The NFL Draft is tomorrow, which means we are almost at the end of mock draft season. For some, that means a beautiful relief. For others, it is a sad time, because they love the speculation. This is my second, and last of the year, so sit back, strap it down and enjoy.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
This is a no-brainer. Winston is a franchise quarterback, and Tampa Bay has Mike Glennon. Case closed.
2. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Mariota is going to be thrown into the fire immediately, but he’s not ready. Still, Tennessee needs a quarterback.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Jacksonville gets the best defensive player in the draft, further building a nice defense for Gus Bradley.
4. Oakland Raiders – Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Fowler is a premiere pass-rusher, giving Khalil Mack some help. Oakland is building nicely on the defensive side.
5. Washington Redskins – Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Dupree has been rising all year, and winds up in the top five with Washington, opposite Ryan Kerrigan.
6. New York Jets – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Beasley is a terrific edge-rusher, giving New York somebody who can potentially get double-digit sacks.
Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
7. Chicago Bears – Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Shelton can anchor Chicago’s defense, something it has been missing since the days of Henry Melton.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Ray is seeing his stock fall with foot problems, but he’s a physical specimen. Atlanta needs help badly in that area.
9. New York Giants – Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
The Giants have to protect a suddenly-aging Eli Manning, Scherff is the best offensive lineman on the board.
10. St. Louis Rams – Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Jeff Fisher’s team gets a major steal here, taking the best receiver in the draft for Nick Foles.
Next: Picks 11-20