2015 NFL Draft: 4 Big Names That Could Fall

The 2015 NFL Draft is almost here, and with the league’s second biggest event of the year almost here, rumors are only heating up with each passing second. Marcus Mariota has probably been the biggest name with the most buzz, while other top prospects could find themselves sliding down draft boards due to character concerns, bad draft grades or questionable decision-making.

We’ve got our finger on the pulse of the draft, so join us as we take a look at four big names that could experience a free fall during Thursday’s NFL Draft:

Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

A first round lock in many people’s minds for the longest time, we could see Strong slide out of the first round entirely due to such a deep wide receiver class. Strong has the ability to be an impact wide receiver as a rookie, but there are at least 4-5 other top shelf receiver talents he’ll be competing with for a limited amount of first round slots. He also broke his wrist and carries some minor medical concerns with that injury. He’s currently looking at a mid to late first round grade, but don’t be shocked if he’s not off the draft board after the first day of the draft.

Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska

Once considered a lock for the top-five, some contest the explosive and ultra athletic Gregory could slide to the bottom of the first round. His talent begs for that not to be the case, but Gregory was already regarded as a boom or bust guy and he admitted to smoking pot before the combine. His draft stock has taken a hit, and he could slide because of it.

Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri

Ray is another explosive edge rusher that is likely to slide down draft boards. One of the best pure pass rushers, Ray was considered to be another top-10 lock, but was recently busted for drug possession. His stock was already in trouble, as scouts remain concerned about a foot injury. Add the two issues together, and Ray could be in for a mega slide on day one of the 2015 NFL Draft.

P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

Cornerback isn’t all that deep this year, as Trae Waynes is probably the consensus top defensive back in this year’s draft and then maybe Marcus Peters is a distant second. Williams wasn’t going to challenge either of those guys, but he could have an argument as the third or fourth best corner and a first round selection isn’t out of the question. Of course, that’s what we would have been saying before he was busted for a DUI in early April. That surely hit his draft stock a bit and now it’s safe to assume teams will take a different corner with even more upside in round one. He’s probably looking at the second or even third round at this point.

 

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