NFL Mock Draft 2014

The NFL Draft is just days away, here is our Mock. Stay tuned for more info during the draft process

 

Houston Texans

Draft Position: 1st

Team Needs: QB, CB, OLB, OL, DE

Who they want: A new QB – The Texans need to upgrade at quarterback but whether they go for Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or even Johnny Manziel it seems they will prefer to wait until the 2nd round

Who they need: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina) – Simply the best prospect in the draft by quite a way and don’t foresee Houston passing him up

Who they’ll get: Jadeveon Clowney – A violent, penetrating force with outstanding speed that can break through blocks to make plays, have we ever seen anyone like him before?

Alternate Pick: Trade down for Blake Bortles (QB, Central Florida) – If Bortles is the QB they covet the most then it may come to pass they trade away the number one pick and take him later during the top 10.

 

St Louis Rams (From Washington)

Draft Position: 2nd (Washington)

Team Needs: FS, CB, WR, OG, OLB, ILB, OL, QB

Who they want: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina) – Not a position of need but will really be a force alongside Robert Quinn

Who they need: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) – The Rams have made some mistakes at the receiver position in recent drafts but it shouldn’t hold them back from taking Watkins, the best WR prospect since AJ Green

Who they’ll get: Sammy Watkins – Jeff Fisher has been around the league enough to be smart about this pick. Watkins is a weapon that will get behind defenses and is an elusive playmaker, he runs all the routes, is strong and can also kick return. He is as advertised

Alternate Pick: Trade down. St Louis is another team that would be keen to trade down with the right offer

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Draft Position: 3rd

Team Needs: QB, DE, RB, OLB, WR, OG, DB

Who they want: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina) – It is also possible they really like Johnny Manziel

Who they need: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) – It doesn’t really matter who is throwing the football if they have no one to catch it

Who they’ll get: Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M) – It isn’t automatic but there is the potential the Jaguars go all in for Johnny Football. Manziel extends plays like no other, is quick on his feet and is an inspiring leader. He truly does special things but it is unclear if that will translate to the pro game

Alternate Pick: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo) – With Clowney off the board they may be just as happy with Mack, a real disruptive force

 

Cleveland Browns

Draft Position: 4th

Team Needs: QB, OG, CB, WR, ROT, FS

Who they want: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) – Need a QB but also need someone to throw to not named Gordon

Who they need: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) – They have lots of needs but Watkins is the one that is the best value here

Who they’ll get: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo) – While it is tempting to reach for a QB instead they get a quality pass rusher that immediately upgrades their defense. Mack is a game changer and will be a real presence in the Browns defense

Alternate Pick: Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M) – He isn’t as polished as Watkins but is a tall target that can go get the ball and isn’t a big reach at 4

 

Oakland Raiders

Draft Position: 5th

Team Needs: DT, QB, OC, WR, CB, FS

Who they want: Trying to get into the heads of the Raiders is a constant mystery.

Who they need: Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Lousiville) – They could revolve their side around Bridgewater but does the Jamarcus Russell experience scare them?

Who they’ll get: Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M) – Seems like the prototype that fits the Raiders so well. Evans is a matchup nightmare who is open even when he is not and has good hands. However Evans is also an unfinished project that could get riled against tougher defenses

Alternate Pick: Anthony Barr (OLB, UCLA) – He may fit Oakland’s defense best but is 5 too high?

 

Atlanta Falcons

Draft Position: 6th

Team Needs: OLB, CB, TE, SS, ILB

Who they want: Anthony Barr (OLB, UCLA) – They need a pass rusher more than any other position and Barr seems like the perfect fit

Who they need: Anthony Barr – I would be worried that this feels too high but if you go purely on in season then he is definitely top 10 quality

Who they’ll get: Anthony Barr – Barr fits best in the 3-4 defense and in 3 years could surpass Mack in terms of ability, but he still needs to develop and that could make him a reach at 6

Alternate Pick: Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn) – Perhaps more likely as Robinson is the top rated player still on the board

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Draft Position: 7th

Team Needs: OG, LB, CB, WR, TE, DL

Who they want: Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn) – A new organisation in Tampa can afford to take a prospect player like Robinson

Who they need: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo) – Probably would have to go up and get Mack but it just seems like the type of player new coach Lovie Smith could really use

Who they’ll get: Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn) – It’s a close call and a trade may be on the cards but Robinson is hard to go past here. He is a huge physical presence that can man handle opposing defenses. However Robinson makes mental mistakes during games as he is still learning the game

Alternate Pick: Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina) – Certainly would be a great target for strong armed Mike Glennon or newly acquired Josh McCown

 

Minnesota Vikings

Draft Position: 8th

Team Needs: QB, DB, DE, ILB, OG, TE

Who they want: Blake Bortles (QB, Central Florida) – Seems like the type of QB they would like to groom in Minnesota

Who they need: Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville) – The most complete QB in the draft but Vikings may fear he will end up middling out much like Christian Ponder and prefer the upside of others.

Who they’ll get: Blake Bortles – Just can’t see them passing on a QB. Bortles is impressive in size and stature, he has good footwork, is patient and can escape pressure. He is good on the move but will overthrow his receivers and will need top quality wide outs to hide his accuracy issues

Alternate Pick: Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M) – This isn’t a position of need but Matthews is probably top of the board

  

Buffalo Bills

Draft Position: 9th

Team Needs: ROT, S, OG, DE, TE, LB, WR, OL

Who they want: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) – Bills need to give EJ Manuel all the help he can to succeed

Who they need: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) – If Buffalo really want to upgrade the WR position, this is the guy they have to go up and get

Who they’ll get: Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M) – If Matthews is still on the board here it works out well for the Bills who have a real need at right tackle. Matthews is a complete tackle, he is athletic, solid in pass protection and a good blocker, as close a can’t miss prospect as you will see in this draft

Alternate Pick: Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina) – There is buzz around Buffalo that Ebron could very well be the pick, another target for Manuel

 

Detroit Lions

Draft Position: 10th

Team Needs: FS, DE, CB, WR, ILB, PK

Who they want: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina) – Fits what Detroit may be trying to do up front, but will they go get him?

Who they need: Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State) – Secondary has been broken in Detroit for years & Dennard looks the real deal

Who they’ll get: Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State) – Do they prefer the more rounded skills of Gilbert to the press abilities of Dennard? Gilbert has played more off corner than Dennard and is a slightly better height weight prospect

Alternate Pick: CJ Mosley (LB, Alabama) – This is high for a linebacker but as it is a position of need don’t be surprised if they make the move

 

Tennessee Titans

Draft Position: 11th

Team Needs: OLB, DT, OT, DB, DE, WR

Who they want: Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn) – This is a team that can afford to invest in a project like Robinson

Who they need: Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M) – If there needs were more pressing then Matthews is a better chance to start right away

Who they’ll get: Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan) – If Lewan doesn’t go in the top 10 then the Titans will be rushing to the podium to make this pick. Lewan is stout, athletic and has a good technique, a solid pick at 11

Alternate Pick: Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh) – Titans also have a need at DT and Donald would be worth a thought here

 

New York Giants

Draft Position: 12th

Team Needs: TE, OG, DL, LOT, WR

Who they want: Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina) – This is the pick Ebron probably won’t get past

Who they need: Eric Ebron – He is a top 15 talent and the Giants primary position of need

Who they’ll get: Eric Ebron – This draft could move very quickly if the last two picks pan out. Ebron is a big, strong playmaker that is quick and has great hands, perhaps not a true TE as far as blocking abilities are concerned but modern offenses should make him more than useful

Alternate Pick: Zach Martin (OG, Notre Dame) – This would be a great pick for the Giants also as Martin played left tackle in college but could also kick inside to guard, both positions of high need for New York

 

St Louis Rams

Draft Position: 13th

Who they want: Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville) – There’s a strong chance they want to move on from Bradford

Who they need: Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State) – A highly talented player both against the run and in press and also a position of need

Who they’ll get: TRADE with Miami Teddy Bridgewater – Might get cute with it but Bridgewater is an upgrade. He comes from a pro style offense, has great touch and presence in the pocket. Bridgewater should be capable with play action has he rolls out of the pocket smoothly. Bridgewater does have accuracy issues on longer throws and there are concerns his height weight and lack of a power arm will work against him in the pros. Is still capable of going to another level

Alternate Pick: Darqueze Dennard – See above

 

Chicago Bears

Draft Position: 14th

Team Needs:  DT, CB, DB, TE, OL, QB

Who they want: Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh) – The Bears biggest need meets a player with huge buzz

Who they need: Aaron Donald – He may not be big but is very physical, he can also play DE in the nickel

Who they’ll get: Aaron Donald – Another team that will be rushing to the podium. Donald is a beast that is a disruptive force across the line and will make plays. He forces Offensive Tackles back and has impressed throughout the draft process. He can be riled by opponents who may try and niggle him out of games

Alternate Pick: Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State) – The Bears next position of need, they would probably be equally happy with this pick

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Draft Position: 15th

Team Needs: CB, DT, DE, DB, WR, OLB

Who they want: Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State) – If Dennard truly falls this low it would be a steal for a team like the Steelers

Who they need: Darqueze Dennard – He’ll stop the run, bring down bigger players and is very tough and physical, he’d fit in perfectly at Pittsburgh

Who they’ll get: Darqueze Dennard – For all the reasons above, Dennard is largely a press corner who can make plays against the run, good luck on RB’s trying to get to the outside. The only unknown with Dennard is his lack of experience playing off, but whether Pittsburgh would need him to do this is another matter

Alternate Pick: Jason Verrett (CB, TCU) – Not the tallest CB but perhaps the most complete in this draft

 

Dallas Cowboys

Draft Position: 16th

Team Needs: DE, DT, WR, ILB, DB

Who they want: CJ Mosley (ILB, Alabama) – There may be some in Dallas that have fallen in love with Mosley

Who they need: Odell Beckham Jr (WR, LSU) – We are projecting Miami go up to get Beckham Jr but could just as easily be the Cowboys

Who they’ll get: CJ Mosley – Mosley is fast, reads the play well, hit the gaps and can cover, he is also capable on Special Teams, a solid pick at 16

Alternate Pick: Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State) – An instinctive player at a position of need, Jernigan is a bull rushing beast but may lack endurance, perhaps 16 is a bit of a reach?

 

Baltimore Ravens

Draft Position: 17th

Team Needs: ROT, CB, DE, RB, ILB, DB, TE, OG

Who they want: Zach Martin (OG, Notre Dame) – Baltimore are reknowned for going BPA but Martin would also fill a position of need

Who they need: Zach Martin – The Ravens have needs across the O-Line and Martin could fill any of them straight away

Who they’ll get: Zach Martin (OG, Notre Dame) – Martin is strong at the point of attack, stout in pass protection, creates lanes with his run blocking and has excellent feet position. He is consistent and disciplined, a slightly smaller version of Jake Matthews and is a steal at 17

Alternate Pick: Jason Verrett (CB, TCU) – Perhaps if Gilbert or Dennard where still available this would be a tougher choice as Baltimore have needs at DB however Verrett may be valued this high if not for his size

 

New York Jets

Draft Position: 18th

Team Needs: OLB, FS, CB, WR, TE, RB

Who they want: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS, Alabama) – Hard to say what direction the Jets will go in, trading up is definitely an option

Who they need: Marqise Lee (WR, USC) – Lee may not be the flashy type of receiver the Jets are looking for but would be a more consistent option and give either Geno Smith or Michael Vick a true go-to guy

Who they’ll get: Marqise Lee – Lee didn’t have as big a season this time round as opposed to his sophomore year however he is a complete receiver who is tough, will find a way to get open and make plays. He is a fast dangerous runner in the open field and leads by example, creating opportunities when his team need him the most

Alternate Pick: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – A value pick at a position of need, Clinton-Dix is a strong hitter that reads the play well and will improve with playing time

 

Miami Dolphins

Draft Position: 19th

Team Needs: OT, OG, ILB, TE, RB

Who they want: Brandin Cooks (WR, Oregon State) – Are Miami looking for that ‘big time’ playmaking receiver?

Who they need: Zach Martin (OT, Notre Dame) – The Dolphins are a hot mess on the O-Line and could make a play for Martin

Who they’ll get: TRADE with St Louis Odell Beckham Jr (WR, LSU) – A speedy playmaker on the outside will give Tannehill and the Dolphins their best chance of improving to a playoff team this year, however still leaves questions along the O-Line

Alternate Pick: Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, Washington) – Alternatively Miami could trade down a little and get Seferian-Jenkins, a mismatch for opposing defenses with good hands and a big wingspan

  

Arizona Cardinals

Draft Position: 20th

Team Needs: OLB, TE, ROT, SS, QB

Who they want: A quarterback – Another team in the market but will they look to the later rounds or pull the trigger at 20?

Who they need: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS, Alabama) – It’s a position of need and Clinton-Dix is capable of playing either safety role

Who they’ll get: Derek Carr (QB, Fresno State) – Carr has some upside and in many ways is similar to Carson Palmer who he’d be learning under. He reads the play well, knows all the throws and is accurate when not under pressure, however he can be rattled and when off balance will lose that accuracy and stops stepping into his throws, would be a risk for any team

Alternate Pick: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – This would be a safer pick and make the Cardinals secondary the most feared in the NFL

 

Green Bay Packers

Draft Position: 21st

Team Needs: LOT, ILB, OC, SS, TE

Who they want: Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama) – The Packers need an OT but Kouandjio needs development

Who they need: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS, Alabama) – Another team that could do much worse than Clinton-Dix

Who they’ll get: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – A case of need meets BPA, Clinton-Dix plays tight coverage, can read the play and is a good open field tackler. He is also excellent in run support and a hard hitter. He is sometimes caught out of position but will improve and is great value at 21

Alternate Pick: Calvin Pryor (FS, Louisville) – Pryor has perhaps more development required than Clinton-Dix but would be a decent second option if Clinton-Dix is off the board

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Draft Position: 22nd

Team Needs: SS, OLB, CB, ILB, WR, OL

Who they want: Calvin Pryor (FS, Louisville) – The Eagles need to upgrade their secondary and Pryor has upside, possessing the right size and speed for the fast paced nature of the Eagles play

Who they need: Jason Verrett (CB, TCU) – Verrett has an excellent feel for the game and has impressed during the lead up to the draft. While he may not fit the measurables of Pryor he could be a better fit to start right away

Who they’ll get: Jason Verrett – The Eagles could go in many directions but the playmaking ability of Verrett coupled with his natural instincts should mean he goes before some of the other prospective corners. He plays special teams and makes plays in that area of the game also

Alternate Pick: Calvin Pryor – It is a close call and Pryor could well be the pick here

  

Kansas City Chiefs

Draft Position: 23rd

Team Needs: WR, FS, CB, OG, DB, LOT, TE, DL

Who they want: Calvin Pryor (FS, Louisville) – Another team with high needs at safety

Who they need: Calvin Pryor – They also need a WR but could probably wait on that until the 2nd or 3rd round.

Who they’ll get: Brandin Cooks (WR, Oregon State) – Cooks is speedy and elusive, a real playmaker. Coach Andy Reid utilised Dexter McCluster more effectively as a receiver last year but Cooks is a huge step up. He is a sharp route runner with sure hands who is not afraid to get involved and get hit despite his size. He has light feet, is smart and can also do punt returning duties

Alternate Pick: Calvin Pryor – If they wait on the WR then Pryor will be the pick

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Draft Position: 24th

Team Needs: CB, DE, OLB, OT, RB

Who they want: Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State) – It fits a position of needs but does recent off-field issues scare the Bengals? Probably not

Who they need: TRADE DOWN – Bengals don’t have a lot of needs and are a candidate to store picks and move down

Who they’ll get: Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State) – A bullrusher that can blow up the Offensive Center or guards. He is powerful and instinctive. Can tire easily but when fresh is a beast

Alternate Pick: Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech) – Another prototype corner that has impressed in the lead-up to the draft

 

San Diego Chargers

Draft Position: 25th

Team Needs: DT, CB, LOT, SS, DE, OL, WR

Who they want: Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State) – A position of need but they may need to go up and get him

Who they need: Timmy Jernigan – Considering that DT is a bit weak this year it is almost now or never for the Chargers

Who they’ll get: Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama) – With a real need at OT, San Diego may take a chance on Kouandjio. He creates running lanes and is solid in pass protection. Kouandjio will get beaten by speed and needs to develop his game to avoid mental mistakes. He does show hustle when beaten and a desire when on the field, can improve

Alternate Pick: Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech) – A close call between Fuller and Kouandjio but there are more good secondary players to be had in the 2nd round

 

Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts)

Draft Position: 26th

Who they want: Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt) – They still need someone opposite Josh Gordon

Who they need: Jason Verrett (CB, TCU) – Will he still be available here or do the Browns need to make a play for him?

Who they’ll get: Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech) – Is aggressive and has good physical tools, the Browns defense gets meaner with him and Mack on board

Alternate Pick: Xavier Suo-Filo (OG, UCLA) – There is a need at guard and Suo-Filo wouldn’t be a big reach

 

New Orleans Saints

Draft Position: 27th

Team Needs: OC, LOT, ILB, CB, OL, DB, OLB

Who they want: Bishop Sankey (RB, Washington) – Not sure if the Saints will be turned off by the Mark Ingram experience a few years ago but Sankey is a strong, elusive runner with vision and speed to get through the hole

Who they need: TRADE UP. New Orleans have positions of need across the O-Line and may have to go up and get someone

Who they’ll get: Xavier Su’a-Filo (OG, UCLA) – Unless they make a bold move up Su’a-Filo may be the best option available to fill a need

Alternate Pick: Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt) – Not one of the Saints main needs but would still be useful as they retool their offense

 

Carolina Panthers

Draft Position: 28th

Team Needs: WR, LOT, ROT, CB

Who they want: Donte Moncrief (WR, Ole Miss) – Doesn’t possess elite speed but is a receiver that could fill the Steve Smith mould quite capably

Who they need: Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt) – Matthews is quick, athletic, and has great hands. He is a playmaker and would be a great target for Cam Newton

Who they’ll get: Donte Moncrief – Moncrief hands and ability to separate is up there with the top tier of receivers in this draft and should be able to start right away

Alternate Pick: Jordan Matthews – Another player that may not have the elite speed but will find a way to get open and make plays

 

New England Patriots

Draft Position: 29th

Team Needs: DE, DT, OG, LB, SS

Who they want: Dee Ford (OLB, Auburn) – This is the type of player that could really fit in at New England

Who they need: Dee Ford – Ford has the leadership and intangibles that would seemingly fit in under the “Patriot Way”

Who they’ll get: Dee Ford – It seems a perfect fit, Ford will make plays, pressures the QB and is a sure tackler. His intangibles and work ethic are off the chart and he has had a great lead-up to the draft

Alternate Pick: Rashede Hageman (DT, Minnesota) – Highly athletic but perhaps still developing, Hageman has a high upside and the Pats may feel confident in him learning in their system

 

San Francisco 49ers

Draft Position: 30th

Team Needs: OC, CB, DT, SS, WR, OG

Who they want: Jimmie Ward (SS, Northern Illinois) – Seems the no-nonsense type of player the 49ers would covet

Who they need: Jimmie Ward – Will play all over the field and fills a need at Strong Safety

Who they’ll get: Jimmie Ward – Maybe a small reach but the Niners aren’t afraid of the unconventional. Ward is tough, has great instincts and will make plays.

Alternate Pick: Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State) – Corner is another position of need for San Francisco however Roby’s off field issues are a question mark

 

Denver Broncos

Draft Position: 31st

Team Needs: ILB, OG, RB, OL, DT, OLB, DB

Who they want: Trade Down – yes they pick very late but it is still possible they want to more further down for better value

Who they need: Tre Mason (RB, Auburn) – A tough runner that can take over as the lead back from Knowshon Moreno

Who they’ll get: Tre Mason – This may be a little high but RB is a need and Mason is a punishing runner that is speedy, good on his feet and has a strong burst

Alternate Pick: Rashede Hageman (DT, Minnesota) – Another team that could benefit from Hageman’s upside and would be willing to take the risk

 

Seattle Seahawks

Draft Position: 32nd

Team Needs: ROT, DE, DT, WR, CB, TE

Who they want: Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia) – A big man that has surprising mobility, could fill Seattle’s biggest position of need

Who they need: Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt) – It seems unlikely Matthews will still be there at 32 but would be a great fit for the Superbowl Champions

Who they’ll get: Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt) – Matthews has great hands and finds ways to get open and make plays, it is a need for the Seahawks also

Alternate Pick: Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, Washington) – Do they go all-in at Tight End? Seferian-Jenkins is a matchup nightmare and the type of player Seattle typically go for

 

Washington

Draft Position: 34th

Team Needs: FS, CB, SS, LB, WR, DE, OL, DB

Who they want: Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State) – Washington’s main needs are all across the secondary

Who they need: Bradley Roby – As stated above it will be hard to pass up on Roby as he is a 1st round talent and Washington do not have a 1st round pick

Who they’ll get: Bradley Roby – If Washington don’t try and move up then Roby is the obvious choice, with blazing speed and the ability to play tight coverage

Alternate Pick: Stephon Tuitt (DE, Notre Dame) – Washington have a need here and Tuitt has the measurables but does struggle to make impact at times. Tuitt is powerful and can disrupt when he is not closely guarded

 

Indianapolis Colts

Predicted Draft Position: 59th

Team Needs: OC, CB, OLB, DT, DB, WR, OL

Who they want: Weston Richburg (OC, Colorado State) – With no pick until 59 the Colts couls still get a top player at Center here

Who they need: Deone Bucannon (SS, Washington State) – There is a good chance Bucannon is still available here, a tough ball hawk with upside but also has a tendency to go missing during games

Who they’ll get: Weston Richburg – Richburg is a solid pass protector who wasn’t dominate in the run game but has a sound technique

Alternate Pick: Daquan Jones (DT, Penn State) – The Colts may prefer to upgrade their D-Line and Jones is one of the better prospects at DT with his strength and power

 

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