NFL Draft 2015: 1st-Round Mock Draft and Projections for Top Prospects

With the end of the 2014 season closing in, excitement surrounding this spring's NFL draft is starting to reach a fever pitch.

Fans of 30 teams are already focused on the draft, with only the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks left to vie for a Super Bowl title. When looking at the quality of the prospects that will be available April 30, it is easy to see why there is already so much anticipation.

The pre-draft process could lead to some big changes in terms of value, but here is a full rundown of where the best incoming players could ultimately land in mock draft form.

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

Tampa Bay had little success this past season with Josh McCown and Mike Glennon at quarterback, so it is time for the organization to find a true answer at the most important position by selecting Mariota.

2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska

The Titans are in an interesting spot, since they need a quarterback but could also benefit from other upgrades. If they don't like the choices at signal-caller, then they would be wise to get an elite pass-rusher.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Good teams tend to fortify the trenches, which is precisely what the Jaguars will be doing if they opt to select the tough and reliable Scherff. It may not jump off the page, but it's a safe and smart pick.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

The Raiders have some talented pieces in place, but they need to add more impact players. Cooper fits that description in a big way, and he would be an absolutely huge asset to quarterback Derek Carr.

5. Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DL, USC

Nobody will be shocked if Williams is taken as early as No. 1, but he could slide to No. 5 due to the top four having other needs. If that is the case, then the Redskins will sprint to the podium to take him.

6. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Winston is perhaps the most polarizing player in the draft, but the Jets have never shied away from controversy. They desperately need a franchise quarterback, and Winston has the tools to be that guy.

7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, S, Alabama

The Bears won't improve until their defense makes some major strides. Collins is easily the best safety in this draft, and he'll make a difference with his leadership, hard hitting and ball skills.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri

No player in college football dogged opposing quarterbacks this past season better than Ray. The Falcons pass rush was putrid in 2014; however, drafting Ray would go a long way toward changing that.

9. New York Giants: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

There is no question that University of Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class. His athleticism is unmatched at his position, but there are some doubts regarding his ability to transition to the next level.

Thompson is coming off a season that saw him rack up 81 tackles, one sack and one interception for the Huskies. He also played his fair share of running back, rushing for 456 yards with a yards-per-carry average of 7.5.

His explosiveness is obvious, but at just 6'1" and 228 pounds, size could be an issue if he remains at linebacker as expected.

According to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, though, Thompson playing linebacker is far from a foregone conclusion:

If he is viewed primarily as a running back, then that will obviously impact his draft stock significantly. Jeremiah views it as a possibility since there are some deficiencies in Thompson's game as a defender:

All it takes is for one team to value Thompson as a linebacker in order for him to come off the board early. Few teams have a bigger need at the position than the New York Giants, who are also desperately lacking explosiveness on defense.

Thompson brings that to the table in spades. Perhaps he isn't as strong as most NFL linebackers, but he is faster and more agile. Those attributes should help him transition to the next level, and they should be enough to entice a team like the G-Men as well.

10. St. Louis Rams: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

The Rams have a chance to field one of the league's best defenses due largely to their line. They need to improve at other spots, though, and selecting Waynes would potentially give them a shutdown corner.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

All signs point toward Minnesota building around quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the coming years. Peat could ultimately be the best tackle in this draft, which would be huge for Bridgewater's growth.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

Quarterback is easily the biggest question mark for the Browns entering the offseason. One way to improve that situation is to load up on skill position players, and Parker is one of the best available.

13. New Orleans Saints: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

The Saints have a shrinking window of opportunity in which to compete for a championship. They need to get better on defense quickly, and an athletic corner like Ekpre-Olomu will help immensely in that regard.

14. Miami Dolphins: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

With the likes of Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon often dominating up front, the Dolphins need some talent behind their line. McKinney would likely thrive as the beneficiary of the line's hard work.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Danny Shelton, DL, Washington

Nobody in this draft brings a size and skill set similar to what Shelton possesses. He can be a truly disruptive force along the defensive line, which is something the Niners could definitely use.

16. Houston Texans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Hundley could be a star just as easily as he could be a bust, so there is a lot of risk involved with taking him. The Texans are desperate for an answer at quarterback, though, which means they may roll the dice.

17. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State

San Diego's lack of depth along the offensive line is a big reason why it missed the playoffs last season. Erving can play tackle, center and perhaps even guard, which makes him a versatile fit for the Bolts.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

The Chiefs simply can't afford to go another year without their wide receivers catching a touchdown pass. White is quite familiar with the end zone, and he'll give quarterback Alex Smith a great target.

19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo Bills): Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

Cleveland's defense wasn't quite as good as many hoped last season under head coach Mike Pettine, but that could change in 2014 if Beasley lives up to what he accomplished as a pass-rusher at Clemson.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

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The Philadelphia Eagles were seemingly in great position to make the playoffs this past season, but they stumbled down the stretch, due largely to the play of their defense. In order to ensure that won't happen again, Philly must address that issue.

Few teams had more trouble defending the pass in 2014, as the Eagles ranked 31st in yards allowed at nearly 265 per game and 29th in touchdown passes allowed with 30. Philadelphia's secondary looked overmatched for a large portion of the season, but that could change if the Eagles draft Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams.

Although he had just one interception in 2014, Williams was the anchor of the Seminoles secondary, and he held top receivers in check more often than not. The Eagles don't have that type of corner currently, but Williams could develop into a No. 1 guy.

There is a lot to like about Williams as a player, and FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher raved about him as a person as well, according to Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel:

Williams truly is the total package, and he could ultimately separate himself from the other cornerbacks in this draft class. There is no definitive top player at the position right now, but Williams has the ability to ascend to that level.

If he is still on the board at No. 20, though, the Eagles won't hesitate to select him.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dante Fowler, DE, Florida

After ranking last in sacks this past season, it is blatantly obvious that the Bengals' biggest need is finding a quality pass-rusher. Fowler has all the makings of a star, and he'd be a great pick here.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Carter, CB, Stanford

The Steelers defense as a whole is aging, and that is especially true of the secondary. Cornerback Ike Taylor may be on his last legs, which is why Pittsburgh would be wise to bring in Carter.

23. Detroit Lions: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

It won't be shocking in the least if Peters goes on to be the best cornerback from this draft class. The Lions have had a need at that position for years, and taking Peters would certainly address it.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

Arizona's defense is bound to get even better in 2015, as it was ravaged by injuries this past season. The Cards pass rush is middling even at full strength, though, which is why Dupree should be on their radar.

25. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

The Panthers performed extremely well down the stretch due to the rushing prowess of running back Jonathan Stewart and quarterback Cam Newton. That can be built upon by drafting a tackle with limitless potential.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Even though running back doesn't look like a huge need for Baltimore on the surface after Justin Forsett's great year, the Ravens need a true long-term answer at the position such as Gordon.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Nate Orchard, DE, Utah

The Cowboys had a great season without the benefit of a strong defense. That side of the ball must get better in order for Dallas to take the next step, and Orchard could make a sizable impact.

28. Denver Broncos: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

There are definite question marks for the Broncos offensively, with key players hitting the market, but defense remains the bigger concern. Some of that will be mitigated if Goldman falls to No. 28.

29. Indianapolis Colts: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina

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Offensive guards are often overshadowed by most other players on the field, but they can be key contributors both in terms of the passing game and running game. If any guard is going to get drafted in the first round this year, it is likely to be South Carolina's A.J. Cann.

The first-team All-SEC selection was a four-year starter at left guard for the Gamecocks, starting 51 games in total. His resume is unmatched when compared to other guards, which is a big reason why he may appeal to the Indianapolis Colts.

After ranking 22nd in rush yards per game and yards per carry this past season, it is clear that Indy needs a better push up front. Cann is certainly someone who can provide it, and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. views him as a potential first-round prospect, according to Willie T. Smith III of GreenvilleOnline.com.

"In terms of Cann, he is the number one guard," Kiper said. "Some of these other tackles you could project to guard. That may end up being their best pro position but, in terms of pure guards, he is number one. I think he is a second rounder, maybe a late first."

Cann is physically imposing at 6'4" and 311 pounds, and he is capable of manhandling opposing defensive linemen. Nick Jacobs of TWC Sports KC was especially impressed with Cann on film:

In addition to boosting the running game, Cann would be another big body capable of protecting quarterback Andrew Luck.

Luck is the single most important person behind the Colts' success moving forward, and Cann is the type of player who can increase his effectiveness and keep him healthy.

30. Green Bay Packers: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami (Florida)

It was quite apparent in the NFC Championship Game that the Packers needed someone inside to help stop the run. Perryman is a stout inside linebacker who would fit Green Bay's scheme to perfection.

31. New England Patriots: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma

The Patriots have so much talent that they can afford to take a chance. Green-Beckham's character will cause him to slip a bit, but he could become a star as part of New England's high-powered offense.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan

Seattle has accomplished plenty without a great corps of pass-catchers. Funchess is a versatile player with experience at wide receiver and tight end who would be a great weapon for quarterback Russell Wilson.

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