2015 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for 1st-Round Prospects Before Combine Workouts

Every NFL team is looking to improve over the offseason, from the 2-14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots.

There are a number of ways a franchise can upgrade its roster. Some teams elect to acquire high-priced veteran free agents, and others prefer to accumulate draft picks.

Both of those options come with some risk, but free agency is far more of a gamble. We've seen teams dish out enormous contracts to veterans who flourished in one system only to struggle in a new environment while eating up a rather large chunk of cap space. That scenario can set a team back for quite some time.

While a draft pick does have bust potential as well, the rookie wage scale keeps the financial risk at a minimum. That said, there's a reason why many franchises prefer to build around a young core of inexpensive players instead of taking on lucrative veteran contracts—both of last season's Super Bowl teams are good examples.

With the NFL Scouting Combine just around the corner, and the draft fast approaching, here's a look at how each team is likely to improve during the first round.

Pick	Team	Selection
1	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
2	Tennessee Titans	Leonard Williams, DT, USC
3	Jacksonville Jaguars	Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
4	Oakland Raiders	Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
5	Washington Redskins	Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
6	New York Jets	Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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	Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
32	New England Patriots	Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

Analyzing Selections for Rebuilding Teams

Not every team needs to obtain a prospect who can contribute right away—although, that's always a bonus. Some teams draft for potential, while others are looking to rebuild their rosters from the ground up and can afford to show patience with new players.

There are several teams selecting in the first round that may be a year or two away from becoming serious contenders. Let's take an in-depth look at the prospects they are likely to select in the first round and how those players will help their respective squads continue to improve.

2. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DT, USC

Tennessee has plenty of holes to fill, and the team will have several options at No. 2 overall; however, a big need is along the defensive line, and USC's Leonard Williams has the potential to be a stud in the NFL.

At 6'5" and 300 pounds, a combination of length, athleticism and incredible power makes him a force in every aspect of the game. His upside is astronomical.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Like the Titans, the Jaguars could go in several directions here. The team invested in Blake Bortles in last year's draft, and now it must improve the offensive line to protect that investment.

Brandon Scherff is a big, physical lineman who uses his strong 6'5", 320-pound frame to overpower defenders. He doesn't have elite quickness on the edge, but if moved to guard, he could become one of the league's best.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

The Raiders saw some nice production from rookie quarterback Derek Carr last season; however, the young signal-caller sorely needs a true No. 1 option.

Alabama's Amari Cooper is a polished prospect who boasts nice acceleration and a huge catch radius. He's able to make the tough grabs, can separate from defenders and has the agility to generate yards after the catch.

6. New York Jets: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

New York isn't exactly a team that's completely rebuilding, but it will likely undergo plenty of changes this offseason with Todd Bowles at the helm. Marcus Mariota may be the biggest change of all. The Jets have lacked talent at quarterback for years now, and the Oregon product brings good accuracy, arm strength and mobility. He may need a little development, but he'll be worth the wait.

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

Minnesota's offense is in roughly the same situation as Oakland's. The Vikings have a solid young signal-caller in Teddy Bridgewater, but they need to add a true No. 1 target. The 6'3", 210-pound Kevin White has the ability to be a big outside threat.

White locates the ball well and uses great leaping ability to make high-point receptions. Good acceleration makes him a vertical threat, and good agility allows him to create separation.