Mock Draft - 3.0 Updated 3/16/14 (Major Changes) on PG. 4

[bigK14094]

It looks good BUT if I'm the Bills, I am trying to trade down big time. With so many under classmen in this draft there is a ton of value, get more picks. Similar to last year, bail and pick up another 2nd rounder if at all possible.

Such a trade may be desireable, but cannot be scripted. When its gets to #9, somebody might make an offer if there is somebody they want.(last year it was Tavon Austin) Before that, all talk is preliminary, and the possiblities to tangled to be sure of. So, will not know if they can trade back until the night of the draft. And, there might not be anybody who wants to trade forward when #9 comes up. For sure, you really cannot shop the #9, there is to much element of the unknown in the situation that far down the prime prospect list. So, you need to be ready to pull the trigger on your own pick at #9 if nobody wants to trade for that position. That means knowing what your team plan is. That is what the Bills staff has to prepare for, they will have to able to do this in real time...not with months to decide. They can mock it up, but they will not know.

[H2o]

3rd crack at it this year. Changes all over.

 

1. Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney / DE / South Carolina - Yes, I do believe that things are shifting in Houston. I have had Johnny Football here since the first version, but I now am thinking the Texans will take Clowney. The combo of he on one side and Watt on the other will make opposing QB's lose sleep for years to come. I also think that the Texans will get their QB at the top of the 2nd Round or possibly slide back into the first if a guy they really like drops. Just a hunch, but I think Houston is where Jimmy Garoppolo ends up in the 2nd. (previously Johnny Manziel)

2. St. Louis Rams - Greg Robinson / OT / Auburn - Robinson is widely regarded as the best OT prospect in the draft by a majority of the football community. Sam Bradford has to be kept upright in the pocket. Jake Long is coming off of injury and the OL really isn't that spectacular with a healthy Jake Long. This is an investment to give Bradford one last shot at success in St. Louis. (previously Khalil Mack)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blake Bortles / QB / UCF - This is the "anti-Tebow" in state option. A Florida guy tabbed as the future QB to turn around a Florida team. This will help the Jags sell tickets and it helps that the guy is already better than their former "Franchise QB", Blaine Gabbert (since shipped to San Francisco). Bortles has the talent to succeed, but the Jags will have to do a great job getting the pieces around him to be successful. I also think that they will ease Bortles in as the starting QB since they re-signed Chad Henne if Bortles proves to not be ready through the preseason. (No change)

4. Cleveland Browns - Johnny Manziel / QB / Texas A&M - When was the last time Cleveland truly had an exciting football player, someone that people just watched to see what they would do next? Outside of the Derek Anderson fluke year, when was the last time Cleveland truly had a potential Franchise QB? They have a pretty good thing going in Cleveland right now with the Pettine hire and the FA acquisitions they have made. They also have one of the best young WR's in the game in Josh Gordon. The release of both Weeden and Campbell tells me that they are going all in on a QB in Round 1. With Manziel not being selected by the Texans and the owner's infatuation with Johnny Football this is the easiest projection one could possibly make. (previously Sammy Watkins)

5. Oakland Raiders - Jake Matthews / OT / Texas A&M - What a debacle of an offseason it has been for Oakland. They had THE MOST cap space out of any team in the NFL, but still lost out on Jared Veldheer and the new Davis in charge nixed the deal for Saffold. They brought back the often injured Darren McFadden when it was obvious that both parties needed to go their separate ways. They did however get Austin Howard from the Jets, Tarell Brown, Lamarr Woodley, and Justin Tuck. Matthews comes from one of the best lineages in modern football history and is as versitile as they come. He will be the blindside protector for whoever is the QB in Oakland in 2014. The only way this pick changes is if Oakland signs Donald Penn @ some point, then this would easily be Sammy Watkins. I think he signs elsewhere. (previously Greg Robinson)

6. Atlanta Falcons - Eric Ebron / TE / UNC - SURPRISE!!! Atlanta takes the best offensive weapon on the board that is not a WR, as they already have Roddy White and Julio Jones. Ebron is going to be a nightmare for LB's to try to keep up with and Safeties to try to out muscle. Ebron can also line up outside with the WR's to create mismatches. Matt Ryan NEEDS a TE to be successful in this league and he lost the best the NFL has ever seen at the end of last season. I cannot justify a Watkins selection here even though I still have him on the board, but this one is very simple to rationalize. (previously a trade up for Clowney)

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Khalil Mack / LB / Buffalo - What does Lovie Smith know? Defense. He knows that Mack is the best LB and possibly the best player in this draft. The guy has a motor that doesn't stop, he is strong, he is fast, he is instinctive in every situation, and now he is a member of the Buccaneers. Lovie Smith, the football gods have smiled upon you this day. (previously Anthony Barr)

8. Minnesota Vikings - Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix / S / Alabama - Minnesota needs help all over, but they signed Captain Munnerlyn and Derek Cox @ CB to go along with Xavier Rhodes whom they drafted last year. Harrison Smith looks like a good pick from a couple years ago at the FS position and now Clinton-Dix will be his running mate on the other side @ SS. (previously Justin Gilbert)

9. Buffalo Bills - Sammy Watkins / WR / Clemson - Could this have worked out any better? If Oakland would've landed their LT in FA we wouldn't be talking about this. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Watkins is probably the best offensive weapon in the draft. He can take it the distance any time he gets his hands on the football. He is very good at high-pointing the ball and making the catch. He has great awareness of where he is at on the field as well for catches along the lines. There is nothing this guy does that is not to like. THIS is our #1 WR. (previously Mike Evans)

10. Detroit Lions - Justin Gilbert / CB / Oklahoma St. - The signing of Golden Tate in FA gives Detroit some room to address a real weak spot on their defense. This move just makes too much sense to be wrong. Gilbert is seen as the top CB prospect and this surely helps to fill a void for Detroit. (previously Marqise Lee)

11. Tennessee Titans - Mike Evans / WR / Texas A&M - Mike Evans is a little bit bigger version of Michael Floyd, whom Whisenhunt drafted in Arizona. Jake Locker needs weapons and the drafting of Evans could help a bit to mask his issues with inaccuracy. Evans can basically pluck the ball from anywhere Locker would throw. He will be a nice compliment to Kendall Wright. (previously Eric Ebron)

12. New York Giants - Timmy Jernigan / DT / Florida St. - The Giants lost Linval Joseph in FA and Jernigan will be selected to plug the hole left by such a move. The Giants have fallen off rather quickly after their last SB victory. Look for Tom Coughlin to be under the microscope again this year in NY. (no change)

13. St. Louis Rams - Calvin Pryor / S / Louisville - The Rams weakest point on defense is the S position. Pryor is one of those guys who is vesitile enough to cover and play the run. Probably the hardest hitting DB in this draft, one of those who make WR's suddenly grow aligator arms. A Fisher type of player if I have ever seen one. (previously Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix)

14. Chicago Bears - Anthony Barr / LB / UCLA - Urlacher is long gone, Briggs isn't getting any younger, and the rest of the LB group is just meh. Barr can line up at LB or rush the passer off the edge in obvious passing situations. The defense has to improve and this will go a long way in that regard. (previously Jake Matthews)

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - CJ Mosley / LB / Alabama - Mosley will replace Foote and start along side of Timmons in the middle for Pittsburgh. (no change)

16. Dallas Cowboys - Aaron Donald / DT / Pittsburgh - What in the h-e-double hockey sticks is Jerry Jones doing in Dallas? Wow, just wow. Donald is another guy who showed out at the combine. He would be an immediate starter on Dallas' weak defensive interior. Need = fit in this instance. (no change)

17. Baltimore Ravens - Taylor Lewan / OT / Michigan - Well, to my surprise, the re-signed Eugene Monroe. They did move on from Michael Oher as I thought they would though. The line is going to have to be rebuilt if they want to get anything out of their investment in Joe Flacco. Lewan is a great pick for them here. (no change)

18. New York Jets - Marqise Lee / WR / USC - The Jets have not been very shy in their interest of USC's top WR. They were able to get Decker in FA, but the cupboard is still fairly bare in NY. If they want Geno to succeed they must give him people to throw the ball to. Lee makes all the sense in the world going here. (previously Darqueze Dennard)

19. Miami Dolphins - Zack Martin / OT / Notre Dame - Miami landed Branden Albert in FA and that is a good start for the rebuild of that absolutely horrible OL. Martin will be another key peice of that rebuild. He offers some flexibility as he can play OT or OG and likely both at a high quality level. (No Change)

20. Arizona Cardinals - Scott Chrihton / DE / Oregon St. - Crichton's main focus will be to attack the QB from the OLB spot, but will flip to DE in Nickel/Dime packages. He is on the rise after a solid Pro Day workout where he was put through a battery of LB drills and looked fluid in all his movements. He will be a disruptive force coming off the edge for the Cardinals. (previously Stephon Tuitt)

21. Green Bay Packers - Stephon Tuitt / DE / Notre Dame - This pick will help to solidify that defensive front even more. Tuitt will be an immediate upgrade and starter. He reminds me a lot of a young Richard Seymour and has the ability to slide to the inside in Nickel/Dime situations. He will undoubtedly benefit from playing along side the likes of Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. It won't be pretty for opposing QB's. (previously Jace Amaro)

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Darqueze Dennard / CB / Michigan St. - This is perfect for Philly. The secondary was a major weakness last season for this team. Dennard is an excellent press/man CB who guards well and isn't afraid to stick his head in there against the run. I think he could end up being the Eagles best CB by season's end, hands down. (previously Calvin Pryor)

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Jace Amaro / TE / Texas Tech - Alex Smith loves a TE like fat kid loves cake. Amaro would almost immediately become his favorite target, probably even more so than Dwayne Bowe. Not to mention it could pull some of the over the top Safety help off of Bowe to free him up more. Makes sense to me. (previously Kareem Martin)

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kony Ealy / DE / Missouri - The loss of Michael Johnson will undoubtedly be felt, but Ealy is a solid young prospect with good potential. Don't be surprised if he beats out Margus Hunt and starts on openeing day. (previously Kelvin Benjamin).

25. San Diego Chargers - Louis Nix III / DT / Notre Dame - The Chargers lack that run stuffer in the middle of the DL. Cam Thomas was signed away in FA by the Steelers this past week making this even more of a need. Nix's season was hampered by a meniscus problem, but he was fixed up by the best surgeon in the biz (James Andrews) and has been given a clean bill of health. At 6'3" and 340lbs he would immediately fit right in with the starting unit and his homeboy Manti Te'o. (previously Cyril Richardson)

26. Cleveland Browns - Brandin Cooks / WR / Oregon St. - They already have Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron, and drafted Johnny Manziel @ #4. This will go right along with getting their QB more weapons to be successful. Cooks had a monster year for Oregon St. and has followed it up with a monster showing in the pre-draft process. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, a 36" vertical, a 10' broad jump, and has good sized hands. He is quick in and out of his breaks as well. He rides this wave all the way into the 1st to Cleveland @ #26. (previosly Derek Carr)

27. New Orleans Saints - Kyle Fuller / CB / Virginia Tech - The Saints have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, but the defense is lacking especially in the secondary. They signed Jairus Byrd, but need more help than just he and Vaccaro. Fuller had a solid year and showed well when facing the better competition, but injuries slowed him down towards the end of the season. He really helped his stock with a good performance at the combine and lands with the needy Saints here.(previosly Antonio Richardson)

28. Carolina Panthers - Odell Beckham Jr. / WR / LSU. - Cam needs more weapons on offense and Beckham is a target who can be just that. They just cut Steve Smith and lost Brandon Lafell in FA. Tedd Ginn is no longer with the team either. Cam can't throw the ball to Greg Olsen every time. I look for Carolina to take a step back next year because they haven't helped Cam AT ALL. (previously Allen Robinson)

29. New England Patriots - Troy Niklas / TE / Notre Dame - NE loves their two TE sets and Gronk has been the poster boy for injury prone the last couple of seasons. This is another BIG target over the middle for Tommy Boy with some athleticism. Niklas sneaks into the 1st Round here. (previously Ra'Shede Hageman)

30. San Francisco 49ers - Bradley Roby / CB / Ohio St. - The 49ers main weakness is their secondary. Couple that with the fact they lost Tarell Brown to the Raiders and Carlos Rogers will not be returning. I like Roby as a player. They say he fell off a bit this past season, but when I watched him(only 2 or 3 times) I saw a guy who covered well and was not afraid to stick his head in there against the run. He had an excellent showing at the combine and I think he is San Francisco's choice here. (previously Kyle Fuller)

31. Denver Broncos - Xavier Su'a-Filo / OG / UCLA - Denver has gone all in on a SB run in 2014. They lost Decker, but I think he was more a product of the QB throwing him the ball anyway. No big deal. They lost Zane Beadles in FA to the Jaguars and I think this pick makes the most sense at this point considering who is on the board. Su'a-Filo had an excellent combine and is even drawing comparisons to perenial All-Pro Steve Hutchinson. This is a great pick, especially from a value standpoint for the Broncos. (previous pick Bradley Roby)

32. Seattle Seahawks - Brandon Thomas / OT / Clemson - The defense is basically intact, but the OL and WR group could use some work. Thomas showed really well at the combine in all the workouts and that was coming off a solid season. He possesses excellent strength, good enough feet, and great length for the position. He will step in at RT and replace the wildly inconsistent Breno Giacomini. Hopefully Wilson won't have to run for his life so much next year. (previous pick Gabe Jackson)

 

I don't really see much that can happen to change this version of my mock, minus Oakland getting a LT before the draft (which I feel is highly unlikely). Roast away my friends.

Edited March 16, 2014 by H2o

[KRT88]

1 9 Buffalo Khalil Mack OLB34 Buffalo

2 41 Buffalo Odell Beckham Jr. WRF LSU

3 73 Buffalo Gabe Jackson OG Mississippi St

4 105 Buffalo Ka'Deem Carey RBF Arizona

5 137 Buffalo Jimmy Garoppolo QB Eastern Illinois

6 169 Buffalo Tim Jackson DE34 North Carolina

7 201 Buffalo Ricardo Allen CB Purdue

 

 

There's no way Mack drops to #9 and Garoppolo doesn't fall to the 5th round!

Edited March 16, 2014 by KRT88

[K-9]

3rd crack at it this year. Changes all over.

 

1. Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney / DE / South Carolina - Yes, I do believe that things are shifting in Houston. I have had Johnny Football here since the first version, but I now am thinking the Texans will take Clowney. The combo of he on one side and Watt on the other will make opposing QB's lose sleep for years to come. I also think that the Texans will get their QB at the top of the 2nd Round or possibly slide back into the first if a guy they really like drops. Just a hunch, but I think Houston is where Jimmy Garoppolo ends up in the 2nd. (previously Johnny Manziel)

2. St. Louis Rams - Greg Robinson / OT / Auburn - Robinson is widely regarded as the best OT prospect in the draft by a majority of the football community. Sam Bradford has to be kept upright in the pocket. Jake Long is coming off of injury and the OL really isn't that spectacular with a healthy Jake Long. This is an investment to give Bradford one last shot at success in St. Louis. (previously Khalil Mack)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blake Bortles / QB / UCF - This is the "anti-Tebow" in state option. A Florida guy tabbed as the future QB to turn around a Florida team. This will help the Jags sell tickets and it helps that the guy is already better than their former "Franchise QB", Blaine Gabbert (since shipped to San Francisco). Bortles has the talent to succeed, but the Jags will have to do a great job getting the pieces around him to be successful. I also think that they will ease Bortles in as the starting QB since they re-signed Chad Henne if Bortles proves to not be ready through the preseason. (No change)

4. Cleveland Browns - Johnny Manziel / QB / Texas A&M - When was the last time Cleveland truly had an exciting football player, someone that people just watched to see what they would do next? Outside of the Derek Anderson fluke year, when was the last time Cleveland truly had a potential Franchise QB? They have a pretty good thing going in Cleveland right now with the Pettine hire and the FA acquisitions they have made. They also have one of the best young WR's in the game in Josh Gordon. The release of both Weeden and Campbell tells me that they are going all in on a QB in Round 1. With Manziel not being selected by the Texans and the owner's infatuation with Johnny Football this is the easiest projection one could possibly make. (previously Sammy Watkins)

5. Oakland Raiders - Jake Matthews / OT / Texas A&M - What a debacle of an offseason it has been for Oakland. They had THE MOST cap space out of any team in the NFL, but still lost out on Jared Veldheer and the new Davis in charge nixed the deal for Saffold. They brought back the often injured Darren McFadden when it was obvious that both parties needed to go their separate ways. They did however get Austin Howard from the Jets, Tarell Brown, Lamarr Woodley, and Justin Tuck. Matthews comes from one of the best lineages in modern football history and is as versitile as they come. He will be the blindside protector for whoever is the QB in Oakland in 2014. The only way this pick changes is if Oakland signs Donald Penn @ some point, then is would easily be Sammy Watkins. I think he signs elsewhere. (previously Greg Robinson)

6. Atlanta Falcons - Eric Ebron / TE / UNC - SURPRISE!!! Atlanta takes the best offensive weapon on the board that is not a WR, as they already have Roddy White and Julio Jones. Ebron is going to be a nightmare for LB's to try to keep up with and Safeties to try to out muscle. Ebron can also line up outside with the WR's to create mismatches. Matt Ryan NEEDS a TE to be successful in this league and he lost the best the NFL has ever seen at the end of last season. I cannot justify a Watkins selection here even though I still have him on the board, but this one is very simple to rationalize. (previously a trade up for Clowney)

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Khalil Mack / LB / Buffalo - What does Lovie Smith know? Defense. He knows that Mack is the best LB and possibly the best player in this draft. The guy has a motor that doesn't stop, he is strong, he is fast, he is instinctive in every situation, and now he is a member of the Buccaneers. Lovie Smith, the football gods have smiled upon you this day. (previously Anthony Barr)

8. Minnesota Vikings - Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix / S / Alabama - Minnesota needs help all over, but they signed Captain Munnerlyn and Derek Cox @ CB to go along with Xavier Rhodes whom they drafted last year. Harrison Smith looks like a good pick from a couple years ago at the FS position and now Clinton-Dix will be his running mate on the other side @ SS. (previously Justin Gilbert)

9. Buffalo Bills - Sammy Watkins / WR / Clemson - Could this have worked out any better? If Oakland would've landed their LT in FA we wouldn't be talking about this. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Watkins is probably the best offensive weapon in the draft. He can take it the distance any time he gets his hands on the football. He is very good at high-pointing the ball and making the catch. He has great awareness of where he is at on the field as well for catches along the lines. There is nothing this guy does that is not to like. THIS is our #1 WR. (previously Mike Evans)

10. Detroit Lions - Justin Gilbert / CB / Oklahoma St. - The signing of Golden Tate in FA gives Detroit some room to address a real weak spot on their defense. This move just makes too much sense to be wrong. Gilbert is seen as the top CB prospect and this surely helps to fill a void for Detroit. (previously Marqise Lee)

11. Tennessee Titans - Mike Evans / WR / Texas A&M - Mike Evans is a little bit bigger version of Michael Floyd, whom Whisenhunt drafted in Arizona. Jake Locker needs weapons and the drafting of Evans could help a bit to mask his issues with inaccuracy. Evans can basically pluck the ball from anywhere Locker would throw. He will be a nice compliment to Kendall Wright. (previously Eric Ebron)

12. New York Giants - Timmy Jernigan / DT / Florida St. - The Giants lost Linval Joseph in FA and Jernigan will be selected to plug the hole left by such a move. The Giants have fallen off rather quickly after their last SB victory. Look for Tom Coughlin to be under the microscope again this year in NY. (no change)

13. St. Louis Rams - Calvin Pryor / S / Louisville - The Rams weakest point on defense is the S position. Pryor is one of those guys who is vesitile enough to cover and play the run. Probably the hardest hitting DB in this draft, one of those who make WR's suddenly grow aligator arms. A Fisher type of player if I have ever seen one. (previously Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix)

14. Chicago Bears - Anthony Barr / LB / UCLA - Urlacher is long gone, Briggs isn't getting any younger, and the rest of the LB group is just meh. Barr can line up at LB or rush the passer off the edge in obvious passing situations. The defense has to improve and this will go a long way in that regard. (previously Jake Matthews)

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - CJ Mosley / LB / Alabama - Mosley will replace Foote and start along side of Timmons in the middle for Pittsburgh. (no change)

16. Dallas Cowboys - Aaron Donald / DT / Pittsburgh - What in the h-e-double hockey sticks is Jerry Jones doing in Dallas? Wow, just wow. Donald is another guy who showed out at the combine. He would be an immediate starter on Dallas' weak defensive interior. Need = fit in this instance. (no change)

17. Baltimore Ravens - Taylor Lewan / OT / Michigan - Well, to my surprise, the re-signed Eugene Monroe. They did move on from Michael Oher as I thought they would though. The line is going to have to be rebuilt if they want to get anything out of their investment in Joe Flacco. Lewan is a great pick for them here. (no change)

18. New York Jets - Marqise Lee / WR / USC - The Jets have not been very shy in their intrest in USC's top WR. They were able to get Decker in FA, but the cupboard is still fairly bare in NY. If they want Geno to succeed they must give him people to throw the ball to. Lee makes all the sense in the world going here. (previously Darqueze Dennard)

19. Miami Dolphins - Zack Martin / OT / Notre Dame - Miami is more than likely going to land Eugene Monroe in FA and that is a good start for the rebuild of that absolutely horrible OL. Martin will be another key peice of that rebuild. He offers some flexibility as he can play OT or OG and likely both at a high quality level. (No Change)

20. Arizona Cardinals - Scott Chrihton / DE / Oregon St. - Crichton's main focus will be to attack the QB from the OLB spot, but will flip to DE in Nickel/Dime packages. He is on the rise after a solid Pro Day workout where he was put through a battery of LB drills and looked fluid in all his movements. He will be a disruptive force coming off the edge for the Cardinals. (previously Stephon Tuitt)

21. Green Bay Packers - Stephon Tuitt / DE / Notre Dame - This pick will help to solidify that defensive front even more. Tuitt will be an immediate upgrade and starter. He reminds me a lot of a young Richard Seymour and has the ability to slide to the inside in Nickel/Dime situations. He will undoubtedly benefit from playing along side the likes of Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. It won't be pretty for opposing QB's. (previously Jace Amaro)

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Darqueze Dennard / CB / Michigan St. - This is perfect for Philly. The secondary was a major weakness last season for this team. Dennard is an excellent press/man CB who guards well and isn't afraid to stick his head in there against the run. I think he could end up being the Eagles best CB by season's end, hands down. (previously Calvin Pryor)

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Jace Amaro / TE / Texas Tech - Alex Smith loves a TE like fat kid loves cake. Amaro would almost immediately become his favorite taget, probably even more so than Dwayne Bowe. Not to mention it could pull some of the over the top Safety help off of Bowe to free him up more. Makes sense to me. (previously Kareem Martin)

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kony Ealy / DE / Missouri - The loss of Michael Johnson will undoubtedly be felt, but Ealy is a solid young prospect with good potential. Don't be surprised if he beats out Margus Hunt and starts on openeing day. (previously Kelvin Benjamin).

25. San Diego Chargers - Louis Nix III / DT / Notre Dame - The Chargers lack that run stuffer in the middle of the DL. Cam Thomas was signed away in FA by the Steelers this past week making this even more of a need. Nix's season was hampered by a meniscus problem, but he was fixed up by the best surgeon in the biz (James Andrews) and has been given a clean bill of health. At 6'3" and 340lbs he would immediately fit right in with the starting unit and his homeboy Manti Te'o. (previously Cyril Richardson)

26. Cleveland Browns - Brandin Cooks / WR / Oregon St. - They already have Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron, and drafted Johnny Manziel @ #4. This will go right along with getting their QB more weapons to be successful. Cooks had a monster year for Oregon St. and has followed it up with a monster showing in the pre-draft process. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, a 36" vertical, a 10' broad jump, and has good sized hands. He is quick in and out of his breaks as well. He rides this wave all the way into the 1st to Cleveland @ #26. (previosly Derek Carr)

27. New Orleans Saints - Kyle Fuller / CB / Virginia Tech - The Saints have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, but the defense is lacking especially in the secondary. They signed Jairus Byrd, but need more help than just him ad Vaccaro. Fuller had a solid year and showed well when facing the better competition, but injuries slowed him down towards the end of the season. He really helped his stock with a good performance at the combine and lands with the needy Saints here.(previosly Antonio Richardson)

28. Carolina Panthers - Odell Beckham Jr. / WR / LSU. - Cam needs more weapons on offense and Beckham is a target who can be just that. They just cut Steve Smith and lost Brandon Lafell in FA. Tedd Ginn is no longer with the team either. Cam can't throw the ball to Greg Olsen every time. I look for Carolina to take a step back next year because they haven't helped Cam AT ALL. (previously Allen Robinson)

29. New England Patriots - Troy Niklas / TE / Notre Dame - NE loves their two TE sets and Gronk has been the poster boy for injury prone the last couple of seasons. This is another BIG target over the middle for Tommy Boy with some athleticism. Niklas sneaks into the 1st Round here. (previously Ra'Shede Hageman)

30. San Francisco 49ers - Bradley Roby / CB / Ohio St. - The 49ers main weakness is their secondary. Couple that with the fact they lost Tarell Brown to the Raiders and Carlos Rogers will not be returning. I like Roby as a player. They say he fell off a bit this past season, but when I watched him(only 2 or 3 times) I saw a guy who covered well and was not afraid to stick his head in there against the run. He had an excellent showing at the combine and I think he is San Francisco's choice here. (previously Kyle Fuller)

31. Denver Broncos - Xavier Su'a-Filo / OG / UCLA - Denver has gone all in on a SB run in 2014. They lost Decker, but I think he was more a product of the QB throwing him the ball anyway. No big deal. They lost Zane Beadles in FA to the Jaguars and I think this pick makes the most sense at this point considering who is on the board. Su'a-Filo had an excellent combine and is even drawing comparisons to perenial All-Pro Steve Hutchinson. This is a great pick, especially from a value standpoint for the Broncos. (previous pick Bradley Roby)

32. Seattle Seahawks - Brandon Thomas / OT / Clemson - The defense is basically intact, but the OL and WR group could use some work. Thomas showed really well at the combine in all the workouts and that was coming off a solid season. He possesses excellent strength, good enough feet, and great length for the position. He will step in at RT and replace the wildly inconsistent Breno Giacomini. Hopefully Wilson won't have to run for his life so much next year. (previous pick Gabe Jackson)

 

I don't really see much that can happen to change this version of my mock, minus Oakland getting a LT before the draft (which I feel is highly unlikely). Roast away my friends.

 

Great stuff. Certainly plausible with the QBs being the wild card. Still no love for Bridgewater, I see. Well, somebody is gonna do the Quinn Rogers slide, may as well be him.

 

The purist in me just can't see so many teams passing on blue chip talent in favor of such huge question marks as Manziel and Bortles. If we ended up with Watkins, whom the Bills LOVE, I'd be ecstatic.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[H2o]

Great stuff. Certainly plausible with the QBs being the wild card. Still no love for Bridgewater, I see. Well, somebody is gonna do the Quinn Rogers slide, may as well be him.

 

The purist in me just can't see so many teams passing on blue chip talent in favor of such huge question marks as Manziel and Bortles. If we ended up with Watkins, whom the Bills LOVE, I'd be ecstatic.

 

GO BILLS!!!

I like Bridgewater's arm, but word is he was under 190lbs at the end of last season. YIKES!!! He will get broken in the NFL at that size. I think he is an EARLY 2nd, possibly to Oakland or Minnesota.

[chris heff]

I hope you're right about Watkins falling to nine. I think Oakland has to go tackle. So based on most mocks that leaves St Louis and Tampa as possibly taking Watkins.

[CardinalScotts]

this article is missing the key ingredient...who their qb is

[K-9]

I like Bridgewater's arm, but word is he was under 190lbs at the end of last season. YIKES!!! He will get broken in the NFL at that size. I think he is an EARLY 2nd, possibly to Oakland or Minnesota.

 

I hadn't heard that about his weight, but if true, it may explain why he didn't run the 40 at the combine. He weighed in at 214 lbs. at the combine which would represent a 25 lb + increase since his college season ended. That's a lot of extra heft to get used to.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[H2o]

this article is missing the key ingredient...who their qb is

 

Who's QB my friend? Buffalo's?

[MarkyMannn]

Think about it.....if Manziel drops to the Bills, they would have nothing to lose by drafting him. Fans would be screaming for EJ's head after 1 bad game. With the rookie cap, even the first pick of the draft costs next to nothing compared to just a few years ago. The Bills could probably pay Manziel's entire salary on increased beer and team merchandise sales.

 

I don't know, to me Manziel is Flutie 2.0. But you're right they would be all over EJ

 

Didn;t see H2O's 3rd update. Watkins would be great at 9. Or Mack

Edited March 16, 2014 by MarkyMannn

[BuffaloFan68]

My preference for this week:

1) Mike Evans

2) Anthony Barr - big LB to stop big TEs

3) Mosley - best pure ILB in the draft

4) Benjamin - EJs favorite target & another big bodied/sure handed WR.

I just don't see Mack or Watkins being available at 9.

[Big Turk]

If the Bills take a RT at pick 9, they are truly as clueless as 95% of the posters on this board

[KOKBILLS]

I hope you're right about Watkins falling to nine. I think Oakland has to go tackle. So based on most mocks that leaves St Louis and Tampa as possibly taking Watkins.

 

In that last scenario he had Clinton Dix and Ebron going before Watkins...If Ha-Ha and Ebron go before Sammy Watkins that would be one of the biggest Draft surprises in recent memory...I would say the chances of that happening are less than 1%...But you never know...

[H2o]

In that last scenario he had Clinton Dix and Ebron going before Watkins...If Ha-Ha and Ebron go before Sammy Watkins that would be one of the biggest Draft surprises in recent memory...I would say the chances of that happening are less than 1%...But you never know...

 

Atlanta has Julio Jones/Roddy White and Minnesota Greg Jennings/Cordarrelle Patterson. Matt Ryan just lost Tony Gonzales and the Vikings could use help anywhere on that defense. Just trying to look at things from a need/rationalization standpoint.

[Bufcomments]

I like your draft. The first one.

 

I think the Texans will take Manzel as well. They cant pass on Fran Tarkenton 2.0

 

Don't think Jags will be that dumb to pass on Clowney for a 2nd tier QB. Jags better off waiting until Sanchez gets released .

 

And I love your Bills pick of Mathews .

 

No way Watkins gets to nine. If that happens the Bills have to take him but I doubt it happens

Edited March 16, 2014 by Bufcomments

[CSBill]

First crack at it this year.

 

1. Houston Texans - Johnny Manziel / QB / Texas A&M - This is a no brainer if you ask me. The Texans need a QB. Schaub seems to have fallen apart and Case Keenum, a Houston product, does not seem to be the long term answer. The Texas born and raised Manziel would not only pack the house, but he would be the building block of the future in Houston. All this being said, the owner is already gushing about Clowney being a once in a blah, blah type of player and how he thinks that he is a better athlete than Mario Williams, whom he drafted in 2006. I think this time it is just an act.

2. Cleveland Browns(from St. Louis) - Teddy Bridgewater / QB / Louisville - A couple years ago the Rams traded back wirth the Redskins so Washington could take a QB and Fisher is on the move again for a 2 spot drop and another 1st via the Colts/Browns trade. The Browns watched Houston take Manziel and don't want to take the chance @ missing out on the 2nd of the two QB's they covet as well. Bridgewater to Gordon will be a dynamic combo in Cleveland.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blake Bortles / QB / UCF - This is the "anti-Tebow" in state option. A Florida guy tabbed as the future QB to turn around a Florida team. This will help the Jags sell tickets and it helps that the guy is already better than their former "Franchise QB", Blaine Gabbert. Bortles has the talent to succeed, but the Jags will have to do a great job getting the pieces around him to be successful. Look for this draft to be heavy on the offensive side of the ball for the Jags.

4. St. Louis Rams(from Cleveland) - Khalil Mack / LB / Buffalo - The Rams pick up extra draft picks in the trade with Cleveland and still get who many believe is the top LB prospect in the draft. He will immediately step in as the SLB in St. Louis forming one of the best LB units in all of football with Laurinaitis and Alec Ogeltree. Fisher loves a punishing defense and this unit will rival the Seahawks/49ers.

5. Oakland Raiders - Sammy Watkins / WR / Clemson - The Raiders will select a QB in Round 2 almost certainly, but here they get argueably the best WR prospect in the draft. Watkins has blazing speed, great hands, and is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Al Davis will be smiling somewhere when they make this pick.

6. Atlanta Falcons - Jadeveon Clowney / DE / South Carolina - Just too talented to fall any further. Last year the talk was Clowney being the #1 pick in the draft hands down. This year after seemeingly taking it easy on the field, and some carelessness off of it, he falls right into the lap of the Atlanta Falcons. They won't pass up the opportunity to get a guy like that for their defensive front.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Anthony Barr / LB / UCLA - What does Lovie Smith know? Defense. He knows that he can line up Barr as a DE on obvious passing situations and stand him up @ LB the rest of the time. He is a versitile defensive playmaker that can cover a lot of ground on every snap and will fit perfectly into Lovie's Tampa 2 scheme.

8. Minnesota Vikings - Justin Gilbert / CB / Oklahoma St. - They got Xavier Rhodes last year in Round 1 and get another CB this year. They are trying to revamp the defense in Minnesota and I expect them to do so here as there is not a viable option @ QB that would justify the #8 pick, see the past result of grabbing Ponder @ #12. They will not reach for a QB this year.

9. Buffalo Bills - Jake Matthews / OT / Texas A&M - Who would've thought the Buffalo Bills would have their pick of the top OT's in the draft? I have Matthews as the selection here because he played RT until Luke Joeckel made the jump to the NFL last year. He's versatile, comes from a great pedigree, and is NFL ready. Major upgrade for our OL here, major.

10. Detroit Lions - Marquise Lee / WR / USC - Calvin Johnson hasn't had a solid running mate opposite him since he's been in the NFL. The Lions will hope this pick changes that. He'll surely take some of the pressure off of Calvin and provide Stafford with yet another weapon in the passing game.

11. Tennessee Titans - Mike Evans / WR / Texas A&M - Ken Wisenhunt takes over in Tennesse and gets his QB a WR who can make plays. One of those guys you can just throw it up there and watch him come down with the ball. He's a little bigger version of Michael Floyd, whom Wisenhunt drafted in AZ. Put Evans on one side, with Kendall Wright on the other, and Walker hitting the seams in the middle of the field? Nice.

12. New York Giants - Greg Robinson / OT / Auburn - I think we see the end result when the OL does not give Eli time to throw the ball. That OL has to get taken care of. I know they have holes on defense, but you have to protect your Franchise QB.

13. St. Louis Rams - Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix / S / Alabama - The defensive theme continues for St. Louis. This draft could put them with the elite defenses of the NFL, being they are in their own division. But if they could get Mack and Clinton-Dix in the same draft, I really do believe this takes them to another level and they still have another 1st to go.

14. Chicago Bears - Eric Ebron / TE / UNC - What do you give a QB who just signed a HUGE contract, has Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, and Alshon Jeffrey? Another mismatch for opposing defenses. Ebron is going to be a nightmare for LB's to try to keep up with and Safeties to try to out muscle.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Louis Nix III / DT / Notre Dame - The Steelers need someone to clog up the middle of the line so their LB's can make plays. Nix is that player. He had a knee injury this year that kept him out of some games, but all reports say that it should not be a problem going forward and he should easily be 100% by the time the pre-draft process gets under way.

16. Dallas Cowboys - Timmy Jernigan / DT / Florida St. - What the Cowboys need is to draft a new owner and FO, but that won't happen. They also need help on the defensive interior. Jernigan will provide that much.

17. Baltimore Ravens - CJ Mosley / LB / Alabama - Searching for replacements for Lewis and Ellerbe.......Still. They get the best ILB in the draft.

18. New York Jets - Darqueze Dennard / CB / Michigan St. - Milliner started to play better towards the end of the year, but Cromartie was terrible all the way through. They have to do something about that. Dennard is the top CB on some boards and the Jets snag him @ #18 to pair up with Milliner. Cromartie might not even be on the roster come July.

19. Miami Dolphins - Taylor Lewan / OT / Michigan - Its hard to believe that Tannehill made it through this season. Says a lot about the guy's toughness if you ask me. Their line is horrid at best. Throw in the Incognito/Martin fiasco and it is amazing that they were still in the playoff hunt until the last week of the season. Lewan will help to start fixing that train wreck.

20. Arizona Cardinals - Trent Murphy / OLB-DE / Stanford - Murphy will be a stand up edge rusher for a 10-6 team that missed out on the playoffs because they are in the toughest division in football. It is a position that needs an upgrade and Murphy will make them glad for the decision. He looks like a natural fit as a 3-4 OLB.

21. Green Bay Packers - Jace Amaro / TE / Texas Tech - Aaron Rodgers will benefit the most from this. Amaro, like Ebron, is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He will have to work on his blocking if he wants to be an every down TE, but from a receiving standpoint alone he is worth the pick.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Stephon Tuitt / DE / Notre Dame - The offense is great, but the defense needs work if they really want to contend. Tuitt will be an immediate upgrade and starter on that defensive front. He reminds me a lot of young Richard Seymour and has the ability to slide to the inside to rush the passer in Nickel/Dime situations.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Austin Seferian-Jenkins / TE / Washington - Alex Smith really needs a quality TE and the Chiefs don't have one. This would help the offense become even more potent in 2014.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kelvin Benjamin / WR / Florida St. - Picture what Chicago has with Jeffrey and Marshall. Now that will be Cincy as well with green and Benjamin.

25. San Diego Chargers - Cyril Richardson / OT-OG / Baylor - San Diego looks to protect their rejuvenated Franchise QB and open lanes for their RB's. Rhinehart may be gone in FA and Richardson provides some versatility being able to play both OG and OT. Joe D. will have him ready to step in from day one.

26. St. Louis Rams(from Cleveland) - Kony Ealy / DE / Missouri - Defense, defense, and defense. Does anyone need to tell Jeff Fisher that defense wins Championships? Khalil Mack, Clinton-Dix, and now Kony Ealy in one round of one draft. Why Ealy? He'll sub for Quinn and Long to still get a decent amount of snaps every game. A nice player to have as a backup initially that could grow into more.

27. New Orleans Saints - Antonio Richardson / OT / Tennessee - Brees had to run for his life more this season than in any other I can remember. Richardson would be a solid pick here to help protect your QB.

28. Carolina Panthers - Allen Robinson / WR / Penn St. - Cam needs more weapons on offense and Robinson is a big target who can be just that. He put up excellent numbers while having a young QB slinging the ball to him. Now he'll have a better QB and Steve Smith drawing coverage on the other side along with Olsen over the middle. This could be a GREAT fit for him.

29. New England Patriots - Ra'Shede Hageman / DT-DE / Minnesota - He will line up all over the defensive line for the Pats*, but mainly his snaps will come @ DE in the 3-4.

30. San Francisco 49ers - Kyle Fuller / CB / Virginia Tech - This is probably the one position on defense that the 49ers truly need some help at, or at least some depth. Fuller had a solid year and showed well when facing the better competition.

31. Seattle Seahawks - Gabe Jackson / OG / Mississippi St. - He fits right in with their Power Run scheme on offense and will just be another road grader for Beast Mode to run behind.

32. Denver Broncos - Kareem Martin / DE-OLB / North Carolina - With the last pick in the 1st Round of the 2014 NFL Draft, yes I think the Broncos win the SB, they get a guy whose main focus will be to get to the QB. He has 21.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks this past season. The Broncos are hurting for a pass rush without Von Miller and Martin could help fill that void. At 6'6", 265lbs he already has the ideal NFL frame and is a tremendous athlete.

 

I would be very happy with this scenario, with either Matthews or Robinson

[808]

no teddy bridgewater and oakland just signed donald penn i think. good work tho i love mock draft season.

[WhitewalkerInPhilly]

If Matthews, who was considered to be number 1 pick overall contender overall last year if he came out then, fall to pick 9 you don't run to the podium. You sprint.

[H2o]

no teddy bridgewater and oakland just signed donald penn i think. good work tho i love mock draft season.

 

No on Bridewater and the Raiders have not signed Penn.

[Trader]

I did this draft on fanspeak using the Walter Football database. It's and amazing draft and I would take it in a heartbeat.

 

1. Gregg Robinson (feel free to sub Mathews or Lewan) OT one of them will be there.

 

2. M Bryant WR

 

3. Keith McGill CB (Big enough to be a big Safety)

 

4. Trevor Reilly DE

 

5. Andre Williams RB

 

6. Crocket Gilmore TE

 

7. A Jackson ILB

 

I would take this draft in a heart beat. There are very few reaches the most notable being Bryant (rated the 47th BPA).