2015 RCF NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1 and 2 - Patriots

[Walter White]

With the 18th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select...

Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson


ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS
Explosive athlete who's always first off the snap. True edge bender who can torque hips and shoulders to turn corner. Has ankle flexion to dip and slalom around corner at difficult angles to block. Former running back with quick feet and fluid hips. Able to change directions and burst to target. Possesses potentially lethal spin move, but doesn't use it enough. Primarily a hand-in-dirt rusher but has played standing, too. Able to drop into space. Solid instincts and outstanding closing burst. Quick hands to swat initial punch. Hands will get even better and could become a major weapon with more coaching. Can embarrass tackles who lunge and miss.

WEAKNESSES
High cut with narrow waist and thin legs. Needs to add more bulk. Unlikely to convert speed to power against NFL tackles. Wins with athleticism on majority of his sacks. Rarely transitions from speed rush to spin as an instinctual pass-rush counter. Lacks ideal arm length. Too often content to stay blocked if pass rush stalls out. Needs to shed blocks more consistently against run. Good football character, but scouts are concerned about a lack of alpha-dog tenacity.

SOURCES TELL US
"I know everyone will have him pegged as a 3-4 edge guy, but I think 4-3 defenses would be crazy not to consider him as a WILL or SAM who can bump down as an edge rusher in third downs. Denver does it with Von Miller, so why not consider it?" -- NFC East scout

NFL COMPARISON
Bruce Irvin/Von Miller

BOTTOM LINE
Projects as 3-4 outside linebacker. Considered one of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, but needs more sophistication to his approach. Has speed and explosion to become an absolute menace for a creative defensive coordinator. High-impact talent but needs to crank up competitive nature in order to reach his potential.

Reason for pick:

It isn't a position of "need" so it may be a bit of a shocker, and I debated it pretty hard, but I just couldn't get past it. I felt like he was by far the best player on the board. I'm surprised he fell that far because I haven't seen a mock where he has fell past 8 and in many he is going 3-5 range. Chiefs got Houston and Tamba, but maybe they could take turns playing DE or occasionally ILB. Also, Houston and Tamba have new contacts coming up and it could be a decent safety net or if one gets hurt. Best logic for the decision other than BPA.

 

[JMcCurry08]

With the 19th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select Landon Collins, Safety Alabama

OVERVIEW
Played 41 career games, starting the last 23. As a junior in 2014, voted unanimous first-team All-American. Was first-team All-SEC selection and a finalist for the Nagurski Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award. Led the team in tackles (103) and interceptions (3). Played both safety spots and started three games at dime back during three seasons at Alabama. Second-team All-SEC selection as a sophomore in 2013. As a freshman in 2012, tied for team lead with 10 special teams tackles and blocked a punt. Was rated No. 1 safety in the nation and top-10 overall prospect by 247sports.com coming out of Dutchtown (La.) High School. Became first player in Louisiana Sports Writers Association history to earn 5A All-State honors on both sides of the ball (rushed for 1,218 yards and 21 touchdowns).


PRO DAY RESULTS

Bench press: 16 reps of 225 pounds
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Thick safety with a no-nonsense demeanor typical of a Nick Saban-coached player. Decisive against the run. Gets high to low quickly and is all over the ball. Leverages running backs to sideline and keeps contain. A true sheriff against the run. Tracks and stalks ball carriers with patience. Hits the gas and explodes into his tackles with purpose. Feet are under him and balanced when ready to strike. Aggressive and tough with a desire to intimidate. Disciplined eyes -- is not easily moved around field by quarterbacks. Wrap-up tackler. Physical enough to match up against tight ends and has the feet to carry big, slot targets. Transitions to throws quickly in zone coverage and limits yards after catch. Finds and tracks ball and times his leaps well. Aggressive in playing the ball and disrupts the catch with his physicality. Core special-teams player.
WEAKNESSES
Average hands. Dropped easy interceptions against Texas A&M and Arkansas. Looked much quicker in 2013 than he did in 2014. Can be beaten in a foot race. Average recovery speed. Sometimes shows too much confidence in recovery speed. Gets caught peeking into backfield and can be beaten over the top after a late jump. Inconsistent route recognition. Beaten for game-tying and game-winning touchdowns by Ole Miss. Shows some hip stiffness when asked to open up and run. Might be carrying too much bulk.
NFL COMPARISON
Johnathan Cyprien
BOTTOM LINE
Collins is a tempo-setter who can energize a defense with his downhill, aggressive style. He is at his best when he can attack rather than sit back in coverage and process. Collins' tackling, pursuit angles and speed to the sideline can help a defense shut down rushing attacks, but his inconsistencies in coverage will be tested by NFL offenses.

The Eagles and @Lord Mar are on the clock

 

[jlegg21]

Glad the Titans were able to look past pretty much all the Sugar Bowl tape, especially this one...

 

[Otsego Mar]

With the #20th Pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, The Philadelphia Eagles select........


*Jalen Collins - CB, LSU*

Combine Results​

• 40 YARD DASH: 4.48 SEC​
• VERTICAL JUMP: 36.0 INCH​
• BROAD JUMP: 124.0 INCH​
• 3 CONE DRILL: 6.77 SEC​
• 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.27 SEC​
• 60 YARD SHUTTLE: 11.32 SEC​

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/jalen-collins?id=2552573

STRENGTHS

Rare combination of height, weight and speed. Has the foot quickness and twitch to trigger on demand. Uses soft, bouncy feet to change direction and drive instantly on throws. Has arm length to play from trail position and still knock passes away. Desired awareness in zone with extended playmaking range. Will make plays outside of his area and has speed to come across field to chase down a loose running back or receiver. Able to redirect from press coverage and will only get better with more coaching. Leaper with the ability to challenge and win 50/50 throws. Buys in and does his part in run support.

WEAKNESSES

Only 10 career starts. Plays with talent over technique. Needs to improve patience in press coverage rather than opening up too early. More of a straight-line burner than fluid, change-of-direction athlete. A little stiff-hipped and is a tick slow to open and accelerate. Plays with build-up speed over instant gas. Inconsistent to turn and find/track the ball. Not a naturally aggressive, physical player. Can hit with force, but doesn't go out of his way looking for it. Showed more aggression as a tackler earlier in season than he did to close the year.

SOURCES TELL US

"They all have holes, but Collins is what you are looking for in an NFL cornerback with his length and speed. He isn't there yet, but he has the traits and ability to become a high-end starter and maybe the best cornerback from this draft." -- NFC director of personnel

NFL COMPARISON

Terence Newman

BOTTOM LINE

Immensely talented cornerback who brings the entire triangle (height, weight, speed) with him. Still learning technique and how to sink his feet with his eyes, but the instincts and athleticism to make plays on the ball both short and deep are what set him apart. Collins is a work in progress, but his physical and play traits create a very high ceiling if he continues to learn to play the position.


Reason for Pick

The Eagles defensively finished up in the bottom half of the league. The only team to give up more passing yards per game was the Atlanta Falcons. Chip Kelly believes Collins will be a #1 CB in the league for years to come. He is very coachable and has room to improve. Collins will back-up newly acquired Byron Maxwell to start the season.


Other Players Considered:

(CB)Marcus Peters
(CB)Kevin Johnson
(DE)Arik Armstead


The Cincinnati Bungholes and @Witness_JJ are on the clock!​

 

[Witness_JJ]

With the 21st pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select La'El Collins, Offensive Tackle



2015 Draft Prospects
GRADE
6.16

La'el Collins (OT)
HT: 6'4" WT: 305LBS.

POSITION: OT

SCHOOL: LSU

ARM LENGTH: 33 1/4"

HANDS: 10 3/8"


Overview
Named second-team All-America by The A.P. as a senior in 2014. Won Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the SEC. Started all 13 games at left guard as a sophomore, then started 26 games at left tackle his junior and senior seasons. Was voted team captain and was recipient of the Charles McClendon Award (most outstanding player on the team). LSU coaching staff credited him with 222.5 knockdown blocks in his 45-game career. Was second-team All-SEC as a junior, honorable mention All-SEC as a sophomore and was CBSSports.com Freshman All-American in 2011. Was a Parade All-American out of Redemptorist High School in Baton Rouge, La., and ranked as the No. 1 recruit from Louisiana by Rivals.


COMBINE STATS

• 40 YARD DASH: 5.12 SEC
• BENCH PRESS: 21 REPS
• VERTICAL JUMP: 27.0 INCH
• BROAD JUMP: 108.0 INCH
• 3 CONE DRILL: 7.70 SEC
• 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.63 SEC

ANALYSIS
Strengths
Thick through chest and displays upper-body strength. Has strong hands and will snatch and control less active defenders. He takes defenders for a ride once he's engaged on the move. Loves to mash and intimidate opponents. Mean player. Can center pass rushers and end their attempt in pass pro. Utilizes length in pass protection and is acclimated to a pro-style offense. Able to run-block and pass-set laterally. Well-schooled and technically proficient. If he gets beat on a play, he comes back even harder on the next snap. Finisher. Can come in and play guard or tackle.

Weaknesses
Fails to consistently bring hips and feet with him through contact in the running game, causing him to fall forward and lose balance. Hand usage is a major concern. Hands will start too low in pass pro at times and has to work hard to redirect. Change of direction is slow for a tackle. Relies on lunging rather than foot movement to counter inside moves. Plays high out of stance and loses leverage battle on short-yardage confrontations. Will have to move to right tackle or inside.

Sources Tell Us
"I love the guy on tape. Big-time finisher in the run game and we need that. What I don't like is that his hands are bad as a pass blocker right now and I'm not sure he gets that fixed right away. Other than that, he's pretty clean." -- AFC offensive line coach

NFL Comparison
Maurkice Pouncey

Bottom Line
Brawling right tackle or guard prospect in the NFL who has had a level of success in hyper-competitive SEC West. Lacks athleticism to be a consistent left tackle, despite his snaps there in college. Collins plays with a mean streak that is evident in every game, and could come in and start right away in a power-running game as a guard.

@Bonnern and the Pittsburgh Steelers arenow on the clock

 

[Otsego Mar]

BREAKING NEWS - 1st time in NFL History where 3 players with the same last name were drafted in a row.

 

[Bonnern]

With the 22nd pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Marcus Peters, Cornerback from Washington


HT: 6'0" WT: 197LBS.
POSITION: CB
SCHOOL: Washington
ARM LENGTH: 31 1/2"
HANDS: 8 3/8"


Overview
Granted draft eligibility as underclassman. In 2014, was suspended one game after a sideline tirade during Eastern Washington game and was later dismissed from the team following a confrontation with an assistant coach during practice in November. During 2013 and 2014 seasons, Peters allowed just 38.1 percent of the passes against him to be completed and had 24 passes defensed and 8 interceptions. Selected second-team All-Pac-12 in 2013. In 2012, played in all 13 games, starting eight. Was a redshirt in 2011. Helped lead McClymonds High School (Calif.) to a 12-0 record his senior season, making seven interceptions. Considers Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch a mentor.


COMBINE STATS
40 YARD DASH: 4.53 SEC
BENCH PRESS: 17 REPS
VERTICAL JUMP: 37.5 INCH
BROAD JUMP: 121.0 INCH
3 CONE DRILL: 7.08 SEC
20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.08 SEC
60 YARD SHUTTLE: 11.26 SEC
ANALYSIS


Strengths
Prototype size for the position. Fluidity in his hips to flip and run. Competes hard out of press-man coverage and tries to intimidate receivers with his physicality. Can redirect talented receivers with his length and flat-out stuff receivers with marginal foot quickness and strength. Stays in pocket of vertical receivers while turning to locate and track ball. Active and disruptive when ball is in the air. At his best when contesting catches and often comes away the winner on 50/50 throws. Outstanding feel for space with ability to track multiple receivers and quarterback at the same time. Closes on throws with above-average burst and brings some force on contact. Confident and tough.


Weaknesses
Suspended for one game in 2014 by head coach Chris Petersen for a sideline tantrum that followed personal foul penalty. Was ultimately dismissed from team over multiple run-ins with coaching staff. Inconsistent with footwork and loose with technique. Lacks patience in press and will open up early. Grabby off line of scrimmage and downfield when beaten. Average mirror-and-match and long speed. Overly emotional and prone to mental mistakes because of it. Slower than expected to squeeze routes in space. Doesn't take coaching.


Sources Tell Us
"I wouldn't take him inside the first two rounds. He's good, but he's not that good that I would be willing to deal with his emotional issues." -- NFC personnel director


NFL Comparison
Aqib Talib


Bottom Line
Talented cover cornerback with size, ball skills and the confidence NFL teams are looking for, but lacks the necessary discipline and maturity on the field and in practice. Peters has raw talent, but is far from a polished cornerback, and that is without taking the character concerns into consideration.

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


With this pick the Rooney family takes a gamble with Peters that can pay off in a big way. It address a need that's need fixed for many seasons now and he has addressed his character issues at the combine, which he said he's gotten better, apologized, and moved on from the event. In my opinion he has the highest upside of any corner in this class. With that being said, @The Hill and the Detroit Lions are up.

 

[The Hill]

With the 23rd pick in the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pitt.

Grade: 6.08

Overview
Started all 13 games at right tackle as senior and was named second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and first-team All-ACC. Voted team captain his senior season. Started 13 games at right tackle his junior season after redshirting the year prior as he made the switch from defensive end to offensive tackle. Appeared in eight games at defensive end in both his sophomore season in 2011 and freshman season in 2010. Was rated No. 1 defensive end prospect in New Jersey by Scout.com, out of Paterson Catholic High School. Was a Division I prospect in basketball, too.

Combine Stats
40 Yard Dash: 5.14 sec
Bench Press: 22 reps
Vertical Jump: 32.5 inch*
Broad Jump: 111.0 inch
3 Cone Drill: 7.68 sec
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.54 sec*
* = Combine top performer

Analysis
Strengths
Long, athletic frame. Former high school basketball player with great foot quickness. Moves like a tight end in space with an ability to zero in on targets and finish them in the screen game. Elite change-of-direction talent and knee bend. Can peel off his block to pick up a delayed blitzer. Snaps off twisting defender to guard and finds new assignment. Gets depth with smooth, fluid kick-slide and does a good job of mirroring. Can secure a shoulder and torque defender out of a run play. Hands carry jarring power. Explodes out of stance into defender. Has mean streak. Accelerates feet after contact and finishes. Has length and strength to redirect around pocket when beaten around the edge. Has the talent to make any block asked of him in the running game

Weaknesses
Inexperienced at the position and still raw. Will fall off blocks when his base gets too narrow on angle blocks. Will duck his head into contact in run game. Must learn to slow down and gather himself when climbing to second level. Has a hitch before he punches in pass protection and then gives away length with wide hands. Works with technique on pass sets but loses that technique suddenly at the high point of the pass rush, causing him to have to scramble to redirect around arc. Showed a lack of technique and confidence after being beaten too often during Senior Bowl practices.

NFL Comparison
Duane Brown

Bottom Line
Like Duane Brown, Clemmings played high school basketball and was a late switch to the offensive tackle position in college. There are holes in his protection technique and he must learn to trust his feet. Clemmings will continue to learn the position and improve. He has the physical traits to become a Pro Bowl left tackle if he can handle the move to that side. Confidence could become an issue with his pass protection unless he develops selective amnesia when beaten.

Reason for Pick
The Lions biggest weakness is on the offensive line, particularly at right tackle. Detroit ranked No. 21 in pass protection last year, a major issue for a team built around throwing the ball. Their running on the right side was poor, as well. When running to the right tackle, Detroit ranked No. 26. (Both rankings courtesy of Football Outsiders.)

In Clemmings, the Lions get an outstanding athlete who, according to Mike Mayock, has a "tremendously high ceiling." A converted defensive end, Clemmings has played only two years on the offensive line, but played 13 games at right tackle each of the past two years. He is a bit raw, but has the potential to develop into a special player.

Other Players Considered
Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
Todd Gurley, RB. Georgia

Boobie and the Arizona Cardinals are now on the clock.

 

[AZ_]

With the 24th selection, the Arizona Cardinals select:

Bryce Petty - QB - Baylor

Analysis:

Carson Palmer severely injured his knee last season and his best days are long behind him.

The Cardinals are ready to win now and need someone to manage a game and distribute to the playmakers.

Petty can be that guy and bring everything they need to get them over the hump.

Strong arm, great makeup, good athleticism. Just a perfect fit for where this team is at now, and won't be forced into the starting role right away.


@MGMT is on the clock

 

[Bonnern]

@ The Hill I'm Pitt fan so I know a lot about TJ. He was a DE his first couple seasons but was converted when the Paul Chryst regime came in. He has the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle for the next 10+ years but is extremely raw. Good pick.

 

[JMcCurry08]

We were on such a good pace....now we're at a standstill

 

[AZ_]

Paging @MGMT

On the clock.

 

[Soda]

Welp... Shoutout to @CosmoKramer for stepping up.

With the 25th pick in the 2015 RCF Mock Draft the Carolina Panthersselect

Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State

STRENGTHS: While perhaps slightly shorter than preferred, Darby possesses a solid build with good overall weight distribution. Excellent timed speed that translates well to the field.

Has a low, quick backpedal and has fluid hips that allow him to turn and easily run with even explosive receivers. Doesn't rely on a jam at the line of scrimmage to slow receivers but will deliver one on occasion, showing a good, physical pop to disrupt timing with the quarterback. Good patience in off-coverage, showing the poise to allow receivers to commit to deep routes before turning to transition. Improved awareness in coverage, showing a quick burst to break on the ball and good hand-eye coordination to slap away passes.

Isn't the most physical corner in run support but showed improved grit in 2014. Willing to lower his shoulder into ball-carriers and is a generally reliable open-field tackler. An immediate standout at Florida State and steadily improved throughout his career. Could be just scratching the surface of his potential.



WEAKNESSES: Showed improved awareness in 2014 but remains a better athlete than football player at this time. Too often relies on his speed to cover receivers, losing technique by allowing receptions on underneath routes too often.

Some question as to his real physicality. Was more willing to lower a shoulder into ball-carriers but will do some standing around the pile and let teammates do the dirty work, on occasion. Only two interceptions in three seasons at Florida State.

Comes with some character red flags. Was part of the rape investigation involving teammate Jameis Winston and was placed under review by Florida State's Code of Conduct policy which initially accused Darby and another teammate of "conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment." None of the players were ultimately charged.


Despite desperately needing to add talent to their offensive line and receiving core the Panthers choose to address a glaring hole in their secondary: cornerback. Darby is a high-upside cover corner that can turn and run with anyone, but struggles playing the ball in the air and stopping the run. After striking gold in another Seminole at the bottom of the first round last year the Panthers mine that well once again.

The BaltimoreRavens and @Spectre are on the clock.

 

[Spectre]

With the 26th pick in the RCF Mock Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select...
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

​

Strengths

Rare blend of speed and power. Immense power in legs and shows balance through contact. Shreds arm tackles and has speed to house it. Very hard to tackle on an angle. Professional, decisive runner. Presses line of scrimmage to set up his cut-back runs. Gets downhill with knee bend and forward lean, staying small through the hole. Uses quick, tight steps to second level. Will sink and explode into tackler or side-step and jet, causing hesitation in downhill safeties with their approach. Converts "speed to power" between tackles and around corner. Rarely looks to run out of bounds and finishes his runs. Able to factor out of the backfield with soft hands and ability to adjust to throws. In 2014, churned out an amazing 61.9 percent of his rushing yardage after contact. Strong hands and carries ball tight to his body. Only three fumbles in 510 carries.

Weaknesses

Missed three games in 2013 due to ankle injury and tore his ACL in 2014. Questions about whether he'll return back to his play speed are a big concern. Vision is average. Still gaining feel as a zone runner. Too locked into looking for cutback lanes when play-side run is open. Can get better at setting up blockers in space. Average creativity in tight quarters. Patience and tempo as a runner can improve. Quick passing attack limited his protection opportunities but was very average when given the shot.

NFL Comparison

Marshawn Lynch

Bottom Line

The rehab work and NFL Scouting Combine medicals will be extremely important for Gurley's draft stock as teams assess his potential durability as an NFL running back. He played less than 40 percent of his team's offensive snaps over the last three years, so there is plenty of tread still on the tires. Has the talent to be a top-five NFL running back, but ACL tear clouds the short-term picture.

My Logic

Is RB the Ravens biggest need? Of course not... but screw the needs for now, I'm going BPA Ozzie-style. If he were healthy, Gurley wouldn't even sniff this spot on the draft board as I believe he's the best RB to come out since Adrian Peterson. His ACL is somewhat concerning but I'm not particularly worried... players bounce back from them all the time. Justin Forsett was a nice surprise last year but I'm not counting on him long term as he turns 30 this year and is one year removed from being an afterthought scat back. The nice thing is though, he provides just enough time for Gurley to get back up to full speed and after, he makes for a solid complementary back. Gurley is a crazy blend of speed and power and hits the hole with authority. In a division where pounding the rock is paramount, he'll be a nightmare matchup that fits perfectly with what Baltimore loved to do when they had a capable back in prior years. I believe Gurley is a future superstar and at this point in the draft, he's a steal.

The Dallas Cowboys and @Phills14 are now on the clock.

 

[Spectre]

Also, if anyone is looking to trade down, let me know. The Ravens are looking to move up from #58.