2014 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Beef Up The Defense
By Corey Brewer
Nov 16, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders tight end Jace Amaro (22) scores on a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at AT
16. Green Bay Packers – TE – Jace Amaro – Texas Tech
The Packers have a few options in the middle of round one. I have them choosing another target for Aaron Rodgers. With Jermichael Finley most likely done in Green Bay, Amaro can jump in and take over that tight end position. Amaro is a wide receiver with a tight end frame. A huge mismatch for defenders.
17. New York Jets – S – Haha Clinton-Dix – Alabama
While he was suspended earlier this season, he is still the best safety in this class. The Jets need some help in the secondary and Clinton-Dix would fill that void nicely.
18. Miami Dolphins – OT Cyrus Kouandjio – Alabama
The Dolphins offensive line is a mess, but we all knew that. 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.
19. 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.
20. Philadelphia Eagles – CB – Ifo Ekpre-Olomu – Oregon
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. He is already familiar with Chip Kelly’s system.
21. Detroit Lions – OLB – Ryan Shazier – Ohio State
The weak links in the Lions defense are the linebackers. This pick would be a huge upgrade for them. Shazier would bring some speed to a defense that is lacking just that. He has great instincts off the snap and is great against the run.
22. Chicago Bears – CB – Bradley Roby – Ohio State
The Bears secondary will look completely different next season. It is filled with many free agents to be. Roby has had a rough start to this season, but is still the best cornerback option left on the board. He has both the size and speed to keep up with the best wide receivers in the league.
23. 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.
24. Arizona Cardinals – G – Cyril Richardson – Baylor
The Cardinals are another team that could trade up for a quarterback. But in mock draft land there are no trades. So they will be selecting a much needed offensive lineman. Richardson would be a tremendous addition to this offensive line and would help in the efforts to protect the quarterback.
25. Cincinnati Bengals – CB – Aaron Colvin – Oklahoma
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.
26. Cleveland Browns (Via IND) – OW – De’Anthony Thomas – Oregon
The trend now-a-days when selecting a franchise quarterback is to also pick up a new target on offense. Thomas is this seasons’ Tavon Austin. He is still too undersized to be an every down back, but can be utilized like Darren Sproles. He is the fastest guy in college football, and will make a play when given the ball.
27. New England Patriots – WR – Jordan Matthews – Vanderbilt
Jordan Matthews would be a perfect fit for the Patriots offense. He has great size and concentration. He also has great quickness after the catch and can create plays from nothing.
28. Carolina Panthers – WR – Odell Beckham – LSU
If the Panthers can provide Cam Newton with a couple more weapons, they will be a serious playoff contender for many years. Beckham has everything you need in a #1 target. Size, speed, strength, and route running. He is a playmaker.
29. New Orleans Saints – DE – Vic Beasley – Clemson
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 will be a good fit on the Saints defense.
30. Kansas City Chiefs – WR – Allen Robinson – Penn State
While the Chiefs defense is one of the best in the league, their offense is not even close. Jamaal Charles is the offense. Dwayne Bowe has been disappointing due to Alex Smith’s inability to throw the ball downfield. Allen Robinson is a very physical receiver. He has big play ability and can muscle up for catches in traffic.
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 – Gabe Jackson – Mississippi State
The Seahawks 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.