Follow us as we here at WVUA-FM give a full analysis of the 1st round of the 2015 NFL Draft
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
No surprise here, Jameis Winston is the new face of the Buccaneers franchise. Built like Ben Roethlisberger, Winston is a huge player who can come in a take the reins at quarterback. He has a cannon for an arm and his accuracy is close to perfect. While he may throw one too many interceptions, his touchdown rating is fantastic. The Bucs needed a new face to lead the franchise and they have found it in Jameis Winston
GRADE- A
2, Tennessee Titans- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Titans decided to stick with the best player on the board and go with Marcus Mariota. Mariota is a true duel threat quarterback who can run and pass the ball. A taller Russell Wilson, Mariota is a great accuracy passer who can find receivers down the field for huge plays. While quarterback wasn’t a giant need, Mariota is a top 10 player and could be a huge star in Nashville.
GRADE- B
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE, Florida
Staying in the sunshine state, the Jaguars add an edge pass rusher in Dante Fowler. At 6’4 261, Fowler has major speed and can get to a quarterback within seconds. Theres very little to love about this guy as a player, he’s big, fast and strong. Fowler gets off the ball fast and gets off blocks like lighting. Adding him, to the Jags makes the defense stronger.
GRADE- A+
4. Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Raiders finally took a wide receiver to pair up with Derek Carr. Possibly the best hand and route runner in the draft, Amari Cooper is a number 1 receiver from day 1. His ability to turn a 3 yard slant into a 15 yard first down makes him a stud for the Raiders. Not only that, his hands are made with sticker since he rarely drops a ball. While the Raiders could have taken Leonard Williams, the Raiders got a number 1 reciver in Amari Cooper for several years to come.
GRADE- A-
5. Washington Redskins- Brandon Scherff, OT/G
A young offensive linemen, Brandon Scherrf is a huge linemen who can be a great protector for Robert Griffin III. He’s a versatile guy who has played almost every position on the offensive line. A big frame and great footwork, Scherff is a monster who can protect the quarterback next year. The Redskins could have gotten pass rusher to replace Brian Orakpo, but Scherff is a nice addition to a very poor Redskins line.
GRADE- B
6. New York Jets- Leonard Williams, DE/DT, USC
The Jets did the smart thing and just took the best player in the draft with Leonard Williams. A versatile guy on the line with 34′ arms, Williams is unstoppable against the run. He can play a three technique or a defensive tackle. He throws offensive linemen out of the way and makes huge tackles that put running backs on their backs. He isn’t a need for the Jets, but he is a monster on the line.
GRADE- A
7. Chicago Bears- Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Bears let their top receiver go and got a new one in Kevin White. At 6’3, 220 and a 4.3 40 time, White is a big nasty guy who is great at grabbing the ball up high. His most impressive trait; the yards after catch rating. White has a way to make corners lose a step and him to get up the field and score. The Bears may not have a great quarterback in Jay Cutler, they do have a great number 1 reciver in Kevin White
GRADE- A-
8. Atlanta Falcons- Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson
A guy to compare to Bruce Irvin, Vic Bealsey is a freak of nature heading to the Drity Birds. The Falcons gained a huge pass rusher in Beasley who can get in the backfield to sack a quarterback. Beasely has a great first step approach and can read a quarterback’s eyes. He also is strong and can get off the block off tackles. He also is an atheltic freak who can play a down lineman or weak side linebacker. Huge win for the Falcons and for Beasley.
GRADE- A
9. New York Giants- Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
The Giants needed to get a powerful run blocker to pair up with Shane Vereen and they got that in Ereck Flowers. Flowers is a big guy who makes huge blocks against very skilled line backers. He has a great punch and knocks people on the ground day in and day out. While he can probably play both tackle and guard, he’ll be a great blocker for the Giants the next several seasons. He wasn’t the best tackle on the board, but he is a nice pickup in the first round.
GRADE- B+
10. St. Louis Rams- Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
A guy who destroyed defenses a year ago before tearing his ACL, Todd Gurley is a top 10 player even with a torn ACL. Gurley has the great size and speed to make linebackers miss and for him to get up the field and score. Gurley also is versatile in the return game and can catch passes out of the backfield. While Gurley is a great pick, offensive line is a huge need. The Rams already had three running backs and now they have a stud in Gurley.
GRADE- C
11. Minnesota Vikings- Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
While wide receiver was a need, cornerback is just as big as a need. Trae Waynes has big speed and can play the deep ball extremely well. Waynes is a great pickup due to the fact he has already covered elite receiver playing for Michigan State. He is a weak tackler but he a great coverage corner who doesn’t let receivers get past him. While DeVante Parker would have been a nice pickup for the Vikings, Waynes brings another shut down corner to pair up with Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes in the backfield.
GRADE- B+
12. Cleveland Browns- Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
A freak of nature on the field and smart player off the field, Danny Shelton is a great pickup for the Browns. Shelton is a big guy who destroys offensive lineman when running up the field. He’s a powerful man who makes giant hits on both quarterbacks and running backs. He can come in from day 1 and be a huge impact on a weak Browns defensive line. The Browns made a great pick this year and should hold their heads high here.
GRADE- A-
13. New Orleans Saints- Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The Saints get a big man (literally) in Andrus Peat. At 6’7 313 pounds, the Saints get a steal in Peat falling this far. An aggressive run blocker, Peat will be able to make huge blocks for Mark Ingram and hold down a block for Drew Brees final seasons. Peat has to be molded into a better pass blocker but he can be a solid left tackle in the NFL for many years to come. While wide receiver and edge rusher are a need, they could get those guys at pick 31 and the second round. Peat is a solid selection for the Saints future.
GRADE-B-
14. Miami Dolphins- DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Dolphins had the option to take Trae Waynes or DeVante Parker. With Wyanes off the board, this was an easy pick to make. Parker has killer speed to match his 6’3 frame, Parker is a talent recover who brings a lot of character to Miami. He is a good route runner and rarely drops a ball. He’s a huge deep threat down the middle and can finally give Ryan Tannehill a true number 1 receiver. Kevin Johnson would have been nice, but Parker is a great choice.
GRADE- A-
15. TRADE- San Diego Chargers- Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Both running backs are finally off the board as the Chargers trade the 17th pick and a 4th round pick to 49er’s. Gordon brings speed to the outside and a huge run down the middle. Gordon also brings the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make huge strides up the middle and into the end zone. While he probably would have been available at 7, the Chargers get a big time running back for many years to come.
GRADE- B
16. Houston Texans- Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forrest
The Texans get a powerful hitter at pick 16 with Kevin Johnson. Johnson is a solid press corner and not too shabby at a cover corner as well. A very balanced guy, Johnson is a great guy when it comes to cover. He is a very weak run corner however, last season he was getting drilled by the running backs week in and week out. He may be a nice pickup for the future, but as of now…not sold on this one.
GRADE- C
17. San Fransisco 49er’s- Arik Armstead, DT/DE, Oregon
The 49er’s were sold on this kid from the get go and now he will go to the Bay Area. At 6’7 Armstead is a freak of nature at the four technique. He is a big run stopper and a huge tackler that could make a team very happy in the long run. Armstead has the ability to get up the field and sack quarterbacks for big time losses. He can play the defensive tackle position until Justin Smith retires. Overall a solid pick for the 49er’s who need all the help they can get.
GRADE- A-
18. Kansas City Chiefs- Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
While he may be a basket case, Marcus Peters is the top corner in the draft and a steal at pick 18. The Chiefs needed to add a star in the backfield and they got one here. Peters is a great press corner who can cover any player for the Chiefs. He also is a turnover machine, getting three interceptions in only 4 games last season. It wasn’t a giant need, but it was a smart pick by the Chiefs
GRADE- B+
19. Cleveland Browns (Via Buffalo)- Cam Erving, OT/G/C, Florida State
A swiss army knife player, Cam Erving brings power and speed to offensive line. a great pass blocker, Erving was a nice blocker for Jameis Winston last year. He originally was a defensive lineman so he knows how the defensive line will be able to work. Erving will be playing right tackle for the Browns and he is a little undersized. While he may be a solid choice, the Erving is a center in the NFL…not really a tackle. TJ Clemmings and DJ Humpries were still on the board, this really didn’t make sense.
GRADE- C-
20. Philadelphia Eagles, Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
While maybe a little too early, Nelson Agholor gives the Eagles a true number 1 reciever since losing DeSean Jackson. Agholor is a hard runner who makes very solid catches under pressure. He may be a little undersized but his speed will give him a huge deep threat down the field. Jeremy Maclin and Nelson Agholor are pretty much the same player so this pick is a solid choice for the Eagles. Sam Bradford will become very good friends with Agholor very soon.
GRADE- B
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Cedric Ogbugehi, OT, Texas A&M
The Bengals needed to upgrade at tackle with the aging Andrew Whitworth. Cedric Ogbuehi is a solid offensive tackle who could take over as a left tackle. He has fantastic feet and has giant hands that make him a great tackle in the NFL. The issue is, he’s coming off an ACL injury and there are guys still on the board who are healthy. Why would the Bengals not take a healthy left tackle, I have no idea.
GRADE- C
22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Bud Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky
The Steelers needed another pass rusher and they got it in Bud Dupree. Jarvis Jones hasn’t developed into a star but Dupree possibly could. He is great on the edge and makes running backs cut back in. Not only that but he is an attic freak who had top 10 potential all over him. He has great speed and size to play a Sam backer when James Harrison retires next season. Dupree is a great pickup for the future.
GRADE- B+
23. TRADE: Denver Broncos, Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri
Let the jokes come in as the Broncos trade up to get a huge steal in Shane Ray. Ray is a freak of nature of the edge and can replace DeMarcus Ware in the future. His speed is scary and he can lay quarterbacks out. The Broncos are planning for the future instead of right now. Ray brings speed and pure athleticism in the Mile High city. Not the best pick but a solid pick for the future.
GRADE- B-
24. Arizona Cardinals- DJ Humphries, OT, Florida
A mean son of gun, the Cardinals get a solid left tackle for the future. Humphries has great size and speed standing at 6’5, 307 lbs. Humphries is mean “dirty” player and can lay out pass rushers as if they were feather pillows. He was a solid SEC tackle and can be great for Carson Palmer’s end. Pairing him up with Jonathan Cooper and Mike Iupati is a deadly line
GRADE- A-
25. Carolina Panthers- Shaq Thompson, LB/S, Washington
Shaq Thompson is a great player but wow, this is a reach. Thompson is a versatile guy who could be a phenomenal Will linebacker in the NFL. However, his size and no real postion makes this pick strange. The Panthers needed to get a receiver or offensive linemen here. While the Panthers could grab a guy in the 2nd and 3rd round, Thompson might have been sitting at the Panthers section come second round. Overall, solid pickup but way too early.
GRADE- C-
26. Baltimore Ravens- Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
The Ravens lost Jacoby Jones and Torrey Smith this offseason. Breshad Perriman has major speed and can become a huge weapon for Joe Flacco. While he is known for dropping a lot of balls, making him run the small slant routes that he could take up the field. He also is blazing fast down the sidelines and his 6’3 frame will be a nightmare for corners, While corner was a need, Perriman isn’t bad selection.
GRADE- B
27. Dallas Cowboys- Byron Jones, CB, UConn
The Cowboys get the freak of the NFL combine in Byron Jones. A vestal guy who could play free safety or cornerback which are both needs for the Cowboys. Jones is extremely smart is a solid cover corner to big receivers in the NFC east. He needs help at the position as a whole but he’s a freak athlete who can start day one. The Cowboys needed help at the defensive back position, they got it in Byron Jones.
GRADE- B
28. Detriot Lions- Laken Tomlinson, Guard, Duke
A solid pick for the Lions both on and of the field. Laken Tomlinson is going to help out protecting Matthew Stafford along side Riley Reiff and Larry Woford. His size makes him a top guard in this draft class. His football IQ is through the roof which makes him smart when reading the defensive line. He also is a pretty power guard who can hold a block for both passing and running. While he probably was a second round pick, gotta love this kids work ethic.
GRADE- B-
29. Indianapolis Colts- Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami (FL)
It seems like the Colts are landing for life without Andre Johnson. Phillip Dorsett is a speed demon which made him jump from a middle round to a late first round pick. Dorsett is able to make corners look foolish tearing up the field with his blazing 4.33 speed. While he’s a great pick, the Colts needed an offensive linemen and pass rusher before another receiver. It seems like a reach for the Colts over a guy like Landon Collins or Randy Gregory who was still available.
Grade- C+
30. Green Bay Packers- Damarious Randall, FS, Arizona St
The Packers got a solid pick in the first round with the speed demon from Tempe. Randall is freak athelte who can make wide receivers feel foolish. Randall wrapped up close to 200 tackles the last two seasons. He is everything teams want in a free safety…but the Packers didm;t need him. Last year at the 21st pick, the Packers got Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to take over the free safety position. Yes Dom Capers likes to run the nickel formation and with the loss of Tramon Williams, it maybe makes sense. Still…Jalen Collins, Ronald Darby, PJ Williams all on the board and they choose a free safety… doesn’t make sense.
GRADE- D+
31. New Orleans Saints (Via Seattle)- Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
This actually was a solid pickup for the Saints. Stephone Anthony is your prototypical inside linebacker with lots of potential. He can easily come in and be a starter for the Saints playing either the Mike or Sam inside backer. he has tremendous speed and is a very physical player when making tackles. While I think the Saints maybe reached for a guy like him who would have fallen in the second round, they addressed one of the two linebacker needs.
GRADE- B-
32. New England Patriots- Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas
Well, the best thing we could say is that the Patriots helped replace Vince Wilfolk. While it seems unnatural for the Pats to draft in the first round, getting Malcolm Brown to close out the first round was a nice touch. He’s big, strong and very athletic for his size. He can come into Foxborugh and take over immediately at the starting role. There’s things Patriots fans might not like about this pick, bit overall this makes a lot of sense.
GRADE- B+
