NFL Tickets
Mocking the First Round of the 2015 NFL Draft
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsThis is it. The final month before the 2015 NFL Draft gets under way.
The madness kicks off on April 30, but until then, we’ll be providing you with plenty of mock drafts to satiate your need. This time around, I’m taking a look at the entire first round with the latest rankings and Pro Day results taken into consideration.
So here we go. My latest look at the first 32 picks of the 2015 NFL Draft. Feel free to leave feedback (positive or negative) in the comment section.
Mocking the First Round of the 2015 NFL Draft
This is it. The final month before the 2015 NFL Draft gets under way.
The madness kicks off on April 30, but until then, we’ll be providing you with plenty of mock drafts to satiate your need. This time around, I’m taking a look at the entire first round with the latest rankings and Pro Day results taken into consideration.
So here we go. My latest look at the first 32 picks of the 2015 NFL Draft. Feel free to leave feedback (positive or negative) in the comment section.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
This is all but a foregone conclusion at this point. The Buccaneers appear set on Winston as their franchise quarterback. We’re just waiting for Roger Goodell to make the announcement.
2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
What’s going to happen with the No. 2 pick is anyone’s guess. The Titans could trade, draft Mariota or go with someone like Williams. In this case, they upgrade their biggest position of need.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DE, USC
There aren’t many directions for the Jaguars to go here. Since they already added a handful of wide receivers last year, they go with a true defensive force in Williams.
4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Raiders can’t afford to ignore the wide receiver position any longer. They need a true No. 1 wide receiver, and Cooper will certainly do the trick despite his lack of leaping abilities.
5. Washington Redskins: Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Credit: Getty Images5. Washington Redskins: Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
I’m still a firm believer that Ray is the best edge rusher in the 2015 draft class. His speed off of the snap is elite, and he has a relentless motor. The Redskins found themselves a Brian Orakpo replacement.
6. New York Jets: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports6. New York Jets: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
With so many positions to upgrade, the Jets simply go with Best Player Available. Scherff is a mauler up front with the strength and foot work to play all along the offensive line. Versatility is the key here.
7. Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports7. Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
With Brandon Marshall gone, the Bears need to find a complement to Alshon Jeffery. While Jeffery brings size and strength, White will give the Chicago offense some much-needed speed and explosiveness.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Credit: Getty Images8. Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Despite signing a number of edge players this offseason, the Falcons are still looking for that elite talent. While I’m hesitant considering Beasley’s size, his elite speed and bend make him a logical pick here.
9. New York Giants: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports9. New York Giants: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Believe it or not, the Giants could use an upgrade in the secondary. They have plenty of cornerbacks, but not many starting-caliber talents. Waynes will provide a perfect complement to Prince Amukamara.
10. St. Louis Rams: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Credit: Getty Images10. St. Louis Rams: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Kenny Britt was a pleasant surprise, but the Rams shouldn’t be satisfied with their current options at wide receiver. Parker would give them a big body with reliable hands and after-the-catch abilities.
11. Minnesota Vikings: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
Credit: Getty Images11. Minnesota Vikings: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
After a promising rookie year, Matt Kalil has developed into one of the worst starting left tackles in the NFL. It’s time for the Vikings to make a change, and Collins would be an excellent option to replace the human turnstile.
12. Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports12. Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
The Browns would love to add some poundage to their defensive front. Shelton is a near-elite talent who can step in from Day 1 and make a big difference in their 3-4 defense.
13. New Orleans Saints: Alvin Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Credit: Getty Images13. New Orleans Saints: Alvin Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
The Saints can’t continue to ignore their pass rush. They need a true playmaker at outside linebacker, and Dupree has the size and technique to be exactly that for New Orleans.
14. Miami Dolphins: Andrus Peat, G, Stanford
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports14. Miami Dolphins: Andrus Peat, G, Stanford
It seems like a poor fit considering what happened with the last Stanford offensive lineman the Dolphins drafted, but Peat offers the versatility and elite run blocking that Miami would love to have right now.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Credit: Getty Images15. San Francisco 49ers: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Let’s be honest here. Adding Desmond Bishop is far from the answer the 49ers needed at inside linebacker. Bringing the underrated Kendricks into the fold will be a huge boost for the San Francisco defense.
16. Houston Texans: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports16. Houston Texans: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
DeAndre Hopkins and Cecil Shorts would be a decent starting duo if the Texans had a quality quarterback. Considering the current starter is Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett, adding an elite talent like Green-Beckham would do wonders.
17. San Diego Chargers: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports17. San Diego Chargers: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Year after year, the Chargers fail to find a legitimate force on the outside. While I’m far from sold on Fowler Jr., his athleticism and relentless motor make him a promising prospect for San Diego.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports18. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
The wide receivers continue to fly off the board. Sure, the Chiefs already added Jeremy Maclin, but bringing in more weapons for Alex Smith to work with is far from a bad idea.
19. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports19. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
This just seems like the kind of reach the Browns would make. Williams is the class’ best tight end, and the Browns’ best option at this moment is Gary Barnidge. Upgrade: complete.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports20. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Unless Chip Kelly wants to start Earl Wolff in 2015, adding a strong safety might be a smart move. Collins is an intriguing talent with the physical tools to excel with some extra coaching and experience.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports21. Cincinnati Bengals: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
The slide finally ends for Gregory, who is quickly becoming a polarizing prospect considering his lack of size and strength. The Bengals desperately need to upgrade the pass rush, and gamble with Gregory.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Credit: Getty Images22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
Based on their current roster, the Steelers’ need for a cornerback reigns supreme. Although some would be concerned about Peters’ off-the-field issues, his talent makes him worth the risk for Pittsburgh.
23. Detroit Lions: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports23. Detroit Lions: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Josh Bynes should not be starting for the Lions. That’s why adding a pure athlete like Thompson makes sense. Not only can he take over the starting job, but he can contribute in a number of other areas.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Credit: Getty Images24. Arizona Cardinals: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Put simply, Andre Ellington isn’t the workhorse back the Cardinals were hoping for. They need him to be more of a complement, and Gurley has the elite talent to take over that No. 1 role in Arizona.
25. Carolina Panthers: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports25. Carolina Panthers: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
Putting Cam Newton’s blind side in the hands of Nate Chandler isn’t the best decision. Hence, the Panthers would be smart to go after a left tackle talent such as Flowers to take over the starting gig.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports26. Baltimore Ravens: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
This offseason, the Ravens lost Torrey Smith to free agency. So what do they do to replace him? Draft a player like Perriman, who is essentially the same player – speed, more speed and inconsistent hands.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports27. Dallas Cowboys: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
While everyone is focused on the Cowboys’ need at defensive end, their bigger weakness might actually be defensive tackle. Brown would be a steal at 27, and could contribute from the get-go in Dallas.
28. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports28. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, C, Florida State
The Broncos don’t have too many glaring holes right now, so a wise decision would be to add depth and versatility. Erving can play any position along the offensive line, and has the talent to earn an early starting job.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports29. Indianapolis Colts: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
If the Colts think Frank Gore is the answer to their running back woes, they’re sorely wrong. Gordon will give them some spark out of the backfield while limiting Gore’s touches, which is the smart move.
30. Green Bay Packers: Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports30. Green Bay Packers: Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
The Packers could go for someone like Jordan Phillips here, but instead go for the versatility of Armstead. He has the size and athleticism to make an impact all along Green Bay’s 3-4 front.
31. New Orleans Saints (via SEA): Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports31. New Orleans Saints (via SEA): Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
The Saints traded away Jimmy Graham for this pick, and get a lesser version of him with it. Funchess is a big converted tight end who has the size and ball skills to make an immediate impact.
32. New England Patriots: Byron Jones, CB, UConn
Credit: Getty Images32. New England Patriots: Byron Jones, CB, UConn
After losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to free agency, the Patriots desperately need to add cornerback help. Jones is an underrated talent with the athleticism and instincts to start immediately.
Share 
