2014 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10
By Andrew Long
Nov 30, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) is knocked out of bounds by Duke Blue Devils cornerback Bryon Fields (14) in the third quarter. The Duke Blue Devils defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 27-25 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills | Pick 9 | Eric Ebron | TE | North Carolina
I was extremely close to giving the Bills
Greg Robinson
an offensive tackle with this pick. Ultimately, I decided that Eric Ebron was too good to pass up. The 6’4″ tight end would bring some much needed size to the smurf-esque Buffalo passing game. Thanks to Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski, players like Ebron are starting to become an essential for teams in today’s NFL.
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of this move would be E.J. Manuel. Young quarterbacks often find themselves dumping passes off to their tight ends. I know it’s been said a million times before, but a good tight end is a young quarterbacks best friend.
I believe that it is an absolute must for the Bills to draft a big tight end or wide receiver. If Buffalo decides to take a receiver, look for them to grab Mike Evans out of Texas A&M.
Detroit Lions | Pick 10 | Sammy Watkins | WR | Clemson
The Detroit Lions need two things. They need a shutdown corner and a wide receiver that can play opposite of Calvin Johnson. The addition of Reggie Bush last off-season was a great move, but they still lack a second playmaker on the perimeter of their offense.
Watkins has good route running skills and is excellent at getting in and out of his breaks. The speedy WR also has the ability to go up for contested passes. Simply put, Sammy Watkins is way too good of a talent for the Lions not to draft. If he falls to number 10, Detroit will be very lucky.
If Detroit opts for another position, it almost HAS to be for a cornerback. Think Justin Gilbert out of Oklahoma St.
I know I only listed my predictions for the top 10 teams, but I want to know what YOU think! Who are the first 10 players coming off of YOUR big board? Be sure to let me know in the comments below!