2015 NFL Draft tiers Elite prospects blue chips and red chips
The 2015 features a strong collection of talent that should rival the impact of the star-studded 2011 and 2012 cla ses. Just as those cla ses featured a handful of transcendent stars Thomas Booker Iv Jersey at the top of the board, this cla s is brimming with dazzling playmakers on both sides of the ball.While most of the pre-draft attention has centered on the potential of and as franchise quarterbacks, I believe the strength of the 2015 cla s resides at wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle and pa s rusher. While , and are dynamic pa s catchers capable of making an immediate impact from Day 1, it's also quite po sible that , , and make bigger splashes as underrated rookies.The narrative about the devaluation of running backs will change this season, with and expected to go off the board on Day 1. Both runners po se s the core traits (size, speed, vision, physicality and big-play ability) evaluators covet in workhorse runners, which is why each ranks as a top-25 prospect on nearly every draft board around the league. With evaluators also holding , and in high regard, the running back position could regain its marquee status going forward.On the defensive side of the ball, coaches and scouts should love the talent along the front line. The 2015 cla s features big-bodied run stoppers with pa s rush skills (, , , and ), yet the sizzle comes when evaluators take extended looks at the DPRs (designated pa s rushers) in the group. , , and have the potential to wreak havoc off the edges with their unique pa s-rushing styles. Schematic fit ultimately could determine the individual succe s of each player, but I believe this cla s of DPRs is the most polished group to enter the league since 2011.After taking some time to break the 2015 cla s into three tiers (elites, blue-chip prospects and red-chip prospects), here's how I stack the top prospects on the board heading into draft weekend: Elite prospectsThese players should earn recognition early in their careers and rank among the top five players at their respective positions in two to three years.1) , DE, USC 2) , QB, Florida State 3) , WR, Alabama 4) , WR, West Virginia 5) , RB, Georgia 6) , DE/OLB, ClemsonBlue chipsThese prospects are regarded as difference makers based solely on their talent. They should start as rookies and make immediate contributions to their respective teams.1) , QB, Oregon 2) , WR, Louisville 3) , RB, Wisconsin 4) , DE/OLB, Mi souri 5) , DE/OLB, Florida 6) , DT, Washington 7) , S, Alabama 8) , OL, LSU 9) , OL, Iowa 10) , CB, Washington 11) , CB, Michigan State 12) , DL, Oregon 13) , DE/OLB, Nebraska 14) , OT, Stanford 15) , WR, Mi souriBlue-chip Terrell Lewis Jersey players should po se s the requisite critical factors (athleticism, football intelligence, explosivene s and production) to project as difference makers at the NFL level. They might have a flaw or deficiency that shows up on tape, but their consistent dominance of top competition suggests they'll enjoy long-term succe s as pros.Red-chip players exhibit several blue-chip qualities and characteristics but lack the consistent profile of their counterparts. For reasons ranging from substandard physical dimensions and athleticism to inconsistent on-field performance, players in the red-chip category are regarded as a notch below elite. In the right situation, however, they could emerge as ers and impact players.Red chipsThese guys should contribute as part-time players initially before finishing the season as starters for their respective teams. In addition, they should be key contributors on special teams units and provide timely playmaking in their designated roles.1) , CB, Wake Forest 2) , OT, Miami 3) , CB, LSU 4) , ILB, Mi si sippi State 5) , DT, Texas 6) , OLB, Kentucky 7) , OL, Florida State 8) , OT, Pittsburgh 9) , WR, Ohio State 10 , LB, Miami 11) , LB, UCLA 12) , DT, Oklahoma 13) , WR, Arizona State 14) , WR, USC 15) , RB, Miami 16) , CB, Florida State 17) , OT, Oregon 18) , TE, Minnesota 19) , LB, Washington 20) , WR, Miami 21) , RB, Nebraska 22) , RB, Alabama 23) , WR, Kansas Tyrion Davis-price Jersey State 24) , S, Arizona State 25) , OT, FloridaSeveral red-chip players will come off the board in Round 1, but many more will make an immediate impact in the NFL beyond their draft status. Here are five red-chip players poised to thrive in the NFL in 2015:1) , CB, Wake Forest: The most effective rookie cover corners are typically polished technicians with outstanding instincts, awarene s and ball skills. Thus, it's very likely Johnson will outshine some of his more heralded peers, thanks to his superb footwork, agility and ball skills. The former Demon Deacon enters the league well-versed in a variety of techniques (bump-and-run, bail, off) that will allow him to earn playing time immediately in any scheme Andre Dillard Jersey . More importantly, Johnson's experience employing a variety of tactics as a collegian will provide him with enough tools to challenge the top receivers in the NFL from Day 1. Although he certainly will lose his fair share of battles on the perimeter, Johnson's savvy and guile should make him a competitive playmaker as a rookie starter.2) , LB, Miami: Good football players sometimes get overlooked when evaluators place a greater emphasis on physical dimensions than game film. If Perryman -- an undersized linebacker -- experiences a slide on draft day, I expect him to outperform his draft status with exceptional production as a first-year pro. Perryman po se ses all of the core traits (instincts, awarene s, toughne s and anticipation) to shine as a "Mike" linebacker in the NFL. Most importantly, he is a menacing presence hell-bent on delivering knockout shots to runners in the hole. Given the impact an instinctive hard-hitter can make on a defense between the hashes, it's po sible Perryman works his way into the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year.3) , WR, USC: Buzz has been building around the ex-USC standout since scouts started digging deeper into his game. Evaluators are smitten with his superb route-running ability, soft hands and explosive running skills on the perimeter. Agholor po se ses solid size (over 6-foot) and is capable of delivering big plays on the outside or in the slot in a West Coast offense. Considering Agholor's exceptional return skills and positional flexibility, it's po sible he transitions from a WR2 to a WR1 very early in his NFL career.4) , RB, Miami: With his small stature, it's easy to cast Johnson as strictly a change-of-pace back. But an extensive examination of his tape reveals a dynamite runner with the potential to anchor a ground game as a workhorse player. Johnson is a natural cut-back runner with exceptional balance and body control who also displays the grit and toughne s to pound it between tackles on inside runs. Given that Johnson can produce big plays in the pa sing game on swings and screens, he could morph into a clone in the right situation.5) , WR, Kansas State: Top prospects with family ties to the NFL are expected by many scouts to quickly acclimate to the pro game, given that they should be familiar with what it takes to Avonte Maddox Jersey compete at the highest level. Considering Lockett's legacy (his dad, Kevin, spent seven seasons as a wide receiver in the NFL, while his uncle, Aaron, was a return specialist in both the NFL and Canadian Football League), it's not surprising that he's an accomplished playmaker with a polished game. Lockett is an electric receiver adept at getting open through precise route-running on the perimeter. He shows exceptional savvy setting defenders up with clever dekes and stutter-step moves at the top of routes, making him nearly impo sible to guard in one-on-one matchups. Lockett is also an electric return man with a tremendous feel for finding creases with the ball in his hands. Given the potential impact an explosive slot receiver/return specialist can make on an offense, I believe Lockett will contribute immediately.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter .