NFL Mock Draft 2015: 1st-Round Predictions on Super Bowl Media Day
The madness of Super Bowl media day is upon us, signifying the NFL's championship game is near. Once the big dance comes to a close, we'll finally know the exact order of the 2015 draft.
From there, every team will be fully entrenched in prospect evaluations leading up to April 30.
As we know, the draft order is only one of the many factors that can alter the course of the selection process. Prospects still have several tasks to complete before they ultimately land on an NFL squad.
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The scouting combine, team interviews and pro days can make or break a player's campaign to be picked in the first round—we've seen it happen many times before.
Those events have yet to take place, but we can still speculate on the first round's pecking order based on team needs and the performances of eligible prospects during their tenures at the collegiate level.
So, before the draft's outlook shifts once again, here's a look at how the first 32 selections are likely to shake out.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Buccaneers are a team that should be able to turn the corner with a viable quarterback under center. Vincent Jackson is always a legitimate weapon, and Mike Evans was a revelation. Now, all the team needs is someone to effectively distribute the football. Mariota is known for his accuracy, sound decision-making and dual-threat ability. His versatile and efficient skill set should allow him to quickly adapt to the NFL.
2. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Tennessee could go a number of directions here, but it might be difficult to pass up on a talent like Williams, who has the ability to bolster the team's defensive line for years to come. At 6'5" and 298 pounds, he has a perfect blend of size, strength and athleticism that allows him to dominate in the trenches.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Jacksonville made a heavy investment on the offensive side of the ball in the 2014 draft, and now it's time to protect it. This team needs an upgrade along the offensive line, and it will get a big one by selecting Scherff here. The 6'5", 320-pound lineman has a strong upper body and powerful base yet is light on his feet. This combination makes him a valuable asset in pass protection and when blocking for the run.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Raiders began to generate some offense toward the back half of the 2014 regular season; however, Derek Carr needs a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver if he is to continue developing. Cooper might be the most NFL-ready player at his position. He has soft hands and is a reliable route-runner, and his blend of good size and leaping ability gives him a very wide catch radius.
5. Washington Redskins: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
The NFC East is suddenly chock-full of dangerous aerial assaults, so the Redskins would be wise to add another pass-rusher at No. 5 overall. Gregory stands at 6'6" and weighs 245 pounds. He routinely beats blockers with a variety of pass-rushing moves, and his speed and strength allow him to excel against the run, as well.
6. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
With Winston still on the board, it will be difficult for the quarterback-needy Jets to pass. Yes, the Florida State product has some off-field concerns, but he is also an enormous weapon on the field. At 6'4" and 232 pounds, he has NFL size. Combined with his rocket arm, pocket awareness and ability to progress through his reads, Winston has all the tools to flourish at the professional level.
7. Chicago Bears: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
A defensive pick sure seems to be the way to go at No. 7 overall for the Bears. This team needs some major help against both the run and pass, and it will get a big boost in those areas by selecting Ray. A very fast edge-rusher, Ray is known for his ability to torment opposing quarterbacks. He has a strong 6'3", 245-pound frame and the ability to change direction quickly in pursuit of a ball-carrier.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
The Falcons need a big-time playmaker on their defensive front, and they'll get a nice one in Fowler. An extremely versatile prospect, Fowler's blend of burst, speed and power allowed him to play every position along the defensive line and outside linebacker at Florida. Atlanta will be able to use him as a chess piece and create matchup problems for opposing offensive lines.
9. New York Giants: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The future of safety Antrel Rolle is in question, and if he does leave via free agency, looking at a replacement will be in the cards for the Giants at No. 9 overall. Collins is an experienced starter who vastly improved in coverage while at Alabama. A physical player, he is a great open-field tackler and was routinely used up along the line of scrimmage in run support.
10. St. Louis Rams: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
St. Louis has a nice corps of wide receivers, but the team is still lacking a true No. 1 option. White has the ability to be that guy for the Rams. At 6'3" and 210 pounds, he is a strong receiver and is difficult to take down for smaller defensive backs. His length and leaping ability give him a huge catch radius, and he has good acceleration to provide a nice vertical threat.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Minnesota must provide some support for Teddy Bridgewater going forward, and the team could do that in a couple of different ways at No. 11 overall. Although, adding a solid offensive tackle may be the best bet, as the Vikings struggled to protect their young quarterback in 2014. At 6'7" and 312 pounds, Peat is very difficult to move when blocking for the run yet is nimble enough to thwart faster edge-rushers in pass protection.
12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Josh Gordon continues to find himself in deep trouble, so we should expect the Browns to aim for a legitimate wide receiver when the draft rolls around. With Parker available here, the team must pull the trigger. At 6'3" and 209 pounds with a good leap and long arms, he is a big target. He isn't a burner, but he is a reliable route-runner who has the vision necessary to generate many yards after the catch.
13. New Orleans Saints: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
The 2014 season was forgettable for a disappointing Saints team, and if it is to get back on track, getting the defense going will be key. Selecting Beasley will be a big step in the right direction, as the Clemson product has a furious burst off the line. His quickness allows him to beat tackles around the outside, applying constant pressure to opposing quarterbacks and improving the effectiveness of the defense as a result.
14. Miami Dolphins: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Miami has a very nice secondary, and Brent Grimes has been a revelation. However, the team lacks depth, and Cortland Finnegan will be a free agent following the 2015 season. Adding Waynes here will be a great move for the continued success of the defensive backfield. At 6'1" and 183 pounds, he has the size to match up against larger receivers, and he also brings plenty of physicality to the cornerback position.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Michael Crabtree could be on his way out of San Francisco in free agency, and if that's the case, the 49ers will be very thin at wide receiver. Green-Beckham comes with some off-field concerns, but he is a tremendous specimen. At 6'5" and 225 pounds, his size and length allow him to easily win contested jump balls. Nice acceleration will also make him the vertical threat the 49ers have been lacking.
16. Houston Texans: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Before the Texans upgrade their offensive playmakers, they must ensure the offensive line is bolstered. Collins will add a great deal of versatility to the line, as his stocky 6'5", 308-pound frame should allow him to excel at either tackle or guard. He combines a wide base with good upper-body strength to push defenders back on their heels and is quick enough to hold the edge against faster pass-rushers.
17. San Diego Chargers: Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
With Dwight Freeney set to hit free agency in 2015, it's time for the Chargers to reload at outside linebacker. Selecting Dupree at No. 17 overall would be a wise decision. He has great length at 6'4" and 267 pounds, and combined with sound technique and athleticism, he's been highly successful rushing off the edge.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
It's no secret the Chiefs desperately need a wide receiver, and we should expect them to address the position throughout the offseason. Strong would be a great addition due to his long 6'3", 215-pound frame, great leaping ability and soft hands. He's a great outside target with a good catch radius and has enough acceleration to serve as a viable deep threat.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Bills): Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
The Browns need an impact player along the defensive line, and they'll get one by selecting Shelton here. At 6'2" and 343 pounds, Shelton is an absolute monster in the trenches. He has a very wide base and a strong upper body, which allow him to work against double-teams. His mean bull rush sends offensive linemen backward, as he often penetrates the backfield.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Philadelphia's biggest weakness is at the cornerback position, and luckily enough, Peters remains on the board at No. 20 overall. With good size for an NFL corner (6'0", 198 pounds), Peters has the length to cover bigger receivers, and his anticipation allows him to routinely make plays on the ball. A physical player, he doesn't shy away from contact and can be an asset in run support.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Bengals are at their best when they have a solid rotation up front on the defensive side of the ball. Adding the 6'2", 231-pound Thompson would give the team plenty of versatility within its front seven, as his upper-body strength and great speed should allow him to excel at both defensive end and nickel linebacker.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Pittsburgh needs to get younger in its defensive secondary, and Williams appears to fit the team's mold nicely. He has nice size for an outside cornerback at 6'0" and 196 pounds, and plays a physical brand of football. Williams is aggressive in coverage, a sure-tackler in the open field and a consistent contributor in run support.
23. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
The talk of Ndamukong Suh leaving in free agency continues, so it makes sense for the Lions to find his replacement here. The 6'3", 320-pound Goldman has the skill set to fill those big shoes. His solid base and strong upper body make him a force against the run, and a nasty bull rush allows him to bully his way into the backfield and pressure the quarterback.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Arizona needs some fresh legs in the backfield, and while there are some intriguing options in free agency, selecting Gordon at No. 24 overall makes the most sense. Not only will Gordon come with a cheaper price tag, but he has already proved to be one of the nation's best ball-carriers, becoming the fastest back to eclipse 2,000 yards in a season in FBS history.
25. Carolina Panthers: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Cam Newton really struggled throwing the football down the final stretch of the season, and that was partly due to insufficient protection. Bringing Clemmings aboard would provide a big boost to this offensive line, as he is a budding talent with good technique, athleticism and agility. He has the upside to be the line's anchor for years to come.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
The Raves have a glaring weakness at cornerback, and they'll address that need here by selecting Ekpre-Olomu. The Oregon standout might have a small stature at 5'9" and 195 pounds, but he has a high level of athleticism and is able to cover shiftier wide receivers. He might be relegated to slot duty, but he will add much-needed depth for Baltimore.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Dallas can further improve its surprisingly sound defense by adding a playmaker up front, and the 6'4", 320-pound Brown is the right man for the job. A nice blend of strength and quickness makes him a force in the trenches, as he can fight through double-teams or use his nice burst off the snap to blow by offensive linemen en route to the backfield.
28. Denver Broncos: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
There's a strong chance the Broncos will be without Terrance Knighton going forward, and the team should be looking for a replacement to keep up its strong run defense. Phillips would be a great selection here, as the massive 6'6", 334-pound defensive tackle possesses great strength but is also agile and quick enough to get lateral in pursuit of ball-carriers.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Indianapolis could use some depth along the offensive line, and it should begin to look for a new tackle to groom once Anthony Castonzo's contract is up after the 2015 season. Flowers has an impressive build at 6'5" and 324 pounds. Quick and light on his feet, he can cover a wide range in pass protection, and his powerful lower body allows him to drive defenders backward when blocking for the run.
30. Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
The Packers were forced to move Clay Matthews to the inside in a pinch in 2014, and while he succeeded there, the team's lack of depth was very apparent. McKinney has the versatility to solve that problem, as his strong 6'4", 249-pound frame can hold up against the run, and he's quick enough to move outside and serve as an edge-rusher.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Seattle boasts a solid offense; however, the team is missing a big threat at wide receiver and tight end. Adding the 6'5", 230-pound Funchess solves both problems at once. He's an enormous target on the outside, but his experience at tight end allows him to move all around the field, creating mismatches against opposing defenses.
32. New England Patriots: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
The Patriots offense could be nearly unstoppable if it contained a true No. 1 receiver on the outside. That's exactly what the team would be getting by adding the 6'2", 213-pound Coates. He's a strong player and isn't easily taken down, but his best attribute is his blazing speed. He's a major vertical threat and is always capable of taking the top off a defense or opening things up underneath.
