NFL Mock Draft 2015: Latest Pre-Super Bowl Predictions for Top Prospects

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are set to face off in Super Bowl XLIX. The other 30 teams around the NFL are already looking forward to the offseason. Of course, one of the biggest aspects of that will be the 2015 NFL draft.

Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston are likely going to dominate the football conversation for the next couple of months. The top quarterback prospects are not only battling to likely become the first overall pick, but their numerous differences make for an interesting debate.

As a whole, the class isn't overly strong, but there are enough instant-impact players available to satisfy a good portion of the teams picking in Round 1. So let's check out a complete mock draft of the opening round with a deeper dive into some noteworthy selections.

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

The Bucs front office will spend the next couple of months weighing the potential pros and cons of drafting either Mariota or Winston. The Oregon star represents the safe route. The Florida State standout has a higher ceiling, but he also brings more risk into the equation.

They are both solid prospects that would help the offense. But it's highly unlikely they will have similar careers. One will probably separate from the other sooner or later. So far, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Tampa Bay is leaning toward putting its faith in Mariota:

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Plus, there's a real sense that Tampa Bay has its sights set on Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. So for now, Mariota shapes up as the most likely No. 1 pick. But there are still three months of combine work, pro days, interviews and investigations to go.

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A lot is going to depend on how Winston handles questions about his off-field issues during the interview process. A strong performance could flip the first two picks in his favor. Otherwise, Mariota is the way to go for the Buccaneers.

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

The Titans may end up floating this pick into the trade market to see if they are able to secure a king's ransom in return from a team desperate to add a quarterback. If they can't get an offer that could seriously improve the team's future outlook, taking whichever QB is still left is the best bet.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Although the 3-13 record doesn't show it, the Jags showed progress down the stretch. They went 2-3 over their final five games and lost by more than a single score just once during that span. There's still plenty of work to do, however, and it starts up front with Scherff.

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4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Even with the continued development of Andre Holmes, the Raiders still lack a go-to receiver on key downs. Cooper can fill that role after making no shortage of big grabs for the Crimson Tide. It would allow the other receivers to find niches in which they are more comfortable.

5. Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DT, USC

Defensive tackle may only be a secondary need depending on how the rest of the offseason plays out, but the value may be too good to pass up. Williams has a real chance to become the most productive player from this class. He's a versatile lineman with massive upside.

6. New York Jets: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

Gregory has all the tools to become a major threat off the edge. He combines an ideal frame with an explosive first few steps and a growing array of moves. He will probably need to bulk up to add more power, but it's not an enormous concern.

7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

Chicago needs help all over the secondary after getting torched defensively, especially through the air. Collins is the player who would provide the most value at this spot. He's capable of playing both safety positions thanks to good ball skills and a willingness to attack against the run.

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8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

Beasley is a prospect to watch closely throughout the draft process. He doesn't sport the type of size teams usually look for from a three-down outside linebacker. He'll need to prove his rushing skills are enough to offset that to secure a spot in the top 10.

9. New York Giants: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Ray is another edge-rusher with a nice burst. He's still working to refine his technique, but that first step is going to catch a lot of linemen off guard the first time they face him. He's also a solid contributor against the run, although that's not a chief reason he'll be targeted early.

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

The cornerback class is pretty weak, at least in terms of top-end talent. That should benefit Waynes. He may rank in the 20-25 range on final big boards, but the position scarcity gives him a chance to crack the top 10 selections. And that doesn't represent a massive reach for the Rams.

Waynes is the most polished product among players at the position. He's willing to play a physical brand of football on the outside and has flashed good playmaking skills. The Michigan State product said he's not getting caught up in the buzz, though, as noted by Zach Barnett of College Football Talk:

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Once we got the feedback from the NFL, I talked about things with the coaches and my family, and ultimately decided this is what I wanted to do. I have never really paid attention to pre-draft player rankings. In fact, I wasn't even aware that some draft analysts had me rated as the No. 1 corner. So I didn't make my decision based on those ratings, I made it because I have an opportunity to pursue my dream to play pro football. I've dreamt about this since I was a little boy, and I didn't want to miss this chance.

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St. Louis has a couple of different needs to fill, which could make this pick a turning point of Round 1. The defensive backfield is definitely on that list of offseason priorities. Taking Waynes would allow them to get an instant-impact player to fill a void.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Vikings quarterbacks were sacked 51 times this season. So even though Teddy Bridgewater showed some positive signs during his time running the offense, it's tough to expect consistency when under that much pressure. Peat can certainly help.

12. Cleveland Browns: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

The Browns have two picks in Round 1. The key here will deciding which way to go with knowledge of what may happen before their next pick at No. 19. At this point, going with a wide receiver like White before a potential run seems like the way to go.

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13. New Orleans Saints: Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky

It almost sounds like a broken record at this point for New Orleans. The offense produced enough for the Saints to at least qualify for the playoffs, but the defense didn't hold up its end of the bargain. Dupree can get after the quarterback but must round out his game.

14. Miami Dolphins: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

One thing the Dolphins could really use is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker—somebody who can make an impact in stopping the run and in coverage while also presenting some threat as a rusher. Thompson is the player who best fits the mold.

15. San Francisco 49ers: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

What stands out about Parker is his ability to make people miss. Most of the time, that type of description is saved for smaller, shifty wideouts. He's 6'3''. Still, he can take a quick throw to the outside and turn it into a 15-yard gain by making people miss.

16. Houston Texans: La'el Collins, OT, LSU

The Texans can go several different directions here. The preferred one would be a quarterback, but there isn't a standout among the secondary group at that position, at least as of now. Considering all of the needs, Collins probably presents the most value.

17. San Diego Chargers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

San Diego is a team that must upgrade in the trenches. Whether that means upgrading the offensive or defensive line first is the only question mark. Shelton is the best player available among those spots, making him the pick.

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

There would likely have to be a massive run of wide receivers or a marquee free-agent signing or trade for the Chiefs to go somewhere other than receiver here. It's the most glaring need, and Strong is definitely worth taking here.

19. Cleveland Browns (from BUF): Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

If the draft works out this way, the Browns will have played it perfectly. They get their preferred wide receiver earlier in the round, and there's still some solid defenders available. Goldman is still a bit raw, but his potential is sky high on the interior.

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20: Philadelphia Eagles: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida

Fowler, like Goldman, is a prospect that needs time. You can see flashes of tremendous ability, but it's likely going to take a few seasons of development before he's a high-impact player in the NFL. The Eagles are a team that can afford to wait knowing what he could add down the line.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

The Bengals ranked 20th against the pass during the regular season. They then allowed 376 yards in a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, so it's clear they need help in the secondary, and Peters is the top corner on the board.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

Brown his all the marks for a defensive tackle. He's got good size, plugs holes when against the run and can take on multiple defenders. He could struggle with the power of interior lineman at the next level at the outset, however.

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

A good offseason should move the Lions either into the upper echelon of teams or very close. The offense has enough talent, and the defense is improved. Adding a corner like Williams, who can play in certain packages right away, is another positive step.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah

Orchard is a player to watch closely throughout the rest of the draft process. He's already enjoyed a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. If he's able to maintain that level throughout the rest of the workouts, his stock should rise.

He displays nice explosiveness off the edge and is willing to battle at the point of attack. He'll need some polishing in terms of technique and adding more moves to his arsenal, but the raw tools are there. Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel picked him as a favorite from the Senior Bowl:

The Cardinals actually need more upgrades than their 11-5 record would suggest. Getting after the quarterback is one major area of focus after finishing 24th in sacks. Orchard can help in that area and could eventually develop into a steal based on this draft position.

25. Carolina Panthers: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

The Panthers are ahead of the curve because they have a franchise quarterback in Cam Newton. Now they must start doing a better job of protecting him. Clemmings is NFL-ready and represents great value at this point in the opening round.

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26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Questions remain about how the Ravens plan to move forward at running back. If they continue to linger by the time the draft rolls around, Gordon would make a ton of sense. He must improve as a pass-catcher, but he's a terrific runner.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU

The Cowboys would benefit from adding a player like Hunter. He's a solid rusher off the edge, and he still has room to grow in that area. But most importantly, he's a lineman who has shown the ability to win at the point of attack.

28. Denver Broncos: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

If Julius Thomas returns on a long-term deal, this pick will obviously change. Should the talented tight end leave, Williams becomes an intriguing potential replacement. He made some highlight-reel plays at Minnesota and will make a good red-zone target.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

Indianapolis must add a rock in the middle of their defense to help improve the unit against the run. McKinney is not the most exciting prospect in the class, but he's solid across the board. He's exactly the type of sturdy presence the Colts need.

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30. Green Bay Packers: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State

Teams at the back end of Round 1 tend to do pretty well in the first round. That's mostly because while the high-upside players are gone, those prospects left standing tend to be a little more experienced and ready to play. Bennett is a good example.

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

New England is a team that isn't afraid to take a calculated risk. The potential upside Green-Beckham could bring to the offense is something that would be hard to pass up. They will want to see some maturity during the draft process after prior off-field issues, though.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Seattle has done a nice job of building an annual contender without a high-powered passing game. Adding a player like Funchess, who projects to make his biggest impact on third down and in the red zone, would be a sneakily good addition.