The Pro Days are in the books and the film study is winding down. This is the third and final Top 5 Draft Prospects by Position installment for 2015. Without further ado…
Quarterback
Headley
- Jameis Winston, Florida State
- Marcus Mariota, Oregon
- Garret Grayson, Colorado State
- Bryce Petty, Baylor
- Sean Mannion, Oregon State
I continue to hear Marcus Mariota’s name being mentioned with Jameis Winston and that the former Duck will be going as high as number 2 in the upcoming NFL draft. I disagree with any “expert” analyst that thinks Mariota is as good of a prospect as Winston or that he is even close. The team that drafts Mariota within the top 5 of the draft will need to be patient with him as I believe he will not make an impact and not be ready to start in the league for at least 3 seasons. When will teams learn that they can’t reinvent the wheel and turn a system quarterback who played in a read option offense and has never called his own play in college to a NFL caliber QB in the short term.
Juice
- Jameis Winston, Florida State
- Marcus Mariota, Oregon
- Garret Grayson, Colorado State
- Sean Mannion, Oregon State
- Rakeem Cato, Marshall
Status quo.
Strud
- Jameis Winston, Florida State
- Marcus Mariota, Oregon
- Garrett Grayson, Colorado State
- Bryce Petty, Baylor
- Brett Hundley, UCLA
Jameis Winston is the cream of the crop of this year’s quarterback class. There are other quarterbacks who possess facets of Winston’s game, but no other quarterback quite puts it together in as an impressive package as Winston does (barring off the field red flags). Garrett Grayson might be this year’s most underrated QB commodity. The four year senior who improved with each passing season put up prolific passing numbers in Jim McElwain’s (now the head football coach at the University of Florida) version of a pro-style offense during his last year of eligibility at Colorado State. The knock on Grayson is that he’s average when it comes to the measurable and arm talent. He’s not dominating in stature, nor does he possess elite arm strength. Maybe more of an Andy Dalton than a Brett Favre.
Running back
Headley
- Todd Gurley, Georgia
- Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
- Jay Ajayi, Boise State
- Duke Johnson, Miami (FL)
- Jeremy Langford, Michigan State
Todd Gurley is now atop my running back prospect list edging out Melvin Gordon who has been my number one back throughout. Listen, I have always thought Gurley is the best back in this class but his major knee injury made myself and many hesitate on ranking him as the premiere back in this draft class. Gurley’s size, toughness, and speed makes him an absolute beast of a back who compares comparably to Marshawn Lynch. His rehab work and medical evaluations will be extremely important for his draft stock as teams assess his potential durability as an NFL running back. If everything checks out I would not hesitate to draft Gurley ahead of Gordon in this upcoming draft.
Juice
- Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
- Todd Gurley, Georgia
- Tevin Coleman, Indiana
- Duke Johnson, Miami (FL)
- Jeremy Langford, Michigan State
Gurley is the most talented back in this class but I haven’t seen his knee so he stays at #2 behind Melvin Gordon. I may be the only person in the Western Hemisphere that isn’t enthralled by Jay Ajayi and that’s not a knock on him. Rather, this running back class is loaded. Hell, Ameer Abdullah isn’t in my top 5 either. I think as many as seven running backs come off the board in the first two rounds. No change in my Top 5.
Strud
- Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
- Todd Gurley, Georgia
- Jeremy Langford, Michigan State
- Jay Ajayi, Boise State
- T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
Due to injury concerns, and off of the field issues, Melvin Gordon takes the top spot at running back over Todd Gurley. Even though Todd Gurley is physically domineering in both stature and the way that he plays the game, Melvin Gordon is the type of smooth athlete with vision, and burst that today’s NFL offenses salavate over. Melvin Gordon has a nose for the end-zone, and unlike Gurley, Melvin Gordon rarely takes a big hit. I like both Jay Ajayi and T.J. Yeldon. They are bigger backs that lack extreme suddenness and explosion, but will both become solid, and productive professionals because they excel in every other facet of playing their position (running, blocking, and receiving).
Wide Receiver
Headley
- Amari Cooper, Alabama
- Kevin White, West Virginia
- DaVante Parker, Louisville
- Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
- Nelson Agholor, USC
My top 4 WRs remain the same as I believe they are the cream of the crop. The fifth spot on this list remains open as each week I alternate a prospect. Wide Receiver from USC Nelson Agholor makes the top 5 as he is NFL ready with his route running and ability to get in and out his breaks. As stated above there are many WRs with immense talent in this draft class. Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Funchess, and Breshard Perriman all have huge upside and could potentially be elite WRs in the NFL but all three are raw talents who will need to improve their route running and ability to get open. While on the other end of the spectrum you have Rashad Greene and Phillip Dorsett who are both NFL ready WRs with the ability to run clean routes and get open quickly for their quarterbacks but lack the size and strength to play on the outside with the big boys.
Juice
- Amari Cooper, Alabama
- Kevin White, West Virginia
- DeVante Parker, Louisville
- Phillip Dorsett, Miami (FL)
- Rashad Greene, Florida State
The names remain the same but Kevin White moves up to #2 and Phillip Dorsett moves up to #4. I’ve finally bought in to White’s upside but I maintain Parker is underrated. Dorsett has steadily closed the gap between he and Greene during the process but he possess an additional gear that Greene simply doesn’t have so he gets the nod. I really like Jaelen Strong and Nelson Agholor and they are picking up momentum as draft day approaches. The wild cards are Dorial Green-Beckham and Breshad Perriman, physical freaks, but very raw talents. Interestingly enough that Green-Beckham, Strong and Perriman will likely come of the board before Dorsett and Greene because of their physical prowess. Agholor has been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th pick overall as well.
Strud
- Amari Cooper, Alabama
- DaVante Parker, Louisville
- Kevin White, West Virginia
- Jalen Strong, Arizona State
- Nelson Agholor, USC
Amari Cooper takes the top spot in what seems to be rounding out into another star studded class of receivers. Although he doesn’t have the pure size of a prototypical, NFL caliber, number one receiver, Cooper isn’t a diminutive pass catcher by any means. Standing 6’1, weighing in at 211 lbs., Amari Cooper is a fluid athlete with the rare combination of quick twitch agility, and the ability to stretch the field. For a player this early in his football career Cooper is an excellent route runner who effortlessly gets in and out of the breaks. His performance at this year’s NFL Combine answered any questions that remained about his long speed. DaVante Parker, Kevin White, and Jalen Strong all have a first round grade on them, and have similar skill sets. All three are big bodied receivers who excel at using their strong hands to pluck the ball out of the air, and rarely let any balls get into their bodies. They all routinely make catches that are well defended. Defenders draped on their bodies do little to break their concentration on the ball while it’s in the air. And finally all three receivers had outstanding combine/pro day workouts. Parker, White, and Strong all displayed their both surprising, but superior physical prowess needed to be number one wide receivers in the NFL. Nelson Agholor is a complete wide receiver. You would be hard pressed to name something that he’s not adept at, or that he couldn’t accomplish from any receiving position on the field. Agholor is a surprisingly polished route runner, who is familiar with the entire route tree. Outside of elite size, and some minor down field separation issues, Nelson Agholor is a NFL ready player, who should be able to step into any ball club and pay immediate dividends.
Tight End
Headley
- Clive Walford, Miami (FL)
- Maxx Williams, Minnesota
- MyCole Pruitt, Southern Illinois
- Jesse James, Penn State
- Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State
In a position that’s not very strong Clive Walford and Maxx Williams are the best in the class. Although I don’t see either of these guys getting picked until late in the first round to early second round, both have the ability to help a team in the passing and running game. Williams has an edge over Walford as a run blocker while Walford excels in the passing game up the seams stretching defenses.
Juice
- Clive Walford, Miami (FL)
- Maxx Williams, Minnesota
- MyCole Pruitt, Southern Illinois
- Devin Funchess, Michigan
- Gerald Christian, Louisville
No movement here. Although, it should be noted that Devin Funchess improved on his 4.70 scouting combine 40-yard-dash by running an unofficial 4.48 at Michigan’s Pro Day. He’s grouped with the tight ends but he won’t be inline in the NFL.
Strud
- Maxx Williams, Minnesota
- Clive Walford, Miami (FL)
- Devin Funchess, Michigan
- Nick O’Leary, Florida State
- Jesse James, Penn State
Maxx Williams and Clive Walford are the number one and two prospects in an underwhelming year for tight ends. No surprises here. Both players are excellent receiving options, and are also above average blockers. Nick O’Leary is a perfect example of an individual outplaying his physical limitations. O’Leary who is neither the fastest nor the most physically dominating player continuously found ways to get open, and make plays. He’s an excellent route runner, who has a knack for getting open, and has fly paper for hands. Add his toughness, and grit in the trenches, and you’ve got a very interesting talent.
Offensive Tackle
Headley
- D.J. Humphries, Florida
- Ereck Flowers, Miami (FL)
- T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
- Jake Fisher, Oregon
- Andrus Peat, Stanford
With the move of La’el Collins who is best fit as a guard at the next level to my interior lineman list, Florida offensive tackle D.J. Humphries tops the tackle list. The offensive tackle prospects lack a top 10 guy who can come in day one and anchor an offensive line. Each prospect has their weaknesses starting with the top guy Humphries who has durability concerns with his knees and ankles which forced him to miss multiple games as a Gator. Flowers, a road grader who is the best run blocker of the bunch has technique issues in pass protection and will struggle initially against speed rushers. Clemmings is the rawest of the group as he moved over from the defensive side of the ball to play only two seasons at offensive tackle, has quick feet that if coached and tutored correctly could become the best tackle of the class.
Juice
- Ereck Flowers, Miami (FL)
- La’el Collins, LSU
- Andrus Peat, Stanford
- Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
- D.J. Humphries, Florida
Chalk, as far as I’m concerned.
Strud
- Brandon Scherff, Iowa
- La’el Collins, LSU
- Andrus Peat, Stanford
- T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
- Ereck Flowers, Miami (FL)
This draft does not have a top flight, plug and play offensive tackle who in recent history have littered the tops of draft boards. What this draft does have however is an extremely versatile group of linemen who can play on the edges of the offensive line, but could easily kick to the inside and be very effective interior linemen. In some cases, the move might actually benefit some of these prospects. In this year’s pack of linemen, Scherff is the most versatile and pro ready. T.J. Clemmings is an excellent athlete at the position, and has the highest ceiling. Flowers and Peat are the only two pure left tackle candidates in this year’s draft. Andrus Peat is a very balanced tackle with a thickly built lower body. However he’s more finesse/technique than raw strength at this time. Ereck Flowers is a dominating prescense on the edge. He’s a true road grader, but can have issues in pass protection from time to time.
Interior Offensive Lineman
Headley
- Brandon Scherff, Iowa
- La’el Collins, LSU
- Laken Tomlinson, Duke
- Cameron Erving, Florida Sate
- A.J. Cann, South Carolina
In what has become a strong position class through out the evaluation process it has been determined that many prospects who early on were believed to be offensive tackles are really better suited to become interior offensive lineman at the next level. Brandon Schreff and La’el Collins top the list and to me are the best two lineman in the entire draft. Schreff’s technical game and awareness at his position will likely make him the first lineman off the board while Collins’ tenacity and nastiness will get him selected shortly after. Tomlinson, Erving, and Cann are tough lineman who will also have long careers as well.
Juice
- Brandon Scherff, Iowa
- Cameron Erving, Florida State
- T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
- A.J. Cann, South Carolina
- Laken Tomlinson, Duke
Clemmings climbs to #3. Again, he will play right tackle but I think he could be an exquisite, road-grading guard with above average pass blocking chops in the interior of the offensive line. I think he’s going to struggle on the edge considering how raw he is from a footwork perspective. Ali Marpet (not listed) from Hobart turned heads at the Senior Bowl and during the Scouting Combine. He’s no longer a well kept secret.
Strud
- Cameron Erving, Florida State
- Laken Tomlinson, Duke
- Tre Jackson, Florida State
- A.J. Cann, South Carolina
- Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
Cam Erving out of FSU can play every position on the offensive line. His game really sprung to life when he moved inside to center, where his athletic ability really showed itself. A.J. Cann is a humongous human being. He will be an upgrade to any teams ground game. Hroniss Grasu is an interesting prospect. He’s a center with a lanky build, who will need to add weight to his frame to compete with the bulk of NFL interior defensive linemen. He’s an excellent athlete, and a very intelligent player. He can easily get to the second level of defenses, and has pretty good technique. Also needs to add strength, he can get overpowered at times, but could thrive in the right system (zone blocking).
Interior Defensive Lineman
Headley
- Leonard Williams, USC
- Danny Shelton, Washington
- Malcom Brown, Texas
- Eddie Goldman, Florida State
- Arik Armstead, Oregon
Nothing has changed at the top as Leonard Williams and Danny Shelton are no brainers who possess talent, consistency and endurance as interior lineman. Williams and Shelton rarely come off the field and can both play in any formation or situation. Jordan Phillips drops out of the top 5 in favor of Oregon’s Arik Armstead. Throughout the evaluation process I have had a difficult time grading Armstead as he is still inexperienced. While he doesn’t always flash on tape, his size and upside alone will have many teams eager to select him. Armstead 6’7 292 pound frame excels as a run stopper utilizing his powerful hands and can be a force playing the 5-technique in an odd man front.
Juice
- Leonard Williams, USC
- Danny Shelton, Washington
- Malcom Brown, Texas
- Eddie Goldman, Florida State
- Carl Davis, Iowa
Nothing to see here. I previously referenced why Arik Armstead doesn’t crack my top 5 in 2.0 but he is a natural 5-technique. Some experts have soured on Danny Shelton because he doesn’t possess the athleticism of a Haloti Ngata (who does?). What I love about Shelton is for a guy at 340 lbs. he doesn’t come off the field, he’s chasing down plays and has a relentless motor. I don’t care about his 5.6 40-yard dash.
Strud
- Leonard Williams, USC
- Danny Shelton, Washington
- Eddie Goldman, Florida State
- Malcom Brown, Texas
- Arik Armstead, Oregon
Leonard Williams has the requisite size and strength needed to play defensive line in the NFL. Williams is a versatile lineman who can play end in a 3-4 front, or slide inside, and play the 3 technique defensive tackle on a 4-3 line configuration. A consensus top five selection in this year’s NFL draft, Williams has star potential written all over him. Eddie Goldman had always been a highly touted prospect. He was the top rated lineman coming out of high school, and is now projected to be a first round pick in this year’s upcoming draft. Goldman will be stout versus the run, and will collapse the pocket from time to time.
Edge Rusher
Headley
- Randy Gregory, Nebraska
- Dante Fowler, Florida
- Vic Beasley, Clemson
- Shane Ray, Missouri
- Bud Dupree, Kentucky
Re-watching the tape I have decided to call a late audible and place Randy Gregory atop a very deep and talented edge rusher list. Gregory at first glance seemed to lack an explosive first step off the ball and also has weight concerns which many questioned as it pertains to holding up against the run in the NFL. Put both question marks to bed as Gregory was asked to read the offensive tackle first move at Nebraska schematically playing with discipline and defending running lanes. The tape also suggests that Gregory is a very underrated run defender even though playing at just 235 lbs. Gregory utilizies his long arms which takes away a lineman ability to get into his body allowing him to disengage and make plays with ease. Vic Beasley also has great tape at Clemson showing he can use his intelligence, hands, feet, hips, and shoulders to get passed blockers en route to the quarterback. He will need to keep his weight up to his combine size of 246 lbs. to be able hold leverage and stand up against the run which is a weakness in his game. Dante Fowler is the most complete edge rusher in the draft as he flashes power, explosiveness, and a motor in the passing game as well as the running game. Fowler moved around a lot in college which to me is a strength and speaks to his scheme versatility. However, does he excel in any particular area?
Juice
- Dante Fowler, Florida
- Vic Beasley, Clemson
- Randy Gregory, Nebraska
- Shane Ray, Missouri
- Bud Dupree, Kentucky
Randy Gregory and Shane Ray are both excellent pass rushers. However, they are on the light side and I question their ability to play the run. However, Gregory appears to have the frame to add more weight and he is simply a better athlete, meaning he can put his hand in the ground or play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. That versatility and upside is why Gregory unseats Ray at #3.
Strud
- Vic Beasley, Clemson
- Dante Fowler, Florida
- Shane Ray, Missouri
- Randy Gregory, Nebraska
- Eli Harold, Virginia
Vic Beasley: speed, and explosion, Dante Fowler: versatility, and relentlessness, Shane Ray: burst, and power, Randy Gregory: athleticism ,and talent laden. These are all traits of the top four edge rushers in the 2015 NFL draft that most experts consider to be true. In this instance I’m agreeing with most experts. Ray, Beasley, Fowler, and Gregory have pretty much all but guaranteed themselves a top 15 draft selection. There just so happens to be a fifth position that needs to be filled. There are some interesting names that arise as candidates for spot number five.One such player that an argument could be made for is Alvin “Bud” Dupree, who had a very impressive day at the combine (41” vertical leap, 4.59 fourty yard dash). However I choose to go with the University of Virginia product Eli Harold. Harold has burst and bend. He can flat out beat any man defending him around the corner with his first step and closing speed. He can rush passer standing up, or with a hand in the ground with equal effectiveness. Harold has long arms with a chiseled frame, and room to add more bulk. He is projected to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, and could sneak into the bottom of the first round.
Linebacker
Headley
- Eric Kendricks, UCLA
- Denzel Perryman, Miami (FL)
- Paul Dawson, TCU
- Stephone Anthony, Clemson
- Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
Linebacker list remains status quo from 2.0 as Eric Kendrick remains at the top due to his ability and instincts to stay on the field for all three downs. Perryman is not far behind as he too possesses instincts with the ability to disengage and shed blockers. The difference between the two is Kendricks’ ability to cover defenders on passing downs. Stephone Anthony is the guy to watch on this list as he has opened many eyes in the post season process at the senior bowl and combine. Anthony showed his athletic ability and speed running a 4.56 at the combine making many including myself go back and re-watch the tape. Anthony shows he is not just a two down linebacker at the next level and has the athleticism to be a sideline-to-sideline talent with the ability to chase down opposing rushers and play in pass coverage.
Juice
- Denzel Perryman, Miami (FL)
- Eric Kendricks, UCLA
- Stephone Anthony, Clemson
- Paul Dawson, TCU
- Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
I’m going to “stay” at linebacker. Stephone Anthony continues to grow on me.
Strud
- Eric Kendricks, UCLA
- Stephone Anthony, Clemson
- Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
- Denzel Perryman, Miami (FL)
- Shaq Thompson, Washington
Eric Kendricks seems to be the most complete linebacker in this year’s draft. He posseses all of the skill and on the field awereness that any ball club would want out of a potential first round linebacker. What he does not possess is elite size. He has marginal height and bulk to play the position. With that being said, another top notch linebacker in this year’s draft is even more diminutive. Denzel Perryman is a complete, true three down linebacker who rarely came off the field during his playing days at the “U”. However measuring in at 5’10 3/4 of an inch, and having an underwhelming combine doesn’t help your draft stock . McKinney is a true blue downhill two down linebacker. He’s quick to diagnose running plays and fill the gap. He could be a liability in man coverage, but due to his size and length, Benardrick could develop into a decent zone coverage football player. Stephone Anthony definitely made himself some extra money in Indianapolis this year. He is faster and more athletic than scouts originally thought. He is a bit sluggish diagnosing ball location which can lead to bad angles to the ball carrier. Shaq Thompson is somewhat of a hybrid linebacker/safety. He is projected to be a weakside linebacker in the league. Although he put up disappointing numbers at the combine this year, Thompson is a heady player, who is good in coverage and can deliver the huge blow.
Cornerback
Headley
- Trae Waynes, Michigan State
- Marcus Peters, Washington
- Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
- Jalen Collins, LSU
- Byron Jones, Connecticut
Trae Waynes tops my list and has remained my number 1 cornerback throughout this process. This doesn’t mean that I’m totally sold on Waynes at the next level. Yes, Waynes has the size, speed, and technique to play at the next level but I question his ability to move in and out of his breaks because of his upright body stance and his lack of physicality at the line of scrimmage playing press coverage. Waynes often times gets in the receivers face but doesn’t put his hands on them until after the first five yards. This will not work at the next level as pro receivers will take advantage of a free release. Jury is still out if he will adjust his playing style and prove doubters like myself wrong.
Juice
- Trae Waynes, Michigan State
- Marcus Peters, Washington
- Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
- Byron Jones, Connecticut
- Jalen Collins, LSU
Jalen Collins’ upside is undeniable, but I have more faith in Byron Jones’ tape. Jones and Collins switch places. 1-3 is etched in stone.
Strud
- Trae Waynes, Michigan State
- Marcus Peters, Washington
- Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
- P.J. Williams, Florida State
- Jalen Collins, LSU
Trae Waynes is the gold standard at cornerback in this year’s draft. Waynes possesses the ideal height and speed to play cornerback in the pros (6’0 feet, 186lbs, 4.31 forty yard dash). He is faster than he is quick, and can have issues with defending smaller, more agile pass catchers. This is also due to him having some stiffness in his hips. Waynes is a bump and run specialist who will excel at covering receivers down field because of his elite speed, and excellent jumping ability. Waynes, also is adept at playing both corner back positions, which he did at Michigan State. With Trae Waynes’ versatility, and athleticism, we should see him come off of the board somewhere in the top portion of the first round. Both Marcus Peters and P.J. Williams have some red flags off of the field, but you cannot deny their talent. Marcus Peters has the best ball skills in the draft at his position. While the football is in the air, he plays the ball, and not the man, which seems is becoming a forgotten art in today’s NFL. Awareness, ball recognition, and hand/eye coordination are all top notch. P.J. Williams, has the ideal size to play either corner, or safety at the next level. Williams is a tough, physical corner, with good instincts, awareness, and some serious “pop” as a tackler, surprising for a cornerback. As mentioned before, would make an excellent safety prospect due to his size, physicality, coverage ability, and solid tackling. Both Peters and Williams are slightly above average athletes for their position.
Safety
Headley
- Landon Collins, Alabama
- Derron Smith, Fresno St.
- Anthony Harris, Virginia
- Damarious Randall, Arizona St.
- Quentin Rollins, Miami (OH)
Everything has changed except one player, Landon Collins. He is by far the best safety prospect in the draft. 2 through 5 has changed dramatically as college CB Quinten Rollins have now entered the top 5. My counterpart Juice first put the thought in my head that Rollins would make a great safety in the league and I agree. Rollins has the instincts, ball skills, and physical ability to translate into an Antrel Rolle type safety at the next level. A four year basketball player in college Rollins decided to play football his senior season and intercepted 7 passes. With only one year of experience at cornerback Rollins is raw but his supreme instincts and nose for the football would make him an excellent safety.
Juice
- Landon Collins, Alabama
- Quentin Rollins, Miami (OH)
- Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
- Damarious Randall, Arizona State
- Derron Smith, Fresno State
Derron Smith tumbles from #2 to #5 meanwhile Quentin Rollins a cornerback by trade debuts at #2. I think his range, instincts, ball skills and willingness as a tackler is exciting. It’s a gut feeling but I think he has Pro Bowl potential at safety as opposed to being a decent NFL cornerback. In today’s game you need safeties with cornerback skills.
Strud
- Landon Collins, Alabama
- Derron Smith, Fresno State
- Anthony Harris, Virginia
- Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State
- Damarious Randall, Arizona State
When discussing Landon Collins, this might be a rare case where a player who is a non-lineman might have to drop weight to become a more effective pro. Measuring in at 6 feet flat and weighing close to 230 pounds, Collins could stand to shed five to ten pounds so that he can improve his mobility. This is not to suggest that Collins isn’t mobile. He is actually a very fluid athlete for his size. Collins is adequate in coverage, has good straight-line speed, and is a sure tackler in the box as well as in the open field. He would be a top flight safety prospect in any draft. After Collins there is a huge drop off in talent. There is a lot left to be desired from the other safety candidates in the 2015 draft.
