The NFL draft for 2015 is getting closer and for non-playoff teams that is the next major date on the calendar and mock picks have already started coming out for top teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Jets, Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins, as names like Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Brett Hundley and Vic Beasley could be potential targets.
The Buccaneers clinched the number one pick over the Titans with a loss to the Saints in Week 17 and now Tampa Bay is on the clock. Jameis Winston played in Florida and would put fans in the seats at number one, while Marcus Mariota is also an exciting prospect. If those two names go quickly, Brett Hundley could be the next QB to go and a team like the Jets may take a chance on him.
The Buccaneers did not get much from Mike Glennon or Josh McCown this season and that could lead Lovie Smith to Winston or Mariota. Those two appear to be the consensus top picks and it would be a surprise other than those names at number one. The Buccaneers have holes everywhere, but this pick could help solidify the QB position and Smith needs that in Tampa. The Titans also have QB issues and they could look at whoever is left between the two once the Bucs pick.
The Raiders and the Jaguars are unlikely to pick QBs, as they like the young players they have from last year, while the Redskins and Jets could also be in the mix. One of those teams could look at trading up, with the Jets a likely possibility of one of the QBs starts to slip. The Cleveland Browns could be a team that tries to trade up, as they have two first round picks and reportedly will be interested in Mariota or Winston. Either way, the first round should see those two quarterbacks go in the first few picks.
The Raiders are likely to pass up a QB, as they have Derek Carr and like what he did last season on a bad team. Most mock drafts have Amari Cooper as the target for the Raiders, as they are bereft of playmakers and need some help for Carr in the offense. Cooper had a fantastic season and if he slips past the Jaguars, who took Marqise Lee last year, he should be the pick. Cooper had over 100 catches and was the top offensive player for the Crimson Tide and now he should make a good transition to the NFL like Julio Jones did.
Winston comes in after winning the Heisman Trophy and taking his team to back to back national championships in college and many think he is ready for the pros. Winston has a ton of baggage off the field, but no one is questioning what he can do on the field. Winston had 3,907 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 picks this season after putting up amazing numbers in 2013 and he could now be the first overall pick.