2015 NFL Mock Draft: Prospects Who Would Best Help Each Team
Every team in the NFL—including the one that wins the Super Bowl—will be looking for a way to get better in the draft.
Scouts have already started putting together their big boards. The bowl season, postseason all-star games, workouts and the NFL combine will add the final details before decision-makers pick the prospects they hope will improve their teams.
With the final draft order for none playoff teams, here's my latest mock draft.
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, Oregon, QB
Whether or not the Bucs tanked in the regular-season finale, the team got what it needed. With the top selection, Tampa is in position to fill its biggest void. Marcus Mariota is the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the draft, and the Bucs must make him their top selection.
Some people might think of Mariota as a running quarterback, but Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report offers a comparison to Johnny Manziel to dispel that myth:
2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, Florida State, QB
Like the Bucs, the Titans need a quarterback. Were it not for character concerns, Jameis Winston might be considered the top prospect at the position. As it stands, he should be there for the Titans to select—if they want him.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, USC, DL
Expect to see Leonard Williams' name thrown about as a potential No. 1 pick. He is a freakish presence on the defensive line who could move inside or outside and have success in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
The Jags' biggest need is probably on the offensive line, but it will be hard not to pull the trigger on a prospect like Williams.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, Alabama, WR
In the 2014 draft, the Raiders tabbed future star Khalil Mack in the first round. This year, Oakland needs to get Derek Carr a No. 1 receiver. Unless the Titans or the Jags decide Amari Cooper is too good to pass up, the stud wideout should be there for the Raiders to snag.
Per CollegeFootball 24/7, neither Cooper nor his college teammate Landon Collins has made his draft intentions known, but it would be hard to imagine Cooper returning to Tuscaloosa with his stock so high:
5. Washington: Randy Gregory, Nebraska, DE
From a pure football standpoint, Gregory is similar to the San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith. His explosiveness and length could make him one of the NFL's next great pass-rushers.
The 22-year-old spent his first two years of school at Arizona Western Community College, but he made a mark with the Nebraska Cornhuskers with seven sacks this season.
Washington would do well to make Gregory its pick.
6. N.Y. Jets: DeVante Parker, Louisville, WR
You can bet the Jets would love to get a chance to draft Cooper, but in this scenario, he won't be available. Parker isn't the worst alternative.
The 21-year-old has great size at 6'3", and he possesses the big-play ability teams covet at wide receiver. With Geno Smith showing flashes at the end of the season, Parker could be heading into a good situation for a young receiver.
7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, Alabama, FS/SS
Chicago has holes all over its defense, but the most glaring deficiency is in the secondary. Free safety Chris Conte has never taken the position with a firm grip, and he's set to be a free agent.
Collins is the type of explosive hitter who can single-handedly change a team's run defense with his presence. The Bears need that.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, Missouri, DE
A pass-rusher should be No. 1 on the Falcons' wish list.
Over the last two seasons, Atlanta has struggled mightily to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ray was the SEC's most prolific pass-rusher this season, and that should get the Falcons' attention in a major way.
9. New York Giants: Vic Beasley, Clemson, DE/OLB
Jason Pierre-Paul is going to be a free agent this offseason, and it's time the Giants injected some life into their pass rush.
Beasley is a little undersized at 6'3" and 235 pounds, but there's no denying his pass-rushing skills. His motor and explosiveness are similar to Elvis Dumervil, though Beasley needs to get a little stronger to be a consistent force against the run.
For now, he might have to play a role similar to that of the Seattle Seahawks' Bruce Irvin.
10. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M, OT
This could be a reach for the Rams, as some might see Ogbuehi as a right tackle in the NFL. I see a player whose athleticism and upside scream potential bookend tackle capable of manning the left side.
He did move to right tackle for the Texas A&M Aggies during the season, but expect Ogbuehi to prove to scouts he's capable of playing left tackle at the combine.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Ereck Flowers, Miami (FL), OT
Protecting Teddy Bridgewater has to be the Minnesota Vikings' top priority. The junior may not have the same experience as Ogbuehi, but at 6'6", 330 pounds and with 11 starts under his belt from the 2014 season, Flowers is ready to contribute.
Taking a stud offensive lineman is the best move to help Minny's offense take the next step.
12. Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, Washington, DT
If a team is looking for the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in the draft, look no further than the Washington Huskies' Danny Shelton.
The 330-pounder is the type of interior defensive line presence who can lead one of the NFL's top 3-4 run defenses. The Browns could instantly upgrade that part of their defense by taking Shelton here.
13. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Scherff, Iowa, OL
Based on his work ethic and mental makeup, Scherff could vault every offensive lineman in the draft by the time the combine is over. He's simply a football player, and teams might be enamored with his intangibles as well as his strength.
Whatever the case, the Saints have to do a better job protecting Drew Brees in 2015. The future Hall of Famer has been sacked 66 times in the last two seasons.
14. Miami Dolphins: Kevin White, West Virginia, WR
Ryan Tannehill has been developing nicely for the Dolphins under center. He just missed leading the team to the postseason, and he's enjoyed the success he's had without the benefit of a No. 1 receiver.
Taking West Virginia's White could add that element. At 6'3" and 220 pounds with excellent leaping ability, White looks the part of a go-to receiver.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Dante Fowler, Florida, DE
The Niners defense is getting old, and injuries have taken a toll. It's time to add a potential difference-maker off the edge to team with Aldon Smith or replace him if he can't stop running afoul of the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Fowler is among a handful of pass-rushers with star potential. The Niners would do well to pick him here.
16. Houston Texans: Devin Funchess, Michigan, WR
Houston won't find its franchise quarterback in the first round. Instead, it should be looking for Andre Johnson's eventual replacement as the team's top wide receiver threat.
Funchess is a like a wide receiver-tight end hybrid because of his size, speed and catching ability. He uses his body well to get in position to make plays, and he could learn the ropes under Johnson's tutelage.
17. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, Arizona State, WR
With Cooper, Parker, Funchess and White off the board, the Chiefs have to look to Arizona State's Strong to fill their receiving needs. He could wind up being one of the best of the bunch.
Strong is the type of big receiver who is able to high-point the ball and make spectacular catches on the sidelines and in the end zone. At this point, the Chiefs could use as many weapons in the passing game as they can find.
18. San Diego Chargers: Shaq Thompson, Washington, LB
If you asked me who my favorite defensive prospect in the draft is, I'd tell you it was Thompson. With a ridiculous motor, a nose for the ball and excellent versatility, Thompson has "star" written all over him.
Not only did he wreak havoc as a linebacker for Washington this season, but he also rushed for 456 yards. San Diego's linebacker group isn't horrible, but Thompson is the best player available here and the right choice for San Diego.
19. Cleveland Browns: Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin, RB
The Browns fanbase may scoff at taking another running back in the first round after the team missed badly by selecting Trent Richardson in 2012. However, the situation is different now, as the Browns seemingly have their quarterback in Manziel, though he struggled in limited time to finish the season.
Drafting a prolific college running back like Gordon here would be adding a needed playmaker to the run game. This could take loads of pressure off Johnny Football.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, Florida State, CB
The Eagles are one of the teams that could look to trade up to take Mariota, but assuming they stay at No. 20, they won't find their future quarterback this late in the first round.
They may as well get more value for a signal-caller in the second or third round.
With this pick, Philly can shore up its spotty secondary—specifically the cornerback position, where Florida State's P.J. Williams could start from Day 1 because of his competitiveness and cover skills.
21. Carolina Panthers: La'el Collins, Miami (Fla.), OT
If Carolina is to be successful during the Cam Newton era, the team must build a big and physical offensive line that protects the quarterback and can pave the way for a run-heavy attack.
Right now, that's not exactly the makeup of the squad. The Panthers didn't adequately replace the retired Jordan Gross, and the entire offense felt his absence.
Drafting the promising Collins could be the first step toward finding another stalwart to protect Newton.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Peters, Washington, CB
Peters was kicked off the team this past past season for a disagreement with the Washington coaching staff, which is a red flag for teams. That said, he is talented.
The Ravens have been hit hard by injuries at corner, so it's time to inject some new blood into the secondary.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malcom Brown, Texas, DT
With Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and a rapidly improving young offensive line, the Steelers can afford to look at defense with their first-round pick.
Brown is 6'2" and 320 pounds and capable of playing nose tackle in the Steelers system. He might also generate more pass rush than most expect. In 2014, he had 6.5 sacks on the season.
He's a definite sleeper, as many other defensive linemen are getting more attention than he is as the draft approaches.
24. Detroit Lions: Trae Waynes, Michigan State, CB
At 6'1" and 182 pounds, Waynes is long and lean with a build similar to the Chicago Bears' Charles Tillman. If he can have a career that's as successful as Peanut's, the Lions would be hitting a home run by taking him with the 24th overall selection.
Detroit still needs to improve at corner if it hopes to contend with passing attacks like the Green Bay Packers.
25. Arizona Cardinals: Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska, RB
Perhaps the biggest sleeper running back prospect is Abdullah. The Cornhuskers' dynamic back is electric with the ball in his hands because of his speed and agility.
However, he also possesses the strength, vision and toughness to be an every-down back. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller sang his praises with this flattering comparison:
26. Indianapolis Colts: T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh, OT
Of all the young quarterbacks in the NFL, Luck might have the most promising career ahead of him. You'll get some valid arguments from Russell Wilson fans as well.
Nonetheless, the Colts need to upgrade Luck's protection. He was sacked 27 times this season, and he took a bunch more quarterback hits.
Clemmings is a converted defensive end, and you can somewhat see it in his explosiveness. He's a leaner tackle, but he possesses obvious pass-blocking skills.
27. Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Cook, Michigan State, QB
Something tells me Andy Dalton is about to lay another egg in the playoffs. Once that happens, the Bengals will have to take a serious look at finding his successor. They have AJ McCarron on the roster, but Cincinnati would be wise to bring in another young quarterback.
Cook isn't as dynamic as Mariota and Winston, but he's a poised pocket passer who is worth a look late in the first round.
28. Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State, ILB
Clay Matthews can play anywhere, but he's at his best on the outside. Because of thin depth at inside linebacker, Green Bay has been experimenting by moving Matthews around. If Green Bay were to draft McKinney, the team would have the type of presence at middle linebacker who could potentially lead a defense and put Matthews back on the outside.
McKinney was the catalyst for one of the most talented defenses in the country this season, and he'd be a welcome addition in Green Bay.
29. Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest, CB
The Dallas defense has done nearly a 180 from the horrible season it had in 2013. Still, the team can't rest on its laurels, no matter how far it advances in the playoffs.
Johnson would be in the mix to start for the Cowboys or at least play nickel early on. Johnson weighs only about 175 pounds, but he simply makes big plays. From interceptions to forced and recovered fumbles, Johnson has excellent instincts for the ball.
30. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, Florida State, OG/OT
Peyton Manning's body began to break down a bit late in the season. There's only one way the Denver Broncos can respond to that, and that's by adding more protection.
Cameron Erving is an attractive prospect because he's played just about every position there is on the offensive line for Florida State.
His versatility makes him the best player available here, and he also fills a need.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Sammie Coates, Auburn, WR
As the defending champions have started to hit their stride heading into the playoffs, the one thing the team lacks is a legit deep threat. Auburn's Sammie Coates has shown the ability to be a major playmaker on the deep ball.
He has 11 catches for 25 or more yards this season. That type of weapon would give Wilson the perfect target on play-action passes and in scramble situations.
32. New England Patriots: A.J. Cann, South Carolina, OG
Guards don't get a lot of respect, but Cann is one of the surest bets in the first round. He's a big, physical interior lineman capable of being a dominant force in the run game.
The Patriots could have yet another late-first-round gem if they draft him.
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