The 2015 NFL Draft is seemingly light years away, but it's never too early to speculate as to which players will be slotted where. If the draft was to be held today, the Oakland Raiders would be selecting No. 1 overall, with the Arizona Cardinals picking at No. 32. Here is my first way too early mock draft of the 2015 class, assuming each underclassman on this list declares early.
1. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
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1. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
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Outside of quarterback, the Oakland Raiders have needs everywhere. Drafting a wide receiver No. 1 overall hasn't happened since 1996 (Keyshawn Johnson), but it is the biggest need and best value for Oakland here. Alabama's Amari Cooper is the best offensive playmaker in this class and would give the Raiders some explosiveness on the outside that they haven't seen since Tim Brown more than a decade ago.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
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The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted their franchise QB last year at No. 3 overall with Blake Bortles, and now need a game-changer on defense. Nebraska's Randy Gregory would be a good first step for this under-talented unit. Gregory has been a terror off the edge for the Cornhuskers, and would give them someone who can take down Andrew Luck for the next 8-10 years.
3. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
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3. New York Jets: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
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After officially giving up on Geno Smith, and with Michael Vick providing little in the near future, the New York Jets will re-build once again and try to find their franchise QB. This time, it's the controversial, but highly touted, Jameis Winston from Florida State. Winston would be a mega-star in New York and teamed with an offensive nucleus of Chris Ivory, Eric Decker and Percy Harvin, he won't have to be called upon to do everything.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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The Mike Glennon-Josh McCown experiment has been a clear failure for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season. With little to no hopes of winning now, Lovie Smith must now decide on a new franchise QB, and that is Oregon's Marcus Mariota. Mariota is NFL-ready right now and will give this franchise a player who has winning intangibles and star power.
5. Tennessee Titans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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5. Tennessee Titans: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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The Tennessee Titans will be going nowhere soon with Jake Locker, Charlie Whitehurst and Zach Mettenberger at quarterback. That is why UCLA's Brett Hundley is the easy choice for this team. Hundley's mobility and accuracy were clearly visible with the Bruins, and with some exciting, young pieces in Bishop Sankey, Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter, Hundley can turn their offensive woes around quickly.
6. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
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6. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
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Since John Abraham left for Arizona in 2013, Atlanta has struggled to find a bonafide pass rusher. Here, they find the nation's second best in Clemson's Vic Beasley. Beasley can be effective standing up as he is with his hand in the dirt, and he has the athleticism to drop back in coverage from time to time.
7. Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
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7. Washington Redskins: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
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The Washington Redskins' defense has a good back eight with players like veterans Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo, and rookies Trent Murphy and Bashaud Breeland, but they need some youth in the front three. Enter USC's Leonard Williams, who could easily be the best defender of this class when all is said and done. Teamed with Jason Hatcher, Williams could make the Redskins' front one of the best in the league.
8. St. Louis Rams: Cody Prewitt, FS, Ole Miss
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8. St. Louis Rams: Cody Prewitt, FS, Ole Miss
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The St. Louis Rams just traded for Mark Barron, who was a flop for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but could use another defender in the secondary in Ole Miss safety Cody Prewitt. Prewitt was named an All-American in 2013 as a sophomore and is a major reason why the Ole Miss "Landshark" defense is one of the nation's best. Prewitt reminds me a lot of Earl Thomas, a ballhawk who can also deliver some big-time hits.
The Minnesota Vikings have a young and talented roster, but the only unit that is setting them back is the offensive line. Matt Kalil has clearly regressed as a left tackle, and the rest of the unit isn't much better. Enter Texas A&M's Cedric Ogbuehi, who can play both tackle and guard. His presence would help give Teddy Bridgewater some time and Adrian Peterson some running holes (should he be reinstated).
10. Chicago Bears: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
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10. Chicago Bears: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
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The Chicago Bears' linebacker play has been atrocious this season, and with Lance Briggs starting to break down physically, a young linebacker like Washington's Shaq Thompson would be the first piece in fixing this poor unit. Thompson has been a playmaker this season, scoring multiple touchdowns for the Huskies and showing off his versatility. He reminds me a lot of Tampa Bay's Lavonte David, a player who is athletic and is in on every play.
11. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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11. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
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Zach Strief is clearly not the long-term solution at right tackle, and protecting Drew Brees has to be the No. 1 priority for the New Orleans Saints. A player like Iowa's Brandon Scherff would be an excellent fit in the Bayou. Scherff has the ability to play both tackle and guard, and his nastiness could help bring more consistency to New Orleans' inconsistent running game.
12. New York Giants: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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12. New York Giants: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
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Alabama's Landon Collins would give the New York Giants some much needed youth and athleticism at the safety position. Antrel Rolle is still a solid player, but he is not the long-term solution at the position. Collins has the same skill set as Rolle because he is just as effective playing in the box as he is out in coverage.
After losing Captain Munnerlyn this past offseason to the Minnesota Vikings, the Carolina Panthers find their next shut down corner in Oregon's Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. Both he and Washington's Marcus Peters are the best in this class, yet Ekpre-Olomu has shown on a consistent basis that he can be a shut down corner.
14. Houston Texans: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
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14. Houston Texans: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
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The Houston Texans' top need is a franchise quarterback, but Connor Cook is not worthy of being the 14th best player in the draft, so the Texans look elsewhere. In Oregon's Jake Fisher, they find a tackle who can play on both sides of the ball and is an excellent run blocker. Fisher is perhaps the most valuable player for Oregon's offense. When he was out of the lineup, the Ducks struggled moving the ball, especially on the ground.
15. Cleveland Browns: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
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15. Cleveland Browns: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
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With their first of two first-round picks, the Cleveland Browns solidify their offensive line by grabbing LSU's La'el Collins. He can play both tackle positions and this move would kick Mitchell Schwartz in at guard, improving two positions with one player. Collins could also be groomed as the replacement for Joe Thomas on the left side.
16. Miami Dolphins: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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16. Miami Dolphins: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
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The Miami Dolphins' running game still lacks a true workhorse, and Knowshon Moreno's failure to stay healthy means the Dolphins should look elsewhere. Enter Georgia's Todd Gurley, easily the best back in college football. His suspension for illegal benefits won't hurt his stock too much, and his downhill attacking style is just what the Dolphins need.
17. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
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17. Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
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The Kansas City Chiefs have needed a receiver for like five years now, and they finally find their guy in West Virginia's Kevin White. The former JUCO star has quickly developed under head coach Dana Holgorsen, and is among college football's most exciting and productive wideouts.
18. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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18. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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The San Francisco 49ers have a great front seven, but their back four is still a work in progress, especially at cornerback. With Ekpre-Olomu off the board, the next best corner is Marcus Peters from Washington. Peters has the size, speed and movement skills that translate directly to the NFL. He's also a ballhawk and has great hands.
19. Seattle Seahawks: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
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19. Seattle Seahawks: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
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With Percy Harvin now out of Seattle, Russell Wilson needs a go-to receiver on the outside, and that would be Arizona State's Jaelen Strong. The Sun Devils' wide receiver has been one of the nation's best the past two seasons, and given his size (six-foot three) and big-play ability, Strong would give the Seattle Seahawks a vertical threat that they don't currently have.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
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20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have needed a corner for what seems like the last five years, and now they find a good one in Michigan State's Trae Waynes. Waynes' physical play at the line of scrimmage and excellent play in zone coverage is exactly what the Steelers' aging secondary needs. Band-Aid free-agents are not the answer for Pittsburgh's secondary.
With the Ray Rice fiasco now over, the Baltimore Ravens find their next workhorse running back in Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah. Justin Forsett has been good this season, but he is not franchise running back material. Bernard Pierce has also been a disappointment this season. Abdullah is a downhill runner who is not afraid to hit defenders, plus he has the breakaway speed to turn a small gain into a touchdown.
22. Green Bay Packers: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
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22. Green Bay Packers: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
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The Green Bay Packers' rushing defense has been the second worst this season, and it's because they don't have a run-stuffing nose tackle. With B.J. Raji unlikely to be re-signed following a season-ending injury, the Packers should now look at Washington's Danny Shelton. Shelton's strength and athleticism will cause double-teams and give Green Bay's linebackers the opportunity to chase the ball rather than shed blockers.
23. San Diego Chargers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
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23. San Diego Chargers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
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The San Diego Chargers have gotten good play from LT King Dunlap this season, but he is still a liability as Phillip Rivers blindside blocker and an upgrade is needed. The best left tackle available would be Stanford's Andrus Peat. Peat's arrival could allow D.J. Fluker to stay on the right side, and will give the Chargers two solid tackles against AFC West pass rusher like Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
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24. Indianapolis Colts: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
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With Robert Mathis' future up in the air and Bjoern Werner's inconsistency rearing its ugly head, the Indianapolis Colts don't hesitate a second and find another pass rusher in Missouri's Shane Ray. While Ray is a 4-3 defensive end for the Tigers, he has the athleticism to play in a 3-4 scheme. Ray could be used at first as a situational pass rusher, then work his way into the rotation once Mathis retires or Werner flops completely.
This first-round comes from Buffalo in the Sammy Watkins trade. With Josh Gordon's legal issues continuing to surround him, the Cleveland Browns should invest in another receiver, and the best one available is Michigan's Devin Funchess. Playing on a bad team, Funchess is the Wolverines' only true star, and hasn't been given many chances to shine with poor QB play behind him. Another big target for Brian Hoyer is a big need for this team.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
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26. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
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The Cincinnati Bengals' defense is still good, but their linebacker situation will be a question mark this offseason. Rey Maualuga is a free agent, while Vontaze Burfict has had his share of injury issues this season. Benardrick McKinney would give Cincinnati a thumper in the middle who is smart and instinctive against the run.
27. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
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27. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
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The Philadelphia Eagles' biggest need since Chip Kelly's arrival has been at cornerback, and they find a good one here in Florida State's P.J. Williams. Brandon Boykin is effective as a slot corner, but Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams have been disappointing this season. Williams has been a proven playmaker for the Seminoles, especially in last year's National Championship, where he made a game-changing interception.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
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28. Dallas Cowboys: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
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The Dallas Cowboys have spent their first-round picks on offensive linemen in recent years, and now it's time to rebuild the other side of the trenches. Henry Melton is solid, but the rest of the line doesn't provide much. A player like Michigan State's Shilique Calhoun would give the Cowboys a threat off the edge that they have missed since DeMarcus Ware's departure. A better front four will also help Dallas' inconsistent secondary too.
29. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
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29. Detroit Lions: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
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With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley both entering the final years of the contracts, the easy pick here would be to find another defensive tackle in Florida State's Eddie Goldman. Either Suh or Fairley will not be back in Detroit, and Goldman has been Florida State's best defender this season. He's aggressive off the ball, a quick penetrator and a good run defender, especially when taking on blocks.
30. New England Patriots: Sammy Coates, WR, Auburn
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30. New England Patriots: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
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Bill Belichick's track record at selecting wide receivers has been poor to say the least, but none of his previous receivers has the talent and potential of Auburn's Sammie Coates. With Aaron Dobson proving to be a bust and Kembrell Thompkins now in Oakland, Tom Brady needs as many weapons as he can get, and Coates can be his next go-to receiver.
31. Denver Broncos: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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31. Denver Broncos: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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Montee Ball has clearly been a bust for the Denver Broncos, and Ronnie Hillman is nothing more than a career backup, so the Broncos find their franchise back in Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon. Gordon has the speed to break one to the house any time he touches the ball, and is a good pass protector, something that is necessary in Denver's offense.
The Arizona Cardinals' defense is among the NFL's best, but after John Abraham's departure, the Cardinals don't have a true threat at rush linebacker. Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. would be an excellent fit, even though he is playing on an awful Gators team. Fowler has the flexibility to rush the passer and drop in coverage, and can make the secondary's job easier by disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions writer forwww.RantSports.com. Follow him onTwitter, like him onFacebook or add him to your network onGoogle+.
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