2014 NFL Mock Draft: NFL.com’s Charles Davis releases his first round projections
By Jack Crosby
One day after ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his initial 2014 NFL Mock Draft, NFL.com’s resident college football expert, Charles Davis, released his picks on Thursday afternoon.
PICK NO.
1
QB
LOUISVILLE
A very fluid pick here for the Texans. This is not set in stone.
PICK NO.
2
OT
TEXAS A&M
Sam Bradford is the Rams’ QB. They have to protect him.
PICK NO.
3
QB
TEXAS A&M
Yes, the Jags will start over at QB, too. Johnny Football could be their guy.
PICK NO.
4
DE
SOUTH CAROLINA
If Johnny Manziel is gone, the Browns might continue to fortify a good defense.
PICK NO.
5
WR
USC
The Raiders need players at a number of positions, and Lee is a game breaker.
PICK NO.
6
OLB
UCLA
Barr is a terrific player who can really rush the passer.
PICK NO.
7
OLB
BUFFALO
Many scouts have Mack rated higher than Anthony Barr.
PICK NO.
8
QB
CENTRAL FLORIDA
No player will be more scrutinized in the pre-draft process.
PICK NO.
9
OT
MICHIGAN
The Wolverines’ stalwart has plenty of nasty to him.
PICK NO.
10
CB
MICHIGAN ST.
Home-state cornerback is a good fit for Lions.
PICK NO.
11
OT
ALABAMA
The Titans are still trying to solidify their offensive line.
PICK NO.
12
OT
AUBURN
More protection for Eli Manning is needed.
PICK NO.
13
WR
CLEMSON
Watkins would give the Rams more speed to try to catch San Francisco and Seattle.
PICK NO.
14
DT
NOTRE DAME
Stopping the run is a priority for the Bears in 2014.
PICK NO.
15
OLB
ALABAMA
Tough and physical linebacker would be perfect fit in Pittsburgh.
PICK NO.
16
WR
TEXAS A&M
A helpful target for Joe Flacco, but offensive line is a need, too.
PICK NO.
17
S
ALABAMA
The safety position has been an issue for years in Dallas.
PICK NO.
18
OLB
OHIO ST.
The Jets’ defensive line is very good, but they could use some playmakers on the edges.
PICK NO.
19
OT
NOTRE DAME
Offensive line is a big need, and this LT really impressed me vs. Stanford’s terrific defense.
PICK NO.
20
CB
OKLAHOMA ST.
A long CB to pair with All-Pro Patrick Peterson.
PICK NO.
21
DE
NOTRE DAME
Tuitt can play the run and rush the passer.
PICK NO.
22
FS
LOUISVILLE
Pryor would give the Eagles a physical presence in the secondary.
PICK NO.
23
WR
FLORIDA ST.
The Chiefs need to establish a presence downfield, and Benjamin could provide it.
PICK NO.
24
CB
OHIO ST.
Roby must clean up a few things, but he has plenty of ability.
PICK NO.
25
TE
TEXAS TECH
Antonio Gates can’t go on forever … can he?
PICK NO.
26
QB
FRESNO ST.
They’ll be tempted to take a runner here, but QBs are hard to turn down.
PICK NO.
27
OT
TENNESSEE
Keeping Drew Brees upright is always a priority for New Orleans.
PICK NO.
28
RB
OHIO ST.
It’s time to start over at the RB position, and Hyde is this year’s Eddie Lacy (and possibly better).
PICK NO.
29
TE
WASHINGTON
It was a somewhat disappointing season for him, but a good pre-draft circuit puts him back on the map.
PICK NO.
30
DT
FLORIDA ST.
Jernigan would give the 49ers another good player to fortify a dynamic defense.
PICK NO.
31
CB
TCU
Verrett’s size will give them pause, but his playmaking is exceptional.
PICK NO.
32
WR
PENN ST.
Robinson is underrated nationally, but he is a good route runner with tremendous ball skills.