2015 NFL Mock Draft
By Cole Thompson
TUSCALOOSA– It’s almost that time again. The time of the year where teams will either find new franchise players or will find huge bust of former college studs. The 2015 NFL Draft is right around the corner and it’s time to take a look once again who is going in the first round come April 30th.
While sometimes it’s easy just to pick players in the order of which the teams drafts, this draft will include trades along the way, so why should this mock draft be any different.
Some players will remain in the same spot as my last mock drafts, other will change. Without further adu, Tampa Bay is now on the Clock.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
While Tampa Bay will look at trading this first pick overall, I doubt they will find a potential trade suitor within the next week. Finding the franchise quarterback is important and the only guy who really fits Lovie Smith’s offense is Jameis Winston. His built is almost similar to Ben Roethlisberger, he accuracy is impeccable. He has truly stepped up to be the top quarterback and would be too good to pass up on. Winston may have a high interception rate, but his touchdown/completion rate is just as high as well.
photo by LAtimes.com
2. TRADE: San Diego Chargers (Via Tennessee)- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Trade include; (QB Phillip Rivers, 2015 17th overall pick, 2015 3rd round pick)
Personally, this is a horrible trade for San Diego, however it seems as if Phillip Rivers has decided to move on from the Chargers. Getting a new quarterback is the the key way to go and trading up for a speedster like Marcus Mariota is a smart idea. He’s a taller Russell Wilson but with a better arm. Like Winston, his completion rating is high and could blend well with Kennan Allen and Stevie Johnson. Mariota has the potential to be a star and Mike McCoy’s offense might the best way he remains one in the NFL.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Vic Beasley, Edge Rusher, Clemson
While Dante Fowler may be a better pass rusher on paper than Vic Beasley, Beasley’s first step approach is something too good to pass up. His arm length and ability to read a tackle’s first step approach alone makes him top 10 pick. While he’ll be playing a weak outside linebacker in the professional level, he still will be able to read the quarterback and play exceptional in coverage. Jags coach Gus Bradley has needed help in the pass rush for several years now after leaving Bruce Irvin and Malcolm Smith in Seattle. Beasley is built like Irvin and could be a great pair up with Paul Posluzny and that exceptional defensive line for years to come.
4.Oakland Raiders- Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC
While receiver is one of the number one needs, last year the Raiders made the right call in drafting the best player on the board in Khali Mack. Mack ended up being the highlight of Oakland’s abysmal season. Leonard Williams is arguably the best player in the draft and could be another star for the Raiders defense. First off, he can play any position on that line, from a 3 technique to an end. Also he has the speed of a defensive end but the body of a tackle. He is one of the best prospect period in several years to come out of the draft and should be a steal whichever teams snags him up.
photo by foxsports.com
5. Washington Redskins- Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE, Florida
Like Oakland, Washington should be smart and take the best player on the board. With the departure of Brian Orakpo to the Titans, Ryan Kerrigan will be moved to the strong side, leaving the weak outside linebacker position open. Fowler is a huge pickup. He’s an athletic freak who can fly off the line and get pass guards and tackles like wind on the face. In Gruden’s defense, he can play both a five technique and a weak side backer so he’s versatile. While there are some weakness’ on him, Fowler has a strong upside and could replace Orakpo starting as soon as week 1.
6. New York Jets- Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri
The biggest need is of course quarterback but the fact of the matter is, there isn’t a 3rd quarterback worth taking in the first round. The Jets did some serious revamping both the defense and the offense. While getting an offensive linemen would be nice, it’s still too high to take one. Putting Ray as a weak side linebacker would be extremly scary. From the stand up position, his elite speed (4.5 40 time) would make him a dominat force against tackles coming from the edge. His size may be an issue but teams can work out that. Rebuilding that defense should be priority number one under new coach Todd Bowles and Ray would be a great addition.
7. Chicago Bears- Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
For the longest time, Danny Shelton seemed to be the perfect fit for Chicago but more and more it seems like Ray McDonald will be given one year before giving someone else a chance. With a huge need for a number one receiver, Kevin White seems like a good fit for Adam Gase’s new offense. Jay Cutler sometimes just lobs ball up in the air and White can be the guy who brings them down more times then not. His biggest strength however is his yards after catch ability. His acceleration after getting the ball put him in the end zone more times then not this season and he could be huge for Chicago. The Bears could grab Amari Cooper here but White resembles Demaryius Thomas and that would be nice for Gase to work with he next several years.
8. TRADE: San Fransisco 49er’s (via Atlanta), Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Trade include; (2015 15th pick, 2015 4th round pick, 2016 2nd round pick)
The 49er’s had a horrible season with all the talent on the field, but they need to find a new no.1 guy to replace Micheal Crabtree. Amari Cooper is a top 10 talent but is also possibly the best wide receiver in the draft. He rarely drops a ball and seems to always get a first down with every ball that comes his way. While rebuilding the defense is a smart idea, Cooper could help get Collin Kaepernik back to what he was the 2013 season. It a win for both teams in the long run.
photo by NFL.com
9. New York Giants- Brandon Scherff, OT/OG, Iowa
There’s a huge need for offensive linemen for the Giants with the aging of Eli Manning. Turning 34 this year is a big deal for Manning, who can’t take many more hits if he wants to succed. Brandon Scherff is the most interesting linemen in this draft due to his versatility. He will end up portably playing guard in the NFL for most of his career but he will be a nice pickup for the Giants at pick 9. His size will develop holes big enough for running backs to slip through but could hold a block long enough for Manning to get a quick pass off to OBJ or Victor Cruz. Linebacker is a need but there isn’t any worth taking this high. Lineman is the next best way to go.
10. St. Louis Rams- La’el Collins, OT, LSU
At this point it seems as if Joe Barksdale is going to find another team to play with next season. The Rams could take a guy like DeVante Parker to be their number 1 receiver but the Rams have five receivers on the team already. La’el Collins was huge for the Tigers over the last several season. In an offense without a clear quarterback, Collins only allowed less then a dozen sacks the entire season. With Nick Foles behind the line, the Rams should consider keeping this quarterback healthy this time unlike Sam Bradford. Collins is arguably the best tackle on the board and St. Louis could need help to replace Jake Long as well as Joe Barksdale.
11. Minnesota Vikings- DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Minnesota did just trade for Mike Wallace from Miami earlier this year, he still is highly untrustworthy after his attitude down south. Teddy Bridgewater’s favorite target a year ago was DeVante Parker so having the two reunite seems pretty self explanatory here. There is a small margin between Cooper and White with Parker. All three can catch everything thrown to them, they all have great speed and seem to be true number 1 receivers. Corradale Patterson is a number 2 guy and Wallace can’t be trusted. Parker and Bridgewater already have chemistry, so you might as well had them back together.
12. Cleveland Browns- Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Wide receiver was probably the biggest need this offseason for the Browns but with the signings of Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, they can finally focus on defense. Phil Taylor was great for several seasons but he is past his prime now. He can still do damage on the line but it’d be nice to have a replacement after this year. Danny Shelton is made to play a nose tackle and he would be a great replacement for Taylor. His biggest strength is his size and ability to keep leverage off offesnevie lineman. In a division with great running backs, Shelton could stop guys like Le’Veon Bell and Jeremy Hill who are great getting passed the front line. Plain and simple, Shelton is a thug and Cleveland could use a thug right now.
photo by cbssports.com
13. New Orleans Saints- Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska
For most of the draft, the Saints should be thinking defense probably the first several picks. Adding a big pass rusher would be nice and with the slip up of Randy Gregory, he shouldn’t slip much further past 13. At 6’5 with long arms, Gregory is able to fight off blockers and get to the running back before they cut to the outside for a big run. Also he’s explosive, as in he is a hard hitter who can knock the ball out with one hit. The Saints have been missing out on pass rush for several seasons now, maybe they should add onto build on the weak defense.
14. Miami Dolphins- Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
With the top three receivers off the board and the recent signing of Greg Jennings, the Dolphins will probably go to defense rounds 1 and 2. The retirement of Cortland Finnegan and Brett Grimes really being the only corner on the Dolphins puts Miami in a great position to draft a corner here. Marcus Peters is great, in fact the best one in the draft but his off the field issues will keep him out of Miami. Tare Waynes is the next best option and would fit great paired next to Grimes for the future. In coverage, there a few better then Waynes. His ability to just fly to the ball is something a coach would love to have. Getting interceptions is what he’s best at and with an final stretch with Tom Brady, Waynes could add a few more picks to his Hall of Fame career.
15. Atlanta Falcons (via San Fransisco)- Alvin “Bud” Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky
The Falcons really seem to be sold on this Bud Dupree but taking him in the top 10 may be a stretch. Trading back and getting a later round pick to get Dupree in the top 15 is the way to go. Dupree is another one of those players who is a good end but a great outside linebacker. Off the edge he has a lot of power to match with the speed he brings when pressuring the quarterback. Athletically speaking, he’s probably the second best pass rusher and a team like Atlanta whose new head coach will be missing Bruce Irvin will find his own in Dupree.
16. Houston Texans- Dorial Green Beckham, WR, Missouri/Oklahoma
No matter if they go DGB, Jalen Strong or Breshad Perriman, the Texans should seriously try to replace Andre Johnson with this pick. While all three are talented receivers, DGB has the most upside on the field. He’s 6’6 and can run a 4.39 at top speed which is almost unheard of now-a-days. In two years at Missouri he had close to 2000 yards with 17 touchdowns show he can handle the pressure of being a number 1 receiver. Andre Johnson is almost impossible to replace, but a bigger, stronger guy such as DGB could be a nice replacement. His off the field issues are bad, but Bill O’Brian should look at on the field rather then off the field when drafting guys. DGB could be the best receiver in the class if he’s working with a good team.
photo by zimbio.com
17. Tennessee Titans (via San Diego)- Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
With trading down and getting Phillip Rivers for a year, the Titans can focus on getting him weapons this early. While an offensive tackle to matchup with Taylor Lewan would be nice, they will be pick at 33 and could get someone who will fall. Breshad Perriman has blazing speed and the ability to make cornerbacks miss a step to get open. He’s also a great blocker and could give Bishop Sankey enough time to get to the outside. There are things that teams may not like about this kid, but he has the ability to be a number 1 receiver under Ken Whisenhunt.
18. Kansas City Chiefs- DJ Humprhies, OT, Florida
Eric Fisher will never be a left tackle in the NFL as the Chiefs thought he would in 2013. DJ Humphires might be however. What Humpries brings to the table is size. Standing at 6’5 and a little over 300 pounds, he’s the perfect size for a left tackle. Not only that, he’s got a great reach and can tun defensive lineman’s around. Humphries is a mean guy and could bring that element to the Chiefs to protect Alex Smith. Getting a wide receiver in round 2 is key but a team can never have too much protection.
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo)- Andrus Peat, OT, Standford
Johnny Manziel is the future of the Browns…for now. Getting more protection would be nice for a guy who got clobbered in his one game he played. Add Andrus Peat would be a nice upgrade to pair with Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack and Joe Thomas. He’s the biggest tackle in the draft at 6’7 and he’ll be great at right tackle for several years while Joe Thomas finishes up. His wide base will be a huge asset for Terrance West to get through as well as possibly Manziel. A decent pass protecter, Peat will be be great to put on that already exceptional offensive line.
20. Philadelphia Eagles- Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
This pick isn’t going to change even if other drafts have Collins dropping. The Eagles lost Jeremy Maclin but they also don’t have a great strong safety. Malcolm Jenkins has really been more of a free safety his entire career and moving him there is the right move. Collins is the best safety in the draft, on paper and on the field. He’s athletic and can play a center field type safety for the Eagles. Not only that but he’s NFL ready day 1 and can be a huge playmaker for that defense. The Eagles just signed Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond and Brandon Boykin so cornerback really isn’t a huge need. Wide receiver is one way to go but a guy like Devin Smith will be sitting here in round 2. Landon Collins won’t, plain and simple.
photo by nfldraftlounge.com
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Wide receiver isn’t a giant need but Andy Dalton has got to get another target besides AJ Green. Tyler Eifert hasn’t been healthy and Jermaine Gresham is gone. Strong is a guy who makes big plays after the catch. Not only that, he’s consistent with his playmaking and is a pretty good route runner. There are concerns in his hands maybe needing surgery, but he is first round talent. With AJ Green and Strong combined, there’s not a chance the Bengals season is in danger of going south.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The Steelers were probably looking to upgrade their pass rush this offseason but with the retirement of Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor, defensive back is the way to go. With Landon Collins off the board, the Steelers should wait to the second or third round to get a safety and look straight cornerback here. Marcus Peters is the best corner in this draft on the field. Off the field not so much. However he does bring sheer athleticism to the table and is an elite cover guy. Having a guy who can cover receivers like AJ Green and Dwayne Bowe twice a year will be important and Peters can take on that pressure. Coach Tomlin could work out the off the field issues so Peters would a steal for the Steelers here.
23. Detroit Lions- Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas
This should be a no-brainer pick for the Lions with the losses of Nick Fairley and N’domukung Suh. CJ Mosley hasn’t signed yet but if he does, maybe the Lions will take a lineman to protect Matthew Stafford. Brown is a giant guy who is known for tearing through the A gap of lines. He’s freakishly fast from the line and can get to the quarterback like a child can eat cake. Getting off blocks is second nature to Brown and he could be a nice replacement for Failey. Brown is no Suh, but he’s not a bad replacement.
24. Arizona Cardinals- Arik Armstead, DT/DE, Oregon
While running back is a huge need for the Cardinals, guys like Tevin Coleman and Duke Johnson will be around day 2. Building the defensive line to go with the nice linebacking corp is a nice thought for the Cardinals to work with at pick 24. Arik Armstead is a top 10 talent who would be a steal for the Cardinals. Standing at 6’7 with the explosiveness of a five technique, Armstead is great getting off the line and making big plays. His size will make him hard to block and he can trip up running backs just in time for the linebackers to get them. Armstead shouldn’t fall this fall, but if he does, the Cardinals just should just get the best player on the board.
photo by scouts.com
25. Carolina Panthers- Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)
The Panthers need to find another weapon for Cam Newton or get him protection. With all the recivers pretty much gone worth taking in the first round, go offensive line and be smart. Ereck Flowers is big and has the potential to be a left tackle. He can maul down people in the run game but can also play decent in the pass protection. His footwork may need work but Flowers was able to protect Brad Kayya from getting sacked against guys like Vic Beasley. While he’ll probably start at right tackle, Flowers can move to Left Tackle when the time is right. Newton wants to run and with Flowers knocking linebackers down, he definitely can now.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
The Ravens just signed Jimmy Smith to a long term deal but that doesn’t mean anything really. Jalen Collins is a great power corner who can fight guys off the lines. He also is great with deflections , which seemed to be an issue for every corner last year. He may not be the fastest guy out there but he is strong. Sometimes strong beats sped and for the Ravens, they need more power then anything else.
27. Dallas Cowboys- Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Finally the running back drought is over with this guy. Cowboy fans, Melvin Gordon will be in the Lone Star State earlier then his team will next year. not only that but he will also be He is a great runner but also is a good yards after catch back as well. Gordon is a nice circle back as in he can cut back in and out as he pleases. The Cowboys lost DeMarco Murray to rival Eagles but Gordon is a nice replacement He’s tall, fast and can truck linemen over, there’s very little not to love about this guy. No reason the Cowboys should look any further then here.
28. Denver Broncos- TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
With the loss of Orlando Franklin, it seems like offensive line is the way to go. While replacing Julius Thomas is another big replacement, getting help to protect Peyton Manning, who will be 38 this season, is way more important. Clemmings is extremely quick with his feet and he can block any pass rusher who tries to attack Manning. His long arms can hold down blocks long enough for Manning to throw or for whoever is running the ball next year. While he needs to work on pass blocking, he can grow under new coach Gary Kubiak. Kubiak went to the playoffs twice with the Texans with the help of Duane Brown, time for him to find his Duane Brown.
photo by Eaglesaddict.com
29. Indianpolis Colts- Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
Defensive line is one area to improve but getting a guy to help Andrew Luck is another way to go. A guy who is quick on his feet but can play right tackle across from Anthony Castonzo is the right way to go. Jake Fisher is that guy who is quick but also has a great quick reaction to read a defensive change. Fisher is also another big guy, standing 6’6. While he is known for being a “penalty hog”, he’s a guy who can make great blocks and protect Andrew Luck for many years to come. There are very few thing the Colts have yet to improve on this offseason, getting a tackle might be the final piece to make them a Super Bowl team.
30. Green Bay Packers- Erik Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Cornerback is a need the Packers should consider, but also is inside linebacker. Actually, the Packers should probably draft two inside linebackers since they have only one real one on the roster. Erik Kendricks is the top inside linebacker in this draft because of his raw speed. He’s a very talented down-hill player and has the intensity to make running backs run away from him. He has put up video game numbers this year in tackles and Green Bay could use someone like that. With a need at the inside, Kendricks is where they should look.
photo by FSUsports.com
31. New Orleans Saints (Via Seattle)- Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Defense defense defense…that should be the only thing on the mind of Saints day 1. Yes they need wide receiver help after trading Kenny Stills, but that doesn’t mean they should risk getting a guy this early. Ronald Darby is one of the fastest players in the draft and is an excellent cover corner. He also isn’t a bad tackler and can read plays like the back of his hand. While he is susceptible to getting beat to the outside, his speed should make up for it. Darby isn’t first round talent, but he a great pickup for the Saints who needs help at the cornerback position.
32. TRADE: Atlanta Falcons (via New England)- Todd Gurley, RB Georgia
Trade includes: ( 2015 2nd round pick, 2015 3rd round pick)
Todd Gurley is a top 10 talent but an ACL injury ruined it for him. He is a combo of both raw speed and power, something you don’t see in running backs now-a-days. He gives linebackers a single shot before he cuts to the outside and s never seen again. He can move throughout crowded lines and find small holes to get to the opening. The Falcons will have to give up several picks to trade up and get Gurley but the Patriots are a good trading partner. Overall, it’s a win-win for both teams and for Gurley.
Cole Thompson is the NFL Draft Writer for WVUA-FM. Follow him on twitter at @ColeThompson32
