2015 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Projections, Top Prospects Ahead of Super Bowl
Only one game remains in the entire NFL season, leaving 30 franchises looking ahead to the 2015 NFL draft. While the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are preparing for the Super Bowl, every other team is working on taking their spots next season.
The year might have come to an abrupt end for both the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts, but both have a promising class to look forward to. Neither has a glaring need that warrants a high first-round selection but both can build toward a Super Bowl appearance in the future.
With more attention being paid to the draft in the weeks leading up to it, here's a look at the latest first-round mock before the big game.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
This is a spot that will be debated every day up until the commissioner takes the stage. It's a pick that no team wants, but it can also provide change for the franchise—for better or worse.
At this time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' best option at quarterback is Marcus Mariota. The reigning Heisman winner is a polarizing figure in the draft world but doesn't come with the baggage of a player like Jameis Winston. The Bucs need a signal-caller who can reshape the entire offense—for better or worse.
2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Though the Tennessee Titans certainly have a need at the quarterback position, they will bypass Winston as well, opting to take Randy Gregory. The impressive edge-rusher won't transform the entire defense, but he adds a great young talent to the corps for the future.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
He might be the best defensive player in the class, so it's not unfathomable to see Leonard Williams going at No. 2 in the draft. But if he does fall to a Jacksonville Jaguars team that needs a huge presence in the middle, the Jaguars won't hesitate to grab him at No. 3.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
When it comes to the most explosive offensive player on the board, Amari Cooper takes the cake. The former Alabama wideout was a Heisman finalist and surged to the top of mock drafts due to his undeniable ability.
Though he seems like a perfect fit for the Oakland Raiders, one ESPN analyst doesn't want to see it happen. Stephen A. Smith offered his take on Cooper to Oakland, via Duane Rankin of the Montgomery Advertiser:
"This dude, as far as I'm concerned, is the best wideout in football. He does not deserve to be contaminated by being an Oakland Raider. I pray that he is not subjected to such a thing. ...
I don't want this to happen to Amari Cooper. I don't wish this on him. There's a black cat running around in a black hole and something ain't right and I don't want that to happen to Amari Cooper. Anywhere but to the Raiders. Please don't subject this good kid to this. Not to the Raiders. Please, don't touch him.
"
Regardless of what Smith thinks, Derek Carr to Cooper sounds like the solution to the Raiders' offensive woes. Even after throwing for 3,270 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, Carr needs a true No. 1 receiver to compete in the AFC West.
5. Washington Redskins: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
It might be a safe pick, but going after an offensive tackle seems like the best option for Washington. Currently, Brandon Scherff looks like the best at the position, giving Washington's quarterback plenty of time to dissect a defense.
6. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Can Winston overtake Mariota for the top quarterback position in this year's class? Sure. But after the results this past season and the overall body of work, Winston will be the second signal-caller coming off the board.
There is still plenty of time for Winston to prove himself in the NFL Scouting Combine or pro day, but for now, he'll come just short of the top five. In that case, the New York Jets will take the risk and hope he turns into their franchise quarterback.
7. Chicago Bears: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
The biggest need for the Chicago Bears is a player who can completely reshape the defense. Shane Ray is that type of defensive player after recording 14 sacks in 2014 with Missouri. Already equipped with several offensive weapons, look for the Bears to boost the defense with the top-10 pick.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
Much like the Bears, the Atlanta Falcons have the players to get the job done offensively, though it was a crapshoot at times. If Vic Beasley is still on the board, Atlanta can immediately improve the defense with one of the best players in the class.
9. New York Giants: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Given the New York Giants' weakness on defense, the trend might continue with the No. 9 pick. However, they also need added protection for Eli Manning to find both Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. down the field. With Andrus Peat still on the board, New York can't go wrong by grabbing him near the top of the draft.
10. St. Louis Rams: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
It's arguably becoming one of the most important positions in the pass-happy NFL, and Trae Waynes is the most consistent in the draft. The cornerback would add to an already potent St. Louis Rams defense, helping the front seven in a difficult NFC West division.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Last year, the Minnesota Vikings added Anthony Barr and Teddy Bridgewater in the first round. Both changed the face of the defense and offense, respectively.
Now, the Vikings will look to help Bridgewater offensively with either another weapon or added security up front. While they might eventually opt for DeVante Parker, Bridgewater's teammate at Louisville, the Vikes should add Ereck Flowers to bolster the line.
12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
If Minnesota does pass over Parker, the Cleveland Browns will jump at the chance to take the dynamic wideout. The Browns have offensive tools like Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon, but Parker would add a playmaker who seems necessary in a defensive-minded AFC North division.
13. New Orleans Saints: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
From a pure athletic standpoint, no defensive player can touch Shaq Thompson. The New Orleans Saints took a huge step back in 2014 and need a game-changing linebacker to help in the NFC South. If he lands with the Saints, Thompson would rival the likes of Luke Kuechly and LaVonte David as a talented young linebacker.
14. Miami Dolphins: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Ryan Tannehill turned in a great season for the Miami Dolphins, but he still needs slightly more help on the offensive line for the future.
La'el Collins will likely be the best available offensive tackle on the board, but there is one other team interested in his talents. Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer passed along some news out of the Senior Bowl:
Unless the Carolina Panthers or another team trades up to get him, Collins should still be ripe for the picking by the Dolphins. Adding him to Ja'Wuan James from last season, Miami would have an impressive young duo in front of Tannehill.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
It's no secret that the San Francisco 49ers need to improve offensively to compete with the Seattle Seahawks in the division. With a need for a No. 1 wideout, Kevin White will be an easy selection here if both Cooper and Parker are already off the board.
16. Houston Texans: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Even as the No. 1 safety in the class, Landon Collins isn't likely to go at the top of the draft due to need for the bottom teams. Instead, he'll fall to a team that already has one of the best defenses and needs more talent in the secondary.
Alongside D.J. Swearinger, Collins provides another ball hawk who can limit nearly any offense. Of course, the Houston Texans just want to stop Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, so shutting down the passing game will be a necessity.
17. San Diego Chargers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
One of the nastiest defensive players in the class, Danny Shelton might be a player on the rise when the draft approaches. If he still remains around the middle of the first round, Shelton would make a perfect addition for a San Diego Chargers team that needs a physical run-stopper up front.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
At this point, it's no secret that the Kansas City Chiefs need a wide receiver who can make a difference for the offense. Several wideouts may have already come off the board, but the Chiefs can still get Jaelen Strong, a great player who can open up the offense for Alex Smith.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills): Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Already having grabbed a solid receiver for the future, the Browns will target a defensive position of need. Getting a player like Dante Fowler gives Cleveland a versatile defender who can chase down any number of the great offensive players like Le'Veon Bell or Jeremy Hill in the AFC North.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
In terms of speed and ability, there might not be a more impressive defensive back in the 2015 class. But Marcus Peters' suspension from Washington following an argument with an assistant coach has raised a red flag.
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report offered his take on the cornerback:
The Philadelphia Eagles have one talented corner in Cary Williams but need another to shut down their pass-happy NFC East opponents. Taking a risk on Peters might be the best option, despite the clear baggage he brings to the table.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
The season might not have ended how the Seminoles had hoped, but the level of talent on the team is clear. Eddie Goldman will likely be the second player coming off the board from FSU, with the Cincinnati Bengals filling a defensive hole late in the draft.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Going along with FSU's impressive 2015 draft class, P.J. Williams won't wait long to hear his name called. The Pittsburgh Steelers need to get younger in the secondary and will do so by picking Williams. In an AFC North division where defense is of the utmost importance, Williams would be a great asset for Pittsburgh.
23. Detroit Lions: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
If the Detroit Lions lose either Nick Fairley or Ndamukong Suh in free agency, they will have a need on the defensive line. Luckily, Owamagbe Odighizuwa should be available to fill that spot. An impressive edge-rusher with UCLA, Odighizuwa will be the best defensive end available late in the first round.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
One of the most consistent parts of the Arizona Cardinals this season was the defense. However, they still have a need up front after the rushing defense was gashed on a regular basis to close out the year.
Benardrick McKinney emerged as a great linebacker for Mississippi State and has a chance to do the same in the NFL. Going to the Cardinals would be a perfect fit for both sides as McKinney would present an improved pass-rusher along with a run-stopper—two things Arizona needs in a bad way.
25. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
As noted via Jones, the Panthers might be looking at Collins with their late pick. If Carolina can't get its hands on the LSU lineman, it will go after Cedric Ogbuehi to bolster the protection for Cam Newton.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
It's not very often that a team selecting late in the draft gets a chance to pick the top player at any specific position. But with the way that the NFL has undervalued the running back position in recent years, Melvin Gordon might still be on the board.
One NFL scout compared the Wisconsin running back to one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL.
"Tough to come up with a clean comparison. I see some similarities to an oversized Jamaal Charles," the scout said, via Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com. "But I also see a little bit of Darren McFadden. I love his home run ability, but I'm not crazy about his vision and instincts. I guess I'd say he's closer to Charles than anyone else."
If Gordon can bring that same tenacity to the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, they will have another dynamic player on offense.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Not only does a player with the name Bud Dupree make a perfect fit for the Dallas Cowboys, but he also fills a need on defense for the franchise. Along with Demarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys would have a formidable duo on the defensive line to build around for years to come.
28. Denver Broncos: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Even with all of the additions the Denver Broncos made to the defense, they still weren't enough to give Peyton Manning another ring. The next several months will be telling about where the franchise plans to head next year, but Malcom Brown should fit into its blueprint for success.
29. Indianapolis Colts: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
T.J. Clemmings has been on the rise in offensive tackle rankings, even sitting at No. 12 overall by CBS Sports. I still view him as a late-first-round pick—one the Indianapolis Colts would be happy to have protecting their most valuable asset in Luck.
30. Green Bay Packers: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
At the end of the first round, teams can afford to take luxury picks to build the team. Despite coming up just short of making the Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers have a team that can challenge for a title every year.
Pairing up Maxx Williams, the top tight end of the 2015 class, with Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson makes this an even more potent offense. Having Aaron Rodgers under center, Green Bay won't have to play it safe against teams in the future.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
What do the Seattle Seahawks need to get to the Super Bowl? Apparently not much, since they represent the NFC this season. They've done so without a true standout wide receiver, so adding Devin Funchess to the fold seems like a perfect fit with an undersized Russell Wilson at quarterback.
32. New England Patriots: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
Let's be honest: Nobody knows if the New England Patriots will even remain in the first round. Bill Belichick is a mastermind during the draft and might trade back for multiple picks. However, if they do remain at the tail end of the opening round, Sammie Coates should be the selection.
When asked to describe himself, Coates didn't mince his words with Jones:
That "freak" is exactly what the Patriots need to continue the upward trend offensively. After taking the AFC's spot in the Super Bowl, adding another playmaker makes it that much more difficult to stop the Pats.
All stats courtesy of cfbstats.com unless otherwise stated.
Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
