Written by Jonathan Barker. Media by Wes O’Dell.
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I decided to share my 2015 NFL Mock Draft. This assumes that there are no trades on draft day (which of course there will be).
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB Florida State
Most fans agree that former Heisman winner Jameis Winston is the best option for the QB-needy Bucs. Despite Winston’s off-field issues, I think his athletic upside and potential is worth the first pick. Many experts think that Oregon QB Marcus Mariota is has a bigger upside, however, I think Winston has the ability to be an effective starter from day one. His arm is NFL ready. Let’s see if his attitude and work ethic will be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhAVl3teTYI
2. Tennessee Titans – Leonard Williams, DE USC
Leonard Williams is the most athletic rookie in the draft and I believe he is a safe pick for Tennessee. Hopefully he can have an impact in Tennessee’s 29th ranked defense. Coach Ken Whisenhunt seems to be confident with Zach Mettenberger’s rookie campaign last year , so I don’t think that they will pick up Marcus Mariota. However, I wouldn’t be incredibly surprised if they did go for Mariota.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Amari Cooper, WR Alabama
Most experts are predicting that Jacksonville will seek help on defense via Dante Fowler, Jr. However, I think that Jacksonville will be looking to add weapons for QB Blake Bortles. Cooper’s stellar hands have drawn comparisons to Marvin Harrison and I think a consistent route-runner is exactly what the Jaguars need to develop an elite offense.
4. Oakland Raiders – Kevin White, WR West Virginia
I think the Raiders should have the same plan as Jacksonville in helping developing their QB Derek Carr. I think Oakland will pick a receiver regardless of who Jacksonville drafts. If the decision makers in Jacksonville prefer White, Cooper will most likely be heading to Oakland. Depending on who you ask, White may be the best WR in the draft.
5. Washington Redskins – Dante Fowler Jr., OLB Florida
Washington will feel very grateful if Fowler falls to #5. Many believe Fowler has the potential and natural ability and size to become an elite tackler in the NFL. With an aging defense, The Redskins will be looking to add some young talent to their linebacker core.
6. New York Jets – Shane Ray, DE Missouri
I believe an explosive pass-rusher like Shane Ray is a good first step for New York in the Post Rex-Ryan era. Alongside DE Sheldon Richardson, the Jets could look to establish a double threat to division rival Tom Brady.
7. Chicago Bears –Danny Shelton, NT Washington
The Chicago Bears have been a team who prides themselves on their defense in the past. But, if you watched the Bears play last year, you may have noticed their 30th ranked defense was unimpressive. They will be looking to add an enforcer on defense to clog up the middle of the defensive line. However, if Cooper or White fell down to #7, the Bears would be quick to steal a talented WR after saying goodbye to Brandon Marshall.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson
The Flacons also had an atrocious defense last year, which will be new coach Dan Quinn ‘s first priority. Beasley is one of the best tackling linebackers in the draft. Nebraska LB Randy Gregory may be a more athletic linebacker, but is a more risky pick. I think Quinn will choose the safe option with Vic Beasley.
9. New York Giants – Brandon Scherff, OL Iowa
If the Giants don’t find the defensive playmaker they are looking for, I wouldn’t be surprised if they pick up Scherff to upgrade their offensive line. Peyton’s little brother is always getting beat up. Dedicating their first pick to protect Eli Manning could make a big difference.
10. St. Louis Rams – DeVante Parker, WR Louisville
The Rams need help at wide receiver. 2013 1st rounder Tavon Austin is not consistent enough to be reliable. Last year, St. Louis had only one receiver to gain more than 500 yards. The Rams simply need more talent on offense, especially if they expect Nick Foles to be their answer at QB.
What did you think of my Top 10? Make your own mock draft here. Here’s the rest of my picks!
11. Minnesota Vikings – Trae Waynes, CB Michigan St.
12. Cleveland Browns, – Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon
13. New Orleans Saints – Jalen Collins, CB LSU
14. Miami Dolphins – Randy Gregory, OLB Nebraska
15. San Francisco 49ers – Arik Armstead, DT Oregon
16. Houston Texans – T.J. Clemmings, OT Piittsburg
17. San Diego Chargers – Todd Gurley, RB Georgia
18. Kansas City Chiefs – Andrus Peat, OT Stanford
19. Cleveland Browns – Bud Depree , OLB Kentucky
20. Philadelphia Eagles – Landon Collins, S Alabama
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Marcus Peters, CB Washington
22. Pittsburgh Steelers – Eddie Goldman, DT Florida St.
23. Detroit Lions – Jordan Phillips, DT Oklahoma
24. Arizona Cardinals – Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin
25. Carolina Panthers – La’el Collins, OT LSU
26. Baltimore Ravens – D.J. Humphries, OT Florida
27. Dallas Cowboys – Malcolm Brown, DT Texas
28. Denver Broncos – Jalen Strong, WR Arizona St.
29. Indianapolis Colts – Tevin Coleman, RB Indiana
30. Green Bay Packers – Eric Kendricks, ILB UCLA
31. New Orleans Saints – Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Missouri
32. New England Patriots – Michael Bennett, DT Ohio St.
