Ten Biggest Winners of the 2015 NFL Draft
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Vic Beasley (Clemson) poses for a photo after being selected as the number eighth overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
10 Biggest Winners of the 2015 NFL Draft
Honorable Mentions
Atlanta Falcons
- 1 (8) Vic Beasley, Clemson OLB
- 2 (42) Jalen Collins, LSU CB
- 3 (73) Tevin Coleman, Indiana RB
- 4 (107) Justin Hardy, East Carolina WR
- 5 (137) Grady Jarrett, Clemson DT
- 7 (225) Jake Rodgers, Eastern Washington OT
- 7 (249) Akeem King, San Jose State FS
I had the Falcons at No. 10 originally, and went back-and-forth a few times before siding with Jacksonville. Consider the Falcons as 10a. Beasley is the real deal and will be Atlanta’s best pass-rusher the minute he steps on the field for the first time. Justin Hardy and Grady Jarrett are both steals, especially Jarrett. I think he could be the Brandon Mebane-like force in the middle for Dan Quinn. Not a big fan of Collins or Coleman, though.
Pittsuburgh Steelers
- 1 (22) Bud Dupree, Kentucky OLB
- 2 (56) Senquez Golson, Ole Miss CB
- 3 (87) Sammie Coates, Auburn WR
- 4 (121) Doran Grant, Ohio State CB
- 5 (160) Jesse James, Penn State TE
- 6 (199) Leterrius Walton, Central Michigan DT
- 6 (212) Anthony Chickillo, Miami DE
- 7 (239) Gerod Holliman, Louisville FS
I have to write about the Cougs and the Steelers in the same article? Remind me never to do that again.
Seriously though, Pittsburgh added two BIG-TIME playmakers to a defense that is sorely lacking playmakers. Dupree is as explosive an athlete as there was in the draft. He will be a big upgrade for their 26th ranked pass rush, and Senquez Golson is basically a healthy Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. He flies around and makes plays. Coates pick is what keeps them out of the top 10.
Houston Texans
- 1 (16) Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest CB
- 2 (43) Bernardrick McKinney, Mississippi State ILB
- 3 (70) Jaelen Strong, Arizona State WR
- 5 (175) Keith Mumphery, Michigan State WR
- 6 (211) Reshard Cliett, South Florida OLB
- 6 (216) Christian Covington, Rice DT
- 7 (235) Kenny Hilliard, LSU RB
Not sure about the Kevin Johnson pick, as CB is already hogging much of Houston’s salary cap and they have two really good players at that position. It also seemed like a reach to me, regardless of need or fit. However, McKinney, Strong are all Covington are steals.
Next: Seattle Seahawks