2015 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Predictions Before Week 6
The top college prospects continue to experience wild highs and lows that directly coincide with the revelation of massive needs on each NFL roster as both collegiate and pro seasons progress.
In other words, it is NFL mock draft season.
Really, there is no wrong time to bust out a mock draft. It serves as a tool for a barometer as to how each team in the NFL currently looks while also providing the who's who of the top players in the realm of collegiate football.
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Below, let's take a look at a pre-Week 6 projection based on the odds to win the Super Bowl from Odds Shark for the order of the picks.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Boring? Sure, but coach Gus Bradley has a plan in place, and it centers around his franchise quarterback, Blake Bortles.
Cedric Ogbuehi has been on the NFL radar for years as Texas A&M continues to churn out quality talent in the offensive trenches. In tandem with former Aggies standout Luke Joeckel, Bortles will have plenty of time to get the ball out to a rapidly developing crop of solid weapons.
2. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Leonard Williams can do it all. Whether it is on the edge of a 3-4 formation or as a 3-technique in a 4-3 look, the USC product is destined to wreak havoc at the next level.
Michael Lev of the Orange County Register helps to put into perspective just how dominant Williams is:
Williams is a perfect fit in the heart of a rebuilding Oakland defense who not only frees up rushers such as Khalil Mack, but joins them by adding unorthodox pressure up the middle.
3. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
For the second season in a row, Marcus Mariota has been unable to lead his Oregon Ducks over the Arizona Wildcats.
The season and a potential College Football Playoff berth is very much in jeopardy for Mariota, but his draft status most certainly is not.
Tennessee needs a lot of help, and while some may argue that Jake Locker is still worthy of a chance, his complete inability to stay healthy means Tennessee will continue to drag its feet. That changes with Mariota in town.
4. St. Louis Rams: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Like it or not, the Sam Bradford era in St. Louis is about done.
If he is still around by next year's draft, coach Jeff Fisher is going to be in save-my-job mode and willing to roll the dice on a high-upside player such as Jameis Winston. The Florida State star has his known struggles off the field at times, but Fisher figures to be a quality mentor.
Austin Davis has quietly put together a superb few weeks in St. Louis, but whether or not Fisher will ride that train and pass on Winston if it continues is difficult to say.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Lovie Smith's start in Tampa Bay has been a disaster.
With any luck, Smith sticks with Mike Glennon under center after failing to even hold a quarterback competition this past offeseason.
If he goes with that approach, Smith can turn his attention to a miserable defense that has not lived up to expectations. Thanks to players such as Charles Tillman, Smith has made his money through strength on that side of the ball over the years.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu gives Smith's scheme a rangy, physical specimen who fits well.
6. New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Once again, Rex Ryan (if he is still around) will be peeved at missing out on a corner yet again, should this scenario play out.
Stephen Hill wound up as a major bust, and Eric Decker looks hobbled and lost without Peyton Manning, but Amari Cooper has the look of a sure thing. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller puts things into perspective nicely:
Cooper is a legit No. 1 who can produce right away. Geno Smith has struggled with turnovers, but the flashes are undeniably there. Getting him more help is a must.
7. Washington Redskins: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
To be blunt, the tandem of Brandon Meriweather and Ryan Clark is just not getting it done in Washington.
If the defense is to take a step in the right direction, the front office needs to start taking the position seriously. That starts and ends with Landon Collins, one of the best overall safeties to come out in years.
Collins is rangy and interchangeable among positions. That sort of versatility has been absent in Washington for quite some time.
8. Minnesota Vikings: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
There was a time when Vic Beasley was in contention for the No. 1 overall pick.
For all we know, Beasley will get back to that point, but defensive guru and new head coach Mike Zimmer certainly will not complain about getting another talented rusher to move around along with Anthony Barr.
Zimmer's defenses are at their best when he has a laundry list of effective, interchangeable players who can man a bevy of spots. Beasley only further adds to that pursuit.
9. Cleveland Browns: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Another sound rusher to go along with Barkevious Mingo and Paul Krueger?
Yes, please.
They do not come more versatile than Randy Gregory. Bleacher Report's Dan Hope provides one instance of Gregory's great all-around ability:
Cleveland can add weapons in the passing game later. A developing secondary that has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL could use less time in coverage thanks to the addition of another versatile rusher.
10. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Of course, "later" means now thanks to Buffalo.
Devin Funchess is an ideal selection with Cooper off the board. The Michigan standout catches most everything thrown his way, and regardless of what happens with Josh Gordon, he can easily be a No. 1 wideout on his own.
With a developing Johnny Manziel, Cleveland can look to in-state rival Cincinnati for inspiration—surround a quarterback with as much sheer talent as possible, and weaknesses will fade.
11. Houston Texans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Despite playing behind one of the worst lines in the NCAA at the moment, Brett Hundley continues to rank among the best of the best in terms of passing efficiency.
Some of the sacks are Hundley's fault, but there is undoubtedly an elite skill set buried in there should the right staff come along and develop him properly.
Bill O'Brien happens to be a strong quarterback developer, and he also happens to be out of time when it comes to procrastinating at the position.
12. Miami Dolphins: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
As dominant as Cameron Wake is, it is easy to forget he is already going to be 33 years old by the time next season rolls around.
In order to keep up a strong pass rush for the future, regardless of whether or not Dion Jordan pans out, the front office in Miami can grab Shilique Calhoun, a quality all-around presence, to shore up multiple issues.
With the offense relatively in place, defense makes the most sense. Calhoun not only fits, he is the best player available.
13. Carolina Panthers: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Carolina finally got serious last year about getting Cam Newton some help and seemingly hit the jackpot with Kelvin Benjamin.
Todd Gurley would make the front office 2-for-2.
The days of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart being an effective one-two punch are over. Gurley is not only the Heisman favorite at this point, he is arguably the top overall player in the nation.
So while running backs are playing a "dead" position and it has been quite a while since one went off the board in the first round, Gurley has the talent and Carolina has the need to break the trend.
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
Andy Reid's Kansas City Chiefs have the most boring wideout corps in the NFL.
Not only is there nothing to speak of after Dwayne Bowe, the veteran himself is already 30 years old.
The good news is that wideout is relatively deep this year and headlined by a trio of names, the last being USC's Nelson Agholor. He's a serious threat in multiple facets—he returned two punts for scores last year in a single game—but his efforts continue to go unnoticed on a lackluster USC squad (he caught nine passes and returned a punt for a touchdown in a recent loss).
Agholor won't have problems getting noticed in Reid's offense.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Atlanta needs help in a number of ways, so taking a dive with the most versatile prospect of the 2015 class is a surefire way to get help.
That would be Shaq Thompson, who plays linebacker but can also line up at safety, as noted by Christian Caple of The (Tacoma) News Tribune:
Thompson can provide a rush or drop into coverage quite well, so Atlanta gets a bit of a two-for-one and shores up a key spot on the defense.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
A hodgepodge of names such as Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay and Brice McCain will not get it done for an extended period of time in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh lucks out with P.J. Williams still on the board, though.
Williams is an athletic corner who will have no issues holding his own in man-to-man coverage, not to mention getting violent against the run. In other words, he is an ideal Pittsburgh defensive back.
17. Chicago Bears: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Kyle Fuller looks like a true replacement for Tillman, whose career may very well be over after another serious injury.
With Marc Trestman's offense continuing to roll, he can feel free to grab a corner in the first round two years in a row. Tim Jennings turns 31 in December and will eventually have to hang up the cleats as well.
Marcus Peters is certainly a strong forward-looking pick, and as the injury to Tillman shows, no roster can ever have enough quality defensive backs in today's pass-happy league.
18. New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
The hype for Brandon Scherff is beginning to hit a fever pitch, and for good reason.
Rob Rang of CBSSports.com puts it best:
The priority in New York continues to be the protection of Eli Manning, especially in a new-look offense so reliant on proper timing. Even if Scherff does not start on the edge as a rookie, he will find a way into the starting lineup.
19. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
The offseason addition of Henry Melton was nice, but Dallas continues to lose wars in the trenches on a weekly basis.
Forget adding linebackers and defensive backs. If the line fails, it has a ripple effect on the rest of the unit. Michael Bennett is a strong value pick at this point who easily works his way into the starting rotation and provides an upgrade.
20. New Orleans Saints: Mario Edwards Jr., DE, Florida State
Rob Ryan's defense has done a full-on face plant to start the season, and regardless of whether or not he is still around come draft time, the team needs more quality edge-rushers.
Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette are sound in this regard, but a running mate such as Mario Edwards Jr. will put things over the top and help to take pressure off a secondary in need of a bunch of work, too.
21. Baltimore Ravens: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
Benardrick McKinney is not yet a household name, but mark this down—he will be by season's end and will subsequently catch fire on the path to the draft.
McKinney has great length and instincts that make him a scheme-versatile 'backer. While veteran Daryl Smith has been great for the Ravens (and great all those years in Jacksonville, too), Baltimore needs a long-term plan in the linebacking corps.
McKinney is certainly a strong fit. Even better, he will make an impact right away.
22. Detroit Lions: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Andrus Peat seems to be the odd man out on the national scale when it comes to top-tackle talk, but his upside might just make him the best player at the spot from the 2015 class in hindsight.
So yes, the Detroit Lions get quite a steal if Peat takes such a dive. With Riley Reiff on one side and Peat on the other, Matthew Stafford should have even fewer issues getting his vast array of weapons the football.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
A prospect has a good thing going for himself when Alabama head coach Nick Saban takes the time to praise him.
As Scott Carter of GatorZone.com notes, that happened recently for Dante Fowler Jr.:
Fowler is one of the top edge-rushers in the 2015 class and fits right in with the rush-happy Arizona defense in need of fresh bodies.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Indianapolis is another team in need of another quality rusher.
Shane Ray has yet to take the nation by storm, but ESPN.com's Mel Kiper is one of many who continue to beat the drum about Ray (subscription required):
"Continues to move up on my board. System fit will be a discussion, but what he can do is play with tremendous energy, beat blockers and get to the passer, so it's going to work out. What I like about Ray is he combines a relentless effort level with a range of pass-rushing moves. He's not just a speed-rusher off the edge; he'll get on the inside shoulder of a tackle and drive through, creating pressure from the inside. Super productive and disruptive so far.
"
Ray is not only versatile, he is certainly a better rotational rusher than Erik Walden. That's a win at No. 24.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
There is little question as to who is the best player on the Oregon front seven at the moment—the honor goes to Arik Armstead.
It just so happens that Chip Kelly fancies himself some Oregon products. Not only that, he has a need for more rushers to keep the attack fresh on a weekly basis.
In more ways than one, Armstead is an ideal fit.
26. New England Patriots: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
The face lift in the offensive trenches continues for New England, with La'el Collins bringing with him a strong semblance of versatility and leadership to the unit.
As Tom Brady continues to age, the line in front of him will need to get younger. Even if Collins does not turn out to be a rookie starter, he is one of the top players at his position and surely not one to pass on at No. 26.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Let's call a spade a spade—San Francisco is soft on the outside against the run, and the cornerback depth chart needs a makeover.
Trae Waynes is not only physical against the run, he plays pro-ready defense, too, as Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press illustrates:
No rookie corner has an easy transition to the pros, but Waynes may be the best of the best in that regard this year.
28. San Diego Chargers: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
The Eddie Royal show has been nice, but it is time to get Philip Rivers a more diverse crop of weapons.
This is about where the explosive Sammie Coates should come into play, so the pairing makes sense. Coates can contribute on special teams, but also take some pressure off No. 1 Keenan Allen.
Really, the Chargers can get creative with Coates, and when he is in space, the speedy weapon is one of the most dangerous of his kind in the class.
29. Green Bay Packers: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
Say hello to yet another name who will blow up in a major way once everyone has a chance to digest all of the film from this class.
Carl Davis can do it all in the heart of a defense, as NFL.com's Bryan Fischer muses:
Green Bay could use such a talent in the trenches. B.J. Raji was brought back this past season, but only because the team could not find anything better. Arguably, at least, Davis is, or should be quickly.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
One of the deepest teams in the league can no longer continue to ignore the fact that left tackle Andrew Whitworth will be 33 years old by the end of the calendar year.
There is no backup plan in Cincinnati at the moment, so a selection spent on Germain Ifedi is a great way to go.
Ifedi currently lives in the shadow of Ogbuehi with the Aggies, but he is supremely talented and a brief grooming period will do him wonders.
31. Denver Broncos: Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas
DeMarcus Ware is not exactly a spring chicken, so Denver will need to reload soon in order to help Von Miller consistently put pressure on opposing signal-callers.
Trey Flowers seems the right man for the job given the value and his great upside. The Arkansas product is explosive out of his stance with his hand in the dirt and adds another dimension to a sound unit.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
Russell Wilson is known for spreading the ball around, but more quality targets on each down is nothing but a good thing moving forward.
Ditto for explosiveness on special teams, which Ty Montgomery certainly brings to the table in droves. For the most talented roster in the league, important versatility makes the Stanford product an appealing option to close out the first round.
Statistics and info courtesy of ESPN unless otherwise specified.
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