NFL Mock Draft 2015: Pre-Regional Combine Projections for 1st-Round Prospects

One of the first offseason events that will have implications on the 2015 NFL draft is set to commence Saturday, as the first of five regional combines will be held in Miami.

The NFL introduced regional combines to give players who are eligible for the draft but weren't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine a chance to show their stuff in front of league scouts. Select regional combine participants will then move on to a super regional combine in Arizona that will be attended by a larger amount of NFL personnel.

While the regional combines won't necessarily affect the draft's first round, they will give teams a chance to look at players who could warrant late-round consideration or a look in free agency. So, before we get a better idea of what prospects have to offer deeper in the draft, let's take an updated look at how the first round is likely to shake out.

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	Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
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	Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
28	Denver Broncos	Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
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 Linebackers

Linebackers are often referred to as the glue that holds a defense together. After all, these are the players who bridge the gap between the big men in the trenches and the defensive secondary. Some linebackers serve primarily as pass-rushers, some flourish against the run and others are relied upon to help in coverage. Despite the difference in roles, they are all equally as important to the success of the defense.

Several talented, yet diverse, linebackers hold first-round grades entering the 2015 NFL draft, so let's take a look at what kind of impact they are likely to have on their projected teams.

5. Washington Redskins: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska

If Gregory is selected fifth overall by Washington, he'll be standing as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. That won't be a problem for the former Nebraska standout, as his 6'6", 245-pound frame is equipped with the right amount of length to fend off blockers.

Not only does Gregory have fine measurables, but he has a great blend of athleticism, agility and quickness that will make him a formidable edge-rusher. That's great news for the Redskins, as they will likely be in search for a replacement for Brian Orakpo this offseason.

13. New Orleans Saints: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida

John Raoux/Associated Press

The Saints took a huge step backward on the defensive side of the ball in 2014, but adding a versatile outside linebacker capable of rushing the passer would get this team back on the right track. So if versatility is what New Orleans is looking for, the team needs to look no further than Fowler.

At 6'2" and 261 pounds, the Florida standout has a strong, compact frame but is highly athletic and possesses a great burst. The combination of these assets allowed the Gators to utilize him across the defensive line and at outside linebacker. The Saints will now be afforded the same opportunity to shift Fowler around the defense to create favorable matchups.

17. San Diego Chargers: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

John Raoux/Associated Press

San Diego needs to improve against the pass, and one way to get that done is to generate a better pass rush. With Dwight Freeney's future uncertain, the Chargers should be looking to add some depth over the offseason, and selecting Beasley at No. 17 overall would be a wise choice.

While Beasley doesn't have gargantuan size at 6'2" and 235 pounds, he is lightning quick off the snap and flies around the edge, circumventing the blocks of offensive tackles with average agility. Not only useful as a pass-rusher, however, Beasley plays with a very high motor and uses his excellent speed to make plays in pursuit of ball-carriers.

19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

Wade Payne/Associated Press

Cleveland needs to increase depth within its linebacker corps and add another element to its pass rush after finishing the 2014 season with just 31 sacks. Dupree played on the defensive line with the Wildcats, but he has a well-rounded skill set that will allow him to stand as an outside 'backer in the Browns' 3-4 base defense.

At 6'4" and 267 pounds, Dupree has all of the physical traits coveted in an NFL outside linebacker. He boasts a strong frame with ideal length and good flexibility. Combined with a nice burst and solid speed around the edge, he is no stranger to terrorizing opposing backfields. If he can get a little stronger in run support, he has the upside to be one of the league's most dominant linebackers.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The Bengals showed their serious lack of depth both along the defensive line and at linebacker in 2014, as injuries to key players plagued the team. As a result, Cincinnati finished the year ranked 30th in sacks with just 23 while ranking 20th against the run. Making matters worse for this team, middle linebacker Rey Maualuga is set to hit the open market in 2015.

Adding the 6'2", 231-pound Thompson would help Cincinnati in several ways. He's a hybrid player who has a great blend of speed, power and athleticism that allowed him to play safety, linebacker and running back for the Huskies. The Bengals will be able to maximize his skill set by moving him around the field in different packages.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

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Arizona was another team decimated by injuries in 2014, and with both John Abraham and Larry Foote set to become free agents, the Cardinals could be in some major trouble at the linebacker position. This team needs to make a move for a playmaker, and McKinney is the logical choice at No. 24 overall.

The former Bulldog is 6'4" and 249 pounds, giving him ideal NFL size. He is at his best in the middle, where he can utilize his power and take on ball-carriers straight ahead, but he is also quick enough to slide to the outside and rush the passer on blitzing occasions.