2015 NFL Draft: 15 Players Who Were Overdrafted

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Players Who Were Overdrafted

By Shawn Spencer

May 4, 2015

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Players Who Were Overdrafted

Cedric Ogbuehi Bengals — Every year there are a few picks that just don't make any sense. The reasoning for those selections are generally need based. Non-playoff teams are typically the ones making these poor decisions as you will see from the picks on this list. There are a few teams that just don't understand how to select the best player available and will continue to struggle on the field until that concept is learned.

Every year there are a few picks that just don't make any sense. The reasoning for those selections are generally need based. Non-playoff teams are typically the ones making these poor decisions as you will see from the picks on this list. There are a few teams that just don't understand how to select the best player available and will continue to struggle on the field until that concept is learned.

15. Cedric Ogbuehi (OT-Bengals)

Cedric Ogbuehi Bengals

15. Cedric Ogbuehi (OT-Bengals)

Cedric Ogbuehi Bengals — Round 1, Pick 21
Despite tearing his ACL in his final collegiate game, there were rumors connecting Cedric Ogbuehi to the Bengals prior to the draft. It was obvious he was going to be a first-round pick, but this was way too early for him to be selected. Even before the injury, Ogbuehi struggled when asked to play left tackle during his senior season. He looked out of place and was demoted back to right tackle at one point.

Round 1, Pick 21
Despite tearing his ACL in his final collegiate game, there were rumors connecting Cedric Ogbuehi to the Bengals prior to the draft. It was obvious he was going to be a first-round pick, but this was way too early for him to be selected. Even before the injury, Ogbuehi struggled when asked to play left tackle during his senior season. He looked out of place and was demoted back to right tackle at one point.

14. Jon Feliciano (G-Raiders)

Jon Feliciano Raiders

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14. Jon Feliciano (G-Raiders)

Jon Feliciano Raiders — Round 4, Pick 128
The addition of a guard wasn't a bad decision at all. Gabe Jackson and Austin Howard can't be expected to perform as well as they did last year and some young blood on the line will help Derek Carr. Feliciano wouldn't have been a reach at the end of the draft, but he may have gone undrafted if the Raiders didn't select him in Round 4. Shaq Mason or Mark Glowinski would have been better choices.

Round 4, Pick 128
The addition of a guard wasn't a bad decision at all. Gabe Jackson and Austin Howard can't be expected to perform as well as they did last year and some young blood on the line will help Derek Carr. Feliciano wouldn't have been a reach at the end of the draft, but he may have gone undrafted if the Raiders didn't select him in Round 4. Shaq Mason or Mark Glowinski would have been better choices.

13. Angelo Blackson (DT-Titans)

Angelo Blackson Titans

13. Angelo Blackson (DT-Titans)

Angelo Blackson Titans — Round 4, Pick 100
With the first pick on Day 3, the Titans decided to add to their list of poor decisions during the draft. Defensive tackles fell in the draft, and rather than select Michael Bennett, Grady Jarrett or Marcus Hardison, the Titans added the third-best DT from Auburn. Gabe Wright (who was chosen 13 picks later) and Montravius Adams (a junior at Auburn) are both more talented than Angelo Blackson.

Round 4, Pick 100
With the first pick on Day 3, the Titans decided to add to their list of poor decisions during the draft. Defensive tackles fell in the draft, and rather than select Michael Bennett, Grady Jarrett or Marcus Hardison, the Titans added the third-best DT from Auburn. Gabe Wright (who was chosen 13 picks later) and Montravius Adams (a junior at Auburn) are both more talented than Angelo Blackson.

12. Ian Silberman (OT-49ers)

Ian Silberman 49ers

12. Ian Silberman (OT-49ers)

Ian Silberman 49ers — Round 6, Pick 190
The 49ers needed to add depth to the offensive line, but this pick was a significant reach. Boston College had a great rushing attack and Ian Silberman certainly played a role, but he wasn't considered a draftable prospect. It was likely his pro day, rather than what he accomplished in school, that led to the selection.

Round 6, Pick 190
The 49ers needed to add depth to the offensive line, but this pick was a significant reach. Boston College had a great rushing attack and Ian Silberman certainly played a role, but he wasn't considered a draftable prospect. It was likely his pro day, rather than what he accomplished in school, that led to the selection.

11. Jordan Richards (SS-Patriots)

Jordan Richards Patriots

11. Jordan Richards (SS-Patriots)

Jordan Richards Patriots — Round 2, Pick 64
The Patriots and Packers are probably the two teams able to get away with anything at the draft and the fans will buy into it. That's because Bill Belichick and Ted Thompson have proven year after year that they know exactly how to evaluate players and select those who best fit what the team needs. So it's hard to criticize this pick other than saying Jordan Richards may have been available in Round 3 or 4.

Round 2, Pick 64
The Patriots and Packers are probably the two teams able to get away with anything at the draft and the fans will buy into it. That's because Bill Belichick and Ted Thompson have proven year after year that they know exactly how to evaluate players and select those who best fit what the team needs. So it's hard to criticize this pick other than saying Jordan Richards may have been available in Round 3 or 4.

10. Marcus Mariota (QB-Titans)

Marcus Mariota Titans

10. Marcus Mariota (QB-Titans)

Marcus Mariota Titans — Round 1, Pick 2
Turning down multiple trade proposals for this pick was the Titans' first mistake. The team compounded that mistake by selecting Marcus Mariota at No. 2 overall. Even if you ignore the fact that Zach Mettenberger was drafted just a year ago and Ken Whisenhunt prefers big, pocket-passing QBs, it was still a bad pick. Mariota is far from the No. 2 player in this draft, as he ranked 13th on my board.

Round 1, Pick 2
Turning down multiple trade proposals for this pick was the Titans' first mistake. The team compounded that mistake by selecting Marcus Mariota at No. 2 overall. Even if you ignore the fact that Zach Mettenberger was drafted just a year ago and Ken Whisenhunt prefers big, pocket-passing QBs, it was still a bad pick. Mariota is far from the No. 2 player in this draft, as he ranked 13th on my board.

9. Jamon Brown (OT-Rams)

Jamon Brown Rams

9. Jamon Brown (OT-Rams)

Jamon Brown Rams — Round 3, Pick 72
The St. Louis Rams drafted four offensive linemen to help new QB Nick Foles and RB Todd Gurley. The other three selections were understandable, but the addition of Jamon Brown in Round 3 was quite the reach. It's not that Brown isn't a good player, it's just unclear where he'll play. Draft picks Rob Havenstein and Andrew Donnal are both right tackles, and Greg Robinson will start at LT. He may move inside to be a backup guard.

Round 3, Pick 72
The St. Louis Rams drafted four offensive linemen to help new QB Nick Foles and RB Todd Gurley. The other three selections were understandable, but the addition of Jamon Brown in Round 3 was quite the reach. It's not that Brown isn't a good player, it's just unclear where he'll play. Draft picks Rob Havenstein and Andrew Donnal are both right tackles, and Greg Robinson will start at LT. He may move inside to be a backup guard.

8. Neiron Ball (OLB-Raiders)

Neiron Ball Florida

8. Neiron Ball (OLB-Raiders)

Neiron Ball Florida — Round 5, Pick 161
The strongest position on the Raiders' roster could very well be OLB. Khalil Mack will be a starter for a long time and Sio Moore and Malcolm Smith will compete on the opposite side. For some reason Oakland added two more prospects to this position in the draft. Max Valles was great value in Round 6 and is a better prospect than Neiron Ball, who went 18 picks earlier. He'll have to play well on special teams to make the team.

Round 5, Pick 161
The strongest position on the Raiders' roster could very well be OLB. Khalil Mack will be a starter for a long time and Sio Moore and Malcolm Smith will compete on the opposite side. For some reason Oakland added two more prospects to this position in the draft. Max Valles was great value in Round 6 and is a better prospect than Neiron Ball, who went 18 picks earlier. He'll have to play well on special teams to make the team.

7. Tevin Mitchel (CB-Redskins)

Tevin Mitchel Redskins

7. Tevin Mitchel (CB-Redskins)

Tevin Mitchel Redskins — Round 6, Pick 182
The two corners who came of the board right after Tevin Mitchel, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans, have much greater potential than the Redskins' selection at No. 182. Washington desperately needed to add pieces to the secondary that can potentially start. Mitchel is not that type of player and will only see the field against four or five WR sets.

Round 6, Pick 182
The two corners who came of the board right after Tevin Mitchel, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans, have much greater potential than the Redskins' selection at No. 182. Washington desperately needed to add pieces to the secondary that can potentially start. Mitchel is not that type of player and will only see the field against four or five WR sets.

6. Tony Steward (OLB-Bills)

Tony Steward Bills

6. Tony Steward (OLB-Bills)

Tony Steward Bills — Round 6, Pick 188
With only six picks at their disposal, the Bills went with need over value throughout the draft. The selections of Ronald Darby and Nick O'Leary, both of Florida State, were reaches, but the worst pick was sixth-round choice Tony Steward. At best, he'll be a special teams player for Rex Ryan. With that being said, Alani Fua, Mike Hull, Marcus Rush or James Vaughters, all of whom were undrafted, would have been better fits.

Round 6, Pick 188
With only six picks at their disposal, the Bills went with need over value throughout the draft. The selections of Ronald Darby and Nick O'Leary, both of Florida State, were reaches, but the worst pick was sixth-round choice Tony Steward. At best, he'll be a special teams player for Rex Ryan. With that being said, Alani Fua, Mike Hull, Marcus Rush or James Vaughters, all of whom were undrafted, would have been better fits.

5. Andre Debose (WR-Raiders)

Andre Debose Raiders

5. Andre Debose (WR-Raiders)

Andre Debose Raiders — Round 7, Pick 221
The Raiders just can't help themselves when it comes to speedy wide receivers. While the team didn't pick J.J. Nelson (fastest player at the Combine), Andre Debose isn't much slower. The downside is he's strictly a returner. He spent six (yes, six) years at Florida and only caught 29 career passes. In the last three years, he caught just four passes for 12 yards.

Round 7, Pick 221
The Raiders just can't help themselves when it comes to speedy wide receivers. While the team didn't pick J.J. Nelson (fastest player at the Combine), Andre Debose isn't much slower. The downside is he's strictly a returner. He spent six (yes, six) years at Florida and only caught 29 career passes. In the last three years, he caught just four passes for 12 yards.

4. Rodney Gunter (DT-Cardinals)

Rodney Gunter Cardinals

4. Rodney Gunter (DT-Cardinals)

Rodney Gunter Cardinals — Round 4, Pick 116
If the Arizona Cardinals wanted to draft a developmental project for the defensive line, the team should have waited until Round 7. Tory Slater (West Georgia), Charles Tuaau (Texas A&M-Commerce), Derrick Billups (Alabama State) and Carlif Taylor (Southern Connecticut State) are all capable of playing in the league as well, yet none of them were drafted. This is a pick that could have waited until much later in the draft.

Round 4, Pick 116
If the Arizona Cardinals wanted to draft a developmental project for the defensive line, the team should have waited until Round 7. Tory Slater (West Georgia), Charles Tuaau (Texas A&M-Commerce), Derrick Billups (Alabama State) and Carlif Taylor (Southern Connecticut State) are all capable of playing in the league as well, yet none of them were drafted. This is a pick that could have waited until much later in the draft.

3. Anthony Morris (OT-Raiders)

Anthony Morris Raiders

3. Anthony Morris (OT-Raiders)

Anthony Morris Raiders — Round 7, Pick 218
Another selection by the Oakland Raiders makes it onto the list. This one was the most confusing. Anthony Morris is a small-school prospects who wasn't even the top-rated player on the Tennessee State offensive line. That honor belonged to Robert Myers who was a fifth-round pick of the Ravens. Many small-school linemen, regardless of NFL position, are college left tackles. Morris lined up on the right side.

Round 7, Pick 218
Another selection by the Oakland Raiders makes it onto the list. This one was the most confusing. Anthony Morris is a small-school prospects who wasn't even the top-rated player on the Tennessee State offensive line. That honor belonged to Robert Myers who was a fifth-round pick of the Ravens. Many small-school linemen, regardless of NFL position, are college left tackles. Morris lined up on the right side.

2. D.J. Alexander (OLB-Chiefs)

D.J. Alexander Chiefs

2. D.J. Alexander (OLB-Chiefs)

D.J. Alexander Chiefs — Round 5, Pick 172
When it comes to Andy Reid, it's typically an offensive or defensive lineman that would be on this list. This year, however, it's an outside linebacker. Despite starting 32 games at Oregon State, Alexander was injury-prone. The most significant injury resulted in neck surgery which forced him to miss time in 2013. He'll have to make the roster on special teams and continue to develop as an OLB.

Round 5, Pick 172
When it comes to Andy Reid, it's typically an offensive or defensive lineman that would be on this list. This year, however, it's an outside linebacker. Despite starting 32 games at Oregon State, Alexander was injury-prone. The most significant injury resulted in neck surgery which forced him to miss time in 2013. He'll have to make the roster on special teams and continue to develop as an OLB.

1. Mykkele Thompson (SS-Giants)

Mykkele Thompson Giants

1. Mykkele Thompson (SS-Giants)

Mykkele Thompson Giants — Round 5, Pick 144
The Giants got great value with Landon Collins at the top of Round 2, but for some reason they decided to add another strong safety in Round 5. I did not grade Mykkele Thompson as a draftable prospect, and most were in agreement. Due to his length, the Giants may move him to CB, but either way, he's a player the Giants could have drafted in Round 7 or signed as a free agent.

Round 5, Pick 144
The Giants got great value with Landon Collins at the top of Round 2, but for some reason they decided to add another strong safety in Round 5. I did not grade Mykkele Thompson as a draftable prospect, and most were in agreement. Due to his length, the Giants may move him to CB, but either way, he's a player the Giants could have drafted in Round 7 or signed as a free agent.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Winners

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Losers

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