2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Winners

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Winners

By Shawn Spencer

May 3, 2015

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Winners

Jameis Winston Bucs — With the 2015 NFL Draft in the books, it's time to evaluate the event. While it will be years before we know which teams had the best and worst drafts, it's not too early to speculate. Plenty of picks look good now based on value and situation. Here's an early look at the 15 biggest winners of the draft.

With the 2015 NFL Draft in the books, it's time to evaluate the event. While it will be years before we know which teams had the best and worst drafts, it's not too early to speculate. Plenty of picks look good now based on value and situation. Here's an early look at the 15 biggest winners of the draft.

15. T.J. Yeldon

T.J. Yeldon Alabama

15. T.J. Yeldon

T.J. Yeldon Alabama — T.J. Yeldon was either vastly overrated or underrated based on who you ask. There really wasn't an in between with him due to the fact that he played at Alabama. In the end, he was the third running back selected. That in itself is a win, but his landing spot is the perfect fit. The Jacksonville Jaguars have Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson at RB, so Yeldon has a legitimate shot to win the starting job.

T.J. Yeldon was either vastly overrated or underrated based on who you ask. There really wasn't an in between with him due to the fact that he played at Alabama. In the end, he was the third running back selected. That in itself is a win, but his landing spot is the perfect fit. The Jacksonville Jaguars have Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson at RB, so Yeldon has a legitimate shot to win the starting job.

14. Cleveland Browns

Danny Shelton

Advertisement

14. Cleveland Browns

Danny Shelton — Whether you agree with the actual picks or not, the Cleveland Browns had a great draft. It started in Round 1 when the team stayed put and took the best players available. Some fans may be upset the team didn't get Marcus Mariota or a top WR, but the team stayed true to the board. By doing that, the Browns got great value picks later on in Duke Johnson, Xavier Cooper and Charles Gaines. Even the Ifo Ekpre-Olomu pick may work out in a year or two.

Whether you agree with the actual picks or not, the Cleveland Browns had a great draft. It started in Round 1 when the team stayed put and took the best players available. Some fans may be upset the team didn't get Marcus Mariota or a top WR, but the team stayed true to the board. By doing that, the Browns got great value picks later on in Duke Johnson, Xavier Cooper and Charles Gaines. Even the Ifo Ekpre-Olomu pick may work out in a year or two.

13. Atlanta Falcons

Vic Beasley

13. Atlanta Falcons

Vic Beasley — One of the biggest rumors leading up to the draft had the Atlanta Falcons trading up to No. 5 in a deal with the Washington Redskins to select Dante Fowler, Jr. The rumor made complete sense since new head coach Dan Quinn recruited Fowler to the Florida Gators. But with Fowler chosen third overall, the Falcons stayed put and drafted an even better edge rusher. Vic Beasley should be the star of the Falcons' defense for years to come.

One of the biggest rumors leading up to the draft had the Atlanta Falcons trading up to No. 5 in a deal with the Washington Redskins to select Dante Fowler, Jr. The rumor made complete sense since new head coach Dan Quinn recruited Fowler to the Florida Gators. But with Fowler chosen third overall, the Falcons stayed put and drafted an even better edge rusher. Vic Beasley should be the star of the Falcons' defense for years to come.

12. Joe Cardona and Bradley Pinion

Joe Cardona

12. Joe Cardona and Bradley Pinion

Joe Cardona — Navy long snapper Joe Cardona and Clemson punter Bradley Pinion were two of the biggest winners on the final day of the draft. They were the only two specialists of the 256 players selected. Cardona was selected by the Patriots, which was no surprise considering the team's need at LS and Bill Belichick's ties to the Naval Academy. Pinion went to the 49ers, which was a surprise since Andy Lee has four years left on his contract.

Navy long snapper Joe Cardona and Clemson punter Bradley Pinion were two of the biggest winners on the final day of the draft. They were the only two specialists of the 256 players selected. Cardona was selected by the Patriots, which was no surprise considering the team's need at LS and Bill Belichick's ties to the Naval Academy. Pinion went to the 49ers, which was a surprise since Andy Lee has four years left on his contract.

11. Former Quarterbacks

AJ Derby

11. Former Quarterbacks

AJ Derby — Two who switched positions in college, Blake Bell and A.J. Derby (both TEs) were drafted by the 49ers and Patriots respectively. Two who will switch in the NFL, Devin Gardner (WR) and Nick Marshall (CB) were undrafted. Their situations are great as Gardner makes the same change on the same team as Julian Edelman did and Marshall gets to play for Gus Bradley and the Jaguars. Bradley was his coach at the Senior Bowl and helped him make the switch.

Two who switched positions in college, Blake Bell and A.J. Derby (both TEs) were drafted by the 49ers and Patriots respectively. Two who will switch in the NFL, Devin Gardner (WR) and Nick Marshall (CB) were undrafted. Their situations are great as Gardner makes the same change on the same team as Julian Edelman did and Marshall gets to play for Gus Bradley and the Jaguars. Bradley was his coach at the Senior Bowl and helped him make the switch.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Alvin Dupree

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Alvin Dupree — The Steelers had a great draft because value was drafted over need. Alvin Dupree (Round 1), Sammie Coates (Round 3) and Anthony Chickillo (Round 6) were great value picks despite the fact they didn't fill a major need. Teams like the Steelers, Ravens, Patriots and Packers are always in the championship hunt because value supersedes need when it comes to the draft.

The Steelers had a great draft because value was drafted over need. Alvin Dupree (Round 1), Sammie Coates (Round 3) and Anthony Chickillo (Round 6) were great value picks despite the fact they didn't fill a major need. Teams like the Steelers, Ravens, Patriots and Packers are always in the championship hunt because value supersedes need when it comes to the draft.

9. Malcom Brown

Malcom Brown

9. Malcom Brown

Malcom Brown — Malcom Brown's bank account may not feel like a big winner on draft day, but the DT landed in a perfect situation in New England. He'll take over many of Vince Wilfork's responsibilities in the middle of the Patriots' defensive line. Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia are the best possible teachers for Brown as he makes the transition to the NFL. He had to wait longer than expected, but his landing spot makes him one of the draft's big winners.

Malcom Brown's bank account may not feel like a big winner on draft day, but the DT landed in a perfect situation in New England. He'll take over many of Vince Wilfork's responsibilities in the middle of the Patriots' defensive line. Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia are the best possible teachers for Brown as he makes the transition to the NFL. He had to wait longer than expected, but his landing spot makes him one of the draft's big winners.

8. Miami Dolphins

DeVante Parker

8. Miami Dolphins

DeVante Parker — The Miami Dolphins were big winners as well. There was speculation the team would select Todd Gurley, but the Georgia RB was off the board. Instead, the Dolphins selected my No. 1 WR, DeVante Parker, and wound up stealing RB Jay Ajayi in Round 5. There are concerns about Ajayi's longevity in the NFL due to a knee issue, but he shouldn't have a problem playing out his rookie deal. Now there's no excuse for Ryan Tannehill not to succeed.

The Miami Dolphins were big winners as well. There was speculation the team would select Todd Gurley, but the Georgia RB was off the board. Instead, the Dolphins selected my No. 1 WR, DeVante Parker, and wound up stealing RB Jay Ajayi in Round 5. There are concerns about Ajayi's longevity in the NFL due to a knee issue, but he shouldn't have a problem playing out his rookie deal. Now there's no excuse for Ryan Tannehill not to succeed.

7. Hobart Statesmen

Ali Marpet Hobart

7. Hobart Statesmen

Ali Marpet Hobart — The Hobart Statesmen are not only big winners of the draft, but the entire offseason. Offensive tackle Ali Marpet gained so much publicity this offseason due to his performances in the Senior Bowl and at the Combine, that the school became the most well-known Division III program in America. While the buzz will die down now that the draft is over, it will have a lasting impact on recruiting.

The Hobart Statesmen are not only big winners of the draft, but the entire offseason. Offensive tackle Ali Marpet gained so much publicity this offseason due to his performances in the Senior Bowl and at the Combine, that the school became the most well-known Division III program in America. While the buzz will die down now that the draft is over, it will have a lasting impact on recruiting.

6. The Fans

Fans

6. The Fans

Fans — The 2015 NFL Draft was a huge success from a fan's standpoint as well. Not only did the league allow fans to announce the picks on Day 3, but the city of Chicago was literally turned into Draft Town. Rather than a few hundred cramping into Radio City Music Hall, 200,000 were able to walk around Grant Park and view exhibits and participate in various games. Draft Town turned the draft into something everyone could enjoy.

The 2015 NFL Draft was a huge success from a fan's standpoint as well. Not only did the league allow fans to announce the picks on Day 3, but the city of Chicago was literally turned into Draft Town. Rather than a few hundred cramping into Radio City Music Hall, 200,000 were able to walk around Grant Park and view exhibits and participate in various games. Draft Town turned the draft into something everyone could enjoy.

5. Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston

5. Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston — Jameis Winston was the first-overall selection, but he is a winner for other reasons as well. He has a great receiving corps in Tampa Bay, with Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins to throw the ball to. The Buccaneers also helped him out by using five of their remaining six picks on offensive players. The first two after Winston, Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet, figure to help protect Winston immediately.

Jameis Winston was the first-overall selection, but he is a winner for other reasons as well. He has a great receiving corps in Tampa Bay, with Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins to throw the ball to. The Buccaneers also helped him out by using five of their remaining six picks on offensive players. The first two after Winston, Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet, figure to help protect Winston immediately.

4. Trae Waynes

Trae Waynes

4. Trae Waynes

Trae Waynes — Trae Waynes was the No. 15 player on my board, so being selected 11th overall is a win. He was also the first defensive back selected. What makes him one of the biggest winners is the fit. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is a former defensive backs coach and has done a great job developing young corners. With help from Zimmer, Waynes should become a Week 1 starter and, along with Xavier Rhodes, will provide a challenge for opposing quarterbacks.

Trae Waynes was the No. 15 player on my board, so being selected 11th overall is a win. He was also the first defensive back selected. What makes him one of the biggest winners is the fit. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is a former defensive backs coach and has done a great job developing young corners. With help from Zimmer, Waynes should become a Week 1 starter and, along with Xavier Rhodes, will provide a challenge for opposing quarterbacks.

3. Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden

3. Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden — The Dallas Cowboys had plenty of opportunities to draft a RB, but it didn't happen. The team added eight players in the draft, but didn't address the team's biggest need. We know Jerry Jones loves Arkansas football players, but McFadden hasn't proven himself worthy of a starting role. Of the 16 undrafted free agents the team has signed, only one (Synjyn Days of Georgia Tech) is a RB. Darren McFadden now is the clear favorite to be the starter.

The Dallas Cowboys had plenty of opportunities to draft a RB, but it didn't happen. The team added eight players in the draft, but didn't address the team's biggest need. We know Jerry Jones loves Arkansas football players, but McFadden hasn't proven himself worthy of a starting role. Of the 16 undrafted free agents the team has signed, only one (Synjyn Days of Georgia Tech) is a RB. Darren McFadden now is the clear favorite to be the starter.

2. Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford

2. Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford — Like McFadden, Sam Bradford also came out of the draft a winner. Despite all the rumors linking the Eagles to Marcus Mariota, a deal didn't come to fruition. Not only did Philadelphia not draft a QB, but Chip Kelly only drafted one offensive player. That was WR Nelson Agholor, who is a younger Jeremy Maclin. With one year left on his contract, Sam Bradford is in a position to succeed on the field and cash in off the field.

Like McFadden, Sam Bradford also came out of the draft a winner. Despite all the rumors linking the Eagles to Marcus Mariota, a deal didn't come to fruition. Not only did Philadelphia not draft a QB, but Chip Kelly only drafted one offensive player. That was WR Nelson Agholor, who is a younger Jeremy Maclin. With one year left on his contract, Sam Bradford is in a position to succeed on the field and cash in off the field.

1. City of Chicago

Chicago

1. City of Chicago

Chicago — The city of Chicago came away as the big winner. Draft Town not only gave fans the opportunity to experience the draft, but the NFL as a whole. With so many events and activities for fans to take part in, both inside and out, it's hard to believe the league would move the event next year. As is the case any time a large event comes to town, the city makes a profit as well.

The city of Chicago came away as the big winner. Draft Town not only gave fans the opportunity to experience the draft, but the NFL as a whole. With so many events and activities for fans to take part in, both inside and out, it's hard to believe the league would move the event next year. As is the case any time a large event comes to town, the city makes a profit as well.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

2015 NFL Draft: Ranking All 32 First-Round Picks

2015 NFL Draft: 15 Biggest Steals

Share On Facebook

Share