The FiNN NFL Mock Draft

1.    Tampa Bay         Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)

Famous Jameis is the most pro-style ready QB in this draft. He’s bright, he’s big, and he’s accurate. Does he have the work ethic and character to be the face of a franchise? The Bucs take a gamble and say yes.

2.   Tennessee       Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)

Many have the Titans taking defensive lineman supreme in Leonard Williams. All that athletic ability at 6-5, 300-plus pound is definitely intriguing. But the Titans are running a pure 3-4 defense and already have a jumbo athlete on the d-line in Jurell Casey. Maybe the Titans trade the pick but Mariota is the guy that should go number 2. And if the Titans keep it, Mettenberger isn’t the answer so Mariota could be their choice.

3.   Jacksonville                       Dante Fowler, Jr. (EDGE, Florida)

My first change in the latest update (thanks to free agency) is at number 3. Williams was the pick but Jacksonville added Jared Odrick (at $7 million per year) to go along with Senderrick Marks. What Jacksonville needs is someone off the edge. Fowler is a stocky built, powerful defender. He has plenty of speed off the edge to play the “Leo” position in Gus Bradley’s hybrid 4-3 defense.

4.   Oakland                            Leonard Williams (DT, USC)

Most people have the Raiders going receiver. Williams, a Raiders fan growing up, would be a perfect fit in Oakland. The Raiders targeted several defensive tackles in free agency but couldn’t land a starting-caliber player to play 3-tech. GM Regge McKenzie will hope to land a receiver in round 2. If not, expect the Silver n’ Black to go edge defender.

5.    Washington                     Randy Gregory (EDGE, Nebraska)

Here’s another toss-up. There are two real choices (if Fowler’s off the board) for an edge rusher here. Randy Gregory and Vic Beasley blew up the combine. I think Gregory is the Redskins’ choice because of his upside. He may be too lean initially for full-time deployment, but playing wide on third downs until he gains weight is still a spot where he will benefit a team immediately.

6.   NY Jets                          Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)

Whoever the Jets have under center will need more than Eric Decker to have success. Enter Amari. Cooper has seen double teams, man, zone and has done it for three years as THE receiver at Alabama. He shattered multiple single season and career records last year at Alabama while having more attention on him than any receiver to ever play at Bama. Also, he made it look easy with a quarerback who was a running back at one point in his career.

7.   Chicago                         Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)

The Bears attacked free agency by adding safety Antrel Rolle and edge defender Pernell McPhee to bolster the front of their new 3-4 defense. With the trade of Brandon Marshall, Chicago could address the receiving corps. White is one of the best players available so it’s also a value pick.

8.   Atlanta                         Vic Beasley (DE/LB, Clemson)

Beasley put people on notice last week. He’s more than an undersized defensive end. He’s physical, explosive and athletic. Atlanta needs youth injected along its defensive front and will go with the best pass rusher available.

9.   NY Giants                     Danny Shelton (DT, Washington)

The Giants had so many problems last year. Stopping the run was of them but it’s been a problem for the last few seasons. Shelton will help with this but his unique athleticism will allow the Giants to avoid giving up interior pass rush as the big man is agile as well.

10.           St. Louis                     DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville)

The Rams could go offensive line here but with last year’s first round pick Greg Robinson still looking to land at a permanent position the Rams address another concern. Parker is the last of the top tier receivers in this draft and St. Louis lands a true number one wideout by taking him. Not that Jeff Fisher ever really wants one.

11.      Minnesota                      La’el Collins (OL, LSU)

La’el Collins is similar to last year’s first offensive lineman taken, Greg Robinson. He could be an excellent fit for most teams at left tackle but his power and frame could make him an All-Pro guard if he moves inside. Minnesota could use help at both spots and Collins has the most upside of any offensive lineman in the draft so it’s a solid if unsexy fit.

12.           Cleveland                     Malcom Brown (DT, Texas)

Brown is a big-bodied athlete much like Danny Shelton. He can play the 1-tech, 3-tech or be a 5-tech in 3-4 defenses. Brown is worthy of a top ten pick but falls due to needs for other teams. Cleveland could go wide receiver if Parker falls here.

13.           New Orleans                      Shane Ray (DE/LB, Missouri)

Shane Ray is another lean edge rusher. New Orleans has only Junior Galette to provide help in that area. They weren’t very good at getting to the QB last year so this is the first play they’ll to address in the draft. Ray being available here will put a smile on the face of Saints brass.

14.           Miami                           Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State) 

Waynes vaulted himself to the top of most draft boards after the combine. He's tall, aggressive and intelligent. Once he flashed his athletically ability, he ensured his status as a first round pick. The Dolphins were busy in free agency. They grabbed the most prized player available, Ndamukong Suh. But they also were able to shed bad the contracts receiver Mike Wallace, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and others. After a seemingly successful start to the offseason, the Dolphins still have few holes. One of those holes is cornerback which is where the aforementioned Trae Waynes fits in. He can take advantage of a bolstered defensive line by using his length to smother receivers.

15.     San Francisco              Marcus Peters (CB, Washington)

The 49ers are set to lose a couple cornerbacks via free agency. Replacing (upgrading) those would be ideal anyway. Peters is the most talented corner in the draft. He’s raw and could come with baggage as he was kicked of Washington mid-season.

16.           Houston                     Landon Collins (SS, Alabama)

Collins is a playmaker. I could see a team trading up to land the only real difference making pure safety in this draft. He’s a ball hawk and headhunter although his deep coverage skills leave much to be desired. Studying under Nick Saban for three years may earn him the ‘Bama bump’ as well.

17.           San Diego                     Brandon Scherff (OG, Iowa)

Scherff is a solid tackle that could possibly project to guard in the NFL. The Chargers, like the Vikings, need help in multiple spots along the o-line. Scherff would fit in at guard because the Chargers have King Dunlap and DJ Fluker manning the tackle spots.

18.           Kansas City                  Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami)

Flowers is a physically aggressive player. He plays with a mean streak. A bit raw, but he has the makings of a future left tackle although he might play right tackle for the Chiefs.

19.           Cleveland (f/Buf)        Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)

DGB going to Cleveland should give Browns fans pause after Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel have gone the way they each early in their careers. However, a receiver-needy team would be hard pressed to pass up this Calvin Johnson clone. However cheap the imitation is.

20.          Philadelphia                  Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)

It seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Eagles are taking a cornerback if they aren’t able to move up for Chip Kelly’s guy Marcus Mariota. After signing Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond, it's no longer necessary. However, Collins is a long cornerback who can play outside in nickel situations. He can even be moved to safety Eagles' brass see fit down the road. 

21.           Cincinnati                     Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)

Goldman is a man-child. He plays with Herculean strength. He does fall short in the conditioning department however. The Bengals need someone to help wreak havoc in the interior. Goldman can be that guy.

22.          Pittsburgh                     Bud Dupree (EDGE, Kentucky)

Dupree impressed at the combine. A fringe day one pick has catapulted into the top half of the first. Miami, like most teams, could use help getting to the quarterback. Dupree’s hybrid skills will give him a chance to get one the field. This pick could change if the staff in Miami feels good about the progress of Dion Jordan.

23.          Detroit                          TJ Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh  )

The Lions need help along the offensive and defensive lines. In the first round they take Clemmings to play right tackle. It's not flashy but it's safe. Detroit will address defensive tackle and defensive back in later rounds.

24.          Arizona                        Shaq Thompson (SS, Washington)

Thompson was definitely a “loser” at the combine. His film didn’t coincide with what he presented at the Scouting combine. Another question about Thompson is whether or not he’s a safety or linebacker. This is why I think he’s a fit in Arizona. Even with Todd Bowles gone, Arizona has pieces that are movable. Patrick Peterson plays cornerback inside and out, Tyrann Mathieu plays nickel corner and is also a free safety and veteran Rashad Johnson plays lots of deep safety. The Cardinals could use Thompson’s hybrid skills as a strong safety and coverage linebacker in different sub-packages. At 24, he’s a steal.

25.           Carolina                      Devin Funchess (WR, Michigan)

The Panthers found Cam Newton a sizable target last draft but why stop there? Funchess fits as hybrid tight end/receiver. The Panthers’ college-style approach is right up Funchess’ alley.

26.          Baltimore                  Melvin Gordon (RB, Georgia)

The Ravens surely won’t overpay for Forsett. And even if he’s brought back, it takes two in this league. Gordon would complement the steady Forsett.

27.          Dallas                        Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE, UCLA)

The UCLA defensive end is probably a better fit in a 4-3 defense. He's somewhat of a project but his raw talent gives him immense upside. Dallas will gladly take him if he falls to 27. 

28.          Denver                     Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford)

The Broncos put a premium on offensive line. And with Gary Kubiak as head coach, that’s likely even more so now. Andrus Peat has the ability to take over for Ryan Clady when and if the Broncos decide his salary is too much.

29.          Indianapolis           Arik Armstead (DE, Oregon)

Armstead is a mountain that moves. He’s built for the 3-4 defense. Alongside a healthy Josh Chapman, his play will improve the overall consistency of the Colts’ D.

30.          Green Bay                  Cameron Erving (OL, Florida State)

The Packers have aging players along the offensive line. Their best offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga is a free agent. If Bulaga signs elsewhere, it increases the likelihood that an offensive lineman is chosen here. Other options include defensive back and linebacker.

31.           New Orleans (f/ Sea)        Bernardrick McKinney (LB, Mississippi State)

The Saints traded Jimmy Graham to the Seahawks picking up a Pro Bowl center and this draft pick in the process. New Orleans addresses another besides its vacancy at tight end at the end of the first round. Another huge hole is at inside linebacker. McKinney is a large linebacker who can play sideline-to-sideline, rush the quarterback and is also smart enough to quarterback the defense.

32.          New England                 Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)

The Patriots take Todd Gurley knowing he might take a redshirt. Gurley is a physical runner that can create long runs from pure speed in the open field. With Blount back in New England, he will buy time for Gurley to get healthy.