We’ve scoured the ridiculous amount of NFL mock drafts currently circulating the interweb, and found some pretty interesting consensus picks. Then, of course, the picks no one can agree on have a domino effect on the rest of the draft, so we’ve filled in the pieces complicated by the ensuing chaos.
It’s a mixture of addressing need, the depth of talent at a given position, and choosing the best player available. It’s difficult to predict. Moreover, trades are almost impossible to predict, and their effect on the draft landscape can reverberate into deeper rounds. However, there are a few “givens,” and we’ve tried to include all of them in our mock draft 2.0.
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1.Texans
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
LOGIC: Manziel's stock has risen, but his "flags" will probably make the Texans' front office go with the safe play here, and pick the most terrifyingly awesome athlete we've seen since LeBron James.
2.Rams
Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
LOGIC: Matthews is simply the consensus choice here. If you're going to give Bradford any chance at survival in this league -- and the Rams have decided to stick it out with him -- a good line will be the first thing to build.
3.Jaguars
Blake Bortles, QB, UCF
LOGIC: Signing Zane Beedles this offseason was the Jags way of saying "We're getting a kid in here to play QB next season so we'll need top-notch protection." It's a toss up between Manziel and Bortles, seeing as the Jaguars have no idea what to do when it comes to quality football decisions. They'll probably pull names out of a two-toned hat.
4.Browns
Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
LOGIC: Sure, they released Brandon Weeden, and they haven't had a good QB in, well, ever, so drafting Manziel has to happen -- if only to get fans excited about their team again. Pairing Manziel with Josh Gordon would be very fun to watch, so this seems like a no-brainer.
5.Raiders
Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
LOGIC: A defensive playmaker who can step in a make an impact right away.
6.Falcons
Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
LOGIC: Going up against the Falcons always puts a smile on the faces of fantasy owners. This is something they have to address if they want to avoid last season's complete meltdown in 2014.
7.Buccaneers
Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
LOGIC: A quick wideout to pair with Vincent Jackson would give the Bucs a serious edge next season, as well as some protection for V-Jax, who gets the lion's share of opposing defense's attention/punishing hits.
8.Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
LOGIC: After hearing Mike Zimmer's take on Johnny Manziel, it'd seem that he's more concerned with character and leadership than explosive playmaking ability. Plus, Bridgewater can play in a dome and eliminate the need for that glove he infamously wore to the combine.
9.Bills
Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
LOGIC: They'll need a good offensive weapon at some point if they want to give E.J. Manuel a legit chance at success.
10.Lions
Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
LOGIC: A prolific offense that is negated by a lack of pass protection. Robinson is the best OT on the board at this point, so if he manages to drop this far, we think the Lions would be remiss in not drafting him.
11.Titans
Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh
LOGIC: Could be the strongest guy in this draft, and a guy to build a defense around going forward.
12.Giants
Tyler Lewan, OT, Michigan
LOGIC: To replace Hakeem Nicks (and Kevin Boss, who was their last effective TE), it makes sense to go for a fast, athletic offensive TE in the first round. Unfortunately, Eric Ebron isn't a blocking TE, and the Giants line sucks. Not a flashy pick, but a good one.
13.Rams
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
LOGIC: Draft the best offensive tackle early, then put a quality guy in the secondary at the 13th pick. Two key positions that need to be stabilized going forward.
14.Bears
Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
LOGIC: Replacing Julius Peppers? Why not.
15.Steelers
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
LOGIC: Remember when the Steelers had a great secondary? Now think about the recievers in that division: A.J. Green, Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Marvin Jones, Josh Gordon. Ya, they're gonna need some help in the secondary this season.
16.Cowboys
Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
LOGIC: The Cowboys secondary was the worst in football last year. Hell, they could put Jerry Jones back there and it'd be an upgrade.
17.Ravens
Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
LOGIC: Chris Canty will breakdown and his production will ween, at which point he'll be succeeded by a younger, similar player. It's a tale as old as time.
18.Jets
Odell Beckham, WR, LSU
LOGIC: Eric Decker was a big pick up, and he'll open things up for the rest of the Jets receiving corps. Beckham can jump out of the gym (or stadium), and has playmaking skills that could make Mike Vick feel like he's still throwing to DeSean Jackson.
19.Dolphins
Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame
LOGIC: We heard something happened with the Dolphins O-line this offseason, but we can't remember what...
20.Cardinals
Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
LOGIC: As Palmer gets older, the need to protect him grows. A rookie isn't ideal, but then again he'll end up on the right side, where the learning curve is bit more forgiving.
21.Packers
Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
LOGIC: If he lasts this long, Ebron will be a great opportunity to replace Jermichael Finley.
22.Eagles
Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
LOGIC: DeSean Jackson 2.0
23.Chiefs
Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California
LOGIC: Dexter McCluster is gone and Dwayne Bowe hasn't been what he used to be. Depth will be needed at the WR position.
24.Bengals
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
LOGIC: An aging fleet of already old CBs will force Cincy's hand here.
25.Chargers
Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
LOGIC: The Chargers defense sucks, so adding monsters like Hageman is a shrewd gameplan.
26.Browns
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
LOGIC: T.J. Ward bounced, so a replacement through the draft is the only option at this point.
27.Saints
Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State
LOGIC: This defense needs a playmaker, and he's one the last remaining high-end linebackers that'll be available at 27.
28.Panthers
Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
LOGIC: An underrated WR who can go up and grab the sailing passes of Cam Newton.
29.Patriots
Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
LOGIC: Duh.
30.49ers
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
LOGIC: Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers bounced this offseason, giving the 49ers -- who don't need much to compete for a Super Bowl again next season -- a void to fill.
31.Broncos
David Yankey, OG, Stanford
LOGIC: Zane Beedles was a huge part of the reason Peyton Manning had so much success last season, allowing just one sack all year. They added a lot of defensive showstoppers in free agency, so an O-lineman makes sense here.
32.Seahawks
Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
LOGIC: Chris Clemons and Red Bryant decided to cash in after the Super Bowl, so some moves will need to be made on the defense line.