Early 2015 NFL Draft Projections

Early 2015 NFL Projections

TUSCALOOSA– While the NFL season may not be at an end yet, it’s never too early for the NFL draft talk to begin. 24 of the 32 teams have already been decided on where they will be drafted and can plan accordingly on who they intend to talk to. There is always some surprises with trades and ironic picks, but in this draft we are just going to be picking who is the best choice player for the team in the actual position. So with all that being said,  Tampa Bay you’re on the clock.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Sorry Marcus Mariota  but when it comes to the most NFL ready quarterback, Winston is the most NFL ready guy to come out in years. His arm strength is superb and when it comes to making decisions in the pocket, he is arguably the best quarterback in the country this season. Teams also have to like his resume of 26-1 as a starter in college plus a Heisman trophy to his name is another checkmark. His off the field antics might cost him the number 1 spot but Lovie Smith has been known to work with nut-case quarterbacks in the past (hint; Jay Culter). Personally I think Smith will make the overall decision and since Winston seems like a better with Lovie, expect “Famous Jameis” to be in New York….but just for the draft.

2. Tennessee Titans- Shane Ray, DE, Missouri 

The Titans really have a major decision here. Sure they could draft a quarterback but head coach Ken Winsenhunt did hand select Zach Mettenberger in last year’s draft so I think they’ll give him one more season. The next biggest issue was their rush defense last season which ranked 30th. Now many have said Randy Gregory would be the best fit but personally, I think Shane Ray is a much better choice for the Titans here. Last season he lead the SEC in sacks with 15.5 and combined with DE Marcus Golden, they had over 115 tackles. Gregory has been said to be a little under-sized and that could cost him a few spots in the draft. If Ray can impress at the combine, he should be taken within the top 5.

 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Williams, DT, USC  

This pick should be a no brainer since Williams is possibly the most talented player in the draft. The Jaguars got their possible franchise quarterback in the last draft and three receivers from his to throw to for the next several seasons. Add Luke Jockel from the year before and the offense is slowly coming together, but the defense really needs help. The Jags were abysmal last year in the pass rush and Williams could definitely be an upgrade that the Jags need. Long story short, Williams is the best player on the board at this point and Jacksonville should just pick the best player at the time.

 

4. Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama  

Derrick Carr seems to be the future of Oakland as long as Reggie Mackenzie is the GM there. Since Carr only had James Jones to throw to last year, they should really find their franchise receiver to match up with their franchise quarterback. Cooper put up numbers this year that one only sees on a video game and has been electrifying since his first catch for the Crimson Tide back in 2012. His size might be a small issue but no offense, that was his issue this year and he killed it against top corners such as Vernon Hargreaves. The Raiders have been known to draft poorly but after the rookie season linebacker Kali Mack had, there’s no reason they should go anywhere else besides Cooper.

 

5. Washington Redskins- Adrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Both lines need help but the Redskins have a better chance of signing a guy in the offseason on the defensive side of the ball rather then the offensive. There are multiple tackles who could be drafted here but it seems like the clear choice would be the product out of Palo Alto. No one seems to be able to play the Right Tackle position, Morgan Moses got his shot and blew it against the 49er’s. The upside with Peat is he has worked at both left and right tackle so he really is versatile at the position. Peat may have been up in the air with coming back to school but now that he has officially declared, he’s the top offensive tackle in my book and should be taken no later then here.

 

6. New York Jets- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Sorry Geno Smith, you had your chance and you blew it. With a new revamp in the front office for the jets, they also are going to need a new face for their franchise. While Winston in New York seems like a dream come true for fans, another Heisman trophy winner from the west coast isn’t a bad constellation prize. Considered by some as the top pick in the draft, Mariota definitely could be the answer to saving the Jets. He has excelled in the college level and multiple times put the team on his back in order to get a win. The jets have some talent including Eric Deker and Percy Harvin, so if they could have a good quarterback and draft a running game in a later round, they should be back to a decent season come next year.

 

7. Chicago Bears- Landon Collins, S, Alabama 

There’s only one word the Bears need to know in this years draft; defense. The Bears have spent their last three first round picks on defensive players and should consider making it a fourth year. The “Monsters of the Midway” were more like the Care Bears of Chicago this season. Landon Collins would be a major improvement in the defensive backfield, which finished 27th this season. He’s the most versatile safety to come out of Alabama in the last four years (including former first round picks Mark Barron and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix). Collins could step in immediately and play well, which could be more then what Chris Conte could say most this season. If Lamar Houston and Jared Allen can stay healthy at D-End, safety is the clear choice for drafting this off-season for the Bears.

 

8. Atlanta Flacons- Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

If the Bears stuggled on defense in the backfield, then the Falcons match evenly to them with the pass rush. Sure take away the fact the Sean Weatherspoon was out with a torn ACL this year, but even with him in the Falcons really wouldn’t have been much better. With Randy Gregory still on the board after being passed up by teams like Oakland and Tennessee, he makes the obvious choice here. Gregory tore up offensive lines in the Big 10 all season and held his own against ever tackle he went up against. He managed to finish the season with 9 sacks which is more then some of the Falcons players could say. If he’s still on the board here, this should be a no-brainer choice for a team looking for their Khalil Mack

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9. New York Giants- Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa  

The Giants just fired the defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and have been known for better drafting on the offensive side of the ball. The thing is, Eli Manning isn’t that bad of a quarterback, but his line has suffered over the years. Brandon Scherff is another tackle who could go first overall but more then likely will fall right in the top 10. With Scherff playing the tackle position permanently, the Giants could move Justin Pugh back to his normal guard position and have a solid right side of the line. With Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. dominating at the receiver position, the Giants could be a team to look out for in 2015.

 

10.  St. Louis Rams- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame 

The Rams always seem to be the only team in the top 10 every year that seems like they’re just one pick away from finishing with a .500 record. The offensive line isn’t horrible but there are some major gaps. Jake Long has health concerns and he could be playing less and less over the year. Greg Robinson was a great pick last year but adding another lineman would be a smart move to protect a weak Sam Bradford. Ronnie Stanley had an incredible year for the Irish. While this wasn’t the best year for their offense, Stanley saved Golson from being sacked multiple times this year. With Bradford coming off another ACL injury, he needs all the help he can get, Stanley might be the answer.

 

11. Minnesota Vikings- La’el Collins, OT, LSU

The Vikings could go multiple ways here. With no for sure future with Adrian Peterson, the Vikings might want to find his replacement in case Joe McKinnon isn’t the answer. They could wait tip the second or third round though to draft a running back or receiver to help out Teddy Bridgewater though since this class has multiple answers at those positions. The smartest pick would be to help protect Bridgewater by drafting a lineman to block for him. With Scherff off the board, Collins is a smart choice. Matt Kalil has battled injures and could be moved to the guard position to take the pressure off. Collins is a strong right tackle who could pick up the work load and help make that offense really start contending again. The Vikings should be smart and find the guy to help protect their promising quarterback for many seasons to come.

 

12. Cleveland Browns- Kevin White, WR, West Virginia 

It doesn’t matter if they pick at 12th or 19th, the Browns MUST draft a wide receiver in the first round this year. Josh Gordon has over-stayed his welcome and Miles Austin isn’t the answer at the position. Kevin White was a no name tip he broke out this season. White finished top 10 in almost every receiving category this season and is just as good as Amari Cooper, but taller. If Johnny Manziel is the future in Cleveland, he has got to have big receivers to hit, that being said White fits the bill almost perfectly here.

 

13. New Orleans Saints- Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida 

The Saints were a heavy favorite to be in the Super Bowl this year and yet they didn’t even make the playoffs. The defensive back position needs work but they also just drafted Kenny Vaccaro and signed Jarius Byrd so they should at least give them another year. The Saints have been missing a pass rush since they released Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith last year and defiantly should be looking to pick up a new one in the draft. Dante Fowler Jr. had a monster year on a very poor Florida Gators team. With the size of Dominque Easly and the speed of Shane Ray, Fowler is the perfect hybrid of a pass rusher. The Saints need to put pressure on guys like Matt Ryan and Cam Newton weekly, so if Fowler is still on the board here, he should be packing his bags for the big easy.

 

14. Miami Dolphins- Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington  

The Dolphins should consider adding another running back and wide receiver to complete the Dolphins offense in the draft but they have plenty of picks to choose one later on. One player they can’t pass up on is the hybrid safety-linebacker known as Shaq Thompson. Not only did he destroy defenses on the offensive side of the ball, but he also played even better on the defensive side of the ball for the Huskies. The biggest upside is he can play three different positions and kill it at all three. The Dolphins front seven would benefit having Thompson on the team and he would benefit destroying a weaker group of running backs in the AFC East division over the next several years.

 

15. San Francisco 49’ers- DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

With Harbaugh out, the 49er’s best option would be to go with an offensive mind as their head coach to help out Kaepernik. The receiver position as a whole was weak for the 49er’s this season and may not get much better. Michael Crabtree could be gone to free agency, Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis aren’t the same players they used to be and Stevie Johnson was the biggest disappointment of the four. Finding a new, fresh face for Kaepernik might be the smart solution and DeVante Parker is that face. Sure he’s not as fast as Cooper but he is taller and has just as good of hands as both White and Cooper. Sounds like a perfect fit for the bay area.

 

16. Houston Texans- Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas

Take nothing away from the Texans season, if they would have beaten the Cowboys this playoff picture might be a whole lot different. The Texans should give Ryan Mallet at least one year before drafting a first round quarterback. While Andre Johnson is on the back end of his career, he still has some fight left in him. JJ Watt is the unsung hero for the Texans and could use some help up front. Malcolm Brown was part of the reason the Longhorns defense was so good in the Big 12. The 6’2, 300 pounder could really help destroy some weak AFC south offensive lines and has the ability to compliment Watt as a pass rusher. Imagine Watt, Brown, Clowney and Cushing all coming out you…..that’s a nightmare for most quarterbacks.

 

17. San Diego Chargers- Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Finally, after two years of no running backs being taken in the first round, Melvin Gordon will break that streak. More then likely an offensive tackle will fall to the second round so the Chargers can put their minds at ease. Danny Woodhead is an average running back and Brandon Oliver really wasn’t that electrifying all season. Ryan Matthews more and more seems to injured prone so it would really help out the back field to take a risk on Gordon or Todd Gurley. Gordon has been described as the next Jamal Charles and with Gurley tearing his ACL, Gordon deserves to be ahead of him. The numbers he put up this year were incredible but also, Gordon kept out of trouble during his time at Wisconsin. He definitely has first round talent and the Chargers should look no further then here.

 

18. Kansas City Chiefs- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma  

This is a shock pick, but then again…is it? Although he sat out for a year, DGB is clear a top five receiver in this draft class and will more then likely dominate at the combines. Sure his off the field antics might cost him a first round selection but if Jameis Winston can go number 1 after all he did, so can DGB. The Chiefs clearly need help at the Wide Receiver position after not having a single touchdown reception to a receiver since week 16 of the 2013 season. DGB grew up watching the Chiefs play on Sundays and could find himself as their first round choice this draft. If he nails the combines, DGB should be returning home.

 

19. Cleveland Browns (via. Buf)- Danny Shelton, NT, Washington  

If Shaq Thompson were still on the board, he’d find his way to Cleveland as well this year, but since he’s gone another Husky will take his place. The Browns rush defense was not only the worst in the AFC North, but one of the worst in the AFC period. Take away the fact that Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo fought injuries most of the year and you still have nothing. Shelton could be the nose tackle to compliment Mingo and Karlos Dansby. He’s big like Malcolm Brown but just not as fast. Still, Shelton helped the Huskies tear up front lines in the PAC 12, he certainly could help the Browns out there.

 

20. Philadelphia Eagles- Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State   

There has been a lot of talk of the Eagles trading up to take Marcus Mariota or even waiting here to take Brett Hundley of UCLA but honestly don’t buy into it. Nick Foles before his injury was on track to have another good season, so the Eagles should cut him a break and give him another year. One thing the Eagles will need to do is find someone who can cover Dez Bryant, DeSean Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. week in and week out. Trae Waynes fits in perfectly with the Eagles due to his size. Not to mention his shiftiness and agility make him a great cover corner in a division with three star receivers going at it twice a year. More to the point, Chip Kelly likes bigger guys covering receivers and at 6’2, you don’t find many corners bigger then that.

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE, Kentucky

It seems like every year that the Bengals just keep taking a corner back and yet they never seem to have enough. Of course there are some great corners still on the board, they could easily get one in the second round to keep the streak alive but a pass rusher might not be there come time at the 58th pick. The Bengals have to add pressure to Flacco and Roethlisberger every week and Geno Atkins isn’t the long term answer. Bud Dupree might be however, after all he did have a fantastic season for the Wildcats. Dupree recorded 8 sacks for the Wildcats, which matches up with Carlos Dunlap almost in tandem. Dupree also has the athleticism as former Oregon Duck Dion Jordan which makes him a huge talented prospect. If he falls this far, he might be helpful to this very average Bengals Defense.

 

22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Marcus Peters, CB, Washington    

Washington had such a stellar defense that it’s very shocking how mediocre their season was. If there’s one thing the Steelers are known for it would be “the steel curtain defense”. The Steelers the last two years have passed on top corners such as Darqueze Denard and Desmond Trufant and went for linebackers Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shaizer. Both linebackers haven’t panned out to what they were supposed to be but the Steelers have an aging secondary. Marcus Peters should fit in nicely to Keith Butler’s defense. Yes, Peters was dismissed from the Huskies early on this season but he has the potential to be the next Darrell Revis with how much talent he has. The Steelers would be a fool not to draft him with their first pick.

 

23. Detroit Lions- Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida St

While Todd Gurley would be a perfect fit for the Lions, they have a much bigger hole to fill on defense. Both defensive tackles Nick Fairley and Ndomukung Suh are impending free agents this season and there is no chance they both will be back next year for the Lions. Goldman helped lead the Seminoles defense to the National Championship last season along with the help of Timmy Jernigan. Goldman also can play defensive end in a 3-4 defense which makes him a huge project for any team looking to draft him. Goldman is wrecking ball for a defense and could replace Fairley or Suh no problem.

 

24. Arizona Cardinals- Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson    

This is not only a perfect fit for the Cardinals but it’s also a perfect fit for Beasley. Beasley was arguably the most dangerous pass rusher the past two season for the Tigers and could even be considered the best in all of college football. John Abraham will be 37 this year and is also a free agent. If Todd Bowles stays, Beasley can learn a lot from the man who transformed an average defense to a power house of the west. Even if Bowles leaves, former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is favored to replace him. LeBeau was able to transform guys like James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons into top linebackers season in and out. He easily could transform Beasley into the future star of the NFL line backing elite.

 

25. Carolina Panthers- Cedric Ogbuhei, OT, Texas A&M Just to make it clear, Ron Rivera is going to be around for a while so he better get used to working with Cam Newton. Newton his without a doubt the super star of this franchise so the Panthers should draft around him. Although wide receiver is key for a quarterback to throw to, his protection is a little more important. Ogbuhei was once considered the top selection at tackle, but this season he slowed down more than any other tackle in the past few years. Still, offensive tackle is such a valuable position in the NFL and Ogbuhei could be the one to protect Newton for many years to come. He was able to help former Heisman winner Johnny Manziel put up video game numbers. Newton is a far better quarterback than Manziel so if Ogbuhei could play the exact same for Newton, the Panthers could be in the playoffs every year for many years to come.

 

26. Baltimore Ravens- Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

It’s time for the Ravens to replace Ray Rice for good. Justin Forsett was a quality pick up at running back but he’s had up and down years and also will push 30 this offseason. Bernard Pierce is injured prone so he really isn’t the hottest player anymore. Todd Gurley was a top 10 pick before he was in trouble with the NCAA and tore his ACL. Still, even though Gurley fell from the grace of the football gods, he still has first round talent and could be the perfect replacement for Ray Rice. The Ravens need help in the defensive backfield as well but they could probably get Ronald Darby or PJ Williams in the second round. Passing up on Gurley could be the biggest mistake the Ravens will make in many years to come.

 

27. Dallas Cowboys- Markus Golden, DE, Missouri

The Cowboys were probably the biggest surprise team in the NFL this season. They not only won their division but also won a playoff game before getting beat down by the Packers. Most of the reason for that loss was the lack off pressure they could put on Aaron Rodgers. The Cowboys have missed DeMarcus Ware who left this offseason and tried to replace him with DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence had an ok rookie season but he could definitely use some help. Markus Golden combined with Shane Ray to lead the SEC in sacks and tackles for losses. Sean Lee is coming off an ACL injury and with Shaquille Calhoun staying another season at Michigan State, Golden is the perfect fit for the Cowboys.

 

28. Denver Broncos- Cameron Erving, OT/OG, Florida State

The main question this offseason isn’t going to be who to draft but rather will Peyton Manning be coming back to the team. Last week, Manning allowed the world to know the played the final weeks of the regular season and all the playoffs with a torn quad. A torn quad is hard enough to come back from but Denver will need to protect him by upgraded their offensive line. Cameron Erving is a nice fit here. He’s already a champion after going 27-1 as a starter at Florida State so he’ll bring the winning mentality. More to the point, he’s a versatile player when out on the field. Erving has played all three roles on the line and could replace any Bronco if they become injured. Manning might not even come back, but if he does he’ll need help up front.

 

29. Indianapolis Colts- Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami  

Andrew Luck is future of this team and so far, the Colts have drafted around him very well. Since 2011, the Colts have taken their first overall pick with an offensive lineman (Jack Mewhort and Anthony Costanzo) so it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they do it again. Ereck Flowers is a much better tackle then to fall this far but for some reason, he probably won’t go much higher then here. Flowers help Brad Kaaya only get sacked seven times from the right side which is pretty impressive due to how average the Hurricanes really are. Flowers could fit in on the right tackle position nice in Indy, but more importantly Andrew Luck will have another huge guy to protect him.

 

30. Green Bay- Benardrik McKinney, LB, Mississippi St

This pick is not only the best pick in the first round, but it’s also the smartest pick for both sides. The Packers desperately need help at the Mike linebacker, Nick Perry is a bust and AJ Hawk is turning 32 this offseason. Clay Matthews did play in the middle part of this year but he’s a pass rusher and needs to be there. McKinney finished 4th overall in the SEC with 76 tackles and 4 total sacks. McKinney could thrive in Green Bay with the help of Dom Capers. Capers has turned first round line backers such as AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews into superstar athletes. The Packers have drafted three SEC players in the last fives year in the first round, McKinney should and more importantly will be their fourth.

 

31. New England- Erik Armsted, DT, Oregon

New England will lose in the Super Bowl this year and for 1 main reason; “Beast Mode”. The front seven of the the Patriots may be fantastic but there are some players who are far too old to be in the league much longer. Vince Wilfolk will be out of his contract next season, and although the Pats did just draft Dominique Easley, they could still use help from help up front. Armsted is built like a DT with the speed and agility of an End. Easley could step in and fill the role of Weak-end and Armsted could replace Wilfolk in a year. Rebuilding the front four is a must for New England this offseason.

 

32. Seattle- Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan

Seattle will win it’s second Super Bowl this year thanks to Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. Their running game will be the deciding factor on who wins this year’s Super Bowl. Passing however isn’t really going to be a n option for them. Paul Richardson was a nice second round pick up for the Seahawks but he’s going to miss most of next year with a torn Achilles. Besides Jermaine Kearse, no one else really put up stunning numbers for the Seahawks offense this year. Devin Funchess however might be the deciding factor. Funchess played both receiver and tight end while at Ann Arbor which makes him versatile. Zach Miller is on his last leg while Kearse and Baldwin probably will either want contract extensions or find free agency next season. Funchess could play either position and with him on the team, Seattle could be finding themselves in the Super Bowl more often then just this year.

 

Cole Thompson is the SEC and NFL Draft writer for WVUA-FM. Follow him on Twitter at @ColeThompson32