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.

2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Linebackers

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

1.    Rolando McClain, Dallas, 26

A resurgent McClain finished second in Comeback Player of the Year voting behind New England tight end Rob Gronkowski. His play in the middle of Dallas’ defense was just what the Cowboys needed after losing Sean Lee for the season. Like Bruce Carter, Dallas may be too tied up with other players to make a huge run at McClain. Unlike Carter, McClain probably won’t need much to re-sign after an inexplicable double retirement and injuries that saw him miss three games last season have likely lowered his value.

2.   Lance Briggs, Chicago, 34

Briggs is probably coming back as he doesn’t seem ready to retire. Whether or not that season is in Chicago is hard to tell. Chicago could be moving to a 3-4 defense after hiring Vic Fangio who previously coached the 49ers. He has enough size to play inside linebacker in that style of defense but may not want to commit to such a new system.

3.   Brandon Spikes, Buffalo, 27

A pure inside linebacker and quality blitzer, Spikes has seen success in both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. Probably a two-down player wherever he goes, he can certainly boost some team’s run defense. After being jettisoned by the Patriots and now being a Bills free agent, maybe Spikes tries his hand for another AFC East squad. The Dolphins and Jets may be interested.

2015 Free Agent Rankings: Edge rushers

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

1.  Mathias Kiwanuka, NY Giants, 32

Kiwanuka was recently released by the Giants as so New York could clear some cap space. However, there's plenty left in the tank of this veteran pass rusher. Early in his career he played behind Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan. His time was limited so much that the Giants actually used him as a strong side linebacker some. His natural fit is as a 4-3 defensive end thanks to his long frame. He's a nice fit as a rotational edge rusher wherever rushers are needed.

2.   Sam Acho, Arizona, 26

3. Dwight Freeney, San Diego, 35

Frenzy can still be effective off the edge. I suspect he gives it one more year before hanging the cleats up.  

2015 Free Agent Rankings: Interior defensive linemen

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

1.    Damon Harrison, NY Jets, 26 (RFA)

"Big Snack" holds down the middle of the Jets defense. New coach Todd Bowles will definitely want to keep him around. His restricted tag will likely make that a little easier.

2.  Henry Melton, Dallas, 28

3.  BJ Raji, Green Bay, 29

Raji isn’t a pure 3-4 nose tackle but that’s where his value lies. Green Bay could keep him around after Raji had a subpar season for his standards. The franchise tag doesn’t appear to be in play.

2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Guards and centers

Getty Images

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

1.    Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland, 26

Wisniewski is a scrappy center who had an up and down season. He’s spent time at both center and right guard during his career. He might be better at guard but is adamant about playing center. He’s an above average lineman who will get the chance to continue playing the position he’s chosen.

2.   Brian De La Puente, Chicago, 30

De la Puente is a seven-year reserve lineman. He played well this season in backup duty but had his season cut short due to an ankle injury.

3.   Mike Johnson, Atlanta, 28

2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Offensive tackles

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

1.   Jake Long, St. Louis, 30

Long hasn't been healthy recently. He's torn his ACL the last two seasons. His days of playing left tackle could be over but his talent is still better than most. A bit of a risky addition to any team, Long should find a home fairly quickly thanks to his potential.

2.    Joseph Barksdale, St. Louis, 26

Barksdale has flourished in St. Louis after being cut by Oakland who originally drafted him. Not much on zone blocking, Barksdale has proved to be quite the combo tackle. Re-signing him could be relatively cheap but expect other teams to show interest.

3.   Willie Smith, San Diego, 28

A four-year veteran, Smith played for San Diego in a reserve role last season. His most extensive action as a starter came in 2012 when he started seven games for the Oakland Raiders. Smith is another swing tackle who can give teams roster flexibility.

2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Tight ends

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

1.    Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati, 27

After the Bengals took Tyler Eifert in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the writing was on the wall for Gresham. A first round pick his own right, Gresham won’t be short of suitors. His production has dropped slightly over the last couple seasons, but he’s still easily a starting caliber tight end in the NFL. He's being heavily linked to the Raiders.

2.   Zach Miller , Seattle, 29

Miller had limited success in Seattle after being the leading receiver for the Raiders his first four years in the league. Miller's regression is largely due to his concussions. If Miller doesn't retire or suffer more concussions, he can provide excellent depth for another team. He's one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL.

3.  James Casey, Philadelphia, 30

Casey is an excellent reserve tight end. He doubles as a fullback and also contributes nicely on special teams. He has a number of connections to other teams via teammates, coordinators and head coaches so his value isn't going to go unnoticed. He'll find a team.

2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Wide receivers

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

1.   Michael Crabtree, San Francisco, 27

Crabtree hasn't lived up to the billing as an early first round pick but is still a viable option. His injuries and diva attitude are the reasons he's still available. With all the quality young receivers off the board, expect Crabtree's market to heat up this week.

2.  Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis, 36

Yes, he getting towards the end. However, unless he decides he’s finished, he has more left. Wayne is still a quality route runner and can be a safety net for quarterbacks underneath coverages. Wayne would probably like to wrap his career up in the only place he’s ever played but now that's not going to be possible. With the Colts signing Duron Carter and Andre Johnson, they've made it clear that they've moved on.

3. Rod Streater, Oakland, 27 (RFA - second round tender) 

Streater isn’t a popular player just yet. As an undrafted player from Temple, he became a starter his rookie season in 2012. After starting all of 2013, he only played in three games before injuring his foot last season. With his small sample size and restricted label, expect Streater to stay a Raider.

2015 Free Agent Rankings: Running backs

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the
offseason.**

1.    Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta, 24

Rodgers has been a third down back but is capable of more. While being a feature back is probably out the question, at 24, Rodgers could share the load for a number of teams. The Falcons will want to keep him of course.

2.    Daniel Thomas, Miami, 27

Thomas had a strong rookie year but never quite got a solid grip on the starting job. He's a big, powerful runner with speed. He lacks the goal line vision to complement his frame in the red zone, and he's not shifty either. Thomas is still a viable backup and is probably a bargain this offseason.

3.   Stevan Ridley, New England, 27

Here’s a quality back with one huge setback. He isn’t the best at ball security. Ridley is especially dangerous in goal line situations because of his vision and compact frame. He’ll be a lukewarm commodity for teams looking for depth.

2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Quarterbacks

**Each list will be continually updated as players are signed and released throughout the offseason.**

Robert Sabo/New York Daily News

1.    Jason Campbell, Cincinnati, 33

Campbell has become the ultimate backup quarterback. He’s big, smart and reliable. He’s consistent which is what teams are looking most in a backup. Last year he backed up Andy Dalton in Cincinnati but the Bengals may have ideas for AJ McCarron to be Dalton’s primary backup next season. That could have Campbell on the move once again. Surely he finds another job.

2.   Mike Vick, NY Jets, 35

Vick may have seen more ups and downs in his career than any quarterback in the history of the NFL. He's been arrested, suspended and benched. He's been in MVP races, won playoff games and broken records. But at 35 years old, Vick can pretty much end his dreams as a starter in this league. He does, however, provide support and playmaking ability in a backup role if he chooses to do so.

3.   Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle, 32

T-Jax seems to like being a backup. Get paid, do nothing, repeat. If he's not backing up Russell Wilson next year, look for him to find another young stud to support.

Eagles Fly McCoy to Bills for LB Alonso

Photo: UPI

Chip Kelly's Eagles have added another Oregon Duck to the roster. This time, it was done in an interesting, rare fashion. The rare player for player NFL trade went down Tuesday evening. The Eagles sent running back Lesean McCoy and his ginormous contract to the Bills for young linebacker Kiko Alonso.

Honestly, this is a head scratcher for me. Buffalo, who had (technically has) the option to keep pending free agent CJ Spiller, chose to
go another route. That route being the uber-talented but insanely pricey McCoy. There's no doubt that McCoy is an upgrade to Spiller but paying McCoy's salary ($11.95 million) is a bad proposition.

Also the guy traded from Buffalo needs to be taken into account. Former Oregon Duck and now former Buffalo Bill Kiko Alonso is one of the best up and coming linebackers. He has future Pro Bowler written all over him if he's healthy.

The young stud will earn less than 800K for his work next season. This trade allows Philly to clear almost $8 million of cap space. There's no doubt in mind who won this transaction. The Oregon Ducks Philadelphia Eagles obviously plan to be extremely aggressive in free agency now having over $40 million in cap room.

NFL, it's time to change the Franchise Tag

Monday marked the day when players found out whether or not they were heading to free agency. Six total players were placed with some type of tag. Five players were recipients of the franchise tag while just one (tight end Charles Clay) was introduced to the less popular transition tag. 

Two of the players who were tagged were edge rushers. The New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and the Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston were given one-year deals thanks to the hand-capping nature of the franchise tag. While both players primary job is to disrupt the opposing team's passing game by getting pressure of the quarterback, Pierre-Paul is slated to earn almost $2 million more than Houston by virtue of playing in a 4-3 defense.

The NFL looking to increase roster size to 55?

DAVID EULITT THE KANSAS CITY STAR

The idea of adding to the current 53-man roster has been tossed around plenty in the last few years. Still, it likely hasn't been approached enough. The NFL's Competition Committee has apparently put "examination of roster size" on its docket for its annual meeting. If current players (and player representatives) and league officials weren't so busy trying to get the best deal for themselves, this issue would've been a stronger player during the lockout.

Bottom line: football is a violent sport. I'll advocate for the importance of football being in the life of both kids and adults until the day I die but I admit it can absolutely be taxing on a man's body. In the NFL, where players can weigh in excess of 300 pounds and move that weight as well as anyone in almost any other profession, it's dangerous. What's worst than the high impact collisions that are repeatedly shown by countless sports shows and websites is the strain put on an athlete by the day-to-day small acts. Blocking, tackling and even sprinting provide stress on a body that can only take so much.

Official cap numbers are in

The league year has started and official numbers for the cap are out as well as the numbers for the
franchise and transition tags.

The 2015 cap is up $10 million from last year (which was up $10 million from 2013). The number is $148.28 million. That number certainly bodes well for the players.

Five players franchise tagged, one in transition

The deadline to apply tags to players has now passed. Although there was a $10 million increase in
cap space, there wasn't much activity. Perhaps it is in hopes of landing players from what looks to be a stellar free agent class. Only four teams opted to use the franchise tag which keeps a player on his current team for another year. There was one team (Miami) that used the transition tag. Here's a quick rundown of players who were tagged:

Dez Bryant, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys

There was little question to how this game was going to play out, especially after the video that may or may not be leaked some time soon. Bryant is a top five receiver in this league and many believe he's the best wideout not nicknamed Megatron. With Cowboys owner Jerry Jones questioning Bryant's responsibility but loving his game, tagging the receiver at the price of $12.8 million was an easy choice. He might pay for that choice next offseason but for now the move will pay off.