2014 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10

Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of the Russell Athletic Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NFL Draft is still decently far away, but most teams already know where they will be picking come this spring.

In my first attempt at an NFL mock draft this year, i’ll only be selecting for the top 10 teams in the draft. In a few weeks, when the draft order is final and the Super Bowl is over, I will unveil my 32 team mock draft. For now, I will supply you with my top 10 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Houston Texans | Pick 1 | QB | Teddy Bridgewater | Louisville

Matt Schaub and Case Keenum both failed miserably for the Texans in 2013. Bridgewater would be a good pick by Bill O’Brien and the Texans. Houston possesses playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, which would make the transition easier for Bridgewater. Most first overall picks aren’t given the opportunity to play with the likes of Arian Foster, DeAndre Hopkins, and Andre Johnson. It’s also worth noting that Houston has a franchise left tackle in Duane Brown, something that is necessary in developing a young QB.

I’m sure a portion of the Texans fan base would like to see Houston go with Manziel here, but Bridgewater is the safer, smarter pick. If Houston passes on Bridgewater, it’ll likely be to pair Jadeveon Clowney with J.J. Watt (which would be horrifying).

St. Louis Rams (from Washington) | Pick 2 | OT | Jake Matthews | Texas A&M

I think it’s a very realistic possibility that the Rams end up trading the 2nd overall pick for the second time in three years. It would make sense because teams like Cleveland, Oakland, Minnesota, and Jacksonville will all be in the market for a franchise quarterback. For this mock, we’ll just pretend that nobody is interested in swapping picks.

If that is the case, I have St. Louis taking the 6’5″ tackle out of Texas A&M. Having Jake Long on the roster will benefit Matthews. Theoretically, the Rams will have the ability to slide Matthews to right tackle as he develops and learns the pro game. Once Jake Long begins to lose a step, they’ll be able to slide Matthews back to his natural position at left tackle.