2015 NFL Mock Draft: Early First-Round Predictions for Next Year's Class
The sharpie has yet to dry on draft boards for the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, but it's already time to start looking ahead at what next year's crop might look like.
Sure, it might be extremely early and there's an entire season yet to be played before the selection order becomes official, but for several teams that still have needs at multiple positions it's never too early to look ahead.
Like any other year, the quarterbacks will once again be the lightning rods for controversy in the 2015 NFL draft. With names like Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley at the top of the list, there is no shortage of firepower in the signal-caller crop.
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Before even the city set to host next year's draft is selected, here's a look at the first round with nearly a year before the process gets under way.
1. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Despite his trials and tribulations during the offseason, Jameis Winston remains the most talented player in the 2015 NFL draft class.
Danny Kanell of ESPN, a former Florida State quarterback himself, made his thoughts known on the situation with Winston stealing crab legs, tweeting the following per Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report:
"Incredibly dumb move by Jameis. Sooner or sooner u need to realize you are held to a diff standard than most. As QB, as Heisman, as teammate. ... As a Heisman and national champ QB you don't get to make "immature" mistakes. You have to rise above. Better learn quick…Again, Winston needs to be hyper aware of the consequences of every action. No matter how big/small those actions are.
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Some believe the 2013 Heisman trophy winner will fall as far as out of the first round, as Freeman reports. But the Tennessee Titans will be in need of a quarterback after floundering next season, and Winston is a much more dependable signal-caller than Jake Locker.
2. Oakland Raiders: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Much like this year's class, there are a few quarterbacks to be had next year. Unlike this year, the Oakland Raiders will make sure to lock down a potential franchise player behind center when they select Marcus Mariota of Oregon.
At 6'4", 212 pounds, Mariota has a great arm and phenomenal speed—which is almost a necessity in the offense Oregon. If he can put up similar numbers to 2013, the Hawaiian signal-caller will stay on the West Coast with the Raiders.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
After a year in which a defensive end named Jadeveon Clowney stole a majority of the spotlight from some of the top players in the class, expect another lineman to do the same.
Randy Gregory put together a breakout season in 2013 with 10.5 sacks and is apparently set to have a better year in 2014 according to Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, per ESPN Big Ten:
The Jacksonville Jaguars will still have a few holes to fill in the 2015 draft offensively, but getting the best defensive end at No. 3 makes a perfect fit for a team that regularly ends the season in the doldrums of the AFC South.
4. Washington Redskins: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Here's the good news: The Washington Redskins finally have a first round pick. The bad news? It's going to be another top-five selection. If Robert Griffin III struggles again, the team will look to help him with more protection in the form or Cedric Ogbuehi, next year's top offensive tackle.
5. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills): Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Next year's wide receiver class might not be as star-studded as the 2014 crop, but Amari Cooper is currently the most dynamic. After getting their franchise quarterback this season, the Cleveland Browns will add another weapon for Johnny Manziel next season.
6. St. Louis Rams: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
After five seasons with the St. Louis Rams and no playoff success to show for it, quarterback Sam Bradford will be shown the door. In a division where both Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick run wild, the Rams will go a more traditional route with Bryce Petty.
The Baylor quarterback threw for over 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns during the 2013 season. If he can post anywhere near those numbers for the high-powered Bears again this year, he should remain near the top of quarterback-needy draft boards.
7. Minnesota Vikings: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
In a class where Gregory is expected to be the top dog at the defensive end position, expect Shilique Calhoun to give him a stiff test.
Calhoun was explosive for Michigan State last season, but apparently worked in the offseason to get both bigger and stronger. Spartans defensive line coach Ron Burton spoke about his progress this spring, per Josh Slagter of MLive.com:
"The process of getting stronger, the process of getting bigger. That's the part of it that's going to make him better. Being able to work in space, the ability to use his hands, and work in the run game. [That's] where he's going to continue to get better. He's still a work in progress.
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Upside is something all coaches want to work with, and Calhoun might just evolve into one of college football's best this year. As the Minnesota Vikings mull over which player to take after another downtrodden campaign, Calhoun should be at the top of their list to help the defense.
8. Cleveland Browns: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Thanks to a strong linebacking corps and secondary, the Cleveland Browns defense will once again flourish next season. But with the offense still trying to find its footing, the Browns will help the defense by drafting Leonard Williams, a gritty defensive end from USC, to strike fear into the rest of the division.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
If the name alone doesn't terrify you, Eric Striker will make sure that his play on the field this year reflects the fact that he should be viewed as the No. 1 linebacker in the class.
As the offense slowly progresses, the defense will be the huge question mark for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bringing in Striker would shore up a spot in the front seven and help the team find ways to put Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton on their backs throughout the season.
10. Miami Dolphins: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
A huge member of what will likely become Florida State's "No Fly Zone" this season, P.J. Williams is just the first of two corners who will come off the board in the first round from the school. While the Miami Dolphins locked up Pro Bowl corner Brent Grimes, signing him to a four-year deal in March, they will still be in need of a dependable defensive back on the other side.
11. New York Jets: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
At 6'7", 320 pounds, Andrus Peat is a mammoth offensive lineman. The rising junior at Stanford has legs the size of "tree trunks," according to Tom Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Chronicle, along with athletic ability that could set him apart.
Fitzgerald provides more analysis on the future first rounder:
"He's undoubtedly going to be Stanford's next great blind-side offensive tackle, a probable first-round draft pick following the likes of Gordon King, Brian Holloway, Bob Whitfield and, yes, Kwame Harris - who might not have been a great pro with the 49ers and Raiders but was a force on the Farm.
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Fitzgerald also wrote this regarding Peat's bloodline:
"The punch was something his father taught him. When your dad is Todd Peat, who played six years in the NFL with the Cardinals and Raiders, you tend to listen when it comes to the fine points of offensive line play.
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With a pedigree similar to that of Jake Matthews in this year's class, along with the potential athletic ability of Greg Robinson, Peat will surely make a splash this upcoming season. And after helping the team find offensive weapons this offseason, Rex Ryan will look to help Geno Smith yet again with protection.
12. Detroit Lions: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Boosting the secondary for the Detroit Lions is still a priority, so adding a safety with the playmaking ability of Landon Collins could immediately help the team. In a division where Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler regularly dice up secondaries, the Lions could slowly build a defense to back up the offense.
13. Atlanta Falcons: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
After two consecutive years with no running backs going in the first round, a man named Todd Gurley will buck the trend. With explosiveness and ridiculous speed out of the backfield, the Tarboro, N.C. native can help an Atlanta Falcons team in desperate need of assistance behind Matt Ryan.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Another year, another playoff opportunity missed. After treading water during the 2014 draft with talks about taking Johnny Manziel, the Dallas Cowboys will finally go after a playmaking quarterback in Brett Hundley in the middle of next year's first round.
Hundley is a 6'3", 223-pound quarterback with a live arm and mobility that might measure up to that of RG3 in the same division. Following another year under center with the Bruins, Hundley will come out after his junior season ready to compete with Tony Romo for the starting position in Big D.
15. Houston Texans: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
A potential first-round pick in the 2014 draft, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu decided to stick around for one more season with Oregon. That time will pay off for the cornerback as he should go higher in the draft and to a team with hopes of returning to the playoffs, but came up just short.
16. New York Giants: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
Yet another player who decided to stay one more season in college, Vic Beasley will be well prepared for the 2015 draft. As for the New York Giants, the team could slot Beasley at either outside linebacker or defensive end to completely turn around the defense.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
On a team that lost several wideouts to both the draft and graduation after the 2014 season, Rashad Greene will explode this year with Winston still behind center for the Seminoles.
The once-proud Pittsburgh Steelers will miss out on the playoffs yet again but come away with one heck of a door prize. If the Steelers do ultimately get the rights to Greene, they would immediately have someone to replace Emmanuel Sanders and pair with Antonio Brown for the future.
18. Carolina Panthers: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
Not only did the Carolina Panthers lose Steve Smith during the 2014 offseason, they also watched Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn walk away from the franchise. Needless to say, even a great draft this season would still leave holes for next year.
That's where Nelson Agholor comes in. Much like Smith, Agholor is a bit undersized at 6'0", 185 pounds, but also carries a professional demeanor about him.
"Nelson is the consummate pro when you are talking about preparation, studying the game, the leader in the room," said USC assistant coach Tee Martin about Agholor's character, per Dan Greenspan of NFL.com. Martin also said this:
"Even as a true freshman with Robert Woods being there and Marqise Lee having the kind of season (he had), you could see where he was going to be special as a leader. The moment never gets too big for Nelson. He welcomes it. He wants to be the guy.
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While the addition of Kelvin Benjamin helps, there is still a huge need at the position for next season. No one will ever fill the void in the hearts of Panthers fans left by the release of No. 88, but Agholor has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.
19. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
Wait, another running back in the first round? Yeah, that's how special T.J. Yeldon will prove to be this season for Alabama.
While the Baltimore Ravens found a gem in Ray Rice outside of the first round years ago, they will look to the opening round to replace him. Rice is clearly in the twilight of his career, but Yeldon would come in and change the offense the same way Rice did for years.
20. Arizona Cardinals: Devonte Fields, DE/OLB, TCU
In a league where players who can switch between defensive end and outside linebacker are as valuable as ever, Devonte Fields is one of the best in the 2015 class at making the switch seamlessly.
As the Arizona Cardinals continue to battle with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers defensively, Bruce Arians will have another piece to the puzzle after selecting Fields.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Remember that time we referenced the "No Fly Zone" of Florida State? The second member of that tandem will wind up with the Kansas City Chiefs and bolster an already effective defense for Andy Reid.
22. Chicago Bears: Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State
Once again a defensive captain for Michigan State, Kurtis Drummond will break out this season and turn into a surefire first-round pick. With the Chicago Bears still trying to stop the potent offenses of the NFC North, Drummond will make a perfect fit in the secondary.
23. New Orleans Saints: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Bringing in Champ Bailey was a great move for the New Orleans Saints, but with just a two-year contract the aging veteran will be pondering retirement by next year's NFL draft.
With a great cornerback like Jalen Collins still left on the board, the Saints will look to fill Bailey's shoes and more. And after seeing the defense improve with Kenny Vaccaro and Jairus Byrd, the unit will be complete for the future under Rob Ryan.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Dante Fowler, DE, Florida
More of a prototypical defensive end, Dante Fowler has both the speed and hands to get off the line in a hurry. The Cincinnati Bengals will still be looking to replace a cog like Michael Johnson, and Fowler fits the bill in the first round for a playoff team looking to make the next step.
25. New England Patriots: La'El Collins, OT/G, LSU
As easy as it is to say that Tom Brady can just put the team on his shoulders and carry it to the promised land again, the New England Patriots need more protection for the franchise quarterback.
La'El Collins has the ability to switch from either the tackle or guard position, making him a perfect fit for the Patriots. Logan Mankins will turn 33 next year and 31-year-old Dan Connolly didn't perform well last season, so adding Collins could fill either position in the future.
26. Green Bay Packers: Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland
After a year where the Green Bay Packers put together a strong playoff run, they'll look for one more offensive weapon. If Stefon Diggs remains healthy this season, he'll be explosive at the next level for a contending team.
27. San Diego Chargers: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
All Jaelen Strong did during his sophomore year with Arizona State was finish with 75 receptions for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the Sun Devils in all three categories.
Those numbers were good enough to be named one of Sporting News' top five wideouts for the upcoming season, with this from Ken Bradley:
"Strong did exactly what coaches hope their junior college transfers do — he stepped in and didn’t skip a beat. The 6-4, 205-pounder had 75 receptions for 1,122 yards and seven scores. He had five consecutive games with at least 100 receiving yards early in the season, including 168 yards vs. Stanford and 136 against Notre Dame.
With Taylor Kelly back at quarterback for his senior season after a 3,635-yard passing season, him and Strong could emerge as the top pass-catch combo in the nation.
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That combination of size, speed and strength would complement Keenan Allen on the San Diego Chargers offense. As Philip Rivers looks to eventually overtake the rest of the AFC quarterbacks, the Chargers will equip him with another phenomenal receiver to reach the next level.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
For an offense as fast-paced as the Philadelphia Eagles, Chip Kelly will need a wide receiver who can keep up with his system. With Ty Montgomery still on the board, Kelly will get a great player and one that knows Kelly's pace after playing against him in the Pac-12.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State
After converting from defensive tackle, Cameron Erving has developed into one of the best linemen in college football. Erving will continue to grow under Jimbo Fisher and become a first-round selection protecting Andrew Luck for the Indianapolis Colts.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
Following the loss of multiple cornerbacks in Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, the San Francisco 49ers still have needs in the secondary. Alex Carter, a prototypical defensive back at 6'0", 200 pounds, is a physical player who will develop into one of the best in the country this coming season.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Noah Spence, DE, Ohio State
Another player with potential character issues, Noah Spence has the talent to still go in the opening round of the draft. The Seattle Seahawks have a history of developing players to their full potential, and will do the same with Spence, making him another great player on an outstanding defense.
32. Denver Broncos: Jabari Hunt-Days, ILB, Georgia Tech
Among the offseason moves made by the Denver Broncos, they added several great defensive players except for a leader in the middle. Nate Irving might become what the Broncos need at the position, but Jabari Hunt-Days has a chance to shine for the Super Bowl contender.
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