Remembering Every 2015 1st-Round NFL Draft Pick as a Recruit

The NFL draft gives us an annual opportunity to assess the backgrounds of professional football's newest premier performers. In many cases, the event is a culmination of more than a decade of determination and dedication to the game for young men chasing their ultimate dream.

Not all the names called Thursday night in Chicago arrived at college as favorites to end up first-round picks. For every heralded 5-star high school recruit, there are countless overlooked prospects with plenty to prove.

The results of the first-round action serve as a reminder that NFL rosters consist of an eclectic mix of athletes who've taken diverse paths to reach the sport's pinnacle. We took a look in the rearview mirror to remember the teenage recruits who grew up to become pro football's future.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Florida State QB Jameis Winston

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Hueytown (Hueytown, Alabama)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 15 overall; No. 1 dual-threat quarterback (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Jameis Winston excelled on the baseball and football fields as a high school athlete, earning an opportunity to play both sports in Tallahassee. He was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball draft after his senior season but elected to attend college.

The Seminoles landed his commitment over fellow contenders Alabama, Ohio State, LSU and Stanford. Winston led Hueytown to the state semifinals in 2011, accounting for 3,489 offensive yards and 43 touchdowns.

2. Tennessee Titans: Oregon QB Marcus Mariota

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: St. Louis (Honolulu, Hawaii)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 518 overall; No. 19 dual-threat quarterback (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

The eventual Heisman Trophy winner had humble beginnings, holding just two scholarship offers when he made his collegiate decision. Marcus Mariota picked Oregon over Memphis, months before the Ducks lost a commitment from fellow first-round NFL draft choice Johnny Manziel.

He became a high school gridiron legend in Hawaii, capping off his career at St. Louis with a state title. Mariota tallied 3,052 total yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior, throwing just five interceptions.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr.

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Lakewood (St. Petersburg, Florida)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 36 overall; No. 6 weak-side defensive end (4-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Dante Fowler Jr. stunned Florida State fans on national signing day when he flipped to the Gators. Although the Seminoles were the superior program during his college career, the dominant defender still managed to match individual expectations.

The Under Armour All-America Game participant was a Sports Illustrated All-American honorable mention as a high school senior. His offer sheet featured Georgia, Ohio State, USC and Auburn.

4. Oakland Raiders: Alabama WR Amari Cooper

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Northwestern (Miami, Florida)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 46 overall; No. 6 wide receiver (4-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Amari Cooper capped off his rapid rise up recruiting rankings with a virtuoso performance in the Under Armour All-America Game. He hauled in a 75-yard touchdown toss and returned a punt 93 yards to the end zone.

His senior season at Northwestern included career highs across the board. Cooper caught 33 passes for 722 yards in a run-heavy offensive attack, earning all-state honors, and signed with Alabama over Miami, Ohio State and Florida State.

5. Washinton Redskins: Iowa OL Brandon Scherff

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

Recruiting Class: 2010

High School: Denison (Denison, Iowa)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 579 overall; No. 40 offensive tackle (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Before he became one of college football's most brutalizing blockers, Brandon Scherff did damage on both sides of the ball at Denison. He landed all-state honors for his efforts on defense and offense, while he actually spent time at quarterback during high school and caught five touchdowns as a junior at tight end.

“I absolutely don’t miss quarterback,” Scherff told David Fox of Athlon Sports. “It’s kind of fun throwing the ball around, but I love hitting people and being physical.”

His athleticism also showed up in track and field, as Scherff captured a state title in shot put. He pledged to Iowa after fielding interest from Iowa State, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Kansas State.

6. New York Jets: USC DL Leonard Williams

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Mainland (Daytona Beach, Florida)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 50 overall; No. 3 strong-side defensive end (4-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Leonard Williams was among the most coveted Sunshine State recruits in his class, warranting offers from Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Clemson and Alabama, among others. He was an all-state selection as a senior, when he racked up 103 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

His 2011 efforts included 19.5 tackles for loss. Williams spent early stages of his childhood in the Los Angeles area, and the Trojans ultimately won him over as signing day neared.

"I was all set to go to Florida," he told Ken Hornack of ESPN. "Ever since I was little, that was my team. But after experiencing all this, I found out what was truly the best for me."

7. Chicago Bears: West Virginia WR Kevin White

Recruiting Class: 2013 (junior college prospect)

High School: Emmaus (Emmaus, Pennsylvania)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 136 overall JUCO recruit; No. 23 wide receiver (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

The New Jersey product played high school football in Pennsylvania but ultimately needed to go the junior college route to reach his goals. Kevin White stayed in Pennsylvania for that phase of his career, spending two seasons at Lackawanna College.

His final fall at Lackawanna included 36 receptions for 535 yards and six scores. White displayed enough ball skills and athleticism to scoop up scholarship offers from West Virginia and Texas Tech.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Clemson LB Vic Beasley

RICHARD SHIRO/Associated Press

Recruiting Class: 2010

High School: Adairsville (Adairsville, Georgia)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 483 overall; No. 22 tight end (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Vic Beasley was largely viewed as an "athlete" in high school, doing everything from taking carries to returning kickoffs at Adairsville. He was an all-area selection as a junior and senior.

His senior season showed off his versatility, as Beasley rushed for 828 yards, scored seven times on the ground and tallied 102 tackles. He chose Clemson over Auburn, Stanford and Alabama.

9. New York Giants: Miami OL Ereck Flowers

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Norland (Miami, Florida)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 157 overall; No. 17 offensive tackle (4-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

The massive Miami prospect spearheaded a punishing Norland rushing attack that starred eventual Hurricanes teammate Duke Johnson. The now-6'6", 329-pound Ereck Flowers paved paths throughout an undefeated state championship run as a senior.

He enrolled early in Coral Gables after considering several offers. Opportunities elsewhere included Purdue, Memphis, Vanderbilt and Florida State.

10. Georgia RB Todd Gurley

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Tarboro (Tarboro, North Carolina)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 74 overall; No. 7 running back (4-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

The 2011 all-state selection enjoyed an illustrious career at Tarboro, taking part in three consecutive North Carolina championship runs. Todd Gurley capped things off with 242 yards and four scores in the 2011 title game. 

He doubled as a track star, competing for Team USA in 2011. That speed showed up in a big way when he received handoffs, as Gurley gained 2,600 yards and scored 38 touchdowns as a senior.

He pledged to Georgia over multiple regional rivals, including South Carolina, Auburn and Clemson.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Michigan State CB Trae Waynes

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Bradford (Kenosha, Wisconsin)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 1,148 overall; No. 86 cornerback (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Trae Waynes claimed first-team all-state honors as a senior after posting 38 tackles and 10 interceptions. He was viewed as one of the Midwest's speediest defensive prospects in the 2011 class.

His high school athletic career also included honors as an outfielder in baseball and as a sprinter in track. Waynes graduated from Bradford with fellow first-round NFL draft pick Melvin Gordon, committing to Michigan State over Illinois, Iowa State and Wisconsin.

12. Cleveland Browns: Washington DT Danny Shelton

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Auburn (Auburn, Washington)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 331 overall; No. 25 defensive tackle (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Danny Shelton collected first-team all-state honors as a senior for his play on both the offensive and defensive line. He was an all-state selection on offense twice and earned a state championship in shot put.

Shelton compiled 169 tackles—26.5 for loss—and four sacks during his final three seasons at Auburn. He signed with the in-state Huskies after weighing offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State and Cal.

13. New Orleans Saints: Stanford OL Andrus Peat

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Corona Del Sol (Tempe, Arizona)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 30 overall; No. 4 offensive tackle (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Andrus Peat, the son of former NFL player Todd Peat, was viewed as being among the Southwest's premier 2012 prospects. He helped lead Corona Del Sol to a state basketball championship as a senior.

His signing-day commitment to Stanford took place on national television. Peat picked the Cardinal over fellow finalists Florida State, USC and Nebraska, where his older brother played football.

14. Miami Dolphins: Louisville WR DeVante Parker

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Ballard (Louisville, Kentucky)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 311 overall; No. 41 wide receiver (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

The two-time all-state selection is considered one of Kentucky's greatest school wide receivers. His senior season showcased outstanding skills, as DeVante Parker plucked 68 passes for 1,793 yards and 19 scores.

That 2010 performance placed him fourth all time in Kentucky for single-season receiving yards, and he finished fifth all time in the state with 3,274 career yards through the air. Parker picked hometown Louisville over Indiana, Kentucky and Central Florida, following in his father's footsteps as a Cardinals legacy.

15. San Diego Chargers: Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Bradford (Kenosha, Wisconsin)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 258 overall; No. 18 running back (4-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Melvin Gordon was a four-year standout at Bradford, where he played with fellow first-round NFL draft pick Trae Waynes. His freshman season featured 15 touchdowns, and he eventually worked his way to first-team all-state honors as a senior.

He scored 41 offensive touchdowns in 2010, rushing for 2,009 yards in the process. Gordon's alternative collegiate options included Michigan, Louisville, Michigan State and Tennessee.

16. Houston Texans: Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson

Recruiting Class: 2010

High School: River Hill (Clarksville, Maryland)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 1,185 overall; No. 95 cornerback (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Kevin Johnson was a two-way standout for nationally ranked River Hill, earning first-team all-state honors at cornerback in 2009. He registered 25 tackles and three interceptions that season and was part of a 40-game win streak at the school.

His offensive efforts were highlighted by 1,471 total yards and 18 touchdowns in 2009. Johnson also held offers from Wisconsin and West Virginia.

17. San Francisco 49ers: Oregon DE Arik Armstead

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove, California)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 14 overall; No. 1 athlete (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Arik Armstead is among the most freakish athletes we've seen at the high school level this decade, standing 6'8" with excellent quickness and coordination. He was a Parade All-American selection as a senior, when he recorded 42 tackles and 3.5 sacks. 

His final three high school seasons featured 126 tackles and first-team all-state honors on the offensive line. Oregon claimed his commitment after competing with Texas, USC, Notre Dame, Cal and Auburn, among others.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Washington CB Marcus Peters

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: McClymonds (Oakland, California)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 509 overall; No. 38 cornerback (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Marcus Peters led McClymonds to a perfect season as a senior, earning first-team all-state honors and Oakland Athletic League MVP. He hauled in seven interceptions in 2010, adding six special teams touchdowns.

His collegiate interest came mainly from West Coast programs. Washington was challenged by Oregon, Oregon State, Utah and Washington State.

19. Cleveland Browns: Florida State OL Cameron Erving

John Raoux/Associated Press

Recruiting Class: 2010

High School: Colquitt County (Moultrie, Georgia)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 804 overall; No. 58 defensive tackle (3-star)

Recruitment Process

Cameron Erving was immensely overlooked as a high school prospect until late in his career. He stood out on both sides of the ball, tallying 98 total tackles as a senior at Colquitt County.

Several schools identified him as a projected defensive lineman at the next level. A modest offer list also included Georgia Southern and Clemson, putting him in the mix as one of Florida State's finest under-the-radar finds in recent memory.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: USC WR Nelson Agholor

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Florida)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 31 overall; No. 3 athlete (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Nelson Agholor was a USA Today All-American selection in 2011, when he starred at running back, receiver and defensive back. He accounted for 2,100 offensive yards, 30 touchdowns, 35 tackles and three interceptions as a senior.

He landed on the national radar by earning all-state honors as a sophomore, when he ran for 15 touchdowns and picked off four passes. Agholor chose the Trojans over Florida State, Florida, Oklahoma and Notre Dame.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Texas A&M OL Cedric Ogbuehi

Recruiting Class: 2010

High School: Allen (Allen, Texas)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 119 overall; No. 15 offensive tackle (4-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Cedric Ogbuehi was a two-time all-state selection at Allen High School, a Dallas-area program that continues to produce prized Texas A&M prospects (most recently 5-star quarterback Kyler Murray and 5-star offensive tackle Greg Little). He was a U.S. Army All-American in 2010 after winning a state championship.

Allen averaged 225 rushing yards per game during his senior campaign. Ogbuehi signed with the Aggies over Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas Tech.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kentucky LB Bud Dupree

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Wilkinson County (Irwinton, Georgia)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 809 overall; No. 38 tight end (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Bud Dupree was a first-team all-state selection as a senior, when he started at tight end and defensive end. He was dynamic on both sides of the ball that season, tallying 1,000 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, 62 tackles and 10 sacks.

Kentucky brought him to campus with the possibility of playing him at tight end throughout his college career. Dupree chose the Wildcats from a list of offers that featured Florida State and Georgia Tech.

23. Denver Broncos: Missouri DE Shane Ray

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Bishop Miege (Mission, Kansas)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 385; No. 15 weak-side defensive end (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Shane Ray, the son of former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Wendell Ray, was arguably the top overall recruit in Kansas. He was a first-team all-state performer in 2010, compiling 100 tackles, 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

His upperclassman career included 231 tackles and 25.5 sacks. He considered offers from Notre Dame, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Clemson, Kansas and Wisconsin, among others, before committing to Missouri.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Florida OL D.J. Humphries

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Mallard Creek (Charlotte, North Carolina)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 3 overall; No. 1 offensive lineman (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

The crown jewel of North Carolina's 2012 class had few rivals among offensive linemen in high school. D.J. Humphries was a four-year starter at Mallard Creek and didn't surrender a single sack after his freshman season.

He was an all-state selection and U.S. Army All-American. Humphries held offers from practically every premier college program, including Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas.

25. Carolina Panthers: Washington LB Shaq Thompson

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Grant Union (Sacramento, California)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 4 overall; No. 1 safety (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Shaq Thompson was a consensus All-American as a senior and one of just six candidates for U.S. Army National Player of the Year. He tallied 2,027 offensive yards, 23 touchdowns and 57 tackles in 2011.

His athleticism attracted attention beyond football, as he was a 2012 MLB draft selection of the Boston Red Sox. Washington won a frenzied recruiting battle that also featured Arizona State, Oregon and Notre Dame.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Central Florida WR Breshad Perriman

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Arabia Mountain (Lithonia, Georgia)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 1,654 overall; No. 203 wide receiver (2-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Breshad Perriman, son of longtime NFL wide receiver Brett Perriman, played for three high schools in Georgia. He finished up at Arabia Mountain, where he caught 13 passes for 301 yards and three scores in just four games as a senior.

Despite his NFL lineage and impressive 6'3" physique, Perriman was primarily unheralded as a prep player. His recruitment included interest from Florida State and Cincinnati.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Connecticut CB Byron Jones

Jessica Hill/Associated Press

Recruiting Class: 2010

High School: St. Paul Catholic (Bristol, Connecticut)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 1,306 overall; No. 88 safety (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Byron Jones was a football and basketball standout at St. Paul, where he lined up at wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner. His senior season included three interceptions and resulted in all-state honors. 

Jones was viewed as a potential receiver at the next level but ultimately found his ideal fit at cornerback. Connecticut was the only FBS program to extend an offer.

28. Detroit Lions: Duke OL Laken Tomlinson

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Recruiting Class: 2010

High School: Lane Technical (Chicago, Illinois)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 623 overall; No. 28 offensive guard (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Laken Tomlinson, a state championship track and field qualifier in discus and shot put, was a four-year starter at Lane Technical. He earned an all-state nod as a senior, when he also landed on the all-conference first-team list for a fourth time.

He helped Lane claim a city championship in 2008 and attracted a fair amount of collegiate attention. Tomlinson accepted an opportunity at Duke after weighing offers from Ohio State, Stanford, Illinois and Michigan State.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Miami WR Phillip Dorsett

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 401 overall; No. 51 wide receiver (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Phillip Dorsett garnered significant college interest because of his status as a speedster. He averaged more than 20 yards per reception as a senior, securing 35 catches for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Those efforts helped spur St. Thomas Aquinas to an unbeaten state championship season. Dorsett committed to Miami over Ohio State, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.

30. Green Bay Packers: Arizona State S Damarious Randall

Recruiting Class: 2013 (junior college prospect)

High School: Pensacola (Pensacola, Florida)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 116 overall JUCO recruit; No. 10 cornerback (3-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Damarious Randall pursued a career in baseball out of high school, playing infield at Butler Community College (Kansas) in 2011. However, he transitioned back into football and transferred to Mesa Community College (Arizona). 

Randall was conference Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, tallying 69 tackles and nine interceptions in 2012. That performance attracted FBS offers from South Florida, Louisville, Nebraska, Kansas and TCU, among other programs.

31. New Orleans Saints: Clemson LB Stephone Anthony

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2011

High School: Anson (Wadesboro, North Carolina)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 20 overall; No. 2 outside linebacker (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Stephone Anthony's high school career as a four-year starter culminated in 2010 consensus All-American honors. He recorded 123 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions as a senior, adding more than 800 all-purpose yards.

Anthony also shined in basketball and baseball. His list of collegiate options included Georgia, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Florida and Miami.

32. New England Patriots: Texas DT Malcom Brown

Credit: 247Sports

Recruiting Class: 2012

High School: Brenham (Brenham, Texas)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 9 overall; No. 2 defensive tackle (5-star prospect)

Recruitment Process

Malcom Brown was a first-team all-state selection and three-time all-district defensive lineman at Brenham. He played a key role during that three-year stretch as the team compiled 34 victories. 

Brown registered 125 tackles—66 for loss—and 24 sacks between his sophomore and senior seasons. He selected the Longhorns from an offer list that included Arkansas, Oklahoma, TCU, Miami and Texas A&M.

All recruit ratings and offer information courtesy of 247Sports.