2015 NFL Draft: First-Round Order and Projections for Safest Prospects

We're entering the most intriguing part of the NFL offseason—the days leading up to the draft.

At this point in the year, team needs are identified and we have a general idea of which prospects each may target to fill roster voids. However, coveted prospects aren't always projected to be available for interested teams, and that can lead to some trickery.

Just before the draft, teams begin to "leak" information regarding feelings on prospects and draft strategies. Sometimes these rumors can be legitimate, but generally they can be categorized as smokescreens due to the fact their purpose is solely to throw off other teams in hopes of improving their chances of the draft shaking out in their favor.

Sifting through this kind of information and determining what is real and what is a smokescreen can be a daunting task, and based on what is currently known, here's a look at how the first round is likely to unfold.

Pick	Team	Selection
1	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
2	Tennessee Titans	Leonard Williams, DT, USC
3	Jacksonville Jaguars	Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
4	Oakland Raiders	Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
5	Washington Redskins	Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
6	New York Jets	Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
7	Chicago Bears	Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
8	Atlanta Falcons	Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
9	New York Giants	Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa
10	St. Louis Rams	Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
11	Minnesota Vikings	Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
12	Cleveland Browns	DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
13	New Orleans Saints	Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
14	Miami Dolphins	Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
15	San Francisco 49ers	Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
16	Houston Texans	La'el Collins, OT, LSU
17	San Diego Chargers	Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
18	Kansas City Chiefs	Landon Collins, S, Alabama
19	Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo)	T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
20	Philadelphia Eagles	Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
21	Cincinnati Bengals	Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
22	Pittsburgh Steelers	Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
23	Detroit Lions	Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida St.
24	Arizona Cardinals	Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
25	Carolina Panthers	Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
26	Baltimore Ravens	Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
27	Dallas Cowboys	Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
28	Denver Broncos	D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
29	Indianapolis Colts	Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
30	Green Bay Packers	Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
31	New Orleans Saints (via Seattle)	Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
32	New England Patriots	Cameron Erving, C, Florida State

Analyzing Safest 1st-Round Prospects

Selecting a "safe" prospect in the first round can have an immediate impact on a team. These players are polished or talented enough to contribute immediately and vastly improve their respective NFL rosters.

Guard Zack Martin was a perfect example in 2014, as his phenomenal play helped bolster the Dallas Cowboys offensive line, opening up gaping holes for the running game and providing great protection in the passing game. This led to a resurgent offense and ended a four-year playoff drought.

So, which players are poised to have the same kind of impact in 2015? Let's take a look.

2. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DT, USC

Known for his vast power, tremendous motor and great versatility, the 6'5", 302-pound Leonard Williams may be this year's safest prospect. He'll fit in any scheme and cause problems for opposing offensive lines from multiple positions. This former Trojan is a great athlete and has tremendous upside with few weaknesses. He's the epitome of an instant starter.

9. New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa

Could Brandon Scherff be this year's Zack Martin? Possibly. The 6'5", 319-pound former Hawkeye played tackle in college but is better suited as a guard in the NFL. His power and great measurables will make him a force in the running game. Playing inside will make his biggest weakness of getting beat around the edge by faster pass-rushers a non-issue.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

At 6'1" and 211 pounds, Amari Cooper doesn't have the size of some of the draft's other wide receivers, but he's far more polished and is poised to become an instant top target for NFL quarterbacks. His precise route running allows him to create separation from defensive backs, and his soft hands will make him a reliable target.

12. Cleveland Browns: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

DeVante Parker may not be as polished as Cooper, but he knows how to use his 6'3", 209-pound frame to his advantage. With great length and a huge wingspan, Parker has a massive catch radius. Combined with his leaping ability and height, he'll be an instant deep threat and red-zone target. He runs well with the ball in his hands and will also be able to generate significant yards after the catch.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon may receive knocks for not being a three-down back, but he did display good receiving ability during offseason workouts. The 6'1", 215-pound ball-carrier was the nation's top running back for a reason in 2014. His great burst and good top-end speed and vision allowed him to gain chunks of yards at a time. When running between the tackles, he keeps his legs churning through contact—a coveted trait for NFL backs.