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The Armchair Quarterback’s Guide To The NFL: Final Mock Draft And Position Rankings

By Lyle Graversen

January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Michigan Wolverines 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Michigan Wolverines 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) prepares to pass against the Louisville Cardinals during the first quarter of play at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) prepares to pass against the Louisville Cardinals during the first quarter of play at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

17. (TRADE) Cleveland Browns – Blake Bortles – QB – Central Florida

With Tampa taking Manziel that only leaves Bortles and Derek Carr left among the perceived first round QBs. With Arizona just a couple of picks away and the threat of Jacksonville or Houston moving back into the first for a QB it forces Cleveland to do the unthinkable and deal with their own division rival. They give the Ravens one of their three 3rd rounders plus one of their 4th rounders to move up from #26 and get Bortles. That gives them Mike Evans, Blake Bortles, plus they still have their early second round pick and two more third round picks. Not a bad haul considering they had to trade up in order to get their QB.

18. New York Jets – Brandin Cooks – WR – Oregon State

You can sell this as the Jets getting Geno Smith a Tavon Austin type player like he had in college or as Michael Vick getting a DeSean Jackson type player like he had in Philly. Either way the explosive Cooks gives them another playmaking WR to go along with the recently signed Eric Decker. A Decker and Cooks WR combo would be a significant upgrade over what they had last season.

19. Miami Dolphins – Zack Martin – OG/OT – Notre Dame

The Dolphins are absolutely elated to see the versatile Martin slide right into their laps. While I think he’s talented enough to go earlier than this I just didn’t see a landing spot that I loved unless Baltimore stays put and then he could go at pick #17. If Martin is indeed still on the board I would be shocked if Miami didn’t snatch him up.

20. (TRADE) Jacksonville Jaguars – Derek Carr – QB – Fresno State

I am sure that the Jaguars would prefer not to have to move back into the first round this soon in order to take their QB, but with Carr being the last of the perceived first round QB talents available and plenty of other teams still looking at QBs (Houston, Oakland, Tennessee, not to mention the possibility of Arizona taking Carr here themselves) the Jags are forced to surrender their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks to move back into the first and ensure that the Chad Henne era doesn’t continue in Jacksonville. A steep price to pay, but Gus Bradley has already put some defensive pieces in place and now they have Sammy Watkins and Derek Carr to build around on offense.

21. Green Bay – CJ Mosley – LB – Alabama

The Packers obviously have a lot of talent on offense so I’d look for them to sure up their defense here. I strongly considered Jimmie Ward at safety as well as Ra’Shede Hageman to help along their defensive front. However, CJ Mosley has enough talent to justify a top ten pick and has only slid this far due to injury concerns. Pick #21 is late enough to justify taking a risk on such an elite talent. If Mosley pans out he would really help solidify the middle of their defense.

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Gilbert – CB – Oklahoma State

I think if Odell Beckham Jr. or Brandin Cooks were still on the board that Chip Kelly might go with a WR to replace DeSean Jackson, but with them gone they’ll put WR on hold for another round and grab a top CB in Justin Gilbert. Gilbert’s speed and playmaking abilities make him a valuable addition to the Philly secondary and a good value pick at #22.

23. (TRADE) San Francisco 49ers – Kyle Fuller – CB – Virginia Tech

The 49ers entered the draft with eleven picks, which is plenty for them to use to maneuver up to grab players that they like. Most experts seem to agree that their are three top CBs in this draft in Dennard, Gilbert, and Fuller. With Dennard long gone and then Gilbert going at #22 the 49ers swap picks with KC in order to move up and fill their need in the secondary. They send KC one of their third rounders (pick 94) as well as unhappy RB LaMichael James who can help replace the departed Dexter McCluster in KC. The 49ers and Chiefs have already made two trades with each other since Chiefs GM John Dorsey took office so don’t be surprised if it happens again here.

24. Cincinnati Bengals – Kony Ealy – DE – Missouri

I think this pick comes down to a CB or a DE and I like Kony Ealy slightly better than the CBs available. The Bengals need to replace Michael Johnson and Ealy is easily the best true 4-3 DE left at this point and I think there is more likely to be good CB options available in round two than there is to be a 4-3 DE as talented as Ealy.

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