2015 NFL Mock Draft: Breaking Down Elite Talents Who Will Make an Instant Impact

Even though everyone says that you have to give talent time to develop, NFL fans are an impatient group. They want instant results and positive additions to their favorite team's roster, especially when it comes to the draft. 

Because of salary-cap restrictions, the only way to build a championship roster is through the draft. It takes more than one great class to change the fortunes of a franchise, but all you need is one dynamic talent to get the ball rolling. 

Looking ahead to May's draft, we are starting to see who the players capable of making an instant impact are. A lot will change over the next few months, but at least there's enough evidence to build a strong scouting report on. 

This latest mock draft highlights the very best talents poised to shine right out of the gate in their rookie season. 

1. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DL, USC

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

One benefit of being as bad as the Oakland Raiders are is they don't have to single out a specific area to address. They can simply take the best player available and build around that. 

In this draft, Leonard Williams is the game-changing talent who can reshape an entire defense. Finding an impact pass-rusher is the most important part of any defense, and it's something the Raiders have been lacking for years. 

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network noted on Twitter how similar Williams is to a former All-Pro defensive tackle:

Versatility is the spice of life, especially on the defensive line. No player brings more of that to this year's class than USC's big monster in the middle. 

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

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Of the two big-name quarterback prospects in this draft, Marcus Mariota seems likely to go first off the board. Since this mock doesn't account for trades, that means the Oregon star will land in Tampa Bay. It also means he's walking into a situation designed to help him succeed. 

The Buccaneers do need help on the offensive line, but we've seen this season how well Mariota moves around with no blocking help up front. When he does have time in the pocket, Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans are two tall targets capable of making big plays at any given moment. 

Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated noted in his first mock draft that Mariota won't have as many problems transitioning from Oregon's wide-open system as you might think:

"

Mariota's decision-making is outstanding -- that won't change if pressed into more of a pro-style system (and the team that drafts him ought to be capable of opening its playbook up anyway). He does, on occasion, miss some throws he should make.

But not often. Even when he does, the results usually are incompletions rather than interceptions.

"

Lovie Smith might be a defensive-minded head coach, but the quickest way to plug all the holes Tampa Bay's D has right now is finding a quality NFL quarterback. Mariota will be much more than that. 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Sometimes the impact talent isn't the sexiest player. The Jaguars are building around a young quarterback who has taken a beating this season, including one game against Washington with 10 sacks. They need to find a foundation piece on the offensive line, like Cedric Ogbuehi, to help Blake Bortles develop. 

4. Tennessee Titans: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

The Titans just miss out on finding a future quarterback, so their best path will be to get an impact pass-rusher who can fit into their 3-4 scheme. Randy Gregory is an appealing option, but Vic Beasley is a better fit for this team. 

The Clemson star is one of those players whose skill set doesn't grab you, yet when you look back on a game, his name gets called a lot. 

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

Jameis Winston in New York has the potential to blow up in a hurry. However, there's no denying the raw ability of the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner. He's been more erratic this season, with 17 interceptions, but the poise and ability to slow down the game in huge moments is rare to find. 

The only reason Winston won't be able to make an instant impact the way Mariota will is because the Jets don't have playmakers to help him out. He will be good as a rookie, but the front office has more work to do. 

6. Washington: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska 

Washington hasn't been as bad on defense as expected coming into the year, but one area that needs to be upgraded is the pass rush. Brian Orakpo is out for the season and may not be back, heading into free agency after this season. 

Randy Gregory has a case as the top talent available in this class, so for Washington to get him at No. 6 is a steal. 

Gregory isn't a do-it-all defensive lineman like Williams is. He can get beat in run situations because his game is predicated more on speed than power, but his first-step quickness and ability to turn a corner to get after the quarterback is as good as there is in this class. 

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

Given how inconsistent the Giants have been at blocking for Eli Manning this season, they need to find upgrades on the offensive line. Brandon Scherff isn't a high-ceiling tackle like Ogbuehi, but the ability to step in as a run- and pass-blocker is valuable for a team trying to win now with an aging franchise quarterback. 

8. Carolina Panthers: Landon Collins, S, Alabama

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

One reason for Carolina's fall from grace this season has been the secondary. The Panthers are allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 67.0 percent of passes against them. While cornerback could be a primary target, a safety who can impose his will in run or pass situations makes more sense. 

Landon Collins may have to overcome the stigma from years of failed Alabama secondary prospects, but his talents are hard to overlook. He drew comparisons to Sean Taylor by Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, who had Washington taking the Crimson Tide safety in his mock draft:

"

In the 2004 NFL Draft, Washington drafted one of the best safety prospects of the last 20 years fifth overall (Sean Taylor). And they might have a chance to draft a similar ballhawk with Collins, who is as well-rounded as they come with his ability to play both the run and the pass. 

"

If you have the ability to warrant comparisons to Taylor, who was on his way to becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL before tragedy struck, it says something. It also means that Collins should have no problem being an instant-impact starter for a Carolina defense that needs a lot of help. 

9. Minnesota Vikings: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

The Vikings let Jared Allen walk after last year and drafted Anthony Barr to be a pass-rush specialist, with solid results so far. There doesn't seem to be an immediate need for a defensive lineman, especially with the offensive line in need of help. 

However, going back to an earlier discussion of how to quickly fix a defense, there's a lot to be said for having two impact edge-rushers. Shawn Oakman is a freak at 6'9" and 280 pounds. His size and length make it easier to bat down passes, while his speed and footwork allow him to get in the backfield quickly. 

Oakman is a project who will need some development time, so don't expect instant results. The long-term upside is off the charts.

10. Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

The disastrous season for the Bears does come with some upside. Specifically, the team should be able to add one of the best defensive players to upgrade a unit that has fallen off a cliff in two years since Marc Trestman took over. 

Leonard Floyd is one of those freak athletes who may not meet all the requirements on tape of an NFL-ready outside linebacker. He's better in a 3-4 scheme than Chicago's 4-3 system, but the Bears have to bet on upside and potential in order to change the fortunes of this once-proud defense. 

The Georgia star is also 6'4" and 230 pounds, so there's a physical presence here that can intimidate opposing offenses. 

11. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

There are red flags associated with Marcus Peters that have left his draft stock a mystery. He was kicked off Washington's football team after a series of incidents, the last of which was an argument with an assistant coach, per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. 

Someone will take a chance on Peters, whether it's late in the first round or early in the second, because he's that talented. If there were no concerns, this is a top-10 pick. B/R NFL draft lead writer Matt Miller offered this nugget from a scout about Peters' situation that could calm any fears:

The Saints seem like the first team to take a hard look at Peters. They've been a mess in the secondary all year. Keenan Lewis has been solid, but everyone else either looks lost or doesn't have the talent to keep up with NFL receivers. 

Peters should have no problems starting for this Saints defense as presently constructed. The Saints need an impact cornerback who can move all over the field and cover the best team's top receiver. He's got star potential, depending on how his personality translates to the NFL. 

12. St. Louis Rams: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Another team that just misses out on a quarterback, the Rams may have to roll with Sam Bradford, Austin Davis or Shaun Hill as the starter next season. Since they can't drastically alter their situation at that position, the next best thing to do is help their QB with an impact wide receiver. 

Amari Cooper will walk into the Rams locker room as the best receiver on the team from day one. He's a coach's dream as a workaholic, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. (h/t Around The SEC):

No receiver in this class possesses the ability to catch the ball in traffic, create separation and run after the catch better than Cooper. He doesn't need an elite quarterback to be a superstar rookie. 

The Rams have a collection of solid receivers, like Tavon Austin and Brian Quick, but Cooper is one that opposing defenses will have to gear up to stop. 

13. Houston Texans: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Houston has a lot of depth at quarterback, though the jury is out on how good players like Ryan Mallett and Tom Savage will be. Another area that remains unsettled is the offensive line, which is why Stanford star Andrus Peat fits nicely here. 

Peat is the best all-around offensive tackle in the group, showing above-average skills defending the run and pass. He's quick, agile and powerful, allowing him to start right away if Bill O'Brien loves what he sees. 

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Pittsburgh's aging defensive line has been exposed at various points this season. It needs to get younger and more athletic in a hurry. Shilique Calhoun is more of a pass-rushing specialist than three-down player, but he's got the athleticism to develop that skill early in his career.

In a pass-oriented league, finding someone capable of getting after the quarterback is everything. Calhoun already possesses that ability, so expect a handful of sacks right out of the gate.

15. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville 

With Josh Gordon out for the first 10 games this season, Cleveland's receivers were exposed. If Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel is going to succeed as the starting quarterback, he will need a lot more help. DeVante Parker is a dazzling talent who is showing that there's no ill effects from his foot surgery, per Phil Steele:

Opposing teams couldn't stop Gordon when he was Cleveland's only wide receiver. Imagine what the offense will look like with two playmakers on the outside. 

16. Cleveland Browns (Acquired from Buffalo): Dante Fowler, DE, Florida

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Despite investing a lot of money in pass-rushers like Karlos Dansby and Paul Kruger in the last two years, Cleveland still ranks 24th in sacks. 

You have to keep stockpiling defensive linemen who can get after the quarterback to succeed in this pass-happy league. Dante Fowler isn't an elite athlete, but he explodes off the edge and is powerful on the inside. 

17. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

It's amazing to think of how the running back position is devalued in the draft, especially since that position is routinely chosen to produce the Rookie of the Year. The season-ending torn ACL to Georgia's Todd Gurley has thrown the running back position into a state of flux. 

The Ravens should still be in the market for an upgrade at the running back spot. Justin Forsett has turned in a strong season so far, but he's also 29 years old and has never been a lead back prior to this season.

Melvin Gordon appears to be the biggest beneficiary of Gurley's injury. The Wisconsin star had a record game against Nebraska with 408 yards, running for more yards in three quarters than Wake Forest had all year at the time, per ESPN College Football:

Gordon isn't just a stat compiler, either. He has all the NFL measurables to be a star from day one. He's a big runner at 6'1" and 207 pounds with tremendous field vision and an innate ability to hit the hole in a flash before taking off. 

One concern that could knock Gordon out of the first round is his workload at Wisconsin. He had 206 carries in 2013 and will likely end up around 300 at the end of 2014. As long as he can avoid big hits and keeps running the way he has all year, someone will find a spot for him early in the draft. 

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Kevin White can put up gaudy numbers thanks to his size (6'3", 211 pounds), but the scary thing about what the West Virginia star is doing is how raw and unpolished he is. In particular, route running is sloppy and inconsistent. 

Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com also noted in a profile of White that speed and separation aren't huge parts of his game:

"

While an excellent athlete, White isn't a burner and doesn't have the elite suddenness in space to consistently make defenders miss or dance his way out of trouble. He will have the occasional focus drop and while a very willing blocker, White has room to improve his technique to better sustain and avoid holding calls.

"

There's more room to grow, without question, but White sounds a lot like Kelvin Benjamin did last year. He will also be stepping into a Kansas City situation where Dwayne Bowe, A.J. Jenkins and Donnie Avery are the top three receivers. White has more talent than all three of those players and will give Alex Smith a downfield threat. 

19. San Francisco 49ers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

The 49ers have two immediate areas of need: offensive and defensive line. The offensive line may need work, depending on what the team does regarding Mike Iupati's impending free agency. The defensive front is built around an aging Justin Smith and volatile Aldon Smith. 

Since general manager Trent Baalke has had more success drafting defense, expect that to be the direction he looks. Danny Shelton is a huge 340-pound defender who can eat up a lot of holes against the run and use his power to disrupt the quarterback. 

San Francisco has gotten better at rotating defensive linemen throughout the game, giving Shelton the potential to be a solid contributor as a rookie before taking on a more prominent role in year two. 

20. Dallas Cowboys: Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky 

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

If the Cowboys are going to get better on defense, they need to start focusing on linebackers and cornerbacks. Bud Dupree is an underrated star because of where he plays, but Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops raved about how talented and versatile his player is, via Kyle Tucker of The Courier-Journal:

"

He's got everything you're looking for. He's got the size. He's explosive. He's very versatile. He could play in a 4-3 defense; he could play defensive end in a 3-4. He's really what they're looking for in a 3-4. … I think he's versatile enough to play at any linebacker position – and he picks things up. So physically he has what you want and obviously he has the instincts, awareness and work ethic as well.

"

The Cowboys switched back to a 3-4 defense this season and have found some success, though it's fleeting, because the offense has been so good. The Cowboys are allowing 7.6 yards per pass attempt and 4.5 yards per rush, so it's not hard to move the ball against them. 

Dupree isn't the missing piece to a championship defense, but he can certainly be a foundation building block who can step in right away. 

21. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

It's not entirely implausible to think Shane Ray will be taken in the top half of the first round, possibly even the top 10. However, there could be some teams that knock him for being small at 245 pounds as a defensive end. 

The Falcons would love it if that turned out to be the case, because he's got some of the best pure pass-rush skills in the draft and fills the biggest hole on this atrocious defense. 

22. Miami Dolphins: La'el Collins, OT, LSU

Even though the Dolphins have gotten better in pass protection this season, there are still holes to be plugged up front.

La'el Collins comes with the gift of versatility, having played guard as a sophomore before transitioning to tackle this year. He's still learning the position and will need time to develop, so the Dolphins can ease him in next season. 

23. San Diego Chargers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Despite drafting Jason Verrett last year, the Chargers still need a lot of help in the secondary. It doesn't help that Brandon Flowers is signed to only a one-year contract and may not return. 

Trae Waynes has been the definition of a shutdown corner this season, routinely holding opposing team's best receivers to minimal catches and yards. He's got elite size at 6'1" and 182 pounds with good length and ball skills. 

There are some limitations to Waynes' game, though not enough to diminish what he offers as a cover corner, as noted by B/R draft analyst Ian Wharton:

Without discrediting the importance of tackling, it's not like Waynes would be the first elite cover guy who struggled with tackling. Deion Sanders is still looking to make his first tackle. The Michigan State star has all the ingredients to start for an NFL defense right away. 

24. Indianapolis Colts: A.J. Cann, G, South Carolina

Andrew Luck has had to show off his running skills because of a bad offensive line. The Colts tried to address the protection problems with Jack Mewhort in the second round last year, but there's a lot more work to be done. 

Guards aren't sexy, because they often lack versatility, but A.J. Cann does everything well and rarely gets beat because of his length and quickness. He could start for this unit right away and be one of the best players on the team. 

25. Detroit Lions: Mike Bennett, DT, Ohio State

For the Lions, defensive tackle could turn into a pressing need after the season. Ndamukong Suh is a free agent after the season, and Nick Fairley's option for 2015 wasn't picked up by the team. Those are two potentially huge holes for a defense built on the strength of its defensive line. 

Mike Bennett hasn't fully lived up to preseason expectations for the Buckeyes this season, though that could be a product of drawing more attention. The big defensive tackle is still excellent in run-stopping situations and has the quickness to disrupt quarterbacks. 

26. Seattle Seahawks: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

It turns out Seattle's foundation is flimsier than any of us thought. Finding a wide receiver or tight end could take precedent here, but Pete Carroll seems like someone who wants to build things from the inside out. The Seahawks offensive line has been inconsistent all year, forcing Russell Wilson to run more than ever. 

T.J. Clemmings will need development time since this is just his second year of playing on the offensive line. He used to be a defensive tackle, so there's versatility if Carroll wants to take advantage of it. He's a big, powerful blocker who has shown growth in passing situations. There's tremendous upside here if it all clicks.

27. Cincinnati Bengals: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

The Cincinnati Bengals are another team in need of help in the secondary, and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is a project who will need time before we see his ability translate to the next level. He's got just average height at 5'10", 185 pounds and does struggle against bigger receivers, but he's a solid tackler who has shown excellent recovery skills. 

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC

Harry How/Getty Images

Even though Philadelphia's defense is screaming for upgrades in a couple of spots, notably cornerback and linebacker, Chip Kelly is a coach who doesn't seem worried about filling needs on defense at the expense of adding playmakers on offense. 

It helps that the Eagles also have to worry about Jeremy Maclin's impending free agency. Nelson Agholor is the kind of speedy, downfield receiver Kelly loves to have on his roster. He's also roughly the same size as Maclin at 6'0", 190 pounds. 

The Eagles need more weapons at wide receiver, as we have seen at various points this season. Jordan Matthews is starting to emerge, but he's more of a slot player. Kelly wants to air it out with speed freaks on both sides. 

29. Green Bay Packers: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington 

Shaq Thompson is an athlete. Usually, that's a term you hear about a high school player coming into college, but it applies to Thompson's transition from college to the NFL. He's best suited to play defense at the next level as an undersized linebacker (6'1", 228 pounds). 

Yet when you look at Thompson, who has played running back, safety and cornerback in college, he's got speed, power and good agility. He's got to get stronger at the point of attack, but Green Bay will give him time to develop and learn from Clay Matthews. 

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

The Cardinals have thrived this season, despite allowing the sixth-most pass yards per game and tying for 16th in sacks. They need more playmakers at all three levels on defense to avoid seeing the bottom drop out, which is why Washington linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha is a perfect fit. 

The Huskies linebacker has been a marvel this season, as this stat from Josh Kendall of The State shows:

With a cluster of defensive linemen and linebackers bunched together, there are a lot of ways the Cardinals can go in this spot. In terms of raw talent and production on the field, Kikaha holds a slight edge and will find success right away as a pass-rushing specialist. 

31. Denver Broncos: Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Because the Broncos have gone all-in to capitalize on this window they have with Peyton Manning, it makes sense they would continue to stockpile the toys he has to play with. It's also a sound pick, because the team has decisions to make about Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas after the season. 

Ty Montgomery is the perfect kind of receiver who will thrive in Denver's system. He's a solid route-runner who makes defenders miss after the catch, so all those short crossing routes Manning uses will be perfect. The ability to let a play develop is something that caught the eye of Steve Muench of ESPN.com:

Field vision is one of the most underrated aspects of playing wide receiver. Montgomery is among the best in the country at watching something develop before exploding forward. He will be an instant star, as so many players are, with Manning throwing him passes. 

32. New England Patriots: Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Even though the Patriots have gotten better on the offensive line as the season has gone on, they still need to find long-term solutions to ensure Tom Brady doesn't get beat up. Daryl Williams is a hulking monster at 6'5", 330 pounds, and that power helps him overcome some shortcomings in athleticism. 

Bill Belichick does weird things with his rookies and draft picks, so Williams may not see much of the field as a rookie in this scenario. He's got solid potential and can be a building block for what's turned into a solid New England offensive line. 

Stats via ESPN.com

If you want to talk sports, hit me up on Twitter. 

Follow @adamwells1985