2015 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Look at Entire 1st Round

The landscape of the NFL draft is always changing.

Prospects' stocks will rise and fall with each 

performance, while the needs of NFL teams are constantly revolving, as well. Then there's the post-season events—free agency, draft combine, Pro Days, etc.—that will even further shake things up.

Still, teams and fans are constantly looking towards the future. The idea of landing the next J.J. Watt or Andrew Luck is simply too enticing. The idea unknown is undeniably always captivating.

That said, let's take a very early gander at the outlook of the first round.

1. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DL, USC

Although they have just one win, the Oakland Raiders have some solid building blocks in Derek Carr and Khalil Mack. At this point, they can't worry about addressing specific positions of need, but instead just keep adding difference-makers.

Leonard Williams is exactly that, as USC's official athletics Twitter feed illustrated:

A 6'5", 290-pound monster with strength and athleticism, the USC star can line up anywhere on the defensive line. He's capable of creating pressure or shutting down lanes in the running game.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

A disciple of the Seattle Seahawks' recent successful regime, Gus Bradley knows that teams must be built around defense (especially when they already feel they have their quarterback in Blake Bortles).

That's already clear, as the Jags rank in the top five in sack percentage, showing plenty of glimpses of being a great defensive football team.

Still, Bradley won't hesitate to continue to build depth on the defensive line. Randy Gregory, a fast-rising prospect, still needs to become more effective in the run game, but he has the tools to be a top-of-the-line edge-rusher.

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

It's pretty clear Lovie Smith isn't the biggest fan of Mike Glennon, the product of a past regime. Josh McCown, although signed through the 2015 season and looking solid over the last two weeks, isn't the answer for the future, either.

Marcus Mariota is a special player. Check out this unbelievable production against blitzes, via ESPN's Ted Miller:

A dual-threat monster, Mariota also possesses tremendous awareness in the pocket and decision-making, as evidenced by his two interceptions. His accuracy still needs work, but all the traits are there for a dangerous playmaking QB.

4. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Similar to the Bucs, the New York Jets have seemingly given up on the youngster (Geno Smith), while the veteran (Michael Vick) doesn't offer anything of a future, either. Rex Ryan made his opinion of the current quarterback situation very clear in Week 13 when he ran the ball 49 times and let Smith throw 13 times.

Jameis Winston is the second-best QB in this class. Teams are going to question his maturity and off-the-field concerns, but he's 6'4", 230 pounds, can make every throw on the route tree and has athleticism to boot.

5. Tennessee Titans: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

According to TeamRankings.com, Alabama runs the ball on nearly 56 percent of its plays. Yet Amari Cooper has still found a way to produce absolutely gaudy numbers: 103 catches, 1,573 yards, 14 touchdowns.

Missouri cornerbacks coach Cornell Ford, via Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke, recently suggested there's really only one way to slow down Cooper:

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

After an injury-plagued sophomore season, the junior has consistently showcased his ability to get open, as well as his unbelievable hands. Although he's just 6'1", he has the tools to be a legitimate No. 1 receiver, taking some of the pressure off big-play threat Justin Hunter.

6. Washington: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

Safeties don't often go this high, but Landon Collins is an obvious exception.

The Alabama junior is an explosive talent capable of coming up and helping out in the run, or dropping back and making plays on the ball. He represents an immediate upgrade for a struggling Washington secondary.

7. New York Giants: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

The Giants could go a number of different ways here, but it never hurts to add an impact pass-rusher, especially with Jason Pierre-Paul a potential free agent in the offseason. 

Shawn Oakman is a tantalizing prospect. Standing at a massive 6'9" and 280 pounds, he almost literally looks like someone combined an Oak tree and a man. Even with that size, though, he possesses the speed to cause havoc on the edge.

8. Carolina Panthers: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

If you've been watching the Carolina Panthers, you've realized that Cam Newton is desperately in need of two things: protection, and offensive weapons.

The dynamic QB is almost always under pressure, and when he is able to get a throw off, his wide receivers either don't get separation or drop the ball.

Devin Funchess, a former tight end with loads of athleticism and speed, is a potential mismatch nightmare and big-play threat. With him lining up across from Kelvin Benjamin, Newton's problem with overthrows may quickly disappear.

9. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

It just wouldn't be an NFL draft without a Texas A&M offensive tackle going in the top 10.

The St. Louis Rams drafted their left tackle of the future last year in Greg Robinson, but the offensive line still needs work. They have allowed the eighth-most sacks (34), despite throwing just the 26th-most passes.

Cedric Ogbuehi's recent move to right tackle was a reminder he's far better on that side, as USA Today's NFL Draft Geek pointed out:

With Robinson and Ogbuehi, the Rams have two bookends on their line for a long time.

10. Atlanta Falcons: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

The Atlanta Falcons offensive line has been a little up-and-down this season, but for the most part, Matt Ryan has either been throwing from his back or under extreme duress.

Brandon Scherff is an option here, but he's better in the run game. Andrus Peat, a 6'7" athletic tackle, would be more suited to help Ryan stay upright.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

The Vikings could look for another offensive playmaker. Cordarrelle Patterson hasn't taken the step forward many were expecting, and Greg Jennings is on the wrong side of 30.

Ultimately, though, Rick Spielman and Co. will opt to improve the offensive line.

Scherff is a solid pass blocker, but built in the Zack Martin mold, he could easily move to guard and take the Vikings' run blocking to the next level. That's a scary thought with the explosive Jerick McKinnon (and possibly Adrian Peterson) carrying the ball.

12. New Orleans Saints: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

The New Orleans Saints looked set for a major improvement on defense this season, but that just hasn't happened.

Junior Galette is a burgeoning star, but the ever-aggressive Rob Ryan would love to add another athletic pass-rusher on the other side. Enter Vic Beasley, a versatile talent who has 32.0 sacks during his career at Clemson thus far.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. put it simply:

13. Chicago Bears: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

The Chicago Bears, in desperate need of some secondary help, would love to see Landon Collins fall to this spot. If he doesn't, though, they'll be more than happy to add Shaq Thompson.

A former safety recruit who has been playing running back recently for an injury-riddled Huskies squad, Thompson is a gifted athlete who makes plays all over the field. He has the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline, but he's also a sound tackler with a knack for causing takeaways.

He already has four defensive touchdowns (plus another two in the running game) this season.

14. Houston Texans: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

Quarterback is obviously going to be near the top of Bill O'Brien's wish list, but unless Mariota or Winston drop, or Connor Cook declares, don't expect the Texans to reach for a signal-caller here.

Instead, they improve a shaky secondary by adding Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, a tough, fluid corner with good instincts and the ability to help in the running game.

15. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin, via TexAgs.com's Billy Liucci, recently praised Shane Ray's talent:

It's not difficult to see why. Ray, who is first in the SEC with 14.0 sacks, has an explosive first step that makes it look like he is shot out of a rocket. Throw in a never-ending motor, and he's a nightmare for quarterbacks.

The Browns need some help creating pressure, and Ray would provide just that.

16. Miami Dolphins: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

The Dolphins have gotten tremendous play from both Brent Grimes and Cortland Finnegan, but they can't pass up the value here.

Marcus Peters' stock has taken a bit of a hit after being dismissed from the team by Chris Petersen, but he has top-10 talent. The pre-draft interview process will be crucial for him.

17. San Francisco 49ers: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida

San Francisco isn't getting any younger up front. Grabbing Dante Fowler is great value here, and it gives the 'Niners an explosive, violent pass rusher off the edge.

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler put it simply:

San Francisco will be ecstatic to get him at this spot.

18. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

The "no running back in the first round" strategy isn't going to hold true in the 2015 draft, even with Todd Gurley's recent ACL tear.

Although that injury was incredibly disappointing, this is a stacked running back class. There are other candidates to crack the first round, and as the National Football Post's Dion Caputi noted, Melvin Gordon wasn't far behind even before the Gurley injury:

Gordon, who recently broke LaDainian Tomlinson's single-game rushing record with a silly 408 yards against Nebraska (only to have his record broken a week later by Samaje Perine), is explosive, powerful and patient.

Justin Forsett has performed unbelievably well, but he's 29 years old, a free agent in the offseason and not likely seen as the future option in the backfield. Lorenzo Taliaferro, meanwhile, isn't overly exciting.

Gordon would immediately run for at least 1,000 yards in Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

The Steelers signed Cortez Allen to a new deal in the offseason, and seven weeks later, he was benched for Brice McCain. 

That gives you a good idea of the state of Pittsburgh's secondary. The corners are aging, and they have been mostly ineffective.

P.J. Williams, a big, physical corner who consistently makes plays on the ball, would help quell that problem for Dick LeBeau's defense.

20. Cleveland Browns: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Josh Gordon on the outside. Andrew Hawkins in the slot. One more pass-catching weapon, and the Browns will be seriously dangerous on offense. 

That weapon should be West Virginia's Kevin White.

"KW is a man," said a NFC North scout, via Brugler. "He's playing at a different level than most receivers in the college game. Speed. Size. Ball skills. He's making it look easy out there. He could help all 32 teams right now."

Gordon, White and Hawkins will make things much easier for whoever is under center.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

A broken foot limited DeVante Parker to just five games this season, but as ESPN 680's Mark Ennis noted, he was remarkably efficient while on the field:

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops added to the praise after watching Parker haul in six catches for 180 yards and three touchdowns against his Wildcats, via The Courier-Journal's Kyle Tucker:

Parker is 6'3" with tremendous athleticism and dynamic ability after the catch. Don't be surprised if his stock continues to rise, but the Chiefs, a team in need of pass-catching playmakers, would love to see him available.

22. San Diego Chargers: La'el Collins, OT, LSU

The Chargers are averaging a whopping 3.4 yards per carry, which is third-worst in the NFL. Part of that is due to the extended absence of Ryan Mathews, but the O-line just isn't opening up many lanes.

La'el Collins is not only the top lineman on the board here, but he's a hard-nosed grinder who excels in the running game, whether it be at tackle or guard. He is exactly what San Diego needs.

23. Indianapolis Colts: Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky

Bjoern Werner has given the Colts' pass rush a nice boost, but Chuck Pagano's team could still use more improvement in the area, especially with 34-year-old Cory Redding hitting free agency in the offseason. 

As Bleacher Report's Matt Miller argued, Alvin "Bud" Dupree has flown a bit too far under the radar:

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

In fact, once the combine rolls around, there's a good chance Dupree's stock will rise much higher than this. At 6'3", 267 pounds and with speed that has reached 21 miles per hour, per Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman, Dupree is a physical specimen who will thrive in a 3-4 defense.

24. Seattle Seahawks: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

The Seahawks were already thin on the interior of the defensive line, then Brandon Mebane was lost for the season with a torn hamstring.

It's difficult to predict how effective the big man will be upon his return, but Pete Carroll would be wise to add some depth in the trenches no matter what.

Staying close to home and adding Danny Shelton, a physical inside force who can both stuff the run and get to the quarterback (9.0 sacks), would be the perfect way to do that.

25. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

This obviously depends on how confident the Lions front office is in re-signing both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, who are both going to command a hefty price.

If the team feels like it needs to find a potential replacement, Eddie Goldman is a fine pick. The Florida State junior is 6'4" and 314 pounds with scary athletic ability. He consistently gets penetration or draws double teams, making things easier for those around him.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

Dallas has exceeded defensive expectations by a wide margin in 2014, but there are still upgrades that can be made in terms of personnel. Like, finding a replacement for Brandon Carr:

"

Hoch on Markus Golden: "He just has that drive and passion you don't see in college football at all."

— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) November 11, 2014"

Trae Waynes, who has a nice blend of length and athleticism, might just be better than Darqueze Dennard, the Spartans' first-round pick from a year ago. He represents tremendous value for the Cowboys this late.

27. Cincinnati Bengals: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

The Bengals should probably consider finding a young backup to push the struggling Andy Dalton, but not in the first round.

Instead, they'll add some depth to their defensive line. Shilique Calhoun has a nice blend of strength and quickness to serve as a situational pass-rusher right away, but it's also a nice pick for down the road with Wallace Gilbery (29) and Robert Geathers (31) getting up there in age.

28. Green Bay Packers: Markus Golden, OLB/DE, Missouri

The Green Bay Packers' leading pass-rusher, currently, is Julius Peppers with 5.0 sacks. Peppers is 34 years old and in his 13th season. This team needs to add more playmakers on the outside, especially if they see Clay Mathews as a future option at middle linebacker.

Shane Ray gets a lot of the attention for Missouri, but Markus Golden is plenty talented himself. Fellow Tigers lineman Matt Hoch, via the Columbia Daily Tribune's David Morrison, put it simply:

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Golden is a tremendous fit for the Packers.

29. Philadelphia Eagles: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

The Eagles were already struggling to find consistency from their middle linebackers, then DeMeco Ryans was lost for the season after rupturing his Achilles. That's not an easy injury to return from, and even if he does, he's 30 years old with one year left on his contract.

Philly would be wise to address the position, and Benardrick McKinney is a versatile stud who can drop back in coverage or rush the quarterback. He's strong, physical, athletic and a terrific fit.

30. Denver Broncos: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

For as well-oiled as the Broncos' offensive machine has been over the last several years, the O-line could still stand to be improved.

T.J. Clemmings, only in his second season on the offensive line, is still a bit raw. But with his combination of size, length and mobility, his upside is obvious. He and Ryan Clady would form a rock-solid tandem at the tackle positions.

31. New England Patriots: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina

Ryan Wendell and Dan Connolly have played well as the starting guards since the trade of Logan Mankins, but the New England Patriots could still use some depth in the trenches. Connolly is a free agent after the season, while Wendell is signed through 2015.

Bill Belichick is always a candidate to trade out of this position, but it will be difficult to pass up the chance to nab arguably the best guard in the draft in A.J. Cann. Florida head coach Will Muschamp, via NFL.com's Chase Goodbread, recently praised the South Carolina big nasty:

Guards aren't always seen as tremendous first-round value, but the Patriots have never been one to follow convention, especially if they have a chance to improve their team immediately.

32. Arizona Cardinals: Hau'oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington

The Cardinals have built an extremely talented secondary, but Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie, Tyrann Mathieu and Co. would be even more effective if the team had a consistent pass rush.

Arizona is right near the bottom-10 in sack percentage, a number that would look even worse if not for a huge peformance against the Seahawks in Week 12.

Hau'oli Kikaha, who is second in the country with 18.0 sacks, would immediately help the Cards become more consistent in that area. The Hawaiian native is extremely quick off the edge and has been nearly unstoppable for the Huskies.