With the 2014 NFL Draft just a mere days away, it’s time to take a look at another one of my 2014 NFL Mock Draft’s.
Unlike some drafts in the past, this one really has a lot of unpredictability about it as from the first pick on down to the final pick, anything can happen as nothing appears to be set in stone.
Nov 16, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) leaves the field following their 19-14 win over the Florida Gators at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
With the depth in this draft I expect to see a lot of movement in the first round.
At the end of the day future fantasy football stars will find new homes.
With that being said let’s get right into it as the Houston Texans are on the clock.
1. Houston Texans
Player Name: Jadeveon Clowney
Position, School: DE, South Carolina
The Texans need a franchise signal caller and in a draft that is top heavy at the position it makes sense for new head coach Bill O’Brien to target his quarterback of the future. However with none of the quarterbacks separating themselves and worthy of the No. 1 pick, I expect the Texans to take the best player on the board if they can’t move out of the spot.
That guy is Clowney.
Clowney that has the rare blend of speed, strength and potential rarely seen in a prospect will turn out to be a steal. It is not often that a Lawrence Taylor-type of prospect is on the board and Clowney is that rare type of player. If the Texans stay at No. 1, the pick is easy.
2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
Player Name: Greg Robinson
Position, School: OT, Auburn
If the Rams stay here they can go multiple directions, including Buffalo’s Khalil Mack. However I look for them to make the safe pick in Robinson.
Aside from perhaps Clowney, Robinson is the most physically impressive prospect in this class. His performance at the Combine was outstanding and his stock is way up. St. Louis needs to get more physical in the offensive trenches, and Robinson will certainly help with that. It doesn’t hurt that he possibly has more upside than anyone else in the draft.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Player Name: Sammy Watkins
Position, School: WR, Clemson
With Clowney off the board, the Jaguars could use a quarterback here or just take the best player on the board. To me the decision comes down to Mack or Watkins.
Jacksonville needs a playmaker in the worst way with Justin Blackmon’s troubles. I think they will take the best player at what is probably at a position of need, and I like the Watkins fit. Watkins gives them a dynamic talent, a player who really can help any quarterback. Given the uncertain future of Blackmon, they could use Watkins’ size and speed combination.
4. Cleveland Browns
Player Name: Johnny Manziel
Position, School: QB, Texas A&M
With Watkins off the board I think the Browns go quarterback here. If Watkins were still in play I could see them taking the playmaker and grabbing their quarterback later in the first round.
The pick comes down to Manziel or Derek Carr. At the minimum, Manziel will at least add a jolt of excitement to a franchise that hasn’t had any excitement to speak of in years. There were rave reviews about Manziel after his pro day, so he won’t likely make it past this spot.
5. Oakland Raiders
Player Name: Khalil Mack
Position, School: LB, Buffalo
Nov 5, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack (46) during the game against the Ohio Bobcats at University of Buffalo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
There really isn’t a quarterback worth drafting here unless the Raiders want to reach on Carr. Instead, Mack is a steal here.
There may be other needs, but Mack has the opportunity to turn into an outstanding NFL player. The Raiders could use a solid tackler and use a dynamic pass-rusher. The addition of Matt Schaub gives the Raiders the chance to draft the best player available, and they certainly need an addition to the pass rush. Mack is a three-down player who can make an impact right off the bat.
6. Atlanta Falcons
Player Name: Taylor Lewan
Position, School: OT, Michigan
I doubt that the Falcons stay here, but if they do, there biggest need is a franchise caliber tackle to protect Matt Ryan. The pick is between Lewan and Jake Matthews and I’m giving a slight nod to Lewan.
Lewan is a prototypical left tackle who has the strength and long arms needed to hold the edge and protect Ryan’s blindside.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Player Name: Mike Evans
Position, School: WR, Texas A&M
I was tempted to throw a curveball here and have the Bucs go with a quarterback like Blake Bortles, but the need for another playmaker is too great.
Evans is a big body (6’5″, 225) who the Bucs could use and one that would probably flourish in single coverage against second-tier corners. He uses excellent size and ball skills to be a threat all over the field and will be a great fit for this Tampa Bay offense.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Player Name: Blake Bortles
Position, School: QB, Central Florida
The Vikings likely target a quarterback here and the pick for me is between Bortles and Carr. At the end of the day though I think the Vikings would be thrilled to land Bortles here, a guy that still could ultimately go with the No. 1 overall pick.
Bortles could be the long-term answer for a team that already has decent talent at other positions. He is a very good athlete with excellent pocket instincts and can benefit from his ability to create with his legs as well.
9. Buffalo Bills
Player Name: Jake Matthews
Position, School: OT, Texas A&M
Aug 4, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (6) during practice at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
The rise of Robinson and Lewan is good news for the Bills as they get a tackle in Matthews that can start on either side right away. Matthews played right tackle for two seasons at Texas A&M while Luke Joeckel held down the blind side. It’s that versatility that makes this blue-chip prospect so intriguing as he could step in right away and play on either side.
10. Detroit Lions
Player Name: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Position, School: S, Alabama
The Lions could look at a wide receiver or tight end here, but cornerback and safety are the two biggest needs for Detroit right now.
Clinton-Dix has injury concerns, but he’s clearly the best safety in this class and can step in as the team’s starter at free safety right away. Clinton-Dix has the size to be a hitter and the speed to play in coverage. He’s a dynamic three down player who has the talent to excel in any scheme right off the bat.
11. Tennessee Titans
Player Name: Anthony Barr
Position, School: LB, UCLA
Barr is an outstanding athlete who will fit very nicely into new Titans’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s 3-4 scheme. He played defense for the first time in 2012, after being a former running back, and made an instant impact, recording 13 sacks.
He had 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks this past season. Barr has the speed and strength to come off the edge and is also very good in coverage. The Titans can’t go wrong with this pick.
12. New York Giants
Player Name: Aaron Donald
Position, School: DT, Pitt
The Giants have a need on the defensive line and Donald looks like a great fit. He could be the most dominant player in the draft and could rejuvenate some dominance to the New York defensive front.
Donald had a dominant Senior Bowl and a very good Combine and although he undersized is a very good fit for the Giants’ defense. He skyrocket up draft boards and while there may be some temptation here to take tight end Eric Ebron, it’s hard for the Giants to pass on the Pitt product.
13. St. Louis Rams
Player Name: Calvin Pryor
Position, School: S, Louisville
Sure the Rams could use a wide receiver here, but there is also a big need at safety. Their defense came on at the end of last season, but they really need a safety to pair with T.J. McDonald.
Pryor’s fierce hitting style and aggressive coverage tendencies are perfect for the St. Louis defense. More importantly he fills a huge need.
Aug 31, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) warms up before a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
14. Chicago Bears
Player Name: Darqueze Dennard
Position, School: CB, Michigan State
With Clinton-Dix and Pryor off the board, the Bears must target either the cornerback spot or the defensive line here. Donald is also off the board and there is a huge drop off from him to the next best defensive tackle.
Chicago was able to re-sign Tim Jennings, but Charles Tillman‘s contract is expiring soon. The Bears have to deal with Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford twice per year, so targeting a solid corner like Dennard makes sense.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Player Name: Justin Gilbert
Position, School: CB, Oklahoma State
My fifth mock has the Steelers selecting a fifth different player. This time it really fits a need. While I’m sure the Steelers would rather have Dennard, Gilbert could be the next best thing.
I’m concerned about his tackling ability, or lack thereof, which may not make Gilbert the best fit with the Steelers, but even though they tend to not select cornerbacks often in the first round, the Oklahoma State product makes sense here.
He’s big at 6’0″ and 200 pounds but also plays with the closing speed to attack the ball. Gilbert could become a No.1 corner early in his career and is a safe pick here for the Steelers.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Player Name: Timmy Jernigan
Position, School: DT, Florida State
Jernigan’s play was inconsistent at times during the season, but his play in the national championship game has his stock rising and he could turn into a steal here for the Cowboys.
They need a defense lineman badly and while this is a bit of a reach, Jerry Jones does that from time to time and Jernigan’s potential and upside could be too much to pass on here.
17. Baltimore Ravens
Player Name: Morgan Moses
Position, School: OT, Virginia
Even though Baltimore re-signed Eugene Monroe they lost Michael Oher and could use another tackle to protect Joe Flacco.
Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Moses is a prototypical left tackle who has the strength and long arms needed to hold the edge and protect Flacco’s blindside. He performed better at left tackle at Virginia than he did at right tackle, so the Ravens could be landing their left tackle of the future here.
18. New York Jets
Player Name: Eric Ebron
Position, School: TE, North Carolina
The Jets love the fact that Ebron is still on the board here as he is a steal at this point and gives either Geno Smith or Michael Vick a legitimate weapon that can stretch the field.
Ebron is an athletic tight end who excels at working the hashes. He has the speed of a wide receiver in a tight end’s body, and showed improvement as a blocker and route-runner last season. Ebron is a Vernon Davis clone who could do big things in the Big Apple.
19. Miami Dolphins
Player Name: Zack Martin
Position, School: OL, Notre Dame
The Dolphins need to upgrade on the offensive line and Martin is a good fit coming off an outstanding Senior Bowl. He has short arms but could be used at left tackle, but even if not he could be a stud guard for years.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Player Name: Derek Carr
Position, School: QB, Fresno State
Bruce Arians’ Cardinals were a surprise last season and while they have some needs, they aren’t dire ones that they can’t target later in the draft.
They can afford to target their signal caller of the future here as they don’t have a good No. 2 behind Carson Palmer, who will turn 35 during the 2014 season.
21. Green Bay Packers
Player Name: C.J. Mosley
Position, School: LB, Alabama
Mosley is a steal here for the Packers. They can go defensive end, linebacker or safety position at No. 21 and Mosley is the best player on the board right now.
Green Bay just needs more speed in the middle of its defense and Mosely is a very quick linebacker and a tackling machine. The opportunity to add a linebacker the quality of Mosley will pay dividends down the road.
Oct 19, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Brandin Cooks (7) runs with the ball to score a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Player Name: Brandin Cooks
Position, School: WR, Oregon State
The wide receiver position is one of need for Chip Kelly’s team after the release of DeSean Jackson. Fortunately for them they have plenty of options to choose from at this point.
Going defense is still an option, but Cooks can be a dynamic element to the Eagles’ passing game. He’s an elite athlete that can both run past defenders and do well in tight spaces. It could be hard to pass on him here.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Player Name: Odell Beckham Jr.
Position, School: WR, LSU
The Chiefs need a weapon opposite Dwayne Bowe and get a steal here with Beckham. The LSU product is a productive target that could make Alex Smith and the Kansas City offense potent.
He has the speed to make plays after the catch and is one of the more sure-handed receivers in the draft.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Player Name: Kyle Fuller
Position, School: CB, Virginia Tech
Adding a long, rangy athlete like Fuller would help the Bengals a ton. They need a corner badly and Fuller is a pretty good option here.
Fuller is a physical corner that is a good value pick at this point.
25. San Diego Chargers
Player Name: Jason Verrett
Position, School: CB, TCU
The Chargers need to upgrade the cornerback position badly as they simply cannot go into 2014 with Richard Marshall and Shareece Wright as its starters. Verrett isn’t the biggest cornerback on the board but he makes up for that with physical play against the run and in coverage.
Nov 9, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) before the game against the California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Verrett has the man-coverage skills teams are in love with, and he brings the hands and range to be a turnover machine at the cornerback position.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)
Player Name: Marqise Lee
Position, School: WR, USC
The Browns got their quarterback earlier, now they have to find a running back and wide receiver to pair with him. There is much more value at the WR spot here so I like the Browns going with Lee, who has the tools to be a star.
While Lee isn’t the biggest or most physical receiver, he has the ability to dominate. The junior is extremely fast and can burn defenses with speed that is too difficult to cover. He also is a very polished route runner and would be a great value pick here.
Paired with Josh Gordon, the Browns could develop some weapons rather quickly.
27. New Orleans Saints
Player Name: Ryan Shazier
Position, School: LB, Ohio State
The Saints made the transition to a 3-4 defense quite successfully this past season under Rob Ryan, but rushing the passer was still a weakness.
Shazier is a disruptive defender capable of wreaking havoc off the edges as a pass rusher. He’s a guy that always seems to play faster than everyone else on the field and could be a nice fit in New Orleans.
28. Carolina Panthers
Player Name: Kelvin Benjamin
Position, School: WR, Florida State
The need for an offensive tackle is here, but the departure of Steve Smith leaves the Panthers in a spot needing to get Cam Newton another weapon.
The Florida State product is a huge target that could add another dimension for Newton and the Carolina offense.
29. New England Patriots
Player Name: Ra’shede Hageman
Position, School: DT, Minnesota
I have had Texas Tech Jace Amaro here every mock for New England, but am leaning more to the defensive line now.
Defensive tackle is a need area for the Patriots, with a pair of veteran players in Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly coming off serious injuries.
Sep 28, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Bradley Roby (1) before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio Stadium. Buckeyes beat the Badgers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Hageman has a chance to be elite as he has a solid combination of height, weight and athleticism. He is a project, but the Pats have time to groom him.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Player Name: Bradley Roby
Position, School: CB, Ohio State
San Francisco’s group of cornerbacks isn’t very strong, as Carlos Rogers has declined at age 32.
Roby was recently arrested and has some other character issues, but the 49ers are one of the teams that apparently don’t care about stuff like that.
31. Denver Broncos
Player Name: Kony Ealy
Position, School: DE, Missouri
The Tigers have produced several stellar defensive linemen in recent years (Aldon Smith, Sheldon Richardson), and Ealy could be the next of the bunch. One of the Broncos biggest problems is their pass rush. Ealy has the length, power and speed and could wreak havoc on the AFC West for years to come.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Player Name: Stephon Tuitt
Position, School: DE, Notre Dame
The Super Bowl champs look like a team with very few needs, but with free agency coming up, there could be some holes created on the defensive line.
They have a tendency to select the best available player on the board and fortunately Tuitt also fills a need. He brings both size and quickness and Seattle doesn’t have the same depth on the defensive line that it did in the midst of the Super Bowl run.
Tuitt can be both an effective run-stopper and a disruptive power pass-rusher and should fit in rather nicely on an already dominant Seattle defense.