NFL Mock Draft 2015: Mariota at No. 1

Horrible teams, start your engines! The race for the number one overall pick in next April’s NFL draft is in full swing.

Four teams are 2-12: Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Jacksonville and Oakland.

What are they racing for? The right to draft Heisman winner Marcus Mariota or use his value in a blockbuster trade.

Also, defensive lineman will be the story of the first round, where as many as 12 could be selected (a modern era record).

The NFL Draft has become a nice appetizer before our main course in September. A mock version of said draft is meant to educate, and even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.

What follows is an early attempt at figuring out the best players available for next season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with.

Here’s the latest version of my 2015 NFL Mock Draft:

ROUND ONE

1) Tampa Bay (2-12) - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon, Jr.

Imagine Russell Wilson if he were five inches taller, 20 pounds heavier and a Heisman winner. Now imagine he has targets like Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. This is a no-brainer for the Buccaneers. Top needs: OT, pass rusher, QB

2) Tennessee (2-12) - Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska, Jr.

The deeper we get into the process, a quarterback could be in play, but defensive coordinator Ray Horton needs pass rushers to fully implement his scheme. Gregory is definitely in the top overall pick discussion with Mariota and Leonard Williams. The All-American’s quickness and agility make it difficult for tackles to engage him. Top needs: DL, LB, CB

3) Jacksonville (2-12) - Leonard Williams, DT, USC, Jr.

It would be hard for the Jags to pass on a difference maker like Williams. His versatility could solidify Gus Bradley’s entire defense. Top needs: OT, RB, CB

4) Oakland (2-12) - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama, Jr.

If Derek Carr is their franchise QB -- assuming GM Reggie McKenzie keeps his job -- then he is going to need some weapons. The Raiders roster is completely devoid of playmakers. The Heisman finalist resume speaks for itself: 115 receptions, 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns. Top needs: Pass rusher, WR, CB

5) Washington (3-11) - Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa, Sr.

The Redskins take a play out of the Cowboys playbook, and bolster protection of whomever ends up at QB next season. The Outland Trophy winner is also the most dominating run blocker in college football, and possesses the nasty attitude that can help transform an offensive line. He could also play inside if needed. Top needs: DB, DL, OL

6) N.Y. Jets (3-11) - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State, So.

Winston’s ability to block off-field distractions would play well in the Big Apple. Top needs: QB, CB, OL

7) Atlanta (5-9) - Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri, Jr.

You want players who know how to get to the quarterback? Draft a defensive lineman out of Mizzou. Ray was recently named the AP SEC defensive player of the year. Top needs: Pass rusher, OL, safety

8) N.Y. Giants (5-9) - Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson, Sr.

The Giants won their last two Super Bowls on the strength of their pass rush. Beasley would have been a first round draft pick last May. He’s a slightly more polished version of Minnesota’s Anthony Barr. Top needs: OL, LB, FS

9) Chicago (5-9) - Landon Collins, SS, Alabama, Jr.

The Bears need at safety has been well documented the past few years. Collins’ versatility and Alabama pedigree sets him apart from all other defensive back prospects. Top needs: S, LB, DL

10) Carolina (5-8-1) - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford, Jr.

Cam Newton is safer behind the wheel of his pickup truck than in the pocket behind his offensive line this season. It has to be the Panthers No. 1 priority this offseason. Top needs: OL, WR, CB

11) Minnesota (6-8) - DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville, Sr.

The quickest way to develop a quarterback is to surround him with as many playmakers as possible. Despite a foot injury that cost Parker half the season, the 6-3, 209-pound wideout has been dominant ever since. Top needs: OT, CB, WR

12) St. Louis (6-8) - Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA, Jr.

This team is a quarterback away from making the playoffs. The Bruins offensive line has been putrid this season, but I still believe Hundley is the best quarterback prospect not named Marcus Mariota despite criticisms from some NFL scouts. Top needs: QB, RT, WR

13) Houston (7-7) - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State, Jr.

If only J.J. Watt could rush the passer and cover receivers at the same time. Waynes comes from the recent cornerback factory known as Michigan State, plus he has the height and athleticism to match up with pretty much anyone. Top needs: OT, WR, CB

14) Cleveland (7-7) - Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington, Jr.

The Browns are only a few pieces away from fielding a consistently dominant defense. Thompson has excelled at linebacker, safety and even running back for the Huskies. Top needs: WR, DL, LB

15) San Francisco (7-7) - Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State, Jr.

There’s a good chance Michael Crabtree leaves in free agency. Top needs: CB, OG, WR

16) Miami (7-7) - Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin, Jr.

As much as I’ve appreciated Lamar Miller’s solid contribution to my fantasy team this season, I’m not sure he’s a long term solution at running back for the Dolphins. Gordon very well could be. Top needs: LB, CB, RB

17) Kansas City (8-6) - Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma, Jr.

Still no touchdowns by a receiver? I’m positive the Chiefs regret passing on Kelvin Benjamin, and character issues don’t appear to scare off Andy Reid. Top needs: WR, OT, CB

18) San Diego (8-6) - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M, Sr.

I’ve advocated for defensive line help in the first round the last two drafts, but you can make an argument there is still work to do on the Chargers offensive line. Ogbuehi struggled at left tackle early on, precipitating a move back to right tackle. There’s still a lot of potential here though, and if he falls this far, it could be another steal for Tom Telesco. Regardless, it was apparent to me in the beginning D.J. Fluker projected better at guard. I believe the Chargers may be realizing that right about now. Top needs: DT, OL, WR

19) Cleveland through Buffalo (8-6) - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia, Sr.

White is a slightly taller, middle-class Amari Cooper. Some NFL scouts have compared him to Larry Fitzgerald. Top needs: WR, DL, ILB

20) Philadelphia (9-5) - Gerod Holliman, DB, Louisville, So.

The Eagles still need significant upgrades in their secondary. Holliman tied the 46-year-old NCAA record with 14 interceptions while playing free safety and cornerback for the Cardinals. He’s not the best tackler, but his instincts are off the charts. Top needs: CB, S, pass rusher

21) New Orleans (6-8) - Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB/DE, Florida, Jr.

The Saints defense was far worse than advertised. The numbers don’t always show it, but Fowler is the definition of disruption. He’s a problem for every offensive line he faces. Top needs: OT, CB, LB

22) Pittsburgh (9-5) - P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State, Jr.

The Steelers took care of the defensive line and linebacker corps last draft. The focus now must turn to the secondary. Williams has elite size, and speed, plus he excels at jamming physical receivers. The AFC North has its share. Top needs: S, CB, OT

23) Baltimore (9-5) - La’el Collins, OT, LSU, Sr.

The Ravens have invested a lot in Joe Flacco. They should probably upgrade his protection at some point. Collins would accomplish that while helping the run game. Top needs: OL, RB, WR

24) Cincinnati (9-4-1) - Marcus Peters, CB, Washington, Jr.

Peters comes with serious character baggage, but also a ton of upside. Sounds like the perfect Bengals selection. Top needs: DB, OG, LB

25) Dallas (10-4) - Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor, Jr.

No need to draft offensive lineman anymore. The Cowboys should be set for the better part of the next decade. Oakman has the freakish size (6-foot-8, 275 pounds), length and athleticism that will be attractive to both 3-4 and 4-3 base defenses. Indeed, he could go much higher come April. Top needs: CB, DL, QB

26) Detroit (10-4) - Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State, Jr.

Both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are free agents after this season. Goldman is only scratching the surface of his potential. Top needs: DB, OT, DL

27) Indianapolis (10-4) - Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State, Jr.

Offense obviously isn’t the issue in Indy, although they do need to upgrade Andrew Luck’s protection. Calhoun would be the perfect 3-4 outside linebacker. Top needs: OL, S, pass rusher

28) Green Bay (10-4) - Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU, Jr.

Don’t let the first name fool you, it’s pronounced “Duh-Neal.” The Packers need more playmakers on defense, and Hunter is aggressive and physical. He shows a willingness to sacrifice his body uncommon for edge players with his body type. Top needs: DL, TE, CB

29) Seattle (10-4) - Danny Shelton, DT, Washington, Sr.

The champs pass rush has suffered so far this season. Shelton could be a force up the middle, and the Seahawks have taught us you can never have enough defensive lineman. Top needs: OL, DL, TE

30) New England (11-3) - Malcom Brown, DT, Texas, Jr.

The first team All-Big 12 selection has the skill-set and versatility to lineup anywhere on the D-line, but he’d be the perfect successor to Vince Wilfork. Top needs: RB, DL, WR

30) Arizona (11-3) - Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State, Jr.

The Cardinals already have a potentially dominant defense when everyone is healthy, but McKinney would make them even better. He reminds me of Patrick Willis, and could potentially have a similar impact like C.J. Mosley had with the Ravens this season. He deserves to go higher, but inside linebackers tend to be undervalued. Top needs: DL, OLB, ILB

32) Denver (11-3) - Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky, Sr.

Dupree is a former tight end who has developed a serious first step, and has used his significant closing speed to become a formidable threat to quarterbacks. Top needs: DL, LB, QB