2015 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Mariota falls to Jets; Cardinals land Gurley
After a busy few weeks of free agency where teams did their best to address some pressing needs throughout their rosters, the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft projects to unfold in a much different way.
Jameis Winston remains in the top spot, but the first round is still dominated by edge defenders and wide receivers, but several top prospects have been moved up and down the board based on fit.
Here's a look at the latest first-round projections for the upcoming draft:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
After a pro day performance that all but confirmed his status as the top quarterback in the class, Winston should continue to be a lock in this spot. With plenty of experience in a pro-style system, he'd take over the starting job as a rookie, possibly giving Tampa Bay its first true franchise quarterback in team history.
2. Tennessee Titans - Leonard Williams, DT, USC
The Titans could easily go with a quarterback here, or trade down with a team looking to do the same. However, opting to go with this year's top defensive player would be tough to argue against. Williams would pair with Jurrell Casey to give Tennessee a pair of dominant five-technique defensive ends to build around long-term.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
On the heels of a productive free agency period, one of the Jaguars' few glaring needs is at the LEO defensive end spot. Though there are several candidates for such a role in a strong class of edge defenders, there may not be one that fits better than Beasley. Adding his elite-level speed to the weak side would help this defense take the next step.
4. Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Raiders are another of several teams looking at pass rushers at the top of the class, but can they afford to pass on a top talent at receiver after failing to add one in free agency? Cooper would immediately step in as Oakland's No. 1 target in the passing game, pairing with young quarterback Derek Carr to help turn around a struggling offensive attack.
5. Washington Redskins - Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida
While Marcus Mariota is a possibility here given the concerning regression of Robert Griffin III, the Redskins seem willing to see what happens this year. Instead, Scot McCloughan's first pick as GM should be to add one of this year's most explosive edge defenders in Fowler, filling Brian Orakpo's spot at rush linebacker.
6. New York Jets - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Jets have been without an answer at quarterback for far too long, and despite some flashes of ability from Geno Smith, Mariota being available is an opportunity too good to pass up. The Heisman trophy winner is a perfect fit for Chan Gailey's offensive scheme, and could earn the starting job coming out of his rookie training camp.
7. Chicago Bears - Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
A light weigh-in and failed drug test at the combine raised some concerns about Gregory, but he shouldn't be on the board for very long after bouncing back to put together a solid pro day. A strong fit as an outside linebacker in Chicago's new 3-4 front, Gregory would be a much-needed upgrade on the edge.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Yet another team whose most glaring need is on the defensive edge, the Falcons would make it an impressive four players at the position taken in the top 10. Dupree's value comes more with traits and athletic upside than proven production, but head coach Dan Quinn and his defensive staff should help him reach what is a fairly high ceiling.
9. New York Giants - Brandon Scherff, OG/OT, Iowa
The Giants need to find a way to upgrade their offensive line heading into the 2015 campaign, and after not doing so in free agency, the draft becomes their best option. Whether he plays guard or tackle, Scherff would help shore up a struggling offensive line, allowing New York to make the most of its elite-level talent at skill positions.
10. St. Louis Rams - La'el Collins, OT, LSU
St. Louis addressed the offensive line with their first-round pick last year, but the current situation up front certainly calls for them to do the same this year. Collins would likely start on the right side with Greg Robinson taking over on the left, giving the Rams an impressive young pair of bookend tackles to build around.