1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

I think Robert Griffin is ultimately the better player, but Andrew Luck is the right pick. He’s an elite QB prospect with absolutely no bust potential and incredible scheme diversity.

Grade: A
 
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin is the top player on my board and the second best prospect I’ve ever scouted. He has potential to be the best player in the league, but it comes with risk; he has some bust potential with his less than stellar injury history.

Grade: A
 
3. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson

The Browns traded up for Trent Richardson and gave up relatively little considering they were bidding against the Buccaneers. Trent Richardson is a little over rated in my eyes, but I feel like Cleveland made the move they were most comfortable with.

Grade: B+
 
5. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

I think Morris Claiborne is the slightly superior player, but Matt Kalil is obviously value in this range. The fact that they milked a few extra picks out of the Browns is gravy.

Grade: A
 
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

I am a lot higher on Justin Blackmon than everyone else. The Jaguars gave up very little to move in front of St. Louis to take Blackmon right out of their hands.

Grade: B
 
6. Dallas Cowboys: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

A slick move by Dallas to move up to take Morris Claiborne is ultimately questionable. At some point, I find this investment in a #2 Corner questionable. However, in a weak Corner draft, they did what they had to do.

Grade: B+
 
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

I know there is great interest in Mark Barron, but taking him seventh overall is reaching in my opinion. They get some bonus points for moving backward once, but that won’t save them completely. He’s not a Sean Taylor-type.

Grade: B-

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Ryan Tannehill is the right pick for a rebuilding team. He’s not great value here, but he has great upside and will become a starter earlier than some people expect.

Grade: B
 
9. Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Carolina Panthers are moving him to the Weakside, so they’re losing some value with Kuechly. However, he’s still fantastic in coverage with elite range on the outside.

Grade: B
 

10. Buffalo Bills: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Bills stood their ground and got their guy. I can’t knock them too much, but I thought they needed to go Offense. Regardless, Gilmore is solid value here.

Grade: B
 
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

Dontari Poe is a project Nose Tackle that shouldn’t have been taken at any point in the first round.

Grade: F
 
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Eagles moved up to twelve to nab Fletcher Cox, who represents incredible value at this point. The Eagles don’t have a great need at Defensive Tackle, but he should be a productive player in their rotation.

Grade: A
 
13. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Michael Floyd isn’t a value pick here, but without a second round pick, the Cardinals couldn’t wait around and hope to find someone they’re comfortable with.
Grade: B-
 
14. St. Louis Rams: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The St. Louis Rams traded out of the second pick, and then out of the sixth pick. While stockpiling picks in the second round, the Rams managed to find an immediate contributor at Defensive Tackle.

Grade: A
 
15. Seattle Seahawks: Bruce Irvin, DE/LB, West Virginia

Bruce Irvin was only the second biggest reach in the first round, so there’s that…. He has great talent as a rusher, but he has bust written all over him. His off-the-field issues are plentiful.

Grade: D+
 
16. New York Jets: Quinton Coples, DL/RLB, North Carolina

Quinton Coples is the third best player on my board and will be a Mario Williams-like player in the league. He could play as the Five-Technique End or he could play Rush Linebacker. He won’t be able to drop into coverage, but he’ll be a dynamic rushing presence wherever Rex Ryan lines him up at.

Grade: A+
 
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

If they were going to get a Corner, they had to do it here. I don’t think Dre Kirkpatrick is good value here, but he’s the last first round Corner.

Grade: B

 
18. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram, RLB, South Carolina

I have questions about how Melvin Ingram is going to translate to the Rush Linebacker role. Most of his sacks last year came from 3rd down plays on the inside; but he won’t get that luxury playing Rush Linebacker.

Grade: A-

 
19. Chicago Bears: Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State

I like Shea McClellin, but he’s being over-drafted at 19. He’s a much better fit as a 3-4 Outside Linebacker, but he’ll be a solid 10 sack guy as a Defensive End moving forward.

Grade: C+

 
20. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

5’10 Wide Receivers rarely go in the first round, but Kendall Wright is a special talent. I had him in my mock to the Titans for two months, but switched it at the last second. Boy do I look silly now…

Grade: B+

 
21. New England Patriots: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

I like Chandler Jones as much as anyone, but the idea he’s the best Defensive player in the draft is ridiculous. When he uses his arms properly, he’s unblockable. However, he’s still too slow to get to the Quarterback on most plays. His best use will be in a couple of years as a Five-Technique End collapsing the pocket.

Grade: B

 
22. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

Everyone knocked this pick, but it was the right one. In a quest to build your team into a winner, you need to find a Quarterback. Obviously, the Browns feel six years of Brandon Weeden is what they need. I don’t disagree.

Grade: B

 
23. Detroit Lions: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Detroit Lions waited in their slot and ended up with a starting Offensive Tackle. Reiff could potentially play either Left or Right Tackle as a rookie, but he’ll eventually play Left Tackle for the Lions.

Grade: A

 
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The best first round pick belongs to the Steelers. David DeCastro is as close to elite as they come, and he fell all the way to 24.

Grade: A+

 
25. New England Patriots: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Moving up for Dont’a Hightower was a bad move in my opinion. He would have been on the board at 31. This is the Patriot’s third Inside Linebacker.

Grade: C+

 
26. Houston Texans: Whitney Mercilus, RLB, Illinois

The Houston Texans came into the draft wanting a Wide Receiver and a Rush Linebacker. They found great value with Whitney Mercilus here.

Grade: A

 
27. Cincinnati Bengals: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

Kevin Zeitler will probably be a good player in the NFL, but for now on he’ll forever be known as the guy the Bengals chose over David DeCastro. I don’t think he’s close to DeCastro.

Grade: D+

 
28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, RLB, USC

Another great pick by the Packers. I had Nick Perry to the Packers in my final mock (The one that was more accurate than Todd McShay’s or Mel Kiper’s.)

Grade: A

 
29. Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Moving up for Harrison Smith was not necessary. He would have been on the board at the top of the second round. I like Harrison Smith as a player, but the Vikings have to be punished for wasting a draft pick to move up here.

Grade: B

 
30. San Francisco 49ers: AJ Jenkins, WR, Illinois

AJ Jenkins doesn’t make any sense. Not only are the 49ers loaded at Receiver already, but Jenkins’ wasn’t very impressive at Illinois. On top of that, his skills do not fit in well with Alex Smith. Maybe this is looking forward to the Colin Kaepernick era; I sure hope so.

Grade: D-

 
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Moving up for Doug Martin was the best trade up of the first round. The next two picks had teams looking for a back, so the Buccaneers had to move up for the Muscle Hamster if they wanted to land him.

Grade: A+

 
32. New York Giants: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

The New York Giants really reached for David Wilson here. His ability to make plays out of the backfield will be utlized, but they probably could have gotten a similar contributor on Day 2.

Grade: C-

In case you missed it, Alfonzo Dennard was arrested in the very early morning today. The police were called after Dennard and another person reportedly got into a heated argument in a bar in Lincoln.

As the police showed up to break up the fight, Dennard is accused of punching a police officer in the face and resisting arrest. The punch landed, but the police officer wasn’t hurt; he didn’t seek medical attention.

The Nebraska-product’s stock was tumbling down draft boards earlier this offseason when he was embarrassed at the Senior Bowl. Now, it’s hard to say where his draft stock is at.

If this was a one-time incident, there could be a case that suggests Dennard’s stock should be preserved, at least to an extent. However, Dennard infamously punched Alshon Jeffery at the Capital One Bowl.

This most recent outburst has now allowed teams to label Alfonzo Dennard a repeat offender.

His off the field issues are now probably helping out Janoris Jenkins, who is himself a repeat offender, but of a much less severe crime. The two of them have really helped to shape a fairly deep Corner class into one where teams that are needy for help at Corner to be compelled to find their guy early on.

Normally, in a deep class, you can wait a little bit. However, after Morris Claiborne (who has an intelligence issue in his own right) and Stephon Gilmore, the class is riddled with maturity and legal issues.

Because of this, I won’t be surprised if there are some reaches early in Day 2 for potential Day 3 Corners. Jamell Fleing and Casey Hayward are likely targets for teams worried about the maturity of Janoris Jenkins, Alfonzo Dennard, or Dre Kirkpatrick.

5. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Why he will fall: Issues off the field

Historically, Receivers that aren’t clean fall in the draft. Although Floyd is clearly a first round talent, he’s not as gifted as most give him credit for. Dez Bryant and Randy Moss were both infinitely more talented, and they fell into the twenties.

Expected draft position – Top 12
Predicted draft position -  Between 17-25

 

4. Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

Why he will fall: Media Over-hype

ESPN has really over-stated the Quarterback market. There are only a few teams remaining looking for Quarterbacks early, so it’s very unlikely seven Quarterbacks go in the first two rounds.

Expected draft position – 1st – 2nd Round
Predicted draft position - 3rd Round

 

3. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Why he will fall: Media over-hype

Peter Konz has never played an entire season at Wisconsin, so there are questions about his durability. His ability to pass protect is also very questionable at this point. The draft community has fallen in love with him because of his frame and ability to dominate in the running game, but there are people around the league that believe he’s not a first round player.

Expected draft position –  1st Round
Predicted draft position – 2nd Round

 

2. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Why he will fall: Defensive End depth

I really like Chandler Jones. He uses his long arms better than anyone in this draft. However, he is a Left End prospect that projects to be a limited sack guy at the next level. There are, by my count, seven edge rushers in this draft (3-4 Rush Linebackers and Defensive Ends) that have first round grades. Jones is the least flashy of the group, and therefore is the most likely to fall.

Expected draft position – 1st Round
Predicted draft position – 2nd Round

 

1. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Why he will fall: Media Over-hype

Dontari Poe has all the physical tools you look for in a dominating Defensive Tackle. However, during his time at Memphis, he never put those tools to work. At Memphis, Poe should have played at a high level without exerting a lot of effort.

Expected draft position – Top 15
Predicted draft position – Late 1st

The NFL Draft is largely a crap-shoot. Every year we have several players that never meet their supposed potential. It’s not easy to pick the players that aren’t going to meet their potential, but I’m going to take a shot at it.
 
Before jumping to conclusions on the players included, please read my entire article.
 
 
QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
 
Ryan Tannehill has the tools you’re looking for in a Quarterback, but he needs more time to develop. It’s not easy to teach a player the mental aspect of the game, and there’s no guarantee he ever gets it. Although Tannehill could become a Pro Bowler in time, it’s equally as likely he never gets out of the gate.
 
RB Doug Martin, Boise State
 
Teams love Doug Martin’s ability to smash as a run blocker. He’s quite athletic for his frame, and it looks like he has the tools to be a Three-Down back. I think his career will end up somewhere around Joseph Addai-status. Addai was a contributing member to a very successful team, but wasn’t worth a first round draft pick in retrospect. If Martin is taken in the top fifty, I think he’ll end up disappointing whatever team takes him.
 
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
 
I don’t think Trent Richardson will be a bust, but he’s not an elite player by my standards. He will not be as dominate as Adrian Peterson or Arian Foster. I think, ultimately, he’ll settle around Marshawn Lynch territory. He can be a difference maker, and potentially the best player on his team’s offense, but I don’t think he’ll ever reach ‘elite’ status.
 
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
 
Most people expect Justin Blackmon to underachieve, but I think it’s much more likely that Michael Floyd disappoints. Floyd is going to fall on draft day; a much more talented Dez Bryant fell to 24th overall. Floyd will struggle with his work-ethic and off the field issues as a pro.
 
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
 
Alshon Jeffery was once a top ten option in the draft, but his off the field issues have really hurt his stock. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel brings up his sense of entitlement and his fluctuating weight as reasons he will fall on draft day. I’m more worried about his inability to separate against college corners. Jeffery can adjust to the ball and make the play against inferior athletes, but I don’t think he’ll be able to do that at the next level.
 
TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson
 
People expecting Dwayne Allen to be a pro bowl caliber Tight End will be mistaken. While I expect Allen to contribute at a high level, I don’t think a team will ever be secure with him as their #1 Tight End.
 
OL Matt Kalil, USC
 
Again, not a bust, but an under-achiever. I can’t stress the difference enough. When I look at Matt Kalil, I see a potential Franchise Left Tackle, but I don’t see an elite player. People expecting Kalil to reach the Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace level will be disappointed.
 
OL Mike Adams, Ohio State
 
While I don’t think Matt Kalil will be a bust, I think it’s incredibly likely Adams will be. Adams has first round ability, but doesn’t have first round focus. I’m not sure he’ll ever want to reach his potential, so I don’t expect him to.
 
OL Mitchell Schwartz, California
 
I like Mitchell Schwartz as a third round prospect, but most draft experts are now expecting him to go in the second round and be an immediate starter at Right Tackle. While that’s not out of the range of possibility, I don’t think that’s a fair thing to expect. If Schwartz is taken in the second round, I think he’ll disappoint as a rookie.
 
OL Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin
 
Kevin Zeitler is a horrible pass protector. It doesn’t show up much on film because of Wisconsin’s scheme, but it will be hard to hide for most schemes at the next level. Kevin Zeitler is going to struggle early on unless he has a strong presence at Center.
 
OL Michael Brewster, Ohio State
 
I’ve never understood the hype around Michael Brewster. Even though his measurables suggest he’s got the ideal size to play Center, I’m not so sure. Stronger players can bully Michael Brewster on the inside and collapse the pocket. With his frame, he should be able to add strength, but it will take time.

QUARTERBACKS
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Robert Griffin III	Baylor	99
2	Andrew Luck	Stanford	99
3	Ryan Tannehill	Texas A&M	90
4	Brandon Weeden	Oklahoma State	85
5	Kellen Moore	Boise State	64
6	BJ Coleman	Tennessee-Chat	63
7	Russell Wilson	Wisconsin	58
8	Kirk Cousins	Michigan State	57
9	Brock Osweiler	Arizona State	52
10	Nick Foles	Arizona	55
RUNNINGBACKS
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Trent Richardson	Alabama	93
2	Lamar Miller	Miami (FL)	92
3	Doug Martin	Boise State	88
4	Bernard Pierce	Temple	83
5	David Wilson	Virginia Tech	81
6	Chris Polk	Washington	77
7	LaMichael James	Oregon	75
8	Tauren Poole	Tennessee	68
9	Isaiah Pead	Cincinnati	66
10	Robert Turbin	Utah State	63
WIDE RECEIVERS
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Michael Floyd	Notre Dame	92
2	Justin Blackmon	Oklahoma State	92
3	Kendall Wright	Baylor	90
4	Stephen Hill	Georgia Tech	87
5	Joe Adams	Arkansas	86
6	Alshon Jeffery	South Carolina	85
7	Marvin McNutt	Iowa	82
8	Juron Criner	Arizona	80
9	Reuben Randle	LSU	78
10	Tommy Streeter	Miami (FL)	77
11	Nick Toon	Wisconsin	75
12	AJ Jenkins	Illinois	73
13	Marvin Jones	California	72
14	Brian Quick	Appalachian State	68
15	TY Hilton	Florida International	67
TIGHT ENDS
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Coby Fleener	Stanford	90
2	Dwayne Allen	Clemson	83
3	Michael Egnew	Missouri	67
4	Orson Charles	Georgia	64
5	LaDarius Green	La.-Lafayette	63
6	Brian Linthicum	Michigan State	58
7	Deangelo Peterson	LSU	55
8	Chase Ford	Miami (FL)	46
9	Josh Chichester	Louisville	36
10	Evan Rodriguez	Temple	35
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Matt Kalil	USC	96
2	Cordy Glenn	Georgia	94
3	Jonathan Martin	Stanford	91
4	Riley Reiff	Iowa	90
5	Bobby Massie	Ole Miss	86
6	Mike Adams	Ohio State	85
7	Mitchell Schwartz	California	82
8	Zebrie Sanders	Florida State	77
9	James Brown	Troy	74
10	Brandon Mosley	Auburn	68
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	David DeCastro	Stanford	95
2	Peter Konz	Wisconsin	89
3	Kevin Zeitler	Wisconsin	87
4	Amini Silatolu	Midwestern State	86
5	Jeff Allen	Illinois	78
6	Kelechi Osemele	Iowa State	77
7	Mike Brewster	Ohio State	73
8	Joe Looney	Wake Forrest	72
9	Brandon Washington	Miami (FL)	68
10	Brandon Brooks	Miami University	67
RUSH LINEBACKER / DEFENSIVE END
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Quinton Coples	North Carolina	97
2	Melvin Ingram	South Carolina	94
3	Whitney Mercilus	Illinois	92
4	Courtney Upshaw	Alabama	91
5	Shea McClellin	Boise State	90
6	Nick Perry	USC	88
7	Vinny Curry	Marshall	85
8	Andre Branch	Clemson	84
9	Chandler Jones	Syracuse	81
10	Malik Jackson	Tennessee	78
11	Cam Johnson	Virginia	77
12	Bruce Irvin	West Virginia	73
13	Tyrone Crawford	Boise State	68
14	Frank Alexander	Oklahoma	66
15	Jake Bequette	Arkansas	65
DEFENSIVE TACKLE / NOSE TACKLE
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Fletcher Cox	Mississippi State	95
2	Michael Brockers	LSU	91
3	Jerel Worthy	Michigan State	90
4	Kendall Reyes	Connecticut	89
5	Devon Still	Penn State	88
6	Josh Chapman	Alabama	85
7	Brandon Thompson	Clemson	84
8	Derek Wolfe	Cincinnati	82
9	Mike Martin	Michigan State	77
10	Dontari Poe	Memphis	78
11	Billy Winn	Boise State	73
12	Alamada Ta’amu	Washington	69
13	Logan Harrell	Fresno State	66
14	Hebron Fangupo	BYU	62
15	Jaye Howard	Florida	60
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Lavonte David	Nebraska	90
2	Ronnell Lewis	Oklahoma	86
3	Bobby Wagner	Utah State	82
4	Zach Brown	North Carolina	76
5	Sean Spence	Miami (FL)	75
6	Terrell Manning	NC State	72
7	DeMario Davis	Arkansas State	68
8	Nigel Bradham	Florida State	66
9	Danny Trevathan	Kentucky	57
10	Keenan Robinson	Texas	56
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Luke Kuechly	Boston College	95
2	Mychal Kendricks	California	87
3	Dont’a Hightower	Alabama	85
4	James M-Johnson	Nevada	66
5	Audie Cole	NC State	63
6	Chris Gallipo	USC	57
7	Max Gruder	Piitsburgh	52
8	Tank Carder	TCU	48
CORNERBACKS
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Morris Claiborne	LSU	96
2	Stephon Gilmore	South Carolina	90
3	Janoris Jenkins	North Alabama	89
4	Jayron Hosley	Virginia Tech	87
5	Dwight Bentley	La.-Lafayette	86
6	Alfonzo Dennard	Nebraska	80
7	Chase Minnifield	Virginia	75
8	Josh Norman	Coastal Carolina	73
9	Josh Robinson	Central Florida	72
10	Brandon Boykin	Georgia	70
SAFETIES
Rank	Name	College	Grade
1	Dre Kirkpatrick	Alabama	93
2	Harrison Smith	Notre Dame	90
3	Mark Barron	Alabama	87
4	Markelle Martin	Oklahoma State	77
5	Trumaine Johnson	Montana	76
6	Brandon Taylor	LSU	71
7	Antonio Allen	South Carolina	68
8	Janzen Jenkins	McNeese State	63
9	George Iloka	Boise State	61
10	Phillip Thomas	Syracuse	58