2015 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Predictions Before Week 7

A crazy college football season has been influenced by the performances of several top NFL prospects, and while it may seem to be too early to whip out a mock draft, the answer is simple—it's never too early.

Fleshing out mocks early gives fans and analysts alike the opportunity to analyze the needs of NFL teams, as well as the things holding back NFL prospects from moving up draft boards.

There has been a lot to like from the future stars of the NFL through eight weeks. A few players have made some unexpected jumps into the top half of Round 1, while several others have slid for various reasons.

There's still plenty of time for players to solidify their draft stocks, but the current landscape of the college football seasons implies that the months leading up to the 2015 NFL draft are going to be hectic.

Below, you'll find an updated mock draft following the events of Week 6 of the NFL. 

*Note: Draft order is based on current NFL Super Bowl odds, courtesy of OddsShark.com.

1. Oakland Raiders: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

The Raiders still don't have a win, but Derek Carr is starting to look better and better each week. He torched a very good San Diego Chargers defense in Week 6, amassing 282 yards through the air to go along with four touchdowns.

James Jones has proved himself to be a valuable weapon for the young signal-caller, but ensuring his health moving into the future is paramount for the organization. That will lead the team to draft the top overall offensive lineman in the draft, Texas A&M's Cedric Ogbuehi.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DE, USC

Leonard Williams is an extremely versatile defensive lineman, as he can play in both the 4-3 and the 3-4. He's great at coming off the edge, but he can also use his power to burst through the middle and create an opportunity for other rushers to get around the tackles.

The Jaguars defense has struggled against both the run and the pass this season, and Williams is the type of impact player who can make a big difference.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

The Buccaneers are very, very bad.

The secondary allowed Joe Flacco to torch them in Week 6, as he totaled five touchdowns in just over a quarter. This was deflating for the entire team, especially second-year quarterback Mike Glennon. He has shown flashes of potential, but it'll be difficult for the Bucs to pass on Marcus Mariota, a Heisman candidate.

Mariota has been strong through Oregon's first six contests, completing 69.7 percent of his passes for over 1,600 yards, 17 touchdowns and no interceptions.

4. St. Louis Rams: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

St. Louis hasn't been kind to quarterbacks this season. Sure, Austin Davis has performed well in the absence of both Shaun Hill and Sam Bradford, but he has very little upside. The Rams need someone who can run their offense for the next decade. With Mariota off the board, the next best candidate for the job is Jameis Winston.

5. New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Bringing in Eric Decker this offseason was a smart move to improve Geno Smith's confidence. That said, he has been pretty underwhelming to this point. Jeremy Kerley has been Smith's top wideout to date. Kerley will hit free agency after the season, however, and the Jets should look to upgrade at the position.

Given their struggles this season (1-5), New York will be in the running for a top-five pick. At No. 5, Amari Cooper is the ideal option. He's arguably the top receiver in the draft, and he would be a great complement alongside Decker.

6. Washington Redskins: Landon Collins, S, Alabama

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Brandon Meriweather and Ryan Clark have not been a strong duo in the secondary for the Redskins. With Clark set to hit free agency after the year, the organization should look to the draft to upgrade the position.

Landon Collins is one of the best safety prospects in years. His ability to attack the ball and make plays puts him in position to go very early in the draft. The Redskins shouldn't pass on him.

7. Tennessee Titans: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

The Titans have two young quarterbacks on the roster, but neither has significant upside. This makes Connor Cook a good option for the organization, writes Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com:

"

Unless Jake Locker takes a big step forward in his development in 2014, there is a chance this season is his final one in Tennessee. And although the Titans drafted Zach Mettenberger a year ago, there were more than few reasons why he was a sixth round pick. An offensive-minded head coach, Ken Whisenhunt likely wants a quarterback who can push the ball downfield and command the huddle and Cook checks those boxes as he continues to improve with every snap at Michigan State.

"

Locker continues to fall victim to injuries, and while Mettenberger has potential, Brugler's point about him being a sixth-round pick for a reason is valid. Cook has a ton of upside and can lead this Titans offense to a new level because of its decent receivers and Bishop Sankey's potential.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Todd Gurley is one of the best running back prospects in years, and the Vikings cannot pass on his ability to rack up yards on the ground. Arguably the front-runner for the Heisman right now, Gurley has the potential to revitalize the running back position in the NFL.

9. Miami Dolphins: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

Randy Gregory is a bit raw, but his athleticism goes without question. This athleticism makes him one of the most versatile players on the defensive line in the draft. Bleacher Report's Dan Hope tweeted about that versatility:

The Dolphins could use a few more skilled players on the edge, and there are few better than Gregory.

10. Houston Texans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't the answer. Tom Savage probably isn't the answer either.

This makes the Texans a candidate for a high-upside quarterback in the draft. Luckily, they should have a shot at Brett Hundley. The UCLA signal-caller has completed 72.2 percent of his passes for the 4-2 Bruins. He has been sacked 23 times—some of which were his fault, but his offensive line has done him no favors.

That makes his success this year even more impressive. ESPN's College GameDay tweeted a stat that's perhaps the most impressive:

Hundley probably should have entered last year's draft, but he'll still go high enough to warrant staying at UCLA one more season.

11. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo Bills): Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

The Browns received this pick as a result of last year's deal that allowed the Bills to draft Sammy Watkins. Buffalo got a playmaker on offense with the selection, and in turn, the Browns will look for a playmaker on defense.

Vic Beasley would play well with Barkevious Mingo and Paul Kruger on that defense, as his speed and ability to play in multiple spots in the box make him a great complement to those established defenders.

12. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

Outside linebacker is an area of need for the Falcons, and Leonard Floyd represents the best option available now that Beasley is off the board. Floyd is a difference-maker at Georgia, but some have questioned if his frame will translate to the NFL.

Brugler is among those people, via his Twitter account:

The Falcons have such a need at the position that they can take the risk on him.

13. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Tony Ding/Associated Press

Devin Funchess catches nearly everything he can get his hands on, and the Chiefs have a clear need at wide receiver given how quickly Dwayne Bowe appears to be fading. Alex Smith is a good quarterback, but he'll struggle to make plays without quality receiving options.

He's not the type to turn marginal receivers into top weapons like Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers or others. Smith operates well with wideouts who make plays. Funchess can certainly do that.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

This Steelers defense isn't as good as we're used to. Troy Polamalu still anchors the secondary, but the likes of Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay and Brice McCain are not good enough to intimidate opposing quarterbacks. That's why cornerback Marcus Peters needs to be the pick at No. 14.

Peters isn't going to be a high-impact rookie, but he has all the physical tools to be a quick learner and progress up the depth chart. He could be a quality starter by the end of his rookie campaign.

15. Cleveland Browns: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC

After going defense with their first selection, the Browns will turn their attention to the offensive side of the ball at No. 15. With Josh Gordon's future still in question, Cleveland must upgrade at wide receiver. A deep class of wideouts will leave the organization with the opportunity to select Nelson Agholor.

He has 42 catches for 405 yards through six games with the Trojans. Whether the quarterback of the future is Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel, Agholor will be an asset moving forward.

16. New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

Eli Manning couldn't stay on his feet in Week 6. The Philadelphia Eagles were all over the offensive line, making it clear that there's still improving to be done.

Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo's offensive scheme relies a ton on timing and tempo, meaning Manning needs to have time in the pocket to go through his progressions and hit his receivers in stride.

Brandon Scherff, according to CBS' Rob Rang, is the "safest" senior available:

Making safe picks is always a good way to improve.

17. Carolina Panthers: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

The Panthers took Shane Ray's college teammate, Kony Ealy, in last year's draft. The two will be paired together again following the 2015 draft, as questions along Carolina's line should create an opening for Ray to contribute.

Ray accelerates well off the line. This allows him to make plays in the backfield against the run and against the pass. Tackles need to be prepared for a strong first push for him.

18. Detroit Lions: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

Detroit's secondary could use a boost. There isn't a ton of quality depth there, and with Rashean Mathis in his 12th year, it's time to think about the future.

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu would have been a first-rounder last year had he decided to declare. He has the size, speed and athletic ability to stick with the best receivers in the NFC North and make plays for the Lions. He's a candidate to start from day one.

19. Chicago Bears: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Kyle Fuller has been stellar in his first year. With the success of the offense through six weeks in 2014, the Bears can look again to the defense in Round 1. And why not look to the secondary?

P.J. Williams is athletic enough to play great in one-on-one coverage and also against the run. Chicago's illustrious defensive history featured several players who could do it all, and Williams appears to be someone who fits that mold.

He's better in coverage than against the run, but he won't hurt you in that aspect of the game.

20. New Orleans Saints: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Rob Ryan's defense has taken a step or two backward in 2014, and a clear area of need is on the edge. Shilique Calhoun could quickly rise up draft boards, but there's no denying the fit in New Orleans.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller is a big fan of Calhoun:

Calhoun has clear power, as evidenced by Bleacher Report's College Football Twitter feed:

He might not suplex too many quarterbacks in the NFL, but Calhoun's strength and ferocity make him a defensive coordinator's dream.

21. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

It's a bit of a reach to take Melvin Gordon at No. 21, but the Ravens need help at running back. Justin Forsett, Bernard Pierce and Lorenzo Taliaferro have done pretty well this year, but Baltimore really can't trust them moving forward.

Gordon runs a lot like Jamaal Charles. That should open a few eyes in the Ravens organization leading into the draft.

22. Arizona Cardinals: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida

Dante Fowler Jr. received some very high praise from Alabama head coach Nick Saban, one of the best judges of talent in all of football. GatorZone.com's Scott Carter provided his Twitter followers with a quote from the coach:

The Cardinals love defensive linemen who can make plays, and Fowler would fit in well with the players and scheme already in place. He could rise up boards with a strong finish to the season, but for now, he's a fit at No. 22.

23. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

USA TODAY Sports

Andrus Peat is a natural talent at tackle because of his size and athleticism, but he has fallen victim to inconsistencies at times. With more consistency, Peat would be a top-15 pick.

Cincinnati certainly won't complain about his availability at No. 23, as the Bengals might have a few openings on the line following the season. He has the talent to be one of the better tackles of the class.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State

Philadelphia's defense has improved for the most part, but the secondary can still improve against the pass. The Eagles rank in the bottom half of the league (21st) in passing yards allowed per game.

Ronald Darby is the top corner available at this point in the draft. Having played alongside P.J. Williams at Florida State, Darby has experience playing with NFL-quality corners. This should make his transition pretty easy.

25. Indianapolis Colts: Lorenzo Mauldin, DE/OLB, Louisville

The pass rush in Indianapolis hasn't been the most consistent in 2014. Robert Mathis' injury is certainly one explanation, and the only way to ensure it can handle another injury is to add some depth. At No. 25, Lorenzo Mauldin would provide such depth.

Mauldin is a sack artist, as Louisville Football's official Twitter account noted:

Adding another rusher capable of getting to the quarterback would put the Colts over the top.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State

At 5-1, the Cowboys have done a ton of things right early in the season. They still struggle in the trenches, however, so addressing that area in the draft with Ohio State's Michael Bennett would be a nice move.

27. New England Patriots: La'el Collins, OT, LSU

Tom Brady has been rushed, hit and flushed from the pocket far too often this season. He has played well recently, despite issues on the offensive line, but in an effort to prolong his effectiveness, the Patriots have to address the offensive line.

Wide receiver is another area of need, but there's enough depth in the class to target one in Round 2 or 3. As a result, tackle La'el Collins will be the target at No. 27.

A three-year starter at LSU, Collins has the experience to make a difference in New England.

28. Green Bay Packers: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa

An underrated defensive tackle, Carl Davis will likely jump up draft boards in the coming months. He's a late first-rounder at this point, meaning the Packers have a shot at taking him at No. 28.

Davis has the potential to be an immediate upgrade over B.J. Raji, giving the Packers the boost on the defensive line they so desperately need.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma

Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson and Michael Crabtree headline the receiving group in San Francisco, but the 49ers could use an upgrade. Johnson is inconsistent. Boldin may not have many years left. Crabtree goes through stretches where he's basically nonexistent.

Dorial Green-Beckham is an impact receiver, but he could very well return to school in 2015.

30. San Diego Chargers: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

Without much depth at outside linebacker, the Chargers could turn to Shaq Thompson in the draft. Of course, this may prove difficult if the Chargers continue to win and Thompson continues to climb up draft boards.

31. Seattle Seahawks: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Because Russell Wilson excels in sharing the ball amongst his receivers, adding another explosive option to the mix would definitely help the Seahawks offense.

Sammie Coates has a propensity for making big plays:

"Explosive" is the perfect word to describe the Auburn wideout. He'll go off the board in Round 1.

32. Denver Broncos: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State

Despite vast improvements to the defense over the offseason, the Broncos could still use some more ferocity. Benardrick McKinney is a tough linebacker who can play in the middle of the defense and let the person with the ball know that gaining yards won't be easy.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @KennyDeJohn_BR