The speculation ends tonight, and we’ll show you the fantasy impact of every pick.
Welcome to the 2015 NFL Draft Blog. This page will be updated live throughout round 1 as picks are announced.
After months of speculation, mock drafts and analysis, the 2015 NFL Draft has finally arrived. So, what does it mean for your fantasy football team? Read below, as this rollup will include our fantasy football correspondents’ take on each draft pick as the evening progresses.
#1 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston (QB)
By Justin Dade
We knew this all along, but it is finally official. Jameis Winston is now a Buccaneer, and likely their starting QB week one. If he can avoid trouble, Winston has a decent chance of turning their franchise around.
Fantasy Impact: Winston has off the field issues, but his pure football skills reign supreme. He has a big arm, and is ready to play in an NFL system right now. It would be safe to slot Winston as a top 20 QB fantasy wise, considering the players he gets to throw to. Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins are going to help Winston tremendously
#2 – Tennessee Titans – Marcus Mariota (QB)
By Brian Tesch
With the 2nd pick in the NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select Oregon QB Marcus Mariota.
Fantasy Impact: Unlike with Winston, Mariota is one of the most athletic QBs in the NFL right off the bat, and should contribute with his legs. There are doubts about his ability to adapt to NFL, but his lengthy track record of collegiate success shows that he’s got real talent. He has significant redraft appeal in 2015, and could become a top-shelf fantasy QB1 in due time if the Titans can surround him with the right pieces.
#3 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Dante Fowler Jr. (DE)
The Jaguars take Florida Gator standout Dante Fowler 3rd overall. (Tampa Bay Times)
Fantasy Impact: Fowler is an aggressive pass rusher who has major upside potential as he gets the chance to develop. He can line up either as a 3-4 outside linebacker, or a 4-3 defensive end for the Jaguars. IDP dynasty leaguers take note.
#4 – Oakland Raiders – Amari Cooper (WR)
By Brian Tesch
The Oakland Raiders have selected Alabama WR Amari Cooper.
Fantasy Impact: Young, dominant statistically, and athletic, Cooper has many fantasy-relevant years ahead of him. While he may never be a WR1 for fantasy purposes, especially right off the bat, he’s going to start his career right in the WR3 thick of it. PlayerProfiler.com compares Cooper to Greg Jennings, but I think he’s got a little bit of Raider great Tim Brown to his game.
#5 – Washington Redskins – Brandon Scherff (LT)
The Washington Redskins have selected offensive lineman Brandon Scherff with the fifth-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Redskins need some serious help with their offensive line and it’s very convenient that Scherff can play at both tackle and guard. His specialty is the run-game, as he developed a reputation as arguably the best mauler down in the trenches at the college-level. Alfred Morris will benefit the most from Schreff’s presence.
#6 – New York Jets – Leonard Williams (DE)
By Tom Woods
The New York Jets, somewhat surprisingly, took USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft. (Twitter | New York Jets (@nyjets))
Fantasy Impact: The Jets’ defensive line potentially took themselves from one of the best defensive lines in football to the best. Expect the Jets to generate even more pressure up front, and don’t be surprised to see an increase in their sack totals which will benefit the Jets D/ST greatly. Top three at the fantasy position for Gang Green is not out of the question.
#7 – Chicago Bears – Kevin White (WR)
By Brian Tesch
The Chicago Bears have selected West Virginia WR Kevin White.
Fantasy Impact: Athletically dominant, the former JUCO transfer tore up college football in 2014, and then the 2015 NFL Combine, posting a sub-4.4 40 yard dash. He’s a bit straightlinish and the lack of consistent production is worrisome, but lets not bash the jump-ball artist out of Morgantown too much. White steps into the vacant Brandon Marshall role in Chicago and is in the WR3 discussion from day one, and could possibly ascend to WR1 status in due time.
By Rob Nichols
Fantasy Impact: White has the potential to be a fantasy stud. Standing 6’3 and weighing 215 pounds, he has the ideal physical makeup to pair with Alshon Jeffery on the outside. Many experts considered White to be the top receiver in the draft, and the Bears were in need of another weapon after losing Brandon Marshall. Expect plenty of opportunities for White in his first year.
#8 – Atlanta Falcons – Vic Beasley (LB)
By Justin Dade
The Falcons stayed put at number eight despite the rumors, and ended up with their pass rusher of choice. Beasley is a perfect fit for the Falcons at the vacant LEO position in Dan Quinn’s defense.
Fantasy Impact: As for fantasy impact, it will all determine whether Beasley gets labeled as a LB or as a DE in your league. Beasley won’t have much value as a LB, but at DE, Beasley could provide great value assuming he ends up with half a dozen sacks or more. Don’t expect Beasley to be a top IDP performer in 2015.
#9 – New York Giants – Ereck Flowers (T)
The New York Giants have selected offensive lineman Ereck Flowers with the ninth-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: In 29 starts at the University of Miami, the 2014 second-team All-ACC lineman has arms long enough to play left tackle, but will likely be used at right tackle or the guard spots. He is regarded as a high-potential player, but some are concerned about the balance he loses in pass protection. His footwork needs much work, but he should be a force in the run game. Justin Pugh will likely move from right tackle to left guard.
#10 – St Louis Rams – Todd Gurley (RB)
By Brian Tesch
The Saint Louis Rams have selected Georgia RB Todd Gurley.
Fantasy Impact: Welp, it’s a shocker special in St. Louis, as the Rams select the talented Georgia RB. In a way, I kind of like this pick, as Tre Mason gives Gurley plenty of time to recover, and then gradually work his way back to the form he showed in 2013. HIs ceiling is #1 pick in your fantasy drafts going forward, but right now he’s nothing more than a talented committee-back. Pump the brakes on him in 2015 redrafts, while keeping him high on your dynasty draft boards.
#11 – Minnesota Vikings – Trae Waynes (CB)
By Brian Ruiz
The Vikings have selected CB Trae Waynes out of Michigan State with the 11th overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: Waynes is a tall, lanky and fast DB who will need to get stronger at the next level but should make a good duo with fellow DB Xavier Rhodes. He immediately adds to a Minnesota defense that must guard against Aaron Rodgers.
#12 – Cleveland Browns – Danny Shelton (DT)
The Cleveland Browns have selected Danny Shelton NT from Washington with the 12th overall pick.
Fantasy Impact: Shelton is a big strong Defensive Tackle measuring in at 6’2″ and 339 pounds. He is a solid run stopper and can be moved around the defensive line. However he has been known to struggle with the sideline to sideline chase. Shelton will be a consistent contributor week 1 for the Browns DST.
#13 – New Orleans Saints – Andrus Peat (T)
By Matt Martens
The Saints selected Andrus Peat with the 13th overall pick in the first round.
Fantasy Impact: Peat should start early on what will be a revamped offensive line next year. QB Drew Brees and RB Mark Ingram should both be beneficiaries of the extra passing time and running lanes Peat will help create.
#14 – Miami Dolphins – Devante Parker (WR)
By Brian Tesch
The Miami Dolphins have selected Louisville WR DeVante Parker.
Fantasy Impact: One of the the safest picks in this draft, Parker has both above-average athleticism as well as college production. The former Louisville Cardinals looks to be a part of a really interesting young WR triumvirate with Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills. This is a great situation to land in for a player who’s been compared to A.J. Green by playerprofiler.com. He starts out as a low-end WR3, but he’s got great traits in an ascendant offense, the sky is the limit.
#15 – San Diego Chargers – Melvin Gordon (RB)
By Brian Tesch
The San Diego Chargers have selected Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon with the 15th pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Fantasy Impact: Gordon was absolutely dominant in 2014, scorching his way to 2,740 yards from scrimmage with 32 touchdowns. His main concerns are breaking tackles, as he is a smaller back, and how he can handle pass blocking/receiving. He looks to slide directly into the lead-back role in San Diego, and could flirt with RB1 status in 2015. He may not be as talented as Todd Gurley, but in my opinion, Gordon is going to have the better 2015 for fantasy purposes.
#16 – Houston Texans – Kevin Johnson (CB)
By Reginald James, Correspondent
The Texans chose Kevin Johnson 16th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. The former Wake Forest DB started every game last season and allowed just 24 completions. (Houston Chronicle)
Fantasy Impact: Johnson joins the defense of the Houston Texans, a D/ST favorite. Parker weighs in on the small side (6’1″,188 lbs), which may hinder his role as a run supporter. However, Johnson does has the cover skills to help the team right away. Team defense leaguers have no reason to shy away from the Texans in 2015.
#17 – San Francisco 49ers – Arik Armstead (DE)
The San Francisco 49ers have selected Arik Armstead out of Oregon. (NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: The 49ers defense got decimated during the off-season. No Patrick Willis, no Chris Borland and possibly no Justin Smith, they needed some size on the defensive line and they got it. He’ll be in for some heavy minutes.
#18 – Kansas City Chiefs – Marcus Peters (CB)
Chiefs selected Washington CB Marcus Peters with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Fantasy Impact: Talented press-man cover with off-field issues. 11 career interceptions with three fumble recoveries. Has elite ball skills but has attitude problems but is not a top-end athlete.
#19 – Cleveland Browns – Cameron Irving (C)
The Cleveland Browns have selected C Cameron Erving from Florida State with the 19th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: Cameron Erving started his collegiate career as a defensive tackle. He switched over to the other side of the ball to help provide protection for his Florida State quarterback. He was announced as an offensive tackle during the draft, but according to NFL Network Analyst Daniel Jeremiah he would be better suited in the NFL at Center. He will help shore up a less than impressive Brown’s offensive line.
#20 – Philadelphia Eagles – Nelson Agholor (WR)
By Brian Tesch
The Philidelphia Eagles have selected USC WR Nelson Agholor with the 20th pick in the 2015 draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Eagles must’ve seen something they liked in Agholor, as there were higher rated receivers on the board. This is no knock on Agholor, as he’s a solid route-runner, and is gifted athletically. He compares favorable to Jeremy Maclin and is a good fit in the Eagles’ fantasy-friendly offense. Right now his fantasy value is hazy, but he’s worth watching in the preseason and will likely start his career in the WR4 mix.
#21 – Cincinnati Bengals – Cedric Ogbuehi (LT)
There are concerns about his power, but he has the quickness to beat the edge rush. He might not even start this year, so this has no effect on fantasy football this season.
#22 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Bud Dupree (DE)
The Pittsburg Steelers have selected Alvin “Bud” Dupree with the 22nd pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Fantasy Impact: Dupree will be causing havoc in the AFC North. He fits the mold of a tough smash mouth Steelers’ OLB. Dupree is a one of a kind athlete with freakish physical skills. The Steelers are still replacing a pieces, but this is a good start to rebuilding their DST.
#23 – Denver Broncos – Shane Ray (DE)
Broncos traded up with Lions to select Missouri OLB Shane Ray with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2015 draft.
Fantasy Impact: It’s been an eventful week for Ray, getting busted for weed and then selected by John Elway in the first round of the NFL Draft. He has a foot issue that needs a resolution, otherwise the Broncos may have found a gem.
#24 – Arizona Cardinals – D.J. Humphries (OT)
By Phil Falvo
The Arizona Cardinals have selected Florida offensive lineman D.J. Humphries with the twenty-fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. (Jason La Canfora via Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Standing 6’5″ and weighing in 307 lbs., Humphries is a solid blocker with plus athleticism and a nasty streak. If he overcomes his issue with leaning out of his stance and hand placement, Humphries will be a starting left tackle in the NFL. Expect Arizona to plug Humphries in at guard to replace draft bust Jonathan Cooper. Between the acquisition of Mike Iupati through free agency and Humphries through the draft, Arizona’s line has the potential to be a solid unit in 2015. Expect solid numbers from Andre Ellington and more time for Carson Palmer.
#25 – Carolina Panthers – Shaq Thompson (LB)
By Justin Dade
This was a surprising pick to some, but the Panthers have liked Thompson for some time now. At this time we aren’t sure whether they will use him as an OLB, or as a FS, but that will be determined once the season draws near. Thompson is a fantastic athlete who played some RB for the Huskies in his career, and Carolina just couldn’t pass him up. There is also a potential that Thompson could eventually replace the 32 year old OLB Thomas Davis in the future.
Fantasy Impact: There is a slim chance for Thompson to be IDP relevant this season, especially without a defined position yet. No matter his position, I don’t see Thompson racking up tackles with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis on the field.
#26 – Baltimore Ravens – Breshad Perriman (WR)
With the 26th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft the Baltimore Ravens select Central Florida Wide Receiver Breshad Perriman.
Fantasy Impact: The UCF product has been compared to departed receiver Torrey Smith. At 6’2″ the Ravens hope he can blow the top off defenses and win 50/50 balls. Hopefully Perriman learns well under Steve Smith and Joe Flacco.
By Brian Tesch
Fantasy Impact: If you need to know one thing about Perriman, know this, he’s got a Cristine ceiling, but a catacomb floor. Possessing pro bloodlines (son of Lions WR Brett Perriman) and some of the best athleticism in this draft or any other (reportedly ran in the 4.2 range at his pro day), Perriman is penciled into the Torrey Smith vertical-threat role in the Ravens offense. With the capable Joe Flacco set to get him plenty of catchable targets deep, only time will tell if Perriman is more Joey Galloway than Troy Williamson. I’d compare him to pre-injury Kenny Britt, all the talent in the world, but a little bit raw. Perriman should be in the low-end WR3 mix right away, and could be a WR1 down the line.
Fantasy Impact: Joe Flacco has a new target coming to town. The Ravens have selected speedster Breshad Perriman from UCF in the 2015 NFL Draft. He ran a blistering 4.24 second 40-yard dash at his pro day. He has the ability to get behind defenses and be that Go Route runner the Ravens need. He is no more than a late round fantasy flier with boom or bust potential.
#27 – Dallas Cowboys – Byron Jones (CB)
The Dallas Cowboys have selected cornerback Byron Jones with the 27th-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: Jones will now accompany Brandon Car and Orlando Scandrick, while ultimately ending up as Morris Claiborne’s replacement most likely. He picked off eight passes in 37 career games, and didn’t allow a touchdown as a senior before sustaining a season-ending shoulder ailment. That didn’t stop him, though, since he went on to post an Olympic record 12-foot-3 broad jump at the NFL Combine. He’s got fantastic athleticism to go with his 32-inch arms and his 33 Wonderlic score. He specialized as a press corner with very soft hands for a defensive back. He should start early and could eventually become the Cowboys’ best corner.
#28 – Detroit Lions – Laken Tomlinson (G)
By Brian Ruiz
With the 28th pick in the draft the Lions selected the big Guard out of Duke. The Lions traded down with the Broncos to acquire two fifth round picks and OL Manny Ramirez.
Fantasy Impact: Matt Stafford gets a big add in to his OL, with two possible starters coming in. Stafford spent most of the season being chased after playing behind a makeshift line this pick can only bring value to the entire Lions offense.
#29 – Indianapolis Colts – Phillip Dorsett (WR)
By Brian Tesch
In a somewhat surprising decision, the Indianapolis Colts drafted Phillip Dorsett, WR out of Miami, 29th in the 2015 draft.
Fantasy Impact: With Andre Johnson, T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, and now reportedly the fastest player ever to come out of Miami in Dorsett, the Colts are the greatest show on field turf. Dorsett is going to be boom or bust, as he had the speed and shakes to take it for six every touch, but may have a hard time finding consistent targets. A diminutive speedster, Dorsett has been compared to Brandin Cooks by playerprofiler.com, but time will tell if Dorsett is more Cooks (his ceiling), or another Miami speedster of yore, Roscoe Parrish (his floor). Dorsett starts off as a boom-or-bust WR4, but has considerable appeal in dynasty formats.
Fantasy Impact: The speedster from Miami will provide Luck dynamic playmaking ability. At the moment he is not the wide receiver to have in Indy, but within a short time learning from Andre Johnson he looks to be the #1 option of the future.
#30 – Green Bay Packers – Demarious Randall (S)
By Brian Ruiz
Green Bay adds to their secondary by selecting the ASU safety. Randall a late riser in the draft over took Landon Collins as the top safety in the Draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Packers follow up last years selection of Clinton-Dix with a new partner in the back end of the secondary. Burnett has been a weak spot for the Packers that appears to have been fixed in back to back drafts.
#31 – New Orleans Saints – Stephone Anthony (LB)
By Matt Martens
The Saints selected ILB Stephone Anthony with the 31st pick in the draft, which was received in the trade of Jimmy Graham.
Fantasy Impact: Anthony should step in and be an immediate starter on a defense that struggled last year and lost their leading tackler in Curtis Lofton. Anthony should be able to get a ton of tackles and be a potential play in any IDP formats.
#32 – New England Patriots – Malcom Brown (DT)
By John Aubin
The New England Patriots select University of Texas DT Malcom Brown with the 32nd-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Impact: The Patriots had one of the top fantasy defenses last year but have incurred some holes with top players Darrelle Revis, Vince WIlfork and Brandon Browner leaving. New England helped to fill the Wilfork hole on the defensive line with the pick of Malcolm Brown. Brown is a dominant run stuffer with some great pass rushing skills. He is versatile which is what coach Bill Belichick loves in his defensive linemen. Look for Brown to get plenty of playing time in his rookie year and should help the Patriots defense try to match last year’s performance.
