With the NFL season surpassing the halfway mark, the fog is clearing and the dust is settling onto which teams have legitimate playoff potential and which teams are already looking towards the future. Here at eDraft we’ve broken down the who’s who’s and who’s nots of the 2014 NFL season so far, and gave them a glimmer of hope for what the future could be after adding some premier talent from the 2015 class that is exploding with potential.
1. Oakland Raiders
Leonard Willams, Defensive Line, USC
The Raiders could go a number of different directions but one spot they won’t be looking at is quarterback after Derek Carr has proved himself worthy of building a franchise around him. Getting Carr a bookend left tackle would make sure he doesn’t turn out like his brother David who was sacked out of the league a decade ago. However, the way Carr has gotten the most out of the players around him makes you think building up the defense on the other side would be most beneficial for all parties.
USC’s Leonard Williams is the most versatile lineman in the draft that can dominate from multiple positions. While he will help add a spark to the pass rush he will likely land inside for most of his career helping everyone around him, including rookie standout linebacker Khalil Mack. Of course finding a trade partner that has their mind set on Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota would be the best case scenario.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Shawn Oakman, Defensive Lineman, Baylor
Another team that has found the quarterback of their future in Blake Bortles, the Jaguars are another team that would love to field offers for a team ready to move up for Mariota. Staying put though, Gus Bradley continues to add talent into his defense. Bradley’s defense specifically in his front-seven, has been a surprising weakness, but adding Oakman to the line would big a huge boost.
The drafts best kept secret as of now as you may not know much about Oakman yet, but I promise you come draft time Oakman’s stock will soar. At 6’9” 290 pounds, Oakman has uncanny athleticism for his size and a motor that won’t quit. Oakman will rise into the top-5 based off his size and potential alone that will make scouts drool, as the league still highly values versatile defensive lineman that can get into the backfield.
3. New York Jets
Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Oregon
No matter who the teams slotted in the top-three selections Mariota shouldn’t fall any further than this. In a shaky quarterback class Mariota is the safest bet there is coming out as the best dual-threat quarterback prospect since Cam Newton. While he doesn’t possess the size like a Newton, his ability to beat you with his arm and legs while owning franchise intangibles like leadership skills, intelligence, and work ethic makes him worthy of being the first quarterback off the board. Mariota will look to be the saving grace in the Big Apple after the Geno Smith experiment came to an ugly end after just two seasons.
With Erik Decker and Percy Harvin freshly in the mix, and a physical power-running game in place, super Mariota will slide into the starting spot with more than capable weapons at his disposal. In fact, if a creative offensive-coordinator was brought in, electric speedsters like Harvin and Chris Johnson would give Mariota multiple avenues on any given play in a option-style offense, giving fans something to finally cheer about on that side of the ball.
4. Tennessee Titans
Randy Gregory, Defensive End, Nebraska
If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, turn on the tape of Randy Gregory and grab your popcorn as no 3-D glasses are needed to be entertained watching this high-def animal. Gregory is another freak athlete who has brute strength and lighting quickness of the edge that will boost the Titans front-seven immediately. With his god given talent Gregory could be molded into a linebacker, but his natural position is with his hand in the dirt getting into the backfield with speed off the ball that reminds me a lot of Robert Quinn.
While quarterback is a more than plausible scenario for their new head coach to build around, Gregory is a can’t miss talent that will help the Titans find a way to slow down Andrew Luck twice a year. After grabbing tackle Taylor Lewan in the first round last year, its clear this team wants to rebuild their strengths from the inside out, and get back to a physical style of play.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Alabama
I know what your thinking and I agree, this isn’t a video game. After using a top-ten pick on receiver Mike Evans last year Cooper hardly seems like a fit on a team with desperate issues elsewhere, but hear me out. Vincent Jackson is on his way out the door after the team tried to trade him before this years deadline with no success. The aging veteran has a lucrative contraction under his wings and at most will only play one more season with the team. Meanwhile, Cooper is the best wide receiver to come out since Julio Jones and A.J. Green as his big play potential shows up on a weekly basis. Not the biggest or the fastest but Cooper is well rounded and polished as he knows how to get open and come down with the ball.
In a league where offenses love to spread out the defense, running a three wide-out set with Evans, Cooper, and Austin Jenkins is something that will give whichever quarterback under center the confidence to find a mismatch on any given play. Getting the best player at his position is usually a no brainer which is why Landon Collins would make a lot of sense as well. While taking the highest quarterback on the board would be a shock to no one, I’m still not convinced the higher ups in the organization are ready to give up on youngster Mike Glennon just yet.
6. Washington Redskins
Landon Collins, Safety, Alabama
Anytime you can add the clear cut number one player in the draft to your team there is a reason to get excited. Collins is certainly that as he has been the best saffey in his class for quite some time now. Collins flies around when asked to play centerfield in coverage and more impressively is a heat seeking missile when slamming into the box in run support. The Redskins defense will have a quick turnaround in regards to their ailing defense with the success they’ve had in their-front seven, and the eventual return of star Brian Orakpo.
Even on the outside the team has had great early luck with cornerbacks David Emerson and Bashaud Breeland and can look elsewhere in the draft because of it. The Redskins haven’t had a legitimate safety since the great Sean Taylor and can finally fill that void with Collins. This team has always had great talent on both sides of the ball, but seems to be plagued with numerous injuries every year. However, as they continue to add talent through the draft the rest of the NFC East should start to take note of how good they can be on any given week when healthy.
7. St. Louis Rams
Jameis Winston, Quarterback, FSU
The team with a trillion opportunities to take another swing on a franchise quarterback over the past three years, but chose not to, must finally face the facts that the Sam Bradford era has officially ended in failure. Even with the glimmer of hope Austin Davis has spread into the locker room, passing up on a true franchise prospect would be downright silly, only proving the front office hasn’t learned their lesson. Winston has taken a beating from the national media and for good reason, but once the pre draft process rolls around and the dust has settled, teams will be more focused on Winston’s combination of arm strength, size , and mobility.
Jeff Fishers last chance at saving his job will rest in the hands of a quarterback that could remind him of his old signal caller Steve McNair who brought him to a Super Bowl. With the defense set up with talent for the immediate and future, finding a quarterback that can manufacture points while managing games is the last piece to this never ending puzzle known as the Rams organization.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Vic Beasley, Outside Linebacker, Clemson
The Falcons have been hit with the injury curse early and often this year and seem to be sinking deeper down the rabbit hole every week. Their biggest weakness thus far is clearly rushing the passer as both the defensive line and linebackers have had no luck generating any type of pressure. Beasly’s name was tossed around as a possible top-5 pick last season but returned for his final year at Clemson.
Lightning in a bottle around the edge Beasly is an animal when it comes to getting into the backfield. The knock on him is he hasn’t found his natural body weight yet and has been labeled as a “tweener” during the interim period. Still the value that Beasly will bring into the Falcons front-seven will provide a huge boost to the entire unit, and maybe most importantly allow defensive coordinator Mike Nolan to finally open up his aggressive natured playbook now that he finally has some talent to do so.
9. New York Giants
Cedric Ogbuehi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
What are you gonna do? The best tackle in the draft falls in your lap makes this pick a non-negotiable choice. Even with other areas of bigger need, adding Ogbuehi into the mix of a steadily young and improving offensive line with players like Weston Richburg and Justin Pugh, and suddenly the Giants finally have a true unit of strength they can run their offense through. Andre Williams will enjoy the extra space in his running lanes which will in turn allow Eli Manning that much needed extra second in the pocket off the play-action game. In a copy cat league, seeing the success of teams like the Dallas Cowboys after investing heavily into their offensive line, should help the fans justify this not so sexy top-ten pick. With a handful of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball the Giants can focus on the defense throughout the rest of the draft.
10. Houston Texans
Connor Cook, Quarterback, Michigan State
The Texans had one of my favorite drafts of the 2014 draft class nabbing some of the best players at their respective position early and often. Its unlikely however that Tom Savage will be the quarterback they want to risk their future in which is why they pull the trigger on Cook who possess much more qualities of an NFL signal caller. While Cook plays in a system that won’t ever give him the monster numbers like his peers, he does show off the unteachable instincts of commanding a huddle and finding a way to win. Playing under center will hep ease the minds of GMs and coaches and will give some team enough confidence in using their top-ten pick on him.
With the most recent news of Ryan Mallett being named the starter this pick plays off the success or failure of Mallett. While many are quick to dismiss him from being able to be a franchise quarterback, if he shows signs of growth and promise the Texans will look to other places in the draft to build around him. Positions like the offensive line and secondary are the first to come to mind as an alternate pick here.
11. Chicago Bears
Shane Ray, Outside Linebacker, Missouri
There must be something in the water down in Missouri that breeds pass rushers. Ray is next in line to be one of the nations top passing rushing specialists after learning from some of the greats like Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Sheldon Richardson, and Kony Ealy. Ray will be knocked down at combine time because of elite length and wingspan desired for the position and even more will likely be dubbed a “tweener” which isn’t what you want. However, the bottom line is Ray is one of the best in the country at getting after the quarterback with freaky quickness and explosion into the backfield.
Safety is clearly the Bears biggest needs and were holding their breath for safety Landon Collins to fall to them, after Collins their is not one safety you can justify taken this early in the draft. Adding another cornerback wouldn’t shock me as much as others, but ultimately if you can add a player that can get after the quarterback in a hurry that will always be the best way to help out everyone in your secondary, knowing the ball will be forced to be out quick more times than not.
12. Carolina Panthers
Todd Gurley, Running Back, Georgia
The madness stops here. Im a firm believer in following the trends in the NFL and not many can argue that the running back as an individual isn’t nearly as valuable as they once were. With teams exposing defenses through the air by spreading them out with four and five wide receiver sets, the running back isn’t used nearly as much as they use to be. The other trend remains that teams can find more than capable running backs in the mid-to-late rounds and even in free agency after the draft has concluded. Saying all that I have a really tough time imagining a team thats picking in the first half of the round is willing to use their pick on that very same position, especially after what happened with the last back taken in the top-five, being Trent Richardson, the bust that is.
But, you can’t argue Gurley’s pure physical talent. An unbelievable prospect at the position Gurley has rare combination of size, speed, and strength that compares to the running style of Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch. The experiment of running three or even four running backs in the Panthers backfield should finally come to an end, and no better way to wipe the slate clean and start fresh than with Gurley. With Cam Newtons dual-threat ability, adding Gurley to the mix would do wonders to their read-option scheme and give opposing defenses fits. Being an effective power running team and playing good defense is head coach Ron Rivera’s bread-and-butter.
13. Cleveland Browns (From Buffalo Bills)
Kevin White, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
Its not an “if” but a “when” will the Browns select a wide receiver in this years draft. After aiding nearly every position on both sides of the ball last year in the draft but ignoring arguably their biggest need, the Browns are now desperate for help at the receiver position since the loss of Josh Gordon and the lack of talent behind him. Even with Gordon set to return next year the offense lacks play makers opposite of him.
What would have been laughed at just weeks ago now seems like a more than viable option as the second receiver taken after Cooper. White’s incredible ball-skills and speed are things this team has lacked in their receiving unit for some time now and will add a consistent target for the offense. Watch White continue to rise as he shows off his skill as one of the best wide-outs in the country.
14. Minnesota Vikings
Devin Funchess, Wide Receiver, Michigan
Although I’ve only seen a couple mock drafts so far, the repeated selection of Todd Gurley for the Vikings always makes me chuckle. Now, with Adrian Peterson likely to return and far bigger holes on the team, using a top-15 pick on a running back in todays day and age seems down right ludacris. Even if the team decides to part ways with Peterson the selection of Jerick McKinnon in the third-round makes it tough to justify using another early pick on a running back. If you’ve watched this team play this year you know what they really need is a receiver that can stretch the field vertically in Norv Turners offense. While Patterson and Jennings are talented in their own regards, neither ones strength is in bringing down with the deep ball.
Funchess is labeled as a tight end where he lines up at for the Wolverines, but will almost certainly be converted to a wide out in the NFL with his ability to consistently beat one-on-one coverage, much like Jimmy Graham for New Orleans. A monster of a man, Funchess measures in at over 6’5” and has natural athleticism making him the prototypical target for current NFL teams. Funchess will give Norv Turner a dynamic pass catcher that can stretch defenses vertically and force defenses to stay honest with two-deep safeties, giving Turner the ability to use his other toys like Patterson and Jerick McKinnon on underneath routes while chewing up the field. Don’t forget the focal point of Turner’s offenses have always been the tight-end, and adding Funchess gives the team another playmaker at the position next to an injury-riddled Kyle Rudolph.
The team knows it has to give Teddy Bridgewater talented playmakers around him to help his development and growth for the future. A core of Patterson, Peterson, Jennings, Rudolph, Funchess, and McKinnon is enough toys for even uncle Norv to get into the holiday spirit.
15. Cleveland Browns
Sammie Coates, Wide Receiver, Auburn
Why not!? The Browns have cashed in on multiple draft at nearly every position but the receiver position. Again, Josh Gordon is still a talented option, however with his legal troubles he’s one strike away from never playing again, and it would be flat out stupid for the Browns not to have more than one back up option. Coates, while raw and unpolished, posses sub 4.4 speed with a big 6’2” frame. Coates’ upside and potential are through the roof and could form a dangerous core of players on the offensive side of the ball with Johnny Football, Gordon, White, Tate, Crowell, and a improved offensive line.
All of a sudden the teams biggest weakness with talent and depth have suddenly turned into one of their biggest strengths. While they have probably cringed at the success they’ve seen Sammy Watkins have after trading away their pick which was used for him, being able to grab a player like Coates along with other compensation could turn out to be a rare win for both organizations.
16. Baltimore Ravens
Trae Waynes, Cornerback, Michigan State
An obvious weakness on an otherwise strong defense the Ravens clearly need help at the cornerback position. Another product and contributor of a Michigan State defense that dominated the country. Waynes follows fellow teammate Darqueze Dennard’s foot steps as one of the nations top cornerbacks. Waynes is a fundamentally strong player that excels in aggressive natured man coverage skills. The Spartans defense asks their cornerbacks to stay on a island for most of their games and Waynes thrived when called upon to do so, something Mike Tomlin will surly appreciate. In the end I think we can all agree this pick doesn’t matter much as far as who the team takes, because as long as Ozzie Newsome is calling the shots this pick is sure to be an impact player.
17. San Diego Chargers
Brandon Schereff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa
The Chargers could elect to go multiple different positions as they try to continue to rebuild while staying competitive for Phillip Rivers final run at a super bowl. Cornerback, defensive line, and even running back are all realistic scenarios in the first round, but ultimately protecting the pure pocket passing Rivers should be at the top of their list. Schereff was a lock to be a top-5 pick last year but elected to stay in school for his final season.
He is equally competent in both the pass and run game while living up to the long list of Hawkeye lineman to come into the NFL with a mean streak. One of the safest players in the draft the Chargers continue to add talent and youth to their team, this time helping their quarterback stay upright and clean in the pocket. Teaming Schereff up with first-round pick D.J. Fluker will give the team two bookend tackles to build around for the next decade and helps them focus on other areas of need for quite some time.
18. Miami Dolphins
Benardrick McKinney, Inside Linebacker, Mississippi State
The Dolphins didn’t get enough credit for cutting their losses and starting completely over with their dismantled offensive line. So far so good as they’ve had a positive early return from JuWan James and Brandon Albert, but could also stand to add some more depth. In the mean time however, adding talented playmakers to the defense is something they’re still looking for after Dion Jordan hasn’t developed into what they thought he would.
McKinney will help soften that blow and could even help get more out of Jordan with his talent demanding more attention from opposing offenses. You see McKinney is a new breed of linebackers that are ultra-athletic and can blaze sideline-to-sideline. The best player on his defense as a freshman (and thats saying something playing in the SEC), McKinney may be the best defenseman in the entire SEC by years end. Named one of the most freakish athletes in the country McKinney will finally give the Dolphins a physical presence and three-down player in the teams linebacking corps since Zach Thomas. Yeah I said it.
19. Cincinnati Bengals
Shilique Calhoun, Defensive End, Michigan State
After a hot start the Bengals have regressed on both sides of the ball. What was once a top-5 defense has giving up big plays and big points on a regular basis. The loss of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer certainly hasn’t helped, as well as the departure of pass rushing specialist Michael Johnson to the Bucs. Calhoun however, will help soften the blow of a depleted line and help the Bengals get back to their strengths on the defensive side of the ball. Calhoun is one of the leaders on a Spartan defense that has dominated the past three seasons.
A long and lanky yet strong pass rusher off the edge, Calhoun is equally as impressive verse the run. Still a bit underrated on the national media scale I expect Calhoun’s stock to rise in the weeks leading up to the draft, so getting him at 19 is great value. Once Marvin Lewis develops them, teaming Calhoun up with monster Margus Hunt on the line with Geno Atkins, and this team will be a tough team to beat in the AFC North during those late December games.
20. Kansas City Chiefs
Davante Parker, Wide Receiver, Louisville
I’m a gambler at heart, but I’m not confident enough to risk money on telling you who the Chiefs number two receiver is, let alone their third, fourth, and fifth. Thats why its imperative for Andy Reid to get his quarterback a legitimate target opposite of Bowe, and for his own sake another playmaker he can utilize in his west coast offense. Parker was a monster for Louisville, displaying the catch radius and ball skills teams covet at the next level. While he elected not to come out for last years draft because of how deep the receiver position was filled with top tier talent, this year even after a nasty injury Parker will be surly hear his name called in on day one.
21. San Francisco 49ers
P.J. Williams, Cornerback, Florida State
With their Mr. Scrooge schillings-like amount of draft picks in recent years it seems as if every pick for this club is a “luxury” pick. Williams is the best natural cornerback in the draft with phenomenal man-to-man coverage skills, along with the size and speed to lock down teams number one options. The defensive MVP in last years National Title game, Williams has continued his trend of dominance with his hard nosed bump-and-run aggressive style of play. Exactly what the doctor ordered for a secondary that has lacked a true number one cornerback for years. A linebacker like Dante Fowler Jr could be another realistic option as well as the top remaining wide receiver on their board like Jalen Strong or Ty Montgomery.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
Marcus Peters, Cornerback, Washington
Doesn’t it seem like the Steelers always nail their first-round pick? This organization and front office is arguably the best at finding talent and value during the draft and developing them into legitimate contributors. This year was no different after the team grabbed ultra-athletic linebacker Ryan Shazier who flashed some big time speed and talent before getting injured. The focus now is still on the defense but specifically an aging group of secondary veterans. Guys like Troy Polomalu, William Gay, and Ike Taylor have been on the decline as a unit over the past few seasons and rightfully so considering all the tread on their respective tires.
Adding Peters to the group would be a breath of very needed fresh air to the secondary, allowing the talented cornerback to give the veterans some needed rest time as he learns the ropes from some of the best including coach Mike Tomlin. While he won’t blow anyone away at the combine with blazing speed, he is one of the best man-to-man cover corners in college football, and is especially good in short areas with his tough physicality that will transition well into the NFL. Not to mention his elite ball-skills (11 interceptions in just 30 games), which is just the icing on the cake. Steelers have another top-notch prospect fall in their laps from the football gods who seem to be always smiling down on this organization.
23. New Orleans Saints
Ronald Darby, Cornerback, Florida State
One of the tougher teams to figure out the Saints have struggled being, well, the Saints. Drew Brees has yet to throw for three touchdowns in a single game yet, and have looked not like the same team were use to seeing when playing at home. Rob Ryan has done a good, not great job of tightening up the defense with what he was given, even with the season ending injury to safety Jarius Byrd. Still, with Brees and Sean Payton running the offense the plan to get Ryan more talent on the defensive side of the ball should continue be the name of the game. While their front-seven is more than adequate I can’t remember the last time the Saints had an intimidating secondary. While this pick won’t make them the next “Legion of Boom”, it will go a long way in helping them out for the immediate and long term.
Darby has been a vital piece of the defensive puzzle for the Seminoles during their run of dominance and its easy to see why. Although he’s a bit undersized much like Jason Verrett was last year, Darby does the little things right and excels in coverage. Like Verrett, Darby’s most natural position may end up being inside in the slot because of his size, but he could flat out dominate in time if given the proper coaching. Adding him in the mix with fellow first-rounder Kenny Vacaro gives this secondary a foundation to build off of because lets face it, Corey White just isn’t that sexy.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
Alex Carter, Cornerback, Stanford
While Carter was actually recruited as a safety he has actually played cornerback for the Cardinals for the last three seasons, and that is exactly where he will suit up for the bird gang. Carter is good not great in every aspect and can hold his own in both man and zone coverages. However, while (as his former safety label would suggest) he may be more natural running around in a zone scheme, Carter will need to be fined tuned in the man coverage department.
Still Carter has the instincts and football I.Q. too be a solid starter in the league, and with a good combine could be selected even higher than this. While not the best value selection here the Eagles secondary got a very much needed boost and can now focus on offensive guard and linebacker position later in the draft.
25. Detroit Lions
La’ el Collins, Offensive Tackle, LSU
With Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson on the roster, every year I give the Lions shit about not building and adding to their always below average defense, and every year they give me heartburn by drafting someone on the offensive side of the ball (Riley Reiff, Eric Ebron, etc). So, at this point its time for me to learn my lesson and come to grips that they will in all likelihood continue to aid their franchise quarterback. Stafford has been sacked almost more than any other quarterback this year meaning an upgrade to his blindside is long over due. Last years rookie Larry Warford has the inside job locked up but adding someone on the outside is far more important.
Collins is a three-year starter for LSU and has started both on the inside and most recently on the outside at left tackle. A road grader with a mean streak Collins will likely have to start out at right tackle until he learns the ropes where he can eventual slide over to the left tackle spot, but make no mistake he is the real deal. In fact there has been plenty of buzz around Collins as of late inside the draft circles saying he could be the best of the bunch and an eventual top-ten pick come next May.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Shaq Thompson, Outside Linebacker, Washington
You’d be hard pressed to find a more versatile defensive player that produces at the same high level as Thompson does, and the fact that he’s been one of the years biggest risers is not a coincidence. Secondly, the 2015 free agency will have Seahawks fans squeamish and one of the biggest areas of vulnerability will be the linebackers with K.J Wright and Malcom Smith likely hitting the road among others. Even as a rookie Thompson may be an upgrade over what they had plugged in at the position, and rest assured Pete Carrol will get the most out of him. A dominating local product that fits a giant area of need and this ones a no brainer.
Of course no one should be surprised if the GM pulled the trigger on the top wide receiver on their board as the recent trade of Percy Harvin has left a gapping black hole of targets for Russell Wilson.
27. Arizona Cardinals
Michael Bennett, Defensive Lineman, Ohio State
The loss of Darnell Docket was a huge blow to an otherwise overachieving bunch of defensemen for the Cardinals. Even before the injury the defensive-line for the Cardinals was in need of a shot youth and talent, and Bennett will give them exactly that. A big man that displays the techniques and coordination to beat his man on a down-by-down basis, Bennett shows the quickness of the ball and leverage to win on the inside. Although he could stand to add some bulk and strength to his repertoire, Bennett already has the foundation of skills that will translate into an NFL lineman.
This team is really the biggest wildcard of the bunch as far as what direction they could go come draft time. Quarterback seems to be the pink elephant in the room and with the team on schedule to make the playoffs and pick near the end of round one, don’t be surprised if they just hope a big name prospect falls to them like Brett Hundley or Connor Cook.
28. Indianpolis Colts
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Cornerback, Oregon
What a difference a year can make. Ekpre-Olomu was on pace to be one of the first cornerbacks taken had he declared for last years draft. So far this season however he has regressed in a few minor areas which will drop him into the later half of round one. What Ekpre-Olomu lacks in coverage skills he makes up with natural speed and quickness which is exactly why he will be a full time starter in the NFL.
The Colts seem to have their offense under control with Andrew Luck at the helm so focusing their attention to the defensive side of the ball will be their one and only priority early in the draft. With no other safety worthy of a first-round selection grabbing the best available cornerback is the next best option to pair up with Vontae Davis.
29. New England Patriots
Ty Montgomery, Wide Receiver, Stanford
Could this finally be the year Belicheck finds Tom Brady some help? After years of swinging and missing on mid-round fliers at the receiver position the Patriots muster up the courage and grab an offensive playmaker in the first round. An ultra-athletic player with a bigger frame than people give him credit for, Montgomery is 6’2” 215 and will give the Patriots more size in the red zone at the position taking pressure of the running game and Rob Gronkowski. This pick gives Brady a real weapon to aid his hopes of one last Super Bowl run and also gives the Patriots special teams a big boost.
Montgomery is a dangerous return man much like Corderrelle Patterson was coming out last season, remember the Patriots traded their first-round pick to the Vikings who subsequently took Patterson. Think the front office is still bitter about that one?
30. Dallas Cowboys
Brett Hundley, Quarterback, UCLA
Before your quick to judge remember Jerry Jones was seconds away from roping Johnny Manziel into his Cadillac Ranch. Hundley is a player that was blessed with all the tools to thrive at the quarterback position with both his arm and feet. However, Hundley hasn’t shown he can perform at the high level scouts and general managers have expected from him on a consistent basis.
While Tony Romo has been more than serviceable during his tenure, his failures in the playoffs, a persistent lower back injury, and a steep age thats only getting worse, have added up as to why the Cowboys should feel good about injecting some youth and talent into the most important position in sports. While Hundley is ultimately considered a boom-or-bust pick, because his ceiling of potential reaches the talent level of top-5 picks, landing him at 30 could prove to be a huge steal down the road.
31. Green Bay Packers
Andrus Peat, Offensive Tackle, Stanford
There was a time last year before the draft where I would have put my house and kids on Ted Thompson pulling the trigger on Notre Dame’s Zach Martin. The ultimate combination of talent and versatility seemed like a perfect fit for a consistently injury-riddled offensive line that watched Aaron Rodgers miss half the season late in the year. However, five offensive lineman were taking before Thompson’s pick including Martin.
While you’ve seen plenty Stanford offensive lineman selected in the early rounds of recent NFL drafts, Peat has shown flashes of being the best yet with the size and athletic ability to be a legitimate cornerstone at left tackle, but just hasn’t done it on a consistent basis this season. After a year or two of coaching though Peat should be exactly what Rodgers and the offense have needed to keep the face of the franchise up right. As Rodgers gets older his instinct to scramble out of the pocket will start to diminish, transversely finding a bookend tackle to protect his blindside in the pocket has to be the stop priority for this teams future.
32. Denver Broncos
Dante Fowler, Linebacker, Florida
Look, as long as Peyton Manning is around the offense will be scoring more points than you should need to win. Transversely their opponent will always be playing catch up and like we’ve seen be forced to pass, pass, pass to stay in arms reach. As long as thats the case the Broncos need to continue to shore up and tighten their pass defense in any and every area possible. They did a nice job this offseason bulking up the secondary, and while I’m a firm believer you can never have enough cornerbacks, at this point there aren’t any worthy of a first-round pick.
The next best thing would be to add a pass rusher to get after the quarterback and Fowler is just that. An explosive athletic linebacker, Fowler is quick twitch player who uses great lower body explosion and leg drive to keep his opponent guessing with speed and power. The knock on him however will be his size, at just 6’2” 260 pounds Fowler will be labeled as a “tweener” which shows up on tape as a player who isn’t that big and can get pushed around.
Just Missed
Jalen Strong, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
Denzel Perryman, Inside Linebacker, Miami
Mario Edwards, Defensive End, FSU
Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle, Washington
Eddie Goldman, Defensive Tackle, Florida State