NFL Mock Draft 2015: Updated Projections for 1st-Round Prospects

Heading into the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, there are only eight teams remaining with a chance at capturing the Super Bowl. The others, well, they are already dealing with a long offseason.

The pinnacle of the offseason comes between the months of April and May during the 2015 NFL draft. Several aspects of the draft are yet to come, but the talent on the field for the top players is evident.

Here is a look at the first-round projections leading up to the second round of the playoffs. 

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

Right now, Marcus Mariota has established himself as the best quarterback in the class and most likely to go No. 1. However, the race between he and Jameis Winston is tighter than ever following the season, via Matt Miller of Bleacher Report:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a spot that everyone wants, but nobody is envious of them this year. Having to choose between Mariota and Winston will be a difficult decision, and one that will shape the future of the franchise one way or another.

2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska

In terms of talent alone, Randy Gregory is one of the best defensive players in the entire 2015 class. Leonard Williams will flip spots with him on big boards, but the Tennessee Titans need a difference-making edge-rusher like Gregory.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC

After equipping the offense with a myriad of weapons like quarterback Blake Bortles and wide receiver Allen Robinson last draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars need to upgrade the defense. If Leonard Williams falls into their lap at No. 3, the Jags will be forced to take the massive lineman from Southern Cal.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

For anyone who has watched the Oakland Raiders play this year, it's obvious they lack dynamic players on the offensive side of the ball. Luckily, Amari Cooper should still be on the board, and he should make a seamless transition to the NFL with a quarterback like Derek Carr slinging the ball around.

5. Washington Redskins: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

By season's end, Brandon Scherff proved that he's the best offensive lineman in the class. If he can do the same throughout the predraft process, the former Iowa Hawkeye could land with a Washington Redskins team that is desperately in need of protection for their quarterback—whoever that may be.

6. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

A Heisman winner in his own right, Winston didn't quite have the season he expected compared to Mariota. Even with his up-and-down numbers, the New York Jets will still take him if given the opportunity.

He made it official on Wednesday that he will leave Florida State, per David M. Hale of ESPN.com:

"

After weighing this decision with my family and friends, I have decided to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft and forgo my remaining eligibility at Florida State. I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to wear the garnet and gold and have greatly enjoyed my time as a Seminole, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom.

"

For a team looking at starting a new era, New York will put its faith in the former Florida State signal-caller. Much like the Bucs, the decision will either tremendously help or hurt the franchise.

7. Chicago Bears: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Willie Young provided a spark for the defensive line this year, but it was far from enough to change the defense. The Chicago Bears now have a chance to draft Shane Ray, who can learn under both Jared Allen and Young and make a huge impact in the future for the franchise.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

Coming up just short of making the playoffs with a blowout loss at the hands of the Carolina Panthers in Week 17, the Atlanta Falcons still have a high pick. Thanks to a slightly down year, Atlanta can draft for need and get one of the best players in Vic Beasley.

A difference-maker in each season with Clemson, Beasley would give the Falcons an identity on defense. If he lives up to the hype, the Falcons will finally have a powerful linebacker—much like Luke Kuechly for the Panthers—to make a huge impact.

9. New York Giants: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Picking an offensive lineman isn't always sexy, but it's a necessity for the New York Giants. In order to improve the offense or defense, they will need a reliable player in the trenches. Having Andrus Peat still on the board, the Giants will go after more protection for Eli Manning to create plays.

10. St. Louis Rams: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

The St. Louis Rams are in need of a quarterback and a cornerback. It's still too early to say they may trade up, but the best defensive back in the class may still be on the board. Pulling the trigger on Trae Waynes seems like an obvious choice here.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

One of the biggest needs for the Minnesota Vikings is an offensive lineman that can protect their prized possession in Teddy Bridgewater. With Cedric Ogbuehi still available, expect the Vikes to shore up their line with the former Texas A&M player that has protected a notable dual-threat quarterback already.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

USA TODAY Sports

Though the sample size on DeVante Parker is small, the Louisville receiver was as dynamic as they come this season. David Hale of ESPN provides a stat to show just how effective he can be when on the field:

"

DeVante Parker has played in six games this season. He’s topped 100 yards 5 times.

— David Hale (@DavidHaleESPN) December 31, 2014"

If the Minnesota Vikings don't snatch up Bridgewater's former teammate, the Cleveland Browns won't hesitate. In need of another receiver to boost the offense, the Browns will have a surefire playmaker with Parker in the fold.

13. New Orleans Saints: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Easily the most athletic and versatile defensive player in the class, Shaq Thompson can span the entire field from the linebacker position. In a division with a dual-threat quarterback like Cam Newton, Thompson will fill a huge need for the New Orleans Saints.

14. Miami Dolphins: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

A powerful lineman out of Miami, Ereck Flowers is worth a first-round pick for a team in need. Ironically enough, the Miami Dolphins still need another tackle to protect Ryan Tannehill and will keep Flowers close to his alma mater for his professional career.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

He may not be the top receiver at this point, but Kevin White has a chance to prove otherwise during the NFL Scouting Combine. If he isn't selected before their slotted spot, the San Francisco 49ers will nab an explosive playmaker in the middle of the first round.

16. Houston Texans: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

Yet another defensive back has decided to leave the Alabama program early to enter the NFL draft. Much like the previous players, Landon Collins made the decision and appears to be a first-round lock.

Miller offered a comparison to a former Crimson Tide safety:

The Houston Texans won't have a pick until midway through the first round, but can still pick the best safety in the class. Pairing him with D.J. Swearinger gives Houston two young safeties to give the defensive line even more time to get to the quarterback—not that J.J. Watt needs it.

17. San Diego Chargers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

In a division where offenses reign supreme, the San Diego Chargers need to improve defensively. Adding Danny Shelton, a powerful tackle from Washington, the Chargers will have a player to impact both the rush and pass defense.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

This year's wide receiver class isn't quite as deep as the 2014 crop, but Jaelen Stong is still a special talent. He might be the fourth wideout taken, but the Kansas City Chiefs would have an impressive playmaker on offense—something they desperately need.

19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills): Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida

Much like the 2014 draft, Cleveland will look to fill holes on both sides of the ball in the first round. After taking a wideout with their first pick, Dante Fowler will be an equally effective weapon for the Browns on defense.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Cary Williams has been great for the Philadelphia Eagles. Bradley Fletcher, well, not so much. In desperate need of a good cover corner, the Eagles will select Marcus Peters and hope that the off-the-field issues are behind him.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Dominant defensive tackles are few and far between in the NFL. For a team that runs the 3-4 system like the Cincinnati Bengals, having a dominant player across the middle is of the utmost importance.

Luckily, there's this guy named Eddie Goldman that plays for Florida State. His defensive coordinator Charles Kelly believes he's—you guessed it—dominant, per Matt Baker of The Tampa Bay Times:

Goldman still hasn't made his decision official, but many of his teammates have already announced that they will declare for the draft. If Goldman joins his teammates, Cincy can implement him into its system to maintain one of the best defenses in the AFC.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

Another selection, another Florida State defensive player. P.J. Williams is a talented corner that disrupts passes nearly every game when he's on the field. For a Pittsburgh Steelers team that needs to begin injecting its defense with youth, Williams is a perfect fit for the AFC North champions.

23. Detroit Lions: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

The only thing more difficult than spelling Owamagbe Odighizuwa's name from memory is stopping him on the football field. Defensive line may not be a position of need right now for the Detroit Lions, but they might need Odighizuwa's services if they can't retain both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley this offseason.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

In a gritty conference like the Big Ten, Shilique Calhoun shined for one of the league's best defenses in East Lansing. Collecting 1.5 sacks against Baylor in the Cotton Bowl, Calhoun helped his stock and would be a great addition for the Arizona Cardinals late in the first round.

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

The Carolina Panthers offense was good enough to get to the playoffs—barely. Cam Newton was hit one too many times this year and needs time to create plays. Drafting a player of La'el Collins' caliber gives him plenty of time to find either Kelvin Benjamin or Greg Olsen.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Making the playoffs this season leaves the Baltimore Ravens with a late pick. However, one of the most talented running backs in the country can still be taken near the end of the first round.

Still looking to fill the spot Ray Rice left behind, going after Melvin Gordon seems like the perfect fit for the Ravens. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com 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.

"

Even with Todd Gurley's season-ending injury, he might still go in the first round. While each player will likely be great, Gordon gives the Ravens a quality running back that's healthy and able to carry the load.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, Kentucky

A man named "Bud" getting drafted by the Dallas Cowboys couldn't be any more perfect, right? Well, it might just happen, as Kentucky's Alvin Dupree has played his way into the first round of the draft. Pairing him up with Demarcus Lawrence would form a difficult duo for any NFC East team to keep out of the backfield.

28. Indianapolis Colts: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State

The talent of Benardrick McKinney is undeniable, and he proved that all season long with Mississippi State. Late in the first round, the Indianapolis Colts will add the versatile linebacker to add depth to the improving defense.

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

Ronnie Stanley emerged this year as one of the best young offensive tackles in the country. On a team like the Denver Broncos that already has a loaded offense and defense, adding more talent to the O-line with Stanley looks like the best decision.

30. Green Bay Packers: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State

His name might not be one of the most popular, but Ty Sambrailo's talent warrants a first-round selection. The Green Bay Packers have the luxury of having weapons nearly everywhere on the field. Taking Sambrailo gives the offense a young tackle to give Aaron Rodgers time to pick apart defenses.

31. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Russell Wilson is an undersized quarterback that has been able to make due with the receivers he has around him throughout his career. Why not pair him up with a tight end-turned-receiver like Devin Funchess? It just seems like a logical decision for the Seattle Seahawks.

32. New England Patriots: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma

Players like Dorial Green-Beckham are what Bill Belichick lives for. The talent is clear for DGB, but he was dismissed from Missouri in April. If Belichick can keep him focused on the field, the New England Patriots might have another special weapon for Tom Brady.

All stats courtesy of cfbstats.com unless otherwise stated.

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