2015 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Landing Spots of Nation's Top Prospects

Twenty teams know when they will be picking in the 2015 NFL draft, as those squads who were unable to make the playoffs can now begin the months of preparation associated with choosing the right player in Round 1.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now on the clock, as they have free rein with the No. 1 overall selection. Will they take a quarterback to challenge Mike Glennon and Josh McCown, or will they address needs defensively and along the offensive line? The possibilities are endless.

That said, there appears to be a consensus No. 1 in this year's draft.

The NFL draft can make or break NFL teams each year. A good draft allows mediocre teams to compete again, while a weak draft class can signal the end of some teams' successful runs through the league.

Read on to find out who your team will take with their selections in Round 1.

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

A lot of analysts will scratch their heads if the Buccaneers don't take Marcus Mariota. The Heisman Trophy winner was stellar in his junior season, accumulating 55 total touchdowns (40 passing) and just three interceptions. He's the type of franchise-changing quarterback Tampa Bay needs to get back to its winning ways.

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

Among a slew of off-field incidents and controversy, Jameis Winston is still one of the top talents in the country. The Titans are in desperate need of a quarterback who can stay on the field and make plays (sorry, Jake Locker), and Winston is that guy.

Of course, he will have to tone it down a bit. He didn't seem all that upset following a loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl:

Tennessee is the perfect landing spot for Winston. There won't be too much pressure to succeed right away, allowing him to stay out of the spotlight for a little while.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

All things considered, Blake Bortles wasn't terrible last season. He threw 17 picks (tied for second-most in the league), but that was mostly because of a young group of wide receivers and inconsistencies along the offensive line. Luckily, Brandon Scherff will be available to the Jaguars at No. 3. He's the best offensive tackle available in the draft, and Bortles will immediately enjoy the benefits of having him block.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Derek Carr impressed enough last season for the Raiders to entrust him with the quarterback's job moving forward. Now it's time to give him some weapons.

James Jones and Mychal Rivera emerged as his favorite targets last season, but neither provide enough explosiveness to put points on the board quickly. Enter Amari Cooper.

The Heisman finalist was the top weapon in college football this season. He and Carr's big arm will combine for some big touchdowns early and often in Oakland.

5. Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DT, USC

A dominant defense is often characterized by the strength of its interior. The Redskins had a poor defense this past season, so upgrading the defensive line needs to be a priority this offseason. Leonard Williams is the top defensive tackle in the draft, primarily because of his incredible combination of power and athleticism.

6. New York Jets: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska

The Jets' draft is going to be unpredictable. If Winston is still here at No. 6, they could very well go with him to replace Geno Smith. If he's not, then what they'll do is anybody's guess.

The smart pick is hybrid pass-rusher Randy Gregory. At 6'6", he can use his long arms to bully offensive tackles and get into the backfield. No ball-carriers or quarterbacks are safe. If the Jets are going to roll with Smith, then they need to build a strong defense to limit opponents. He can't win games by himself.

7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, S, Alabama

This is a no-brainer for the Bears. A defense that lacked leadership and an impact player in the secondary can kill two birds with one stone by taking Landon Collins. He can tackle in the box, play solid coverage and pretty much do whatever a defensive coordinator asks him to. That's what Chicago needs.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Atlanta's defense was unspectacular this season, and selecting Shane Ray would instantly result in improvement across the board. Having someone with his pass-rushing skills would not only increase the team's ability to get into the backfield, but it would also aid the secondary. The pressure he puts on opposing quarterbacks results in rushed, errant throws. This is a no-brainer.

9. New York Giants: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

Linebacker hasn't been a position of strength for the Giants in recent years, though Devon Kennard and Jameel McClain were impressive this past season. Still, adding a playmaker off the edge is key for the team this offseason. Vic Beasley is quick off the line and uses his power to blow past linemen and get into the backfield. He's a great fit for a team in need of some more power up front.

10. St. Louis Rams: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

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An already strong defense could be vastly improved with some help in the secondary. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is short at about 5'9", but he's widely considered the top senior cornerback because of his instincts, ball skills and motor. He'd be a welcome addition to a unit currently headlined by E.J. Gaines and Janoris Jenkins.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Anthony Barr was a hit last season in Minnesota, and adding to the linebacking corps during this upcoming draft would help to take some pressure of the young pass-rusher. Shaq Thompson is a great athlete given his career as a part-time running back at Washington, and he is one of the hardest hitters in the class. He's the type of complementary player who can take defenses to the next level.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

Whether Johnny Manziel or Brian Hoyer is the quarterback next season, there needs to be receivers to throw to. There are no guarantees with Josh Gordon, and the rest of the receiving corps is weak. Even Jordan Cameron regressed this year. That makes DeVante Parker an obvious choice.

He doesn't have the pure talent Amari Cooper possesses, but Bleacher Report's Adam Lefkoe tweets Parker's ceiling reminds him of a certain star receiver on the Chicago Bears:

If Parker becomes anything close to Jeffery, then the organization will have made the best pick for this franchise.

13. New Orleans Saints: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida

The Saints have holes all over, and while they could draft another wide receiver to gear up for perhaps one final run with Drew Brees, the best bet for the organization is to draft an impact player on defense.

Dante Fowler is extremely versatile given his experience at outside linebacker and all along the defensive line. He can be used in a variety of different packages, which will ultimately benefit the entire defense. After such an abysmal year on that side of the ball, New Orleans must do whatever it can to remedy its issues.

14. Miami Dolphins: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

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Miami needs a starter opposite Brent Grimes. The Dolphins could possibly address that need in free agency, but should they choose not to, Trae Waynes is a good option. He plays tight coverage and contests the ball at the point of catch, something many young corners struggle to do. He also steps up and helps against the run, which helps him stand out among his peers.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Big changes have already started for San Francisco. Jim Harbaugh is gone, and the team's pick at No. 15 will largely be dictated on which coach comes in and takes over. With a lot of potential turnover on the roster given upcoming free agents, there's the potential for the depth chart to be filled with holes.

When in doubt, it's best to take an offensive lineman who can become a stalwart in just a few years' time. Andrus Peat is an absolute monster at 6'7" and over 300 pounds. He uses his sheer size to excel in both pass and run blocking.

16. Houston Texans: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Another team with holes on the offensive line, Houston isn't far away from making the playoffs. Rebuilding the team's core (and improved quarterback play) can put this team back in legit contention in the AFC.

Cedric Ogbuehi can help provide stability for whomever lines up under center next season, as he excels in keeping quarterbacks on their feet.

17. San Diego Chargers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

San Diego went with cornerback Jason Verrett in the first round last season, and there's nothing stopping them from grabbing another corner this year. Marcus Peters can step in right away and start opposite Verrett given his athleticism and coverage skills. Improved play in the secondary would have won the Chargers a few extra games this season. Adding Peters should help prevent some defensive meltdowns.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

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The fact not a single Chiefs wide receiver scored a touchdown is embarrassing. It speaks to Alex Smith's preference of throwing to tight end Travis Kelce, but also to the sheer incapability of his wideouts to get open down the field.

Kevin White is an instant solution to that problem. The West Virginia product is 6'3" and can leap, grab and run his way to multiple touchdowns next season. All Smith needs to do is get him the ball.

19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State

Cleveland could very well double up on wideouts by taking another at No. 19, but it'd be best to address needs defensively. Benardrick McKinney is an inside linebacker who can also line up on the edge and get into the backfield, and his aggressive attitude is what the Browns need for their defense to rise to the next level.

McKinney hasn't officially declared just yet, but Yahoo! Sports' Rand Getlin reports he is "considered a lock" to enter the draft.

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

There wasn't much stopping the Eagles this season. Outside of some inconsistent quarterback play at times, the one glaring need is in the secondary. Philadelphia was the No. 31 team against the pass, allowing 264.9 yards per game in the air.

P.J. Williams' speed and tackling ability make him a well-rounded corner who can keep up with the best receivers of the NFC East.

21. Carolina Panthers: La'el Collins, OT, LSU

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The run game was a strength for the Panthers in the second half, but it could be improved even more by adding help on the offensive line. This draft is rich in players who can block, but La'el Collins is special. He can play tackle or guard, and his immense strength makes him a force against those trying to get around his 6'5" frame.

22. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

Baltimore needs severe help in the secondary, but anybody the Ravens could possibly take at No. 22 would be a stretch given how many corners have already gone off the board. Assuming they don't trade up for someone they truly love, the Ravens will likely look at T.J. Clemmings from Pittsburgh.

He is 6'5" and 305 pounds, yet his speed is quick enough to handle some of the best pass-rushers the NFL has to offer. He might not be a player who starts right away, but Clemmings can develop into a solid tackle in this league.

23. Cincinnati Bengals: Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

Safety Gerod Holliman would fulfill a need for the Bengals. He has a nose for the ball, as Terez A Paylor of the Kansas City Star tweeted:

Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean he's ready for the NFL. CBS Sports' Dane Brugler doesn't think so:

Holliman is raw but his high upside. There's a chance he gets drafted here, even if teams are a bit skeptical of how much he has progressed. Interceptions are important, but college quarterbacks tend to make worse decisions than those in the NFL.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU

Arizona consistently produced like one of the top defenses in football during the season, yet it seemed to falter at points down the stretch. The unit played poorly against Cam Newton and the Panthers on Saturday, so it's clear a few upgrades are necessary. Danielle Hunter is a fast defensive end who gets off the line quickly and puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

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Eddie Goldman, at 320 pounds, is the ideal defensive tackle to stuff gaps and make it difficult to run the ball. His size also frequently commands and extra lineman, making it easier for blitzing linebackers to get into the backfield and make a play. The Steelers were primarily an offensive juggernaut this season, so adding some defensive help in the trenches would make them more well-rounded.

26. Detroit Lions: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

This pick hinges mostly on Ndamukong Suh's future with the organization. If he leaves via free agency, then expect the Lions to target either Goldman or Washington's Danny Shelton. Suh is difficult to replace, but the defense was too good this season to not address the position immediately with a player with upside. Shelton is strong and can bully linemen around.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Running back isn't necessarily the biggest need for the Colts with Trent Richardson and restricted free agent Dan Herron candidates to return, but it's hard to pass up on a talent like Heisman finalist Melvin Gordon. Just how good was he during his college career? Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer attempted to quantify it:

Gordon can help take the pressure off Andrew Luck, who frequently threw the ball far too many times because of inconsistencies running the ball. This is perhaps the ideal fit for Gordon.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State

Dez Bryant made plenty of big plays for the Cowboys this season, but Tony Romo lacked a definitive No. 2 option in the passing game. Terrance Williams started opposite Bryant, but he was generally a non-factor. That makes Devin Smith a good fit, as his ability to rip off big plays fits perfectly in Dallas. He's a nice complementary receiver for a Cowboys offense with no shortage of talent.

29. Denver Broncos: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Prolonging Peyton Manning's career should be the top priority for Denver moving forward. The offense already has plenty of weapons and the defense was strong for most of the regular season, so making subtle changes at the team's core can go a long way. Ronnie Stanley is a long offensive tackle, standing 6'6" and weighing 318 pounds. He will provide depth along the line until called upon to protect the future Hall of Famer.

30. Green Bay Packers: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

Aaron Rodgers can turn unknown wideouts into gems. Jaelen Strong isn't necessarily a household name, but the Pac-12 wide receiver hauled in 10 touchdowns this year at Arizona State. All he needs is Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball to become even better.

Strong is a great vertical threat, and his inclusion in the offense would make the Packers even more formidable. With Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson making plays in the middle of the field, Strong can stretch the defense and kill them over the top.

31. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Losing Golden Tate hurt last offseason, as he went on to enjoy a great season in Detroit and the Seahawks were left with minimal offensive weapons. Russell Wilson still turned in a very good year, but he probably ran the ball a little more than Seattle ownership would have liked.

Devin Funchess would give Wilson a legit pass-catcher who can line up in a variety of spots. He can be a tight end, slot receiver or deep threat, and that versatility makes him a valuable asset to a team already toward the top of NFL power rankings.

32. New England Patriots: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Tom Brady did quite well with minimal receivers this season. He turned Brandon LaFell into a quality wideout, and Rob Gronkowski bounced back to turn in a stellar season. Brady still needs more, though.

Sammie Coates is extraordinarily fast, giving Brady a chance to air it out and stretch the defense. He's not limited to that, though, as his sure hands make him an option in the middle of the field as well.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn