2014 NFL Mock Draft 1.0, First Round
25. San Diego Chargers
Kyle Van Noy
OLB, Brigham Young
The Chargers made some major upgrades to the offensive line last offseason and it paid off big time. Although the team has spent a lot of picks on pass-rushers, it lacks a legitimate player who can get to the quarterback. Van Noy would not only fit the Chargers’ 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker, but also would have the freedom and ability to drop into coverage to cover backs and tight ends, or play zone coverage, as he did at BYU.
26. Cleveland Browns
Kelvin Benjamin
WR, Florida State
A receiver would complete the Browns’ offense. He’d join studs Josh Gordon, Joe Thomas, and Jordan Cameron as well as draft pick (according to this mock) Blake Bortles. That would be one stacked offense, if Bortles turns out to be a solid NFL starter and if and when the Browns sign a running back (perhaps Ben Tate). I don’t think the Browns could go wrong with a receiver at 26 if the team takes a quarterback with its first pick.
Josh Gordon is the number one receiver on the Browns and Benjamin would be a nice compliment to him. I can’t think of anything that Benjamin can do that Gordon can’t (Gordon pretty much did it all for the Browns in 2013), but he will draw some coverage away from Gordon. He’s actually similar to Gordon in terms of size. That 1-2 punch on the outside, as well as Cameron over the middle, would give opposing defenses nightmares.
27. New Orleans Saints
Justin Gilbert
CB, Oklahoma State
The Saints just cut veteran defensive backs Jabari Greer and Roman Harper, so cornerback and safety are obvious needs as two starters are gone. Luckily for the Saints, this draft has gone the way the front office wanted. Only one cornerback has been taken so far – and the consensus number one cornerback prospect by most experts is still on the board.
Gilbert should be expected to come in and start right away for the Saints. There’s not much depth in the secondary. Gilbert is a fast and rangy corner who excelled in man coverage with barely any safety help. He’ll fit into any defensive scheme as a starting corner and should form a quality cornerback duo with Keenan Lewis.
28. Carolina Panthers
Jordan Matthews
WR, Vanderbilt
The Panthers are one of the most complete teams in football, but there are obvious depth issues at receiver. I don’t have much confidence in Brandon LaFell as a number two target. Steve Smith is getting older as well and is nearing retirement. Cornerback is an issue for Carolina as well, but the defense in general was one of the top units in the league. Captain Munnerlyn may or may not return, but the offense should still be prioritized.
Once Steve Smith retires, Matthews can be expected to take over as Cam Newton’s top receiver. He was very productive at Vanderbilt despite mediocre quarterback play. Although he may not be as fast as scouts want him to be, his above-average route running compensates for it, much like Keenan Allen of the San Diego Chargers.
29. New England Patriots
Louis Nix, DT
Notre Dame
Despite reaching the AFC Championship game for the third straight year, there are not-so-obvious needs on both sides of the ball for the Patriots. Receiver is definitely one of them, but the WR class is deep enough to select on in the second round even as an immediate starter. I see defensive tackle as a bigger need – Vince Wilfork is coming off a torn Achilles tendon at 32 years old. Nix and Timmy Jernigan are still on the board.
The Patriots’ defense has been the reason the team hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 2004, not Tom Brady. Nix would be a major upgrade to a defense that’s losing key pieces in free agency. Nix’s big body presence, motor, and quickness for his size would fit what Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia want to do on defense – he could essentially be treated like Wilfork in the Pats’ defense.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Timmy Jernigan, DT
Florida State
The 49ers will be without NaVorro Bowman for at least the first half of the season and Justin Smith can’t play forever. The 49ers are a deep team with tons of talent, and they also have a lot of picks and flexibility in this draft. Jernigan is light on his feet and very mobile for someone who’s 300 pounds. He can draw double teams from the offensive line He’ll just add to the defensive line depth and rotation on an already great San Francisco defense.
31. Denver Broncos
Jason Verrett
CB, TCU
The Broncos must upgrade the defense. The secondary would be the logical area to improve, as Champ Bailey is getting closer to retirement and Chris Harris just tore his ACL. Verrett is the best available corner – surprisingly, there have been only two corners taken so far, and Verrett has fallen all the way to 31.
Verrett was in the discussion for the top cornerback in the draft. He’s a good run defender and a quick corner who has great closing speed, which is why he’s so good at jumping routes and deflecting passes. The Broncos could use a fast corner – Champ Bailey is clearly slowing down; he was hurt in 2013 and was burned badly by Torrey Smith in the 2012 Wild Card game against Baltimore. Verrett would be Bailey’s successor.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Jace Amaro, TE
Texas Tech
This team just won the Super Bowl, so there are obviously not many clear needs. However, tight end is a liability for the Seahawks. Zach Miller won’t be back, and receivers Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin are set to become free agents as well. Sydney Rice just got cut. Russell Wilson needs more offensive firepower, and Amaro is the best tight end on the board (Ebron went to Green Bay).