2015 NFL Draft: Predicting 1st Pick For Each New GM
By Erik Lambert
Jan 9, 2015; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins new general manager Scot McCloughan speaks at his introductory press conference at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
By this point many of the GMs around the league have begun to show certain trends of how they typically operate during Day 1 of the draft from position preferences to trades and what not. So what about the new kids on the block? The general managers who go into the 2015 NFL draft with no prior record with their current teams?
Here is an outlook spreadsheet on what the fans of those teams can expect heading towards April 30th.
Scot McCloughan: Washington Redskins
This is slightly easier to gauge because unlike the others on this list, Scot McCloughan has been a GM before. He spent five seasons in charge of the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 to 2009. During that span these were his 1st round picks.
- Alex Smith
- Vernon Davis
- Patrick Willis
- Kentwan Balmer
- Michael Crabtree
Based on that it seems McCloughan likes to get his offensive playmakers early unless a pure stud defender like Willis is available. That lends to the Marcus Mariota argument. If he’s on the board at #5, McCloughan would take him. If that doesn’t happen, based on the board expect him to go after a linebacker. That was his honey hole in San Francisco.
Prediction: Vic Beasley (OLB, Clemson)
Mike Maccagnan: New York Jets
It’s been a long, steady climb up the ladder for Mike Maccagnan. He’s been around the NFL since 1995 as a scout for Washington and worked his way up to becoming Director of College Scouting in Houston. During that long stretch the Texans developed a reputation for draft great pass rushers and wide receivers early including Andre Johnson, Mario Williams, and J.J. Watt. Based on sheer volume, one can guess Maccagnan plans to take full advantage of this strong pass rusher class.
It makes perfect sense considering the upgrades he made at corner. However, there are lingering concerns regarding a couple of the top names on the board that should be available. Randy Gregory failed a drug test at the scouting combine, making him a character risk. Shane Ray lacks the length and athleticism of a 3-4 linebacker and Alvin Dupree lacks the proven production. Meanwhile, at least one of the three top receivers should be there at #6, and they don’t have near the question marks. So that is where Maccagnan will focus.
Prediction: Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)