2015 NFL Draft: Best Fits For Top Offensive Prospects
By Erik Lambert
Sep 6, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball around Michigan State Spartans linebacker Taiwan Jones (34) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
The big names are already lining up for the 2015 NFL draft. Based on current projections, what are the ideal landing spots for the top offensive players?
Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon
As yet nobody is challenging Marcus Mariota as the best quarterback in college football. His physical tools from arm strength to accuracy to size and mobility are unmatched. Now that his mental game is catching up, it’s a game-changer. There is no shortage of teams that would love to have him but if we’re talking best fit, Mariota could thrive under Jeff Fisher with the St. Louis Rams. He, after all coached the late Steve McNair, another great player who can run and throw. St. Louis badly needs a quarterback too. It’s a match made in heaven.
Todd Gurley – RB – Georgia
The Marshawn Lynch and even Jim Brown comparisons pretty much tell the story. Todd Gurley is good at football. The Georgia running back has size, power, speed, and vision. There really isn’t anything he can’t do. Worries will persist about his health but thus far there has been zero reason to worry. What would be great for him once he goes pro is if he were to land with the Baltimore Ravens. Ozzie Newsome is an SEC guy and his team loves to run the football given their defensive identity. Gurley could effectively help erase the stain of the Ray Rice debacle and be in an offense that will use him correctly.
Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama
Scouts will get on him about “only” being 6’1″ but the fact is Amari Cooper has too much talent to worry about him being slightly under preferred pro size. He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands, not just fast but quick. He’s smart and polished enough to beat press coverage and has that coveted knack for making the big catch. If any team will want him and know how to use him, it will be the Houston Texans. Their superstar Andre Johnson is aging and likely in his last season with the team. Head coach Bill O’Brien is an offensive specialist who will find ways to utilize Cooper.
Devin Funchess – TE – Michigan
More and more the demand is going out for tight ends who aren’t so much blockers as big pass catchers. There is no question that the speedy and agile Devin Funchess is precisely what they have in mind. While not enormous at 6’3″, he still offers loads of mismatches down the middle that teams would have to contend with. Now that they have Derek Carr in place, the Oakland Raiders can turn their attention to tight end where they are seriously lacking. Funchess would feel right at hope with the strong-armed Carr under center.
Cedric Ogbuehi – OT – Texas A&M
Every franchise would kill to have that big blindside pass protector offense can build around. It’s why tackles go early in the draft every year and why Cedric Ogbuehi will too. The latest in a procession of talented offensive linemen from Texas A&M, he is a big but agile blocker with great size and length coupled with polished footwork that make it very hard for defenders to get past him. One team that could seriously use him in order to help unlock the full potential of their offense is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They aren’t short on weapons with the likes of Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, but have been scraping by in terms of keep their quarterbacks upright.