16. San Diego Chargers - DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville: Keenan Allen is a reliable route-runner and pass-catcher but he doesn't strike fear into the hearts of defenders. Parker missed the first seven games of the year with a broken fifth toe in his left foot, but the 6-3, 209 pounder has starred since, demonstrating the fluidity and ball-skills to project as a No. 1 target.
17. Cleveland Browns (from BUF) - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia: The Browns' defense and running game have been good enough to make them competitive but the lack of a top-flight receiver limits the team's upside. The club is hopeful, of course, that Josh Gordon will re-emerge as a superstar but can't rely on him. No player has boosted his stock more this season than White, a 6-3, 209 pound who climbs the ladder to make contested catches look easy.
18. Cleveland Browns - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford: The Browns boast one of the league's best left tackles in Joe Thomas but could use reinforcements at right tackle, where Mitchell Schwartz is coming off a disappointing second season. Peat blessed with remarkable balance and agility for a man of his 6-7, 315 pound dimensions and his experience in the conservative Stanford offense could make him especially attractive to the run-heavy Browns.
19. Seattle Seahawks - Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan: It was a terrific defense and the running of Marshawn Lynch that helped Seattle capture its first Super Bowl last year but opponents had to at least be aware of Percy Harvin and Golden Tate, each of whom could create big plays on their own. With both playing elsewhere now, however, Seattle is struggling to pass the ball with any consistency. Whether at receiver or tight end, the 6-5, 235 pound Funchess offers a unique skill-set that could remind GM John Schneider of Jermichael Finley, a formidable seam threat he saw while both worked in Green Bay.
20. Green Bay Packers - Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida: A healthy Clay Matthews and rejuvenated Julius Peppers have improved Green Bay's pass rusher this season but neither has proven reliable enough for the Packers to ignore this year's bounty of edge defenders. Fowler lines up all over the Gators defense and is comfortable rushing (or dropping) from either the two or three point stance.
21. Miami Dolphins - Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia: While Lamar Miller has played well since re-taking over as the top back, GM Dennis Hickey and head coach Joe Philbin didn't show great faith in him when signing Knowshon Moreno prior to the season. Miller and Moreno are each capable NFL starters when healthy but neither possesses Gurley's talent. Whether he plays another snap again this season or not, Gurley's power, balance and surprising speed make him a virtual lock for the first round.
22. Kansas City Chiefs - Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State: Despite a receiving corps that hasn't yet caught a touchdown, the Chiefs continue to play well. Providing more weapons on the perimeter would seem to be a priority for Kansas City in the off-season, however, especially given that this year's crop seems very strong yet again. Strong is the operative word, as aptly-named 6-4, 205 pound junior has the size and physicality to win contested passes.
23. Indianapolis Colts - Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State: The development of Bjoern Werner has lessened Indianapolis' need for outside linebackers but inside remains an issue with former Cleveland Brown D'Qwell Jackson struggling to make an impact. McKinney offers a rare package of length, athleticism and versatility that is likely to earn him a top 25 selection.
24. Baltimore Ravens - Melvin Gordon, RB,Wisconsin: Running backs may not hold the same value in today's pass-happy NFL, but difference-makers at any position are worthy of first round consideration. The Ravens have survived with journeymen running backs this season and could see Gordon's agility, acceleration and big play potential as precisely what their offense has been lacking.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers -- PJ Williams, CB, Florida State: An aging defense needs reinforcements at virtually every level. Williams has the athleticism and instincts to boost Pittsburgh's coverage downfield.
26. Dallas Cowboys - Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky: The Cowboys are hopeful that 2014 rookie Demarcus Lawrence will significantly boost their outside pass rush but that won't keep the team from adding reinforcements. Dupree, the SEC's leading active pass rusher, is long, instinctive and closes in a flash.
27. Cincinnati Bengals - La'el Collins, OL, LSU: Few teams reload along the line of scrimmage as consistently as the frugal Bengals and with starting left tackle Andrew Whitworth entering his ninth season and the clubs' backups (Marshall Newhouse, Will Svitek) entering the final year of their contracts, Cincinnati is likely to be on the lookout for potential replacements. Like Whitworth (who also starred at LSU), Collins doesn't necessarily look the part of an NFL left tackle, sporting a square-ish frame. He's surprisingly effective on the edge, however, and is a mauler in the running game.
28. Detroit Lions - Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State: With starters Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in the final year of their respective contracts, the Lions will be scouting the defensive tackle class as closely as any team in the league and Goldman is generating plenty of buzz. The 6-4, 320 pound junior is a former top recruit who's enjoyed a breakout campaign back inside this season after starting at end last year for the champs.
29. Philadelphia Eagles - AJ Cann, OG, South Carolina: Guards Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis have been relative weak spots along Philadelphia's offense line, contributing to the Eagles' struggles running the football and in pass protection. Whereas many of the other top guard prospects in 2015 play their collegiate ball at tackle (and therefore will need time to acclimate), Cann's entire career has been spent inside and so theoretically, he'd be able to contribute sooner.
30. Denver Broncos -Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State: For as dominant as the Broncos have appeared for much of this season, there remain areas of concern. Right tackle, for example, has been an ongoing issue for the Broncos this season.
31. New England Patriots - Danny Shelton, NG, Washington: The Patriots are flying high after an impressive victory over Denver. Holding up to a power running game, however, remains a concern given the absence (and age) of nose guard Vince Wilfork. Shelton's wide frame and tenacity would likely be valued by Bill Belichick and his staff.
32. Arizona Cardinals - Hau'oli Kikaha, DE/OLB, Washington: Everyone expected that an athletic and physical secondary would be the calling card of the NFC West's top team. Few, however, were predicting in the preseason that it would be the secondary based in Arizona. An improved pass rush would make Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu and the surprising 7-1 Cardinals that much more effective. Kikaha's burst and active hands have helped him register impressive numbers as a pass rusher throughout his career but it is the awareness and fluidity in coverage he's shown this season that has his stock on the rise.
No comments:
Post a Comment
What's your opinion?