2015 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Thursday, April 30, 2015. Final update posted, 5:30 p.m.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

This order is based on the full Seven-Round NFL Draft Order.

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2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/20): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
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2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/26)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

2015 NFL Mock Draft

archived mock draft

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
This selection is pretty much locked in. Barring something crazy happening over the next couple of days, the Buccaneers will be picking Jameis Winston. There have been rumors about Marcus Mariota possibly going No. 1, but those chances are extremely slim. Tampa Bay’s front office and coaching staff prefers Winston over Mariota by a wide margin. One of the owners expressed concern about Winston’s off-the-field issues, and those are very legitimate, but it’s likely that everyone else in the organization assured her that Winston won’t be a problem.

Also, don’t count on a trade happening. We reported several months ago that Tampa was more than willing to move up for a signal-caller, but that’s not necessary now that the Buccaneers own the top selection. Thus, all speculation of them moving down is pretty pointless.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. None – It’s 99.9-percent certain that Winston will be the pick.

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Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Both Chris Mortensen and Jim Wyatt reported back in January that Tennessee is set to go “all in” with Zach Mettenberger next season. That was accurate back then, but things have changed. The Titans’ front office has gotten to know Marcus Mariota, and now it would be a surprise if Mariota wasn’t the No. 2 overall pick in some shape or form.

Mariota isn’t an ideal fit for Ken Whisenhunt’s offense, but there have been many examples of coaches taking talent over system fits in the past. Take Andy Reid drafting Donovan McNabb, for example. The need for a franchise signal-caller trumps everything.

Mariota helped himself at the NFL Combine, impressing teams in the interviews and looking great in the field drills. Sixty-nine percent of mock drafts have the Titans picking Mariota, per our mock draft consensus report. Leonard Williams used to be the favorite, but I never bought Williams going to Tennessee. Mariota is much more likely, whether it’s Tennessee pulling the trigger, or someone else. As for the “someone else,” I’d say Philadelphia is the favorite right now, but anything can happen.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trade Down – Check out my Marcus Mariota Trade Page for all of the scenarios. It’ll be shocking if Mariota is not the second-overall pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
The Jaguars needed offensive line help much more than another player on the defensive front heading into free agency, but they signed Jermey Parnell to a big contract, so they can definitely go with the top player on their board. While many believe that to be Leonard Williams, I’m hearing that Williams isn’t as highly regarded among teams as he is in the media, as there is some concern with his consistency. Dante Fowler might be higher on Jacksonville’s board. Besides, Fowler fills a greater need in the wake of the Jared Odrick signing. The Jaguars have to find a better edge rusher.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Leonard Williams, DE/DT – Some may see Williams as the best player available, but we’ve heard differently. Some teams we’ve spoken to are worried about Williams’ consistency and ability to produce on third downs. However, he could still be the pick if the Jaguars like him enough.

2. Amari Cooper, WR – Cooper was mentioned as a possibility in the NFL Draft Rumors page, but that’s likely a ploy to get someone to trade up ahead of the Raiders.
Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE/DT, USC
The Raiders definitely wouldn’t mind landing Leonard Williams. He would fill a huge need, and as Charlie Campbell reported a couple of months ago, Williams told Oakland that he would love to play for them. I didn’t think there was a chance Williams would fall to No. 4, but as I mentioned in the Jaguars’ write-up, teams aren’t as high on Williams as the media is. This is not a rare phenomenon, as we saw this last year with Teddy Bridgewater. Many believe that Bridgewater’s stock dropped because of a poor Pro Day, but in reality – and we reported this ahead of time – teams never liked him to begin with. Perhaps some will be surprised if Williams falls to No. 4, but the Raiders will happily take him.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Amari Cooper, WR – Cooper is definitely in play for the Raiders, who need to find a top target for Derek Carr. However, Williams should be considered the favorite.
Washington Redskins: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
I had the Redskins picking Danny Shelton in a previous update, but with Terrance Knighton signed on, Washington can select the top player available who makes sense for them. That would be Amari Cooper, who could be chosen as high as No. 3 overall.

Pierre Garcon didn’t take to Jay Gruden’s scheme, so Washington may want a new starting receiver.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Brandon Scherff, G/OT – I’m not sure why Washington would chose a guard over one of Leonard Williams, Amari Cooper or Dante Fowler, but I could see it.

2. Trade Down – Washington’s general manager has stated that he’s hoping Leonard Williams is available so that he can trade down.

Pick change; previously Vic Beasley, DE/OLB
New York Jets: Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
The Jets neglected the outside linebacker position for years while Rex Ryan was coaching there. Ryan is gone, so perhaps the Jets will now attempt to finally fix their pass-rushing woes. I had Vic Beasley here in a previous update, but I’m getting the sense that Alvin Dupree is chosen before him, sort of like the Greg Robinson-Jake Matthews situation last year. Besides, Dupree is a better fit for Todd Bowles’ scheme.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Amari Cooper, WR – I had Cooper here in a previous version. He would probably qualify as the best player available if he dropped past Washington.

2. Kevin White, WR – The other receiver choice. White and Dupree appear to be the two favorites.

Pick change; previously Vic Beasley, DE/OLB
Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
I had the Bears addressing the outside linebacker position in a previous update, but that is no longer a prime need in the wake of the Pernell McPhee signing. Chicago could stand to add another pass-rusher, but the front office can look to other positions now with the No. 7 overall pick.

One such position is receiver. Brandon Marshall was traded to the Jets, so Jay Cutler will need someone to throw to besides Alshon Jeffery. Kevin White, who blew up the Combine, is the same type of big target that Marshall was.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Brandon Scherff, G/OT – This is the highest Scherff could go without being a reach. He would make sense for a team with offensive line woes.

2. Vic Beasley, DE/OLB – The same could be said for Beasley. I imagine the top seven of this draft will be comprised of Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Leonard Williams, Dante Fowler, White, Cooper and Beasley in some order.
Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson
The run on edge rushers continues, which is predictable. Some may have projected Randy Gregory or Shane Ray here earlier, but Vic Beasley makes so much more sense. Ray is not a good fit for the defense, while Gregory has truly awful off-the-field issues that will almost certainly cause him to be a bust. The talent is there, but I’m not sure he’ll be eligible to play in the NFL in five years.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Brandon Scherff, G/OT – If all of the pass-rushers are off the board, the Falcons could trade down or select Brandon Scherff to replace Justin Blalock at guard.

2. Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB – I think Dupree will be the choice if he makes it here.

Pick change; previously Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB
New York Giants: Brandon Scherff, OT/G, Iowa
Amari Cooper will be the pick if he makes it this far, but I’m beginning to think that’s unlikely. Thus, the Giants will look at a more-pressing need with a slightly lesser talent.

Brandon Scherff makes a ton of sense. New York has had issues protecting Eli Manning the past few seasons, and its most-glaring hole is on the interior. Scherff, seen by many as this year’s Zack Martin, would be a massive upgrade.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Andrus Peat or Ereck Flowers, OT – It’s a close call between Scherff, Peat and Flowers. The former is the better prospect, but Peat and Flowers provide more upside in terms of being able to play left tackle down the road.

2. Trade Up – The Giants have an extra pick in this draft, so they can afford to move up and grab a prospect who falls. Possibilities include Dante Fowler, Amari Cooper and Vic Beasley.
St. Louis Rams: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami
The Rams still have some holes on their offensive line. Jake Long’s health was a serious concern, prompting the front office to release him. There’s a void at the guard spot that Greg Robinson previously occupied. Meanwhile, right tackle Joseph Barksdale is a free agent. Here’s a solution for the latter dilemma.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Brandon Scherff or Andrus Peat, OL – If the Giants pick Flowers, the Rams will almost certainly go with Scherff to fill their hole at guard. Flowers is also a strong option as an alternative to Peat.

2. DeVante Parker, WR – The Rams like Parker quite a bit. However, they feel as though the offensive line is a greater priority.
Minnesota Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
The Vikings traded for Mike Wallace, but if they watched him abandon his teammates, they know that they need some sort of insurance policy. They could even spend their first-round pick on a receiver. I’m not sure if the following was misleading, but it’s worth noting that Adrian Peterson’s agent, who is pissed that the Vikings are holding his client captive, tweeted out a hint that Minnesota really likes DeVante Parker.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trae Waynes, CB – It’s almost 50-50 for me in terms of the Vikings selecting either Waynes or Parker. Waynes would fill a big need at cornerback across from Xavier Rhodes.

2. Todd Gurley, RB – This is a logical spot for Gurley if Minnesota gets a fair offer for Adrian Peterson.
Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Cleveland was atrocious against the run to close out the season. Part of the reason for that was incompetent play from the defensive line. It didn’t help that Phil Taylor, who struggled early, missed the second half of the year with a knee injury. He has literally been a huge disappointment. The same goes for Ahtyba Rubin, who is gone.

I’ve had Danny Shelton as high as No. 5 before, so being able to grab him at the 12th selection is a steal. I just couldn’t find a home for him in the top 10. I considered Chicago, but Kevin White seems like the better prospect.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trade Up – The Browns are one of the favorites to move up for Marcus Mariota. Check out the Marcus Mariota Trade Page for more.

2. La’el Collins, Andrus Peat or Ereck Flowers, OTs – Any of the tackles make sense at this juncture.
New Orleans Saints: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Saints signed Brandon Browner this offseason, but he far from cured their woes at cornerback; they need at least one more talented player at the position. New Orleans was atrocious versus the pass last year, so it needs to consider spending an early selection on a corner. So, with that in mind, why not obtain the top player at the position in this class? Trae Waynes has a shot of going in the top 10, so snagging him at No. 13 seems like a great bargain.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB – Dupree was once considered a fringe first-round prospect. Now, it’ll be a shocker if he lasts past No. 13.

2. Todd Gurley, RB – Gurley to the Saints hasn’t been discussed much, but it’s definitely a possibility. The Saints don’t exactly have great running backs in their stable.
Miami Dolphins: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
If you haven’t been checking out the NFL Draft Rumors page, there has been speculation that the Dolphins will pick Todd Gurley at No. 14. A lot of what is being discussed now is smoke, but Miami’s interest in Gurley is legitimate. Lamar Miller is not an every-down back, and Gurley would really provide a boost for Ryan Tannehill out of the backfield.

Taking a running back in the top half of the first round may seem strange in today’s NFL, but one team we’ve spoken to believes Gurley is the next Jim Brown. I think you pick the next Jim Brown with a top-16 choice.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. DeVante Parker, WR – The Dolphins want Parker, but there’s a good chance he won’t make it to their pick.

2. Trae Waynes, CB – Miami would also love to land Waynes, but he’s no longer available in this mock.
San Francisco 49ers: Arik Armstead, DE/DT, Oregon
Arik Armstead is a popular pick here, and for good reason. Justin Smith could be the latest 49er to retire, while Ray McDonald is no longer on the team. Defensive end is a big need.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kevin Johnson, CB – I listed Johnson here in a previous update. He could still be the pick.

2. Breshad Perriman, WR – The 49ers are also desperate for receiving help, so Perriman, who has seen his stock soar, could be picked this high.

Pick change; previously Kevin Johnson, CB
Houston Texans: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
I’ve been mocking Todd Gurley to the Texans forever. It’ll be shocking if he’s available and Houston passes on him. However, I no longer have Gurley available; his medical progress has been so positive that there are other teams considering him in the top 16.

If Gurley is off the board, I have to believe that Houston will draft Kevin Johnson. The rising corner is now in consideration for the top 16, and he would provide a long-term option as a starting cornerback. The Texans had depth issues at corner last year, so adding Johnson would change that.

*** OTHER 2015 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Todd Gurley, RB – Was once the favorite to be picked here.

2. Cameron Erving, C/G/OT – If Johnson and Gurley are both gone, Erving would be a great fit as a new center.

Pick change; previously Arik Armstead, DE/DT

Go to 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this 2015 NFL Mock Draft into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.