Joel Klatt's NFL Mock Draft: Should Mariota go No. 1 overall?

I can't wait to get this thing kicked off on Thursday night. There will be trades and fans will be shocked at certain picks, but one thing is certain, teams will get better based on the picks made in this draft.

For the purposes of this mock draft it is important to note that I am not trying to predict or guess what is going to happen, rather I am making a pick as if I were the GM based on my evaluation.

So, before you get upset that I have Marcus Mariota going No. 1 and "everyone knows" Tampa is taking Winston, relax and think about what you would do if given the keys to an NFL draft board for one pick.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, Oregon, QB

Mariota fills an immediate need and is the best QB prospect in the draft. He is electric on the move and can make defenses pay when they are out of position. His mind is even faster than his legs, which will minimize the steep learning curve that he is sure to face early in his career. He shows an excellent ability to feel the rush and find open spots in the pocket to both escape and make plays with his feet. When he breaks contain and gets on the outside he keeps his eyes down field, forcing the defenders into a tough choice. This type of scramble ability leads to big plays and more importantly first downs. He is mild in nature, but his leadership is off the charts. I love that he doesn't have to tell anyone how good he is, he just goes out and proves it.

2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, Florida State, QB

The Titans need a tackle, but there is not a tackle good enough for the No. 2 pick in the draft. I don't believe that Mettenberger is the answer, so they will be looking for QB help here. Winston has his baggage off the field, but he is at his best in the pressure moments. He has to clean up his footwork in order to avoid some the interceptions that plagued him last season, but he should be able to develop his foundation to get that done. His learning curve is shallow, which pays off for the Titans -- who can likely start him in Week 1 against the Buccaneers. Because of the importance of the QB position in the NFL, I feel like the Titans have to gamble here so the potential reward will have to make up for the substantial risk with Winston.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, USC, DT

The Jags dont need a DT, but they cannot pass up the opportunity to draft the best overall player in the draft here at 3. Williams is a dominant player and can play any technique on the front. The defense was able to get to the quarterback 45 times last season, which was sixth best in the league. That's why I think they can look to the interior, rather than going for the pass rusher. If Williams is able to develop a nasty streak, he has the athletic potential to be a dominant All-Pro caliber player. Defenses are built front to back and inside out and Leonard Williams at 3 is a steal.

4. Oakland Raiders: Kevin White, West Virginia, WR

The Raiders have to get Carr some help on the outside and become more dynamic on the offensive side. White has huge potential and can be a threat from Day 1 as the top-line WR for Oakland. White wins the contested catch and has the type of running ability after the catch that scares the defense. His hands are solid and after he learns how to perfect the route tree, he will be a devastating playmaker. White posses the rare quality of playing above the Xs and Os, which is exactly what the Raiders need here.

5. Washington Redskins: Dante Fowler Jr., Florida, OLB

They tried to go for the pass rusher last season with Trent Murphy in the second round, but he only had 2.5 sacks on the season. Brian Orakpo is no longer around and Fowler would be a perfect replacement. Fowler has good size at 260 to play the edge against the run and he is also explosive enough to get to the QB. He is much more of an every-down edge player than some of the other pass rushers in the draft, which makes him a perfect pick for a defense that just finished 21st against the run. Offensive line is a big need but there isn't a quality pick at this point in the draft. Fowler is the guy and Washington would be happy to have him.

6. New York Jets: Vic Beasley, Clemson, OLB

This is a great spot for a trade because the Jets will be hoping that Mariota slips to them at 6, but I think it is highly unlikely. New head coach Todd Bowles has a history of both 3-4 and 4-3 scheme success, so Alvin Dupree or Randy Gregory might be considered here, but Beasley has more flash and explosiveness. He has the best first step of any pass rusher in the draft. Beasley is not great against the run and is a bit light, but his ability to disrupt in the passing game cannot be passed up here. I know that the Jets were 28th in the league against the run, but Tom Brady is in the division. To beat him you have to get him to the ground and Beasley has the potential to do it.

7. Chicago Bears: Danny Shelton, Washington, DT

Shelton is a monster and Chicago has had no identity on the defensive side since Brian Urlacher left town. At 340-plus pounds, Shelton was a TFL machine and also can get to the QB with an unexpected high motor. Some believe this is the spot for a WR, but the Bears are not sold on Jay Cutler and there is no reason to give him more weapons if he has proven time and time again to be average no matter what is around him. Shelton gives them a player that will make them tangibly better next season. With the exit of Stephen Paea in free agency, they have to get more stout up front and Shelton is the avenue to that goal.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Alvin Dupree, Kentucky, DE

I could see them rolling the dice on Randy Gregory, but the safer pick is Alvin Dupree -- who is reliable and solid in every category. Dupree was a captain and has a great motor. The Falcons have to get more production in terms of getting to the QB as they have been one of the worst in the league for the last 3-4 seasons. Dan Quinn's defense fits Dupree perfectly and he would be a great fit, allowing him to flourish early in his career.

9. New York Giants: Amari Cooper, Alabama, WR

This is not a need-filler, but the Giants would be reaching if they were to pick Landon Collins or an offensive lineman at this pick. It is time to look at the board and select the best player available, which would be Amari Cooper. The system is a perfect fit as Cooper played in the West Coast system of Lane Kiffin and could be a threat immediately opposite of Odell Beckham in Ben McAdoo's West Coast system. Eli Manning needs some help on the OL, but again this spot would be a reach for the OL in this draft. Cooper is polished and explosive, while playing with a natural, smooth style. I love his route running and he is excellent in recognition of defenses. In two years we may look at the Giants and be watching the most dominant WR duo in the NFL.

10. St. Louis Rams: Jaelen Strong, Arizona State, WR

Last season, Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin combined for just under 80 catches and only three TDs. That is not going to get it done in the NFL. Looking to upgrade the wide receiver position in St. Louis would be smart. Strong is a big target who plays open in tight spaces, which is rare for a young wide receiver. He has an uncanny ability to catch the back shoulder fade and create that throw for the quarterback with great effort down the field before giving late eyes and shoulder turn to the defensive back. Some have questioned the health of his wrist, but it should be fine as he played with the same condition all season a year ago. Nick Foles is going to be very happy the first day he gets to work with Strong, although the former Wildcat will have to get over the college rivalry with the new Sun Devil.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Trae Waynes, Michigan State, CB

The Vikings have to address their secondary and more specifically the corner position. Waynes has solid cover skills and is best down the field using his instincts and fluid hips. He can get a bit hands-on so he may be heavily penalized while fighting the learning curve of trying to play in the NFL.  In a division that features Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford, having quality corner play is at a premium and the Vikings will get the top corner in the draft with Waynes.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, Louisville, WR

The Browns have the ammunition to move up and try to address the QB position, but if they stay at 12 they will grab a WR. Parker had a foot injury that kept him out of the first half of the season, but upon his return to the lineup he was a monster. He knows how to use his big frame and play open in tight spaces. He is natural in movement and has a good understanding of offense and spacing. It doesn't matter who is throwing the ball in Cleveland, they will enjoy throwing to DeVante Parker.

13. New Orleans Saints: Shane Ray, Missouri, DE/OLB

Ray has slipped a bit from the height of his momentum, but he is still a guy that can disrupt the passing game -- which is what New Orleans needs. Ray was the SEC Defensive Player of the year and has some solid explosiveness on the edge. He needs to get stronger at the point of attack in the run game, but that shouldn't be an issue once he is completely healthy. He hurt his foot in the bowl game and wasn't able to compete at the combine, and it also slowed him a bit at his pro day, but the guy can play and the Saints need him.

14. Miami Dolphins: Shaq Thompson, Washington, WLB/S

Thompson is the best pure football player in the draft, but he doesn't possess great technical skill. However, that is mainly due to the fact that he played a variety of positions for the Huskies and wasn't able to focus on just one skill set. He is explosive and a natural mover. I believe he will be able to dominate games very similar to what Troy Polamalu was able to do for the course of his career. Now, Troy was a pure safety and Thompson is more of a drop weak-side linebacker that can also play well in coverage. The Dolphins have Chris McCain slated to start after he was an undrafted free agent rookie a year ago, so Thompson is an upgrade right away.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Randy Gregory, Nebraska, DE

What an unfortunate offseason for the 49ers. So many departures, from the head coach to the heart of the defense. Former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula will be faced with an interesting issue at 15 because of the presence of Randy Gregory. Gregory has top-10 ability, but has significant baggage from personality issues to failed drug tests. At 15, the value is too good for the 49ers and Gregory will immediately help them up front, which they need. He is explosive and natural rushing the pass, but he will need to put on a bit of weight.

16. Houston Texans: Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma, WR

No more Andre Johnson, but the Texans will be able to fill that big wide receiver role with Dorial Green-Beckham. He has Calvin Johnson size at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, plus he can run. The red flags are there with off-field issues, but his ability is immense and in a deep wide receiver class, he may be the most dominant of them all. The quarterback position remains an issue, but whoever wins the job will have a great player to look to on the outside.

17. San Diego Chargers: Todd Gurley, Georgia, RB

If Rivers doesn't work something out with San Diego, then the Chargers may want to kick the tires on trading up to the No. 2 spot. If they don't, then they have to become more dynamic in the backfield. Ryan Mathews is gone and Todd Gurley can immediately make them a solid rushing team, which wasn't the case last season even with Mathews. Gurley is coming along really well from his ACL surgery and when he is 100 percent, he can become the engine for any offense. I love his vision and his explosiveness, but he is also a tough, violent runner in between the tackles. He reminds me a bit of Marshawn Lynch in that respect and he can become the type of RB that will help extend Rivers career. Chargers fans will remember watching Terrell Davis run wild in the AFC West, extending John Elway's career and that is exactly what Gurley can bring to the Bolts.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Breshad Perriman, Central Florida, WR

When your team doesn't have a wide receiver catch a touchdown pass all season that is a problem. Now, I believe the problem is also with their quarterback, but that is neither here nor there. Perriman is an explosive player with big-play potential. It seemed like every time I turned on the tape Perriman was making another long catch for an explosive play. He has suspect hands, but his workouts during the draft process have been solid.  This is a good value and Perriman will be a threat for the Chiefs.

19. Cleveland Browns: Ereck Flowers, Miami, OT

Cleveland already gets a wide receiver and now it can solidify what was a weak offensive line a season ago. Flowers is my top lineman and I love his power in tight spaces. I think he will have to play guard for a year or two before moving out to his more natural position which, for me, is right tackle. He has good feet and enough athleticism to be moved outside after learning the NFL game on the interior. Powerful player that will help the Browns offense.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Collins, Alabama, S

Nate Allen signed with Oakland and the Eagles have to think about upgrading their secondary in the back end. Collins is a smart, tough player who has great football IQ and instincts. He is battling some lingering shoulder issues, which is concerning based upon the downhill nature of his game.  He has to become a better man-to-man cover player but that should improve with time. This is a really solid value at 20 and if Collins is still available, the Eagles should run to the table.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: La'el Collins, LSU, OT

With offensive tackles Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith entering the final years of their contracts, the Bengals need to prepare for the future on the OL. Collins is a powerful player that is very good in the run game. He will likely play guard in his rookie season and then has the feet and athletic ability to move out to right tackle in the years to come. A pass rusher or stout defensive tackle could be attractive here, but Collins is a solid pick that could solidify the right side of the line for years.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers; Marcus Peters, Washington, CB

The Steelers need a lot of help on the defensive side and it starts at corner. Peters has some character concerns after being removed from the team at Washington for battling the coaching staff. However, he was texting teammates the week he was removed trying to help with the game plan, which isn't consistent with a character concern. If anything, I think you can blame Peters for caring too much about the program that he loved. He is excellent on the outside and a willing run-stopper, which is key for a defense that prides itself on being physical.

23. Detroit Lions: Malcom Brown, Texas, DT

With the loss of both Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh, the Lions have to address their defensive line. Brown has tremendous get-off and that explosiveness allowed him to dominate with great production for a defensive tackle. He has to work on his motor and effort as he can go missing for stretches during the second half of games, but when he is playing hard he is borderline unblockable. I love his aggressive nature and he will fill the holes nicely for the Lions.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin, RB

Finding a running back that has first-round talent and explosiveness with the ability to carry the rock 20-25 times is extremely rare. The Cardinals need a back like that in the worst way and that is exactly what they can expect from Melvin Gordon. He carried the ball over 24 times per game for Wisconsin, but what is even more impressive is that he averaged 7.5 yards per carry even with that amount of work. This kid has great elusiveness and his style allows him to be a net positive rusher. He will almost always get you more yards than the play is blocked for. He is a production machine and I can see him cracking the 1,000 yard mark very early in his career.

25. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Scherff, Iowa, OT/OG

Scherff has been an offensive tackle prospect through this process, but he is much more of a guard. He reminds me a bit of Zack Martin from the Cowboys in that he isn't quite athletic enough to move on the edge, but could be a nasty powerful player in the interior at guard. Carolina needs help on the offensive line and Scherff will be a solid guard for a long time in the NFL. The only mistake that could be made here is allowing him to play tackle.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Smith, Ohio State, WR

There isn't a corner I like enough at this spot to spend that pick on, so I have to look for the best available at a position of need, which would be Devin Smith. He fits Joe Flacco perfectly because of his ability to track and catch the deep ball. The further down field the better for Smith. He was a high jumper for Ohio State and that allows him to be a factor on underthrown balls. With the arm strength that Flacco has, Smith will be a dangerous weapon immediately. He may not beat you in a race, but his speed during the deep route is unmatched and he routinely gets behind the defense.  With the rest of this division struggling with DB depth, this is a sensational pick.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA, DE

I can see a scenario where Dallas moves up to get one of the two running backs that have first-round ability, but they also need help on the defensive line.  Owa (as his teammates called him) looks the part and he is very smooth and athletic from any position on the DL. He played in the 3-4 scheme, which meant he had to rush on passing downs from the inside in a 3-technique. This led to a lack of production, but that will increase when he is allowed to be an edge player. He has a history of hip problems, which is concerning, but he has proven himself healthy for the the meantime. The Cowboys have to disrupt the passing game much better than they showed last season and this pick allows them to do that.

28. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, Florida State, OT/C

Denver used the bulk of its official meetings at the Combine on offensive linemen. They have to get better up front in order to milk the last few years with Peyton Manning. Erving was the ACC's lineman of the year for the past two seasons and he was able to do that at two different positions. He played offensvie tackle two years ago and then moved to center in the middle of last season. He has high football IQ and he is strong at the point, which is important for a center in front of Manning. His versatility should allow him to play wherever the Broncos need next season and rest assured they will need him.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Eddie Goldman, Florida State, DT

The need is safety but there is no safety other than Collins that commands a first-round grade. The defensive line needs help and Eddie Goldman is a man amongst boys when it comes to stopping the run. He has to work on his conditioning and motor, but he is stout and hard to move. The Patriots exposed a weakness and Goldman will make the Colts tougher and more durable against the run immediately.

30. Green Bay Packers: Erik Kendricks, UCLA, LB

The Packers are looking for a corner or a linebacker with this pick and the value is with Erik Kendricks. They cut AJ Hawk and Brad Jones in the offseason and they have to get more production from the interior linebackers so that Clay Matthews can move back to outside linebacker and become more of a threat disrupting the passer. Kendricks has a unique nose for the football and last season became the all-time leader in tackles for the Bruins. He won't blow you away with physical tools or size but he is always around the ball and he is a playmaker. He plays with an uncommon motor and should solidify the center of an underachieving defense for years to come.

31. New Orleans Saints: D.J. Humphries, Florida, OT

The Saints need to start thinking about the future at guard with Jahri Evans entering his 10th season so Humphries makes a ton of sense. He is more of a project than others in the draft, but he is extremely gifted as an athlete and that should allow for lots of improvement. He is strong at the point of attack and has outstanding feet. The Saints will come out of the first round knowing that they got better on both the defensive and offensive lines. 

32. New England Patriots: Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma

Vince Wilfork is no longer a Patriot, which seems odd, and they have to find a player who can fill the middle of their defense. They always seem to find a way to make a project work out and that is what Phillips is. He has immense athletic ability for a man his size and has all the tools to play nose tackle for a 3-4 defense. The front-7 for New England has become more hybrid than ever and length and athleticism are at a premium. Phillips may not play a ton early, but I can see him getting lots of snaps late in the season after fighting a steep learning curve.