NFL Mock Draft 2015: 1st-Round Projections for Most Coveted Prospects

The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching, and one of the best ways for fans to prepare for the event is to read through mock drafts around the Web.

We all know it's extremely difficult to predict what will transpire over the course of the draft's first round—especially at this point in the year—however, mock drafts do much more than simply attempt to predict the future, as they can also be utilized as a tool to help fans get up-to-date on team needs and available prospects.

By looking over differing opinions on which players your favorite team will draft, you'll gain a far better idea of which prospects to keep an eye on during workouts in Indianapolis. After watching their performances, you'll come away with your own preference on which participants will ultimately be the best fits for your team.

That said, here's a look at predictions for the draft's first round prior to the commencement of the combine.

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, 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	Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
11	Minnesota Vikings	Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
12	Cleveland Browns	DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
13	New Orleans Saints	Dante Fowler, 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, OLB, Clemson
18	Kansas City Chiefs	Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
19	Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo)	Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
20	Philadelphia Eagles	Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
21	Cincinnati Bengals	Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
22	Pittsburgh Steelers	P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
23	Detroit Lions	Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
24	Arizona Cardinals	Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
25	Carolina Panthers	T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
26	Baltimore Ravens	Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH)
27	Dallas Cowboys	Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
28	Denver Broncos	Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
29	Indianapolis Colts	Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
30	Green Bay Packers	Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
31	Seattle Seahawks	Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
32	New England Patriots	Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Analyzing Most Intriguing Mid-First-Round Picks

With a very talented and versatile draft class in 2015, teams picking in the middle of the first round will have some interesting options when they're officially on the clock. Many of these teams have multiple needs, and players will be available to fill those voids, leaving difficult decisions for franchise executives.

Making the right choices here are dire for these squads, as they all have strong rosters and just need to add a couple more pieces to the puzzle to make a push for the playoffs. Here's a look at four intriguing selections for teams holding mid-first-round picks in this year's draft.

10. St. Louis Rams: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

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The Rams could go in several directions at No. 10 overall; however, the wisest may be to grab an elite left tackle prospect to add stability due to the oft-injured Jake Long.

St. Louis has talent on the offensive line, but if Long can't stay healthy, the team will need to continue shifting the likes of Greg Robinson and Rodger Saffold out of their natural positions.

Peat has very impressive size for a left tackle at 6'7" and 312 pounds. His strong frame is equipped with long arms and a thick base, and with a blend of quickness and agility, he projects to be stellar in pass protection as a left tackle.

No slouch when blocking for the run, Peat's burst off the snap allows him to get to the second level in a hurry to pave the way for ball-carriers.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Minnesota needs to add a true No. 1 target for the developing Teddy Bridgewater, as Cordarrelle Patterson's skill set doesn't appear to be translating to the NFL.

While Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright fared well in 2014, the Vikings may not be content to rely on them for the long haul. This should prompt the team to take a long look at a pass-catcher here.

Selecting the 6'3", 210-pound White would be the best scenario for Minnesota at No. 11 overall. His combination of length, leaping ability, soft hands and ability to adjust gives him a wide catch radius and allows him to make spectacular grabs.

White's acceleration makes him a legitimate vertical threat, and he has the shiftiness and vision to make defenders miss and create yards after the catch.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

Garry Jones/Associated Press

Cleveland's offense wasn't exactly prolific in 2014, and now the team stands to lose Miles Austin and Jordan Cameron in free agency, while Josh Gordon continues to find trouble and could face a lengthy suspension.

While the team does have the talented Andrew Hawkins in the fold, a large outside threat is necessary going forward.

At 6'3" and 209 pounds, Parker has the size, length and leaping ability to bring down contested jump balls. He's exceptionally athletic for his size, and while he isn't considered a burner, he has good acceleration that allows him to get vertical quickly.

Adding to his versatility, Parker does possess the shiftiness and agility to rack up yards after the catch and gain separation in the open field.

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

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The Saints couldn't get it together on the defensive side of the ball in 2014, leading to a disappointing season. One of the biggest reasons for the team's lack of success was due to its inability to generate a consistent pass rush.

While defensive end Cameron Jordan and outside linebacker Junior Galette have played well, New Orleans isn't getting enough production elsewhere.

Bringing in Fowler with the draft's 13th selection fixes that issue in a hurry. At 6'2" and 261 pounds, Fowler's versatility was heavily utilized at Florida, where he spent time lining up across the defensive line and at outside linebacker.

He's extremely quick and athletic, but he also has a great deal of power and plays with a high level of energy.