Rams currently scheduled to pick 10th in NFL draft

GBN BIG BOARD
TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE 2015 DRAFT
(* indicates underclassman; (O) indicates off-field issue; (N) indicates other non-football issue; and (X) indicates injury that could cloud draft status)

December 16, 2014
*Leonard Williams DE Southern California
*Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
*Randy Gregory DE Nebraska (X)
*Jameis Winston QB Florida State (O)
*Shane Ray LB Missouri
*Amari Cooper WR Alabama
Brandon Scherff OT Iowa
*Landon Collins SS Alabama
*Shawn Oakman DE Baylor (O)
Vic Beasley LB Clemson
*Dante Fowler DE Florida
http://www.gbnreport.com/top100.html

Davante Parker WR Louisville (X)
Cedric Ogbuehi OT Texas A&M
Danny Shelton DT Washington
Kevin White WR West Virginia
**Shaq Thompson OLB Washington
La’el Collins G/T LSU
Bud Dupree DE Kentucky
*Mel Gordon RB Wisconsin
*Andrus Peat OT Stanford
*Dorial Green-Beckham WR Oklahoma (O)
*Ronnie Stanley OT Notre Dame
*Trae Waynes CB Michigan State
T.J. Clemmings OT Pittsburgh
*Eddie Goldman DT Florida State
*Devin Funchess WR Michigan (TE)
*Todd Gurley RB Georgia (O/X)
*Jaelen Strong WR Arizona State
*Bernardrick McKinney LB Mississippi State
*Tevin Coleman RB Indiana
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB Oregon (X)
*Shilique Calhoun DE Michigan State
*Arik Armstead DT Oregon (X/DE)
*Ereck Flowers OT Miami (X)
*Danielle Hunter DE LSU
*Sammie Coates WR Auburn
*PJ Williams CB Florida State
*Malcolm Brown DT Texas
AJ Cann OG South Carolina
Nate Orchard DE Utah (OLB)
Ty Sambrailo OT Colorado State
*Brett Hundley QB UCLA
Markus Golden DE Missouri
Cameron Erving C/T Florida State
*Marcus Peters CB Washington (O)
*DeForest Buckner DE Oregon
Ameer Abdullah RB Nebraska (X)
Ty Montgomery WR Stanford
*Spencer Drango OT Baylor
Michael Bennett DT Ohio State
Tyrus Thompson OT Oklahoma
Lorenzo Mauldin OLB Louisville
Cody Prewitt FS Mississippi
Carl Davis DT Iowa
*Duke Johnson RB Miami
*Nelson Aghobor WR Southern California
Darryl Williams OT Oklahoma
Denzel Perryman LB Miami
*Mario Edwards DE Florida State
Hau’oli Kikaha OLB Washington
*TJ Yeldon RB Alabama
Quinton Rollins CB Miami (OH)
*Gerod Holliman FS Louisville
*Jarran Reed DT Alabama
*Eli Harold OLB Virginiaton
Derron Smith FS Fresno State
*D’Haquille Williams WR Auburn
Senquez Golson CB Mississippi
Bryce Petty QB Baylor
*Mike Davis RB South Carolina (X)
*Devonte Fields DE Trinity Valley CC (O)
*Maxx Williams TE Minnesota
Jake Fisher OT Oregon
Eric Kendricks LB UCLA
*Dak Prescott QB Mississippi State
*Jay Ajayi RB Boise State
Josue Matias OG Florida State
Anthony Harris FS Virginia
Rashad Greene WR Florida State
*Erik Striker LB Oklahoma
Reese Dismukes C Auburn
Jeremy Langford RB Michigan State
*LeRaven Clark OT Texas Tech
Josh Harper WR Fresno State
D’Jhoun Smith CB Florida Atlantic
Nick O’Leary TE Florida State
Trey Flowers DE Arkansas
Hronas Grasu C Oregon
Tyler Lockett WR Kansas State
Sean Hickey OT Syracuse
*Noah Spence LB Ohio State (O/DE)
Kurt Drummond FS Michigan State
*Javoris Allen RB Southern California
*Ronald Darby CB Florida State
Arie Kouandjio OG Alabama
Shane Carden QB East Carolina
*Roberto Aguayo PK Florida State
Vince Mayle WR Washington State
Gabe Wright DT Auburn
*Lorenzo Doss CB Tulane
Eric Lefeld OT Cincinnati
*Terrance Smith LB Florida State
David Cobb RB Minnesota
Clive Walford TE Miami
*Durrell Eskridge FS Syracuse
Justin Hardy WR East Carolina
Owamagbe Odighzuwa DE UCLA
Cameron Artis-Payne RB Auburn
*Charles Gaines CB Louisville
Jarvis Harrison OG Texas A&M
Zach Hodges LB Harvard (DE)
Antwan Goodley WR Baylor
*Chris Covington DT Rice
Phillip Dorsett WR Miami
Preston Smith DE Mississippi State
Malcolm Brown RB Texas
Kevin Johnson CB Wake Forest
*Isaac Seumalo C Oregon State (X)
Jacquiski Tartt FS Samford
Corey Robinson OT South Carolina
ZaDarius Smith DE Kentucky
Tony Lippett WR Michigan State
Lynden Trail LB Norfolk State (DE)
Ben Koyack TE Notre Dame
Corey Crawford DE Clemson
Dres Anderson WR Utah (X)
*Matt Brown RB Florida
Tyeler Davison DT Fresno State
Rob Havenstein G/T Wisconsin
Byron Jones CB UConn
*Austin Hill WR Arizona (O)
Jake Ryan LB Michigan (X)
BJ Finney C Kansas State
Frank Clark DE Michigan (O)
*Stefon Diggs WR Maryland (X)
Grady Jarrett DT Clemson
Karlos Williams RB Florida State
*Tyler Kroft TE Rutgers
Jordan Richards FS Stanford
Chuckie Hunter DT TCU
Tre Jackson OG Florida State
Henry Anderson DE Stanford
Devin Smith WR Ohio State
Doran Grant CB Ohio State
Jordan Hicks LB Texas
Cedric Reed DE Texas
Jalston Fowler FB Alabama
Steve Nelson CB Oregon State
David Johnson RB Northern Iowa
Louis Trinca-Pasat DT Iowa
Laken Tomlinson OG Duke
Geno Grissom LB Oklahoma
Kevin White CB TCU

wv wrote:

It would be funny (ha ha)
if the Rams drafted
Kevin White
of
W
V
U

w
v

He would be fine, but I don’t think we especially need any more playmakers. imo

West Virginia WR Kevin White, 6-3, 209, Sr., 4.49: No player has improved his draft stock more in 2014 than White. It isn’t just his production (102 catches for 1,318 yards and nine touchdowns) that impresses scouts. White’s size, strength and ability to come down with contested grabs is something that every team in the NFL is wants at the position.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/big-board

• This reply was modified 10 years ago by Agamemnon.

wv wrote:

i think Seattle will draft him.
i figure he’ll be a late first rounder.

w
v

Seattle doesn’t waste draft choices on WRs, except, Percy Harven. 😉

2015 NFL mock draft: Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston for the Buccaneers?

By Dan Kadar

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2014/12/29/7459773/2015-nfl-mock-draft-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston-buccaneers-titans-raiders

The No. 1 overall pick is going to get exhaustively scrutinized for the next four months. Tampa Bay will likely be choosing between two Heisman Trophy winners with the Tennessee Titans taking the other one with the No. 2 pick.
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Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers use the No. 1 pick in the draft on Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota or Florida State’s signal caller James Winston? That is going to be the biggest storyline to follow throughout the 2015 NFL Draft process. It’s going to get obnoxious.

It’s going to be like the beaten into the ground discussion of Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III in 2012. Or like Peyton Manning versus Ryan Leaf in 1998. Hopefully neither Mariota or Winston turns out to be the second coming of Leaf, but there’s truly no way of knowing right now.

The other key storyline about the 2015 draft is that it should be wide open after the top two quarterbacks are taken. The draft looks like it will be a deep one, but there are few certain franchise players. Because of that, some of the players who are high picks in this mock draft may not get picked this highly after the process plays out. Of course, what would be the fun of things if we knew exactly who was going where?
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Mariota is the pick for now before the complete vetting of he and Winston begins. He’s a highly skilled quarterback who is smart with the football and has steadily progressed as a pocket passer. Mariota truly becomes a special player, however, when a play breaks down and he uses his feet. Coming out of Oregon, he’s an advanced version of Colin Kaepernick – and that’s more of a compliment than it probably seems right now.
2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Despite a report to the contrary, the Titans shouldn’t be content with Zach Mettenberger knowing that they can get a quarterback like Winston in the first round. It’s true that Winston has some decision making issues – on the field and off it – but when he’s on, he’s the best player in college football. If he can turn it on in the NFL like he often did at Florida State, he could be the second coming of Ben Roethlisberger.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

The Jaguars have options at No. 3. They could go with whomever they think is the best offensive tackle in the draft or pick up a star defensive lineman like Leonard Williams of Southern California. Or they could choose Gregory, the prototype for a Leo if there has ever been one. Gregory is at his best when lined up wide, so he could thrive in Gus Bradley’s defense.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

There should be a strong temptation to go with Williams, but the Raiders severely lack talent at wide receiver. Cooper is the top player at the position in the draft and would give Derek Carr a legitimate weapon. Cooper can do it all as a receiver and can be utilized on special teams.
5. Washington: Leonard Williams, DE/DT, Southern California

The Redskins have much greater needs than a defensive lineman: an outside linebacker if they stick with the 3-4, a safety and an offensive lineman come to mind. But Williams, arguably the draft’s best and safest player, is far too good to pass up with the fifth pick.
6. New York Jets: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Is the No. 6 pick in the draft too high to select a right tackle? That’s the question the Jets’ front office will be asking itself throughout the offseason. If the conclusion is no, and it should be, Scherff is the team’s best option. He’s a tough run blocker and arguably the strongest lineman in the draft.
7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, S, Alabama

This could be said about several teams picking in the top 10, but it’s hard to peg what the Bears could do considering there could be an organizational shakeup. Regardless of the team’s direction, safety has long been a need for the Bears. Collins is unquestionably the best in the draft. A pass rusher is another possibility in the first round for Chicago.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, OLB/DE, Clemson

It was apparent throughout the season that the Falcons just didn’t generate enough of a pass rush. What type of pass rusher will hinge on what scheme they’ll run in 2015. If they stick with the 3-4, an outside linebacker like Beasley is a nice fit. Shane Ray of Missouri would also be in contention, but Beasley is faster, longer and more athletic.
9. New York Giants: Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri

Arguably the biggest strength in the draft this year is pass rusher. That’s good news for the Giants. Even if two edge players get picked ahead of them, there will still be a good one around with the ninth pick. In this scenario, it’s Ray. Coming off a sensational season at Missouri, Ray could step in at end or be a stand up rusher.

10. St. Louis Rams: La’el Collins, OT, LSU

Yes, this would mark the second year in a row where the Rams used a top 10 pick on an offensive tackle after picking Greg Robinson at No. 2 in May. He had a shaky rookie season, however, and Collins is the type of player who could give St. Louis options. Collins has shined at left tackle for LSU, has the playing style to succeed on the right side and the pure power to be a guard.

11. Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

The idea of going with Teddy Bridgewater’s top target in college is too good to pass over. Parker and Kevin White of West Virginia are both highly rated, but Bridgewater’s timing with Parker has real value. Offensive linemen, a pass rusher and a middle linebacker are other options for the Vikings.
12. Cleveland Browns: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

Most point to a wide receiver or an offensive lineman as the Browns’ top need, but this is a team that finished last in the league in run defense. Ahtyba Rubin is entering free agency and Goldman is an incredible pure athlete for a defensive tackle and could fill his spot.
13. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

The Saints may have used a second-round pick on Stanley Jean-Baptiste in this year’s draft, but he just couldn’t get on the field. Peters is the draft’s best cornerback and could jump into a starting spot opposite Keenan Lewis.
14. Miami Dolphins: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Koa Misi played middle linebacker for the Dolphins this season, and was serviceable. He’s better on the outside, though. A player like Thompson has the skill set to play inside or on the weak side. He would give Miami a dynamic, versatile athlete on defense.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Michael Crabtree is a free agent, Anquan Boldin turns 35 next season and frankly the 49ers don’t have much talent at the position otherwise. White is a lot like DeAndre Hopkins of the Houston Texans. He has enough size and athleticism to go along with good hands.
16. Houston Texans: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

Former first-round pick Kareem Jackson is entering free agency, and if he’s not brought back corner becomes a top need for Houston. Waynes is a man coverage specialist with good length to challenge bigger receivers.
17. San Diego Chargers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

There are a number of different ways the Chargers could go with their first-round pick. A corner could be brought in if Brandon Flowers isn’t re-signed. They could look to beef up the offensive line or consider a running back. Another piece along the defensive line would boost one of the league’s worst run defenses. Shelton plugs up the middle and still manages to get after the quarterback.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Yes, the Chiefs need a wide receiver. But two seasons may be enough time to give up on Eric Fisher as a left tackle, particularly if Peat is available. Peat has proven that he has the footwork to pick up speed rushers and the power to be a quality run blocker.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills): Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

Josh Gordon’s time in Cleveland seems to be coming to an unceremonious ending. If the Browns get rid of him, there is a glaring need for a wide receiver with size. Strong excels at working vertical routes outside and easily out jumps most defensive backs.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

The Eagles have one of the worst group of cornerbacks in the league. Williams would be a nice infusion of talent in the secondary and he fits the mold as a bigger corner.
21. Carolina Panthers: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

There may be higher rated offensive tackles on the board – namely Cedric Ogbuehi of Texas A&M and T.J. Clemmings of Pittsburgh – but they’re more right tackles going forward. Flowers has the potential to stick on the left side because of his footwork. He would fill Carolina’s most pressing need.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida

While the Ravens do have Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs, Pernell McPhee played more than 500 snaps at outside linebacker this season. If he priced himself out of town via free agency, Fowler would be a steal this late in the first round. He’s a relentless player and could be a star in Baltimore’s scheme.
23. Cincinnati Bengals: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

The Bengals need a pass rusher and would find a big one with Oakman here. Oakman could be Michael Johnson 2.0 for the Bengals. He’s a lengthy pass rusher with a good first step and overall athleticism.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

The Steelers managed to squeeze a little bit more out of James Harrison and Jason Worilds played the most snaps of any outside linebacker for Pittsburgh this season. The catch is Harrison is old and Worilds is a free agent. Dupree could be brought in and set loose in Dick LeBeau’s 3-4.
25. Detroit Lions: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest

It’s hard to pass up a defensive tackle here, but Ohio State’s Michael Bennett may be a little too small for Detroit’s scheme. If that’s the case, corner is the team’s big need with Rashean Mathis entering free agency at the age of 34. Johnson is a player who’s stock could skyrocket at the Senior Bowl next month.
26. Indianapolis Colts: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

The Colts’ offensive line continues to be a mess and Ogbuehi is the best player available not only at the position, but period. Find a spot for him on the offensive line and move things around as needed.
27. Arizona Cardinals: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

Jared Veldheer looks like he’s the answer at left tackle for the Cardinals, but the right side of the offensive line remains an issue. Clemmings is a powerful blocker who would a nice fit up front for Arizona.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

Odighizuwa is a defensive lineman capable of playing inside or outside. He would give the Cowboys a versatile piece to move around.

29. Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

I maintain that playing Clay Matthews at inside linebacker isn’t the best use of his abundant skills. Drafting a player like McKinney would allow Mathews to go back outside and give Green Bay a true three down linebacker in the middle.
30. New England Patriots: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Leave it to Bill Belichick to break the streak of no running backs being taken in the first round of the draft. Following Todd Gurley’s torn ACL late in Georgia’s season, Gordon could vault into being the first running back picked.
31. Denver Broncos: Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor

The Broncos have been playing Louis Vasquez out of position at right tackle and could look for a true tackle in the draft. Drango is the best one left and there’s a considerable drop off after him.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

Only a redshirt sophomore, there have been some indications that Williams will go pro. If he does, he’s sure to be the first tight end drafted. Seattle could have quite the steal with him here.

It’s been pretty well established that this year’s class of quarterbacks isn’t as good as it was last year. It’s also been established that while picking a quarterback in the first round typically leads to more success than waiting until later in the draft, it’s not a necessity. The short answer is if you pick a quarterback after the first round, pick one as soon as the guy you like is available. The Bengals in 2011, for instance, waited until the second round to pick Andy Dalton. Argue his qualities all you want, but they’ve been much better than worse with him. When next year’s draft takes place and someone like Brett Hundley of UCLA slips to the second round and a team likes him, make the pick. From a tools standpoint, a middle round pick on Dak Prescott of Mississippi State makes sense. Most of the other quarterbacks in this year’s draft look mostly like backup types who could spot start in a pinch. A lot of Drew Stantons and Ryan Fitzpatricks, basically.

Ultimately, where a non-first round quarterback is picked can be irrelevant once mini camps begin. Then it becomes about what system he’s in and if the team needs to bring him along at a slower pace.

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/12/12/7381107/nfl-draft-mailbag-jets-browns-bills

The second round is where the Bills could start looking for their quarterback. There’s no chance Mariota will be available and WInston will likely be gone as well. The only thing that could change that is if Connor Cook of Michigan State unexpectedly enters the draft. He would be a first-round target for Buffalo. The second round is where Buffalo would think about someone like Hundley. While erratic, his tools are good. After that it’s hard to see a quarterback who can be a good starting-level player in the NFL.

There should be some good offensive linemen in the second round. Someone like Spencer Drango from Baylor may be an option. He’s like this year’s version of Zack Martin, a good college tackle who could be a great NFL guard.

Teams that need offensive tackle help will like what the 2015 NFL Draft has to offer. A strong argument can be made for any of the top seven offensive tackles to be first-round picks.

It’s an ultra-talented group, but also one that is tightly packed. Any of the top five players at the position could hold the top spot, so expect this group to be fluid up until the draft.

At the top for now is Iowa’s Brandon Scherff. He’s not a dazzling athlete, and there seems to be questions about his arm length, but he can neutralize defenders. If Scherff can play with better balance more consistently, there’s no reason to think he can’t stay at tackle.

Many of the same points can be made for LSU’s La’el Collins. He’s really progressed as a pass blocker for the Tigers this season. Cedric Ogbuehi of Texas A&M may not be having the season many expected, but his play at right tackle in 2013 was sensational. There’s nothing wrong with taking a right tackle high in the draft, and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings should be proof of that in April.

Andrus Peat of Stanford may be the wild card of the group. The junior is highly athletic and nimble. Admittedly, I need to do more work on Peat.

For now, until there is some indication they’re going pro, redshirt sophomores Jack Conklin of Michigan State and Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame are not being listed.

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2014/11/27/7300069/2015-nfl-draft-offensive-tackle-rankings-iowas-brandon-scherff-no-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXY1T6wYb88

*Ronnie Stanley 6-5 315 5.20 Notre Dame OT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNR1gwl0J1Q

Cameron Erving 6-5 310 5.25 Florida State OT/C

Stanley goes to the top of my draft board. The perfect draft for me, would be to get both players, Stanley and Erving this year.

Bob McGinn | On the Packers

An early look at the NFL Draft
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has field awareness — and baggage.
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/an-early-look-at-the-nfl-draft-b99403379z1-284999721.html

Here is a look at how the National Football League draft of 2015 is shaping up based on interviews with six executives in personnel over the last 10 days. Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft.
RECEIVERS

Mix five juniors with half a dozen solid seniors and it looks to be another stellar year for wide receivers.

One scout said wide receiver and tackle were the two best positions. “There are four juniors that kind of make this class,” another scout said. “History says that four or five will be in the first round.”

Alabama junior Amari Cooper (6-1, 210) was a unanimous choice as the top wideout. “He’s a top-10 player,” said one scout. “Excellent hands. Very explosive and fast. One of the better route runners to come out in a long, long time. Very skilled. Had big-time production. Only thing that’s starting to creep up on him is a few injuries.”

Two big seniors, West Virginia’s Kevin White (6-3, 211) and Louisville’s DeVante Parker (6-2½, 207), figure to be drafted next.

Of White, one scout said: “He’s more of a (Larry) Fitzgerald type receiver in that he doesn’t have great speed. I never see him beat people deep. But (if) he is even with them he’s going to get the ball. Very good player.”

Of Parker, the same scout said: “He’s got size, speed and was dominating at the end of the season. He looks a little faster than White.”

The other leading juniors with chances to be taken in the first round are two Auburn players, D’haquille Williams (6-2, 216) and Sammie Coates (6-2, 200), and Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong (6-3, 215).

“Coates can go vertical,” one scout said. “He’s definitely going to (run) 4.3. The key will be, does he have consistently strong hands?

“Strong plays big.”

Williams was compared by scouts to Chicago’s Alshon Jeffery and Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans. “Big, long, physical,” said one scout. “He can run a little bit. JUCO kid. Just been a one-year deal there.”

Junior Dorial Green-Beckham (6-5, 222) was thrown out of Missouri and transferred to Oklahoma.

“He’s the wild card of all of them,” said one scout. “He’s a first-round talent, no question. Is there a team that will take a chance on him there?”

It’s a weak year at tight end. Michigan’s Devin Funchess (6-4½, 235), a junior, played wide receiver this season but spent much of 2013 at tight end.

“He’s not unlike Jared Cook, who’s with the Rams,” one scout said. “Pretty talented kid. Will he be your split-out tight end-H-back or a bigger wideout? I lean more toward the mismatch at tight end. He’s going to be kind of a hybrid player.”

Jordan Aikens (6-3, 240), a junior from Central Florida who played 3½ years of minor-league baseball before joining UCF this fall, has excellent speed. Senior Nick O’Leary (6-3, 235) of Florida State is Jack Nicklaus’ grandson.

According to one scout, Ohio State’s Jeff Heuerman (6-5, 250) might be the most complete tight end.
OFFENSIVE LINE

“It is a very deep draft for tackles if all the juniors come out,” one scout said. “It’s not a great group inside but a lot of these tackles can be guards as well. Depends where you play guys.”

Most often mentioned as the No. 1 tackle was Cedric Ogbuehi (6-5, 304) of Texas A&M. He played right tackle last year when Falcons rookie Jake Matthews was at left tackle before moving to the left side this year. One scout said Ogbuehi was playing as well as former linemates Matthews (No. 6 pick, 2014) and Luke Joeckel (No. 2 pick, ’13).

“But he’s soft,” said one scout. “Never practices.”

The next senior is Iowa’s Brandon Scherff (6-4½, 320).

“Not unlike (Bryan) Bulaga,” one scout said. “Little short-armed. Kind of like a Sam Baker kind of tackle with the Falcons but he could be a really good guard.”

Louisiana State’s La’el Collins (6-4½, 324), Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings (6-4½, 313) and Florida State’s Cameron Erving (6-5, 305) are the next seniors.

“Collins is a lot like Scherff,” said one scout. “He was a guard early in his career. Right now Erving is playing center but he’s been a left tackle his whole career. Very versatile.”

Based on recent draft history, the majority of juniors with a legitimate chance for the first round declare. Stanford’s Andrus Peat (6-6½, 310) might be the exception even though four scouts said he’d be the first tackle taken.

Peat’s father, Todd, played six NFL seasons as a squatty guard for the Cardinals and Raiders.

“He’s got everything,” one scout said. “Size, the bend, the feet, the tenacity.”

Besides Peat, the other top juniors being looked at by teams are Miami’s Ereck Flowers (6-5, 324), Florida’s J.J. Humphries (6-5, 295), Baylor’s Spencer Drango (6-5, 315), Texas A&M’s Germain Ifedi (6-5, 320), Ohio State’s Taylor Decker (6-6½, 315) and Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley (6-6, 318).

“Humphries is more of a second-rounder,” one scout said. “Talented kid. He’s like most 20-, 21-years-olds. He needs to get a little bit stronger but he has the athleticism.

“Ifedi is playing left tackle now but he’s more of a guard. He and Flowers are more second-rounders. Decker and Stanley are more mid-rounders.”

South Carolina’s Brandon Shell (6-6, 334), Art Shell’s nephew, didn’t have a good junior season and might last until the fourth round if he declares.

Possibly the best guards are South Carolina’s A.J. Cann (6-4, 315) and Alabama’s Arie Kouandjio (6-5, 326), but there is mixed opinion on Kouandjio. The top centers looks like Auburn’s Reese Dismukes (6-3, 299) and Oregon’s Hroniss Grasu (6-3, 295).

“Cann is square, big, gets movement at the point,” one scout said. “He’ll need a little bit of work in pass pro.

“Dismukes has quickness, good angles and position. I’d like to see him work to finish better, run his feet better.”
QUARTERBACKS

With no senior expected in the first two and possibly three rounds, the four leading underclassmen all are expected to declare.

“This will not be one of your top quarterbacks drafts,” said one scout. “It may be a busted quarterback draft.”

Oregon’s Marcus Mariota (6-4, 215) stands as good a chance as any player to be selected with the first pick even if the team with the choice ends up trading it.

“He’s clearly the best,” said one scout. “He’s perfect for the new breed of football. He knows how to play the spread-option stuff pretty good and he can throw.”

Several scouts compared Mariota to Colin Kaepernick.

“I don’t think of (Andrew) Luck at all,” another scout said. “Luck was born to be an NFL quarterback. Mariota’s probably a more complete player than Colin Kaepernick but more of the athlete type.”

Next is Jameis Winston (6-4, 230), the redshirt sophomore from Florida State who has had all kinds of problems off the field.

“He has an uncanny ability to know what’s around him and get himself out of trouble,” one scout said. “He’s not that impressive on some throws but he’s the reason they’re undefeated.”

Said another scout: “I would be deathly scared to have him. He’s so freaking inaccurate to start games. He’s off the mark more than he’s on. He has arm strength and a good delivery. He’s a nightmare.”

Michigan State’s Connor Cook (6-4, 219) says he plans to return.

“But somebody will get to him and tell him that Jameis Winston will fall in the draft once people continue to do background work on him,” said one scout. “I’d feel much more comfortable taking (Cook) in the second round but the (NFL) coaches are going to love him.

“He’s big and has a strong arm and a quick release and he’s very smart. Just not a very accurate quarterback.”

UCLA’s Brett Hundley (6-3, 225), much like Blake Bortles, needs development. He does have size, arm strength and talent.

“He’s going to be a bust,” one scout said. “He’s one of those guys who seems to lock in right away. His shortcoming is accuracy.”

Oregon State’s Sean Mannion (6-5½, 220) drew the most praise among the seniors. He scored 36 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test.

“More of a third-rounder,” one scout said. “Just lacks arm strength. Good size, good production.”
RUNNING BACKS

Juniors Melvin Gordon (6-1, 215) of Wisconsin and Todd Gurley of Georgia (6-1, 226) were set to compete for top back in the draft honors when Gurley blew out his ACL.

Gordon was called a top-10 pick by one scout, a top 10 to 15 pick by another, a top-15 pick by a third and a second-round selection by a fourth.

“He’s a bigger version of Jamaal Charles,” one scout said. “He’ll run 4.42. He’s really good.”

As for Gordon’s record-setting production, another scout said, “He’s good against those slow-(expletive) Big Ten guys. It (the Big Ten) is terrible. That’s what bothers me a little bit.”

A third scout said the comparison to the Chiefs’ Charles was skewed because Gordon hasn’t proven himself anywhere near as accomplished catching the ball and sorting out the blitz.

“I know he makes a lot of yards but I don’t think he’s special,” the scout said. “I don’t think he runs with good pad level or contact balance. He’s got good straight-line speed. I don’t think his vision is outstanding. He’ll try to be a slasher at times but he goes down pretty easily.”

Gurley wasn’t featured until this season but made a lasting impression before the knee injury.

“He was a top-five talent before the injury,” said one scout. “He’s special. I don’t think he’ll ever run before (the draft) but you don’t need him to because he’s so fast on film. Not a lot of wear and tear on him because they rotate so many backs.”

Alabama junior T.J. Yeldon (6-2, 220) is regarded as another definite first-round choice.

“Different type than (Eddie) Lacy but he could be (better),” one scout said. “He runs hard like Eddie. He has more speed than Eddie.”

Indiana’s Tevin Coleman (6-0, 210), Miami’s Duke Johnson (5-9, 208), Boise State’s Jay Ajayi (6-0, 215) and Florida’s Matt Jones (6-2, 226) are juniors expected to go between the 25th and 60th picks.

Of Johnson, one scout said: “He’s short but productive as hell. He’s explosive, stumpy. He’s a block.”

Of Jones, another scout said: “Second round. Physical runner with enough speed. His best football is ahead of him.”

Perhaps the leading senior is Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah (5-8½, 199). “He’s kind of similar to Giovani Bernard,” said one scout. Another said Abdullah reminded him of LeSean McCoy.
DEFENSIVE LINE

The best defensive tackle is junior Leonard Williams (6-4½, 300) of Southern California.

“Top-five pick,” said one scout. “He was 312 during two-a-days, 300 now. He’ll run in the 4.7s. And he’s a great kid.”

Behind Williams, and with a solid shot at the first round, are defensive tackles Eddie Goldman (6-3, 320) of Florida State, a junior, and Danny Shelton (6-0½, 324) of Washington, a senior.

“Goldman didn’t play much the year before,” said one scout. “Really getting better as the season goes along. Big body.”

Shelton moves as well as B.J. Raji, according to one scout. “True nose tackle,” said another. “When there’s a rare nose tackle like that, they go (high).”

Two Big Ten seniors, Michael Bennett (6-2, 286) of Ohio State and Carl Davis (6-4½, 318) of Iowa, should be gone by the second round.

“I see Bennett being explosive initially,” said one scout. “Strong. Sheds. Three-technique, not a nose….Davis is not just a plugger. Strong.”

Alabama junior Jarran Reed (6-4, 315), a junior-college transfer, is expected to declare and be at least a second-round pick. Oklahoma junior Jordan Phillips (6-5, 305) could be an early second-rounder as well.

Nebraska junior Randy Gregory (6-6, 248) is projected as a top-15 pick by some teams. He might be the first taken from among a cluster of players that could be 4-3 defensive ends or 3-4 outside linebackers.

“Gregory’s the pass rusher,” said one scout. “He’s taller than DeMarcus (Ware) but he’s got some of that sneaky stuff in him.”

One scout said junior Dante Fowler (6-2, 261) of Florida is “quick, athletic, physical. A stud. He’s first round.”

Juniors Shane Ray (6-3, 245) of Missouri and Danielle Hunter (6-6, 240) of LSU won’t be available after the second round. The same might be said for seniors Nate Orchard (6-4, 255) of Utah and Lorenzo Mauldin (6-3½, 241) of Louisville.

“Ray gets off the ball as good as Gregory,” said one scout. “Plays with a lot of effort. I keep hearing Gregory is the best one in this draft but I think he looks lean, thin. I don’t see him holding the edge a lot.”

Junior Mario Edwards (6-3, 294) of Florida State has enough size to play anywhere in any defense.

“Very, very strong upper body,” one scout said. “Plays the run extremely well but also can rush the passer. He goes back end of the first.”

Kentucky senior Alvin Dupree (6-3½, 268) also has a chance for the first round.

“He can be a physical player but he also can be an athlete,” said one scout. “Has played both up and down. As he’s gotten better the defense has gotten better. Great kid. All the intangible stuff.”

Junior Shawn Oakman (6-7½, 275) of Baylor drew mixed reviews. He looks great but doesn’t produce.

“Looks like he’s going to be whoop (expletive) and he just isn’t,” said one scout. “Looks like a pro but he’s got a lot of rawness to his game.”

Junior Shilique Calhoun (6-4, 260) of Michigan State and senior Trey Flowers (6-3½, 269) of Arkansas are 4-3 base ends with pass-rush potential.

“Calhoun should be a guy that plays the run and plays the pass, which is kind of a rarity,” said one scout. “He’s got size, strength, production. He’s got a game that will just continue to get better.”
LINEBACKERS

Mississippi State Benardrick McKinney (6-4, 255), a junior, looks like the top inside prospect if he declares.

“He makes plays,” one scout said. “He’s big. We don’t know if he can run yet. I don’t know if he’s a dinosaur or he’s a new-breed ‘backer.”

Whereas McKinney is regarded as a possible first-round choice, senior Denzel Perryman (5-11, 248) of Miami seems to be a second-round player. One scout said Perryman has gotten too heavy.

“He’s short,” said another. “But he’s got a really good nose for the football.”

UCLA senior Eric Kendricks (5-11½, 229) and Clemson’s Stephone Anthony (6-2½, 238) are in the third-round category. Trey DePriest (6-0½, 258) runs the defense at Alabama.

“The only quality DePriest has is he’s smart and they (Crimson Tide coaches) really like him,” one scout said. “I think he’s slow, short, lacks length.”

Washington junior Shaq Thompson (6-2, 231) leads the group of conventional outside linebackers.

“Really good athlete,” one scout said. “Not great instincts but he’s got a chance. He’s the best athlete on that team. He could be the best running back. He’s just running around being an athlete. First round.”

Clemson’s Vic Beasley (6-3, 227) is a completely different player from Thompson but has a shot for the first round, too.

“He’ll be a rusher,” said one scout. “Beasley is a better football player. He can really run. He understands leverage. They don’t crush him.”

Oklahoma junior Eric Striker (6-0, 218) is a difficult player to evaluate.

“He makes plays but he’s so small,” said one scout. “He’s an outside rusher. I’m just trying to figure out what you do with him. He’s not going to get any bigger but he ends up with a bunch of sacks.”
SECONDARY

“Corner is not a great group overall unless somebody really comes on,” one scout said. “It’s a suspect group. I don’t see one in the first (round) but I’m sure somebody will run well and sneak up there.

“There’s a little bit of depth at safety but there’s nobody right off the top that you just love.”

Michigan State junior Trae Waynes (6-1, 183) was a high school teammate of Melvin Gordon’s at Kenosha Bradford. Assuming Waynes declares, he might join Gordon to give the Red Devils the first player drafted at two positions.

“He’s pretty good,” one scout said. “He’s probably the best one of the bunch. He can press, he can play off, he can go vertical and he’s got length.”

Said another scout: “Really been well-coached. He’s good at press. Kind of a weird built kid. He’s long but he’s kind of thin. At the right place he’ll have a chance to be a player as a press guy. Second round.”

If Mississippi State junior Will Redmond (6-0, 182) declares, he could be next. But there are no indications he will.

“I’d say late first or second round,” said one scout. “He will be more of an off corner. I think he will run in the 4.3s.”

A pair of juniors from Florida State, P.J. Williams (6-0, 195) and Ronald Darby (5-11, 195), figure to go in the second round. Notre Dame senior Cody Riggs (5-9, 190) might as well.

“Williams can’t run but he’s got length,” one scout said. “Darby can run but I don’t like him. I think he plays soft.”

Senior Kevin Johnson (6-0½, 178) is in that second-round territory. “Long, tall, very thin,” said one scout. “Runs OK. Very good technique, awareness, instinct, ball skills. All that good stuff. He’s just lean.”

Senior Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (5-9, 186) of Oregon has made a lot of plays but probably projects as a nickel back.

“He’d be much better playing him in the slot,” said one scout. “Good tackler, good blitzer, around the football. Little stiff. Probably not great top-end speed.”

Senior Marcus Peters (6-0, 198) of Washington is regarded as one of the most talented cornerbacks but also an enormous character risk. He has had several physical altercations with assistant coaches and was kicked off the team Nov. 5.

“He tried to strangle a coach on the sidelines,” one scout said. “Then they let him back on the team and he did it all over again. Try selling that to your head coach.”

Two seniors, Steven Nelson (5-10½, 199) of Oregon State and Senquez Golson (5-9, 185) of Mississippi, figure in the first three rounds. LSU junior Jalen Collins (6-2, 195) has size but might lack speed.

“Collins is very much like P.J. Williams,” one scout said. “Good size but isn’t going to blow your socks off with his speed. Second round.”

If Alabama junior Landon Collins (6-0, 222) declares he probably will be the first safety selected.

“I thought he was better than Green Bay’s guy (Ha Ha Clinton-Dix),” said one scout. “Little better movement. Coming out of there he probably will be (a first-round pick).”

Junior Gerod Holliman (6-0, 201) of Louisville has an incredible total of 14 interceptions.

“He needs to go back to school,” said one scout. “He’s horrible. He can’t make a tackle to save his life. He’s got pretty good instincts but he’s not that athletic.”

Michigan State senior Kurtis Drummond (6-0½, 205) and Samford senior Jaquiski Tartt (6-1½, 223) might be next.

“Drummond is more of an athletic space player than a box safety,” one scout said. “Tartt’s physical and he can run.”

Stanford senior Jordan Richards (5-10½, 209) might fall in the third round. “Tough, try-hard, smart,” said one scout.

West Virginia junior Carl Joseph (5-10, 196) also has redeeming qualities. “Short, but a very good hitter,” said one scout. “He can cover. He’ll make it on special teams right away.”