Dave’s 2015 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Philadelphia Eagles Go Defense Early

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston
Quarterback, Florida State

For me, this is a pick’em. It’s really going to come down to the wire between Winston and Oregon passer Marcus Mariota, but Jameis has the potential to be an all-time great if he can stay clean off of the field. I can’t definitively say that I agree with this pick, though. It really just comes down to my own belief that first overall isn’t the best spot to take a risk. Still, you can’t ignore his ceiling if he holds it together, and the Bucs finally get the face of their franchise.

2. Tennessee Titans
Leonard Williams
Defensive End, USC

Tennessee opts out of forcing a quarterback selection and takes the best overall player in this year’s class. Williams teams up with Titans DT Jurrell Casey to make one of the more frightening defensive lines in the AFC South. It would be a consensus winner if it wasn’t for a little guy named J.J. Watt. Day one starter and potential perennial Pro Bowl talent (if the game isn’t canned before then.)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Randy Gregory
Defensive End, Nebraska

The perfect player for Gus Bradley’s LEO position (hybrid LB/DE, stand up pass-rusher), Gregory can provide everything that Chris Clemons can and more – with about a decade less wear and tear. It’s too early for a DB at this juncture, and the focus on offense last year with QB Blake Bortles (R1), WR Marqise Lee (R2), WR Allen Robinson (R2) and WR Allen Hurns (UDFA) means defense gets the call this year.

4. Oakland Raiders
Amari Cooper
Wide Receiver, Alabama

The Oakland Raiders could stand to continue working on an abysmal defensive unit, but Khalil Mack looks to be a star in the making. With Derek Carr being the most promising young Raiders QB in years, giving him a definitive weapon and playmaker to work with could be the next step in turning this hexed franchise around.

5. Washington Redskins
Brandon Scherff
Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Offensive line isn’t the first need that comes to mind when Washington is on the clock. OLB Brian Orakpo may no longer be with the team, and this year’s 3-4 LB class is loaded with first-round talent. It’s also loaded with talent in the other rounds too, allowing Washington to focus elsewhere for now. Scherff should be able to start at Guard immediately if the team wishes, giving Robert Griffin III a little more time to get the ball to his playmakers.

Next: Rounding Out the Top Ten