NFL Draft 2015: 1st-Round Mock Draft Following Wild Card Weekend
Following losses on Wild Card Weekend, the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions have been added to the ever-growing list of teams that have officially begun their offseasons.
Since 24 teams are now out of Super Bowl contention, the order of the 2015 NFL draft's top 24 selections has come to fruition. While prospect evaluations make the draft a fluid process to begin with, alterations in the selection order only add to the constantly changing picture leading up to the rookie extravaganza.
So, how did the first weekend of postseason action affect the draft's outlook? Here's a glance at how the first round would likely shake out if it took place before the divisional round of the playoffs began.
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Get used to seeing Mariota's name mentioned alongside Tampa Bay's in the months leading up to the draft. This offense has plenty of weapons on the outside who just need a reliable quarterback to distribute the football. Mariota makes very good decisions and is accurate. His dual-threat ability is an added bonus.
2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
One thing the Titans should be coveting in the draft is an elite pass-rusher. This team must face Andrew Luck twice a year, and if it is to compete for the AFC South, it needs a presence along the defensive front. Gregory stands at 6'6", and his long frame combined with explosiveness off the line makes him difficult to contain coming off the edge.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Scherff is the best all-around offensive lineman in the draft. He has plenty of upper-body strength, which allows him to be a force when blocking for the run, and his quickness and strong hands make him sturdy in pass protection. Adding a solid bookend like this to the offensive line will allow Jacksonville's young offense to develop faster.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Derek Carr had a nice rookie season, but if the Raiders can't surround him with legitimate weapons, his progress could suffer as a result. Bringing in the draft's most pro-ready and reliable wide receiver will go a long way, as Cooper has the talent to become the team's No. 1 receiver and stay in that role for years to come.
5. Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Washington needs to improve in the trenches before it can make strides on the defensive side of the ball, and adding a talent like Williams will go a long way. At 6'5" and 298 pounds, this defensive tackle possesses a perfect blend of size, strength and athleticism that will allow him to stand up to the NFL's strongest offensive linemen.
6. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
New York needs to make a splash over the offseason, and drafting Winston would certainly qualify as one. While the Florida State product has had off-the-field concerns, his arm strength and ability to progress through reads make him a pro-ready quarterback. He can provide the Jets with a new offensive identity from day one.
7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
For the past few seasons, the Bears have struggled against both the pass and the run. Well, drafting Collins helps in both of those categories. Highly experienced, he makes smart decisions when in coverage, and his toughness and physicality make him a force in run support.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Ray's speed-rushing ability can instantly improve a defensive front. He's extremely fast off the line and has excellent burst around the edge. His speed allows him to track down ball-carriers from behind, and he has enough strength to take down larger running backs and tight ends.
9. New York Giants: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Addressing the offensive line will ensure the Giants continue their offensive surge well into 2015. At 6'7" and 312 pounds, Peat's big frame holds up against defenders when blocking for the run. He has nice lateral agility and slides outside to prevent quicker pass-rushers from getting around the edge.
10. St. Louis Rams: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Rams began to play very well on the defensive side of the ball down the final stretch of the regular season; however, they still need a good-sized cornerback on the outside. Waynes fits the bill perfectly at 6'1" and 183 pounds. He uses his length to win contested jump balls and has good instincts in coverage. A physical defender, he isn't afraid to deliver a hit in run support.
Waynes officially declared for the draft on Friday, via CBS Sports CFB:
11. Minnesota Vikings: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
Beasley isn't the largest at his position, standing at 6'2"; however, what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in physicality. With tremendous upper-body strength and low pad level, he's able to utilize a bull rush to bully his way into the backfield. Mike Zimmer would love this defensive playmaker.
12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Browns have question marks all over the place, and one of the largest is at wide receiver. Josh Gordon hasn't proved he can stay out of trouble, and the team is thin behind him. Adding Parker gives this team stability going forward, as the Louisville product has great size at 6'3", is a solid route-runner and possesses reliable hands.
13. New Orleans Saints: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
Thompson is an all-around exceptional athlete, providing stellar performances at both linebacker and running back for the Huskies. At 6'2" and 231 pounds, his size isn't overwhelming, but he's very fast, smart and loves to make contact. Having his high motor on the field could play a big role in getting a lackluster Saints defense turned around.
14. Miami Dolphins: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Miami addressed the offensive tackle position in 2014, and it will need to do so again in 2015. This team need a solid tackle opposite Ja'Wuan James, and Ogbuehi appears to be a great fit. With great size, athleticism and a quick first step, the former Aggie has the fundamentals and physical traits to start instantly and should flourish on either end of the line.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller noted how well Ogbuehi played at left tackle earlier in the season:
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The 49ers need an additional offensive playmaker in the worst way, and they could do a whole lot worse than selecting White at No. 15 overall. At 6'3" and 210 pounds, White uses his length and leaping ability to win jump balls and give his quarterback a huge target, especially in the red zone. Not just a big body, White's agility and vision also allow him to great yards after the catch on shorter routes.
16. Houston Texans: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Houston needs some help in the secondary after a pretty bad year in coverage. Peters has great size for an NFL cornerback at 6'0" and 198 pounds. He has great instincts in coverage and plays the ball very well. A physical corner, Peters doesn't shy away from contact and routinely gets involved in making plays against the run.
17. San Diego Chargers: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
If the Chargers are to get back to the playoffs following the 2015 season, protecting quarterback Philip Rivers must be made a priority. Collins is a versatile player who should be able to contribute either at tackle or guard. His length, strength and quick feet combine to make him a force in the running game and reliable in pass protection.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
At 6'3" and 215 pounds, Strong is a long, physical receiver who can beat defenses vertically or act as a big target in the red zone. He's flashed good vision and quickness, making him a threat to gain yards after the catch on shorter routes. He's exactly the kind of wide receiver the Chiefs have been lacking.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Bills): Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
The Browns need a do-it-all player on the defensive side of the ball, and that's exactly what they're getting in the versatile Fowler. Asked to line up all along the defensive line and at outside linebacker with the Gators, he combines a high level of athleticism and big motor to be a disruption behind the line of scrimmage.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Not only do the Eagles need a solid cornerback, but they need a leader in the defensive secondary as well. That's exactly why Ekpre-Olomu is the pick here. He has the versatility to play in press and off-man coverage, the physicality to help in run support and the playmaking ability to accumulate a bevy of turnovers.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Cincinnati's pass rush was downright awful in 2014, and this team needs a complement to Carlos Dunlap in a hurry. Adding the 6'4", 267-pound Dupree will help in that category. While he isn't a large defensive end, he already showcases a multitude of pass-rushing moves, and combined with his physical play and quickness, he's a constant threat off the edge.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
The Steelers are getting a bit long in the tooth in their secondary, and Williams would be a great start for a youth movement. He fits the mold of the Steelers. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 196 pounds, Williams has the speed to cover faster receivers and the strength to jam larger pass-catchers and help in run support.
23. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
If Ndamukong Suh departs in free agency, rest assured the Lions will be taking a very long look at Goldman here. The Florida State product stands at 6'3" and weighs 320 pounds, making him the perfect centerpiece for the league's top-ranked run defense. His tremendous strength allows him to bully his way into the backfield, causing disruption in both the running game and passing game.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
This is where a running back will finally be taken in the first round once again. Gordon's enormous 2014 season was due to his fantastic mix of acceleration and vision. At 6'1" and 207 pounds, he looks the part of an NFL running back and should be able to revitalize a Cardinals running game that was completely lackluster this past year.
25. Carolina Panthers: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Clemmings should be a very nice prospect at left tackle, and that's exactly what Carolina needs. He's more of a finesse player, using his quickness, athleticism and improved technique to keep pass-rushers at bay. He's still a bit raw but has shown plenty of potential and has the upside to be a long-term answer on Cam Newton's blind side.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Adding to Baltimore's rotation at outside linebacker is never a bad idea. Calhoun is a smart player who is capable of maintaining his position and guarding against runs to the outside. His quickness serves him well as an edge-rusher. He needs a bit of time to develop his strength and technique, but the Ravens currently have some nice depth, so that shouldn't be a problem.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
The Colts get a very versatile player here, as McKinney is best suited to play inside linebacker, but he's also spent time on the outside and can be shifted in a pinch. At 6'4", he has good length and uses impressive acceleration to chase down ball-carriers from behind. He's also strong enough to shed blockers and make plays through the interior of the line.
Getting Miller's top-ranked inside linebacker at No. 27 overall isn't a bad way to begin a draft haul:
28. Dallas Cowboys: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
If Dallas adds an anchor to its defensive line, expect to see big improvements on that side of the ball. Shelton is an absolute force against the run. He is extremely difficult to move and acts as a great gap-stuffer. A physical player, Shelton's bull rush routinely beats double-teams, as he is known to wreak havoc in the backfield.
29. Denver Broncos: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The name of the game in Denver is protecting Peyton Manning. The longer the quarterback remains upright, the longer he'll continue playing. That said, the Broncos will look to add Stanley here. At 6'6" and 318 pounds, the Notre Dame product has great agility for his size, making him very reliable in pass protection against quicker edge-rushers.
30. Green Bay Packers: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
Bennett played defensive tackle at Ohio State, but he could prove to be a great end in Green Bay. At 6'2" and 288 pounds, he's very quick for his size, utilizing a great burst to knife his way into the backfield. He doesn't have the upper-body strength to hold up against bigger interior linemen, making him a perfect candidate to play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
The Seahawks haven't been much of a passing team recently, and part of that is due to a lack of weapons on the outside. Seattle needs a big, friendly target for Russell Wilson, and nabbing a former tight end should do the trick. At 6'5" and 230 pounds, Funchess is a big vertical threat who has the versatility to line up at many different positions.
32. New England Patriots: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
New England has plenty of offensive weapons, but it doesn't have a true No. 1 wide receiver. Coates could fill that role instantly. At 6'2" and 201 pounds, he isn't only a big target, but his great speed makes him a legitimate vertical threat as well. His strong upper-body strength allows him to fight through press coverage, and he could use those tools to quickly win the favor of Tom Brady.
All mocked underclassmen have either declared or have yet to announce draft intentions as of January 4, via NFL.com.
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