NFL Mock Draft 2015: Updated Projections Following Wild Card Round

NFL draft prospects outside of Oregon and Ohio have had their last chance to impress scouts at the college football level. 

While there were some eye-opening bowl game performances, the nation's brightest young talents, for the most part, are exactly who we thought they were. Some have the look of superstars. Some will be projects. Some will make an impact right away but have lower ceilings. 

The Senior Bowl, the combine and other pre-draft workouts will still shake up the final picture, but with the college football season now mostly in the rearview mirror, let's take a glance at the first-round outlook.  

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

Marcus Mariota is a tantalizing prospect because of his ability to make plays with his legs, but his efficiency throwing the ball probably hasn't gotten enough credit. On his way to a transcendent Heisman campaign, the Hawaii native completed 68.3 percent of his throws for 38 touchdowns and two interceptions during the regular season. 

No matter the system, that is unbelievably impressive. Offensive coordinator Scott Frost put it simply, via Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman:

The worries about Mariota being a system quarterback are unjustified. He's an electrifying player with all the tools to thrive at the next level. He's just what Tampa Bay needs. 

2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Depending on their feelings towards Zach Mettenberger, the Titans could easily opt to address the defense here. 

But with the franchise teetering on mediocrity for so long, the risk of passing up a potential franchise quarterback is just one that Ruston Webster and his staff can't afford to take.

They have to go for a home run with this pick. While there are concerns about Jameis Winston's maturity after a number of off-the-field incidents this year, his talent is unquestionable, as ESPN's Chris Sprow noted:

The FSU star the size, arm, anticipation and elusiveness in the pocket to be a prototypical QB in the NFL. 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DL, USC

Gus Bradley knows from his time with Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks that it's important to build around the defense. 

While the Jaguars alright have a good amount of talent on the defensive line, don't be surprised if they continue to add to that depth, especially if Leonard Williams is still available. As CBS Sports' Dane Brugler argued, he has No. 1 overall talent:

The USC star is an unreal mix of size (6'5", 290 pounds) and athleticism. He can line up anywhere across the line, and is a weapon against both the pass and the run. He would take this improving defense to the next level. 

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell recently offered immense praise towards Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Tony Barnhart:

"

It’s not just the catch to me. It’s the runs after the catch. (He has) the ability to make something when there’s nothing there. He does the intangible things. He’s going to block and do some things that sometimes you don’t see the first-rounders or the truly top dogs do. So I think what we’ve seen is one of the most complete players we’ve played against.

"

Cooper, who led the nation in regular-season receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,656) despite playing for Alabama's run-concentrated attack, is a stud. He runs crisp routes, creates separation, can get behind defenses and attacks the ball in the air. 

He is the kind of weapon that Derek Carr needs to continue his progression. 

5. Washington Redskins: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

A good way to improve one of the league's worst pass defenses is to add to the pass rush. Randy Gregory is still a bit raw, but there's no question he knows how to get to the quarterback and collapse the pocket. 

Putting the Nebraska star opposite Ryan Kerrigan gives the Washington Redskins a dangerous duo on the outside. 

6. New York Jets: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

The Jets are a difficult team to forecast. Not only are they without a head coach and general manager, but their top two options—Mariota and Winston—are off the board. They were just bad enough to spark change in the front office, but not quite bad enough to ensure a chance at a future QB. 

In a situation like this, it never hurts to address the offensive line. Andrus Peat has been a little inconsistent, but he is polished in pass protection and has the size and agility to be a dominant left tackle for the next decade. 

7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

The Chicago Bears revamped the defense in the offseason, and it made very little difference. They still allowed an atrocious 27.6 points per game, and you can expect the new regime to have an emphasis on fixing that side of the ball. 

Chicago's safeties have been especially inconsistent, and Landon Collins would bring this team the physical, aggressive identity it has been lacking. 

8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

Part of the Falcons' problem on defense this season was a lack of pass-rush, as they finished second-to-last in sack percentage. Kroy Biermann, who led the team with 4.5 sacks, is a free agent. So is Osi Umenyiora. 

Atlanta could also use help on the offensive line, but they are very likely going to need multiple pass-rushers. Vic Beasley, who has recorded 32.0 sacks in the last three years, brings incredible speed to the edge. 

9. New York Giants: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

The New York Giants aren't quite as desperate for help on the outside as the Falcons, but it's going to take a lot of money to bring back Jason Pierre-Paul, who enjoyed his best season since 2011. 

If the G-Men opt to look for JPP's replacement in the draft, Shane Ray is a fantastic fit. He's fast, relentless and a three-down player who fits well as a 4-3 defensive end. 

10. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

The St. Louis Rams could go a number of different directions here, but it's certainly an enticing idea to pair franchise left tackle Greg Robinson with Cedric Ogbuehi, who has experience at right tackle. 

While finding a quarterback of the future is still on the to-do list for Jeff Fisher and Co., two potentially dominant tackles would make it a lot easier for whoever is under center. 

11. Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

With Cordarrelle Patterson's lack of progression this season, the Minnesota Vikings could use another weapon in the passing game. 

DeVante Parker, an athletic big-play threat, is the No. 2 wide receiver on my big board. The fact that the Louisville star already has a rapport with Teddy Bridgewater, who looked very good down the stretch, is just a bonus. 

12. Cleveland Browns: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Kevin White has a tendency of catching pretty much everything around him:

He very well could be the top receiver on some draft boards, and with Josh Gordon's future with the Cleveland Browns not looking all that safe, the Browns may need to add another weapon in the passing game.

White may not have breakaway speed or elite size, but he's a versatile wideout with the look of a potential No. 1 guy. 

13. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

The New Orleans Saints still have a dangerous quarterback and a slew of of talent at the skill positions. They have been to the playoffs four times in the last six seasons (four out of five with Sean Payton at the helm) and very likely have no intention of rebuilding. 

Payton will be looking for someone who can contribute right away, and that's Brandon Scherff, a strong-as-an-ox lineman who can play at either tackle or guard. 

14. Miami Dolphins: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

An unbelievable athletic talent, Shaq Thompson played running back, safety and linebacker while at Washington the past couple of seasons. 

His best fit is as an off-the-line linebacker, where he has the speed to drop into coverage or move sideline-to-sideline, but also the strength to step up in run support and force turnovers. 

15. San Francisco 49ers: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida

After his performance in the Birmingham Bowl against East Carolina, Dante Fowler may no longer be available this late. 

The Florida edge rusher piled on three sacks and was essentially living in the Pirates' backfield. His performance was about much more than the numbers, though, as the 6'3", 277-pound beast displayed the ability to turn explosive speed into overwhelming power. 

Rotoworld's Josh Norris noted one particular impressive sequence:

The 49ers, who have an aging defense and are looking for an infusion of excitement, would do well to grab Fowler at this spot. 

16. Houston Texans: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

Trae Waynes didn't have a great performance against Baylor in the Cotton Bowl, but as former scout John Middlekauff argued, he remains the top cornerback available despite a fairly deep class:

Waynes has the physical tools—length and athleticism—to be a shutdown corner, making him an ideal replacement for Kareem Jackson should he leave via free agency. 

17. San Diego Chargers: La'el Collins, OT, LSU

Like Brandon Scherff, LSU's La'el Collins is an absolute mauler. He's big, strong, physical and could move around on the offensive line. 

Whether he eventually slots in as a guard or right tackle, his nastiness as a blocker makes him an immediate upgrade in the running game. That's exactly what the Chargers need after averaging a pedestrian 3.4 yards per carry in 2014. 

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Tony Ding/Associated Press

A former tight end, Devin Funchess possesses towering size at 6'5" and 230 pounds. But he's not just a big, lumbering load. He's an athlete who can make plays down the field or after the catch. 

Check out this particular play for an example of his fluidity and speed. 

The Kansas City Chiefs, whose last wide receiver touchdown was sometime around the Reagan administration, need more playmakers in the passing game. That's Funchess, who will draw some comparisons to Kelvin Benjamin. 

19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, Kentucky

Bud Dupree's stock is on the rise. Rotoworld's Josh Norris recently mocked him No. 9 overall, and after the combine, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start creeping into the first half of the first round in several others. 

As CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman illustrated, Dupree's speed is probably his most tantalizing trait: 

That's, like, school-zone speed from a human being who is 6'4" and 264 pounds. 

Dupree is still a bit raw, but make him a situational edge-rusher as a rookie, and he'll find a way to make an impact for this Browns defense. 

20. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

It's difficult to put into perspective just how bad Bradley Fletcher was in 2014, but this stat from Pro Football Focus, via Bleacher Report's Cody Swartz, does a pretty good job:

Maybe Fletcher bounces back in 2014. But he certainly won't do so with the Eagles, who would be a little loco to bring him back in free agency.

Fletcher's backups haven't fared much better, and it's clear that help in the secondary is a must. P.J. Williams can be a bit inconsistent in the running game, but he has the size and speed combo to immediately help the Eagles in coverage. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Shilique Calhoun was double-teamed for the majority of the season after winning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2013, but he still managed 8.0 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, per CFBStats.com. He's a big, strong, disruptive player who can play both the pass and the run. 

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Marcus Peters obviously has red flags after being kicked off the Washington team, but he's a long, physical corner who makes tremendous plays on the ball. In terms of a pure talent, he's a first-round selection. 

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Despite the character concerns, some team is going to take the risk. The Pittsburgh Steelers make plenty of sense as the ones to do so with Cortez Allen struggling and Ike Taylor, Antwon Blake and Brice McCain all set for free agency. 

23. Detroit Lions: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

Keeping both—or even one of—Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley is going to be extremely difficult for the Detroit Lions. Both players have been dominant, and both are in line for a massive payday in free agency this offseason. 

Martin Mayhew got both of them through the draft (and in the first round), so he may feel confident in taking a similar strategy to find a replacement. 

Danny Shelton is a load in the middle. He's a physical presence who can stuff the run, but he also recorded an impressive 9.0 sacks on the season. 

24. Arizona Cardinals: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

The Cardinals may soon have to find a right tackle replacement for Bobby Massie, who was only average in 2014 and has just one season remaining on his current deal. 

A defensive end recruit out of high school, T.J. Clemmings doesn't boast a lot of experience on the offensive line. But as DraftTV.com's Shane P. Hallam noted, he's consistently improving:

Clemmings is a physical specimen. As he continues to learn the position, he has the chance to develop into a star. 

25. Carolina Panthers: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Cam Newton needs some help, whether it's on the offensive line or in the form of a wide receiver with speed. 

Ronnie Stanley isn't a lock to declare, but he possesses impressive size and strength. He could fit at either left or right tackle for the Panthers. 

26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon capped an unbelievable season with 34 carries and 251 yards in the Outback Bowl against Auburn. He finished behind only some guy named Barry Sanders for the most rushing yards in a single season. 

Collegiate numbers don't always correlate with NFL success, but in this case they will. Yahoo! Sports' Brad Evans put it simply:

Gordon features a scary combination of speed, acceleration and vision. He would make it easy for the Ravens to let go of Justin Forsett, who had an outstanding season but is hitting free agency. 

27. Indianapolis Colts: Eli Harold, DE, Virginia

Steve Helber/Associated Press

The Colts pass rush was quite solid in 2014, but they could use some additional depth on the outside with Cory Redding hitting free agency. 

Offensive line is always an option when you have Andrew Luck under center, but it's hard not to like Eli Harold, another prospect with an enticing combination of speed and size. Continually flying under the radar, he tallied 15.5 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss in the last two seasons with Virginia. 

28. Dallas Cowboys: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA

Eric Kendricks is one of my favorite prospects. His production for the last four years has been insane, per Orange County Register's Ryan Kartje:

He capped it all off with 10 tackles, three for a loss and two sacks in the Alamo Bowl, reminding the country of his ability to make plays all over the field. 

The Cowboys may need linebacker help with Sean Lee's health a question mark, and Bruce Carter and Justin Durant both at the end of their contracts. Kendricks would be a savvy selection for the 'Boys, who have been nailing their first-round picks. 

29. Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

Clay Matthews' move to inside linebacker has been a success, but he is most dangerous when on the outside. 

Benardrick McKinney, a massive (6'5", 250 pounds) athlete who excels at stopping the run, is someone the Packers could confidently place in the middle of the defense, allowing Matthews to move back to his natural position. 

30. New England Patriots: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

Defensive tackle isn't the biggest need for Bill Belichick and the Patriots, but Vince Wilfork (33) and Alan Branch (30) are getting up there in age, while Chris Jones has been underwhelming. Adding depth to the interior should be on the offseason check list. 

Offensive line is also an option here, but Eddie Goldman is an impressive talent who has the potential to shut down the run. 

31. Denver Broncos: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

Ereck Flowers is a massive specimen (6'6", 324 pounds) with light feet and impressive balance. Perhaps more importantly, making this selection would allow the Denver Broncos to move Louis Vasquez back to right guard, where he is far more effective than at right tackle. 

32. Seattle Seahawks: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma

Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse have been solid for the Seahawks, but in an ideal world, Baldwin is a slot guy and Kearse is the No. 2 option on the outside. 

Dorial Green-Beckham, a former No. 1 recruit, has the size and athletic ability to be the playmaker Seattle is looking for in the passing game. He has some character concerns, but Pete Carroll and John Schneider aren't afraid to take a risk.