2015 NFL Mock Draft: St. Louis Rams Go Wide Receiver

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia

The Bengals came up short once again in the postseason last year. The talent is there offensively, but there’s still some work to do on defense. Last year was a big disappointment for Cinci as they finished in the bottom ten of total defense. Signing Michael Johnson in free agency was big for their d-line, but they’re a little weak at outside linebacker. Eli Harold led Virginia last season with 14.5 tackles for loss, and was selected as second team All-ACC. Harold can be an efficient edge rusher at the next level, as well as helping out in stopping the run.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

Pittsburgh is going to look different defensively after releasing Brett Keisel, and Jason Worilds retiring. They could use someone on their defensive line, and it all starts with a quality nose guard. Eddie Goldman was a force at Florida State in stopping the run, and can do the same for the Steelers.

23. Detroit Lions: Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas

After losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley this offseason, it’s safe to say that the Lions will be going d-tackle in the first round. It’s time to reload in Detroit, and they did in signing Haloti Ngata. They’re still missing a replacement for the other d-tackle slot though, and Malcolm Brown could just be it. There’s no upgrade for Suh, but Brown brings some of the same intangibles. Brown is a big athletic guy who is capable of stopping the run, as well as getting after the quarterback. Brown was a first team All-American last season at Texas.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest

With Carson Palmer returning from injury, the Arizona Cardinals are looking to get back to where they were last season before Palmer was injured. Arizona lost Antonio Cromartie to the Jets in free agency, and now Patrick Peterson needs a new wingman. Kevin Johnson has the ability to play man coverage very well, which is something he will have to do as teams avoid Peterson.

25. Carolina Panthers: La’EL Collins, OT, LSU

The Panthers did wind up winning the NFC South last season by only winning 7 games, but they can’t hope for the same luck this season. Cam Newton was banged up most of last season and it showed. Carolina gave up 42 sacks last year, and it’s time to fix it. La’El Collins has great hands, and contains defenders very well. Collins was a second team All-American in 2014, and received the Jacobs Blocking trophy for being the best offensive lineman in the SEC.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

The Ravens are hurting for weapons after this offseason. Jacoby Jones and Torrey Smith both aren’t returning, which leaves only an aging Steve Smith. Joe Flacco needs another target. Jaelen Strong has good size at 6’2″, 217 pounds. Strong has the ability of playing inside or outside, and would be learning from one of the best to ever do it in Steve Smith.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

After having the rushing champion Demarco Murray, the Dallas Cowboys then saw him sign within their own division this offseason. Demarco Murray is gone, and it’s time for Cowboys fans to move on. Murray is a top running back in this league, but it was the Cowboys offensive line play that benefited Murray. Todd Gurley was well on his way to being a Heisman finalist last season at Georiga, before tearing his ACL. Gurley is a tank there’s no other way to describe it. Gurley possesses the rare combination of power and speed much like Marshawn Lynch. If it weren’t for the ACL injury, Gurley would haven likely been a no brainer top ten pick. There’s obviously questions regarding him coming off the injury, but with a very late pick the positives highly out-weigh the negatives.

Nov 30, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets cornerback D.J. White (28) and linebacker Brandon Watts (11) in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

28. Denver Broncos: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida

Everything in Denver revolves around #18. This could be the final run for Peyton Manning, and he’s going to need protection now more than ever. Despite losing Julius Thomas to Jacksonville, Manning still has plenty of weapons to his deposal. D.J. Humphries is big and very physical, with the toughness to contain defenders getting after his quarterback.

29. Indianapolis Colts: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

It’s a theme we got going on here. Teams making moves to protect their elite quarterbacks. Andrew Luck is getting better and better, and so is his team. The additions of Frank Gore, Andre Johnson, and Trent Cole make the Colts a serious Super Bowl contender next season. Improving their offensive live is the best thing the Colts can do at this point. Much like Brandon Scherff, T.J. Clemmings is an athlete that just so happens to be over 300 pounds. Clemmings originally came into college as a defensive end, but switched to tackle his junior season. Clemmings is very raw, still learning the offensive tackle position, but he has great quickness and footwork.

30. Green Bay Packers: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE/OLB, UCLA

Despite nearly reaching the Super Bowl last season, Green Bay did struggle a bit defensively. The team ranked in the bottom ten in rush defense. Adding Odighizuwa doesn’t exactly fit in Green Bays 3-4 style, already having Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews. If Odighizuwa does fall to 30 the Pack have to move on him. Odighizuwa could fill in when Peppers decides to retire, and I’m sure the team would figure out a way to get Odighizuwa on the field right away. Odighizuwa is a monster physically, with the ability to stop the run and pressure quarterbacks.

31. New Orleans Saints: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

After acquiring Dannell Ellerbe and Brandon Browner, the Saints defense is finally starting to take form. Rob Ryan’s defense underperformed last year to say the least. Only rival Atlanta was worse overall defensively than the Saints. Curtis Lofton was released by the team, leaving a hole at one of the inside linebacker spots. Benardrick McKinney led Mississippi State in tackles the past two seasons. McKinney was named first team All-SEC, second team All-American in 2014. McKinney has great ability at putting blockers aside and meeting running backs head on.

32. New England Patriots: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State

Last seasons Super Bowl Champs will look a little different next season. Make no mistake as long as Tom Brady is still under center, the Patriots will continue to be Super Bowl contenders. The team did suffer some losses this offseason though. New England failed to bring back cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. The team also released long time Patriot Vince Wilfork. New England did make additions to help reload from their defensive losses, and Tom Brady could always use another target. Brandon LaFell had a successful first year with the team alongside Julian Edelman at wide receiver. Devin Smith was a highlight reel in his time at Ohio State. The former Buckeye has great downfield speed, and the ability to go after the football. We all know what Tom Brady did with a vertical threat in Randy Moss, so an addition like Devin Smith could mean bad news for the rest of the NFL.

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