Conor Cahill’s 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Version 1.1
By Conor Cahill
17. Baltimore Ravens: WR Marqise Lee, USC Trojans
The Ravens offense has struggled this season without Anquan Boldin. Marqise Lee was the best receiver in the draft heading into the draft, so the Ravens will be happy if he falls to them at #17. Lee is getting no love after having an average season with an average quarterback, multiple play callers, and a whole bunch of drama at USC. He is still a great route-runner and receiver, as seen in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Previous Pick: WR Davante Adams.
18. New York Jets: WR Davante Adams, Fresno State Bulldogs
If the Jets believe Geno Smith is good enough to groom into their future QB, it’s time to start surrounding Geno Smith with real weapons. Davante Adams has the speed to stretch a defense. Adams could easily go in the top-15, however like Derek Carr, most of his tape is against lesser competition, which could cause him to be drafted later than expected. The Jets will take a chance on him if it means it will help the development of Geno Smith.
Previous Pick: WR Mike Evans.
19. Miami Dolphins: OT Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama Crimson Tide
The Dolphins did nothing to replace Jake Long on the offensive line, and the offense has struggled because of it. Kouandjio is the second Alabama player coming off the board, and is the best offensive line prospect remaining. Cyrus Kouandjio is a physical specimen for a lineman who gets off the line quickly and establishes running lanes early. He still has work to do in passing protection, but he has shown improvement.
20. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State Buckeyes
The Cardinals have a thing for bringing in old pass rushers, but never seem to be able to get a young stud. Now is their chance. Ryan Shazier is very fast and instinctive, recording over 22 tackles for loss this season at Ohio State. The Cardinals could also target an offensive tackle here, especially if Kouandjio is still available.
21. Green Bay Packers: ILB CJ Mosley, Alabama Crimson Tide
Despite not having Aaron Rodgers for most of the season, the Packers defense has not given them many chances to win. CJ Mosely probably has the talent to be a top-15 pick, so the Packers are getting good value at #21. Mosely is an elite athlete coming from one of the best defenses in college football. Mosely should be able to make an immediate impact in the Packers’ rush defense, and has the athleticism and instincts to become great in the passing game.
22. San Diego Chargers: NT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Nix’s knee surgery is already a concern for most teams. The Chargers have had a huge hole in the middle ever since Jamal Williams left a few years ago. Cam Thomas is a backup at best and adding Nix would turn turn the defensive line into one of the best in the NFL with Kendall Reyes and Corey Liuget. Having that inside presence will also make things easier for the outside rushers and secondary. The Chargers could also look to draft a CB here, and they will surely draft on the defensive side.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson Tigers
The Eagles need to add some explosion to their defense to match that offense. Vic Beasley is exactly that: explosive. Beasley is quick of the line and uses that as his main method of attack. By pushing offensive lineman on their heels from the snap, Beasley drives them back with a strong bull rush. If Beasley can add some moves to his arsenal, he could be dangerous in the NFL. The Eagles may also elect to pick a corner.
24. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss Rebels
The Chiefs defense must have the most drastic change in draft position in 1 year in NFL history. Defense has been the key to that turnaround, but their offense is the thing holding them back. Moncrief does not possess burning speed, but is an excellent route runner and gets in and out of cuts very quickly. He has quick acceleration and has made some great catches this year. Moncrief is not getting as much publicity as higher profile receiver prospects Mike Evans, Marqise Lee, or Sammy Watkins, but could be just as good if not better than all of them as a pure receiver. Moncrief would be a huge asset for Alex Smith and the Chiefs.
Previous Pick: OLB Kyle Van Noy.
25. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Bengals have relied on Pacman Jones and Terrence Newman for a little too long. Besides, If Mike Zimmer gets a head coaching offer in the offseason, the Bengals D will most likely take a step back. They need to get younger in the secondary, and Gilbert is possibly the best CB in the draft. He is a physical ballhawk on the outside and would add plenty of athleticism to improve the Bengals secondary. He could also replace Leon Hall in a few years.
26. Cleveland Browns (IND): OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M Aggies
The Browns already selected Blake Bortles earlier in the draft. Now, they need to keep him clean. Ogbuehi played both guard and tackle at Texas A&M. He is strong and fast, able to block on the move. His style fits Blake Bortles’ ability to move around in and out of the pocket. The Browns may also want to take another receiver to pair with Josh Gordon if there are any left that are worth a top-25 selection.
Previous Pick: OG David Yankey.
27. New Orleans Saints: OT Cameron Erving, Florida State Seminoles
New Orleans didn’t allow a bunch of sacks this season, but when Brees isn’t kept upright, this offense completely stalls. The Saints still need to replace Carl Nicks and Jermon Bushrod on the left side. Cameron Erving could be a top-15 pick, so the Saints should take him if he falls to #27. Cameron Erving is athletic and aggressive on the line and will improve the running lanes for Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram as well.
28. New England Patriots: DE Ra’shede Hageman, Minnesota Gophers
The Patriots need to add some protection for Tom Brady and get younger along the defensive line. Unfortunately, most of the premier offensive line prospects are off the board. Ra’shede Hageman is a nice consolation prize though. He is the 2nd best DT prospect in the draft, boasting a huge frame and often unmatched strength. He consistently gets penetration in the middle and disrupts the pocket for opposing QBs with 11 tackles for loss.
29. San Francisco 49ers: CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon Ducks
The Niners need some help in the secondary. Olomu is strong enough to press against bigger receivers and quick enough to keep smaller, faster receivers from getting any separation. Coach Harbaugh and DC Vic Fangio love guys that are athletic and force turnovers. Olomu picked off 4 passes this season along with 6 forced fumbles.
Previous Pick: DE Trent Murphy
30. Carolina Panthers: WR Allen Robinson, Penn State Nittany Lions
The Panthers have needed another wide receiver for a long, long time. Steve Smith can still get it done, but not for much longer. Robinson has the height, hands, and hops to be a #1 receiver in the NFL. He doesn’t have elite speed, but would be a great compliment to the speedy Steve Smith.
31. Denver Broncos: OG Cyril Richardson, Baylor Bears
The Broncos’ offensive line has suffered greatly form injuries this season. Starters Ryan Clady and Dan Koppen both went down before the season started. Manning still put up the best passing performance in a season in NFL history, so imagine what he could do with some depth in the offensive line. Richardson is a huge lineman, and must keep his weight down in the NFL. However, Manning doesn’t move much, so he would be a good pick for the Broncos.
32. Seattle Seahawks: TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington Huskies
Seferian-Jenkins will stick around in Seattle to give Russell Wilson a legit red zone threat and add some consistency to the offense. Sidney Rice isn’t dependable and Percy Harvin could barely crack the field and Wilson still looked great. Jenkins is a huge target for Wilson and would add another dimension to the offense that ranks 2nd in rushing but only 24th in passing.
Thanks for checking out my Version 1.1 2014 NFL Mock Draft. I will be updating it each week until the NFL Draft on May 8th.