2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
*Revised January 20th, 2014 – 8:11 P.M.
Number 1: Houston Texans – Teddy Bridgewater QB – Louisville
I’m not buying into all of this hype that the Texans will draft either Jadeveon Clowney or Johnny Manziel. While they’re both very talented players, Bridgewater is not only the most NFL ready, but also has the highest upside in my opinion. The Texans biggest hole is the quarterback position and Bridgewater is the best one available.
Number 2: St. Louis Rams (From Washington) – Sammy Watkins WR – Clemson
Originally I had St. Louis drafting an offensive lineman at the second spot, however, this draft is one of the deepest for offensive lineman in years and with the Rams holding the 13th pick, they can easily grab one there. If you saw the Orange Bowl, you would realize that Sammy Watkins is an absolute stud. He would be Sam Bradford’s best receiver that he has ever had. Watkins, Austin, Cook and Stacy would give St. Louis one of the better group at the skilled positions in the league.
Number 3: Jacksonville Jaguars – Jadeveon Clowney DE – South Carolina
While the Jaguars could draft a quarterback at this position, I think they will go with Clowney. Other than Andrew Luck, they aren’t really in a division with great quarterbacks. If the Texans do draft a quarterback, look for the Jaguars to draft Clowney. Defense is the most important part of any team and the Jags defense would improve dramatically if they snag a talent like Clowney.
Number 4: Cleveland Browns – Johnny Manziel QB – Texas A&M
This is a toss-up pick for me. Do they draft Manziel or do they draft Bortles? While either one of those quarterbacks would be nice for Cleveland, Manziel might be the better choice. He would bring a much needed attitude and swagger to a dead and unenergetic franchise.
Number 5: Oakland Raiders – Blake Bortles QB – Central Florida
Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin have both played very well for Oakland this season, however, neither of them are the future. That’s just my opinion though. Maybe the Raiders front office want to draft defense or skilled player and give McGloin or Pryor another season. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
Number 6: Atlanta Falcons – Greg Robinson OT – Auburn
The Falcons offensive line was pretty dreadful all season. While they could use some help on defense, protecting star quarterback Matt Ryan should be Atlanta’s main focus. Robinson was very dominate this past season at Auburn. Don’t be surprised if Matt Ryan comes out vouching for a lineman.
Number 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Eric Ebron TE – North Carolina
Eric Ebron might not even be here at seven come draft day, but if he is, then Tampa must take him. They already have Vincent Jackson and a very good group of running backs. The only thing missing for Mike Glennon is a tight end that can open up the middle of the field. Ebron would be the ideal pick for a Tampa offense that could end up being very good this season.
Number 8: Minnesota Vikings – Anthony Barr LB – UCLA
With Jared Allen due a bunch of money this offseason the Vikings might be looking to deal him or let him go. They need to get younger and better in terms of rushing the passer. Anthony Barr would be a suitable pick for the Vikings since there is no real top qb for them to pick.
Number 9: Buffalo Bills – Khalil Mack LB – Buffalo
Not only do the Bills have an exceptional pass rush, but they also found gold last season in Kiko Alonso. With the addition of Mack, Buffalo would arguably have one of the best front seven’s in the AFC. With the inevitable departure of Jarius Byrd the Bills could be in the market to draft a safety. While it might be a little bit too high to draft one here, I could easily see them trading back into the first round from pick 29-32.
Number 10: Detroit Lions – Mike Evans WR – Texas A&M
The Detroit Lions have lacked a legitimate second receiver over the past few seasons. Mike Evans would come in and give Detroit another big bodied receivers. Not only would he take off tons of pressure from Megatron, but he easily be able to catch 70-80 balls in his rookie season. This should be an easy one for Detroit.
Number 11: Tennessee Titans – C.J. Mosley LB – Alabama
The Tennessee Titans defense is pretty stout, however, they have a huge need for an inside linebacker. C.J. Mosley has been regarded as one of the best inside linebackers in this draft and would fill a much needed hole for the Titans.
Number 12: New York Giants – Jake Matthews OT – Texas A&M
Like many teams in the league, the offensive line is the top position that needs to be addressed for New York. With David Diehl retiring, a new spot has opened up on the line. Jake Matthews was projected a top 3 pick by many, however, due to need his stock has fallen a bit. The Giants shouldn’t complain as they could be getting a franchise tackle.
Number 13: St. Louis Rams – Cyrus Kouandjio OT – Alabama
And this is the pick that I was talking about earlier. There is plenty of depth at the line position in this draft and the Rams have the possibility to grab one of the best and most experienced one. Kouandjio has excelled at the tackle position in Alabama throughout his collegiate career. It is important that they get some additional protection for Bradford. This should be their guy.
Number 14: Chicago Bears – Tim Jernigan DT – Florida State
Tim Jernigan was absolute dominate in his final season with the Seminoles. Many have questioned Jernigan’s work ethic after we all saw him clearly winded in the fourth quarter of the National Championship, however, it has since come out that he was battling an illness. Jernigan is a big body that the Bears would love to have up front.
Number 15: Pittsburgh Steelers – Darqueze Dennard CB – Michigan State
Darqueze Dennard is by far the best coverage corner in this year’s draft. Ike Taylor, who is the Steelers best cornerback will turn 34 years of age before the season starts. Dennard would be the smart pick for
Pittsburgh in this position. It’s hard to find great coverage corners and Dennard is definitely a great one.
Number 16: Baltimore Ravens – Marqise Lee WR – Southern California
He’s not Sammy Watkins and he’s not Mike Evans, but the Ravens really need a receiver. Other than Torrey Smith (who barely reached 1,000 yards), the Ravens top three leading receivers finished the season with 524 and 455 receiving yards. That’s just not going to do it in this NFL anymore.