2015 NFL Mock Draft: Trade Plague Infects The Draft

Oct 18, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before the start of the second half of the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

The more one examines it, the more they can see some serious fireworks happening at the top end of the 1st round. This 2015 NFL mock draft reflects that. Sit back and enjoy the insanity.

1. Tennessee Titans (via Tampa Bay)

Eagles Trade Losses For Mariota

• 4th in ’15 and 2nd in ’16 (in Bradford-Foles deal)
• 2nd and 3rd in ’15 and 1st in ’16

Eagles fans remain convinced Chip Kelly is going to find a way to get Marcus Mariota. The trick of course is finding a way to do it without giving away the farm.  It was tight but they manage to pull it off.  They give up their 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounder in 2015 and their 1st and 2nd rounders in 2016.  Yes, that sounds like a lot but keep this in mind.

In all likelihood it would’ve cost picks in 2017 in order to affect a move up the board high enough to get Mariota.  Using this unique route they still pay but are able to preserve all of their picks in 2017 and beyond.

49ers Trade Results

• Jay Cutler
• 1st in ’16 from Eagles

The key for the San Francisco 49ers here is that 1st round pick from Philadelphia.  That is what they want in this deal.  Despite their denial, word was strong that they were shopping Colin Kaepernick.  Getting a 1st rounder for him is a victory, even at the cost of five draft slots.  On top of that, they get back a veteran quarterback in Jay Cutler who is better than any option they have or could get to replace Kaepernick.  The best part is if things don’t work out with him they can cut him in 2016, save $14 million in salary cap space and have two 1st rounders to pursue their next quarterback.

Bears Trade Results

• Colin Kaepernick
• 3rd in ’15 from Eagles

One of the suitors attached to the Kaepernick rumor was the Chicago Bears, so it’s only reasonable to think they’d have interest.  GM Ryan Pace may have committed to Cutler recently, but several media sources indicated the Bears were trying to shop him.  After six seasons and just one playoff appearance, it made sense that Pace would prefer to move on with a quarterback of his choice rather than be saddled with one fans are tired of.  In this deal he brings in a replacement in Kaepernick who is younger (27), more athletic and a more proven winner (4-2 in the playoffs with a Super Bowl appearance) whom he can build around.  The added 3rd rounder from Philly is the icing on the cake.

Buccaneers Trade Results

• Sam Bradford
• 2nd in ’15 from Eagles

After collecting an extra 1st round pick from Tennessee, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pull off a rare feat.  They get a talent at quarterback worthy of going #1 overall and set their 2016 draft board up to have two 1st and two 2nd round choices.  That should give them plenty of protection against the Sam Bradford knee concerns.  Never mind the fact they also have Mike Glennon as their backup option.  For team that has every reason to be concern about Winston and/or Mariota as franchise players, this is as good a way out as they’ll find.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Tampa Bay)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

4. Oakland Raiders