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The Armchair Quarterback’s Guide To The NFL: 2014 Draft Bargains

By Lyle Graversen

Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray (11) rushes with the ball during the first half of the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray (11) rushes with the ball during the first half of the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Armchair Quarterback’s 2014 NFL Draft Bargains: Defense

November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line: Dominique Easley – Florida

Dominique Easley was on his way to being a top 15 pick before he had the second ACL tear of his career this fall. When you couple the ACL tears with the fact that he’s a little short (6’2″) to play DE and a little too light (288 lbs) to play DT and you get a player that is likely to drop into the second round. However, Easley is much more talented than most players looked at in the second round, based on his tape before he got injured you can make a case that Easley was a better prospect than Pitt’s Aaron Donald who is a lock to go in the first round. If a team thinks his injuries are in the past and they feel they can put his disruptive abilities to good use despite his size then a team may just land the biggest steal in this draft.

Outside Pass Rusher: Will Clarke – West Virginia

Will Clarke joins his teammate Charles Sims on this list of bargain players. Clarke has the prototypical build of a 4-3 defensive end, but with how many different looks every NFL defense utilizes it stands to reason that just about any team would gladly put his 6’6″ and 271 lbs athleticism to work chasing down opposing QBs. With a little added bulk and time in the weight room it’s not impossible to see him as a 3-4 DE either. However, I like Clarke’s athleticism rushing the QB and think he’ll be a valuable member of a pass rush rotation as a rookie with the upside to become an every down disruptive force later on in his career. That’s pretty good for a guy going in the mid rounds.

Linebacker: Carl Bradford – Arizona State

Carl Bradford is an interesting prospect. While he played mainly OLB and DE in college he may project best to ILB in the NFL. Bradford is not the fastest or biggest player on the field but his motor is always on and he plays with a warrior mentality that will suit him well on the inside in the NFL. His versatility to play inside or outside should help his stock, as will his stand out play on special teams. If he slides into the third round or later a team could walk away with a huge bargain.

Cornerback: Lamarcus Joyner – Florida State

If Lamarcus Joyner was just three inches taller he’d be a lock to go in the first round. His 5’8″ height is really the only thing keeping teams from falling in love with him. He actually plays with a safety’s mentality and because of that he could make an outstanding nickel back because he’s strong enough in coverage to stay with slot WRs but could also come up and hit ball carriers in run support. Look no further than Tyrann Mathieu and his 5’9″ height to see what a defender like Joyner could do for a team.

Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Antone Exum runs the 40 yard dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Antone Exum runs the 40 yard dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety: Antone Exum – Virginia Tech

You’ll still find Antone Exum’s name on lists of cornerback rankings for this draft, but I think Exum is headed towards a full time switch to FS. If you look at a picture of Exum he definitely looks the part of a safety. Virginia Tech runs a pro style defense that has had a lot of success at putting DBs into the NFL recently. Exum did play safety in 2011 when he lead the team in tackles. Then in 2012 he switched to CB and proceeded to lead the team in interceptions and pass break ups. An injury this past season (and his reluctance to play after doctors cleared him) will push him into the middle rounds. Getting a starting caliber safety in the middle rounds would certainly be a good thing.

So that’s my list of potential 2014 draft bargains. I think all of these players could walk in and be key contributors as rookies and out play their draft slot. I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below. Did I miss someone? Is there anyone on this list that you’re not a big fan of?

Now it’s time for the Armchair QB’s Odds and Ends of the Week……….

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