league the last few seasons in Willis and Bowman, but things change quickly. The Niners lost Willis and Chris Borland to retirement and are now counting on Bowman, who is coming off two knee injuries, and a career backup in Michael Wilhoite. Heeney is a little undersized, but his instincts remind me of a poor man’s Borland though he is not as sound of a tackler.
152.) Houston Texans – DE Christian Covington, Rice
If Covington would have stayed healthy this season he probably would have been a day 2 pick. When healthy, he’s been a disruptive 5-tech who would be a perfect fit in the Texans scheme and a possible upgrade over Jared Crick. With Watt, the addition of Vince Wilfork and the potential of Covington, the Texans could have the best D-line in the AFC.
153.) San Diego Chargers – G/T Jeremiah Poutasi, Utah
Philip Rivers needs better protection then he got last season and adding a massive guard like Poutasi should help. His foot speed is a little slow for tackle, but he moves well enough to play inside.
154.) New Orleans Saints – G Mark Glowinski, West Virginia
One of my favorite interior line sleepers. Glowinski has good power, enough foot speed to handle interior rushers, and has starter potential. He’s a steal this late and was almost my choice for the Bears in round 5.
155.) Buffalo Bills – DT Xavier Williams, Northern Iowa
The Bills have a dominant DT combo in Darius / Williams, but little depth behind them. Williams is raw, but has the potential to be a solid 1-tech DT.
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
156.) Philadelphia Eagles – WR Chris Conley, Georgia
May have been the biggest surprise of the combine with off the charts measurements in every drill. His senior year tape is disappointing but his junior year tape with a legitimate QB (Aaron Murray) was more impressive. Chip Kelly likes big WRs with the ability to block and run after the catch. Conley fits that profile and could back up Jordan Matthews in the slot with the potential for more if he can play close to his combine numbers.
157.) Cincinnati Bengals – T/G Jamon Brown, Louisville
The Bengals probably won’t wait this long to address their O-line after a couple recent free agent signings on their D-line, but Brown is a good prospect who has the potential to eventually start at either guard or right tackle.
158.) Baltimore Ravens – OLB/DE Lyndon Trail, Norfolk St
Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has a habit of taking the best player available regardless of need or round. Trail is an unusual athlete from a small DII school. He has potential to play OLB, DE, or even TE which are 3 positions Trail practiced at during Senior Bowl week. He is a long-shot due to his small school experience and mediocre combine performance, but his length and football instincts make him worth a 5th round selection.
159.) Arizona Cardinals – G/T Chaz Green, Florida
One of my favorite day 3 O-linemen, who has an aggressive demeanor and the versatility to potentially play all three O-line positions. His best spot is either right guard or right tackle, but his movement skills and toughness would be a welcome addition to a team that has had trouble finding reliable linemen.
160.) Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Corey Robinson. South Carolina
RT Marcus Gilbert wasn’t terrible last year, but he wasn’t good either. The Steelers need a long-term upgrade at the position and Robinson has the physical traits to be a beast at the position. It may take a year or two for Robinson to clean up his technique and improve his work ethic, but he has more talent than most tackle prospects in the draft and is easily worth a gamble this late in the draft.
161.) Carolina Panthers – S James Sample, Louisville
The Panthers managed to find a couple competent corners in the 5th round of the last two drafts (Norman, Benwikere) and a solid free safety in the 4th round last year (Tre Boston). They may repeat their luck if they end up with Sample in the 5th round this year. He’s a big hitter in secondary in both the running game and against receivers over the middle. Sample’s pass coverage needs some work but the potential is there to develop into a starting strong safety and his skill set is a good complement to Tre Boston’s.
162.) Tampa Bay Bucs – G Miles Dieffenbach, Penn St
He missed most of last season with an injury, but was projected as a day 2 pick before he got hurt. Dieffenbach is a tough, interior brawler who should be able to hold his own as a rookie in the league. Good value pick for the Bucs this late.