2014 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Add Speed to the Defense

Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The draft order has been quite shaken up in recent weeks. The continually disappointing Houston Texans now hold the number one pick, while Jacksonville is almost winning their way out of a franchise quarterback.

1. 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. He will be a dominant player at the NFL level.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Atlanta Falcons – LB – 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.

Nov 29, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack (46) walks off the field after a game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bowling Green beat Buffalo 24 to 7. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB – Khalil Mack – Buffalo
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. He would make a great impact in the pass rush, which is a large area of need for Tampa Bay.

6. Minnesota Vikings – QB – Derek Carr – Fresno State
Derek Carr is the biggest Marcus Mariota fan at the moment. With Mariota returning to school, Carr is the second best QB on the board. I do believe that a team will trade up to take him before Minnesota lands him. Carr is a big arm quarterback who has been played exceptionally this season.

7. Oakland Raiders – WR – Sammy Watkins – Clemson
Sammy Watkins is the best wide receiver prospect in this very deep class. He has a great combination of size and speed that will create huge mismatches for defenses. He is an AJ Green type prospect and can fight to be a top 10 target within his first couple years in the league.

8. Cleveland Browns – QB – Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M
The Browns quarterback situation is a mess. Johnny Manziel is the next best quarterback on the board. He has great football instincts and has really matured as a player over this season. If he can become more disciplined in the pocket, he could be a real steal for this team.

9. Buffalo Bills – LB – CJ 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 Bills defense needs.

10. 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.

11. New York Jets – 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.

12. 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.

13. Tennessee Titans – QB – Brett Hundley – UCLA
Brett Hundley is another guy who benefited from Mariota’s decision. Although he is still very raw, Hundley is a great prospect. He has a very strong arm and has shown flashes of brilliance at UCLA. If the Titans feel its time to turn away from Jake Locker, Hundley could be their guy.

14. St. Louis. Rams – S – HaHa Clinton-Dix – Alabama
While he was suspended earlier this season, he is still the best safety in this class. The Rams need some help in the secondary and Clinton-Dix would fill that void nicely.

15. New York Giants – OT – Cyrus Kouandjio – Alabama
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.

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.