NFL Draft 2015: Post-Pro Bowl 1st-Round Mock Draft
The 2015 Pro Bowl has come to a close, and for some players, that will mark the last time they play in their current teams' helmets. Several of the game's participants are slated to become free agents this year, and one way or another, their impending departures will surely have an effect on the draft.
Of course, the free-agency period won't be the only cause for draft alterations, as other key events such as the NFL Scouting Combine will play a huge role in this process. Still, while the draft remains fluid, speculating on first-round possibilities always remains an intriguing endeavor.
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Things are sure to change leading up to April 30, but based on how things look following the conclusion of the NFL's All-Star gala, here's a glance at how the draft's first round is likely to unfold.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Buccaneers might have finished the 2014 regular season with the league's worst record, but that's not for a lack of talent. This team has a strong core of young players, but it desperately needs a reliable quarterback to distribute the ball. Mariota was one of the nation's most consistent signal-callers while at Oregon, and there's no reason to believe his skill set won't translate to the NFL.
2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Winston might not have the pristine off-field image of Mariota, but he has plenty of fantastic traits on the gridiron. The former Seminole has a cannon for an arm and great pocket awareness, and he reads defenses well. Despite seeing just a small sample size of what Zach Mettenberger has to offer, the Titans might not be able to pass up on those traits at No. 2 overall.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Jacksonville began to build a young offense in the 2014 draft, and now the team must focus on the defensive side of the ball in an effort to become more well rounded. Williams might be the most impressive all-around prospect in this year's draft. At 6'5" and 298 pounds, he has a freakish combination of size, athleticism and power, making him an absolute force against both the run and the pass.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Cooper to the Raiders just makes too much sense. Oakland has a solid young quarterback in Derek Carr, and with the emergence of Latavius Murray in the backfield, the team has a budding ground game. However, the offense lacks consistency at wide receiver. Luckily, that's Cooper's best trait. He's a great route-runner, has soft hands and boasts the acceleration to serve as a deep threat.
5. Washington Redskins: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Brian Orakpo might have played his final game as a Redskin, and if Washington is to fix its lackluster defense, adding another pass-rusher to complement Ryan Kerrigan would be ideal. Gregory fits the mold of an NFL outside linebacker at 6'6" and 245 pounds. He has a nice variety of moves, good speed and a nice burst that makes him a constant threat off the edge.
6. New York Jets: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
The Jets might not know who will start under center in 2015, but if they don't improve along the offensive line, it might not matter. The 6'5", 320-pound Scherff appears to fit nicely in New York due to his great upper-body strength, wide base and quickness that allow him to flourish when run blocking. His sound technique and strong hands help him keep pass-rushers at bay, as well.
7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Chicago falls in a great spot to land the safety it sorely needs. The Bears struggled against the deep ball, but they also had issues against the run. Collins helps in both departments. He is fluid in coverage and quick enough to play center field, and he's a physical player who excels in run support.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
The Falcons lack a viable pass rush, and if they are to get over the hump and return to postseason play in 2015, addressing that area during the offseason will be crucial. Ray might be the draft's most dangerous edge-rusher. He's incredibly fast and has an explosive burst off the line. Not only is he a threat against the pass, but he also has the speed to pursue ball-carriers and make plays against the run.
9. New York Giants: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Following the emergence of Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants offense began to light up scoreboards in 2014. To ensure that trend continues going forward, upgrading at offensive tackle is necessary. Peat is a formidable blocker at 6'7" and 312 pounds. His great length and agility combine to make him a force against faster pass-rushers.
10. St. Louis Rams: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Rams might have an underrated wide receiver corps, but it's still an average unit. Bringing in a true No. 1 option like White will take this offense to new heights. At 6'3" and 210 pounds, White has the size of an NFL wide receiver. His soft hands, leaping ability, good acceleration and straight-line speed make him a consistent outside target and major deep threat.
11. Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Minnesota could go in a variety of ways here, but acquiring the services of Parker is a very appealing option. The Louisville product stands at 6'3", and his good length and leaping ability provide an enormous catch radius for his quarterback. He isn't a burner, but his acceleration allows him to get vertical in a hurry, and he has the vision to generate plenty of yards after the catch.
12. Cleveland Browns: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
The Browns should be looking for a defensive playmaker here, and Fowler appears to be the team's best bet at No. 12 overall. Cleveland needs a versatile pass-rusher, and the Florida product has the burst and speed to be exactly that. Highly athletic, Fowler has spent time playing every position along the defensive line and outside linebacker.
13. New Orleans Saints: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
If the Saints are going to find their way back to the top of the AFC South, they must generate pressure on the division's quarterbacks. Adding Beasley will surely help in that department, as the Clemson product has one of the draft's best bursts off the line. Once his burst catches opposing offensive tackles off balance, he uses his speed and balance to quickly shoot around the edge and pressure the quarterback.
14. Miami Dolphins: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
The Dolphins made the right move upgrading their offensive line by selecting Ja'Wuan James in the first round in 2014; however, the team must continue to build in that department. Collins would serve as a great complement to James. At 6'5" and 308 pounds with a wide base and solid frame, he's powerful enough to stand his ground in pass protection and move defenders backward when blocking for the run.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
San Francisco boasts a great defense, but it will need to address its depth along the defensive line to keep up its high quality of play for years to come. Shelton is an absolute beast in the trenches at 6'2" and 343 pounds. He's extremely difficult to move out of position and routinely demands double-teams. He's a great gap-stuffer, but he also possesses a nice bull rush and frequently causes problems in the backfield.
16. Houston Texans: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Houston struggled in its secondary in 2014, so adding the draft's top cornerback seems like a great move at No. 16 overall. Waynes has perfect size for an outside corner at 6'1" and 183 pounds. He's aggressive in coverage and uses his leverage to make plays on the ball. A physical player, he isn't scared of contact and makes plays against the run as well.
17. San Diego Chargers: Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
The Chargers were hit by the injury bug in a big way in 2014, and that should lead the team to heavily focus on areas that need depth. Outside linebacker is one such position, and selecting Dupree here is the right move. At 6'4" and 267 pounds, he is highly athletic and possesses good speed. He has solid technique and appears to be nicely suited for San Diego's 3-4 base defense.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Kansas City needs a big outside wide receiver in the worst way, and adding the 6'5", 225-pound Green-Beckham at No. 18 overall will solve that problem. The receiver has great size, and combined with his freakish athleticism, acceleration and speed, he provides a big target who can serve as a consistent vertical threat.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Bills): Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Josh Gordon can't seem to stay out of trouble, and that makes Cleveland's need for a wide receiver even more dire. The Browns shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on Strong here. At 6'3" and 215 pounds, he is difficult to take down for smaller defensive backs. Quick off the line with good straight-line speed, Strong is a legitimate deep threat and has the leaping ability and soft hands to come down with jump balls.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Eagles need to address their need for cornerback quickly or risk missing out on the playoffs once again. Peters is a great option for Philadelphia here. He has the size of an NFL outside corner at 6'0" and 198 pounds, and he plays with great instincts and aggressiveness. Not only a ball-hawking defender, the physical Peters is a great asset in run support.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Bengals need some help within their front seven, and while Thompson isn't the biggest defender at 6'2" and 231 pounds, he possesses great speed and burst that will allow him to become a chess piece in the NFL. He is an effective pass-rusher, but he also has the instincts to thrive in coverage and pursue ball-carriers. Cincinnati would greatly benefit from his versatility.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Pittsburgh will be looking to begin a youth movement in its secondary over the offseason, and the team lands in perfect position to address its need at cornerback here. Williams has good size at 6'0" and 196 pounds. He has great instincts in coverage and boasts good anticipation. He also doesn't shy away from contact and routinely makes plays in run support.
23. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
It doesn't look like Ndamukong Suh will remain with the Lions any longer, and if that's the case, defensive tackle suddenly becomes a big need for the league's top-ranked run defense. At 6'3" and 320 pounds, Goldman is well equipped to replace Suh on the inside. He has a wide base and isn't easily pushed around. A factor against the pass as well, Goldman can split double-teams and bull rush his way into the backfield.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Arizona's strong defense was severely tested after being plagued by injuries throughout the 2014 season. It became wildly apparent this team needs added depth up front, and McKinney will provide just that. A strong linebacker, the 6'4", 249-pound McKinney can take ball-carriers straight on, but he's also quick and versatile enough to move outside and use his speed as an edge-rusher or in coverage.
25. Carolina Panthers: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
The Panthers gave Cam Newton a nice weapon in Kelvin Benjamin in the 2014 draft, and now its time the team gives its quarterback some protection. Clemmings isn't overly experienced on the offensive line, but he's naturally athletic and has improved at a rapid pace. His combination of agility and strength will make him a force in the NFL once he reaches his true potential.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
Baltimore could address a few needs here, but it might be difficult for the team to pass up on acquiring Flowers' services. At 6'5" and 324 pounds, Flowers has nice quickness and balance for his size, giving him a large blocking radius in pass protection. Possessing a thick lower half and powerful legs, he can drive defenders backward when blocking for the run.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Dallas was surprisingly effective on the defensive side of the ball throughout the 2014 season, but the team could still use an upgrade up front. Brown has impressive size at 6'4" and 320 pounds. He boasts good strength, but his best attribute is his surprising quickness. He's extremely fast off the snap and routinely beats interior offensive linemen on his way into the backfield.
28. Denver Broncos: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
Terrance Knighton might be heading out of town via free agency in 2015, and if that's the case, adding a defensive tackle will be crucial for the Broncos. Phillips is a monster in the trenches at 6'6" and 334 pounds. He's very powerful but is also deceptively fast and quick off the snap. Phillips plays with a high motor and can make plays in pursuit of ball-carriers.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Trent Richardson experiment went down in flames, and while he's been impressive at times, Daniel Herron doesn't appear to be a long-term answer at running back. If the Colts are going to balance their offense, selecting Gordon here is the right move. The fastest back to reach 2,000 yards in a season in FBS history, Gordon has the size, speed and vision to make the Colts even more dangerous on offense.
30. Green Bay Packers: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
Green Bay would do well to upgrade depth along its defensive line, and selecting Armstead at No. 30 overall would be a giant step in the right direction. Armstead has great size at 6'7" and 296 pounds and has a great combination of size and speed. He is still developing his skill set and appears to have a very high ceiling.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Cameron Erving, C/OT, Florida State
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson spends a little too much time running around in an effort to make a play, so upgrading the offensive line seems ideal for Seattle. Erving has nice size at 6'5" and 308 pounds, and his biggest strength comes in his versatility, as he's spent time at tackle and center. Due to his toughness, athleticism and fluidity, he's excelled when blocking for both the run and pass.
32. New England Patriots: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
The Patriots already have one of the NFL's best offenses, but if this team adds an outside receiver to pair with the likes of Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, the sky will be the limit for Tom Brady and Co. Coates has an impressive blend of size, speed and athleticism. At 6'2" and 213 pounds, he is strong, quick off the line and incredibly fast, making him a big vertical threat.
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