I do not project trades among clubs in the first round. If draft picks are swapped, projections will be updated accordingly until the draft. 

The draft projections and analysis are based upon all available information as of April 23, 2015. 

1. Tampa Bay: QB Jameis Winston (Florida State) Buccaneers desperately covet a franchise quarterback, and the 2013 Heisman winner fulfills all of the requirements: Charismatic leader with pocket poise and elite passer, who anticipates throws with a rocket arm.

 2. Tennessee: QB Marcus Mariota (Oregon) I am not convinced that last year’s Heisman winner is a franchise quarterback. Two essential NFL skills must be addressed and answered: Ability to anticipate throws before target is open and complete passes in tight windows. He has not shown either talent at Oregon. However, clubs are clamorring for Mariota's athletic ability and potential. A team will likely trade up with the Titans to draft Mariota among the top two selections.

3. Jacksonville: OLB Dante Fowler (Florida) Coach Gus Bradley replicates the Seattle blueprint for defensive dominance. Fowler unsettles opposing offenses as a three-down playmaker with explosive hips, good hand use and elite flexibility.

4. Oakland: WR Amari Cooper (Alabama) The Raiders offense is on the rise with sophomore signal caller Derek Carr, who needs a home run hitter to compete in the AFC West. An acrobat with exceptional ball skills, Cooper is a blue-chip stud and immediately upgrades the passing attack.

5. Washington: DT Leonard Williams (USC) Washington needs an upgrade in talent at nearly every position, and the USC lineman is an elite disruptive force on the defensive line. Williams sheds blocks with his hands and strength and possesses dominating skills to control a game. The Redskins are ecstatic that the Trojans star is available.

6. New York Jets: RB Todd Gurley (Georgia) New coach Todd Bowles continues to upgrade the Jets’ roster as rumors in New York indicate that the Jets yearn for a stud in the backfield. And recent reports indicate that Gurley is on track to hit the gridiron in the fall. A breakaway runner, the former Bulldog has an elite blend of size, speed and agility, which foretell a fantastic future at the next level. 

7. Chicago: OLB Vic Beasley (Clemson) Veteran coach John Fox yearns for elite pass rushers, and the former Clemson star provides punch to the pass rush. Explosive and fast, Beasley is most effective in space, and Fox would utilize his unique skill set.

8. Atlanta: DT Danny Shelton (Washington) First-year head man Dan Quinn moves south from Seattle, and needs a troublemaking anchor in the front seven. A high-energy competitor, Shelton terrorizes opponents with a low-center of gravity, superb power and brute strength. 

9. New York Giants: OG Brandon Scherff (Iowa) The Giants have won two Super Bowls behind Eli Manning and must better protect its veteran franchise quarterback. Scherff provides a plug-and-play O-lineman from the first day of camp.

10. St. Louis: WR Kevin White (West Virginia) A plethora of second-tier receivers decorate the Rams roster, and none of the current veterans scare secondaries. An explosive athlete, White opens up the passing game, providing new QB Nick Foles a much-needed physical playmaker.

11. Minnesota: OT La’el Collins (LSU) With their franchise quarterback and offensive playmakers in place, the Vikings address an unimpressive offensive line. With a thick and powerful frame, the LSU product is a devastating run blocker with long arms and quick feet.

12. Cleveland: OLB Bud Dupree (Kentucky) Cleveland must improve its defense. The Kentucky star is scheme-diverse and a top-tier edge attacker with stress-free hips and agile feet. Dupree plays well in space and is a high-energy player.

13. New Orleans: DE Arik Armstead (Oregon) After an exodus of talent, a new era in New Orleans begins by upgrading both lines. At 6’7” and nearly 300 pounds, the former Duck is a physical freak who is an ideal 3-4 defensive end in Rob Ryan’s scheme.

14. Miami: WR Breshad Perriman (UCF) Losing Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline in free agency, the Dolphins seek a long-ball hitter to compliment sophomore possession receiver Jarvis Landry. Rising up drafts boards after posting a blazing 40-yard dash at his pro day, the UCF speedster would bolster the Miami aerial assault. 

15. San Francisco: DT Malcolm Brown (Texas) During the past four seasons, the 49ers defense conquered opponents. However, the locker room is now vacant and must be replenished. Quick off the ball, Brown works hard to make the tackle, spinning and sliding to track—and hit—the ball carrier. He can also play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense with his size, strength and frame.

 16. Houston: CB Trae Waynes (Michigan State) While many prognosticators forecast an offensive player for the Texans, coach O’Brien likely to surprise observers. The top-rated corner remains on the board, and Waynes would considerably elevate the secondary. A quick-twitch athlete, the former Spartan sticks to wide receivers and can be isolated on an island. 

17. San Diego: OT Andrus Peat (Stamford) Toughest selection to calculate so far. Can the Chargers risk drafting Gurley this early considering the depth at the running back position? San Diego waits for its ball carrier until the second round. The former Stamford tackle offers rare athleticism with outstanding size, speed and strength. 

18. Kansas City: WR Devante Parker (Louisville) Is there a franchise with a more glaring need at the wide receiver position? The Chiefs plunge into the playmaking pool and grab Parker to pair with free-agent acquisition Jeremy Maclin. A powerful physique and lanky frame, the youngster delivers game-breaking skills and a red zone target.

19. Cleveland: DT Eddie Goldman (Florida State) In 2014, the Browns surrendered over 2,000 yards rushing and finished last against the run. In the draft, Cleveland needs to transform its defensive line. A potential front-seven anchor, Goldman is a gifted athlete with long arms, good hands and squatty frame.

20. Philadelphia: SS Landon Collins (Alabama) Philadelphia permitted 30 touchdown passes and over 260 passing yards per game in 2014. Attempting to predict coach Chip Kelly’s player moves is a losing proposition; however, a glaring need exists in the secondary. Playing both strong and free safety at Alabama, Collins ranks atop the position rankings available and provides versatility among the Eagles defensive backs.

21. Cincinnati: OT T.J. Clemmings (Pittsburgh) On the offensive line, the Bengals are showing some age and prep for a future without veteran Andrew Whitworth. Clemmings remains on the board this late, and Cincinnati can’t bypass a prototypical tackle prospect: Excellent competitor with elongated arms, lean middle, broad shoulders and dancing feet. 

22. Pittsburgh: CB Marcus Peters (Washington) On defense, the Steelers concluded the 2014 campaign 27th vs. the pass and 18th in points allowed. The secondary provided nearly zero production and was decimated by injuries by the end of season. At the Huskies recent pro day, Peters showed off his quick feet, hip movement and good instincts as well as closing speed. Despite off-the-field concerns, Pittsburgh willing takes the risk on an elite press coverage corner with a rare physical skill set.

 23. Detroit: OT D.J. Humphries (Florida) A difficult decision for the personnel department: The Lions must pursue assistance on both sides of the ball. With a plethorea of game breakers on offense, Detroit protects its assets with help along the offensive line. Possibly the most athletic tackle in the class, Humphries has a high ceiling but may need a few seasons to reach potential. He is well worth a first-round investment.

24. Arizona: RB Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) Coach Bruce Arians’ offense spiraled downhill after the loss of quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton as well as running back Andre Ellington last season. An outside the box thinker, the Cardinals coach acquires an immediate starter in the backfield with huge upside. Gordon is a franchise-turning home run hitter in the backfield; the 2,000-yard rusher employs dip-and-spin moves as well as a stiff-arm to elude tacklers.