2015 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Predictions for Top 1st-Round Prospects
Super Bowl XLIX is all that remains before the 2015 NFL draft order for the first round is completely set.
Many NFL fanbases have already looked ahead to mock scenarios at this point, but the closer April 30 gets, the easier it is to gauge how teams might fill their biggest needs.
Although the 2015 class doesn't seem quite as loaded as its predecessor, there are still plenty of talented stars that have the ability to make an immediate impact at the professional level. That is the general expectation of prospects chosen in the top 32.
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Read on for an updated mock draft of Round 1, featuring analysis that focuses on fringe first-round playmakers who have the potential to be big contributors as rookies.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
"Sammie Coates on what NFL scouts will be saying about him this week: "That's one freak of nature."
— Paxton Boyd (@Paxton_WPMI) January 19, 2015"
Marcus Mariota seems to be the safer quarterback to pick in terms of off-field issues. However, Winston is clearly the readier pro, given his tutelage in an intricate, NFL-style offense in Tallahassee.
The throws Winston makes before receivers get out of their breaks are most impressive. If he can stay out of trouble before the draft, market himself well in interviews and demonstrate the maturity to be the face of a franchise, Tampa Bay must choose Winston to contend within the next two years.
2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Between first-round picks Chance Warmack and Taylor Lewan, along with free-agent acquisition Andy Levitre, Tennessee has invested plenty in the offensive line in recent years. Young receivers Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter are also talented, but the Titans need a QB to run the show.
The adjustment could be steep for Mariota as he transitions away from a simpler spread system. What will help is his ability to improvise and his elite speed. As long as he can avoid the big hits and improve his mechanics on longer passes, Mariota should be a smash Music City hit.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Gregory's fit in the "Leo" position makes him an ideal selection for Jacksonville. Coach Gus Bradley needs his defense to pan out in year three or else the Jaguars may be looking for a new head coach next offseason. Adding an elite athlete like Gregory to the front seven will help that cause.
4. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
A deep class of offensive linemen allows Oakland to take the best player on the board, which is Williams in this case.
With the Raiders transitioning to a new system, Williams can plug in anywhere on the defensive line and thrive versus the run and pass. New coach Jack Del Rio will be thrilled to have a dynamic threat like Williams in the trenches while he gets to further the development of linebacker Khalil Mack.
5. Washington Redskins: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
Brian Orakpo has struggled to stay healthy and is a free agent this offseason, so Washington could use a pass-rusher. There is arguably not a better one than Ray, who had 13 sacks in 2014 and faced SEC competition, which can only help his NFL adjustment.
6. New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
There is no denying that Geno Smith made major strides toward the end of the 2014 campaign. Both Eric Decker and Percy Harvin figure to return to the fold, but the Jets could use another weapon.
That makes Cooper a logical choice here. Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin lined Cooper up all over the field last year, and even as the obvious No. 1 target in the Crimson Tide's passing game, opponents couldn't stop him from racking up 124 receptions this season.
7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Safety play has been shabby in the Windy City, and the turbulent tenure of Chris Conte seems to be over since he's a free agent. That's where Collins can fill in and be a huge upgrade, capable of bolstering the Bears pass coverage and being a fearless hitter versus the run.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Rumors of Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn taking the head gig and Kyle Shanahan calling plays with arguably the best QB he's ever worked with in Matt Ryan have to make Falcons fans excited.
Quinn needs better talent in his area of expertise for Atlanta to thrive in 2015 and beyond though, triggering the selection of Dupree at No. 8 overall. Defending the run is still a work in progress, but Dupree is a powerful pass-rusher who would be a spark for a Falcons team that finished 2014 with just 22 team sacks.
9. New York Giants: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The ceiling Thompson has is too high for the Giants to pass up, because they need a playmaker in their linebacker corps. Thompson is a game-changer suited to play outside in a 4-3 alignment, capable of dropping in coverage and overcoming his undersized frame with supreme explosiveness to be an instant star.
10. St. Louis Rams: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
The uncertainty of Jake Long's future and the lack of a clear QB solution requires the Rams to bolster their offensive line again.
Choosing Scherff allows St. Louis the flexibility to deploy him or 2014 first-rounder Greg Robinson interchangeably at left tackle or left guard, depending on what meshes best.
11. Minnesota Vikings: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Like Scherff, Collins has experience as both a left tackle and guard in college. What gives Collins leverage to be chosen higher is his demonstrated understanding of Cam Cameron's offense in Baton Rouge, which has many NFL concepts within it.
Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater needs all the protection he can get, making Collins the best choice here if he's on the board.
12. Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
The NFL's last-ranked run defense would love to have someone like Shelton to plug into the rotation.
Weighing in at almost 340 pounds with amazing quickness, Shelton can fill in anywhere on a 3-4 front. If Cleveland could trot out Phil Taylor, Desmond Bryant and Shelton at the same time, its troubles against the run would all but dissipate if Shelton lives up to his billing.
13. New Orleans Saints: Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida
News of Rob Ryan's return as defensive coordinator provides a better idea of what the Saints will be looking for to shore up their issues in that phase of the game.
Given how often Ryan likes to dial up blitzes, Fowler's combination of size, pass-rushing ability and athleticism to play coverage makes him a dream match for New Orleans from a schematic standpoint.
14. Miami Dolphins: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
A little smaller than Shelton, but the principle is the same here with Goldman, who tips the scales at well over 300 pounds yet can blow past linemen at the point of attack. The Dolphins could use someone like that after finishing 24th in defending the run this season.
15. San Francisco 49ers: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Parker played in a pro-style offense with Bridgewater in 2013 before thriving in coach Bobby Petrino's multifaceted system this last year. A polished route-runner with enough speed to garner respect and a player with a knack for high-pointing the ball, Parker is as ready for the NFL as any wideout this side of Cooper.
Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd are both free agents, so 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick needs an instant-impact target like Parker to bounce back from an inconsistent season.
16. Houston Texans: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Pairing Peters with Johnathan Joseph gives the Texans insurance in the event that Kareem Jackson walks in free agency. Peters was dismissed from Washington, but he is a unique, gifted cover corner who'd help on the back end to complement a pass rush headlined by J.J. Watt.
17. San Diego Chargers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Incumbent left tackle King Dunlap will be on the open market, and it's probably more cost-effective to find a draft replacement. Picking up Peat at 17th overall is excellent value for San Diego, given his steady play in Stanford's offense that gives him ideal preparation for the pros.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The story remains the same in Kansas City and will until the draft. Its glaring weakness is at receiver, a position that produced zero touchdown receptions in 2014.
Chiefs signal-caller Alex Smith needs someone like White to stretch the field and provide a speedier, bigger target than possession wideout Dwayne Bowe.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills): Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Choosing Funchess offers the Browns flexibility. Their most talented playmaker, Josh Gordon, is one strike away from perhaps being out of the league. Andrew Hawkins, Travis Benjamin and Taylor Gabriel are all short and diminutive targets, decreasing the margin for error in passing accuracy.
Tight end Jordan Cameron could flee Cleveland, robbing the Browns of a unique pass-catching threat. Funchess has experience in a pro-style offense at Michigan under Brady Hoke, and just this year made the transition from Cameron's position.
Joel Klatt of Fox Sports 1 feels Funchess is cut out to play either spot in the pros:
Whether the Browns would deploy Funchess at tight end or receiver depends on how their situations with Gordon and Cameron shake out. In any event, Funchess has a huge catch radius and the football aptitude to fill an important role for Cleveland.
Johnny Manziel has a lot to prove, but he throws a better deep ball than he's given credit for. Funchess claims to have run a 4.33 40-yard dash—not a bad time for anyone, much less a 6'5", 230-pound pass-catcher.
The combination could be huge for the Browns and take some of the burden off Manziel as he learns a completely new offense in 2015.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The secondary needs help to say the least. Despite tying for second in the NFL in sacks, Philadelphia was better than only Atlanta in passing yards allowed. A seasoned Spartans starter in Waynes is the remedy the Eagles should covet for their defensive backfield.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
What's great about McKinney is that he can play any of the three linebacker spots in a 4-3 scheme. If the Bengals don't re-sign Rey Maualuga, McKinney can fill his spot, or occupy the starting slot opposite Vontaze Burfict if Maualuga returns.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malcom Brown, NT, Texas
Steve McLendon is entering a contract year, while sixth-round pick Daniel McCullers is no lock to be the future at nose tackle. Pittsburgh could do worse than adding Brown to the mix, since he could line up at defensive end if the Steelers stick to a 3-4 system.
23. Detroit Lions: Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
The consensus top cornerback prospects appear to be Peters and Waynes at this point, but the No. 3 spot is still up for debate.
The fact that Carter's father was a first-round pick in 1993 has to be of some value, not to mention his coverage skills and necessary understanding of pro concepts in practicing against Stanford's offense in college.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
An edge-rusher in the mold of Beasley is what the Cardinals need. They could stand to produce pressure on the opposing QB without relying so much on heavy blitzes, which someone with Beasley's burst and bend could provide in spades in a 3-4 alignment.
25. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
It has to help that Ogbuehi learned under the likes of Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews, who were first-round picks in the past two drafts. Ogbuehi presents a potential solution at left tackle to prevent Panthers QB Cam Newton from getting hit more often than any signal-caller in the league.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
A big step forward on offense in 2014 was mitigated to a degree when play-caller Gary Kubiak was announced as the Denver Broncos head coach on Monday, per the team's official Twitter account.
Regardless of who calls the shots next year, tight end is a definite need for Baltimore. Owen Daniels is hitting the open market, and Dennis Pitta has participated in seven games during the past two seasons. Williams is a special receiving threat that the Ravens shouldn't pass on.
CBSSports.com draft expert Dane Brugler compares Williams to Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten. If that's even close to the eventual case, Williams is well worth the 26th pick.
Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill hinted at Williams' NFL pedigree (his father played in the NFL) in his assessment of the tantalizing tight end prospect, per the Orlando Sentinel's Paul Tenorio:
"He's got a bloodline a mile thick. He's where he's at because he works hard. He gives everything he's got...He's got a gift. There's not very many people who can catch that football like that. He's got great hands. Anything he gets he deserves...He's come a long way in a fast period of time.
"
Steve Smith isn't getting any younger, and Torrey Smith is also not under contract. The need for weapons is greater than meets the eye. It would only be fitting for Hall of Fame TE and Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome to bring Williams in.
Williams leaves something to be desired as a blocker, which can be improved upon under the sure coaching Baltimore produces on an annual basis.
Whether Pitta is healthy enough to contribute for the whole year or not, he can lead Williams by example and help the youngster contribute as a rookie. The Ravens are among the league's most stable franchises, thanks in large part to how well Newsome and Co. draft. Williams could be their latest home run.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
America's Team got a glimpse of what Demarcus Lawrence could do in the playoffs. Adding an interior pass-rusher like Bennett would be a savvy move for the Cowboys, because defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli specializes in coaching the big men up front.
28. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
In the same vein of LSU's Collins in that he played multiple positions in a complex offense, Erving's stock ought to trend upward leading up to draft day.
Broncos center Will Montgomery is a free agent, and Erving can play there or perhaps even head over to right tackle thanks to his quick feet to fend off pass-rushers and tenacity as a run-blocker.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Arik Armstead, DE/OLB, Oregon
Raw yet fascinating, Armstead's 6'8", 290-pound frame and the physical tools he has to go with it won't see him drop out of the top 32.
Indy sat out former first-rounder Bjoern Werner in the AFC Championship Game. Whether Armstead plays linebacker or figures to fill in for aging free agent Cory Redding at defensive end while aiding Werner on the edge, this is a win-win pick for the Colts.
30. Green Bay Packers: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami (FL)
The experiment to move Clay Matthews to the inside has produced mixed results, and his value as a pass-rusher is diminished from that spot on the field. Green Bay needs to assert a more physical identity on defense, which a fast, hard hitter like Perryman can help with.
31. New England Patriots: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
If any organization can harness Green-Beckham's potential and help him overcome his past off-field missteps, it'd be the Patriots. As Tom Brady approaches the end of his career, he could use someone with Green-Beckham's amazing ceiling to lean on.
Green-Beckham is listed at 6'6" and 225 pounds, possessing incredible speed for his size. As long as he could crash the books on a complicated New England offense and buy into the Patriot Way, this could be one of the first round's biggest steals.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
The minimal means from which the Seahawks have managed to draw their skill players is astonishing. Undrafted free agents Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse have been the biggest postseason contributors, but no one in Seattle's receiving corps has a transcendent skill set.
Since the Seahawks are built around the run as it is on offense, Coates figures to have less trouble acclimating to their system than others more reliant on the pass.
Ahead of the Senior Bowl, Coates discussed what he hoped NFL scouts would think of him, via Local 15's Paxton Boyd:
Auburn's penchant for running limited what Coates could show as a route-runner, but his strength-speed blend and perpetual presence as a deep threat make him an attractive commodity for Seattle.
If Russell Wilson is meant to continue thriving under center, he needs a better cast of receivers at his disposal. Wilson doesn't have a player who can blow the top off a defense like Coates can, save for Paul Richardson, who isn't big and suffered a second torn ACL since 2012 in the divisional round.
As long as the Seahawks' elite defense remains intact, they can afford to take a modest risk like this on a player in Coates who CBSSports.com ranks as the No. 40 overall prospect. What Coates and his 21-plus yards-per-catch average over the past two years can do for Seattle could make the team even more unstoppable moving forward.
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