2015 RCF NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1 and 2 - Patriots

[Soda]

Big Board

Bold & Italic = Player off the board

1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida St.
2. Leonard Williams, DL, Southern California
3. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
4. Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
5. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
6. Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
7. Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
8. Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
9. Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
10. Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
11. DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
12. Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida
13. Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
14. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
15. Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
16. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St.
17. Landon Collins, S, Alabama
18. Cameron Erving, C, Florida St.
19. Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
20. Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida St.
21. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
22. T.J. Clemmings, T, Pittsburgh
23. La'el Collins, OT, LSU
24. Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
25. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
26. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
27. Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona St.
28. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
29. Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
30. D. Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri
31. Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
32. Jalen Collins, CB, LSU

 

[Phills14]

With the 27th pick in the 2015 RCF Draft the Dallas Cowboys Select

Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin​

• 6'1"HEIGHT
• 32 3/8"ARM LENGTH
• 215LBS.WEIGHT
• 9 3/4"HANDS

OVERVIEW
In 2014, posted the second-most single-season rushing yards in FBS History with 2,587 (Barry Sanders is No. 1 with 2,628 in 1988). Won Doak Walker Award (nation's best running back) and was selected first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten. Was Heisman runner-up to Marcus Mariota. Gordon briefly held the FBS single-game rushing record with 408 yards against Nebraska. Set school records with 12 100-yard games and six 200-yard games. Led the nation with 29 rushing touchdowns. In 2013, selected second-team All-Big Ten after leading the nation with 7.8 yards per carry. Was the only player in FBS with three runs of 70-plus yards. In 2012, rushed for 216 yards in Big Ten Championship Game against Nebraska. In 2011, played in three games before a groin injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Was first-team All-State and Offensive Player of the Year in Wisconsin after rushing for 2,009 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior. Growing up, Michigan State cornerback and 2015 draft prospect Trae Waynes was his best friend.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS
Tall, leggy running back with shredded physique. Transitions run from inside to outside without losing any speed. Can cover five yards in two strides when fully unlocked in open field. Impressive 20-yard burst, creating space to hit the big runs. Averaged 7.6 yards per carry over last two seasons. Had 40 runs for 15-plus yards in 2014. Shifty in open field without having to hesitate. Uses jump-cut at line of scrimmage to change gaps and avoid tacklers. Has an effective spin move to make defenders miss in open field. Great agility and plus balance hurdling opponents diving at his legs. Feet keep moving in tight spaces, probing for daylight. Able to consistently beat college defenders to flank. Loves to run over the tackles. Shows ability to create for himself and has burst and agility to turn small gain into big one. Improved as a pass-catcher over second half of the 2014 season.

WEAKNESSES
Desires to bounce runs wide too often. Not as trusting of blocking from B-gap to B-gap. Held to "stuffs" -- runs resulting in no yards or a loss -- on 19.2 percent of his carries. Feel and instincts as interior runner need improvement. Shows indecisiveness as one-cut runner. Would gear down and stutter-step to line, waiting for crease to show itself rather than adjusting on fly and taking what was available. Play strength through hole was only average. Used speed over strength to create many missed or broken tackles. Benefited from gaping running lanes. Ball security was an issue. Fumbled six times over his final five games, often being stripped while finishing run. Uncomfortable pass-catcher with marginal hands. Either dropped, double caught or smothered many throws. Pass protection needs work. Might have to come off field on third downs.

NFL COMPARISON
Robert Smith

BOTTOM LINE
Angular, talented open-field runner who combines outstanding burst with a long stride to gain separation and hit the home run. He won't be able to outrun NFL defenders like he did in college and must develop more feel between the tackles. Gordon shines when his track runs over tackle or around the end and can put a defense to sleep around the corner. Not trustworthy enough to be a three-down back, but his pass-catching improved enough to utilize him out of backfield as a receiver.


Why Melvin Gordon: The Cowboys wisely let DeMarco Murray leave. Even though he led the league in rushing last year Murray has taken quite a pounding and he's at the stage where he starts to go down hill. Philly will over pay him for some injury plagued years. In walks Melvin Gordon. This homerun hitter from Wisconsin will thrive behind that revamped Dallas offensive line. Plus with Dez Bryant keeping the safeties busy, there should be some big holes for this play maker once he gets past the 1st level. Todd Gurley was a consideration with this pick but he was taken 1 slot ahead of us. Even though Gurley may have a better overall career, Mr Jones was not in the mood to wait for Gurley to recover from injury. Jerry needs his 'Boys to win and win now. Gordon will step onto the field and play from day 1.

Denver is on the clock @JMcCurry08

 

[JMcCurry08]

With the 28th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select Maxx Williams TE, Minnesota

OVERVIEW
Early entrant as redshirt sophomore. Comes from impressive, athletic bloodlines. His father, Brian, lettered for the Gophers (1986-88) and played for the New York Giants. His grandfather played quarterback at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Chicago Bears. His mother played volleyball at Minnesota from 1984-87. Named second-team All-American in 2014, All-Big Ten first team and was a Mackey Award finalist for nation's top tight end. Started in 10 games missing one with a calf injury. Set single-season school record for receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end with 569 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2012, shared Outstanding Offensive Freshman of the Year honors with Donovahn Jones and was named Athlon's Freshman All-America third team and Academic All-Big Ten. Forced to redshirt in 2012 with a bruised sternum. Rated seventh-best player in Minnesota coming out of high school by Rivals and the 48th-ranked tight end according to Scout.

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Primarily used as move tight end. Straight-line wheels to beat linebackers and safeties. Accelerates to top speed quickly on crossers and speed outs. Speed to chew up cushion and open a throwing window over the top. Will threaten seam and dominated defenders on wheel routes. Red-zone winner. Can do damage after the catch and shows playmaking aptitude with tight end screens. Extends and goes all out for the catch. Got a foot inbounds on three circus catches. Eighty-two percent of his catches were for either a first down or touchdown. Not easily redirected out of release. Honest effort to stay engaged when base blocking.
WEAKNESSES
Body is a little soft and could use additional weight work to handle NFL hits. Runs upright, rounded routes that lack salesmanship and shake. Leans into breaks, tipping his hand and bringing tighter coverage. Hip tightness stymies ability to sink and cut crisply. Needs to do better job over deep middle of using frame to shield throw from safeties. Won't generate push as an in-line blocker and has limited feel and instincts as a move blocker. Will need route work to create separation on the next level.
SOURCES TELL US
"That Minnesota tight end came across as all about himself from what people in our room said (at the combine). They were a little turned off by him." -- NFC regional scout
NFL COMPARISON
Jeremy Shockey
BOTTOM LINE
Pass-catching, move tight end with straight-line play speed and an ability to stretch defenses deep. Williams comes from NFL bloodlines and has the self confidence often found in a former player's son, but he needs to improve his route running in order to become a more complete receiving threat. Williams led all college tight ends with 9 explosive catches (25-plus yards) in 2014 and should be an early target for teams looking for pass-catching weapons.

Why: Broncos lost Julius Thomas and need to add a new tight end to their offense. Williams is the best tight end in the draft and should fit in great in Gary Kubiak's offense and should be a good target for Peyton Manning

The Indianpolis Colts and @dkbldev are now on the clock

 

[dkbldev]

With the 29th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, The Indianapolis Colts select...

Cameron Erving - Center - Florida State

Why the pick:
Center is a weak position for the Colts and Erving would be an instant upgrade. Another plus is that Erving could slide over in the line if needed. Armstead was considered here but protection for your franchise quarterback is always a priority.

Strengths
Keeps busy and works to secure blocks in run game. Good foot quickness into pass set. Consistently in ready position with good hand readiness in pass sets. Uses good hand placement and has natural timing with hands. Converted defensive tackle who will continue to improve in the NFL with more experience at center. Displays good snap-to-step quickness. Uses quickness to attack defender and begin his grind much earlier than when he played tackle. Competes and is a willing learner. Can get to second level and make cut-off blocks. Has athleticism to pull and offers versatility along the line.
Weaknesses
High-cut with tapered lower body, lacking power in legs. Pops straight up in pass rush. Susceptible to bull rush. Had issues handling the edge speed of Clemson's Vic Beasley in 2014 and his days of playing tackle are likely over. Relies on lean rather than hip thrust to generate power. Taught to absorb and control as a pass protector and needs to establish more pop in punch.
Sources Tell Us
"He plays tough, but I wouldn't call him an intimidator out there. He's a work in progress, but he's going to keep getting better as he learns how to play center." -- ACC defensive line coach
NFL Comparison
Eric Wood
Bottom Line
Former defensive lineman who is still learning the nuances of offensive-line play after just two seasons as a starter. Has the length and foot quickness to play tackle, but film work shows that he will have a much more successful career at center. Possesses skill set and temperament to show rapid development. Could be a Day 1 starter, but a year of seasoning would help.

@AZ_ and the Green Bay packers are on the clock

 

[Soda]

One of the rich will get richer once they choose Arik Armstead... Guy can play all over the defensive line and has been a steal for at least 5 picks, IMO. The Browns should be looking to make a move-up soon as there are a couple guys that will go soon who they value. (Erving, Armstead)

 

[AZ_]

Well I don't want to give away my plans or anything, but I'm not touching Armstead.

Does nothing for me, personally. Plays too high, not enough consistent effort, disappears against better competition.

So if someone wants him, PM me about a trade up.

 

[AZ_]

With the 30th pick, the Green Bay Packers select:

D.J. Humphries - OT - Florida Gators

Analysis:

The Packers need to fortify their protection for Aaron Rodgers and a running game that has quietly developed into one of the best in football.

David Bakhtiari did the best he could, but he's simply not the best choice for protecting the blind side of their All-NFL QB. He produced a -7.1 PFF grade, the only person on the Packers line to produce a negative grade.

Humphries might be the most talented tackle in this draft class, but his development was hurt somewhat by playing on a Florida team that just doesn't get the most out of their players. Get him into a solid player development program like Green Bay and he could become one of the best in all of football.

Strengths:

Humphries has elite quickness and agility, with good bend and the ability to hang with the most elite pass rushers at his level. Can use his hands really well at times, they're powerful and he knows how to use them to knock defenders off balance.

Weaknesses:

Missed some time with injuries. Has not always shown the consistency from game-to-game.


@MoFlo and the Saints are on the clock.

 

[MoFlo]

With the 31st Pick in the 2015 RCF Mock Draft, the New Orleans Saints select......

CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest

Overview
Selected second-team All-ACC in 2014, starting all 12 games and allowing just 24 completions all season long. Finished with 44 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. In 2013, was second in the conference with 15 passes defensed and finished with three interceptions. Selected honorable mention All-ACC in 2012, finishing second in ACC with 18 passes defensed. Ruled academically ineligible in 2011 and had to redshirt. Made 5 starts as a freshman in 2010. Played running back and cornerback for River Hill High (Md.). Was a member of the 2007 and 2008 2A state title teams and was selected first-team All-State his senior season.

Analysis
Strengths
Smooth hips with excellent balance. Very natural in man coverage. Has feet and discipline to play square and mirror against complex routes. Has low, controlled backpedal. Disruptive in press coverage -- alters routes and slows receivers. Can easily transition laterally and has quick-twitch to break on throws in front of him. Flips hips and accelerates against vertical routes. Crowds wideouts on perimeter and constricts target area for deep boundary throws. Plays stronger than his listed weight. Has athleticism and enough speed to recover when beaten. Decisive player. Fights to disengage and support against the run. Willing to drop shoulder and lay lumber as zone defender. Usually followed opponent's best receiver around the field.

Weaknesses
Has a lanky frame with a very thin lower body. Gets fooled by head fakes downfield and turned around too often. Late to turn and find ball at times. Missed too many tackles as senior. Thin frame a concern as NFL run supporter. Will show too much respect to deep speed and allow separation by receivers who slam on brakes and catch passes in front of him. Ejected from Louisville game for targeting. Flagged nine times for 132 yards over the last two seasons.

NFL Comparison
Sam Shields

Bottom Line
Johnson is a three-year starting cornerback who showed great improvement in man coverage from 2013 to 2014. While he lacks desired weight at the position, his cover skills, athleticism and competitiveness give him a shot to come in and start right away. Johnson can play gunner on special teams.

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

New Orleans' revamping of the D continues. Johnson, while he isn't the best size, has a great skillset & good fundamentals. The Saints feel he can come in and, not only be a starter from Day 1 and help revitalize this D, but become one of the best CBs from this class.

The New England Patriots & @Soda are on the clock..

 

[Soda]

With the 32nd and final pick in the 1st round of the 2015 RCF Mock Draft,
the New England Patriots select:

Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon

​

• HEIGHT: 6'7"​
• ARM LENGTH: 33"​
• WEIGHT: 292 LBS. ​
• HAND SIZE: 10 1/2" ​

I'm not sure how Billy B views guys who have issues with effort, but I do know that he's got an uncanny ability to get players to just go out and play, regardless of personal issues. Armstead is an extremely long prospect and while he's as raw as they come, he's not necessarily going to need to pay dividends right away. I just don't think this type of prospect falls this far.. Someone is going to want to test his malleability. At this spot, I think the Pats make the move... I also considered replacing Vince Wilfork with one of the DTs still available and even took a glance Breshad Perriman's way, but I ultimately couldn't help but take the risk with Armstead.​

OVERVIEW
Started all 13 games he played in during 2014 season, recording 46 tackles. Missed two games due to ankle injury. Finished season with 16 quarterback pressures, 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for losses. In 2013, started five games and recorded his first full career sack against Nicholls State in the first game of the season. In 2012, one of four true freshmen to receive playing time in all 13 games and joined men's basketball team after football season, but was redshirted. Was a standout on offensive and defensive lines in high school and was selected to U.S. Army All-American game. Armstead's father, Guss, played basketball at Sacramento State and Arik's brother, Armond, played football at USC and spent a season with the New England Patriots before retiring from football in 2014.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS
Improved by leaps and bounds from 2013 to 2014. Elite size with ability to add more bulk to his frame. Quick-twitch athlete. Explodes upfield into blockers with good pad level and hip snap, gaining instant leverage against the run and often jarring them into the backfield. Gets good arm extension to control offensive linemen and peppers them with powerful hands. Can unlock quickly from blocks. Has above-average tackle radius thanks to his length and quickness.

WEAKNESSES
Power-based pass rush with very little production to show for it over his time at Oregon. Plays tall as pass rusher and doesn't use his hands to gain consistent advantages. Has no reliable counter moves when rush stalls. Gets caught up in whipping man in front of him rather than making the ball carrier his focus. Will win against an offensive lineman, but doesn't put himself into position to finish.

SOURCES TELL US
"I see the power in his hands and all of his tools, but I don't see the production or the consistent push that I feel like I should see from him. He could end up being a monster, but you have to understand that what you get right now is just a big athlete with some upside." -- Pac-12 area scout

NFL COMPARISON
Calais Campbell

BOTTOM LINE
Projection-based prospect with elite size and the traits to become a dominant run-stuffing defensive end in an odd front. Armstead has the explosiveness off the snap and in his jarring punch to gain early advantages and control offensive linemen. Armstead is a fast riser but is still very raw. He will need patience and coaching and must become a more effective pass rusher at some point.


The Tennessee Titans and @JMcCurry08 are on the clock to open Round 2. Good round all.

 

[JMcCurry08]

I'm fielding offers for pick #33

Edit: Sorry for the holdup, waiting for a couple teams to get back to me

 

[JMcCurry08]

OOPS

 

[Soda]

Gonna go ahead and make the selection, don't wanna take up any more time

With the 33rd selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select Cameron Erving, Center Florida State

The Bucs and @SuperSurge are now on the clock

He was chosen #29 by the Colts.

Try again!

 

[Otsego Mar]

@JMcCurry08 forfeits the 33rd pick.

@SuperSurge is now on the clock!

 

[JMcCurry08]

The Tennessee Titans have traded the 33rd pick to the Baltimore Ravens for the 58th, 122nd and 125th overall picks

@Spectre is on the clock

 

[JMcCurry08]

He was chosen #29 by the Colts.

Try again!

I looked at the big board and he wasn't bolded so I thought he was available, totally skipped over his selection