Top ten NFL Draft players analyzed
May 6, 2015
The 2015 NFL draft was just one of the May Day sporting events that happened over the weekend. With many players hoping to get their shot, it was only a matter of who would go where. With the talent pool filled with offensive and defensive players, it seemed to all boil down to one question; will Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston go first? Here is my analysis of the top 10 draft picks.
- Jameis Winston (Florida State) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB
For the first overall pick, it was no surprise that Winston went first. It was clear that this pick was between Marcus Mariota and Winston; it came down to who was the most NFL ready. With the size and playing style most suited for the NFL, Winston was a gamble that the Buccaneers had to take. Having the arm strength and ability to extend plays will be just a couple of ways that Winston will thrive in the league. In need of a franchise quarterback, the Buccaneers are now crossing their fingers, hoping that Winston’s off-field shenanigans won’t follow him to the NFL.
- Marcus Mariota (Oregon) – Tennessee Titans QB
It’s safe to say that the Tennessee Titan’s struggle to find a franchise quarterback is over after picking up Mariota. But the real question is if they will keep him. Multiple teams, including the Eagles, Bears and Browns, have been fervently trying to get their hands on Mariota. If traded, Mariota would be part of a multi-player and multi-first-round pick acquisition just to make it possible. Being a fast quarterback with quick feet and impeccable coordination, the Titans would be a good home for him with the Titans’ young playmakers Justin Hunter and Kendal Wright.
- Dante Fowler Jr. (Florida) – Jacksonville Jaguars OLB
Despite being one of the top pass rushers in the conference, this pick was a surprise that shocked a lot of people. Especially since the Jacksonville Jaguars passed up one of the best picks in the NFL draft, Leonard Williams, in order to get the much needed defensive help. But, with this pick, they will leave trade options open. If the Jaguars decide he is their best pick, he will fit in great with Sen’Derrick Mark as they work together to pressure quarterbacks.
- Amari Cooper (Alabama) – Oakland Raiders WR
This pick was no surprise when it was announced by the Raiders. Oakland needed a wide receiver for their second-year quarterback Derrick Carr and this was a terrific pick for them. With Cooper’s great hands and strong route running skills, his transition to the NFL will take no time at all.
- Brandon Scherff (Iowa) – Washington Redskins OT
This is a good pick for the Redskins. Their team clearly needs a makeover, starting with the offensive line. Being one of the draft’s top offensive linemen, I think that Scherff will give the Redskins a lot of help when it comes to transitioning to power blocking instead of zone blocking. Scherff is a player that will help the Redskins restructure their offensive line to benefit the coming season.
- Leonard Williams (USC) – New York Jets DE
Williams is the top defender in the draft and was one player I saw going before the fifth pick. This is a guy that will be a game changer in the NFL. He will not need much help or time to start making big plays. Williams will partner up with Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson to make one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in the NFL.
- Kevin White (West Virginia) – Chicago Bears WR
The second wide receiver to go in the draft, this is a pick that will show immediate impact. Since Brandon Marshall was traded, this will be a good replacement to help out Jay Cutler. White is big, strong and fast. He will fit in just fine. I project him to be a long-term NFL player.
- Vic Beasley (Clemson) – Atlanta Falcons DE
Atlanta has been desperate for a pass rusher that can be productive and healthy. With this pick, they found their guy. Beasley is an explosive, fast defender that will be able to help the Falcons with a new style of defense that they are going to orchestrate this coming season.
- Eric Flowers (Miami) – New York Giants OT
The Giants were desperate for an offensive lineman. This was a pick that I saw even before the draft started. Last year, the Giants struggled with keeping Manning on his feet. This pick was crucial to their overall plan to keeping Manning in the game and able to make plays to Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. Flowers’ size and length will be helpful for the Giants when trying to get the ball to their playmakers.
- Todd Gurley (Georgia) – St. Louis Rams RB
The first running back selected in the first round in the past two drafts, Gurly is my favorite pick of the day. He is one of the most talented players in the draft and it’s no surprise a first round pick was spent on him. The Rams’ running game will instantly improve with this pick. With his speed, strength and running style, Gurley will be one player that will be dangerous in the NFL. Although he is still recovering from his ACL injury, Gurly will be a productive and key player for the Rams’ offensive when he is fully healed.