2014 NFL Draft: A dream pick for each team
Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Barr
I was about to list Odell Beckham Jr. as the Eagles “dream” pick, but I decided that they need a playmaker on defense more than a playmaker on offense even after losing DeSean Jackson. Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Darren Sproles, LeSean McCoy, and Zach Ertz are solid enough on offense, and the Eagles can snag guys like Josh Huff or Davante Adams later on in the draft to be solid wideouts in their explosive offense. But it’s a lot more difficult to find an impact pass rusher. Cornerback is also a need for the Eagles, but they’ll have plenty (like Roby) to choose from at 22. They won’t have many edge rushers to choose from, so it would be amazing for them to scoop up Anthony Barr. He could fall if teams are too concerned about his rawness, and he’s fallen to this slot in several mock drafts. I don’t think he’ll fall outside of the top 20 on draft day, but he would be an excellent pick-up for the Eagles if he does.
Dallas Cowboys: Louis Nix
The Dallas Cowboys did well to sign Henry Melton to a very cheap deal, and he was one of the steals of the offseason. He’ll rush the passer as a three-tech in the Cowboys offense, and he’s an even better player than their previous pass-rushing DT in Jason Hatcher, who had double-digit sacks last year. But the Cowboys could still use some more defensive tackle help, and they really need a guy who can beef up their run defense. Louis Nix is clearly the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the class, and he’s the best DT overall. As I said in the Patriots section of this post, I think Nix has enough quickness to make an impact as a pass rusher, and a good, loose pro comparison for him is Vince Wilfork; the Cowboys could really use that kind of a player on their defense.
New York Giants: Jake Matthews
This is probably too far-fetched, but Taylor Lewan isn’t a “dream” pick at all for the Giants, since it would be a shock for him to be drafted before the 12th pick. Meanwhile, I wonder if Jake Matthews could possibly slide over teams not enamored enough with his physical tools, as plenty of people seem to be drooling over Greg Robinson. Matthews should immediately be a solid starting tackle for the Giants, and he would allow Justin Pugh to kick inside and (hopefully) be a solid starting guard for the Giants. This is probably my most unrealistic dream pick for any team in this year’s draft, and I’m sure Giants fans will be pinching themselves if Matthews is on the board at 12 come draft day.
Carolina Panthers: Taylor Lewan
The Carolina Panthers definitely need plenty of help at the wide receiver position, but they have even bigger issues at offensive tackle with only Bryon Bell as a returning option. Bell is currently penciled in as the team’s starting left tackle, and their offensive line looks like a potential disaster waiting to happen. I know Dave Gettleman is leery about drafting players with character concerns, but I don’t think the Panthers could afford to pass up on a high-level offensive tackle when all they currently have is Bell. I mean, Cam Newton deserves a functional offensive line, especially since he’ll be coming off of ankle surgery.
New Orleans Saints: Darqueze Dennard
The New Orleans Saints did well to sign Champ Bailey as the cornerback opposite of breakout star Keenan Lewis, but the Saints could still use another cornerback. If Darqueze Dennard is still sitting there at 27, then I think he makes plenty of sense for the Saints. Lewis is one of the league’s best press corners, and Rob Ryan could have two great press corners on his hands in Lewis and Dennard with Bailey in the slot. I like value picks, and Dennard would be a great value at 27.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sammy Watkins
After trading Mike Williams to the Buffalo Bills for a sixth-round pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are clearly in the market for a top No. 2 wide receiver for either Josh McCown or Mike Glennon to throw it to. Vincent Jackson is locked in as the No. 1 guy, but Watkins could push him for the top spot. He’s an elite wide receiver prospect, as he plays much bigger than his height, wins on the inside or outside, can already run an impeccable NFL route tree, is agile, has great speed and explosiveness, has solid hands, possesses terrific leaping ability, and can cut on a dime. Watkins has the total package, and there isn’t a glaring weakness in his game. From this perspective, he’s the quintessential dream pick for the Buccaneers franchise and would give the organization one of the league’s best WR duos.
Atlanta Falcons: Jadeveon Clowney without trading
It’s clear that the Atlanta Falcons are in the market for a top-notch offensive tackle or pass rusher, and they could get the tackle without trading up. But if they want to get the top prospect in the class, then they would have to trade for the St. Louis Rams No. 2 overall pick in order to secure Jadeveon Clowney (assuming the Texans don’t take him first). It would be a true dream for Thomas Dimitroff to come away with a pass rusher of Clowney’s caliber without trading up, though the aggressive Falcons have shown some interest in moving up for the South Carolina product.