2015 NFL Mock Draft: Ideal 1st-Round Picks for Every Team
Late in the NFL season, teams are either in the hunt for a playoff spot or already looking ahead to next year. For the latter group, the 2015 NFL draft can't come soon enough.
The status of some potential players are still up in the air, but the crop already looks like a promising one for the future. Depending on needs for each team across the NFL, the order is sure to change as specific positions become more pressing.
Before the season draws to a close, here's a look at early projections for each team based on where they might finish at the end of the year.
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Even in a weak NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like the cellar dwellers this season. Despite the myriad additions like Mike Evans and Logan Mankins, the Buccaneers have a need under center.
Marcus Mariota looks the part of a dynamic quarterback at the next level and has the dual-threat ability to terrify NFL defenses. Expect Mariota to go early and end up with a team like Tampa Bay that needs a leader to take the next step.
2. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
There is a wealth of talent on the defensive line, but Leonard Williams is clearly the best. After showing out again this season and rising throughout the year, Williams looks like the part of a No. 1 pick.
Similarly, the Oakland Raiders have looked the part of a team that might still be picking No. 1 overall. For as much talent as he has shown on the field, Josh Norris of Rotoworld notes one area where he can improve:
What that leaves the Raiders with is a gritty tackle that can improve in the NFL. Pair him up with Khalil Mack in the front seven, and Oakland will have two dynamic defenders for the fanbase to fall in love with over the next several seasons.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Randy Gregory has lived up to the hype this season and will bring some nastiness to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In need of help at the position, look for the Jaguars to pick up the Nebraska lineman if he's still on the board.
4. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Controversy always seems to surround Jameis Winston, but he also seems to step up when the pressure is on. Currently on the Tennessee Titans roster, there is no such player—particularly on offense.
Even with underwhelming results this season, Winston will thrive at the NFL level with the right weapons surrounding him. If Justin Hunter, Kendall Wright and Delanie Walker ever materialize, Winston would have a system to help the Titans in the future.
5. Washington Redskins: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Washington Redskins appear to have a lot of holes to fill, but Shane Ray fits two different needs for the defense. Given his edge-rushing ability, Ray can explode for Washington, joining a long line of Missouri linebackers that succeeded in the NFL.
6. New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Eric Decker hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Percy Harvin hasn't exactly been an explosive weapon. While the New York Jets may still need a franchise quarterback, the pickings are slim outside of the top two at the position.
Enter Amari Cooper. The Alabama wide receiver has been the best playmaker in college football all season and set several school records along the way, as ESPN Stats & Info notes:
Let's take a second to remember that Julio Jones recently played for the Tide. The dynamic player is by far the best receiver in college and immediately gives whoever is under center a high-powered option to stretch out the offense.
7. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Last year, the Carolina Panthers went with wide receiver over offensive tackle in the first round. Kelvin Benjamin worked out, but there is still a glaring need on the offensive line. Cedric Ogbuehi immediately fills that and gives Cam Newton the protection he so sorely needs to succeed.
8. New York Giants: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
Pass rushing has been a strength for the New York Giants in the last several seasons, but it is lacking this year. Ranking near the middle of the NFL in sacks overall this season, Shawn Oakman can help change the culture and bring a certain nastiness back to the Giants front seven.
9. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Over the years, Alabama has had myriad safeties come out and succeed at the NFL level. In Landon Collins, the Crimson Tide might have produced their best defensive back in recent memory.
One AFC scout spoke about Collins compared to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Mark Barron, via Albert Breer of NFL.com.
"He's better than Barron, he's better than Ha Ha. If you look at him, he plays special teams, he plays defense, and he's all out. He's just a football player. Good range, good hands, explosive tackler, always around the ball. ... Barron was a good player, but more of a thumper. Ha Ha was more rangy. This guy is a mixture of both.
"
Collins has been all over the field this season for the Tide, making him a perfect fit for the defensively challenged Chicago Bears. Tasked with receivers like Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, Collins will have to immediately step up.
10. Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Throughout his career, Brandon Scherff has slowly emerged as one of the best offensive linemen in the country for Iowa. The Minnesota Vikings have their quarterback of the future and will look to protect him with a solid upgrade in Scherff.
11. New Orleans Saints: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Staying in Clemson has helped Vic Beasley as a prospect heading into the NFL draft. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year has compiled more than 10 sacks over the last two seasons and will make an immediate impact for the lowly New Orleans Saints defense.
12. St. Louis Rams: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
There are quite a few weaknesses on the St. Louis Rams offense, but adding protection up front is one of the biggest. Ereck Flowers can open holes for Tre Mason and whoever ends up being the quarterback for the Rams, but offers a great pick to help a struggling line.
13. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Spark plugs come in all sizes in athletics. At the college level, one of the biggest spark plugs stands at 6'3", 211 pounds and plays wide receiver at Louisville.
DeVante Parker missed the first seven games of the season due to a foot injury but returned to average 147 yards during the last five contests. David Hale of ESPN points out just how ridiculous he's been for the Cardinals:
Josh Gordon is already a No. 1 receiver when he's on the field, but Parker can develop into a weapon alongside him. Given the playmakers already on the offense with Gordon, Isaiah Crowell and Jordan Cameron, Parker might have the brightest future ahead.
14. Houston Texans: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Equipped with the likes of J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney—when he's healthy—the Houston Texans already have great players up front. Adding Trae Waynes to the secondary would help limit the damage from Andrew Luck and potentially Blake Bortles moving forward.
15. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Already adding a talented receiver, the Browns will look to improve in the middle of the field. Shaq Thompson brings both athleticism and a relentless rushing ability, making him the perfect addition in a loaded AFC North.
16. Miami Dolphins: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Despite what has been a down season for the Florida Gators, Dante Fowler has proved he's one of the best defensive players in the country.
With the firing of former Florida head coach Will Muschamp, Fowler made his intentions very clear on Twitter:
While he may be looking to leave the school, Fowler might not be going very far. The Miami Dolphins will likely be in the middle of the first round and have a need for a dynamic edge rusher.
Thanks to his versatility, Fowler has a chance to start as a linebacker or move up on the defensive line. Playing alongside Cameron Wake, Fowler would learn from a player who has emerged as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.
17. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Kansas City Chiefs have a reliable quarterback in Alex Smith. They also have depth at running back with Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. Oh, then there's the tandem of Travis Kelce and Anthony Fasano.
Even with all of those weapons, the offense tends to struggle due to a lack of explosive wide receivers. Add Kevin White to that lineup, and the Chiefs might finally have a wideout score a touchdown—next season, at least.
18. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Justin Forsett is having a career year with the Baltimore Ravens, but he is already 29 years old. Looking to the future will be crucial for the Baltimore Ravens, and Melvin Gordon offers explosiveness out of the backfield.
Compiling over 2,000 rushing yards this season, Gordon has a chance to end the two-year drought for running backs taken in the first round. When he arrives in Baltimore, this bruising back will wreak havoc on the entire AFC North.
19. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
In an NFC West that includes two of the best teams in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers have been underwhelming this season. Marcus Peters may have been dismissed from Washington but offers talent in the secondary that the Niners have struggled with all season.
20. Atlanta Falcons: Gerod Holliman, FS, Louisville
A relative unknown prior to the 2014 season, Gerod Holliman has come on strong this year. The free safety set the ACC record with 14 interceptions during the regular season. A safety. With 14 interceptions. That's simply unheard of in football.
Holliman has the talent for the NFL but is only a redshirt sophomore with Louisville. The young player reportedly decided to forgo his final season to enter the draft, via Jody Demling of Scout.com.
With Holliman leaving now, his stock may be at the highest it can reach. He might also land with an Atlanta Falcons team that has a competitive offense and a need for great players in the secondary.
21. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Florida State has talent on both sides of the ball, and Eddie Goldman is even more proof. He might be one of the latest players from FSU to come off the board in the first round, but Goldman's breakout season should land him with the Detroit Lions.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
One of the most talented defensive backs in the country, P.J. Williams will finally hear his name called by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams is a physical corner who can help an aging secondary and help Pittsburgh return as one of the elite defenses in the NFL.
23. San Diego Chargers: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
In a division where the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs have fearsome front sevens, protecting Philip Rivers is the No. 1 priority. Ronnie Stanley offers athleticism and good run blocking for the already potent San Diego Chargers offense.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Bud Dupree, DE/LB, Kentucky
One of the most instinctive players in the draft, Bud Dupree has been on the rise thanks to his great play this season.
One college coach recently praised Dupree's talent, via Gerry Hamilton of ESPN:
The Chicago Bears have been inept on defense this season, and Dupree would offer a future star in the front seven. Coming in as a senior, he would also have a wealth of experience in the SEC and the potential to be a game changer even as a rookie.
25. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
Early in the season, the Dallas Cowboys defense looked like an improved unit. However, the team has returned to its old ways and still looks like it needs help in the draft.
Bringing in Michael Bennett gives the 'Boys another run-stopping defensive tackle to limit the likes of LeSean McCoy and Alfred Morris. After allowing around 120 yards per game on the ground this season, Bennett can help fill that gap immediately.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: La'el Collins, OL, LSU
Starting left tackle Andrew Whitworth is entering his ninth season, so the need along the line is coming for the Cincinnati Bengals. La'el Collins is an effective tackle who can provide holes in the running game for either Giovani Bernard or Jeremy Hill.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan
Russell Wilson can't do it all for the Seattle Seahawks. Percy Harvin didn't quite fit, and Doug Baldwin doesn't appear to be a franchise wide receiver.
Luckily for the Seahawks, Devin Funchess can potentially fill that gaping hole. The 6'5", 230-pound target recently announced his intentions to head to the NFL, via Michigan Football:
Given their lack of size in the passing game, Funchess offers a huge playmaker when he gets his hands on the ball. Though he's struggled at times this season, Funchess in the right system can thrive with the Seahawks.
28. Indianapolis Colts: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Vontae Davis has been solid for the Indianapolis Colts, but the secondary still needs help. By adding Jalen Collins, the Colts would have a prospect that can shut down No. 2 receivers alongside Davis.
Already equipped with talent on offense like Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton and Coby Fleener, the Colts defense has been questionable at times. Adding Collins would shore up another position as the defense continues to play catch up.
29. Philadelphia Eagles: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
As much as the offense continues to impress for the Philadelphia Eagles, the defense still needs work. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is a physical defensive back who would bolster the Eagles secondary in an NFC East that has some of the best receivers in the league.
Tack on the fact that he comes from an Oregon program that Chip Kelly helped build, and this looks like the perfect selection for the Eagles.
30. New England Patriots: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
When it comes to playmakers in the 2015 class, Nelson Agholor might be one of the most overlooked players. Cooper, Parker and White all deserve the national attention, but Agholor has been as explosive as any player on the West Coast.
Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times points out how difficult Agholor is to take down:
If Bill Belichick doesn't trade back or move this selection, Agholor can be a great young weapon alongside Brandon LaFell and Rob Gronkowski. Having Tom Brady passing him the ball wouldn't hurt, either.
31. Denver Broncos: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
Despite some struggles midway through the season, the Denver Broncos offense has recovered. The only need at this point is more protection for Peyton Manning, who can tear apart any defense with a clean pocket.
Though he's not in a Power Five conference, Ty Sambrailo has emerged as one of the best linemen in the class. If he falls down to the end of the first round, he might be protecting one of the most prized possessions in the NFL.
32. Green Bay Packers: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Much like the Broncos, the Green Bay Packers already have a high-powered offense. Picking up T.J. Clemmings to give more time for Aaron Rodgers to dissect defenses seems unfair, but it might be the best move for the Packers.
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