SportDFW 1st Round Mock Draft 2.1
By Ryan Ratty
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Jason Verrett
Cornerback, TCU
The Fit:
After having one of the most explosive offenses in 2013, it is clear that the Eagles need to upgrade their defense. Jason Verrett had an up-and-down 2013 college season at TCU. While he does possess the speed coaches love in a cornerback, he is a bit thin and short. The Eagles need an impact cornerback opposite of Cary Williams. By bulking up a little bit, Verrett can be that guy.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Kelvin Benjamin
Wide Receiver, Florida State
The Fit:
Kelvin Benjamin is one of the most athletically-gifted receivers in recent draft memory. There were multiples at Florida State where Benjamin would simply out-jump opposing cornerbacks for touchdowns. If you look at his game-winning touchdown catch in the National Championship, that is just one example of his athletic ability. His hands aren’t the best. But, his catch-radius is outstanding. If drafted by the Chiefs, Alex Smith will be extremely happy.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Ryan Shazier
Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
The Fit:
Ryan Shazier is very similar to Anthony Barr. The Ohio State product is extremely athletic and he is a fluid athlete that can get around the field with ease. Shazier is also very underrated as a pass-rusher. The Bengals can further improve their defense by selecting the in-state outside linebacker. The Bengals could create a nice 1-2 tandem with Vontaze Burfict and Shazier.
25. San Diego Chargers
Justin Gilbert
Cornerback, Oklahoma State
The Fit:
If Justin Gilbert falls this fair, the Chargers will be getting an excellent value pick. It is no secret that the Chargers need help in the secondary. With the top two safeties gone, San Diego turns their attention to the cornerback position. Gilbert is interesting because he excels in a man-scheme or in a zone-scheme. Gilbert is fast and he has nice frame at 6’1″. He could become the #1 cornerback in San Diego, as early as 2015.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)
Marqise Lee
Wide Receiver, USC
The Fit:
Earlier in the draft, I had the Browns selecting Teddy Bridgewater. If Bridgewater goes to Cleveland, Josh Gordon will be the#1 and Jordan Cameron will be the #2. But there aren’t many good options outside of those two. By selecting Marqise Lee in the back end of the first round would give the Browns a respectable third option and a #2 receiver. Lee had a bad 2013 season, but he is extremely talented.
27. New Orleans Saints
Jeremiah Attaochu
Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech
The Fit:
While Jeremiah Attaochu may not be a first round talent, he has the perfect frame to be a great outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. With Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator, the 3-4 worked really well in New Orleans. Junior Galette had an excellent season in the 3-4. But, the Saints miss someone opposite of him. Attaochu could become a stud in this 3-4 defense.
28. Carolina Panthers
Jordan Matthews
Wide Receiver, Vanderbilt
The Fit:
Jordan Matthews impressed many with his standout play during the Senior Bowl Week. At 6’3″, 210 pounds, Matthews has the intangibles to become an elite receiver. With Steve Smith set to retire in a few years and the uncertainty of a #2 receiver, the Panthers need a receiver. While many believe Hakeem Nicks will come back to the Carolina’s with a free agency contract, that will cost big money. If I’m Carolina, I would rather take Matthews than pay a lot of money for Nicks. Keep in mind the fact that Nicks did not score one touchdown in the entire 2013 season.
29. New England Patriots
Jace Amaro
Tight End, Texas Tech
The Fit:
It is no secret that the Patriots love to play with 2-tight end sets. This was the case two years ago when the Patriots used Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. With the injury to Rob Gronkowski, there is a need at the tight end position. I really like Jace Amaro and his game. The Texas Tech product has excellent hands and is a good run-blocker. If Belichick can draft Amaro, he will be an immediate contributor to the Patriots’ offense.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Timmy Jernigan
Defensive Tackle, Florida State
The Fit:
Although he is a bit under-sized, Jernigan was a key reason why Florida State’s defense was one of the best in all of college football. Jernigan rarely loses battles in the trenches at the line of scrimmage. Jernigan is extremely good at getting after the quarterback from the defensive tackle position. Jernigan also does a great job at uses his hands to shed blockers.
31. Denver Broncos
Stephon Tuitt
Defensive End, Notre Dame
The Fit:
Stephon Tuitt has the versatility to play defensive tackle and defensive end. With his frame, he is a bit of a “twiner”. This means his build is in between the two positions. Regardless, the Broncos defense needs an upgrade and getting Tuitt would help the cause. Also, Tuitt is coming from a school that has produced some really good NFL players in the past.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Cyril Richardson
Guard, Baylor
The Fit:
The Seahawks are in need of improved guard play. Injuries have taken a toll on the interior of this offensive line. Because of this, Seattle should upgrade their offensive line. Getting an impact guard like Cyril Richardson would be a big get for this offense. Richardson is a road-grader who paved holes for Lache Seastrunk during his time at Baylor. Richardson is going to be real special in the NFL.