Finally the draft is over and we can look forward to the training camps prior to the start of the 2015 season. The list below will in no way match the final standings of the upcoming season but will indicate my predictions for the rankings within each conference.
1. New England Patriots
The current NFL champions managed to obtain 11 picks from the 2015 draft which meant they could pick-up as many players from their draft board as possible. A typical patriots' type draft which adds to their already strong foundation going into next season. Most people will think I am wrong due to Tom Brady's upcoming 4 game suspension. I think Garoppolo will end up with 2 wins and 2 losses at the least from his 4 games as the starter, then Brady comes back with a chip on his shoulder and they go 12-4 in the regular season.
2. Indianapolis Colts
I thought the Colts would strengthen up their defensive line with the 1st round pick but they stuck to the best player available with Dorsett even though they have more than enough strength at that position heading into the season. However, he could give them a welcome addition on special teams. With some nice additions in the off-season, I believe it'll be between the Patriots and the Colts once again in the AFC.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens needed to give Steve Smith some support and they managed to give him Perriman who is a big target for Joe Flacco. He can emulate a lot of things that Torrey Smith offered them. However, they will need to expect more from a secondary who weren't great last season. It will be interesting to see how the defensive line copes without Ngata too.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers dedicated this draft to the defence, using 6 of 8 picks to that side of the ball. They managed to get Bud Dupree with good value in the 1st round and should help fill the holes in their front 7. It will be a close one between the Ravens & Steelers for who wins their division.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
The third team from the AFC North in the top 5 which makes that division interesting again this year. The Bengals had another great draft adding some big pieces to the offensive line. They look as if they are planning to centre the offence on a dominant run game this season with Hill & Bernard spearheading that attack which should take the pressure of Andy Dalton.
6. Denver Broncos
Moving up for Shane Ray was unnecessary in my opinion. However, he adds a nice dynamic to an already dominant pass-rush duo in Denver. Unfortunately, their 3rd round pick tore his ACL so will miss his rookie season which is a blow. He would have taken some of the load that Julius Thomas left. I think the Broncos will take as much work away from Peyton this year as possible, and rely on a run first offence.
7. San Diego Chargers
Chargers would receive an okay grade for this draft; Perryman is a great addition at inside line-backer even though it wasn't a great need for them. Although, Melvin Gordon is someone who can come straight in and contribute to the team from day 1. It certainly gives Rivers the confidence when he has got a runner like Gordon in the backfield.
8. Houston Texans
I've heard mixed reviews on the Texans draft, however, no one can argue with what Kevin Johnson can offer that Secondary. Also, they got great value in obtaining Jaelen Strong in the 3rd round. The concern would be who is going to be throwing him the ball in a battle between two average QB's and the issue of Arian Foster's health in the backfield could be the downfall for an emerging Texans team.
9. Miami Dolphins
Upgrade Wide Receivers? Check. Upgrade Defensive Line? Check. Devante Parker is a great addition to the already upgraded wide receiver group in Miami. Jordan Phillips is also a solid player to pick up in the 2nd round with some surprised at how he fell to the 52nd pick.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
Acquiring Maclin in free agency was a step in the right direction for the Chiefs who had no receiver who even crossed the plain for a touchdown last season (I apologised for my use of the most overused stat of the 2014 season). I thought they could of done better in acquiring another receiver for Alex Smith, however, they did get some help on the offensive line which helps Jamaal Charles if he manages to stay healthy.
11. Buffalo Bills
Considering the Bills had no first round selection this year (thanks to Sammy Watkins), they had a nice draft and made some nice additions in free agency. The fate of the team rests on whoever ends up being the starting QB (I'll give you a clue, it won't be Manuel).
12. New York Jets
Since signing Marshall & Revis, Todd Bowles has made some great moves in acquiring Cromartie to reunite the secondary members back together. Steven Ridley will be a nice weapon out of the backfield for them too. Add to that a mammoth defensive end with the #6 pick in the draft and you've got a solid foundation to have a challenge for the AFC East Title.
13. Tennessee Titans
The Titans had a successful draft and they stuck to their guns with the #2 pick. Mariota will need some adjustment but has the traits to be successful in the NFL. Ken Whisenhunt will need to simplify the playbook in his first season by adding some elements of his college system to ease him into it. They will need help from the running game which would take the pressure away from the rookie QB. Green-Beckham in the 2nd round will be an asset if he can keep himself out of trouble.
14. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders receive a boost by picking up the safest pick of the entire first round. That should make an improvement of at least a couple of wins by giving Derek Carr an explosive playmaker on the outside. Clive Walford can also add some nice depth at tight end too.
15. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland had a great draft in terms of quality but the problem here is quantity. They don't have enough depth and really missed out again on a strong receiver group. Ifo Ekpre-Olumu will be classed as a steal if he gets back to his pre-injury form.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars hit the nail on the head with this draft and you may wonder why I have them at #16? Well Fowler has suffered a torn ACL which puts him out for the whole 2015 season. This gives them a huge setback but they have signed him to a contract so he'll be back next season to help that pass-rush out. Some say TJ Yeldon was a reach early in the 2nd round with there being other running backs on the board but they will need help from him in his rookie season as the running game wasn't great last season.
Check in tomorrow when I will be giving my run down on the NFC Power Rankings Post Draft.
1. New England Patriots
The current NFL champions managed to obtain 11 picks from the 2015 draft which meant they could pick-up as many players from their draft board as possible. A typical patriots' type draft which adds to their already strong foundation going into next season. Most people will think I am wrong due to Tom Brady's upcoming 4 game suspension. I think Garoppolo will end up with 2 wins and 2 losses at the least from his 4 games as the starter, then Brady comes back with a chip on his shoulder and they go 12-4 in the regular season.
2. Indianapolis Colts
I thought the Colts would strengthen up their defensive line with the 1st round pick but they stuck to the best player available with Dorsett even though they have more than enough strength at that position heading into the season. However, he could give them a welcome addition on special teams. With some nice additions in the off-season, I believe it'll be between the Patriots and the Colts once again in the AFC.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens needed to give Steve Smith some support and they managed to give him Perriman who is a big target for Joe Flacco. He can emulate a lot of things that Torrey Smith offered them. However, they will need to expect more from a secondary who weren't great last season. It will be interesting to see how the defensive line copes without Ngata too.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers dedicated this draft to the defence, using 6 of 8 picks to that side of the ball. They managed to get Bud Dupree with good value in the 1st round and should help fill the holes in their front 7. It will be a close one between the Ravens & Steelers for who wins their division.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
The third team from the AFC North in the top 5 which makes that division interesting again this year. The Bengals had another great draft adding some big pieces to the offensive line. They look as if they are planning to centre the offence on a dominant run game this season with Hill & Bernard spearheading that attack which should take the pressure of Andy Dalton.
6. Denver Broncos
Moving up for Shane Ray was unnecessary in my opinion. However, he adds a nice dynamic to an already dominant pass-rush duo in Denver. Unfortunately, their 3rd round pick tore his ACL so will miss his rookie season which is a blow. He would have taken some of the load that Julius Thomas left. I think the Broncos will take as much work away from Peyton this year as possible, and rely on a run first offence.
7. San Diego Chargers
Chargers would receive an okay grade for this draft; Perryman is a great addition at inside line-backer even though it wasn't a great need for them. Although, Melvin Gordon is someone who can come straight in and contribute to the team from day 1. It certainly gives Rivers the confidence when he has got a runner like Gordon in the backfield.
8. Houston Texans
I've heard mixed reviews on the Texans draft, however, no one can argue with what Kevin Johnson can offer that Secondary. Also, they got great value in obtaining Jaelen Strong in the 3rd round. The concern would be who is going to be throwing him the ball in a battle between two average QB's and the issue of Arian Foster's health in the backfield could be the downfall for an emerging Texans team.
9. Miami Dolphins
Upgrade Wide Receivers? Check. Upgrade Defensive Line? Check. Devante Parker is a great addition to the already upgraded wide receiver group in Miami. Jordan Phillips is also a solid player to pick up in the 2nd round with some surprised at how he fell to the 52nd pick.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
Acquiring Maclin in free agency was a step in the right direction for the Chiefs who had no receiver who even crossed the plain for a touchdown last season (I apologised for my use of the most overused stat of the 2014 season). I thought they could of done better in acquiring another receiver for Alex Smith, however, they did get some help on the offensive line which helps Jamaal Charles if he manages to stay healthy.
11. Buffalo Bills
Considering the Bills had no first round selection this year (thanks to Sammy Watkins), they had a nice draft and made some nice additions in free agency. The fate of the team rests on whoever ends up being the starting QB (I'll give you a clue, it won't be Manuel).
12. New York Jets
Since signing Marshall & Revis, Todd Bowles has made some great moves in acquiring Cromartie to reunite the secondary members back together. Steven Ridley will be a nice weapon out of the backfield for them too. Add to that a mammoth defensive end with the #6 pick in the draft and you've got a solid foundation to have a challenge for the AFC East Title.
13. Tennessee Titans
The Titans had a successful draft and they stuck to their guns with the #2 pick. Mariota will need some adjustment but has the traits to be successful in the NFL. Ken Whisenhunt will need to simplify the playbook in his first season by adding some elements of his college system to ease him into it. They will need help from the running game which would take the pressure away from the rookie QB. Green-Beckham in the 2nd round will be an asset if he can keep himself out of trouble.
14. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders receive a boost by picking up the safest pick of the entire first round. That should make an improvement of at least a couple of wins by giving Derek Carr an explosive playmaker on the outside. Clive Walford can also add some nice depth at tight end too.
15. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland had a great draft in terms of quality but the problem here is quantity. They don't have enough depth and really missed out again on a strong receiver group. Ifo Ekpre-Olumu will be classed as a steal if he gets back to his pre-injury form.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars hit the nail on the head with this draft and you may wonder why I have them at #16? Well Fowler has suffered a torn ACL which puts him out for the whole 2015 season. This gives them a huge setback but they have signed him to a contract so he'll be back next season to help that pass-rush out. Some say TJ Yeldon was a reach early in the 2nd round with there being other running backs on the board but they will need help from him in his rookie season as the running game wasn't great last season.
Check in tomorrow when I will be giving my run down on the NFC Power Rankings Post Draft.