2015 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting the Ideal 1st-Round Pick for Every Team

In just nine days from Tuesday, the 30 teams holding first-round picks in the 2015 NFL draft will be hoping to land ideal selections for their rosters.

Predicting which prospects will be at the top of each team’s board is an inexact science. Rankings inside NFL draft rooms tend to be much more diverse than those produced by mainstream media draft analysts, and players always come off the board much earlier than expected, including within the top 32 picks.

Nonetheless, it’s time for teams and fans alike to project how the draft will play out, as fervor builds before the event on April 30-May 2.

Although most draft analysts agree that this year’s class lacks elite talents, that does not the draft any less intriguing. Headlined by Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, this year's class features plenty of projected first-round picks who have the potential to be game-changers, even if they are not considered sure-thing prospects.

Not every team will have the opportunity to draft the player it covets most in Round 1, but all 32 first-round picks will be expected to emerge as impact players in short order. In one of the final mock draft projections to come this year, we take a look at which prospects each team could be homing in on and what those prospects could bring to their projected new teams.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

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Although Jameis Winston has long been presumed to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preference for the No. 1 overall pick, they are reportedly wavering on that selection, according to Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman. 

Multiple alternatives to drafting Winston have been rumored: Former Buccaneers operations coordinator Joe Bussell expects the team to draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, while Newsday’s Bob Glauber has reported that “the Bucs will listen seriously to trade offers for the No. 1 pick.”

Ultimately though, it is still likely Winston will emerge as Tampa Bay’s selection when the smoke clears. Selecting Mariota would be a reasonable option, and it’s possible the Buccaneers could get a trade offer that is too good to pass up, but one way or another, Tampa Bay needs to come away from the first round with a new franchise quarterback.

Winston could be the team's ideal first-round choice this year. A 6’4”, 231-pound signal-caller with a strong arm and demonstrated ability to complete throws under pressure and between tight windows, Winston has the potential, if developed properly, to emerge as an elite pocket passer.

If the Buccaneers are concerned about Winston’s alarming off-field history, as Freeman’s report indicates may be the case, that could shift this pick in another direction. The Buccaneers also could simply prefer Mariota, who is a better athlete than Winston and had a better 2014 season.

Either way, the Buccaneers have a clear need to address at No. 1, and Winston—who has special playmaking ability when he's at his best—could be tough to pass up.

2. Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee Titans): Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

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Projected Trade: The Tennessee Titans trade the No. 2 overall pick to the Cleveland Browns for the Nos. 12 and 19 overall selections and the Browns’ 2016 first-round pick.

Whichever of the top two quarterbacks the Buccaneers do not take—in this scenario, Oregon’s Marcus Mariota—is likely to be the No. 2 overall pick. The team that drafts him, however, might not be the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans reportedly believe 2014 sixth-round pick Zach Mettenberger, who started six games as a rookie, can be their franchise quarterback. According to David Climer of The Tennessean, “Titans brass see Mettenberger as a poor team’s Tom Brady.”

Given that, the ideal scenario appears to be one in which the Titans can trade down and acquire a multitude of picks from a team interested in drafting the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner.

A hot trade rumor that has been bandied about in the past week is that of the San Diego Chargers trading Philip Rivers to the Titans. That rumor gained steam Monday night when LaDainian Tomlinson, one of Rivers’ former teammates in San Diego, said he thinks Rivers has “lost confidence in the organization,” according to NFL Media PR.

That said, if the Titans believe Mettenberger can be a long-term starter, is trading for a 33-year-old quarterback really the move they will want to make? A more attractive move might be to net multiple first-round picks in return—which is exactly what the Cleveland Browns can offer.

Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net, who expects trade talks with the Titans to “pick up intensity in the coming week,” reported Monday that “the Cleveland Browns are the front-runners and working hardest in the hopes of acquiring the quarterback.” According to Pauline, the Browns “may be willing” to trade both of their first-round picks for Mariota but want to keep their second-round pick, No. 43 overall, to draft a wide receiver.

If the Browns really want the No. 2 overall pick, they will probably have to throw in a third pick of significance—possibly their 2016 first-rounder—to close the deal. If they do that, the trade would make sense for both sides.

It would be a bold move for the Browns, who are just one year removed from using a first-rounder on Johnny Manziel, but it has been evident all offseason that the team already has serious doubts about its incumbent. Striking a deal to draft Mariota, who would be an upgrade over Manziel on the field and provide much more stability off it, is a chance the Browns appear willing to take.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB/DE, Florida

The Jacksonville Jaguars should be targeting an athletically gifted pass-rusher with the No. 3 overall pick, and they will have plenty of options available.

At 6’3” and 261 pounds, Fowler is an explosive edge defender with the speed and quickness to pressure opposing quarterbacks in a hurry, along with the size and strength to hold up reliably against the run.

Having played all over the defensive front seven at Florida, Fowler is a versatile chess piece who can line up in a variety of positions, but he is also an excellent fit to be Jacksonville’s "Leo," the position that signifies the Jaguars’ primary edge rusher.

The other player who has been a popular mock draft projection for the Jaguars is Clemson edge defender Vic Beasley. While Fowler gets the nod here, Beasley is another fantastic athlete who could play the same role Fowler would fill.

Three additional edge defenders who have also been projected as potential top-10 picks are Missouri’s Shane Ray, Nebraska’s Randy Gregory and Kentucky’s Alvin “Bud” Dupree. But it would be a surprise, and probably a mistake, if the Jaguars drafted one of those three players over Fowler or Beasley.

4. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC

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There are two players available in this scenario—USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams and Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper—who could qualify as home run selections for the Oakland Raiders at No. 4.

Williams, widely considered the draft’s best defensive player, would give the Raiders a big upgrade at interior penetrator and a second young star for their front seven to pair with 2014 first-round pick Khalil Mack. Cooper, the draft’s most complete wide receiver, would give quarterback Derek Carr the No. 1, go-to target the roster currently lacks.

Either way, the Raiders can't go wrong with this pick, as Williams and Cooper both have the skill sets to make an immediate and longstanding impact in areas of need.

Williams might ultimately get the nod due to the great depth at the wide receiver position in this year’s draft. While the Raiders won’t be able to get a defensive lineman with Williams’ disruptive qualities in Round 2, they should be able to get a pass-catcher who is capable of being a quality starter right away.

At 6’5” and 302 pounds, Williams has an elite combination of size, length, athleticism and power, and he can be effective as both an interior pass-rusher and as a point-of-attack run defender. He has experience playing both defensive tackle and defensive end, making him a good fit for the Raiders defense under new defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., which will likely combine elements of 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.

5. Washington Redskins: Vic Beasley, OLB/DE, Clemson

After losing Brian Orakpo to free agency, the Washington Redskins have reason to look for another edge-defending pass-rusher and are likely to target Dante Fowler Jr. or Vic Beasley, depending on which player the Jacksonville Jaguars take at No. 3.

In this mock draft, the Redskins could land Beasley, an outstanding all-around athlete who is a perfect fit to play outside linebacker in their 3-4 defensive scheme.

Combining an explosive burst with a strong variety of hand skills, Beasley is able to pressure the quarterback off the edge with regularity. Also possessing the change-of-direction quickness and tackling ability to play in space, he should have little trouble making the transition to playing in a 3-4 after working primarily as a 4-3 defensive end at Clemson.

There is some question of whether Beasley has the size (Clemson listed him at 6'3", 235 lbs) and strength to be a consistently effective run defender on the edge, but he would probably be used mostly as a pass-rusher in his rookie season anyway, rotating in with Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy. If Beasley can continue to bulk up without sacrificing athleticism—something he showed he could do at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine—he should continue to improve in that area.

Scot McCloughan, Washington’s new general manager, has said the Redskins will draft the “best available player,” according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post. That's Beasley in this scenario.

6. New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

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A draft in which the top two quarterbacks and the top two pass-rushers are off the board by the No. 6 overall pick would be the opposite of ideal for the New York Jets. Landing Alabama wideout Amari Cooper, though, would be a good consolation prize.

The Jets don’t need to draft a wide receiver, having acquired Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason, but in this projection Cooper is the clear-cut best player available, and the Jets won't pass him up.

A 6’1”, 211-pound wide receiver with terrific speed and quickness, Cooper is a refined route-runner who can extend plays in the open field. The 2014 Biletnikoff Award winner, he led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 124 receptions last season and finished second nationally in both receiving yards (1,727) and touchdowns (16).

Likely set to enter the 2015 season with either Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick or a Day 2 pick (Brett Hundley?) at quarterback, the Jets can increase their chances of having offensive success by giving their passer as many weapons to work with as possible. Adding Cooper to a group already led by Marshall and Eric Decker would give New York one of the NFL’s top triumvirates at wide receiver.

Since the Bears would likely draft Cooper if he's available at No. 7 overall, it’s also possible the Jets could trade this pick if another team—presumably one with a greater need at wide receiver—makes an enticing offer to move up for the draft’s top wideout. If not, though, the Jets should draft him for themselves, as Cooper may have the surest odds for success of any prospect in the entire class.

7. Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

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After the aforementioned trade of Brandon Marshall earlier this offseason, the Chicago Bears are likely to target one of the draft’s top two wide receivers with the No. 7 overall pick. With Amari Cooper off the board, West Virginia’s Kevin White stands out as a probable selection.

A 6’3”, 215-pound target with great speed, strength and ability to go up and get the ball, White is in many ways a faster, younger and cheaper version of Marshall. He’s not quite as big and physical as the player he would be replacing, but he has a great ability to play through contact and come down with challenging receptions.

White can be considered the best player available here, and given that the Bears are another team with some questions at the quarterback position, they would benefit from adding a weapon of his caliber to the offense.

Drafting a defensive player would also make sense for the Bears, but no one left on the board on that side of the ball deserves to be selected ahead of White.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Alvin Dupree, OLB/DE, Kentucky

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After the Atlanta Falcons recorded just 22 sacks as a team last season, draft analysts are virtually unanimous in saying they will take a pass-rusher at No. 8. Where the consensus breaks, however, is in predicting which one.

The ideal selection for Atlanta would be either Dante Fowler Jr. or Vic Beasley, but it would be a surprise if either of them is still available at the eighth pick. That will likely leave the Falcons with a decision to make between Kentucky’s Alvin “Bud” Dupree, Nebraska’s Randy Gregory and Missouri’s Shane Ray.

Given that choice, the best pick for the Falcons would be Dupree. The best all-around athlete of the bunch at 6’4” and 269 pounds, Dupree is a versatile edge defender whose experience playing both defensive end and linebacker makes him a great fit for the hybrid defense Atlanta will run under new coach Dan Quinn.

Gregory arguably has the most talent of the trio, but concerns about his weight and a failed marijuana test at the combine could lead the Falcons to pass. Ray is the most polished pass-rusher of the three, but he lacks the size, strength and versatility Dupree brings to the table.

9. New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa

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New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese is another big proponent of the “best player available” strategy of drafting, which is why you have probably already seen Brandon Scherff projected to the Giants in many mock drafts. The Iowa offensive lineman would fit that criteria at the No. 9 overall pick and could help shore up the Giants’ front unit at either tackle or guard.

A three-year starter at offensive tackle for the Hawkeyes, Scherff was a unanimous All-American and the Outland Trophy winner last season. An athletic, strong and technically sound lineman, he is more than capable of stepping in and playing tackle for an NFL unit if necessary.

In New York, however, Scherff would likely move to guard, where the Giants should be in the market for a new starter and where he is most likely to emerge as a star in the NFL.

While Scherff lacks prototypical length for the offensive tackle position, his ability to generate power and forward explosiveness suit him excellently for a move to the interior offensive line. As Bleacher Report contributor Dan Pompei noted in a recent tweet, scouts compare Scherff to Zack Martin, who earned first-team AP All-Pro honors as a rookie after moving from tackle to guard for the Dallas Cowboys last season.

10. St. Louis Rams: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

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As Joe Barksdale remains unsigned six weeks after the start of free agency, the St. Louis Rams appear set to go in a new direction at right tackle. They could fulfill that new direction by selecting Stanford’s Andrus Peat at No. 10.

Although Peat is a polarizing prospect among draft analysts, he is nonetheless a widely projected high pick. At 6’7” and 313 pounds, Peat has a prototypical frame and good athleticism for the offensive tackle position.

Peat needs to work on adding strength and perfecting his technique, but his long-term upside is high. The Rams showed no hesitation in drafting a high-upside offensive tackle early in the draft last year with Greg Robinson at No. 2 overall, and doing so at No. 10 this year with Peat would give the Rams a pair of young bookend tackles who could end up as star players.

Additional offensive tackle prospects who could garner consideration at the No. 10 pick are LSU’s La’el Collins and Florida’s D.J. Humphries, but in any case, the Rams will most likely add to their offensive line, a unit which needs multiple new starters.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

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The Minnesota Vikings have been doing due diligence on the draft’s top cornerback prospects this spring, which is a good indicator they could be targeting one with their first-round pick. Specifically, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has reported that the Vikings “love” Michigan State’s Trae Waynes, who is widely projected to be the first cornerback drafted in this year’s class.

Waynes, who led all defensive backs with a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, has the speed and length teams frequently target at the cornerback position. He plays with physicality and demonstrates the ball skills to be a difference-maker.

There are some reasons for concern with Waynes, who needs to add weight to his frame and suffers technical lapses at times. But he has the upside to develop into a good cover corner and playmaker at a position where the Vikings could use an upgrade in their starting lineup opposite Xavier Rhodes.

Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker is another strong possibility for this pick, as he is arguably the best player available and would be reunited with collegiate quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Reading between the lines, however, suggests cornerback is the position the Vikings covet most for their first-round pick.

12. Tennessee Titans (from Cleveland Browns): DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

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If the Titans decide to pass up their chances for a quarterback upgrade and roll with Zach Mettenberger instead, they would be smart to give him another offensive playmaker to work with. DeVante Parker, a clear-cut top-three wide receiver in the draft class, would be a great choice for the Titans with the first of their two acquired first-round picks.

The Titans have visited with seven wide receivers, according to SB Nation’s draft visit tracker, and all of them—including Parker, Amari Cooper, Kevin White and Missouri’s Dorial Green-Beckham—could be first-round picks. That paints a picture that the Titans could target a wideout if they move down in this year’s draft.

Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter and Harry Douglas form a solid trio at the position for the Titans, but none of them can be characterized as a true No. 1 wide receiver. That’s what Tennessee could get from Parker.

At 6’3” and 209 pounds, Parker is a big, fast and sure-handed receiver who has superb body control and can fight through contact to make contested catches. He has the skills to make plays downfield and consistently take advantage of Mettenberger’s ability to throw the ball deep.

13. New Orleans Saints: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington

The New Orleans Saints have reason to address all three levels of their defense in this year’s draft, and players at each position have talent worthy of the No. 13 overall pick. The best talent and fit among them might be Washington nose tackle Danny Shelton.

Shelton would not be the sexiest pick for the Saints, in comparison to a pass-rusher like Nebraska’s Randy Gregory or Missouri’s Shane Ray, but he is more capable of making an instant impact than any defensive player on the board.

At 6’2” and 339 pounds, Shelton has the size, strength and movement skills to be an immediate upgrade at nose tackle and help shore up a defense that allowed 4.8 yards per rushing attempt in 2014.

While he did not test well at the combine, Shelton was hugely productive for Washington in his senior season. The Saints use a hybrid defense, and he is a good fit to play in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive fronts.

14. Miami Dolphins: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

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Drafting a running back early in the first round has quickly devolved from being an annual occurrence to being taboo, but Georgia’s Todd Gurley—injury concerns aside—is a rare talent. If the Miami Dolphins believe he can recover fully from his torn ACL this past season and stay healthy, he could be tough to pass up.

At 6’1” and 222 pounds, Gurley has a rare combination of size, speed, power, agility and pass-catching ability that makes him the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson in 2007. On an offense lacking impact players, Gurley could give Miami a star opposing defenses have to game-plan against.

It was once thought that his knee injury could push him into Round 2 of the draft, but that no longer appears to be the case. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Gurley “checked out fine” at the NFL’s medical recheck this past weekend and is “viewed as good to go for the draft.”

The Dolphins, meanwhile, have been doing extensive research on Gurley and are “unquestionably intrigued” by him, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Drafting Gurley at No. 14 would qualify as a high-risk move, but it’s a risk Mike Tannenbaum, the Dolphins’ new executive vice president of football operations, could be willing to take. If it pans out, the dividends could be evident as soon as Gurley is 100 percent healthy.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

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After losing Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox in free agency this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers should be in the market for another cornerback. If they have a shot to draft Washington’s Marcus Peters, the most talented defensive back in the draft class, he will be tough to pass up.

Peters is a 6’0”, 197-pound cornerback who plays with great strength and physicality. He has fluid hips and competes well for the ball. He excels in press coverage, has quick feet and possesses great length for the position.

The big question the 49ers will have to consider with Peters—as will any other team—is his character. Washington dismissed him after multiple altercations with the Huskies’ new coaching staff last season, and that is why he is expected to come off the board after Trae Waynes, even though Peters might be the better prospect in terms of on-field talent only.

That said, the 49ers have been doing their homework on Peters; he visited the team last week, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. From a football standpoint, he would qualify as one of the best players available in this scenario, so he would make a great deal of sense if the 49ers feel confident that he will be receptive to his coaches in the NFL.

16. Houston Texans: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA

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Three consecutive injury-plagued seasons have taken their toll on Brian Cushing, and the Houston Texans don’t have much else at the inside linebacker position. That could make UCLA’s Eric Kendricks, the most complete off-ball linebacker in the draft, a tough player to skip with their first-round pick.

Given that Cushing may never return to the form of his prime, Kendricks can be what Cushing used to be: a rangy athlete and sound tackler who can make plays all over the field when defending the run and dropping back into coverage.

As an inside linebacker who is not a heavy blitzer, Kendricks’ value could be questioned in Round 1. He is a bit undersized for the position at 6’0” and 232 pounds and could struggle when asked to take on blocks at the line of scrimmage.

His ability to play in space and be an every-down player from the get-go, however, gives him more potential to make the Texans better in 2015 than just about any other player they could draft with this pick. They could probably trade down and still land Kendricks, but they shouldn’t hesitate to invest him at No. 16 overall.

17. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

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Even if the San Diego Chargers don’t trade up for Marcus Mariota, they could still end up adding young talent to their backfield in Round 1 of the draft. The Chargers have reason to look for a feature running back after letting Ryan Mathews walk in free agency, and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon has the talent to warrant selection at No. 17.

Fresh off a spectacular 2014 season in which he led the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing yards (2,587) and touchdowns (29), Gordon has a case for being the best running back in the draft—even without taking Gurley’s injury into consideration.

Gordon has tremendous agility for a 6’1”, 215-pound back and is a perpetual big-play threat with a proven ability to carry a heavy workload. He is not as skilled between the tackles as Gurley is, and questions persist about his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, but he is a dangerous runner in the open field who looks to only get stronger over the course of a game.

The Doak Walker Award winner would be an immediate upgrade for the Chargers at tailback and has talent superseding the trend that has opposed first-round running back selections in the past two drafts. According to CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler, the Chargers “showed a ton of interest” in Gordon at Wisconsin’s pro day.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: La’el Collins, OT/G, LSU

Well worthy of top-10 consideration, LSU’s La’el Collins stands out as the best player available at No. 18 here, especially for the Kansas City Chiefs, who should be in the market for a versatile player on their offensive line.

A two-year starter at left tackle and one-year starter at left guard for the Tigers, Collins has the skill set to play either outside or inside on an NFL offensive line. His length and first-step quickness are subpar for a tackle, but his overall athleticism, technical proficiency and power-packed punch make up for that.

Collins could immediately provide competition for the Chiefs' Donald Stephenson at right tackle or for Paul Fanaika and Zach Fulton at right guard. He would give the team flexibility across the entire line and a player who can step in wherever the team needs him most.

If the Chiefs want to find an immediate replacement for Rodney Hudson at center rather than name Eric Kush the starter, they could favor Florida State’s Cameron Erving—who played center at the end of last season for the Seminoles—over Collins.

With that being said, Collins could potentially play center in a pinch—he has been working out at the position, according to Mike Detillier of SaintsReport.com—and has a more polished all-around game than Erving.

19. Tennessee Titans (from Cleveland Browns): Randy Gregory, OLB/DE, Nebraska

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After trading down, the Tennessee Titans can afford to take a risk with their second first-round pick. A potential star despite some significant red flags, Randy Gregory would be worth the risk at No. 19.

Gregory has a rare combination of explosiveness, length and agility that has many draft analysts considering him to be a top-10 talent. If he is able to maximize his skills at the next level, he has the physical gifts to be a star pass-rusher in any scheme.

Even with the addition of Brian Orakpo this offseason, the Titans could still use another pass-rusher. Gregory’s all-around athleticism makes him a good fit to transition to outside linebacker in Tennessee’s 3-4 scheme.

Gregory could be off the board long before the 19th pick, but his failed drug test at the combine hurt his chances of going high. Keeping weight on his 6’5” frame could also be a problem; Bleacher Report contributor Dan Pompei reported Monday that Gregory “recently weighed below 230 [pounds] on a team visit.”

Despite those concerns, Gregory has the most upside of any player who is still on this board. The Titans need to add some excitement to their roster, and Gregory—should he play up to his potential—could provide that.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut

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Like the aforementioned Minnesota Vikings, the Philadelphia Eagles have been paying close attention to numerous potential first-round picks at the cornerback position. One player they seem to have a particular liking toward is Connecticut’s Byron Jones, whose pro day they attended en masse.

Jones is perhaps the player who has benefited more than any other from this year’s predraft process. His projected draft stock has soared since his remarkable performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the 6’1”, 199-pound cornerback posted rare numbers across the board, including a world-record broad jump of 12'3".

Jones is a truly world-class athlete; according to a metric produced by Bleacher Report’s Ryan Riddle, he is actually the No. 1 most physically gifted player in the draft class. Yet labeling Jones as a workout warrior might be misrepresenting him. He shows impressive physicality and coverage ability on tape and has optimal height and length for the cornerback position.

The addition of Jones, with the free-agent signing of Byron Maxwell earlier this offseason, would give the Eagles a brand new and significantly upgraded pairing of starting cornerbacks from last season.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

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As has been the case for a few seasons running, the Cincinnati Bengals go into the draft in a luxurious position: They can focus on finding the best talent with few pressing needs to address. Here, though, the Bengals would corral a perfect confluence of value and need by drafting Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown.

One of the few clear weaknesses on the Bengals roster is at the nose tackle position, where Domata Peko should be replaced after an eight-year run in the starting lineup. By selecting Brown, an underappreciated talent who would be one of the best players available at No. 21, the Bengals could add a player with more strength, athleticism and ability to be disruptive than Peko.

Though Brown has the versatility to play multiple spots along the line, he is well-suited for the 4-3 nose tackle position. While he is a strong point-of-attack run defender, he can also provide an interior pass-rushing threat, which is crucial to the Bengals after they finished dead last in the NFL with just 20 sacks in 2014.

If Geno Atkins returns to his pre-injury form in 2015, and the Bengals combine that with drafting Brown after already bringing back defensive end Michael Johnson earlier this offseason, their defensive line should be far more productive this season.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri

Following the stunning retirement of Jason Worilds earlier this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to draft another pass-rushing outside linebacker. If Shane Ray is still available at No. 22, the Steelers should grab him.

Coming off a breakout 2014 season in which he recorded 14.5 sacks, Ray is an athletic edge defender who utilizes his hands well to work his way off blockers and get to the quarterback. He has the skills to immediately be the Steelers’ top pass-rusher as a rookie.

There is some reason for concern as to whether Ray has the change-of-direction quickness to make a successful transition to playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. With that being said, the Steelers tend to favor converting defensive ends who had high collegiate production when drafting pass-rushers, and Ray projects as a good fit for Pittsburgh’s defensive philosophy.

With a need for young talent all over their defense, the Steelers would be smart to employ a “best defensive player available” strategy for their first-round pick. In this mock, that would be Ray.

23. Detroit Lions: Xavier Cooper, DT, Washington State

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Of all the players included in this 32-pick mock, Xavier Cooper may well be the one you least expected to see. Projected as a Day 2 draft pick by most analysts, he has flown largely under the radar.

As I recently explained, he shouldn’t be. The most athletic defensive tackle in the draft class, Cooper would be a perfect fit for the Detroit Lions to replace Nick Fairley as an interior penetrator in their 4-3 defensive front.

Cooper combines an explosive burst with quick hands, and despite being slightly undersized (6'3", 293 lbs) for a defensive tackle, he demonstrates adequate strength against the run. He can make plays along the line of scrimmage and play defensive end situationally, which is something the Lions like to do from time to time with their defensive tackles.

It’s possible the Lions could wait until the second-round pick and still get Cooper—or at least trade down before selecting him—but he nonetheless projects as the best choice here because of his fit and the tools he brings to the table.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Eli Harold, OLB/DE, Virginia

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The best-case scenario for the Arizona Cardinals would be for either Randy Gregory or Shane Ray to fall a few picks further so they could select one of the draft’s top five pass-rushing prospects at No. 24 overall. But with those players off the board, Virginia’s Eli Harold would be the next best choice.

Although Harold projects to a tier below Gregory and Ray, the gap between them is not far. A 6’3”, 247-pound edge defender who ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash at the combine, Harold is a similarly outstanding athlete who could add to the Cardinals some much-needed speed at the outside linebacker position.

His change-of-direction ability might actually make him a better outside linebacker projection than his aforementioned counterparts, and his ability to turn the corner is second-to-none in this year’s class. He is a raw talent who needs to work on his technique and add strength, but his upside to make plays off the edge is high.

The Cardinals could address a number of other positions in Round 1—running back, inside linebacker and offensive line included—but Harold’s fit and impact potential make him the top choice right here.

25. Carolina Panthers: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

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With an enormous need at the position, the Carolina Panthers should have a clear-cut plan for the No. 25 overall pick: Draft the best left tackle available. Fortunately for the Panthers, they have plenty of intriguing options, including Florida’s D.J. Humphries, Miami’s Ereck Flowers, Oregon’s Jake Fisher and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings.

Connecting the dots of recent draft buzz, however, indicates the Panthers might have a more surprising target in mind: Texas A&M offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi.

NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein adamantly tweeted earlier this month that he has “no doubt” Ogbuehi will be a first-round pick, and he followed that up by projecting Ogbuehi to the Panthers in his latest mock draft. Adding smoke to the potential fire, Ollie Connolly of UKEndZone.com reported that “the Panthers love Ogbuehi and want him.”

Drafting Ogbuehi, who is coming off a torn ACL and a disappointing senior season, would be risky, especially with a multitude of other options available at the position. The Panthers could use an immediate upgrade at left tackle, and Ogbuehi might not be ready to go for the start of the 2015 season.

That said, he has the physical attributes to potentially develop into a great offensive tackle, and the Panthers might well believe him to be their best choice at No. 25. Should that be the case, they’ll take that chance no matter which other offensive tackles are still on the board.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Eric Rowe, CB, Utah

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Having already had five official visits and five private workouts by the time he talked to Bleacher Report earlier this month, Eric Rowe has been drawing significant interest from teams around the NFL—including the Baltimore Ravens—and could be a great choice for a cornerback-needy team late in the first round.

Although Rowe is not universally regarded by draft analysts as a top talent, it’s easy to see why NFL teams are intrigued. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has a top-notch combination of size, strength and athleticism, and he is well suited to play in press-man coverage.

Rowe also has experience playing safety and could be projected there by some NFL teams, but he would project as a cornerback for the Ravens, who need more talent at the position outside of Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. Nonetheless, his versatility to also play safety could increase his value and make him more enticing to Baltimore in comparison to other cornerbacks, such as Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson and Florida State’s Ronald Darby.

Impressive in his lone collegiate season at cornerback, Rowe has the potential to emerge as a terrific player with continued improvement of his technique. That upside would make him a solid choice for Baltimore at No. 26.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

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Three running backs in Round 1 would be a stark contrast from the complete absence of first-round running backs in the past two drafts, but it is a possibility that could become reality if Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon are off the board before the Dallas Cowboys’ No. 27 overall pick.

While the Cowboys would probably love to have Gordon and Gurley fall to their selection, the drop-off between those two backs and Indiana’s Tevin Coleman is not colossal. To the contrary, a case could be made that Coleman—whose game is not dissimilar to the back he would be replacing in Dallas, DeMarco Murray—might be the best fit for the Cowboys offense.

At 5’11” and 206 pounds, Coleman has true breakaway speed in the open field. He won’t be mistaken for a power back, but he hits holes quickly, has good lateral movement and has the strength to break through tackles.

Behind a star-studded Dallas offensive line that led Murray to the rushing title last season, Coleman—who ran for 2,036 yards last season despite playing seven games with a broken foot—should be able to achieve immediate production.

While plenty of other running back options could be available for the Cowboys in Round 2 or 3, it would be in their best interest to come away with one of the draft’s top three backs. Coleman, who legitimized himself as an upper-echelon prospect with his spectacular and gutty 2014 season, is firmly within that group.

28. Denver Broncos: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon

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After moving Louis Vasquez to right tackle from guard as part of a midseason reshuffle on their offensive line in 2014, the Denver Broncos need to find a new fixture at the right tackle position so they can move Vasquez back to guard, where he is needed following the departure of Orlando Franklin (who previously played right tackle from 2011 to 2013).

Like previously mentioned on the Panthers slide, there are a number of viable options here for the Broncos—including Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings and Florida’s D.J. Humphries—but the best fit for Denver’s vacancy on the right side of the offensive line would be Jake Fisher.

Fisher, who started for two years at right tackle before moving to left tackle in his senior season at Oregon, is a perfect fit for Denver’s shift to a zone-blocking scheme under new head coach Gary Kubiak. In addition to playing in a zone scheme at Oregon, Fisher is the most athletic offensive tackle in this year’s draft.

Not as powerful as the prototypical right tackle, Fisher also needs some work on his technique, but he has as much upside as any offensive lineman in the class. If he is on the board at No. 28, the Broncos would be smart to take him.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Florida)

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The Indianapolis Colts appear to be giving serious consideration to drafting an offensive tackle with their first-round selection. According to SB Nation’s draft visit tracker, they have hosted two projected late first-round picks at the position—Jake Fisher and Ereck Flowers—and also had a private workout with another potential late first-round pick, T.J. Clemmings.

While the Colts could go in a number of directions with the No. 29 overall pick, addressing the offensive line would be sensible, especially with the talent available. The O-line was a mess last season, and while left tackle Anthony Castonzo is entering a contract year, right tackle Gosder Cherilus is a question mark as he is dealing with multiple injuries.

Flowers, at 6’6” and 329 pounds, is a massive and powerful offensive tackle with the potential to start on either side of the line. He has exceptional length and impressive mobility for a man of his size.

Flowers is somewhat of a project and might not be ready to start right away as a rookie, but he could potentially kick inside to guard to start his career then eventually take over on one side of the line or the other. Either way, his upside would make him a promising investment late in Round 1, where the Colts could look to draft offensive linemen over some of their other possibilities, such as Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead, Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson or Alabama safety Landon Collins.

30. Green Bay Packers: Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson

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The Green Bay Packers have had a lingering need at the inside linebacker position for years, and it’s time for them to fix it. Clemson’s Stephone Anthony appears to be the right man for the job.

An explosive downhill thumper between the tackles, Anthony also has the athleticism to make plays from sideline to sideline, as he proved with his performances at this year’s Senior Bowl and combine. For a team that needs to improve its run-stopping presence in the middle of its 3-4 defense, Anthony would be a great fit.

Although he was not widely projected as an early-round pick prior to his impressive showings in predraft events, it now appears as though the Packers—who are reportedly “very high” on Anthony, according to DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline—would have to draft Anthony at No. 30 to ensure they get him.

It’s possible the Packers could find better value on the defensive line, such as Oklahoma nose tackle Jordan Phillips, or in the secondary, such as Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson. It makes sense, though, for the Packers focus on Anthony and make him their top choice.

31. New Orleans Saints: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, OLB/DE, UCLA

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If the New Orleans Saints pass up the top pass-rushers available at No. 13, don’t expect them to do it again at pick No. 31. At this juncture, the pass-rusher who would be a great choice for the Saints is UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who would be one of the best players available if he's still on the board late in Round 1.

Odighizuwa is not an ideal fit to play as a 3-4 outside linebacker, though that would likely be his primary position in New Orleans. Still, his appeal to the Saints—who hosted him for a predraft visit, according to Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate—would make sense.

A physically gifted edge defender at 6’3” and 267 pounds, Odighizuwa has the ability to play both outside and inside, and he could be a versatile chess piece for a team that uses both 4-3 and 3-4 schematic alignments. Lack of bend adversely affects Odighizuwa’s ability to rush the passer from outside, but he is a strong run defender who can create mismatches with his athleticism as an inside rusher.

The Saints are “going all-in to build a defense,” according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, which means they should be looking for the best defensive players available with their early-round picks. One could make the case for that being Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead, Alabama safety Landon Collins or Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson, but Odighizuwa would be the most valuable addition among those options for New Orleans here.

32. New England Patriots: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Bill Belichick’s inclination toward versatile players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, is well documented. That’s why it’s easy to imagine the New England Patriots head coach falling in love with Washington jack-of-all-trades Shaq Thompson and drafting him with the final pick of the first round.

The overall draft-stock perception of Thompson, who was projected as a potential top-10 pick early in the predraft process, has fallen since he had an underwhelming performance at the combine. Undersized for a linebacker (6'0", 228 lbs) and slow for a safety, Thompson carries a “tweener” label that comes with a negative connotation.

Turn on the tape from Thompson’s three years at Washington, however, and you will see a player who regularly came up with big plays, whether he was playing linebacker, defensive back, special teams or even running back. And if there is any coach who will be undaunted by a tweener and instead be excited about the many situations in which he could utilize Thompson’s talent, it’s Belichick.

The defending champions have a number of other needs—including nose tackle, cornerback and guard—that can be considered more pressing than linebacker. The Patriots have been looking at linebackers, and they have never been a team to draft for need over value. A movable component like Thompson, who could be an upgrade at weak-side linebacker and utilized in a litany of ways, could be an enticing possibility to close out the first round.

All measurables courtesy of NFL.com unless otherwise noted.

Dan Hope is an NFL/NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

Follow @Dan_Hope