6 2015 NFL Draft Picks Who Could Be Opening Game Starters for Jacksonville

Finding an immediate rookie starter is always difficult. But the Jacksonville Jaguars are in a prime position to find not just one but maybe even two or three potential starters in the 2015 NFL draft. If they find the right fits for their needs, the trend of rookie starters will continue to 2015.

The Jaguars have three spots that are up for grabs, given the circumstances:

• Running back
• Center
• LEO

Whomever the Jaguars take in the first or second round will have a fair chance to claim a starting role in Duval. The Jaguars have faith in young players, as seen in the past couple years by the number of rookies who claimed starting spots.

Center is the exception. While current starting center Luke Bowanko is a solid player, he's untested and the position could be improved. The Jaguars might wait until the third day of the draft to draft a center, but I still think the player they draft will immediately compete for the starting spot.

At running back, it will have to be one of a few options in the first or second round. If the Jaguars draft one past that, I can imagine some depth shakeup. But, I doubt the player picked will be able to snatch the starting job.

Finally, the Jaguars have plenty of options for a starting LEO, but I think they can only find an immediate starter in the first round. Current starting LEO Chris Clemons was excellent last season, and if the Jaguars want to find a new starter, they're going to have to be a first-round talent.

With the intro out of the way, let's look at the six 2015 NFL draft picks who could be opening game starters for the Jaguars.

6. Jay Ajayi

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Jay Ajayi went from a back with impressive numbers at a mid-level school to a hot NFL draft prospect. Excelling at the NFL combine, along with an impressive career, has Ajayi high up on many NFL teams' list.

Ajayi dominated in jumping and shuttling drills, and while he doesn't have the speed of other backs, he makes up for it with physicality. Ajayi is a determined, tough back who looks to get up field in the most straightforward way possible. 

As for his numbers with the Boise State Broncos, Ajayi was absolutely dominant. In two years as a starter, Ajayi averaged 5.5 yards a carry, totaled 3,248 yards and scored 46 touchdowns. It doesn't matter what kind of competition he was facing—those numbers are impressive.

However, it has yet to be seen if Ajayi is the immediate starter the Jaguars might look for in a running back. Ajayi is projected by CBSSports.com to the second round, which gives the Jaguars a chance to draft him and makes him available, to say the least.

Ajayi would come into arguably the toughest position battle on the Jaguars. Running backs Denard Robinson, Toby Gerhart, Bernard Pierce and Storm Johnson are all vying for the starting job, and Ajayi doesn't make that situation any easier.

However, Ajayi could easily prove his worth. He was incredibly consistent, and his tough, effective running style would garner praise from the team and from the fans. Ajayi has the potential to be a Week 1 starter, but he'd have to make some quick improvements to get there.

5. Leonard Williams

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Leonard Williams has been one of the most explosive players in college football for the past couple years, and he's looking to continue his dominance in the NFL. Williams is strong, fast and versatile and could definitely earn a starting spot on the Jaguars defensive line.

Williams was a leader and pivotal member of the USC Trojans' defensive line, and his ability to play both inside and out was huge to his success. He garnered 21 sacks in his time at USC and was consistently beating blockers and finding his way to the quarterback.

Williams' most appealing trait is his versatility. He showed at USC that he can play almost any position on the defensive line, but that may not translate as well into the NFL.

The Jaguars are looking for a distinct and accomplished outside pass-rusher. While Williams is arguably the best pass-rusher available, he may not be the best fit for the Jaguars. They need a LEO for this season, and I think it would take a while for him to be a starter at that position.

Williams is an incredible player, but his versatility hurts his chances to become an immediate starter for the Jaguars. Current LEO Clemons was successful last season, and it would have to take an extremely talented and natural LEO to remove him from his starting spot.

Williams would most definitely compete for the LEO spot and would most definitely be a starter, in time. His inexperience with the system and the fact he's a dedicated LEO give me doubts. As talented as he is, he would still have to do a lot to prove he deserves a starting spot, due to his inexperience.

4. Hroniss Grasu

Ryan Kang/Associated Press

Hroniss Grasu is the Jaguars' most experienced option at center in the draft, and they have to respect that. Grasu started 50 consecutive games as an Oregon Duck before a leg injury knocked him out during his senior season, which shows Grasu already has plenty of experience as a starter.

He paved the way for the Ducks and their effective offense for four seasons. Grasu found himself in a starting spot in his redshirt freshman year and never let go. 

At 6'3" and 297 pounds, Grasu's athletic frame and his quickness after snaps make for a dangerous combo at center. He has all of the natural ability in the world, but the intangible questions remain.

While it's obvious that Grasu is a proven starter and has impressive experience, is he a viable option for the Jaguars? Can they take him at a sensible spot, and how does he compare to current starter Bowanko?

According to CBSSports.com, Grasu is projected in the second round, which gives the Jaguars a legitimate chance at selecting him. They can still go get their LEO pass-rusher and be able to select him in the second.

As for a comparison to Bowanko, I'd have to say that Grasu is definitely the more talented option. If it's based strictly on their talent and overall ability, it's Grasu.

However, Bowanko's year of experience makes him a tough opponent for any rookie center the Jaguars might bring in. The year he has spent with the Jaguars make him the reliable, smart option, which will be tough for Grasu or any new center.

While Grasu is a potential star in the second round, I think the Jaguars will focus elsewhere, like running back or potentially, wide receiver. However, if their top option is taken off the board, and if Grasu is selected in the second round, I think he'd have a very good shot at being a starter.

3. Reese Dismukes

Jay Sailors/Associated Press

Reese Dismukes is a center who has impressed me a lot after looking back at his career. Dismukes is a Rimington Trophy winner and All-American player who has flown under the radar, despite his incredible college career.

CBSSports.com has Dismukes projected in the third round, and that's probably pretty accurate. Despite Dismukes' success, he's not the most naturally gifted player, and he's a little smaller for a center at 6'3" and 296 pounds.

However, size is something that can be worked on. And if he were able to get a bit stronger over this offseason, his technical ability would carry him a long way. Dismukes is quick, smart and reliable, evidenced by the fact that he started 50 career games for the Auburn Tigers.

Dismukes would be tough competition for current Jaguars center Bowanko because of this excellent technical ability. While Bowanko has played well, his ceiling isn't as high as Dismukes' seems to be. 

He already has the technical ability, and if Dismukes added some weight and strength, he could be a dominant center. He has tremendous upside and the pedigree and experience that teams look for in a player.

Bowanko is a solid player, and he wouldn't give up the spot easily. But should the Jaguars draft Dismukes in the third round, he is most definitely my favorite, should it become a battle for a starting spot.

2. Dante Fowler Jr.

John Raoux/Associated Press

In terms of the Jaguars' system and type of player they are looking for at LEO, there might not be a better fit than Dante Fowler Jr. Fowler is tenacious and fast and has the experience and proven ability you look for in an immediate starter.

Fowler's college career saw him total 14.5 sacks for the Florida Gators and consistently showed improvement through the years in Gainesville. Fowler has improved most in his vision and decision making, and along with his natural physical ability, he looks like the total package. 

The impressive part of Fowler is that he has come a long way in the past year. He seemed to depend on his pure speed and quickness to pass by defenders. While his numbers aren't as impressive as other candidates, he has matured and played a much smarter game.

Fowler isn't perfect, but he's coming close. He still misses on the ball carrier or quarterback at times, but as he develops, that will only improve. But, is he good enough to be an immediate starter?

Current starting LEO Clemons is a veteran and was very impressive in 2014 with eight sacks and four forced fumbles. However, Clemons is now 33. The 20-year-old Fowler is extremely talented, and the Jaguars gain more from starting Fowler sooner rather than later.

At the very least, I definitely see Fowler getting plenty of play time and giving Clemons a tough battle for the starting spot. However, if there's any LEO that has a chance by immediately taking the starting spot from Clemons, it's Fowler.

1. Melvin Gordon

Mel Evans/Associated Press

Whether you think Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon is the top running back in the draft is up to each individual, but in terms of potential selections, Gordon is the Jaguars guy. An incredible back with a tremendous work ethic, Gordon is the best back that could potentially fall to the Jaguars.

CBSSports.com has Gordon projected in the first round, but I think the lack of respect for the running back position means there is a decent chance he slips to the Jaguars' second-round pick. It's a lot to rely on, but it is a real possibility.

Gordon was a dominant force for the Wisconsin Badgers for the past two years—most specifically, his unbelievable senior season. On 343 carries, Gordon had 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Badgers. Mind-blowing numbers, to say the least.

Along with Gordon's incredible Barry Sanders-esque season, he's just a flat-out incredible athlete. A consistent, across-the-board showing at the combine and his ability to carry the ball 20-30 times a game, every game, are incredible.

However, does Gordon get an immediate start for the Jaguars, should he fall to them in the second?

Absolutely.

Gordon's talent and physical ability is above everyone competing for the position currently, to the point when being a rookie doesn't even matter. The current backs aren't bad, but Gordon is something special.

All stats were provided by ESPN.com, unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.