NFL Draft 2015: Final Team-by-Team Needs, Fits and Predictions
We’re at the doorstep of the 2015 NFL draft, which means we should be as elated as a child in a candy store. The draft is where teams fill important needs, and a new hope is born for the following seasons. This year is no different, as there are many impact players waiting to join the league.
How a player fits with his team is incredibly important. Schemes, personalities and usage must all align together for most players to be successful. It isn’t luck but hard work by the team and player alike.
Thus, we’ve created a final team-by-team guide featuring needs, fits and a prediction for every team. Trades were very sparingly projected, since we really have no idea of trade talks until the deal is done.
What would you like to see your team do in the draft? Leave your comments below.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Team Needs: Edge-Rusher, Running Back, Cornerback, Center
The Arizona Cardinals have a deep roster that needs attention at just a few positions. Since most players on the board at the No. 24 pick are unlikely to start, the Cardinals could opt for the splashy pick available, then add depth later. The wild card could be a trade for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
Best Fits: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA; Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin; Marcus Peters, CB, Washington; Cameron Erving, OC, Florida State
All four of these players could at the very least challenge for playing time as rookies. For that reason, all could be gone by the 24th overall selection. Teams need talented cornerbacks and edge-rushers, as each is a premium position.
The two options most likely to be available are Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon and Florida State center Cameron Erving. Although neither plays a position that traditionally gets big money in free agency, both players are at the top of the talent pool in this draft class.
Prediction: Melvin Gordon
The end of the first round seems to have a lot of interest in Melvin Gordon. The former Badgers back can excel in the Cardinals’ power-blocking scheme. He creates better than any back in the class at the second level of the defense, showing elite balance and agility in his movements.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Team Needs: Edge-Rusher, Running Back, Left Guard
The Atlanta Falcons desperately need help in their defensive front seven. Unless more pressure is created in 2014, the Falcons are in for another long season in 2015.
On offense, the Falcons are close to rebuilding their offensive line. Another good guard would help their woeful running game—as would an impact running back to help Devonta Freeman.
Best Fits: Vic Beasley, Edge, Clemson; Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia; Shane Ray, Edge, Missouri; Randy Gregory, Edge, Nebraska
The Falcons don’t have much choice in the first round. They must add a pass-rusher early to ensure they’ll be more competitive on defense in 2015. Even if running back Todd Gurley is tempting, a pass-rusher will be more impactful.
Prediction: Randy Gregory, Edge, Nebraska
One of the best pure pass-rushers in the draft is Nebraska’s Randy Gregory. He has a history of marijuana use, as NFL.com's Kimberly Jones notes, which could cause him to fall in the first round. New head coach Dan Quinn has experience with talented defenders with some off-field concerns, so maybe he can be a guide for Gregory moving forward.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive End, Cornerback
Few teams lost more this offseason than the Baltimore Ravens. Free agency caused a lot of change in Baltimore, so now general manager Ozzie Newsome has to work his magic to keep this team competitive in 2015.
Best Fits: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State; Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami; Mario Edwards, DE, Florida State; Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The 26th overall pick might not be where the Ravens stay, as they have extra picks later in the draft, but their first selection will be based on need. With huge holes at receiver and defensive end, the Ravens need an immediate starter.
Prediction: Phillip Dorsett
To help replace receiver Torrey Smith, the Ravens add Phillip Dorsett in this scenario. Both Devin Smith and Dorsett are qualified to be legitimate deep threats for the Ravens as rookies in 2015. Dorsett is more versatile than Smith, and he’s faster on the field.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Team Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Guard
A team with very few immediate needs, the Buffalo Bills have a huge hole at the most critical position. Without a quality quarterback, the Bills aren’t going anywhere this year. It wouldn’t be surprising for the Bills to add a quarterback early this draft.
Best Fits: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor; Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA; A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
If the Bills choose to get a quarterback early, their choices are limited. The two best quarterbacks who could be available in the second round are Petty and Hundley. Petty is a downfield passer who has an extensive injury history and comes from a very simple passing offense.
Hundley is more athletic and comes from a system that is more similar to NFL offenses. He’s struggled to show improvement, but he has more tools to work with than Petty.
Prediction: Bryce Petty
Ultimately, the Bills may opt to attack vertically with Petty over Hundley’s short game. Every quarterback is a high-risk investment, so it’s a matter of which style the Bills want their offense to go.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Team Needs: Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Cornerback
It’s tough to find a team working with less on offense than the Carolina Panthers. Quarterback Cam Newton has been working with spare parts for most of his career, so the Panthers must continue to build their offensive line and receiver core.
Best Fits: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC; Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State; D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
The Panthers need a deep threat next to receiver Kelvin Benjamin. Luckily for them, there should be multiple options on the board late in the first round. USC receiver Nelson Agholor is more versatile, as he can play slot or outside, as well as return kicks. But Devin Smith is a true burner deep, and his match with Newton would be a nightmare to defend.
Prediction: Devin Smith
Just the thought of Newton throwing deep to Smith should make the skin of every NFL South team get chills. Newton is a solid deep-ball passer, and Smith is an excellent finisher at the catch point. He provides the quarterback with a big basket to aim for and has shown he’s great at tracking the ball.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Team Needs: Linebacker, Cornerback, Wide Receiver
The Chicago Bears desperately need to fill multiple holes to become a playoff-caliber team. Taking the best overall player at No. 7 should be the plan, even if there are greater needs. There are no quick solutions for the Bears in 2015, so keep that in mind as the Bears are on the clock.
Best Fits: Leonard Williams, DT, USC; Shane Ray, Edge, Missouri; Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Three of the best talents who could fall to the Bears are listed above. Leonard Williams could be the best overall talent in the draft, but other teams may overlook him to fill other holes.
Missouri’s Shane Ray is a very talented player, but his recent marijuana fiasco could push him down draft boards. At No. 7, maybe the risk is just right for the Bears.
Prediction: Leonard Williams
Somehow, teams tend to mess up their high draft picks. In this scenario, Williams falls to seventh overall and becomes a tremendous value for the Bears. He’d instantly be an impact 5-technique for the franchise.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Team Needs: Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, Offensive Line
The Cincinnati Bengals don’t like fancy free-agent acquisitions. Instead, they have built a deep and talented roster through the draft. By hitting on numerous late-round picks, the Bengals have been able to stockpile compensatory picks after veterans leave in free agency. That allows more flexibility early in the draft.
Best Fits: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M; Eddie Goldman, NT, Florida State; Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
Depending on how the board falls, the Bengals could have the chance at all of these players. Since it’s a deep draft at defensive tackle, we may see Cincinnati take advantage of an offensive line group that is somewhat top-heavy in talent.
Prediction: Cedric Ogbuehi
The Bengals are looking to add a top offensive tackle in this class. If they do go offensive line, I’m expecting Cincinnati to draft a high-upside option. Ogbuehi was a first-round option before his injury.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, Right Guard
Armed with two first-round picks, the Cleveland Browns can right the wrongs of 2014 and get quality players who can contribute in 2015. Two important needs that must be addressed early are wide receiver and defensive line. Even after adding veterans to the mix at receiver, the Browns are severely lacking a top-end talent there.
Best Fits: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville; Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF; Danny Shelton, DL, Washington; Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
If the Browns want a more vertical receiver, then Breshad Perriman is the best fit. If Cleveland wants someone to create after the catch, then Parker is its guy. It all depends on what it wants from its No. 1 receiver.
On the defensive line, it’s the same story. Danny Shelton is a defensive end capable of playing nose for stretches. He’s more of a run-stuffer than anything. Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips is a pure nose who eats blocks well.
Prediction: Danny Shelton at No. 12; Breshad Perriman at No. 19
The Browns aim for two impact players with these two picks. Shelton is a better overall player than Phillips. Thus, he commands the 12th overall pick. With their second first, the Browns can add the best receiver on the board, which may end up being Perriman.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Team Needs: Linebacker, Edge-Rusher, Cornerback
It’s clear the Dallas Cowboys need help on defense. The cornerback position isn’t overly strong, and the team needs to improve its pass rush. So whoever is the best available talent at No. 27 should be the pick.
Best Fits: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington; Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest; Randy Gregory, Edge, Nebraska
Dallas’ man defense can thrive with physical cornerbacks. Of all the cornerbacks in the draft, the two best and most experienced man cornerbacks are Marcus Peters and Kevin Johnson. Each has the ability to be a starter quickly for Dallas.
Prediction: Marcus Peters
Dallas has never strayed away from character guys in the past, and with needs in the secondary and Marcus Peters on the board, it’s a perfect match for the Cowboys. Peters won’t fall much further than this—if he lasts this long.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Team Needs: Offensive Line, Nose Tackle
The top priority for the Denver Broncos should be adding talent to protect quarterback Peyton Manning. With a need at guard and tackle, expect to see a player who can move between the two spots but develop at tackle long term.
On defense, the Broncos need to replace former tackle Terrance Knighton. The best block-eater is Eddie Goldman of Florida State, so he could be a surprise pick here.
Best Fits: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon; T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh; Eddie Goldman, NT, Florida State; Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Prediction: Jake Fisher
The Broncos are looking to add a top offensive line prospect who can play guard this year to replace Orlando Franklin and potentially slide to right tackle long term. Fisher offers exactly that and is worth a top-32 pick in this draft.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Team Needs: Running back, Offensive Line, Defensive Tackle
The Detroit Lions don’t have many needs, so they don’t have to force anything at No. 23. Adding depth and talent to the trenches is important but can be pushed back if an elite talent is available.
Best Fits: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia; D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida; Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
One of the above three names is a luxury pick, albeit a very good one. Georgia’s Todd Gurley would be an excellent fit if he’s on the board, but it seems unlikely he lasts this long.
The two immediate impact players available are Florida’s D.J. Humphries at offensive tackle and Texas’ Malcom Brown at defensive tackle. Each can start day one in the trenches for the Lions.
Prediction: Malcom Brown
After defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and C.J. Mosley departed via free agency, the Lions added Haloti Ngata but still need another top defensive tackle talent. Keeping the defensive line strong would be wise, and Brown can deliver with his talent.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Team Needs: Cornerback, Linebacker, Defensive Line
The Green Bay Packers are another team looking to add defensive talent early. The offense is complete, but for years, this defense has faltered at key times. That trend must end for another Super Bowl appearance.
Best Fits: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU; Eric Rowe, CB, Utah; Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA; Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami
The board is stacked with linebacker and cornerback options in the latter part of the first round. Since cornerback is a more valuable and difficult position to find than linebacker, the pick is a cornerback.
Prediction: Jalen Collins
He may lack experience, but Jalen Collins has already shown enough flashes in 10 starts to earn a first-round investment. Cornerbacks rarely star in their rookie seasons, and Collins is unlikely to break that mold. But he could be a major payoff in the long term.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Linebacker
After a surprising 2014 campaign, the Houston Texans did just well enough to put them out of the top quarterback market. Now, the Texans must try to build a roster that is solid enough to win without a great quarterback.
Wide receiver and linebacker are two realistic options in the first three rounds. The loss of receiver Andre Johnson is huge, even with DeAndre Hopkins present.
Best Fits: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA; Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State; Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA; Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
The 16th overall pick is all about value for the Texans. There isn’t a standout pick for the Texans, so maybe they force a quarterback here or trade down. This is one of the most difficult situations to predict.
Prediction: Jaelen Strong
If the Texans stick here, then receiver Jaelen Strong would be tempting. With Hopkins in the fold next to Strong, the Texans would have two mammoth receivers who own the catch point. Whenever they find their franchise quarterback, they’ll surely have a pair of receivers with reliable hands.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Team Needs: Nose Tackle, Edge-Rusher, Safety
On offense, the Indianapolis Colts are a powerful machine. They could use some help at guard, but they’re talented enough to overcome a weak position there.
The same cannot be said for their defense. Indianapolis needs help at three positions—one for every layer of the defense.
Best Fits: Eddie Goldman, NT, Florida State; Eli Harold, Edge, Virginia; Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
If the Colts want a defensive lineman, then adding a block-eater should be the goal. Eddie Goldman is certainly good enough to start right away for the Colts at nose tackle.
On the edge, a standup player who works in space well could start Week 1. Virginia’s Eli Harold is a project, but he has the speed and bend to be effective.
Prediction: Damarious Randall
The secondary really needs an impact player. Randall could be that player, as he has the versatility to play both safety and slot cornerback. He isn’t the most physical player, but he is effective in coverage.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Team Needs: Edge-Rusher, Running back, Linebacker
After a strong offseason where the Jaguars were able to add significant talent on both sides of the ball, it’s time to add the impact talent. Jacksonville needs a great edge-rusher and a solid running back.
With those two holes filled, things should get easier as the Jaguars can stockpile the best available grades.
Best Fits: Vic Beasley, Edge, Clemson; Dante Fowler Jr., Edge, Florida; Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
I think Vic Beasley would be a tremendous pick with the No. 3 selection. He’s got the measurements, production and consistency you look for. But there are two other realistic choices at No. 3.
Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr. is refined and solid against the run. His relentlessness will endear him to teams.
Alabama receiver Amari Cooper is the wild card here. Adding him to the Jaguars’ current receiver core would really create a dynamic group to be reckoned with.
Prediction: Dante Fowler Jr.
The Jaguars are looking to add an edge player after investing on offense and on their defensive line in free agency. While Beasley or Kentucky’s Alvin Dupree may be a more explosive option, the team could value Fowler above both for its “LEO” position.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Team Needs: Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Cornerback
The Kansas City Chiefs have very obvious holes in their roster. They need help along the offensive line, the playmaker positions and linebacker. There’s no way to really address these massive holes in one draft.
The good news is there are numerous cornerbacks and receivers worthy of being taken in the first round. Receivers should also fall to the middle rounds of the draft.
Best Fits: Eric Rowe, CB, Utah; Byron Jones, CB, UConn; Nelson Agholor, WR, USC; Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
There isn’t a standout linebacker available right here, but with several cornerbacks and receivers on the board, this pick is interesting. The Chiefs can easily justify either position, with major needs at each spot moving forward.
Prediction: Byron Jones
The team is set to start Phillip Gaines, last year’s third-round pick, and Sean Smith, who may be suspended after his recent DWI, at cornerback. It needs to add another potential starter, and Jones can potentially take over for Smith, who is in the last year of his contract.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Guard, Cornerback, Linebacker
Miami spent this offseason cleansing the sins of past regimes and, of course, signing star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The Dolphins didn’t plug every hole possible in free agency, instead showing that they’re willing to roll the dice on some young guys who have been developing.
Best Fits: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville; Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest; Brandon Scherff, G, Iowa
I see cornerback as the biggest need, as Miami doesn’t have a clear No. 1 for the long term. Brent Grimes is great, but his effectiveness dipped late in 2014. Another drop in his speed would be disastrous for this defense.
Receiver is a major need, too. Miami never properly surrounded quarterback Ryan Tannehill with solid weapons until now. One more receiver is the cherry on top.
Prediction: DeVante Parker
The Miami Dolphins' clear need for a No. 1 receiver could push them to take DeVante Parker. Parker is a perfect fit for Miami’s offensive scheme and could have a massive rookie season if he lands in Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
Team Needs: Linebacker, Cornerback, Wide Receiver
Assuming everyone is healthy, the Minnesota Vikings don’t have a lot of pressing needs. Left tackle could very well be a need if Matt Kalil doesn’t return to his rookie form. But outside of tackle, the biggest need is middle linebacker.
Best Fits: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA; Marcus Peters, CB, Washington; DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Vikings defense relies on linebackers in coverage. The best coverage linebacker in the class is Eric Kendricks of UCLA. Luckily for the Vikings, their No. 11 pick should be able to fetch a good haul of picks in a trade down.
Prediction: Trade down, select Eric Kendricks
There just isn’t a great value on the board. Pairing Peters with Xavier Rhodes at cornerback would be tremendous but probably unlikely. Minnesota can stockpile picks for 2016 in a move down to the 20s.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
Team Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, Offensive Guard
The Super Bowl champions had a rough offseason after top talent defected for bigger paydays. There are major holes at cornerback, defensive tackle and offensive guard entering the draft.
That probably should be the priority for the Patriots to attack their holes. Losing cornerback Darrelle Revis is impossible to mitigate but must be attempted.
Best Fits: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State; Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke; Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
With free safety Devin McCourty retained, the Patriots can protect cornerback Trae Waynes on inside routes. That’s an area he needs the help, as he’s somewhat stiff on slants and digs.
If Waynes is gone, then the Patriots could move back into the second round for depth purposes. The value of a guard at No. 32 isn’t great, but Duke’s Laken Tomlinson is worthy and would be an instant starter.
Prediction: Trae Waynes
The Patriots get their man in this scenario. Waynes is fast and competitive in his coverage. He gets grabby, and his ball skills can improve, so he falls to the bottom of the first round.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
Team Needs: Edge-Rusher, Tight End, Defensive Line
The New Orleans Saints desperately need to inject some young talent into this roster. Years of missing on picks and restructuring contracts finally culminated in a harsh offseason of deconstruction.
It’ll be hard for the Saints to go wrong in the first round with two picks. As long as they get an edge-rusher, the second pick has some flexibility with their board.
Best Fits: Vic Beasley, Edge, Clemson; Shane Ray, Edge, Missouri; Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota; Eddie Goldman, NT, Florida State
Replacing tight end Jimmy Graham, would be great, but the No. 31 overall pick might be a tad rich for Maxx Williams. That makes adding to the defense the best potential scenario.
Prediction: Vic Beasley at No. 13; Eddie Goldman at No. 31
The Saints seem privy enough to capitalize on Vic Beasley falling to them. Beasley is an amazing value right here, especially as a third-down specialist early on. The Saints need that on their defense.
Eddie Goldman can make everyone’s job easier. He can play anywhere on the interior line, no matter the scheme.
New York Giants
21 of 32
Team Needs: Safety, Offensive Line, Defensive Tackle
There are two massive needs for the New York Giants to compete for the playoffs in 2015. They must improve the offensive line and add a safety. Help at defensive tackle would also shore up their defense.
Best Fits: Leonard Williams, DT, USC; Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford; Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Leonard Williams is possibly the best player in the class. If he’s available for the Giants in a small trade up, that must be considered. Next to Johnathan Hankins, the Giants would have an elite interior defensive line.
Alabama safety Landon Collins would also be a good replacement for Antrel Rolle. The ninth pick is rich for his talent, but he is an instant starter in this defense.
Prediction: Andrus Peat
An average offensive line hamstrung this offense the past few years. Adding Andrus Peat, who is NFL-ready, would allow Justin Pugh to move to left guard. That would make this one of the best lines in the entire NFL.
New York Jets
22 of 32
Team Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Edge-Rusher
After a strong offseason that revamped much of the New York Jets’ roster, there is one eyesore left. The quarterback position. With Chan Gailey as offensive coordinator, the Jets are the perfect team for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
If Mariota goes prior to the fourth pick, then an edge-rusher is the way to go. The Jets need one more edge-rusher to really make that defense troublesome for the rest of the league.
Best Fits: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon; Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa; Vic Beasley, Edge, Clemson
The Jets are in a good position sitting at six. They can easily move up for Mariota if he starts to fall. Or they can sit back and allow the best edge-rusher to fall into their laps.
Prediction: Trade up, select Marcus Mariota No. 4 overall
If Mariota is there at four, a swap with the Oakland Raiders is an easy thing to make happen. Mariota allows the Jets to move on from the Geno Smith disaster and get a highly talented signal-caller for the future.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Right Tackle, Edge-Rusher
The Oakland Raiders are in prime position to trade down or stay at No. 4 overall and get the best grade available. With needs at receiver, offensive line and along the defensive front, it’ll be hard for the Raiders to go wrong here.
Best Fits: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama; Kevin White, WR, West Virginia; Leonard Williams, DT, USC; Bud Dupree, Edge, Kentucky
The best on-field fit for 2015 is either Amari Cooper or Leonard Williams. Both are plug-and-play starters for the next decade. Neither may end up being elite at his respective position, but each has an incredibly high floor.
Receiver Kevin White has a high upside, as does Kentucky edge-rusher Bud Dupree. White is the perfect fit for quarterback Derek Carr, as he’ll go up and snatch the ball on deep routes.
Prediction: Trade down, select Alvin Dupree No. 6 overall
ESPN's Matt Williamson reported that the Raiders really like Dupree, so perhaps they will move down a few spots if they can for him. If Mariota is gone by No. 4, then this pick could be Williams.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Team Needs: Safety, Quarterback, Wide Receiver
The first full offseason with Chip Kelly as the personnel man has been fun. He’s challenged the traditional ways of the NFL, and it’s amazing to watch. Kelly must be on the prowl for a young quarterback to groom, as well as more defensive weapons.
Best Fits: Landon Collins, S, Alabama; Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State; Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon; Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
The Eagles’ rebuilt secondary is nearly complete. Adding another young talent such as Landon Collins or Damarious Randall would really improve the unit after an abysmal 2014 campaign.
Prediction: Landon Collins
Since some cornerbacks are off the board, the best pick available for the Eagles right here is Collins. The versatile Alabama safety can instantly start at strong safety and complete an overhaul of the secondary.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Team Needs: Cornerback, Edge-Rusher, Safety
The Pittsburgh Steelers said goodbye to some defensive stalwarts this offseason. Now it is time to reinvigorate this defense with affordable talent. Every level of the defense needs help, so this is a best-grade-available pick.
Best Fits: Eric Rowe, CB, Utah; Marcus Peters, CB, Washington; Shane Ray, Edge, Missouri; Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Basically, if there is a physical defensive player available, he's likely a good fit for the Steelers. Pittsburgh is desperate for more quality defenders, so pro-ready players are in consideration.
Prediction: Shane Ray
The best overall talent here is Shane Ray. Ray has some off-field issues that need double-checking, but he’s a steal at this part of the draft. His explosion and ability to finish plays are standout traits.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
Team Needs: Offensive Line, Running back, Defensive Tackle
After a hot start to 2014, the San Diego Chargers succumbed to injuries and faltered down the stretch. With major needs on offense, the Chargers must improve their consistency on both sides of the ball to reach the playoffs in 2015.
Best Fits: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida; Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia; Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
The player with the highest grade at any of these positions of need is likely to be the selection. That’s not meant to be a cop-out, but the Chargers have historically stuck to their board well and not overreacted to undesirable situations.
Prediction: Todd Gurley
The best talent left is Georgia’s Todd Gurley. A punishing runner with an ideal frame and mindset, Gurley is the face of the next wave of running backs. His presence could relieve a lot of pressure off quarterback Philip Rivers.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, Linebacker
Some may consider the 2015 offseason a disaster for the San Francsico 49ers. Amid a coaching change, the team lost several key veteran leaders. New faces are all around in San Francisco, which will continue as the draft will add more players.
San Francisco has needs at wide receiver and defensive line and a minor need at linebacker. This roster has been built well, so stars are needed instead of depth.
Best Fits: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF; Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon; Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
If the 49ers want to add a potential star, these are the names to watch. Each has immense upside with his physical gifts. Time and consistency will be huge factors for each player to reach his potential.
Prediction: Arik Armstead
Adding an impact defensive lineman is always tempting in the first round. Receivers can always be found later on, whereas great big men tend to go quickly because of talent shortage.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
Without a first-round pick, the Seattle Seahawks must address their needs quickly to maximize return on their picks. Having such late picks in every round won’t make things easier, but fortunately, finding help at guard and receiver is very possible in the middle rounds.
Best Fits: Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary; Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart
The small-school route might be surprising for the Seahawks, but the team covets great athletes. William & Mary receiver Tre McBride is a solid, smooth athlete capable of earning snaps as a rookie.
Hobart lineman Ali Marpet is a very intriguing player. He blew up at the Senior Bowl, showing tremendous skill and athleticism. He could start day one at guard or center for the Seahawks.
Prediction: Tre McBride
To boost their receiver core, the Seahawks won’t be able to wait too long. Impact rookies at receiver aren’t rare, but McBride has the comfort as a slot receiver to add a new dynamic to the Seahawks’ attack.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
Team Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Offensive Line
Even after trading for quarterback Nick Foles, the St. Louis Rams enter the draft with uncertainty at the position. The Rams offensive line is also needing more talent, so if there’s a good lineman available at No. 10, that’s an option.
Receiver is the last major need for the Rams. 2013 first-round pick Tavon Austin hasn’t provided anything so far, so adding a major threat to the core of Brian Quick and Kenny Britt could be too tempting to not bite.
Best Fits: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon; Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama; Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford; Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa
If the top two offensive linemen are gone, then a playmaker makes sense at No. 10. The Rams don’t need to force anything, instead going with the best talent on the board. A wide receiver is in this scenario.
Prediction: Amari Cooper
If Cooper drops this far, I imagine the Rams’ phones will be ringing. But it would be tough to say no to Cooper, who is NFL-ready right now. The Rams’ playmaker core would be set for the foreseeable future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Team Needs: Quarterback, Right Tackle, Edge-Rusher
Above all else, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a quarterback. Nothing else will be as beneficial as a potential franchise signal-caller. So this decision comes down to two players.
Best Fits: Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
If the Buccaneers want a more vertical system that can excel early on, then Jameis Winston is the better player for them. Considering their personnel, this would seem like the better on-field fit.
On the other hand, Marcus Mariota is more cerebral and calculated with his play. He isn’t as likely to carry a team on his back but also won’t lose games due to bad decision-making.
Prediction: Jameis Winston
This pick seems to have been set for a good amount of time as an outsider. Winston’s off-field concerns are the only potential hangup at this point for the Buccaneers.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Team Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Tackle, Cornerback, Wide Receiver
Armed with the second overall pick, the Tennessee Titans seem to be shopping the pick heavily. The interest in quarterback Marcus Mariota seems lukewarm, though, so the trade market may not materialize. If no strong offers come in, then a tough decision must be made.
Best Fits: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia; Leonard Williams, DT, USC; Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
The Titans have a talent-laden defensive line, so the addition of Leonard Williams would purely be a best-grade-available pick. He is not necessarily filling an immediate need.
But with Kevin White available, the Titans could add a dynamic playmaker next to receiver Kendall Wright and tight end Delanie Walker.
As good as quarterback Marcus Mariota is, he doesn’t fit what the Titans want to do at the position. He struggles on deep passes with velocity and accuracy, so that’s not a natural fit.
Prediction: Kevin White
White would be a huge upgrade over Justin Hunter at receiver. White is already more polished, which is saying something because he himself is a raw route-runner with limited experience. His playmaking talent is excellent and worthy of this selection.
Washington Redskins
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Team Needs: Edge-Rusher, Right Tackle, Linebacker
The Washington Redskins need help all over after being without a first-round pick for a few years. Their lack of impact players is alarming but also a reason why they could play it safe early. Adding a trench player with great character is certainly in the mix.
Best Fits: Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa; Vic Beasley, Edge, Clemson; Bud Dupree, Edge, Kentucky
This pick is about character and how the player will impact the team early in his career. Washington needs a day-one starter, and that could rule out a project such as Dupree.
Prediction: Brandon Scherff
Ultimately, Scherff may be too appealing to pass up. He can play guard or tackle, and he has shown he’s a reliable bulldozer. For the Redskins offense to shine, the team must add a talent such as Sherff.
All stats used are from sports-reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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