2015 NFL Mock Draft (1-16) Post Underclassmen Deadline
1. Tampa Bay (2-14) – Jameis Winston QB/Florida State
Mariota is the most mocked pick here, but it is very possible that the Buccaneers prefer Jameis Winston and ultimately go with him if he passes the interview process. Winston is more talented for sure and would fit Dirk Koetter’s offense.
2. Tennessee (2-14) – Leonard Williams DL/USC
The Titans could pass on a QB and stick with Zach Mettenberger who showed some promise in the offense. If so, they should have a shot at the only elite player in this class in Leonard Williams. A Gerald McCoy type impact defensive lineman who can give a 5-tech pass rusher who sets the edge, he would help fix the Titans rush defense issues and help pressure the QB.
3. Jacksonville (3-13) – Randy Gregory DE/Nebraska
The Jaguars do need offensive line help, and the defense stepped up late in the season, but a pass rusher like Randy Gregory who can put his hand down or stand up can give a lot of versatility for the Jaguars.
4. Oakland (3-13) – Shane Ray DE/Missouri
Oakland could pass on Amari Cooper and take a best player available approach to nab the extremely athletic Shane Ray and build a dominant front 7. Jack Del Rio’s defense can utilize Ray’s talents in a variety of ways and allow Ray and Mack to be a dynamic duo.
5. Washington (4-12) – Andrus Peat OT/Stanford
May be a bit high for a right tackle, but the Redskins desperately need offensive line help for whatever QB they decide on. Peat isn’t the most flashy or athletic, but he had a great season and could be the first lineman off the board.
6. New York Jets (4-12) – Marcus Mariota QB/Oregon
It’s possible the Jets luck into the 2nd best QB if the Titans pass and no one trades up. If Chan Gailey is their coordinator, he will want a QB who can spread it out and has that experience. It would be an ideal fit and Mariota should be comfortable in that system.
7. Chicago (5-11) – Landon Collins S/Alabama
The Bears could use 2 or 3 picks in the secondary and Landon Collins would be a dream at #7. He can play FS or SS and has the size/build to help in both the run and pass game.
8. Atlanta (6-10) – Dante Fowler LB/Florida
Fowler is a noted hard worker and has the natural ability to develop into a great pass rusher. He isn’t a finished product and needs some technique training, but he could be an intriguing LEO player that Atlanta lacks at the moment.
9. New York Giants (6-10) – Brandon Scherff OL/Iowa
Brandon Scherff will likely move inside to guard at the next level and be a great one like Zach Martin and Joel Bitonio, but how high do you take him? The Giants offensive line needs to a shot in the arm and an elite OG prospect would do it.
10. St. Louis (6-10) – Amari Cooper WR/Alabama
Though the Rams got some decent WR play from Brian Quick, Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, and Stedman Bailey, having a shot at a #1 WR like Amari Cooper is too good to pass up. With QB not an option, the defense playing great, and a top pick on the offensive line last year, Cooper would be an ideal choice at 10 to create a set of excellent weapons for the Rams.
11. Minnesota (7-9) – Lael Collins OL/LSU
It isn’t time to give up on Matt Kalil, but drafting a versatile OT/OG option could give the Vikings some flexibility. Lael Collins is similar to Greg Robinson last year and could start at guard with an eventual move to tackle when needed.
12. Cleveland (7-9) – Devante Parker WR/Louisville
Cleveland’s need a WR is apparent, but they need to find their version of Odell Beckham to provide not just a consistent threat but one that can stretch the field. Devante Parker has all the attributes to be a consistent weapon over the middle and deep down the field with great YAC potential.
13. New Orleans (7-9) – PJ Williams CB/Florida State
The Saints have plenty of defensive needs, but getting a top corner ranks right up there. PJ Williams would be a perfect pair wth Keenan Lewis as Williams gives a big, athletic presence with a ton of experience. He’s inconsistent, but has big potential.
14. Miami (8-8) – Trae Waynes CB/Michigan State
The Dolphins have invested some picks into the secondary, but getting a physical presence like Waynes would be a nice fit opposite of Brent Grimes and allow more time to develop Jamar Taylor.
15. San Francisco (8-8) – Arik Armstead DE/Oregon
The 49ers don’t have many apparent needs, maybe OG if Mike Iupati moves on or another offensive playmaker, but the can always build the defense. Tank Carradine hasn’t started a game for the 49ers yet in his two year career, and the defensive line depth is thin. Arik Armstead looks like an early version of Calais Campbell, an ideal fit for defensive line coach Jim Tomsula taking over as head coach.
16. Houston (9-7) – Kevin White WR/West Virginia
The marriage between Andre Johnson and the Texans appears to be all but over and they desperately need more weapons outside of DeAndre Hopkins if they want to develop Ryan Mallett. Kevin White would give them another malleable high point threat who should be an excellent #2.