2015 RCF Mock Draft - End of Round 3

[CosmoKramer]

With the 71st pick in the RCF Mock Draft​

the Chicago Bears select
Mario Edwards Jr., DE, Florida St.​

​

STRENGTHS
Scheme versatile. Can play base end or defensive tackle in a 4-3 (depending on weight) or as a 3-4 defensive end. Has thick bubble and legs. Comes off snap with decent power. Can brace and anchor at point of attack. Flashes upper-body strength to press and lock out tackles. Above-average closing burst as tackle. Strength to leverage and toss blockers when motivated.

WEAKNESSES
Ineffective as pass rusher. Played some stand-up defensive end in college and showed no explosiveness off snap. Play speed and fire go missing from pass rush. Hand usage is hit or miss and appears to lack power with hands. Inconsistent getting arm extension, limiting ability to control and dominate a snap. Too involved in hand fighting and plays through a straw, losing sight of ball carrier.

DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 3 or 4

SOURCES TELL US
"I think conditioning and desire are a big problem for him and they go hand in hand. He just looks content to stay blocked by lesser players, and it is so frustrating to watch because you know he has the talent to be so much better." -- AFC West scout

NFL COMPARISON
Jeoffrey Pagan

BOTTOM LINE
He's a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle who has to make a living playing the run. Edwards failed to reach expectations while at Florida State and ended his career as a core defender rather than dominant force. His "level of ability" is higher than his current level of play and could continue to be the case unless he finds more passion and effort from snap to snap.


Chicago continue to add bodies along their defensive line with another Seminole in Mario Edwards Jr. Talented underachiever that progressed little since his freshman season, when he started some games for a stacked defense and looked like a future star. Stayed fresh playing in a deep rotation throughout his career, the Bears are banking on Edwards Jr.'s best playing days are ahead of him.

The St. Louis Rams and @Phills14 are on the clock.

 

[Phills14]

With the 72nd pick in the RCF Mock Draft, the St Louis Rams select...

Tre Jackson, OG, Florida State University​

• 6'4"HEIGHT
• 32 5/8"ARM LENGTH
• 330LBS.WEIGHT
• 10 7/8"HANDS

OVERVIEW
Played in 49 games, starting 42. Captured South Team MVP honors at 2015 Senior Bowl. Named unanimous All-American in 2014 and was tabbed first-team All-ACC for two years in a row (2013-14) while helping lead Florida State to a 27-1 record and 2013 BCS national championship. In 2013, missed one game due to ankle injury. In 2012, named second-team All-ACC while starting 14 games at right guard. Played in the final eight games as a freshman, and started in bowl game against Notre Dame. Played both offensive and defensive line at Wayne County High School (Ga.). Missed his junior season with an ACL tear.


PRO DAY RESULTS

20-yard short shuttle: 5.3 seconds
Three-cone drill: 8.4 seconds
Bench press: 20 reps of 225 pounds

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS
Leverage and strength to stand and steer defenders in confined spaces. Stays flat-footed and balanced at point of impact in pass pro. Deliberate, controlled climb to second level. Power to jolt in his hands. Shows recovery ability when beaten in run game. In short pull, can find target, engage and seal. Aggressive play demeanor. Can take a stand when being bull-rushed.

WEAKNESSES
Fleshy midsection with excess weight potentially affecting foot quickness. Loses feet sliding to pick up rushers. Will duck head into block on contact. Limited effectiveness in space. Inconsistent performer this season. Too reliant upon size over skill and failed to show improvement this season. Struggles to get feet into winning position when blocking laterally.

DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 2 or 3

SOURCES TELL US
"Honestly, I liked him much better last year. I definitely had him ahead of (teammate Josue) Matias) coming into the season, but not anymore." -- NFC Director of Scouting

NFL COMPARISON
Justin Blalock

BOTTOM LINE
Three-year starter on a line full of wide-bodies, Jackson entered the 2014 season as one of the top-rated guard prospects, but failed to distinguish himself. Has the talent to be a dependable, quality NFL starter, but he needs to work on weight and conditioning in order to improve his feet and reach his potential.


Why Jackson: St Louis has a lot of pieces, especially on defense. They have some good weapons and a new quarterback. What they don't have is any kind of competent offensive line. Last year's top pick, Greg Robinson will slide over to LT and Tre Jackson will move into the void at guard. 2 major improvements over the last 2 years but there are a few more moves yet to make to keep Nick Foles alive back there.

Next on the clock: Atlanta - @jlegg21

 

[Randolphkeys]

Props to Cosmo on picking Mario Edwards. He was conspicuously missing from that Scouts top 100 rundown, along with a few other curious oversights, and if I was going to sub in again he was one of my pocket aces.

If there is no complaint from @dkbldev I would like to finish out Indy. If you end up having time for the third round after all, let me know.

If another poster knows they are swamped at work, Big Mar and I are able to sub in if you give us a head's up.

 

[TheLand1287]

Props to Cosmo on picking Mario Edwards. He was conspicuously missing from that Scouts top 100 rundown, along with a few other curious oversights, and if I was going to sub in again he was one of my pocket aces.

If there is no complaint from @dkbldev I would like to finish out San Diego. If you end up having time for the third round after all, let me know.

If another poster knows they are swamped at work, Big Mar and I are able to sub in if you give us a head's up.

I could potentially help sub in for picks for people the next few days also, if needed. Friday and Saturday though I'll only be able to log on here sporadically.

And yeah that Scout top available is a nice tool, but definitely flawed. Mario Edwards was a glaring omission, and I was very surprised when I was able to nab Eric Rowe for Seattle in the late 2nd round considering he's going end of the 1st in many people's mocks. I'm sure there are other examples too.

 

[jlegg21]

With the 73rd pick in the RCF Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select...

STEFON DIGGS, WR, Maryland

Bio
6'0 195lb
Arm Length: 31 1/4"
Hands: 10"
40: 4.46
Vertical: 35"

OVERVIEW
Selected second-team All-Big Ten in 2014. Started 10 games, but missed three with a lacerated kidney that he played through in the immediate aftermath of suffering the injury. Suspended for first of the three games he missed after making contact with an official prior to Penn State game when a tussle ensued after Maryland's team captains wouldn't shake the hands of Penn State's captains. Missed six games in 2013 with a broken right fibula. Selected second-team All-ACC return specialist in 2012 and finished second to Duke's Jamison Crowder for ACC Rookie of the Year. As a freshman, tallied 1,896 all-purpose yards, which were second most in a single season in school history. Highly celebrated, consensus five-star recruit from Good Counsel High School (Md.) and U.S. Army All-American. Diggs was coached in 2014 by former NFL wide receiver Keenan McCardell.


PRO DAY RESULTS

Short shuttle: 4.11 seconds
60-yard shuttle: 11.46 seconds
Bench press: 11 reps of 225 pounds

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Fluid, flexible athlete. Five-star recruit who stayed home to help build local program. Instinctive route runner. Does an outstanding job of sinking his hips and exploding out of breaks to create immediate separation. Natural ball-plucker. Excellent body control to adjust to throws, whether they're low, high or behind him. Can make contested catches. Dynamic and dangerous with the ball in his hands. Sudden once he's in space, using head fakes and impressive lateral change of direction to make multiple defenders miss. Instant acceleration is his differentiator from the slot. Played through a lacerated kidney he sustained against Penn State and finished the game. Can be immediate kick returner in the league.

WEAKNESSES
Most of his production came from slot or as outside receiver in space. Must prove he can win as route runner against quality cornerbacks. Play strength is below par. Gets muscled around by physical defenders. Very aware of oncoming traffic and will stop routes to avoid big hits. Gives moderate effort as a blocker, but rarely ends up getting his man blocked. Had season-ending injuries two years in a row (broken leg and lacerated kidney). Suspended one game for his actions in pregame dustup vs. Penn State.

DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 3 or 4

SOURCES TELL US
"I've preached to him to always practice like a pro and that is something he has worked on. I can tell you this -- get the ball in his hands and he's a different kind of football player." -- Keenan McCardell, Maryland WRs coach and former NFL receiver.

NFL COMPARISON
Harry Douglas

BOTTOM LINE
Doesn't possess the strength or long speed to make a living as an outside receiver, but he can be an extremely effective weapon from the slot as a pro, turning short third-down throws into first downs. Diggs can make things happen when he has the ball in his hands and could become a consistent, productive weapon for the right offensive coordinator.

Highlights

My 2 cents:
The Falcons replace an important weapon in Harry Douglas with a kid who makes big plays in space, which he'll have plenty of lining up in the slot with Julio Jones and Roddy White on the outside. Matt Ryan likes this pick.

@Soda and the NY Giants are on the clock....

 

[Soda]

With the 74th pick in the 2015 RCF NFL Mock Draft,

the New York Giants select....

• 6'1" HEIGHT
• 32 3/8" ARM LENGTH
• 304 LBS WEIGHT
• 10" HANDS

OVERVIEW
Participated in 2015 Senior Bowl. Three-year starter at nose tackle for Clemson. Selected first-team All-ACC in 2014. Selected honorable mention All-ACC in 2013 and 2012. Made 29.5 tackles for losses from 2012-2014. Played in nine games as a freshman in 2011. Four-year starter on both sides of the ball in high school and won the heavyweight title as a member of the wrestling team as a senior. Won state title in shot put as a senior. Earned scholarship to Clemson after winning every one-on-one matchup in a Clemson summer camp.


PRO DAY RESULTS

40-yard dash: 5.13 and 5.08 seconds
Vertical jump: 30 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
Bench press: 23 reps of 225 pounds

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS
Squatty ball of power. Has a compact, powerful frame and gets consistent push. Plays to the whistle and will chase plays to the sideline. Outstanding at timing snaps and getting into lineman first. His natural power and leverage is a nightmare for centers and taller guards. Protects himself against cut blocks and shows plus ball awareness. Able to elude guards in tight spaces and get into the backfield.

WEAKNESSES
Undersized, despite his well-built frame. Relies on initial burst off snap to generate pass rush. Plays hard but will wear down in the fourth quarter. Might not be able to carry too much more good weight on his frame.

SOURCES TELL US
"Grady will take you on a ride when he gets into you. I think grades on him will really vary since the only real fit for him is in a 1-gap 4-3 defense on the nose. Teams will beat him up over his size, but someone is going to get a good football player with him." -- NFC North scout

NFL COMPARISON
Earl Mitchell

BOTTOM LINE
Jarrett is built like a refrigerator, but he's hardly a stationary player. He lacks the overall size to be considered as a nose by most base 3-4 teams, but he's a perfect shade-nose fit for teams looking for a disruptor in a one-gap, penetrating front.

My Take
I continue to focus on the line of scrimmage for the Giants. I think Jarrett is a value at this point as I think he'll be gone long before this selection come draft time. He will need to help that fluttering interior line next to Jonathan Hankins.

@MoFlo and the New Orleans Saints are on the clock....

 

[MoFlo]

With the 75th pick in the 2015 RCF Mock Draft, the New Orleans Saints select..........

Clive Walford, TE, the U

Strengths
Becoming a very reliable blocker. Is tough enough and physical enough to be a play-side blocking tight end on zone runs. Bends and explodes from hips into his targets and sustains with a good base. Will drive smaller linebackers off the line of scrimmage in run game. Has lined up in-line, slot and as an H-back. Has the physical build and enough quickness to threaten the seam. Turns head and locates the ball quickly. Can make contested catches. Has NFL run-after-catch ability. At home in a physical matchup. Has long arms and big hands.

Weaknesses
Focus drops were a big problem for Walford from 2012-2013 (10 drops). Needs work in sinking hips into breaks. Will round off out routes and allow defender angles to break on the pass. Scouts say his play speed has been inconsistent and there are questions about what his timed speed will be. Not the same factor in run blocking when asked to play move-tight-end role.

NFL Comparison
Dwayne Allen

Bottom Line
A combo tight end who can help a team in the running game and through the air, Walford can be moved around the field. He lacks the elite athletic traits to be a game-changer at the position, but he is becoming a premium blocker. With teams looking for versatile TEs to create matchups in two-TE sets, Walford's stock should be high.

----------------------------------------------------------------

New Orleans decides to go offense again, getting their replacement at TE after the Jimmy Graham trade. Walford could end up giving Maxx Williams a run for his money at being the best TE out of this draft. Is a linebacker's nightmare in both the run game with his size and the pass game with his speed. Like Devin Smith, having Brees behind center will only help solidify his all around game.

The Minnesota Vikings and @BimboColesHair are on the clock

 

[Surge]

That's a good pick for the Saints.

 

[BimboColesHair]

With the 76th pick the Minnesota Vikings select:


Derron Smith, S, Fresno St.

Why: Surprise, surprise, defense again. With all of the guards worth this pick gone, might as well continue to add to a fast rising defensive unit. The Vikings spent a lot of the early portions of the free agency period looking for a coverage safety to put next to Harrison Smith, most notably they were connected to Rahim Moore before he signed with Houston. Cover is what Smith does well. He can cover slot guys, be left on an island as a single high safety, and is a very underrated tackler given his size. The Vikings have now added Trae Waynes, Stephone Anthony, and Smith to a very young defense that was vastly improved last season. With Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, and Jay Cutler in division, having a good defense can be the great equalizer.

Pro Day Results:
Height: 5'10
Weight: 200
Arms: 29 3/4"
Hands: 9"
40 yard: 4.6 seconds
Vertical: 34"
Bench: 18 reps

Strengths: Productive four-year starter. Modern-day safety with the ability to play near line or in single-high coverage. Easy mover. Has outstanding coverage skills and can mirror in coverage over the slot. Can be physical. Former high school quarterback with above-average football intelligence. Instinctive with plus field vision and ability to track ball. Outstanding ball skills with playmaking potential. Thirteen interceptions over sophomore and junior season. Burst to close on boundary throws down the field.

Weaknesses: Tried to do too much in 2014 for inconsistent Fresno State defense. Ventured beyond prescribed area with mixed results. Will take questionable angles to the ball against run and pass. Undersized. Short-armed with limited high-point ability. Overly reliant on body positioning against big receivers when ball is in the air. NFL tight ends are too big for him in coverage. Too wild as a tackler. Saw his broken- and missed-tackle stats spike.

With that, @ajz20 and the Cleveland Browns are on the clock...

 

[ajz20]

at 77 Browns take
Tyler Locket
We have a young explosive Wr who is a great route runner.
After adding Bowe and Hartline, WR size is secondary to skill in round 3.

STRENGTHS: Runs like the wind with speed to stretch the field and get behind the secondary on vertical patterns. Sudden, decisive footwork off the snap and in his breaks to sell routes and attract holding penalties. Dynamic and deliberate route runner. Doesn?t slow down in his cuts, showing sharp burst to create space. Deadly stop-and-go and double moves with a strong understanding of how to separate in his routes. Slippery as a ballcarrier with excellent start/stop quickness, changing gears well with his spatial awareness and vision. Instinctive and decisive returner. Tracks and adjusts well, confidently attacking the ball with his hands. Terrific sideline awareness to toe tap with coordination while finishing. Scrappy and not afraid to get physical in tight coverage, using his hands to create room to work. Experienced lining up inside and outside, starting 42 games in college. Extensive experience as a return man at Kansas State with a school-record 2,196 career kick return yards (28.5 average) and four touchdowns and 488 career punt return yards (15.2) and two scores. Holds 17 school records, including breaking his father?s career marks for catches (249), receiving yards (3,710) and touchdown receptions (29). Two-year team captain with strong football character and instilled competitive drive. Football bloodlines as his father (Kevin) and uncle (Aaron) both played wide receiver for Bill Snyder at Kansas State in the mid-1990s ? Kevin was a second rounder (47th overall) in the 1997 NFL Draft and played seven seasons in the NFL.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Lockett has a lot in common with Hawkins and Gabriel as slot weapons operating in space, but he has that burst off the line and physicality to play on the outside if needed. This would also mean Benjamin is as good as gone as the returner, which thrills me.

I still think the real Brown's GM would draft the Oregon center in this situation.

 

[MoFlo]

With the 78th pick in the 2015 RCF Mock Draft, the New Orleans Saints select.......

Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Will post more when I have a minute

Also, Saints looking to trade back up into the 3rd round.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

Wow, didn't see that coming.

@Snowblind is up.

 

[Snowblind]

With the 79th pick in the 2015 RCF Mock Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select....


BEN HEENEY, ILB, Kansas

STRENGTHS: Good play speed with fast, aggressive pursuit angles. The switch is always flipped on the field, displaying a motor that never quits and chasing down plays he has no business being involved in. Smart, instinctive player who read/reacts well, breaking down well on the move. Locks onto his target quickly and doesn't make many mistakes. Physical wrap-up tackler and throws his body around with toughness to take the punishment. Plays pissed off with a chip and violent, competitive nature. Floats well in coverage to jump passes and get his hands on the ball (eight passes defended, four interceptions in his career). Experienced with man coverage responsibilities and was often the only linebacker on the field, rarely leaving the field. Physical downhill blitzer. Try-hard motor and leaves it all out on the field with resilient mentality. Handled adversity with a handful of different coaches in his four seasons at Kansas (9-39 record over that stretch).


Productive career -- led the Jayhawks in tackles each of the past three seasons, and led the NCAA in solo tackles in 2014 with 7.3 per game.



WEAKNESSES: Undersized with a maxed-out build and short arms. Limited athlete and tight in space, lacking easy fluidity to quickly recover after false steps. Plays fast, but straight-linish and needs to stop and collect himself changing directions. Hits too high at times and will slide off ballcarriers. Needs to improve his discipline to better balance his nonstop movements with his ball awareness. Overaggressive angles and will misjudge speed of ballcarriers at times. Shows body stiffness in coverage and struggles to find the ball once his back is turned to the line of scrimmage. Needs to improve his technique to better stack-and-shed and work his way through the trash.

Why? The 49ers are using this draft to get talented depth that could be developed into starters. They have lost a lot of good players on that defense and need to replenish it. Heeney could be compared to Chris Borland, who the 49ers drafted in the 3rd round last year. The defense has added a lot of talent in the draft and should still be strong next year.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

With the 80th pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Jets select

Jarvis Harrison, OG, Texas A&M

OVERVIEW
Started 38 games during his time at Texas A&M. Missed first two games of 2014 after conditioning concerns following offseason shoulder surgery. In 2014, had starts at both left guard (5 games) and left tackle (2 games). Sat out spring practices due to shoulder injury. Started every game in 2013 and every game in 2012 on offensive line that led the way for Johnny Manziel's Heisman run. As a redshirt freshman, started five games (4 at left guard and 1 at right guard). Played just two years of football in high school while also playing basketball and competing in track and field. Basketball said to be his first love.

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Burly lower body made for the guard position. High school basketball player who displays rare foot quickness for a man his size. Glides to second level using proper angles. Utilizes power step to shut down inside moves. Has feet and balance to mirror in pass pro pre- and post-contact. Maintains good posture at punch point. Comfortable finding and hitting targets in space. Technically sound in run game and pass pro. Has filled in at tackle and might have swing potential in a pinch.
WEAKNESSES
Allows more bull-rush push than most guards his size. Will finesse it too often. Hasn't unleashed consistent power that his bend and size should provide him. Shows signs of being a content blocker who won't always finish. Had offseason shoulder surgery. Head coach benched him for first two games due to conditioning concerns. Scouting community has questions about his desire to work hard and manage weight.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 3
SOURCES TELL US
"I believe he has Pro Bowl caliber talent, but his work ethic is a major concern for me. I know he loves basketball, but not sure if he feels the same about football. The talent? That's a given. He's really, really talented." -- AFC scouting director
NFL COMPARISON
Kelechi Osemele
BOTTOM LINE
Dancing bear who possesses the talent, technique and physical traits to be a high-end NFL starter. Not asked to fire out on defenders often in Texas A&M scheme, so that might be an area where he has room for growth. Teams might have to decide between the film and the football character when slotting him. Keeping his weight under control could be a tall task during his career.

My Take
Will the Jets, with a rookie head coach and a locker room that isn't exactly stable be the best fit for Harrison? Maybe not. But I can tell you that he is talented enough and the Jets are bad enough at the guards that Harrison is the best pick.

@CosmoKramer