Meet the Replacement for Every 1st-Round NFL Draft Pick of 2015
For 32 players, Thursday night was the biggest night of their young lives. In Chicago, NFL teams ended months of anticipation and hype by making their first-round draft picks, giving young men instant riches and instant responsibility.
Those players left college behind months ago when they declared for the draft, and while their teams basked in Thursday’s attention, their departures left important holes for their teams to fill. Most teams spent spring practice addressing those needs, and some were more successful than others at determining successors to the stars.
Here’s a look at the replacement for all 32 NFL first-round picks. They’re sorted by the spot where the departed player was selected, from No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston to No. 32 pick Malcom Brown.
32. Texas DT Hassan Ridgeway
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While Texas struggled for overall consistency in Charlie Strong’s first season, finishing 6-7, the Longhorns defensive line was a major stronghold. Texas had several standout defensive tackles in Malcom Brown and Cedric Reed. Brown improved his NFL stock significantly while making 72 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, earning his first-round selection.
His departure creates a significant void, but Hassan Ridgeway is ready to fill it. Last fall, Ridgeway was forced into the lineup due to injuries but produced, making 11 tackles for loss and six sacks. In a full-time defensive tackle role, his production should only increase this fall.
31. Clemson LB B.J. Goodson
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Clemson’s defense was the nation’s top overall unit in 2014, and middle linebacker Stephone Anthony was a huge reason why. He led Clemson with 90 tackles and was an intense leader who was in the middle of seemingly every play while serving as a quarterback for Brent Venables’ system.
His graduation is a big loss for Clemson, but veteran B.J. Goodson is ready to step into the middle for his senior season. Goodson has been a consistent performer for the Tigers. Last fall, he started six games as an outside linebacker and made 34 tackles, with 3.5 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries.
He’ll give a defense that will return only three full-time starters this fall a much-needed veteran presence in the middle of the front seven.
30. Arizona State S DeAndre Scott
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While Arizona State won 10 games for the second consecutive season in 2014, the Sun Devils defense was a bit of a liability. ASU yielded 27.9 points per game, which ranked No. 76 nationally. That wasn’t the fault of defensive back Damarious Randall, who made 106 tackles and was a first-team All-Pac-12 safety.
Sophomore DeAndre Scott is the most likely replacement for Randall. He is a ball-hawking safety who will learn on the job but will be fortunate to step into a defense that returns nine starters from 2014.
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29. Miami WR Stacy Coley
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A dependable receiver is a young quarterback’s best friend, and Phillip Dorsett was just that for Brad Kaaya in 2014. Dorsett made Kaaya’s life easier, catching 36 passes for 842 yards and 10 scores and averaging 24.2 yards per reception.
Now that he’s gone, someone will have to step forward as a No. 1 receiving option for the Hurricanes. The most obvious choice is someone who is looking for a bounce-back season in 2015: junior Stacy Coley.
Coley had 33 receptions for 591 yards and seven scores as a freshman but cratered in 2014, making just 23 catches for 184 yards and no touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t indicative of his talent and speed, which he hopes to prove this fall.
He’ll need to prove his freshman season wasn’t a fluke. He has solid downfield ability and speed, and Kaaya will need to trust that he can lean on Coley more than he did in 2014.
28. Duke G Sterling Korona
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Duke’s football program has been on a serious upswing under David Cutcliffe’s watch, and Thursday night, the Blue Devils achieved a major milestone. When the Detroit Lions snagged right guard Laken Tomlinson in the first round, it marked Duke’s first first-round NFL draft selection since 1987.
That’s an impressive accomplishment for the program, but it begs the question: Who will replace Tomlinson? Duke has won nine games in back-to-back seasons, and he played a huge role. The position appears to be somewhat in flux, but 2014 backup Sterling Korona is the favorite to win the role. At 6’7”, 290 pounds, he could shift between guard and tackle if necessary.
27. UConn CB Jhavon Williams
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2014 wasn’t a season to remember for UConn, but cornerback Byron Jones gave the Huskies some positive publicity. He shot up draft boards following an incredible broad jump at the NFL combine and will give the Dallas Cowboys a major shot of athleticism.
Replacing him in the Huskies secondary will be no easy task: You don’t just slide in a player with that kind of athletic ability at an AAC school.
Jones actually missed the final five games of 2014 with shoulder surgery. Junior Jhavon Williams is the most likely candidate to take the mantle as UConn’s most talented corner this fall. He started 12 games in 2014 and finished with 38 tackles and seven pass breakups.
26. Central Florida WR Jordan Akins
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Breshad Perriman always had the pedigree. The son of former Detroit Lions receiver Brett Perriman, Breshad fought through injuries and had an excellent senior season, catching 50 passes for 1,044 yards in 2014.
The problem for Central Florida won’t just be replacing him. It’s replacing the top four receivers from 2014. The leading returning receiver is Jordan Akins, who had 12 receptions for 135 yards last fall. A former minor league baseball player in the Texas Rangers system, Akins stands 6’3”, 237 pounds. He has the size to succeed at this level, and this fall, he’ll have the opportunity to show it in UCF’s passing game.
25. Washington LB Travis Feeney
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Last fall, Shaq Thompson was one of college football’s most versatile players. He split time between linebacker and tailback, making an impact at both spots for a Huskies team that was in transition in Chris Petersen’s first season.
Thompson is off to the NFL, where he’ll fit in well as an athletic linebacker. But how does Washington replace him? The answer is linebacker Travis Feeney. He started nine games last fall but will be expected to take a larger role in 2015 as a full-time starter. He had 60 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss as a junior and should build on those stats as an every-down player in 2015.
With Thompson and Danny Shelton gone to the NFL, Washington will need defensive leadership, and Feeney will be expected to provide it this fall.
24. Florida OT Martez Ivey
9 of 32Entering spring, new Florida coach Jim McElwain had a dilemma in picking between Treon Harris and Will Grier as his starting quarterback, but a bigger concern should be who’ll protect the eventual winner.
With D.J. Humphries’ departure to the NFL, Rod Johnson was expected to slide over from right tackle to replace him on the blind side. But he suffered numbness in his hands during a spring scrimmage, which was later diagnosed as spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal column. That ended his career.
The Gators ended spring practice with just six healthy scholarship offensive linemen, which will be a huge issue this fall. Florida will be leaning on inexperienced linemen as McElwain tries to jump-start a moribund offense. It’s rare for true freshman offensive linemen to see playing time, but 247Sports' 5-star recruit Martez Ivey could be thrown into the fire at left tackle if he shows his learning curve is small enough in preseason practice.
23. Missouri DE Charles Harris
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A draft-week arrest for marijuana possession didn’t torpedo Shane Ray’s stock, as the Missouri defensive end went No. 23 overall to Denver. Ray is just the latest in a strong tradition of Tigers defensive linemen who are making an NFL impact, and it’ll be difficult for Gary Pinkel and Co. to replicate his production as the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American.
However, Charles Harris will be the next to try. Harris, a high school basketball star, has tremendous athleticism. He is a work in progress but made 19 tackles and four tackles for loss while backing up Ray last fall. It would d be unfair to expect Harris to replicate his production, but his ceiling is high.
22. Kentucky DE Farrington Huguenin
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Last fall, Bud Dupree played all over the field for Kentucky’s defense. He was an active, athletic player who served as a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, piling up 74 tackles and eight sacks. He’ll make an excellent dual-threat ‘backer in the NFL, but Kentucky’s problem will be replacing him.
Defensive end Farrington Huguenin, who played behind Dupree last fall, is a veteran of the system who provided quality reps. He’ll be expected to carry a heavier load this fall. Junior outside linebacker Jason Hatcher, who made six starts last fall, will also pick up some of the pass rush. In 2014, he had 28 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
21. Texas A&M LT Avery Gennesy
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When Cedric Ogbuehi decided to return to college for his senior season, it was considered a huge win for Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies offense. He had an up-and-down final season of eligibility, but the offense will still feel his loss acutely.
A&M needs someone competent to protect Kyle Allen’s blind side, and that man appears to be junior Avery Gennesy. The junior college transfer has solid hands and feet and stands 6’5”, 310 pounds. He withstood competition in spring and should thrive as a key part of the offensive line this fall.
20. Southern California WR JuJu Smith
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When Nelson Agholor declared early for the NFL draft, it robbed the Southern California offense of one of college football’s most versatile talents. The All-American had a breakout season in 2014, catching 104 passes for 1,313 yards with 12 touchdowns and also returning two punts for scores. He was third nationally in punt return touchdowns, seventh in receiving touchdowns and 12th in receiving yards per game.
Luckily, the Trojans have plenty of talent in the pipeline. Sophomore JuJu Smith is ready to step up and take the mantle as Cody Kessler’s top receiver. Last fall, he had 54 receptions for 724 yards with five touchdowns, averaging 13.4 yards per catch. He is a legit candidate for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to college football’s top receiver.
If Smith takes another step forward, USC’s offense shouldn’t take much of a step back, even without Agholor.
19. Florida State C Ryan Hoefeld
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Last fall, Cameron Erving was Florida State’s best, most versatile offensive lineman, and it wasn’t close. He began the season at left tackle but shifted to center midway through the season and held down the spot, excelling as the offensive line’s quarterback. He won’t be easy to replace.
Sophomore Ryan Hoefeld struggled at times in the spotlight, but the 6’3”, 290-pound center should be more prepared for his second chance. He will need to be more consistent to hold off a trio of young players, including Wilson Bell, Alec Eberle and Corey Martinez.
18. Washington CB Sidney Jones
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There is no questioning Marcus Peters’ talent. However, he entered the draft with major red flags regarding his character following his midseason dismissal from Washington following repeated issues. Peters is talented, but his dismissal from the Huskies roster gave Washington a head-start on finding his replacement.
Sophomore Sidney Jones and converted receiver John Ross III emerged as starters for a solid secondary, but Ross could move over to the other side of the ball this fall. Jones was highly competent in 2014 and should only improve with another season’s experience.
17. Oregon DE Tui Talia
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While Oregon’s offense garnered most of the accolades last season, the Ducks defense wasn’t too bad, either. Defensive end Arik Armstead was a consistent pass-rusher who abused opposing offensive lines with his athleticism.
He’ll be missed, but Tui Talia will be a solid replacement. At 6’5”, 285 pounds, Tulia has the size and speed to thrive in the Pac-12. He has excellent speed and can move his hips to get off the ball. The former junior college transfer learned behind Armstead last fall, and he’ll take advantage of the spotlight in 2015.
16. Wake Forest CB Brad Watson
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Dave Clawson’s first season as Wake Forest head coach wasn’t anything to write home about, as a young squad went 3-9. However, the Demon Deacons had a major talent anchoring the defense and the secondary in cornerback Kevin Johnson, a lockdown presence who shut down receivers across the ACC.
Who’ll replace him? That’s an open book. Incoming freshmen Amari Henderson and Dionte Austin are strong candidates, as are juniors Jalen Latter and Brad Watson. Meanwhile, don’t count out Rutgers transfer Bryant Gross-Armiento. Watson suffered a broken wrist but should have the edge heading into fall camp.
15. Wisconsin RB Corey Clement
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Wisconsin has a strong tradition of powerful tailbacks, and in 2014 the program witnessed one of the best seasons ever by a collegiate tailback. Melvin Gordon rushed for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns, hitting or surpassing the 200-yard mark in six games, including a 408-yard effort against Nebraska that set the FBS single-game record (until Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine passed it a week later).
Gordon’s season was No. 2 on the FBS all-time list behind Oklahoma State’s Barry Sanders in 1989, and it was no surprise that the Heisman Trophy runner-up left early for the NFL.
However, new Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst doesn't have to look far to replace Gordon. Junior Corey Clement will step right into the role. While backing up Gordon last fall, he rushed for 949 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry.
He had four 100-yard rushing games, including 105 yards in the Outback Bowl win over Auburn. Given free rein as the No. 1 back, Clement could easily double those figures this fall and then some.
14. Louisville WR James Quick
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DeVante Parker played only six games for Louisville last fall, but it’s hard to argue that any receiver in college football had a bigger impact than he did in a half-season. Parker missed the Cardinals’ first seven games with a broken bone in his foot, but he finished with 43 receptions for 855 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 19.9 yards per catch.
Replacing him is a near-impossible task, with junior James Quick, UAB transfer Jamari Staples and Texas A&M transfer Ja’Quay Williams the most likely candidates. Quick was Louisville’s No. 2 receiver last fall, making 36 receptions for 566 yards with three touchdowns.
He stands 6’1”, 185 pounds but needs more consistency. He had two 100-yard games last fall, including a 101-yard day against Clemson’s stingy defense. He’ll receive a larger focus but must develop a solid rapport with Louisville’s starting quarterback, whoever that might be this fall.
13. Stanford LT Kyle Murphy
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Stanford’s offensive line sustained only one major loss following the 2014 season, but it was a big one. Standout left tackle Andrus Peat declared for the NFL draft, leaving a large hole on the left side to protect senior quarterback Kevin Hogan.
However, replacing Peat won’t be as difficult as you might imagine. Right tackle Kyle Murphy is expected to slide over to left tackle and take Peat’s spot. Murphy, who stands 6’7”, 298 pounds, is an excellent fit.
Last fall, he was a second-team All-Pac 12 selection after starting all 13 games at right tackle. Murphy should have no issues moving to the left side and continuing Stanford’s strong offensive line tradition. For him, it’s a natural progression. The bigger question might be who’ll replace Murphy at right tackle.
12. Washington DT Elijah Qualls
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Washington finished only 8-6 last fall, but the Huskies defense was filled with impact players, most notably defensive tackle Danny Shelton. The 340-pounder rarely came off the field and was an All-America selection. It was no surprise that he entered the NFL draft, which left the Huskies searching for his replacement.
They found a good one in 6’1”, 300-pound defensive tackle Elijah Qualls. He played in all 14 games as Shelton’s backup last fall but will be expected to take on a much bigger role in 2015. He is a versatile player who rushed for more than 1,300 yards as a high school tailback and has excellent quickness and burst. Replacing Shelton will be tough, but Qualls has an excellent pedigree and a high ceiling.
11. Michigan State CB Arjen Colquhoun
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Michigan State’s defense played a huge role in the program’s 24-3 record over the last two seasons, but Mark Dantonio has a big task in replenishing the Spartans secondary. Trae Waynes was a key member of the “No-Fly Zone,” and two-way player Tony Lippett was starting by the end of 2014 while also serving as MSU’s top receiver.
The cornerback competition was wide open in spring practice, especially with former starter Darian Hicks, who lost his job by season’s end, trying to earn his job back. But senior Arjen Colquhoun was a standout. His experience should play a key role in MSU’s secondary in 2015.
10. Georgia RB Nick Chubb
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Entering last season, Georgia had a Heisman Trophy candidate in Todd Gurley, a powerful, quick tailback. And while Gurley impressed during his time on the field, he missed three games while serving an NCAA suspension for accepting payment for his autograph and then tore his ACL in his first game back, which ended his season.
That gave Georgia a chance to find Gurley’s replacement before he’d even left campus, and Nick Chubb took full advantage. Chubb had an amazing freshman season, rushing for 1,547 yards with 14 touchdowns and averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He finished the season with eight consecutive 100-yard rushing games, gashing Louisville for 266 yards and two touchdowns in the Belk Bowl.
As Chubb begins his sophomore season, he’ll be a Heisman candidate on his own. Todd who?
9. Miami LT Kc McDermott
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Adjusting to life as a freshman quarterback isn’t easy, but Brad Kaaya was lucky in 2014. He had a solid offensive line in front of him, led by Ereck Flowers. The left tackle did an excellent job of protecting Kaaya’s blind side, and Miami will find that he isn’t easy to replace.
The Hurricanes tried a number of candidates at left tackle during spring practice, but the most likely candidate is Kc McDermott. McDermott, the brother of former starting center Shane McDermott, played as Miami’s right tackle before suffering a torn medial collateral ligament in late September against Duke, but he returned healthy during spring.
McDermott stands 6’6”, 314 pounds and has been a vocal leader for the line. He would be a natural to emerge and protect Kaaya in 2015.
8. Clemson DE Shaq Lawson
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Once Vic Beasley found a position at Clemson, the Tigers reaped the benefits. He bounced from tight end to linebacker to defensive end, but after settling in as a pass-rusher, he emerged as an All-America defensive end and Clemson’s all-time sack leader, a cornerstone of the nation’s No. 1 total defense in 2014. Replacing him won’t be easy, but the Tigers have a highly capable replacement in junior Shaq Lawson.
Lawson was a freshman All-American two years ago and has just been biding his time behind Beasley. If Beasley had gone to the NFL in January 2014, Lawson would have inherited a starting role last fall. He has great pass-rush skills, as he had 34 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last fall. He’s set for a breakout junior season with a starting role.
While it’s hard to expect him to replicate Beasley’s production, he’ll be a key force for the rebuilt defensive line and is an NFL defensive end in the making.
7. West Virginia WR Daikiel Shorts
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Last fall, Kevin White had one of the most impressive national breakouts. The West Virginia senior receiver had 109 receptions for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the NFL draft’s top receiving prospects in WVU’s pass-happy Air Raid offense.
Now, the big question: How do you replace a guy like that? At 6’2”, 215 pounds, White had an NFL-ready body and the ability to separate deep.
With 49 receptions for 598 yards and two touchdowns in 2014, Jordan Thompson is the leading returning receiver, but his frame (5’7”, 165 pounds) doesn’t scream No. 1 receiver. The best candidate is junior Daikiel Shorts, who stands 6’1”, 198 pounds. He had 24 receptions for 346 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore but wasn’t consistent. He went catchless in four games.
Thompson or sophomore Shelton Gibson, a quick player, could step up and take a larger role, but Shorts appears to be the top choice to do so if he can become an every-down force.
6. Southern California DE Claude Pelon
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Last fall, Leonard Williams was a force of nature on Southern California’s defensive line. He had 80 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles, showing versatility as a defensive end and tackle and consistently wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines.
Replacing him is no easy task, as the Trojans found out this spring. USC has versatile players in tackle-ends Delvon Simmons and Claude Pelon, but neither really stood out in 15 workouts. Pelon had 19 tackles and two sacks a year ago but was sidelined for the spring game due to academics.
Senior end Greg Townsend, the son of former NFL All-Pro Greg Townsend, could slide into the role. He was Williams’ backup last fall. Right now, Pelon looks like the most likely of a few murky prospects.
5. Iowa LT Ike Boettger
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While Iowa’s offense had its struggles last fall, you can’t pin the issues on Brandon Scherff. Iowa’s left tackle continued Kirk Ferentz’s strong tradition of sending offensive linemen to the NFL, and he’ll fit in fine as a professional left tackle or left guard.
How do you replace him? The Iowa way: Find an undervalued, undersized player who is projectable and turn him into a left tackle. That’s the case with Ike Boettger. He arrived on campus as a 255-pound tight end but has grown into a left tackle. He had his share of growing pains going against disruptive defensive end Drew Ott this spring and will have more this fall against Big Ten defensive lines, but he is on the right track.
Fans will have to expect their share of ups and downs from Boettger, but he is following what has been a successful path set out for him by his predecessors.
4. Alabama WR Chris Black
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Did anyone profit more from Lane Kiffin’s arrival as Alabama offensive coordinator than Amari Cooper? In 2014, the Crimson Tide receiver shook off a disappointing sophomore season with an incredible junior year in Kiffin’s pass-happy system.
Cooper reeled in 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns as Blake Sims’ favorite target, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. His departure for the NFL was natural, but Alabama also graduated its No. 2 and No. 3 receivers in DeAndrew White and Chris Jones.
The main beneficiary? Junior Chris Black. He was highly regarded when he arrived at Alabama in 2012 but had plenty of talent ahead of him. Now, the 5’11”, 186-pound receiver has emerged as the Crimson Tide’s top receiver.
Alabama’s starting quarterback this fall remains unknown, but he'll have a speedy, athletic target to throw to in Black.
3. Florida DE Cece Jefferson
30 of 32Over the last two seasons, Florida has gone 12-13, a big reason why Will Muschamp is now Auburn’s defensive coordinator and not the Gators head coach. But the blame for Florida’s struggles can’t be placed on its defense, which had numerous talented players across its two-deep.
One of them was defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., a 6’5”, 265-pound freak athlete. He is powerful, quick and athletic with long arms and an incredible motor. It was no surprise that he declared for the NFL draft.
Replacing him is no easy proposition, and no one player can truly do it. But the most intriguing candidate has yet to arrive on campus. Incoming freshman Cece Jefferson has excellent size and athleticism and is a little bit larger than Fowler, and he is a nightmare for opposing left tackles. He faces a learning curve in Gainesville, but the Gators could slot him in at an end spot and watch what happens as he learns on the job in 2015.
2. Oregon QB Jeff Lockie or Vernon Adams
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Marcus Mariota is a quiet player, but his early departure to the NFL left a huge hole in Oregon’s offense. The Heisman Trophy winner was an excellent dual threat for the Ducks, throwing for 4,454 yards with 42 touchdowns against four interceptions and adding 770 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. Without him, there’s no way Oregon would have even sniffed the national title game.
Replacing him is a difficult task, and a crowded field took a shot at it this spring. Junior Jeff Lockie, the only returning player to throw a pass in 2014, led a group that included redshirt freshman Morgan Mahalak, Georgia Tech transfer Ty Griffin, Taylor Alie and Travis Jonsen.
Lockie, who completed 75 percent of his passes for 207 yards and a touchdown in 2014, is the leader as Oregon wraps up its spring drills Saturday. But his job isn’t done. Eastern Washington standout Vernon Adams, an athletic force at the FCS level, is transferring up for his final season of eligibility.
1. Florida State QB Sean Maguire
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This spring was much quieter in Tallahassee, for one big reason: Jameis Winston is gone to the NFL following two successful but tumultuous seasons as Florida State’s quarterback. He was 27-1 as the Seminoles starter and played an outsized role in a BCS National Championship Game and a pair of ACC titles, but his off-field exploits made him a lightning rod for controversy.
With Winston gone, Jimbo Fisher’s life is simpler but not necessarily better. Winston has a huge arm and is a natural leader. The task of replacing him falls to junior Sean Maguire.
Fisher told Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel that he is confident in Maguire's abilities.
"I feel very good about Sean,” Fisher said. “Sean had a great spring, we have to play well around him. I like where he’s at right now.”
Maguire is no stranger to the role. He threw for 339 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions as Winston’s backup in 2014, leading the Seminoles to an overtime victory over Clemson and the nation’s eventual top overall defense, while Winston served a suspension for yelling a vulgarity on campus.
At 6’3”, 220 pounds, he has a solid frame and the arm to succeed. But with three freshmen pushing him, his leash won’t be nearly as long as Winston’s was with Fisher this fall.
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