2014 NFL Mock Draft: FINAL MOCK

DE Jadeveon Clowney is the likely choice at number one overall.

1.    Houston Texans                                    Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)

The Texans most pressing need is without a doubt quarterback. However Clowney is the best pure talent in the draft by Matt Prater field goal. This makes for a tough choice for Houston brass. While I feel Atlanta will ultimately relieve Houston’s tension by making an offer they won’t refuse, as of now Houston goes best player available (BPA) and teams Clowney with J.J. Watt. The 3-4 defense makes for a more difficult choice (Khalil Mack is also enticing) but if Houston keeps the number one overall pick, they will keep Clowney’s hand in the dirt quite often.

2.   St. Louis Rams (f/ Washington)             Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn)

Rams have the luxury of two draft picks in the first half of the draft thanks to the RG3 trade, which netted them this selection among others. St. Louis needs a serious receiving threat so Sam Bradford can be efficient once again. But with that second first round pick, St. Louis will feel comfortable enough in landing a receiver because it is the deepest position in this year’s draft that offensive tackle can be addressed here. There are two elite offensive tackles that will not be on the board at pick #13. While Jeff Fisher has ties to the Matthews family, Robinson is the better talent and will step in at right tackle, which pushes Rodger Saffold inside to guard. That’s an o-line that can protect.

3.   Jacksonville Jaguars                        Khalil Mack (DE/LB, Buffalo)

Khalil Mack is a versatile linebacker. He can even play defensive end in the right scheme. This scheme is a perfect fit for him. Mack would be able to play the “Leo” position or either outside linebacker position. As a football player, Mack uses his athleticism and power to do two things well: bend the edge and roam. Head coach and defensive architect is likely already swooning at the endless possibilities of Khalil Mack in Jacksonville.

4.   Cleveland Browns                                    Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M)

The man they call Johnny Football will be diving in the “Dawg Pound” if the draft falls right for Cleveland. Manziel is a flamboyant, exciting quarterback with lots of tools. He may not be as polished as Bridgewater or as possess Bortles’ size but Manziel has the ‘it’ factor. He’s modern day gunslinger with an unseen scrambling prowess. His technique is almost nonexistent at times but teammates love him because he is a huge play waiting to happen.

5.    Oakland                                                Sammy Watkins (QB, Clemson)

This is the stud in a deep receiver class that the Rams front office will struggle to pass up. Watkins has all the tools and speed to burn. As explosive as he is, his toughness and power with the ball in his hands might be more impressive. The Raiders have an underrated receiving thanks to the addition of James Jones and inconsistent play at quarterback but are missing a true number one guy. Watkins will bring just that to the black hole.

6.   Atlanta Falcons                                    Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)           

As mentioned earlier, Falcons want to trade up for a defensive impact player in the worst way. If that isn’t achieved, look for Atlanta to add youth to its aging offensive line. Jake Matthews is often overlooked in this draft due to his consistency. He plays assignment football better than any other player in this draft. Atlanta will settle for a clean, efficient guy who can man either side of the offensive line for ten to fifteen years.

           

7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers                        Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M)

The Buccaneers traded away their best receiver. This puts them in an obvious position of need. They don’t necessarily have to strike in the first round but it’s no secret that Tampa will be selecting a receiver early in this year’s draft. If Evans, a big strong red zone threat is their guy, they won’t hesitate to take him at seven.

8.   Minnesota Vikings                                    Blake Bortles (QB, Central Florida)

The Vikings are in the quarterback market. Blake Bortles could land at eighth overall easily. The decision between he and Bridgewater likely will come down to system fit. Bortles and Bridgewater are both built for a west coast offense with Bortles possibly having a slightly better pocket presence.

9.   Buffalo Bills                                                Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix (FS, Alabama)

‘Ha Ha’ Clinton-Dix is the best safety in this class. He’s a rangy true free safety. HCD is most effective as a roamer but is fully capable of bringing the lumber. With the loss of Jairus Byrd, Clinton-Dix is an easy selection for Buffalo.

10.                  Detroit Lions                                                Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State)

Rumors are beginning to circulate that the Lions are interested in moving up. They may have their eye on an elite offensive tackle but it’s more likely that they are interested in receiver Sammy Watkins or defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Tenth pick might be too far to be a serious threat for either. With that said, Detroit has needed secondary help for years, so the look to keep it in-state and tab Darqueze Dennard who put together one of the most impressive college seasons any cornerback ever has. His less than stellar size and physical style of play may not lend itself to the NFL but he’s backed up any questions about his athletic ability all offseason long, namely turning in a 4.4 40-yard dash at the combine.

11.                  Tennessee Titans                                    Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)

If Gilbert is on the board at eleven, Tennessee will count that as a win. The two-tone blue crew will be looking to bolster its secondary after losing a key member. Tennessee also could look Aaron Donalad’s way if he fits the hybrid 3-4 scheme in Nashville.

12.                  NY Giants                                                 Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)           

Eli Manning led the league in interceptions last year thanks in part to his love for the first quarter ‘Hail Mary.’ Also, his offensive line apparently loves to see Eli running for his life. The NY Giants solution is easy. Find capable lineman that don’t know Eli well enough to dislike him. Lewan fits that mold. He’s long and lean. Pass protection is his biggest strength and the Giants biggest weakness. Besides I missed the Victor Cruz ‘salsas’ last season.

13.                  St. Louis Rams                                    Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR, LSU)           

Told you a talented receiver would fall in the laps of the Rams if they stayed patient. Beckham is one of my favorites of this draft. His dynamic skills and insanely high propensity at play-making just gives me joy. Beckham made plays in an offense that was flawed and broken. He will allow St. Louis to have a real outside threat which gives Tavon Austin flexibility to be more of a gadget player and special teams demon.

14.                  Chicago                                                Calvin Pryor (FS, Louisville)

Da Bears! Chicago needs secondary help. With Clinton-Dix off the board in the top ten, the Bears jump on Calvin Pryor. Pryor is a rangy free safety as well. His ball skills are probably more impressive than Clinton-Dix’s. This move drastically improves the Bears secondary day one.

15.                  Pittsburgh                                                Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)

Ben Roethlsiberger hasn’t been privy to a weapon this size since his rookie year, unless you count the Limas Sweed debacle. Benjamin is a jump ball receiver. He uses his frame well to box out defenders and is always the aggressor with the ball in the air. Big Ben will just have to get used to not launching it fifty yards knowing his receiver will run it down. Benjamin will be more of a high-and-outside threat.

116.                  Dallas Cowboys                                     Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)                       

If Dallas wants to succeed in its 4-3 defense, someone will have to be a penetrator with a certain level consistency. Enter: Aaron Donald. Donald is a thick, powerful defensive tackle that is quick off the ball. He can play the 3-tech or 1-tech in this scheme and disrupt often. His only potential downfall is his lack of length but if he can be powerful enough to create separation, that will matter very little.

117.                  Baltimore Ravens                                    CJ Mosley (ILB, Alabama)

Rolando McClain unretired and then retired again. That won’t stop general manager Ozzie Newsome (former Alabama player himself) from take another flyer on a Bama linebacker. Mosley is an instinctive, sure tackler. He’d be a top ten selection if he didn’t look like nickelback. Mosley lacks the ideal size but diagnoses plays and uses angles quite well to allow himself to get into to excellent position to make plays. He might start his career as a third down linebacker but so did Navorro Bowman (my player comparison).

118.                  NY Jets                                                 Marqise Lee (WR, USC)

The Jets get more weapons for Geno Smith  Mike Vick with this pick. Lee was an absolute stud his sophomore year amassing almost 1,800 receiving yards. Injury and coaching uncertainty slowed his production during his junior campaign. However, he was still able to display veteran route running and great hands. Lee isn’t as physically imposing as a few receivers in this draft but his polish is something the Jets will appreciate.

119.                  Miami                                                            Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina)

The Dolphins are likely to take the best player available approach unless they attempt to quickly shore up the offensive line. Ebron is an immensely talented prospect that Miami could use to bring Ryan Tannehill along. Ebron isn’t the complete package at tight end, as his blocking needs improvement, but his frame and speed makes him a matchup problem that will help the Dolphins offense.

220.                 Arizona                                                Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)

Teddy Bridgewater has no business falling this far. His arm is beyond his years. Bridgewater’s draft stock plummeting may ultimately become this draft’s biggest farce. As of now, it looks like the fall of Teddy could be coming to draft near you (if you live in New York).  The Cardinals seem content with Carson Palmer but Bridgewater being groomed to replace him isn’t a bad thing and at twentieth overall, the value is just too good to pass on.

221.                  Green Bay                                                Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)

Kyle Fuller is the highest rated cornerback on my board. He presents impressive size (6-foot), quality speed (4.49 40) and coveted versatility. With two brothers in the NFL before him and one surely coming after, the NFL pedigree is undeniable. Fuller displays tremendous ball skills and is a sure tackler in the open field. Green Bay could do plenty worse in this spot.

222.                 Philadelphia                                                Anthony Barr (DE/LB, UCLA)

The Eagles are shifting to a 3-4 alignment. Barr is a true 3-4 outside linebacker as he played in college. The familiarity of Barr and the need of the Eagles makes sense. Also, Chip Kelly would have seen Barr in previous years as Kelly’s old team (Oregon) and Barr’s alma mater (UCLA) are both Pac-12 schools.

223.                 Kansas City                                                Zack Martin (OL, Notre Dame)

The Chiefs are hurting for offensive linemen. Zack Martin fits the bill because he has the talents to excel at both tackle and guard.

224.                 Cincinnati                                                Ryan Shazier (OLB, Ohio State)

Shazier is a blazing fast linebacker. He’s also an effective blitzer that could be used well with fellow ‘backer Vontaze Burfict.

225.                  San Diego                                                 Brandin Cooks (WR, Oregon State)

Rivers wants weapons. He found one in Keenan Allen last season but will need one or two more additional weapons to have a full arsenal. Cooks also doubles as a return specialist if San Diego would like to exploit his full skillset.

226.                 Cleveland (f/ Ind)                                    Dee Ford (DE/LB, Auburn)

The Browns drafted Barkevious Mingo last year but weight and injury concerns (plus a new regime) make them hesitant to count on Mingo as the team’s main sack artist. Besides, have you ever seen a team with too many pass rushers?

227.                 New Orleans                                                Kony Ealy (DE/LB, Missouri)

The Saints look to give Rob Ryan (defensive coordiator) some flexibility in Kony Ealy. Ealy was a traditional defensive end at Missouri but will likely become a rush linebacker in New Orleans.

228.                 Carolina                                                Davante Adams (WR, Fresno State)

The Panthers could consider going receiver with their first three picks because the need is that serious. I can’t remember a young Pro Bowl QB ever being surrounded with less talent than Cam in right now. Atrocious.

229.                 New England                                                Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)           

The Patriots will probably draft someone projected to be a fourth round pick and we’ll all be able to imagine Belicheck in his grey hoodie smirking and mumbling “Peytong won’t beat me this year.” If he does take CyKo, it’ll be based on his work ethic and thorough convincing by his pal Nick Saban.

330.                 San Francisco                                    Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)

Niners have a solid roster but could use bolstering at receiver and cornerback. Robinson is a solid player that brings many positives with him. His size is elite, as is his speed. He’s an excellent route runner and has been privy to a pro style system at Penn State. 49ers could very well take on cornerback like Jason Verrett here and draft receivers in the middle rounds.

331.                  Denver                                                 Ra’Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota)

Denver will want to add an interior presence to go along with Terrance Knighton. Hageman is 6-foot-6 ball of potential and John Fox will surely hope he has the key to unlocking it.

332.                 Seattle                                                 Xavier Su’a-Filo (OG, UCLA)

The Seahawks were banged up along the offensive line and it was poor to start the season. Su’a-Filo could provide immediate depth at the worst, and be a key cog at its best. In his rookie year, the defending Super Bowl champs would settle for the former.