With the 2015 NFL draft quickly approaching, pro football gridiron gamblers across the globe need to know which teams stand the best chances of improving over the course of the 2015 regular season because of their ability to draft players that can come in and contribute right away. Let’s get started with the AFC teams that can improve their NFL odds because they have high draft picks before moving on to the franchises that simply draft well, seemingly every season.
Recent reports say that Tennessee is determined to go with second-year signal-caller Zach Mettenberger next season and that may not be such a bad idea, seeing as how the young quarterback would likely be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft. The Titans have a real chance to improve their roster by trading the No. 2 overall pick (hello, Philadelphia?) and using the picks they get back to upgrade several other positions, like the offensive line, running back and wide receiver positions. Still, the Titans can help themselves through the draft about as much as any AFC team possibly could this offseason.
The Raiders need a game-breaking wide receiver in the worst way and I don’t think anyone’s better than Amari Cooper, although several outlets now have West Virginia’s Kevin White rated as the top receiver. Either way, I think Oakland can expedite its improvement process by drafting Cooper and pairing him with young quarterback Derek Carr, kind of like a modern day Ken Stabler and Cliff Branch. Defensive end/linebacker Randy Gregory is also an option here if Leonard Williams is off the board by the time the Raiders pick (he will be) and he would help shore up a defense that was mostly abysmal a year ago.
The Texans may have an elite running back in multiple Pro Bowl performer, Arian Foster, but, like all running backs, the veteran is aging quickly in ‘dog years’ and has been almost as banged-up in recent seasons as healthy, prompting the Texans to likely go after Gurley if he’s available. While the Texans still need a quarterback in the worst way, they likely won’t get the franchise starter in this draft, so going after Gurley and putting more emphasis on the rushing attack is probably a wise decision.
The Jaguars have their quarterback of the future and really need to improve their offensive line in an attempt to give Blake Bortles a legitimate chance to succeed. However, with Leonard Williams being consistently ranked as the top overall talent in this draft, it’s kind of hard seeing Jacksonville pass up on the game-changing monster defensive lineman.
White had an incredible NFL Combine and thrust himself back into the conversation for being the best wide receiver in the draft. White possesses a rare combination of size, speed and absolutely freakish athleticism, making him a virtual must pick for New York if Oakland decides to take Amari Cooper. I’m also thinking the Jets could also help speed up their rebuilding process by drafting a quarterback like Brett Hundley in the second round, particularly seeing as how its now crystal clear in my estimation now that Geno Smith is not the answer.
The Bolts can improve their one-dimensional offense immensely by simply drafting Melvin Gordon, the player I believe is the best running back on the board, not Todd Gurley.
The Colts need to shore up the interior of their defensive line and they could address that issue by nabbing Armstead with the 29th overall pick. Indianapolis generally drafts well and seemingly comes up with a player that contributes early and often at a spot no one thought was possible.
The Patriots need a legitimate big-play receiver to help alleviate even more pressure off of Tom Brady and they could get a gem in Smith at No. 32 of all spots. New England managed to find a Pro Bowl-caliber player in cornerback in Devin McCourty with the 27th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pats strike gold again.
The Steelers are another franchise that just gets it right when it comes to the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh recently uncovered real steals by drafting with Rashard Mendenhall with the 23rd overall pick in the 2008 draft and most recently, nailing their 2014 first round pick by selecting former Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier with the 15th overall pick. By grabbing Collins with the 22nd pick, Pittsburgh can begin grooming Troy Polamulu’s replacement.
No. 2 Tennessee Titans: Likely Pick: Trade Down or Nab Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
No. 4 Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama or Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
No. 16 Houston Texans: Likely Pick: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars: Likely Pick: Leonard Williams, DE/DT, USC
No. 6 New York Jets: Likely Pick: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
No. 17 San Diego Chargers: Likely Pick: Melvin Gordon, Running Back, Wisconsin
No. 29 Indianapolis Colts: Arik Armstead, DE/DT, Oregon
No. 32 New England Patriots: Devin Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
No. 22 Pittsburgh: Landon Collins, Safety, Alabama