NFL Mock Draft 2015: Early Round 1 Predictions for Nation's Brightest Prospects
Now that those pesky college football games are out of the way, everyone can start speculating over where the top prospects will work after school.
We have a draft order and a solid idea of the draft pool, so why bother waiting four months for the NFL draft instead of guessing the results? Everyone wants to know what will happen with Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. Also other guys who don't play quarterback.
Last year's opening round welcomed Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr., C.J. Mosely, Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack and Zack Martin to the league. Who will be the next stars introduced to the NFL?
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Here's one of the first of many NFL mock drafts to fill the football void.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Saddled with the NFL's No. 30-rated offense, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will start the proceedings by corralling their future quarterback. Although a debate is now boiling over which to take, Mariota is still the call despite Oregon falling short in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Heisman winner finished the year with 58 total touchdowns and three interceptions. If that dude is a system quarterback, Tampa Bay should probably install that system.
2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Despite throwing 18 interceptions during sophomore season in which he regressed, Winston remains highly regarded as a future franchise quarterback. In the video above, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller jumped him above Mariota on his big board, declaring Winston's immediate pro readiness as his main reason for the switch.
He didn't look particularly ready against Mariota's Ducks, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt and getting tackled by an invisible lineman. But after playing quarterback musical chairs all season, the Tennessee Titans hope the more prototypical pro prospect pans out on the field.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Rather than taking the best player available at No. 3 last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars reached for quarterback Blake Bortles. After another torturous campaign, they'll find themselves in the perfect position to snag the top guy on their board.
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks said defensive lineman Leonard Williams stands far above his peers, enough so to justify No. 1 consideration from Tampa Bay:
USC's massive defender will loom as the sole non-quarterback considered for the first or second selection, but he'll ultimately fall to Jacksonville, which needs a run-stopper to supplement a quietly emerging pass rush.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
A year after locating their quarterback, the Oakland Raiders now give Derek Carr a new weapon at wide receiver. The Alabama star collected an SEC-record 124 receptions, and Oakland can sure use a skilled route-runner with deep-play ability.
5. Washington Redskins: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Randy Gregory represents the best player available, but he also fills a need for Washington, which ranked last in opposing quarterback rating (108.3) with a largely nonexistent pass rush. It needs defensive upgrades throughout the depth chart, but Gregory offers the most immediate and long-term upside.
6. New York Jets: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
After firing Rex Ryan on the heels of another lackluster season, the New York Jets would probably prefer a glamor pick to revitalize their fanbase. They'd jump at Winston or Cooper if the opportunity for either presented itself.
It doesn't here, so Gang Green instead builds from the inside out, much like they did when Ryan arrived. ESPN's Todd McShay (insider subscription required) said Iowa's Scherff reminds him of Dallas Cowboys rookie star Zack Martin "in that he could be a good starting right tackle in the NFL or a great starting guard."
7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Putting aside the Jay Cutler hot takes for a second, the Chicago Bears sported the league's third-worst passing defense last season in terms of yards, yards per attempt and completion percentage. The latest safety to graduate from Nick Saban's program, Landon Collins displayed versatility with 98 tackles and six pass deflections for the Crimson Tide.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Atlanta Falcons stunk defensively, failing to take the insulting NFC South due to their NFC-worst defense. They kindly respected opposing quarterbacks' space all season, compiling just 22 sacks with not one player gaining more than four.
They need an explosive threat off the edge with size, strength and quickness. Former Missouri receiver T.J. Moe believes Shane Ray will climb even higher up the board before draft day:
"After the NFL combine, Shane Ray will be a top 5 pick. Wait until you see this kid workout. He’s as dominant at drills as he is on the field
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) January 5, 2015"
Even if bias is fueling that opinion, Ray should stay steadily inside the top 10.
9. New York Giants: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
Typically founded on rushing the quarterback, the New York Giants will feature a depleted defensive line if Jason Pierre-Paul signs elsewhere this offseason. Even if he stays, general manager Jerry Reese is never shy to accumulate pass-rushers.
Vic Beasley's swift burst makes up for any size concerns at the pro level. A slow Big Blue defense needs an injection of youth to return to their winning ways.
10. St. Louis Rams: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
No quarterback solution is available at No. 10, so the St. Louis Rams instead look to make life easier for whoever operates under center next year. Andrus Peat's draft stock is all over the place, but St. Louis bites early on the tackle's high ceiling.
11. Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Remember when Cordarrelle Patterson was going to be a huge star? Welp. Probably time to pinpoint a Plan B. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah offered a pro comparison for Louisville wideout DeVante Parker:
During his senior year, Parker needed just six games to record 855 yards and five scores for the Cardinals. Now he gets to reunite with Teddy Bridgewater, who tossed a dozen touchdowns his way in 2013.
12. Cleveland Browns: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Last season, the Cleveland Browns didn't use either of their two first-round picks on a wide receiver, even though Josh Gordon received his suspension beforehand. Missing out on a memorable class, they move a year too late and grab Kevin White, a dangerous playmaker who adds to Cleveland's limited arsenal.
13. New Orleans Saints: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Dante Fowler boosted his stock at the Birmingham Bowl with three sacks, upticking his total tally to 8.5. Due to their atrocious defense, the New Orleans Saints had nothing better to do than watch his hulking display.
14. Miami Dolphins: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Miami Dolphins took a step forward in 2014, but they ultimately tumbled down the stretch due to a rushing defense that surrendered 4.5 yards per carry. Athletic enough to have spent time at running back and safety, Shaq Thompson offers great athleticism as a linebacker.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
NFL Draft Geek's Brian Johannes likes what he sees from imposing tackle Ereck Flowers, a towering menace on Miami's offensive line:
The San Francisco 49ers could also go wide receiver here, but Flowers gives the new head coach a pro-ready starter.
16. Houston Texans: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Houston Texans' No. 21 passing defense adds a reinforcement in cornerback Trae Waynes, who earned an endorsement from Jeremiah:
A lengthy defensive back at 6'1", Waynes will help Houston resurface as one of the NFL's premier defenses.
17. San Diego Chargers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Shining against the pass, the San Diego Chargers leaked against the run, relinquishing 4.5 yards per carry. With 93 tackles and nine sacks last season, Danny Shelton possesses a rare blend of quickness along with a massive frame. The defensive tackle from Washington will prove to be a monster up the middle.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Everyone probably knows by now that no Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver scored a touchdown during the 2014 season. That's more than just a fun but fluky stat; Kansas City wideouts contributed to just 46.3 percent of its total passing offense.
It's time to change the debilitating formula and snag a credible weapon in Devin Funchess.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
With their second pick, the Browns address the NFL's second-worst rushing defense by poaching 315-pound Eddie Goldman at pick No. 19. While he has yet to officially declare, the junior projects as a first-round target.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
All offseason chatter will revolve around the Philadelphia Eagles' quest for a prominent starting quarterback, but UCLA's Nick Hundley doesn't pose much of a tangible upgrade over Nick Foles. Wayne would have made a great fit for a squad in need of a cornerback, but the Eagles instead will draft for talent and call La'el Collins' name.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, Kentucky
During their wild-card loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Cincinnati Bengals struggled to enter the same area code as Andrew Luck, who had all day to find the open man. Alvin "Bud" Dupree fits that need while presenting a stout value at No. 21.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Carried to an AFC North title by a sizzling offense, the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't vault into the top tier with their abysmal No. 27 passing defense. Off-the-field concerns may scare a traditional franchise like Pittsburgh away, but Marcus Peters certainly wields the talent to start at cornerback for an ailing, ageing secondary.
23. Detroit Lions: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
For the second straight year, the Detroit Lions grab an offensive lineman with the No. 23 pick. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller touted T.J. Clemmings' physicality in the trenches:
They can also use a cornerback, but they also did last year, when they took tight end Eric Ebron instead.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Larry Fitzgerald won't be around forever. In fact, the free agent might not play another game for the Arizona Cardinals. They won't need to search far for a replacement, as Arizona State's Jaelen Strong is coming off a 1,165-yard, 10-touchdown season with the Sun Devils.
25. Carolina Panthers: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Cam Newton took too much abuse in the pocket this season, so the Carolina Panthers turned their attention to protecting their precious franchise quarterback. Redshirt sophomore Ronnie Stanley looked polished enough at Notre Dame to handle the next level for the power-running Panthers.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
He probably won't perform as well as that other Beckham receiver, but Dorial Green-Beckham is a massive target who can jump over the ceiling. Jeremiah captured one of his 17 touchdown receptions for the Sooners last season:
Steve Smith Sr. faded mightily down the stretch, so the Baltimore Ravens plan ahead, giving Joe Flacco a potent deep-ball threat.
27. Dallas Cowboys: P.J. Williams, CB, Ohio State
The Cowboys defense exceeded expectations in 2014, yet the unit still ranked No. 26 against the pass. P.J. Williams flashes enough size and speed to give Dallas depth as a No. 2 or 3 corner.
28. Denver Broncos: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State:
Regardless of whether Peyton Manning stays, the Denver Broncos will no longer shatter passing records. Showing an inclination to pound the ball, they'll obtain bruising offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo to transition into life after the legendary quarterback.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Colts dumped last year's first-round pick to Cleveland for Trent Richardson, a massive disappointment who propelled the Colts to pass at every turn. While that past transgression could scare them off for spending too much on a rusher, Melvin Gordon's 2,587 rushing yards and 29 scores are tough to resist for a team in need of a halfback.
30. Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Clay Matthews belongs on the outside edge, and drafting middle linebacker Benardrick McKinney enables that switch for the Green Bay Packers. A distinguished field general, McKinney can sniff out the run and effectively rush the passer.
31. New England Patriots: Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State
After trading Logan Mankins during the summer, the New England Patriots took a while to find an offensive line that got the job done. Even then, they showed some cracks when forced to abandon the run entirely during their AFC Divisional Round bout against Baltimore.
At the least, Florida State's Cameron Erving gives Bill Belichick some added depth for what he hopes will be a title defense.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
With the Seattle Seahawks slated to make Russell Wilson the league's highest-paid quarterback, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport (via Chris Wesseling), paying Marshawn Lynch will become a tough ordeal. McShay (subscription required) made an intriguing pitch for Seattle replacing him with Todd Gurley:
"The Seahawks need help along the offensive and defensive lines, and could also look to upgrade at the tight end position. But at this spot, Gurley (assuming Seattle's doctors were comfortable with his recovery from his torn ACL) would provide high upside as a value pick. Scouts I've spoken to considered Gurley a potential top 10-to-20 pick prior to his injury, because of his combination of tremendous power and breakaway speed. Marshawn Lynch has only one year left on his contract after this season, and isn't a lock to be on the roster for 2015. The closest NFL comparison I can come up with for Gurley is Lynch.
"
Before the ACL tear ended his season, Gurley averaged 7.4 yards per carry with 911 yards and nine touchdowns through six games. If healthy, Seattle could sacrifice its star rusher without losing much production.
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