I haven't seen a mock draft thread for Red Boarders, so here's one for anyone to post theirs. I'm using a couple of draft guides to determine draft positioning (with summaries from Dane Brugler's excellent draft guide http://www.myfootballnews.com/product/2015-Guide). Lastly, I swear I am not a Miami fan.1. Jameis Winston QB FSUWinston became the first freshman with 4,000+ passing yards and 40+ touchdowns in FBS history, but his sophomore season showed some of his inconsistent decision making and turnover issues with 28 interceptions and 13 fumbles on his résumé. Winston has NFL physical traits with his size, arm strength and enough mobility, but is most impressive in three critical areas: pocket maneuverability (presence and comfort with bullets buzzing past his ear), anticipation as a passer (throws receivers open with terrific touch) and clutch ability (the most focused and comfortable in tight moments). He shows immature and insecure habits off the field and teams need to figure out if he can be trusted or if there is a fundamental flaw in his psyche that suggests trouble will follow him, especially under constant media scrutiny in the NFL. Despite the off-field issues, the football field is his refuge and he’s been able to block out distractions and bounce back from mistakes. Although he isn’t on Andrew Luck’s level as an on-field NFL prospect, Winston is close as the game appears to come very natural to him and he has ideal physical traits for the NFL game. He has the talent and upside worth the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft with a high NFL ceiling, but his immaturity and willingness to break the quarterback Hippocratic Oath (keep the team from harm) are wildcards, lowering his NFL floor.2. Ereck Flowers OT MiamiAlthough he could have used another year at the college level to clean up his mistakes and simmer awhile longer in the crock pot, Flowers has the size, athletic traits and competitive nature to be a long-term NFL starter – similar to La’el Collins, it doesn’t always look pretty, but he gets the job done. He needs to be more reliant on his hands and technique, not just his broad-shouldered frame and strength, but possesses the hard-working preparation habits to adapt with NFL coaching. Flowers has experience in man and zone blocking concepts and has the versatile skill-set to fit at left or right tackle, although he might not be ready to start from day one at the next level. He is admittedly unpolished in several areas, but his best football is ahead of him – late first round pick who could go higher due to his upside.3. Phillip Dorsett WR MiamiA teammate of Florida State wide receiver Rashad Greene in high school, Dorsett has elite speed with impact acceleration to burst out of his stance and turn on the jets to go get deep balls – at his best on vertical routes and crossers where he can catch in stride and let his speed go to work. While his acceleration is elite, his route-running and hand/eye coordination still need work, struggling with his technique in contested situations and as a blocker. Dorsett led Miami in receiving the two seasons he was a healthy starter (2012, 2014), but his special teams impact was disappointing and the durability concerns cannot be ignored due to his size and limited bulk. While he still needs work, Dorsett has the “see-ya” speed and instant acceleration to be a dangerous No. 2/3 NFL receiver – will be drafted higher than he should because of his outstanding speed.4. Za'Darius Smith DE KentuckyConsidering he didn’t play the sport until 2010, Smith is a terrific transformation story, cutting his teeth at the JUCO level before impressing for two seasons in the SEC (despite not earning All-SEC honors either season). He has a NFL frame and wingspan with physical hands to set the edge and bully blockers, but needs work with his technique to better maximize his physical tools. Although he has the quicks and motor for the next level, Smith needs to better collect himself on the move to break down in space and allow his momentum to catch up with his eyes. Along with the physical skill-set, he has the competitive nature needed for the position, projecting as 4-3 base defensive end with starter potential – borderline top-100 player.5. Anthony Chickillo DE MiamiMiami’s first third-generation student-athlete, Chickillo arrived in Coral Gables with considerable hype and played well as a true freshman, but his play leveled off and he might have peaked early in regards to his development – his senior tape looked too similar to his freshman tape, but he was also miscast head-up over the tackle. He does a nice job attacking gaps and giving blockers all they can handle, but he struggles to put consistent pressure on the pocket and shows too much wasted motion at the line – needs to be more efficient with his upper body rush moves and lower body movements. Chickillo doesn’t have difference-maker potential as a pass rusher, but he’s stout, reliable and leaves everything on the field, projecting as a rotational left defensive end in a 4-3 front.5. Jarvis Harrison OG Texas A&MA basketball player growing up, Harrison didn’t focus on football until his junior season in high school and was a late bloomer, but quickly made a positive impression in College Station, showing significant strides each season. He was the band aid of the Aggies’ offensive line, primarily lining up at left guard, but also kicking out to left tackle when needed, pushing Cedric Ogbuehi to right tackle in 2014. Harrison has starting potential in the NFL with top-75 talent, but the questionable football character and desire to reach his full potential will drop him down draft boards – day three prospect, but if a coaching staff can light a fire under his butt and get him to buy in, Harrison will end up being a steal.6. Clayton Geathers S UCFThe “most dedicated” of the Geathers clan according to his family, Clayton is the latest in a long line of Geathers athletes to test the NFL waters, but unlike most of his cousins, he played five seasons in college and put together a productive resume instead of leaving school early. Geathers has the look of an enforcing striker and backs it up with his physical nature and toughness vs. the run, although he does have room to clean up his angles and secondary quickness to work around and off blocks. Nicknamed “Porcupine” growing up because he was tough to touch, Geathers also has the desired athleticism to hold up at strong safety with the football character and work ethic to continue his development – should compete for a starting job in year two and help on special teams coverages.7. John Timu LB WashingtonA high school quarterback, Timu arrived at Washington as a 205-pound athlete and leaves as a 240-pound four-year starter at linebacker. The coaches threw a lot at him and he responded well and should continue to improve with more technique and discipline work. Timu has the make-up of a future football coach due to his above average smarts, instincts and leadership on the field. His limitations make it tough to project his role in the NFL, but he has the makings of a special teams stand-out who can provide depth on the linebacker depth chart – worth a late round gamble.
