How NFL free agency will change the 2015 draft

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) celebrates a third quarter touchdown with receiver Dez Bryant (88) against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The first few weeks of NFL free agency have changed the look of the 2015 NFL Draft.

It’s been one of the most exciting free agent signing periods in recent memory and we’re still not done. More so than in recent years, NFL teams have opened the checkbooks to spend big money on big stars in an effort to win immediately.

In addition to the free agent signings, we’ve also had a few blockbuster, landscape changing trades during the period. It all adds up to a different look to the 2015 NFL Draft than many of us were anticipating just a few short weeks ago. Players who we thought would be natural fits and obvious picks for certain teams are now projected to go elsewhere. Teams who we thought would target certain positions in the draft no longer have the same needs.

Let’s take a look at some specific examples of what has changed and hot it will impact the draft — especially with the teams involved in some of the bigger deals.

More from NFL Draft

Miami Dolphins

The big splash was obviously landing Ndamukong Suh, but they’ve made some other big moves that will impact how they draft. When the Dolphins brought in Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron, it looked like they had solidified their passing attack. The subsequent trade of Mike Wallace, however, left Ryan Tannehill without a true No. 1 wideout.

As a result, look for Miami to use their first pick on a prototypical big-bodied receiver. West Virginia’s Kevin White would be ideal, however, it’s not looking like he’ll be available. Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong and Louisville’s Devante Parker would be formidable alternatives. Then again, don’t be shocked if Miami rolls the dice and grabs Dorial Green-Beckham.

Dallas Cowboys

They Cowboys got their pass rusher by signing Greg Hardy. The bigger story was not re-signing DeMarco Murray. Dallas brought in Darren McFadden, but he’s really just an insurance policy. The running back class in the 2015 draft is loaded, but Jerry Jones and company will likely pull the trigger on the biggest name and best fit for their offense — Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon — if available in the first round. If not, there are still plenty of options. Other candidates to succeed Murray in Dallas are Boise State’s Jay Ajayi and Indiana’s Tevin Coleman.

Kansas City Chiefs

Franchising Justin Houston was huge, as was signing Jeremy Maclin to add a solid receiver to the mix. Andy Reid is not done at the receiver position. Expect Kansas City to take another receiver early on to compliment Maclin and replace Dwayne Bowe. The top candidates are Ohio State’s Devin Smith and Southern Cal’s Nelson Agholor.

Philadelphia Eagles

One thing we know they won’t draft — at least early — is a running back. The Eagles will bring a three-headed rushing attack of DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. What they don’t have is a whole lot of targets in the passing game, regardless of who goes under center. Like the Chiefs, Philadelphia will be in the market for an eventual starting receiver relatively early. Unlike a lot of teams, however, Chip Kelly will have the extra hurdle of making sure he finds a guy who fits into his unique offense. I like Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett and Michigan State’s Tony Lippett as potential targets, as they fit the dynamic mold Kelly is looking for.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos have the unenviable task of playing for this season while also trying to prepare for the future. Part of that means dealing with the departure of Julius Thomas at tight end. Luckily for Denver, the next crop of tight ends has been groomed to fit the mold of the Jimmy Graham/Rob Gronkowski/Julius Thomas-type tight ends, leaving them with plenty of options in the draft. I look for the Broncos to be the first team to draft a tight end, taking Minnesota’s Maxx Williams in the first round.

Seattle Seahawks

Speaking of Jimmy Graham, he’s a Seahawk now. That leaves Seattle out of the market for a tight end. I feel like it also means they won’t reach for a receiver early, as they almost won the Super Bowl with a guy off the street.

Instead, I see Seattle looking to do what they can to replace Byron Maxwell with a long-term solution. I like them to stay in town with their first pick and take Washington’s Marcus Peters — a physical corner who can play safety if he needs to.

New Orleans Saints

Nobody can figure out what exactly the Saints are doing. It appears they are looking to rebuild on offense and get younger, but I’m not sure what the point is with an aging quarterback who is likely past his prime. The signings of Brandon Browner and Dannell Ellerbe indicate that they are trying to bolster the defense. I see them continuing that trend in the draft by solidifying the middle. Look for New Orleans to pull the trigger on a defensive tackle in the first round. The top candidates would be Texas’ Malcom Brown and Washington’s Danny Shelton.

New England Patriots

The champs appear to be hemorrhaging defensive talent in all the wrong places. Losing longtime defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and both starting cornerbacks is a huge concern. I think they already have an in-house plan in place to replace Wilfork. I see Belichick addressing the cornerback situation early in the draft. He won’t necessarily be looking for a starter, but rather someone who can contribute right away.

Connecticut’s Bryon Jones makes sense for the Patriots for a couple of reasons. For one, he’s not an obvious choice or a known commodity in most circles. The Patriots have a history of taking guys like that. Another reason is the fact that Jones has extensive experience at both safety and corner — something Belichick loves in his defensive backs.

New York Jets

They needed a receiver — and then they grabbed Brandon Marshall. They need corners — and then they brought back both Revis and Cromartie. The Jets are now in the enviable position of being able to draft the best player on the board with the 5th pick. Because they aren’t likely to take a quarterback, look for New York to take either Missouri defensive end Shane Ray or Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff.

Chicago Bears

The departure of Brandon Marshall leaves a void at receiver — and the last thing Jay Cutler needs is a void anywhere in his offense. John Fox likes a combination of big possession receivers on one side and elusive, dynamic route-runners on the other. Alshon Jeffery fits as the big possession guy. I see Chicago making a move for the most dynamic receiver in the draft — Alabama’s Amari Cooper — with the No. 7 overall pick.

Next: NFL Draft Rumors: Tennessee Titans schedule private workout with Jameis Winston

More from FanSided

Home/NFL Draft