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| From ArizonaSports.com |
The buildup. The anticipation. The hype. The uncertainty.
The future. All captured in prime-time as dreams become reality on Thursday
Night.
Football is back!! A new season is upon us, and what
better way to kick things off than with the 2014 NFL draft. Optimism is on
everyone’s minds, as fans once again believe that a slew of picks can change
the entire success of their team’s franchise. And with a lot of depth in this
year’s class, there is no doubt this could be the year for teams to add
significant pieces to the puzzle.
So without further ado, I try to dissect one of the most
impossible draft classes ever with my projections on the upcoming draft. Many of my
decisions are who I feel the team should select, as opposed to what might
actually happen.
With the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Houston
Texans select…
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Quite honestly, I can’t see Houston passing up on a freak
athlete like this?! He has everything you want in a defensive lineman and then
some. At 6’5” 266 lbs., he ran a 4.53 at the combine! His combination of size,
speed, and quickness will give offenses fits at the next level. Oh yeah, not to
mention, the best defensive lineman in the league, J.J. Watt, is also on this
line. Good luck putting a game plan together for this combo… The potential here
is scary!
2. Atlanta Falcons (from St. Louis) – Khalil Mack, OLB,
Buffalo
The Falcons will be looking to trade up in this draft to
snag a desperately needed pass rusher. They would love to upgrade it with a
player of Mack’s caliber. He would provide instant play-making ability and a
high motor. I expect this guy to be a stud playing on Sundays. In short, his
potential is scary. I think he has the ability to become a staple for this
defense (or any defense that drafts him) for years to come. I also think he
will have a better career than Clowney.
(*Note: How about giving the MAC some love with two top-5
picks in consecutive years!)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas
A&M
This team hasn’t had a
consistently good quarterback since its inception, when Mark Brunell was at the
helm. That is about the last time the Jaguars were relevant too. After failing
miserably with Blaine Gabbert, the Jags have a chance to redeem themselves (or
fall flat on their face again). Manziel is obviously a high risk, high reward.
But I think he has the potential to be an effective QB in the NFL. After all,
(being a Phins fan) Chad Henne is NOT the answer at QB. Not only that, but
selecting Johnny Football would make Jacksonville exciting to watch for the
first time in years! Manziel would give them an identity and energy that they
are desperately lacking. What do they have to lose?!
4. Cleveland Browns – Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
I’ve lived in northeast Ohio my entire life and have yet
to become a Browns fan. Unfortunately, every Sunday, this is the only team on
the television, so I’ve had the “luxury” (sarcasm) of watching them all these
years. And ever since that time, I’ve noticed one missing piece: a franchise
quarterback. I believe this team is a quarterback away from being a playoff
contender. With that said however, there is not a sure (safe) pick in this
year’s QB class, let alone one that is worthy of a top-5 pick. I expect the
Browns to go elsewhere with this pick and use their late first-rounder on a QB (or
use the #26 pick along with their plethora of picks to trade back up in the
first round to snag a QB). So, with Watkins available here, I think they should
select him. Watkins provides the explosive ability and speed to help this team
from day one. He is a true wideout that, when paired with Josh Gordon, could
provide one of the best young WR-duo’s in the league.
5. Oakland Raiders – Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
I am used to the Raiders making bizarre moves in the
draft, year after year. I would not be surprised if this turns out to be one of
those picks. However, offensive line is a major need for this team and
upgrading with one of the best in the draft would only seem to make sense. Mike
Evans would have to be tempting here, although the depth at wide receiver in
this year’s class is abundant.
6. St. Louis Rams (from Atlanta) – Jake Matthews, OT,
Texas A&M
After making a trade out of two, St. Louis snags more
picks and still gets their much needed offensive lineman. Apparently, Sam
Bradford is currently there guy at QB. Well, if so, he needs to stay healthy.
Matthews, touted by many experts as one the best offensive lineman in the
draft, was a rock for the Aggies, and would be the same for the Rams.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Outside of Vincent Jackson,
Tampa Bay struggled in the passing game last year. This is a team that lacks
weapons on the offensive side of the ball. With his size and speed, Evans would
be the perfect wideout to pair with Jackson. He is very similar to Alshon Jeffrey
when he came out of South Carolina (look how that turned out!). The potential
is definitely there for Evans, it’s all just a matter of development and
adjusting to the league.
8. Dallas Cowboys (From
Minnesota) – Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
This team needs quite a bit
of help on the defensive line. Trading up to snag Donald would fill the gap at
a much needed position for the Boys. Regardless, I do think Dallas will make
some type of move in the first round.
9. Baltimore Ravens (From Buffalo) – Taylor
Lewan, OT, Michigan
Baltimore trades up to grab a much needed tackle. With Lewan still available here, I would have to think someone would try to trade up to draft him. This would fill a gaping whole at tackle for the Ravens.
10. Detroit Lions – Justin
Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
After watching the porous
Lions secondary last year, I would have to think this pick will be a defensive
back. Gilbert would be able to step in day one and help contribute to a team
lacking a playmaker in the secondary.
11. Tennessee Titans – Anthony
Barr, OLB, UCLA
This team needs a corner
badly, but playing Andrew Luck twice a year forces the Titans to strengthen
their pass rush.
12. New York Giants – Zack
Martin, T-G-C, Notre Dame
This is an offensive line in
flux. The versatility of Martin gives this line a huge boost and the ability to
move him around for the best fit.
13. St. Louis Rams – Calvin
Pryor, S, Louisville
This defense seems to get
better each year, and adding a versatile back like Pryor will only strengthen
this unit.
14. Chicago Bears – Ha Ha
Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
The Bears secondary was
prone to giving up big plays last year. Clinton-Dix would fill a much needed
position and be an impact player from day one.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers –
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Fuller would provide the
black and yellow defense with the physical style of play this team desires. He
would be a perfect fit for this defense and their secondary. I also wouldn’t be
surprised if the Steelers considered a wideout here, such as Odell Beckham
(especially after losing Emmanuel Sanders to Denver).
16. Minnesota Vikings (From
Dallas) – C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Minnesota trades down, snags
extra picks, and still gets one of the best linebackers (defensive players) in
the draft. After shoring up a mediocre defense with a player of this caliber,
the Vikes can focus on a QB in the second.
17. Buffalo Bills (From Baltimore) – Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Buffalo trades back and still grabs the guy they wanted all along. I don't think Ebron will still be on the board at this point as he is the hybrid TE that is overtaking the league by storm. However, with teams having other needs, it is certainly a possibility.
18. New York Jets – Odell Beckham,
WR, LSU
The Jets need someone to
open up Erik Decker underneath. The speedy Beckham would help do just that.
19. Miami Dolphins – Cyrus Kouandjio,
T, Alabama
I would love to see my Phins
trade up and snag Zack Martin. This team desperately needs help on the
offensive line. It was so tough watching Tannehill get sacked as much as he did
last year (most in the league). Insert Martin who would be such a great pickup
and shore up the o-line. However, I feel like the asking price may be too high
to do so and as a result the Phins will stay put. If that’s the case, it seems
that the best available tackle would make sense here. Regardless, the first
pick (especially if it’s this late) better be an offensive lineman! Wherever
Tannehill is, he’s smiling after this pick.
20. Arizona Cardinals – Blake
Bortles, QB, UCF
This would be the perfect
situation for Bortles. He would have the opportunity to learn and be tutored
under Carson Palmer, and not have the pressure to start right away. The Cards
snag their quarterback of the future and give him a great situation to succeed.
21. Green Bay Packers – Ryan
Shazier, LB, Ohio State
The Pack get a speedy and versatile
linebacker to pair with the former Buckeye Hawk.
22. Philadelphia Eagles –
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan St.
The two biggest needs for
the Eagles are CB and WR. With the depth at wide receiver, cornerback may make
more sense here, although Chip Kelly loves those west coast players (Marqise
Lee may be an option here). That said, Dennard fills a spot right away.
23. Kansas City Chiefs –
Marqise Lee, WR, USC
Adding weapons to this
offense could be critical to another successful season. Reed adds a playmaker
in Lee.
24. Cincinnati Bengals –
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Dre Kirkpatrick has yet to
pan out and solidifying a defense that is one of the best in the league with
the skills of Roby would be of great value. The Buckeye stays an Ohioan.
25. San Diego Chargers – Jason
Verrett, CB, TCU
Gave up over 250 yards
passing a game last year and get the pleasure of playing Peyton Manning twice a
year. This pick has to be a corner or d-lineman.
26. Cleveland Browns – Derek
Carr, QB, Fresno State
Many believe Carr is the
best quarterback in this draft. Moreover, he has experience with the pro-style
offense (ran it under Pat Hill his first two seasons at Fresno), so the
transition should be seamless. He has all the tools to be successful and brings
a load of experience to the next level. Whether that translates, we’ll have to
wait to see.
27. New Orleans – Dee Ford,
DE, Auburn
Rob Ryan will love using
this guy in different packages. He isn’t fully developed as an edge rusher, but
used effectively he will be a high impact player.
28. Carolina Panthers – Jordan
Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
SEC’s all-time leading
receiver who had 112 receptions last year. After losing veteran Steve Smith, this is exactly what this team needs.
29. New England Patriots – Stephon
Tuitt, DL, Notre Dame
Whoever they pick, I’m sure
they will become a star (i.e. Jamie Collins).
30. San Francisco 49ers – Brandin Cooks, WR, Oklahoma State
I predict that the 49ers
will move up in the first round to grab the player they treasure. Who that is,
I don’t know, but I do know that they have a number of picks to spare in a
deal.
31. Denver Broncos – Ra’Shede
Hageman, DT, Minnesota
A promising defensive line strengthens
its unit with Hageman.
32. Seattle Seahawks – Austin
Seferian- Jenkins, TE, Washington
I just love his name!
Things I think will happen:
- There will be at least 5 trades in the first round of
the draft.
- There will be 3 quarterbacks taken in the first round
unless a team trades back into the first.
Opfer’s sleepers of the draft:
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
I loved watching this guy play on Saturdays. I thought he
was one of the best in college football. If it weren't for his injury this past
season, I think he would be considered with the rest at the top of this year’s
QB class. He reminds me of Matt Stafford, with his toughness. Overall, if he
can fully recover and regain his form, I think he has great potential at the
next level.
Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
Watching a few of their games this past year, this guy
made so many plays. He didn’t have a great QB throwing to him, yet had one of
the most productive seasons in college football. I think he has all the
intangibles to produce at the next level. And remember, he played under Bill
O’Brian, the new Texans head coach, so I could see them as a potential suitor.
Andre Williams, RB, Boston College
If the NFL wasn't transitioning to such a passing league
(If this was 10 years ago), this guy would be a top-20 pick easily. Gone are
the days where a single back rushes 20-30 times a game in the NFL. Running back
by committee is becoming the theme. I think this guy is going to have a
phenomenal career wherever he ends up. He is a shifty back with great speed,
and his size is a perfect fit for the NFL. Oh yeah, his stiff arm is pretty
filthy too!
Anyway, buckle your seat-belts because this is about to be one of
the craziest first rounds of the draft in recent history!
