2015 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Predictions Before Week 11
1. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
One of the more obvious footnotes entering the season was the fact that the Oakland Raiders had the most talent-deficient roster in the NFL.
Make no mistake, the building blocks, such as Khalil Mack and quarterback Derek Carr, are there. But the team needs to build in the traditional way in the trenches to create a positive ripple effect for said blocks.
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It just so happens that Leonard Williams is the top player in the class and fits the bill. An ability to create unorthodox pressure up the middle and plug gaps against the run is just what Oakland needs to progress in the right direction.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Jacksonville is quietly headed in the right direction, especially thanks to a total of 28 sacks so far this season.
Now the Jaguars can look to build on their solid rush led by Sen'Derrick Marks with a talented edge player, such as Randy Gregory out of Nebraska. Daniel Jeremiah is one of many who are in love with the set of skills Gregory brings to the table:
Gregory right away demands attention from offenses as a rookie, which is exactly the purpose of such a high selection.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
While Lovie Smith continues to play the guessing game with Mike Glennon and Josh McCown, those in the front office surely continue to eye the top quarterbacks in the class.
Above all other names at his position, if not more, is Marcus Mariota.
Mariota is far from perfect as a prospect, but his 29-2 touchdowns-interceptions ratio this season says enough about his on-field upside. His off-field quiet demeanor is what an organization going through dark times needs, too.
4. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Sticking to just his on-field performance as a sophomore, Jameis Winston has looked anything but sharp. Last year's Heisman winner has thrown 17 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and struggles against top competition.
Regardless, his unbelievable upside makes him a top-five selection, especially in what as of now looks like a pretty weak class at the position.
The New York Jets seem through with Geno Smith, and Michael Vick is a backup at this point. Winston can win as a rookie provided the staff uses weapons such as Percy Harvin correctly.
5. Tennessee Titans: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Many may cry for a wide receiver here, but Tennessee quietly has a very solid crop of wideouts thanks to Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright.
Quarterback is the issue, but the top two are off the board.
With that in mind, look for Tennessee to grab one of the draft's best natural edge-rushers to solidify that spot on defense for years to come. Vic Beasley has dropped in terms of hype, but he will regain it as scouts digest his entire body of work this offseason.
6. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Most, including Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, agree that Cedric Ogbuehi is the top tackle in the 2015 class:
Look for the St. Louis Rams to approach roster building differently this time around after the failed Sam Bradford era. It starts in the trenches, a lesson the Rams will put to use early in the 2015 draft in order to start over.
7. Washington: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Landon Collins is such a rare talent in the deep areas of a defense that he would go in the top 10 in any number of past recent drafts without much hesitation.
Washington is the team that fits the bill best given this order.
Ryan Clark needs to be replaced, and Brandon Meriweather is as erratic as they come. Collins will struggle like any rookie defensive back, but this pick is about the future.
8. New York Giants: Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
In recent years, the New York Giants have been known for having any number of talented rushers from different spots, so it makes sense that the team would add another talented player to complement Jason Pierre-Paul.
Dante Fowler Jr. lines up at either end, tackle and outside linebacker to rush the passer at Florida depending on the situation.
This sort of versatility and sheer athleticism makes him a brilliant add for a defense looking to improve.
9. Chicago Bears: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
The respect for Missouri defensive end Shane Ray is extensive.
That said, a quote from Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, per Billy Liucci of TexAgs.com, says it all:
Chicago, a defense that just gave up six passing touchdowns in a single half to Aaron Rodgers, could use a high-energy player to put pressure on the quarterbacks of a pass-happy division.
10. Houston Texans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Things are so miserable in Houston that first-year coach Bill O'Brien has resorted to Ryan Mallett for help under center.
Such is life for an organization that ignored the most important position of all last season.
The front office in Houston will not make that same mistake, meaning UCLA's Brett Hundley is next off the board. Hundley is a great runner and developing passer, meaning he fits in well with the run-first Texans right off the bat.
11. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Offensive line remains the biggest need in Atlanta, so the Falcons might as well go out and grab a right tackle to pair with Jake Matthews for years to come in front of Matt Ryan.
Not only is Iowa's Brandon Scherff the next best tackle in the class, he is arguably better suited for the right side, anyway.
An upgrade there means wider running lanes and more time for Ryan to hit on those longer-developing plays down the field.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
There is an outside chance that Amari Cooper reels in the Heisman this year.
Look at it this way. Alabama has 2,531 passing yards and 20 touchdowns through the air this season. Cooper owns 1,215 and 10 of those on 79 catches. The next closest receiver has 26 catches.
At this slot, the Minnesota Vikings will not be able to resist pairing Cooper with Cordarrelle Patterson to help Teddy Bridgewater. Greg Jennings as the mentor has a nice ring to it, too.
13. Carolina Panthers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Carolina quietly had a pretty good pass defense this year until Week 10. There, Mark Sanchez shredded the secondary for 332 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Strange, right?
Regardless, this pick is going to be defense no matter what, as the team's biggest former strength is now a weakness. Trae Waynes is an upgrade on the outside who can play with bigger wideouts and in time be a No. 1.
14. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
NFL teams are lining up to scout Shawn Oakman for a reason, folks, as explained by CollegeFootball 24/7:
Oakman is a disruptive force regardless of where he lines up, meaning a stout rush led by Barkevious Mingo and others only gets better.
Cleveland is on the clock again very soon, too.
15. Miami Dolphins: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Rinse and repeat, as the differences between Shilique Calhoun and Oakman are quite small at this point.
Calhoun is a force in the trenches who clogs gaps and applies pressure with consistency. At this spot, Miami would look to work Calhoun in as a rotational piece on a deep line for the time being.
Keeping the bodies up front fresh will only further help an elite secondary led by corner Brent Grimes.
16. Cleveland Browns: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Nowadays, NFL receivers need to be able to do it all. Look at what Minnesota's Patterson or Green Bay's Randall Cobb do for examples.
As CBS Sports' Dane Brugler points out, Kevin White certainly hits every point on the pro checklist:
Cleveland needs another receiver to help counter the Josh Gordon saga and give Andrew Hawkins some more breathing room. Not to mention White's addition will also make things easier on Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Quarterback is clearly a major issue in Cincinnati with Andy Dalton posting a 2.0 rating in Week 10, but the team is locked into a pretty big deal for at least a few more seasons.
It is not like there are a number of solid options on the board at this spot, anyway.
Instead, the Bengals can look to insulate the offensive line from the eventual departure of veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth. La'el Collins can kick inside to left guard, a current problem area, until needed on the outside.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Pittsburgh offense is currently in great hands, so it makes sense that the front office would once again turn to the defensive side of the football in the first round to stem the age issues slowly creeping into the danger zone.
Shaq Thompson is an ideal pick at the spot in order for the Steelers to trot out a pair of young rushers for years to come.
In theory, Thompson would pair with Jarvis Jones and make the lives of all involved with the unit easier.
19. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Baggage can only drop an elite talent so far.
Peters has plenty considering he was kicked off Washington's team recently, as Brugler notes:
Baltimore has a serious need for a big-bodied corner who can match up with the A.J. Greens of the world and keep pressure off the rest of the unit. If the front office feels it has a suitable environment for a player with a red flag, Peters will be the pick.
20. San Diego Chargers: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
The team that jumps first on the top interior offensive lineman each year usually gets a heck of a player.
Teams try to avoid the spot in the first round because it is not a perceived "value," but it is hard to imagine the San Diego Chargers do not take the health of quarterback Philip Rivers seriously.
A.J. Cann is a workhorse in the trenches who can start as a rookie and upgrade a unit in need. What is wrong with that value?
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Andy Reid loves his versatile offensive weapons, so his grabbing Devin Funchess in the later portions of the first round makes sense.
After all, Funchess is so versatile that the wideout comes in as the No. 1 tight end in the 2015 class, too, according to Steve Muench of ESPN.com (subscription required):
"Funchess also can get more consistent at catching the ball away from his frame and setting up his breaks as a route runner. But the reason he tops my board is his big-play ability. His speed, size and athleticism allow him to win 50-50 balls downfield. Plus, he has above-average burst after the catch. While he's also a big-play threat at receiver, he's that much more dangerous at tight end because he gets more favorable matchups.
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Travis Kelce and Funchess on the same offense as complements to a pair of talented running backs is quite scary, to say the least.
22. New Orleans Saints: Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Injuries have not helped matters, but Rob Ryan's defense in New Orleans ranks 24th against the pass at this point, as the team struggles in most aspects not related to run defense.
With this weakness in mind, expect the Saints to look to get Junior Galette some help when rushing off the edge.
Alvin Dupree is a great value and versatile enough that Ryan can line him up however he desires in his amoeba look. More talent rushing means less time in coverage for a shaky secondary.
23. Dallas Cowboys: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Dallas seems to have things figured out on the offensive side of the football, but the improving defense still needs some help in the pass-happy NFC East.
With that in mind, the big-bodied (6'1", 196 pounds) P.J. Williams is an ideal selection to pair with Brandon Carr and keep Morris Claiborne relegated to spot duty.
There is no such thing as too many defensive backs, an approach Dallas needs to take if the unit is to continue improving.
24. Detroit Lions: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Todd Gurley is so talented that he is sure to break the trend of no backs in the first round over the course of the past few seasons.
Backs are viewed as disposable, but Gurley is the first can't-miss prospect at the position in quite some time. Just ask Mel Kiper Jr. (subscription required):
"He'll be back soon, and it's safe to say his stock wasn't hurt by a month of rest. I rank Gurley higher than he will probably be drafted, given the way the NFL values running backs, but he could go in Round 1. He's a powerful runner with the ability to run away from a defense. When Gurley gets past the line of scrimmage, watch out. He can run high, which raises durability concerns that will certainly play into his draft stock.
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Detroit is ready to creep out of the Reggie Bush era. Gurley is downright scary in a Lions offense that already causes the NFL fits thanks to Calvin Johnson.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Regardless of whether DeMeco Ryans returns healthy next season, Chip Kelly cannot continue to ignore a struggling defense that has made minor strides at best since his arrival as head coach.
To that end, Benardrick McKinney is an ideal leader in the middle who will put a violent end to any rushing play headed his way.
Leaders sometimes work wonders when it comes to a defensive unit. McKinney has what it takes to turn things around in Philadelphia.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
For one of the deepest teams in the NFL, an obvious point of emphasis this offseason will be upgrading the cornerback slot.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has lost some steam in terms of hype in comparison to last year, but the versatile defensive back is another young addition who quickly puts to rest any performance issues in the back end of the defense.
The infusion of talent leaves just one thing for the defense to do—get healthy.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Teams in need of beef in the trenches need look no further than Danny Shelton, as John Middlekauff of Comcast SportsNet points out:
As far as a run-plugging force, the Arizona Cardinals certainly will not complain about the value so late in the first round.
Shelton's addition means an up-and-down set of linebackers will only have easier jobs.
28. Indianapolis Colts: Arik Armstead, DE/OLB, Oregon
Defense is the name of the game for the Indianapolis Colts.
The team ranks ninth against the rush but comes in at 27th against the pass. A strong rush would help get a shaky secondary out of coverage, so the versatile Arik Armstead makes sense.
Paired with Bjoern Werner, the Colts will field a younger rush than normal that has the potential to make the lives of all involved easier.
29. Seattle Seahawks: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
It is a bad secret that the Florida State Seminoles tout two of the nation's best cornerbacks this season.
After Williams, the other is Ronald Darby. As Miller notes, both continue to be on similar footing:
A Seattle defense that has come up lame against the pass at times could surround Richard Sherman with more help. Darby makes sense given the value and the luxurious position the Seahawks occupy.
30. Green Bay Packers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Make that two Seminoles in a row, as the Green Bay Packers need a better contributor at the nose.
Eddie Goldman quietly gets the dirty work done for Florida State, applying plenty of pressure and helping to shift the complexion of each running play on his lonesome.
Provided the Packers once again fail to upgrade the spot through other means, Goldman is a great way to address the now and future.
31. New England Patriots: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Tom Brady has an emerging Brandon LaFell to lean on, but more weapons never hurt anybody—except the offenses tasked with lining up against them.
In order to get Brady another option on offense, scouts need look no further than DeVante Parker.
Parker has limited playing time this season, but the 6'3" and 208-pound senior already has 25 catches for 490 yards and a touchdown. His big-play abilities make him an obvious pick in the first round.
32. Denver Broncos: Markus Golden, DE, Missouri
Lost in the spotlight at Missouri is Markus Golden, something that will not happen on draft day.
Golden is a bit undersized at 6'3" and 260 pounds, but his versatility and sheer productivity as a rusher and as a player who can drop back and cover the pass are traits impossible to ignore.
Denver, a team with needs at linebacker, certainly will not to end the first round.
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