Morrissey Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 Todd McShay, Scouts Inc. If you saw some of our TV segments on Monday, you'll know that putting together the way-too-early mock draft for the following season is not my favorite assignment here at ESPN. (You also probably noticed Mel Kiper celebrating the fact that I have to do it.) But I understand that there is already great interest from fans as to what college football players enter the 2015 season as the top prospects for next year's draft, so I've done my best here to match up many of those players with team fits that make sense. A couple of important notes: • I have not done full tape studies on any of these players yet. We will begin going through the 2016 class next week and produce preseason scouting evaluations that will run in August. I made picks here based on what I've been able to see from these players in person, on TV and on limited tape and also what I've heard from league sources. • The draft order below was generated for us by Football Outsiders, using their early projected records for the 2015 season. Here is our way-too-early NFL mock draft for 2016. 1. Washington Redskins (Football Outsiders' projected 2015 record: 5-11) Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State: We don't yet know what the future holds for Robert Griffin III, but if the projected records here from Football Outsiders come true, it's safe to assume Washington might be looking for a new franchise quarterback. Hackenberg struggled in 2014 with a 12-touchdown, 15-interception season, but he's a big-time talent with a pro-style skill set. 2. Cleveland Browns (Projected record: 5-11) Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: Josh McCown is a short-term fix at quarterback for the Browns, and Johnny Manziel's future is up in the air. Cook has good size at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and is coming off of back-to-back productive seasons as a starter, including leading the Spartans to Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl victories. 3. Oakland Raiders (Projected record: 5-11) Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State: Bosa was dominant as a true sophomore last season. He's a very strong run defender who is also effective at rushing the passer with his ability to convert speed to power. He's one of the few prospects here that I've studied enough tape on to feel confident in his early evaluation. Assuming he stays healthy and continues to develop, it's hard to imagine Bosa falling out of the top 10 picks in the 2016 draft -- and if you made me choose right now, I'd say he's the top-rated prospect in next year's draft class. 4. Tennessee Titans (Projected record: 6-10) Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss: This pick would provide additional pass protection for 2015 first-round QB Marcus Mariota opposite 2014 first-round OT Taylor Lewan. Tunsil has very good length, power and agility as a pass protector and is able to get good push as a run-blocker. 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Projected record: 6-10) Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State: I'm probably slotting him too early here, but Ogbah has an intriguing skill set and was highly productive during the 2014 season. The Bucs should be able to prioritize defense in next year's draft after taking QB Jameis Winston No. 1 in 2015, and they need a pass-rushing defensive end. 6. Jacksonville Jaguars (Projected record: 6-10) Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida: He's smaller than ideal for a cornerback in Gus Bradley's defense, but he's an elite talent. His man-to-man cover skills are outstanding, and he's a playmaker due to his instincts and anticipation. 7. New York Jets (Projected record: 6-10) Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State: First he has to win the Buckeyes' starting job in 2015. But if he can gain more experience and improve his ability to read defenses and take care of the football, he has the potential to rise up teams' draft boards. He has a big, strong frame and the arm strength to easily drive the football down the field. 8. St. Louis Rams (Projected record: 6-10) Duke Williams, WR, Auburn: Williams established himself as a big-play threat in his first season at Auburn after transferring from junior college, averaging 16.2 yards per reception on 45 catches. He needs to improve his consistency, but has the physical tools (he's 6-2, 224 pounds) to be a very good NFL receiver. 9. Arizona Cardinals (Projected record: 6-10) Jared Goff, QB, California: The Cardinals eventually need to find a long-term replacement at quarterback for Carson Palmer, who will turn 36 this year. Goff has good size (6-4, 210 pounds), a big arm and is a naturally accurate passer. He was really productive as a true sophomore in 2014: 3,973 yards, 35 TDs, 7 INTs. 10. Minnesota Vikings (Projected record: 6-10) Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame: Stanley has very good size for the offensive tackle position at 6-6, 315, and he brings with him the versatility of having played a full season at right tackle and another at left tackle. The Vikings could be looking for offensive line help next offseason. 11. Carolina Panthers (Projected record: 7-9) Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State: The Panthers waited until the fourth round to address their lackluster offensive line in the 2015 draft (Oklahoma OT Daryl Williams), so they could still be in the market for O-line help next year. Decker is another long (6-8, 315) offensive tackle prospect who could play his way into first-round territory. 12. Chicago Bears (Projected record: 7-9) Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State: I love watching this guy. He plays really hard and makes plays all over the field. He was awesome on the tape I watched of the Miami (FL) game, as he recorded four pass breakups and an interception. The Bears need to keep improving their secondary. 13. San Francisco 49ers (Projected record: 7-9) Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss: He is coming off a nasty broken ankle against Auburn this season, so his recovery and long-term durability prognosis will be closely monitored. But when healthy, Treadwell is a big (6-2, 229), explosive athlete with the physicality and leaping ability to win jump-ball situations. 14. Detroit Lions (Projected record: 7-9) Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State: He has great size (6-6, 317) and two years of starting experience at left tackle for the Spartans. The offensive line isn't an area of strength for the Lions, so here they'd be able to bolster it with the help of a local product. 15. Houston Texans (Projected record: 8-8) Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State: Elliott was one of the Buckeyes' star performers during their championship run, scoring four touchdowns in their title game win over Oregon. The Texans could make him their running back of the future, with Arian Foster an unrestricted free agent in 2017. 16. Buffalo Bills (Projected record: 8-8) Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor: This is a pick based on potential, not production. We were underwhelmed by Oakman's performance on tape this past season, but he is very physically gifted (he's listed at 6-9, 280) and could rise up draft boards this year if he plays with more urgency and consistency. 17. Cincinnati Bengals (Projected record: 8-8) Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss: He was the headliner of the Rebels' outstanding 2013 recruiting class, and he's played multiple spots along the Ole Miss defensive front. He has good length, upper-body strength and initial explosiveness. 18. Pittsburgh Steelers (Projected record: 8-8) A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama: He is used in multiple roles in Alabama's multiple-front defense, with the size (6-4, 320) and power to clog up the middle of the line and the length to set the edge against the run. He's also disruptive against the pass with his ability to push the pocket and get his hands up in passing lanes. 19. Philadelphia Eagles (Projected record: 9-7) Su'a Cravens, S, USC: The Eagles need to continue to improve their secondary, and we know how much Chip Kelly likes Pac-12 players. Cravens has the size (6-1, 225 pounds) of an in-the-box safety who can also play some weakside linebacker. He has trouble covering the quickest slot receivers, but he can hold up in coverage for the most part because of his length and instincts. 20. San Diego Chargers (Projected record: 9-7) Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia: Floyd was one of the most explosive edge rushers in all of college football last season, with outstanding length and athleticism. The Chargers need to continue to upgrade their pass rush. 21. New Orleans (Projected record: 9-7) Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: The younger brother of Bears 2014 first-round CB Kyle Fuller, Kendall had a strong true sophomore campaign for the Hokies last season. He uses his hands very well and has good size, athleticism and instincts. 22. New York Giants (Projected record: 9-7) Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA: Clark jumped off the tape when I was studying the Bruins defense for DE Owa Odighizuwa and LB Eric Kendricks for the 2015 draft. He has good size (6-3, 308) and playmaking ability. The Giants are always looking to add talented players to their defensive line. 23. Baltimore Ravens (Projected record: 9-7) Carl Lawson, OLB, Auburn: He missed the entire 2014 season due to injury, but he was an elite recruit who flashed as a true freshman with his explosive athleticism and natural power. He has the potential to develop into an impact player as an edge rusher. 24. Kansas City Chiefs (Projected record: 9-7) Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame: Smith has flashed a lot of raw talent during his Notre Dame career, and has played both inside and outside linebacker in the Fighting Irish defense. He'd fit best as a weak inside linebacker in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense. 25. Atlanta Falcons (Projected record: 10-6) Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA: Jack is similar to 2015 first-round pick Shaq Thompson in that he's a defensive player who also starred at times at running back. His NFL projection is as a weakside linebacker. He has outstanding range against the run and is a playmaker in coverage. 26. Indianapolis Colts (Projected record: 10-6) Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor: The Colts didn't address their offensive line until the seventh round of the 2015 draft, so tackle could be a glaring need by this time next year. Drango has good size (6-6, 310) and experience (three-year starter) at left tackle. He underwent back surgery last offseason. 27. Green Bay Packers (Projected record: 10-6) Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska: Collins had a very good true sophomore season, leading the Huskers in tackles for loss and trailing only Cowboys 2015 second-rounder Randy Gregory for the team lead in sacks. The Packers need to make some long-term fixes to their defensive line. 28. Denver Broncos (Projected record: 10-6) Scooby Wright, ILB, Arizona: He won the Bednarik award in 2014 as a true sophomore for being the best defensive player in college football. He isn't an elite athlete, but his effort level and playmaking instincts are outstanding. He's effective at pressuring the quarterback as a blitzer as well as when he's lined up as an edge rusher -- he totaled 14 sacks last year. 29. Miami Dolphins (Projected record: 11-5) Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama: He has great size (6-3, 242 pounds) and exceptional power, and he was very effective for the Crimson Tide last season: 990 yards, 5.8 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns to go with two receiving TDs. He isn't the most elusive back, but he's a tough runner with good balance. 30. Dallas Cowboys (Projected record: 11-5) Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State: He was a big-time playmaker for the Buckeyes' defense as a redshirt freshman last season. He lacks ideal size and strength at 6-2, 228, but his combination of athleticism, instincts, savvy and coverage skills is outstanding. 31. New England Patriots (Projected record: 11-5) Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU: Despite losing starters Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency, the Patriots didn't draft a cornerback until the seventh round of the 2015 draft, so this could still be a need position next year. White is a very talented player who started for LSU his true freshman and sophomore seasons and also serves as one of the team's returners. 32. Seattle Seahawks (Projected record: 12-4) Max Tuerk, C/G, USC: Offensive line might be the weakest spot on the Seahawks' roster, and they didn't choose a lineman until the fourth round of the 2015 draft. Tuerk possesses excellent versatility, having started games at left tackle as a true freshman before starting the full season at left guard in 2013 and the full season at center in 2014. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsFanInDenver Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 There should be a Federal Law that ban's all mock drafts atleast till end of the Super Bowl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bealeb319 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Can't wait to see who he thinks the Patriots will draft with their top 10 pick after Bradys suspension is announced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fibonacci Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 F... those who do a mock draft even before the season started. What a douchebag thing to do.Retards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdetroit Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 Wow Mcshay is a retard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruby2 Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 What is with the Hackenberg love? This guy is Jake Locker 2.0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maury77 Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 If we picked Cardale Jones over Goff, I'd probably throw my TV out of the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonJet Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Hmmm Dolphins picking at 29th though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYJetsVets91 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Pretty sure we'll do better than 6-10... Myles Jack just withdrew from UCLA to enter the draft. I'm interested to see how early (or late) in the first round he gets taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradis Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Pretty wild how much sh*t changes with 9 weeks of college ball. The #1 pick isn't even in the first round here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powpow Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Cardelle Jones hahahahha WTF is McShay smoking ...PCP? Perfect pick for 1st round.....Jaylon Smith ...Notre Dame ...LB We should be picking 20 to 26 ...he should be there and would be a much needed asset for our terrible LB corps. Coples is history after this season. Mauldin, Harris, Davis (who sucks ass and should be benched) and Smith) for 2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 . New York Jets (Projected record: 8-8) Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor: This is a pick based on potential, not production. We were underwhelmed by Oakman's performance on tape this past season, but he is very physically gifted (he's listed at 6-9, 280) and could rise up draft boards this year if he plays with more urgency and consistency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maury77 Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 . New York Jets (Projected record: 8-8) Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor: This is a pick based on potential, not production. We were underwhelmed by Oakman's performance on tape this past season, but he is very physically gifted (he's listed at 6-9, 280) and could rise up draft boards this year if he plays with more urgency and consistency. Just what the doctor ordered, another physically gifted guy who didn't produce in college. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCarl40 Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Cardelle Jones hahahahha WTF is McShay smoking ...PCP? Perfect pick for 1st round.....Jaylon Smith ...Notre Dame ...LB We should be picking 20 to 26 ...he should be there and would be a much needed asset for our terrible LB corps. Coples is history after this season. Mauldin, Harris, Davis (who sucks ass and should be benched) and Smith) for 2016. Jaylon Smith is a top 10, top 5 pick. He's a freak. The tape on him this year is ridiculous and his combine is going to be very impressive. Wait and see. He might end up being the top defensive player taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powpow Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 No doubt! I would trade down for him - kid is dynamite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashmouth Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 First of all this is ridiculous second of all I would like to punch Mcsh*t right in his freaking face for having us drafting Cardale Jones its like these idiots want to will the Jets into making absolutely stupid QB picks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashmouth Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Just what the doctor ordered, another physically gifted guy who didn't produce in college. No sh!t Im sick of these players who can't play on the college level but have potential geez how about a player who can actually paly football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashmouth Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Ezekiel Elliot ... I don't care how they do it just fuking do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashmouth Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 "improve his ability to read defenses and take care of the football, he has the potential " LOL at McShay how familiar is that quote after 7 years of Sanchez and Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinstar Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Pretty wild how much sh*t changes with 9 weeks of college ball. The #1 pick isn't even in the first round here. Who's your # pick coming out . Don't tell me it's Paxton Lynch. I happen to think Ronnie Stanley is the best player coming out in the draft. I gotta do some homework on this Lynch character. I like Stanley last yr and I still do this yr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maury77 Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Who's your # pick coming out . Don't tell me it's Paxton Lynch. I happen to think Ronnie Stanley is the best player coming out in the draft. I gotta do some homework on this Lynch character. I like Stanley last yr and I still do this yr. I think we will be picking too low to have a shot at Stanley, but he would be a great fit at a position of need. One tackle that is a bit off the radar but may start to rise as the draft approaches is Shon Coleman from Auburn: http://draftbreakdown.com/video/shon-coleman-vs-texas-am-2015/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Ezekiel Elliot ... I don't care how they do it just fuking do it. He was my top RB I wanted as well, i also really like this Oklahoma kid Samaje Perine, not sure if he is draft eligible though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashmouth Posted December 2, 2015 Share Posted December 2, 2015 He was my top RB I wanted as well, i also really like this Oklahoma kid Samaje Perine, not sure if he is draft eligible though. Not sure on his eligibility but we really need a top talent at RB ...Its not like I don't love Ivory but he runs so damn hard at times it looks like its really taking a toll on him. Even if this team makes the playoffs Ivory will be a broken mess after 16 game schedule. Adding a dynamic back like Elliot who can play 3 downs and using Ivory near the goal line and to shut down games in the 4th would be a nice scenario Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradis Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 Who's your # pick coming out . Don't tell me it's Paxton Lynch. I happen to think Ronnie Stanley is the best player coming out in the draft. I gotta do some homework on this Lynch character. I like Stanley last yr and I still do this yr. I don't know who I'd rate #1 overall, yet. I think Paxton's the real deal though. It's a pick a franchise can get behind. Him or Goff is going 1st overall - I'd wager on that. Maybe 2nd if TEN ends up with the first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack48 Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 Laughable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinstar Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 I think we will be picking too low to have a shot at Stanley, but he would be a great fit at a position of need. One tackle that is a bit off the radar but may start to rise as the draft approaches is Shon Coleman from Auburn: http://draftbreakdown.com/video/shon-coleman-vs-texas-am-2015/ Let's say Paradis is right, LOL in his analysis of who goes early. Then you throw in Cook and Hack at QB and you now have 4 QBs going top 10. My hope is that folks fall out of love with Hack who I think is a stud. (Kid needs time and a patient hand) I can see a scenario where Stanley falls a little and we have a chance to make a move for him. Depending on the price. I entertain the idea of moving up for Stanley. Jets need a real LT, and this kid can be that player. Our 1st round pick needs to be either an OT or a Pass rushing OLB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maury77 Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 Let's say Paradis is right, LOL in his analysis of who goes early. Then you throw in Cook and Hack at QB and you now have 4 QBs going top 10. My hope is that folks fall out of love with Hack who I think is a stud. (Kid needs time and a patient hand) I can see a scenario where Stanley falls a little and we have a chance to make a move for him. Depending on the price. I entertain the idea of moving up for Stanley. Jets need a real LT, and this kid can be that player. Our 1st round pick needs to be either an OT or a Pass rushing OLB. I hate Hackenberg, but I agree with the rest of what you said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 Here we go again Tinstar, pumping that oline early are we? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peebag Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 Here we go again Tinstar, pumping that oline early are we? Have you been watching Breno this year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted December 3, 2015 Author Share Posted December 3, 2015 never even heard of Paxton until last week, now he could go #1? Was he even discussed pre-season? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinstar Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 Here we go again Tinstar, pumping that oline early are we? You know me well . I don't believe in spending 1st round picks on any thing but premium position players . That's why I couldn't pass up the chance to pick Williams last yr when he fell to us. We need to start rebuilding the OL and Carpenter was a good start last yr. I would love for the Jets to start pushing the young Guards into the rotation more during the preseason. I was interested in Stanley last year before he decided to return to school, and my interest hasn't changed. IMO he's far ahead of all the other OT being promoted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 Have you been watching Breno this year? I'm all for using picks on the oline, always have. IF value meets need. Half the sure fire pro bowlers that people have lobbied for over the last few years are average players. Like any position if you love a player by all means but don't project them into something they aren't to justify drafting them early. See Lewan, see Scherf. Another unfortuante thing about this league is that it is actually making olineman of lesser value than they used to be becasue teams pass a lot more and becasue the league allows rampant holding on every play. (See the Pats with an oline full of jags) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peebag Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 I'm all for using picks on the oline, always have. IF value meets need. Half the sure fire pro bowlers that people have lobbied for over the last few years are average players. Like any position if you love a player by all means but don't project them into something they aren't to justify drafting them early. See Lewan, see Scherf. Another unfortuante thing about this league is that it is actually making olineman of lesser value than they used to be becasue teams pass a lot more and becasue the league allows rampant holding on every play. (See the Pats with an oline full of jags) works well with a HOF qb - which we've hadn't had in 40+ years... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 works well with a HOF qb - which we've hadn't had in 40+ years... Not just them, look around the league, lots of oline problems, tons of holding. Green bay last night should have been holding every play, they didn't and their bad line got crushed. Now look at last years oline darlings Dallas, they still have an elite oline and they are going no where. Our oline, as it is has given up the fewest sacks in the leauge, is it because they have a great line or a hof QB? nope. Once again, I have no problem with going oline in the 1st round or multiple times, just make sure it is the right guy and don't force the value due to need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinstar Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I'm all for using picks on the oline, always have. IF value meets need. Half the sure fire pro bowlers that people have lobbied for over the last few years are average players. Like any position if you love a player by all means but don't project them into something they aren't to justify drafting them early. See Lewan, see Scherf. Another unfortuante thing about this league is that it is actually making olineman of lesser value than they used to be becasue teams pass a lot more and becasue the league allows rampant holding on every play. (See the Pats with an oline full of jags) Do you really think Taylor Lewan is average ? And Scherff is playing OG when he was a LT his whole career. Kid did well in his 1st year if you ask me. By the way. I thought Stanley was the 2nd best OT last year and not far behind Scherff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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