2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Number 17: Dallas Cowboys – HaHa Clinton-Dix S – Alabama
The Cowboys have been historically bad this season on the defensive side of the ball. With the money and high draft pick invested in their corners, it is important for them to continue to build the secondary. HaHa Clinton Dix is the best safety to come out of this year’s draft. He has elite ball hawking skills and is freakishly athletic.
Number 18: New York Jets – Jace Amaro TE – Texas Tech
The Jets desperately need another receiver for Geno Smith. Santonio Holmes recently said he is willing to take a pay cut to remain with the team. While that is good news for the Jets, they still lack a real offensive threat. Jace Amaro is arguably the best tight end in this year’s draft and could provide Smith with a nice security blanket.
Number 19: Miami Dolphins – Taylor Lewan OT – Michigan
The Dolphins gave up their opportunity to make the postseason late in the season. One of the biggest reasons they failed to make it was due to the fact that their offensive line crumbled. Lewan would instantly be inserted as the starter and would be an obvious upgrade. Tannehill needs some sort of protection if Miami wants him to continue to develop.
Number 20: Arizona Cardinals – Cameron Erving OT – Florida State
The Cardinals were a very good team last season and it was a shame they missed the playoffs. Everything really came together for them last season. The weakest link on a very deep team was the offensive line. With Jonathan Cooper coming back, the Cardinals could drastically improve their team with just one pick.
Number 21: Green Bay Packers – Kony Ealy DE – Missouri
The Green Bay Packers are really in need for a player who can consistently provide pressure off the edge. Ealy could learn an extra thing or two from All-Pro linebacker and top tier pass rusher, Clay Matthews. Ealy’s stock has rose tremendously after he closed off his junior campaign with multiple dominating performances.
Number 22: Philadelphia Eagles – Ra’Shede Hageman DT – Minnesota
Despite drafting Fletcher Cox in the first round a couple of years back, the Eagles could still use some additional help in the front seven. They could also draft a corner as they struggled severely throughout the season in defending the pass. This Eagles defense is decent, but will need to be upgraded big time if they want to continue to compete within the NFC East.
Number 23: Kansas City Chiefs – Kelvin Benjamin WR – Florida State
The Kansas City Chiefs had one of the best offenses in the league last season. That still shouldn’t stop them from snagging Kelvin Benjamin at the 23rd spot. Benjamin is a receiver who has everything a team likes. He has the size, speed and athleticism to really contribute to this offense.
Number 24: Cincinnati Bengals – Louis Nix DT – Notre Dame
The Bengals don’t really have one major need. They have a lot of young players who are continuing to develop and will get better. With Geno Atkins coming off a major injury, the Bengals might want to add some extra depth to the tackle position.
Number 25: San Diego Chargers – Justin Gilbert CB – Oklahoma State
The Chargers really surprised a lot of people with their late run to not only make the playoffs, but to advance out of the first round. Even with their success, they are still very weak in the passing defense. Gilbert is one of the highest ranked corners in this draft and could really help sure up their secondary.
Number 26: Cleveland Browns (From Indianapolis) – Jordan Matthews WR – Vanderbilt
Now that the Browns have a quarterback, they need to go get him some more toys. A combination of Manziel, Gordon and Matthews would be very ideal. They still need a running back to complete their offense, but Matthews would be a very reliable option for Manziel.
Number 27: New Orleans Saints – Stephon Tuitt DE – Notre Dame
The Saints are really in need for a player who can consistently provide pressure off the edge. With great size and athleticism, Tuitt would be able to provide the Saints with another quality pass rush. He will be a perfect fit in Rob Ryan’s 3-4 defensive scheme.
Number 28: Carolina Panthers – Allen Robinson WR – Penn State
With Steve Smith getting a bit older, the Panthers might want to consider spending a late first round pick on a wide out. Don’t get me wrong, Smith still has plenty of play left in him, however, giving Cam Newton a young, fresh weapon might be exactly what he needs.
Number 29: New England Patriots – Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE – Washington
Well, Tom Brady was able to get through an entire season with a college quarterback as his best receiver. While Edelman has come on in a big way, Tom Brady is going to need some more help. With Hernandez gone forever and Gronkowski constantly finding himself on the injury report, the Patriots need to sure up the tight end position. Brady loves his tight ends and he will quickly fall in love with Jenkins.
Number 30: San Francisco 49’ers – Jason Verrett CB – TCU
The 49’ers could really use the addition of another young cornerback. Carlos Rogers isn’t getting any younger and has even had some injury issues throughout the playoffs. They need help at the corner position and Verrett is a very good coverage corner.
Number 31: Denver Broncos – Calvin Pryor S – Louisville
One of the biggest positions the Broncos could upgrade heading into next season is the safety position. Mike Adams production has slipped quite a bit and he will also be turning 33 next season. Pryor is a playmaking safety who doesn’t shy away from contact. Would be a nice addition to the Broncos defense.
Number 32: Seattle Seahawks – Zack Martin G – Notre Dame
Throughout the season the Seahawks biggest Achilles heel has been the play of their offensive line. It hasn’t been a huge problem, but it could still be something worth addressing. Zack Martin is a very versatile player as he can play either the tackle or the guard position.