2015 NFL Draft: Best-Case, Worst-Case Scenarios for Every Top Prospect By Ian Wharton Apr 10, 2015 
Chuck Burton/Associated Press The top prospects for the 2015 NFL draft have separated themselves from the pack. But even for the cream of the talent crop, going to the best possible situation is important for future success. The difference between the best-case and worst-case scenario for these top prospects could greatly alter their career arcs.We’ve compiled a list featuring 10 of the top prospects in the 2015 class. These players have drawn major interest from NFL teams and talent evaluators because of their on-field play. But not every team would be a good fit for each prospect.Whether it’s due to on-field fit or ability to impact the team right away, we’ve determined the best- and worst-case scenarios for 10 top prospects. Even in the worst-case scenario, the player could very well transcend the situation and fulfill their potential, but the odds decrease. Let’s jump in.
QB Jameis WinstonBest Case: No. 1 overall pick to the Tampa Bay BuccaneersWorst Case: No. 6 overall pick to the New York JetsFlorida State quarterback Jameis Winston is talented enough to play well for most teams and situations. His on-field talent is tantalizing, even if somewhat uneven and aggressive. If he goes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he will be in prime position to succeed.The Buccaneers offer Winston the chance to play near his hometown of Hueytown, Alabama. Tampa Bay also has less media pressure than other NFL cities, which could greatly help Winston’s off-field spotlight. On the field, the Bucs offer a deep running back group and solid receiving corps for Winston to thrive.Winston’s worst-case scenario comes true if he goes to the New York Jets. The Jets also have a great receiving corps and talented backfield to help Winston, but the media would be much harsher on him. Considering Winston’s off-field history, his best interests would not mesh with the media agenda in New York.
DT Leonard WilliamsBest Case: No. 4 overall to the Oakland RaidersWorst Case: No. 3 overall to the Jacksonville JaguarsThe top defensive tackle in the 2015 draft is easily USC’s Leonard Williams. Williams fought through injuries but was still massively disruptive and effective in his junior season. He has the versatility to fit in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He’s incredibly smart and efficient as a run-stuffer and good enough as a pass-rusher.Williams’ best fit is in Oakland’s 4-3 front. He would immediately help the Raiders’ edge-rushers because he demands double-teams so often. Paired with nose tackle Dan Williams, the Raiders could also have one of the best run-stuffing tackle duos in the NFL.On the other end of the spectrum, Williams’ worst-case scenario sees him going to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars already have two impact defensive tackles locked up for the long term, so adding Williams wouldn’t make any sense.
DE Vic BeasleyBest Case: No. 3 overall to the Jacksonville JaguarsWorst Case: Sliding out of the top 10Clemson’s star pass-rusher, Vic Beasley, followed up a monstrous 2013 campaign with another excellent season in 2014. His 33 career sacks and 52.5 tackles for loss are incredible. When Beasley turned in an elite combine performance, he cemented himself as a top-five player in the class.The Jaguars are the ideal landing spot for Beasley. Their "Leo" edge-rusher position was tailor-made for Beasley’s skill set and size. His pure speed, natural bend and powerful hands will help him be a major force for their talented defense.Beasley is so good and athletic that he can succeed anywhere. So his worst-case scenario is that he falls out of the top 10. Financially, he could lose millions of dollars by falling.
WR Amari CooperBest Case: No. 4 overall to the Oakland RaidersWorst Case: No. 10 overall to the St. Louis RamsAlabama’s star receiver for the last three seasons broke out in a major way in 2014. He was able to stay healthy and proved to be a great fit with Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Cooper logged 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns en route to finishing third in the Heisman Trophy race.Projecting Cooper to the NFL brings an interesting dynamic. He doesn’t have the elite traits that make someone like Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown special, but he is explosive enough to be seen as a great second receiver for any team. For Cooper’s sake, his best fit is in Oakland with quarterback Derek Carr. Carr is able to throw any route, and Cooper’s precision is something he can take advantage of.The worst fit for Cooper is at 10th overall to the St. Louis Rams. Not only do the Rams have a porous offensive line, but quarterback Nick Foles has struggled with injuries and consistency. Cooper will want a quarterback with more anticipation than Foles has exhibited thus far.
DE/OLB Dante Fowler Jr.Best Case: No. 5 overall to the Washington RedskinsWorst Case: No. 7 overall to the Chicago BearsFormer Florida Gators pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. offers any defense a hard-working, relentless presence. Fowler was a defensive weapon for Florida, often moving from defensive end to linebacker to create chaos.His best fit is into Washington’s defensive front at outside linebacker. The Redskins already have Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy at linebacker, but another credible edge-rusher certainly would help this defense. Washington’s mold for edge-rushers includes great strength, hustle and decent athleticism, and Fowler fits that.In Chicago, Fowler would be less effective. Chicago’s defense already has linebackers Jared Allen, Pernell McPhee and Shea McClellin. Adding Fowler to that group wouldn’t help as much as his draft position would suggest, since he doesn’t add much to that collection.
DE/OLB Shane RayBest Case: No. 9 overall to the New York GiantsWorst Case: Forced to be the primary pass-rusherOne of the biggest risks in the 2015 NFL draft class has to be Missouri’s Shane Ray. Ray was extremely productive in 2014, notching 14.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss. But he only produced one season, and his combine performance was poor for an edge-rusher.Ray isn’t overly powerful or athletic on tape or in shorts, so he’s going to have to win with his technique and snap-jumping prowess. If he’s asked to be a primary pass-rusher who creates for others, he may struggle greatly.The New York Giants look like the best landing spot for Ray. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is the main pressure creator there, which would help ease Ray’s workload.
WR Kevin WhiteBest Case: No. 4 overall to the Oakland RaidersWorst Case: No. 7 overall to the Chicago BearsArguably the top receiver in the 2015 class, West Virginia’s Kevin White has the physical traits reminiscent of Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones. Since White has the skill set of a dominant No. 1 receiver, he is scheme-transcendent. His best fit is where the quarterback could most use his services.Oakland is desperate for receiver help, and Derek Carr is a quarterback capable of helping White shine. Carr doesn’t mind allowing his receivers to go get the ball. That’s a major strength of White’s game.The Chicago Bears would be the worst fit for White of any team in the top 10. Chicago needs receiver help, but White is similar to Alshon Jeffery. Reproducing that skill set shouldn’t be the Bears’ goal.
DE/OLB Randy GregoryBest Case: No. 7 overall to the Atlanta FalconsWorst Case: Falls out of the first roundA failed drug test at the NFL combine could create a wild ride for Nebraska pass-rusher Randy Gregory. He’s a freaky athlete who has tremendous upside, but if teams don’t trust Gregory off the field, he could fall out of the first round entirely. That’s his worst-case scenario.On the field, the Atlanta Falcons are a great fit for Gregory. Head coach Dan Quinn loves speed and length, and Gregory has plenty of each. As Gregory adds some bulk to his frame, he could be an elite pass-rusher or strong-side linebacker who drops into coverage.
OL Brandon ScherffBest Case: No. 9 overall to the New York GiantsWorst Case: Having to play left tackleThe first offensive lineman off the board in Miller’s mock is Iowa’s Brandon Scherff. The collegiate left tackle was dominant as the blindside protector, but he is likely looking at a position switch in the NFL. Scherff projects best as a guard or right tackle who specializes as a run-blocker.Scherff has short arms, measuring just 33.375”. He doesn’t handle speed rushers well, and his hand technique is inconsistent. But at guard, those issues aren’t as noticeable, and his lateral agility would really stand out.Scherff’s best-case scenario is that he goes ninth overall to the New York Giants. The Giants can slide Scherff into the left guard or right tackle spot and help revitalize their running game.
QB Marcus MariotaBest Case: No. 6 overall to the New York JetsWorst Case: No. 5 overall to the Washington RedskinsOregon quarterback Marcus Mariota wasn’t listed in Miller’s top 10 picks, but via a trade up or a surprising selection, it is likely Mariota goes in the first third of the first round. He’s deserving of it, as he could develop into a franchise quarterback. His accuracy, decision-making and leadership stand out when he’s on and off the playing field.Due to his potential fit with New York Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, Mariota’s best-case scenario is with the Jets. His off-field persona is quiet, but he can take advantage of the vast amount of playmakers on New York's roster.On the flip side, Mariota would likely struggle with the drama that comes with playing for the Washington Redskins. Washington is dealing with Robert Griffin III’s injury struggles and has had a meddlesome ownership situation for years. It’s hard for any player to really excel there. All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.link
