NFL Draft 2015: Top 5 Prospects

Although the NFL season is still underway, football fans and experts cannot help but speculate potential talents that can improve their teams' performance in the following season. NFL scouts have been raving about a number of names. Louisville particularly has a few more franchise-worthy talents available for the 2015 draft.

1. Lorenzo Mauldin (Louisville, DE/OLB)

One of the main reasons why Louisville is number one in the FBS is total defense is Mauldin. The hybrid OLB is very effective in the 3-4 defense employed by the Cardinals. He is generally a rusher but has assumed new roles for the team such as standing up and dropping in coverage, based on a report by CBS Sports. His main strengths are his quickness and ability to change direction quickly. He is also difficult to block. Mauldin, however, has to improve his core strength and shed skill.

2. Eddie Goldman (Florida State, DT)

In 2014, Goldman is number one in the state in terms of tackles for loss at 5.5 and sacks at 3.0. He is a powerful and quick player with great ball awareness. He has very strong hands and can prevent blocks by being physical with his arms, based on the same CBS Sports report.

3. Jameis Winston (Florida State, QB)

CBS Sports also reported that the Seminoles quarterback has the potential to win the Heisman trophy after leading the Gators to a comeback win against Notre Dame. He is great in high-pressure plays but will ultimately be tested against the Louisville Cardinals' defense.

4. Marcus Mariota (Oregon, QB)

In a report by NFL.com, Mariota is frequently compared to Colin Kaepernick, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. An AFC team general manager appreciated Mariota's poise, athleticism and ability to improvise on the field. Mariota reportedly will be an asset to an NFL team with an innovative offensive coordinator who knows how to maximize the quarterback's skills and technique. His arm, however, is not as strong as Kaepernick's.

5. Amari Cooper (Alabama, WR)

Bleacher Report wrote that the Oakland Raiders, who will pick first in the 2015 NFL draft, will do well by trading down and offering the top pick to a team that is desperate for a quarterback, considering that they have quarterback Derek Carr along with other talents. A wide receiver has not been drafted No. 1 overall since the 1996 NFL draft with Keyshawn Johnson. They will not be needing quarterbacks Winston and Mariota but will be better off getting an explosive player for Carr.