Draft preview: Times, TV, top players, position ratings, mock drafts and more
Everything you need to know about the 2015 NFL Draft, which resumes tonight at 6 (ESPN and NFL Network) with rounds two and three is right here. The Star has ranked the top 10 (and more) prospects in each position group with detailed analysis and grades. There are feature stories on potential pros. And we’ve done eight mock drafts of how the first round might play out.
All rankings are based on a combination of extensive personal film study, interviews conducted with draft analysts and information gleaned from NFL Network draft broadcasts. Evaluations are cross-checked with multiple draft resources. Measurements and testing results are from the combine and pro days, according to NFL.com. Grades are assigned based on where The Star believes the Chiefs should take each player, based on their needs and scheme fit.
NFL Draft time and TV information
▪ When/where: April 30-May 2 at Auditorium Theatre in Chicago
▪ Round one: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30 on ESPN and NFL Network
▪ Rounds two and three: 6 p.m. Friday, May 1 on ESPN and NFL Network
▪ Rounds four through seven: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2 on ESPN and NFL Network
▪ Complete draft order: NFL.com has the complete list
All-Juice team
The Kansas City Star’s Terez A. Paylor tells CineSport’s Brian Clark what makes a player eligible for his “All-Juice Team,” and what the Chiefs will do in Thursday’s NFL Draft.
The Big Board
Here is a big board of draft-eligible prospects. Rankings are determined by a combination of the Chiefs’ needs and the players’ talent.
Quarterbacks
▪ Pro-style quarterbacks are rare in this draft
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation of the top quarterback prospects, led by Florida State’s Jameis Winston.
Running backs
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation of the top running back prospects, led by Georgia’s Todd Gurley.
▪ After showing patience, Southern Cal’s Javorius Allen shows why he’s a NFL running back
▪ Here are rankings of the top fullback prospects
Tight ends
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top tight end prospects, led by Minnesota’s Maxx Williams.
▪ Michigan’s Devin Funchess is not easy to categorize as a pass catcher.
Wide receivers
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top wide receiver prospects, led by Alabama’s Amari Cooper.
▪ USC’s Nelson Agholor catches on at wide receiver.
Tackles
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top tackle prospects, led by Miami’s Ereck Flowers.
▪ Texas A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi is looking ahead after a knee injury.
Guards
▪ Character is a key word to describe South Carolina guard A.J. Cann.
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top guard prospects, led by Iowa’s Brandon Scherff.
Centers
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top center prospects, led by Florida State’s Cameron Erving.
▪ Toledo center Greg Mancz’s versatility may help him connect with NFL teams.
Cornerbacks
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top cornerback prospects, led by Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson.
▪ Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson sees a big future for himself in the NFL.
Free safeties
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top free safety prospects, led by Virginia’s Anthony Harris.
▪ Louisville safety Gerod Holliman shows a knack for interceptions.
Strong safeties
▪ Versatile Shaq Thompson of Washington might have best fit as safety in NFL
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top strong safety prospects, led by Alabama’s Landon Collins.
Defensive ends
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top 17 defensive end prospects, led by Southern California’s Leonard Williams.
▪ Texas’ Malcom Brown puts family first as he enters draft.
Nose tackles
▪ Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman knows his football history.
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top 7 nose tackle prospects, led by Washington’s Danny Shelton.
Outside linebackers
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top 15 outside linebacker prospects, led by Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr.
▪ Utah’s Nate Orchard has shown growth on and off the field.
▪ Feature story by The Star’s Tod Palmer: Shane Ray faced many hurdles during journey to football stardom at Missouri.
Inside linebackers
▪ TCU’s Paul Dawson says his off-field issues are behind him.
▪ Here is a detailed evaluation and ranking of the top 15 inside linebacker prospects, led by UCLA’s Eric Kendricks.
Latest mock drafts
The Star released a mock draft every week leading up to the draft. You can find the final one here, the seventh here, sixth here, fifth here, the fourth here, the third here, the second here and the first here.
Check this page for more position rankings, feature stories and more
This story was originally published April 18, 2015 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Draft preview: Times, TV, top players, position ratings, mock drafts and more."