2015 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions and Analysis for Elite Prospects

Every team in the NFL knows where it will be drafting except the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. I’m sure neither franchise would want it any other way. As the two teams prepare to compete in Super Bowl XLIX, the rest of the league is in full offseason mode.

Obviously, the draft is a major part of that process. We never really know which players will live up to expectations or outperform the scouting reports. In this mock, I'll make bold predictions on the most high-profile prospects in the first round.

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

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Critics can say whatever they want about Marcus Mariota's arm strength, lack of experience in a pro-style offense or anything else. If an organization is looking for a player capable of turning around the losing culture, Mariota is the one.

His rookie season will be uneventful, as Josh McCown will rebound with a slightly better season than the one he put up in 2014. That said, a year behind such a solid professional and natural leader will only help Mariota's development.

When he takes the reins in his second season, he'll be prepared to have a solid year and career.

2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, Florida State, QB

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Everyone's comparing Mariota and Jameis Winston. Here's my breakdown: Winston has a stronger arm, equivalent leadership qualities among men—yes I said that—and experience in a pro-style offense. What he doesn't have is maturity.

Unfortunately, that deficiency could render all the other qualities moot.

That said, the Titans can't afford to pass on him here. As Bleacher Report's Matt Miller points out, pickings are slim for quarterbacks after Mariota and Winston:

If Winston keeps his head on straight, he'll wind up starting at some point during his rookie season. He'll play well enough to give the Titans hope, but how his career goes depends on his maturation.

Stay tuned.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, USC, DL

The Jags really need help on the offensive line, but unless the team trades down, taking one in the first round would be ill advised. If Jacksonville goes the best-player-available route, it'll take Leonard Williams.

As imposing forces in the draft go, Williams has to be at the top of the list. He's one of the players in this draft who could make an immediate impact.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, Alabama, WR

To effectively evaluate a young quarterback, an organization should provide him with a No. 1 receiver. Derek Carr showed flashes last season, so if the Raiders take Amari Cooper, it may have one of the most promising QB-WR tandems in the league.

5. Washington: Randy Gregory, Nebraska, DE

Williams is getting the majority of the attention when it comes to defensive-line prospects, but Randy Gregory has a ton of upside himself. He's probably athletic enough to play 3-4 outside linebacker as well as defensive end.

Washington would be smart to peg him as a potential replacement for Brian Orakpo.

6. New York Jets: DeVante Parker, Louisville, WR

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The Jets would probably love to get their hands on Cooper, but the Raiders would be wise to take him.

If that happens, Jets fans should be happy the team can still draft a stud such as DeVante Parker. He is 6'3", 208 pounds and athletic. Many mocks may not have him this high yet, but after he performs at the NFL combine, expect his stock rise significantly.

Parker can be a force in the red zone and downfield. If he stays healthy and is taken by the Jets, he'll turn out to be an impact player as a rookie and a godsend for Geno Smith.

7. Chicago Bears: Shane Ray, Missouri, DE

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With the Bears hiring Vic Fangio to run the defense, it's imperative they find a player who can make an impact as an edge-rusher. Because of the new scheme, Shane Ray has to be No. 1 on the team's board.

As a pure pass-rusher off the edge, Ray is unequaled in this draft. He might never be a strong run stuffer, but boy does this guy get off the ball. Bob Sturm of The Dallas Morning News the following about Ray in his scouting report:

"

He is the real deal as an edge-rusher with quickness and overall explosion that is just silly. There are times where you wonder what the left tackle across from him must be thinking because in the case of the Kentucky game in particular, that poor guy was overmatched all day.

He draws holding calls on a regular basis because his 'get-off' is so impressive. At his size, he is just too quick for offensive linemen to deal with. 

"

If the Bears take him at No. 7, he'll lead all rookies in sacks in 2015 and the Bears will have their next star on the defensive side of the ball.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dante Fowler Jr., Florida, DE

If the Falcons don't find a serious pass-rusher, they will never be able to win the NFC South. That's sad in itself. Drafting a player such as Dante Fowler Jr. would immediately deliver a player who could strike fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks.

If Fowler is there, Atlanta must take him.

9. New York Giants: Vic Beasley, Clemson, DE/OLB

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I'm not sure if Vic Beasley can be an every-down defensive end or outside linebacker in a 3-4, but I do know that only Ray has the explosiveness off the edge that Beasley possesses. 

Beasley is undersized at 6'2", 235 pounds, but if he can add about 10 pounds of muscle and maintain his burst, he'll be a leaner Elvis Dumervil or even a Bruce Irvin clone.

The Giants have to add depth and youth to their defensive line. Beasley could make an impact with the right conditioning and coaching.

10. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M, OT

Leave it to the Rams to take the first offensive lineman in the draft. Jeff Fisher likes to pound the ball, which begins with a dominant line. Cedric Ogbeuhi isn't the most refined tackle prospect, but he might be the most naturally athletic.

He could be a future bookend for the Rams and a protector of the eventual franchise quarterback.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Ereck Flowers, Miami (Florida), OT

If Ogbuehi isn't the most athletic offensive tackle, Ereck Flowers might be. Potentially, what's even better is that he seems to be a little more refined. You could really switch Ogbuehi and Flowers, but with the mock saying that the Rams will take the former Aggies standout, the Vikes and the Hurricanes star are a good match.

12. Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, Washington, DT

No team allowed more rushing yards per game than the Browns in 2014. That issue has to be resolved, and the best way to address the deficiency is with a run-stuffing tackle such as Danny Shelton.  

At 6'2", 339 pounds, Shelton has the size and strength to anchor a dominant run defense.

13. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Scherff, Iowa, OL

Though the Saints' defense was obviously terrible in 2014, quarterback Drew Brees has been sacked 66 times in the last two seasons. That is probably a bigger issue than the defense, considering Brees' importance to the team's big picture.

Brandon Scherff isn't as athletic as Flowers and Ogbuehi, but he's nasty and well coached. Scherff might have a lower ceiling, but he could become a starter quickly.

14. Miami Dolphins: Kevin White, West Virginia, WR

Like Carr and Smith, Dolphins' quarterback Ryan Tannehill needs a No. 1 receiver. He has Jarvis Landry, who had a solid season, but Kevin White has the go-up-and-get-it skills that most quarterbacks need on the sidelines and in the red zone.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Bud Dupree, Kentucky, DE/OLB

The Niners have to look for insurance behind the troubled Aldon Smith. Bud Dupree has definite skills as an edge-rusher. He's strong, fast and plays with excellent balance. 

He might not be as explosive as Ray and Beasley, but Dupree is more balanced when it comes to defending the run and getting after quarterbacks.

16. Houston Texans: Devin Funchess, Michigan, WR

Houston needs a quarterback, but there won't be one worth the 16th pick still be on the board. Therefore, looking at receiver makes sense. Andre Johnson can't play forever. A receiver-tight end hybrid such as Devin Funchess could be a great match with Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins now.

Once Johnson has moved on, Funchess and Hopkins could present matchup problems with their size and athleticism.

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

Outside of Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs don't have a ton of offensive playmakers. With a quarterback such as Alex Smith, who can't throw the deep ball, players who can make plays after the catch are important.

Jaelen Strong is another outstanding red-zone target. He and Dwayne Bowe would be inviting targets for Smith in the passing game.

18. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin, RB

Per Fox Sports (h/t Player Press), the speculation about Melvin Gordon declaring for the draft is done, and the Chargers should be ecstatic.

Ryan Mathews has struggled to stay healthy and Philip Rivers needs a back who can take some pressure off him. Gordon has the speed and strength to make an immediate impact, even if Wisconsin backs have historically struggled to find success in the NFL.

However, none of the Badgers' standout backs in recent memory had the physical gifts Gordon possesses. It would be a shock if the Heisman finalist turned out to be a bust.

19. Cleveland Browns: Todd Gurley, Georgia, RB

Even more than Rivers, Johnny Manziel needs a stud at running back who can take some of the offensive weight off his back. Todd Gurley is a do-it-all back who can be a presence as a receiver, as well as a running back.

He's a physical specimen who will make Browns fans forget about Trent Richardson in a hurry.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Trae Waynes, Michigan State, CB

The Eagles ranked 31st in passing yards allowed per game in 2014. Without question, the team has to upgrade its corner backs.

Trae Waynes has great length at 6'1", and he's a big-time competitor. Mike Dantonio, his head coach at Michigan State University is convinced Waynes will be a hit in the NFL. Per Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press, Dantonio said: "There's no question that he'll be an outstanding corner at the next level." That's a solid endorsement. The Eagles would seemingly have to take Waynes.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Cook, Michigan State, QB

It's time for the Bengals to give up on Andy Dalton. His repeated failures in the postseason have to have damaged his teammates' confidence in him. Whether that decision is made or not, drafting Connor Cook is the right thing to do.

The Bengals have to have an option on the depth chart they can turn to if Dalton and the offense struggles early in the season.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malcom Brown, Texas, DT

As big, run-stuffing defensive tackle prospects go, Malcolm Brown is second only to Shelton in this draft. The Steelers are at their best when they stuff the run. The team rode its diverse offense into the postseason in 2014, but they will have to get back to the hard-nosed defensive style if they hope to regain sway in the AFC North.

Brown is a good anchor for the defensive line who could develop into a vital cog for a top-notch unit.

23. Detroit Lions: P.J. Williams, Florida State, CB

Detroit's defense was excellent for the most part in 2014, but the unit only featured two Pro Bowlers (Ndamukong Suh and Glover Quin). There's still room for improvement at corner.

P.J. Williams shined on a Florida State Seminoles team stacked with eventual NFL talent. Assuming the team can retain Suh this offseason, Williams could make a solid unit even more dominant.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska, RB

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The Cardinals are similar to the Chiefs in that they also need an offensive playmaker. Where Arizona is different is that it has the wide receiver position in order, it needs a player at running back who can make people miss and do damage at the second level.

Ameer Abdullah is that and more.

He's only 5'9", but he's strong enough to run between the tackles and fast enough to be a threat any time he touches the ball.

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

Drafting a receiver would be ideal, but there isn't a strong candidate available for the Panthers unless they trade up. Playing it straight, Carolina still has to bolster its offense.

Pass protection for Cam Newton hasn't been the same since Jordan Gross retired. A player such as La'el Collins has good upside and would help keep Newton upright.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Peters, Washington, CB

Peters was dismissed from his team in 2014, but that might be a situation he has learned from. His talent level certainly warrants a look in the first round, and the Ravens need help at corner.

Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com said this about the team after losing to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Playoff Round: "The Ravens need to improve the secondary through the draft and free agency. Unlike last offseason, when the Ravens didn't address cornerback sufficiently, they need to do all they can so the defense can avoid feeling it let the team down."

Drafting Peters could be the first step toward correcting the problem.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest, CB

At 6'1", 175 pounds, Kevin Johnson is slight, but he makes up for it with athleticism and desire. NFL.com's Bucky Brooks ranked Johnson as the third-highest-ranked corner in the draft.

His length will allow him to be competitive against the league's bigger receivers. 

28. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, Florida State, C/OG/OT

With the departure of head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase and the uncertainty surrounding Peyton Manning's future, there's no telling what's happening with the Broncos' offense.

Because there are a ton of variables, the team may as well draft a player capable of playing multiple positions.

Cameron Erving has played every position on the offensive line, but he may truly have a future as a Pro Bowl center. Ultimately, Denver may get to choose.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Markus Golden, Missouri, DE/OLB

Indy couldn't get consistent pressure on Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game, and the Colts simply lacked fangs in passing situations in general. After giving up 45 points to the Pats, the Colts have to add playmakers on defense.

Markus Golden didn't get a lot of attention in the shadows of Ray, but he's a nice pass-rusher prospect in his own right.

30. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma, DT

B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion are both free agents. The Packers need to add depth so they can absorb the loss of one or both players in the middle of their defensive line.

Mammoth 6'6", 334-pounder Jordan Phillips could really turn heads at the combine. If he does, he'll rise. If not, the Packers could bring him to Wisconsin to shore up the run defense.

31. Seattle Seahawks: Sammie Coates, Auburn, WR

In 2014, Sammie Coates had 11 receptions of 25 yards or more. If it's one thing the Seahawks could still use, it's a deep threat. If Coates can be as dangerous downfield in the NFL as he was in college, he'd be just what the Seahawks need to be an even more complete offense.

32. New England Patriots: A.J. Cann, South Carolina, OG

Guard isn't exactly the sexiest position in the NFL, but when you're a Super Bowl team, you can afford to take the best player available.

A.J. Cann is about as dominant at his position as there is at any spot in the draft. Adding a player who can help stop the inside rush and improve the run game would be a great move by the Pats.