NFL 2014 First Round Mock Draft

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1. Houston Texans- Jadaveon Clowney South Carolina DE 6-6 266lbs

Even with the question marks regarding his work ethic Clowney is an athletic monster who could easily become one of the best pass rushers to play the game. This would be one of the best fits for Clowney because Wade Phillips has shown before that he can turn an athletic monster into a defensive pro bowl level player. That player was JJ Watt and if there is any player in this league that could get the most out of Clowney it would be Watt with the work ethic he has. Though there is a glaring need at quarter back head coach Bill O'Brien knows that reaching for a quarter back at number one would not be the right decision. Quarterbacks could be addressed in the second round but a once in a lifetime talent cannot be missed.

 

2. St. Louis Rams-Sammy Watkins Clemson WR 6-1 211lbs

This pick is likely to be traded but in the case it is not the best option for the Rams would be to take Sammy Watkins. Tackle is not as big of a need as many people believe the Rams resigned Roger Saffold and still have Jake Long on their roster. Bradford has yet to prove he will live up to his number one selection. Some of that has to do with the lack weapons that have surrounded him throughout the years. With the addition of Watkins and last year’s first round pick Tavon Austin, Bradford will have no more excuses and it will be time to deliver. With a retooled offense including a speedy Jared Cook at tight end it will be up to Bradford's ability to carry the Rams. Watkins has the tools to extend the field and has the ability with his size to come down with the ball on one on one situations. The thing that sets him apart from all the other receivers in this class is not only is he fast but when he has the ball in his hands he makes things happen. He can make people miss with his speed and agility but also run you over. He has all the tools to be a pro bowler in this league for many years to come. 

 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Johnny “Football” Manziel QB Texas A&M 6-0 211

After adding a possible franchise tackle in last year’s draft and adding pass rushing help in free agency. The quarterback is the biggest whole left and one they must address if Watkins is off the board come their pick. Don’t be surprised if Watkins is available that shortly after being selected Justin Blackmon’s name is added to the trade block. Johnny Manziel has proven time and time again his ability to make something out of nothing. He plays with the same type of style as Brett Favre there are many games he will win you with his arm as well as put you in bad situations. The thing that separates him from Brett Favre is he has the speed to make plays with his legs and can escape the pocket and make plays down field. He is also has the kind of star power the Jaguars have been looking for to takeover and be the face of their franchise for many years to come. If Johnny has put his past behind him and can keep his off the field transgressions to a minimum then this pick could not only pay dividends for the Jaguars but also be their saving grace. 

 

4. Cleveland Browns-Derek Carr QB Fresno State 6’2, 215lbs

If Manziel is available look for the browns to take him but with Johnny gone the Browns look to their next favorite quarterback. That is Derek Carr after stuffing the stat sheets at Fresno State proving he has the arm talent to be successful at the next level. The thing that is the most special about Derek Carr is he has been around the NFL game since he was a child. He can read most defenses and adjust according. This experience and intelligence gives him a leg up on his competition. What separates him is that while at Fresno State he ran an offense that consisted solely on hand gestures and different motions rather than actual plays called. This intelligence is what puts him into the top ten of this draft and could turn him into a very good quarter back in this league. The Browns have been looking for a franchise signal caller for many years and hope this can fulfill it. 

 

5. Oakland Raiders- Khalil Mack Buffalo OLB 6-3 251 lbs.

With Khalil Mack falling into their laps and the recent signing of James Jones all signs point to the Raiders improving their line backing core. Mack brings versatility that can be used as a defensive end or a role similar to that of Von Miller with the Denver Broncos. What Mack will provide you is a great pass rush with his quick first step and great instincts and pursuit in the run game. Mack may not have the same athleticism as Clowney but with his instincts and work ethic could have him emerge as the better of the two players. Critics will say he played against a lesser level of competition but for those who believe that all you have to do is put in the tape of the Ohio State game where he single handedly takes over. 

 

6. Atlanta Falcons- Greg Robinson Auburn OT 6-5 332lbs

With the premier pass rushing off the board the Falcons will look to sure up a weak offensive line to help keep their franchise quarterback on his feet. Robinson is the most athletic and talented tackle in the class. It was questionable before the combine who the best offensive tackle in this draft was but once he got there Greg Robinson dominated and showed he was heads and tails above all others. A dominating run blocker, his pass blocking could use some work to make him that pro bowl level player at the next level. With the athleticism which is very rare to see with an offensive tackle and his potential he has all the traits to be a pro bowl player for years to come if he can sure up his pass blocking and capitalize on his athleticism.

 

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mike Evans Texas A&M  WR 6-5 231lbs

In the offseason the Buccaneers signed Josh McCown and still have Mike Glennon who showed in his rookie year potential to be a starter in the NFL. However they did lose Mike Williams in a trade to Buffalo because he could not stay out of trouble. This leaves them with an aging Vincent Jackson and an up and coming Tiquan Underwood and nothing else. Then here comes Mike Evans who brings a unique skill set which is becoming more popular in the pass heavy NFL. His size and ability to attack the ball at its highest point give him an advantage over smaller DBs in the NFL. This could be the best place for Evans who plays a lot like Jackson and could learn a lot from the aging veteran. 

 

8. Minnesota Vikings-Blake Bortles Central Florida QB 6-5 232LBS

The Vikings will go with a quarterback here since they have already shown there is no faith in Christian Ponder. Last season they brought in Matt Cassel in free agency and picked up Josh Freeman to replace Ponder, neither of which worked out. Now is their chance to make up for their mistake years before when they chose Ponder. So they go with the prototypical sized QB in Blake Bortles. With Bortles ability a good wide receiving core, and tight end and the best running back in the league this pick could instantly make the Vikings a competitor in their division. Blake Bortles has something none of these quarterbacks in this class have size and speed. When you see him play it is hard to not see the next big Ben. But what is scary about Bortles is he has the same throwing ability as Big Ben but he has something Ben always lacked and that is speed. Bortles has the ability to tuck the ball and run and will crush DBs and even some LBs if they don’t make a real effort to bring him down. Bortles could turn this franchise around with his hard work and sheer determination. He was recruited out of high school as a TE by most schools but went to the one that offered him a scholarship as a QB. With hard work he could be the best QB in this class and help turn around this Vikings franchise.

 

9. Buffalo Bills- Eric Ebron UNC TE 6-4 250lbs

Though many would say tackle is where the Bills go with this pick Erik Pears is a good enough tackle not to go after the position in the first round. There biggest need is some weapons for their second year quarterback EJ Manuel. The best weapon available to them is Eric Ebron he is a wr in a TE’s body. He has the speed of wrs as well as the hands and his size makes a match up nightmare. He has the ability to make spectacular catches when needed and can pinpoint the ball in the air and rip it down. This is the next Jimmy Graham that you could line up all over the field. And with an aging Scott Chandler EJ should be more than happy to see Ebron come to town. His only thing he could improve on is his blocking which he has the potential to do and put a little more bulk on. So when he goes across the middle he does get split in half. Other than that this guy stands to be a pro bowl level tight end for many years to come. 

 

10. Detroit Lions- Jake Matthews Texas A&M OT 6-5 308lbs

The Lions need a pass rusher and some help on the offensive line with Matthews falling to them they will look to take him. Especially having their franchise quarterback having a history of being injury prone it would be important to draft a player to keep him up right. Matthews possess ideal size athleticism and explosiveness for a franchise left tackle. He is very versatile and could play almost every position on the offensive line.  Matthews is very smart and that helps him to pick up on blitz schemes that many other tackles miss. Although he has only started at left tackle for one season in college he may be the most well rounded tackle in the draft this year. 

 

11. Tennessee Titans-Justin Gilbert Oklahoma St 6-0 202lbs

With a few holes to fill the titans look to corner first. The best corner is still on the board in Justin Gilbert he has all the tools to be a premier corner at the next level. Gilbert can be over aggressive at times when in coverage and can pay for it. Seems to like to sit back 5 yards from line of scrimmage rather than press. When asked to press he can handle himself and is one of the best corners in this draft at it.  His other problem is he does not play a big role in stopping the run. But even with those problems he has all the potential to be the next Antonio Cromarte or Patrick Peterson. Whenever the ball gets near him he seems to bring it down and gets some yards after as well. He is a game changer and can totally change the flow of the game in one play and swing it into your teams favor. With him you don’t just get a corner but you get an excellent punt returner as well. Gilbert can do it all and it is all supported by his great athleticism. Pairing him with Jason Mcourty gives the Titans one of the best secondarys in the NFL. 

 

12. New York Giants-Aaron Donald-Pittsburgh DT 6-1 285lbs

Over the past few off seasons the Giants defensive line has lost most of it key contributors. They no longer have Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Linval Joseph, or Osi Umenoria which they did years ago. They have done nothing to address this problem until now when they will go with Aaron Donald. To help Jason Pierre Paul to get a strong pass rush on the line. Although Donald is considered short in his arms and with his overall frame he is a highly disruptive penetrator. Due to his explosiveness and natural leverage. Donald has great instincts at locating the ball and constantly makes plays in the backfield. He could become a Geno Atkins type tackle if he could learn to utilize his strength more. 

 

13. Saint Louis Rams-Anthony Barr UCLA OLB 6-5 255lbs

With Barr out of the top ten I see it very possible that the rams pick him up with their second first round pick. Barr is very athletic and at times can be highly disruptive at rushing the passer. At this time in his development Barr is not good enough in the run or pass coverage to be an every down player. He must start his career as a situational pass rusher which he has holes in as well. Barr must develop better instincts and better pass rush moves and a wider variety. He could learn this from veteran pass rushers Chris Long and Robert Quinn. Barr will also have to add muscle to not get sucked in by olineman at the next level. But he is a rare athlete who can change games with his rare play making ability. 

 

14. Chicago Bears- Ha Ha Clinton Dix Alabama S 6-1 208lbs

With an aging secondary the Bears will look to improve that part of their defensive. The best available at this point is Ha Ha Clinton Dix which is the best safety in the draft. He has the instincts, range and coverage ability to be a starting free safety at the next level. Dix is great at reading and taking angles to the ball while it’s in the air and has the hands and athletic ability to come down with them. He is not as good in run coverage but has the ability to make open field tackles and tackles in space. Plays like a Jarius Byrd by playing that centerfield position deep and can become a ball hawk at the next level. 

 

15. Pittsburgh Steelers-Darquez Denard Michigan State CB 5-11 199lbs

The Steelers will look to upgrade at cb and wr the best player available of the two would be cb and Darquez Denard. Denard has all the tools to be the best corner that comes out of this draft. He fits well with the Steelers because he fits with their tough hardnosed style Dick LeBeau likes to play. The thing that separates Denard from the other corners is he is aggressive and will come up in the run and make plays. He is also one of the best press corners in this draft. He will bring a hard hitting shutdown corner that will out work most players. He was not wanted as a high school player and had no scholarships until the MSU scouts came to see a wr he played against and shut down. With hard work he has become one of the best corners in the country even winning the Jim Thorpe award. He translates well to the next level and has the potential to be the next Darelle Revis without the contract issues.

 

16. Dallas Cowboys-Calvin Pryor Louisville S 5-11 207lbs

The Cowboys need defensive line and safety help and this would be the best player available of the two. Dee Ford and Pryor are their most likely choices at this time and Pryor would bring more of an impact.  Pryor has gained a reputation as the best safety run defender in this class and has above average ability to play centerfield. He plays with the same attitude and recklessness as Desean Gholston. This could cause him to pick up as many penalties as Gholston has in his career. He is a hard hitter who is going to go out of his way to make big hits and make some big plays. 

 

17. Baltimore Ravens-Taylor Lewan Michigan OT 6-7 309lbs

Newsome has wanted to add an athletic safety to play next to Matt Elam all offseason but with the top two safeties off the board it would be a reach to take the third best at this point. The ravens were terrible at protecting Flacco last year and will look to address this position this year with one of the top tackles falling. Lewan would have been a top ten had it not been for an off the field issue that has made some teams shy away from him. Lewan had one of the best combines of the offensive lineman and this has helped him gain his stock back. He is very polished in pass protection and his run blocking is average but it is helped out by the intensity in which he plays with.  Newsome has a history with drafting players with troubled pasts and turning them around and this pick is no exception. 

 

18. New York Jets- Kyle Fuller VT CB 6-0 190lbs

The Jets biggest needs going into this draft are CB, WR, TE, and S. It is a tossup rather they go with a WR or CB and with the top tier Te of Ebron, and the top tier WRs Watkins, and Evans off the board look for the jets to address the cornerback position. With the Jets losing out on Vontae Davis, Veren and Revis this offseason they will have to look to upgrade at this position in one of the first two rounds. Rex Ryan’s defense relies heavily on the corners ability to play press man and shut the wr down long enough for the pass rush to get to the quarterback.  With Fuller falling to them this would be a match made in heaven for them. Fuller has all the tools to be the best corner out of this draft and is being named the top corner in this draft by some. He is one of the best cover corners in this class and has no problem pressing. This would allow the Jets to team him with Milliner and look to grab a wide receiver in the second round. Where there is not much more of a drop off from what is available now. 

 

19. Miami Dolphins- Zack Martin Notre Dame OG/OT 6-4 308lbs

The dolphins had a hard time protecting Tannehill last year and have already addressed part of the problem with signing Brandon Albert. Now they will look to sure up tackle or guard with Zack Martin. Martin has had experience at tackle in college but could see a move inside due to his shorter arms. Whatever position he is moved to he will bring a hardnosed athletic approach to the offensive line. He is above average in pass protection and in run blocking and he will be a great plug in play player for many years to come.

 

20. Arizona Cardinals- Teddy Bridgewater Louisville QB 6-2 214

The defensive was one of the strengths of the Cardinals last year and despite losing Dansby. Washington and Minter should be able to step up and match the production of Dansby from last season. Since the defense is not a glaring need the Cardinals will look to upgrade at the aging quarterback position. Carson Palmer is getting older and is not the long term solution to their problems at quarterback. With Teddy Bridgewater falling to them this late in the draft they will jump at this opportunity to get a franchise quarterback.  Though many would say he is not the top quarterback that is not the case. If you take away his bad pro day this was only that bad because he did not wear his gloves. Then focus on his tape he outplays and has out produced all of the other quarterbacks in this draft. He will now have a chip on his shoulder from being passed over and be more determined than ever to prove the doubters wrong. He never has had concerns when it comes to off the field issues and he helped turn a basketball school into a football school and turned the program around. Bridgewater will have to look to add bulk to avoid injury at the next level but look for him to emerge as the best quarterback in this class. 

 

21. Green Bay C.J. Mosley Alabama ILB 6-2 235lbs

With an aging A.J Hawk and not much other talent at the middle linebacker position look for the Green Bay Packers to take C.J Mosley if he falls to them. Mosley is easily the best inside linebacker in this class. He has great football IQ and has a great work ethic as well as being a film junkie. Mosley prepares well and watches a lot of tape on other teams to make sure he is ready each week. He is a great leader and could easily step up and be a captain for almost any team in the NFL within a couple years. He is a sideline to sideline 3 down player and excels not only in the run but in pass coverage as well. Mosley is the ideal linebacker to build a defense around and will be a high caliber player for many years to come. 

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandon Cooks Oregon State WR 5-10 189lbs

After the situation that conspired earlier in the offseason that led to the release of Desean Jackson. Chip Kelley will look to add a speedy receiver to help blow the top off of the defense in his pass happy approach. Cooks is the fastest receiver in this class and that is what has propelled him to the top of most boards. The other thing that makes him so dangerous is when he gets the ball in his hands he is hard to catch and this could allow him to fill the duties left behind by Jackson.  He is a great route runner which is one of the things that sets him apart from the other wide receivers in this class. You are taking a big risk when drafting Cooks because he is such a small receiver. He has trouble getting off of the line of scrimmage when pressed by bigger cornerbacks and may be bullied around by lesser cornerbacks at the next level. But if he gets stronger he could stop that from happening and develop into the next Steve Smith. 

 

23. Kansas City Chiefs-Odell Beckham Jr LSU WR 5-11 198lbs

Alex Smith has a lack of targets to throw to and with the departure of Dexter McCluster this problem only gets bigger. Look for the Chiefs to take a wide receiver to help improve the passing game and take some of the weight off Jamal Charles. The best available player to them would be Odell Beckham Jr he is similar to Dexter McCluster in that when he gets the ball in his hands he is very dangerous and makes big plays. He also will help fill the role of kick and punt returner if the Chiefs lose faith in Kyle Williams. Though Marquis Lee is still available look for them to take Beckham because, he is the safer pick. Beckham would also be more able to play the slot if he was asked to with Jenkins and Bowe playing on the outside. He has great hands and wins many of the one on one battles he encounters. He is one of the best in this class at going up the ladder and bringing the ball down at its peak while in the air. Look for him to play for many years in this league and be a very productive player. 

 

24. Cincinnati Bengals- Kony Ealy Missouri DE 6-4 273lbs

With the loss of Michael Johnson the Bengals need to reinforce their pass rush from the defensive end position.  Kony Ealy is very athletic for his size and has the explosiveness to become a premier pass rusher. Ealy is not a finished product in the run defense. But as he improves his strength and instincts he could capitalize on his potential. This would be one of the best spots Ealy could land with because he will be working with a great defensive coach in Marv Lewis. 

 

25. San Diego Chargers- Jason Verrett TCU CB 5-9 189

The chargers biggest need in this draft by far would be at the cornerback position. They will look early and probably often in this draft to fulfill that need. The best available corner to them at this point would be Jason Verrett. Verrett has the tools to be a force at the next level he is the best cover corner in this draft. He excels in press coverage if he was bigger he would be being talked about as the number one corner in this draft. He excelled at TCU and shut down many receivers and is a decent tackler and can help in the run. The biggest problem with Verrett is his size many worry that he will be bullied at the next level by the wide receivers and will not be able to press as much without getting beat. If he was to add bulk that would help him a lot to reach his potential at the next level.

 

26. Cleveland Browns-Gabe Jackson Mississippi State OG 6-3 336lbs

Cleveland addressed the needs at wide receiver in the offseason with the signings of Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins. With the browns taking their franchise quarterback earlier in the draft they will now look to protect him. Gabe Jackson is very fundamentally sound and very intelligent. He has the size of a premier guard at the next level. As well as enough athletic ability to effectively pull and mirror defenders in pass protection. He is quick out of his stance and offers a strong punch off the ball. His combine performance may make some teams shy away from him but his dependability and performance on tape make him the top guard taken in this year’s draft.

 

27. New Orleans Saints- Dee Ford Auburn OLB/DE 6-2 252lbs

The Saints will be in need of another pass rusher to help Rob Ryan’s defense. The best available to them would be Dee Ford at OLB. Dee may be too small to play end but his frame would make him perfect to play OBL in Rob Ryan’s system. Dee Ford possesses a high motor and does not give up on plays. He is very quick off the ball and this helps him to beat blockers. He is athletic enough to drop back in coverage a few times a game. But his biggest strength is his ability to rush the passer. Look for Ryan to get the most out of Ford’s natural abilities and to continue to improve the Saints defense. 

 

28. Carolina Panthers-Marquise Lee USC WR 6-0 192lbs

After releasing Steve Smith and failing to bring in a legitimate wide receiver for Cam Newton look for the Panthers to grab the falling Lee. The Panthers can address the need to protect Cam later in this draft but with Lee falling to them to this point of the draft it is worth their selection. Lee would have been one of the top if not the top wide receiver taken had he declared for the draft last year. But now with his production cut in half from a year before and durability concerns Lee falls to the Panthers.  The problem with Lee is he is a gamble if you get the Lee from his sophomore year you will have a high level player for many years to come. However if you get the Lee from last year he will be injury ridden disappointing pick. To his defense his quarterback last year was nowhere near the level of Barkley and with all the inter fighting with the Trojans. It would have been very hard for Lee to match the kind of production he had the year before. However don’t be surprised if in three years from now Lee this is the best wide receiver taken in this draft.

 

29. New England Patriots-Louis Nix III Notre Dame NT 6-2 331lbs

The Patriots will look defensive tackle, with an aging Tommy Kelley and Vince Wilfork; they will look to strengthen the interior of their line. Nix is the best fit of the DTs left due to his ability to be a dominant nose tackle at the next level. Because of his size he is constantly demanding double teams and has the ability to be a two gap player. The only reason he is still available to them now is because he is coming off of surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He would also be the best available to fill the role that Vince Wilfork will soon leave behind. Nix has the strength and athleticism to become the anchor of the Patriots for years to come. 

 

30. San Francisco 49ers-Bradly Roby Ohio State CB 5-11 194lbs

The 49ers will look to go either corner or receiver with this pick. Already having a big receiver in Jon Baldwin there is no need to pick Kelvin Benjamin. But they will turn their sites to addressing the need at corner the best available at that position would be Bradley Roby.  Roby has many problems to deal with the first off which being off the field concerns. Roby is bullied around by receivers and does not come down with the ball on one on one plays. He is an aggressive player but can miss tackles in space and guesses on some routes. The good thing about him though is when he is lined up against slot receivers he can be very productive. Look for him to be a nickel corner maybe even a number two corner at the next level if he can add size and strength.

 

31. Denver Broncos- Xavier Su’a-Filo UCLA OG 6-4 307lbs

The Broncos will look at guard with the loss of Zane Beadles in the offseason and the need to keep Manning protected. With Su’a-Filo the Broncos can use this pick to get a starting caliber guard. Su’a-Filo is an above average pass and run blocker and has the athleticism to sustain blocks at the second level. After playing left tackle in college he looked out of place and a move to the interior could be exactly what is needed for him to flourish. He tends to over extend himself in run blocking and needs to develop better awareness with stunts. Overall he can be very effective as an all-around guard at the next level. 

 

32. Seattle Seahawks-Joel Botonio Nevada OT/G/C 6-4 302lbs

In order for the Seahawks to continue their run heavy approach they are known for they need to strengthen their offensive line. Botonio brings the versatility needed to play multiple positions on the line. He plays with a nasty attitude and he is looking to bury the guy he is blocking. Botonio has an outstanding work ethic and could become an offensive line coach’s dream. He can play to aggressive and out of control at times. He is average at pass and run blocking but has the skill set and intelligence to improve it at the next level.  

*All heights and weights are from NFL.com

Leave a comment let me know who you think these players will end up.