NFL Draft 2015: Updated Order, Day 2 Predictions and Round 1 Results
Although we didn't get all the trades we were looking for, the first day of the NFL draft still featured plenty of surprises. You can be certain the second and third rounds won't be any calmer.
Most people expected to see Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota off the board with the top two picks, even if they weren't sure which team would be drafting No. 2. Top players like Amari Cooper and Leonard Williams were also safe bets to go in the top 10.
On the other hand, it was a bit surprising to see players like Shaq Thompson and Phillip Dorsett drafted Thursday, even though both players showcase a lot of potential.
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No matter what was expected, teams must regroup and figure out the best plan for Day 2. Here are some predictions for the upcoming rounds, along with a full list of results and upcoming order as it currently stands.
Day 2 Predictions
Randy Gregory Will Go Early and Make Someone Happy
A few months ago, Randy Gregory was considered one of the top prospects in the entire draft. While he had an understandable slide due to a failed drug test at the combine, Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer of NFL.com explained there were deeper issues mentally.
Despite these off-field problems, the talented defensive end expected to be off the board by this point. Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports provided the thoughts of an obviously emotional player:
Either way, we reached a point where someone is going to get incredible value for the former Nebraska star. Most would agree he is the best prospect still available, so the potential has probably past the risk after moving into the second round.
The Tennessee Titans are the first on the clock in Round 2 and could use an extra pass-rusher to help the defense after solidifying the offense in Round 1. This would be a smart move to kick things off Friday.
There Will Be a Run on Quarterbacks
It wasn't surprising to see only two quarterbacks taken in the first round as Winston and Mariota were far ahead of the rest of the pack. However, as soon as the next one is off the board, you can expect a few more to follow.
Colorado State's Garrett Grayson is arguably the best available at the position, and some have very high hopes for the prospect. Marc Sessler of NFL.com noted an NFL executive had good things to say about Grayson to Tom Pelissero of USA Today:
Whoever selects the young quarterback will likely start a run that will also include Bryce Petty, Sean Mannion and Brett Hundley within a few picks of each other. These players aren't sure things, but they have the most potential to succeed at the next level.
With so many quarterback-hungry teams and not a lot of suitable prospects, no one will want to be left out.
Top of Second Round Features Plenty of Fantasy Options
Fantasy football players look at the draft with a bit of a different eye. They want to see running backs and receivers who are placed into a good position to succeed right out of the gate.
Although most early contributors come in the first round, the top half of the second round will feature quite a number of skill players who fit this description. One of those is Indiana running back Tevin Coleman, who should go within the first few picks Friday (looking at you, Jacksonville Jaguars).
Brad Evans of Yahoo Sports thinks highly of Coleman's ability to contribute early in the right situation:
Fellow running backs like T.J. Yeldon, Duke Johnson, Ameer Abdullah and Jay Ajayi all could be drafted on Day 2 with the ability to become starters by the end of the season.
At receiver, top options like Jaelen Strong, Devin Smith and Dorial Green-Beckham could also have a huge impact in their first season in the NFL. It all comes down to which team will take what player.
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