2015 NFL Mock Draft: Houston Sparks Trade Frenzy
By Erik Lambert
Sep 6, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrates with fans after the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. USC defeated Stanford 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A new set of power rankings reveals the latest pecking order for the 2015 NFL mock draft. What trades transpire in this latest edition?
#1 – Oakland Raiders – Leonard Williams – DT – USC
Sometimes it’s okay to go with the safe pick. Leonard Williams may not be as sexy a choice as some other names but the USC defensive lineman is an absolutely monster up front who help the Oakland Raiders form an outstanding young core with Khalil Mack.
#2 – Tennessee Titans – Randy Gregory – DE – Nebraska
A 3-4 defense is great in theory but it doesn’t work unless the team has a pass rusher that can come off the edge. The Tennessee Titans are stuck in that predicament. Randy Gregory with all his length and explosiveness could be their solution.
#3 – Houston Texans (f/JAX) – Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon
Trade: #7 pick, 5th in ’15 and 1st in ’16 for Jaguars #3 pick
Seeing the Bucs and Rams ahead of them, the Houston Texans make the executive decision to go after their most glaring need. Marcus Mariota has all the tools from the mobility to the poise and accuracy to become a franchise quarterback.
#4 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cedric Ogbuehi – OT – Texas A&M
The first compulsion of Lovie Smith is always going to be defense but he has to make sure his quarterbacks get protected because that is what has killed his teams in the past. So the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make the smart play and grab Cedric Ogbuehi.