Fansided
Fansided

2015 NFL Draft: Pre-Pro Day Big Board

By George Stockburger

facebooktwitterreddit

Here is an assessment of the top 32 players coming out in the 2015 NFL Draft, prior to each player’s highly anticipated pro day. This board rates each players value by talent, individual stats, and injury history.

More from NFL Mocks

Major injuries, such as an ACL injury, can dramatically affect a value to an NFL team. Perfect examples of this are Todd Gurley (Georgia) and Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M).

Please note that this is not a mock draft. Some of these players have the potential to fall out of the first round, solely because of individual team needs. As an example, I have Jaelen Strong ranked number 33 on my personal big board. A team, such as the Seattle Seahawks or the New England Patriots, may rank him higher due to their own personal needs.

[table id=8 /]

Next Five Prospects

Jaelen Strong: WR Arizona St.
Maxx Williams: TE Minnesota
Devin Funchess: WR/TE Michigan
Phillip Dorsett: WR Miami
Benardrick McKinney: LB Miss St.

Leonard Williams

Leonard Williams is by far the best, pro ready prospect in this draft. He is very powerful in his attack and is without a doubt one of the best pass rushers in this class. The only reason he is not the number one pick this season is because of individual team needs.

Cooper vs. White

These two fought for the title of Best Wide Receiver during the 2014 college season. Cooper showed consistency at Alabama, recording two 1,000 yard seasons with double-digit touchdowns in two of his three seasons. Injuries plagued the start of his sophomore season with Nick Saban, but he still led the team in receiving yards with 739.

Kevin White burst onto the scene in 2014, doubling his touchdown numbers from his freshman season.

Nov 1, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) runs with ball after a catch during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Milan Puskar Stadium. TCU Horned Frogs defeated West Virginia Mountaineers 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

White had less receptions than Cooper, but still posted incredible numbers for the West Virginia Mountaineers. With 109 receptions, he had 1447 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in the 2014 season. He had a very good Combine, most notably running a 4.35 40 yard dash for third-best among wide receivers.

The reason Cooper I ranked Amari Cooper slightly higher than Kevin White is the consistency he showed with a couple NFL ready quarterbacks at Alabama in Nick Saban’s pro-style offense. White burst onto the scene this season and had a great year; but can he do that again against guys like Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson? There is a big jump he has to make from the Big 12 to the National Football League.

Do I think he could do it?

Yes. But if I’m a franchise looking to rebuild, I go with consistent greatness in Cooper.

Check out Erik Lambert’s scouting report on Kevin White and Sayre Bedinger’s scouting report on Amari Cooper.

The Shane Ray Dilemma

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) walks off the field after being ejected from the game during the second quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Many fans are confused with why Shane Ray is falling so far down draft boards. After all, he did lead the SEC in sacks (15) and yards lost on sack (YDLS) with -94. He is a vicious tackler and when he gets around the edge — watch out. Why is he not ranked above the likes of Vic Beasley and Randy Gregory?

Ray has too many mechanical issues that will hurt him at the next level. He has stiff hips and does not show quickness at the line. He isn’t very versatile in his pass rushing strategy, which can be quickly counteracted by any NFL defensive coordinator. He also has trouble getting off of guys if he is caught early. He also injured his foot, causing him to miss the Combine.

Check out Charles McDonald’s scouting report on Shane Ray.

Dorial Green-Beckham

Green-Beckham is drawing comparisons to Calvin Johnson, but not many people have heard of him. Why isn’t he leading the charge in everyone’s mock drafts?

Aug 31, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) makes a catch but lands out of bounds as Murray State Racers cornerback Darrian Skinner (23) defends during the first half of the game at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

In April of 2014, Dorial Green-Beckham was investigated for breaking into his girlfriend’s apartment and assaulting one of her friends. Police reports show that Green-Beckham allegedly grabbed the woman’s neck and pushed her down a flight of stairs. The victim decided not to press charges, fearing a media outburst. Green-Beckham was suspended from the team, and eventually dismissed from the University of Missouri football team. He has also been arrested on two separate drug charges involving marijuana.

With the rise of domestic violence scandals in the NFL, teams are going to be reluctant to pick up Green-Beckham. Someone will take him, but a Draft Day fall is in order.

Check out Sayre Bedinger’s scouting report on Dorial Green-Beckham.

Todd Gurley and Cedric Ogbuehi

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) is checked by the medical staff after being injured against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

At one point in history, an ACL injury all but ended an athlete’s career. Today, a player can return after around ten months with the possibility of reclaiming their career. Some players (cough cough RGIII) may never return, whether it’s physically or mentally, from that severe of an injury.

Todd Gurley could have been a top ten pick in this draft if not for his injury. Ogbuehi also falls a decent amount with his knee. You never know what will happen with these guys, and risking your first round pick on a guy with a severe knee injury is a risk some teams wont wan’t to take.

Gurley and Ogbuehi have the potential to be stars in the NFL, but can they get back into football shape again mentally and physically? They both have the skill to succeed in the NFL, but for Draft purposes they fall far.

Check out Charles McDonald’s scouting report on Todd Gurley.

Home/NFL Draft