2015 Draft Prospects

[Soda]

Pass rushers and front seven in general. We still don't have that impact player in the front seven that ties the whole defense together.

You're right. Dansby/Kruger has been the closest thing. Mingo should have been.

The best thing about this need is the guy(s) you have running the drafting side of things. Ray Farmer and Bill Kuharich have drafted a lot of front seven guys for the Chiefs. Tamba Hali was a tremendous pick. They're not perfect (i.e. Glenn Dorsey), but they've been together in drafting some really good players in this league. To name a few: Bernard Pollard, Kendrick Lewis, Bowe, Charles, Branden Flowers, Justin Houston, Hali, Allen Bailey...

It looks like a lot of the defensive backs that they've drafted in the later rounds take a few years, but eventually pan out. In any scenario, I feel confident that the defense will be addressed.

 

[AZ_]

Time to post my first Browns mock draft of the season:

1 (from Bills) - Mario Edwards - DE - Florida State - Assuming this pick will be in the middle teens, the Browns will certainly look to build their front seven. Edwards is a freaky good athlete for his size (upwards of 290-300) and always seems to find a way into the backfield to disrupt the running game. Would be an excellent fit as a 3-tech in the Browns scheme and bring much needed athleticism to the unit.

1 - Dante Fowler - OLB - Florida - Exceptional pass rusher who is well coached and can make an immediate impact. Moves all over the field for the Gators and would join Mingo and Kruger in replacing the most-likely departed Jabaal Sheard.

2 - Ben Koyack - TE - Notre Dame - With Jordan Cameron's injury history a concern, along with his contract, the Browns add an offensive weapon that excels as a blocker and as a pass catcher. He's not flashy, he's not as gifted athletically as Cameron. He's a technically sound blocker and skilled route runner that provides the Browns with a nice 1-2 punch at the tight end position.

3 - Justin Hardy - WR - ECU - Could rise well beyond this level with a great off-season, but with the depth at WR he would provide awesome value here. Might have the best hands in the 2015 crop, and all he's done is produce. Pretty complete player, but won't need to help immediately because of the good depth the Browns have at the position.

4 (from Bills) - Terry Williams - NT - ECU - Compact wrecking ball at 6-foot-1, 340+ pounds with some pretty good quicks for his size. A bit of a project and can run himself out of plays, but would be the eventual replacement for Rubin in the middle.

4 - Jake Fisher - OT - Oregon - Battled injuries this season and the Oregon offense suffered mightily in his absence, getting dominated up front by Arizona. Versatile, intelligent guy who could provide depth at four positions along the line.

5 - Roberto Aguayo - K - Florida State - Unquestionably the best kicker in the nation and could leave school early as a rSoph. 42-of-45 thus far in his career and his range is out to 60 or better. Probably the best kicking prospect since Mike Nugent and could go much higher.

6 - Isaiah Johnson - SS - Georgia Tech - Run stuffing safety that is a bit of a flier pick because of his injury history. Was All-ACC before missing 2013 with an injury, has come back and looked good this year but has battled a hamstring. Groomed as the eventual replacement for Whitner and could take somewhat of a red-shirt year while making an impact on special teams.

6 - David Johnson - RB - Northern Iowa - I think this guy's career could be interesting, he could be a power back in the mold of Blount or he could bulk up a bit more and turn into an H-back/TE. He can really run, though, so I'd like to see him get a crack at being a short yardage back behind the zone scheme Northern Iowa is familiar with running.

7 - Quinton Alston - ILB - Iowa - Just a guy who jumped out to me while watching them.

 

[Soar]

Don't disagree with any of the positions. All of them are needs.

I sort of have a man-crush on Denzel Perryman. We need a MLB and he seems like he could be the total package.

This isn't really a scouting opinion just a wow who the hell is that guy when I've seen Miami play the last couple years.

FA will also be a lot of fun. I have to think that if Justin Houston somehow gets to the market, Farmer will be all over that.

 

[FiveThous]

If we get Hardy in the 3rd round

 

[ajz20]

can someone please post the kiper insider top 100 please

A

 

[AZ_]

I don't think Kiper has a top 100, but here is his Big Board:

Wednesday, November 19, 2014Updated 2015 Big Board



1. *Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon Ducks

The Ducks had last weekend off, and Mariota has a pair of upcoming games where he figures to shine. As a passer, he continues to show improved accuracy and anticipation, and the ability to get through his progressions more quickly is obvious. Of course, elite athleticism is a huge part of his game, though how well he can take apart a defense with tools other than his legs matters. But his ability to throw on the run or simply take off and pick up chunk yardage is a major plus. This is a great kid with a sound work ethic and the chance to be special.



2. *Leonard Williams, DE, USC Trojans

He had another 1.5 TFL against Cal, but Williams won't be a huge numbers guy as much as he helps everyone around him. He provides impact wherever he lines up. Quick for his size, he can move all over and won't get pushed around when he's inside. At his size (6-foot-5, 290 pounds), he's a special athlete who could line up as a defensive end and drive a tackle back or line up on the outside shoulder of a guard and create problems with power and quickness. He's the kind of disruptive, versatile lineman who can succeed in any system.




3. *Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska Cornhuskers

Believe it or not, if you watched Gregory on a play-to-play basis in the debacle against Wisconsin, you'd be impressed with him. He certainly wasn't the point of failure. A super-athletic pass-rusher with a lean frame and exceptional quickness, he could be a 3-4 outside linebacker or add some weight and be useful in a 4-3 scheme. I think he's shown he can play with good leverage and hold the point on the edge, but his quickness, length and ability to disrupt in the passing game is the big sell.



4. *Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide

The win over Mississippi State was a quiet one by Cooper's standards -- just 8 catches. (Yes, that's sarcasm.) He's neither a pure speedster nor an impossible high-point matchup threat given his size (6-1, 210 pounds), but there's nothing he doesn't do really well, and he's probably more explosive than he looks because his movement is so precise. He separates with ease, has a good sense of how to find space against a zone and will make contested catches. His work rate is legendary and will be a big selling point.



5. *Shane Ray, DE, Missouri Tigers

Sometimes the numbers do match the play. Ray has six games now with 2.0 or more TFL. Guy just won't stay blocked. He plays with tremendous energy, beats blockers in multiple ways and gets to the passer, so it's going to work out. What I like about Ray is he combines a relentless effort level with a range of pass-rushing moves. He's not just a speed-rusher off the edge; he'll get on the inside shoulder of a tackle and drive through, creating pressure from the inside. Super productive.




6. Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa Hawkeyes

No change here. Just continuing dominant form in the run game and showing small strides as a pass-blocker. I've said before he can be better in pass protection, but he is pretty good, just not super nimble. He is the best run-blocker in the class along with La'el Collins. Scherff uses a powerful base and a powerful punch to jolt defenders, and he can move well and line up blocks in space. He's a classic "finisher" in the running game.



7. **Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State Seminoles

He's moved back up, as I tend to agree with people around the league that ultimately you know he can't fall too far. Again, he still needs to prove doubters wrong -- and they exist. That said, he has an extraordinary mind and ability for football. He has special instincts, with ideal natural gifts for the position -- vision, size, arm strength, athleticism. He also has the ability to manipulate the pocket, see pressure early and deliver the ball to the right target. Consistency with ball placement is an issue, and again, the off-field stuff will be heavily scrutinized by teams.



8. *Melvin Gordon III, RB, Wisconsin Badgers

Another monster -- record-setting, in fact -- game for Gordon, and unfortunately due to Gurley's injury he's clearly the No. 1 RB in the class at this point. Gordon is an easy accelerator, and he cuts with explosiveness and little wasted motion. He will miss a hole here and there in search of a bigger lane, but he has good vision, isn't afraid of contact between the tackles or on the edge, and has breakaway speed when he gets in space. Here's hoping health doesn't become an issue because of the workload.



9. Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M Aggies

He's had a few hiccups over the last couple weeks, and I think Scherff has been a little bit better. Ogbuehi is an easy mover, but he's made strides in his power game, and when he gets those long arms on a defender, he can control him. Right now Ogbuehi gets a higher grade as a pass-blocker because he has the strength to handle power and the quick feet and long arms to keep speed at bay, but he could improve his technique.


10. DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville Cardinals

Already leads the Cardinals (on a bye last week) in receiving yards, which is almost comical. Has great length, long arms, good hops and a strong, chiseled, lean frame that will remind some of A.J. Green, and he does a good job with body position when the ball is in the air -- it all adds up to a guy with a huge catch radius. He will make plays down the field, and he's good with the ball in his hands.




11. *Landon Collins, S, Alabama Crimson Tide

A solid all-around game against Mississippi State, and he came up with an INT. Super versatile, he's what every NFL coach wants right now. Collins can play deep -- making good reads and taking the right angle to the ball -- and he also has the ability to line up close to the line of scrimmage and run with tight ends. A strong tackler, Collins is fearless in taking on running backs, but he shows good technique and doesn't just throw himself at the ball.



12. *Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford Cardinal

He's been in this range of my rankings all season. He just doesn't give up pressure often at all. The guy just has a perfect frame for the position, and he's quicker than a man his size should be. He's both powerful and nimble, with the ability to drive a defender back in the run game and the exceptional length and above-average footwork you look for from a pass-blocker.




13. *Dante Fowler, DE, Florida Gators

Was disruptive in a close loss to South Carolina, with a couple more TFL. Fowler is 6-2, 265 pounds, can play on his feet in space, will set the edge for you, can drive upfield and spin back inside and also will flip inside where he can win with quickness. The guy isn't dominant in one area, but he's pretty good pretty much anywhere you line him up. He has good lateral quickness and will chase the play. I think there's more productivity to be found, but he's a potential top-15 pick because you can see he's capable of so much.



14. Kevin White, WR, West Virginia Mountaineers

The productivity remains steady and exceptional. White isn't overly explosive, but has good length at 6-3, can dominate defenders on contested catches and has been far more consistent with his hands this season. To me, he also looks stronger than he was last season, and I think it has made him a little faster. Last year was his first at WVU after transferring from junior college, and he struggled with drops and consistency. Not the case in 2014.



15. Danny Shelton, DT, Washington Huskies

I said before that his TFL totals seemed inflated, but the guy really does have a knack for making plays in the backfield. That he leads the Huskies in tackles is incredible. He isn't really a gap penetrator, but he can shove his way into the backfield with strength. Shelton isn't "quick," but he moves pretty well for a huge man and is something of a clogger-plus, because his lateral agility is impressive. A massive defensive tackle at around 330 pounds, Shelton has some ability to disrupt, and he has good instincts in his ability to find the ball.



16. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson Tigers

Has been here all season, and he has made plays all season. He offers great quickness and closing speed as a pass-rusher, and he's really impressive when he creates any space. Where he can struggle is when a good blocker gets his hands on him and forces him to play with leverage and counter. He can be highly disruptive, however, and has been in 2014.



17. **Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia Bulldogs

Played well in a dominating performance against Auburn. He's a lot better when he's able to work in space and pursue -- not as good when he's forced to take on blocks with leverage. A green but talented young player with great range against the run and the ability to blow away blockers with his first step and overall athleticism, but he's also undersized (6-4, 230 pounds), and evaluators will key on his ability to hold up and play with leverage. He profiles as a 3-4 outside linebacker with the ability to both rush the passer and drop into space and cover.




18. La'el Collins, OT, LSU Tigers

A big, powerful tackle with good length and the ability to really drive people backward in the run game, Collins could have entered the draft after last season. He came back, and I think he has showed improvement. A definite first-round talent now, he's another player you could see drafted and moved inside to guard if a team wants to get him on the field right away. He started there all of his sophomore season.




19. *Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington Huskies

Back on defense after a run at running back, this is an important stretch for Thompson. He projects as a highly versatile but undersized outside linebacker, though he's in some ways positionless; but he's an extraordinary athlete. The key for Thompson is to be able to play in space because he can get eaten up if a good blocker gets him engaged. But he's an effective tackler and playmaker, which is saying something for a guy who has played safety, running back and cornerback.



20. *Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State Spartans

I had dropped him for a week, but I went back and took a closer look and I think it was probably unfair. Calhoun has impressive quickness and the ability to close in a hurry when he creates space as a pass-rusher, and has the look of a lanky defender who would specialize in getting upfield quickly, but he also shows plenty of strength and leverage against the run.



21. *Marcus Peters, CB, Washington Huskies

No update here. He faces pretty significant questions about how coachable he is given he's been kicked off the team by head coach Chris Petersen. I think that could push him down. But until I know more on that situation, I'll leave him here. A very good athlete with good size for the position and top-of-the-charts ball skills, Peters had developed into arguably the top cornerback in the Pac-12. He played well in 2014 when he was able to stay on the field, but he's now off it.



22. *Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State Seminoles

Seeing improved awareness from Goldman during a season of growth. A known commodity since he was a five-star talent in high school -- a 300-pounder who could run in the 4.8-4.9 range and destroy O-linemen with his quickness off the snap -- Goldman is putting it all together. He has a strong build, plays with leverage and holds the point well, but he's getting better as a hand fighter and can create space for himself and make plays in the backfield. I plan to spend more time on his tape, but I've seen enough where I'm ready to move him up.




23. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

A bright spot amid another sour year for Wake, Johnson offers good length at about 6-1. He is a fluid mover with really quick feet, and he has impressive transition speed out of his backpedal. I like his ability as a playmaker, and the ability to shine in different types of coverage. He's not going to deliver the huge hit and is just OK against the run, but he's an effective tackler on receivers in space.




24. *Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State Bulldogs

He sees most of his snaps in the middle of the field, but you can put the 6-5, 250-pound McKinney in other spots and he'll succeed, and the Bulldogs' coaches have put him on the edge to take advantage of his supreme athleticism and decent pass-rushing skills. McKinney's versatility is driven by what a special athlete he is. He's going to run as fast as many running backs, and jump as high as some good wide receivers. But he's strong, too, and takes on blocks and won't be pushed backward by ball carriers.




25. *Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State Sun Devils

In terms of pure matchup headaches, Strong might be the best wide receiver in the class. He has great size and can make catches when covered. He has a willingness to attack the ball and use strong hands to catch almost anything thrown his way, even against contact. He's not a burner -- you see a little Mike Evans -- but when he's moving, he's plenty fast.

 

[ajz20]

I don't think Kiper has a top 100, but here is his Big Board:

he tweeted that it was released this morning

 

[jlj3184]

he tweeted that it was released this morning

Closest thing I could find is this:

This is for those of you who want to get beyond the Big Board and on to players who could help make up the draft board well into the later rounds. Here, I go into the rankings of my top 10 across every position, with a total of 150 players represented. There's still a long way to go, but this is a midseason appraisal.
Remember: I'm listing prospects under projected NFL positions, and that can be a little tough with some of the more versatile players even before you get into schemes. A college tackle could be listed at guard, a college defensive end listed at linebacker, and so on. Also: I'd give the edge to a senior over a junior in a close call at the back end of a top 10, due to the certainty the senior will be in the draft.

Offense
Quarterbacks
1. *Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2. **Jameis Winston, Florida St.
3. Bryce Petty, Baylor
4. *Brett Hundley, UCLA
5. *Connor Cook, Michigan St.
6. Sean Mannion, Oregon St.
7. *Dak Prescott, Mississippi St.
8. Cody Fajardo, Nevada
9. Shane Carden, East Carolina
10. Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion
The obvious change here from the rankings I put out to start the season is Winston's drop from No. 1. I've been pretty clear that his off-field decision-making will be a major concern for evaluators, and it's reflected here. Mariota has seen a ton of pressure behind a shell of an offensive line, but is still completing 70 percent of his throws and hasn't been picked off once. Prescott has work to do as a thrower, but he certainly has caught the eye of scouts. Heinicke is a sleeper to watch -- he has impressed me in the few games I've been able to go through.

Running backs
1. *Todd Gurley, Georgia
2. *Melvin Gordon III, Wisconsin
3. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
4. *T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
5. *Duke Johnson, Miami (Fla.)
6. *Javorius "Buck" Allen, USC
7. *Mike Davis, South Carolina
8. Karlos Williams, Florida St.
9. *Jay Ajayi, Boise St.
10. David Johnson, No. Iowa
No, I don't think Gurley being held out is going to do much damage to his stock. If anything, it keeps the odometer a little lower. Gordon has been outstanding and is averaging a hair under 8 yards per carry. I just hope he can stay healthy, as I thought he was well-positioned for the 2014 draft. Abdullah has become a known commodity and has a high floor because of his all-around ability. Allen is a new name here, and David Johnson is really impressive as a pass-catcher, not just as a runner.

Fullbacks
1. Jalston Fowler, Alabama
2. *Dan Vitale, Northwestern
3. *Derek Watt, Wisconsin
4. Connor Neighbors, LSU
5. Hunter Joyer, Florida
6. *Soma Vainuku, USC
7. D.J. Warren, Kentucky
8. Nicholas Parker, Mississippi
9. *Trevon Pendleton, Michigan St.
10. Lee Ward, Stanford
I had predicted that Fowler would get a few more touches this season, but so far he has just 5 catches and no carries. Vitale and Watt switch spaces from the previous ranking, and Neighbors makes the biggest move, as I didn't have him ranked in this group back in August, but he's a classic battering ram with decent hands. (His dad and grandpa played at Alabama, by the way.) Vainuku is another versatile Trojans fullback who also sees time at tight end.

Wide receivers
1. *Amari Cooper, Alabama
2. *Jaelen Strong, Arizona St.
3. DeVante Parker, Louisville
4. Kevin White, West Virginia
5. *Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
6. Antwan Goodley, Baylor
7. Rashad Greene, Florida St.
8. *Nelson Agholor, USC
9. Ty Montgomery, Stanford
10. Justin Hardy, East Carolina
So much talent and polish here. Through six games, Cooper has 54 catches and is closing in on 800 yards. Strong has been very good, with a Hail Mary winner punctuating his first half. Parker is back from a broken foot suffered in August. White has been almost unstoppable and is more than a stats guy. That said, his explosiveness in space is still a small question for me. Montgomery is a fascinating guy to watch because his bulk has him with a strength profile of a decent-sized tailback, and he actually has carried the ball 14 times.

Tight ends
1. *Devin Funchess, Michigan
2. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame
3. Nick O'Leary, Florida St.
4. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio St.
5. *Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
6. *Jesse James, Penn St.
7. E.J. Bibbs, Iowa St.
8. Connor Hamlett, Oregon St.
9. MyCole Pruitt, So. Illinois
10. Clive Walford, Miami (Fla.)
I sort of reluctantly list Funchess among the tight ends, and I'll acknowledge he's not in the traditional tight end role if you see where he lines up, so it's in part a size designation, as he plays at close to 240 pounds. I project him to work in that hybrid slot/tight end role at the next level. Koyack has done a great job replacing Troy Niklas, and the Irish continue their production line of tight end talent.

Offensive tackles
1. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
2. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
3. *Andrus Peat, Stanford
4. La'el Collins, LSU
5. Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma
6. Ty Sambrailo, Colorado St.
7. Cameron Erving, Florida St.
8. T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
9. Jake Fisher, Oregon
10. Sean Hickey, Syracuse
The top three remain intact from the August ranking, with Collins sliding up one spot. Thompson is the biggest riser from the start of the season. Fisher getting back on the field for Oregon is significant, given the travails of the unit. Regarding the top three, I really don't think there is a clear order at this point among teams.

Offensive guards
1. Josue Matias, Florida St.
2. A.J. Cann, South Carolina
3. Tre' Jackson, Florida St.
4. *Vadal Alexander, LSU
5. Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M
6. Laken Tomlinson, Duke
7. Jon Feliciano, Miami (Fla.)
8. Dallas Lewallen, Wisconsin
9. Jamil Douglas, Arizona St.
10. Arie Kouandjio, Alabama
Another group where the top three names are in the same order as I had them in August. Matias is a known commodity, and Cann plays with great leverage. Alexander is the biggest riser, a third-year player who started as a freshman at right tackle and has since moved inside, where he has been very good. Sure enough, another Wisconsin guard is on my list. One always emerges.

Centers
1. Reese Dismukes, Auburn
2. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
3. Andy Gallik, Boston College
4. *Isaac Seumalo, Oregon St.
5. *Mike Matthews, Texas A&M
6. BJ Finney, Kansas St.
7. *Ryan Kelly, Alabama
8. Greg Mancz, Toledo
9. Jake Smith, Louisville
10. Brandon Vitabile, Northwestern
Gallik is the guy who has moved up the most for me and is now in the second-day picture. Both Dismukes and Grasu are outstanding centers, and there's no change at the top from the beginning of the season. Finney is a player I didn't have listed at the start of the season.

 

[jlj3184]

And the defense/ST:

Defense
Defensive ends
1. *Leonard Williams, USC
2. *Randy Gregory, Nebraska
3. *Shane Ray, Missouri
4. *Shawn Oakman, Baylor
5. *Shilique Calhoun, Michigan St.
6. *Dante Fowler, Florida
7. **Devonte Fields, TCU
8. Nate Orchard, Utah
9. *Mario Edwards, Florida St.
10. Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
This is a ranking where I can't satisfy everyone, because the players are so distinct. Williams isn't remotely the type of player Gregory is, but as long as we have players listed by position, this is what you get. Williams could really be listed as "D-line" because there's hardly a thing he can't do. I see him as a 4-3 defensive end but perhaps more likely as a 5-tech 3-4 DE. He'll succeed in just about any system. Gregory is that long, explosive pass-rusher off the edge. No player has moved up more than Ray, who has really impressed with his ability to clear and create inside pressure.

Defensive tackles
1. Danny Shelton, Washington
2. *Eddie Goldman, Florida St.
3. **Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
4. Michael Bennett, Ohio St.
5. Carl Davis, Iowa
6. Gabe Wright, Auburn
7. Xavier Williams, No. Iowa
8. Tyeler Davison, Fresno St.
9. Chucky Hunter, TCU
10. Leon Orr, Florida
Shelton has been really disruptive this season, though he's more of a clogger than a guy who will get you TFL consistently. Goldman's play is starting to match his promise -- we've known about him since he was a junior in high school. Bennett hasn't been bad at all, but has been overshadowed somewhat on that deep Ohio State defensive line. Phillips is the biggest riser -- he has been around a while, but is still a redshirt sophomore, thanks to a medical redshirt in a season where he actually saw action in four games (2012).

Inside linebackers
1. *Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi St.
2. Denzel Perryman, Miami (Fla.)
3. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
4. Stephone Anthony, Clemson
5. Ramik Wilson, Georgia
6. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
7. Hayes Pullard, USC
8. Taiwan Jones, Michigan St.
9. Bryce Hager, Baylor
10. Ben Heeney, Kansas
The country has now gotten a good look at the talented, rangy, consistent-tackling McKinney. Not many changes elsewhere, though I've added Jones of Michigan State to the list since the start of the season.

Outside linebackers
1. **Leonard Floyd, Georgia
2. Vic Beasley, Clemson
3. *Shaq Thompson, Washington
4. *Eric Striker, Oklahoma
5. Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
6. Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky
7. Jake Ryan, Michigan
8. *Eli Harold, Virginia
9. Tony Washington, Oregon
10. Zach Hodges, Harvard
Floyd now takes the top spot after a great first half. You see a little of Barkevious Mingo with the elite quickness and good length, though similarly he'll need to develop strength and take-on skills. Kikaha has been a breakthrough guy this season, taking advantage of matchups and moving around on his way to leading the nation in sacks and TFL.

Cornerbacks
1. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
2. *Marcus Peters, Washington
3. *Trae Waynes, Michigan St.
4. *Eric Murray, Minnesota
5. *P.J. Williams, Florida St.
6. *Ronald Darby, Florida St.
7. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
8. Cody Riggs, Notre Dame
9. Senquez Golson, Mississippi
10. Byron Jones, UConn
Ekpre-Olomu doesn't fit the size profile of the big cornerback so many teams covet because he's on the short side (5-foot-9 to 5-10), but he's special in almost every other way, with coverage, ball skills, and pure quick-twitch explosiveness -- oh, and he'll support in the run game. A ton of depth out of the underclassmen here makes this a deep class, if everybody is in.

Safeties
1. *Landon Collins, Alabama
2. *Jalen Mills, LSU
3. Derron Smith, Fresno St.
4. Kurtis Drummond, Michigan St.
5. *Durell Eskridge, Syracuse
6. Anthony Harris, Virginia
7. Jordan Richards, Stanford
8. Isaiah Johnson, Georgia Tech
9. Cody Prewitt, Mississippi
10. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
Collins is the clear leader of a group that looks deeper than it did in August. He's just such a complete player. Mills is fulfilling tremendous potential, and Smith is a known commodity playing well. Same with Drummond.

Special teams
Place Kickers and Punters
1. **Roberto Aguayo, PK, Florida St.
2. *Brad Craddock, PK, Maryland
3. Kyle Loomis, P, Portland St.
4. *Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M
5. Wil Baumann, P, NC St.
6. Spencer Roth, P, Baylor
7. Darragh O'Neill, P, Colorado
8. Sam Irwin-Hill, P, Arkansas
9. Kyle Christy, P, Florida
10. Mike Sadler, P, Michigan St.
I decided to mix these two at this stage, not just because I need more time to go through all of them and see sample sizes grow, but because it better reflects the number of new kickers and punters the NFL will see out of a draft class.

 

[getBUCKED]

This class seems much weaker than last year's IMO. Don't see the elite prospects this year (and of course we traded out of the elite, albeit a strong trade).

 

[AZ_]

This class seems much weaker than last year's IMO. Don't see the elite prospects this year (and of course we traded out of the elite, albeit a strong trade).

I don't think it's a deep in the first round, but I do think it's a bit more top heavy.

Clear #1 QB, clear #1 DL thus far are only two real locks for the top five. Amari Cooper is probably the consensus #1 WR but not sure that position is a lock for the top five yet.

So many pass rushers.

SO.MANY.PASS.RUSHERS.

 

[getBUCKED]

I don't think it's a deep in the first round, but I do think it's a bit more top heavy.

Clear #1 QB, clear #1 DL thus far are only two real locks for the top five. Amari Cooper is probably the consensus #1 WR but not sure that position is a lock for the top five yet.

So many pass rushers.

SO.MANY.PASS.RUSHERS.

I definitely agree on that, it's a good thing that's exactly what our defense needs. Maybe draft a pass rusher + WR or LB in the 1st round? I wouldn't mind a freak DT either, but I don't see a Aaron Donald or Dontari Poe quite yet.

O-line depth in the 2nd? I just don't see the big names this year, but more people pop out after the season and into the combine of course.

 

[jlj3184]

One I posted yesterday hadn't been updated. Here's the list as of 25 Nov.

Offense

Quarterbacks
1. *Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2. **Jameis Winston, Florida St.
3. *Brett Hundley, UCLA
4. *Connor Cook, Michigan St.
5. Bryce Petty, Baylor
6. Bryan Bennett, Southeastern Louisiana
7. Garrett Grayson, Colorado St.
8. *Dak Prescott, Mississippi St.
9. *Everett Golson, Notre Dame
10. Sean Mannion, Oregon St.
The back end of this list has shifted a great deal during the season as I've spent time on QBs. Bennett is a new arrival, as is Grayson and Golson. Gone are Cody Fajardo, Shane Carden and Taylor Heinicke. The constant has been Mariota at No. 1 -- he's been really what you'd hope for a player in his position and has made it easy to keep him there. Some big decisions await, and not just for Hundley -- who could have entered the 2014 draft -- but for Cook.
Running backs
1. *Melvin Gordon III, Wisconsin
2. *Todd Gurley, Georgia
3. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
4. *Duke Johnson, Miami (Florida)
5. *Tevin Coleman, Indiana
6. Jeremy Langford, Michigan St.
7. *Devontae Booker, Utah
8. *Javorius "Buck" Allen, USC
9. *T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
10. *Jay Ajayi, Boise St.
The previous version of this ranking had Gurley at No. 1 and Gordon No. 2. If both of those guys are at 100 percent, I'd give Gurley the narrow edge given his big advantage in size. Of course, that shouldn't take anything from Gordon, who has proved durable while handling plenty of work. The big riser is Coleman, who has run right through defenses that know it's coming all season. I think he represents what I'd consider a cut-off line for guys who go in the first two rounds if the draft were tomorrow.
Fullbacks
1. Jalston Fowler, Alabama
2. *Dan Vitale, Northwestern
3. *Derek Watt, Wisconsin
4. Mark Weisman, Iowa
5. Connor Neighbors, LSU
6. Hunter Joyer, Florida
7. *Soma Vainuku, USC
8. D.J. Warren, Kentucky
9. Nicholas Parker, Mississippi
10. *Trevon Pendleton, Michigan St.
The top three remain the same from the last ranking, and a healthy Fowler should go wire-to-wire for the season. He has just 15 total offensive touches for the year, but these guys are never really judged on numbers -- only the ones of the guys they block for. That said, Fowler can really catch the ball, and many of these guys are solid there.
Wide receivers
1. *Amari Cooper, Alabama
2. DeVante Parker, Louisville
3. Kevin White, West Virginia
4. *Jaelen Strong, Arizona St.
5. *Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
6. Rashad Greene, Florida St.
7. *Nelson Agholor, USC
8. Ty Montgomery, Stanford
9. Tyler Lockett, Kansas St.
10. Titus Davis, Central Michigan
The last time I put out these rankings, Parker hadn't even played, as he was recovering from an August foot injury. However, I still had him at No. 3. Now he's played five games, has 555 receiving yards to show for it and is up to No. 2. White also ticks up the list during a season in which he's really come into his own. The one thing you can say about the top four here is it's not just judging the athlete and hoping he'll eventually produce. All of these guys have been near impossible to stop when on the field. Lockett and Davis are the new names who weren't on the last ranking.
Tight ends
1. *Devin Funchess, Michigan
2. Nick O'Leary, Florida St.
3. E.J. Bibbs, Iowa St.
4. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio St.
5. Clive Walford, Miami (Florida)
6. MyCole Pruitt, So. Illinois
7. *Jesse James, Penn St.
8. Nick Boyle, Delaware
9. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame
10. Wes Saxton, So. Alabama
I've said before that Funchess isn't what I'd call a complete tight end because he lines up out wide most of the time. But the guy can win matchups in the air, and in some ways "tight end" is as much a statement about matchups and a size-based skill set as it is about a balance of pass-catching and blocking. The biggest riser here is Bibbs of Iowa State. As well, I think a healthy Heuerman is going to surprise people during the draft process -- the guy is a big-time athlete in a huge frame.
Offensive tackles
1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
2. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
3. *Andrus Peat, Stanford
4. La'el Collins, LSU
5. Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma
6. T.J. Clemmings, Pitt
7. Daryl Williams, Oklahoma
8. Ty Sambrailo, Colorado St.
9. Cameron Erving, Florida St.
10. Jake Fisher, Oregon
There's been a shift at the top, with Scherff now edging out Ogbuehi for No. 1. Peat has quietly had a solid season and simply hasn't allowed pressure regardless of who he faces. The biggest riser is Williams, who wasn't ranked in the previous version. Erving has seen time at center.
Offensive guards
1. A.J. Cann, South Carolina
2. Josue Matias, Florida St.
3. Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M
4. Tre' Jackson, Florida St.
5. *Vadal Alexander, LSU
6. Laken Tomlinson, Duke
7. Junior Salt, Utah
8. Jon Feliciano, Miami (Florida)
9. Jamil Douglas, Arizona St.
10. Jake Smith, Louisville
Cann takes over the top spot. He's just so consistent and plays with great balance and leverage. Tomlinson has also moved up and could be a Day 2 pick. Salt and Smith are also new names.
Centers
1. Reese Dismukes, Auburn
2. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
3. Andy Gallik, Boston College
4. Max Garcia, Florida
5. BJ Finney, Kansas St.
6. Shane McDermott, Miami (Florida)
7. Greg Mancz, Toledo
8. David Andrews, Georgia
9. David Peterson, San Jose St.
10. Brandon Vitabile, Northwestern
No change among the top three, and thankfully the knee injury that Grasu suffered a few weeks ago doesn't appear too serious, as he believes he'll play again this season. Both he and Dismukes are guys teams will draft believing they've added an immediate starter -- and a good one. Garcia is the biggest riser, as I didn't have him on the list at midseason.

 

[jlj3184]

Defense

Defensive ends
1. *Leonard Williams, USC
2. *Randy Gregory, Nebraska
3. *Shane Ray, Missouri
4. *Dante Fowler, Florida
5. *Shilique Calhoun, Michigan St.
6. *Eli Harold, Virginia
7. Nate Orchard, Utah
8. *Shawn Oakman, Baylor
9. *Mario Edwards, Florida St.
10. **Devonte Fields, TCU
Again, the "defensive end" label gets stretched a little bit here. Williams is extremely versatile and could move inside in a 4-3 without playing out of place, and Gregory could certainly stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Same story with Ray, who creates havoc regardless of where you line him up. Harold is probably the biggest riser, but I won't be surprised if he eventually lands in Round 1.
Defensive tackles
1. Danny Shelton, Washington
2. *Eddie Goldman, Florida St.
3. Michael Bennett, Ohio St.
4. *Malcom Brown, Texas
5. **Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
6. Carl Davis, Iowa
7. Tyeler Davison, Fresno St.
8. *Jarran Reed, Alabama
9. Gabe Wright, Auburn
10. Xavier Williams, No. Iowa
It's not a runaway, but Shelton has really solidified his status as a Round 1 pick if he works out reasonably well. He's been a force, and the fact that he's leading the Huskies in tackles from where he lines up is nothing short of remarkable. That's an incredible nose for the ball for a 330-pound player. Brown is the biggest riser from the previous ranking, and Reed will be a player to watch, as his stock could jump if he decides to enter the draft.
Inside linebackers
1. *Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi St.
2. Denzel Perryman, Miami (Florida)
3. *Reggie Ragland, Alabama
4. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
5. Stephone Anthony, Clemson
6. Ramik Wilson, Georgia
7. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
8. Hayes Pullard, USC
9. Ben Heeney, Kansas
10. Bryce Hager, Baylor
McKinney has been a stud, and Perryman as well. No change from the previous ranking with those two. Ragland is the guy who has risen the most since the previous ranking. The leading tackler for Tide has been their best linebacker this season -- an improved player on an improving defense. Keep an eye on Heeney, a tackling machine who can help a team right away.
Outside linebackers
1. Vic Beasley, Clemson
2. **Leonard Floyd, Georgia
3. *Shaq Thompson, Washington
4. Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky
5. *Eric Striker, Oklahoma
6. Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
7. Jake Ryan, Michigan
8. Paul Dawson, TCU
9. Zack Hodges, Harvard
10. Tony Washington, Oregon
The senior Beasley takes the top spot because he just continues to make plays and disrupt. Floyd has been a little more uneven, though the flashes are regular. Thompson's stretch at running back didn't diminish my expectations for him, but he's somewhat position-less on defense at this point, and it'll be really interesting to see where a team decides to play him and where he ends up physically. Dawson is the newest addition.
Cornerbacks
1. *Marcus Peters, Washington
2. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
3. *Trae Waynes, Michigan St.
4. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
5. *P.J. Williams, Florida St.
6. *Ronald Darby, Florida St.
7. Senquez Golson, Mississippi
8. Doran Grant, Ohio St.
9. Kevin White, TCU
10. Byron Jones, Connecticut
There's a lot of homework to be done here. With Peters, you have who on tape was the best CB in the class, but he was dismissed from the team and will be asked some tough questions when he sits down with NFL evaluators. Ekpre-Olomu just hasn't played as well as he did in 2013. Johnson has really impressed, playing great even as the team around him struggles. White's best game so far was probably when he largely shut down ... Kevin White, of West Virginia.
Safeties
1. *Landon Collins, Alabama
2. Derron Smith, Fresno St.
3. Anthony Harris, Virginia
4. *Gerod Holliman, Louisville
5. Kurtis Drummond, Michigan St.
6. Clayton Geathers, Central Florida
7. Damarious Randall, Arizona St.
8. Cody Prewitt, Mississippi
9. Jordan Richards, Stanford
10. Isaiah Johnson, Georgia Tech
I thought the 2014 draft class was really deep, and I just don't feel this class is at the same level. But it's not without really good players. Collins has solidified his place as the top all-around player at the position, and he figures to land somewhere inside the top 20 if he's in the draft. After that, I'm not sure you have a sure thing to go in Round 1, but it's a position in which I see need all over, so somebody's going to rise during the process.

Special teams
Place-kickers & Punters
1. **Roberto Aguayo, PK, Florida St.
2. *Brad Craddock, PK, Maryland
3. Kyle Loomis, P, Portland St.
4. *Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M
5. Wil Baumann, P, NC St.
6. Spencer Roth, P, Baylor
7. Trevor Pardula, P, Kansas
8. Darragh O'Neill, P, Colorado
9. Kyle Christy, P, Florida
10. Mike Sadler, P, Michigan St.
Aguayo misses at a low rate that would make great NFL kickers proud. You don't often see underclassmen jump at these positions, but he has a chance to cash in. Pardula is the biggest riser, as he wasn't ranked in my previous version.

 

[YuenglingGator]

Time to post my first Browns mock draft of the season:

1 (from Bills) - Mario Edwards - DE - Florida State - Assuming this pick will be in the middle teens, the Browns will certainly look to build their front seven. Edwards is a freaky good athlete for his size (upwards of 290-300) and always seems to find a way into the backfield to disrupt the running game. Would be an excellent fit as a 3-tech in the Browns scheme and bring much needed athleticism to the unit.

1 - Dante Fowler - OLB - Florida - Exceptional pass rusher who is well coached and can make an immediate impact. Moves all over the field for the Gators and would join Mingo and Kruger in replacing the most-likely departed Jabaal Sheard.

2 - Ben Koyack - TE - Notre Dame - With Jordan Cameron's injury history a concern, along with his contract, the Browns add an offensive weapon that excels as a blocker and as a pass catcher. He's not flashy, he's not as gifted athletically as Cameron. He's a technically sound blocker and skilled route runner that provides the Browns with a nice 1-2 punch at the tight end position.

3 - Justin Hardy - WR - ECU - Could rise well beyond this level with a great off-season, but with the depth at WR he would provide awesome value here. Might have the best hands in the 2015 crop, and all he's done is produce. Pretty complete player, but won't need to help immediately because of the good depth the Browns have at the position.

4 (from Bills) - Terry Williams - NT - ECU - Compact wrecking ball at 6-foot-1, 340+ pounds with some pretty good quicks for his size. A bit of a project and can run himself out of plays, but would be the eventual replacement for Rubin in the middle.

4 - Jake Fisher - OT - Oregon - Battled injuries this season and the Oregon offense suffered mightily in his absence, getting dominated up front by Arizona. Versatile, intelligent guy who could provide depth at four positions along the line.

5 - Roberto Aguayo - K - Florida State - Unquestionably the best kicker in the nation and could leave school early as a rSoph. 42-of-45 thus far in his career and his range is out to 60 or better. Probably the best kicking prospect since Mike Nugent and could go much higher.

6 - Isaiah Johnson - SS - Georgia Tech - Run stuffing safety that is a bit of a flier pick because of his injury history. Was All-ACC before missing 2013 with an injury, has come back and looked good this year but has battled a hamstring. Groomed as the eventual replacement for Whitner and could take somewhat of a red-shirt year while making an impact on special teams.

6 - David Johnson - RB - Northern Iowa - I think this guy's career could be interesting, he could be a power back in the mold of Blount or he could bulk up a bit more and turn into an H-back/TE. He can really run, though, so I'd like to see him get a crack at being a short yardage back behind the zone scheme Northern Iowa is familiar with running.

7 - Quinton Alston - ILB - Iowa - Just a guy who jumped out to me while watching them.

Came here to share my thoughts on a certain player, so started on page 1 and caught up on this thread to see what people had already discussed in regards to him. It took until this post on page 7 until I finally saw a poster (and respected one) tie him to the Browns.

Dante Fowler.

I am obviously a Gator, hence my username. I attended UF during the Tebow / Urban era. Got to watch A LOT of great defensive players on those teams and since. Dunlap, Haden, Spikes, Elam, Purifoy, Jelani & Janoris, Easley, Major Wright, etc..

While we've had some some down years of late ( Bye Muschamp, Bye Felicia ), two big time players on the defense are VH3 (stud corner, not eligible for 15 draft) and our anchor, Fowler.

I've seen some posters mention needing more pass rushing, Fowler (6'3" 260) would be a great addition if we can get him in that 15-20 range. As @AZ_ mentioned, extremely versatile. We've used him all over the field. He can play DE or OLB. His sack #s are deceiving, he's one of those guys who is always putting pressure on the QBs and forcing early throws or leading to other guys getting sacks despite often being double teamed. He always is the first gator through the line, extremely fast, uses his hands well, and very good at using leverage.

He is the first person coaches gameplan around on our defense. If you haven't watched him yet, tune in as they play FSU in our rivalry game. He loves Muschamp and will play big for him in his last game as our coach. I expect him to make Jameis uncomfortable quite a few times. You'll be sure to hear the commentators mention "FSU will always need to know where #6 is..." a few times.

I am admittedly biased, but I don't get to watch a lot of the other guys discussed in this thread, so I do my best to contribute where I can. There aren't a lot of Gators worth talking about, but Dante is pretty filthy and could be a instant contributor.