2015 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers lock up top pick with loss in week 17 By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout Senior Analyst December 22, 2014 12:18 am ET While several teams are hoping to lock up a playoff spot in week 17, the Buccaneers and Titans are fighting for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Both teams are tied at 2-13, but Tampa Bay has the edge in strength of schedule, which is the first tie-breaker, and will pick first with a loss against the New Orleans Saints next Sunday. The Titans need a loss and a win by the Buccaneers to lock up the top selection. With Tampa Bay and Tennessee winding up with the first two picks, its very possible a pair of quarterbacks are chosen first. 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 order for the 2015 NFL Draft, using strength of schedule tie-breakers. The Cleveland Browns own the rights to the Buffalo Bills selection due to the Sammy Watkins trade. 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon A Lovie Smith coached team has never drafted a quarterback in the first round, but if the Buccaneers have a chance to draft either Mariota or Jameis Winston, it will be tough to pass given Tampas current situation at the position. There are some unknowns with his transition to a pro-style offense, but Mariota has the traits, both physically and mentally, that NFL scouts and coaches seek at quarterback. 2. Tennessee Titans – QB Jameis Winston, Florida State The Titans are a team with problems all over the roster, but thats especially true at quarterback. Tennessee fans will likely be weary of another top-10 pick passer given the results of Vince Young (2006) and Jake Locker (2011), but Winston is worth the gamble and would give Tennessee a cornerstone to build around on offense. 3. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Leonard Williams, USC Jacksonville has drafted offense in the top-five (OT Luke Joeckel, QB Blake Bortles) in the first two years of the David Caldwell era so the Jaguars focus turns to defense this year. Williams has terrific movement skills and natural power to be a disruptive interior force in Gus Bradleys scheme. 4. New York Jets – DE/OLB Randy Gregory, Nebraska Change is coming to the Jets – how much change? Well soon find out. But regardless of the head coach or general manager, New York needs to add athleticism in their front seven. Gregory has shown terrific development since arriving at Nebraska as a JUCO transfer and his NFL ceiling projects him highly in this class. 5. Oakland Raiders – WR Amari Cooper, Alabama Last years second round pick Derek Carr has done more than enough as a rookie to earn another year as the Raiders starter, but he needs help, especially at receiver. Cooper doesnt have the size or speed of pass-catchers usually found in the top-five, but he knows how to do the two most important things at the position: get open and finish catches. 6. Washington Redskins – OT Andrus Peat, Stanford The quarterback situation is a mess in Washington, but the Redskins need to build a solid foundation around whoever is taking snaps from under center. Peat has had his inconsistencies as a college player, but hes still highly thought of due to his natural traits and upside. 7. Chicago Bears – FS Landon Collins, Alabama If you want to get a Bears fan heated, just ask about the talent of Chicagos 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. 8. Atlanta F
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 06:44:55 +0000