The 2015 NFL Draft begins tomorrow night in Chicago, and as always there is plenty of speculation and rumors in the days leading up to the draft, which we here at SportSmasher.com have done our best to track over the past few days. Below find a list of all of the whispers, rumors and speculation that we have been hearing about what teams are thinking and what direction they could be leaning as we close in on the 2015 NFL Draft. Remember, some of this information could have legitimately leaked, while some of it could be misinformation that teams are purposefully putting out to throw other teams off. This is not a mock draft, so I am not going to go through a team-by-team breakdown, we all know that the Buccaneers will select Jameis Winston first overall. Below are the rumors, whispers and speculation that we are hearing leading up to the draft.
Tennessee Titans – The Titans have the second overall pick in the draft, and they are letting other teams know that they are perfectly happy to stay put and draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, but will listen to trade offers for the pick. Many around the league think that the Titans do not want Mariota, as he is not the pocket passer that head coach Ken Whisenhunt prefers, and think that the Titans are sending out a smokescreen that they will draft Mariota and will actually take the best trade offer that is made. Apparently a rumor that would send Philip Rivers from the Chargers to the Titans (with multiple other picks involved) is not entirely dead, but it looks likely that Rivers will remain with the Chargers, and will enter the final season of his contract without an extension. The Cleveland Browns are also very interested in trading up to select Marcus Mariota, and are armed with two first round picks, which could be the best offer Tennessee receives. The Eagles are also very interested in trading up, and reuniting Mariota with his college coach Chip Kelly, however I doubt they will surrender what it will take to top the Browns offer which will include two first round picks. NOTE: The Browns have offered their two first round pick (#12, #19) to the Titans in exchange for the number two pick, and this information was likely leaked by the Titans, so other interested teams (Eagles, Chargers) know the offer to beat.
Washington Redskins – One team that is aggressively attempting to trade down and acquire extra picks is the Washington Redskins, and they have made it known that if Marcus Maritoa slides and a team would like to get ahead of the New York Jets in order to select him, the Redskins are open for business. Another interesting scenario in which the Redskins could trade down would be if Leonard Williams or Dante Fowler is available, the Atlanta Falcons are known to covet both players, and could be willing to trade up to secure one of them. I have heard that the Redskins do not believe they will get a lot of value with the fifth pick, so (for example) while they could select Dante Fowler, they would rather trade down and add an additional pick, while still selecting Vic Beasley.
New York Jets – While many think the Jets will attempt to trade up to select Marcus Mariota, I hear the organization is not as high on him as once thought, and after an excellent offseason they believe they can win now. If Mariota falls into their laps at sixth overall, the Jets would have to consider him, but they are focused on other need areas. One of these need areas is right tackle, so do not be surprised if they Jets selection is Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Schreff, however I also hear that the Jets really like Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat in an trade down scenario. Although the Jets depth chart looks strong at wide receiver, with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley leading the way, many think they will add Amari Cooper or Kevin White to the equation here if either player is available. NOTE: I hear there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that the Jets are considering trading Muhammad Wilkerson.
Atlanta Falcons – One of the teams that is making a lot of noise this week, the Atlanta Falcons and new head coach Dan Quinn covet a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball, and rumors are swirling that the team is willing to trade up in order to select Leonard Williams or Dante Fowler. The Redskins, who hold the fifth overall selection and are looking to trade down, are an obvious target. If the Falcons stay put, I hear the team likes Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley, and think he could make an impact right away as a situational pass rusher. The Falcons are also one of the teams known to love Georgia running back Todd Gurley, and while they probably will not take him seventh overall, they would not be opposed to trading down a few spots and snagging Gurley if the draft breaks right.
Todd Gurley – Speaking of Todd Gurley, the super talented and productive Georgia running back who is coming off a torn ACL is making a lot of noise this week, as more and more teams have admitted how badly they want him as he proves how well he is recovering from the knee injury. It has been confirmed that one team has Gurley ranked as the top player on their board, the best overall player available in the entire draft, and one scout compared him to a combination of Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch. I have been told that Gurley will not make it past the Miami Dolphins, who love him, and hold the fourteenth pick. However several other teams are very interested in Todd Gurley, including: Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, New York Giants, Houston Texans, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns. I do not see Gurley falling out of the top 20, and would not be shocked if he slides into the top ten, he is a hot name this week.
New York Giants – We know that the Giants have had discussions with the Cleveland Browns about trading down, with the Giants moving down ten spots to the nineteenth pick, where their apparent targets would be either Miami offensive tackle Ereck Flowers or Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat, and it seems the Giants have become focused on upgrading right tackle in the first round. The Giants apparently love Ereck Flowers, and think he could fill the huge hole at right tackle that they have had since Kareem McKenzie left the team following their last Super Bowl win, so do not be shocked if the Giants select him at ninth overall if they are unable to trade down. Flowers is massive (6’6 330lbs) and can help the Giants in the running game, and would improve multiple positions, as they could slide incumbent right tackle Justin Pugh inside to his more natural position at guard. I have also heard that the Giants are very high on both Leonard Williams and Dante Fowler, but the odds that either fall into their laps at number nine overall are extremely slim, and the Giants are not looking to trade down.
Cleveland Browns – It seems that the Browns are looking to trade down, and acquire more assets, speculation being that they are trying to better position themselves to trade with the Tennessee Titans and draft Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick. If the above rumored trade discussions with the New York Giants was to take place, would an offer of the ninth and twelfth picks in the 2015 NFL Draft, plus a few additional assets be enough for the Titans to trade the number two pick? One thing is clear out of the Cleveland Browns front office, the team only wants high character players after the recent issues that they have had with Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon, and all players with red flags or character concerns have been entirely removed from their draft board. If the Browns do not trade, one player that they like is Washington nose tackle Danny Shelton, who could be available when they are on the clock with the twelfth pick. NOTE: Conflicting reports have surfaced that the Browns have offered both of their first round picks (#12, #19) to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for the second overall pick, with which they would select quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Titans likely leaked this information in order to get tell other interested teams (Eagles, Chargers) that the Browns offer is the offer to beat. I have heard that the Browns could still make the trade mentioned above with the New York Giants, as a way to upgrade their offer to the Browns.
Wide Receivers: The deepest position in the 2015 NFL Draft is clearly wide receiver, we know the top two are Amari Cooper and Kevin White, we know the third off the board will likely be DeVante Parker. After that, I have heard rumors of the following players being selected in the first round: Breshad Perriman, Jalen Strong, Phillip Dorsett, Dorial Green-Beckham, Nelson Agholor, Devin Smith. That’s a whopping nine wide receivers who have first round potential, and there is simply no chance that nine wide receiver are drafted in the first round, so many teams who have a need at wide receiver could decide to address needs elsewhere in the first round and target a receiver later.
NOTES ON OTHER TEAMS:
Jacksonville Jaguars – The team with the third overall pick is known to love both Leonard Williams and Dante Fowler, and they should have their pick between the two of them, but are guaranteed that one of them will be available when they are on the clock. However, over the last 24 hours rumors have begun to circulate that Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper is gaining ground, and could be the pick. I think head coach Gus Bradley goes with a defensive difference maker, then the Jaguars get their receiver in the second round, who will be a good player in a deep class. I think Leonard Williams is the pick, but if Tennessee takes him, I think it will be Dante Fowler.
Oakland Raiders – Arguably nobody is in a better position in the first round of the draft than the Oakland Raiders, who will sit back and take their pick of Leonard Williams, Dante Fowler, Amari Cooper and Kevin White. All four players fill serious needs, all four players can help the Raiders right away, so Oakland is in great position to improve.
Chicago Bears – I have heard that the Bears are happy where they sit at seventh overall, and think a player that they covet will fall into their laps, with options being Leonard Williams, Dante Fowler, Amari Cooper, Kevin White or Brandon Schreff. I think that the Bears pick will be one of the wide receivers at this time, they need to replace Brandon Marshall, and the depth chart is thin behind Alshon Jeffery.
St. Louis Rams – The Rams have been quiet, but I have heard that their goal is to get new quarterback Nick Foles some help, as he is in the final year of his contact and the Rams are deciding if he is their quarterback of the future. I have heard that the Rams would take Amari Cooper or Kevin White if one of the top receivers were to fall into their laps (unlikely), but if not they could take Louisville receiver DeVante Parker or an offensive lineman to protect Foles. I have heard that Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat will not get past the Rams at ten. Another player to keep an eye on is Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes.
Minnesota Vikings – I have heard that their pick will likely be made on the defensive side of the ball, and not to be surprised if Michigan State corner Trae Waynes is the selection, however do not rule out another pass rusher opposite last year’s rookie first round pick Anthony Barr.
New Orleans Saints – I have not heard much out of New Orleans, but would not be surprised if they targeted another option for Drew Brees in the passing game, after the team traded All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks. The Saints have also scouted pass rushers, so do not be surprised if they go that route, one name to keep an eye on is Kentucky’s Bud Dupree.
Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins made it clear this week that they love Todd Gurley, but how much of this was misinformation, because if they really wanted Gurley why not just quietly sit back and select him with the fourteenth overall pick?
San Francisco 49ers – Another team that has been fairly quiet in regards to the NFL Draft, expect the 49ers to target the trenches on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball, where they need to get younger. A name to keep in mind is Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who is huge (6’7 290lbs), and would be an excellent fit in the 49ers defensive front.
Houston Texans – The Texans seem focused on adding an offensive playmaker, and are known to be one of the teams highly interested in Georgia running back Todd Gurley, as mentioned above. They also need to replace Andre Johnson in the passing game, and while DeAndre Hopkins is a rising young player and the team signed Cecil Shorts, they still have a need at receiver. I would not be surprised if the Texans selected Dorial Green-Beckham, who has the size (6’5 230lbs) and skill to be a top five pick, but slid due to character concerns and off-field issues. Another name to keep in mind is speedy Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, who is quickly rising up draft boards this week, and I have been told by one scout that Dorsett will be a top 20 pick.
San Diego Chargers – The Chargers are apparently still considering making an offer to the Tennessee Titans to trade up to the second overall pick and select Marcus Mariota, and any trade would likely involve quarterback Philip Rivers, who is in entering the final year of his contract and has not been able to agree to an extension with the team. If the Chargers stay put, one player who will interest them is Georgia running back Todd Gurley, if he is still available at this point of the first round. I have also heard that the Chargers want to continue to rebuild their offensive line in this draft, and while young stud DJ Fluker and free agent addition Orlando Franklin have their positions solidified, the unit still needs work. Expect the Chargers to add a running back at some point during this draft if Gurley is not available.
Kansas City Chiefs – Despite signing Jeremy Maclin to a free agent contact, The Chiefs are still looking to add wide receivers, and I have heard that they love Louisville’s DeVante Parker who should not be available at pick nineteen. Quarterback Alex Smith did not throw a touchdown pass to a wide receiver all last season, and the team seems to be looking to change that, by upgrading the receiving corps. I have also heard that the Chiefs are looking for a long term solution at right tackle, so Andrus Peat, La’el Collins or Ereck Flowers are names to keep in mind here.
Philadelphia Eagles – Chip Kelly has a way of making huge splashes, so I would not be surprised if the Eagles traded up to reunite him with quarterback Marcus Mariota, however that price is going to be extremely steep and will cost them many future assets. I hear that the Eagles like several of the wide receivers who should be available at this point, so names like Phillip Dorsett, Dorial Green-Beckham and Jalen Strong could come into play here. I put Phillip Dorsett first on that list, because I hear that Chip Kelly absolutely loves the Miami wideout.
Cincinnati Bengals – I hear defensive side of the ball for the Bengals in this draft, so an edge rusher like Bud Dupree could be the pick, but the Bengals could also use youth along the offensive line. I wonder if the Bengals would grab a player who is extremely talented but has slipped due to character concerns, such a Randy Gregory or Shane Ray, because they have given players in similar situations a home in the past and it has worked out in their favor.
Pittsburgh Steelers – The focus of this draft will be secondary and pass rush, where the Steelers really struggles last season, so I expect either need will be filled in this slot. Cornerbacks like Marcus Peters, Jalen Collins and Kevin Johnson or pass rushers like Randy Gregory, Shane Ray or Eli Harold could be options for the Steelers here.
Detroit Lions – I know that the Lions will target a running back during this draft, but I doubt it will be in the first round, unless Todd Gurley unexpectedly falls into their laps. The perfect fit for the Lions in my opinion would be Texas defensive tackle Malcolm Brown, because they need to replace Ndamukong Suh and the other free agent defections along the defensive line, and despite trading for Haloti Ngata the team will still need young depth that can contribute right away.
Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals need a running back, and while many think that Gurley or Melvin Gordon could land here, I hear that the team will actually look to address that need later in the draft. I have heard that cornerback and linebacker are the needs the Cardinals will most likely address here, so look for players like cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Kevin Johnson or linebackers like Denzel Perryman, Benardrik McKinley or Eli Harold to have their names called in this slot. Maybe the Cardinals are the team who gambles on a talented player with red flags like pass rushers Randy Gregory or Shane Ray.
Carolina Panthers – Upgrading the offensive line seems to be priority number one for the Carolina Panthers, and they would be thrilled if a player like Ereck Flowers or La’el Collins was available here, but more likely they will be picking from a group that includes Cameron Erving, Jake Fisher, DJ Humphries and TJ Clemmings. The Panthers could also take another wide receiver from a talented and deep group, to give Cam Newton another option in the passing game, alongside 2014 first round pick Kelvin Benjamin.
Baltimore Ravens – The Baltimore Ravens clearly need a running back, but I continue to hear that their first round pick is likely to be a cornerback, and two players that they love are Kevin Johnson and Byron Jones. Expect a cornerback to have his name called in this slot, and the Ravens to address their hole at running back later. The Ravens also need to upgrade their wide receiving corps after losing Torey Smith in free agency, so players like Breshad Perriman, Dorial Green-Beckham, Jalen Strong or Devin Smith could be options.
Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys will likely look to the defensive side of the ball with this pick, with cornerback being the most likely target area, however you can never be surprised to see Jerry Jones switch things up and grab a skill position player instead like a running back or a wide receiver. Jerry Jones has been better about this lately though, so I think Byron Jones/Marcus Peters/Kevin Johnson/Jalen Collins to be the pick.
Denver Broncos – The Broncos are obviously in win now mode, so they want a player who can contribute right away, and the name most often associate with this pick is versatile Florida State offensive lineman Cameron Erving. However, I have been told not to rule out a linebacker or defensive lineman who can start from day one.
Indianapolis Colts – I expect the Colts to protect their superstar Andre Luck with this pick, and look to upgrade the offensive line, so look for names like Cameron Erving, Jake Fisher, DJ Humphries and TJ Clemmings. The Colts also need help on the defensive side of the ball, so if a stud defender falls into their laps, they will not be able to resist.
Green Bay Packers – The Packers want to move Clay Matthews back to outside linebacker full time, as he was forced to play inside last season, so look for Green Bay to grab an inside linebacker like Denzel Perryman or Benardrik McKinney here, although cornerback is another obvious need area.
New England Patriots – I have been told that the main need area for the Patriots is defensive line, but have also heard whispers that New England could look to exploit a deep wide receiver class, so do not be shocked if they grab a player like Dorial Green-Beckham, Jalen Strong or Nelson Agholor and add another weapon for Tom Brady.
Buffalo Bills – The Bills do not have a first round pick, but be certain that they will spend several picks in this draft on the defensive side of the ball, as they look to mold the unit to Rex Ryan’s liking. The Bills obvious major need is at starting quarterback, as EJ Manuel has struggled and Matt Cassel is a veteran with a lot of miles on his tires, so they could look at Bryce Petty or Brett Hundley as a developmental prospect.
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