2014 NFL Mock Draft Last Updated: December 11, 2013
Brandon Thorn believes that Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be the 1st overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Photo Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
We are 14 games into the NFL season and with just three games left we have a fairly clear idea of where teams will be drafting. This list is compiled of seniors and eligible underclassmen – including the officially and unofficially declared players. I, Brandon Thorn, will be providing constant updates all the way up until the draft starts May 8, 2014.
Round 1
1. Houston (2-11) - QB Teddy Bridgewater – Louisville: Wouldn’t this be ironic? If Houston continues to stink up the joint and lose, they will be faced with an eerily similar situation as they were in 2006. That year Houston also had the No. 1 overall pick and faced the dilemma of deciphering between a potential franchise quarterback (Vince Young) or all-world defensive end (Mario Williams). General Manager Charlie Casserly went with the latter and needless to say it was a wise choice. This year it comes down to Teddy Bridgewater or Jadeveon Clowney.
Over the course of the eight years since that draft took place the league has become even more centered on the passing-game and the quarterback position. If the new coaching regime believes Bridgewater is going to be a star, they simply cannot pass on drafting him. If they have any doubts about Bridgewater (or any other quarterback in this class) being a true franchise-caliber quarterback, Clowney is the type of can’t-miss-prospect who would warrant being the No. 1 overall pick.
2. St. Louis – from Washington (3-10) – DE Jadeveon Clowney – South Carolina: How great is this for GM Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher? Quarterback Sam Bradford was having the best year of his career before his season-ending injury so chances are he gets another shot to prove himself. The team has built an already solid nucleus of young stalwarts on defense and through the RGIII trade in 2012, have Washington’s first-round pick. If Clowney was here there is just too much value to pass up. Plus, can you imagine a defensive line rotation of Jadeveon Clowney, Robert Quinn, and Chris Long? Opposing NFL offensive lines surely wouldn’t want to.
3. Atlanta (3-10) – LB/DE Anthony Barr – UCLA: Atlanta currently ranks 27th in sacks and total defense. The lack of physicality from the defensive front and inability to get after opposing quarterbacks has been what’s held this team back from reaching the next level. Adding a difference-maker such as Barr – 23.5 sacks in the last two seasons at UCLA – would give this porous defense a huge lift.
4. Minnesota (3-9-1) – QB Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M: This is where things could get very interesting. The Vikings will surely address their putrid quarterback situation as early as possible this off-season, preferably grabbing a player who not only will make plays, but also sell tickets for when the team opens their new stadium in 2016. With the best running back in football in Adrian Peterson already in place, plus a solid offensive line and several weapons (Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings, and Kyle Rudolph), Manziel wouldn’t have to shoulder a huge load.
5. Jacksonville (4-9) – QB Blake Bortles – UCF: Every year there is a player or two who shoots themselves up draft boards that were from a smaller school that didn’t get much national attention. Bortles is 6-foot-4, 230 pounds and is reminiscent of a slightly smaller Ben Roethlisberger when he was coming out of the University of Miami-Ohio. Bortles’ stock is already shooting through the roof as he has led his team to a conference championship and a looming BSC bowl-matchup vs. Baylor. Bortles has excellent pocket-presence, great size, and excellent anticipation with the football. With UCF’s comeback win against SMU in the conference championship this past weekend, in the frigid cold nonetheless, Bortles rallied his team to victory with his legs as much as his arm and could be this draft’s biggest riser.
6. Cleveland (4-9) QB Derek Carr – Fresno State: General manager Michael Lombardi hasn’t gotten the chance to pick his franchise quarterback yet. While currently injured quarterback Brian Hoyer could have the chance to start in 2014, chances are the new regime will want to bring in their own guy. Carr has all the measurables you could want in a franchise quarterback, including the strongest arm in the class. Being the brother of former No. 1 overall pick David Carr could possibly hurt his draft stock as scouts love to pull the “pedigree” card. However, the pressure is already on the new regime to pick a quarterback of the future, so the excellent defense that is already in place won’t go to waste. Carr is the most NFL-ready guy left.
7. Oakland (4-9) QB Brett Hundley – UCLA: With Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota deciding to forego the draft this season, Hundley’s stock has risen. With Oakland having to just look down the coast to have seen Hundley this season, the familiarity will certainly be there for general manager Reggie McKenzie. With last year’s third-round selection QB Tyler Wilson already flamed out, the need to bring in a quarterback with an elite skill-set is paramount. Hundley certainly possesses all of the tools to become a very good NFL quarterback and has much more potential as a passer than Terrell Pryor does.
8. Buffalo (4-9) OT Jake Matthews – Texas A&M: With four straight quarterback-needy teams selecting ahead of Buffalo, there is bound to be a blue-chip prospect that falls into their laps. While local hero Khalil Mack is a popular choice to stay in his college-town, there are far more pressing needs and Matthews would simply be too good to pass up. With second-year quarterback E.J. Manuel at the helm, the protection hasn’t been great. Buffalo quarterbacks have been sacked 37 times so far this season and Manuel even suffered an injury that kept him out of four games. Current left tackle Cordy Glenn is best suited to play on the right side, which would allow the team to cut ties with current right tackle Erik Pears and plug Matthews in on the left, where he will likely be a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
9. Tampa Bay (4-9) LB Khalil Mack – Buffalo: Tampa Bay has one of the best defensive rosters in the entire NFL but is weak in two areas; defensive end and outside linebacker. Da’Quan Bowers was expected to step up this year and start opposite of Adrian Clayborn but that hasn’t worked out and Bowers has just five sacks in his three-year career. Opposite of Pro Bowl LB Lavonte David is Dekoda Watson who isn’t anything special and will also be a free agent this off-season. Mack is an electrifying pass-rusher with exceptional burst, athleticism, and instincts. Mack became the NCAA’s all-time career leader in forced fumbles and tackles for loss this season, while also reeling in 3 INTs, 2 of which were returned for touchdowns. Mack would likely come in and start opposite of David at one of the outside linebacker spots while also giving the pass-rush an enormous boost. Mack and David would be as good of an outside linebacker combination as any in the league.
10. Pittsburgh (5-8) WR Mike Evans – Texas A&M: Pittsburgh is facing the very real possibility that their No. 2 receiver Emmanuel Sanders will leave in free agency this off-season, leaving them with a gaping hole opposite of No. 1 receiver Antonio Brown. Brown is a dynamite playmaker but is just 5-foot-10. Last year’s third-round pick Markus Wheaton is 5-foot-11 and best suited for the slot. Evans, who is 6-foot-5, 225 pounds would instantly give the offense a tackle-breaking beast that is in the mold of Vincent Jackson. Big Ben has always loved having a big receiver to throw to and ever since Plaxico Burress’ departure there has been a need for an over-the-middle and red-zone threat. Evans has been Manziel’s security blanket this year and has had some head-turning performances including a two game stretch in which he amassed 18 catches, 566 yards, and 5 TDs. With the ability to dominate the SEC like Evans has, Pittsburgh’s offense would be adding a dimension to the offense that isn’t currently on the roster.
11. Tennessee (5-8) S Ha’Sean “Haha” Clinton-Dix – Alabama: Tennessee has a solid offensive line and a very good defensive line, leaving their secondary in need of a big-time, versatile playmaker. Michael Griffin is still the rock of the secondary but opposite him they have fill-in Bernard Pollard, who will most likely be gone after signing just a one-year deal this season. In today’s NFL the safety position has slowly but surely become a hot-commodity. As evident by recent drafts that saw Mark Barron, Kenny Vaccarro, and Earl Thomas get selected in the top half of the first-round, versatile safeties are snatched up very quickly. Teams want a safety with the speed and athleticism to cover receivers while also providing run support. Clinton-Dix at 6-foot-1, 209 pounds fits that mold to a tee. This selection would instantly give Tennessee one of the best safety duos in the entire league and shore up the backside of an already excellent front seven.
12. New York Giants (5-8) OT Taylor Lewan – Michigan: New York’s offensive struggles this season have been because of a combination of injuries, Manning’s questionable decision-making, and mostly, a disastrous offensive line. Starting left tackle Will Beatty is simply overmatched virtually every week and an upgrade would go a long way to enhancing Manning’s production. Lewan was once viewed as a lock for the top ten and would have likely been drafted higher if he declared last year. General Manager Jerry Reese would be wise to pick up the well-rounded Michigan Wolverine, who has showed he can slow down elite pass-rushers with his excellent size and strength, plus he would provide an enormous upgrade over Beatty in the running game.
13. St. Louis (5-8) LB C.J. Mosley – Alabama: The Rams’ two strong side linebackers (Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Will Witherspoon) are both heading for free agency this off-season. The other two linebacker positions are set with James Laurinaitis and Alec Ogletree. Enter Mosley, who would solidify the linebacker corps and give them as well-rounded of a unit as any team in football. Mosley is the leader of the Crimson Tide defense and has been a major contributor for Alabama since his freshman year. Mosley excels in pass-coverage and read and reacts as well as any linebacker in the nation. This pick would keep the Rams on par with fellow division-rivals as the best defensive division in football.
14. New York Jets (6-7) WR Sammy Watkins – Clemson: General Manager John Idzik was brought in before the season to fix the Jets’ roster, namely the offensive side of the ball. Assuming Idzik brings back current head coach Rex Ryan for another season, he will have to give Ryan weapons to put around their soon-to-be second-year quarterback Geno Smith. Right now Smith is surrounded by mediocrity on offense and they desperately need a big, fast, proven playmaker. Wide receiver Stephen Hill is certainly big and fast, but his development is causing some serious doubts. Watkins stepped onto the field as a freshman and became just the fourth true freshman in NCAA history to be named a first-team All-American and has gained 3,164 yards receiving, 26 touchdowns, and 1,338 yards returning in his career. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds with blistering speed and acceleration, Watkins is in the mold of Jeremy Maclin/Torrey Smith and would be a Godsend to the Jets’ offense.
15. San Diego (6-7) CB Justin Gilbert – Oklahoma State: San Diego has a bunch of average corners on the roster and one of them is a pending free agent (Richard Marshall). Bringing in a player of Gilbert’s stature would go a long way to improving the athleticism of the entire secondary. Gilbert not only possesses all the tools to develop into a legitimate No. 1 corner (6’ 200 pounds, likely 4.4 speed), he has some of the quickest feet in the nation and has quelled all of the rumors of him not being a ball-hawk as evident by his 6 interceptions this season.
16. Green Bay (6-6-1) TE Eric Ebron – North Carolina: While Green Bay could very easily address a defensive hole with this pick, either Ebron or Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro would be too hard to pass up. Current tight end Jermichael Finley never quite lived up to the hype and is a pending free agent along with fellow tight end Andrew Quarless. The entire league knows that if quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a consistent playmaker in the middle of the field and in the red zone opposing defenses would be helpless against stopping their offense. Ebron has produced the best season in school history this year (55 catches, 895 yards, 3 touchdowns) on a team that didn’t have anyone to take attention off of him.
17. Chicago (7-6) DT Louis Nix – Notre Dame – Agent: Todd France/Brian Ayrault (Five Star Athlete Management): The Jay Ratliff acquisition could provide a boost next season but Ratliff will be 33-years old. Current defensive tackle Corey Wooten is a pending free agent and with the loss of Henry Melton to a torn ACL, the run defense has been in desperate need of an upgrade. Nix is widely regarded as the premier run-stuffer of this year’s class and at 6-foot-3, 345 pounds you can understand why. Nix also is an extremely high-character player with shocking movement skills for a man his size. There are some durability concerns as Nix’s season was cut short after tearing his meniscus, but thankfully this wasn’t as major of a knee surgery as a torn ACL would have been. The Bears’ defense this season is dead last in run defense (giving up 153.6 yards per game), so Nix also would fill a major need.
18. Dallas (7-6) DT Timmy Jernigan – Florida State: The Cowboys’ defense this season has been atrocious, particularly their run defense which ranks 28th at 128.4 yards given up per game. Assuming Jerry Jones doesn’t overreact (probably not a safe assumption), defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin should return next season. Dallas needs at least one more off-season to complete their revamping of their defense from the 3-4 to the newly installed 4-3 cover-2 scheme. One of the most important positions in this scheme is the 3’ technique, somewhere that Jernigan would excel most in the NFL. At 6-foot-2, 298 pounds, Jernigan is slightly undersized which makes this a seamless fit. Jernigan would be a major upgrade over Nick Hayden and with Jason Hatcher a pending free agent, this pick would fill a major need as well.
19. Miami (7-6) OT Cyrus Kouandjio – Alabama: If Kouandjio slips this far Miami would sprint to the podium to select him. In light of the Jonathan Martin saga and the disaster that is Bryant McKinnie, the offensive tackle position is in dire need of an upgrade. Some could argue that Kouandjio is the best tackle in the draft, so getting him here would present tremendous value as well as fitting perhaps Miami’s biggest need.
20. Arizona (8-5) OT Cameron Erving – Florida State: Arizona began to rebuild their porous offensive line last year with guard Jonathan Cooper in the first-round and still have no answer at left tackle on the current roster. Their best offensive lineman is right tackle Eric Winston but he was brought in on a one-year deal so he is a pending free agent this off-season, making the tackle position their biggest need. Erving has been the blindside protector of E.J. Manuel and Jameis Winston the last two seasons and has done a masterful job. At 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, Erving has great size and is a converted defensive tackle with incredible athleticism. Erving has all the tools to be plugged in on the left side from day one and would instantly give Arizona a stellar young left side of the line with Cooper at guard.
21. Detroit (7-6) WR Marqise Lee – USC: A few years ago Lee was viewed as the best playmaker in college football but due to nagging injuries and a USC program being run into the ground with sanctions and bad coaching, things have changed for many. With all of the dissention that Lee has had to face, he has shown uncanny toughness and heart, while still remaining productive throughout his career amassing 3,537 yards and 27 touchdowns. With the best receiver in the game in Calvin Johnson garnering most of the attention on one side, Lee would flourish on the other.
22. Baltimore (7-6) TE Jace Amaro – Texas Tech: It has become pretty clear that Baltimore will be in the market for another receiving threat to compliment Torrey Smith. When tight end Dennis Pitta got injured early in the season the offense fell on its face, pointing out the need for more playmakers. Three out of the four tight ends on the roster are pending free agents – including Pitta – so the need for a middle-of-the-field receiver will be huge. A receiver could be the pick here as well, but Amaro plays a more premier position and has the potential to be truly special in the Ravens’ system.
23. Philadelphia (8-5) CB Darqueze Dennard – Michigan State: Head coach Chip Kelly could easily go with Oregon Duck cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu here as there is obviously familiarity between the two. However, Dennard separated himself from Ekpre-Olomu and every other corner not named Justin Gilbert with his aggressive, blanket-coverage this season. Dennard was the best defensive player on the best defense in the nation this year and would be an upgrade over every corner currently on the Eagles’ roster.
24. Cleveland – from Indianapolis (8-5) WR Kelvin Benjamin – Florida State: Cleveland has apparently hit a home-run with supplemental draftee Josh Gordon, but he is one wrong move away from a year-long suspension from the NFL and the cupboard is bare across from him at wide receiver. Benjamin is one of the top physically-gifted players in this entire draft. At 6-foot-5, 234 pounds, Benjamin is an enormous receiver who has been Jameis Winston’s favorite target this season. With superb body-control, excellent hands, and the ability to screen off virtually any cornerback with his sheer size, Benjamin’s stock will surely sky-rocket as we get further into the draft process.
25. Cincinnati (9-4) CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu – Oregon: Cincinnati is pegged to draft a cornerback in many mock drafts and for good reason. The current cornerbacks on the roster are either disappointing (Dre Kirkpatrick), old (Adam Jones), or injury-prone (Leon Hall). Ekpre-Olomu would fit defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme beautifully with his stellar instincts and willingness to provide very good run support. This pick would ensure that an already stellar defense stays atop its perch.
26. San Francisco (9-4) DT Ra’Shede Hageman – Minnesota: The 49ers’ defense has incredible all-around talent as far as their starters go, but their backups leave something to be desired. The defensive line is led by Justin Smith but he will be 35-years old next season. Hageman’s stock will likely rise tremendously once his insane athleticism is put on display at the combine, but the tape will even him out to somewhere in this range come draft day. San Francisco prides themselves in developing their own, especially on the defensive side. Hageman has the work ethic and immense talent to develop into a key cog for the 49ers’ well-oiled defensive machine.
27. Carolina (9-4) WR Jordan Matthews – Vanderbilt: Carolina still has crafty veteran Steve Smith coming back next season but he will turn 35-years old before the season starts. The next two receivers on the depth chart are Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn, both of whom are set to be free agents. This opens up the possibility of a receiver and with the players still left on the board, either Matthews or Allen Robinson from Penn State could be the pick. While Robinson is more athletic, Matthews is more pro-ready. Matthews has faced the best of the best in terms of competition in the SEC and is the most productive receiver in school history. With excellent hands and pro-level route-running ability, Matthews could come in opposite Smith next season and provide Cam Newton with a reliable weapon.
28. Kansas City (10-3) TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins – Washington: It is clear that Kansas City still misses Tony Gonzalez and has failed to find an adequate replacement. With head coach Andy Reid running a hybrid West Coast system, a big, fast tight end roaming in the middle of the field would pay dividends for quarterback Alex Smith and the offense. Seferian-Jenkins is 6-foot-6, 265 pounds and is the closest thing to the next basketball body-type superstar that the tight end position has morphed into. While there are some off-the-field concerns for Seferian-Jenkins (a DUI-arrest before the season), some team could see this as a singular mistake and be too tempted to pass up on such a talented young player.
29. New England (10-3) DE Stephon Tuitt – Notre Dame: New England has a 3-4 and 4-3 package for their defense and their defensive line, particularly in the middle, needs an influx of youth. At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Tuitt has been dominant at times for Notre Dame, especially in 2012. Tuitt possesses the size and athleticism to play any position on the defensive line which would mesh perfectly with Bill Belichick’s desire for versatility from his players.
30. New Orleans (10-3) DE Michael Sam – Missouri: The Saints have defensive coordinator Rob Ryan at the helm so you know what that means; exotic blitzes and the need for high-motor, tenacious defensive players. Sam fits the mold to a tee. Sam was just named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year this season and will see his stock gradually rise as we get further into the evaluation process. At 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, Sam will move to the outside linebacker position for New Orleans, which is a huge position of need as well. With current starter Parys Haralson a pending free agent and a roster fill-in, there is the need for a long-term answer. Sam will likely be the next in line as a Mizzou defensive lineman who gets drafted in the first-round (following Sheldon Richardson and Aldon Smith) and would be a perfect fit in New Orleans.
31. Seattle (11-2) CB Bradley Roby – Ohio State: Seattle has the luxury of picking the best player available because their roster is so deep. However, their No. 2 and No. 3 corners (Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond) are both slated to be free agents this off-season. Seattle runs an extremely aggressive defensive scheme and they value athletic, big corners that can play man-to-man coverage. Roby is arguably the most talented cornerback in the draft along with Justin Gilbert but has had some off-the-field issues at Ohio State. Questionable decisions aside, Roby has elite speed – with a rumored sub 4.4 40-yard dash – to go along with excellent technique in man coverage, and plays with a non-stop motor. These characterictics match up too well for general manager John Schneider not to pull the trigger.
32. Denver (11-2) DE Trent Murphy – Stanford: With starters on the offensive line (Zane Beadles) and defensive line (Shaun Philips and Robert Ayers) entering free agency this off-season, Denver could go a number of ways here including guard Cyril Richardson, linebacker Ryan Shazier, or linebacker Kyle Van Noy. In spite of the options above, a defensive end who can rush the passer is the biggest need for Denver. Murphy may not blow people away at the combine, but he is the superior football player of the players left on the board. General manager John Elway has done a phenomenal job at drafting quality football players above all else during his tenure with the team. Murphy (6-foot-6, 261 pounds) is a relentless player who has produced 14 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss this season with one more game left to play. Denver would be ecstatic if Murphy fell this far come draft day.
Round 2
33. Houston (2-11) T Greg Robinson – Auburn: Houston struggles mightily on the right side of their offensive line, particularly at tackle. Robinson would serve as an instant upgrade and would be an absolute steal this late. Ever since Auburn made it to the National Championship game Robinson’s stock has skyrocketed because of his excellent athleticism, size (6-foot-5, 305 pounds), and dominance in the run-game. Auburn has decimated the top SEC defensive teams in the country this year, namely behind Robinson’s blocking prowess.
34. Washington (3-10) LB Kyle Van Noy – BYU: Assuming that the team stays with their 3-4 base defense (even if Shanahan is fired), the outside linebacker position should be addressed. Incumbent free agent Brian Orakpo will demand huge money so he could be let go and a key backup is also a free agent (Daryl Tapp). Van Noy has been nothing short of remarkable in his career at BYU, as evident by his incredible production and all-around play. Van Noy has also been the defensive captain for the last two seasons while racking up 17 sacks and 3 interceptions in the last two seasons.
35. Atlanta (3-10) T Antonio Richardson – Tennessee: With Barr shoring up their pass-rush, offensive line becomes the position that needs to be shored up. Richardson (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) has displayed a solid overall skill-set and has been a stalwart at left tackle for the Volunteers the past two seasons. Atlanta desperately needs to give their franchise QB Matt Ryan better protection and open up more holes for the running game, both of which Richardson can step in right away and accomplish.
36. Minnesota (3-9-1) G Cyril Richardson – Baylor: Minnesota has a slew of soon-to-be free agents on both sides of the ball and could go a number of ways here. In selecting Johnny Manziel in the first, plus the prospect of an unhappy Adrian Peterson makes the offensive line need paramount. Richardson provides excellent value in the second-round, has the versatility to play virtually any position on the line, and has tremendous size (6-foot-5, 340 pounds). This pick would be made to appease the team’s franchise player while also filling a major need.
37. Jacksonville (4-9) RB Melvin Gordon – Wisconsin: The Jaguars franchise has been led by RB Maurice Jones-Drew for many years but we could see that come to an end next season as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The team should let him test the market and bring in some much-needed youth. Gordon (6-foot-1, 207 pounds) is arguably the most talented runner in this entire class and if he declares (still awaiting word) he will likely be the first running back taken. Gordon is an electric runner with the speed and quickness to get to the outside, plus has the size to run between the tackles. Bortles and Gordon could be the catalysts that the team needs for a successful rebuild.
38. Cleveland (4-9) S/CB Lamarcus Joyner – FSU: Cleveland has addressed offense with their first two picks – for good reason – so it is time to enhance an already solid defense. The team’s best safety (T.J. Ward) is a free agent and the team needs more help in their secondary than anywhere else on the defense. Joyner is undersized (5-foot-8, 190 pounds), but is a phenomenal football player who is in the mold of Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu. With Mathieu’s success before his injury, teams will likely be more open-minded to taking a chance on another undersized, elite playmaking safety.
39. Oakland (4-9) Dominique Easley – Florida – Agent: Tom Santenello: Every starter on their defensive line is slated to be a free agent in 2014. While Lamarr Houston and Vance Walker will be wanted back, adding a young, extremely-talented player to the mix would be ideal. Easley tore his ACL at the beginning of the football season and will be an obvious risk heading into the draft. However, Easley has had enormous expectations since high school because of his size (6-foot-2, 280 pounds) and his movement skills. Easley moves like a player much lighter and flashed dominance against SEC-competition at Florida.
40. Buffalo (4-9) LB Ryan Shazier – Ohio State: Buffalo could use an upgrade over LB Manny Lawson and another pass-rusher added to the mix. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s defense predicates themselves on their versatility as they often line up in 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. Shazier is one of the most instinctive and athletic linebackers in the entire nation. At 6-foot-2, 228 pounds, Shazier is reminiscent of Lavonte David in Tampa Bay and if he somehow isn’t a first-round pick, Buffalo simply cannot pass him up.
41. Tampa Bay (4-9) WR Allen Robinson – Penn State: Next season Tampa Bay will have receiver Mike Williams back from injury to pair with Vincent Jackson and Tiquan Underwood has emerged as a legitimate No. 2 receiver. Underwood is set to become a free agent, which may make his value on the open market too high for Tampa to match. If head coach Greg Schiano isn’t fired the odds of Underwood returning are much higher (as he is a Rutgers alum) but the team could look for an upgrade regardless. Enter Robinson, a 6-foot-3, 205 pound playmaker and Penn State’s all-time receptions leader. The NFL is starting to love oversized slot receivers and with the size, ball-skills, and body-control to develop into a star, Robinson could come in and enrich quarterback Mike Glennon’s development exponentially.
42. Pittsburgh (5-8) CB Jason Verrett – TCU: Pittsburgh has areas of need on the defensive line as well as the secondary, and Verrett is the best player available. The only reason Verrett aka the “Predator” may slip out of the first-round on draft day is due to his underwhelming size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds). What Verrett lacks in size he more than makes up for in superb technique, aggressiveness, and ball-hawking skills. Verrett was a first-team All-American in 2012 and has had another excellent season in 2013 despite teams avoiding throwing to his side of the field. Verrett also is a beast in run-support (think Antoine Winfield) which is something Pittsburgh covets in their corners.
43. Tennessee (5-8) RB Bishop Sankey – Washington: This pick is largely based on if head coach Mike Munchak is fired or brought back in. If he is fired, Tajh Boyd could be in play here as well. However, with rumors swirling of current RB Chris Johnson possibly being cut this off-season (which wouldn’t be a surprise at all), than Sankey would be the antithesis to Johnson. Sankey is compact (5-foot-10, 200 pounds, with room to grow), extremely physical (think Ray Rice), has excellent vision, and doesn’t dance in the hole. Sankey has been an absolute workhorse at Washington and just broke Corey Dillon’s school record of 1,695 yards rushing in a season with 1,775 yards (with one more game to go).
44. New York Giants (5-8) DT Anthony Johnson – LSU: New York was once the deepest team in the league on the defensive line but much has changed in the last couple of seasons. With defensive end Justin Tuck hitting free agency along with four defensive tackles (including starter Linval Joseph and backup Mike Patterson), the defensive line needs another piece added to the mix. With last year’s second-round pick Johnathan Hankins and the aging Cullen Jenkins (who will be 33-years old next season) as the projected starters for 2014, a player of Johnson’s caliber would be a wise move to provide much needed depth on the defensive front.
45. St. Louis (5-8) OT Zack Martin – Notre Dame: So far the Rams have had the best draft by far, improving an already impressive defense immensely. The offensive side of the ball has to be addressed the rest of the draft and with starting right tackle Roger Saffold set to be a free agent this offseason, the tackle position becomes a need. Martin could come in and start on the right side immediately, giving the team one of the most NFL-ready linemen in the entire draft. If Saffold’s contract demands cannot be met by the team, Martin would be an excellent replacement.
46. New York Jets (6-7) G Gabe Jackson – Mississippi St: The Jets’ offense is pretty painful to watch as we all know. This is due in large part to the lack of push, protection, and running lanes from the offensive front. Jackson is a four-year starter who was just named first-team All-SEC, his third selection to the team. At 6-foot-4, 340 pounds, Jackson is a true road-grader who has a tremendous work ethic to boot. Jackson is one of my favorite linemen in the entire draft and could easily sneak into the bottom half of round-one. This would be a fantastic pickup, especially since starting right guard Willie Colon is set to become a free agent.
47. San Diego (6-7) LB Vic Beasley – Clemson: San Diego’s pass-rush is in need of a boost from the outside linebacker position. On one side is an aging pass-rusher in Jarrett Johnson (who will be 33-years old next year) who has only produced 4.5 sacks since coming over to the team from Baltimore in 2012. While his motor and intangibles are nice, there is still a need for a more explosive player. Beasley will have no problem with instantly upgrading the Bolts’ pass rush. Pegged as a possible top 25-pick, this would be a big slide for the sack artist but with his lack of size (6-foot-2, 245 pounds), it is a distinct possibility. In the mold of Bruce Irvin, Beasley would be an excellent complement to Melvin Ingram in the pass-rush department.
48. Green Bay (6-6-1) MLB A.J. Johnson – Tennessee: Green Bay simply has to improve their defense early in this draft. The middle of the defense is especially in need of a boost given starting MLB A.J. Hawk’s rapid decline. Johnson is a big, physical, and athletic downhill thumper with a huge ceiling. His skills are a bit raw, so there will likely be a learning curve out of the gate, but at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, with the previously mentioned talent, Johnson could be special for a long time in the NFL.
49. Chicago (6-6) CB Loucheiz Purifoy – Florida: Chicago’s defense has long been the strength of the team but boy, how quickly things have changed. The Bears rank dead last in run defense this season and are giving up 27.7 points per game. Already having addressed the defensive line in the first-round, next up should clearly be an upgrade in the secondary. The top three corners are all unrestricted free agents this offseason, so corner is a huge need. Purifoy is an elite athlete who is 6-foot-1, 195 pounds with long-arms and aggressive hands. Purifoy’s discipline can use some work as he takes a few too many gambles (likely due to his incredible athleticism). While it won’t be a surprise if a team drafts him in the first-round, this would be the worst-case scenario for him and the best case scenario for Chicago.
50. Detroit (7-6) DE Scott Crichton – Oregon State: Detroit has one of the most talented defensive lines in the league but the defensive end position will have to be addressed this offseason. Current starter Willie Young will be a free agent as well as key backup Israel Idonije. Crichton is an underrated player who comes from a 4-3 scheme. The Beavers have used him at both end spots as well as an inside pass-rusher on third downs. Crichton’s versatility, experience in the 4-3 (which Detroit strictly runs), and size (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) make him a perfect candidate to keep the Lions’ defensive line among the league’s best.
51. Baltimore (7-6) DT Aaron Donald – Pittsburgh: Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome is known for discounting lack of size or 40-yard dash times (Terrell Suggs, Arthur Brown), opting for excellent football players first. Donald is precisely that and would also give the team leverage in negotiations with soon-to-be free agent Arthur Jones. Donald was named the ACC defensive player of the year as well as the Nagurski Award winner for being the most outstanding defensive player in college football this season. At just 6’, 285 pounds, Donald would fit nicely into Baltimore’s 3-4 defense while providing a boost in the pass-rush department as well. Donald has an absolutely incredible burst out of his stance and can afford to add 10-15 pounds to his frame and develop into a quality player in the Ravens’ scheme.
52. Miami (7-6) CB Marcus Roberson – Florida: Miami could really use another cornerback given Brent Grimes age (31-years old next season) and durability issues. Grimes is also slotted to be a free agent along with their nickel corner Nolan Carroll. Roberson is the “other” NFL-ready corner from Florida who can come in right away and start. Roberson has some questions regarding his durability and desire to provide run-support, but he has the tools to develop into a legitimate No. 1 corner on the next level.
53. Dallas (7-5) DE Kony Ealy – Missouri: Even though I have Dallas addressing the defensive tackle position already with Timmy Jernigan, Ealy has the ability to slide over and start at defensive end as well as team with Jernigan on third-downs in the middle. Ealy is another Missouri defensive standout who has really come on as of late. Against Auburn in the SEC Championship game, Ealy racked up 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles. Ealy possesses an incredible NFL-body (long-arms, room to grow) to go along with incredible quickness off the line of scrimmage. If Dallas keeps Monte Kiffin around, the cover-2 scheme requires a lot of pressure from the defensive line and with these two picks they would have it.
54. Philadelphia (8-5) DT Will Sutton – Arizona State: Head coach Chip Kelly knows he needs to improve his defense, especially in the second year in the 3-4 scheme. Starting defensive end Cedric Thornton is set to be a restricted free agent and the position needs more depth. Sutton was an absolute terror in college and racked up 17.5 sacks from the tackle position over the last two seasons. His stat-line took a dip this season but that won’t stop teams from realizing he is a difference-maker. At 6-foot-1, 303 pounds, Sutton fits perfectly into the Eagles’ aggressive 3-4 scheme as a defensive end and will give them an outstanding pairing along with Fletcher Cox.
55. Indianapolis (8-5) WR Odell Beckham – LSU: The world saw how valuable receiver Reggie Wayne is to the Colts’ offense and just how much worse they are without him when Wayne suffered a torn ACL this season. There is a lack of depth at the position and with Darius Heyward-Bey slated to be a free agent, the position will need to be addressed. Indianapolis doesn’t have a first-round selection so the need for immediate help here is essential. The 2013 first-team all-SEC standout (Beckham) would be a step in the right direction to keep Andrew Luck’s progression on the rise. Beckham (6’, 195 pounds) is a lightning-bolt who fearlessly goes across the middle and was Zach Mettenberger’s favorite target this past season. Under the tutelage of Reggie Wayne, Beckham would have the perfect guy to model his game after while giving Luck a much-needed weapon.
56. Arizona (8-5) QB Tajh Boyd – Clemson: Soon-to-be second year head coach Bruce Arians brought in Carson Palmer to be a stop-gap quarterback until the future was brought in. Enter Boyd, the top senior quarterback in the class. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Boyd has an almost perfectly suited skill-set for Arians quarterback-friendly system. With a solid base and ever-improving pocket presence, Boyd is an excellent on-the-run thrower who has big-game experience. Getting drafted here would allow Boyd to learn the ropes for a season or so behind Palmer before taking over, an idea that is especially appealing for a player of Boyd’s stature.
57. Cincinnati (9-4) LB Christian Jones – FSU: Cincinnati has two key backup linebackers entering free agency (Vincent Rey and Michael Boley) and can stand to replace the worn-down veteran James Harrison. Jones has experience in the 4-3 defense that Florida State runs at both the outside and inside spots. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds with sideline-to-sideline speed, Jones would be a major upgrade over Harrison in coverage, would provide more speed, and has the ability to rush the passer as well.
58. San Francisco (9-4) CB E.J. Gaines – Missouri: Missouri football continues to grow NFL-ready playmakers on the defensive side of the football and the 49ers pride themselves in discovering guys like Gaines in the draft. Gaines (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) has been one of the most consistent players for Missouri’s defense all season and even shutdown Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans, holding him to 4 catches for 8 yards. San Francisco will only have Carlos Rogers and Tramaine Brock on the roster next season so they will be in the market for another corner.
59. Carolina (9-4) S Craig Loston – LSU: While Carolina’s front seven are among the premier units in football, they are making it through the season with a secondary full of short-term players. Both starting safeties (Mike Mitchell and Quinton Mikell) are going to be free agents this offseason as well as starting cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. Loston is in the mold of previous LSU safety Eric Reid only with slightly less athleticism. Reid’s instant impact for the 49ers bolds well for Loston and at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, Loston’s presence would be a huge boost for the Panthers secondary going forward.
60. San Francisco – Kansas City (10-3) WR Davante Adams – Fresno St: This is the draft choice the 49ers earned through the Alex Smith trade a year ago. San Francisco has receivers Anquan Boldin and Mario Manningham entering free agency in 2014 and will have to put someone behind Michael Crabtree to develop. Adams dominated the competition at Fresno State, amassing 224 catches, 2,966 yards, and 37 touchdowns over just the last two seasons. With this sort of production at a smaller school plus his size (6-foot-2, 212 pounds), Adams’s draft profile is awfully similar to that of current WR Michael Crabtree when he was coming out of Texas Tech. That move paid off handsomely for the team and drafting Adams would too.
61. New Orleans (10-3) OT James Hurst – North Carolina: New Orleans starting right tackle Zack Strief is set to enter free agency in 2014 and it’s a safe assumption that the Saints won’t beg him to come back. Hurst (6-foot-7, 310 pounds) has been a starter for the Tar Heels for three seasons and has been a better pass-blocker than run-blocker, something that New Orleans’ pass-happy offense won’t mind. With a solid performance against Jadeveon Clowney this season, Hurst has shown he can win with his technique and footwork against top competition.
62. New England (10-3) C Travis Swanson – Arkansas: New England’s starting center Ryan Wendell is going to be an unrestricted free agent in 2014 so the team will be looking for his replacement or at the very least competition for him if he’s brought back. Swanson (6-foot-4, 318 pounds) was just named first-team all-SEC and was the leader on one of the few bright spots on the Arkansas team this season; the offensive line. Swanson (a four-year starter) was the catalyst for Arkansas in giving up the fewest sacks in school history (8) while blocking for two running backs who gained over 900 yards each. Swanson has the size and smarts to anchor a line but was often overshadowed this season because Arkansas didn’t win many games. The Patriots are known for finding diamonds in the rough and Swanson is exactly that.
63. Seattle (11-2) G David Yankey – Stanford: Head coach Pete Carroll loves him some Stanford players (Richard Sherman, Doug Baldwin) and Yankey would also help fill a need. Starters Paul McQuistan and Breno Giacomini are both slated to be free agents so the team will likely let one go. Yankey has played all across the offensive line while at Stanford and can play four positions.
64. Denver (11-2) LB Shayne Skov – Stanford: Denver will be faced with an extremely tough decision this offseason as to whether or not to resign LB Wesley Woodyard. Woodyard is a defensive captain but he will be a free agent and has had some durability issues as well. If the team decides to go another route, Skov would be an ideal replacement. General Manager John Elway values football IQ very highly, something that Skov has in abundance. Skov is one of the most instinctive, disruptive linebackers in the nation and what Skov lacks in speed, the Broncos’ outside linebackers (Danny Trevathan and Von Miller) more than make up for. Skov is the heart and soul of the ferocious Cardinal defense and can be plugged in right away in Denver.