Florida State Football: 2015 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

Showcasing the potential No. 1 overall pick and a slew of top-round talent, the Florida State Seminoles are primed to dominate the 2015 NFL draft.

Quarterback Jameis Winston, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and a pair of cornerbacks in P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby headline an FSU group that's almost assured to have at least 10 players selected by an NFL franchise.

This piece will highlight the Seminoles draft hopefuls. Prior to the draft, we will analyze all 12 athletes and their respective strengths as football players. Predictions on draft positioning will also be discussed. 

Once the draft ends, we will update the slides, detailing each player and how he fits in with his future team.

QB Jameis Winston

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 1 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 230 lbs

Analysis

Tampa Bay wants Jameis Winston to become the face of the franchise. No. 1 overall picks aren’t anything less than that. He’s entering a decent situation, though, since Vincent Jackson and 2014 first-rounder Mike Evans will flank Winston.

With that being said, the Buccaneers must establish a running game to ease some of the pressure on the rookie quarterback. Doug Martin underwent a severe sophomore slump, and Tampa managed just 1,375 rushing yards—the fourth-worst mark in the league—as a team last season.

Replacement

Sean Maguire is the odds-on favorite to take over for Winston at Florida State. J.J. Cosentino and De'Andre Johnson will contend for the starting position, but Maguire is most familiar with Jimbo Fisher's system. Maguire threw for 304 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his lone career start.

C Cameron Erving

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 19 to Cleveland Browns

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 308 lbs

Analysis

At first glance, heading to the Cleveland Browns might look like a disappointing for Cameron Erving. However, the Browns have an absolutely tremendous offensive line that will only improve with the addition of the Florida State product.

Erving can play tackle, center or guard, though he best projects at one of the latter two. Joe Thomas and Alex Mack are All-Pro linemen at left tackle and center, respectively, while Joel Bitonio excelled as a rookie at guard last season. Erving should slide into the other guard position and start immediately.

Replacement

Ryan Hoefeld and Alec Eberle are the leaders, but neither player is really a favorite. Hoefeld sustained a knee injury that ended his spring prematurely, and Eberle failed to impress during the spring game. That position battle will probably linger into fall camp.

DE Mario Edwards

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 35 to Oakland Raiders

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 294 lbs

Analysis

Similar to Erving, Mario Edwards will add a versatile component to his new team, the Oakland Raiders. Edwards will be able to slide inside as a 5-technique or stay on the edge, opposite budding superstar Khalil Mack. Edwards should immediately join the rotation, though he likely won't start.

Replacement

It might be easier to list the players who won't be replacing Edwards. Chris Casher, Lorenzo Featherston, DeMarcus Walker, Josh Sweat, Rick Leonard and Jacob Pugh could all see action on the end.

DT Eddie Goldman

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 39 to Chicago Bears

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 320 lbs

Analysis

The Chicago Bears desperately need help for their defense, which ranked third-worst in the NFL last season. Eddie Goldman, a player endorsed by legendary Bears linebacker Dick Butkus when he announced the pick on ESPN, will join Will Sutton, Ego Ferguson and Jay Ratliff on the line.

Goldman will be asked to demand double-teams up the middle in hopes of creating one-on-one opportunities for Jared Allen and Pernell McPhee on the edge.

Replacement

Derrick Mitchell should be Florida State's top defensive tackle, while Nile Lawrence-Stample, Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas will compete for Goldman's vacated snaps. Injuries slowed Lawrence-Stample last season, but if healthy, he should be the starter.

CB Ronald Darby

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 50 to Buffalo Bills

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 195 lbs

Analysis

The Buffalo Bills need to develop him, but Ronald Darby has is stout in coverage, particularly in press-man. He also ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, the third-fastest time by a corner. Though Darby is stiff in the hips and can get caught freelancing, he's an instinctive D-back who will make plays for the Buffalo secondary.

Replacement

The Seminoles are fortunate to have Jalen Ramsey, an all-around stud in the secondary, available to replace Darby. Ramsey is one of college football's best returning players, so FSU is in good hands here.

CB P.J. Williams

Drafted: Round 3, Pick 79 to New Orleans Saints

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 196 lbs

Analysis

Off-field issues likely bounced Williams out of the early second round, but the New Orleans Saints snagged a terrific football talent in the middle of Round 3. Williams displayed above-average man-coverage skills while at FSU, and he'll have an opportunity to learn behind Keenan Lewis, one of the better one-on-one corners in the NFL.

Replacement

A collection of freshmen in Derwin James, Calvin Brewton and Tarvarus McFadden will all try to take Williams' spot. Ryan Green, Marcus Lewis and Malique Jackson will also be in the mix. James had an impressive spring, but the race for the No. 2 corner position is wide open.

G Tre' Jackson

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: Round 4, Pick 111 to New England Patriots

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 330 lbs

Analysis

Tre' Jackson will beef up the interior depth on the New England Patriots' offensive line, which could use some competition for Ryan Wendell, Marcus Cannon and Josh Kline. Jackson is a classic mauler who excels at opening lanes in the running game, and he can develop into a solid starter.

Replacement

During spring practice, Wilson Bell jumped out as the front-runner to take over at right guard. He seems likely to retain that position until the 2015 season begins.

WR Rashad Greene

Drafted: Round 5, Pick 139 Jacksonville Jaguars

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 180 lbs

Analysis

What. A. Steal. Rashad Greene wasn't selected late on Day 2, which was considered the most probable landing spot. The sure-handed receiver even slipped through Round 4 before the Jacksonville Jaguars snagged him in the fifth. Greene will be a slot receiver for the Jaguars, lining up next to Allen Robinson or Marqise Lee.

Replacement

Bobo Wilson will probably technically occupy the No. 1 receiver role, but Ermon Lane, Travis Rudolph and George Campbell will definitely see plenty of playing time—sometimes over Wilson.

RB Karlos Williams

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: Round 5, Pick 155 to Buffalo Bills

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 225 lbs

Analysis

Physically speaking, Karlos Williams is capable of handling the load. Considering what he's actually accomplished, however, Williams is a fringe backup. With that being said, he landed in a terrific location and as a reserve to LeSean McCoy and Fred Jackson. Williams could be a dangerous special-teamer, if he's willing.

Replacement

The 'Noles are unfair sometimes. Jacques Patrick, a speedy bowling ball who destroys everything in his sight, will be FSU's No. 2 running back in 2015. Patrick is a special talent, yet he'll sit behind Cook—for now.

Note: Draft projections via Matt Miller's mock draft. Heights and weights via Florida State's official athletics site.

TE Nick O'Leary

Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: Round 6, Pick 194 to Buffalo Bills

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 247 lbs

Analysis

Nick O'Leary will join Williams and former FSU quarterback E.J. Manuel in upstate New York as a member of the Bills. The tight end should open his NFL days as Charles Clay's primary backup, so O'Leary must take advantage of every opportunity in 2-TE sets.

Replacement

Mavin Saunders was a top performer in the spring game, but Jeremy Kerr and Ryan Izzo aren't too far behind their fellow freshman. Saunders currently holds a slim lead to replace O'Leary.

OT Bobby Hart

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: Round 7, Pick 226 to New York Giants

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 320 lbs

Analysis

The New York Giants added to their offensive line's depth by tabbing Bobby Hart early in the seventh round. Though he spent his college days at tackle, Hart will likely move inside to play guard. If that happens, he'll battle Chris Gettis and Dallas Reynolds for a roster spot.

Replacement

Similar to Bell and Are, Chad Mavety staked a claim to a No. 1 role on the FSU offensive line. Mavety is poised to hold down the right edge at tackle.

G Josue Matias

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Projection: Round 4, Pick 113 to Philadelphia Eagles

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 325 lbs

Analysis

Josue Matias started 43 straight games at Florida State, leaving his mark as a consistent All-ACC-caliber performer. Matias was reliable both as a pass- and run-blocker, and he displayed excellent hand placement. He needs to work on becoming a more agile lineman following a respectable first step.

Replacement

Kareem Are emerged from the shadows of the Seminoles depth chart, taking advantage of a tremendous opportunity in spring practice. Are essentially locked up the left guard starting position.