Draft King NFL Mock Draft exclusive insight decades of experience insider pro football college prospects
Draft King Analysis
April 14, 2015
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com

Reader feedback is always welcomed here on Draft King. Sound off with your thoughts on Twitter (@LouPickney) or via email at LouPickney@gmail.com.


We're just 16 days out from the start of the 2015 NFL Draft. Hope you're ready for the stretch run. Buckle up.

The rumor mill is swirling about Oregon QB Marcus Mariota, which shouldn't surprise anyone given that this is seen by almost all observers as a two-QB draft. With Tampa Bay seemingly locked in to take Florida State QB Jameis Winston, all sorts of potential scenarios are in play.

I still think the Titans will take USC DL Leonard Williams at #2. He's the defensive line cornerstone that they need to complete their transition to a 3-4 defensive scheme, and they've already secured their DE/OLB aka Edge defensive needs via free agency, keeping Derrick Morgan and signing Brian Orakpo, formerly of the Redskins.

There has been speculation over the past month that the Titans might deal the #2 pick to San Diego in exchange for QB Philip Rivers, which is an interesting theory. Rivers is going into the final year of his contract this fall and he turns 34 in December. He reportedly has no interest in signing a new contract with the Chargers, at least not at this time.

It's no secret that Rivers has made big money in the NFL, with the number reportedly north of $119 million. My guess is that there's no way he leaves San Diego, even if the Chargers do.

For all the talk of teams potentially trading up for Mariota, I suspect that Jacksonville at #3 and Washington at #5 are more likely than Tennessee to partner up with a team looking to move up to get him. You could sell me on the Jets or Bears or Rams or even the Browns trading up to nab Mariota, but not the Eagles.

Yes, I realize that Chip Kelly has already made several unconventional moves this off-season in Philadelphia. But he already traded to get Sam Bradford, giving him a viable opening day QB. And, more importantly, I remember what Gil Brandt wrote on Twitter last month -- he knows who the Eagles have in mind at #20 and it's not Mariota.

The late rise of UCF wide receiver Breshad Perriman has been interesting to watch. His blistering fast 40-yard-dash time at Central Florida's pro day drew him plenty of attention, and rightfully so. It's entirely possible that he could end up pushing Louisville WR DeVante Parker for consideration for teams drafting in that 12-20 range. His ball skills are questionable, but his athleticism is not.

VIDEOS

Running Backs: The Hot Position in Round 2 of NFL Draft
Plenty of options at RB for teams in need.

Steelers: It's Best CB or OLB for Steelers
Option for Pittsburgh to fill defensive needs.

Falcons: Dan Quinn's Impact on Falcons Draft
How a new head coach changes things in Atlanta.

Vikings: Too Good for Vikings to Pass Up
Examining Minnesota's offensive needs.

NFL: Best Draft Fits
Some ideal landing spots for talented prospects.

Packers: QBs Packers May Take in NFL Draft
Backing up Aaron Rodgers.

Browns: Johnny Manziel Released from Rehab
A new chapter for the Cleveland QB.

Steelers: Troy Polamalu's Steeler Legacy
A look back at his outstanding career.

Steelers: Reaction to Le'Veon Bell's Suspension
Pittsburgh faces a challenge at RB to start the 2015 season.


Lou Pickney's 2024 NFL Mock Draft

NashvilleLou Live Twitch Lou Pickney livestream sportscaster broadcaster

Draft King is owned and operated by Lou Pickney. © 2003-2024, all rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted, the views expressed here are those of Lou Pickney alone and do not necessarily reflect those of any media company.