The 2015 NFL Draft is still three months away, but with the all-star circuit in the rear view, the draft process is picking up steam. After countless hours of tape and in-person scouting, I put together my initial top-50 draft board for this year's class.
This will fluctuate somewhat throughout the process with three more updates (one after the NFL Combine, another after Pro Days and a final update the week prior to the draft).
1. DT Leonard Williams, USC (6-4, 290, 4.88, JR)
Fast forward five years from now and if I had to guess the best NFL player from this draft class, it would be Williams with his combination of athleticism, power and versatility.
2. QB Jameis Winston, Florida State (6-4, 228, 4.83, rSO)
The maturity and off-field red flags are concerning, but Winston's on-field play is impressive with natural traits and abilities that you don't find often in 21-year old passers.
3. DE/OLB Dante Fowler, Florida (6-3, 266, 4.84, JR)
While he has some struggles against the run, Fowler has relentless energy and controlled explosion to disrupt the pocket and be a defensive difference-maker in a 3-4 scheme.
4. OG Brandon Scherff, Iowa (6-5, 315, 5.09, rSR)
A college left tackle, Scherff will be a tackle on some draft boards, but his best fit at the next level is inside at guard where he can dominate as a run blocker and pass protector.
5. WR Amari Cooper, Nebraska (6-1, 205, 4.56, JR)
While not in the same conversation as AJ Green and Julio Jones as a prospect, Cooper is very detailed and well-rounded, making it tough to poke holes in his game.
6. WR Kevin White, West Virginia (6-3, 211, 4.56, SR)
No prospect has had a bigger climb since the summer than White, who is terrific at locating, highpointing and making the tough catches look easy with powerful hands.
7. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon (6-4, 212, 4.52, rJR)
Isolating the traits, Mariota has the arm strength, athleticism and elite character for the NFL, but he's far from a can't-miss, taking a huge step from Oregon's offense to the pros.
8. DE/OLB Randy Gregory, Nebraska (6-5, 255, 4.76, rJR)
Although functional strength and durability are question marks, Gregory is an above average athlete at the position with terrific change of direction skills and burst.
9. DT Danny Shelton, Washington (6-1, 343, 5.22, SR)
Shelton needs some technique work, but I've never scouted a nose tackle that makes more plays outside the hashes, along with his impressive blend of brute power and agility.
10. WR DeVante Parker, Louisville (6-2, 209, 4.57, SR)
An impressive size/speed/athleticism specimen, Parker missed most of the 2014 season with a foot injury, but he has all the makings of being a No. 1 at the next level.