The next generation of NFL stars enters the league Thursday night with Round 1 of the 2015 NFL draft. Get comprehensive analysis of the league’s premier offseason event, including the latest rumors, mock drafts and more.
Stick right here as national football writer Mark Maske and analyst Mark Bullock break down every selection in real time when the draft gets underway.
| On The Clock... | ||
 | Cleveland Browns | |
| Round: | 1 | |
| Pick: | 19 | |
| Overall: | 19 | |
Copyright © 2015 by STATS LLC.
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.
Live Round 1 Analysis
Most Recent Pick
16. Houston Texans
Kevin Johnson | CB | Wake Forest
Kevin Johnson | CB | Wake Forest
The Texans take Johnson over pass rusher Bud Dupree. Johnson had established himself in the minds of many talent evaluators as the second-best cornerback available, after Trae Waynes, and that’s exactly where he is taken. – Maske
How he fits: Houston re-signed Kareem Jackson to a long term contract in the off-season, but their other starting corner Johnathan Joseph is 31 and on an expensive contract. Johnson is the smoothest athlete at corner in this draft, with the quick feet and ability to play inside as a rookie before eventually taking over for Joseph on the outside. – Bullock
| 2015 NFL Draft | |||
| Round 1 | |||
| # | Team | Player | Pos |
| 1 | J. Winston | QB | |
| 2 | M. Mariota | QB | |
| 3 | D. Fowler Jr. | DE | |
| 4 | A. Cooper | WR | |
| 5 | B. Scherff | T | |
| 6 | L. Williams | DE | |
| 7 | K. White | WR | |
| 8 | V. Beasley | LB | |
| 9 | E. Flowers | T | |
| 10 | T. Gurley | RB | |
| 11 | T. Waynes | CB | |
| 12 | D. Shelton | NT | |
| 13 | A. Peat | T | |
| 14 | D. Parker | WR | |
| 15 | M. Gordon | RB | |
| 16 | K. Johnson | CB | |
| 17 | A. Armstead | DT | |
| 18 | M. Peters | CB | |
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Copyright © 2015 by STATS LLC.
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston | QB | Florida State
Jameis Winston | QB | Florida State
It has been clear for some time that Winston would be the Buccaneers’ pick, although there appeared to be some wariness within the organization about making him the franchise’s centerpiece after his off-field issues at Florida State. He is regarded as more NFL-ready than Marcus Mariota because of the pro-style offense in which he played in college. The Buccaneers had to get a franchise quarterback and cannot afford to be wrong. Now they must cross their fingers and hope that they indeed were right. It will be interesting to see if they trade current QB Mike Glennon later in this draft. — Mark Maske
How he fits: Winston has a high football IQ that not only allows him to recognize and beat different coverages, but identify blitzes and change his protection at the line of scrimmage. The latter will be key in helping him stay protected behind a Buccaneers offensive line that struggled to keep quarterbacks upright last season. But he also has the ability to extend plays in the pocket and the arm strength to find big targets like Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson down the field. – Mark Bullock
2. Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota | QB | Oregon
Marcus Mariota | QB | Oregon
The Titans now potentially have their franchise quarterback by selecting Marcus Mariota. But will they keep him? Just because Tennessee has chosen Mariota doesn’t necessarily mean that the Titans won’t turn around and trade him as the night progresses. There is plenty of interest. The Eagles apparently have tried very hard today to get him. The Bears have been in the running. The Browns reportedly offered both of their first-round picks but were reluctant to give up more than that. The Chargers probably are out of it after reportedly telling Philip Rivers that he won’t be traded. But it’s not certain that the intrigue is done. – Maske
How he fits: Ken Whisenhunt knows the importance of a strong running game that should help support Mariota as he transitions to the NFL. His quick decision-making and ability to progress through multiple reads should allow him to get the ball out of his hands quickly to the Titans’ young play makers Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright. – Bullock
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dante Fowler Jr. | OLB | Florida
Dante Fowler Jr. | OLB | Florida
The Jaguars pass up the draft’s top defender and maybe its best player period, in Leonard Williams, to take its leading pass rusher, Dante Fowler Jr. Williams now is likely to remain available for the Redskins at No. 5, if the Raiders indeed take a wide receiver (Amari Cooper or Kevin White) fourth. The Redskins should receive some decent trade offers. – Maske
How he fits: Fowler has a prototypical frame to fit in as a much needed pass rusher for Jacksonville. He can be Gus Bradley’s version of Bruce Irvin in Seattle, giving defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks some help pressuring the quarterback. – Bullock
4. Oakland Raiders
Amari Cooper | WR | Alabama
Amari Cooper | WR | Alabama
Just about everyone figured the Raiders would take a wide receiver to go with second-year quarterback Derek Carr. The question was whether it would be Cooper or Kevin White. They go with Cooper, probably the more polished player. – Maske
How he fits: Cooper is the most polished receiver in the draft. His solid hands and strong route-running should translate instantly to the NFL level. He’ll be a reliable target for second year quarterback Derrick Carr. – Bullock
5. Washington Redskins
Brandon Scherff | OT/OG | Iowa
Brandon Scherff | OT/OG | Iowa
That’s a mild surprise. Scherff is clearly the draft’s top offensive lineman. And yes, the Redskins certainly needed to upgrade the offensive line. But there are questions about whether he will be a guard or a tackle in the NFL. If he plays guard, that’s not getting full value out of the fifth overall pick in the draft. Leonard Williams was available. That should have given the Redskins a chance to trade down and take Scherff or a pass-rusher a little bit later. – Maske
How he fits: Washington desperately needed help on the offensive line. Scherff should be given the chance to start at right tackle, but could eventually kick inside to guard. He’s dominant in the run game, which the Redskins need as they transition from zone blocking to power blocking. – Bullock
6. New York Jets
Leonard Williams | DE | USC
Leonard Williams | DE | USC
The Jets are the beneficiaries of Leonard Williams’s mini-drop to the sixth overall pick. They didn’t have to move up to get the player widely regarded as the top defender in the draft. – Maske
How he fits: The Jets defensive line gets even stronger. Williams is the best player in the draft and will partner up with Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson to make one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in the NFL. – Bullock
7. Chicago Bears
Kevin White | WR | West Virginia
Kevin White | WR | West Virginia
The Bears make it two wide receivers taken in the first seven picks of the draft by choosing Kevin White, three spots after the Raiders took Amari Cooper. White can be a game-breaker right away as a rookie. The Bears have held on to Jay Cutler (despite reports that they offered him to the Titans in their bid to move up for Marcus Mariota) and now they give him some help. – Maske
How he fits: Having lost Brandon Marshall this offseason, Chicago moves quickly to replace him with Kevin White. White is a big, strong and fast receiver that will need to work on the smaller details of his game like route-running. But he should make a good long term partner to Alshon Jeffery. – Bullock
8. Atlanta Falcons
Vic Beasley | DE | Clemson
Vic Beasley | DE | Clemson
The Falcons get a potentially productive pass rusher, in Beasley, to bolster the defense of their new coach, Dan Quinn. There had been talk about Atlanta possibly trading up for Fowler. Once the Falcons stayed put at eight, they had to choose between Beasley and Kentucky’s Bud Dupree. Beasley benefits from the drop of Shane Ray after his citation this week for marijuana possession. – Maske
How he fits: Atlanta has been crying out for an edge rusher for years. Beasley is, in my opinion, the best pure pass-rusher in the draft with explosive burst and speed. Dan Quinn starts his version of the Seahawks 4-3 defense with an explosive edge rusher. – Bullock
9. New York Giants
Ereck Flowers | OT | Miami (Fla.)
Ereck Flowers | OT | Miami (Fla.)
The Giants were practically a lock to take an offensive lineman. Brandon Scherff almost certainly would have been the choice if he’d remained available. He didn’t. The Redskins took him fifth, perhaps a few picks too soon. So the Giants go with Flowers. – Maske
How he fits: Flowers this high is a reach for me, but the Giants need to keep Eli Manning upright to allow him time to find his explosive receivers Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. Flowers has a slight technical flaw in his kick-slide, which makes him vulnerable to speed rushers off the edge. But his size and length make him an intriguing prospect to develop at right tackle. – Bullock
10. St. Louis Rams
Todd Gurley | RB | Georgia
Todd Gurley | RB | Georgia
So NFL teams are still allowed to take running backs in the first round, after all. No running backs went in the opening round of the last two NFL drafts. That drought ends with the Rams taking Gurley 10th overall. He’s coming off a torn ACL but some talent evaluators considered him one of the very best players in the draft. Too soon to take him? Maybe. The recent history of the draft makes it clear that you don’t need to use a first-rounder, and especially a high first-rounder, to get a dynamic runner. But he should be productive if he’s healthy. – Maske
How he fits: With uncertainty at quarterback, the Rams opt to look to improve their run game with the best running back to enter the draft in recent years. St. Louis has solid backs in Tre Mason and Zac Stacy that can carry the load until Gurley has fully recovered from his ACL injury. – Bullock
11. Minnesota Vikings
Trae Waynes | CB | Michigan State
Trae Waynes | CB | Michigan State
The first cornerback to come off the board is Waynes, as expected. He falls just outside the top 10. It’s a solid, sensible choice for the Vikings. – Maske
How he fits: Minnesota has one solid press corner in Xavier Rhodes, but lacks an established starter opposite him. Waynes is another strong press corner with the ability to play zone too. Add Waynes to a secondary containing Rhodes and free safety Harrison Smith, and the Vikings have a strong, young secondary to build around. – Bullock
12. Cleveland Browns
Danny Shelton | DT | Washington
Danny Shelton | DT | Washington
The Browns, after reportedly offering both of their first-rounders in a failed bid to move up for Marcus Mariota, use the 12th choice on Shelton to bolster their defensive front. He’s worth the pick. But if the Browns don’t emerge from the night with a new quarterback, it must be classified as a disappointment. – Maske
How he fits: Cleveland owned the worst ranked run defense last season. Adding a big bodied, dominating presence in Shelton at nose tackle that can take on multiple blockers and still maintain gap integrity at the point of attack is precisely what the Browns need. – Bullock
13. New Orleans Saints
Andrus Peat | OT | Stanford
Andrus Peat | OT | Stanford
Trades? What trades? All of the pre-draft trade talk has not resulted in a deal yet. This draft has been relatively ho-hum overall. It needs something big to happen to shake things up.
As far as the pick, it’s not a bad selection at all for the Saints. Peat is a good prospect at offensive tackle and Drew Brees’s offensive line needed help. But Shane Ray is a top-10 talent and remained available to bolster the pass rush. His citation this week for marijuana possession has him falling through the first-round order. – Maske
How he fits: The Saints need to rebuild their defense, but their number one priority is always to protect Drew Brees. Terron Armstead is one young, athletic tackle playing on the left side right now. Peat is similarly athletic that could be plugged in at right tackle, giving New Orleans bookend tackles for years to come. – Bullock
14. Miami Dolphins
DeVante Parker | WR | Louisville
DeVante Parker | WR | Louisville
That’s three wide receivers in the first 14 selections as Parker goes to Miami. He’s well worth the 14th choice. The Dolphins have just exercised their fifth-year option in the contract of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. And now they get him another very capable young receiver. – Maske
How he fits: Having moved on from free agent bust Mike Wallace, the Dolphins opened up a need at receiver. They added Greg Jennings and traded for Kenny Stills, but DeVante Parker brings size and speed to Miami. He’s an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands and gives Tannehill another target. – Bullock
15. San Diego Chargers (From S.F.)
Melvin Gordon | RB | Wisconsin
Melvin Gordon | RB | Wisconsin
A trade! An actual trade! The Chargers moved up two spots to get Gordon. They kept Philip Rivers, and now they give him a runner to occupy some of the attention of opposing defenses. That’s two running backs in the first 15 picks after zero first-round running backs in the previous two drafts. That puts some pressure on the Cowboys. Todd Gurley and Gordon are gone, and Dallas needs a replacement for DeMarco Murray. Does that increase the chances of a trade for Adrian Peterson? – Maske
How he fits: The Chargers opted not to trade Phillip Rivers, instead they help takes some pressure off him by adding an extremely productive and versatile running back in Gordon. Gordan can also be a weapon out of the backfield for Rivers to check down to. He replaces Ryan Matthews, who left San Diego in free agency. – Bullock
Latest updates
Let the speculation begin. (Read more)
Jameis Winston still No. 1, followed by uncertainty. (Read more)
ESPN reporter returns to work after battling cancer, covers Marcus Mariota in Hawaii. (Read More)
The FSU QB didn’t attend the draft, but that didn’t stop him from classing up the night. (Read More)
LSU lineman is preparing to talk to police regarding death of former girlfriend. (Read More)
Liz Clarke reports from the ground in Chicago. (Read More)
Teams most likely to trade Round 1 picks
The Redskins have said they want to add assets, but what other picks could be on the trade table? (Read More)
The Redskins have said they want to add assets, but what other picks could be on the trade table? (Read More)
Fancy Stats: Titans should trade Browns No. 2 overall pick
If Cleveland is actually offering it’s pair of first-rounders, Tennessee should seize the opportunity and made the deal. (Read More)
If Cleveland is actually offering it’s pair of first-rounders, Tennessee should seize the opportunity and made the deal. (Read More)
‘Million Dollar Mock Draft’ might be world’s most impossible contest
There has to be an easier way to earn a seven-figure windfall. (Read more)
There has to be an easier way to earn a seven-figure windfall. (Read more)
Fancy Stats: Neither Winston nor Mariota will be great pros
Based on their college numbers, neither are deserving of a high pick. (Read More)
Based on their college numbers, neither are deserving of a high pick. (Read More)
The cautionary tale of Dion Jordan
Will Jordan’s substance abuse suspension impact the draft stock of Shane Ray and Randy Gregory? (Read More)
Will Jordan’s substance abuse suspension impact the draft stock of Shane Ray and Randy Gregory? (Read More)
Draft Prep
FINAL 2015 Mock Draft: WRs and DEs dominate
Jameis Winston still goes No. 1 overall, but then it gets interesting. (Read More)
FINAL 2015 Mock Draft: WRs and DEs dominate
Jameis Winston still goes No. 1 overall, but then it gets interesting. (Read More)
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Pre-draft position overviews
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Top 50 prospects
Check out the top talents on the draft board. Spoiler alert: No. 1 isn’t a quarterback. (Read More)
Check out the top talents on the draft board. Spoiler alert: No. 1 isn’t a quarterback. (Read More)
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Draft needs for every team
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Post Sports Live previews which teams are most likely to trade their first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft. (Post Sports Live/The Washington Post)
Most likely prospects to thrive as rookies
Amari Cooper and Todd Gurley could turn heads in their first season in the pros. (Read More)
Amari Cooper and Todd Gurley could turn heads in their first season in the pros. (Read More)
Film breakdowns for some of the draft’s biggest names.
The Post Sports Live panel debates what the Redskins should do with their No. 5 pick in the NFL draft. (Post Sports Live/The Washington Post)
Draft resources
Time: 8 p.m. Thursday; 7 p.m. Friday, Noon Saturday
TV: ESPN and NFL Network
Live, sortable draft tracker
Order of picks
Time: 8 p.m. Thursday; 7 p.m. Friday, Noon Saturday
TV: ESPN and NFL Network
Live, sortable draft tracker
Order of picks
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