What happened to the Top 10 picks of the 2015 NFL Draft?
The Top 10 picks of the 2015 NFL Draft had mixed results in terms of career, a few of them achieved success in the league, while others failed to live up to the hype.
- Rajat Srivastava
- 4 min read
The 2015 NFL Draft’s top 10 picks had a varied career path in terms of success and disappointment. Players like Amari Cooper, Brandon Scherff and Leonard Williams became consistent stars for their teams. Todd Gurley performed briefly before injuries ended his career early, while Kevin White and Ereck Flowers struggled to live up to the pre draft expectations. Quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota showed flashes of brilliance before settling into backup roles, underlining the unpredictability of the outcomes of the players signed in the draft.
10. Todd Gurley - Los Angeles Rams
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Todd Gurley set the league on fire in his rookie season, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and later earning Offensive Player of the Year. At his peak, he was considered as nearly unstoppable, helping lead the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance. Unfortunately, knee issues cut his career short. This forced him to retire early from the NFL. Though short, Gurley’s prime was nothing short of extraordinary.
9. Ereck Flowers - New York Giants
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Ereck Flowers was considered as a potential franchise left tackle, but his struggles with pass protection made him a liability for the Giants. After the Giants declined his fifth year option, he changed a few teams in the league, with brief stints in Washington and Miami. Though he eventually found some stability as a guard, Flowers never lived up to his draft expectations, becoming one of the draft’s biggest busts.
8. Vic Beasley - Atlanta Falcons
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Vic Beasley started strongly in NFL, leading the league in sacks in 2016. However, his performance quickly declined afterwards and he struggled to find consistency. After leaving Falcons, he had short stints with Tennessee and the Raiders but failed to revive his career. Once seen as a strong pass rusher, Beasley’s career could not reach its potential.
7. Kevin White - Chicago Bears
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Kevin White is one of the most heartbreaking stories from the 2015 draft. A talented receiver out of West Virginia, his career was badly impacted by repeated injuries, which included multiple leg fractures. Despite his attempts to come back in the league with teams like the Cardinals and Saints, he never made a significant impact in the NFL.
6. Leonard Williams - New York Jets
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Leonard Williams lived up to the draft expectations as a strong defensive lineman. Drafted by the Jets, he became popular for his run stopping ability. Later, with the Giants and Seahawks, his performance was consistent in the league. Williams has enjoyed a long and productive career, proving himself as one of the most reliable top picks of 2015.
5. Brandon Scherff - Washington Commanders
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Brandon Scherff became one of the NFL’s most dependable offensive linemen. Drafted fifth overall in 2015, he led Washington’s line for years before finishing his career with Jaguars. A five time Pro Bowler, Scherff was known for toughness, consistency and professionalism on the field. He retired in 2025 after a decade of consistent performance in the league, leaving behind a legacy of being one of the best in 2015 draft.
4. Amari Cooper - Los Angeles Raiders
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Amari Cooper has been the most consistent star from the 2015 draft’s top 10 pick. An accurate runner on the field with strong hands, he quickly established himself as his team’s go to receiver. With multiple 1,000+ yard seasons, Cooper has remained one of the league’s most consistent wideouts. From Oakland to Cleveland and now back with Raiders, he continues to do well as a dependable player.
3. Dante Fowler Jr. - Jacksonville Jaguars
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Dante Fowler’s career began with a massive setback as he tore his ACL before his rookie season. Though he made a comeback and had a breakout season with the Rams in 2019, he never consistently lived up to the potential of being the third overall pick. After moving between several teams in NFL, he is mostly been utilized as a rotational player. Fowler’s career is a classic example of unrealized potential of a highly sought after talent.
2. Marcus Mariota - Tennessee Titans
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Marcus Mariota had a great start in Tennessee, even leading them to the playoffs. However, inconsistency and injuries hampered his growth. Over the years, he transitioned into a strong backup option, with stints in Las Vegas, Atlanta and now in Washington. Though he is no longer a starter, Mariota’s calm leadership and support to younger quarterbacks have kept him in the league.
1. Jameis Winston - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Jameis Winston entered the NFL as the No. 1 pick with high expectations. He showed flashes of talent in the league, but inconsistency plagued his career. After stints with Tampa Bay and New Orleans, he now plays for the Giants as a veteran backup. Though not a superstar, Winston’s calming presence and experience keep him valuable in the teams.