The NFL Draft - April 30th, 2015
On April 30th, hundreds of young men will wait to hear their name called by their new employer. This night will likely be the biggest night of some of these mens lives, as they will be finding out their new area code, co-workers, bosses and coworkers. Some will hear their name called later then they would like, and some will not hear their name at all. But for the 224 young men who will be called, this night means everything. Here I will do my best as an oracle to predict how the Draft may play out. These assertations are purely spectative, and what I believe to make the most sense for every NFL General Manager.
Pick 1. Jameis Winston, QB - FSU
Jameis Winston is a winner. The man went 26-1 in his collegiate career, and before his first career loss less than 5 months ago it seemed like he didn't know how to lose. A franchise quarterback is harder to find than Osama Bin Laden these days, so don't be surprised if the Bucs swing on Famous Jameis. His off feild character issues are a concern for NFL teams that are questioning his maturity and ability to lead, but he simply has too much upside to pass up on. Experience in a prostyle offense, a prototypical build (6'4", 230) and the uncanny ability to win games. Don't believe the hype that he is a Jamarcus Russel-type bust waiting to happen. The man can make all of the NFL throws and he is a big deal.
Pick 2. Marcus Mariota, QB - Oregon
The 2014 Heisman winner turned heads this year with his size (6'4") speed (4.5 40 time) and his surpising 31-4 TD/INT ratio. Either the Titans will take him at number 2, or somebody else will. A franchise QB isn't something that comes around every day, and for an identity-less Titans Mariota is a perfect fit. Questions about whether his success can be attributed to him or his offensive scheme have had him slip past pick 2 in some mock drafts. Mariota is a fast, smart, accurate quarterback with a squeaky-clean record that the Titans cannot afford to pass up on. Look for him to be a perennial pro-bowler in the right scheme fit.
Pick 3. Vic Beasley, DE - Clemson
Most draft analytics do not have Vic Beasley as the first defensive player taken off of the board, and that's okay. The reason I have Beasley going so early is because he is a perfect scheme fit for what Gus Bradley is putting together in Jacksonville. As Bradley tries to emulate his former team's (Seattle Seahawks) defensive scheme, he has lacked a true Leo pass rusher. The Jags have finally created something that seems like a strong point on their team - the pass rush - and it would be smart to invest in a player that could turn the unit from good to great. Concerns about Beasleys size have come into play, and some are worried that he will be erased on some plays by bigger offensive lineman. Simply put, Beasley is an athletic freak (a term used too liberally nowadays) and anyone who loves a good scheme fit as much as I do should be rooting for this pick to happen.
Pick 4. Amari Cooper, WR - Alabama
Amari Cooper straight up dominated SEC defenses in 2014. (124 REC, 1727 yards, 16 TD's) Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen found creative ways to get the ball in his hands and Cooper made the most of the oppurtunity. A polished route runner with sure hands, Cooper is exactly the target that can elevate Derek Carr to the franchise QB level that the Raiders so deperately want (need) him to be. A developed skill set will allow him to come in and contribute from Day 1 (something the Raiders also need) making a difference on offensive with his ability to locate the football. Coopers size (6'1") isn't as sexy as some of the other top recievers on the board (Kevin White, Devante Parker at 6'4") but he has a much higher floor than other recievers in this class, and the Raiders can't afford to miss with this pick
Pick 5. Leonard Williams, DT - USC
It seems a bit redundant to add another D-lineman to this already crowded rotation, but if new Redskins GM Scot McClaughlin has made one thing clear this offseason, its that he isn't afraid to invest in beefy talent along the defensive line. Williams is regarded by many as the best player in this draft, and he can line up as a 3 tech, 5 tech, or virtually anywhere along the defensive line due to his athleticism, quick feet, and powerful hands. With 33 year-old DE Jason Hatcher underperforming his big free agent contract last year, there seems to be an opening along the line for a player of Williams caliber. Like the Raiders, the Redskins can't afford to miss with this pick and by picking Leonard Williams they are picking the best player on the board, which is a safe way to rebuild a team that has won only 7 of its past 32 games.
Pick 6. Dante Fowler Jr., DE - Florida
Dante Fowler is regarded as the best pass rusher in this draft by many due to his violent, heavy hands and his raw athleticism. New Jets HC Todd Bowles will be looking to add aggressive new pass rushers up front to run the (old) new-look Jets defense bolstered by CB's Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Fowler is a great fit on a talented Jets defense that is being held back by lacking a true pass rusher. This is a great pick for NY because it not only satisfies a need, but is also taking the best player available. If the Jets are able to land Fowler, expect head coach Bowles to be drawing up plays for him before the Bears announce their pick.
Pick 7. Kevin White, WR - WVU
The Broncos HC in 2014 John Fox has changed zip codes, and now resides in Chicago with the Bears, and holds the number 7 overall pick in the draft. Coach Fox had lots of success in Denver with a big, fast reciever named Demaryus Thomas. With a big whole left on the roster at WR due to Brandon Marshall's departure, and a big fast reciever left on the board, Kevin White is the perfect fit. Kevin White is a tantalizing prospect with his size (6'4"), speed (4.3 40 yard time) and strong hands. Many feel that he is the best WR prospect in the draft due to his high ceiling, where in a very foreseeable scenario he becomes an end zone monster with a huge catch radius. This fares well for QB Jay Cutler, because, well...he's not always on the money with his passes. With a huge, fast talent like Kevin White, perhaps he can make some contested catches and make Cutlers numbers look a little better in 2016.
Pick 8.