2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Buccaneers Take a Potential Franchise Quarterback
By Corey Brewer
Oct 5, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jordan Matthews (87) carries the ball after a reception against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Tigers beat the Commodores 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
21. Baltimore Ravens – WR – Jordan Matthews – Vanderbilt
Joe Flacco looks like a completely different quarterback than he did last season. A part of that is because he doesn’t have anyone reliable to throw to. Aside from Torrey Smith, he doesn’t have another solid target. Jordan Matthews would be a perfect fit for the Baltimore offense. He has good size and concentration, which is what you need when Flacco decides to heave one into the air. He also has great quickness after the catch and can create plays from nothing. Matthews could be a great number two guy in Baltimore for a long time.
22. Chicago Bears – CB – Marcus Roberson – Florida
With Jennings and Tillman both having expiring contracts, the Bears will need to add cornerback depth to their team. Roberson looked a little rusty over the weekend, but all together has done a fantastic job in man-coverage. Other teams rarely throw to his side. He has a rare combination of size and speed and It looks as though he will live up to the expectations of former Florida corner backs, Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins.
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
23. Dallas Cowboys – DT – Louis Nix – Notre Dame
Defensive Tackle is still a need for this team, even though they chose not to draft one last year. 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 was a key reason Manti Te’o had the type of year he did. He creates room for his teammates to step up and make plays.
24. Kansas City Chiefs – TE – Austin Seferian-Jenkins – Washington
The Chiefs have been great on defense, and solid on offense, but besides Jamaal Charles, they really don’t have any big weapons to help them score points. Seferian-Jenkins fits in with the new breed of tight ends in the NFL. He is a large body with great hands and great speed. He is a very dangerous red-zone target and would give the Chiefs the big name tight end they have been missing since Tony Gonzalez left town.
25. Cincinnati Bengals – DE – Stephon Tuitt – Notre Dame
The Bengals have been very good on defense this season. But, with expiring contracts, they will need to upgrade. 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 in.
26. Green Bay Packers – G – Cyril Richardson – Baylor
A big problem for Green Bay this season has been pass protection. When you have Aaron Rodgers, you need to make sure nothing will happen to him. Richardson would be a tremendous addition to this offensive line and would help in the efforts to protect Rodgers.
Dec 01, 2012; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Aaron Colvin (14) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Oklahoma won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
27. Cleveland Browns (via Indianapolis) – CB – Aaron Colvin – Oklahoma
The Browns need a guy to pair up with Joe Haden in the secondary. While Buster Skrine has had a decent season to this point, he is not the answer. Colvin is a great man-coverage player and would add good depth to a depleting secondary. He has had a productive year for Oklahoma and is quickly becoming a more solid NFL prospect.
28. New Orleans Saints – OLB – Khalil Mack – Buffalo
The Saints have improved vastly this year on defense thanks to the addition of Rob Ryan. They are still a pass rusher or two away from being a dominant defense. Khalil Mack would help them achieve that goal. 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. He completely dominated against Ohio State earlier this season and has proved he can play on the big stage. He will continue to climb up draft boards as the season continues.
29. New England Patriots – WR – Brandon Coleman – Rutgers
If you haven’t noticed, there isn’t anyone in New England who can catch a football. Even though the Patriots squeaked out a tremendous come from behind win against New Orleans, that all could have been avoided had they had a decent receiving corps. Edelman has done a good job stepping up, but he is not a number one receiver. With Amendola always hurt, the Patriots need help at receiver. Brandon Coleman is a big dude. He has rare speed for a guy standing a 6-foot-6. He can be the vertical threat that this offense hasn’t seen since Randy Moss left.
30. San Francisco 49ers – DE – Trent Murphy – Stanford
With the status of Aldon Smith up in the air for the foreseeable future, the Niners need to address that hole. 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. San Francisco would be improving an already solid defense with a player like Murphy.
31. Seattle Seahawks – DE – Vic Beasley – Clemson
The Seahawks will need to pick up a defensive end if Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett move on after this season. Beasley has been playing out of his mind this season. He is one of the stones on the Clemson defense. He has climbed up into the first round and has found a great fit in Seattle. He will be more of a stand up pass rusher in the NFL. Bottom line, Beasley gets to the quarterback.
32. Denver Broncos – G – Gabe Jackson – Mississippi State
If you give Peyton Manning any more time to throw, he will be unstoppable. That is exactly what Denver plans to do. They have weak links in their offensive line, and can fix that with the acquisition of Gabe Jackson. Jackson is great one-on-one, and can beat any opponent straight up. He has the size to hold his own against the top defenders in the league. The Broncos would be getting a great pick at the tail end of the first round.