2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Buccaneers Take a Potential Franchise Quarterback
By Corey Brewer
11. Cleveland Browns – QB – Brett Hundley – UCLA
Brandon Weeden is terrible. He is now 30 years old and has no more time to develop. Cleveland will go a new direction at quarterback this offseason. Brett Hundley, in my opinion, is the most intriguing prospect in this draft. He has all the tools to be great at the next level. He has both the pocket presence and mobility to be a play-maker. He was blessed with a top-notch coaching staff at UCLA who have groomed him into a very good NFL prospect. Hundley will only get better as the season goes on.
Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
12. St. Louis Rams (via Washington) – WR – Mike Evans – Texas A&M
The Rams moved up to take Tavon Austin in last years draft, but barely use him in their offense for some reason. So, at the moment, St. Louis is still looking for a number one target. Evan’s stock skyrocketed after the Alabama game. He made great catches and put up huge numbers against the nations best defense. This 6-foot-5, 225 lb receiver is an instant size mismatch against corner backs. He fights for the ball on every play and have great athletic ability. If he can keep his play on a high level, there is no doubt that his stock will keep rising.
13. San Diego Chargers – CB – Bradley Roby – Ohio State
The Chargers need to improve their secondary if they hope to beat Peyton Manning and the rest of the AFC West. Roby is a very talented player. He has had a rough start to this season, but is still the best cornerback option in this class. He has both the size and speed to keep up with the best wide receivers in the league.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT – Cyrus Kouandjio – Alabama
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally earned their first win of the season, but they are still in rough shape. They have many holes that need to be filled, but their biggest issue is the offensive line. If they want Ben Roethlisberger to stay healthy and make plays, they need to take action soon. Kouandjio will be able to step on the field on the first day of training camp and make an impact. He has a lot of upside, and can develop into a brick wall within just a couple of years.
15. Houston Texans – CB – Jason Varrett – TCU
The Texans are a wildcard in this draft. The coaching staff doesn’t have full confidence in Matt Schaub anymore. I believe that they will make a trade to move up and select a new quarterback. Still, you never know what is going to happen the rest of the season, so if they stay put, I have them selecting a potential franchise corner. Jason Varrett 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.
Oct 13, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels offensive tackle James Hurst (68) during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
16. Miami Dolphins – OT – James Hurst – North Carolina
If the Miami Dolphins want to be successful, they need to provide protection for their guy, Ryan Tannehill. It’s never a good thing when the future of your franchise is constantly getting pummeled by defenders. Hurst has been proving critics wrong so far this season. Although he has been a bit inconsistent, the has been solid in pass protection for the Tar Heels. He had a decent showing in the season opener against South Carolina, where he was able to block the pass rush very efficiently. He still has room to grow in the running game, but no doubt would be an upgrade for the Dolphins.
17. Carolina Panthers – RB/WR – De’Anthony Thomas – Oregon
The front office has done a very poor job providing Cam Newton with weapons up to this point. With an aging Steve Smith, the Panthers have no choice but to select a top playmaker with this pick. Thomas is this seasons’ Tavon Austin. He is still too undersized to be an every down back, but can be utilized like Darren Sproles down in New Orleans. He is the fastest guy in college football, and will make a play when given the ball. He could be a very productive slot receiver, as well as a dangerous return man.
18. Atlanta Falcons – OLB – Kyle Van Noy – BYU
Atlanta has arguably the worst linebacking corps in the league. This pick would be a huge upgrade for them. 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. Stopping the run is his best quality. He is a high-powered attacker, and can stuff the ball-carrier with ease.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Ifo Ekpre-Olomu – Oregon
The Philadelphia Eagles defense is not good. The secondary is a big source of their problems. I have them selecting a guy who is familiar with Chip Kelly and the Eagles defensive system. 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.
20. Detroit Lions – ILB – C.J. Mosley – Alabama
The Lions defense had a good showing against the Browns, but there are still some areas of need in that front seven. Mosley has been a very productive player throughout his college career. He is great in pass coverage, which is something the Lions need help with. He is a big, tough, and intimidating football player, which fits into what Detroit is building. He is a very versatile player and can play in any defensive scheme.