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My last mock will not have any trades so this mock will be my last one with trades. As usual, this is what I'd do if I were calling the shots.
Re-sign
Joe Barksdale - 1 year $3 million (can earn up to $5 million with incentives)
Barksdale gets a "prove it" deal to give us experience and continuity at RT and to allow him to rehab his value in order to get a bigger deal next off-season when he's not spending most of the season playing next to Davin Joseph.
Trade
Rams trade 1st round #10 and 3rd round #8
Dolphins trade 1st round #14 and 2nd round #15
This actually matches up perfectly on the trade value chart. The Dolphins reportedly covet DeVante Parker so the Rams opt to move down a few spots and still grab their guy while getting another top 50 pick in a class that lacks depth.
NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick #14 - T.J. Clemmings OT Pittsburgh
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chPpSi723eM
Analysis: This may not be the most popular pick because people are worried about his perceived rawness but that won't stop me from drafting the highest rated guy on my board. The draft is about more than just 2015. Yes, Clemmings will have some rookies moments if asked to start (even at LG) but he also has the ability to develop into one of the best OTs in the NFL.(not just RT...either side) He's easily the most athletically gifted OT in this class boasting quick feet, great balance, smooth, fluid and graceful movement skills, and arguably the best power of any OT in this class. Clemmings is already a dominating run blocker despite still having some technical flaws to clean up in that department.
As a pass blocker, Clemmings is raw but insanely talented. He has the range and movement skills to handle any type of rusher but needs to learn to trust his feet and technique as he climbs deeper into the back-field. Clemmings also needs to not involve his head in his punch as it leaves him vulnerable to arm over swim moves and adversely affects his balance. Additionally, Clemmings needs to work on his footwork while sliding and his punch placement especially on counter moves to the inside. That all said, Clemmings has come a long way as a player and should continue to develop with even better coaching at the next level. As long as he doesn't lose confidence, he has the ability to be as good as he wants to be as a pass blocker...he just needs time, coaching, and experience.
Round 2 Pick #9 - Garrett Grayson QB Colorado State
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fwhKKXII_g
Analysis: This also might not be the most popular pick and some might say I'm reaching but I don't care. I think Grayson can be a starting QB for this team down the line and I don't want to risk losing him. Garrett Grayson does not have outstanding physical tools but he makes up for his average physical talent with great instincts, sound mechanics, and consistent ball placement. Grayson's arm strength is middle of the pack and would likely be considered below average for a current NFL starter but it is adequate for the next level. Due to his polished footwork, he gets good zip on the majority of throws. Some of the deeper throws to the sideline can be tough for him. However, him and Nick Foles both are similar in terms of arm strength so Grayson's arm is more than enough. Grayson really shines in ball placement. His polished footwork, throwing base, and upper body mechanics allow him to throw a very consistent ball. He is coming from a pro style offense so he's used to throwing pro style routes and locates the football well especially on deep routes. Grayson also shows nice touch on the ball although he needs to do a better job of lofting it when trying to get over the LOS without a throwing lane as he had some issues in college with batted passes. Grayson also had a slight hitch in the back side of his throwing motion but has reportedly been working this off-season to clean that up. It looked a lot better at his Pro Day so we'll see if he can carry that over.
Grayson's poise under pressure, pocket presence, and pocket movement are some of the most impressive parts of his game. Grayson feels pressure and understands how to slide in the pocket to find and create space while still keeping his eyes down-field. Grayson also understands when to take a sack and protect the football. His OL was inconsistent so he dealt with quite a bit of pressure and has a lot of experience standing tall and making accurate throws with the knowledge that he's about to get hit. He's a very tough kid (played through an ankle injury during the season despite it visibly hobbling him in some games...and played well). Grayson also has flashed NFL caliber anticipation (seen him start his motion on quite a few NFL out routes before the WR has even began gearing down to make his break) although he needs to be more consistent with it, his timing, and his internal clock. Will throw late at times or hold onto the ball too long at times but this should improve with experience and coaching at the next level. Grayson has shown the ability to work through NFL style route combinations and progressions. He will hit the checkdown when nothing is there or throw it away when necessary. He's a good decision maker that protects the ball. He needs to be more deceptive with his eyes as he will lock onto targets at times. Grayson also needs to be more consistent with his timing in moving through progressions. His mental processing speed looks great at times and at other times, he's slow to come off his first read. But again, these are things that typically improve in the NFL. I like Grayson a lot as a prospect. I think he's got the ability to develop into a starter for a team at the next level.
Round 2 Pick #15 - Laken Tomlinson OG Duke
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgXXg699XNo
Analysis: Tomlinson will come in and compete with T.J. Clemmings for a starting spot at OG. If we opt not to re-sign Barksdale after the season, Tomlinson will be counted on as a starting OG in 2016 with Clemmings kicking back outside. Tomlinson is a massive man at 6'3" 325 with nearly 34 inch arms. He's a very experienced and pro ready player with four years of starting experience at Duke. Surprisingly, despite his size, Tomlinson is currently a better pass blocker than a run blocker. He has a wide base, good feet for a man his size, mirrors well, and has a very strong grip with good hand placement. Tomlinson reportedly has not given up a sack in the last two years at Duke. While he's not the most athletic man, he does a nice job of mirroring DLs and keeping himself in good position. Will occasionally struggle against quicker DLs if they can get him to take a missed step or shoot the gap quickly because he doesn't have great quickness to recover.
As a run blocker, he's a strong guy and uses angles well but he doesn't get the push you'd expect out of a guy his size. He gives strong effort but doesn't have that sort of nasty mean streak that other guys like Brandon Scherff have in this class. Tomlinson also doesn't have a jolting punch which lessens his ability to dominate as a drive blocker. He needs to do a better job of keeping his base wide and driving his feet through contact in order to push guys off the LOS. He's also limited a bit on the second level due to his athleticism. He's definitely a PBS OG and probably best suited on the right side although he could handle the left side.
Round 4 Pick #20 - DeAndre Smelter WR Georgia Tech
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjlTPD4BHQo
Analysis: As I've said before many times, this is a kid with outstanding physical talent and the type of attitude I love in big WRs(aggressive bully). He's 6'2" 225 with speed to stretch the defenses deep, the strength to break tackles after the catch, and the quickness to make people miss as well as make hard cuts on his routes. He's raw and tore his ACL late in 2014 but if he were healthy, I think he'd have put himself in contention for a first round pick at the Combine. He's that talented imo. He'll take some time to develop but this is the type of guy that rewards you if you show patience. He's aggressive, he's physical, he plays with a mean streak, and the guy is one heck of a runner with the ball in his hands.
Round 6 Pick #40 - Donald Celiscar CB/S Western Michigan
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTJAbl2cbRM
Analysis: Celiscar is a physical CB that is not afraid to come up in run support. His lack of long speed has some believing he should move to safety due to the aforementioned physicality and run support. I think he'd be a great safety but I also think he's capable of playing CB in the NFL. Likely in the slot. I love his instincts, feet, and hip fluidity. He anticipates routes well and gets a great break on the ball. He's a very aggressive kid that sticks to his man like glue. Faster WRs can get behind him deep but he's feisty and will make them absolutely earn it. The big thing I loved seeing while watching him is that he brought his "A" game when playing more talented teams and really stood out. Also, Celiscar is a former WR and plays like it. He has great ball-skills and is very comfortable playing the ball even with his back to it.
Round 7 Pick #32 - BPA
Starting Line-up
QB: Nick Foles
HB: Tre Mason
FB: Cory Harkey
XWR: Brian Quick
ZWR: Kenny Britt
SLWR: Tavon Austin
TE: Jared Cook
LT: Greg Robinson
LG: T.J. Clemmings
C: Barrett Jones
RG: Rodger Saffold
RT: Joe Barksdale
LDE: Chris Long
NT: Michael Brockers
UT: Aaron Donald
RDE: Robert Quinn
OLB: Alec Ogletree
MLB: James Laurinaitis
SPUR: Mark Barron
LCB: E.J. Gaines
RCB: Janoris Jenkins
NCB: Trumaine Johnson (Gaines moves into the slot when all three are on the field)
FS: Rodney McLeod
SS: T.J. McDonald
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
KR: Benny Cunningham
PR: Tavon Austin
Re-sign
Joe Barksdale - 1 year $3 million (can earn up to $5 million with incentives)
Barksdale gets a "prove it" deal to give us experience and continuity at RT and to allow him to rehab his value in order to get a bigger deal next off-season when he's not spending most of the season playing next to Davin Joseph.
Trade
Rams trade 1st round #10 and 3rd round #8
Dolphins trade 1st round #14 and 2nd round #15
This actually matches up perfectly on the trade value chart. The Dolphins reportedly covet DeVante Parker so the Rams opt to move down a few spots and still grab their guy while getting another top 50 pick in a class that lacks depth.
NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick #14 - T.J. Clemmings OT Pittsburgh
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chPpSi723eM
Analysis: This may not be the most popular pick because people are worried about his perceived rawness but that won't stop me from drafting the highest rated guy on my board. The draft is about more than just 2015. Yes, Clemmings will have some rookies moments if asked to start (even at LG) but he also has the ability to develop into one of the best OTs in the NFL.(not just RT...either side) He's easily the most athletically gifted OT in this class boasting quick feet, great balance, smooth, fluid and graceful movement skills, and arguably the best power of any OT in this class. Clemmings is already a dominating run blocker despite still having some technical flaws to clean up in that department.
As a pass blocker, Clemmings is raw but insanely talented. He has the range and movement skills to handle any type of rusher but needs to learn to trust his feet and technique as he climbs deeper into the back-field. Clemmings also needs to not involve his head in his punch as it leaves him vulnerable to arm over swim moves and adversely affects his balance. Additionally, Clemmings needs to work on his footwork while sliding and his punch placement especially on counter moves to the inside. That all said, Clemmings has come a long way as a player and should continue to develop with even better coaching at the next level. As long as he doesn't lose confidence, he has the ability to be as good as he wants to be as a pass blocker...he just needs time, coaching, and experience.
Round 2 Pick #9 - Garrett Grayson QB Colorado State
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fwhKKXII_g
Analysis: This also might not be the most popular pick and some might say I'm reaching but I don't care. I think Grayson can be a starting QB for this team down the line and I don't want to risk losing him. Garrett Grayson does not have outstanding physical tools but he makes up for his average physical talent with great instincts, sound mechanics, and consistent ball placement. Grayson's arm strength is middle of the pack and would likely be considered below average for a current NFL starter but it is adequate for the next level. Due to his polished footwork, he gets good zip on the majority of throws. Some of the deeper throws to the sideline can be tough for him. However, him and Nick Foles both are similar in terms of arm strength so Grayson's arm is more than enough. Grayson really shines in ball placement. His polished footwork, throwing base, and upper body mechanics allow him to throw a very consistent ball. He is coming from a pro style offense so he's used to throwing pro style routes and locates the football well especially on deep routes. Grayson also shows nice touch on the ball although he needs to do a better job of lofting it when trying to get over the LOS without a throwing lane as he had some issues in college with batted passes. Grayson also had a slight hitch in the back side of his throwing motion but has reportedly been working this off-season to clean that up. It looked a lot better at his Pro Day so we'll see if he can carry that over.
Grayson's poise under pressure, pocket presence, and pocket movement are some of the most impressive parts of his game. Grayson feels pressure and understands how to slide in the pocket to find and create space while still keeping his eyes down-field. Grayson also understands when to take a sack and protect the football. His OL was inconsistent so he dealt with quite a bit of pressure and has a lot of experience standing tall and making accurate throws with the knowledge that he's about to get hit. He's a very tough kid (played through an ankle injury during the season despite it visibly hobbling him in some games...and played well). Grayson also has flashed NFL caliber anticipation (seen him start his motion on quite a few NFL out routes before the WR has even began gearing down to make his break) although he needs to be more consistent with it, his timing, and his internal clock. Will throw late at times or hold onto the ball too long at times but this should improve with experience and coaching at the next level. Grayson has shown the ability to work through NFL style route combinations and progressions. He will hit the checkdown when nothing is there or throw it away when necessary. He's a good decision maker that protects the ball. He needs to be more deceptive with his eyes as he will lock onto targets at times. Grayson also needs to be more consistent with his timing in moving through progressions. His mental processing speed looks great at times and at other times, he's slow to come off his first read. But again, these are things that typically improve in the NFL. I like Grayson a lot as a prospect. I think he's got the ability to develop into a starter for a team at the next level.
Round 2 Pick #15 - Laken Tomlinson OG Duke
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgXXg699XNo
Analysis: Tomlinson will come in and compete with T.J. Clemmings for a starting spot at OG. If we opt not to re-sign Barksdale after the season, Tomlinson will be counted on as a starting OG in 2016 with Clemmings kicking back outside. Tomlinson is a massive man at 6'3" 325 with nearly 34 inch arms. He's a very experienced and pro ready player with four years of starting experience at Duke. Surprisingly, despite his size, Tomlinson is currently a better pass blocker than a run blocker. He has a wide base, good feet for a man his size, mirrors well, and has a very strong grip with good hand placement. Tomlinson reportedly has not given up a sack in the last two years at Duke. While he's not the most athletic man, he does a nice job of mirroring DLs and keeping himself in good position. Will occasionally struggle against quicker DLs if they can get him to take a missed step or shoot the gap quickly because he doesn't have great quickness to recover.
As a run blocker, he's a strong guy and uses angles well but he doesn't get the push you'd expect out of a guy his size. He gives strong effort but doesn't have that sort of nasty mean streak that other guys like Brandon Scherff have in this class. Tomlinson also doesn't have a jolting punch which lessens his ability to dominate as a drive blocker. He needs to do a better job of keeping his base wide and driving his feet through contact in order to push guys off the LOS. He's also limited a bit on the second level due to his athleticism. He's definitely a PBS OG and probably best suited on the right side although he could handle the left side.
Round 4 Pick #20 - DeAndre Smelter WR Georgia Tech
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjlTPD4BHQo
Analysis: As I've said before many times, this is a kid with outstanding physical talent and the type of attitude I love in big WRs(aggressive bully). He's 6'2" 225 with speed to stretch the defenses deep, the strength to break tackles after the catch, and the quickness to make people miss as well as make hard cuts on his routes. He's raw and tore his ACL late in 2014 but if he were healthy, I think he'd have put himself in contention for a first round pick at the Combine. He's that talented imo. He'll take some time to develop but this is the type of guy that rewards you if you show patience. He's aggressive, he's physical, he plays with a mean streak, and the guy is one heck of a runner with the ball in his hands.
Round 6 Pick #40 - Donald Celiscar CB/S Western Michigan
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTJAbl2cbRM
Analysis: Celiscar is a physical CB that is not afraid to come up in run support. His lack of long speed has some believing he should move to safety due to the aforementioned physicality and run support. I think he'd be a great safety but I also think he's capable of playing CB in the NFL. Likely in the slot. I love his instincts, feet, and hip fluidity. He anticipates routes well and gets a great break on the ball. He's a very aggressive kid that sticks to his man like glue. Faster WRs can get behind him deep but he's feisty and will make them absolutely earn it. The big thing I loved seeing while watching him is that he brought his "A" game when playing more talented teams and really stood out. Also, Celiscar is a former WR and plays like it. He has great ball-skills and is very comfortable playing the ball even with his back to it.
Round 7 Pick #32 - BPA
Starting Line-up
QB: Nick Foles
HB: Tre Mason
FB: Cory Harkey
XWR: Brian Quick
ZWR: Kenny Britt
SLWR: Tavon Austin
TE: Jared Cook
LT: Greg Robinson
LG: T.J. Clemmings
C: Barrett Jones
RG: Rodger Saffold
RT: Joe Barksdale
LDE: Chris Long
NT: Michael Brockers
UT: Aaron Donald
RDE: Robert Quinn
OLB: Alec Ogletree
MLB: James Laurinaitis
SPUR: Mark Barron
LCB: E.J. Gaines
RCB: Janoris Jenkins
NCB: Trumaine Johnson (Gaines moves into the slot when all three are on the field)
FS: Rodney McLeod
SS: T.J. McDonald
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
KR: Benny Cunningham
PR: Tavon Austin
