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2015 NFL Draft: Rounding Up Experts' Latest Mock Draft Predictions

Ian WhartonMar 16, 2015

The mock-draft season is one of the most fun to follow as a fan. With the first wave of free agency wrapped up, major needs are becoming more clear for each franchise. That puts a greater emphasis on the experts’ latest mock drafts.

Whether using league connections or their own big board, these experts are at the top of the media totem poll when it comes to predicting the NFL draft. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay are four of the best in the business. Here, we will examine each of their projected picks for every first-round selection and offer some feedback.

Who constructed the best mock draft? That’s for you to decide. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerJameis WinstonFlorida State
Daniel JeremiahJameis WinstonFlorida State
Mel Kiper Jr.Jameis WinstonFlorida State
Todd McShayJameis WinstonFlorida State

According to the draft experts, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is the clear-cut choice at No. 1. The former Heisman Trophy winner and national champion has been continually linked to the Buccaneers since the season concluded. If Tampa Bay were to go another direction, it would be considered a significant surprise.

As long as Winston’s background checks out, the Buccaneers are getting a potentially great player. Winston has struggled with a large number of interceptions, but his gunslinger attitude will bring a lot of great plays as well. He’s a great on-field leader and has the makeup of a true franchise player.

2. Tennessee Titans

2 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerLeonard WilliamsUSC
Daniel JeremiahLeonard WilliamsUSC
Mel Kiper Jr.Leonard WilliamsUSC
Todd McShay Leonard WilliamsUSC

The Tennesee Titans were able to re-sign Derrick Morgan and add Brian Orakpo to their defense in free agency. That makes the second pick in the draft much easier to predict. The experts agree, as they all went with USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams.

Unless the Titans decide to go with quarterback Marcus Mariota, adding a player of Williams' caliber is an easy choice. He’s smart, versatile, powerful and ready for the NFL. He’s a safe choice, but only because he’s too talented to fail.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

3 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerRandy GregoryNebraska
Daniel JeremiahDante Fowler Jr.Florida
Mel Kiper Jr.Dante Fowler Jr.Florida
Todd McShay Dante Fowler Jr.Florida

One of the big free-agency winners thus far has been the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’ve been checking off needs and adding quality players such as Jared Odrick, Julius Thomas, Jermey Parnell, Davon House and Dan Skuta. The draft experts all agree that pass-rusher is the next area to address.

Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr. is the better prospect of the two mocked to the Jaguars. Fowler is a more refined pass-rusher than Randy Gregory. For Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley, adding a quality "Leo" edge-rusher to their defense must be a priority. Fowler Jr. is a perfect fit.

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4. Oakland Raiders

4 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerKevin WhiteWest Virginia
Daniel JeremiahKevin WhiteWest Virginia
Mel Kiper Jr.Kevin WhiteWest Virginia
Todd McShay Kevin WhiteWest Virginia

The board agrees that West Virginia’s dynamic playmaker Kevin White should be heading to Oakland. The Raiders desperately need weapons for second-year quarterback Derek Carr. White is the best receiver in the 2015 class and can start from Day 1.

White immediately allows the Raiders to shift James Jones into his more natural slot position. Andre Holmes can be the other outside receiver, and Carr will be able to go vertical as often as he wants. The Raiders’ offensive rebuild will be greatly aided by White’s presence.

5. Washington Redskins

5 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerDante Fowler Jr.Florida
Daniel JeremiahShane RayMissouri
Mel Kiper Jr.Shane RayMissouri
Todd McShay Randy GregoryNebraska

Washington needs more help on defense, and the experts agree on that. They cannot agree on which edge-rusher is the best option, though. The majority leans toward Shane Ray of Missouri.

Ray was a productive player in college, but this doesn’t seem like the best pick for the Redskins. With Gregory and Clemson’s Vic Beasley on the board, there are better players available. Washington’s desire to add highly productive college players could lead to them overlooking the more well-rounded athletes with the fifth pick.

6. New York Jets

6 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerVic BeasleyClemson
Daniel Jeremiah Trae Waynes Michigan State
Mel Kiper Jr.Marcus Mariota Oregon
Todd McShay Marcus Mariota Oregon

The ESPN duo agrees that Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota should be the choice here. As do I. The investment in Geno Smith has been a miserable experience for everyone involved, and it is time to add a more competent signal-caller.

Mariota would complete the Jets’ offseason overhaul and immediately put them into the playoff picture. His fit with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey seems perfect on paper. Plus, Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Chris Ivory, Jeremy Kerley and Jace Amaro would surround Mariota. That’s a great situation for a rookie quarterback.

7. Chicago Bears

7 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Amari CooperAlabama
Daniel JeremiahVic BeasleyClemson
Mel Kiper Jr.Randy GregoryNebraska
Todd McShay Danny SheltonWashington

Without any clear agreement for the Chicago Bears' pick, we have to decide which player fits best for John Fox. If Vic Beasley is on the board, he is a perfect fit for the versatile defensive approach that Fox is likely to employ. He has elite athleticism and a history of production.

Of the other choices, Amari Cooper does not seem like a strong option. A wide receiver is needed in Chicago, but that defense was so bad in 2014 that ignoring it would be a poor choice. Washington’s Danny Shelton could very well be in the fold as well.

8. Atlanta Falcons

8 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerShane RayMissouri
Daniel JeremiahRandy GregoryNebraska
Mel Kiper Jr. Vic BeasleyClemson
Todd McShay --

Another team needing a pass-rusher, the Atlanta Falcons will get the best available talent on the board. There is no consensus here, since Todd McShay did not have a pick listed in his mock. Randy Gregory is the best player that we haven’t seen agreement on yet, so he would be the top option.

Gregory is light, but his positional versatility and sheer athleticism is something to bank on. He can be a dynamic off-ball linebacker in a 4-3 defense, or a stand-up rusher in a 3-4. Expect Dan Quinn to have fun moving him around.

9. New York Giants

9 of 32
ExpertsPickSchool
Matt MillerLandon CollinsAlabama
Daniel Jeremiah Malcom BrownTexas
Mel Kiper Jr.Andrus PeatStanford
Todd McShay Brandon Scherff Iowa

The two ESPN experts go with an offensive lineman, while Daniel Jeremiah and Matt Miller go to the defensive side of the ball. Considering the amount of pressure on Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin in 2015, it’s a better decision to address the offense. By selecting Brandon Scherff of Iowa, the Giants can feel good about getting an immediate impact player.

Scherff can play tackle or guard, and projects as an elite guard if he moves inside because of his run-blocking ability and nastiness. He is a good, but not great technician as a pass protector, so he needs some work there.

10. St. Louis Rams

10 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerBrandon Scherff Iowa
Daniel JeremiahMarcus Mariota Oregon
Mel Kiper Jr. Amari CooperAlabama
Todd McShay Amari CooperAlabama

With Alabama’s Amari Cooper being picked twice, he would be the selection at this point. The St. Louis Rams traded picks and Sam Bradford to acquire quarterback Nick Foles, so it doesn’t seem likely that they’d invest in Marcus Mariota if he were on the board. Now they must add talent around Foles.

There is a strong argument that the offensive line should be addressed instead of receiver, but Brandon Scherff went ninth overall on our majority-ruled board. Foles would likely be very happy with a playmaker like Cooper.

11. Minnesota Vikings

11 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller DeVante ParkerLouisville
Daniel Jeremiah Amari CooperAlabama
Mel Kiper Jr. Trae Waynes Michigan State
Todd McShay Trae Waynes Michigan State

Another agreement by Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay will sway the vote. The Minnesota Vikings are projected to take Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes by the ESPN tandem. Daniel Jeremiah and Matt Miller have receivers as the best picks.

Waynes would be an interesting choice for the Vikings. They could use a cornerback, but Xavier Rhodes and Josh Robinson are good outside defenders. Neither Robinson nor Waynes can play in the slot because of their subpar lateral agility, so this doesn’t seem like a perfect fit.

12. Cleveland Browns

12 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerDanny SheltonWashington
Daniel JeremiahDanny SheltonWashington
Mel Kiper Jr.Danny SheltonWashington
Todd McShay DeVante ParkerLouisville

The majority of analysts agreed that Washington’s Danny Shelton is the best choice for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns desperately need a big man who can eat blocks and provide some pass rush along their defensive line. Shelton is capable of being that guy after a dominant 2014 season.

McShay’s choice of DeVante Parker would be a good fit as well. However, general manager Ray Farmer has made it clear that wide receiver isn’t the most valuable position to him, so that is a factor at play.

13. New Orleans Saints

13 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerMarcus MariotaOregon
Daniel JeremiahLa'el CollinsLSU
Mel Kiper Jr.Brandon ScherffIowa
Todd McShayVic BeasleyLSU

This is an odd landing spot because it seems that every analyst stuck their best available player to the New Orleans Saints. Talent falls at times, but it seems unrealistic that someone like Marcus Mariota would drop this far. He's just too talented and plays at a high-value position.

The best fit on the board is LSU’s La’el Collins. The powerful tackle can play inside or outside along an offensive line that needs help for Drew Brees’ sake. His combination of length, strength and attitude would fit well at guard or tackle.

14. Miami Dolphins

14 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Dorial Green-BeckhamMissouri/Oklahoma
Daniel Jeremiah DeVante ParkerLouisville
Mel Kiper Jr.  DeVante ParkerLouisville
Todd McShay Kevin JohnsonWake Forest

After trading Mike Wallace, the Dolphins could use another receiver to complete their makeover at the position. Louisville’s DeVante Parker gets the nod from two analysts, and that’s the best fit. Miami also needs help at cornerback, but with only one vote, Kevin Johnson doesn’t have enough to overcome Parker.

Of the three players listed for Miami, Dorial Green-Beckham might be the best overall talent. The fit does not make any sense, though. Miami just jettisoned three receivers that struggled with attitude and consistency. Drafting a receiver with huge character risks doesn’t seem like a good choice.

15. San Francisco 49ers

15 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerMarcus PetersWashington
Daniel JeremiahBrandon Scherff Iowa
Mel Kiper Jr. Arik Armstead Oregon
Todd McShay Arik Armstead Oregon

The San Francisco 49ers need to prepare for a new era with Justin Smith potentially walking away and Patrick Willis already gone. Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay agree that the interior defensive line needs help. Oregon’s Arik Armstead was their choice.

Armstead is a physical beast. He has elite size at 6’7” and 292 pounds, and when his engine is revving high, he is hard to stop. San Francisco can maximize his talent by easing him into the rotation while they improve his consistency. This is a high-upside pick, as Armstead just needs refinement.

16. Houston Texans

16 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerBud Dupree Kentucky
Daniel Jeremiah Jalen CollinsLSU
Mel Kiper Jr.  La'el CollinsLSU
Todd McShay Andrus PeatStanford

The experts have chosen two offensive linemen and two defensive playmakers, but none have agreed on the player. That speaks to the number of needs that Bill O’Brien needs to address in the upcoming draft. The Houston Texans had a solid 2014 campaign, but if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.

I believe the best choice here is Bud Dupree of Kentucky. Matt Miller chose Dupree in his mock, likely because his blend of athleticism and upside is too good to pass up. Replacing Brooks Reed with Dupree is a solid upgrade for the Texans.

17. San Diego Chargers

17 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Malcom BrownTexas
Daniel JeremiahTodd Gurley Georgia
Mel Kiper Jr. Malcom BrownTexas
Todd McShay Malcom BrownTexas

The first overwhelming majority pick in some time lands with San Diego. Former Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Malcom Brown is the Chargers’ target in this scenario. The versatile pass-rusher has the ability to excel as a 5-technique in a 3-4 defensive front.

Running back seems like a dark-horse candidate here for the Chargers. They need help at offensive line as well, but adding a dynamic talent like Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon should be considered.

18. Kansas City Chiefs

18 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller La'el CollinsLSU
Daniel JeremiahLandon CollinsAlabama
Mel Kiper Jr. Jaelen StrongArizona State
Todd McShay Dorial Green-BeckhamMissouri/Oklahoma

The Kansas City Chiefs have done well this offseason by signing Jeremy Maclin and trading for Ben Grubbs. With that in mind, the experts believe that the Chiefs still need offensive help. I disagree, and would side with Daniel Jeremiah here.

By drafting Landon Collins from Alabama, the Chiefs will have supreme versatility with he and Ron Parker in the secondary. Eric Berry’s status is in limbo for the foreseeable future, and the defense needs an impact safety. If Berry comes back at full strength, the Chiefs can make the three-safety unit work with unique coverages.

19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills)

19 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Jaelen StrongArizona State
Daniel Jeremiah Jaelen StrongArizona State
Mel Kiper Jr. Ereck FlowersMiami (FL)
Todd McShay Ereck FlowersMiami (FL)

The board is split for the Cleveland Browns’ second pick in the first round. After nabbing their defensive tackle of the future at No. 12, they should get a receiver here. It’s too big of a need to overlook at this point, regardless of Farmer’s own philosophy on the position.

Jaelen Strong can be the Browns’ version of Marques Colston. He had a great combine, showing good speed and explosiveness. His tape is impressive as well. Giving Johnny Manziel a legitimate starting receiver should be the priority with the 19th overall pick.

20. Philadelphia Eagles

20 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Breshad Perriman UCF
Daniel JeremiahByron JonesUConn
Mel Kiper Jr. Jalen CollinsLSU
Todd McShay Landon CollinsAlabama

It’s hard to love any of the experts' picks at the 20th overall spot, despite each player being very talented. Connecticut’s Byron Jones has good tape, but his rise into the first round is a result of his incredible combine. Workout warriors without great tape shouldn’t be vaulted that high so quickly.

The best option of the bunch is LSU’s Jalen Collins. The physical cornerback lacks experience, but not talent. He has the traits to develop into a very good starting cornerback in time. If he realizes his potential, the Eagles secondary would look good with Collins and Byron Maxwell.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

21 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerEddie GoldmanFlorida State
Daniel JeremiahArik ArmsteadOregon
Mel Kiper Jr.Eli HaroldVirginia
Todd McShayBud DupreeKentucky

The experts have done well to identify the needs for the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati struggled to create consistent pressure in 2014 as Geno Atkins came back from injury and Michael Johnson was in Tampa Bay. Those two are back in the fold for 2015, and adding an edge-rusher to help them would be a major move.

Virginia’s Eli Harold would be my pick to break the tie. Harold is a moldable athlete that wins with pure speed off the edge. He has great potential, but needs time to improve his hand usage. The Bengals would be one of the best teams to help him improve.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers

22 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerRonald DarbyFlorida State
Daniel JeremiahEli HaroldVirginia
Mel Kiper Jr.Landon CollinsAlabama
Todd McShay Jalen CollinsLSU

The bottom of the first round is starting to include a variation of the same names, but we’ve already assigned some to earlier picks. None of the experts agree on this pick. The best recommendation on the board came from Matt Miller.

Florida State’s Ronald Darby would be a great fit for the Steelers franchise. Darby is a smooth athlete that is able to play press on bigger receiver. His ability to locate the ball needs to improve, but he has the physical talent to develop into a solid starter.

23. Detroit Lions

23 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Arik Armstead Oregon
Daniel JeremiahD.J. Humphries Florida
Mel Kiper Jr.Eddie GoldmanFlorida State
Todd McShay Cameron Erving Florida State

There are still some very good players on the board for the Detroit Lions to pick from. With needs along the offensive and defensive lines, they have the chance to pick up an immediate starter. The experts don’t agree on a name, but do agree with the areas of need.

The best immediate talent is D.J. Humphries. The Florida tackle is a great athlete with immense upside. His strength and quickness is reminiscent of Dallas' Tyron Smith. His technique needs more consistency, but the Lions would do well to lock in their tackle of the future.

24. Arizona Cardinals

24 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerMelvin GordonWisconsin
Daniel JeremiahEddie GoldmanFlorida State
Mel Kiper Jr.Melvin GordonWisconsin
Todd McShay Eli HaroldVirginia

One of the best rosters in the NFL has the chance to pick up a very unique talent. Two experts have selected Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin, so that is the pick here. Along with Carson Palmer and a deep receiving core, Gordon could have a big impact for Arizona.

This isn’t as much of a need-based pick as the defensive players that Jeremiah and McShay mocked, but  it's a huge luxury. Gordon is as dynamic in the open field as we have seen in years. Andre Ellington’s injury history wouldn’t be as much of a concern with Gordon in the mix.

25. Carolina Panthers

25 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerD.J. Humphries Florida
Daniel JeremiahT.J. Clemmings Pittsburgh
Mel Kiper Jr.D.J. Humphries Florida
Todd McShay T.J. Clemmings Pittsburgh

This is the spot where an offensive lineman seems inevitable. The board is split between Humphries from Florida and T.J. Clemmings of Pittsburgh. Since the Panthers like to run, Clemmings is a natural fit. His ability to move in space is elite, and reminiscent of Greg Robinson a year ago.

The question with Clemmings is his pass-protection ability as a rookie. His Senior Bowl performance was rough because he does not consistently land his punches inside the defender's chest. He’s only been a lineman for two years, and it shows. The Panthers will need patience with Clemmings.

26. Baltimore Ravens

26 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerTodd Gurley Georgia
Daniel JeremiahMelvin GordonWisconsin
Mel Kiper Jr.Marcus PetersWashington
Todd McShay Marcus PetersWashington

The biggest name of note from the experts' selections is Washington’s Marcus Peters. The cornerback is extremely talented, and if he falls this far, the Ravens will be getting a major steal. However, his character has been in question since his dismissal from the university midway through 2014.

But Peters has not broken any laws or been a menace to society. He was immature, and he’s admitted as much. He’s now ready to move forward and become the dominant on-field player he is capable of being.

27. Dallas Cowboys

27 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Shaq ThompsonWashington
Daniel JeremiahBud Dupree Kentucky
Mel Kiper Jr.Kevin JohnsonWake Forest
Todd McShay Melvin GordonWisconsin

This is the value part of the first round. These deep-playoff teams have drafted well for years, and the Dallas Cowboys are finally reaping the rewards of loading up in the trenches. The experts are split once again, but this choice really comes down to the defensive side of the ball.

The best overall fit here is Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson. He is smooth, explosive and smart, with the ability to play in any scheme and be a solid starter in his first season.

28. Denver Broncos

28 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerEric KendricksUCLA
Daniel JeremiahJordan PhillipsOklahoma
Mel Kiper Jr.Cameron ErvingFlorida State
Todd McShayEddie GoldmanFlorida State

There’s been a lot of change for the Denver Broncos this offseason. For the Broncos to return to the Super Bowl in 2015, their top priority should be replacing Terrence Knighton. The former Broncos nose tackle was great at eating up blocks, but he has departed to Washington.

The best two-gapping tackle here is Eddie Goldman. The former Florida State star only started for two seasons, so there are stretches where he struggled. But his ability to step in and provide solid run defense and the occasional pass rush shouldn’t be undervalued.

29. Indianapolis Colts

29 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Jalen CollinsLSU
Daniel JeremiahAndrus PeatStanford
Mel Kiper Jr.T.J. Clemmings Pittsburgh
Todd McShay La'el CollinsLSU

One of the big winners of free agency so far, the Indianapolis Colts must nail this pick to keep their roster full of young talent. Luckily for them, there is good value on the board. Daniel Jeremiah has the Colts taking Andrus Peat from Stanford.

The left tackle isn’t overly physical despite his amazing size, so that is why he falls this far. An old adage that you don’t want to hear regarding an offensive line prospect is that they “look like Tarzan and play like Jane,” but that applies here. If the Colts can unlock his mean streak, watch for Peat to become a franchise left tackle.

30. Green Bay Packers

30 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerBenardrick McKinneyMississippi State
Daniel Jeremiah Ereck FlowersMiami (FL)
Mel Kiper Jr.Jordan PhillipsOklahoma
Todd McShay Jordan PhillipsOklahoma

It seems like the Green Bay Packers have been trying to build their defense for years. Sitting at the 30th pick, the experts mostly agree that there is still work to be done on that side of the ball. After losing B.J. Raji to free agency, Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips would be a good value pick at a critical position.

Phillips started just one season for the Sooners, and it shows that he needs work. He is a very good athlete for his size, though, and it is a premium position for a 3-4 front. The end of the first round is a great place to add a piece like Phillips

31. New Orleans Saints

31 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt MillerTrae WaynesMichigan State
Daniel JeremiahDorial Green-Beckham (for Seahawks)Missouri/Oklahoma
Mel Kiper Jr.Breshad Perriman (for Seahawks)UCF
Todd McShayTodd Gurley (for Seahawks)Georgia

Since three of the experts haven’t updated their picks since Jimmy Graham was traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Seattle Seahawks, we don’t have much to work with. Matt Miller has the Saints taking Trae Waynes of Michigan State. This is understandable, as much of the love for Waynes came after his blazing 4.31-second 40-yard dash time.

Waynes’ speed was never an issue. He struggles with inside routes due to stiff hips, and his slight frame gives him issues against bigger, more physical receivers. He’s a good player and very talented, but he’s more of a fringe first-round talent than top 10.

32. New England Patriots

32 of 32
ExpertPickSchool
Matt Miller Owa Odighizuwa UCLA
Daniel JeremiahCarl DavisIowa
Mel Kiper Jr.Carl DavisIowa
Todd McShay Carl DavisIowa

The overwhelming decision to have the New England Patriots address the defensive line is understandable after the team released Vince Wilfork this offseason. Even with Jabaal Sheard in the mix, the Patriots could use another down lineman. Both Carl Davis and Owa Odighizuwa are good values this late in the first round.

Davis is a two-gapping presence that has consistency issues; there are times where he seems to check out of games. When he’s determined to be disruptive, he does so well. His strength and quickness is highly impressive for a player his size. 



All stats are courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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