Yahoo's Eric Edholm has a mock draft out that projects Malcom Brown in the 1st round.
He also shows two Louisville players in the first (WR Devante Parker and S Gerod Holliman) for three Charlie Strong-coached players in Round 1.
It's still early, but all three of these players are likely 1st rounders or high 2nd round picks.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-draft-watch--2015-mock-draft-1-0-lands-mariota--winston-up-high-195046920.html
Here are a handful of his projections of note --
1. Oakland Raiders — USC DL Leonard Williams
The Raiders nailed the Khalil Mack and Derek Carr 2014 picks, and they also appear to have picked up a few other nice rookies in that crop. Expect their 2015 class to have a bit more of an offensive feel to it — depending on the coach/general manager hires — after being predominantly defensively flavored in this year’s draft, so as to help out Carr. They have a slew of No. 3 receivers, age and dead weight at running back (even with the promising Latavius Murray) and major needs on the offensive line. But Williams might be too tempting here, making life easier on Mack and Co.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Florida State QB Jameis Winston
This selection will require a leap of faith from head coach Lovie Smith, who certainly has a measure of say over personnel decisions, and the front office and ownership. They must weigh the wisdom in bringing on a lightning-rod player who would be starting his pro career a mere four hours down the road from where Winston has had so much trouble staying out of trouble. But his talent, playmaking ability, competitiveness and football IQ are all traits of a rare, once-a-generation prospect. The Bucs have not had a quarterback of his ilk in decades, maybe ever, but you could understand them favoring Oregon’s Marcus Mariota from a comfort standpoint.
4. Tennessee Titans — Oregon QB Marcus Mariota
There are some who believe that the Titans struck quarterback gold with sixth-rounder Zach Mettenberger. Those thoughts could go out the window when the team considers Mariota’s complete package, even if he likely has a ways to go as a pro passer. Titans offensive coordinator Jason Michael spent time working with Alex Smith with the 49ers, and Mariota’s game translates similiarly. Ken Whisenhunt can be patient with his pet project knowing that Mettenberger has some experience and skills to bridge the gap.
13. Houston Texans — Oklahoma WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Finding a long-term quarterback must be a priority, but there is no current prospect who appears to fit the mold of what head coach Bill O’Brien is seeking. Instead, we project them the intriguing Green-Beckham who can give the Texans a nice three-WR set and be a long-term replacement for Andre Johnson, who is approaching his 13th NFL season (and frankly has been rather average this year). DBG is a top-10 talent whose major character concerns (and the fact he hasn’t played football this season and remains raw) will knock him down, and perhaps off of, some draft teams’ boards.
20. Dallas Cowboys — Stanford CB Alex Carter
Remember the name. He has been a standout in pass coverage and run support for the Cardinal and would be an instant upgrade in the Cowboys’ secondary, which needs a talent boost. He has nice size for the position and can allow the team to cut Brandon Carr, who is not worth franchise money.
26. Seattle Seahawks — Texas DT Malcom Brown
Losing Brandon Mebane and others up front has left the Seahawks surprisingly vulnerable inside, and Brown fits the mold of an athletic, attacking defensive tackle who can disrupt and make the most of his snaps up front. Brown is very mature and grounded, married with two children, and he plays with a hot motor. All important for a Seahawks team trying to protect the locker room. The Seahawks were poised to select a similar type of penetrator — Dominique Easley — in May before the New England Patriots snagged him a couple picks prior.
He also shows two Louisville players in the first (WR Devante Parker and S Gerod Holliman) for three Charlie Strong-coached players in Round 1.
It's still early, but all three of these players are likely 1st rounders or high 2nd round picks.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-draft-watch--2015-mock-draft-1-0-lands-mariota--winston-up-high-195046920.html
Here are a handful of his projections of note --
1. Oakland Raiders — USC DL Leonard Williams
The Raiders nailed the Khalil Mack and Derek Carr 2014 picks, and they also appear to have picked up a few other nice rookies in that crop. Expect their 2015 class to have a bit more of an offensive feel to it — depending on the coach/general manager hires — after being predominantly defensively flavored in this year’s draft, so as to help out Carr. They have a slew of No. 3 receivers, age and dead weight at running back (even with the promising Latavius Murray) and major needs on the offensive line. But Williams might be too tempting here, making life easier on Mack and Co.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Florida State QB Jameis Winston
This selection will require a leap of faith from head coach Lovie Smith, who certainly has a measure of say over personnel decisions, and the front office and ownership. They must weigh the wisdom in bringing on a lightning-rod player who would be starting his pro career a mere four hours down the road from where Winston has had so much trouble staying out of trouble. But his talent, playmaking ability, competitiveness and football IQ are all traits of a rare, once-a-generation prospect. The Bucs have not had a quarterback of his ilk in decades, maybe ever, but you could understand them favoring Oregon’s Marcus Mariota from a comfort standpoint.
4. Tennessee Titans — Oregon QB Marcus Mariota
There are some who believe that the Titans struck quarterback gold with sixth-rounder Zach Mettenberger. Those thoughts could go out the window when the team considers Mariota’s complete package, even if he likely has a ways to go as a pro passer. Titans offensive coordinator Jason Michael spent time working with Alex Smith with the 49ers, and Mariota’s game translates similiarly. Ken Whisenhunt can be patient with his pet project knowing that Mettenberger has some experience and skills to bridge the gap.
13. Houston Texans — Oklahoma WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Finding a long-term quarterback must be a priority, but there is no current prospect who appears to fit the mold of what head coach Bill O’Brien is seeking. Instead, we project them the intriguing Green-Beckham who can give the Texans a nice three-WR set and be a long-term replacement for Andre Johnson, who is approaching his 13th NFL season (and frankly has been rather average this year). DBG is a top-10 talent whose major character concerns (and the fact he hasn’t played football this season and remains raw) will knock him down, and perhaps off of, some draft teams’ boards.
20. Dallas Cowboys — Stanford CB Alex Carter
Remember the name. He has been a standout in pass coverage and run support for the Cardinal and would be an instant upgrade in the Cowboys’ secondary, which needs a talent boost. He has nice size for the position and can allow the team to cut Brandon Carr, who is not worth franchise money.
26. Seattle Seahawks — Texas DT Malcom Brown
Losing Brandon Mebane and others up front has left the Seahawks surprisingly vulnerable inside, and Brown fits the mold of an athletic, attacking defensive tackle who can disrupt and make the most of his snaps up front. Brown is very mature and grounded, married with two children, and he plays with a hot motor. All important for a Seahawks team trying to protect the locker room. The Seahawks were poised to select a similar type of penetrator — Dominique Easley — in May before the New England Patriots snagged him a couple picks prior.
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