Now that the 2015 NFL Draft is finally here, it is time to release my final mock draft.
Looking for more 2015 NFL Draft Coverage? Make sure you check out our 2015 NFL Draft Headquarters, which includes our top three needs series for each team and scouting reports on most of the top prospects.
Final 2015 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Jameis Winston (Florida State)
Even the people who live under rocks have heard that the Buccaneers will draft Jameis Winston with the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay has already announced that the impending civil complaint against Winston will not affect their decision, so that should eliminate the possibility of this pick changing. After struggling with a combination of Josh McCown and Mike Glennon at quarterback last season, the Bucs finally have a franchise quarterback and Winston is the type of player they will be building around for many years to come.
2. Tennessee Titans: DE Leonard Williams (USC)
I have switched this pick a few times, but if the Titans do not trade down, I think Leonard Williams will be their selection. The Titans need a dominant defensive lineman to play next to Jurrell Casey and Williams is the best in the class. In addition, the Titans have expressed significant interest in Williams, holding a Combine meeting with him, visiting him at the USC Pro Day, and hosting a private visit. However, there is a good chance the Titans will trade this pick to somebody who wants Marcus Mariota, so look out for that.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Dante Fowler Jr. (Florida)
Dante Fowler Jr. fits well into Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme, as he could rush the passer from the defensive end or outside linebacker positions. The Jaguars have expressed interest in Fowler with a private visit. Jacksonville could look at another pass rusher here, like Vic Beasley, or take the top receiver, but Fowler makes the most sense for this team.
4. Oakland Raiders: WR Kevin White (West Virginia)
The Raiders are expected to give Derek Carr an elite target in the first round, but the exact person is unknown. It could be either Amari Cooper, who is more polished right now, or Kevin White, who has a higher upside. The Raiders love to gamble on potential, so they will probably take White. If Leonard Williams was available, he would be the pick, but that is not the case here.
5. Washington Redskins: OLB Vic Beasley (Clemson)
Since Dante Fowler Jr. is off the board already, this pick is much easier for the Redskins. Beasley fills the need for another pass rushing outside linebacker and he would form a tremendous pass rushing duo with Ryan Kerrigan. The Redskins have expressed interest in Beasley with a private visit. An elite receiver like Amari Cooper is an option here, but the need for a pass rushing outside linebacker is more urgent.
6. New York Jets: QB Marcus Mariota (Oregon)
If Marcus Mariota is still around, this should be an easy pick for the Jets. Geno Smith is not the answer at quarterback, so the Jets desperately need somebody that can utilize Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker properly. The Jets have expressed significant interest in Mariota with a Combine meeting and a private visit. A pass rusher is a possibility here, but a franchise quarterback is the most valuable asset an NFL team can possess and Mariota has the potential to fill that role.
7. Chicago Bears: WR Amari Cooper (Alabama)
The Bears probably should replace Brandon Marshall with an elite receiver and luckily Amari Cooper is still available here. Although the Bears spent some money on Eddie Royal in free agency, he is better suited as a slot receiver. Alshon Jeffrey and Cooper could dominate on the outside while Royal works the middle of the field. The Bears have displayed interest in Cooper with a private visit. Chicago could also look at safety Landon Collins or defensive tackle Danny Shelton here, but Cooper is easily the best available player.
8. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Alvin Dupree (Kentucky)
The Falcons brought in a few veteran pass rushers in free agency, but they still lack an elite pass rusher. Alvin Dupree has been skyrocketing up draft boards after he lighted up the Combine and scouts love his potential. The Falcons have expressed significant interest in Dupree by watching him at the Kentucky Pro Day and hosting a private visit. Shane Ray and Randy Gregory have both destroyed their draft stock recently, allowing Dupree to climb into the Top 10.
9. New York Giants: OG Brandon Scherff (Iowa)
The Giants need a mauling guard to propel the running game and Brandon Scherff is the best in the class. The Giants have expressed significant interest in Scherff with a Combine meeting and a private workout. However, if Amari Cooper or Kevin White are available on draft day, I would not be surprised if the Giants form arguably the best wide receiver trio in the league. Danny Shelton is another possible option, as he could form a dominant defensive tackle duo with Johnathan Hankins.
10. St. Louis Rams: WR DeVante Parker (Louisville)
The Rams will be disappointed if Brandon Scherff is off the board, but they could add a dynamic receiver here instead. Parker has the talent to become a #1 receiver, which is something the Rams currently lack. St. Louis has a solid group of receivers in Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, and Stedman Bailey, but none of those guys are elite receivers that defenses must focus on every week. The Rams have expressed interest in Parker with a private visit. Trae Waynes is another option here, as Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson will be free agents after this year.
11. Minnesota Vikings: CB Trae Waynes (Michigan State)
Xavier Rhodes is a solid cornerback, but the Vikings need a young corner who can start on the other side. Terence Newman was added this offseason, but he is 36 years old and he only signed a one-year deal. Trae Waynes could learn from him for a year or take over as the starter if Newman struggles. The Vikings have expressed interest in Waynes with a private visit. Since DeVante Parker and Brandon Scherff are off the board here, Waynes is the best option.
12. Cleveland Browns: DT Danny Shelton (Washington)
The Browns allowed more rushing yards than any other team in the league last season. A massive interior lineman like Danny Shelton could improve the run defense and he also has the ability to generate pressure from the inside on passing plays. The Browns have expressed significant interest in Shelton with a Senior Bowl meeting and a private visit. The Browns would likely wait until their next selection to address the receiver position in this situation, especially considering DeVante Parker is off the board.
13. New Orleans Saints: OT La’el Collins (LSU)
The Saints will be disappointed that the top pass rushers are off the board, but they could bolster their offensive line here instead. Drew Brees needs more protection than ever at his advanced age and Collins would likely start immediately inside at guard. The fans would support the hometown selection and the Saints have expressed significant interest in Collins with a local visit and a Senior Bowl meeting. Randy Gregory and Shane Ray are both options here because of the need for a pass rusher, but with their recent troubles, the Saints would probably look to grab a pass rusher later on.
14. Miami Dolphins: RB Todd Gurley (Georgia)
Since DeVante Parker and Brandon Scherff are off the board, the Dolphins would probably take the best player available in this situation. Todd Gurley has the ability to be a difference maker in the NFL and he could take pressure off Ryan Tannehill with a consistent running game. The Marshawn Lynch comparisons should outweigh the knee injury discussions on draft day.
15. San Francisco 49ers: CB Marcus Peters (Washington)
Marcus Peters is arguably the most talented cornerback in the draft, but his off-field issues will probably allow Trae Waynes to jump him on draft day. After a hectic offseason, the 49ers have holes virtually everywhere and cornerback is definitely one position that needs improvement. San Francisco has displayed significant interest in Peters with a Combine meeting and a private visit. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead and wide receiver Breshad Perriman are both possibilities here, as the 49ers also have holes on the defensive line and at receiver.
16. Houston Texans: WR Breshad Perriman (UCF)
The Texans cut Andre Johnson this offseason, but they could replace him with Breshad Perriman. Perriman’s draft stock has been rising rapidly after his unofficial 40-yard dash (4.25 seconds) at the UCF Pro Day. Jaelen Strong or Dorial Green-Beckham could be other options here, depending on which receiver the Texans rank the highest. Unfortunately, the Texans won’t be able to find a franchise quarterback here, but they could at least provide Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett with a talented wide receiver corps.
17. San Diego Chargers: RB Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin)
The Chargers need a workhorse running back to balance their offensive attack and Melvin Gordon has proven that he can be that guy. Branden Oliver is currently at the top of the running back depth chart, but he is nothing more than a decent backup. Pass rushing outside linebacker Randy Gregory and defensive lineman Arik Armstead are both potential options here, but Gordon is a safer pick.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Dorial Green-Beckham (Oklahoma)
Alex Smith did not throw a single touchdown pass to one of his wide receivers throughout the entire 2014 season. The Chiefs added Jeremy Maclin in free agency and Dorial Green-Beckham could give Kansas City a lethal tandem as long as he stays out of trouble. The Chiefs have expressed significant interest in Green-Beckham with a Combine meeting and a private visit. Wide receiver Jaelen Strong is another option here, as the selection depends upon which receiver the Chiefs prefer. Additionally, Andrus Peat or Ereck Flowers could be drafted here to immediately upgrade the right tackle position and potentially take over for Eric Fisher if he continues to struggle at left tackle.
19. Cleveland Browns: WR Jaelen Strong (Arizona State)
The Browns have Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline, and Andrew Hawkins leading their receiving corps, so an upgrade is definitely needed. Josh McCown is going to need a lot of help if the Browns want to put up points because he struggled with Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans last year. The Browns have expressed interest in Jaelen Strong with a private visit. Cleveland must address the wide receiver position in the first round and since they took Danny Shelton with the 12th pick, Strong is the best option here.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: SS Landon Collins (Alabama)
The Eagles will not let the best safety in the draft slide any further. Landon Collins would form a dynamic safety duo with Malcolm Jenkins, giving Philadelphia a solid secondary for the first time in a while. While it is highly likely that the Eagles will address the secondary here, cornerback could be the focus and Kevin Johnson could be the selection. However, the Marcus Mariota rumors are still lingering, so look out for another blockbuster trade by Chip Kelly’s team.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Andrus Peat (Stanford)
The Bengals will be looking for a successor to Andrew Whitworth soon and Andrus Peat could start at right tackle until that time comes. Peat is probably the best left tackle in the draft and he possesses a massive frame. They might go after Ereck Flowers instead, depending upon which tackle they prefer. With both of their starting tackles set to be free agents after this season, this need must be addressed early. If they decide to wait until next round, they could look at defensive tackle Malcom Brown here.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB Randy Gregory (Nebraska)
After the surprising retirement of Jason Worilds, the Steelers must find a replacement at outside linebacker. Randy Gregory has the talent to be an elite pass rusher, but he will slide on draft day because of the marijuana issues. Smart teams like Pittsburgh take the best available player and snag falling prospects all the time. The Steelers have expressed interest in Gregory with a private visit. Cornerback Kevin Johnson is another option, as he could bolster a weak Steelers secondary, but drafting a talent like Gregory here might be too difficult to pass up.
23. Detroit Lions: DT Malcom Brown (Texas)
The Lions defense thrived largely due to dominant defensive tackle play, but the team lost starters Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in free agency. They acquired 31-year-old Haloti Ngata in a trade with the Ravens and signed Tyrunn Walker in free agency, but the unit is still weak, especially when it is compared to last year. Malcom Brown would be an immediate upgrade and provide a great value here. Ereck Flowers is another option, but Brown fills a more pressing need.
24. Arizona Cardinals: DE Arik Armstead (Oregon)
Arik Armstead fits best into a 3-4 defensive end role and the Cardinals need to rebuild their defensive line. Calais Campbell would be a great model to emulate, as Armstead has the upside to be a dominant force like Campbell in the near future. Shane Ray is another option here, as the Cardinals need a pass rushing outside linebacker, but his foot injury and marijuana citation might cause him to slide even further.
25. Carolina Panthers: OT Ereck Flowers (Miami)
The Panthers had a terrible pair of tackles last season and they desperately need an upgrade early in the draft. They signed Michael Oher in free agency, but he will not be much of an upgrade. Ereck Flowers provides excellent value here and the Panthers have expressed significant interest in him with a Combine meeting, a private visit, and a private workout. If Flowers is still on the board, I can’t see the Panthers going in a different direction.
26. Baltimore Ravens: TE Maxx Williams (Minnesota)
The Ravens desperately need another playmaker on offense and Maxx Williams is the best tight end in the class. Owen Daniels left in free agency and Dennis Pitta is far too injury-prone to be relied upon. Baltimore has expressed interest in Williams with a Combine meeting. Since the first-round caliber receivers are off the board already, the Ravens probably would not reach for a receiver here. Taking the best playmaker available would make more sense.
27. Dallas Cowboys: CB Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest)
Morris Claiborne has been a bust and Brandon Carr will not be in Dallas for much longer. The Cowboys secondary was exposed in the playoffs last year and Kevin Johnson happens to be a great value pick here as well. The Cowboys have expressed interest in Johnson with a private visit. Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman is solid option here, but Johnson’s value might be too much to pass up at this point.
28. Denver Broncos: C Cameron Erving (Florida State)
The Broncos need significant help along their offensive line and Cameron Erving’s versatility will make him a very attractive asset on draft day. Current center Manny Ramirez is aging and struggled at times last season, so Erving would be able to start at center sometime in the near future. Eric Kendricks is another possibility here, but protecting Peyton Manning has to be Denver’s top priority in the draft.
29. Indianapolis Colts: ILB Eric Kendricks (UCLA)
The Colts need an upgrade over Jerrell Freeman and the defense could use a linebacker that has solid coverage ability. Eric Kendricks is regarded as the best inside linebacker in the class and his coverage skills are top-notch. The Colts have expressed interest in Kendricks with a private workout. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips is another option here, but the Colts signed Kendall Langford in free agency so inside linebacker is a more pressing need.
30. Green Bay Packers: CB Byron Jones (UConn)
The Packers lost Davon House and Tramon Williams in free agency, so cornerback is one of their biggest needs heading into the draft. Sam Shields is a solid starter, but Green Bay would be better off with Casey Hayward playing a reserve role. Byron Jones’s draft stock is still climbing after his incredible Combine performance and most analysts predict he will be taken sometime in the first round now. The Packers barely missed out on Eric Kendricks here, but they could address the inside linebacker need in the second round.
31. New Orleans Saints: OLB Shane Ray (Missouri)
A couple weeks ago, many mock drafts slotted Shane Ray to the Saints at the 13th overall selection. Since then, news about his foot injury was released and he was cited for possession of marijuana, so Ray’s draft stock has plummeted. This selection is now a realistic possibility and the Saints won’t complain because of their need for a pass rusher. I doubt the Saints would let a pass rushing talent like Ray slide any further, regardless of his recent troubles.
32. New England Patriots: DT Eddie Goldman (Florida State)
Vince Wilfork went to the Texans in free agency and the Patriots need a massive interior lineman to replace his production. Eddie Goldman has a massive frame and he could thrive in the Patriots 3-4 defensive scheme as an end. The Patriots have expressed interest in Goldman with a private visit. Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner left in free agency, so a cornerback is another option here, but the top cornerbacks are already off the board.
Main Photo:
