2015 NFL Draft: Addressing 5 Major Draft Day Rumors

It seems like every year prior to the NFL Draft we run into the same situation, where draftniks and media analysts alike renege on game-inspired analysis and allow a myriad of other information affect how we value prospects.

Think about it… Remember when teams were thought to think Robert Griffin was better than Andrew Luck? Or When Matt Scott and Tom Savage were the next great quarterbacks? What about when we thought Kelvin Benjamin didn’t have the physical attributes to be an effective receiver in the NFL?

Get where I’m coming from?

Good, because 2015 is no different. In fact, 2015 may be worse!

So far I’ve seen prospects move up and down big boards like the roller coaster that made you vomit like a child. (Don’t be embarrassed we all did it) So this is my attempt at addressing some of the most prominent rumors leading up to this year’s draft.

Enjoy.

Rumor 1: Marcus Mariota is not worthy of the top pick

No matter which analyst you watch or read, the general consensus is basically the same, that Marcus Mariota is not polished nor physically talented enough to be the top-pick in this year’s draft. This is funny since all year we were hyping Mariota as the best quarterback and prospect of the class and a sure-fire, blue-chip guy on- and off-the-field.

Let me clear this up.

Mariota is immensely talented. Period. While he doesn’t possess the same talent at the position as we’ve come to see over the past few years (Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck), he is a viable option for any team. He’s intelligent, driven, and talented while boasting the resume to prove himself.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, Mariota is fairly raw. There is no doubt that he’ll need grooming, coaching and a period of adjustment, but to say that this kid—who for all intents and purposes is the best choice at quarterback—could slide out of the top-10 is an insult to him, fans and people who seek to know more about him.

My prediction? Mariota should go number one when you consider that Jameis Winston has failed to prove his character time and time again. However, this is the NFL and there has been enough evidence to conclude that character and off-the-field behavior isn’t as important as we like to believe it is. Therefore, Mariota will go second overall to Tennessee and they’ll laugh all the way down the road to Mariota’s wildly successful career.

Rumor 2: Todd Gurley is a top-10 pick

First, I’m a huge UGA fan and I agree with most that Todd Gurley is the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson. That being said, I can’t believe anyone who is sober and of knowledge of NFL circles can believe Gurley will go top-10.

Now, I do hope that I’m wrong because I want Gurley to be wildly successful. I do also know that his leg injury carries a lot of weight and should warrant a lot of concern.

Gurley is no doubt a monster that could change a franchise. He has excellent vision to pair with his extremely rare combination of speed and strength. More than that, he’s a genuinely good guy, but let’s be honest the running back position continues to be devalued in this pass-happy league and we’re past the point where backs go in the top-10.

I do believe that Gurley WILL be the top back taken in this draft and I think it will be somewhere between picks 10 and 20. As for the top-10, the only team that I could see taking him is the Jets and there promises to be healthier talent on the board when they’re on the clock.

Rumor 3: Kevin White will be selected before Amari Cooper

I won’t be spending too much time on this one because, frankly, it’s outrageous to begin with.

Kevin White IS a talented receiver with the highest ceiling of any receiver in this draft. He has the measurables, the ability and the film to support that.

But so did Stephen Hill.

What Kevin White is NOT is a polished receiver with a history of decimating the top defensive prospects in the nation and the top conference in the nation. That, my friends, is Amari Cooper.

Sure, Cooper may not have the incredibly high ceiling that White does, but he is as close to sure thing as you’re getting this year. Cooper is a guy who scouts can be sure will become 1,000 yard, 10-touchdown receiver in this league. And while White has the potential to be Dez Bryant he also could just as easily become Michael Crabtree.

Rumor 4: The Jaguars would select a LEO over Leonard Williams at third overall

Mock drafts everywhere are on board with the idea that the Jaguars will select Dante Fowler even if Leonard Williams is still on the board.

To that I say, “That’s ridiculous”.

The Jaguars have a definite need at the LEO position, but the idea that they would pass up on the best defensive lineman—no the best player in the draft— is idiotic. Moreover, the fact that the Jaguars would prefer Dante Fowler over Vic Beasley is enough to make my head spin.

The Jaguars are going to have an opportunity in this draft. Whether it’s to be a trade partner with a team that wants Mariota or to draft a transcendent, pro-bowl caliber defensive lineman, this draft is setting up perfect for the Jags. Let’s not let Florida-bias ruin this whole freaking thing.

Rumor 5: Breshad Perriman is a first-rounder

Anyone who didn’t know who Breshad Perriman was prior to his Pro-Day, will now recognize him as the man who put up a 4.25 40-yard dash.

Is that alone enough to make him a first rounder?

It seems like since Perriman’s impressive 40-yard dash analysts and fans alike are calling Perriman a first-round prospect. However, despite Perriman’s speed there are other (more important) aspects to his game that keeps him out of the elite. For the most part, Perriman is unpolished and struggles with drops. While his workout speed is elite, there are times his football speed doesn’t match. Those along with others make me question his status as a sure-fire first rounder.

All-in-all it’s time we tap the breaks on Perriman—especially you Eagles’ fans—and recognize that he’s nothing more than an intriguing prospect. In no world should Perriman be selected above the likes of Jalen Strong.