2014 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10
By Andrew Long
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Central Florida Knights quarterback Blake Bortles runs into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Central Florida defeated Baylor 52-42. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars | Pick 3 |QB | Blake Bortles | UCF
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in desperate need of a franchise QB. The Blaine Gabbert experiment has been an epic failure and everybody in Jacksonville knows it. Bortles offers both good size and athleticism. I have him as the 2nd best quarterback in this years draft. I think Bortles has the potential to be better than Teddy Bridgewater, but just hasn’t fully tapped into it yet.
It helps that Bortles is already living in Florida, too. Moving across the country and starting a new life can be difficult on a young player, the Bortles pick makes perfect sense for the Jags.
Cleveland Browns | Pick 4 | QB | Johnny Manziel | Texas A&M
Thanks to the early season trade of Trent Richardson, the Cleveland Browns will be picking twice in the first round this year. That’s good news for Cleveland fans, seeing as the Browns are in the market for an entirely new backfield.
With reports coming out that Cleveland is interested in Johnny Manziel, I have him going here. Cleveland seems like a good fit for Manziel. The Dog Pound has long been hungry for a franchise QB and I think Johnny Football could be that guy. Manziel, who is only 6 feet tall, has surprisingly good field vision. His arm strength and playmaking abilities have both improved over the past year, too.
In preparation for the NFL draft, Manziel is working with George Whitfield Jr., again. Whitfield is responsible for coaching up players like Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton, and Andrew Luck. The fact that Manziel has been working with him is a good sign.