2014 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Add Speed to the Defense
By Corey Brewer
Nov 29, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) and defensive back Juwaan Williams (17) running pre game routes against the Oregon State Beavers at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
17. Baltimore Ravens – WR – Odell Beckham Jr – LSU
Beckham has everything you need in a #1 target. Size, speed, strength, and route running. He is a playmaker. He would be the target that Flacco has been missing since Boldin was traded away.
18. Chicago Bears – CB – Ifo Ekpre-Olomu – Oregon
The Bears secondary will look completely different next season. It is filled with many free-agents-to-be. Ekpre-Olomu has had a very solid season so far for the Ducks and is proving he can play at NFL speed. He is quick, smart, and tough enough to keep up with any receiver.
19. Miami Dolphins – 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.
20. Detroit Lions – OLB – Ryan Shazier – Ohio State
The Lions may score a ton of points, but their defense is cringe worthy outside of the defensive line. This pick would be a huge upgrade for them. Shazier would bring some speed to a linebacking corps that is lacking just that. He has great instincts off the snap and is great against the run.
21. Philadelphia Eagles – 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.
Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Louis Nix III (1) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
22. Dallas Cowboys – DT – Louis Nix – Notre Dame
Nix is a very disruptive defender. He is great against the run, and is great against the pass. He would instantly be the most athletic man on that line. He creates room for his teammates to step up and make plays.
23. Arizona Cardinals – OT – Cameron Erving – Florida State
Former defensive lineman, Cameron Erving has done a tremendous job blocking for quarterback, Jameis Winston at Florida State. He is having a very quiet, but very successful year. He could slide up into the top 15 with a strong showing in his upcoming games.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – CB – Darqueze Dennard – Michigan State
Very quick cover cornerback, Darqueze Dennard, has had a stellar season for the Spartans. He is a key player in that tough defense. Dennard has very quick feet and is capable of covering the whole field on every play.
25. Cleveland Browns (Via IND) – CB – Justin Gilbert – Oklahoma State
Justin Gilbert may be the most athletically gifted corner in this class. He is a playmaker. He is among the leaders in college football in interceptions. He can also be a threat on special teams as a returner. A great fit opposite Joe Haden.
26. San Francisco 49ers – DE/OLB – Trent Murphy – Stanford
Murphy has the explosiveness to be a very good edge-rusher in this league. He has rare power mixed with great technique, which helps him beat his opponents and get into the backfield. He has a very effective spin move, which helps him disengage from key blocks.
27. Kansas City Chiefs – TE – Eric Ebron – North Carolina
The Chiefs receiving corps was an embarrassment last week against the Broncos. No one could catch the ball. Eric Ebron would become the best player on that offense behind Jamaal Charles. The Chiefs haven’t had a real playmaker since Tony Gonzalez left town. Now they will.
28. Carolina Panthers – WR – Jordan Matthews – Vanderbilt
Jordan Matthews would be a perfect fit for this offense. He has great size and concentration. He also has great quickness after the catch and can create plays from nothing. If the Panthers can provide Cam Newton with a couple more weapons, they will be a serious playoff contender for many years.
29. New England Patriots – WR – Allen Robinson – Penn State
Allen Robinson is a very physical receiver. He has big play ability and can muscle up for catches in traffic. He would be a big upgrade over Thompkins and Dobson. Robinson would also become the second best target for Tom Brady, behind Gronk of course.
30. New Orleans Saints – DE/OLB – Vic Beasley – Clemson
Beasley has been playing out of his mind this season. He can play as a defensive end or an outside linebacker. He is one of the stones on the Clemson defense. He has climbed up into the first round and will be a good fit on the Saints defense.
31. Denver Broncos – DE – Stephon Tuitt – Notre Dame
Tuitt seems to get into the backfield on every play, and was a big reason Notre Dame was so successful last season. He brings versatility and can play anywhere on the defensive line. He is one of those guys who will produce no matter where you plug him.
32. Seattle Seahawks – G – Cyril Richardson – Baylor
The Seattle Seahawks have a great defense and a good offense. That offense could become great if Russell Wilson had more time in the pocket. Seattle will be selecting a much needed offensive lineman. Richardson is a mauler in a high powered offense at Baylor. He has a high motor and great durability.