NFL Draft 2015: Complete 1st-Round Mock Draft Following Wild Card Weekend
Heading into the second weekend of the NFL playoffs, there are already 24 franchises planning for the offseason. Those teams already have their draft order set, while the other eight are battling it out for a spot in the Super Bowl.
Luckily, there is plenty to look forward to in this year's class. Players such as Marcus Mariota and Amari Cooper are already household names, but several others have a chance to emerge during the draft process.
Prior to the divisional round of the playoffs getting underway, below is a look at an early mock draft.
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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Not everyone is completely sold on Mariota, but he's certainly proved worthy of being the No. 1 pick. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one team that has a desperate need at the position, making this an ideal fit for the young signal-caller.
2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
He might not be the best defensive player in the class, but Randy Gregory is a versatile defensive player. At No. 2, the Tennessee Titans might go after a quarterback like Jameis Winston, but also have a gaping hole at the defensive end position that Gregory can fill.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Leonard Williams and Gregory will likely switch places throughout the draft process, but he's an extremely talented lineman. For a Jacksonville Jaguars defense looking to find an identity, Williams will provide that along with great play against AFC South opponents.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
No receiver in the 2015 class is as explosive or promising as Cooper. The Alabama wideout broke the SEC record with 124 receptions along with 16 total touchdowns.
The Oakland Raiders already have their quarterback of the future in Derek Carr. If they are able to add Cooper and he lives up to an inkling of the hype, the Raiders offense has a chance to challenge any defense in the years to come.
5. Washington Redskins: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Offensive linemen are typically overlooked by fans, but coaches and general managers know the importance of the big men. Having Brandon Scherff, possibly the top lineman, still on the board, the Washington Redskins will more than welcome his talent.
6. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Even through a few hiccups this season on and off the field, Winston has remained one of the top quarterbacks in the country. In fact, Todd McShay of ESPN believes he will be the top signal-caller of this draft class, via Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com:
He'll still have to prove himself during the scouting combine, which includes the interview stage. If he can shine during the offseason, expect the New York Jets to pull the trigger if the Titans don't.
7. Chicago Bears: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
During the 2014 season, it was clear the Chicago Bears defense was devoid of a pass-rusher outside of Jared Allen during most games. Giving Shane Ray a chance to learn under Allen's tutelage, he can eventually take his spot or play alongside him in the years to come.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
In the previous draft, the Atlanta Falcons were reportedly unable to trade up for a talented defensive end like Jadeveon Clowney. Luckily, there are a multitude of talented, powerful linemen in this year's class, with Vic Beasley the next in line.
For more on Beasley, McShay (subscription required) provided analysis prior to the Russell Athletic Bowl:
"He's a difference-maker as a pass-rusher whose first-step quickness and closing speed are near elite. He'll be giving up three inches and roughly 100 pounds to each of the aforementioned OU tackles, but that's nothing new for Beasley -- he shakes offensive tackles with double moves and has good hands and lateral quickness when redirected inside.
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Beasley returned to Clemson and posted great numbers again this year. Given a chance to prove himself in the NFC South, Beasley would blossom into a star for the Falcons.
9. New York Giants: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Already equipped with Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz, the New York Giants will look to boost the offense further. Taking Andrus Peat gives Eli Manning plenty of protection up front and vastly improves the offense overall.
10. St. Louis Rams: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald are Pro Bowl defensive linemen for the St. Louis Rams. By bringing in a player of Trae Waynes' caliber, the Rams would have the best cornerback in the class to help compete with the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Several teams made splashy moves last year to shore up their offense or defense, but none was bigger than the Minnesota Vikings. The franchise crept back up into the first round and acquired QB Teddy Bridgewater with the final pick in the first round.
Now that they have their quarterback of the future, the Vikes can look to build around him. Cedric Ogbuehi makes the perfect addition to help protect the talented signal-caller and is a great pickup just outside of the top 10.
12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Much like the 2014 crop of receivers, this year's class has a myriad of talented receivers. The latest in that line is DeVante Parker, who was a fireball for Louisville when he returned midway through the season. Going up against some of the league's best defenses in the AFC North, Parker can instantly help the Cleveland Browns offense thrive.
13. New Orleans Saints: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
Several athletic defensive players are available in this year's class, but none might be as versatile as Shaq Thompson. The Washington linebacker finished with 80 tackles and four defensive touchdowns this year.
A running back and linebacker with Washington, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com notes he might play either position at the next level:
If he does go to the New Orleans Saints, Thompson has a chance to become a key defensive player. In a division where Luke Kuechly and Lavonte David are already two of the best linebackers, Thompson and Beasley might be the next dynamic players at the position in the NFC South.
14. Miami Dolphins: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Coming out of Miami, Ereck Flowers has the talent and power to be an effective offensive tackle in the NFL. With more help still needed on the line for the Miami Dolphins, expect Flowers to stay close to where he played his college ball.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
In terms of top receivers in this year's crop, Kevin White has a chance to be one of the best. While Cooper will likely remain the No. 1 wideout during the predraft process, White can prove he's next on the list at the scouting combine. If he does fall, it will be to a team that needs playmakers like the San Francisco 49ers.
16. Houston Texans: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
The Houston Texans' defensive identity is a nasty, physical corps that can disrupt nearly any offense. Landon Collins is all of that—and more—at the safety position. Though the team does have some needs to fill at other spots, missing out on Collins' talent would be a huge swing-and-miss for the Texans.
17. San Diego Chargers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Danny Shelton spent the entire 2014 season simply abusing Pac-12 offensive linemen for a total of 93 tackles with nine sacks. Adding his repertoire to a San Diego Chargers team in need of athleticism on the line would make the Washington player an ideal fit.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Jaelen Strong might be overshadowed this year by the likes of Cooper, Parker and White, but he is no less dynamic. For a team like the Kansas City Chiefs that need a great wide receiver to complement weapons like Jamaal Charles and tight end Travis Kelce, Strong will be the pick.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Bills): Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
During his final season with Florida, Dante Fowler showed off his relentless pass-rushing ability nearly every week. Following Florida's bowl win over East Carolina, interim coach D.J. Durkin spoke about Fowler's presence on the field, via Jordan McPherson of the Orlando Sentinel:
"Dante was disruptive in the backfield all day long.
For a guy in this situation to go out and do what he did and play how he played, I can't say more about this guy's character. It's pretty amazing. If you talk about a great teammate, great person and great football player — that's No. 6.
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An up-and-down year for the Cleveland Browns was not enough to translate into a playoff berth this season. But with two draft picks in the first round yet again, they can add talent to the front seven to help the offense moving forward.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Washington's talent is evident this year, with three former defensive players potentially being taken in the first round. However, Peters was dismissed from the program and comes in with question marks.
Blessed with enough talent to warrant the first-round selection, Chip Kelly will have to work with him to turn him into an NFL star alongside Cary Williams.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Florida State has talent on both sides of the ball, and Eddie Goldman is even more proof. He might be one of the latest FSU players to come off the board in the first round, but Goldman's breakout season should land him with the Cincinnati Bengals.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
The Pittsburgh Steelers made it back to the playoffs this season, but still have an aging defense in several spots. Bringing in P.J. Williams gives the franchise a young corner, along with linebacker Ryan Shazier, to build around for the future.
23. Detroit Lions: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
Yet another promising season for the Detroit Lions came to an all too familiar end with a loss in the playoffs. If the Lions are unable to re-sign Ndamukong Suh, they'll have another pass-rusher to take his place in Owamagbe Odighizuwa.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
In terms of defensive ends in the 2015 class, Shilique Calhoun is one of the most proven at the position. While the likes of Gregory and Beasley might go ahead of him, Calhoun will thrive if given the opportunity to do so with the Arizona Cardinals.
25. Carolina Panthers: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Getting an explosive weapon like Kelvin Benjamin last year was huge for the Carolina Panthers moving forward. This year, they need to address the offensive line with a powerful player like La'el Collins to add more protection for Cam Newton.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Justin Forsett has been a solid running back for the Baltimore Ravens this season. If you don't believe me, just ask fantasy owners. However, at 29 years old, he's not the future at the position.
Luckily, there is a man by the name of Melvin Gordon who can fill the hole Ray Rice left behind. Jeremiah offered his take on the former Wisconsin tailback:
"Melvin Gordon will be in the discussion to occupy the top RB spot on each team's draft board. Todd Gurley will also be in that discussion. ... Gordon has now faced three SEC defenses over the last two years. He put up big numbers against South Carolina in last year's bowl game and also put up an impressive total against LSU to start the 2014 campaign. For his closing statement, he rushed for 251 yards against Auburn in the Outback Bowl.
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Todd Gurley's season-ending injury might raise doubt in the minds of NFL scouts. Both have a chance to be special at the next level, but Gordon fits the mold of the Ravens' physical style and will break the running back curse in the first round.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, Kentucky
The Dallas Cowboys proved they has the offensive weapons to win the division this season but still needs playmakers on the defense to thrive. Adding an edge-rusher like Bud Dupree puts less pressure on the secondary and gives the Cowboys a formidable duo along with Demarcus Lawrence.
28. Indianapolis Colts: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
The 2014 season didn't end the way Mississippi State wanted, but the program still produced a great linebacker in Benardrick McKinney. His range across the entire field and leadership have shined with the Bulldogs, making him one of the best linebackers in the 2015 draft.
After being compared to "Rolando McClain or poor man's Brian Urlacher" by one AFC scout, per Albert Breer of NFL.com, McKinney would boost the Indianapolis Colts front seven next year.
29. Denver Broncos: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Despite some struggles midway through the season, the Denver Broncos offense has recovered. Ronnie Stanley has shown he's one of the best linemen in the class and gives the Broncos even more protection for their biggest commodity.
If he falls to the end of the first round, Stanley might be protecting Peyton Manning to close out his career.
30. Green Bay Packers: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
He may not be from a Power Five conference, but Ty Sambrailo has shown that he's talented enough to play in the NFL. If the Green Bay Packers make their way to the NFC Championship Game, they will have a late selection and look to take the most talented offensive tackle still left on the board.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Somehow, the Seattle Seahawks have won a Super Bowl and are contending for another without a true No. 1 receiver. Devin Funchess gives them a great talent, but also a huge target at 6'5", 230 pounds for Russell Wilson to find downfield. Suffice to say, this is a match made in heaven.
32. New England Patriots: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
After making the decision to go pro, per Thayer Evans of SI.com, Dorial Green-Beckham has a chance to be selected in the first round of the draft.
Much like Peters, Green-Beckham comes into the draft with question marks after being dismissed from Missouri. Though he was forced to sit out the 2014 season with Oklahoma, Bill Belichick would happily take him under his wing with the New England Patriots.
All stats courtesy of cfbstats.com unless otherwise stated.
Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.
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