NFL Draft 2015: 1st-Round Order and Predictions for Top Defensive Players

People might be more familiar with the offensive players in the 2015 draft, but this class is loaded with defensive stars ready to make an impact right away.

Sure, Heisman Trophy winners Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are very likely to be first-round picks and will be followed immensely in their rookie seasons. Skill players like Amari Cooper and Melvin Gordon will also turn some heads.

However, some of this draft's defensive stars might deserve more notoriety. Here is a look at projections for some of the top players in the draft as well as a full look at the first round.

Pick	Team	W-L
1.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	2-14
2.	Tennessee Titans	2-14
3.	Jacksonville Jaguars	3-13
4.	Oakland Raiders	3-13
5.	Washington Redskins	4-12
6.	New York Jets	4-12
7.	Chicago Bears	5-11
8.	Atlanta Falcons	6-10
9.	New York Giants	6-10
10.	St. Louis Rams	6-10
11.	Minnesota Vikings	7-9
12.	Cleveland Browns	7-9
13.	New Orleans Saints	7-9
14.	Miami Dolphins	8-8
15.	San Francisco 49ers	8-8
16.	Houston Texans	9-7
17.	San Diego Chargers	9-7
18.	Kansas City Chiefs	9-7
19.	Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo)	7-9
20.	Philadelphia Eagles	10-6
21.	Cincinnati Bengals	10-5-1
22.	Pittsburgh Steelers	11-5
23.	Detroit Lions	11-5
24.	Arizona Cardinals	11-5
25.	Carolina Panthers	7-8-1
26.	Baltimore Ravens	10-6
27.	Dallas Cowboys	12-4
28.	Denver Broncos	12-4
29.	Indianapolis Colts	11-5
30.	Green Bay Packers	12-4
31.	Seattle Seahawks	12-4
32.	New England Patriots	12-4

Leonard Williams, DT, USC: No. 2 Tennessee Titans

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

With the Tennessee Titans needing a franchise quarterback and two top prospects separating themselves at the position, they seem to be in perfect shape to select either Winston or Mariota at No. 2. However, this might not be as obvious as it seems.

Zach Mettenberger showed some promise in his rookie season, and it seems the team might be willing to give him a chance. Mike Mayock of NFL Network (via Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean) argued on behalf of passing on a quarterback in the first round:

If this is the case, the Titans would be smart to go with the top defensive player in the class in Leonard Williams. The big defensive lineman can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front, and just about anywhere on the defensive line—and could have success in each spot.

With a team that gave up the third-most points in the NFL this past season, adding a defensive player of this caliber would be helpful.

On the other hand, Aaron Nagler of Sports Illustrated thinks picking a quarterback would be smarter:

Still, Williams won't be on the board for too long, and Tennessee should grab him.

Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska: No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars

There were problems on both sides of the ball for the Jacksonville Jaguars this past season, which leaves them open to taking the best available player. Assuming Williams has already been selected, they need to take Randy Gregory.

The 6'6" defensive end was an excellent pass-rusher throughout his career at Nebraska, totaling 16.5 sacks over his two-year career. If he wasn't often forced to face double-teams, that number could have been a whole lot higher.

Gregory has the size, athleticism and advanced technique to not only be a quality prospect, but someone who can make a difference right away. He also has plenty of confidence, per Josina Anderson of ESPN:

Jacksonville did a good job of getting to the quarterback last season, finishing sixth in the NFL in sacks. Still, few players on the roster really force opponents to game-plan to stop them quite like Gregory would at the next level.

The big man would help against the run and the pass and should be one of the top picks of the draft.

Shane Ray, DE, Missouri: No. 8 Atlanta Falcons

USA TODAY Sports

There is a good chance Shane Ray could be off the board much earlier than No. 8. He was extremely productive this past year and has a plenty of natural pass-rushing ability.

One thing that might hurt his stock, however, is a lack of size for the position, according to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com (via NFL.com's Chase Goodbread):

"

I'm anxious to see how big he is, because they list him at 6'2", 245—around there—and I've heard from scouts that have gone in there that he's going to measure in around 6'1". He's not very long, and he's not very heavy. That could be one to keep an eye on because on tape he's outstanding, but if he comes in a little bit smaller than everyone expected that could hurt his stock a little bit.

"

Additionally, some of the other teams drafting early might have bigger needs that will be filled by other prospects.

Still, the team that does get him will certainly be satisfied. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller discusses Ray's potential fits:

The Atlanta Falcons defense finished dead last in the NFL against the pass in 2014, but it would be much better with someone who can put pressure on the quarterback. This would be the best possible fit for Ray, and both sides will be happy if he falls to No. 8.

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