2015 NFL Free Agency Mock Draft: Landing Spots For Top 10 Names
By Erik Lambert
A host of big names are expected to shake up 2015 NFL free agency. Where will the top 10 likely land when things get hot in March?
Ndamukong Suh – DT
2015 team: New York Jets
The rumors that Ndamukong Suh wanted to go to New York may not be fantasy. The market is perfect for his “brand” and the New York Jets will have the third-most salary cap space at the start of the 2015 off-season at around $39 million. That should be enough to lure Suh in, who will demand top dollar. Can you imagine him lining up alongside Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson? #Scary
Demaryius Thomas – WR
2015 team: Denver Broncos
The new deal for Chris Harris has eaten into their available cap for next year but the Denver Broncos should still have enough room to take care of locking up Demaryius Thomas. He is their best offensive weapon and turns just 27 on Christmas. His career has a long way to go.
Justin Houston – OLB
2015 team: Kansas City Chiefs
The salary cap is going to be a problem for the Kansas City Chiefs, who are projected to have around $1.7 million available. That is not nearly enough to help them hang onto their best pass rush. Justin Houston is going to command a lot of space but the Chiefs know this and know he is their future cornerstone on defense. They will have to do some maneuvering but should be able to find the room.
Dez Bryant – WR
2015 team: Dallas Cowboys
He is the entire focal point for the Dallas Cowboys this 2015 NFL free agency, which is no surprise. Dez Bryant is a nightmare to cover and he knows it. Dallas won’t have an easy time with the contract as their cap space is limited and the outspoken receiver has shot down any idea he’ll take a discount. So expect Jerry Jones to do some major reworking of the payroll.
Julius Thomas – TE
2015 team: Oakland Raiders
Denver may be able to keep him but there is a real possibility Julius Thomas could be sacrificed in order for the Broncos to maintain some flexibility under the cap. At that point the explosive tight end will become a hot commodity. One team that has to take advantage is the Oakland Raiders. They’ll have tons of money to spend, have the need at the position and the young quarterback in Derek Carr who can utilize him.
Devin McCourty – FS
2015 team: New England Patriots
He doesn’t have the flash of a Polamalu or Thomas, but Devin McCourty has quietly become one of the better safeties in the NFL. So it’s safe to say he’ll get plenty of attention on the open market. However, don’t expect the New England Patriots to let that happen. They are usually quick to lock up players who aren’t too old and have played well for them.
DeMarco Murray – RB
2015 team: Minnesota Vikings
The Bryant situation will make it very difficult for the Cowboys to retain DeMarco Murray as well. He has every right to shop his wares after a superb season. One team that may jump on that opportunity is the Minnesota Vikings. Nothing indicates that Adrian Peterson will be back and the team has struggled running the ball without him. Signing Murray would solve that problem.
Randall Cobb – WR
2015 team: Seattle Seahawks
Another in a long line of talented receivers that Aaron Rodgers has helped become a highlight reel. Randall Cobb has loads of value both as a offensive weapon with speed as well as a possible threat in the return game. Green Bay could choose to retain him, but they have a lot of depth at the position and don’t like overpaying. If Cobb chooses to go for the money, he may find a nice pay day waiting for him from the Seattle Seahawks, who need receiving help and love speedy targets.
Jason Pierre-Paul – DE
2015 team: Cincinnati Bengals
Just when everybody was about to give up on him, the Jason Pierre-Paul people remember from his breakout year in 2011 seems to have resurfaced. He’s played the best football of the season in spite of the Giants struggles and drives his price up with each sack he collects (3.5 in last two games). The Cincinnati Bengals, who are in sore need of a presence off the edge, will see him as somebody who fits their scheme and is still in his prime.