Breaking news, rankings, predictions and analysis all in one place.

NFL Mock Draft Edition 3

1. Houston Texans Teddy Bridgewater, QB
New head coach Bill O'Brien needs a smart, young quarterback to engineer his offense and the durable Bridgewater would fit his system much better than any other top QB prospect in this draft.
2. St. Louis Rams Greg Robinson, OT
It would be extremely tempting for the Rams to look at Manziel or Bortles here but sticking with Bradford would be the smarter decision for now. He needs better protection and Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson would keep him more comfortable in the pocket, protecting his blindside.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars Jadeveon Clowney, DE
It is very clear the Jaguars have lacked much consistency or talent at quarterback for years but a fierce pass rusher would work wonders for a defense that isn't necessarily great either. Clowney would give Jacksonville the disruptive force they need.
4. Cleveland Browns Johnny Manziel, QB
Johnny Manziel
The Browns need to win and win now. Durability is a huge concern for Manziel, considering his size, and he may not last as long in the NFL as others. But, he will bring immediate excitement and energy to an offense that has some at least one piece to work with in wide receiver Josh Gordon.
5. Oakland Raiders Sammy Watkins, WR
Oakland really missed on their last first-round wide receiver draft selection (Darius Heyward-Bey). If both Bridgewater and Manziel are off the board by this pick Watkins should be their selection if they want to improve their passing game, which has been atrocious for years.
6. Atlanta Falcons Jake Matthews, OT
As much talent as Atlanta has their offensive line proved to be a major issue last season. Matthews would help prolong the career of Matt Ryan by protecting his blindside and would help a run game that was nonexistent through much of 2013.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaners Anthony Barr, LB
Lovie Smith is a known defensive coach who needs a great group of linebackers to make his defense work. Barr is one of the best pass-rushers in this year's draft and would bring a player that Smith can coach up, he is just scratching the surface of his potential.
8. Minnesota Vikings Blake Bortles, QB
Perhaps no team had as terrible and weird quarterback situation as the Vikings did last year, constantly switching between Matt Cassel, Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman. Cassell will void his contract and likely go elsewhere meaning Minnesota needs a QB in this draft. Bortles would be a steal here.
9. Buffalo Bills Khalil Mack, LB
Playing in the MAC, Mack never got the respect he deserves but is a top-flight athlete. Along with second-year 'backer Kiko Alonso the Bills would possess two young linebackers with fantastic range and instincts.
10. Detroit Lions Darqueze Dennard, CB
The 2013 Jim Thorpe Award Winner, Dennard is by far the best cornerback in this draft and should definitely top the Lions' draft board. Dennard would give Detroit a physical corner to help a team that has struggled in defending the pass for years.
11. Tennessee Titans HaHa Clinton-Dix, S
Tennessee is an odd position here at No. 11. They need a quarterback or pass rusher but the best at all those positions are off the board. Trading away this pick could be an option here but if they keep it they should pick up Alabama product HaHa Clinton-Dix to improve an average secondary.
12. New York Giants Taylor Lewan, OT
The Giants' offense was terrible in 2013 and although it was a bunch of things combined together an improved offensive line would do wonders. Lewan isn't a complete tackle yet, but he is tough and has great size and will be tough for New York to pass up on.
13. St. Louis Rams Mike Evans, WR
Now that the Rams have addressed the clear issue of their offensive line they need to continue surrounding Bradford with talent. Evans is a true talent who can change games, making big plays on jump balls and deep balls.
14. Chicago Bears Louis Nix, DT
Chicago's rush defense was an obvious concern for them throughout much of last year and Nix would help fill some rushing lanes and also brings a monster who can provide some pass rush for a defense that needs it.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Donald, DT
The once-proud Steel Curtain that is the Pittsburgh defense has grown old and needs some youth. Donald had a fantastic year for the Pittsburgh University Panthers and should give the Steelers a future pass-rusher.
16. Baltimore Ravens Kelvin Benjamin, WR
Baltimore's offense had a bunch of issues last season and Joe Flacco needs another reliable target in the passing game. Benjamin might be a little risky this high but his size and playmaking potential could make him a stud in a year or two.
17. Dallas Cowboys Kony Ealy, DL
Getting rid of Rob Ryan didn't really help the Dallas' defense; in fact they struggled even worse. The secondary was terrible last season but an improved rush defense should be the top priority. Ealy has the NFL size to dominate on the next level.
18. New York Jets Marqise Lee, WR
If the Jets really want Geno Smith to turn into a franchise quarterback they are going to need to surround him with some playmakers. Lee, who won the 2012 Biletnikoff, has the speed to change games and is lethal when healthy.
19. Miami Dolphins Cyrus Kouandjio, OT
Who knows what will happen with this Miami offensive line after the Jonathan Martin situation. Kouandjio has the potential to blossom into one of the best linemen in the NFL and do what Martin didn't; protect Ryan Tannehill.
20. Arizona Cardinals Zack Martin, OT
The Cardinals are in need of some more playmakers on the offensive end but their offensive line is an even bigger concern. Martin is a beast of a tackle that will bring an immediate impact to a line that could never protect Carson Palmer last year.
21. Green Bay Packers Justin Gilbert, CB
Green Bay's offense certainly can put up a lot points when Aaron Rodgers is healthy but their secondary still has some issues. Gilbert is a ball-hawking cornerback who also has the versatility to play some safety as well.
22. Philadelphia Eagles C.J. Mosley, LB
If Mosley drops all the way down here, it will be extremely difficult for any team not to take him. The Alabama linebacker is very smart and is tough and should bring a rangy linebacker to the Eagles' new look defense.
23. Kansas City Chiefs Eric Ebron, TE
The Chiefs definitely need some help in their passing game where Alex Smith lacked some consistent playmakers. Ebron is a very athletic tight end who can help the Chiefs stretch the field and open up rushing lanes for Jamaal Charles.
24. Cincinnati Bengals Jason Verrett, CB
Age is hurting the Bengals as Terrene Newman's career appears to be on it's last legs and Leon Hall is injury-prone. Verrett is a shutdown corner who has incredible athleticism and has proven he can be an interception machine.
25. San Diego Chargers Dee Ford, DE
Ford was a big reason why the Tigers' defense took huge steps this past season and could bring a much-needed pass rusher who has the experience and speed to help an inconsistent San Diego defense.
26. Cleveland Browns Odell Beckham, WR
Josh Gordon had a terrific 2013 season without any consistent quarterback but playmakers beyond him is a major concern. Beckham is a sure-handed option who should provide some reliable help for Manziel.
27. New Orleans Saints Ra'Shede Hagemen, DT
New Orleans' rush defense has been very exposed the past couple of years and Hagemen would really help. He has fantastic size and had a monster senior season with Minnesota and would really improve the Saints.
28. Carolina Panthers Calvin Pryor, S
NFL Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly and the rest of the Carolina front seven are fantastic but the secondary was little spotty at times. Pryor is a fantastic, experienced safety who has proven he has fantastic coverage ability.
29. New England Patriots Jace Amaro, TE
The Pat's offense has always used tight ends very well but they are in a tough situation now with Aaron Hernandez gone and Rob Gronkowski always injured. Amaro is more of a receiver than a prototypical tight end who can find space anywhere on the field.
30. San Francisco Niners Timmy Jernigan, DT
Jernigan has the beast in the middle of Florida State's dominant defense and could play much the same role with the Niners. He could be extremely productive with Aldon Smith opening up lanes by occupying linemen on the edge.
31. Denver Broncos Kyle Van Noy, LB
Denver's offense was the big reason why they ran all the way to the Super Bowl but their defense wasn't very reliable last year after Von Miller's injury. Van Noy is a beast of a pass rusher who can make plays all across the field.
32. Seattle Seahawks David Yankey, OG
Marshawn Lynch is fantastic all by himself but if he gets even more help from his offensive line and guards he can be amazing. Yankey was incredible throughout his entire career at Stanford and should really help out Lynch.

No comments:

Theme images by LUGO. Powered by Blogger.