2015 NFL Draft: Pre-Free Agency Mock Draft
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of the golden NFL shield logo at the entrance to the 4th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The 2015 off-season is about to enter it’s first round of mayhem with the start of free agency on March 10th. Much will change during this time period, as many teams have ample space to essentially steal away key pieces from opposing teams. Others will have to make the necessary changes in order to be in accordance with the salary cap limit while also creating the ample space to sign their incoming rookies. The NFL landscape will look much different come April.
But at this point in time, it’s still vital to assess where each team is within their development, and where team’s can find solutions to their weaknesses via the draft. This year’s draft has just about everything you could look for. It’s a deep class with at least some star power at the top. Teams will be faced with tough decisions on where and when to address their specific needs. It should be a fun process to watch play out for fans.
With that said, let’s get into out latest mock NFL draft, which comes just before the free agency period begins.
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
player. 48. Despite Jameis Winston’s off field issues, the Buccaneers are in need of a quarterback and Lovie Smith is apparently “<a href=. Quarterback. Florida State. Jameis Winston. 1
35. Undoubtedly, the Titans need a quarterback, and with Mariota sitting there, they <a href=. Defensive Tackle. Southern California. Leonard Williams. 2. player
Florida. Dante Fowler Jr.. 3. player. 52. This pick is highly subject to change based on how the Jaguars choose to spend the glut of cap space they have. I also fully expect them to trade down as many of the defensive players here are more befitting of OLB in a 3-4 defense. That said, if they stay in this pick, Fowler is the best suited of those available to line up at DE in a 4-3. Of note, it won’t make Jags fans happy, but I do believe an offensive linemen could be in play here after Bortles took a beating last season.. Linebacker
28. I’m going to be a bit boring here, but taking Cooper seems like the safe pick here. Kevin White looked great at the combine, but I believe the Raiders select Cooper here who seems more refined. Regardless of which the team chooses, Carr needs a target here. I believe he’ll be smiling after the draft’s fourth selection.. Wide Receiver. Alabama. Amari Cooper. 4. player
Oregon. Marcus Mariota. 6. player. 30. Seems pretty straightforward here. The Jets’ plan with Geno Smith hasn’t worked out, and with a new regime in town, the Jets will look to start fresh with a shiny new centerpiece.. Quarterback
The Bears’ plan to transition to a 3-4 defense puts the entire front seven in flux. Admittedly, Danny Shelton anchoring things in the middle seems entirely logical, but Beasley presents that game-changing force on the outside that Vic Fangio will love and had in San Francisco. The Bears gamble here that a player like Eddie Goldman or Jordan Phillips will be there at the top of the second round.. Linebacker. Clemson. Vic Beasley. 7. player. 57
Defensive End. Nebraska. Randy Gregory. 8. player. 44. Pass rush seems like the obvious need here and with Gregory still on the board, he simply fits their need. The Falcons won’t stop here when looking to improve the rush, but Gregory is a great way to start.
LSU. La'el Collins. 9. player. 31. The Giants are happy with their LSU selection from last year (Odell Beckham) and the trend continues here. Collins is a mauler and could kick inside to guard while also offering versatility as a tackle. The Giants need help along the offensive line to allow Manning to work his magic, and Collins’ run blocking prowess should open things up for the backs. He’s a great addition here.. Offensive Tackle
51. Although the Rams need interior offensive line help, it can be found in the second round. The team also needs a quarterback, but with no option here, adding a player like White can make things easier for whoever starts under center.. Wide Receiver. West Virginia. Kevin White. 10. player
Next: Picks 11-20