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2015 NFL Mock Draft: The Top 10 Picks With Trades

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By @GilAlcarazIV

Mocking the Top 10 NFL Draft Picks With Trades

Rose Bowl - Oregon v Florida State
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Most mock drafts don’t take trades into consideration, but we all know that trades will happen when the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft rolls around on April 30. That’s why I’ve taken the liberty of mocking the Top 10 picks while also considering a few trades that could go down. Obviously anything can happen on draft day, but mocks are meant to entertain, right?

Enjoy.

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

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

Jameis Winston Florida State
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Despite several offers, the Buccaneers decide to stay put while placing the future of the franchise in Winston’s hands. It’s definitely a risky move, but he’s the better fit with OC Dirk Koetter than Mariota. For as many questions as there are surrounding Winston’s character, there’s plenty of talent that should counteract them if he can stay out of trouble.

2. Tennessee Titans: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Shane Ray Missouri
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tennessee Titans: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Shane Ray Missouri
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

With Winston off the board, the Titans choose to go with an edge rusher to fit their semi-new 4-3 defense. Ray is an excellent talent off the edge with the speed and flexibility to routinely rack up double-digit sacks in the NFL. He still needs work as a run defender, but shows the tools to be a star at the next level.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (via JAX): Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Marcus Mariota Oregon
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Philadelphia Eagles (via JAX): Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Marcus Mariota Oregon
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s the big move everyone is talking about. The Eagles are ready to reunite Kelly and Mariota, and make the trade up to get him. It costs Philadelphia a pretty penny to move up 17 spots and swap with the Jaguars, but they’ll eventually get some value back by trading Nick Foles. Mariota will be a perfect fit for the Eagles, and him and Kelly will flourish together in the City of Brotherly Love.

4. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC

Leonard Williams USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE, USC

Leonard Williams USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For the second year in a row, the Raiders watch the top defensive talent fall into their laps. Williams is a dominant force along the defensive front, and can fill any spot for the Raiders. He’ll step in and start from Day 1, immediately upgrading an Oakland defense that was halfway decent in 2014. Him and Khalil Mack have the Raiders grinning from ear to ear heading into 2015.

5. Chicago Bears (via WAS): Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

Randy Gregory Nebraska
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

5. Chicago Bears (via WAS): Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

Randy Gregory Nebraska
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

With Gregory sliding down to 5, the Bears make the move up and grab the physical specimen at defensive end. It’s a pricy move to swap with the Redskins, who had several offers on the table with Gregory still on the board. However, the Bears offered the most, and now have a true edge rusher to build around on the outside of the 4-3 front.

6. New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Amari Cooper Alabama
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

6. New York Jets: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Amari Cooper Alabama
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Since both of the top-tier quarterbacks are off the board, the Jets go with another huge position of need – wide receiver. After watching Eric Decker struggle in 2014, it’s clear he’s better in a complimentary role. Adding a true No. 1 like Cooper would give the Jets a deadly weapon in the passing game. With an elite receiver and new coaching staff, Geno Smith might actually turn into a decent NFL quarterback.

7. Washington Redskins (via CHI): Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

Landon Collins
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

7. Washington Redskins (via CHI): Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

Landon Collins
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

After moving back a couple of spots, the Redskins find themselves in perfect position to land Collins, arguably the best defensive back in the 2015 class. The Alabama enforcer is a menace against both the run and pass, playing the ball extremely well and making life difficult for quarterbacks while also stepping up and punishing running backs. This is a big win for Washington.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

Shaq Thompson Washington
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

8. Atlanta Falcons: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

Shaq Thompson Washington
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Between injuries and inconsistent play, the Falcons suffered mightily at the linebacker spot in 2014. That could all change with the addition of Thompson, a superb athlete who displays uncanny instincts and tremendous tackling abilities. What’s better is the Washington product also shows the ability to get after the quarterback, something Atlanta struggles with. The Falcons have no problem with this pick.

9. Minnesota Vikings (via NYG): Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Brandon Scherff Iowa
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

9. Minnesota Vikings (via NYG): Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Brandon Scherff Iowa
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As the class’ top offensive tackle starts to slide, the Vikings move up to catch him. Minnesota has been hindered by two pitiful seasons from left tackle Matt Kalil, the former No. 4 overall pick who showed promise as a rookie. If they really are ready to move on from Kalil, drafting Scherff will give the Vikings a powerful blocker who can keep Teddy Bridgewater upright on a regular basis.

10. Houston Texans (via STL): DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

DeVante Parker
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10. Houston Texans (via STL): DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

DeVante Parker
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It became crystal clear this season that Andre Johnson is no longer an elite NFL receiver. The Texans need someone who can team with DeAndre Hopkins to create a dynamic duo out wide, which is why they move up to get Parker. The big, physical receiver is an outstanding talent with reliable hands and the body control to be a big-play threat for years to come.

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