The NFL draft is the next major event in 2015 for non-playoff teams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock with the number one pick and most think they will target Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, while teams like the Tennessee Titans, NY Jets and Oakland Raiders are in the top 10 and names like Amari Cooper, Brett Hundley and Landon Collins could be potential picks.
The Buccaneers clinched the number one pick in the draft after losing in Week 17 to the New Orleans Saints and they likely will take a quarterback with the top selection. Lovie Smith had a tough first year in Tampa and the quarterback position is a major question mark, as Josh McCown was not consistent and Mike Glennon did not show much in his limited amount of playing time. NFL.com speculates that the Buccaneers will look at Mariota closely, but that Winston has the higher draft ceiling.
Mel Kiper at ESPN.com thinks that Winston has the potential to go number one overall and after Winston played at Florida State, he likely could sell a ton of tickets for the losing Bucs. The Titans may end up taking whoever the Buccaneers don't and that could leave them with either Winston or Mariota. But if Mariota ends up staying on the board, many teams could look at trading up with the Titans and with as many holes as they have, they could look at moving the pick for a package of selections.
The Jaguars are next in the selection order and they likely will not pick a quarterback after taking Blake Bortles in the top five last season. The team may target an offensive lineman or defensive player, while the Oakland Raiders may look at a playmaker on offense. The Raiders had another tough season with a 3-13 record and they also likely will avoid picking a quarterback, as they liked what Derek Carr did for the team last year. Bill Williamson at ESPN.com thinks Amari Cooper could be an option for the Raiders, as he is considered to be the top receiver in the draft.
Mariota comes in after winning the Heisman and throwing for over 40 touchdowns and less than five interceptions, but many think that Winston has a higher ceiling. Winston has been described by scouts as pro ready and they think his size will help him succeed in the NFL, while Kirk Herbstreit says that Winston has the best anticipation on his throws of any quarterback in the draft. Some other players at the position that could get some attention in the draft include Shane Carden, Brett Hundley and Taylor Kelly.
Landon Collins, Vic Beasley, Brandon Scherff, Shane Ray and DeVante Parker are all considered first round targets along with Kevin White, Shaq Thompson and Jaelen Strong. Scherff could be a potential target for the Giants and the Jets, while Big Blue may also look at Beasley, Ray or Collins if they are on the board. Cooper is likely going to be the first WR off the board, as he led Alabama and the SEC with a fantastic season with over 110 receptions and 16 touchdowns.
