2015 NFL Draft: Complete Order and Predictions Ahead of Scouting Combine
Starting on February 17, more than 300 of the best prospects from around the country will meet for the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. Some draft decisions might already be in the works, but the combine decides where players will ultimately fall.
Not every player rises or falls during the showcase event, but it has a way of sculpting draft boards.
Take Odell Beckham Jr., for example. The current New York Giants receiver set himself apart with a great 40-yard dash and standout shuttle drills. He also convinced the franchise to take him near the top of the board with his results.
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Other results, however, have to be taken with a grain of salt. JaMarcus Russell looked like the best prospect ever at the combine, as John Clayton of ESPN noted back in 2007. We all know how that one worked out.
Leading up to the huge event that is sure to shape the future of every prospect, here's a look at the full order and predictions for the top stars.
| 1 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2 | Tennessee Titans |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 4 | Oakland Raiders |
| 5 | Washington Redskins |
| 6 | New York Jets |
| 7 | Chicago Bears |
| 8 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 9 | New York Giants |
| 10 | St. Louis Rams |
| 11 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 12 | Cleveland Browns |
| 13 | New Orleans Saints |
| 14 | Miami Dolphins |
| 15 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 16 | Houston Texans |
| 17 | San Diego Chargers |
| 18 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 19 | Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo) |
| 20 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 22 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 23 | Detroit Lions |
| 24 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 25 | Carolina Panthers |
| 26 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 27 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 28 | Denver Broncos |
| 29 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 30 | Green Bay Packers |
| 31 | Seattle Seahawks |
| 32 | New England Patriots |
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Dual-threat ability and consistency are exactly what Marcus Mariota provides. However, a shoulder injury has caused some doubt to enter his draft process. In order to remove that concern, he'll need a good showing at the combine.
He still hasn't announced if he'll throw at the showcase, but Mariota has already convinced one analyst he's worthy of the first overall pick. ESPN analyst Mark Dominik offered his take, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times:
That might all hinge on what happens next week. With Jameis Winston likely putting it all out there for general managers to evaluate, Mariota might be behind the eight ball if he doesn't throw. Still, the outcome is promising for the former Oregon quarterback.
Teams in need of a home run pick, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets, will be looking at both signal-callers over the next several months. If Mariota can convince either team that he's worth the pick during the combine, he should still go in the top 10 when the draft starts.
Prediction: Mariota goes No. 6 overall to Jets.
La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Offensive linemen aren't exactly the sexiest picks of any draft, but they are crucial for an efficient offense. For example, take a look at how improved the Dallas Cowboys were after adding Zack Martin to give Tony Romo even more time under center.
Teams that are looking for the next Martin might be exhausting their efforts trying to figure out who the best tackle in the draft will eventually be. La'el Collins of LSU offers a promising option who might slide behind Brandon Scherff.
Referencing both Scherff and Collins, ESPN draft analyst Steve Muench offered his take on their comparison, via Mike Triplett of ESPN.com:
"I still really like Collins and thought he had a good week, but Scherff is a little more consistent with more explosive power. Both players should be good, though. ...
Outside of the technique, I think [Collins]'s a really good player. He’s got a lot of talent. He’s got good hands, good feet, good balance. He doesn’t overreact to things in pass pro, lets it develop, stays in front of guys.
"
That patience and skill will eventually lead Collins to the top of the first round. Even with his talent shining through for much of the Senior Bowl, he got mixed opinions during the showcase. Chase Goodbread of NFL.com pointed out the reaction from different scouts:
If he can be more consistent during the combine, Collins will be a top-10 pick by the New York Giants. He would be a perfect fit for a team that is in need of protection for Eli Manning to find Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz down the field.
Prediction: Giants take Collins with the ninth pick.
Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
He probably isn't the first name out of people's mouths when talking about the top prospects, but Maxx Williams is special.
The former Minnesota tight end finished last season with 569 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Though the numbers aren't staggering by any means, he went out with a Citrus Bowl performance to remember. His seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown helped guarantee him the top tight end spot.
He's also considered one of the most athletic players in the class, as Lance Zierlein of NFL.com notes:
"Straight-line wheels to beat linebackers and safeties. Accelerates to top speed quickly on crossers and speed outs. Speed to chew up cushion and open a throwing window over the top. Will threaten seam and dominated defenders on wheel routes. Red-zone winner. Can do damage after the catch and shows playmaking aptitude with tight end screens. Extends and goes all out for the catch. Got a foot inbounds on three circus catches.
"
Given an opportunity to set himself apart again, expect a big showing from Williams at the combine. He's not a first-round lock like Eric Ebron was last season, but Williams still has a shot to creep into consideration with the Green Bay Packers at the end of the opening night.
Prediction: Packers take luxury pick in Williams at No. 30 overall.
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