espn insider

paid/full

-
NFL Draft 2015
Updated: March 05, 2015, 08:30 AM EST
Winston new No. 1 in Top 32 ranks
QB among best passers to enter NFL in last 15 years; OLB Gregory rises
Version:

   Recommend
   5
   Tweet
   4
   Comments
   4
   Email

Source:

Jameis Winston
Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston is one of the best passers to come out of college football in the last 15 years.

There seems to be a great deal of emphasis being placed right now on the high number of interceptions (18) thrown by Jameis Winston in his final season at Florida State. There's no question that's a big number, but remember, Matt Ryan threw 19 picks as a senior at Boston College, and Andrew Luck threw 10 in his final season at Stanford -- including seven in the last six games.

Winston will certainly need to cut down on his risk-taking in the NFL, but the tape tells a much different story about him as a passer than does one stat line. When his footwork is correct, Winston's accuracy is exceptional. He makes throws that very few quarterbacks at the college level I've evaluated the last 15 years are capable of making. With a full-time focus on football (he's played baseball every offseason, until now), he will be able to pay more attention to detail with his footwork and mechanics and become even more consistently accurate than he is now.

There are obviously off-field behavioral considerations that need to be made with regard to Winston, but based purely on his tape, he's in the same class as Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan as the best quarterback prospects to enter the NFL outside of Andrew Luck.

That's where we start this week's Top 32, with Winston taking over the No. 1 spot in the rankings from USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams.

Here is my latest ranking of the best prospects for the 2015 NFL draft.

(Note: The scouting reports will stay same week to week, except when changes are necessary.)
1
Jameis Winston
COLLEGE: Florida State
Class: Soph
HT: 6-3
WT: 231
POS: QB
2014-15 STATS
YDS 3559
TD 24
INT 17

Analysis: I explained the reasons for moving Winston up to No. 1 in these rankings in the introduction, so I'll keep his scouting report relatively short. Winston has very good arm strength and excels from the pocket, showing the ability to anticipate throws, make NFL-style reads and deliver the ball accurately. He also appears to be a very good on-field leader. The risk with Winston has to do with his well-documented off-field behavioral issues, and teams that consider drafting him will have to be comfortable with him from a character and psychological standpoint before making him the face of the franchise.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 2 | PLAYER CARD
2
Leonard Williams
COLLEGE: USC
Class: Jr
HT: 6-4
WT: 302
POS: DE

Analysis: Williams is just an outstanding all-around football player. He possesses excellent strength and speed for his size, and he has the versatility to create mismatches all along the defensive line. His best projection is as a 5-technique defensive end, but he has the quickness and point-of-attack skills to perform inside as a 3-technique (especially in pass-rushing situations), and enough athleticism to occasionally line up as a traditional left defensive end. He backed up the explosiveness he shows on tape with his combine workout. His moving to No. 2 is related only to our bumping Winston up to No. 1 off of his completed tape evaluation.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 1 | PLAYER CARD
3
Amari Cooper
COLLEGE: Alabama
Class: Jr
HT: 6-0
WT: 211
POS: WR
2014-15 STATS
REC 115
YDS 1656
AVG 14.4

Analysis: Cooper is as complete a receiver as you'll find coming out of the college game. He is a great route-runner who does an excellent job of tracking the ball and competing for it in the air, and he has very good run-after-catch skills. His 4.42 40-yard dash time put to rest any concerns about his top-end speed.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 3 | PLAYER CARD
4
Kevin White
COLLEGE: West Virginia
Class: Sr
HT: 6-2
WT: 215
POS: WR
2014-15 STATS
REC 102
YDS 1318
AVG 12.9

Analysis: White has excellent size for the position to go along with very good ball skills and run-after-catch ability, and he turned a lot of heads with his 4.35 40 time in Indy, which is excellent for his size.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 4 | PLAYER CARD
5
Randy Gregory
COLLEGE: Nebraska
Class: Jr
HT: 6-4
WT: 235
POS: OLB

Analysis: Gregory is stronger than you'd expect for someone with his lean frame, and is one of the better speed-to-power pass-rushers in this class, but his lack of bulk at just 235 pounds is a concern when projecting him to the next level. He's an outside linebacker prospect at this point, not a defensive end. But he's a very gifted pass-rusher with his outstanding length, first-step quickness and savvy, and shows adequate range and awareness when asked to drop in coverage.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
6
Marcus Mariota
COLLEGE: Oregon
Class: Jr
HT: 6-3
WT: 222
POS: QB
2014-15 STATS
YDS 3783
TD 38
INT 2

Analysis: Mariota really impressed teams at the combine, both during interviews with his character and football intelligence while showing improvement in dropping back as a passer. He has prototypical physical traits and rare straight-line speed and athleticism for the QB position; the question for him is whether he can improve enough from the pocket in terms of his anticipation and accuracy to be a long-term success in the NFL. I think he has the potential to do so if he lands with the right situation.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 5 | PLAYER CARD
7
Andrus Peat
COLLEGE: Stanford
Class: Jr
HT: 6-6
WT: 313
POS: OT

Analysis: Peat has good length, a strong anchor, a powerful upper body and excellent overall agility in pass protection. As a run-blocker, he has the power base to drive defenders off the ball. What really stands out on tape is his foot quickness. Consistency is a concern, but the tools are all there.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 7 | PLAYER CARD
8
Brandon Scherff
COLLEGE: Iowa
Class: Sr
HT: 6-4
WT: 319
POS: OT
2014-15 STATS
GP 0

Analysis: Scherff projects to me as the Zack Martin of this draft class. His lack of ideal length puts into question whether he can become an NFL offensive tackle, but I think he still has a shot to become one, and at worst he has what it takes to be an excellent guard at the next level. He displays excellent toughness, he's good in pass protection, is an elite run-blocker and is a powerful, nasty finisher.Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 6 | PLAYER CARD
9
Arik Armstead
COLLEGE: Oregon
Class: Jr
HT: 6-7
WT: 292
POS: DE

Analysis: He possesses an outstanding combination of size, agility and power, displaying violent hands to get off of blocks in the running game and as a pass-rusher. His lack of production in terms of sack totals is a bit of a concern, but the arrow is pointing the right way with him, and he's an underrated prospect in our opinion.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 9 | PLAYER CARD
10
Dante Fowler Jr.
COLLEGE: Florida
Class: Jr
HT: 6-2
WT: 261
POS: DE

Analysis: He doesn't have the elite first-step quickness of some of the other edge rushers in this class (Vic Beasley, Shane Ray among them), but he is a smoother all-around athlete and has more of a power element to his game. He needs to improve his consistency at converting speed to power as a pass-rusher, but he is a strong edge-setter in the running game. He ran an impressive 40 time of 4.61 in Indy.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 13 | PLAYER CARD
11
Danny Shelton
COLLEGE: Washington
Class: Sr
HT: 6-2
WT: 339
POS: DT

Analysis: Shelton is a dominant run-stuffer in the middle of the line. He is on the shorter side with a wide, thick and powerful frame, and does an excellent job of occupying blocks. He's a better athlete than most nose tackles, with the ability to push the pocket and force quarterbacks to move off their spot on occasion.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 8 | PLAYER CARD
12
DeVante Parker
COLLEGE: Louisville
Class: Sr
HT: 6-2
WT: 209
POS: WR
2014-15 STATS
REC 35
YDS 735
AVG 21

Analysis: Parker has the ability to run under the deep ball and make defenders miss, and to pick up extra yards after the catch. He has good separation skills and can pluck the ball out of the air and make over-the-shoulder catches. His combine workout matched the explosiveness he shows on tape: 4.45 40-yard dash, 36.5-inch vertical jump, 10 foot, 5 inch broad jump.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 10 | PLAYER CARD
13
Shane Ray
COLLEGE: Missouri
Class: Jr
HT: 6-2
WT: 240
POS: DE

Analysis: Ray's below-average performance in the bench press (21 reps) at the combine and the fact that he weighed in at just 246 pounds is a bit of a concern given how important having a power element is to being a successful NFL pass-rusher. However, he was a very productive player at Missouri, and he explodes off the line with his elite first-step quickness and snap anticipation. If he runs in the 4.4s, as he reportedly did during offseason workouts last summer, he should move back up some draft boards.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 15 | PLAYER CARD
14
Malcom Brown
COLLEGE: Texas
Class: Jr
HT: 6-2
WT: 319
POS: DT

Analysis: Brown possesses an impressive combination of quickness and power for his size. He played all along the line of scrimmage for the Longhorns, and that versatility adds to his NFL value. He's very disruptive and has a good motor.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 14 | PLAYER CARD
15
Trae Waynes
COLLEGE: Michigan State
Class: Jr
HT: 6-0
WT: 186
POS: CB

Analysis: Waynes really helped his stock at the combine by running a 4.31 40, as one of the questions we had on him coming in was his top-end speed. That obviously isn't a concern anymore, and he also has above-average field awareness, is technically sound and is a sure open-field tackler. He has a good chance of being the first cornerback drafted.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 12 | PLAYER CARD
16
Landon Collins
COLLEGE: Alabama
Class: Jr
HT: 6-0
WT: 228
POS: S

Analysis: Collins is a really impressive athlete for a safety. He is built like a weakside linebacker but has very good straight-line speed (4.53 40). He is limited some in man-to-man coverage, but he has good range in deep zone coverage and fills hard in run support.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 18 | PLAYER CARD
17
Todd Gurley
COLLEGE: Georgia
Class: Jr
HT: 6-0
WT: 222
POS: RB
2014-15 STATS
YDS 911
YPC 7.4
TD 9

Analysis: Gurley's torn ACL will have an impact on his draft stock, and the progress he shows in his recovery and how he checks out with the medical staffs of the NFL teams will be determining factors in where he gets drafted. But there's still a chance a team drafting at the end of the first round could take him. He's a risk from a durability standpoint, but he's a rare talent who could become an exceptional back at the next level -- a hard, downhill runner with great balance who complements his tremendous power with breakaway speed.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 26 | PLAYER CARD
18
Eddie Goldman
COLLEGE: Florida State
Class: Jr
HT: 6-3
WT: 336
POS: DT

Analysis: Goldman has a thick build, moves well and can be overpowering for blockers. His best trait, by far, is as an interior run defender, with his powerful upper body and punch. He doesn't provide much as a pass-rusher, with just adequate initial quickness and overall athleticism, but the bottom line is he has a place in the NFL because he's a force against the run.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 23 | PLAYER CARD
19
Ereck Flowers
COLLEGE: Miami (FL)
Class: Jr
HT: 6-6
WT: 329
POS: OT

Analysis:Flowers has a massive frame that allows him to recover in pass protection and open up lanes in the running game, along with above-average agility and a quick first step for his size. His football instincts are good overall, he takes good angles, he plays with an edge and has excellent intangibles. He takes well to coaching.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 16 | PLAYER CARD
20
Cameron Erving
COLLEGE: Florida State
Class: Sr
HT: 6-5
WT: 298
POS: T

Analysis: Erving played offensive tackle for FSU prior to switching over to center, and that experience adds to his value as a prospect. He has improvements to make to his technique and hasn't realized his potential yet, but he is an above-average athlete with good power that shows up in both the running and passing games.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 17 | PLAYER CARD
21
Marcus Peters
COLLEGE: Washington
Class: Jr
HT: 5-11
WT: 197
POS: CB

Analysis: Based on the tape, Peters is the best cornerback prospect in this class. The concern with him has to do with his off-field behavior. He was dismissed from the Washington program earlier this season after having been held out of games on more than one occasion for behavioral issues. Obviously, NFL teams are going to want to take a closer look at the reasons for his dismissal. His 40 time of 4.53 is just average for the position.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 25 | PLAYER CARD
22
T.J. Clemmings
COLLEGE: Pittsburgh
Class: Sr
HT: 6-4
WT: 309
POS: OT

Analysis: He is a very raw prospect due to his inexperience at the offensive tackle position, but he possesses excellent physical tools and is a very powerful run-blocker. He projects as more of a right tackle at the next level.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
23
Melvin Gordon
COLLEGE: Wisconsin
Class: Jr
HT: 6-0
WT: 215
POS: RB
2014-15 STATS
YDS 2336
YPC 7.6
TD 26

Analysis: On tape he shows good, but not elite, top-end speed, and he verified that with a 4.52 40 time. He has very good patience and vision and does a great job of waiting for creases to open and then exploding through them with great acceleration off his plant foot. He can be a workhorse-type back in the NFL. He has shown improvement in the passing game, but there's still work for him to do in that area.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 24 | PLAYER CARD
24
Vic Beasley
COLLEGE: Clemson
Class: Sr
HT: 6-3
WT: 246
POS: OLB

Analysis: He explodes off the line of scrimmage with elite first-step quickness, and he is an outstanding overall athlete. He has the potential to develop into a sideline-to-sideline defender in the NFL, and has the movement skills to fare very well when dropping into coverage. He also possesses elite playmaking instincts. The big concern with him is the lack of a power element to his game in college. His bulking up to 246 pounds (up 26 from last spring) at the combine and maintaining his speed and quickness while doing so was a very promising sign.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
25
Devin Smith
COLLEGE: Ohio State
Class: Sr
HT: 6-0
WT: 196
POS: WR
2014-15 STATS
REC 30
YDS 799
AVG 26.6

Analysis: Devin reminds me of another Smith: Torrey Smith, the deep threat in the Baltimore Ravens' passing attack. Devin Smith is the best vertical route-runner in this class, as he does an excellent job of tracking the ball and using his body to establish positioning. While he's undoubtedly a home-run hitter, Smith needs to improve as a short and intermediate route-runner.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 28 | PLAYER CARD
26
Kevin Johnson
COLLEGE: Wake Forest
Class: Sr
HT: 6-0
WT: 188
POS: CB

Analysis: Johnson had a quietly impressive workout at the combine. His 4.52 40-yard dash time is slightly above average, but his excellent results in the jumps (41.5-inch vertical; 10 foot, 10 inch broad) and shuttles (3.89 short shuttle, 6.79 long) are what really stood out to us, as they matched the explosiveness and fluidity he shows on tape. We think he is an underrated cover corner with excellent change-of-direction skills and good size.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 20 | PLAYER CARD
27
Jaelen Strong
COLLEGE: Arizona State
Class: Jr
HT: 6-2
WT: 217
POS: WR
2014-15 STATS
REC 75
YDS 1062
AVG 14.2

Analysis: He is a big receiver who has good speed but creates most of his separation when the ball is in the air, showing good body control and doing a good job of shielding defenders. His ball skills are excellent, and he's a one-on-one matchup problem for opposing defenses downfield. It takes him a little while to build up speed.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
28
Jalen Collins
COLLEGE: LSU
Class: Jr
HT: 6-1
WT: 203
POS: CB

Analysis: Collins lacks ideal starting experience and refined technique, but he's a tall and long cornerback with excellent movement skills and speed. That makes him a valuable commodity in the NFL right now. He is very good in run support.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 21 | PLAYER CARD
29
La'el Collins
COLLEGE: LSU
Class: Sr
HT: 6-4
WT: 305
POS: OT

Analysis: Collins has a massive frame to go with good burst and strength, and while he's solid in all aspects of his game, he's especially effective as a run-blocker. He's a potential first-round pick.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 29 | PLAYER CARD
30
Carl Davis
COLLEGE: Iowa
Class: Sr
HT: 6-4
WT: 320
POS: DT

Analysis: His effort was up and down at Iowa, particularly when chasing plays in the running game. But the physical tools are all there for him to be a very effective nose tackle in the NFL. He possesses very good upper-body strength and displays good change-of-direction skills and overall athleticism for his size.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
31
Dorial Green-Beckham
COLLEGE: Missouri
Class: Jr
HT: 6-5
WT: 237
POS: WR

Analysis: Green-Beckham inspired Calvin Johnson comparisons at the combine when he measured in at 6-5, 237 pounds. However, while his athletic tests were impressive, they weren't on the same level as Megatron's; Green-Beckham ran a 4.49 40-yard dash compared to Johnson's 4.35. NFL teams will have to do a lot of digging into Green-Beckham's past behavior, as it led to his departure from Missouri and could serve as a significant deterrent to drafting him, depending on what they uncover. (He never played a snap for Oklahoma, opting to enter the draft after sitting out this season in accordance with transfer rules.) But as a physical talent, he has all the tools to be an excellent NFL receiver, with an outstanding combination of height, bulk and straight-line speed.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 30 | PLAYER CARD
32
Denzel Perryman
COLLEGE: Miami (FL)
Class: Sr
HT: 5-10
WT: 236
POS: ILB

Analysis: Perryman is the type of prospect who isn't going to wow anyone with his measurements and his athletic testing results, and he didn't at the combine. But we've really liked what we've seen on tape of him so far, as he has very good instincts, closing burst and tackling ability.

Video highlights Video
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 31 | PLAYER CARD