Welcome back to the padded cell, everybody! With the 2015 NFL draft less than one month away, I thought I’d give our viewers a look at the players whom I consider to be the top twenty in this draft from a talent perspective only. Naturally, since millions of dollars are at stake, there may be some issues with certain players that can and may prevent them from being taken where they’re ranked. It’s also important to note that a team’s positional needs can and may cause a player to be selected above his overall rating. The position where this appears to have happened the most (or at least it’s noticed the most) over the course of history is at quarterback. The NFL is still very much considered a quarterback driven league, and teams that find themselves in the need of one have often been known to reach at that position. The end result of such a move is often the person making that selection having to find employment elsewhere within a few years. The NFL is also a “what have you done for me lately?” kind of league; insomuch that its initials are often translated, “Not For Long”. And with that in mind I present to you my top twenty for the 2015 NFL draft.

 Leonard Williams – DT – USC

Raw and freakishly athletic, Williams can play in a one or two gap system with equal effectiveness. He could play DE in a 3-4 alignment, but is probably best suited as a three technique in a 4-3 front. He’s been favorably compared to former Minnesota Viking and current Seattle Seahawk Kevin Williams, which is high praise indeed.

Dante Fowler Jr. – OLB – Florida

With pass rushers being a premium commodity, Fowler is another raw yet incredibly gifted athlete still learning the nuances of the position. Fowler is best suited as a rushbacker in a 3-4 alignment, but can play in any scheme.

Vic Beasley – OLB – Clemson

Another player best suited as a 3-4 OLB, Beasley is faster and has more upper body strength than Fowler. A bit narrow at the hips, he’ll definitely need to add more lower body strength. Teams palying a 4-3 defense will also need to consider Beasley if he should fall into their lap.

Jameis Winston – QB – Florida State

Personal conduct issues and all, Mr. Crab Legs will  probably be the first overall pick in this draft because the NFL is still a quarterback driven league. He does have experience in a pro style offense and has won at a very high level for two seasons.

Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama

Clearly the most polished receiver in the draft, Cooper is the best route runner. Comparisons to Marvin Harrison are common.

Randy Gregory – DE/OLB – Nebraska

Issues concerning his admitted use of marijuana, including a positive test at the combine (which means he enters the NFL substance abuse program as a rookie), could cause his stock to slide significantly. Because of that, I wouldn’t expect the Browns to have him on their draft board. However, from a pure talent standpoint, Gregory is a legitimate top five talent.

Kevin White – WR – West Virginia

Is he a late bloomer or a “one hit wonder”? I choose to think the prior insomuch that he may go off the board before Amari Cooper. This kid is a burner and a legitimate threat to take it to the house every time he touches the football.

Danny Shelton – DT – Washington

Big, strong and mobile are the first few words that come to mind when describing Shelton.  He’s quick off the snap, stout against against the run and can go from sideline to sideline. Comparisons to Haloti Ngata of the Detroit Lions are frequent. All things considered, he seems to be the consensus favorite for Cleveland to take off the board at twelve – provided he lasts that long.

Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon

His character and work ethic are beyond reproach, which leads me to believe that he’ll do what it takes to become an elite NFL starting quarterback. He will need to hold a clipboard for a year as he adjusts to the terminology and speed of the NFL game, but he has all the physical tools you’re looking for at the position. Barring a trade, the most likely landing spots for Mariota are Tennessee and the New York Jets – not necessarily in that order.

Brandon Scherff – OT – Iowa

The most polished of all O-linemen in this draft, Scherff will uphold the excellent reputation of Iowa linemen.

Trae Waynes – CB – Michigan State

Solid bump and run corner who knows how to use the sideline as an extra defender. Has the capability to play zone as well and is a solid tackler.

Shane Ray – DE/OLB – Missouri

Another pass rusher in the top twenty, Ray will pay immediate dividends for the team that selects him on day one. Relentless in rushing the passer, he does so as if every play is his last with his explosiveness off the snap.

La’el Collins – OT – LSU

Thick, mean and nasty are the words that best describe Collins. What he may lack in natural athleticism is made up with drive and attitude. Can play either tackle or guard.

Alvin Dupree – DE/OLB – Kentucky

A freakish athlete with a chiseled frame, Dupree has excelled on athletic ability alone. Once technique is learned and applied, the sky could be the limit with this kid.

DeVante Parker – WR – Louisville

An explosive receiver that is still raw at running pass routes, Parker has the potential to take it to the house every time he touches the football.

Landon Collins – SS – Alabama

A downhill player and solid tackler against the run, Collins likes to set the tempo for his teammates. Thick frame for a defensive back and a smart, heady player.

Andrus Peat – OT – Stanford

From an analytics standpoint, Peat is the most explosive O-lineman in the draft. Like virtually every O-lineman in any given draft, he has some things to work on with his technique; but Peat definitely comes with a first round talent grade.

Malcolm Brown – DT – Texas

He’s a big, quick and penetrating D-lineman that may be able to play multiple positions along the line – and he already uses his hands line an NFL starter. Best suited for a one-gap system –  possibly as a three technique in a 4-3 or a DE in a 3-4.

Cameron Erving – OC/OG/OT – Florida State

Without question Erving is the most versatile of all the O-linemen in this draft, making the transition from LT to center and seemed to do it effortlessly. I probably should have him rated more highly than this because of his versatility.

Todd Gurley – RB – Georgia

Without question he’s the top RB in the draft from a talent standpoint when healthy. However, off the field issues and a knee injury may cause him to drop into the second round – or even beyond. I’m reminded of the two cardinal rules . . . don’t take a RB in the first round and don’t trade up for one. That said, if this kid is healthy and gets his head straight, he can dominate at the next level. If the knee isn’t ready to go by draft day, then all bets are off.