2014 NFL 1st Round Mock Draft
Dec 5, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
1st – Texans: QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
Once upon a time, Teddy Bridgewater was the consensus best quarterback in college football. After Louisville’s pro day, he will re-establish himself as such. The Texans have too many pieces in place to not just go with the best guy here.
2nd – Rams (from Washington): OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
If not for their superb performances at the Combine, the Rams may wait on drafting a tackle. However, it seems Matthews, Robinson, and even Lewan will be gone by St. Louis’s next selection at 13. Therefore, they go Matthews and wind up with arguably the best Tackle in one of the century’s most talented classes.
3rd – Jaguars: DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
The Jags’ two biggest problems are quarterback and ticket sales. Thus, many see Johnny Manziel as the answer. I believe, however, that Clowney will be equally captivating to the fan base and the 2nd round will land them the right quarterback.
4th – Browns: QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
Both the Browns organization and Manziel himself have expressed mutual interest since day one. Besides all the fanfare that would surely await, Johnny Football’s elusive style seems like a good fit for the fast, athletic receivers already on the Cleveland roster.
5th – Raiders: WR Sammy Watkins. Clemson
It’s unclear what’s to be made of Matt McGloin / Terrelle Pryor in Oakland. It doesn’t seem that the Raiders want to use either of them, but it also doesn’t seem as though they’re ready to abandon ship. Look for team to add the best offensive weapon available and perhaps grab some QB competition in the 2nd or 3rd round.
6th – Atlanta: OT Greg Robinson, Auburn
The Falcons could surely use a better pass rush, but they also must protect Matt Ryan better than they did in 2012. With a talent like Greg Robinson still available, this pick is a no-brainer.
7th – Tampa Bay: OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA
As the Buccaneers look to re-vamp their defense (along with everything else), expect them to take the best, smartest defensive leader available. That, according to many, is UCLA’s Anthony Barr.
8th – Vikings: QB Blake Bortles, UCF
Many around the league seem to have mixed feelings about Bortles. At the end of the day, he is big and athletic with a strong arm and good vision. Essentially, he is the combination of Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman (the positive attributes, that is).
9th – Bills: Mike Evans
Steve Johnson and the Bills have not always had the smoothest ride. Even so, they’ve been without a big target who could move the chains on a consistent basis. With a young quarterback, speedy receivers (like Johnson and 2nd year player Robert Woods), and a reliable tight end, look for Evans to be the latest tool in EJ Manuel’s repertoire.
10 – Lions: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
The Lions are lucky to grab this draft’s best secondary player at pick 10. It could be really made a difference, too, as they’ve already filled some other holes via free agency.
11th – Tennessee: OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo
With their switch to a 3-4 defense, the Titans have already targeted a number of linebackers in free agency, though have only been successful in landing one (Lesley Woodyard). Expect Tennessee to run their pick to the table if Mack is available at 11, though don’t be surprised to hear CJ Mosley’s name called depending on how the rest of free agency pans out.
12th – NY Giants: OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
The Giants may have opted to add a defensive player here in the wake of Justin Tuck’s departure, but the fact of the matter is that Lewan showed up better than just about anyone at the combine. It will be hard for the Giants to pass up on such a talent, especially after one of the worst offensive line performances in recent years.
13th – Rams: S Ha-ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
The Rams are in an odd situation, as they have many pieces in place but still need to develop into a competitive team. One area where they are slightly lacking is the secondary, namely at Safety. While 13 may seem a little early for Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to be drafted, understand that St. Louis would be acquiring a solid player who has a good chance of starting for the next 8-10 years.
14th – Bears: DT Timmy Jernigan, FSU
Out of all the defensive tackle prospects, Jernigan perhaps displays the most promise. Still only 20-years old, the FSU product plays with a mature sense and a youthful aggression – a truly dangerous combination. Look for him to start alongside the oft-injured Jay Ratliff and eventually take his spot.
15th – Steelers: WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU
After losing Emmanuel Sanders in free agency to the Denver Broncos, the Steelers are down to Antonio Brown and the perennial Jerricho Cotchery. Look for FSU stars to go be taken back-to-back here as the Rooneys and company get Big Ben another weapon.