NFL Mock Draft 2014:Edition 1
1. Houston Texans Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Although it hasn't been anywhere near the season people expected from Clowney, he still is tough to pass by. The athletic end would give the Texans one scary pass rush with J.J. Watt.
2. St. Louis Rams (from Redskins) Jake Matthews, OT
This year's draft isn't as stacked with offensive linemen as last years but it has one heck of a talent in Matthews from Texas A&M. Matthews could start immediately if Roger Saffold ditches in free agency but has the athleticism to play a number of spots on the line.
3. Atlanta Falcons Anthony Barr, LB
It is clear the Falcons need a better pass rush for a defense that has been exposed a lot this year. Barr, who was been dominant off the edge this season for UCLA will immediately help.
4. Oakland Raiders Louis Nix, DT
No one would be surprised if the Raiders were to pick up Bridgewater here it wouldn't be a surprise, considering they are struggling with Matt McGloin and Terrelle Pryor. But, the defense still has gaping holes and they need an enforcer up front. Plus, a QB could be available here in the second round.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars Teddy Bridgewater, QB
It is clear that the Jags cannot go one more season with Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert at quarterback and Bridgewater will immediately bring toughness and leadership to a weak offense.
6. Minnesota Vikings Brett Hundley, QB
Hundley may not have the recognition of a Johnny Manziel but he looks like he will be a better NFL QB. He is bigger, just as athletic and a lot less of a loose cannon on Manziel off the field. He will be comfortable in the offense right away with playmakers surrounding him like Adrian Peterson and Cordarelle Patterson.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaners Cyrus Kouandjio, OT
Kouandjio could skyrocket up draft boards in the months leading up to the draft because of his impressive physique and potential. Tampa still doesn't know who their future quarterback is, but drafting someone to protect them should help.
8. Cleveland Browns Mike Evans, WR
The Browns are another team that could look at Johnny Manziel here like Tampa but they also need someone to throw to with Josh Gordon's future in Cleveland in question. Evans, Sammy Watkins or Allen Robinson could all help.
9. New York Jets Sammy Watkins, WR
The Jets really need some offensive playmakers to help surround Geno Smith and the explosive
Sammy Watkins could fill a huge need. He could be dominant in deep throws with Smith's massive arm.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers Taylor Lewan, OT
The Michigan talent Lewan could well have been a Top 10 prospect last year and could easily by drafted as the No. 1 offensive tackle. Pittsburgh continues to search for a better offensive line to protect Ben Roethlisberger and he could get out and lead the improving running game.
11. Buffalo Bills Khalil Mack, LB
I'm super high on Khalil Mack, who is already in the area at Buffalo University. Mack showed he can perform against top level talent earlier in the year against Ohio State and will bring an added pass rush for the Bills.
12. Tennessee Titans HaHa Clinton-Dix, S
Help in the secondary is a need for the Titans, who have been very weak at times against the pass. If they want to shut down Andrew Luck in the following years they could use Clinton-Dix. Clinton-Dix brings a hard-hitting imposing defensive back, much like what the Titans had with Cortland Finnegan.
13. New York Giants C.J. Mosley, LB
Over the years the Giants have lacked a talent at linebacker and their pass defense has been suspect at times. Mosley is a great coverage linebacker who has incredible range around the field and is very disciplined.
14. St. Louis Rams Eric Ebron, TE
The Rams haven't had a great option at tight end this year and the field-stretching Ebron could be a good pick here. Ebron could continue to upgrade the talent around Sam Bradford after adding Tavon Austin last season.
15. San Diego Chargers Vic Beasley, DE
Beasley could well jump up draft boards if he can perform well against Ohio State in the Orange Bowl. Beasley is a versatile pass rusher who can play linebacker and give the Chargers their best pass rusher since Shawne Merriman.
16. Chicago Bears Kyle Van Noy, DE/LB
I have Van Noy a lot higher than other people's draft boards because I think the Bears really need him to upgrade a weak rush defense. Van Noy has the size and speed to pressure opponents at either end or 'backer and has tremendous upside.
17. Green Bay Packers Jace Amaro, TE
Tight end is a huge need for the Packers with Jeremichael Finley's future unclear. Amaro has had a monster year at Texas Tech and is just as big as a threat in the passing game as Finley. Amaro has great hands and is too fast for many linebackers.
18. Miami Dolphins Antonio Richardson, OT
The Dolphins thought they had fixed their offensive line by picking up Johnathan Martin last year but they will enter 2014 with the same issue with the questions on it after the Richie Incognito scandal this year. Richardson, a talented tackle from Tennessee will help from the start.
19. Arizona Cardinals Cam Erving, OT
For years the Cardinals' offensive line has been terrible and the lone drafting of UNC guard Jonathan Cooper won't help change that much. Florida State talent Cam Erving has the potential to be a star but falls to No. 19 because he hasn't proven himself yet.
20. Dallas Cowboys Ra'Shede Hagemen, DT
Demarcus Ware has been a monster at defensive end for the Cowboys this year but the team still needs to improve it's rush defense. Hagemen has been a big reason why the Gophers' defense has taken big steps this year.
21. Baltimore Ravens Marqise Lee, WR
Baltimore did not give Joe Flacco that much help at receiver this year to help out their new franchise QB. If they can upgrade at either tight end or wide receiver it would help a ton. The speedy, playmaking Lee could well be a dependable option for years for the Ravens.
22. Detroit Lions Davante Adams, WR
Imagine in a couple years how scary this Lions' offense could be if Calvin Johnson stays healthy, Matthew Stafford develops into a consistent quarterback and Adams turns into a stud receiver alongside Megatron. Adams is a game-changing receiver who might declare early from Fresno State.
23. Philadelphia Eagles Scott Crichton, DE/LB
Big things are coming from the Eagles' offense but the teams lacks a consistent young playmaker in their front seven. Crichton, a pass rusher from Oregon State, hasn't been great this year after a fantastic 2012 but it still a pass rushing threat.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Colts) Johnny Manziel, QB
Manziel is dropping here, further than most mock drafts, but I still have questions about him and scouts do too. He may not fit in right away with Cleveland but the explosiveness he will bring to their offense is not a question although Blake Bortles may be a safer pick here.
25. Cincinnati Bengals Darqueze Dennard, CB
The Bengals have Leon Hall at one cornerback slot, but he has struggled with a torn Achilles. The selection of shutdown corner Darqueze Dennard from Michigan State could help improve a secondary that needs more youth.
26. Carolina Panthers James Hurst, OT
The future of the Panthers' offensive line could be in real question this offseason with Jordan Gross possibly retiring. Anyway you look at it Hurst could help Cam Newton out now and in the future.
27. San Francisco Niners Ifo Ekpre-Olumu, CB
As good as the Niners' defense has been in the Jim Harbaugh era the secondary has been a question mark. Ekpre-Olumu is a super athletic cornerback who could make an impact right away in San Francisco's defense.
28. New England Patriots Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
It is clear that the strength of this Patriot offense has become an issue. The tight end position is a question with Aaron Hernandez gone and Rob Gronkowski constantly injured. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a fantastic receiver who can help Tom Brady stretch the field.
29. Kansas City Chiefs Jason Verrett, CB
The Kansas City defense has been wonderful for Andy Reid this year but the secondary still remains an issue at times. Verrett is a shutdown corner who can become an interception machine. For an offense that struggles to score at times they need as much possessions as possible.
30. New Orleans Saints Ryan Shazier, LB
The Saints' defense has improved greatly under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan but it still needs some new young talent. Shazier is an athletic linebacker who can put pressure on the QB but can also be a great tackler in space.
21. Seattle Seahawks Cyril Richardson, OL
With Russell Wilson the Seahawks definitely need as much linemen as possible to protect him. Richardson did a great job protecting Bryce Petty this year and he already fits in well in explosive offenses.
32. Denver Broncos Stephen Tuitt, DL
The Broncos have struggled to get pressure on opponents this year. Much of that is due to the loss of Von Miller but drafting Tuitt from Notre Dame should still help.
Although it hasn't been anywhere near the season people expected from Clowney, he still is tough to pass by. The athletic end would give the Texans one scary pass rush with J.J. Watt.
2. St. Louis Rams (from Redskins) Jake Matthews, OT
This year's draft isn't as stacked with offensive linemen as last years but it has one heck of a talent in Matthews from Texas A&M. Matthews could start immediately if Roger Saffold ditches in free agency but has the athleticism to play a number of spots on the line.
3. Atlanta Falcons Anthony Barr, LB
It is clear the Falcons need a better pass rush for a defense that has been exposed a lot this year. Barr, who was been dominant off the edge this season for UCLA will immediately help.
4. Oakland Raiders Louis Nix, DT
No one would be surprised if the Raiders were to pick up Bridgewater here it wouldn't be a surprise, considering they are struggling with Matt McGloin and Terrelle Pryor. But, the defense still has gaping holes and they need an enforcer up front. Plus, a QB could be available here in the second round.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars Teddy Bridgewater, QB
It is clear that the Jags cannot go one more season with Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert at quarterback and Bridgewater will immediately bring toughness and leadership to a weak offense.
6. Minnesota Vikings Brett Hundley, QB
Hundley may not have the recognition of a Johnny Manziel but he looks like he will be a better NFL QB. He is bigger, just as athletic and a lot less of a loose cannon on Manziel off the field. He will be comfortable in the offense right away with playmakers surrounding him like Adrian Peterson and Cordarelle Patterson.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaners Cyrus Kouandjio, OT
Kouandjio could skyrocket up draft boards in the months leading up to the draft because of his impressive physique and potential. Tampa still doesn't know who their future quarterback is, but drafting someone to protect them should help.
8. Cleveland Browns Mike Evans, WR
The Browns are another team that could look at Johnny Manziel here like Tampa but they also need someone to throw to with Josh Gordon's future in Cleveland in question. Evans, Sammy Watkins or Allen Robinson could all help.
9. New York Jets Sammy Watkins, WR
The Jets really need some offensive playmakers to help surround Geno Smith and the explosive
 |
| Sammy Watkins |
10. Pittsburgh Steelers Taylor Lewan, OT
The Michigan talent Lewan could well have been a Top 10 prospect last year and could easily by drafted as the No. 1 offensive tackle. Pittsburgh continues to search for a better offensive line to protect Ben Roethlisberger and he could get out and lead the improving running game.
11. Buffalo Bills Khalil Mack, LB
I'm super high on Khalil Mack, who is already in the area at Buffalo University. Mack showed he can perform against top level talent earlier in the year against Ohio State and will bring an added pass rush for the Bills.
12. Tennessee Titans HaHa Clinton-Dix, S
Help in the secondary is a need for the Titans, who have been very weak at times against the pass. If they want to shut down Andrew Luck in the following years they could use Clinton-Dix. Clinton-Dix brings a hard-hitting imposing defensive back, much like what the Titans had with Cortland Finnegan.
13. New York Giants C.J. Mosley, LB
Over the years the Giants have lacked a talent at linebacker and their pass defense has been suspect at times. Mosley is a great coverage linebacker who has incredible range around the field and is very disciplined.
14. St. Louis Rams Eric Ebron, TE
The Rams haven't had a great option at tight end this year and the field-stretching Ebron could be a good pick here. Ebron could continue to upgrade the talent around Sam Bradford after adding Tavon Austin last season.
15. San Diego Chargers Vic Beasley, DE
Beasley could well jump up draft boards if he can perform well against Ohio State in the Orange Bowl. Beasley is a versatile pass rusher who can play linebacker and give the Chargers their best pass rusher since Shawne Merriman.
16. Chicago Bears Kyle Van Noy, DE/LB
I have Van Noy a lot higher than other people's draft boards because I think the Bears really need him to upgrade a weak rush defense. Van Noy has the size and speed to pressure opponents at either end or 'backer and has tremendous upside.
17. Green Bay Packers Jace Amaro, TE
Tight end is a huge need for the Packers with Jeremichael Finley's future unclear. Amaro has had a monster year at Texas Tech and is just as big as a threat in the passing game as Finley. Amaro has great hands and is too fast for many linebackers.
18. Miami Dolphins Antonio Richardson, OT
The Dolphins thought they had fixed their offensive line by picking up Johnathan Martin last year but they will enter 2014 with the same issue with the questions on it after the Richie Incognito scandal this year. Richardson, a talented tackle from Tennessee will help from the start.
19. Arizona Cardinals Cam Erving, OT
For years the Cardinals' offensive line has been terrible and the lone drafting of UNC guard Jonathan Cooper won't help change that much. Florida State talent Cam Erving has the potential to be a star but falls to No. 19 because he hasn't proven himself yet.
20. Dallas Cowboys Ra'Shede Hagemen, DT
Demarcus Ware has been a monster at defensive end for the Cowboys this year but the team still needs to improve it's rush defense. Hagemen has been a big reason why the Gophers' defense has taken big steps this year.
21. Baltimore Ravens Marqise Lee, WR
Baltimore did not give Joe Flacco that much help at receiver this year to help out their new franchise QB. If they can upgrade at either tight end or wide receiver it would help a ton. The speedy, playmaking Lee could well be a dependable option for years for the Ravens.
22. Detroit Lions Davante Adams, WR
Imagine in a couple years how scary this Lions' offense could be if Calvin Johnson stays healthy, Matthew Stafford develops into a consistent quarterback and Adams turns into a stud receiver alongside Megatron. Adams is a game-changing receiver who might declare early from Fresno State.
23. Philadelphia Eagles Scott Crichton, DE/LB
Big things are coming from the Eagles' offense but the teams lacks a consistent young playmaker in their front seven. Crichton, a pass rusher from Oregon State, hasn't been great this year after a fantastic 2012 but it still a pass rushing threat.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Colts) Johnny Manziel, QB
Manziel is dropping here, further than most mock drafts, but I still have questions about him and scouts do too. He may not fit in right away with Cleveland but the explosiveness he will bring to their offense is not a question although Blake Bortles may be a safer pick here.
25. Cincinnati Bengals Darqueze Dennard, CB
The Bengals have Leon Hall at one cornerback slot, but he has struggled with a torn Achilles. The selection of shutdown corner Darqueze Dennard from Michigan State could help improve a secondary that needs more youth.
26. Carolina Panthers James Hurst, OT
The future of the Panthers' offensive line could be in real question this offseason with Jordan Gross possibly retiring. Anyway you look at it Hurst could help Cam Newton out now and in the future.
27. San Francisco Niners Ifo Ekpre-Olumu, CB
As good as the Niners' defense has been in the Jim Harbaugh era the secondary has been a question mark. Ekpre-Olumu is a super athletic cornerback who could make an impact right away in San Francisco's defense.
28. New England Patriots Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
It is clear that the strength of this Patriot offense has become an issue. The tight end position is a question with Aaron Hernandez gone and Rob Gronkowski constantly injured. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a fantastic receiver who can help Tom Brady stretch the field.
29. Kansas City Chiefs Jason Verrett, CB
The Kansas City defense has been wonderful for Andy Reid this year but the secondary still remains an issue at times. Verrett is a shutdown corner who can become an interception machine. For an offense that struggles to score at times they need as much possessions as possible.
30. New Orleans Saints Ryan Shazier, LB
The Saints' defense has improved greatly under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan but it still needs some new young talent. Shazier is an athletic linebacker who can put pressure on the QB but can also be a great tackler in space.
21. Seattle Seahawks Cyril Richardson, OL
With Russell Wilson the Seahawks definitely need as much linemen as possible to protect him. Richardson did a great job protecting Bryce Petty this year and he already fits in well in explosive offenses.
32. Denver Broncos Stephen Tuitt, DL
The Broncos have struggled to get pressure on opponents this year. Much of that is due to the loss of Von Miller but drafting Tuitt from Notre Dame should still help.
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