NFL Draft 2015: Updated 1st-Round Order, Top Prospects Ahead of Divisional Round

While eight teams prepare for the next round of the playoffs, 24 others are already awaiting the 2015 NFL draft. Thanks to the talent in this year's class, there is plenty of reason to look ahead with hope of turning a franchise around.

Losses for teams in the Wild Card Round have helped make the draft order slightly more clear. However, there is still plenty of shakeup that can take place if upsets continue during the postseason.

Some of the biggest names in the crop include the likes of Marcus Mariota and Melvin Gordon, at their respective positions. Before the divisional round of the postseason gets underway, here's a look at the full selection order and top prospects at multiple positions.

Selection	Team
1	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2	Tennessee Titans
3	Jacksonville Jaguars
4	Oakland Raiders
5	Washington Redskins
6	New York Jets
7	Chicago Bears
8	Atlanta Falcons
9	New York Giants
10	St. Louis Rams
11	Minnesota Vikings
12	Cleveland Browns
13	New Orleans Saints
14	Miami Dolphins
15	San Francisco 49ers
16	Houston Texans
17	San Diego Chargers
18	Kansas City Chiefs
19	Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo)
20	Philadelphia Eagles
21	Cincinnati Bengals
22	Pittsburgh Steelers
23	Detroit Lions
24	Arizona Cardinals
25	Carolina Panthers*
26	Baltimore Ravens*
27	Indianapolis Colts*
28	Dallas Cowboys*
29	Denver Broncos*
30	Green Bay Packers*
31	Seattle Seahawks*
32	New England Patriots*

Top Prospects

Quarterback: Marcus Mariota, Oregon

He's scored 56 total touchdowns, won a Heisman and led his team to the National Championship Game. There's not much that Mariota hasn't done to prove he's the best quarterback in this year's class.

In fact, College GameDay noted he might have a case for the greatest college signal-caller ever:

That point can be argued by any number of quarterbacks, but what he has done this year is special. During the historically great run, Mariota also took down fellow top quarterback Jameis Winston in the process during the Rose Bowl.

Though a decision hasn't come down from Mariota about his decision, the battle for the top spot has raged on all season. Todd McShay of ESPN actually believes Winston will be the top quarterback if he comes out, per Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com:

Mariota's and Winston's values might fluctuate throughout the draft process, but there's no question the Hawaiian is currently the top prospect. He has No. 1-pick potential, but he will have to prove it during the Scouting Combine and his Pro Day to remain there.

Running Back: Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

Coming into the season, many analysts believed Todd Gurley might break the mold and become the first running back taken in the first round since 2012. A season-ending injury hurt his chances, but there is a new player carrying the torch for the devalued position.

Even with the injury, Gurley still has a shot to prove himself leading up to the draft. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com offered his take on the former Wisconsin tailback and mentions Gurley still being atop some draft boards:

"

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.

"

All Gordon did this season was compile 2,740 yards from scrimmage and 32 total touchdowns. That includes an emphatic statement in the Outback Bowl with 251 rushing yards and two scores.

The Heisman finalist potentially could have done more to show he's a first-round lock—but not much more. After all, the last time running backs went in the first round, Trent Richardson, Doug Martin and David Wilson all failed to live up to the hype.

If teams in need of a running back do skip over Gordon in the first round, they'll likely regret the decision. But with talent like Gurley, Jay Ajayi and Tevin Coleman all on the board, any of the above could break out at the next level.

Defensive End: Randy Gregory, Nebraska

He might not be the best defensive player in the class, but Randy Gregory is a versatile defensive player. Leonard Williams out of USC will challenge him at the top, but the Nebraska lineman has plenty of time to prove his worth at the next level.

An elite talent over the last several seasons, Gregory was the best lineman since Ndamukong Suh for Nebraska. Much like the former Cornhusker, Gregory has the potential to be a top-five pick when the draft rolls around.

After compiling 6.5 sacks this season in just 10 games played, Gregory left a lasting impact during his final year. Depending on what position of need each team decides to fill, Gregory has a chance to be the first defensive player coming off the board in the 2015 draft.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.