FanPost

My Top 15 Targets




Here is a list of my top 15 targets for us in the first round. Let me know what you think. Descriptions are from NFL.com. Oh, and yes i did just put two fanposts up in less than ten minutes. Enjoy...


1. Leonard Williams - DT
Description:
-Enormously powerful defensive lineman. Has the look and feel of the biggest, strongest kid on the playground but hasn't figured out how to unlock his natural gifts and consistently dominate the rest of the kids on the playground just yet. Williams can play in an odd or even front, and is able to hold the point as a two-gapper or disrupt upfield. With coaching and more experience, Williams should be able to match the athleticism with the power and become a consistent Pro Bowler with a ceiling that goes even higher than that.

The Fit:
-He could play in a rotational role with Floyd and come in when we run nickel to create complete havoc for the interior of the offensive line.



2. Dante Fowler Jr. - DE/OLB
Description:
-Strong-side 3-4 outside linebacker with the physical traits and above-average potential to set the edge or spill runs wide to an early demise. Fowler is a competitive pass rusher getting by on athleticism and inside moves right now, but has a Pro Bowl ceiling with double-digit sack potential if he takes coaching and addresses his rush technique.

The Fit:
-He would be an Anthony Barr type player. Him and Barr would destroy the short to intermediate passing game and the run. If it didn't work out at OLB, he could always be a weapon moving along the DLine.



3. Vic Beasley - DE/OLB
Description:
-Projects as 3-4 outside linebacker. Considered one of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, but needs more sophistication to his approach. Has speed and explosion to become an absolute menace for a creative defensive coordinator. High-impact talent but needs to crank up competitive nature in order to reach his potential.

The Fit:
*See Dante Fowler Jr.*



4. Shaq Thompson - OLB
Description:
-Long, twitchy 4-3 outside linebacker with outstanding range to become a highly restrictive defender able to make plays well outside of his area against both the run and pass. With his big-play potential, Thompson could become a unique chess piece in the hands of the right defensive coordinator. He can help on special teams right away and might start off as a sub-package player while he fills out his frame.

The Fit:
-He would give us another stud OLB. He would give us a very good coverage LB. Zimmer would be able to make him into a very special player.



5. Devante Parker - WR
Description:
Parker won't win the NFL Scouting Combine, but he will win when the ball is in the air. With his height and an exceptional wingspan (80 inches), he consistently catches everything in his vicinity. Parker isn't going to overpower cornerbacks and he will have more contested catches than most explosive wideouts. Parker has consistently posted eye-popping yards-per-catch numbers during his time at Louisville. Parker needs time to get into his routes and his talents would be on full display in a West Coast passing attack.

The Fit:
He could be a true #1 WR for Teddy. I see him as an AJ Green type player. Ya, Teddy makes average WRs look good but Parker and Teddy could make each other look amazing.



6. Amari Cooper - WR
Description:
Won't dazzle with blazing speed or outrageous size, but is good in both categories. Complete receiver with game-changing ability to win downfield. Has the skill and twitch to be a consistent, high-volume target in the short and intermediate games with the ability to produce against any coverage. Cooper won't be able to run roughshod over NFL safeties like he did in college, but he should be able to help a passing game improve

The Fit:
He could takeover for Jennings and be that reliable WR that never drops anything and is always open.



7. Kevin White - WR
Description:
He's not just a product of West Virginia's system -- he's talented. White competes hard for the ball and has the leaping, hands and high-pointing ability to be a factor down the field despite his lack of top-end speed. His improvement from 2013 to 2014 is a great sign, but his 40 time could define his draft stock.

The Fit:
*See Devante Parker*



8. Trae Waynes - CB

Description:
He's a bump-and-run cornerback with the length, deep speed and confidence to handle himself down the field against speed. Waynes plays too handsy for NFL officials and that could show up on Sundays due to his lack of great feet and suddenness. He needs technique work and could be inconsistent early on, but he has a very high floor.

The Fit:
-Big, physical CB. Would be able to come in and play press-man and shutdown opposing WRs. It would be impossible for QBs to pass on Rhodes and Waynes.



9. Brandon Scherff - OT/G
Description:
Like former Hawkeye Riley Reiff, Scherff has measurables and traits to play tackle in the league but might be better suited to play guard. More powerful than explosive, Reiff is not a scheme-specific talent and can maul or move in run game. Road-grader with pancake-man potential, but has holes in his pass protection that will be exposed on the next level -- especially at tackle.

The Fit:
-Scherff would step in and be a stud LG or he could play LT if Kalil struggles. Either way, our offensive line would get so much better with him.



10. Bud Dupree - DE/OLB
Description:
Dupree is an explosive, powerful athlete with a background in basketball. While he's been productive at Kentucky, his tape doesn't always do his potential justice. He must continue to improve as a pass rusher, but his traits are undeniable. Difference between being good and great might be his coordinator.

The Fit:
*See Beasley/Fowler*



11. Randy Gregory - DE
Description:
-A 3-4 outside linebacker with the length, toughness and closing burst to immediately help a run defense. Gregory could stand to add more weight to his frame and needs plenty of technique work and a patient coach for his pass-rush skill to match his traits. High-ceiling, low-floor prospect.

The Fit:
-Would be a good 4-3 defensive end. May need to strengthen up but he could takeover for BRob.



12. Landon Collins - S
Description:
Collins is a tempo-setter who can energize a defense with his downhill, aggressive style. He is at his best when he can attack rather than sit back in coverage and process. Collins' tackling, pursuit angles and speed to the sideline can help a defense shut down rushing attacks, but his inconsistencies in coverage will be tested by NFL offenses.

The Fit:
-He would most likely be an in the box safety that terrorizes WRs coming across the middle and he would be able to help the run game.



13. Malcom Brown - DT
Description:
Penetrating big man who took a huge step forward as an NFL prospect in 2014. Brown has hand quickness and uses hands like an NFL starter. His instincts and feel off the snap help him to get into the backfield quickly. Some personnel men believe Brown can play multiple spots along the line in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, which could put him in play for a high number of teams.

The Fit:
-Would be a rotational player at DT. Could rotate with Joseph and Floyd. He would also be more of a pass rushing threat.



14. Shane Ray - DE/OLB
Description:
It's hard to find many weaknesses for Ray. He pursues the quarterback and the ball like it's his last snap. An alpha male packaged in an explosive frame, Ray has the traits and skills to be a dominant pass rusher and potential Pro Bowler. He also has the athleticism and strength to play in any defensive front.

The Fit:
-He would most likely be our replacement for BRob. I don't really see him converting to OLB. He could be a pretty good DE in our system though.



15. Marcus Peters - CB
Description:
Talented cover cornerback with size, ball skills and the confidence NFL teams are looking for, but lacks the necessary discipline and maturity on the field and in practice. Peters has raw talent, but is far from a polished cornerback, and that is without taking the character concerns into consideration.

The Fit:
-I didn't know where to go with this spot. If Peters worked out, him and Rhodes could be the best combo in the league.

How did i do? Give me some feedback please!

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.