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2015 NFL Draft Results

1-16

17-32

Round 2

Jaelen Strong is such an underrated wide receiver. It's amazing that he's still available. I'm still shocked that he wasn't the first player out of Arizona State selected in the first round last night.

Posted By Chris Ransom with updates by Don Portman Last Updated: April 25, 2016

New York Giants: Landon Collins, SS, Alabbama A+ Grade

The Giants traded the 40th pick, 108th, pick and the 245th pick. I'm amazed that the Giants were able to move up this much and gave up so little to get Landon Collins by taking the top safety in the 2015 NFL Draft. Outstanding round 2 pick after wasting a top 10 pick on Ereck Flowers.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: The Giants got a man who was a first round prospect, the top safety prospect who had 9 deflections from pass breakups in Landon Collins. Landon Collins also shares his birthday with Ransom. The Titans got Dorial Green-Beckham, fullback Jalston Fowler, and Tre McBride with their 3 picks from the Giants. Tennessee got two starters an a return specialist from the Giants. New York won this trade, but they get an A- grade instead of an A grade because of what they gave up to get Collins.

Don Portman's Grade: A- Grade
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Smith, LT, Penn State B+ Grade

We knew Tampa Bay would take an offensive tackle. We didn't know who they would take. Donovan Smith will thrive at left tackle. If Tampa Bay moves Dotson to left tackle forcing Donovan Smith inside to right tackle this pick will backfire.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: The Buccaneers drafted Donovan Smith at left tackle with the intention of finding Winston's blindside. Smith struggled as a rookie to the point where some mocks thought about Smith moving to guard. Tampa Bay added Sweezy so we'll, give Tampa Bay a B grade for now and update you guys after Smith's sophomore year.

Don Portman's Grade: B Grade
Oakland Raiders: Mario Edwards, LE, Florida State A+ Grade

Mario Edwards is 6-2 279 lbs. He can play defensive line in a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme. The only position he cannot play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 is nose tackle. That's why Oakland signed Dan Williams in Free Agency. Justin Tuck is still on the roster at right end. Edwards might be able to fill in where Lamaar Woodley left off following the departure of Lamaar Houston.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Mario Edwards Jr. has the ability to be an effective 4-3 left end. Injuries limited Edwards as a rookie down the stretch plus Aldon Smith rotated time with him. Edwards has to step up in year 2 or this pick gets a C grade. Right now Oakland gets a B- with Reggie McKenzie getting a solid player.

Don Portman's Grade: B- Grade
Jacksonville Jaguars: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama C Grade

Jacksonville needed a running back. There were better rushers available. Alabama has a running back in 2016 that might be better than Yeldon and experts are calling him a first round pick.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: T.J. Yeldon started 12 games having 740 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1 receiving touchdown, and 3 total touchdowns. I thought Yeldon was as two-down back at Alabama and he got the projected stats I expected. He only had 1 game as a rookie where he had 100 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown and that was against the Bills in London so maybe Yeldon does better outside the United States.

All kidding aside, Yeldon has to show much better leadership and it won't be easy with the interior offensive line being much weaker this season with Wisniewski and Beadles both gone after starting for the Jaguars at left guard and center during Yeldon's rookie year. If Yeldon struggled with them, he could do worse this year.

Don Portman's Grade: B- Grade
New York Jets: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State D Grade

Jaelen Strong is the best receiver available. The Jets still ignored pass rusher and quarterback after two rounds.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: There were better receivers as Chris pointed out. Smith had 9 receptions for 115 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdowns. Jets bloggers will blatantly defend this pick. The bottom line is that Smith scored his only touchdown on a nickel corner that belongs on the Jacksonville Sharks in the Arena League.

Don Portman's Grade: D Grade
Washington Redskins: Preston Smith, 3-4 LOLB, Mississippi State C+ Grade

Preston Smith will begin his career as a backup to Jason Hatcher. Even though I had Smith graded out as a third round prospect this is a solid pick.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Washington converted Preston Smith to a 3-4 left outside linebacker where he sat behind Ryan Kerrigan. Kerrigan only recorded 9.5 sacks with double teams with Trent Murphy getting abused by left tackles. Preston Smith had 33 total tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles as a situational rush linebacker.

Smith looks like a future starter, but he has to take that next step in 2016. Hopefully Washington starts Kerrigan at 3-4 ROLB and moves Smith over to 3-4 LOLB as a full-time starter while demoting Murphy to the bench.

Don Portman's Grade: C+ Grade
Chicago Bears: Eddie Goldman, NT, Florida State A+ Grade

Jesse Lucas had Eddie Goldman going 39th to the Chicago Bears in his 7 round mock. Eddie Goldman was a first round prospect. Chicago deservers huge props for making Jesse Lucas look extremely credible.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Eddie Goldman had 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks as a rookie at 3-4 nose tackle. Goldman was a first round talent as Chris stated so this gets an A grade here.

Don Portman's Grade: A Grade
Tennessee Titans: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma B- Grade

How did the Titans pass on Strong for Green-Beckham? This was a bad pick, but when you consider Green-Beckham's value along with the fact that Tennessee traded down to get him, you can justify the Titans selection.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Dorial Green-Beckham had 549 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. That's about what I expected from him since he was one year removed from football and those numbers are pretty outstanding for a guy who started only 5 games. I am giving the Titans a C+ grade for now, but this could become a C grade in a year from now.

Don Portman's Grade: C+ Grade
Carolina Panthers: Devin Funchess, TE, Michigan F Grade

Carolina gave up a third round pick and traded up for Devin Funchess. They didn't take Jake Fisher or T.J. Clemmings. They took Devin Funchess.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Devin Funchess had 5 receiving touchdowns and really started to blossom down the stretch. Carolina gave up picks that the Rams used on Rob Havenstein, Sean Mannion, and Bud Sasser. I was either gonna give the Panthers a C+, C, or C- grade depending on how many players the Rams drafted were busts. Havenstein is the only starter the Rams got so this Panthers pick gets a solid C grade.

Don Portman's Grade: C Grade
Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Collins, FS, LSU B Grade

Jalen Collins has the versatility to cornerback, strong safety, or free safety. He struggles in coverage and misses tackles at times, but he has the versatility to start anywhere at secondary and that's why this was a good pick.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: The Falcons need a free safety last year. They drafted Collins and can move him to free safety, but lousy coaching by Dan Quinn has Collins stuck in a nickel corner role. Not only does Quinn fail to motivate his guys when they get fatigued by telling them they need to stay focused. He also doesn't know how to utilize a safety that he was drafted. Quinn was dealt incredible safeties in Seattle and sure he dominated as a defensive line coach, but he inherited a Super Bowl defense that had built up a lot of confidence under Gus Bradley that didn't need any additional pieces.

Collins has ability. The Falcons don't know how to use him properly so he has to be accountable for that. He also got suspended from the roster and had 0 deflections as a nickel corner so I guess the front office is just as accountable as the terrible coaching. Atlanta gets a C- for taking Collins.

Don Portman's Grade: C- Grade
Houston Texans: Benardrick McKinney, 3-4 MLB, Mississippi State C Grade

Benardrick McKinney is a solid player. He's more of a 4-3 guy than a 3-4 guy and I question the idea of Houston giving up a 2nd, 4th and 6th round pick to move up for a 4-3 MLB.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Bernardrick McKinney had 63 tackles transitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4. He he problems adapting to the 3-4, but with another year he could be great so yes, I'll give this a C grade only because the Browns could only find one starter in Nate Orchard the other guys they picked didn't even make the roster.

Don Portman's Grade: C Grade
New Orleans Saints: Hau'Oli Kikaha, LOLB, Washington A+ Grade

This was an awesome pick by the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans needed a pass rusher and Kikaha led the nation with 19.5 sacks.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Awesome pick hmm. Kikaha that's a good one Chris. Now with Laurinaitis, Anthony is moving to LOLB with Kikaha basically being used as a 4-3 LOLB for depth.

Don Portman's Grade: C- Grade
Minnesota Vikings: Eric Kendricks, MLB, UCLA A+ Grade

Eric Kendricks was the best linebacker in this draft. He played in a 4-2-5, 4-3, and 3-4 at UCLA. Lined up at right outside linebacker, middle linebacker, and left outside linebacker when UCLA ran in the 4-3 and 3-4. Very versatility, athletic, and productive. Amazed that Kendircks didn't go in the first round. Teams took Kendricks size into account because this is the only sure thing when it comes to a 3 down linebacker in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Kendricks had three consecutive seasons of 100 tackles and demonstrated elite ability of a 3 down linebacker. Being 6-0 232 lbs made him undesized in the eyes of scouts. Basically Kendricks was the Russell Wilson of linebackers is a complete prospect on tape, but size lowered his stock. Still he came in and had 72 total tackles, 20 assisted tackles, and 92 total tackles along with 4 sacks.

I feel hesitant about giving this an A+ grade for two reasons. First, Kendricks is now 24, but won't turn 25 until next February. He also only started 11 games in his rookie season. 92 tackles in 11 starts is phenomenal. I guess Eric Kendricks joins Amari Cooper, Todd Gurley, and Marcus Peters as my only other prospects to get A+ grades.

Don Portman's Grade: A+ Grade
San Francisco 49ers: Jaquiski Tartt, SS, Samford F Grade

Jaquiski Tartt is a horrible pick. The 49ers need a left guard and a cornerback.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Let's not kid ourselves. Tartt is a great tackler and run stuffer at strong safety. I know the 49ers have Jimme Ward, Antoine Bethea, and Eric Reid. Tartt had 65 total tackles as rookie and showed incredible promise. Ward can move to nickel corner and reid is the FS of the future. Tarr will be the eventual successor to Antoine Bethea.

Don Portman's Grade: B- Grade
Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Rowe, FS, Utah A Grade

Philadelphia needed a free safety. Eric Rowe has the versatility to play cornerback or free safety so this is an awesome pick.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Eric Rowe had 5 deflections from pass breakups in 5 starts. He has promise. My issue is he is better in man than zone and is moving from free safety to nickel cornerback.

Don Portman's Grade: C+ Grade
San Diego Chargers: Denzel Perryman, 3-4 MLB, Miami FL B Grade

Denzel Perryman is a 4-3 only linebacker. He's athletic enough to transition to a 3-4 and should take Manti Te'o's job.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Perriman had 64 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 73 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble so far. Perriman did not rely on assistance for gang tackles. I think Perriman has earned a B+ grade.

Don Portman's Grade: B+ Grade
Kansas City Chiefs: Mitch Morse, C, Missouri C Grade

Mitch Morse has the versatility to play every position on the offensive line. Not just that he's a hometown player. You cannot critique the Chiefs for taking Morse over Grasu. Grasu's injury may be more severe than we think.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Quit Morsing around Ransom. Mitch Morse deserves an A grade for reviving this offensive line from the abyss once Jamaal Charles went down.

Morse had a fantastic rookie season starting 15 games leading a potent running attack and improving Alex Smith's pass protection greatly. The Chiefs had a wild card spot secured and if they rested Morse instead of Morsing around by playing for the AFC West Morse would have been healthy. With a healthy Morse, Kansas City would have been much more effective running the ball against the Patriots so this is an A grade.

Don Portman's Grade: A Grade
Buffalo Bills: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State A+ Grade

I had Jalen Collins going at 50. I also had Ronald Darby ranked higher than Collins. Nice pick Buffalo.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Ronald Darby beat out Stephon Gilmore for the #1 field cornerback job. He came in and had 21 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Buffalo had an incredible pass rush when healthy, but Darby was a huge contributor once Kyle Williams went down because we saw a rapid decline in Mario Williams as well.

I don't know if Darby will ever have 21 deflections in a season again. He's capable of getting 10 a year, and it will be a down year, if he doesn't meet that goal. This is easily an A+ grade. I want to give Buffalo an A++ grade since the Bills still got a guy who nabbed 21 deflections even without a first round pick thanks to the Sammy Watkins trade.

Don Portman's Grade: A+ Grade
Cleveland Browns: Nate Orchard, 3-4 ROLB, Utah A+ Grade

Cleveland finally took a pass rusher. Orchard had 18.5 sacks in 2014 and has the versatility to play anywhere at defensive end or outside linebacker in a 4-3 or a 3-4 at outside linebacker. Orchard and Paul Kruger both playing next to each other.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Nate Orchard is still a work in progress. He showed ability to be a 3-4 right outside linebacker in the Browns final 2 games. He was a situational pass rusher last year. Ever since taking over for Mingo in week 16, he's shown ability to be the Pro Bowl pass rusher he was coming out of Utah. Orchard may be due for a breakout sophomore campaign. It's too early to say if Orchard pans out, but right now this pick gets a B grade.

Don Portman's Grade: B Grade
Miami Dolphins: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma B Grade

Jordan Phillips will be a solid starter next to Suh. This is the best scenario for Phillips because he played in a 4-3, but has the size of a 3-4.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Jordan Phillips had 4 deflections from pass breakups as a 330 lb 4-3 defensive tackle. He has the big body, and can swat passes down. He's a two down player though and that limits him. He gets a B- grade since he went to the right team, but Suh needs to be more proactive with showing Phillips the ropes.

Don Portman's Grade: C- Grade
Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Fisher, RT, Oregon B Grade

Cincinnati gets a right tackle for the second time in a row. Apparently Cincinnati wants to secure A.J. Green and Mohammed Sanu long term which is the biggest reason why they double dipped at offensive tackle. You can question this, but I think it is a good choice by Cincinnati.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Whitworth is back and Ogbuhei will play right tackle this season. Ogbuhei will likely play right tackle until Whitworth moves on while Fisher goes from a reserve to a situational tackle in year 2. Some say Fisher is more durable than Ogbuhei which is why this pick isn't a complete waste.

Don Portman's Grade: C Grade
Detroit Lions: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska A Grade

The Detroit Lions needed a running back. This is a solid pick here.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Abdullah struggled as a rookie. He's expected to be a fantasy stud next season which is why he gets a C+ grade. Abdullah had over 1,000 yards as a return specialist so I'll bump him up to a B- for special teams.

Don Portman's Grade: B- Grade
Baltimore Ravens: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota A+ Grade

The Ravens' needed a tight end and traded up with Arizona to get one. Maxx Williams was the best tight end available. Fantastic job Baltimore!

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Maxx Williams was the top tight end in the 2015 NFL Draft. He only had 1 receiving touchdown and can be considered a disappointment.

Don Portman's Grade: C Grade
Pittsburgh Steelers: Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss D+ Grade

Senquez Golson isn't even the best defensive back on Ole Miss. I'm still amazed that Pittsburgh passed on Alex Carter, Ronald Darby, and P.J. Williams. Pittsburgh is obviously high on character. Taking an SEC cornerback is the only reason I avoided giving the Steelers an F grade.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Golson is a wild card Chris Ransom. See he had shoulder surgery as a rookie and is questionable for training camp after missing his entire rookie campaign. If the Steelers draft the right #1 field corner in the first round and Golson contributes as a nickel corner with a healthy William Gay in the boundary. I think this was a poor pick because like you said Golson is a nickel at best and you don't draft depth players in the first two rounds, but with a first round corner from 2016 along with WIlliam Gay, Golson is a guy that will be in a position to fly under the radar which is why I went C- instead of D+.

Don Portman's Grade: C- Grade
St. Louis Rams: Rob Havenstein, RT, Wisconsin F Grade

Rob Havenstein was a promising player until his horrendous NFL Combine. This was a huge reach by the Rams and T.J. Clemmings was still on the board.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Havenstein was a second round pick heading into his Senior Bowl week. He dropped to round 3 after mobile and did so bad at the NFL Combine, that people thought he'd drop to round 5. Rams looked past that and got a great right tackle in Havenstein that can protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. The Rams #1 overall draft pick at quarterback already has two run blocking tackles Robinson and Havenstein plus Gurley at full health meaning they can operate a Jeff Fisher run first offense and adapt to a pass first offense as the Rams get more weapons surrounding their quarterback. Havenstein gets an A grade here.

Don Portman's Grade: A Grade
Arizona Cardinals: Markus Golden, 3-4 ROLB, Missouri B+ Grade

Arizona needed an upgrade at 3-4 right outside linebacker. Golden has the versatility to play either side just like Shane Ray. I'm just not sure the Cardinals made a good pick here.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Markus Golden is a solid pass rusher. That saw limited action in 6 starts. 21 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He could easily double those numbers in a 12 game season and if Golden played all 16 games next to Chandler Jones then obtaining 11 sacks is very realistic. Golden is a guy that will make huge strides next season meaning Arizona won't take a pass rusher unless its a guy for depth in the late rounds.

Don Portman's Grade: B Grade
Denver Broncos: Tyler Sambrailo, LG, Colorado State C Grade

Denver had Tyler Sambrailo listed as a 1st-2nd round pick. This was a good pick.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Tyler Sambrailo was a reserve offensive tackle after his horrendous Senior Bowl. It's amazing that Elway thought this guy was a late first round pick. I mean after Ryan Clady goes down they start Ryan "I took a 3-year absence from the NFL" Harris at left tackle and win a Super Bowl. Sambrailo may kick inside to guard, but that's the only thing keeping this pick from being an F grade.

Don Portman's Grade: D- Grade
Dallas Cowboys: Randy Gregory, LE, Nebraska A+ Grade

Randy Gregory is a good pick. He's one of the better pass rushers left in the Draft. Dallas needed someone to replace Bruce Carter who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at left outside linebacker. I'm excited to see what Gregory does with Greg Hardy in Dallas.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Randy Gregory was a situational pass rusher on the bench behind Greg Hardy and DeMarcus Lawrence. Gregory got forced into the lineup and struggled to adapt. He has the size of an outside linebacker, but is a 4-3 only player. He also got suspended four games and with someone like Joey Bosa possibly replacing Hardy, that means Gregory may have a life sentence as a situational pass rusher meaning this pick gets a D grade since Gregory was a top 5 pick in the running to rival Leonard Williams to be the top defensive lineman taken at one point.

Don Portman's Grade: D Grade
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ali Marpet, RG, Hobart A+ Grade

The Buccaneers traded up to get Ali Marpet. Marpet has the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line. This will give Doug Martin more ability to blossom in the running game if he can stay healthy. Mankins and Marpet will open up running lanes. Tampa Bay deserves credit for giving Winston an offensive line that will help him succeed with two offensive linemen in the second round.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Ali Marpet was an excellent pick. He had more success on the offensive line than Donovan Smith. I mean with the signing of former Seahawks right guard J.R. Sweezy, Marpet should be moving inside to left guard where Logan Mankins played with all the versatility he displayed coming out of Hobart. If Marpet moved to left guard this would be an A grade, but this pick gets an A- grade.

Don Portman's Grade: A- Grade
Green Bay Packers: Quentin Rollins, CB, Miami Ohio A+ Grade

Green Bay gave Rollins a first round grade. I'm guessing Randall was graded higher or that Ted Thompson was sober this evening. Either way this was an awesome pick by Green Bay who boosted their secondary.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Green Bay gets a first round prospect on their board in round 2. Not just that Rollins is a solid nickel corner.

Don Portman's Grade: A Grade
Seattle Seahawks: Frank Clark, LE, Michigan F Grade

Jackson Jeffcoat is more qualified to start than Frank Clark. I really am confused as to why Seattle took this guy.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: Frank Clark is 6-3 257 lbs. He played 4-3 left end and 3-4 left outside linebacker at Michigan. Clark was a situational edge rusher as both a backup 4-3 left end and a backup 4-3 left outside linebacker. If the Seahawks cannot draft Darron Lee in the first round or if they pass on him that should be an indicator that Clark will likely start in 2016. That's why I give this pick a B- grade.

Don Portman's Grade: B- Grade
New England Patriots: Jordan Richards, SS, Stanford B- Grade

Go ahead and call me biased for giving the Patriots a B- grade for taking a strong safety. I loved Richards on tape heading into 2014. Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon are on this roster. He is capable of beating out Duron Harmon for the backup strong safety job because Harmon was a 2013 third round pick out of Rutgers.

Don Portman's Rookie Update: While you may be bias with your Pats Chris, this is clearly a B grade. Jordan Richards is not the blitzer Chung is. Richards is a four-year starter at Stanford as strong safety. He was defensive captain as well as the guy who called plays for Stanford's defensive backs.

The middle linebacker has someone that hears the plays the defensive coordinator calls. There is also a defensive back that gets to coordinate the teams coverage schemes by communicating with Stanford's coaches and the man that did that at Stanford was Jordan Howard.

Chung is an awesome blitzer and run stuffer. He can pass rush well. He's inconsistent in coverage and gets penalized way too often. Richards is a guy, New England hardly played, but sitting out and learning behind Chung allows him to learn how Chung blitzes and adding that blitz element into his game along with consistent tackling and outstanding coverage puts Richards in a position to take Chungs job as well as Belichick in a position to underpay his defensive backs which is something Billy B loves to do in New England. I think the Patriots get an A- grade here because he beat out Harmon as a roookie, and he's a guy who will only get better learning under Chung because his strengths are Chung's weaknesses and Chung's weaknesses are his strengths thus, Richards, is the perfect successor to Chung in New England.

Don Portman's Grade: A- Grade