Draft day has arrived and with it, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock has released his final mock draft of the year. In addition to quarterbacks taking up the top two spots, the draft expert foresees a few surprises in the first round.
NFL mock draft 2015: Mike Mayock predicts an early run on wide receivers
The NFL Network’s draft expert doesn’t see the Titans passing up on Marcus Mariota at No. 2.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps no pick in Mayock’s mock stands out more than USC’s Leonard Williams falling to Washington at No. 5. Williams is held by many including Mayock as the best overall prospect in the draft. Yet, for whatever reason, he sees both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders passing on the talented interior defensive lineman for edge rush and pass catching, respectively.
Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes has also made an unexpected appearance in the top 10. While Waynes may be the top corner in his class, few mocks have projected him to go to the Chicago Bears at No. 7. Mayock apparently believes that the Bears are looking for a new cover man to partner with Kyle Fuller, the team’s first-round selection a year ago.
Look out for Damarious Randall. Mayock calls the Arizona State safety “probably the fastest-rising prospect in this draft class” and sees the Philadelphia Eagles pulling the trigger on him at 20th overall. That assumes, of course, that the Eagles don’t trade this selection in a deal to acquire Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Though there is some belief around the league that Randy Gregory could fall out of the first round as the result of off-the-field concerns, Mayock has the Nebraska pass rusher landing in New England with the 32nd overall pick. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has plenty of rope after winning the Super Bowl this past February, and Gregory could become an X-factor in his defense.
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