Overview
I did this sort of off the wall mock draft with trades for fun. Actual surprises and trades in the real draft will probably surpass anything I can think of to be honest. That has always been the case. Then again the top three picks all being dealt would be unprecedented. Another twist thrown in is all three second tier quarterbacks going early on the second day, plus veteran quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Mike Glennon both switching teams. Comments are limited to simple, pithy statements and other options aren't given. My final mock to be posted the day before the draft will return to my normal format. Not that it is likely to be more correct than this exercise.
Proposed Trades
- Tampa Bay trades 1 (1) to San Diego for 1 (17), QB Philip Rivers
- Tennessee trades 1 (2) to Cleveland for 1 (12), 1 (19), 3 (77)
- Jacksonville trades 1 (3) to Chicago for 1 (7), 2 (39)
- Atlanta trades 1 (8) to Houston for 1 (16), 2 (51)
- Pittsburgh trades 1 (22) to Indianapolis for 1 (29), 3 (93)
- Arizona trades 1 (24), 4 (123) to Denver for 1 (28), 3 (92)
- Tennessee trades 2 (33), 4 (100) to NY Giants for 2 (40), 3 (74)
- Tampa Bay trades 2 (34), 4 (109) to New Orleans for 2 (44), 3 (78)
- Jacksonville trades 2 (39) to Pittsburgh for 2 (56), 3 (87)
- Tampa Bay trades QB Mike Glennon to Buffalo for 3 (81)
Round 1
- San Diego Chargers (proposed from Tampa Bay)
QB Jameis Winston - Florida St
Rivers has been unwilling to negotiate an extension not wanting to move his family to Los Angeles if/when the franchise somewhat inevitably goes north. What if the Spanos family and GM Tom Telesco call his bluff and decide it’s time to start over? This is honestly not really enough value to move into the top pick. The Bucs would need to be strongly motivated to avoid Winston to make this deal.
- Needs: RB, NT, G/C, WR, OLB, OT
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- Cleveland Browns (proposed from Tennessee)
QB Marcus Mariota - Oregon
The Chargers, Jets, Browns and Eagles are all legitimate contender for this pick, Mariota. Jimmy Haslam has the most motivation to find a face for his moribund franchise combined with the least interest in listening to his football people.
- Needs: QB, WR, OLB, NT/DE, TE, RT
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- Chicago Bears (proposed from Jacksonville)
DE/DT Leonard Williams - USC
Nothing wrong with trading up for best non-QB in the draft especially when your trade partner is motivated to move down. Doesn't hurt that the target is a perfect fit at a position of need in new coordinator Vic Fangio's defense.
- Needs: S, RT/G, NT/DE, LB, WR, CB
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- Oakland Raiders
WR Kevin White - West Virginia
Owner Mark Davis channels his Dad Al. Speed and upside trumps all.
- Needs: DE, WR, RT/G, DT, CB, S
.
- Washington Redskins
OLB/DE Dante Fowler - Florida
Sit still and land the best edge rusher in the draft. A very non-Dan Snyder type of move.
- Needs: RT/G, LB, S, CB, RB, WR
.
- New York Jets
RB Todd Gurley - Georgia
Can't get up for Mariota so instead upgrade the running game. Gurley is reportedly seriously on the rise after getting good results at his medical recheck.
- Needs: QB, RT/G, OLB, RB, S, WR
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- Jacksonville Jaguars (proposed from Chicago)
DE/OLB Vic Beasley - Clemson
Add the perfect LEO for Dan Quinn's defense plus an extra second rounder, David Caldwell should be so lucky in real life.
- Needs: DE/OLB, FS, RB, M/WLB, WR, C/G
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- Houston Texans (proposed from Atlanta)
WR Amari Cooper - Alabama
Mini-slide for Cooper ended with trade up to replace Andre Johnson.
- Needs: QB, ILB, WR, OLB, C/G, DE
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- New York Giants
DE Randy Gregory - Nebraska
Jerry Reese ignores the offensive line, gambles on a high upside edge rusher. The more things change the more they stay the same.
- Needs: S, RT/G, DE, DT, LB, WR
.
- St. Louis Rams
T/G Brandon Scherff - Iowa
Have only 5 picks total so moving up for sliding Cooper proved impossible. Having top offensive lineman fall into their laps a nice, somewhat unexpected result.
- Needs: C, OT, OG, WR, CB, MLB
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- Minnesota Vikings
WR DeVante Parker - Louisville
The idea of reuniting Bridgewater with Parker appeals to me for some reason.
- Needs: CB, OT/G, MLB, S, WR, RB
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- Tennessee Titans (proposed from Cleveland)
OT Ereck Flowers - Miami FL
Could they really be committed to Zach Mettenberger? If so then moving down and adding an immediate starter on the right side of a weak offensive line makes sense.
- Needs: QB, RT/G, RB, NT/DE, WR, ILB
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- New Orleans Saints
OLB Bud Dupree - Kentucky
Sean Payton reportedly committed to rebuilding the defense with five picks on the first two days.
- Needs: OLB, OG, WR, TE, CB, ILB
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- Miami Dolphins
CB Trae Waynes - Michigan St
Immediate starter opposite Brent Grimes makes a lot of sense.
- Needs: OG, CB, WR, S, OLB, DT
.
- San Francisco 49ers
ILB Eric Kendricks - UCLA
Reach for desperate need after retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland.
- Needs: ILB, CB, DE, WR, OG, TE
.
- Atlanta Falcons (proposed from Houston)
RB Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin
Trade down with Gurley off the board. Two backs taken in the first 16 picks after none selected in the first round the last two years.
- Needs: DE/OLB, RB, C/G, FS, TE, MLB
.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (proposed from San Diego)
G/T La'el Collins - LSU
Seemed inexorably tied to Winston for months. Recently rumors have been surfacing that ownership, specifically Malcolm Glazer's daughter Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, is reticent about making him the face of the franchise. What if she convinces her father and brothers that taking Winston is a bad idea? The 33 year old Rivers would have to agree to an extension if traded anywhere, he is from relatively nearby Decatur, AL. The Bucs would become instant competitors in a division in which no team finished .500 last season. Drafting Collins helps them address the dumpster fire that is the right side of their offensive line.
- Needs: QB, DE, OT/G, S, RB, CB
.
- Kansas City Chiefs
DE Arik Armstead - Oregon
Lack difference makers on the defensive line besides Dontari Poe in the middle. Can't resist ultra-athletic 5-technique with incredible upside.
- Needs: C/G, CB, OT, ILB, DE, WR
.
- Tennessee Titans (proposed through Cleveland from Buffalo)
NT Danny Shelton - Washington
The somewhat overrated Shelton provides value this late for the middle of last season's 31st ranked run defense.
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- Philadelphia Eagles
WR Breshad Perriman - UCF
Signed Tim Tebow, draft deemed irrelevant. In all seriousness still believe Chip Kelly desperately wants Marcus Mariota, other teams simply have more ammunition to go get him. Add speed on offense as a fallback option to help spread the field for new backs.
- Needs: WR, S, OLB, CB, OG, DE
.
- Cincinnati Bengals
DE/OLB Shane Ray - Missouri
Finished dead last in sacks last season. Toe injury causes Ray to drop.
- Needs: DT, DE, OT, WR, LB, C
.
- Indianapolis Colts (proposed from Pittsburgh)
S Landon Collins - Alabama
Immediate starter to fill a huge hole in the lineup. Another mini-slide of a member of the Crimson Tide ends with a trade up.
- Needs: S, G/C, RT, ILB, CB, RB
.
- Detroit Lions
DT Malcom Brown - Texas
Best interior defensive lineman available seems the prudent course given free agent losses even after trade for Haloti Ngata.
- Needs: DT, G/C, RT, RB, CB, WR
.
- Denver Broncos (proposed from Arizona)
OT Andrus Peat - Stanford
Gary Kubiak covets athletic offensive linemen.
- Needs: G/C, FS, RT, NT, TE, ILB
.
- Carolina Panthers
OT DJ Humphries - Florida
Cam Newton is in big trouble if either of newly signed Michael Oher or Jonathan Martin are on the field very often.
- Needs: OT, WR, DE, SS, CB, RB
.
- Baltimore Ravens
CB Jalen Collins - LSU
Best player available within reason, an Ozzie Newsome staple.
- Needs: WR, CB, RB, TE, S, OLB/DE
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- Dallas Cowboys
CB Byron Jones - UConn
Jerry Jones is reportedly enamored with the athletic attributes displayed by Jones in the post season. Who can blame him?
- Needs: RB, CB, DE, DT, S, OLB
.
- Arizona Cardinals (proposed from Denver)
NT Eddie Goldman - Florida St
Trade down with no one they really covet at 24. Counting on Alameda Ta'amu on the nose seems dubious, recently signed Corey Peters more a sub-package interior rusher than every down player.
- Needs: OLB, ILB, NT/DE, RB, CB, S
.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (proposed from Indianapolis)
CB/S Eric Rowe - Utah
Fail to trade up for Trae Waynes so with all the remaining corners still on the board at 22 decide to trade down to see what is left.
- Needs: CB, OLB, TE, WR, S, DE
.
- Green Bay Packers
CB Kevin Johnson - Wake Forest
Lost Tramon Williams and Davon House in free agency.
- Needs: ILB, CB, NT/DE, TE, OLB, RT/G
.
- New Orleans Saints (from Seattle)
CB Marcus Peters - Washington
End of a monumental run on corners with five of the last six selections being used on the position.
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- New England Patriots
WR Dorial Green-Beckham - Oklahoma
Roll of the dice looking for a weapon outside for Tom Brady with the top corners all off the board.
- Needs: CB, OG, WR, DT, RB, S
Round 2
- New York Giants (proposed from TEN) - OT TJ Clemmings - Pitt
Pay a premium to move up for best remaining offensive lineman on the second day.
- New Orleans Saints (proposed from TB) - QB Bryce Petty - Baylor
Jump ahead of Jets, Rams to reach for project to develop behind Brees.
- Oakland Raiders - DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa - UCLA
Tied for next to last in 2014 with a paltry 22 sacks.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - C Cameron Erving - Florida St
Wisniewski coming back from shoulder surgery, signed for only a single season.
- New York Jets - OLB Eli Harold - Virginia
Upgrade needed over aging Pace, disappointing Coples.
- Washington Redskins - T/G Jake Fisher - Oregon
Struck out trying to add Bulaga, Parnell, Newton to play RT. .
- Pittsburgh Steelers (proposed through Jacksonville from Chicago)
S Shaq Thompson - Washington
What fun is doing a crazy mock with trades unless the Steelers are repeatedly involved even if this is usually not their way? Let's call this a Colbert special. Forget about position for a minute. Thompson is an ultra-athletic splash player that can cover tight ends or backs, rush the passer from anywhere on the field and maybe even fill a role as an emergency runner. Think Carnell Lake in the long term with more versatility in the short term.
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- Tennessee Titans (proposed from NYG) - QB Garrett Grayson - Colorado St
Insurance policy for Mettenberger.
- St. Louis Rams - QB Brett Hundley - UCLA
Foles under contract for only one more season.
- Atlanta Falcons - TE Maxx Williams - Minnesota
Finally replacing Gonzalez could only help Ryan.
- Cleveland Browns - WR Jaelen Strong - Arizona St
Broken thumb causes Strong to fall. Bowe and Hartline are short term stopgaps.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (proposed from NO) - DE Preston Smith - Mississippi St
Lovie's defense built around pressure from the front 4.
- Minnesota Vikings - CB Ron Darby - Florida St
Slightly undersized, fluid cover corner a nice compliment to Rhodes.
- San Francisco 49ers - WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami FL
Agile, smooth route runner compliments Smith, aging Boldin.
- Miami Dolphins - WR Nelson Agholor - USC
Traded for Stills, still need more receivers besides him and Landry.
- San Diego Chargers - NT/DE Jordan Phillips - Oklahoma
Lissemore lacks size to be an every down nose, Phillips has no such problem.
- Kansas City Chiefs - CB/S Quinten Rollins - Miami OH
Raw. Started 4 years at PG, earned MAC DPOY honors in only football season. .
- Buffalo Bills
NT/DE Carl Davis - Iowa
Expected to switch back to a 3-4 with Rex Ryan at the helm after a single season predominately lining up in a 4-3. Ryan built his defense in New Jersey around the line. Marcell Darius and Kyle Williams will occupy two spots, the other is open.
- Needs: QB, RT, ILB, S, NT/DE, OLB
.
- Atlanta Falcons (proposed from HOU) - DE/OLB Danielle Hunter - LSU
Nice fit at LEO for Quinn's defense.
- Philadelphia Eagles - OLB Nate Orchard - Utah
Last year's first rounder Smith already looking like a wasted pick.
- Cincinnati Bengals - DT Mario Edwards - Florida St
Double dip on athletic defensive lineman in attempt to fix pass rush.
- Detroit Lions - OG AJ Cann - South Carolina
Experienced 51 game starter should be able to step in immediately.
- Arizona Cardinals - RB Duke Johnson - Miami FL
Looking for an every down back to push Ellington into a change of pace role.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (proposed from PIT) - RB Tevin Coleman - Indiana
Gerhart a backup at best, Robinson a change of pace.
- Carolina Panthers - WR Devin Smith - Ohio St
Speed to stretch/open up field for Benjamin.
- Baltimore Ravens - WR Sammie Coates - Auburn
Lack of polish scares away some draft suitors.
- Denver Broncos - DT Michael Bennett - Ohio St
Phillips' defense requires one gap penetrator lined up over center.
- Dallas Cowboys - RB Jay Ajayi - Boise St
Versatile with no outstanding single trait.
- Indianapolis Colts - I/OLB Benardrick McKinney - Mississippi St
Two down inside run defender that can rush off the edge in sub-packages.
- Green Bay Packers - ILB Stephone Anthony - Clemson
Got rid of Jones, Hawk, Lattimore. Used Matthews inside last season with them. .
- Seattle Seahawks
WR/TE Devin Funchess - Michigan
Rehabilitated draft stock somewhat at his pro day after a nightmarish combine. Oversized receiver provides mismatch problems especially with Jimmy Graham also on the field.
- Needs: WR, CB, DT, G/C, DE, S
.
- New England Patriots - DT Grady Jarrett - Clemson
Intense, hard worker. Slightly undersized yet powerfully built. Excellent value.
Round 3
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - RB Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska
Martin aged quickly, appears on his last legs.
- Tennessee Titans - RB David Johnson - Northern Iowa
Greene's a replacement level plugger, Sankey already looks like a bust.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - MLB Denzel Perryman - Miami FL
Injury prone Posluszny not getting any younger.
- Oakland Raiders - DT Xavier Cooper - Washington St
Interior one-gap penetrator compliments newly signed Williams.
- Washington Redskins - CB PJ Williams - Florida St
April DUI arrest added to leaving scene of a crime in October a concern.
- New York Jets - G Laken Tomlinson - Duke
Resigned Colon looked done last season, needs replaced immediately.
- Chicago Bears - OLB Hau'oli Kikaha - Washington
Relentless pass rusher lacks length, top athleticism. Has suffered pair of torn ACLs.
- St. Louis Rams - C Hroniss Grasu - Oregon
Upgrade on Barnes. Need all the offensive linemen they can get.
- Atlanta Falcons - RT/G Ali Marpet - Hobart NY
Division III standout hung with big boys at Senior Bowl.
- Tennessee Titans (proposed from NYG) - WR Rashad Greene - Florida St
Hunter coming off a disappointing season, depth needed.
- New Orleans Saints - TE Clive Walford - Miami FL
Competition for Hill to replace some of Graham's production.
- Minnesota Vikings - RB TJ Yeldon - Alabama
Purple Jesus still wants out, isn't getting any younger anyway.
- Tennessee Titans (proposed from CLE) - FS Damarious Randall - Arizona St
Competition for fading, 30 year old Griffin.
- Tampa Buccaneers (proposed thru NO from MIA) - OT Cedric Ogbuehi - Texas A&M
Multiple picks allow them to gamble on injured player with tremendous upside.
- San Francisco 49ers - DE Henry Anderson - Stanford
McDonald released due to off field issues, Smith turns 36 early in season.
- Kansas City Chiefs - ILB Paul Dawson - TCU
Johnson trying to come back from torn Achilles, depth chart beside him is weak.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (proposed from BUF) - CB/S Alex Carter - Stanford
Bills get competition at QB, Bucs a flier on possible replacement for Banks.
- Houston Texans - OG Tre Jackson - Florida St
Interior offensive line lacks depth, talent.
- San Diego Chargers - RB Jeremy Langford - Michigan St
Mathews is gone, Oliver not an every down option.
- Philadelphia Eagles - CB/S Ifo Ekpre-Olomu - Oregon
Kelly can't help himself, adds another Duck.
- Cincinnati Bengals - OT Donovan Smith - Penn St
Whitworth, Smith free agents after the season, both unlikely to return.
- Arizona Cardinals - OLB Lorenzo Mauldin - Louisville
Pass rush needs to be addressed, Woodley clearly not the answer.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (proposed from PIT) - FS Derron Smith - Fresno St
Slightly undersized CFer with 15 career interceptions.
- Detroit Lions - RB David Cobb - Minnesota
Bell returning from Achilles' injury, Riddick a one dimensional pass catcher.
- Carolina Panthers - SS James Sample - Louisville
Time to think about replacing 32 year old Harper.
- Baltimore Ravens - RB Javorius Allen - USC
Versatile power runner with good vision that can catch the ball, pass protect.
- Dallas Cowboys - DT Marcus Hardison - Arizona St
Lost interior pass rusher Melton to free agency.
- Arizona Cardinals (proposed from DEN) - ILB Kwon Alexander - LSU
Weatherspoon is coming off a torn Achilles'. .
- Pittsburgh Steelers (proposed from Indianapolis)
WR Tre McBride - William & Mary
Excellent ball skills, good size/speed ratio. Does being from the same school as Mike Tomlin give him an edge? Probably not. Colbert has proven he knows how to pick receivers so if this is the selection expect big things.
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- Green Bay Packers - OLB Trey Flowers - Arkansas
Peppers is 35, depth outside a priority even if Matthews not needed inside.
- Seattle Seahawks - CB D'Joun Smith - Florida Atlantic
Slot corner Lane tore his ACL in the Super Bowl.
- New England Patriots - CB Steve Nelson - Oregon St
Revis got his ring and left for the money.
- New England Patriots (compensatory) - G John Miller - Louisville
Allowed Connolly to walk. Devey, Kline, Wendell nothing special.
- Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory) - WR Chris Conley - Georgia
Sleeper with incredible physical upside that got lost in a run first offense.
- Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory) - WR Tyler Lockett - Kansas St
Adding speed to receiver corps not a bad idea even with Jones returning.
Day 3
4 121 Pittsburgh Steelers
OLB Davis Tull - Tennessee Chattanooga
Limited in post season due to torn labrum. Among top combine performers at his position in broad jump, vertical leap. Did 26 bench press reps at 225 lbs. despite injury. Ran a sub-4.6 40 at his pro day. Lacks ideal length.
5 160 Pittsburgh Steelers
OG Mark Glowinski - West Virginia
JUCO tackle prospect switched to guard in Morgantown. Tenacious, hard working on and off the field. Among top performers at his position at the combine in bench press reps and broad jump. Still learning to play inside, may need some development time which should be OK with entire offensive line set to return. Possible replacement for free agent to be Ramon Foster in 2016.
6 199 Pittsburgh Steelers
OLB Zach Wagenmann - Montana
A third day double dip on small school edge rushers. Self-made player with non-stop motor and better than advertised athleticism. School all-time leader in sacks, tackles for a loss.
6 212 Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)
TE CJ Uzomah - Auburn
High upside projects has frame, athleticism to develop into an in-line every down starter. Lacks polish as a blocker and production as a receiver. Limited by offensive scheme.
7 239 Pittsburgh Steelers
DE Angelo Blackson - Auburn
Developmental two-gap run stuffer that was part of a rotation in college. Lacks explosiveness, never going to be a pass rush threat. |