Up4's 2014 Mock Draft

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!