2015 NFL Mock Draft: The Top 10 Potential Picks
With Super Bowl XLIX over, the attention has shifted to the upcoming NFL draft. Although it might be too early for draft predictions since free agents will play a huge factor, mock drafts have already surfaced. Here are some predictions on who the first 10 teams will pick:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SB Nation: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
According to two reporters with ESPN, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leaning towards Mariota, this year's Heisman Trophy winner, as their number one pick.
Bleacher Report: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Buccaneers will optimize on their chance to acquire a franchise quarterback.
CBSSports: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Winston has proven that he has talent, a strong arm and accuracy. Head coach Lovie Smith could help optimize Winston's potential.
2. Tennessee Titans
SB Nation: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
If the Titans choose to focus on building their offense, Winston would be a great choice.
Bleacher Report: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
If the Titans miss out on Mariota, they could shift their focus onto their defense by picking a pass rusher like Gregory.
CBSSports: Leonard Williams, DT, Southern Cal
Although the Titans need help in both parts of a game, they have a rookie quarterback that has the potential to make good plays. Instead of getting another quarterback, the Titans can focus on building their defense with the 6-foot-5, 290 Williams.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
SB Nation: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Gregory "looks like a natural fit as a pass rushing DE."
Bleacher Report: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
The Jaguars have to build their offensive line and that starts with landing a player like Scherff.
CBSSports: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Gregory, who stands at 6'5" and weighs 242, fits in well with head coach Gus Bradley's defense.
4. Oakland Raiders
SB Nation: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Williams, who has been rotated all over the defensive line, can "play the run and pass extremely well."
Bleacher Report: Amari Cooper, WR. Alabama
If Raiders quarterback Derek Carr can connect with Cooper, the Raiders' offense will undoubtedly improve.
CBSSports: Amari Cooper, WR. Alabama
Cooper can become another weapon for rookie quarterback, Derek Carr.
5. Washington Redskins
SB Nation: La'el Collins, OL, LSU
Collins can strengthen the Redskin's offensive line up front.
Bleacher Report: Leonard Williams, DL, USC
The Redskins desperately need to improve their offensive linr and with Williams, they can.
CBSSports: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Although Scherff might not be on anyone's top 10 prospect-list, Scherff's physicality can help Washington's' small offensive line.
6. New York Jets
SB Nation: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
If the Jets cannot get their hands on the top two quarterbacks, they can make a move and upgrade their defense with the fast pass rusher, Beasley.
Bleacher Report: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
The Jets cannot rely on Geno Smith and should aim to get another quarterback that can lead the offense.
CBSSports: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
The Jets quarterback Geno Smith has been very inconsistent. Adding a high-ranking quarterback could change the offense.
7. Chicago Bears
SB Nation: Dante Fowler, DE, Florida
Fowler is a versatile defensive lineman that can come in handy for the Bears.
Bleacher Report: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The Bears, who have added Vic Fangio as their defensive coordinator, could be interested in landing a defensive player.
CBSSports: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Fowler's versatility combined with his power and agility can help strengthen the Bears' defense.
8. Atlanta Falcons
SB Nation: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
When positioned at the end, Ray can get to the opposing team's quarterback effectively.
Bleacher Report: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Falcons have not been able to get to the opposing team's quarterbacks. With Ray, they might be able to record a few more sacks.
CBSSports: Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Falcons need more defensive-makers and Ray's size can be the answer. Ray finished the 2014 season with 14-and-a-half sacks.
9. New York Giants
SB Nation: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Although the Giants recently acquired Odell Beckham Jr., adding another weapon for veteran Eli Manning could strengthen the offense.
Bleacher Report: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
The Giants need to fill the linebacker position with someone that can be explosive, like Thompson.
CBSSports: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The Giants, who were riddled with injuries this season, could boost their roster with a safety.
10. St. Louis Rams
SB Nation: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Although Scherff does not have the quickest feet, his power and technique as right tackle can help the Rams.
Bleacher Report: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Rams lack a top cornerback and could benefit greatly from landing Waynes, who is considered by many to be the number one player in his position.
CBSSports: La'el Collins, OL, LSU
Collins' power makes him a desirable pick for a team that needs to add run blockers.