2015 NFL Draft: Best and Worst Value Picks
By Cole Moog
Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linemen Ereck Flowers runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Day 1 Worst Selections:
Ereck Flowers OT New York Giants (1st Round Pick 9): This pick was one of my least favorite selections, just because I felt it was at least a ten-pick reach to get Flowers at nine. They focused on need over value, and that almost never ends well. There were plenty of solid starting-capable offensive tackles where they selected in the second round. They traded up to get Landon Collins; instead they could have traded up to nab Donovan Smith or Jake Fisher who can start Day 1. They had a need at defensive tackle and they passed on the best true defensive tackle in the draft in Danny Shelton. The only offensive lineman who was talented enough to go in the top 15 in my opinion was Brandon Scherff. The Giants went all-in with this pick, and I think they lost.
Cameron Erving C Cleveland Browns (1st Round Pick 19): This was a very interesting selection in my opinion. The Browns really hit on their first pick by drafting Danny Shelton, but they missed here. They have one of the best, if not the best, centers in the entire NFL in Alex Mack; so Erving will shift to play right tackle. Erving did play tackle two years ago, but he clearly increased his stock by switching to center, because that is his best position. I think if Erving came into the NFL as a center, he could be a Pro-Bowler in two to three years; however I think he will only be an above-average right tackle.
Laken Tomlinson OG Detroit Lions (1st Round Pick 28): This was the most confusing selection of the entire first round. They had a huge need at defensive tackle, even with the addition of Haloti Ngata; and they passed on Malcolm Brown, who was not only the best player available but the best player that fit their needs. It was also an overall reach for Tomlinson, who I think they could have gotten with their second-round pick. Tomlinson is a project for a first-round pick. He definitely should have been selected in the middle to late second round. Overall this was my least favorite pick of the first round.
Next: The best picks of day two ... this includes the Ravens!