2014 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Number 17: Green Bay Packers – Eric Ebron TE – North Carolina
With Jermichael Finley set to hit the open market, the Green Bay Packers will be on the look at for a younger tight end. The debate between whether they will take Ebron or Amaro can turn into a real fun argument. They are both great prospects, however, I believe that Ebron will end up to be the better fit for the Packers.
Number 18: San Diego Chargers – Jason Verrett CB – TCU
This might be the biggest need for the San Diego Chargers as they rank almost dead last in passing yards allowed per game. Although Jason Verrett might be a bit undersized, he is a very good cover corner and would do wonders for this Chargers secondary. He needs to put on some weight, however, his upside is tremendous.
Number 19: Baltimore Ravens – Khalil Mack OLB – Buffalo
Throughout his collegiate career Khalil Mack has been one of the best linebackers in the history of NCAA football. He is a tremendous tackler and can really help make an impact on a defense that has been somewhat average this season. He isn’t Ray Lewis, but he might be the next best young replacement.
Number 20: Arizona Cardinals – Antonio Richardson OT – Tennessee
The Cardinals are a team that will be in the market for an offensive tackle. This team has struggled throughout the course of the season when it comes to protecting Carson Palmer. Richardson would be a nice pickup and upgrade for the Cardinals.
Number 21: Miami Dolphins – Cameron Erving OT – Florida State
This is an obvious pick for the Miami Dolphins. Throughout this season they have played with a make shift line and Ryan Tannehill has suffered because of it. Even though they have protected better as of late, they still need a franchise tackle to go with their franchise quarterback.
Number 22: Chicago Bears – Louis Nix DT – Notre Dame
The addition of Louis Nix to the Bears defense would be huge as this team struggles up front in terms of stopping the run. Yes, Nix might come along with some health concerns, however, his talent is undeniable and it is definitely worth giving him a shot late in the first round.
Number 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB – Oregon
The Eagles ranked 31st in pass defense this season. Clearly, their secondary isn’t their forte. Olomu can immediately step in and help this very porous Eagles secondary.
Number 24: Cleveland Browns (From Indianapolis) – Marqise Lee WR – Southern Cal
With the Browns drafting a quarterback earlier in the first round it is not uncommon for teams to help supply their young signal callers with some new receivers. The pairing of Lee with Gordon and Cameron would instantly make the Browns offense a potential threat.
Number 25: Cincinnati Bengals – Ryan Shazier OLB – Ohio State
Ryan Shazier is coming off an absolutely incredible season at Ohio State. The junior linebacker recorded 134 tackles with 22.5 of them going for a loss. Shazier has incredible speed for his position and really good on ball instincts. With Vontaze Burfict already in Cincinnati, Shazier can help sure up the position for the next few years.
Number 26: New England Patriots – Jace Amaro TE – Texas Tech
Rob Gronkowski cannot stay healthy on a consistent basis and we all know how much Tom Brady loves his tight ends. Amaro would come in and instantly be inserted into a huge role on this offense. Not only is Amaro quick on his feet, but he also runs tremendous routes. The dual threat tight end offense might be back in New England next season.
Number 27: New Orleans Saints – Kony Ealy DE – Missouri
Outside of Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette, the New Orleans Saints lack a consistent pass rusher. They have struggled at times in key situations this season when trying to rush the passer. Kony Ealy has come on as of late and had a strong game against Auburn in the SEC Championship game.
Number 28: Kansas City Chiefs – Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE – Washington
The Kansas City Chiefs have lacked a seam target for Alex Smith all season long. If you look back to San Francisco, Alex Smith has always had a great tight end to throw to. They need an upgrade at the position and Jenkins is the best tight end available.
Number 29: Carolina Panthers – Kelvin Benjamin WR – Florida State
I think all the questions about Cam Newton have been answered this season. Newton is playing tremendous football and has this team in a position to earn a first round bye headed into the playoffs. Cam could use another receiver on the outside to go with the aging Steve Smith. Benjamin has just about everything you would want in a receiver. He is tall, he is fast, and he runs precise routes and has excellent hands.
Number 30: San Francisco 49’ers – Aaron Colvin CB – Oklahoma
The 49’ers desperately need to revive their secondary. They haven’t had the best of play from their corners this season and Carlos Rogers, who will be turning 33 has declined tremendously and will be owed a ton of money.
Number 31: Denver Broncos – Gabe Jackson G – Mississippi State
I believe the Broncos will use their late first round pick to continue to help and protect quarterback Peyton Manning. Jackson is one of the top rated prospects at the guard position.
Number 32: Seattle Seahawks – Cyril Richardson OG – Baylor
If you look at where the Seahawks struggled most this season it is defending Russell Wilson. Wilson has been sacked and pressured far more than Pete Carroll likes.