2015 NFL Draft: Predicting the Chiefs and all others

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston – QB – Florida State

Jameis Winston should be pretty much locked into place as the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It always happens this time of year. Analysts and fans begin talking themselves out of the obvious first-overall pick. The Buccaneers have known what they were doing here for a while now. Yes, Lovie Smith is a defensive head coach, but he also understands the importance of having a strong quarterback to balance his team. Plus, he isn’t the one making the pick.

• *TRADE: The Titans trade the No. 2 pick to the Chargers for Philip Rivers, the No. 17 pick, the No.83 (third round) pick, their 2016 first-round pick, and a 2016 conditional third/fourth round pick.*

2. San Diego Chargers (from Tennessee): Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon

In a move that essentially guarantees the Chargers are moving to Los Angeles, they ship Philip Rivers and a healthy collection of picks to the Titans in order to get Mariota. The Titans could have gotten more picks from another team, but the addition of a quality veteran quarterback was just more than Ken Whisenhunt could ignore (much to the chagrin of general manager Ruston Webster). With Jason La Canfora recently reporting that Phillip Rivers would “love to be in Nashville“, I think this deal is just about locked into place.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler Jr. – DE/OLB – Florida

The Jaguars will be tempted to take Leonard Williams here, but the need for an outside rusher and the value of Fowler as a player is just too much to ignore. The Jaguars are hurting for a pass rush, so there is no way they can ignore a prospect like Fowler.

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama

Reggie McKenzie will be ready to run to the podium to grab Leonard Williams, but the Davis family doesn’t work that way. Ultimately, missing out on Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, and Mike Wallace is too much for Mark Davis and his inner circle to bear. They still get an excellent player in Cooper.

5. Washington Redskins: Vic Beasley – DE/OLB – Clemson

I had the Redskins taking Shane Ray here, but his last minute arrest for marijuana possession will absolutely knock him out of this spot. It would have already been a tough decision between Ray and Beasley, but with the arrest, the move just got a lot easier. Vic Beasley is a talented pass rusher who the Redskins will hope can replace Brian Orakpo.

One of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft, Kevin White looks to be a sure Top 10 pick. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

6. New York Jets: Kevin White – WR – West Virginia

The Jets missed out on trading up for Mariota, so the next best thing they can do is try to cover up the shortcomings of Geno Smith with better weapons. Adding White to play opposite of Brandon Marshall will leave Smith with absolutely no excuses.

7. Chicago Bears: Leonard Williams – DL – USC

The Bears defense is a shell of its former self. However, Vic Fangio is bringing his 3-4 look. Williams is not only the best player on the board at this point, but he is also a great fit as a 3-4 defensive end. Williams will be able to provide a pass-rush from the defensive line that will help the Bears defense reclaim its former glory.

• *TRADE: The Falcons trade the No. 8 pick to the Browns for the No. 12 pick, the No. 43 (second round) pick, and the No. 230 (seventh round) pick.*

8. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): DeVante Parker – WR – Louisville

The Browns know they have to score big in this draft after so many recent failures. With Josh Gordon now gone, the cupboard is bare at wide receiver. The Browns jump ahead of the Giants and Rams to grab Parker rather than risking having to settle for the next best wide receiver who is a far inferior prospect.