The first moments of the 2015 NFL season are upon us as the first round of the draft kicks off tonight from Chicago; the first time the draft has ever been held outside of New York City.
This year’s first pick, awarded to the team with the worst record from the previous season, belongs to the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Here’s a breakdown of what can be expected for some of the most sought after rookies and the teams with the best picks.
1. Tampa Bay Bucaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
- Despite his heavily troubled past and current civil suit against him Jameis impressed many at the NFL combine. When it comes to transitioning from NCAA to NFL play the Heisman Trophy winner and BCS Champion is Week 1 ready both in style, size, and quarterback IQ. Jameis would be a great compliment to Tampa’s new Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter and the defensive dominance of defensive tackle Gerald McCoy on the other side of the ball.
2. Tenessee Titans: Marcus Mariotta, QB, Oregon
- The second Heisman Trophy winner expected to be drafted will go to a team that is still struggling to find a franchise quarterback. Mariotta doesn’t present the same style of pro-ready quarterback as Winston, looking more in the likes of Johnny Manziel, but has displayed an aptitude to compete and adapt. Marcus is expected to be the second pick in the draft but even at this moment it is entirely possible that the Titans could trade this pick away to another team.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
- Jacksonville took QB Blake Bortles last year and Amari Cooper would give the pass and run threat a solid pro-ready target to get the Jacksonville offense in a position to compete in the AFC South with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.
4. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DT, Southern California
- With Derrick Carr playing well as QB for Oakland and the team also getting Kahlil Mack last year, adding Leonard Williams would give the raiders a defense that could possibly give Derrick more time on the field.
5. Washington Redskins: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
- Not only is Dante Fowler the best pass rusher in the draft but he would also be a fitting replacement for Brian Orakpo.
Others Picks of Note:
14. Miami Dolphins: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
- Todd is definitely the highest prospected running back in the draft and concerns over his torn ACL from the 2014 NCAA season has mostly diminished after a strong combine performance.
16. Houston Texans: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
- The Texans have made additions at wide receiver with veterans Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts led by returning DeAndre Hopkins but Kevin Johnson would add depth to the Texans secondary with Kareem Jackson returning. With Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt rushing the passer Kevin could help turn Houston to “Interception City”.
17. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
- After losing the injury prone Ryan Matthews to Philadelphia and Brandon Oliver never reaching the numbers he displayed for a few short weeks in Ryan’s absence this would be the best bet to rebuild a prestigious run game not seen since LaDainian Tomlinson.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
- Some will argue that it was the offensive line that gave DeMarco Murray the scoring title and Tony Romo’s 2014 leading completion percentage in the league. With Romo returning to the helm and replacing the lost Murray with a questionable Darren McFadden it’s entirely possible Dallas builds upon the line, adding a successor for Doug Free, and maybe chooses a RB in a later round with other defensive picks.
The first round of the NFL draft starts tonight at 8E/7C on ESPN. Tune in and see who your favorite team picks!
