NFL Draft 2015: Latest Storylines and Predictions as Pro Days Continue

The 2015 NFL draft isn't something fans should throw in the back of their minds until the event is close. 

While the first round doesn't kick off in Chicago until April 30, a whirlwind of news, rumors and stock fluctuations continue to unfold and alter how the event will play out. While brackets and the like distract fans, a class deep at wideout and elite defenders continues to shapeshift.

There are only two quarterbacks worth a first-round pick this year, and two teams clutch a pair of first-round picks. Those teams—the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints—are major trade candidates either looking for one last push for a Super Bowl or serious help in a rebuild (which is which shouldn't need explanation).

Even in this age of information it can be difficult to keep up with the latest storylines, so take a moment to review. Like a great left tackle, it prevents being blindsided later.

The Race for Wideouts

Think last year with Odell Beckham Jr., Sammy Watkins and more was great? 

Look at this year. There's Heisman Trophy finalist Amari Cooper, one of the most complete receivers to come out in years. There's West Virginia's Kevin White, an athletic freak who can change games from anywhere on the field. There's even Dorial Green-Beckham, who could be mistaken for Calvin Johnson from a physical standpoint.

Those are just the top three names.

The frantic situation around the draft's top wideouts somewhat mirrors last season when the Buffalo Bills sold everything but the franchise itself to move up and take Watkins in the top five.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah wonders if the Saints will pull off a similar move this year, as he said on Path to the Draft, per NFL.com's Bryan Fischer:

"

Jimmy Graham is gone. Kenny Stills is gone. Brandin Cooks, let's give him a running mate. Kevin White would look good with the Saints. But maybe the Saints, who are in the South division and are thinking Southeastern Conference, go all the way up to No. 4 and grab Amari Cooper. Let's have a happy Drew Brees.

"

While just speculation, it points to how crazy the frenzy around wideouts may be this year.

Not to say Cooper isn't worth it, of course. Other than almost bringing in some individual hardware after 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns, the Alabama star weighed in at 6'1" and 211 pounds at the combine while posting elite numbers in the three-cone drill (6.71 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (3.98).

The odds of a major trade with a top wideout at stake are good this year, although it's hard to imagine White and Cooper escape the top 11. In fact, No. 11 seems the perfect fit for Cooper, as Minnesota won't throw away a chance at grabbing an elite prospect to help Teddy Bridgewater.

Prediction: Saints fail to trade into top 10; Cooper goes to MIN at No. 11.

First-Round Backs Make a Return?

The closer the draft inches, the more it seems a running back might break into the first round after years of the position missing out on the top 32.

Need might force the issue.

Look at the Dallas Cowboys, a team now without DeMarco Murray thanks to free agency and with oft-injured Darren McFadden to lead the backfield. As Stephen Jones told David Helman of DallasCowboys.com, the team will keep its options open:

How about the Carolina Panthers or Detroit Lions? Connor Smolensky of The Macon Telegraph notes both have met with Georgia tailback Todd Gurley:

Ever think about the New England Patriots helping to break the streak? Bleacher Report's Matt Miller would pull the trigger at 32 if Gurley was still on the board:

All right, so talent is a big part of the equation, too.

Gurley is one of the best backs to enter the draft since Adrian Peterson, whose per-carry average has never dipped below 6.0 on a season. He's an injury risk, but game-changing backs are few and far between these days.

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon may also draw first-round consideration after rushing for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns a season ago.

If backs in the first round are to make a return, this year figures to be it. The draft is deep at the position, though, so it might just be the Patriots at the end of the round acting as heroes, which makes sense, as the team perhaps won't want to roll with LeGarrette Blount as the starter next season.

Prediction: New England selects Todd Gurley at No. 32.

The Trade-Down Carousel

As the Saints personify above, the trade-up market will be hot on draft day.

What about the teams thinking about giving away the top picks?

Look at a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the Tennessee Titans at No. 2 figure to stand pat and take a quarterback, and the Oakland Raiders at No. 4 will want to help Derek Carr with an elite prospect, the Jaguars are up in the air.

Coach Gus Bradley recently spoke to the media on the topic of trading out of No. 3 and admitted it would help the team.

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

"I think so. Without a doubt," Bradley said, per NJ.com's Eliot Shorr-Parks. "I think it would have to be the right situation, but we are always open to that."

If the Jaguars can get more first-round picks this year or into the future, then a move down makes sense. Logic says the team wants an elite receiver to help Blake Bortles, but Allen Hurns broke out last season, and Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee are heading into their second season.

Addressing a weak defense would be ideal, but at the same time, the unit did amass a quality 45 sacks a season ago.

The point is, the Jaguars need more than one top talent to fix things, and a trade down may provide the opportunity. Look for Bradley and the Jaguars to at least entertain the idea in a serious manner, although their asking price may prove too high, even for desperate teams.

Prediction: Titans, Jaguars, Raiders don't trade down.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of March 25. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.