2015 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions, Top Prospects After CFP Championship

Coming off the high of the college football national championship, some of the biggest stars in the sport shined bright on the national stage.

For some, the next step will be continuing that success at the college level. Others—like Marcus Mariota, for example—will likely look to do the same in the NFL next season. Though Mariota hasn't announced his decision, the Oregon quarterback still looks like the top prospect in the country.

Following the intriguing showdown, here's a look at the latest mock draft ahead of the championship round in the NFL.

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

Sure, Mariota's night wasn't perfect in the national championship, but he is still the top quarterback in the class. Finishing with two touchdowns and one fluky, late interception against Ohio State, Mariota was undone by a depleted receiving corps.

Following the game, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report provided his take on Mariota:

Though it seemed like a foregone conclusion, there's still a slight chance Mariota might actually return next season. He spoke about the possibility after the national championship, via Bryan Fischer of NFL.com:

"

Mariota: “There’s a lot of things that can bring me back, it’s not specifically this loss.”

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) January 13, 2015"

If he does end up going pro, Mariota will land with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A franchise in need of a leader on offense, the Bucs will take the dual-threat quarterback to lead them in the future.

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

One of the best defensive players in the class, Randy Gregory will go ahead of Leonard Williams purely for his fit with the Tennessee Titans. The franchise needs a game-changing pass-rusher, and it'll get just that in Gregory.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC

The aforementioned Williams likely won't fall anywhere further than a top-five pick when the draft actually rolls around. Thanks to his athleticism and ability to affect the game in multiple ways, Williams would give the Jacksonville Jaguars an identity on defense.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

When it comes to playmakers in this year's draft, Amari Cooper is at the top of the list. He might not live up to the expectations set by the 2014 class of receivers, but Cooper will be a phenomenal rookie.

The Oakland Raiders are slowly constructing a team that can compete in the AFC West on both sides of the ball. Pairing Cooper with Derek Carr, Oakland would have a great tandem to build around for the future.

5. Washington Redskins: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

There's no telling who will be the quarterback in Washington next year, but he'll need more coverage than what this year's rotation received. Several holes need to be filled in Washington, but bringing in Brandon Scherff fills one of the most glaring needs.

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. Even with his up-and-down numbers, the New York Jets will still take him if given the opportunity.

He made it official last 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 to start 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

Gregory might be considered the better prospect at defensive end, but Shane Ray is a relentless player who can change the face of a defense. Everything described above is exactly what the Chicago Bears need, making him a perfect match for the struggling franchise.

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

The talent level on offense for the Atlanta Falcons is what gives the fanbase hope. After finishing last in the league in yards allowed (398.3 per game) and 27th in points allowed (26.1), the Falcons need an overhaul defensively.

That's why Vic Beasley makes sense. A standout during his time at Clemson, Beasley secured his spot as one of the best linebackers in the country. Regardless of where he lines up in Atlanta, expect Beasley to make an impact right away in the NFC South.

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

Things didn't go so well in 2014 for the New York Giants, but they have a lot of offensive talent coming back next season. Adding Andrus Peat in the first round gives Eli Manning more time to find explosive receivers like Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr.

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

Sure, the St. Louis Rams already have a ridiculously good defensive front seven. But with an improved secondary, they would be able to battle with the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals for the division. Bring in Trae Waynes, the No. 1 corner in the 2015 class, and the Rams would be on their way.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

After shoring up the quarterback position last year with Teddy Bridgewater, the Minnesota Vikings need a quality tackle to protect him for the future. Grabbing a tackle like Ereck Flowers will give Bridgewater more time to pick apart defenses.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

The Cleveland Browns floundered down the stretch and missed the playoffs due to a weakened offense. Regardless of who is under center for the Browns next year, he will need another explosive receiver to go along with Josh Gordon.

He might have missed the start of the season, but DeVante Parker was a spark plug for the Louisville offense. If he can do the same in Cleveland, the Browns will have a chance to compete in the AFC North again.

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

Athletic linebackers are all the rage in the NFL, and Shaq Thompson has a chance to be one of the best. The former professional baseball player was inserted at both tailback and linebacker for Washington.

The New Orleans Saints defense took a huge step back in 2014, and Thompson can be immediately implemented into their system. In a division where Luke Kuechly reigns supreme, Thompson has a chance to be near the same caliber.

14. Miami Dolphins: La'el Collins, OT, LSU

Ryan Tannehill proved this season that he is the future of the Miami Dolphins franchise. While the offensive line looked improved this season, the Dolphins still need more protection up front. Adding La'el Collins to Ja'Wuan James from the 2014 class gives the Dolphins a wealth of talent in the trenches.

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

Michael Crabtree hasn't quite turned into the consistent player the San Francisco 49ers need. Anquan Boldin is in the twilight of his career. Let's just say the Niners are in need of another playmaking receiver.

With Kevin White still on the board in the middle of the draft, San Francisco will jump at the chance to lock him up. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com actually believes he will be the best wideout in the class:

Showing a flair for the spectacular this season, White will give Colin Kaepernick another option down the field. In a division where the Legion of Boom has shut down some of the best offenses, Kaepernick will need the extra help.

16. Houston Texans: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

It's not often that one of the top players in the class can be had in the middle of the first round. In the case of Landon Collins, he simply isn't a great fit for most of the teams at the top of the board. Falling into Houston's lap, Collins will be an obvious choice for the already potent defense.

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

A big, physical defensive lineman, Danny Shelton can affect the game in myriad ways up the middle. For a San Diego Chargers team that needs help in the pass rush and run-stopping, Shelton will provide a perfect cure.

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

At this point, every fan who follows the NFL knows the Kansas City Chiefs didn't have a wide receiver catch a single touchdown this season. The obvious need is a great wideout who can open up the offense next season.

Jaelen Strong brings a combination of sure hands and dynamic ability down the field. Adding him to an offense with Alex Smith at the helm will help the team create more plays and eventually compete in the tough AFC West.

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

Pending the NFL Scouting Combine, Dante Fowler looks like a middle-of-the-first-round draft pick due to his fit with a team. If he shows up and shows out during the draft process, he might rise up several boards.

For now, the Browns would happily cash in on last year's trade with the Buffalo Bills by taking Fowler at No. 19 overall.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Off-the-field issues have hurt several players over the years in the NFL draft. Marcus Peters has experienced some of those troubles and was dismissed by Washington, but he still has a high draft stock.

Miller offered his take on the troubled defensive back:

The Philadelphia Eagles will take a flier on Peters that might just pay off thanks to his talent. In need of a corner to pair up with Cary Williams, Peters has the ability but will need the mental game to stick.

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 players from FSU 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

One of the most talented defensive backs in the country, P.J. Williams will finally hear his name called by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams is a physical corner who can help an aging secondary and help Pittsburgh return as one of the elite defenses in the NFL.

23. Detroit Lions: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

If the Detroit Lions have any issues re-signing either Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairley, they will be looking for a defensive lineman in the draft. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, a disruptive edge-rusher, is a great option a the position for the Lions late in the draft.

24. Arizona Cardinals: 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 Arizona Cardinals front seven next year.

25. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Filling a need at receiver with Kelvin Benjamin was a huge get for the Carolina Panthers in 2014. Grabbing Cedric Ogbuehi, an effective lineman from Texas A&M, the Panthers would have more protection for Cam Newton after a poor season in that category.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Narrowly missing out on advancing to the AFC Championship leaves the Baltimore Ravens with a late pick. Luckily, 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 who is healthy and able to carry the load.

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

The rookie class for the Dallas Cowboys made a huge difference this year en route to a playoff run. DeMarcus Lawrence made a name for himself in the postseason, but he needs help on the other side of the line. Bud Dupree is that help and would give the Cowboys the best defensive front in the NFC East.

28. Denver Broncos: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

One man who has a chance to become the Aaron Donald of this draft class is Malcom Brown of Texas. The defensive tackle slowly climbed his way into the first round with phenomenal play throughout the season.

Thanks to his power and ability to stop nearly everything across the middle, Brown would be perfect for a Denver Broncos team reeling after a rough playoff loss. If he's there, of course.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Andrew Luck has been phenomenal all season and led the Indianapolis Colts over Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Putting another tackle like Ronnie Stanley to give Luck more time in the pocket is exactly what the Colts need to make runs like this every year.

30. Green Bay Packers: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

Leon Halip/Getty Images

This is more of a luxury pick for the Green Bay Packers. Though there are barely any holes on offense for Aaron Rodgers and Co., adding Maxx Williams out of Minnesota gives the offense another weapon at a crucial position to help in the red zone.

31. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

The Seattle Seahawks need weapons on offense to help Russell Wilson. Devin Funchess, who played both wide receiver and tight end for Michigan, provides size and athleticism for the receiving corps. His versatility will also take pressure off the dual-threat quarterback to open up the offense.

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

Much like Peters, Dorial Green-Beckham comes into the draft with question marks after being dismissed from Missouri. Though he was forced to sit out for the 2014 season with Oklahoma, if DGB makes the shift to the NFL, Bill Belichick would happily take him under his wing with the New England Patriots.

All stats courtesy of cfbstats.com unless otherwise stated.

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