Kiper's Mock Draft 3.0

[bermudasteel]

For those w/ ESPN Insider take a look - Kiper feels that Landon Collins may fall to 1.22. This is a very interesting pick, IMO, because of all of the interesting names that follow...

I'll share picks 1.22 - 1.32, but, as I stated, the whole draft can be found here: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/mock/?season=2015&version=3&source=Mel-Kiper-Mock-Draft

I highlighted, in red, three other interesting options...DISCUSS.

22 Landon Collins Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)COLLEGE: AlabamaClass: JrHT: 6-0WT: 228POS: S
Analysis: In my previous mock, I had Collins landing here as a player who can come in and contribute right away. Even if the Steelers decide Troy Polamalu is fine to come back for another year, they won't expect him to play every down, and Collins would not only help right away but serve as a logical replacement. He's a highly versatile safety who can make plays at the line of scrimmage and won't look bad in coverage. He brings a ton of experience. I also think getting the top safety in the draft at No. 22 would be a solid value.

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23 Eddie Goldman Detroit Lions (11-5)COLLEGE: Florida StateClass: JrHT: 6-3WT: 336POS: DT
Analysis: Mr. McShay made a good point on the podcast this week, which is that even if the Lions hold on to Ndamukong Suh they still need to add depth on the interior of the defensive line because they could lose a couple of pieces from last year's rotation. The Lions also need to add help along the offensive line, but even though you can't replace Suh from a performance standpoint, you can at least try to make sure the D-line doesn't go from strength to weakness in a single offseason. Goldman is a good interior defender who can occupy blocks and will flash quickness to disrupt, and has a chance to become really good if his growth continues. This is a need even if Suh is back. Without him, it's a true void.

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24 Melvin Gordon Arizona Cardinals (11-5)COLLEGE: WisconsinClass: JrHT: 6-0WT: 215POS: RB
Analysis: A healthy Andre Ellington gives Arizona some explosiveness out of the backfield, but he's not a player you want to rely on for too many touches, and a good running game will go a long way in Arizona. Gordon has the explosiveness that you need from an RB taken this high -- he's a true game-breaker -- but he's also proved durable. Linebacker is another big need for Arizona, but that's one the team can hit further down the board. If Gordon seems like a luxury pick, the Cardinals could certainly argue he's an immediate-impact player for a team that wants to win.

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25 D.J. Humphries Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)COLLEGE: FloridaClass: JrHT: 6-5WT: 307POS: OT
Analysis: Last year at this point in the draft the Panthers addressed a major need when they added Kelvin Benjamin. That was a play-right-away situation, and even while you want to avoid that at tackle, this could be another one for a rookie because Carolina was dreadful here last year and free agency might not do the trick. Humphries is a guy who rose on my board after I saw him play well against some of the top pass-rushers in the SEC. He lacks polish, but he plays mean, keeps a wide base that makes him tough to get around, and the physical traits are there for him to potentially stick at left tackle.

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26 Marcus Peters Baltimore Ravens (10-6)COLLEGE: WashingtonClass: JrHT: 5-11WT: 197POS: CB
Analysis: This is a spot where the Ravens can either look to help their own passing game by adding a wide receiver, or look to stop the opposition's by hitting a big need at cornerback. Last year, injuries played a big role in Baltimore's pass defense essentially falling apart, a reminder that depth at cornerback is crucial. I've noted before Peters has some question marks -- he was dismissed from the team at Washington this past season -- but if it's purely a question of talent, he's a potential steal at this point in the first round. He has loads of natural ability, with playmaker instincts to go with very good ball skills.

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27 Kevin Johnson Dallas Cowboys (12-4)COLLEGE: Wake ForestClass: SrHT: 6-0WT: 188POS: CB
Analysis: Dallas could go a few ways here, because the Cowboys have a need along the defensive line, and safety is also a question mark, but I'm not sure they need anything more than a cornerback who can play right away, and Johnson fits the profile. A standout on a lousy team, Johnson has good length for the position and moves and mirrors as well as any cornerback in the draft. He can make man-to-man coverage look so easy at times, and he's an active run defender. It's hard to play while ahead in the NFL if you can't cover, and Dallas would do well with this pick.

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28 Cameron Erving Denver Broncos (12-4)COLLEGE: Florida StateClass: SrHT: 6-5WT: 313POS: OC
Analysis: If the Broncos want to keep the run game humming under Gary Kubiak they could use at least one versatile offensive lineman on the inside, and it'd be hard to do better than Erving at this spot. I like Erving at center because he was outstanding there after a midseason switch from tackle, but he provides extra value because he can play tackle as well and also has experience at guard. He's also just played a lot of football, period, and is going to adapt well. From center or guard he's particularly good at winning on the initial block and getting to the second level.

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29 T.J. Clemmings Indianapolis Colts (11-5)COLLEGE: PittsburghClass: SrHT: 6-4WT: 309POS: OT
Analysis: It's tempting to look at the defensive line here because the need is pretty obvious, but at this point Clemmings becomes extremely attractive because the potential is so significant. In terms of raw tools you're looking at maybe the best physical package in the draft for a future NFL left tackle. But Clemmings is a converted basketball player, a major physical talent who can be exposed by pass-rushers who have a few tricks. The Colts are OK on the left side but could definitely use another tackle in the portfolio and just talent, period, on an offensive line that took a step forward in 2014 but isn't close to a top unit.

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30 Jordan Phillips Green Bay Packers (12-4)COLLEGE: OklahomaClass: SophHT: 6-5WT: 329POS: DT
Analysis: If I lined up needs for the Packers right now, it would be interior lineman as the top need, followed by an inside linebacker. Just based on the likelihood for immediate impact, it's a lot easier to find the linebacker further down the board. Phillips has a motor that can run hot and cold, but the potential is significant because he lands pretty close to the "freak" category of athlete for a guy who stands over 6-foot-5, has long arms to keep blocks at bay, and weighs 330 pounds. The effort can be inconsistent, but at his best he can control blocks (or toss them) and can pursue like a much lighter, faster player when he finds a lane. You have to believe you can get him to his full potential, but if you get him close, Phillips can be a scheme-versatile menace.

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31 Breshad Perriman Seattle Seahawks (12-4)COLLEGE: UCFClass: JrHT: 6-2WT: 212POS: WR
Analysis: Seattle was a play away from winning the Super Bowl -- a game in which the Seahawks had five players catch passes, none of them a wide receiver who was actually drafted. Seattle has been resourceful at wide receiver, but the group it has just isn't very explosive. The Seahawks could really use a decent size-speed combination there, and a guy who can, at worst, create consistent separation, which is something they don't have when Paul Richardson is on the shelf. One of the bigger sleepers in the 2015 draft class at this point, Perriman has good length but will also prove dangerous after the catch. At one time I had him as a likely second-round pick, but now I see him as a close call in terms of overall ability next to the top few wide receivers in this class. He fills a need here.

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32 Carl DavisNew England Patriots (12-4)COLLEGE: IowaClass: SrHT: 6-4WT: 320POS: DT
Analysis: With the Patriots declining the option on Vince Wilfork, this pick makes a lot of sense. Davis had a fantastic week at the Senior Bowl, the question will be whether NFL evaluators believe they'll get that kind of player on a consistent basis, because Davis didn't always show that kind of ability at Iowa, where you wouldn't confuse him for a consistent disruptor against the pass. Davis won't collapse the pocket, but he can certainly hold the point against multiple blockers in the run game, which is something the Patriots are going to miss from Wilfork. No, Davis is not Wilfork, but he has a similar profile in terms of what he does best, and he can certainly deepen the rotation. Cornerback could also be a major need here, but it's really hard to say on that one before free agency.

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[stillwright]

Bell doesn't approve of this post.

 

[Hines57]

Bell doesn't approve of this post.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[Coach]

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Kiper analysis at times can be funny. He's not a scout by any means. I trust what Mike Mayock says far more than what Kiper says. Kiper loved our Mendenhall and Sweed draft by the way.

Having said that Mel has his strong points. He's rather good at predicting when certain players are projected to go off the board. He's linked in with various agents, and has a good idea how the teams prioritize certain positions.

I meet Mel Kiper many years ago at the University of Miami vs UCLA game in 1998 . It was a fantastic game. 49-45! Mel was sitting one row in front of me next to sleaze ball agent Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus had on the dark sunglasses with enough grease in his hair to lubricate a building. His body language said stay away from me. Mel was just the opposite.

I found Kiper to be very engaging and happy to talk in-between plays. We chatted about Edge James, and Cade McCown. Mel liked em both. I felt McCown's arm was a little weak. Drew Rosenhaus was there to watch over Miami Hurricanes in hopes to get them signed once they declare to the draft.

Later in life I learned Kiper was a big Ravens, but for that day I'm here to say he was a decent down to earth guy who loved to talk football.

 

[Steelers1356]

How many times are these guys right about Steelers picks?

 

[Hines57]

Kiper analysis at times can be funny. He's not a scout by any means. I trust what Mike Mayock says far more than what Kiper says. Kiper loved our Mendenhall and Sweed draft by the way.

Having said that Mel has his strong points. He's rather good at predicting when certain players are projected to go off the board. He's linked in with various agents, and has a good idea how the teams prioritize certain positions.

I meet Mel Kiper many years ago at the University of Miami vs UCLA game in 1998 . It was a fantastic game. 49-45! Mel was sitting one row in front of me next to sleaze ball agent Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus had on the dark sunglasses with enough grease in his hair to lubricate a building. His body language said stay away from me. Mel was just the opposite.

I found Kiper to be very engaging and happy to talk in-between plays. We chatted about Edge James, and Cade McCown. Mel liked em both. I felt McCown's arm was a little weak. Drew Rosenhaus was there to watch over Miami Hurricanes in hopes to get them signed once they declare to the draft.

Later in life I learned Kiper was a big Ravens, but for that day I'm here to say he was a decent down to earth guy who loved to talk football.

The hurricane replacement game. FML, UCLA shouldn't have agreed to reschedule that game. Ruined their run for a national title. My good friend was their star RB at the time. Went to many games at the Rose Bowl. Good times.

 

[Coach]

The hurricane replacement game. FML, UCLA shouldn't have agreed to reschedule that game. Ruined their run for a national title. My good friend was their star RB at the time. Went to many games at the Rose Bowl. Good times.

I think UCLA won 20 something games in a row leading up to the Miami Game. It was the best college football game I ever attended. I remember UM fans booing when they opted to do nothing with the ball just before the half.

 

[Hines57]

I think UCLA won 20 something games in a row leading up to the Miami Game. It was the best college football game I ever attended. I remember UM fans booing when they opted to do nothing with the ball just before the half.

They had a 41-38 OT win v Oregon that year that was epic. Akili Smith was the QB, yes that Akili Smith. I remember McNown barfed on the field between plays and someone from Oregon ate **** on the barf spot. That was a damn good ball game.

 

[FordFairLane]

I could see the Steelers being linked to Collins since it such an easy pick now that TP is on his way out. I personally would not be upset with the pick if the draft fell and he was the best on the board. At #22 he is a value as of now so need and value. If we don't go safety early I wouldn't mind going Holliman or Amos later. I feel both have a lot of upside and either can be had at the end of the 3rd or maybe even 4th.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I could see the Steelers being linked to Collins since it such an easy pick now that TP is on his way out. I personally would not be upset with the pick if the draft fell and he was the best on the board. At #22 he is a value as of now so need and value. If we don't go safety early I wouldn't mind going Holliman or Amos later. I feel both have a lot of upside and either can be had at the end of the 3rd or maybe even 4th.

Holliman is an interesting prospect. Would be nice to have a true ballhawk in the back of the secondary.

As far as Kiper goes, his past five drafts would have sent these guys to the Steelers:

Bryant Bulaga, Tyron Smith, Dontari Poe, Ziggy Ansah, Louis Nix

Not a bad group of players besides.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I don't see any way they draft Collins. Mitchell isn't going anywhere and they are high on Shamarko.

 

[FordFairLane]

I don't see any way they draft Collins. Mitchell isn't going anywhere and they are high on Shamarko.

But Collins is the only true first round talent safety and even though we have Shamarko he does get injured. I personally would prefer to go safety in the 3rd or 4th and let them battle it out with Shamarko and Mitchell but if Collins is there at #22 and is the best value on the board I don't see how we can't take him.

 

[stillwright]

I don't see any way they draft Collins. Mitchell isn't going anywhere and they are high on Shamarko.

I wouldn't say high on Shamarko. I think he has been a disappointment to them up to this point.

 

[Vader]

I don't see any way they draft Collins. Mitchell isn't going anywhere and they are high on Shamarko.

I don't get them being high on Shamarko. They brought in W. Allen instead of playing him last year. He's basically a special teamer right now.

 

[USDA#1]

I don't get them being high on Shamarko. They brought in W. Allen instead of playing him last year. He's basically a special teamer right now.

yep...only a few of us practical cynical types have mentioned it, but he may just be another Tombert swing and miss.

if you remember correctly, a few of us questioned if he would ever be anything more than a slot DB.

so far....well.

 

[stillwright]

yep...only a few of us practical cynical types have mentioned it, but he may just be another Tombert swing and miss.

if you remember correctly, a few of us questioned if he would ever be anything more than a slot DB.

so far....well.

When he was drafted I don't remember anyone not liking the pick. As the years went on he obviously struggled. Either injury or not grasping the defense. You don't have to be a genius at this stage of the game to state that this might have been another pick that hasn't worked out.

 

[Vader]

When he was drafted I don't remember anyone not liking the pick. As the years went on he obviously struggled. Either injury or not grasping the defense. You don't have to be a genius at this stage of the game to state that this might have been another pick that hasn't worked out.

I remember my issue with him when he was drafted. I said he is like Ryan Clark. He's a hitter not a ball hawk. I didn't mind the draft pick because at least he was fast (I think a sub 4.4). Obviously they've seen something they don't like with him.

 

[bermudasteel]

Collins > Thomas.

 

[Litos]

Collins > Thomas.

1st round > 4th , just saying...

 

[SteelChip]

I don't get them being high on Shamarko. They brought in W. Allen instead of playing him last year. He's basically a special teamer right now.

This puzzled me too but then I read that Troy and Shamarko were both hurt at the same time ( except one game ) so Allen had to play and when the playoff game came around Allen had the game experience and Tomlins preference for veterans over youngin's took presidence. We'll see come camp and pre-season, I'm lookin' forward to seein' if he can play or not.

 

[stillwright]

This puzzled me too but then I read that Troy and Shamarko were both hurt at the same time ( except one game ) so Allen had to play and when the playoff game came around Allen had the game experience and Tomlins preference for veterans over youngin's took presidence. We'll see come camp and pre-season, I'm lookin' forward to seein' if he can play or not.

Even when he was healthy I believed it got to the point where he solely played on special teams.

 

[TAS]

I remember my issue with him when he was drafted. I said he is like Ryan Clark. He's a hitter not a ball hawk. I didn't mind the draft pick because at least he was fast (I think a sub 4.4). Obviously they've seen something they don't like with him.

Troy likes him, Colbert drafted him ... Easy road to the cool shades dog house

 

[stillwright]

Troy likes him, Colbert drafted him ... Easy road to the cool shades dog house

Apparently DL took issue with him also...right?

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I remember my issue with him when he was drafted. I said he is like Ryan Clark. He's a hitter not a ball hawk. I didn't mind the draft pick because at least he was fast (I think a sub 4.4). Obviously they've seen something they don't like with him.

collins is a hitter too. I can't see them taking a guy who may not be much of an upgrade over Shamarko. I'm thinking they play Shamarko in the box and make Mitchell the ballhawk this year.

Collins is only a 1st rounder because this year S class is very weak. He's not a great athlete. Shamarko is a much better athlete and he will get his shot this year.

 

[bermudasteel]

collins is a hitter too. I can't see them taking a guy who may not be much of an upgrade over Shamarko. I'm thinking they play Shamarko in the box and make Mitchell the ballhawk this year.

Collins is only a 1st rounder because this year S class is very weak. He's not a great athlete. Shamarko is a much better athlete and he will get his shot this year.

Stop, Tape...just stop.

Landon Collins was rated as a 5 star safety coming out of high school and, yes, he played on some decent Alabama defenses; but, none were "elite". Collins, IMO, had two bad games in three years. He has the speed to play FS and the ferocity to play SS.

While I like Sharmarko, he just hasn't shown any of us enough for him to even supplant Will Allen.

If Collins is there at 1.22 - he'll be the pick.