2015 NFL Mock Draft

It's finally that time of year again. In a matter of days all eyes will be in Glendale for Super Bowl 49 between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. But for the other 30 teams in the NFL, the preparations for next season are already underway. The front offices' are putting together their draft boards to determine which player(s) they will take in May. For some teams, they are a couple of players away from being a Super Bowl contender. For others, this offseason will be the start of a long rebuilding process. Either way, a teams' success hinges on how they draft.

This will be my first, of a series of, mock drafts because a lot can happen between now and draft day. I won't predict any trades, but instead, just select who I feel the team will pick based on need and draft position. Let's get started!

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston (QB-Florida State)

The Josh McCown experiment clearly didn't work for first-year head coach Lovie Smith. And telling by how little Mike Glennon played last year, the Bucs will be looking to grab their franchise QB. Jameis Winston is the most pro-ready QB in this weak class. Winston has all the traits teams look for in a signal caller when on the field. The Bucs will certainly need to make sure that his off the field issues won't persist. 

2. Tennessee Titans - Leonard Williams (DE-USC)

I'm not sold on Tennessee needing a QB. They drafted Zach Mettenberger last year, and I think the Titans will give him another season. Tennessee ranked 27th in total yards allowed, and 31st in run defense. Drafting arguably the top prospect in this class will shore up a defensive front that needs an upgrade. Leonard Williams is a disruptive and versatile defender that can rush the passer, and defend the run. 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Randy Gregory (DE-Nebraska)

Jacksonville has some options with the 3rd pick, but I think Gus Bradley will ultimately go with a pass rusher that can make an impact right away on the defensive line. Randy Gregory is a lengthy player who can get to the QB in a hurry. Adding him to a D-Line that saw good improvement last year, should give the Jags some confidence moving forward. 

4. Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper (WR-Alabama)

Here's another team that has some options with their pick. But I like the idea of the Carr-to-Cooper connection. Just look at Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, and the impact they have made in Cincinnati. Derek Carr is clearly the QB of the future, and Jack Del Rio is going to work with the young talent on defense. Cooper will add talent to an underwhelming receiving corps. 

5. Washington Redskins - Shane Ray (DE-Missouri)

The Redskins have a multitude of problems on the defensive side of the football. Brian Orakpo is a restricted free agent, and his health is always a concern. The secondary needs improvement as well, but adding a relentless and productive defensive lineman is exactly what the Redskins need. Ray anchored a Missouri defense that made it to the SEC Championship game last year. And in a division that includes Tony Romo and Eli Manning, you simply can't have enough pass rushers.

6. New York Jets - Marcus Mariota (QB-Oregon)

There is a new regime in charge of the Jets, and they'll be looking to add the QB that franchise has been missing since Joe Namath. If Mariota lasts all the way to 6, I don't see the Jets passing on a QB that has a lot of upside. Mariota lit up the scoreboard with the Ducks, but there are questions as to whether or not his game can transition from Oregon to the NFL. Ball placement and pocket passing may be the biggest knacks against his game. If he's coached well, Mariota can be a great player. 

7. Chicago Bears - Landon Collins (S-Alabama)

For a team that has historically been good defensively, they sure didn't show it last year. Hiring both John Fox and Vic Fangio is a step in the right direction, now they need young talent. Chris Conte was a big liability for the Bears secondary this past season, and it needs to be addressed. They added a good player in Kyle Fuller last year. Bringing in Collins will give the Bears the physicality and experience they need for that position. 

8. Atlanta Falcons - Dante Fowler Jr. (DE-Florida)

Simply put, the Falcons need a pass rusher. Its been a pressing need for the past two seasons, and it was evident last year. Atlanta was the worst defense in yards allowed, and only had 22 sacks on the year! J.J. Watt nearly had more sacks than the entire Falcons team, that's not good. Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is reportedly headed to Atlanta, and he'll be assigned to tackle the numerous issues they have. Adding a talented pass rusher that displayed good strength and agility will be a step in the right direction. Fowler, along with the development of Ra'Shede Hageman will be big for the Falcons D-Line moving forward.

9. New York Giants - Brandon Scherff (OT-Iowa)

The Giants will explore their options with the 9th pick. The defense wasn't good for the Giants last year, and they may add a pass rusher depending on the situation with Jason Pierre-Paul. But assuming they re-sign him, the Giants may emulate what the Cowboys did last year. Draft a dependable tackle that will more than likely make the switch to guard. Scherff is an absolute beast, and he was great against the run. Protecting Eli is key if the Giants want to get back to the playoffs. 

10. St. Louis Rams - La'el Collins (OT-LSU)

The Rams could be looking to trade out of this spot if there isn't a player worth taking here. But because I'm not predicting trades, it makes things more interesting. The Rams have a lot of young talent, but there are positions where they could use an upgrade. QB is out of the question, and CB would be a reach here at 10 considering whose available. They drafted an O-Lineman last year, but the Rams didn't see much improvement in that area. Collins can play either tackle or guard, and has the work ethic coaches love. He can be a liability in pass protection, but the upside is there.

11. Minnesota Vikings - Devante Parker (WR-Louisville)

Offensive line was an issue for the Vikings last season. Matt Kalil has digressed since his rookie season, and Charlie Johnson shouldn't be a starting guard. Despite the O-Line not being dependable, rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater showed he can be the guy for the future. WR is another question mark for this team. Adding one of Teddy's former teammates in Devante Parker, should help. Parker has the athleticism to beat defenders, and does a great job creating space. 

12. Cleveland Browns - Danny Shelton (DT-Washington)

Cleveland has two, first round picks again this year. The Browns have a solid amount of talent, but there are still some areas of need that they'll have to address. Cleveland had the worst run defense last year, giving up 141.5 yards per game. To fill that void will be the big run-stopper, Danny Shelton. Shelton had a very good showing at the Senior Bowl, and is looking the part of a first-round D-Lineman. Cleveland needs to be more consistent in run defense, and adding Shelton will help.

13. New Orleans Saints - Vic Beasley (OLB-New Orleans)

Another team that needs an upgrade defensively are the New Orleans Saints. The Saints struggled to get any pressure on the QB, stop the run and defend the pass. The Saints could take the first CB off the board here, but they may elect to take one of the more underrated pass rushers in this class. Beasley has been the epitome of consistency. He is a little undersized, but don't let that fool you. Beasley, along with Cameron Jordan, could spell trouble for the NFC South.

14. Miami Dolphins - Shaq Thompson (OLB-Washington)

Joe Philbin and the Dolphins made some strides last year. But Miami still struggled in some areas both on offense and defense. Ryan Tannehill was still pressured more than what he, or the team would like, but the Dolphins also got poor play from their LB's. The Dolphins have been known to make a few surprises in the 1st round (trading up for Dion Jordan). Ja'Wuan James was a surprise last year, but it shows that the Dolphins love athletic players, and Shaq Thompson fits that mold well. Thompson has played on both sides, but projects well at LB. He can be a difference maker that can elevate Miami's defense.

15. San Francisco 49ers - Kevin White (WR-West Virginia)

Jim Tomsula is taking over in San Francisco. The 49ers are still a very dangerous team with a healthy defense, but Colin Kaepernick's play digressed last season. O-Line could be an option if Mike Iupati goes elsewhere. But another big need is WR, and Michael Crabtree could be gone as well. The 49ers will be faced with a tough dilemma, but adding a big play threat in Kevin White should help Kaepernick and the 49ers offense become more balanced. White proved to be a reliable pass catcher in a breakout season.

16. Houston Texans - Marcus Peters (CB-Washington)

First-year head coach Bill O'Brien did a phenomenal job, despite their first overall pick being a non-factor and not having a QB. Houston could be looking to address WR here, but CB was a weakness last year. Marcus Peters had a tumultuous run at Washington, getting kicked off the team midway through the season. Character might be an issue, but the traits for a well-balanced CB are there. What teams will like about him though, is that he is a fierce competitor. Bill O'Brien and Romeo Crennel will get the most out of him.

17. San Diego Chargers - Ereck Flowers (OT-Miami (FL))

The Chargers took a step back this past season, but most of that can be attributed to injuries. QB Philip Rivers isn't getting any younger, and San Diego may look to add a big body up front. Former first round pick DJ Fluker is moving to the right side, and Flowers has the size and skill to be on the left side. Flowers is one of the top pass-protecting O-Lineman in this draft, and San Diego could use him, especially with the good defensive fronts in the AFC West.

18. Kansas City Chiefs - Jaelen Strong (WR-Arizona State)

No Kansas City wideout caught a TD pass last year. NONE. If that isn't a good enough reason why the Chiefs need a WR, then I don't know what is. To take some of the pressure off of Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe, adding another playmaker should help Kansas City put up more points on the board. Strong has good size at 6'3", and plays with an edge. He's exactly the type of player Andy Reid needs in his offense.

19. Cleveland Browns - Bud Dupree (OLB-Kentucky)

Jabaal Sheard is a free agent, and might depart for another team this offseason. The Browns could be looking to add depth on the O-Line, but adding another solid defensive player in the first round will give Mike Pettine more confidence in his defense. Dupree can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, and he is a hard-working player that Jimmy Haslem and the Browns will be happy to bring in. 

20. Philadelphia Eagles - Trae Waynes (CB-Michigan State)

The Eagles and Chip Kelly may move up to get Marcus Mariota, but we will have to wait and see for that. Philadelphia faltered at the end of the season last year, in part because of the poor play in the secondary. The Eagles were second-to-last in pass defense. Instead of an upgrade on offense, Philadelphia will get an upgrade on defense with Trae Waynes. He brings good awareness and cover skills, along with the size and length corners need in today's passing league. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Bernardrick McKinney (ILB-Mississippi State)

The Bengals could be looking in a couple of different directions on defense with their pick. Even though they drafted Darqueze Dennard, the secondary could use an upgrade, but they could address that later. McKinney is a gifted athlete, and is versatile. He brings a lot of energy and has a lot of traits coaches like. McKinney should help upgrade, what was really, an inconsistent group at the LB position. 

22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kevin Johnson (CB-Wake Forest)

Pittsburgh made improvements last year, making the playoffs behind an explosive offense. But a big reason why the Steelers didn't make it further was because of their aging secondary. Kevin Johnson is an intriguing prospect because of his good instincts. He reads receivers and tracks the ball well. His frame is a little concern at 175 lbs. But Johnson is a smart player that Pittsburgh will need, now that longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is gone. 

23. Detroit Lions - Carl Davis (DT-Iowa)

Detroit has a big decision to make this offseason with Ndamukong Suh. He could be heading where the money is talking, and the Lions will be forced to fill a glaring need. Carl Davis has been proving many scouts wrong during the draft process, and could be a viable replacement, especially in run defense. His effort and motor were question marks on tape, but the upside is there because of his size and ability. 

24. Arizona Cardinals -  Malcom Brown (DT-Texas)

Bruce Arians and the Cardinals will be looking to build off of a great season. LB is going to be a need, but there isn't one worth taking here. The defensive line could use another talented piece, and Malcom Brown is a good one. He's an experienced DT that got better each year while he was at Texas. Brown is a very good run defender, and has the ability to be a good pass rusher as well. He has good agility for his size, and he will fit perfectly with the veteran presence that's already there.

25. Carolina Panthers - T.J. Clemmings (OT-Pittsburgh)

For pretty much the entire season, Carolina had a make-shift offensive line that struggled to protect QB Cam Newton. After the retirement of Jordan Gross, it's clear that the Panthers need to find their next LT. T.J. Clemmings has arguably the most upside out of the OT prospects, but he is a project. Clemmings has only played the position for two years after starting out on the defensive line. 

26. Baltimore Ravens - Melvin Gordon (RB-Wisconsin)

Justin Forsett is coming off a breakout season, and now that he's a free agent, he'll probably be asking for more than what Baltimore will offer. Even though Gary Kubiak is gone, the Ravens are hoping they can continue their balanced attack with Marc Trestman taking the reigns. Melvin Gordon proved to be the hardest player to tackle last season for the Badgers. Not only is he a good runner between the tackles, but also a receiving threat out of the backfield. 

27. Dallas Cowboys - Arik Armstead (DE-Oregon)

Dallas raised a lot of eyebrows last season because of their play on offense, and defense. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli deserves a ton of credit for their effort. Dallas' cap situation is in a fragile state, and they would be wise to upgrade the defensive line through the draft, like they did with the offensive line. Armstead is a raw prospect, but he is a massive lineman (6'7" 285 lbs.) with great strength. Marinelli will love to work with a player like Armstead because of his potential.

28. Denver Broncos - Jordan Phillips (DT-Oklahoma)

The Broncos are in a rebuilding phase with Gary Kubiak as the head coach. Like the Cowboys, the Broncos will have their work cut out for them, and they will have to make some tough decisions on key players. One of them is Terrance Knighton, who might be heading to Oakland to reunite with Jack Del Rio. If he's gone, Denver will need to draft a D-Lineman, and the best player on the board is Jordan Phillips. Phillips will be a project, but if the coaching staff can work with him, he can be a good addition to an already, solid front seven because of his size and the upside he brings.

29. Indianapolis Colts - Denzel Perryman (ILB-Miami (FL))

Indianapolis took another step forward with Andrew Luck. But in order for the Colts to take the next step, they'll need to draft some players in key areas. Offensive line is in play here, but defense could also be an option. Denzel Perryman would be a nice selection this late in the first round, because he could be the captain of a Colts defense that needs to get better. Injury history might impact his draft stock, but the intangibles and skillset for being a MLB are there. 

30. Green Bay Packers - Eddie Coleman (DT-Florida State)

Green Bay's run defense was a weakness for almost the entire season. B.J. Raji's days are done in a Packers uniform, and they'll need to upgrade the defensive line. At this point in the first round, Eddie Coleman is what the Packers are looking for in a run defender. As a pass rusher though, he isn't technically sound, so he will be a project for Dom Capers in that department. Coleman has the potential to be very good for a Packers defense that's steadily improving.

31. New England Patriots - Devin Smith (WR-Ohio State)

Once again the Patriots find themselves in the Super Bowl. Bill Belichick is proving he can do great things with overlooked players. Ironically, for one of the top scoring offenses in the league, WR and RB are needs depending on how the offseason shakes up. Devin Smith is one of the best, pure pass catchers in this draft class. He made some very big plays for Ohio State in their run for a championship. Having Smith, along with Gronk and Edelman should only make things easier for Tom Brady.

32. Seattle Seahawks - Devin Funchess (WR-Michigan)
As great of team Seattle is, their offense is in need of some weapons. If you took away Marshawn Lynch, Seattle doesn't make it to the NFC Championship game. And with uncertainty in the future with Lynch, getting a weapon for QB Russell Wilson is a must need. Funchess can address a couple of needs, as he can be used at TE or WR. Funchess has good ball skills, and isn't afraid to take on contact. He's the type of player Pete Carroll and Darrell Bevell would welcome with open arms.