2015 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions for Top Prospects
With the NFL playoffs about to begin and the college football season nearly over, prospects around the country are preparing to do what it takes to be selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft in late April.
Bowl games have given us some good final looks at a number of intriguing prospects, but there's still a lot of time before the draft begins. Players will still have the Senior Bowl, NFL combine and pro days for scouts to continue to evaluate and decide which prospects they want to take.
As of right now, a number of prospects have stood out as first-round talents, so let's take a look at a complete mock draft for the first 32 picks of the 2015 draft.
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
After a rough season where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only averaged 17.3 points per game, it's become quite clear that they need a franchise quarterback. Head coach Lovie Smith was hoping that Josh McCown could be that player in 2014, but that just wasn't the case.
The Buccaneers will have their choice between two top quarterbacks, but they'll be smart to take Marcus Mariota with the No. 1 pick. With a smooth release, impressive arm strength and the ability to make throws in tight windows, Mariota looks like he has all the tools to succeed at the next level.
2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, Edge-Rusher, Nebraska
This will be a tough decision for the Tennessee Titans, as they could either try to find their starting quarterback or add some talent to their defense. The Titans may choose to stick with Zach Mettenberger, however, and Jim Wyatt from The Tennessean doesn't believe that they'll draft another QB:
An edge-rusher is exactly what the Titans could use in 2015, and they won't find a better option for Ray Horton's defensive scheme than Randy Gregory. He'll need some time to grow into his 6'6'' frame, but his length and quick feet make him a promising prospect to get to opposing quarterbacks.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
They still have some work to do, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have some young pieces in place on offense. If they can make some good decisions with some players on defense in this draft, they could finally be on their way to developing a solid football team.
Leonard Williams would be a smart selection with Jacksonville's first pick. A versatile defensive lineman, he has long arms and good technique regardless of where he lines up. The Jaguars don't have the most intimidating front seven, but Williams could change that.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Derek Carr appears to be the long-term option at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, so now they need to give him some more weapons to work with. There are other positions where the Raiders could use some help, but an impact wide receiver might finally help get the offense going.
At 6'1'' and 210 pounds, Amari Cooper has the size and speed to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. Rather than sit back and let the ball come to him, he attacks the ball in the air. He can also make plays on the ground after the catch.
Cooper might not solve all of Oakland's problems, but he will give Carr a great weapon to grow with over the next few seasons.
5. Washington: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Washington will sit back and wait to see which players are available with the No. 5 pick. If someone like Gregory or Williams drops, the team may want to consider adding some talent on defense, but with both of those guys gone, it might want to address some of the concerns on the offensive line.
Adding an offensive tackle who can play opposite of Trent Williams would be a smart move, and Brandon Scherff looks like a safe bet. He has a ton of strength in his 6'5'', 320-pound frame, which allows him to drive defenders back in the run game. He might struggle early on against some of the quicker pass-rushers around the league, but he'd be a nice upgrade playing on the right side of the offensive line for Washington.
6. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
New York might not be the best market to throw Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston into, but the Jets will be more concerned with his play on the field. The new general manager and head coach may want to see what Geno Smith can do, but it's more likely that they draft a new quarterback and try to build around a guy like Winston.
7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Like the Jets, the Chicago Bears will be under new management in 2015, and while it's unclear what the future holds for Jay Cutler, they'll definitely want to focus more on defense in this draft.
The Bears need to add talent in their secondary, especially since they have to play quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford twice per year. Landon Collins is by far the best safety in this class, and he'd be a valuable asset in defending the run as a great downfield tackler.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Few teams need as much help defensively across the board as the Atlanta Falcons do, so they will likely look for the best available defensive player with the No. 8 pick.
Shane Ray has the versatility to play as a stand-up edge-rusher in a 3-4 defense or down on the line of scrimmage as a 4-3 defensive end. He's a freak athlete with a great first step, and that will go a long way as he develops into a pro-caliber pass-rusher.
9. New York Giants: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
It's been a while since the New York Giants had a true impact linebacker, and that might be one of the reasons they've struggled the past couple of years. That would change if they were able to bring in Vic Beasley, a polished pass-rusher who looks ready to play at a high level as soon as he enters the league.
He will have to work on other aspects of his game if he's to play as a 4-3 outside linebacker, but he could be an exciting player that the defense could begin to rebuild around.
10. St. Louis Rams: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The St. Louis Rams won't find their quarterback of the future with this pick, but they can add some more protection on the offensive line for when they do find their franchise QB.
Andrus Peat has a huge frame at 6'7'', but he also is quick off the snap and able to stay in front of defenders. With another talented offensive lineman, the Rams will be ready to protect whoever plays quarterback in 2015 and possibly beyond.
11. Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Teddy Bridgewater showed some serious flashes of potential in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings, but he doesn't exactly have the best weapons to work with. By taking DeVante Parker, the Vikings would give Bridgewater another target as well as a former teammate, as the two played together at Louisville.
At 6'3'', Parker is an ideal red-zone threat. He's not afraid to get physical with defenders and has the soft hands to make some difficult catches in traffic. With a receiver like that, the Vikings could have an effective passing game next season.
12. Cleveland Browns: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Cleveland Browns defense has a number of promising pieces, but it could use another impact linebacker to help put it among the league's best. Shaq Thompson might translate best in the NFL in a 4-3 defense, but the Browns would find ways to get him on the field with his versatile skill set that allows him to rush quarterbacks, stuff running lanes or drop back into coverage.
13. New Orleans Saints: Alvin Dupree, Edge-Rusher, Kentucky
It was a year to forget for the New Orleans Saints defense. Without any reliable or consistent pass-rushers, the Saints struggled in their 3-4 defensive scheme. Fortunately for the Saints, they'll have their pick of a few edge-rushers at No. 13.
At this point, Alvin Dupree may well be the best player available. He is an explosive athlete who has used his length and flexibility to become one of the SEC's most productive pass-rushers. He'll need to add some muscle and work on his technique, but there's a lot to like about Dupree's potential.
14. Miami Dolphins: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
It looks like the Miami Dolphins nearly have a complete offense, and while Lamar Miller hasn't been bad, the Dolphins need to look for a long-term option at running back.
This year's draft has some promising running backs, and Melvin Gordon might be the most appealing for the Dolphins. He has excellent field vision, acceleration at the line of scrimmage and balance to stay on his feet and continue moving downfield. With him in the backfield, some of the pressure would be taken off Ryan Tannehill, and the passing game might open up in the process.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Michael Crabtree is set to leave in free agency, and the San Francisco 49ers will need some new faces at wide receiver for Colin Kaepernick to throw to. West Virginia's Kevin White is a slim and speedy receiver at 6'3'' who can make plays with his hands or feet. The 49ers badly need some more talent in the passing game, and White would provide them with an exciting weapon.
16. Houston Texans: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
If the Houston Texans are going to overtake the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, they'll need a quarterback and some more depth on defense. They won't find their next QB with their first-round pick, but they can look at a number of talented players on the other side of the ball.
Trae Waynes (6'1", 182 lbs) might just be this year's top cornerback prospect. He has solid ball skills and the aggressiveness to be a factor in the run game as well. However, he'll need to get bigger once he hits the pros; we saw with Kyle Fuller what happens when a small rookie corner goes against physical receivers like Dez Bryant.
17. San Diego Chargers: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Both the offensive and defensive lines could use some help this offseason for the San Diego Chargers, but protecting Philip Rivers is likely the bigger priority. Ronnie Stanley would be a great option to protect Rivers; he showed at Notre Dame that he can protect the edge with his long arms and lateral agility.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
With Kansas City Chiefs receivers not catching a single touchdown in 2014, it's pretty obvious what position this team needs to address in the draft. With at least one threat at receiver, the offense could be much more versatile and force defenses to plan against other players besides Jamaal Charles and Travis Kelce.
Dorial Green-Beckham will stand out in the pros as a 6'5'' receiver. He looks like a deadly vertical threat and does a great job of catching passes at their highest point, which makes him an appealing option for a team like the Chiefs.
19. Cleveland Browns: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
After adding to the defense with their first selection, the Browns can look for another receiver to help out whoever plays quarterback in 2015. Jaelen Strong may not take the league by storm as a rookie, but his physical attributes and aggressiveness after the catch could help him develop into an effective possession receiver.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
There are certainly holes in the secondary for the Philadelphia Eagles, but since they also have a need for a pass-rusher, they'd be smart to take the best player on the board.
With the No. 20 pick, that's Dante Fowler Jr., who may go much earlier if he puts up the big numbers he's expected to at the NFL combine. He's not the biggest linebacker at 6'2'', but he's a top-tier athlete at the position with quick feet to help him get past offensive linemen.
21. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
The offensive line has struggled this season for the Carolina Panthers, failing to protect Cam Newton. The front office will be doing its homework on plenty of offensive linemen in the coming months, and Carolina may want to bring in Cedric Ogbuehi if he's available with this pick.
Ogbuehi still has some work to do with his technique, but he looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle. He's an overpowering and athletic prospect who has the raw potential to one day be a Pro Bowler, but only with the right coaching.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Baltimore Ravens have clear needs at running back and wide receiver, but they could address those positions later in the draft. Instead, they can focus on taking the top available talent with their first selection.
There will be questions about Marcus Peters after he was dismissed from Washington's football team, but on the field, he can play. Peters sticks with receivers because of his ability to recognize routes while relying on his athleticism. Cornerback isn't a pressing need for Baltimore, but Peters would fit well with Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb.
23. Cincinnati Bengals: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
It will be interesting to see where the Cincinnati Bengals go with their first-round pick, as they have few really pressing needs. They'll likely be scouting players at almost every position before waiting to see who falls to the No. 23 pick.
The Bengals could use a player in the trenches alongside Geno Atkins, and Malcom Brown would be a good fit. He can plug up rushing lanes at 6'4'' and 320 pounds, but he's also capable of getting to opposing quarterbacks. He's a versatile defensive lineman.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
After adding pieces to the front seven last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers can look to bring in some youth in the secondary. P.J. Williams looks like a cornerback who could frustrate a lot of receivers in the NFL, relying on size and speed to stay close to his assignment. He can also jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, and that means he has the potential to become a shutdown corner one day.
25. Detroit Lions: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
With Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh both set to become free agents, the Detroit Lions may need to find some new faces at defensive tackle. Danny Shelton would be a good fit in Detroit; he proved at Washington that he's a capable anchor in the middle of the defense.
Along with being able to plug up rushing lanes, Shelton can bull-rush offensive linemen, although he's not the best pass-rusher at the position. Still, he can give the Lions the big presence in the middle of the defense that they'll need if Suh and Fairley don't return.
26. Indianapolis Colts: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
The Colts still have some work to do before they become legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the AFC. While they may want to add some pieces to their defense early on, protecting Andrew Luck should be priority No. 1.
Gosder Cherilus doesn't look like the answer at right tackle, and the Colts need to find someone who can protect Luck while also opening up lanes in the running game. La'el Collins might translate best to the NFL as a guard, but his dominance as a run-blocker and quick feet could make him an ideal right tackle.
With an upgrade at right tackle and the return of Donald Thomas from injury, the Colts offensive line could improve considerably in 2015.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Eli Harold, Edge-Rusher, Virginia
Despite numerous injuries this season, the Arizona Cardinals still made the playoffs. They don't have a lot of needs, but they could use some help rushing the passer next season.
Eli Harold would fit well in Arizona's defense. He's quick off the snap and keeps his pad level low, which gives him plenty of leverage when rushing opposing quarterbacks. He could add some weight to his frame to become a more effective pass-rusher in the NFL, but technique like Harold's is hard to come by.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Credit the Dallas Cowboys defense for exceeding expectations in 2014, but it still needs to add some talent if it is going to be a more consistent unit. The defensive line could use some playmakers, and Shilique Calhoun is exactly that. He can rush the passer or set the edge, which makes him a disciplined lineman that the Cowboys could really use.
29. Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
While the Green Bay Packers defense has improved from last year, it still needs some help at inside linebacker. Sam Barrington has shown some potential, but the team also needs a long-term replacement in place of A.J. Hawk.
A raw athlete who can move around the defense, Benardrick McKinney plays best against the run. Considering how much the Packers have struggled to stop opposing running backs the past few years, McKinney would be an ideal fit, even if he still needs to work on rushing quarterbacks and dropping into coverage.
30. Denver Broncos: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
If Peyton Manning returns in 2015, then the Denver Broncos are going to need to protect him by finding another offensive tackle to play on the right side while Ryan Clady plays on the left. Ereck Flowers looks like an intriguing prospect to play right tackle at 6'5'' and 324 pounds, and he would be effective protecting Manning while also driving defenders in the run game.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
The Seattle Seahawks love to run the ball, but there are concerns about Marshawn Lynch's future with the team. If Lynch and Seattle eventually part ways in the near future, the offense will need a replacement already in place in order to continue establishing the run.
Todd Gurley might be a risk in the first round after tearing his ACL, but before the injury he looked like one of the more pro-ready running backs in a while. If he comes back and plays like he used to, Gurley will be a steal late in the first round. If it doesn't pan out, at least the Seahawks didn't give up too much to get him.
32. New England Patriots: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Bill Belichick loves versatility from his weapons on offense, and he would be giving Tom Brady an exciting weapon late in the first round with Devin Funchess. At 6'5'' and 230 pounds, he played both receiver and tight end at Michigan, which makes him an ideal player to create mismatches, especially in the red zone.
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