You are probably sick of seeing 2014 NFL Mock Drafts that will undoubtedly be 95% wrong, so we’ve brought in an “expert”. Let’s just say we are using that term VERY loosely. Being a College Football junkie, our man Nick D (@NJD107) follows the draft process pretty closely and knows almost every player in this draft.
- Advertisement -
“TSB was nice enough to let me take a stab at predicting the 1st round and giving a little insight on each player. If 3-4 picks after the 10th pick are correct, I would be extremely happy. To be clear, I’m fully expecting to go 0-32. Feel free to tweet at me when I swing and miss on all 32 picks!”
Anyways hope you enjoy.
- Advertisement -
Nick D
1. Houston Texans Jadeveon Clowney DE – South Carolina
- Advertisement -
Look for the Texans to pair Clowney and JJ Watt on the defensive line. Scary thought for offensive lines for years to come
While there is a glaring need at QB for the Houston Texans, who look to rebound off a 2-14 season, can’t pass up the Idea of Clowney on a DL with JJ Watt. Clowney, who is easily the most talented player in the draft, comes with some baggage. In South Carolina his Junior season, Clowney simply did not play hard, his mind was already waiting for draft day and played not to get injured. This has some teams wondering how hard he will actually play when he actually has money. Look for the Texans to grab a QB at the top of Round 2.
Could also see: Trade down
2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) Greg Robinson T – Auburn
The Rams are in an excellent position here, still enjoying the benefits of the RGIII trade and hold all the cards to the draft in my opinion. Jeff Fisher and company can go in many directions here. The thought of Sammy Watkins on turf has to have the offensive coaches pleading with the front office to pull the trigger. Do they cut ties with 1st Round bust Sam Bradford ( coming off ACL surgery) and hand the keys to the franchise over to Johnny Football? Trade out? While these ideas would certainly seem enticing I feel they build around rookie star RB Zac Stacy and draft Robinson to sure up the offensive line. Drafting Robinson to go along with Rodger Saffold and Jake Long ( coming off ACL surgery) is the best way to try and protect the QB in a division loaded with elite D-Lines
Could also see: Trade down
3. Jacksonville Jaguars Khalil Mack OLB – Buffalo
I feel the Jaguars will be faced with a tough decision, draft the next AJ Green/ Julio Jones level receiver in Sammy Watkins or draft the next great OLB in Mack. Watkins would make sense to go along side Cecil Shorts (Justin Blackmon suspended indefinitely), but building an elite defense is the easiest way to become competitive quickly. The Buffalo OLB is considered the most complete player in the draft although playing against weak competition in college. His game will translate to the NFL easily in my opinion. Second year coach Gus Bradley has the Jaguars moving in the right direction, he is building a front 7 that will not be fun to play against in 2014. Resigning Jason Babin and signing free agent Defensive ends Chris Clemons from the Seahawks and Evander Hood from the Steelers were excellent moves. Adding Mack to a LB corp that is very thin is a game changer for Bradley’s defense.
Could also see: Sammy Watkins
4. Cleveland Browns Johnny Manziel QB – Texas AM
Johnny Football goes to Cleveland looking to turn around the Franchise
Johnny Effin Football. If there is a team in the NFL with ZERO appeal, identity, juice etc it’s the Cleveland Browns. Manziel put up video game numbers in college and is the most polarizing player in the draft. The former Heisman winner is electric on the field and would instantly put the Browns on the map. Browns games in 2014 would be appointment TV. Questions remain about his maturity and ability to stay healthy at this level with how he plays the game. Cleveland still has Brian Hoyer, who played well in 2014 coming off ACL surgery but the idea of Manziel will be too hard for them to pass up. Cleveland also has the Colts #1 pick so adding more toys for JFF to play with in addition to Josh Gordon/Jordan Cameron could also be in play at #26.
Could also see: Khalil Mack (if available)
5. Oakland Raiders Sammy Watkins WR – Clemson
The ghost of Al Davis is alive and well. Al loved him some fast WR’s and downfield throwing, Sammy Watkins is the best WR to come into the league since Julio Jones/AJ Green. If the Raiders are really handing the keys to Matt Schaub they have to give him some weapons on the outside to compliment Free agent signing James Jones. The Raiders run game should receive some help with the addition of Maurice Jones-Drew and FA Tackle Austin Howard. The addition of Watkins makes the Raiders offense viable in a division loaded with offensive talent.
Could Also see: Blake Bortles
6. Atlanta Falcons Jake Matthews T – Texas AM
There have been talks in recent weeks of the Falcons trading up to the #1 spot to draft Clowney. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff is not afraid to make splashes in the draft ( See Julio Jones) I feel if they do make a move they will make a trade down since there are 3-4 Tackles projected to be taken in the top 15. If there was a picture in the dictionary of what an Offensive Tackle should look like, Jake Matthews would be it (6-5 310LB with a nasty streak). Jake has been blocking for Manziel the past few year along with last years #2 pick Luke Joeckel. This is a position of need for the Falcons who struggled mightily keeping Matt Ryan upright in 2013, Matthews can be slotted in right away and help stabilize the OL.
Could also see: Trade down
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Evans WR – Texas AM
Evans seems like the most logical pick here for Lovie Smith and the Bucs. Tampa invested money in Josh McCown to be their starting QB in the offseason, Mimicking his offense in Chicago would be the route I feel they would go in. Putting Evans ( 6-4 230LB) along side 6-5 Vincent Jackson would almost be unfair in the redzone and make McCown feel like he’s back in Chicago throwing to Brandon Marshall and Ashlon Jeffery. Evans fills the gap for troubled WR Mike Williams who was shipped to Buffalo last month
Could also see: Taylor Lewan
8. Minnesota Vikings Blake Bortles QB – UCF
Bortles has all the physical attributes you would want. He’s big, has a strong arm, and somewhat mobile for his size. Physically he’s been compared to Big Ben, First year coach Mike Zimmer hopes Bortles can develop into the type of QB Big Ben is. A big armed QB is going to be needed playing outside in Minnesota, Chicago and Green Bay in inclement weather, Bortles fits this mold. He steadily improved as a QB at UCF and led his team to an Orange Bowl victory this past season. With Adrian Peterson only have a few more seasons left, a viable QB is needed right away to compliment the running game and the emergence of Cordarrelle Patterson on the outside.
Could Also see: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
9. Buffalo Bills Eric Ebron TE – UNC
In adding Ebron, the weapons QB EJ Manuel will have at his disposal will rival almost anyone in the league. He’s been compared to Vernon Davis because of his size and speed, Manuel will be salivating at the way he will be able to stretch the field from the TE position. Adding Mike Williams to go along with Stevie Johnson and Robert Woods solidifies the WR position, putting Ebron in the mix allows the Bills to concentrate on rebuilding the defense and the OL the remainder of the draft.
Could also see: Taylor Lewan
10. Detroit Lions Odell Beckham Jr WR – LSU
No player outside of Brandin Cooks has helped their draft status more than Odell Beckham Jr since the end of the college season. It wasn’t too long ago since his teammate Jarvis Landry was considered the better prospect coming out of LSU. The combine and LSU pro Day opened people’s eyes and skyrocketed Beckhams draft stock. He profiles like NYG Victor Cruz, runs great routes has very good hands, will give people fits out of the slot. The addition of Golden Tate gives Matthew Stafford a legit #2 WR across from Megatron, Beckham will give the offense another legit pass catching option that will keep defensive coordinators up late at night.
Could also see: Ha Ha Clinton Dix
11. Tennessee Titans Darqueze Dennard CB – Michigan St
Dennard is the highest rated CB in this years draft for a reason. The highly touted CB from Michigan State was part of a stifling defense last year, which he allowed only 3 receptions in 31 attempts over 15 yds. He had 4 Int and 14 broken up passes and excels in press coverage. This selection will fill the hole at CB left by Alterraun Verner who opted to go to Tampa Bay this offseason.
Could also see: Teddy Bridgewater
12. New York Giants Zack Martin T – Notre Dame
The Giants for the 2nd year in a row go O-Line and select Zack Martin
For the second season in a row the Giants try and rebuild an old/ineffective offensive line by drafting a lineman in the first round. Last years selection of Justin Pugh turned out to be very valuable, he played well as the season went on and will be a fixture on the line for years to come. Its his versatility to play tackle/guard that makes him very valuable and plays into this pick as well. Martin also can play both positions and gives the Giants options on their line. Last seasons lack of protection for Eli Manning and inability to open up holes makes this pick a necessity. If the Giants have intentions of making one more run with Eli/Coughlin/Reese combination, securing offensive line help is a must
Can also see: Aaron Donald
13. St. Louis Rams Ha Ha Clinton Dix S – Alabama
This pick will make former disgraced defensive coordinator Gregg Williams very happy. Williams, who took over DC duties for the Rams this season, will have the best free safety in the draft class at his disposal now. It’s a copycat league, teams see how valuable Seattle S Earl Thomas was in their run to the SuperBowl. It showed this offseason when TJ Ward and Jarius Byrd received monster contracts from Denver and New Orleans.
Could also see: Teddy Bridgewater
14. Chicago Bears – Taylor Lewan T – Michigan
Lewan is great value here for the Bears with the 14th pick. The tackle from Michigan is an absolute monster 6’8 320lbs with a mean streak, plays well in both the run and pass game. If he makes it to the 14th pick the Bears would be crazy to pass him up. The offense has been hamstrung with poor OL play the past few seasons and adding Lewan will go a long way in keeping Jay Cutler and Matt Forte happy. Some think going Defense would be wise for the Bears having to face the Packers and Lions offense twice a season, the value of Lewan will be too hard to pass up
Could also see: Aaron Donald
15. Pittsburgh Steelers CJ Mosley LB – Alabama
CJ Mosley was considered a top 20 pick last season when he decided to return to school for his Senior season. In no way should his 2013 performance diminish the fact that he should be a top 20 pick this draft. There are some concerns about his ability to stay healthy (recurring theme with Alabama players) but the Steelers need help on defense in the worst way. They tried addressing the edge rush last season taking Jarvis Jones, taking Mosley this year will help stabilize the linebacker position. Cornerback is also an area of concern, especially with AJ Green and Josh Gordon in the division
Could also see: Kyle Fuller
16. Dallas Cowboys – Aaron Donald DT – Pitt
There are so many positions the Cowboys need help with on defense this is strictly a value pick. Donald has been flying up people’s draft board recently and is viewed as one of the only players in the draft with no apparent weakness. The Cowboys loss of DeMarcus Ware leaves a huge hole in the front 7, adding a player of Donald’s caliber will go a long way. Could see Jerry Jones making a push to move up if a player like Clinton Dix isn’t taken in the top 10 as well, there is a huge need for a safety in Big D.
Could also see: Calvin Pryor
17. Baltimore Ravens Morgan Moses T – Virginia
Huge position of need for the Ravens, who lost Michael Oher in the offseason. Moses is the best tackle left on the board, 6-6 315 you can slot him into the line and not skip a beat. Another position they need to address is safety, Calvin Pryor or Jimmy Ward would be the 2 next best at that position
Could also see: Calvin Pryor
18. New York Jets Brandin Cooks WR – Oregon St
Brandin Cooks will stretch the field for whoever takes snaps for the Jets this year
I think its pretty safe to say if the Jets don’t pick an offensive player in the 1st round there would be a riot at the 2014 draft. Brandin Cooks was overshadowed in the Pac 12 the last few years by Marquis Lee and Robert Woods but Cooks broke out in a big way in 2013 (128 Rec 1728yds and 16tds.) He took the breakout year into the offseason where he dazzled at the Combine (4.33 40) showing exceptional hands and route running ability. The wide receiver position was a huge needs for the Jets, signing Eric Decker was a step in the right direction, adding a WR to stretch the field like Cooks will only help the QB under center for the Jets this year. Cooks is being compared to Tavon Austin, I feel that is doing him an injustice. His route running and hands are far superior, Think a faster Antonio Brown
Could also see: Kyle Fuller
19. Miami Dolphins Calvin Pryor S – Louisville
If there is one thing that jumped out at you besides Teddy Bridgewater when watching a Louisville game was a heat-seeking missile known as Calvin Pryor. The free safety will immediately make an impact wherever he is drafted, opposing offensive players will feel it the day after they play against him. By far the biggest hitter from the defensive backfield position in this draft. The Dolphins could easily go CB or reach for a OL if one of the top 5 drops to them.
Could also see: Justin Gilbert
20. Arizona Cardinals Teddy Bridgewater QB – Louisville
I can’t think of a better landing spot for Teddy Bridgewater. In an ideal situation, let him sit a year under Carson Palmer then dump Palmer and his 12 million dollar cap hit for 2015. This frees up 10 million in cap space and slide Bridgewater into an offense that includes Larry Fitzgerald. The slander he has been receiving since his Pro Day is laughable to me. He has 3 years of tape, which should dispel any negativity a Pro Day in shorts provided. I refuse to believe Derek Carr will be a viable NFL player, you see Kiper and McShay have him slotted here
Could also see: Jimmy Ward
21. Green Bay Packers Kyle Fuller CB – Virginia Tech
Seems like the Packers have been drafting LBs and D-Line for the past 5 years early. Now would seem like a good time to add help in the defensive backfield and add a physical CB who can press and help in the run game. Fuller isn’t as big of a playmaker as say Justin Gilbert but he is more consistent. In a division with the weapons the Bears, Lions and Vikings have – you can never have enough physical corners who also aren’t afraid to stick their helmet in the run game ass well
Could also see: Ryan Shazier
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Marqise Lee WR – USC
Chip Kelly saw Marqise Lee torment his defenses in college, now Lee is on his side
Chip Kelly continues his trend of hoarding Pac12 players and gets the 2012 Biletnikoff winner in Marqise Lee. If eligible last season, Lee would have been a top 10 pick in the 2013 draft. The combination of poor QB play, nagging injuries, coming back too early from those injuries played a major role in Lees lack of productivity in 2013. Another puzzling occurrence in 2013 for Marqise was that he had a few drops that were never an issue in the 2 previous seasons. The former Trojan will be a playmaker at the next level, plays a lot faster than his 4.45 40 time. Expect him to take over the Desean Jackson role for the Eagles and flourish in Chip Kelly’s offense. Check out what I mean about his speed.
Could also see: Justin Gilbert
23. Kansas City Chiefs Davante Adams WR – Fresno State
Wide Receiver is clearly a position need for the Chiefs who surprised everyone last year with an 11-5 record. Anything they can do to take pressure off of Jamaal Charles is a good thing for Andy Reid’s Chiefs. Adams put up staggering numbers at Fresno State last season (131-1718-24) with QB prospect Derek Carr throwing him the ball. Davante showed great route running ability, hands and can catch the ball well in traffic. He should compliment Dwayne Bowe and become a security blanket for Alex Smith
Could also see: Cody Latimer
24. Cincinnati Bengals Justin Gilbert CB – Oklahoma State
Getting a playmaker of Gilbert’s caliber at 24 would be great value for a team in need of CB help. The Bengals defense is in a transition phase since the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and an overhaul off the defensive backfield is a necessity. Gilbert is a boom or bust type of player who will take a lot of chances. Plays man to man very well but is a poor tackler and is a liability in the run game.
Could also see: Jason Verrett
25. San Diego Chargers Anthony Barr OLB – UCLA
During the season Barr was considered a top 10 pick but his lack of experience on the defensive side of the ball exposed some of his flaws ( Run Support) and he’s dropped on most people’s draft rankings. Bottom line his lack of experience on the defensive side of the ball didn’t stop him from accumulating 23.5 sacks over 2 seasons. He is a speed rusher off the edge who is only going to get better while in the hands of NFL coaches. Expect Barr to become a double-digit sack guy by year 2. His 6-4 255LB frame while running a 4.6 makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles to deal with
Could Also see: Bradley Roby
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts) Cody Latimer WR – Indiana
Another toy for Johnny Manziel to play with, Latimer can step right in and be the number 2 WR opposite Josh Gordon. If you put Latimer on a good college team, he might be a top 15 pick. He has all of the tools to make an impact at the next level. Securing a WR now allows the Browns to focus on a CB, S, RB, OLB the rest of the draft.
Could also see: Jason Verrett
27. New Orleans Saints Bradley Roby CB – Ohio State
The Saints seem to always need help in the defensive backfield, adding Jairus Byrd was a big splash in the offseason, investing a first rounder on a CB will make Rob Ryan smile more than when its Happy Hour on Bourbon St. Roby has all the football attributes you would want in a CB, the problem is his maturity level is very low and his effort was spotty over the 2013 season. I can see Ryan taking this as a challenge to coach him up and bring him to his potential. ( If Roby doesn’t go here he may slip til the Vikings in the 2nd round, Mike Zimmer has had success with players like this, see Vontaze Burfict/Adam Jones)
Could also see: Bruce Ellington
28. Carolina Panthers Allen Robinson WR – Penn State
Allen Robinson will be the steal of this draft.
Some may think Robinson is a reach here but when you factor in his production with a Freshman QB and the mess that was at Penn State, Robinson will justify this pick over time. I can see him being the Keenan Allen of this draft and with the lack of weapons Cam Newton has at his disposal, Robinson will soon become Cam’s favorite target
Could also see: Kony Ealy
29. New England Patriots Ryan Shazier OLB – Ohio State
Patriots could move up if a WR they covet slips, Shazier is a strict value pick. While at OSU, Shazier was a tackling machine accumulating 133 tackles and 6 sacks during the 2013 campaign. An OLB with sideline to sideline speed will certainly be a welcoming addition to the Patriots defense
Could also see : Stephon Tuitt
30. San Francisco 49ers Jason Verrett CB – TCU
The problem with teams like the 49ers and the Seahawks is that they have too many draft picks and not enough room on the 53 man roster. In situations like this the only logical move is to package picks and move up for certain players that fill needs. If a player like Marqise Lee, Darqueze Dennard, or most likely Kyle Fuller drop from their projected draft position, look for the Niners to trade up. If not, Verrett is great value at 30. A player who has a nose for the ball and great football instincts, just issues staying healthy.
Could also see: Trade up
31. Denver Broncos Joel Bitonio G/T – Nevada
Biggest key for the Broncos is keeping Peyton Manning protected, Bitonio is a combo guard/tackle who fits in well with the Broncos offensive philosophy. A fantastic run blocker who is equally as good in pass protection and can eventually be turned into a full-time tackle With Ryan Clady coming back from injury, an addition of Bitoino will do wonders for Peyton and Monte Ball
Could also see: Jordan Matthews
32. Seattle Seahawks Stephon Tuitt DE – Notre Dame
As with San Francisco, look for the Hawks to trade up if someone high on their board is still available in the 20’s. If not, Pete Carroll will continue to stockpile defensive linemen. Tuitt is a versatile lineman who was very productive in his time at Notre Dame. Overall solid in all areas, injured in 2013 but nothing too concerning.
Could also see: Trade up