Meet the Top Prospects of the 2015 NFL Draft – blogged by @LoveRubyWoo

With the NFL draft beginning tomorrow night, it’s time to get to know some of this year’s top rated prospects so you can get a better idea of the player that might end up on your favorite team. This year’s draft class is full of talented playmakers from all over the country, notably at the wide receiver and defensive end positions. But according to various mock drafts and analyses, these players featured here have the best overall skill set and value to add to the teams drafting in the top ten. 

The buzz surrounding quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota has been non-stop since they declared for the draft earlier this year. So starting with these two, who are likely to be selected as the #1 and #2 pick on Thursday night, here are the top players predicted to go in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Jameis Winston – Quarterback, Florida State University

The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, who also led his team to a BCS National Championship victory that season, is projected to go #1 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s no secret that the Bucs have been struggling over the past few years, largely due to a lack of leadership at the quarterback position. In the past five years alone, the team has gone through four different starting quarterbacks. Could Jameis be the franchise player that the Bucs have been looking for?  With his ability to scan the field and shake off defenders, as well as his strong football acumen, Winston might just be the answer to Tampa Bay’s prayers. 

Marcus Mariota – Quarterback, University of Oregon

While Winston to the Bucs is pretty much a shoo-in, the question of where Oregon’s Marcus Mariota will end up remains unanswered. The Tennessee Titans hold the #2 draft pick and are in need of a quarterback, but a host of other teams have expressed interest in possibly trading up for Mariota. Since he declared for the draft back in January, there have been talks of Eagles’ head coach (and former Oregon head coach) Chip Kelly working to get the former Oregon Duck on his team. The Chargers are also rumored to be interested in making a trade with the Titans for Mariota, thereby parting ways with their current quarterback Philip Rivers. And as recently as today, the Browns offered the Titans two first round picks in exchange for the #2 pick which they would use to take Mariota. With the combination of his size and speed and his leadership ability, Marcus Mariota is definitely a hot commodity in this year’s draft.

Winston and Mariota have pretty much locked down the number one and number two draft spots, respectively. The rest of the draft order will be less predictable, but let’s take a look at the other big name players likely to be taken early in the first round.

Dante Fowler Jr. – Outside Linebacker, University of Florida

Voted Florida’s Team and Defensive MVP last season, Dante Fowler Jr. has moved up the draft boards due to his versatility and ability to move around the field on defense. Teams that are in need of a strong pass rusher will be to eager to pick him up early in the first round.

Leonard Williams – Defensive End, USC

Defensive end Leonard Williams was selected as USC’s Defensive Lineman of the Year in both 2013 and 2014. The award was much deserved, as he racked up 80 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and one interception in his final year. Like Fowler, Williams is also a skilled pass rusher. With his explosiveness and ability to get to the quarterback, he would be a great addition to any team’s defense.

Amari Cooper – Wide Receiver, University of Alabama

One position that stands out among this year’s draft class is the wide receiver. Led by Alabama’s Amari Cooper, the wide receiver prospects are lauded by many to be the best and most abundant in recent history. Last season, Cooper was named the nation’s best wide receiver and was also a Heisman Trophy candidate. Recognized for his ability to run routes and lose defenders on the field, Cooper undoubtedly has the potential to become an elite receiver in the league. He would be a great weapon for teams who are lacking power on offense .

Vic Beasley – Outside Linebacker, Clemson

Clemson’s Vic Beasley plays the outside linebacker position but according to NFL sources, he has the ability to play at both inside and outside linebacker due to his quickness and flexibility. Another advantage that Beasley brings to the table is his excellent combination of size and speed, which has allowed him to market himself as one of the most valuable pass rushers in the draft.  

Bud Dupree – Outside Linebacker, University of Kentucky

Kentucky’s Bud Dupree impressed many NFL scouts with his ridiculous 42-inch vertical leap and 4.56 40-yard dash time during the Combine in February. On top of that, he was recognized during his time at Kentucky for his contributions off the field, which include his involvement with helping the community and his academic achievements. The combination of his physical talent and his upstanding character have caused many to view Dupree as the defensive prospect in this year’s draft with the most potential to excel in the league.

Kevin White – Wide Receiver, West Virginia University

Like fellow wide receiver prospect Amari Cooper, WVU’s Kevin White was also recognized as one of the nation’s top receivers in 2014. The unique skill set he possesses that makes him a potential top ten pick is his ability to catch everything that comes his way and then gain additional yards after the reception. He would also be a great addition to a team lacking at the wideout position.

Brandon Scherff – Offensive Tackle/Guard, University of Iowa

Offensive lineman Brandon Scherff is freakishly strong…he once hang-cleaned a whopping 443 pounds! His strength, along with his ability to quickly change directions on the field, makes him a great run-blocker, and he can also play a big role in protecting a quarterback against pass rushers. 

Danny Shelton – Defensive Tackle, University of Washington

Defensive tackle Danny Shelton is a dominant force on the field with his brute strength and stature. However, don’t let his size fool you. He can still move quickly up and down and across the field in an effort to stop the offense. Shelton is also noted as having a good sense of awareness, making plays to knock down the ball in the air. These qualities would help out a team who are in need of an aggressive playmaker on defense. 

Other players to look out for on Thursday night are University of Georgia running back Todd Gurley, Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat, LSU offensive tackle La’El Collins, Michigan State cornerback Trae Wayans, and University of Nebraska outside linebacker Randy Gregory. These players could also potentially be selected in the top ten, and if not in the top ten, at least somewhere in the first round.

The first round draft order as it currently stands is as follows:

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Tennessee Titans

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

4. Oakland Raiders

5. Washington Redskins

6. New York Jets

7. Chicago Bears

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. New York Giants

10. St. Louis Rams

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Cleveland Browns

13. New Orleans Saints

14. Miami Dolphins

15. San Francisco 49ers

16. Houston Texans

17. San Diego Chargers

18. Kansas City Chiefs

19. Cleveland Browns

20. Philadelphia Eagles

21. Cincinnati Bengals

22. Pittsburgh Steelers

23. Detroit Lions

24. Arizona Cardinals

25. Carolina Panthers

26. Baltimore Ravens

27. Dallas Cowboys

28. Denver Broncos

29. Indianapolis Colts

30. Green Bay Packers

31. New Orleans Saints

32. New England Patriots

Of course, this does not factor in any potential trades that could occur leading up to and during the draft. 

So stay tuned…Baller Alert will be giving you all the latest updates, analysis, and reactions on what happens come draft time. For the football lovers out there, who do you think is the best pick for your team?

Source: NFL.com