NFL Draft 2015: Projections for Biggest Boom-or-Bust Prospects in 1st Round

While every draft pick comes with a certain amount of risk, there are a few who are a bit more volatile than others.

Front offices would love it if there was an obvious selection every time they were on the clock. Unfortunately, the road to unemployment is paved with expressions like "raw" and "high upside." These types of players sometimes pan out to be stars in the NFL, but many others end up out of the league in a few years.

This year's class features a few players who could be considered boom-or-bust prospects heading into the offseason. These men possess all of the talent to be big-time contributors at the next level, but various issues prevent any from being a safe option.

Here is a breakdown of those prospects with predictions for where they could end up landing in April.

Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Projected Draft Spot: Top Five

Best Fit: Tennessee Titans

Based on his on-field play in 2013, Jameis Winston seemed like an obvious choice for the top pick in the 2015 draft. He not only led Florida State to an undefeated season and a national championship, but he won the Heisman Trophy behind some incredibly efficient numbers.

However, things haven't been as good this season, as his 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions from a year ago turned into 24 touchdowns and 17 picks this time around. His efficiency rating dropped from 184.8 to 147 in this time.

NFL analyst Benjamin Allbright believes this is a major issue heading into the NFL:

Meanwhile, a long list of off-field problems have caused many to doubt whether he is too much of a risk to consider a franchise quarterback.

Still, it's not too hard to remember how dominant he looked on the field as a freshman in 2013. If he can reach this level again, he could be a Pro Bowl quarterback in the NFL.

This is enough of a reason for a team like the Tennessee Titans to take a chance on him early. Even with Zach Mettenberger on the roster, they don't have any real franchise players at the position and need to rebuild.

Winston will get a chance to succeed and will do what he can to be a star in the NFL.

Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

USA TODAY Sports

Projected Draft Spot: 5-10

Best Fit: Atlanta Falcons

Based on many current projections, Shane Ray could be selected as high as the top three picks in the draft. This is thanks to an outstanding season where he totaled 14 sacks to earn SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com was impressed with what he has seen from the linebacker:

However, the question remains whether he can be an every-down player at the next level. He is a bit small for the defensive line at 6'3", 245 pounds, but the quickness might not be there to compete as a linebacker.

He can be successful as a tweener, but it's sometimes hard to justify taking this type of player in the first few picks. This is especially true with more complete options like USC's Leonard Williams and Nebraska's Randy Gregory, each of which do a better job against the run.

The good news is there are enough teams in the top 10 that are in desperate need of a pass rush that someone will take a chance on Ray. Among those options, the Atlanta Falcons represent the best fit as a squad that is a great pass-rusher away from having a much better defense.

After upgrading the offensive line this season, it's time the defense got some help in Atlanta.

Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

Projected Draft Spot: 10-20

Best Fit: San Diego Chargers

There won't be too many more athletic players in the 2015 draft than Shaq Thompson. The Associated Press named the junior a first-team All-American as an all-purpose player because that's really the only way to describe him.

After playing both linebacker and running back this season (totaling 456 rushing yards at 7.5 yards per carry), Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports believed he should earn Heisman consideration:

"

One other guy who deserves special mention is Washington linebacker/running back Shaq Thompson. He is the most versatile player in college football, the best all-around player, and it’s a shame he hasn’t gotten more consideration for the Heisman.

Thompson has started multiple games at both linebacker and running back for the Huskies. While most games he’s been an either/or player, concentrating on just one side of the ball, he’s excelled no matter where he played. Offense or defense, he’s a stud.

"

The problem is there are also questions about where he will play at the next level. He will most likely settle on defense, but that could still mean safety, linebacker or some combination position. 

While versatility is a good thing, the problem with being a jack of all trades is that you are a master of none. Without a definite position, teams will certainly shy away from drafting the athlete.

That being said, the San Diego Chargers need someone who can get to the quarterback and Thompson would fit in well as a pure pass-rusher on the edge. With an improved secondary compared to a year ago, this team could see the pass defense become a real strength.

Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Tony Ding/Associated Press

Projected Draft Spot: 15-25

Best Fit: San Francisco 49ers

Once again, the question is where the prospect will line up on the field. Devin Funchess has the size of a tight end at 6'5", 230 pounds with the speed to be a mismatch like many other greats at the position.

Considering his lack of blocking ability, though, teams will likely move him to receiver. At that point, the issue will be whether he can be consistent enough to make an impact.

That being said, the talent is there to be a big-time player at the next level. Nick Baumgardner of MLive Media Group blamed the coaching staff for Funchess' struggles this season:

No matter where he was lined up, the junior could not get himself open or make a play on the ball when it was thrown in his direction. After scoring three touchdowns in the first game of the year, he only had one more the rest of the season.

Despite these problems, there will be a team that takes a chance on the player in the middle of the first round. The earliest imaginable possibility might be the San Francisco 49ers, who need to give Colin Kaepernick a weapon with legitimate size who can help out in the red zone.

After a disappointing year from Vernon Davis, this would give the squad a boost at tight end and help bring some more explosiveness to the offense.

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