2015 NFL Mock Draft: Mr. Cooper goes to Washington

32. <p>Maybe this is wishful thinking, as Gregory’s talents could have him long gone by this point, but I think this could be the ideal fit for both player and team. Playing for a team that expects to make the playoffs and be competitive in his rookie season could serve as added motivation for Gregory and the Cardinals have had success with Tyrann Mathieu who was considered a much bigger risk than Gregory.</p> <p>The Cardinals need to bolster their pass rush with John Abraham gone, and putting Gregory over the shoulder of pro bowl defensive end, Calais Campbell, will make opposing quarterbacks nervous before they even snap the ball.</p> <p>Part of the reason Gregory drops this far is I don’t like him as a 4-3 defensive end, he’s at his best when he’s standing up and has space to build speed and zip past would be blockers. He doesn’t have the initial burst of Shane Ray or Vic Beasley, but he’s better in run defense. I actually think Gregory could earn himself some extra snaps at inside linebacker where he had some experience in college, but primarily just as a blitzer.</p> <p>If Gregory is gone and Melvin Gordon is available, as he is here, I’d expect to hear his name. Cornerback Kevin Johnson is intriguing, but this could also be a place for borderline first round defensive lineman like Preston Smith and Mario Edwards, or an inside linebacker like Stephone Anthony.</p>. OLB. Nebraska. Randy Gregory. 24. player