NFL Draft 2015: Top Prospects Who Must Shine in Draft Process to Solidify Stock

The overall importance of the NFL draft process is up for debate, and reaching a consensus on its value would be difficult. That said, every year there's a group of prospects who must use the opportunity it presents as a proving ground before draft day.

Of course, the reasons often vary widely. Some players must answer questions about off-field concerns, as is the case for two players listed below. Then there's things like not fitting the prototypical size expectations for a position, playing against lesser competition or inconsistent college production.

All of the players listed below possess first-round raw talent. How they handle the next few months will ultimately determine where they land. If front offices don't like what they see or hear during the process, a slide could be in the cards.

Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)

Winston is an extraordinarily intriguing talent. He's got the size, he can make all the throws, his ability to deliver a pass into a tight window is unmatched in the class and, when all else fails, he can escape the pocket to make plays with his legs.

Yet, no other player in the class comes with more off-field scrutiny. Todd McShay of ESPN previously discussed the potential trust issues that will arise with NFL teams. Greg A. Bedard of The MMQB examined Winston's outlook and made a statement that sums up the situation well.

"You'd be hard-pressed to recall a quarterback prospect who makes such brilliant choices on the field and such poor ones off it," he said.

It's a contrast that creates a difficult decision for quarterback-needy teams near the top of the draft. A lot will probably depend on how he responds to questions in predraft interviews. He must convince those in charge of making the final call that he'll be a model citizen if they invest a high pick in him.

Winston has all the tools to become a franchise quarterback at the next level. There's no more important role on an NFL roster than that. The question is whether he'll realize it in time to make the most of his chance. It's very much a mystery at this point.

Vic Beasley (OLB, Clemson)

Beasley is well one his way to becoming one of the draft's most polarizing prospects. The discussion isn't as much about his ability, but rather how it will translate to the NFL game. That's mostly because he currently lacks the raw power necessary for consistent success at the next level.

On one hand, the need for pass-rushers around the league is high. Getting after the quarterback is essential for success in today's game. In turn, some teams may see the upside laid out by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com and think he's worth the risk, even if it takes some time for him to develop:

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Projects as 3-4 outside linebacker. Considered one of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, but needs more sophistication to his approach. Has speed and explosion to become an absolute menace for a creative defensive coordinator. High-impact talent but needs to crank up competitive nature in order to reach his potential.

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On the other, there's always a concern linebackers who come in undersized may never be able to add the necessary strength to thrive in the NFL. Aaron Maybin comes to mind. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller is among those unconvinced on Beasley being a first-rounder:

What Beasley needs to do if he wants to land inside the first 32 picks is show that his raw talent is simply too good to pass up. Excel in every workout. Stand out at the scouting combine. He just needs one team to fall in love with his upside, even if others are unsure.

Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Oklahoma)

Green-Beckham arrived to Missouri as a highly toured recruit. He made some positive strides during two years with the Tigers before getting dismissed from the team. The wideout transferred to Oklahoma but never played a game, opting to enter the draft after sitting out the transfer year.

Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post examined some of the off-field issues he's dealt with in recent years. Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports highlighted the two ends of the spectrum teams will have to weigh before deciding whether to grab him Round 1:

Green-Beckham can certainly become a legitimate No. 1 target in the NFL. He's an upper-echelon athlete with the ability to stretch the field or work underneath routes. He should develop into a major threat on third down and in the red zone.

Alas, a lot like Winston, there's no guarantee he'll reach his potential. Teams will want to learn through interviews whether he's ready to turn the corner in the maturation process. He's part of the reason balancing risk against reward will be a major story of the 2015 draft.