NFL Draft 2015: Predictions for Fringe 1st-Round Prospects Who Will Rise Late

Not every prospect entering the 2015 NFL draft has the pedigree of Marcus Mariota.

Already widely heralded as the probable No. 1 overall selection, Mariota led the Oregon Ducks to the inaugural College Football Playoff while passing for 38 touchdowns, rushing for another 14 and even catching one while throwing just two interceptions. Yeah, numbers like that will make you a very coveted draftee.

But what about some of the other guys who have loads of talent but are perceived to be fringe first-rounders due to either off-field issues or an unrefined skill set? Well, there are a few we should expect to see rise up draft boards before this process is complete.

Here's a look at players most likely to see their draft stocks soar following interviews, the combine and pro days.

Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

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Funchess declared for the NFL draft in early December, and he's been mocked all over the place since. Some analysts have pegged him as a mid-first-round selection, but many see him as a potential late-first-round pick due to an inconsistent junior season.

Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com summed up the receiver's final year at Michigan perfectly:

That said, don't expect him to reside in the bottom of the first round by the time draft day rolls around.

Funchess has the physical tools every team is looking for in today's bigger, faster NFL. At 6'5" and 230 pounds, this 20-year-old receiver has similar size to standout rookies from the 2014 class in Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin. Evans finished his rookie season with 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Benjamin racked up 1,008 yards and nine scores.

Their early success will help Funchess' draft stock.

The Michigan product has a long, muscular frame and great body control that allows him to generate an enormous catching radius. A sure-handed receiver, Funchess catches the ball away from his body, and combined with his great leaping ability, he'll be a big threat in the red zone on the professional level.

Right now, there are concerns over his inconsistency, but he'll have the combine and his pro day to quell any doubts about his ability to contribute immediately. Expect a rise up the draft board for this wide receiver in the future.

Prediction: No. 12 overall to Cleveland Browns

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

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Many NFL teams are still searching for those big, 6'1" cornerbacks who can cover the league's enormous wide receivers, and that's left Oregon star Ekpre-Olomu out in the cold when it comes to first-round mock drafts. Not helping matters, he'll miss the Rose Bowl due to a season-ending knee injury.

While none of that bodes well for the corner's draft stock, we should still expect him to surface in the mid-first round due to plenty of need for his unique skill set.

Ekpre-Olomu may only stand at 5'10", but that doesn't stop him from contributing in a multitude of ways in the defensive secondary. An extremely smart player, he possesses great vision and timing, allowing him to break on the ball early and make a game-changing play. Despite his small stature, he has a solid frame and isn't afraid to help in run support or play in press coverage.

This Oregon product has shown his ball-hawking ability, coming away with nine interceptions over his last three seasons. That's a great attribute since he's likely suited to be a nickel cornerback—a valuable position in a pass-happy league—in the NFL. He has also been a leader on Oregon's defense and continues that role despite his injury, via Oregon Football's official Twitter account:

We'll see how badly Ekpre-Olomu's knee injury slows him down throughout the draft process. If he can't participate in any agility drills during the combine or at Oregon's pro day, his draft stock could take a hit as a result. However, with cornerback-needy teams residing in the middle of the first round, there's a strong chance this prospect hears his name called early.

Prediction: No. 20 to Philadelphia Eagles

Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Coates saw his production decline a bit in 2014, catching 30 passes for 717 yards and four touchdowns with the Tigers. While those may not be eye-popping numbers, this is: He averaged a whopping 23.9 yards per reception.

What's even more impressive about that gaudy statistic is the fact Coates routinely burns defenders despite carrying a sturdy 6'2", 201-pound frame. He has blazing speed on the field, and his strength allows him to bully his way through press coverage and shove defenders out of his way when on the run.

A fantastic deep threat, Coates locates and adjusts to the ball nicely, hauling in slightly errant long passes, and his great leaping ability allows him to win jump balls. This combination of size, speed and strength should have wide receiver-needy teams closely watching him at the Senior Bowl, combine and during Auburn's pro day.

That's when his draft stock will rise. Take a look at this telling comment, via 120 Sports:

While Coates is viewed as a fringe first-rounder now, once he showcases his electrifying speed—he may very well run a 4.3-second 40-yard dash—teams in need of a future No. 1 receiver will be chomping at the bit to call his name once they arrive at the podium.

Prediction: No. 15 to San Francisco 49ers