Updated 2015 NFL Mock Draft Picks 6-10: Houston Lands Petty
By Erik Lambert
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back P.J. Williams (26) intercepts a pass against the Auburn Tigers during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The top ten concludes with a few twists to this updated 2015 NFL mock draft including a shift in thinking out of Houston.
#6 – Houston Texans – Bryce Petty – QB – Baylor
As advertised, the pass rush of the Houston Texans looks like it will be dominant with the addition of Jadeveon Clowney. However, problems linger for the team at quarterback, and it could threaten to undo their season. If so, expect them to fix it early in the draft. Bryce Petty is an intriguing talent with the size (6’3″), mobility and arm strength offensive coaches covet. His understated accuracy will certainly appeal to Bill O’Brien.
#7 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cedric Ogbuehi – OT – Texas A&M
Pass protection is already a major issue for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Josh McCown and the other quarterbacks have endured eight sacks through just two preseason games, raising concerns about whether the offense will be able to function beyond the basics this season. Should that problem come to pass, expect the Bucs to fix it with a particularly strong class of offensive linemen expected next April. Cedric Ogbuehi would be the coup de grace as he is supremely athletic for his size. An ideal blind side protector.
#8 – Oakland Raiders – P.J. Williams – CB – Florida State
No unit has looked worse during the preseason for the Oakland Raiders than the secondary. D.J. Hayden still hasn’t played. Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers have looked lost at times. There really is no silver lining with the group, which mean the Raiders may need to invest at the position again on day one of the draft. If so, they have to get as close to a sure thing as possible. Swiping the big and agile P.J. Williams from powerhouse Florida State would do it.
#9 – Minnesota Vikings – Ramik Wilson – ILB – Georgia
It looks like Matt Cassel will hold off Teddy Bridgewater for the time being in the quarterback derby for the Minnesota Vikings. As a team they’ve improved their standing since the last mock draft but still look to add more skill to their middle linebacker position. Ramik Wilson is a leader on the field and has the required athleticism to play every down regardless of situation.
#10 – Carolina Panthers – Andrus Peat – OT – Stanford
Like the Vikings, it seems the Carolina Panthers have at least quieted their doubters for the time being what with Cam Newton and Kelvin Benjamin showing some early connection. However, there are still concerns regarding the Panthers offensive line and whether it can provide the customary protection it has without Jordan Gross. Not being able to means Carolina goes hunting for his long-term replacement. The uber-talented Andrus Peat from Stanford is as good as they’ll find.