2015 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl Predictions for 1st-Round Prospects

How epic was the conclusion of Super Bowl XLIX? While the game was absolutely enthralling for the first 59 minutes, the Seattle Seahawks' final drive produced some of the most memorable NFL action we've seen in quite some time.

With 26 seconds left, the Seahawks found themselves on the New England Patriots 1-yard line. The team decided to run a pick play and hit Ricardo Lockette on an inside slant instead of running the ball with the bruising Marshawn Lynch. Bad idea. Russell Wilson's throw was picked by Malcolm Butler, promptly dashing Seattle's hopes of back-to-back titles.

So, here's the takeaway: Butler's play on the ball was a perfect example of how important it is to have a solid stable of cornerbacks in today's NFL. There are several teams in need of an upgrade at the position, so let's take a look at where the draft's top cornerbacks are likely to call home.

Pick	Team	Selection
1	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
2	Tennessee Titans	Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
3	Jacksonville Jaguars	Leonard Williams, DT, USC
4	Oakland Raiders	Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
5	Washington Redskins	Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
6	New York Jets	Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
7	Chicago Bears	Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
8	Atlanta Falcons	Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
9	New York Giants	Landon Collins, S, Alabama
10	St. Louis Rams	Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
11	Minnesota Vikings	Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
12	Cleveland Browns	DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
13	New Orleans Saints	Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
14	Miami Dolphins	Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
15	San Francisco 49ers	Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
16	Houston Texans	La'el Collins, OT, LSU
17	San Diego Chargers	Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
18	Kansas City Chiefs	Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
19	Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo)	Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
20	Philadelphia Eagles	Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
21	Cincinnati Bengals	Shaq Thompson, OLB, Wasington
22	Pittsburgh Steelers	P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
23	Detroit Lions	Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
24	Arizona Cardinals	Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Miss State
25	Carolina Panthers	T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
26	Baltimore Ravens	Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
27	Dallas Cowboys	Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
28	Denver Broncos	Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
29	Indianapolis Colts	Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
30	Green Bay Packers	Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
31	Seattle Seahawks	Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
32	New England Patriots	Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Analyzing First-Round Cornerbacks

14. Miami Dolphins: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

The Dolphins had one of the better pass defenses in the league during the 2014 regular season. However, after watching Tom Brady's performance in the Super Bowl, the team would be wise to solidify the position for the future. After all, while Brent Grimes is locked up through 2017, Cortland Finnegan is set to hit free agency following the 2015 season.

Miami would do well to keep its strong corps of corners intact by selecting Waynes here. The consensus best player at his position in this year's draft class, the 6'1", 183-pound Michigan State product has been impressive. Not only does he have the size and length NFL teams covet, but he is quick enough to keep up with faster receivers and has great anticipation, routinely making plays on the ball.

Waynes shouldn't be considered a finesse player, as he plays with a great deal of physicality in coverage and is a huge asset in run support.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

If there's a team that desperately needs help at cornerback above all other positions, it's the Eagles. Philadelphia is a solid team across most fronts. However, it needs major help in the defensive secondary after ranking 31st in the league against the pass in 2014.

Peters has great size and length for an NFL cornerback at 6'0" and 198 pounds. He is excellent in coverage, maintaining his position on the hip of a wide receiver before gaining leverage and making a play on the ball. Not only is the Washington product athletic, but he's physical as well. He seeks out contact, making solid open-field tackles and coming up big in run support.

While Peters is certainly a fantastic prospect on the field, he will have to answer some questions about his maturity—he was dismissed from Washington's football team after altercations with the coaching staff. Still, if he interviews well, his well-rounded skill set will make him difficult to pass up at No. 20 overall.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

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Pittsburgh's biggest weakness in 2014 was its secondary. The team finished ranked 27th in the league against the pass, and it wasn't due to inexperience. One of the oldest defensive backfields in the league, the Steelers should be preparing a youth movement due to Ike Taylor, William Gay and safety Troy Polamalu currently in the twilight of their careers.

Adding the 6'0", 196-pound Williams here would be a big step in the right direction for the future of this franchise. The Florida State product is highly athletic, utilizing a combination of speed and agility to keep up with quicker wide receivers. His ball skills and anticipation allow him to routinely make plays and come away with interceptions.

Williams' coverage skills aren't his only promising trait, as he also plays with a good amount of physicality. He is able to fight through blocks to make plays in run support, and he's also a reliable tackler in the open field.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

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The Ravens had issues in the secondary throughout the 2014 season, and the fact that Will Hill is set to be a restricted free agent and Jimmy Smith is entering a contract year doesn't help matters. Baltimore finished 23rd against the pass last year, and upgrades in the defensive backfield should be in order this offseason.

At this point in the draft, pulling the trigger on Ekpre-Olomu is the right move for the Ravens. While he is a smaller corner at 5'9", he has a well-built 195-pound frame that will hold up at the NFL level. He's highly athletic and makes intelligent decisions on the field, anticipating routes nicely and making decisive breaks on the ball. He plays with a competitive fire and isn't afraid to go after the big hit when in run support.

While Ekpre-Olomu's height may be a disadvantage on the outside in the NFL, he is nicely suited to play a versatile slot corner role. He not only has the agility and quickness to shadow faster slot receivers, but he's a turnover machine and will come up with big plays in the clutch.