GIF Mock Draft
9- Buffalo Bills- North Carolina TE Eric Ebron
Taylor Lewan is a potential fit here but a versatile weapon like Ebron fits too well with Doug Marrone’s offense. Ebron’s ability to spilt out wide, line up inline or in the backfield gives the Bills offense and E.J Manuel a chance to succeed on offense.
10- TRADE Oakland Raiders- Michigan OT Taylor Lewan
The Raiders select the best player available and look to replace Jared Veldheer who GM Reggie McKenzie stupidly let walk. Also, Lewan has a history with authority and straddles the line between dirty and physical so he will fit right in in Oakland.
11- Tennessee Titans- UCLA OLB Anthony Barr
A natural fit in Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense Barr gives the Titans a much needed pass rusher off the edge. Tennessee could also look at Justin Gilbert after losing star corner Alterruan Verner but Barr incredible upside is too tempting for a team that will likely struggle in 2014 regardless of who they pick this year.
12- New York Giants- Notre Dame OG/OT Zach Martin
The Radio Music City Hall crowd might not like drafting an offensive lineman this early when there are talented wide receivers available, but protecting Eli Manning is clearly the top priority. Last season was a disaster as Manning was abused for 16 weeks and Martin gives the Giants versatility up front as he can play every position across the offensive line.
13- TRADE New York Jets- Oklahoma State CB Justin Gilbert
With Gilbert falling past the Lions and Titans the Jets make a move to get a potential shut down corner to play in Rex Ryan’s hyper aggressive defense. This pick is a damming statement on last year’s 1st round pick Dee Milner but it is better to move on from a mistake than stubbornly continue on.
14- Chicago Bears- Alabama S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
The Bears secondary is already starting to collect social security payments so GM Phil Emery brings in some youth and talent to help beef up a Bears defense that struggled last season. With his range, length and all around game Ha Ha gives the Bears security on the back end of their defense.
15- Pittsburgh Steelers- LSU WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham is simply too talented for a team lacking weapons and should be able to replace the departed Emmanuel Sanders. What he lacks in height – which could be a concern as Antonio Brown is only 5’10 and Beckham is 5’11—Beckham makes up for with tenacity and explosiveness.
16- TRADE Philadelphia Eagles- Oregon State WR Brandin Cooks
The Eagles can’t take a chance waiting on a receiver after Beckham Jr. gets scooped up by the Steelers. With his incredible speed Cooks provides Chip Kelly with a perfect replacement for the departed DeSean Jackson that will be featured in a variety of ways.