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 possess the work ethic (it appears so) and character (still sketchy) to be the face of a franchise? The Bucs take a gamble and say yes.
2. Tennessee Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
3. Jacksonville Dante Fowler, Jr. (EDGE, Florida)
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. He's still somewhat raw as a pass rusher as he relies on pure speed, power and motor to get in the backfield. If he is to be a team's feature pass rusher, he will need improve his technique. Also, one of his greatest strengths, his aggressiveness, is sometimes a weakness. He is undisciplined in both the run and pass game because he is in such a haste to overwhelem his opponent. Have to respect that, but don't have to love it. He's still one of the most talented players in this draft and the Jags should feel strongly about the possibility of Fowler at number 3.
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. Williams would be replacing veteran Antonio Smith who was atrocious in run defense last season. 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 Vic Beasley (EDGE, Clemson)
Beasley has been gaining steam as much or more than anyone since draft season began. There were thoughts of him being undersized, but he showed up at both the combine and Clemson's pro day at well of the 240 pounds teams were hoping he'd be. He also blew up the combine. As a stand-up linebacker, Beasley's weight is even less of an issue. Beasley's further advanced from a technique standpoint than all the other edge rushers in this draft. Expect immediate contribution.
6. NY Jets Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
The Jets acquired Brandon Marshal in a trade to go along with Decker. Whoever is under center has received a boost in the passing game. Despite all that, I believe New York is going to go value and take the best player available, which happens to be a receiver. 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 quarterback who was a running back at one point in his career. While New York might not "need" Cooper right now, he'll definitely be productive early.
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. His speed and size will be too hard to pass up here.
8. Atlanta Bud Dupree (EDGE, Kentucky)
Bud Dupree also turned heads at the combine. His size screams defensive end while his athletic ability suggests he'd be right at home as an outside linebacker. The Falcons have hired Dan Quinn, a Pete Carroll disciple, to run their team and defense. The "Leo" position may suit Dupree quite well. Quinn could make Dupree his personal project as his background is as a d-line coach.
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 Brandon Scherff (OL, Iowa)
Scherff is similar to La'el Collins in that he's an offensive tackle who could play guard. The difference is that Scherff might project to guard significantly better. The Saints could use help on the line, whether that's now or later. Scherff could fit a number of spots so it's a quality selection.
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 Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
Reports are coming in suggesting that Gurley's knee could allow him to play in week one. The Chargers are in need of a feature back and might pounce on Gurley's potential. I, personally, am not a fan of taking running backs this high, but this is a nice fit for the Bolts.
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) Breshaud Perriman (WR, Central Florida)
Perriman ran a blistering sub-4.3 40-yard dash at his pro day. At 6-3, 215 pounds, he's quite intriguing. The Browns, desperate for a receiver, could jump at the chance to land this potential.
20. Philadelphia Randy Gregory (EDGE, Nebraska) (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. The Eagles look to make a splash pick with their biggest need, safety, being a bit of a reach at 20. Gregory, considered by many as a potential top 5 pick, falling to Philly is value. Obviously it comes with risk or he wouldn't still be on the board. Kelly has shown that he's a risk taker in almost every facet of football.
21. Cincinnati Shane Ray (DE, Missouri)
Ray was recently caught with marijuana. That along with a questionable foot injury has seen his draft stock take a hit lately. Ray is still likely to go in round one, and the Bengals could use added pass rushing depth.
22. Pittsburgh Kevin Johnson (CB, Wake Forest)
The Steelers secondary is falling apart before our eyes. They could look for help at tackle, interior defensive line or even edge rusher but there are glaring needs in the secondary that will have to be addressed. Kevin Johnson is a long, athletic cornerback who fits the Steelers mold.
23. Detroit Cameron Erving (C, Florida State)
The Lions need help along the offensive and defensive lines. In the first round they Erving, who is a versatile option, to replace long time center Dominic Raiola. It's not flashy but it's safe. Detroit will address defensive tackle and defensive back in later rounds. This pick also allows them to move Erving around if a center they covet is still on the board late in the draft.
24. Arizona Arik Armstead (DL, Oregon)
Armstead is a bit of an enigma. He's a tower of a man that sort of looks more like an offensive tackle than a defensive end. He flashes in spurts but his athletic ability suggests that he should be doing more. The Cardinals run a hybrid defense that could take advantage of Armstead's ability to play inside an out. As of now, he looks to be two-gap 3-4 defensive end, but he could possibly grow into a force in the passing game.
25. Carolina Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami)
Dorsett has seen his stock rise after running blazing times at the combine. He's both quick and fast, and looks to be a dynamic slot player. Carolina could pair is speed with Kelvin Benjamin's size to give Cam Newton a unique receiving combo. As much as the Panthers run the ball, Dorsett better get used to doing some blocking.
26. Baltimore Melvin Gordon (RB, Georgia)
Justin Forsett was brought back on a team friendly deal but that doesn't keep them from selecting a back to pair with him. Melvin Gordon is a likely first rounder and Baltimore could choose to have a shared backfield. The home run-hitting 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. The Cowboys need edge rushers, especially since they want be seeing Greg Hardy until the eleventh game of the season.
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 Cedric Ogbuehi (OT, Texas A&M)
Ogbuehi has dropped due to a knee injury and a lackluster senior season. He looked more comfortable on the right side of the offensive line. He's also spent some time at guard which could intrigue the Colts who seems to value versatility along the offensive line.
30. Green Bay Eric Kendricks (ILB, UCLA)
The Packers had one of their best players in Clay Matthews playing inside linebacker last year because of depth issues. Kendricks could change that. He's a complete, every down 'backer that Green Bay could deploy immediately. Kendricks is also coming from a 3-4 defense already which is what the Packers currently run.
31. New Orleans (f/ Sea) Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Missouri)
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. The Saints take a flyer on oft-troubled yet supremely gifted receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. DGB has the more talent that any receiver in a draft that is full of receivers. Don't be scared, Saints.
32. New England Byron Jones (CB, UConn)
The Patriots take Mr. Long Jump. Byron Jones is explosive. He's 6-1 and solidly built. After declining the options of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, New England isn't exactly deep at cornerback. And seeing what two cornerbacks could do for a defense has to make Belichick consider taking a cornerback early in this draft.
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