Mock drafts are nice, but I'm much more interested in perfect marriages.I'm talking about those ideal draft fits that benefit all parties involved -- the pairings where the team fills a big need and the player gets an opportunity to immediately showcase his skills.Allow me to propose cozy landing spots for some notable first-round talents, Schein Nine style. Now, just to be clear, this is not a straight projection of how things will play out on draft day -- it's how things could play out in a perfect world. That said, I won't be the least bit surprised if a number of the following marriages do indeed come to fruition.(NOTE: In each subhead, click on the player name for an expanded scouting report, click on the team name for a list of this
Justin Smoak Jersey year's draft picks.)1) -- I think Cooper is a dream pick for Oakland. After seeing plenty of promise from rookie quarterback last season, the crave an instant-impact star at receiver, a guy who can significantly foster Carr's development. Cooper is the real deal, a can't-mi s prospect. He brings hands, strength, savvy, refined route-running and the experience of winning big and starring at one of the nation's premier college football programs. This guy has the makeup to provide immediate returns and establish himself as an NFL star in the coming decade.Don't let the NFL fool you. While Kevin White, who wowed observers in the "Underwear Olympics," can play and should become a legit stud, Cooper is special right now. The can't let this opportunity pa s. This is the guy at No. 4.2) -- The need major help in the trenches on both sides of the football. Ironically, last year around this time, I thought defensive tackle and offensive lineman were both perfect options for Big Blue in Round 1, guys who could addre s the team's i sues up front.Now, don't get me wrong: New York obviously did just fine in selecting Jr., who enjoyed a majestic rookie season. Unfortunately, the won six games.Now, with Beckham as a stud receiver, they really need to addre s the areas where you win football games.Scherff isn't a sexy pick, but neither
Ryan Borucki Jersey was Martin to Dallas -- it was just pure genius. The Iowa lineman will give New York needed toughne s, talent and versatility on the O-line.3) -- Character i sues are a major concern with Peters, who was suspended and then dismi sed from the Washington football team last season. But it's that uncertainty that could bring him into Green Bay's draft range, as a trade-up option or even in the team's draft slot at No. 30. This is a very skilled cornerback -- without the attitude i sues, he'd be projected to go much higher.If Peters checks out OK -- and Mike McCarthy and Co. are convinced that he's learned from past mistakes and will fit into the Green Bay locker room -- it's the kind of move that could solidify the as the team to
Devon Travis Jersey beat in the NFC.I also think Peters would fit in incredibly well with the , who pick 26th in Round 1.4) -- Suddenly, there's a ton of buzz that Gurley is going in the top 10. And I don't think this is overcooked hype in the final stretches of the pre-draft slog. The only concern with Gurley was health in the wake of an ACL tear last November. Well, , and now teams are highly attracted to the former Georgia star. Rightfully so -- this guy's a rock star, the rare back who should be drafted in the top 10.Gurley makes sense for the . He'd be dreamy for the . I wouldn't be surprised if either team traded up (especially Miami) -- in fact, I'd endorse such a move.But don't the need a running back? Wouldn't the superstar who played his college ball in the Peach State make sense?Sure, Atlanta's defense was grotesque last year. But who is their running back? 's gone. and have committee potential, but neither's a bell-cow back. If gets hurt, this team cannot function.If the stud pa s rushers are gone before Atlanta picks, grab Gurley. Heck, even if they aren't, Gurley could be the best player on the board.It's easy to a sume defense makes sense for Atlanta at No. 8. It does. But the arrival of new head coach (and former defensive coordinator) Dan Quinn should provide a boost on that side of the ball. And Quinn knows from his Seattle days how much a great run game helps everything.5) -- Many think Gurley goes to San Diego at No. 17. I think that's a pipe dream.Gordon has pure speed and a fantastic rep coming out of Wisconsin. He just posted the second-highest single-season rushing total in FBS history: 2,587 yards, behind only Barry Sanders' 2,628-yard effort in 1988. Not too shabby. He'd be a great home-run hitter in the ' offense and fill the void left by ' departure to Philly.6) -- I think White is perfect for the , as well, but the pick ahead of Miami and have more overall draft currency should a trade-up be required. And quite frankly, Cleveland is more desperate at the receiver position. isn't walking through that door.
Marco Estrada Jersey , , , , ... Is that a receiving corps or a witne s protection program?This team doesn't have the quarterback talent to produce with such an underwhelming cast of pa s catchers. White could immediately establish himself as Cleveland's No. 1 target and give this offense some much-needed punch in the pa sing game.7) -- The now have two first-round picks after the deal (something I still ). With the offense apparently becoming more of a ground-based approach -- as evidenced by that trade, as well as the re-signing of and acquisition of -- the ' defense can't rely on high-flying offensive fireworks to win games.New Orleans last season. Rob Ryan needs an influx of talent. A versatile, athletic defender would certainly help. Hello, Mr Dupree! The Kentucky product is still raw, but he has the kind of explosive traits that can't be taught.8) -- Gus Bradley is a defensive coach. The picked quarterback a year ago, eschewing the defense. Time to give Bradley a new toy. Fowler is a pure pa s rusher with versatility and speed -- an ideal guy for Jacksonville's scheme.Many a mock draft have this pairing coming together at pick No. 3 -- and for good reason: It just makes sense
Shun Yamaguchi Jersey .9) -- Yup, Chip Kelly gets his man.As mentioned in the intro, this is a fit column, not nece sarily a prediction one. And obviously, there is no better outcome for Mariota than to be reunited with Kelly. The would almost certainly have to trade up to make this happen, but why not? Mariota knows the offense, that's for sure. There will be no learning curve, just instant succe s and a division title. I believe Mariota can eventually thrive anywhere, but he can immediately thrive in Philly.Follow Adam Schein on Twitter .
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