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2015 NFL Draft News & Rumors

84 Underclassmen Declare For 2015 NFL Draft

January 19th, 2015 at 1:48pm CST by Luke Adams

74 underclassmen who met the NFL’s three-year eligibility rule and formally applied to enter the 2015 draft have been granted special eligibility, the league announced today in a press release. In addition to those 74, another 10 players who have graduated with college football eligibility remaining have also entered this year’s draft class.

This year’s total of 84 early entrants is a step down from last year’s record — in 2014, 98 underclassmen were granted special eligibility and four more were eligible after graduating early, for a total of 102.

Here’s the full list of underclassmen eligible for the 2015 draft, in alphabetical order:

  1. Nelson Agholor, WR (USC)
  2. Jay Ajayi, RB (Boise State)
  3. Kwon Alexander, LB (LSU)
  4. Javorius Allen, RB (USC)
  5. Arik Armstead, DL (Oregon)
  6. Deion Barnes, DE (Penn State)
  7. Malcom Brown, DT (Texas)
  8. Alex Carter, CB (Stanford)
  9. B.J. Catalon, RB (TCU)
  10. Sammie Coates, WR (Auburn)
  11. Tevin Coleman, RB (Indiana)
  12. Jalen Collins, CB (LSU)
  13. Landon Collins, S (Alabama)
  14. Amari Cooper, WR (Alabama)
  15. Xavier Cooper, DE (Washington State)
  16. Christian Covington, DT (Rice)
  17. Zach D’Orazio, WR (Akron)
  18. DaVaris Daniels, WR (Notre Dame)
  19. Ronald Darby, CB (Florida State)
  20. Mike Davis, RB (South Carolina)
  21. Stefon Diggs, WR (Maryland)
  22. Lorenzo Doss, CB (Tulane)
  23. Mario Edwards, DE (Florida State)
  24. Durell Eskridge, S (Syracuse)
  25. George Farmer, WR (USC)
  26. Max Flores, LB (Northern Colorado)
  27. Ereck Flowers, T (Miami)
  28. Dante Fowler, DE (Florida)
  29. Devin Funchess, WR (Michigan)
  30. Charles Gaines, DB (Louisville)
  31. Jacoby Glenn, CB (UCF)
  32. Eddie Goldman, DT (Florida State)
  33. Melvin Gordon, RB (Wisconsin)
  34. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR (Oklahoma)
  35. Deontay Greenberry, WR (Houston)
  36. Randy Gregory, DE (Nebraska)
  37. Todd Gurley, RB (Georgia)
  38. Chris Hackett, S (TCU)
  39. Eli Harold, DE (Virginia)
  40. Chris Harper, WR (California)
  41. Dee Hart, RB (Colorado State)
  42. Braylon Heard, RB (Kentucky)
  43. Gerod Holliman, S (Louisville)
  44. D.J. Humphries, T (Florida)
  45. Brett Hundley, QB (UCLA)
  46. Danielle Hunter, DE (LSU)
  47. David Irving, DT (Iowa State)
  48. Jesse James, TE (Notre Dame)
  49. Duke Johnson, RB (Miami)
  50. Matt Jones, RB (Florida)
  51. Nigel King, WR (Kansas)
  52. Tyler Kroft, TE (Rutgers)
  53. Marcus Mariota, QB (Oregon)
  54. Ellis McCarthy, DL (UCLA)
  55. Benardrick McKinney, LB (Mississippi State)
  56. Patrick Miller, T (Auburn)
  57. Tyler Moore, G (Florida)
  58. Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT (Southern Mississippi)
  59. Andrus Peat, T (Stanford)
  60. Breshad Perriman, WR (UCF)
  61. Marcus Peters, CB (Washington)
  62. Jordan Phillips, DT (Oklahoma)
  63. Darius Philon, DT (Arkansas)
  64. Bradley Pinion, P (Clemson)
  65. Jaquel Pitts, WR (Trinity International)
  66. Jeremiah Poutasi, T (Utah)
  67. Darien Rankin, LB (North Carolina)
  68. Shane Ray, DE (Missouri)
  69. Josh Robinson, RB (Mississippi State)
  70. James Sample, S (Louisville)
  71. Jean Sifrin, TE (UMass)
  72. Donovan Smith, T (Penn State)
  73. Jaelen Strong, WR (Arizona State)
  74. Tacoi Sumler, WR (Appalachian State)
  75. Shaq Thompson, LB (Washington)
  76. Max Valles, LB (Virginia)
  77. Easton Wahlstrom, LS (Arizona State)
  78. Trae Waynes, CB (Michigan State)
  79. Leonard Williams, DE (USC)
  80. Maxx Williams, TE (Minnesota)
  81. P.J. Williams, CB (Florida State)
  82. Trey Williams, RB (Texas A&M)
  83. Jameis Winston, QB (Florida State)
  84. T.J. Yeldon, RB (Alabama)

Extra Points: Peterson, Kiffin, Draft, Jets

January 16th, 2015 at 10:28pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In a 35-page document filed Friday, the NFL asked a federal court to throw out the NFLPA’s petition to have Vikings running back Adrian Peterson‘s suspension overturned, writes Dave Campbell of the Associated Press. Citing labor law, the league argues that there is no reason to “re-litigate all of the decisions” made by arbitrator Harold Henderson on December 12. The trial is scheduled for February 6, while Peterson is currently suspended through at least April 15. Let’s look at some more notes from around the NFL…

  • We heard earlier today that Mike Shanahan could be “in play” for the 49ers offensive coordinator job, and now another interesting candidate has emerged. A league source tells Cam Inman of the Mercury News that Lane Kiffin could be interested in returning to the NFL, and posits San Francisco as a possible destination. Kiffin, the OC at Alabama, was the Raiders head coach from 2007-08.
  • 86 underclassmen have declared for this year’s draft, a 20% decrease from 2014, tweets Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive director of football operations. Those declaring have until Monday to withdrawal and reclaim their eligibility.
  • Following the news that Jets director of college scouting (and former GM) Terry Bradway was fired, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com looks back the executives many missteps during his time leading Gang Green. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News takes a different tack (Twitter links), noting that Bradway heavily pushed to draft Darrelle Revis, and wanted to select Russell Wilson.
  • USA Today examines how each of the four remaining playoff teams were built, noting that each club contains forward-thinking personnel men, strong drafting decisions, and top-notch quarterbacks.

Draft Notes: Thursday

January 15th, 2015 at 5:21pm CST by Zachary Links

The early entry deadline for the 2015 draft is tonight. Here’s a look at the latest underclassman who will be going pro..

  • Kentucky running back Braylon Heard announced his decision to declare for the draft, as Jonathan Lintner of the Courier Journal writes. Heard, 23, originally transferred in from Nebraska and started 10 games for UK, finishing with 366 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Heard rushed 77 times for 452 yards during the 2011 and 2012 seasons at Nebraska before joining the Wildcats.
  • UMass announced that junior tight end Jean Sifrin is going pro, as Daniel Malone of MLive.com writes. “As a program, we are very happy for Jean to have this chance to pursue his goals at the NFL level,” coach Mark Whipple said in a team release. “When we spoke, we told him that we supported his decision because of how it can benefit him and his family.” Sifrin doesn’t project as a top choice, but he could go higher than he would in most years thanks to a soft crop of tight ends.
  • Check out our updated list of early entrants here.

Cardale Jones To Return To OSU

January 15th, 2015 at 3:21pm CST by Luke Adams

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, who tweeted earlier this afternoon that he would make a “life-changing decision” today, has announced that decision. In advance of tonight’s early entry deadline, the redshirt sophomore indicated he will return to Ohio State for his junior year rather than entering the NFL draft.

Jones himself acknowledged earlier this week that he may not be ready for the NFL, though the young signal-caller’s stock has certainly soared in recent weeks, as injuries opened the door for him to take over as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback. Jones started three games, leading Ohio State to victories in the Big Ten Championship over Wisconsin, in the Sugar Bowl over Alabama, and in the National Championship over Oregon.

Despite his incredible late-season run, there are no guarantees Jones will even see much playing time at Ohio State in the 2015 season, with Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett still expected to be in the mix. If he had turned pro, Jones would have done so as part of a class that is considered weak at the quarterback position, and would have had the opportunity to earn a rookie salary.

Still, Jones’ draft position was uncertain, given his lack of playing experience at the college level. ESPN’s Todd McShay (Insider-only link) wrote earlier this week that he thought Jones would be a fourth- or fifth-round pick, adding that most scouts viewed him as a Day 3 prospect.

Draft Notes: Buckner, Armstead, Perriman

January 14th, 2015 at 5:33pm CST by Zachary Links

As expected, Oregon defensive lineman DeForest Buckner will return to school for his final season of eligibility, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). However, one of his underclassman teammates will be making the jump to the NFL. Here’s the latest NFL draft news..

  • Oregon junior defensive lineman Arik Armstead filed paperwork Tuesday making himself eligible for the 2015 NFL draft, according to the Ducks’ official website. “After three years preparing with my teammates and coaches, I feel I’m ready to test myself at the next level,” Armstead said. “All the support I’ve received from Coach Pellum and Coach Aiken, the rest of the Oregon coaches and staff and in my academics has prepared me to make this jump.” Armstead, who led the team with six quarterback hurries in 2014, is considered a potential first-round choice.”
  • UCF wide receiver Breshad Perriman will enter the NFL draft, as Shannon Owens-Green of the Orlando Sentinel writes. The junior ends his UCF career with 2,243 yards, an average of 19.5 yards per reception and 16 touchdowns in 39 games played.
  • USC wide receiver George Farmer will forgo his senior season to enter the draft, according to a press release on the Trojans’ website. The redshirt junior had 25 receptions for 314 yards (12.6 avg) with 4 TDs this past season, including a pair of touchdown catches against Notre Dame.

Marcus Mariota To Enter Draft

January 14th, 2015 at 1:42pm CST by Luke Adams

As expected, in advance of tomorrow’s early entry deadline, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota announced today that he’ll enter the 2015 draft, according to the school’s website. Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com first reported (via Twitter) that the redshirt junior would announce his intentions to forgo his final year of college eligibility and turn pro.

Mariota, this season’s Heisman winner, has long been considered the top quarterback – and perhaps the top overall prospect – available, edging out Jameis Winston in the view of many draft experts. This past season at Oregon, Mariota established new career-highs by passing for 4,454 yards and 42 touchdowns, along with just four interceptions. The 21-year-old added another 770 yards and 15 TDs on the ground.

While he’s certainly not a lock to be selected first overall, particularly after a somewhat disappointing showing in this week’s championship game against Ohio State, Mariota figures to draw significant interest from the Buccaneers with that No. 1 pick. If Tampa Bay passes, the Titans, Washington, and the Jets are among the other teams near the top of the draft that should consider selecting a QB and figure to take a long look at Mariota.

Draft Notes: Miller, Philon, McCarthy

January 13th, 2015 at 7:48pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s the latest NFL Draft news from Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports on Twitter, unless noted otherwise..

  • Auburn announced that offensive tackle Patrick Miller will enter the draft (link). Miller’s decision comes as quite a surprise and there has been little buzz about him as a 2015 prospect.
  • Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon officially declared that he’ll be entering the 2015 draft (link). The 6-foot-2, 272-pound standout totaled 46 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 13 games for the Razorbacks in 2014. The redshirt sophomore is draft eligible because he has completed three years at Arkansas.
  • UCLA defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy is expected to forego his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft (link). McCarthy made a major leap forward in 2014 and he credits his weight loss for that improvement. “Getting the weight off was the biggest thing,” said McCarthy, according to Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times. “It got my knees feeling better and improved my speed and quickness. It has paid off, but I still need to make progress.”
  • UCF cornerback Jacoby Glenn is expected to forego his remaining college eligibility and enter the NFL Draft (link). Glenn finished the regular season ranked No. 3 in the nation in interceptions (7) and passes defended (18). He was also named the co-defensive player of the year for the American Athletic Conference.

Eddie Goldman To Enter Draft

January 13th, 2015 at 12:49pm CST by Luke Adams

Two days before 2015’s early entry deadline, Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman has elected to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft, sources tell Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link).

In his junior year with the Seminoles, Goldman recorded four sacks to go along with 51 tackles and a forced fumble. He projects as a potential first-round pick, with Mel Kiper of ESPN.com ranking him second among 2015’s defensive tackles, and CBSSports.com calling him the 20th-best overall prospect. In Todd McShay’s first mock draft at ESPN.com (Insider link), he has Goldman coming off the board at No. 18.

Goldman is the latest Florida State underclassmen to declare for the 2015 draft, following a group of players that includes quarterback Jameis Winston, defensive end Mario Edwards, and cornerbacks Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams.

Extra Points: Draft, Ravens, Eagles, LeBeau

January 10th, 2015 at 9:55pm CST by Luke Adams

USC running back Javorius ‘Buck’ Allen has decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the 2015 draft, Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports reported today (via Twitter). The redshirt junior ran for 1,489 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans in 2014, adding another 458 yards through the air on 41 receptions. For the most part, draft experts are in agreement on Allen’s stock, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, and CBSSports.com all ranking the USC back between eighth and 10th among 2015’s running back prospects — that makes him a likely third- or fourth-round pick.

Here’s more from around the NFL, in the midst of the league’s divisional playoff weekend:

  • Now that the Ravens have been eliminated from the playoffs, Baltimore will have to make free agent decisions on Justin Forsett and Torrey Smith, shore up its secondary, and add a pass-catching tight end, among other things, writes Field Yates of ESPN.com (Insider-only link).
  • In the view of Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), the Ravens should at least give Forsett a one-year deal worth the $3MM that Ray Rice had been scheduled to earn in 2015.
  • Chip Kelly‘s interview with Chris Polian of the Jaguars for the Eagles‘ general manager position has taken place, a source tells Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (Twitter link).
  • Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) hears from a source close to Dick LeBeau that the longtime coach would still like to be a defensive coordinator, after resigning from his Steelers position today. Cole points to the Cardinals as a possible match for LeBeau if current DC Todd Bowles lands a head coaching job elsewhere.
  • Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap examines the upcoming offseason for the Bears and new general manager Ryan Pace, writing that while Jay Cutler may have made a “convenient scapegoat” in 2014, the team’s problems ran much deeper than Cutler.
  • A pair of 49ers defenders, cornerback Perrish Cox and outside linebacker Dan Skuta, played large roles for the club in 2014 after spending most of their respective careers in backups. With Cox and Skuta both facing potential free agency, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle takes a look at what’s next for the duo.

Draft Notes: Hunter, Darby, Hackett, Harper

January 9th, 2015 at 9:24pm CST by Luke Adams

A report last month suggested that LSU defensive end Danielle Hunter was leaning toward playing college ball for one more season, but Hunter announced today that he’ll turn pro after all.

“After fully considering all aspects related to mine and my family’s future, I have decided to declare for the NFL draft,” Hunter wrote in a statement on Twitter. “Coming to LSU was the best decision of my life so far. It has been an incredible experience and I thank you all for the opportunity and the great support.”

Hunter appears likely to come off the board on the second day of the draft this spring. He doesn’t currently place among Mel Kiper’s top 10 defensive end prospects, but Matt Miller of Bleacher Report has him ninth at the position, while CBSSports.com ranks him fifth among DEs.

Here are a few more updates on NCAA underclassmen who will be entering the 2015 draft:

  • According to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), cornerback Ronald Darby is leaving Florida State a year early and declaring for the 2015 draft. CBSSports.com projects Darby as a fourth-rounder, and he falls outside of Kiper’s top 10 cornerbacks, but Miller is bullish on the FSU product, giving him a second-round grade and tweeting that he has “big room to rise,” given his speed and instincts.
  • TCU junior safety Chris Hackett will forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the 2015 draft, tweets Travis L. Brown of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Hackett doesn’t project as a top pick, but Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net wrote earlier in the season that scouts were “raving” about the safety’s play.
  • Cal wideout Chris Harper announced this week that he’ll forgo his final college season and enter the draft, according to a press release from the school. Harper racked up 159 receptions, 1,969 receiving yards, and 14 touchdown grabs during his three years with the team.
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