2015 NFL Draft: Analysis and Predictions for Top First-Round Prospects

Saturday marked the start of the playoffs for 12 teams looking to make their way to the Super Bowl. Those franchises that missed out on January football or are already eliminated, however, are already looking forward to the offseason.

One of the biggest parts of the months that lie ahead is the 2015 NFL draft. Teams that get it right can completely turn around the franchise. On the other hand, making the wrong selection in the first round can set a team back several years.

Leading up to this year's draft, below is a look at the top prospects and predictions for the 2015 draft.

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

All season long, Marcus Mariota has shone for Oregon en route to winning the Heisman Trophy, and he still has another game awaiting him for the national championship. If all goes well during the draft process, he might be looking at being selected No. 1 overall as well.

Despite a down season in 2014, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the coveted first-overall selection in this year's draft. Mariota looks like a perfect fit for the Bucs, as Andrew Astleford of Fox Sports notes:

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Mariota was the star by completing 26 of 36 passes for 338 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also showed fine awareness as a runner in Oregon's read-option scheme by rushing for 62 yards with one touchdown on eight carries. He had the look, the feel and the stats of a difference-maker, one the Bucs sorely need.

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The Hawaiian quarterback has a chance to shine at the next level and completely change a franchise. After scoring 56 total touchdowns before the national championship game, expect Mariota to bring his offensive talents to Tampa Bay, where they are sorely needed.

Prediction: Buccaneers select Mariota No. 1 overall.

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

On the field, Amari Cooper proved he's one of the best players in college football. Off of it, he wowed people with his humble attitude during the Heisman Trophy presentation.

He might have come up short to Mariota in the running for the Heisman, but he has a chance to show off his dynamic ability in the NFL. Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell shared his thoughts on the difficulty of stopping Cooper, via Nicole Auerbach of USA Today:

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The ideal way to defend him is a pouring rainstorm, winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, but I don't think that's going to happen in a dome. ...

It's not just his ability to catch the ball. It's his ability to come out of the backfield, take a swing pass, take the deep ball, and his ability to break tackles. Those are the things that make that guy special.

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Much like Mariota, Cooper set new bars for his program with an SEC-record 124 receptions and 1,727 yards. That record was set by Jordan Matthews in 2013, and he eclipsed numbers that Julio Jones put up while with the Crimson Tide.

If he can bring that similar flash and game-changing play to the NFL, he can team up with a young quarterback to alter a team where he lands. Paired up with Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders, the tandem has a chance to make Oakland a true contender in the future.

Prediction: Cooper lands with Raiders with the No. 4 pick.

Leonard Williams, DT, USC

USA TODAY Sports

The impact of a star defensive player can't be overstated. Take J.J. Watt or Luke Kuechly for example, who have both personally affected the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers, respectively.

Leonard Williams has a chance to be the next huge talent immediately taking over after leaving Southern Cal. In fact, Dane Brugler of CBS Sports believes he might be the first non-offensive player taken:

A relentless pass-rusher and run-stopping tackle, Williams has the ability to disrupt offenses on every snap. Several months still lie ahead before the draft, but his talent over the last several years will keep him high on draft boards.

One of the teams in dire need of an impact lineman like Williams is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Already boosting the defense with Sen'Derrick Marks, pairing him with the USC product would give the Jaguars a building block for the future.

Prediction: Jaguars select Williams at No. 3 overall.

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