On Tuesday, we posted the first half of this NFL mock draft. With the combine in the past and teams bunkering down for the long haul of the offseason, there is never a better time to project where the best college talent will end up.
With that said, keep in mind there are still going to be private visits, pro days and plenty of missteps coming to light between you reading this sentence and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell putting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the clock come April 30 in Chicago.
Here are picks 17-32:
17. San Diego Chargers – Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Dupree gives the Chargers some pass-rushing ability off the edge, something the team has seriously lacked since Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips. With Dwight Freeney moving on, Dupree is a great fit.
18. Kansas City Chiefs – Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Flowers will upgrade the right tackle spot for the Chiefs, something which was a major problem with Ryan Harris. Kansas City’s line was terrible in 2014 and Flowers would give it a better look.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills) – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Why Mariota? The Browns already had now-quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell working out with Mariota and can’t be sure about Johnny Manziel. Cleveland won’t be able to resist twice.
20. Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Chip Kelly is familiar with Peters as a Pac-12 guy, and his need for a corner makes this a perfect match. The Eagles were torched at times in the secondary, perhaps costing them a playoff spot.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
The Bengals would be absolutely thrilled if Beasley is on the board here. Cincinnati could not rush the passer at all in 2014, making Beasley a perfect selection.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers – Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Collins is the only safety worth using a first-round pick on, and he won’t fall further than here. Collins is a true ball-hawk and can replace the aging Troy Polamalu.
23. Detroit Lions – Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
With Reggie Bush a potential cap casualty, the Lions can pick up the best running back in the draft. Gordon is a dynamic back who reminds many of Jamaal Charles.
24. Arizona Cardinals – T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Arizona needs to shore up its offensive line, and Clemmings could potentially do that. One of the most raw players with a first-round grade, Clemmings is somewhat boom or bust.
25. Carolina Panthers – Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Peat is a nice fit for Carolina, which struggled to protect Cam Newton. The Panthers could go for another first-round receiver, but it seems the investment might be too high to double down.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan
Baltimore has Dennis Pitta at tight end but he has become a health risk. The receivers are also in need of a big-bodied weapon to compliment Steve Smith and Torrey Smith.
27. Dallas Cowboys – Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
This pick is assuming Gurley’s knee checks out after suffering a torn ACL. DeMarco Murray is likely on his way out of town, and Gurley would be a fantastic replacement.
28. Denver Broncos – Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
The Broncos are moving to a 3-4 after years of a 4-3 under Jack Del Rio. A traditional nose tackle needs to be plugged in, and Phillips is the type of player who fits the mold.
29. Indianapolis Colts – Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Strong is a nice target for Andrew Luck to have with Reggie Wayne likely retiring and Hakeem Nicks past his prime. Strong has a big body and has enough speed to separate.
30. Green Bay Packers – Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
The Packers could go defense here, but will be tempted to take a pass-catching tight end with ability to make plays after the catch. Williams is a perfect fit.
31. Seattle Seahawks – Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Goldman is a nice fit in the 4-3, and Seattle needs help on the interior of the defensive line. Kevin Williams is ancient and could be upgraded.
32. New England Patriots – Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
Erving is the second consecutive Seminole taken and provides New England with a plug-and-play starter on the offensive line. He can play either guard spot or center.
