2015 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. Round 4 posted.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2015 NFL Mock Draft is based on the NFL Power Rankings.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/16): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5
Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/15) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (3/23)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

2015 NFL Mock Draft

archived mock draft

@walterfootball

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Buccaneers don’t have to trade up anymore, as they have control of the top selection. I know for a fact that Tampa was more than willing to move up for a quarterback, but that’s not necessary now that the Buccaneers are projected to have the first-overall pick. Thus, all speculation of them moving down is pretty pointless.

It’s not a matter of what position Tampa addresses, but rather which quarterback it takes. It’s obviously between Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, but the former is the favorite because he’s much cleaner off the field. It would be nice if the Buccaneers didn’t have to worry about Winston going nuts in Ybor or at Mons Venus. The latter would have to rename itself Mons Jameis after Winston puts the owners’ kids through college.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Both Chris Mortensen and Jim Wyatt have reported that Tennessee is set to go “all in” with Zach Mettenberger next season. While that’s definitely accurate right now, things may change once the Titans’ front office gets to know either Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. Plus, that report may have come from the coaching staff, which is more than likely to back its current player.

We’ve actually seen this before quite recently; the Panthers were set to take Da’Quan Bowers or Nick Fairley, but they eventually fell in love with Cam Newton. The same thing could happen to the Titans. The coaches might be sincere in backing Mettenberger now, but once they realize the potential they could have with Mariota or Winston, they may opt to pull the trigger on a quarterback. That goes along with a report Charlie posted about the Titans considering a quarterback at No. 2.

I’d be more confident in my stance if there wasn’t so much controversy surrounding Winston. From the alleged sexual assault (which was bogus), to the crab legs, to the autographs, to his suspension for shouting a stupid meme in the student union (funny that the old farts running Florida State didn’t know what it meant), there are red flags everywhere. However, Winston is unbelievably talented, and he’s not just some Vince Wonderlic quarterback; he’s a better prospect than that, even with all of the character concerns.

Speaking of which, I’ve heard sentiments that the Titans won’t consider Winston because of his character issues, but I heard the same thing about Jerry Richardson and Newton. Ultimately, Tennessee will probably fall in love with one of the quarterbacks.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams, DE/DT, USC
The Jaguars need offensive line help much more than another player on the defensive front, but reaching for an inferior prospect to fill a hole would not be wise, and it’s something teams usually don’t do anyway. It would be wise for Jacksonville to trade down.

Leonard Williams is the top prospect on the board, and the Jaguars will not pass on him if he’s available. He’ll improve an area of strength; he’ll make the pass rush that much better, which could mask some of the liabilities in the back seven. Williams would serve the Michael Bennett role in Gus Bradley’s defense.
Oakland Raiders: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
The Raiders have won too many games, so they can no longer trade down. It’s a shame, because they could’ve really used the extra picks more than any other team. In this scenario, they can’t even get Leonard Williams, who told the Raiders that he wanted to play for them.

Randy Gregory is not a bad consolation prize. The Raiders spent last year’s first-round pick on a pass-rusher, but Gregory and Khalil Mack could play together, much like what the Broncos have set up. Oakland needs to get past Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers, and it can do that by applying as much pressure as possible on the quarterback.

Amari Cooper is an option as well, if available, but I have Gregory higher on my board.
Washington Redskins: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Redskins are not filling a primary need at all. Brian Orakpo is heading for free agency, but they still have Ryan Kerrigan and 2014 second-rounder Trent Murphy. However, Shane Ray is the best player on the board, so I don’t think Washington will be able to pass on him, given how this has played out with Ronnie Stanley headed back to school. Besides, the Redskins can rotate three talented pass-rushers, and Ray will give them depth at a key position.

Pick change; previously Ronnie Stanley, OT
New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The poor Jets missed out on Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, though in the scenario in which I have Tennessee passing on Winston, I have New York taking him. If the Jets don’t trade up for either, perhaps they’ll target Brett Hundley in the second round. In the meantime, they can take one of the top prospects on the board, and that would be Amari Cooper.

Cooper, who is on the same level as A.J. Green and Julio Jones, will provide a big upgrade in the receiving corps; the unreliable Percy Harvin may not be on the team next year with John Idzik gone. Speaking of Idzik, I have all the coach and GM firing grades here.
Chicago Bears: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The Bears could go with a defensive end, especially if Shane Ray slips to them, which is what happened in my previous update. However, they’ll also consider Landon Collins, who is far and away the top safety in this class. Collins would fill a big need for the Bears on the back end. The safety position has been atrocious and needs to be upgraded.

Pick change; previously Shane Ray, DE
Atlanta Falcons: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
The Falcons can’t be too upset with obtaining Jake Matthews at No. 6 overall this past May – he bounced back well from an injury that caused him to struggle in the middle of the season – but they were one pick away from landing Khalil Mack, who has been great for the Raiders thus far. Here’s their new edge rusher.
New York Giants: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The Giants will consider taking a left tackle with this selection. There’s no telling how much longer William Beatty will be around, given his contract status (due about $19 million over the next three years). In the meantime, Andrus Peat can start at right tackle, which would allow Justin Pugh to move inside to upgrade one of the guard spots. Peat, who changed his mind about returning to Stanford, would then ultimate move into the blind-side spot once Beatty moves on.
St. Louis Rams: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
The Rams still have some holes on their offensive line. Jake Long’s health is a serious concern, so there’s a hole at the guard spot that Greg Robinson previously occupied. Meanwhile, right tackle Joseph Barksdale is set to hit free agency this spring. Here’s a solution for either dilemma.

Check out the NFL Draft Rumor Mill, where Charlie reported that Ereck Flowers has received top-20 grades.
Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
Matt Kalil was a human turnstile this past year, but he dealt with an injury. He’ll almost definitely get one more chance next season. Brandon Scherff could be drafted as insurance, though. In the meantime, Scherff can take over at the left guard position, which has been problematic for quite some time.
Cleveland Browns: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Browns almost have to draft a receiver with one of their many early picks, don’t they? Having Miles Austin start for a second year just can’t happen, and now it’s sounding like Josh Gordon won’t be back with the team next season. I don’t want to force a receiver to the Browns, but they’re getting one of the top players available.
New Orleans Saints: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
The Saints had major defensive issues this past season. Some of their players couldn’t tackle whatsoever. They’ll almost certainly take the best defensive player available. That could be a cornerback; Patrick Robinson and Corey White, weren’t able to cover anyone.
Miami Dolphins: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Jared Odrick played so well this year that he’ll command lots of money in free agency this upcoming spring (go here for our NFL Free Agent Rankings. The Dolphins may have to find a new defensive tackle as a consequence.
San Francisco 49ers: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The 49ers are really hurting for receiving help. Michael Crabtree, a huge disappointment this past year, will probably be gone this offseason. Anquan Boldin has played well, but he can’t possibly play at a high level much longer. Stevie Johnson proved to be a bust. Receiver is one of the positions San Francisco will be targeting at No. 15.
Houston Texans: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Todd Gurley to the Texans!? Don’t they have Arian Foster? Sure, but Foster is banged up, and Todd Gurley, despite his injury, would be too good for Houston to pass up at No. 16. The Texans don’t have a quarterback, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be able to get one this offseason, so they better make sure they can run the hell out of the ball. Foster is too injury-prone and unreliable, so having Gurley in the backfield to split the carries would solidify that aspect of Houston’s offense.

Pick change; previously Landon Collins, S

Go to 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this 2015 NFL Mock Draft into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.