2015 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014.
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
I really went back and forth on this one. In fact, I had an entire mock draft prepared for the Titans drafting Leonard Williams. 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.

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. They 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.

I’d be more confident in my stance if there wasn’t so much controversy surrounding Winston. From the alleged sexual assault, 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.

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: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The Redskins are passing on Shane Ray for a slightly inferior prospect, but they’re set at outside linebacker. Also, they haven’t been able to protect very well. It’s highly disconcerting that third-round rookie Morgan Moses hasn’t been able to find his way into the starting lineup despite the team’s issues at right tackle. Moses finally started at San Francisco, and he was abysmal.

There’s talk that Andrus Peat will return to school, whereas Ronnie Stanley, who has been incredible this year, asked the draft advisory committee for his projected grade. Check out my 2015 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker, where I have grades and rumors posted.
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: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Bears appeared to be set at defensive end a couple of months ago, but there are major concerns there now. Willie Young ruptured his Achilles, while LaMarr Houston tore his ACL. Jared Allen is obviously not a long-term solution (or a short-term one), so Chicago could be looking to address this position this offseason.

If so, Shane Ray is a no-brainer in this scenario. He’s the top prospect on the board, and his presence will help mask the issues the team has in its back seven.

Pick change; previously Landon Collins, S
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 has bounced back well from an injury that caused him to struggle – 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.

Pick change; previously Shane Ray, DE/OLB
New York Giants: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
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, Ereck Flowers can start at right tackle, which would allow Justin Pugh to move inside to upgrade one of the guard spots. Flowers would then ultimate move into the blind-side spot once Beatty moves on.

Check out the NFL Draft Rumor Mill, where Charlie reported that Flowers has received top-20 grades.
St. Louis Rams: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
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.

Pick change; previously Kevin White, WR
Minnesota Vikings: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
The Vikings missed out on both tackles, which is a shame because they need to improve Teddy Bridgewater’s protection. However, they won’t be too displeased if they can land the top cornerback in the class. They need a long-term starter across from Xavier Rhodes, so P.J. Williams could really strengthen their secondary.

Pick change; previously Brandon Scherff, OT
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.

Pick change; previously DeVante Parker, WR
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
The Saints got rid of Victor Butler, so they definitely need to work on finding an upgrade across from Junior Galette. Anyone who can tackle would fit in well, as their putrid defense couldn’t even stop Andy Dalton. New Orleans needs upgrades all over its awful stop unit.

This might currently be considered too early for Alvin Dupree, but the Kentucky product is going to destroy the Combine and vault into top-16 consideration. He has too much upside to go a lot later than this.

Pick change; previously Dante Fowler, DE/OLB
Miami Dolphins: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Jared Odrick has played so well this year that he’ll command lots of money in free agency this upcoming spring. 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 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 disappointment. Receiver is one of the positions San Francisco will be targeting at No. 15.

Pick change; previously P.J. Williams, CB
Houston Texans: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Landon Collins slips a bit out of circumstance in this update, but the Texans won’t complain too much. They have some issues at safety that they need to address. Former second-rounder D.J. Swearinger has not lived up to expectations.

Pick change; previously Ronald Darby, CB

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.