With only three weeks left in the 2014 NFL regular season, the time has come for the speculation surrounding the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft to begin. So many big names and intriguing talents are expected to be available come draft day, which makes it all the more interesting to project what could happen in late April.
Here’s my latest mock of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Order is determined by record and strength of schedule.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
This is a no-brainer. Even after spending big bucks to sign Josh McCown last offseason, the Buccaneers are already ready to find a new signal caller. They couldn’t ask for a better option than Mariota, who combines excellent athleticism with ball security and smarts. Sounds like a win for Tampa Bay.
2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2. Tennessee Titans: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
As tempted as the Titans will be to go for Williams here, they already possess an outstanding interior defensive line. Their edge pass rush, however, is subpar at best. Adding a proven edge rusher like Gregory to the mix would increase their ability to pressure opposing passers tenfold.
So far this season, the Jaguars’ play at offensive tackle has been horrid. Former first-round pick Luke Joeckel has been a turnstile, and Austin Pasztor hasn’t been much better. Joeckel shouldn’t be given up on yet, but Scherff would add some insurance and offers the brute strength to play inside as well.
4. New York Jets: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
4. New York Jets: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Many will see this as a huge reach, but the Jets desperately need help at cornerback and I’m not doing trades this time around. Ekpre-Olomu, while not the hottest cornerback right now, is a proven playmaker who possesses the all-around game to help New York vastly improve their defense.
5. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
5. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Despite a Week 14 win dropping them four picks, the Raiders still get arguably the best player in the 2015 class. Williams is an elite physical specimen who combines excellent size and strength with quickness and versatility. Teamed with Khalil Mack, Williams would make the Oakland defense an intimidating force.
6. Washington Redskins: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
6. Washington Redskins: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been some time since the Redskins had a true playmaker on the back end of their defense. Adding Collins to the mix, however, would change all of that. The Alabama product is one of the best safety prospects in recent history, and would be an immediate upgrade over anyone on the Washington roster.
7. New York Giants: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
7. New York Giants: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a good chance Jason Pierre-Paul’s days in New York are numbered, which is why the Giants would be wise to look for more pass-rushing options. That’s where a player like Ray comes in. The Missouri product has emerged as a stud this season, and would help revitalize the once-proud Giants pass rush.
8. Carolina Panthers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
8. Carolina Panthers: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, the Panthers were split between addressing wide receiver or offensive tackle in the first round. As we know, they went wide receiver with Kelvin Benjamin, and it’s worked out pretty well. So now they should turn their attention to tackle and nab Peat, who has the potential to be special.
9. Chicago Bears: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
9. Chicago Bears: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
With Lance Briggs likely gone this offseason, the Bears are in dire need of new talent at outside linebacker. While Fowler isn’t your typical 4-3 outside linebacker, he has the athleticism and instincts to adjust his game and mold himself into the Chicago defense. Plus, he’s excellent at rushing the passer.
10. New Orleans Saints: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
10. New Orleans Saints: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
All season long, the Saints have been forced to endure pitiful play from their cornerbacks. Apart from Keenan Lewis, the entire position is a disaster. With the addition of Waynes, New Orleans would have a more reliable option on the outside from Day 1, with the potential for him to develop into a shutdown cover man.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
11. Minnesota Vikings: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
With Cordarrelle Patterson failing to emerge as a reliable No. 1 this season, the Vikings need a backup plan out wide. Greg Jennings isn’t getting any younger, and Teddy Bridgewater needs weapons to work with if he’s going to be successful in Minnesota. Cooper would be an excellent addition.
12. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
12. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
As much as you’d expect them to go quarterback here, I think they’ll give Sam Bradford one more shot. If that’s the case, protecting him will be their top priority. The jury is still out on Greg Robinson, but adding a versatile blocker with elite athleticism like Ogbuehi would certainly help shore up the offensive line.
13. Houston Texans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
13. Houston Texans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
I’m not a strong believer in Winston as a first-round talent, but it seems like many believe a desperate team will take a risk on him. The Texans need help at quarterback now, and despite his off-field concerns, Winston could be the answer. Bill O’Brien will keep him in check and teach him well in Houston.
Even with the return of Josh Gordon, the Browns have still struggled to get consistent production out of their wide receivers. Especially if they want Johnny Manziel to succeed as their quarterback of the future, adding top-tier talents like Parker to his arsenal would be wise.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
15. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Despite all of their talent on paper at wide receiver, the 49ers still have yet to find a true game breaker in the passing game. White has shown this season that he can be exactly that. Some will be hesitant about this one-year wonder, but White has the speed, hands and elusiveness to be a force in San Fran.
16. Miami Dolphins: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
16. Miami Dolphins: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Miller has been solid this season, but the Dolphins need a legitimate No. 1 running back like they were hoping to get with Knowshon Moreno. Gordon has proven this season to be a dynamic talent, and should have no problem adding a new dimension to a Miami offense on the verge of being great.
17. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
17. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland defensive line has been lacking true playmakers for years now, and it’s time that changed. In Oakman, the Browns would be getting a huge defensive end who can beat blockers with burst or power. He’s still a bit raw and needs some refinement, but the physical tools say he’ll be a star.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
This seems like a stretch for a player like Kendricks, but he fills a huge void in the Chiefs’ defense. With two unproductive middle linebackers filling in for Derrick Johnson, Kansas City has been exploited at the second level. Adding the smart, instinctive Kendricks would be a big step in the right direction.
19. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
19. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Stanley spent the entire 2014 season evolving from a quality prospect into an all-out stud. Despite being only a redshirt sophomore, he’s seriously considering entering the draft, and could get good news from the advisory board. If that’s the case, the blocker-needy Ravens would be wise to scoop him up here.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
20. Dallas Cowboys: Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
As impressive as the Cowboys’ defense has been this season, they still need more talent in terms of pass rushing ability. Beasley would be exactly what the doctor ordered. Coming off the edge, the Clemson product is about as quick and explosive as any 2015 prospect, which Dallas would love to have.
21. Atlanta Falcons: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
21. Atlanta Falcons: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Despite their best efforts, the Falcons continue to receive lackluster production from their defensive ends. Odighizuwa, however, has enjoyed a breakout year for UCLA, and deserves first-round consideration. Although not an elite athlete, his power, burst and motor would be welcomed in Atlanta.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers have never had a problem with bringing aboard problematic players, which makes Peters an excellent fit. The shutdown cornerback was kicked off the Washington football team not long ago due to problems with coaches, but possesses elite talent. Mike Tomlin could whip him into shape and turn him into a star.
23. San Diego Chargers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
23. San Diego Chargers: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
While Sean Lissemore has held his own so far this season, he’s not the Chargers’ long-term answer at nose tackle. That’s why adding a player like Goldman could be an intriguing option for San Diego. His complete skill set gives him arguably the highest ceiling of any 2015 defensive line prospect.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Derick E.Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Derick E.Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
As great of a hitter as Rey Maualuga is, the Bengals would love an upgrade at middle linebacker. That’s where a player like McKinney would fit right in. Not only is he an excellent tackler with tremendous strength and awareness, but he simply has that “it” factor that’s hard to find in middle linebackers.
25. Detroit Lions: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
25. Detroit Lions: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a good chance that Ndamukong Suh will not be around when the Lions kick off the 2015 campaign. That’s why bringing aboard a capable replacement is a top priority. Although he’s struggled this season, Bennett has all of the tools to be a star at the next level – with the proper coaching.
26. Indianapolis Colts: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
26. Indianapolis Colts: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts’ linebacking unit as a whole has been disappointing this season. Especially on the outsides, Indianapolis can’t seem to get consistent, efficient play out of their roster. Bringing aboard a proven playmaker like Thompson would inject some excitement into the defense that simply isn’t available right now.
27. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
27. Philadelphia Eagles: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Considering how porous their pass defense has been this season, it’s safe to assume the Eagles will be looking to upgrade this offseason. Williams is a tough, physical cornerback with all of the tools to be a No. 1 cover man. He needs to keep his aggressiveness in check, but Williams seems like a fit for Chip Kelly and Co.
Apart from Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks have seriously lacked reliable offensive weapons this season. Especially after trading Percy Harvin, Seattle didn’t have a true go-to receiving option. Funchess, however, would come in and fill the move tight end role with ease -- Russell Wilson’s new best friend?
29. Green Bay Packers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
29. Green Bay Packers: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
When Letroy Guion is your starting nose tackle, you know there’s a problem. While he’s actually held his own this season, Guion is not the long-term answer as the Packers’ defensive anchor. Shelton, however, could be. His size, power and impressive agility make him a nightmare for opposing blockers.
30. New England Patriots: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
30. New England Patriots: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
If there’s one thing the Patriots’ passing game has been lacking for the past few years, it is size and reliability (outside of Rob Gronkowski, of course). Strong is both of those things and more, and would step right in from Day 1 and offer Tom Brady a lethal weapon to work with on the outside.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
31. Arizona Cardinals: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Imagine a backfield with Gurley and Andre Ellington – that’s the perfect example of a thunder-and-lightning combination. Especially with Ellington dealing with durability issues, splitting the load with a powerful Gurley would make things so much easier. He’s coming off an ACL tear, but Gurley is worth the risk.
32. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
32. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Broncos have suffered from their fair share of struggles along the offensive line this season. The offensive tackles have been average at best, and they’re getting subpar play from their centers as well. Erving has experience at numerous positions, and would bring plenty of versatility to Denver’s front five.
The Cincinnati Bengals definitely have their priorities straight in 2015 free agency. Re-signing Clint Boling could prove to be their smartest move this offseason. Read More
Just because a player is selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft doesn’t mean that they will not be successful. These 10 seventh-round picks all had very successful NFL careers. Read More
Players who are selected at the top of the NFL Draft may be viewed as potential major contributors to a team, but these 10 former sixth-round picks did it as well. Read More
The Cincinnati Bengals signed A.J. Hawk to a two-year deal on Wednesday, solidifying their linebacking corps and allowing him to play for the team he grew up watching. Read More
Maximizing late-round draft picks is key to building lasting organizational success. With that in mind, the St. Louis Rams should target these five players on Day 3 of the 2015 NFL Draft. Read More
Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota takes the field on Thursday at Oregon's Pro Day. What does he need to prove? The answer and everything else you need to watch for around the country. Read More
@GilAlcarazIV 
PREV
