2014 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Beef Up The Defense
By Corey Brewer
Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
There has been lots of shifting around in the draft order in the past couple weeks. Many teams are beginning to show their true colors. For fans of losing teams there is one thing to look forward to, and that is the draft.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB – Teddy Bridgewater – Louisville
The Jaguars are in full on rebuilding mode. The next step will be to lock up a new face for the franchise. Teddy Bridgewater is the best quarterback in this draft. The Jaguars will finally be on pace to compete in the near future.
2. Minnesota Vikings – QB – Marcus Mariota – Oregon
Mariota has matured into a great passer. If he chooses to enter the draft, he will be picked in the top three without a doubt. Leslie Frazer will most likely be fired after the season. With a new coaching staff comes a new quarterback.
3. Houston Texans – DE – Jadeveon Clowney – South Carolina
JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney on the same defense? That is just scary to think about. This could be the move that makes the Houston Texans defense elite. Clowney is an explosive and very disruptive defensive presence.
4. Atlanta Falcons – OLB – Anthony Barr – UCLA
Barr has been one of the most impressive players this season. He has solidified himself as a top-tier defensive player. Barr could overtake Clowney as the best defensive player in this class if he continues his dominance.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB – C.J. Mosley – Alabama
Mosley has been a very productive player throughout his college career. He is great in pass coverage and is a good tackler. He is a big, tough, and intimidating football player, which is something the Tampa Bay defense needs.
6. St. Louis Rams (Via WAS) – LT – Jake Matthews – Texas A&M
Matthews is the best offensive lineman in the draft. he is a very intelligent football player, and can play on either end of the line. He is very powerful and also quick for his size.
7. Buffalo Bills – OLB – Khalil Mack – Buffalo
The Bills have played themselves out of the Clowney/Barr sweepstakes. Khalil Mack is the next best outside linebacker in the draft. Mack is a very fun player to watch. He is very fast and is a very hard-hitter. He has the ability to make the tackle on every play.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT – Tyler Lewan – Michigan
Lewan has experience at left tackle and has a lot of potential to be a force in the NFL. Lewan is a great run-blocker, and has the athleticism to be an outstanding pass-protector. He has yet to give up a sack this season.
9. Cleveland Browns – QB – Derek Carr – Fresno State
Brandon Weeden should never step onto a football field again. The Browns are another team that are a few offensive acquisitions away from being competitive. Carr is a big arm quarterback who has been played exceptionally this season. A perfect fit for Norv Turner’s system.
10. Baltimore Ravens – WR – Sammy Watkins – Clemson
The Ravens have been very bad offensively this year. Part of that is because Joe Flacco has no one to throw to. If Sammy Watkins can fall to them at the 10 spot, they will have the playmaker they need. He is hands down the best WR in this very deep class.
11. Tennessee Titans – WR – Mike Evans – Texas A&M
Mike Evans is the best player in the Texas A&M high flying offense. This 6-foot-5, 225 lb receiver is an instant size mismatch against cornerbacks. This pick would give the Titans a good 1-2 punch with Evans and Kendall Wright.
12. Oakland Raiders – WR – Marqise Lee – USC
Marqise Lee has the speed to open up the field for this offense. He is a threat to score any time you put the ball in his hands. He will be a top-notch receiver in this league and would turn the Jets into an offensive threat on Sundays.
13. San Diego Chargers – CB – Jason Verrett – TCU
Jason Verrett is very physical for his size. He is a play-maker on defense and has a nose for the football. This would be a big move for an already good defense. He would be able to cover the dynamic wide receivers of the AFC West.
14. St. Louis Rams – OLB – Kyle Van Noy – BYU
Kyle Van Noy is a great football player. On defense he can do everything. He can drop into coverage with the best of them, as well as finding holes on the rush. He was one of the nations leaders in sacks a season ago, and has not cooled off.
15. New York Giants – OT – Antonio Richardson – Tennessee
Playing in the SEC as a left tackle is not easy, and Richardson has done a great job. At 6-foot-6, 330 lbs, he has a size advantage over many defensive lineman. He will easily step in as a starter at the NFL level.