REDRAFTING THE 2015 NFL DRAFT
Photo Credit: Washington Post
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Scherff, OL
Original Pick: Jameis Winston, QB
Scherff was one of the surest and safest picks in 2015. A consensus top five player, everybody knew Scherff was going to be great, and he has been the best offensive lineman in this class. He a four-time Pro Bowler, tied for most in this class. Other than missing some time due to minor injuries, Scherff is as consistent as any player in the class.
Tampa Bay had an interesting draft in 2015. The franchise made great choices like Ali Marpet, Donovan Smith and Kwon Alexander in later rounds. Jameis Winston had some good years with the Buccaneers, but the inconsistency is concerning. Scherff is a safe yet ultra-talented choice.
2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Peters, CB
Original Pick: Marcus Mariota, QB
Marcus Peters has put together a curious NFL career. Everybody knew Peters could play, but it was the off-field issues that knocked him down the board on draft day. Based solely on on-field achievements, Peters has had arguably the best career, so far. He is one of only two multi-time First Team All-Pros in this class and has played in nearly every game possible. It is odd that he has already played for three franchises in six seasons.
Tennessee needed a quarterback in 2015, but none in this class can compare to the difference Marcus Peters has made; he brings a rare and elite skill set unmatched in this class.
Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Danielle Hunter, DE
Original Pick: Dante Fowler, DE
Danielle Hunter was a huge steal for the Vikings, going at pick 88 in the third round. Minnesota didn't even seem to know what they had for a while; Hunter only started one game during his first two seasons, but during his second season he racked up 12.5 sacks as a rotational player. Hunter currently leads the class with 54.5 sacks, despite missing all of the 2020 season with an injury.
The Jaguars were looking for a super athletic defensive end to build a defense around, and they would have one for years in Danielle Hunter.
Photo Credit: 247 Sports
4. Oakland Raiders: Stefon Diggs, WR
Original Pick: Amari Cooper, WR
The Vikings 2015 draft class is one of the best in recent history. As if Danielle Hunter in the third round wasn't impressive enough, they found a gem in the fifth round with Stefon Diggs. Diggs has had a slow climb up the NFL ranks, but he was the best receiver in the game in 2020 after posting a career year.
The battle for best receiver in the class is razor thin between Diggs and Amari Cooper; they are tied in touchdowns with Diggs ahead in receptions and Cooper leading in yards. This is really more personal preference in player style; neither player is a bad choice.
Photo Credit: Washington Post
5. Washington Football Team: Andurs Peat, OL
Original Pick: Brandon Scherff, OL
There are two linemen a cut above the rest in this crop--Brandon Scherff and Andrus Peat. Originally projected as a tackle, Peat moved inside to guard with the Saints and promptly became a human wall. Andrus Peat is the best player on one of the best lines in the league. The explosive Saints offense flourishes because of its elite line play.
Washington has to look elsewhere with Scherff already gone, so they bring in the only other lineman in his league, the three-time Pro Bowler from Stanford.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
6. New York Jets: Frank Clark, DE
Original Pick: Leonard Williams, DE
Frank Clark seemed like a bit of a surprise for the Seahawks. Seattle snatched Clark late in the second round and he barely saw playing time during his rookie campaign. Despite only starting five games in his sophomore season, Clark posted 10 sacks and put the league on notice. Clark is now a two-time Pro Bowler and stands second in the class with 49 sacks.
This is another simple case of best talent going where they are wanted; the Jets wanted an edge rusher, and Frank Clark is the premiere option.
Photo Credit: ESPN
Photo Credit: Sporting News
7. Chicago Bears: Amari Cooper, WR
Original Pick: Kevin White, WR
This is one of the toughest picks to look back on with hindsight. Wide receiver was the right choice, as the Bears have long been in need of firepower, but the Bears had a litany of wide receivers they could have opted for: Stefon Diggs, Tyler Lockett or in this case, Amari Cooper.
Amari Cooper has been a beast for the Cowboys and Raiders. He was widely considered the best pass catcher in the draft and has certainly not disappointed. He has made four trips to the Pro Bowl, tied for most in the class, and leads in receiving yards.
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8. Atlanta Falcons: Grady Jarrett, DT
Original Pick: Vic Beasley, DE
Death, taxes and the Falcons needing high-caliber defensive talent in the first round. Another mega steal, Jarrett somehow fell to the fifth round before the Falcons took a flyer on the Clemson alum. Jarrett has only improved with age and was selected to the 2019 and 2020 Pro Bowls. He has earned his place among the elite defensive tackles in the game.
Atlanta is in an intriguing position. Vic Beasley, Jarrett's teammate at Clemson, was a force during the early part of his run in Atlanta, and in some ways would be a good fit here again. However, Jarrett's longer, sustained run of dominance is the catalyst to move him up here.
9. New York Giants: Trent Brown, OL
Original Pick: Ereck Flowers, OL
This pick is made with the hopes that Trent Brown returns to his 2019 form. After a decent start to his career with the 49ers, Trent Brown had a brilliant one-year stint with the Patriots before jumping to the to the Raiders and earning a trip to the 2019Pro Bowl. A behemoth even by NFL standards, Trent Brown is listed at 6'8", 380 pounds; that makes him a terrifying road grader for anyone to face.
The Giants have been in the midst of a lineman rebuild for years; Brown anchoring one of the tackle positions would solve a lot of those issues.
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10. St. Louis Rams: Todd Gurley, RB
Original Pick: Todd Gurley, RB
People seem to have forgotten just how dynamic Todd Gurley has been at various points in his career. There are several very good running backs in this group and none are even close to Gurley. His 1,460 carries, 67 touchdowns and 6,082 yards are far above any other back in this class. Gurley is also a two-time All-Pro, a feat he shares with only Marcus Peters.
Todd Gurley is a beast and he was absolutely the right choice for the Rams.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
11. Minnesota Vikings: Byron Jones, CB
Original Pick: Trae Waynes, CB
Only three cornerbacks from this draft have made the Pro Bowl so far--Marcus Peters, Quandre Diggs and Byron Jones. While Peters has been a hyper athletic ballhawk dominating the class in interceptions, Jones has been more of an understated pro. He only has a paltry four interceptions, but he's been a contributor from his earliest days; he is top ten in games played, solo tackles and has started nearly every game since 2015.
The Vikings love physical, do-it-all defensive backs, and Jones is an ideal fit for that style.
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Photo Credit: Sporting News
12. Cleveland Browns: Tyler Lockett, WR
Original Pick: Danny Shelton, DT
Tyler Lockett is the quintessential big-play wide receiver. He is nowhere near Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs in yards or receptions, but he is only one score behind them in career touchdowns. Lockett began his career as a return specialist for the Seahawks, but he has since evolved into an explosive threat from anywhere on the field. Russell Wilson throws the ball up, and Lockett goes anywhere to pull it down. He's been honored on both a Pro Bowl and All-Pro team.
Wide receiver was not a priority for the Browns in 2015, but Lockett has too much long-term potential to overlook.
Photo Credit: SI.com
13. New Orelans Saints: Eric Kendricks, LB
Original Pick: Andrus Peat, OL
Every draft produces a complete linebacker who is the rock for a defense and racks up stats but is never recognized for their efforts; the 2015 version of that is Eric Kendricks. Minnesota grabbed Kendricks in the second round--the Vikings had a thing for UCLA linebackers at the time--and he promptly became a stalwart middle linebacker. Kendricks has started nearly every game of his career and is second in the class in solo tackles. He is a one-time All-Pro and one-time Pro Bowler, though cases can be made that he deserves more of both.
The Saints are terrific at molding LBs and Kendricks would be a perfect addition to that fraternity.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
14. Miami Dolphins: Landon Collins, S
Original Pick: DeVante Parker, WR
Perhaps the best all-around athlete in this class, Landon Collins does it all from his safety position. He started immediately for the Giants and rarely missed a start for the G-Men; along the way he earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and has an All-Pro designation. He has since moved on to Washington, but continues to be a tackling machine, leading the 2015 draftees in tackles.
Defensive back was very much not a priority for the Dolphins in this draft, but the potential of Collins is too great to pass up; they could've paired him with Pro Bowlers Brent Grimes and Reshad Jones.
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15. San Francisco 49ers: Arik Armstead, DT
Original Pick: Melvin Gordon, RB (to Chargers)
The 49ers and Chargers swapped picks in 2015 and the Niners picked Armstead down at pick 17, so this is basically repeating that smart move. San Francisco has become famed for picking defensive linemen in the first round in recent years, and Armstead was the first piece to that puzzle. The Oregon alum plays defensive tackle with more speed and length rather than traditional girth, but he's still gotten the job done as the centerpiece of that vaunted defensive front.
Armstead has somehow never made a Pro Bowl, but he's integral to the 49ers system and has a respectable 22.5 sacks.
16. Houston Texans: Damarious Randall, S
Original Pick: Kevin Johnson, CB
And now for the curious career of Damarious Randall; already with his third team, the Seahawks, Randall has only really had two seasons as a primetime starter--one each with the Packers and Browns. However, when he is on, Randall can compete with any defensive back in this class; his 14 interceptions are second to Marcus Peters. If defensive ends can be pass rush specialists, Randall is an interception specialist.
The Texans were pretty well set at cornerback in this era, but new blood at safety was essential.
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17. San Diego Chargers: Benardrick McKinney, LB
Original Pick: Arik Armstead, DE (to 49ers)
Some guys just sound like they should play football. Benardrick McKinney sounds like a guy who should lay the wood in a football game. He has done just that in six wonderful seasons with the Texans; he is sixth in the class in tackles, first among inside linebackers in sacks and can boast a Pro Bowl selection.
The Chargers originally traded up to draft Melvin Gordon, and while Gordon has had a very good career, McKinney presents a more unique skill set, thus making his value here greater.
Photo Credit: Fox Sports
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Quandre Diggs, CB
Original Pick: Marcus Peters, CB
Timing is everything, and had we done this exercise prior to the 2020 season, Quandre Diggs probably wouldn't have been anywhere in sight. 2020 was the best season of Diggs' career and he looks to have found his footing with the Seahawks. His five picks are a single-season career high for the Texas alum.
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Lions, Diggs had a decent career in Detroit, but has undoubtedly blossomed in Seattle's system. In the redraft he fills the void for the cornerback-deprived Chiefs.
Photo Credit: 247 Sports
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19. Cleveland Browns: Kwon Alexander, LB
Original Pick: Cameron Erving, OL
How different could things have been for the Browns if they drafted the biggest weapon available, Tyler Lockett, and come back here to take the most dangerous defensive player, Kwon Alexander. Alexander is violent, a throwback to old-school football. Originally selected in the fourth round by the Bucs, Alexander went largely unnoticed in Tampa before going to San Francisco, making a Super Bowl appearance and now starring for the Saints.
The Browns are the most fun team to redraft, because it is almost always "best player available," and no matter which direction the pick goes, it will be an upgrade over what they did.
Photo Credit: ESPN
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Hicks, OLB
Original Pick: Nelson Agholor, WR
People really missed on linebackers in this class; the aforementioned Kwon Alexander, Benardrick McKinney and Eric Kendricks were steals, and now we add Jordan Hicks to that list. Originally the 84th player taken, Hicks had an up-and-down career with the Eagles before moving to the dessert and becoming the centerpiece of the Cardinals defense. He now stands fourth in the class in tackles.
The Eagles were lucky to get Hicks in the middle rounds in 2015, but in the redraft, he gets the first round treatment. Philadelphia could have found plenty of possession receivers later in the draft.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Donovan Smith, OL
Original Pick: Cedric Ogbuehi, OL
The Bengals took offensive linemen with their first two picks in 2015, but neither one is in spitting distance of Donovan Smith. The behemoth from Penn State, Smith has started all but two games in his NFL career. He is not only huge, but also as reliable as any player in the league; only four non-special teams players have suited up in more games.
It's a crime that Smith has never been to a Pro Bowl or selected to an AP All-Pro First Team, but if a team is looking a consummate offensive tackle, Donovan Smith is hard to beat.
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22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bud Dupree, LB
Original Pick: Bud Dupree, LB
If you ever want to see what one elite player can mean to a team, watch the 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers with and without Bud Dupree. With Dupree? 11-0; without Dupree? 1-4. Dupree is the prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker/ defensive end. He is just as capable playing with his hand in the dirt or in a two-point stance. This versatility is demonstrated in his 39.5 sacks, fifth best in a class of very good edge rushers.
Pittsburgh, as is often the case, got this pick exactly right; there's no reason to change.
Photo Credit: ESPN
Photo Credit: Fox Sports
23. Detroit Lions: Za'Darius Smith, LB/DE
Original Pick: Shane Ray, DE (to Broncos)
Speaking of very good edge rushers, meet the biggest steal of that position group. Leave it to the Baltimore Ravens to find an elite defensive end in the fourth round. Smith goes just one pick after his much more heralded Kentucky Wildcat teammate, Bud Dupree. However, Smith has actually amassed more sacks, 44.5 to Dupree's 39.5. Side note: how is Kentucky not better at football with this kind of talent?
The Lions could have been terrifying with Za'Darius Smith lining up opposite Ziggy Ansah and Haloti Ngata holding down the middle.
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24. Arizona Cardinals: Laken Tomlinson, OL
Original Pick: D.J. Humphries, OL
Speaking of the Lions, Laken Tomlinson was their choice in 2015 when they traded down to 28th. Tomlinson is one of the true ironmen of this class, having appeared in 95 of 96 possible regular season games--one of only four non-special teams players to achieve or exceed that feat. Despite his lack of accolades, Tomlinson is everything a team wants in an offensive lineman, most notably his durability and quick feet.
The question for the Cardinals would be whether they should take a guard instead of a tackle; tackle is in higher demand, but guards on Tomlinson's level are rare finds.
25. Carolina Panthers: Shaq Thompson, DE/LB
Original Pick: Shaq Thompson, DE/LB
Heading into the 2015 draft, few players felt as hyped as Shaq Thompson. He was talked about like a can't-miss prospect that everybody was salivating over. Five years later, Thompson has yet to become the player he was projected to be, but he is still worthy of the first round. He's remarkably fast off the edge and has accumulated the seventh most tackles in the class.
Thompson has become a cornerstone player and defensive captain for the Panthers. He has continually improved during his time in Charlotte, and the Panthers stay the course with him.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
26. Baltimore Ravens: Melvin Gordon, RB
Original Pick: Breshad Perriman, WR
If Baltimore wanted an arsenal of new weapons, Melvin Gordon is a fine place to start. Melvin Gordon is the best 2015 running back after Todd Gurley. He is second in every major rushing category, and it is a sizable drop to the next guys on the board. Consistency has been an issue, but when he is on, Melvin Gordon is liable to explode at any given time.
Baltimore has often tried to get by with passable weapons and rely on elite defenses and linemen. They finally showed some interest in an offensive spark in 2015; Gordon is the best man for that job.
Photo Credit: USA Today
27. Dallas Cowboys: Ronald Darby, CB
Original Pick: Byron Jones, CB
Dallas' secondary woes feel like they are never-ending. They made a dynamite pick with Byron Jones, but with him already taken, they backfill with the Florida State product, Ronald Darby. Darby has had a relatively quiet career, but he has produced everywhere he's been. He was great as a rookie with the Bills, moved on to the Eagles for two seasons and his now starring for the Washington defense. He's been consistent and plays the classic cover corner role fantastically.
With Dallas' struggles in the secondary, they should always be looking at guys like Darby.
Photo Credit: Fox Sports
Photo Credit: Fox Sports
28. Denver Broncos: Leonard Williams, DE
Original Pick: Laken Tomlinson, OL (to Lions)
This is Giants Leonard Williams more so than Jets Leonard Williams. Scouts loved Leonard Williams coming out of USC; he was a rare mix of devastating size and speed. That's why he went in the top 10. He had an up-and-down career with the Jets, even making a Pro Bowl wearing the green and white. However, in his one season with the Giants, he has blossomed into the player everyone expected. He looks primed to improve with age and only thrive more and more.
The Broncos had recently built an all-time great defense in 2015, and Williams could be the next generation to come in and learn from guys like Von Miller and Derek Wolfe.
Photo Credit: Fox Sports
29. Indianapolis Colts: Vic Beasley, DE
Original Pick: Phillip Dorsett, WR
Vic Beasley may be the toughest player in this class to place. On one hand, his first two years, especially his 15-sack sophomore campaign, led fans to believe he would be the next Von Miller. However, in the ensuing season he has looked pedestrian for the Falcons, Titans and Raiders.
That's why fit is important with Beasley and why the Colts work. Heading into the 2015 season, the Colts were coming off a trip to the AFC championship game, they had Andrew Luck leading the offense and sported a few nice pieces on defense. A lightning bolt like Vic Beasley could have been a tremendous boost, even for just a couple years, to keep them in contention.
Photo Credit: Pro Football Focus
Photo Credit: Pro Football Focus
30. Green Bay Packers: Adrian Amos, S
Original Pick: Damarious Randall, S
A rare case of the Packers taking a stud defensive back from another team instead of giving them up, Adrian Amos is surpassed by only Landon Collins as a versatile safety in this class. He is third in the class in solo tackles and has seven interceptions to his name. He doesn't get enough attention or acclaim, but Amos is tremendously durable, appearing in nearly every game possible since 2015.
Green Bay made a smart pick with Damarious Randall--a player we have already seen drafted--in 2015. They also went defensive back in round two that year; they clearly needed secondary help, and Adrian Amos makes his way to Wisconsin a few years earlier in the redraft.
Photo Credit: USA Today
31. New Orleans Saints: Preston Smith, DE
Original Pick: Stephone Anthony, LB
The ultimate ironman of this class, Preston Smith has never missed a game in his NFL career, and most of the time, he is starting at defensive end. Not only is he tough and reliable, but his 40.5 sacks are fourth best in the class.
Defensive end may not have been the biggest need for the Saints in 2015, but Smith's durability and drive make him a perfect fit for the Saints. They already picked Eric Kendricks earlier in the round and Smith would give them a young 1-2 punch to build around.
Photo Credit: ESPN
32. New England Patriots: Danny Shelton, DT
Original Pick: Malcom Brown, DT
This may be a surprise name, as some fans view Shelton as a bust for the Browns who took him 12th overall in 2015, but when examining the data, Shelton has actually been a very good NFL player. He is massive, tipping the scales at 345 pounds; he plays the classic space-eating defensive tackle role that doesn't result in a lot of tackles or sacks, but it's imperative for the defensive scheme. Shelton is durable, rugged and can swallow up interior linemen.
Shelton had a two-year stint in New England, one of which could be considered his career season. The Patriots needed and wanted a defensive tackle, and Shelton is the best one out there.