NFL Draft Projections For New Head Coaches
By Erik Lambert
Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Jack Del Rio (right) poses with Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at press conference to announce his hiring as Raiders head coach at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
New head coaches always mean a serious shift in NFL draft focus for teams. How have things changed for 2015 so far?
Rex Ryan – Buffalo Bills
Projected Pick: Safety
Rex Ryan has built is great defenses of the past through strong secondary play from the corner and safety positions. The Buffalo Bills have strong personnel in place on defense but are not entirely set on the back end. Their safety position isn’t overly good and could be in need of an upgrade. Without a first round pick, that could be an area they address.
Name To Watch: Cody Prewitt
Todd Bowles – New York Jets
Projected Pick: Quarterback
Having been raised in the shadow of Bill Parcells and seen how things transpired in Arizona, Todd Bowles is smart enough to see the big picture. While he is a defensive coach, he’ll recognize fixing the quarterback position is the single most important part of his agenda as New York Jets head coach. Geno Smith may warrant another look, but he also can’t be relied on as the sole hope anymore.
Name To Watch: Jameis Winston
Jack Del Rio – Oakland Raiders
Projected Pick: Wide Receiver
Dating back to his days in Jacksonville, Jack Del Rio proved he wasn’t afraid to attack the skill positions to find playmakers for his quarterbacks. That included taking a wide receiver with his first pick two years in a row. Given that the Oakland Raiders need more help at receiver for their young quarterback Derek Carr, don’t be surprised if they go that way with Del Rio in command.
Name To Watch: Amari Cooper
John Fox – Chicago Bears
Projected Pick: Pass Rusher
History paints a really clear picture about John Fox teams. Every tenure he’s ever begun started with taking a pass rusher in the draft with the first pick. In 2002 his Carolina Panthers selected Julius Peppers and then in 2011 the Denver Broncos picked up Von Miller. The Chicago Bears need tons of work on defense and a great young pass rusher could be an excellent tonic to start the healing.
Name To Watch: Randy Gregory