First mock of the year on what should have been draft weekend. Let's hope the NFL doesn't continue this. Enjoy. For more great mocks, check out Walterfootball.com.
1. Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Clowney is simply too rare of a talent to pass on.
2. St. Louis Rams - Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
The Rams have plenty of options here and could easily move back as well. They stick to their board in this scenario and take Mack, who will absolutely terrorize offenses working behind their strong defensive line.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
Watkins is the best player available at a position of need for the Jags. He will win early in the NFL.
4. Cleveland Browns - Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
While the Browns have been strongly linked to both Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr in the media, my guess is that Bortles is the actual target. The Browns have a solid line and a couple great weapons in the passing game. Getting their guy at four removes the uncertainty of waiting until later in the draft for a franchise that can't afford to take risks right now.
5. Oakland Raiders - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
I feel like Matthews hasn't gotten enough love in the draft process due to his incredible consistency. He's being labeled a "safe" pick as if he lacks superstar upside. Consistency is a pretty great trait at tackle -- the Raiders agree and take him over Greg Robinson.
6. Atlanta Falcons - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
Robinson is a beast and most likely the highest rated player left on the Falcons' board in this case.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Teddy has been picked apart to a ridiculous degree during this year's extended draft process. I think he will be the most successful QB in this class.
8. Minnesota Vikings - Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Carr fits Norv Turner's offense and provides far more upside than Matt Cassell.
9. Buffalo Bills - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Evans' ability to win in contested situations is a major help for his quarterback. EJ Manuel thanks them.
10. Detroit Lions - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
I don't think I can handle seeing another mock with Justin Gilbert here. While defensive tackle does not appear to be a need to most, the situation there for 2015 is pretty dire. Donald is an amazing talent and I would be thrilled to see him in Honolulu blue.
11. Tennessee Titans - CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama
Many have Mosley falling to later in the round due to positional value and medical concerns. I don't buy it. He could be great in Ray Horton's scheme.
12. New York Giants - Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
The Giants have a huge need at tight end and Ebron also provides good value here.
13. St. Louis Rams - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
While safety is a popular projection for the Rams at thirteen, in this mock they take Lewan to shore up the future of their tackle situation. Lewan has been unfairly criticized for the performance of Michigan's line last season. As someone who watched all 48 of his career starts, I feel very strongly about his ability to translate to the NFL.
14. Chicago Bears - Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
The Bears could use an upgrade at safety and Clinton-Dix is a great fit.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame
Pittsburgh values their defensive linemen very highly. Nix is more versatile than most nose tackles his size and would be a solid fit in their scheme.
16. Dallas Cowboys - Johnny Manizel, QB, Texas A&M
Because this is too fun to not project.
17. Baltimore Ravens - Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
The Ravens' run game last season was just awful. Their line needs multiple upgrades and Moses has great upside.
18. New York Jets - Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
Beckham could easily go higher than this and the Jets need more offensive playmakers.
19. Miami Dolphins - Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame
The Dolphins need help up front and Martin could provide that at multiple positions.
20. Arizona Cardinals - Dee Ford, LB, Auburn
The Cardinals don't have much beyond John Abraham in the pass rush department. Ford would be a solid fit as an edge rusher in their defense.
21. Green Bay Packers - Jason Verrett, DB, TCU
The Packers always seem to draft players I like and then beat the Lions with them for years. They continue the trend in this mock with Verrett, whose game should translate nicely to the next level.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
After going two for two on Chip Kelly's top two picks last year, I am pretty much guaranteed to miss on this one. Barr is pretty raw, but Kelly will find ways for him to win.
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
The Chiefs need more offensive playmakers and Cooks looks like a good fit.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - Ryan Shazier, LB, That School in Ohio
Shazier really stands out when watching Ohio play. Having a player that rangy and athletic would do wonders for the Bengals' linebacking corp that has struggled in coverage.
25. San Diego Chargers - Darqueze Dennard, DB, Michigan State
John Pagano does not have a player at corner capable of pressing and removing an opponent's top threat in the passing game. Dennard committed some pretty blatant uncalled pass interference throughout his college career, but he is a strong talent at the position.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts) - Justin Gilbert, DB, Oklahoma State
The Browns could use an upgrade across from Joe Haden. Gilbert also provides value in the return game.
27. New Orleans Saints - Ra'Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota
Hageman would be a great project for Rob Ryan. His upside is tremendous.
28. Carolina Panthers - Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA
The Panthers line needs help. Su'a-Filo is a mauler and an instant talent upgrade for them at guard.
29. New England Patriots - Kyle Fuller, DB, Virginia Tech
Fuller appears to be gaining steam and may go higher than this if his medical checks out. In this mock the Pats are pleased to nab him at 29.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
Pryor could easily go higher but I just didn't find the right fit. The Niners would likely be thrilled to have him fall.
31. Denver Broncos - Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State
He can learn from the other Demarcus. Huge upside.
32. Seattle Seahawks - Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Ealy is an interesting prospect. Josh Norris compares him to Michael Bennett, which is why I'm projecting him as a good fit for Seattle's defense.