NFL Mock Draft 2015: QB’s go 1-2

Heisman winner Marcus Mariota’s future will be a little clearer come this time next week.

The first 20 selections of next April’s NFL Draft order will be locked after the dust clears on Week 17, and we’ll know who will have first crack at the Heisman winning quarterback.

Another Heisman winner, Jameis Winston, likely will be selected shortly thereafter.

Beyond Mariota and Winston, defensive lineman will be the story of next year’s 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) Tennessee (2-13) - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon, Jr.

Imagine Russell Wilson if he were five inches taller, 20 pounds heavier and a Heisman winner. Did Ken Whisenhunt see enough of Zach Mettenberger to deem him “quarterback of the future?” Regardless, whomever lands the No. 1 overall pick will take Mariota or trade it to a team who covets Mariota. Top needs: DL, LB, CB

2) Tampa Bay (2-13) - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State, So.

I’m positive the Buccaneers would prefer Mariota, but it would be hard for them to pass on Winston -- especially if he can keep his nose clean during the draft process -- who would have no problem utilizing two big receivers like Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. Top needs: OT, pass rusher, QB

3) Jacksonville (3-12) - 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) N.Y. Jets (3-12) - Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska, Jr.

Gregory’s elite athleticism would add another dimension to a front seven already stout against the run. Top needs: QB, CB, OL

5) Oakland (3-12) - 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 resumespeaks for itself: 115 receptions, 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns. Top needs: Pass rusher, WR, CB

6) Washington (4-11) - Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa, Sr.

The Redskins should take a play out of the Cowboys playbook by adding a multi-dimensional lineman to 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. Top needs: DB, DL, OL

7) Chicago (5-10) - 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

8) Atlanta (6-9) - Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri, Jr.

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

9) Minnesota (6-9) - 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 gaining 735 yards with five touchdowns on 35 receptions in only five games. Top needs: OT, CB, WR

10) N.Y. Giants (6-9) - 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

11) New Orleans (6-9) - 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

12) St. Louis (6-9) - 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) Cleveland (7-8) - 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

14) San Francisco (7-8) - Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State, Jr.

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

15) Houston (8-7) - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford, Jr.

If only J.J. Watt could protect the quarterback. He does everything else for the Texans. Peat is a product of the Palo Alto factory that continues to churn out big, strong and relentless offensive lineman. Top needs: OT, WR, CB

16) Cleveland through Buffalo (8-7) - 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

17) Kansas City (8-7) - 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) Miami (8-7) - 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

19) Baltimore (9-6) - 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

20) Philadelphia (9-6) - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State, Jr.

The Eagles still need significant upgrades in their secondary. Waynes has the height and athleticism to match up with pretty much anyone. Top needs: CB, S, pass rusher

21) Carolina (6-8-1) - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M, Sr.

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

22) San Diego (9-6) - Danny Shelton, DT, Washington, Sr.

I’ve advocated for defensive line help in the first round the last two drafts. The Chargers currently don’t feature a linebacker on the roster who is capable of making plays consistently without protection upfront. Shelton would be the force in the middle John Pagano’s defense has been missing since Jamal Williams wreaked havoc not long ago. Top needs: DT, OL, WR

23) Pittsburgh (10-5) - 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

24) Indianapolis (10-5) - Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor, Jr.

Offense obviously isn’t the issue in Indy, although they do need to upgrade Andrew Luck’s protection either in free agency or the draft. 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: OL, S, pass rusher

25) Cincinnati (10-4-1) - 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

26) Detroit (11-4) - 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) Dallas (11-4) - Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU, Jr.

Don’t let the first name fool you, it’s pronounced “Duh-Neal.” The Cowboys need more playmakers on defense, and Hunter’s long arms set him apart. He used them to break up six passes this season, and they enable him to keep tackles at bay. He can be very hard to block. Top needs: CB, DL, QB

28) Green Bay (11-4) - Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State, Jr.

McKinney 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, TE, CB

29) Arizona (11-4) - Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky, Sr.

The Cardinals already have a potentially dominant defense when everyone is healthy, but Dupree would make them even better. He 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, OLB, ILB

30) Denver (11-4) - Michael Bennett, DE, Ohio State, Sr.

The Seahawks have taught us you can never have enough defensive lineman. Bennett has been the defensive catalyst for the Buckeyes during their playoff push, after a slow start to the season. Top needs: DL, LB, QB

31) Seattle (11-4) - Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan, Jr.

The wide receiver/tight end hybrid would finally provide Russell Wilson with a legitimate red-zone threat, you know, outside of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch. Top needs: OL, DL, TE

32) New England (12-3) - 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