The 2015 NFL Draft is fast approaching and Jameis Winston seemingly locked in his spot as the top pick in this year’s draft at FSU’s Pro Day. Don’t worry, there’s still 31 other picks to predict and I’ll take my first shot at it today.
You’ll see these picks change a bit as we get closer to the draft. In my final version I’ll have two rounds, trades and a surprise or two but for now enjoy Mock Draft 1.0:
1. Tampa Bay (2-14) – Jameis Winston, QB, FSU: Winston locked up this #1 spot today and seems to have really improved that elongated throwing motion. He will be the starter week 1 for Tampa Bay.
2. Tennessee (2-14) – Dante Fowler, OLB, UF: Many expect Tennessee to select Mariota in this spot but I think they are just leaking info to provoke a trade, Chip Kelly is probably listening. If they stay at this spot I think they pass on a QB and get a pass rusher to get after Andrew Luck.
3. Jacksonville (3-13) – Shane Ray, DE, Mizzou: Jacksonville has been looking for an elite DE since the early Del Rio days and 2015 is no different. I personally think Ray is the best pass rusher in this draft, so I have him higher than others, and since Fowler is gone I can easily see him in Jacksonville.
4. Oakland (3-13) – Leonard Williams, DT, USC: The Raiders wouldn’t mind a WR at this spot but the draft is littered with talented pass catchers. They opt to get the best interior lineman in the draft and add him to an already stout defensive line.
5. Washington (4-12) – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clem: Washington has a lot of holes but pass rush is a glaring one. With Chip Kelly’s fast pace offence, the Giants’ passing game and the Cowboys’ strong O-Line, the Redskins will need Beasley to be what the recently departed Brian Orakpo used to be.
6. New York Jets (4-12) – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon: The Jets have spent a lot of money to bring in veteran weapons and pieces. It’s hard to turn the keys over to a rookie but Mariota is used to doing a lot with talented players. The Jets could also select him and bring in a veteran to man the ship for this season while Mariota learns the more traditional NFL system.
7. Chicago (5-11) – Kevin White, WR, WVU: The Bears traded Marshall and have left Jay Cutler with Alshon Jeffery and _______. They select Marshall’s long-term replacement with this selection. White reminds me a lot of Torry Holt, his body control/speed/hands combination is special. Cutler needs a dependable WR and White can be that immediately.
8. Atlanta (6-10) – Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, NEB: Yes, I know Gregory failed the pre-combine draft test but that doesn’t mean the guy is going to slide into the 20s. A few weeks ago Gregory was considered a consensus top 5 draft pick and his talent hasn’t diminished. The Falcons are looking for a difference maker on the defense and Gregory could be this year’s Khalil Mack.