CBS MOCK

[Mr. Laz]

2015 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Redskins go receiver in first round
By Will Brinson | NFL Writer
April 11, 2015 1:00 pm ET

We often build mock drafts and fail to see the forest for the trees. NFL teams do the same thing, so it's not a crime to focus on the now. The Buccaneers are a good example: They have almost no choice but to take a quarterback No. 1 overall because of its roster construction. Another example: The Washington Redskins at wide receiver.

The Skins have DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, so why would they draft a wideout? But as friend of the site and CBS colleague at 106.7 the Fan Chad Dukes pointed out when I spoke with him on the radio Friday, Redskins fans shouldn't ignore the idea of the team drafting a wide receiver despite obvious defensive deficiencies on the roster.

Remember, Scot McCloughan is a best-player-available-type of guy. And Garcon/Jackson aren't locks for the long haul on this roster. Jackson's contract runs through 2017 but he'll be 29 after 2015 ends and facing the likelihood of his biggest weapon, speed, moving in a declining direction. He has a $9.25 million cap hit in 2017 but cutting him after 2016 would result in just $1.25 million in dead money. He's probably on the roster through 2016.

Garcon probably has only one year left with the Redskins. He's got a $10.2 million cap hit in 2016 (and $9.7 million in 2015) but would result in only $2.2 million in dead money (both players' contract numbers via Spotrac.com) if cut before 2016.

Adding someone like Amari Cooper or Kevin White at the top of the draft seems like a luxury for a team with two expensive wideouts and so many other roster problems, but may well be a necessity with McCloughan looking toward the future.

We're gonna reflect that happening below and see if it changes anything.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Florida State QB Jameis Winston: Love hearing all the chatter about Jameis' character concerns and on-field issues now. Where was this stuff in the other two months before the draft? Barring Winston doing something stupid or someone high in the Bucs front office stepping in to quash this choice, it's going to be Winston first overall.

2. Tennessee Titans -- Oregon QB Marcus Mariota: The only thing better than landing a sure-fire franchise quarterback for a two-win team? Landing a guy who qualifies as a franchise guy to buy yourself three more years. The fit doesn't seem logical with Ken Whisenhunt but people are starting to figure out Mariota can do plenty of the things required of a starting NFL quarterback.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Clemson OLB Vic Beasley, OLB: We're getting wild in the first round! The Jaguars need a LEO for Gus Bradley's defense and no one in this draft has the ability to make the immediate pass-rushing impact like Beasley. Three feels high but he's not lasting until the second round.

4. Oakland Raiders -- USC DT Leonard Williams: Gifted Williams at 3, the Raiders pounce on the local (soon to be MORE local??) defensive tackle.

5. Washington Redskins -- Alabama WR Amari Cooper: Let's get nuts. The idea of the Redskins grabbing a wideout with Jackson and Garcon already on the depth chart sounds crazy, but this is a best-available-player situation for McCloughan and he's got his pick of wideouts here. Look at his draft run in San Francisco: the 49ers took offensive players in the first round during 4/7 first-round picks from 2005 through 2009. If you're thinking about life post-Garcon, Cooper probably matches up best with Jackson, though there's no guarantee he'll be there forever either.

6. New York Jets -- Florida OLB Dante Fowler Jr.: The Jets' strong offseason continues without actually having to be aggressive. One of the top pass-rushing targets falls into their lap at No. 6. Todd Bowles loves to blitz and Fowler gives him a versatile weapon to send after the quarterback from different spots.

7. Chicago Bears -- West Virginia WR Kevin White: With Brandon Marshall gone (and flip No. 6 and No. 7 if he wasn't) the Bears look to the draft for another weapon for Jay Cutler. Pairing White with Alshon Jeffery gives Chicago a terrifying tandem at wide receiver.

8. Atlanta Falcons -- Nebraska DE Randy Gregory: Concern over Gregory's failed test at the combine will vanish when the clock starts ticking and everyone's looking for the best talent. This especially matters in Atlanta, where the Falcons badly need a pass rusher and may not be as concerned about character as they were a few years ago.

9. New York Giants -- Washington DT Danny Shelton: When we re-drafted the 2011 NFL Draft, we imagined plugging Jurrell Casey in with the Giants pass rush. Giving defensive ends space-eating, quarterback-attacking defensive tackles does wonders for their production. So the Giants do just that at No. 9, grabbing the mammoth Shelton.

10. St. Louis Rams -- Iowa OL Brandon Scherff: For only the second time, Jeff Fisher grabs an offensive lineman in the first round. Wouldn't be surprising to see them go with a cornerback here, or even a wideout, but they need help protecting Nick Foles.

11. Minnesota Vikings -- Louisville WR DeVante Parker: Go get Teddy Bridgewater's guy so Bridgewater can throw to him. Mike Wallace isn't the answer at wide receiver, even though the trade at least gives Minnesota an additional weapon.

12. Cleveland Browns -- LSU OT La'el Collins: When Alex Mack went down last season, the running game fell apart. They need a mauling big body who can play on the right side or inside. Collins isn't going to take Joe Thomas' job, but fits this line's needs perfectly.

13. New Orleans Saints -- Michigan State CB Trae Waynes: Keep pumping that money into the secondary. The Saints want to come out of this draft with a lineman and a defensive player and nab the best corner on the board here.

14. Miami Dolphins -- UCF WR Breshard Perriman: Moves to dump Wallace and pick up Kenny Stills were smart and ultimately should prove effective, but this is WR corps still needs immediate help. The upside of Perriman, particularly utilizing the local product in Bill Lazor's offense on short throws (where he won't drop as many balls???) is spicy indeed.

15. San Francisco 49ers-- Oregon DT Arik Armstead: The 49ers need an upside-filled defensive lineman who can step in and fill Justin Smith's shoes when he inevitably retires and leaves another gaping hole on this defense.

16. Houston Texans -- Missouri OLB/DE Shane Ray: Double. Down. The Texans already have J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. Bring in Ray and keep throwing pass rushers at opposing offenses. Force them to max out double teams for Watt and let him create havoc. There's also no telling if Clowney will be an impact pass rusher next season.

17. San Diego Chargers -- Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon: Flipping the script and sending Gordon, instead of Gurley, to San Diego. Gordon's health makes him potentially more impactful out of the gate, someone who can help the Bolts off to a hot start.

18. Kansas City Chiefs -- Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong: Grabbing Jeremy Maclin in free agency is huge but Andy Reid is in need of another weapon for Alex Smith.

19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills) -- Kentucky DE Bud Dupree: Love the idea of Cleveland nabbing this athletic freak and plugging him into Mike Pettine's defense. They're pretty well-rounded in terms of having a strong defensive unit, but giving him another speedy edge rusher along with Barkevious Mingo could make things interesting.

20. Philadelphia Eagles -- Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson: Lot of free-agent money invested into the defense but there's no guarantee Chip Kelly fixed the secondary. Wouldn't be surprised if he kept doubling down on cornerback and attempted to grab a wideout in the next round.

21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Stanford OT Andrus Peat: Smart teams prepare for the future and the Bengals are -- gasp! -- a smart team in the draft these days. They're able to secure a value talent with Peat here while also managing to set themselves up for life after Andrew Whitworth should they let him walk after his contract year and at the age of 34.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Connecticut CB Byron Jones: The freakish combine monster gives the Steelers an athletic presence in a secondary desperately needing help. Keith Butler sees the way offenses are changing defensive alignments and understands more cornerbacks is critical.

23. Detroit Lions -- Miami (FL) OT Ereck Flowers: Plugging in Flowers on the right side of this line would give Matthew Stafford more protection as well as help the Lions in the run game, with Flowers nasty style showcasing an ability to get to the second level quickly.

24. Arizona Cardinals -- Georgia RB Todd Gurley: The Cardinals want to get more physical and dynamic in the run game and Gurley, when healthy, is capable of changing a ground attack. They've increased the talent on the offensive line and can afford to gamble on Gurley coming back to superstar form after knee injury last November.

25. Carolina Panthers -- Pittsburgh OT T.J. Clemmings: Dave Gettleman needs to get help for Cam Newton (no offense to Michael Oher and Jonathan Martin). The athletic upside of Clemmings and the veteran presence of those guys gives Carolina time to work the Pitt tackle into the mix as a franchise cornerstone.

26. Baltimore Ravens -- Florida State DT Eddie Goldman: With the trade of Haloti Ngata, the Ravens need more depth on the defensive line. Goldman could pair with another former Florida State standout, Timmy Jernigan, to form the future of this defensive line.

27. Dallas Cowboys -- Texas DT Malcom Brown: Local product who fills a need. Tempted to have them go running back here, but somehow they've become self-aware when it comes to the draft too and decide to wait for the second round. Plugging Brown into the middle only improves the pass rush.

28. Denver Broncos -- Florida OT D.J. Humphries: More protection for Peyton Manning and sets up the franchise for life after Peyton. Athletic linemen play well in Gary Kubiak's scheme and while Humphries is raw, he's highly athletic.

29. Indianapolis Colts -- Oklahoma DT Jordan Phillips: Chuck Pagano made it clear how important stopping the run is in 2015 after the Colts were unable to overcome the Patriots, thanks to coughing up yards in the physical ground game. Tons of potential and the ability to dominant in the middle early.

30. Green Bay Packers -- Virginia LB Eli Harold: Green Bay needs depth in the secondary but let's not forget how old Julius Peppers is. Harold would provide a boost in the pass rush and let Dom Capers continue to be creative with his use of Clay Matthews on the inside and outside.

31. New Orleans Saints (via Seattle Seahawks) -- Florida State OL Cameron Erving: The Saints want to get stronger in their running game. Erving isn't a mauling beast, but he's talented in the run game, has the versatility to boost the offense and provides insurance in case Max Unger gets injured again.

32. New England Patriots -- Utah CB Eric Rowe: With the losses of Brandon Browner and Darrelle Revis in free agency, Bill Belichick can take a stab at another cornerback.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-...in-first-round

[Easy 6]

I think everyone, including myself for a while, is starting to pigeonhole what Reids WCO does/doesnt require from its receivers too much.

Just because Alex Smith hates trying to throw guys open doesnt mean Reid HAS to have shiftier, smaller receivers to make things go... you can look back to long striding, 6'1 6'3 types in guys like Thrash, Pinkston, Baskett and TO as proof of that.

Strong isnt my preference either (although he was about all that was left to pick in my mock draft), but that doesnt mean he couldnt work in this offense... Bowe lost a lot of his suddenness to age, a younger version of him in Strong would look a lot better in this offense IMO.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by BWillie

There's probably nothing I care about less than the NFL draft, except for the MLB draft. I have no clue why so many people care. History has shown, nobody really knows anything. All teams have the same playing field, you just need to get lucky, bottom line.

Chiefs could just run down the list of Mel Kiper Jrs board instead of hiring a GM, would yield virtually the same results.

It's fun. Teams make WTF picks. You get to look at the girlfriends of all the guys in the green room. Certain players have red flags that are a big deal to some teams and not such a big deal to others. It's fun to see to whom and when they get drafted. And for fans of teams like the Chiefs, it's a great way to get excited about your team, because you're seeing the greater part of it get developed in front of your very eyes.

The draft was the biggest thing I cared about when the Chiefs were consistently going 4-12 and 2-14, and the more they get close to winning a playoff game without quite doing it under Andy Reid, the more the draft sets in as my favorite part of football.

Draft weekend is the best weekend of the year for me. I enjoy it more than Memorial Day weekend. I enjoy it more than the first Sunday of the regular season. And as I become an older and crankier man, I'll probably start to enjoy it more than Christmas some time from now, if the NFL is still a shell of what it is today.

[Easy 6]

Big Willie makes a decent point, but not all GM's and HC's are created equal when it comes to drafting... Ravens, Steelers, Seahawks, Packers, thats an abbreviated list of teams that draft better than most and therefore save themselves so many headaches down the line.

Not only can they spot talent, they can spot talent that fits the particular system they happen to be running at the time.

Herm Edwards could draft cover two secondary players like a mfer.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by BWillie

There's probably nothing I care about less than the NFL draft, except for the MLB draft. I have no clue why so many people care. History has shown, nobody really knows anything. All teams have the same playing field, you just need to get lucky, bottom line.

Chiefs could just run down the list of Mel Kiper Jrs board instead of hiring a GM, would yield virtually the same results.

So there aren't teams that draft better than others, and some historically great teams weren't built by genius level drafts? Good to know.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by BWillie

There's probably nothing I care about less than the NFL draft, except for the MLB draft. I have no clue why so many people care. History has shown, nobody really knows anything. All teams have the same playing field, you just need to get lucky, bottom line.

Chiefs could just run down the list of Mel Kiper Jrs board instead of hiring a GM, would yield virtually the same results.

nope

I just think what happens AFTER the player is drafted is really,really important.

Hypothetically ... Cleveland and New England draft the same player. Imo the results would likely be drastically different. One place would draft the player knowing whether he would fit their system. One place would teach and develop the player in an effective manner. One place would have players around the draftee to keep him on the right path and demand motivation.

..... the other place is Cleveland.


Same player, same game ... completely different results.

There are exceptions, some players rise above their situation and will succeed regardless. Most players reflect their surroundings.

[Easy 6]

Tons of truth in that post, Laz.

[O.city]

Originally Posted by Brock

So there aren't teams that draft better than others, and some historically great teams weren't built by genius level drafts? Good to know.

I did read an article the other day, where statistically speaking, the draft is basically a crapshoot. I don't remember where and I didn't really agree with it, but it was out there

[O.city]

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

nope

I just think what happens AFTER the player is drafted is really,really important.

Hypothetically ... Cleveland and New England draft the same player. Imo the results would likely be drastically different. One place would draft the player knowing whether he would fit their system. One place would teach and develop the player in an effective manner. One place would have players around the draftee to keep him on the right path and demand motivation.

..... the other place is Cleveland.


Same player, same game ... completely different results.

There are exceptions, some players rise above their situation and will succeed regardless. Most players reflect their surroundings.

Quite honestly, I think the development after is more important than the pick.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by O.city

I did read an article the other day, where statistically speaking, the draft is basically a crapshoot. I don't remember where and I didn't really agree with it, but it was out there

Ok.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Easy 6

Tons of truth in that post, Laz.

Then where is my rep?

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

Then where is my rep?

**** your rep, bitch!!!

[Meatloaf]

Ok, I'll say it. I'm definitely a proponent of selecting Strong at #18. I think our WR corps is still a little weak, and a skilled, big bodied guy would fill out this group nicely.

Truth be told, I think the Chiefs could go absolutely anywhere with this draft. Heck, in mocks I've seen, it seems we end up with a different guy in every mock. Gonna be a very interesting draft this year.

However, if I HAD to put some $$$ on who I think the Chiefs will select at #18, my money would be on Malcom Brown, DT, Texas.

[BlackOp]

Originally Posted by SNR

We've been just fine with Knile Davis filling in for Charles. I think this is a load of bullshit.

Charles is still getting paid because he's still that much better than Davis. That's not to say that Davis is a piece of shit who is a liability to the team.

Ask teams like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Miami, or St. Louis if Knile Davis is a shitty RB who would tank their teams if he were their starting RB.

I have nothing against Davis...I think he has been better than expected. I wouldn't base an entire running game around him though. He's good when Charles needs a breather...but is nowhere near as talented. This is probably moot anyway as the Chargers will likely take him. Face it..KC's offense runs through Charles...

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by Meatloaf

However, if I HAD to put some $$$ on who I think the Chiefs will select at #18, my money would be on Malcom Brown, DT, Texas.

"He began playing organized football at seven years old, so Brown was quite the veteran defensive lineman at Brenham (Texas) High when he was named prep All-America and then played in the 2012 Under Armour All American game. At Texas, Brown played in all 13 games as a freshman and became a dominant starter all 26 games as a junior and senior, finishing 2014 with 64 tackles, including 14 for loss and 6.5 sacks.

Not to confuse experience with maturity, Brown shows plenty of the latter as a husband and responsible parent for two daughters. But this big daddy's best asset on the field is size as he easily fills out that broad, 6-foot-4 frame with 320 pounds of muscle that serves him well as a stout run-stopper. Although he has quick feet, Brown lacks the agility necessary to be a constant pass-rush threat. Still his resume' as a 4-3 defensive end and nose tackle and end in a 3-4 should help him get a job offer early in this draft."

"Brown is an interesting prospect as he has the speed quickness to serve as a three-technique with enough size and strength to also play nose tackle. Brown is at his best when he is firing a gap to cause havoc in the backfield."

He would make a lot of sense.

[Mr. Laz]

Dorsey wants guys in the trenches.