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2015 NFL Mock Draft: Could Randy Gregory be the No. 1 overall pick?
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
November 24, 2014 12:07 am ET
Since the 1997 NFL Draft, only three positions have been selected with the No. 1 overall pick: quarterback, offensive tackle and pass rusher. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who currently own the top spot after the Oakland Raiders earned their first victory of 2014, have recently invested in the quarterback and offensive tackle positions, leaving the pass rusher as the likely option if one is worth the top spot. And Nebraska's Randy Gregory might be intriguing enough to warrant the pick. There might not be an “elite” non-quarterback prospect in this draft class, but Gregory is on the short list of players who flash difference-maker potential.
Below is a look at how the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft could play out:
*The selection order for this mock draft is based on the current records of teams with point differential breaking all ties. The Cleveland Browns own the rights to the Buffalo Bills' selection due to the Sammy Watkins trade.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
The Jaguars' defense ranks among the league leaders in sacks, but Jacksonville is missing a true impact edge rusher in their front-seven. Gregory needs time to continue his development, but his tools are intriguing and his potential will be tough for teams to pass up if he declares early for next year's draft.
2. Oakland Raiders – DT Leonard Williams, USC
Assuming the Raiders decide to stick with 2014 second rounder Derek Carr as the quarterback of the future, the best case scenario for the franchise is for a quarterback-desperate team to blow them away with a trade offer and multiple draft picks. But if that doesn't happen and Oakland is stuck in this spot, the goal should be to come away with a difference-maker and Williams is exactly that.
3. New York Jets – QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
There are a lot of unknowns right now with the Jets organization, including the future of the quarterback position, head coach and front office. But regardless, New York will likely be in position next spring to draft one of the top quarterbacks in the 2015 class. Winston certainly has his baggage, but his talent on the field and ability to block out the off-field distractions are exactly what the Jets need.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon
The Buccaneers have struggled to consistently push the ball on offense in 2014 and will likely be in the market for a quarterback next spring unless Mike Glennon takes a stranglehold on the starting job. The looming question with Mariota is how he transitions to a pro-style offense, but from a physical and mental standpoint, the Oregon quarterback has the traits that NFL scouts seek at the position.
5. Tennessee Titans – WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
Quarterback will be a popular option for the Titans in the 2015 class with Jake Locker likely not returning to Nashville next season. But in this scenario, Cooper might be the top player on the board for Tennessee and would give the offense a consistent outside threat, replacing Nate Washington and giving whoever is at quarterback the reliable weapon that Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright haven't been.
6. Washington Redskins – OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa
The Redskins have struggled with inconsistencies and injuries on the offensive line and if they hope to keep Robert Griffin III healthy, addressing his protection needs to be a priority. Scherff has played mostly tackle in college, but does have experience at guard and projects best there in the NFL. Regardless, he offers versatility and depth at both spots.
7. Carolina Panthers – OT Andrus Peat, Stanford
Carolina has a strong need at left tackle and need to address the position in either free agency or the draft next offseason. Peat needs to refine his mechanics to be improve his consistency, but he is a dancing bear with his balanced athleticism.
8. New York Giants – OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington
Despite seeing most of his action at running back in recent weeks, Thompson's pro future is on the defensive side of the ball where he could fill a need for the Giants and give New York an athletic presence at linebacker they sorely need.
9. St. Louis Rams – OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
The Rams addressed the offensive line early in the first round last year, drafting Greg Robinson second overall, but with Joseph Barksdale set for pay day this off-season as a free agent, the Rams might have a need at right tackle. Ogbuehi's NFL future is likely on the right side where he is much more comfortable.
10. Minnesota Vikings – WR Kevin White, West Virginia
The Vikings need to continue and build the offense with potential impact players around Teddy Bridgewater. And White fits that description with his ability to be productive at every level of the field.
11. Atlanta Falcons – DE Shane Ray, Missouri
The Falcons addressed the offensive line in the first round last year and need to get younger on the defensive line in the 2015 first round. Ray lacks ideal size for the defensive end spot, but he's at his best rushing off the edge and has the deadly first step to give NFL tackles all kinds of trouble.
12. New Orleans Saints – DE/OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
The Saints locked up Junior Galette to a long-term deal, but need another athletic pass rusher who can give opposing offenses trouble. Beasley is an athletic rusher who can drop in space and be an aggressive chess piece for a 3-4 scheme.
13. Chicago Bears – FS Landon Collins, Alabama
If you want to get a Bears' fan heated, just ask about the talent of Chicago's safeties. Collins wears several hats for the Crimson Tide defense, lining up at strong safety, free safety and outside linebacker, showing off his versatility in pass coverage and attacking downhill in run support.
14. Cleveland Browns (from BUF) – DE/OLB Dante Fowler, Florida
The Browns have invested early round picks in pass rushers in recent years, but haven't been able to consistently put pressure on the opposing backfield. With Jabaal Sheard set to hit free agency and Barkevious Mingo struggling to establish himself as a reliable rush threat, the need is there for Cleveland to address the position again and Fowler is a great fit with his relentless energy off the edge.
15. Houston Texans – CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State
In two years at Penn State, Bill O'Brien never faced Michigan State, but you can bet he will be well familiar with the Spartans' talented cornerback by next spring. While he does get in trouble free lancing at times, Waynes has the height, length and athleticism that NFL teams value at the position to best match-up with the tall trees at wide receiver at the pro level.
16. Miami Dolphins – RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
With Todd Gurley sidelined with an ACL injury, it's no “sure thing” that a running back will be drafted in the first round next April. But Gordon, who recently set a new FBS single-game record for rushing yards (406), could sneak into the back half of round one to a team like Miami.
17. Baltimore Ravens – WR DeVante Parker, Louisville
Torrey Smith is a dangerous deep threat, but 35-year old Steve Smith has proven to be the only consistent receiver on the Ravens roster. Baltimore could use another weapon for Joe Flacco on the outside and Parker brings a size/speed combination that creates mismatches.
18. San Francisco 49ers – DE Shawn Oakman, Baylor
San Francisco's defense has been an effective unit, but they're not getting any younger, especially up front on the defensive line. Oakman has the freakish size, length and athleticism that will be attractive to both 3-4 for 4-3 base defenses.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
The Steelers did their due diligence on last year's class of cornerbacks and will likely do the same this year with their aging secondary. Ekpre-Olomu lacks elite size or speed for the position, but he has the instincts, fluidity and toughness that fit what Pittsburgh needs.
20. Cleveland Browns – WR Devin Funchess, Michigan
Josh Gordon is a freak, but he's one ill-advised mistake away from playing his last NFL snap and the Browns could use another size/speed talent on the other side. Much like Michigan in 2014, Funchess has disappointed as a junior, but his combination of size and athleticism will be attractive traits come draft weekend next spring.
21. Seattle Seahawks – WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
The Seahawks addressed the wide receiver position twice with their top four draft picks last year, but could look to add another wideout in the first round next year if an impact prospect is available. Green-Beckham might return to Norman after sitting out this season, but if he declares, teams will be intrigued with his natural ability.
22. Detroit Lions – DT Malcom Brown, Texas
With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley expected to hit free agency, the Lions will be in the market for interior defensive line depth next off-season. Brown has the skill-set and versatility to line up at either tackle spot for Detroit's defense.
23. San Diego Chargers – OL La'el Collins, LSU
The Chargers rank near the bottom of the NFL in rushing and while injuries are mostly to blame, the offensive line hasn't done enough to create running room for the running backs. Collins projects as either a tackle or guard in the NFL and has the drive blocking strength to dominate in the run game.
24. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
The Chiefs rank near the bottom of the NFL in passing and a substantial reason for that is the lack of weapons at Alex Smith's disposal. Strong lacks elite burst to consistently generate separation, but with his catching radius and size, he can box out and be productive in contested situations.
25. Indianapolis Colts – DE/OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
The Colts gave a lot of money to Erik Walden and drafted Bjoern Werner in the first round two years ago, but the team has struggled to consistently rush the passer with Robert Mathis suspended and hurt. Mauldin has played defensive end and linebacker over his time at Louisville, showing the ability to effectively play both positions and be a threat collapsing the pocket and stopping the run.
26. Cincinnati Bengals – DT Danny Shelton, Washington
Some will argue that Domata Peko hasn't played up to his recent contract extension, but regardless, the Bengals could use interior depth. Shelton is an active player with range to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.
27. Philadelphia Eagles – ILB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
Unfortunate news from two weeks ago, Demeco Ryans tore his Achilles' tendon and faces an extended rehab process as he enters the final year of his deal in 2015. The Eagles could find his future replacement in the first round next year with McKinney who brings physicality and size to the position.
28. Green Bay Packers – DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, Kentucky
Green Bay needs to add more playmakers on defense, whether in the front-seven or the secondary. Dupree is a former tight end who moved to defense and has really grown in several areas, but his specialty is getting after the passer with above average first step burst and closing speed.
29. Dallas Cowboys – DT Eddie Goldman, Florida State
With Henry Melton penciled in as the Cowboys starting three-technique, Dallas could address the one-technique spot in the draft. Goldman has lined up at the one and three defensive tackle spots for the Seminoles with his combination of power and quickness.
30. Denver Broncos – OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
The Broncos have struggled to find a consistent answer at right tackle and could be searching for the long-term option there this off-season. A former defensive end, Clemmings is still adjusting to the offensive line, but his mobility and upper body strength are impressive and he deserves first round consideration.
31. Arizona Cardinals – CB Marcus Peters, Washington
Based on talent alone, Peters has top-10 ability, but he was recently dismissed from Washington due to numerous run-ins with the coaching staff. His pre-draft interviews will be crucial to his projection, but if he's able to fix his image, Peters could wind up being a steal for a team like the Cardinals in the late first round.
32. New England Patriots – OG A.J. Cann, South Carolina
With Logan Mankins no longer in New England, the Patriots interior offensive line has struggled with consistency. Cann has been very impressive as both a run and pass blocker for the Gamecocks and projects as a long-term starter in the NFL.
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
November 24, 2014 12:07 am ET
Since the 1997 NFL Draft, only three positions have been selected with the No. 1 overall pick: quarterback, offensive tackle and pass rusher. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who currently own the top spot after the Oakland Raiders earned their first victory of 2014, have recently invested in the quarterback and offensive tackle positions, leaving the pass rusher as the likely option if one is worth the top spot. And Nebraska's Randy Gregory might be intriguing enough to warrant the pick. There might not be an “elite” non-quarterback prospect in this draft class, but Gregory is on the short list of players who flash difference-maker potential.
Below is a look at how the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft could play out:
*The selection order for this mock draft is based on the current records of teams with point differential breaking all ties. The Cleveland Browns own the rights to the Buffalo Bills' selection due to the Sammy Watkins trade.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
The Jaguars' defense ranks among the league leaders in sacks, but Jacksonville is missing a true impact edge rusher in their front-seven. Gregory needs time to continue his development, but his tools are intriguing and his potential will be tough for teams to pass up if he declares early for next year's draft.
2. Oakland Raiders – DT Leonard Williams, USC
Assuming the Raiders decide to stick with 2014 second rounder Derek Carr as the quarterback of the future, the best case scenario for the franchise is for a quarterback-desperate team to blow them away with a trade offer and multiple draft picks. But if that doesn't happen and Oakland is stuck in this spot, the goal should be to come away with a difference-maker and Williams is exactly that.
3. New York Jets – QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
There are a lot of unknowns right now with the Jets organization, including the future of the quarterback position, head coach and front office. But regardless, New York will likely be in position next spring to draft one of the top quarterbacks in the 2015 class. Winston certainly has his baggage, but his talent on the field and ability to block out the off-field distractions are exactly what the Jets need.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon
The Buccaneers have struggled to consistently push the ball on offense in 2014 and will likely be in the market for a quarterback next spring unless Mike Glennon takes a stranglehold on the starting job. The looming question with Mariota is how he transitions to a pro-style offense, but from a physical and mental standpoint, the Oregon quarterback has the traits that NFL scouts seek at the position.
5. Tennessee Titans – WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
Quarterback will be a popular option for the Titans in the 2015 class with Jake Locker likely not returning to Nashville next season. But in this scenario, Cooper might be the top player on the board for Tennessee and would give the offense a consistent outside threat, replacing Nate Washington and giving whoever is at quarterback the reliable weapon that Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright haven't been.
6. Washington Redskins – OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa
The Redskins have struggled with inconsistencies and injuries on the offensive line and if they hope to keep Robert Griffin III healthy, addressing his protection needs to be a priority. Scherff has played mostly tackle in college, but does have experience at guard and projects best there in the NFL. Regardless, he offers versatility and depth at both spots.
7. Carolina Panthers – OT Andrus Peat, Stanford
Carolina has a strong need at left tackle and need to address the position in either free agency or the draft next offseason. Peat needs to refine his mechanics to be improve his consistency, but he is a dancing bear with his balanced athleticism.
8. New York Giants – OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington
Despite seeing most of his action at running back in recent weeks, Thompson's pro future is on the defensive side of the ball where he could fill a need for the Giants and give New York an athletic presence at linebacker they sorely need.
9. St. Louis Rams – OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
The Rams addressed the offensive line early in the first round last year, drafting Greg Robinson second overall, but with Joseph Barksdale set for pay day this off-season as a free agent, the Rams might have a need at right tackle. Ogbuehi's NFL future is likely on the right side where he is much more comfortable.
10. Minnesota Vikings – WR Kevin White, West Virginia
The Vikings need to continue and build the offense with potential impact players around Teddy Bridgewater. And White fits that description with his ability to be productive at every level of the field.
11. Atlanta Falcons – DE Shane Ray, Missouri
The Falcons addressed the offensive line in the first round last year and need to get younger on the defensive line in the 2015 first round. Ray lacks ideal size for the defensive end spot, but he's at his best rushing off the edge and has the deadly first step to give NFL tackles all kinds of trouble.
12. New Orleans Saints – DE/OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
The Saints locked up Junior Galette to a long-term deal, but need another athletic pass rusher who can give opposing offenses trouble. Beasley is an athletic rusher who can drop in space and be an aggressive chess piece for a 3-4 scheme.
13. Chicago Bears – FS Landon Collins, Alabama
If you want to get a Bears' fan heated, just ask about the talent of Chicago's safeties. Collins wears several hats for the Crimson Tide defense, lining up at strong safety, free safety and outside linebacker, showing off his versatility in pass coverage and attacking downhill in run support.
14. Cleveland Browns (from BUF) – DE/OLB Dante Fowler, Florida
The Browns have invested early round picks in pass rushers in recent years, but haven't been able to consistently put pressure on the opposing backfield. With Jabaal Sheard set to hit free agency and Barkevious Mingo struggling to establish himself as a reliable rush threat, the need is there for Cleveland to address the position again and Fowler is a great fit with his relentless energy off the edge.
15. Houston Texans – CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State
In two years at Penn State, Bill O'Brien never faced Michigan State, but you can bet he will be well familiar with the Spartans' talented cornerback by next spring. While he does get in trouble free lancing at times, Waynes has the height, length and athleticism that NFL teams value at the position to best match-up with the tall trees at wide receiver at the pro level.
16. Miami Dolphins – RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
With Todd Gurley sidelined with an ACL injury, it's no “sure thing” that a running back will be drafted in the first round next April. But Gordon, who recently set a new FBS single-game record for rushing yards (406), could sneak into the back half of round one to a team like Miami.
17. Baltimore Ravens – WR DeVante Parker, Louisville
Torrey Smith is a dangerous deep threat, but 35-year old Steve Smith has proven to be the only consistent receiver on the Ravens roster. Baltimore could use another weapon for Joe Flacco on the outside and Parker brings a size/speed combination that creates mismatches.
18. San Francisco 49ers – DE Shawn Oakman, Baylor
San Francisco's defense has been an effective unit, but they're not getting any younger, especially up front on the defensive line. Oakman has the freakish size, length and athleticism that will be attractive to both 3-4 for 4-3 base defenses.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
The Steelers did their due diligence on last year's class of cornerbacks and will likely do the same this year with their aging secondary. Ekpre-Olomu lacks elite size or speed for the position, but he has the instincts, fluidity and toughness that fit what Pittsburgh needs.
20. Cleveland Browns – WR Devin Funchess, Michigan
Josh Gordon is a freak, but he's one ill-advised mistake away from playing his last NFL snap and the Browns could use another size/speed talent on the other side. Much like Michigan in 2014, Funchess has disappointed as a junior, but his combination of size and athleticism will be attractive traits come draft weekend next spring.
21. Seattle Seahawks – WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
The Seahawks addressed the wide receiver position twice with their top four draft picks last year, but could look to add another wideout in the first round next year if an impact prospect is available. Green-Beckham might return to Norman after sitting out this season, but if he declares, teams will be intrigued with his natural ability.
22. Detroit Lions – DT Malcom Brown, Texas
With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley expected to hit free agency, the Lions will be in the market for interior defensive line depth next off-season. Brown has the skill-set and versatility to line up at either tackle spot for Detroit's defense.
23. San Diego Chargers – OL La'el Collins, LSU
The Chargers rank near the bottom of the NFL in rushing and while injuries are mostly to blame, the offensive line hasn't done enough to create running room for the running backs. Collins projects as either a tackle or guard in the NFL and has the drive blocking strength to dominate in the run game.
24. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
The Chiefs rank near the bottom of the NFL in passing and a substantial reason for that is the lack of weapons at Alex Smith's disposal. Strong lacks elite burst to consistently generate separation, but with his catching radius and size, he can box out and be productive in contested situations.
25. Indianapolis Colts – DE/OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
The Colts gave a lot of money to Erik Walden and drafted Bjoern Werner in the first round two years ago, but the team has struggled to consistently rush the passer with Robert Mathis suspended and hurt. Mauldin has played defensive end and linebacker over his time at Louisville, showing the ability to effectively play both positions and be a threat collapsing the pocket and stopping the run.
26. Cincinnati Bengals – DT Danny Shelton, Washington
Some will argue that Domata Peko hasn't played up to his recent contract extension, but regardless, the Bengals could use interior depth. Shelton is an active player with range to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.
27. Philadelphia Eagles – ILB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
Unfortunate news from two weeks ago, Demeco Ryans tore his Achilles' tendon and faces an extended rehab process as he enters the final year of his deal in 2015. The Eagles could find his future replacement in the first round next year with McKinney who brings physicality and size to the position.
28. Green Bay Packers – DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, Kentucky
Green Bay needs to add more playmakers on defense, whether in the front-seven or the secondary. Dupree is a former tight end who moved to defense and has really grown in several areas, but his specialty is getting after the passer with above average first step burst and closing speed.
29. Dallas Cowboys – DT Eddie Goldman, Florida State
With Henry Melton penciled in as the Cowboys starting three-technique, Dallas could address the one-technique spot in the draft. Goldman has lined up at the one and three defensive tackle spots for the Seminoles with his combination of power and quickness.
30. Denver Broncos – OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
The Broncos have struggled to find a consistent answer at right tackle and could be searching for the long-term option there this off-season. A former defensive end, Clemmings is still adjusting to the offensive line, but his mobility and upper body strength are impressive and he deserves first round consideration.
31. Arizona Cardinals – CB Marcus Peters, Washington
Based on talent alone, Peters has top-10 ability, but he was recently dismissed from Washington due to numerous run-ins with the coaching staff. His pre-draft interviews will be crucial to his projection, but if he's able to fix his image, Peters could wind up being a steal for a team like the Cardinals in the late first round.
32. New England Patriots – OG A.J. Cann, South Carolina
With Logan Mankins no longer in New England, the Patriots interior offensive line has struggled with consistency. Cann has been very impressive as both a run and pass blocker for the Gamecocks and projects as a long-term starter in the NFL.
