2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Winston, Mariota atop latest 1st-round projections
With the scouting combine wrapped up and prospects looking ahead to their respective pro days, the first-round picture for April's draft is finally beginning to take shape.
Highlighted by the consensus top quarterbacks coming off the board within the first two picks and a talented group of edge defenders dominating the opening round, here's a post-combine look at first-round draft projections for all of the NFL's 32 teams:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
After impressing both on the field and in the meeting rooms at the combine, Winston has all but cemented his status as this year's No. 1 overall pick. While he'll still have some off-field questions to answer leading up to draft day, he's a rare prospect when it comes to pure football talent and ability.
2. Tennessee Titans - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
One way or another, whether the Titans keep the pick or elect to trade down, Mariota should be the selection here in the No. 2 spot. Reports have suggested the Titans are happy with Zach Mettenberger, but opportunities to take a quarterback near the top of the draft don't come around every year.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Leonard Williams, DT, USC
Though targeting an edge rusher is also a strong possibility here, Jacksonville can't pass up an opportunity to land this draft's top defensive player. The Jaguars can move Williams all across the defensive front and he should quickly emerge as an impact player against both the run and pass.
4. Oakland Raiders - Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Though the Raiders addressed the edge rush in last year's draft with Khalil Mack, doing so again on the opposite side is their best option here. Fowler has the size to play the weak-side defensive end spot in the Raiders' 4-3 front, and many believe he'll be even more productive in the NFL than he was in college.
5. Washington Redskins - Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
Vic Beasley proved himself as one of the top edge defenders in this class and an early first-round pick with an impressive display at the combine. With Brian Orakpo likely headed elsewhere in free agency, Beasley's explosive pass-rush ability would make him an ideal fit at outside linebacker in Washington's 3-4 defense.
6. New York Jets - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Jets may need a quarterback, but finding a No. 1 wide receiver should become the team's top priority with the first-round signal callers already off the board. White's standout performance at the combine helped him jump ahead of Amari Cooper at the position. He'd give the Jets the impact receiver they need.
7. Chicago Bears - Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Gregory's slide doesn't last long, as the Bears would be thrilled to add an edge defender of his caliber in Vic Fangio's 3-4 defensive scheme. While Chicago's defense needs help in a number of different areas, a player who could be a double-digit sack producer early on would be tough to pass up with this pick.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Atlanta should be in play for a number of free-agent pass rushers early in the offseason, but adding another in the draft should be an option either way. Dupree's stock has been on the rise and it would no longer be a surprise to see him come off the board this early.
9. New York Giants - Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Considered by most to be the top lineman in this class, Scherff could start for the Giants at either guard or tackle from Day 1. With a potentially lethal wide-receiver duo to work with on the outside, protecting Eli Manning and allowing him to attack downfield should be the team's top priority going forward.
10. St. Louis Rams - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
With a dominant pass rush already in place, addressing the secondary could help the Rams' defense become one of the NFL's best in fairly short order. Though a receiver would also be an option here, Waynes's combination of physicality and athleticism is exactly what St. Louis will be looking for in its cornerbacks.