2014 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine Edition
By Corey Brewer
Nov 23, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Brandin Cooks (7) scores a touchdown against the Washington Huskies in the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Scouting Combine is done and over and most top prospects proved why they belong at the top while some lesser known talents made a name for themselves. Here is my latest updated mock draft with a post-combine look at what your favorite team might do in May.
1. Houston Texans – QB – Blake Bortles – UCF
Bortles continues to impress during the offseason. Having a good combine only added to his stock.
2. St.Louis Rams (Via WAS) – DE – Jadeveon Clowney – South Carolina
Clowney is the premier player in the draft. The Rams use this premium pick on a dominant player.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB – Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel will bring the electricity that Jacksonville needs on offense. Gus Bradley and Manziel are a match made in heaven.
4. Cleveland Browns – QB – Teddy Bridgewater – Louisville
Arguably the most complete quarterback falls to the Browns. Something they’ve needed for a long time.
5. Oakland Raiders – WR – Sammy Watkins – Clemson
The Raiders add a playmaker on offense in Sammy Watkins. He will flourish, regardless of the quarterback situation.
6. Atlanta Falcons – OLB – Anthony Barr – UCLA
The Falcons need defense badly. They had the worst linebacking corp in the league last season.
Feb 22, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Greg Robinson runs the 40 yard dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT – Greb Robinson – Auburn
This is a prime trading spot for a team looking to add one of the draft’s elite offensive lineman. I believe Greg Robinson goes here no matter which team it may be.
8. Minnesota Vikings – OLB/DE – Khalil Mack – Buffalo
New head coach Mike Zimmer will turn Khalil Mack into one of the NFL’s top defensive pass rushers.
9. Buffalo Bills – OT – Jake Matthews – Texas A&M
The Bills take value over their other needs here. Matthews could be the best overall player in the draft when things are all set and done.
10. Detroit Lions – WR – Mike Evans – Texas A&M
Mike Evans lined up opposite Calvin Johnson would be unfair. Matt Stafford will have a field day with those two targets.
11. Tennessee Titans – CJ Mosley – Alabama
Mosley has been a defensive leader has entire life. He has been one of the most consistent defensive player in college football the past few years.
12. New York Giants – OT – Taylor Lewan – Michigan
Taylor Lewan was one of the more impressive combine performances this past weekend. He showed surprising athleticism and great natural ability.
13. St. Louis Rams – S – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – Alabama
The Rams fill a huge need with the draft’s best safety. St. Louis is putting together a scary defense.
14. Chicago Bears – DT – Aaron Donald – Pittsburgh
The Bears need to get younger on defense. Aaron Donald has been the most impressive player this offseason. He lights up the field with his surprising athleticism and power.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB – Darqueze Dennard – Michigan State
Pittsburgh is trying to rebuild what once was an elite defense. Dennard bring the tough Steeler attitude to the corner position.
16. Baltimore Ravens – WR – Odell Beckham Jr. – LSU
Joe Flacco gets himself a weapon. Beckham stole the show at the combine with soft hands and incredible athletic ability.
17. Dallas Cowboys – DT – Louis Nix – Notre Dame
The Cowboys defense was an embarrassment last season. The rebuild starts at the front lines with Louis Nix.
18. New York Jets – TE – Eric Ebron – North Carolina
The Jets need offensive pieces. Ebron will bring consistent, top of the line, tight end play for Geno Smith.
19. Miami Dolphins – OT – Zack Martin – Notre Dame
Miami needs some new faces on the offensive line. That is blatantly obvious.
20. Arizona Cardinals – QB – Derek Carr – Fresno State
The Cardinals look to find a replacement for Carson Palmer, who may only have a couple good years left in him. Palmer could be a great mentor for the strong armed quarterback.
21. Green Bay Packers – S – Calvin Pryor – Louisville
The secondary in Green Bay was terrible last season. Look for them to upgrade at every position.
Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive back Justin Gilbert back pedals in a footwork drill during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
22. Philadelphia Eagles – CB – Justin Gilbert – Oklahoma State
Gilbert brings speed and playmaking ability to the Eagles defense. He can provide the spark they need in the secondary.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – WR – Brandin Cooks – Oregon State
Brandin Cooks was the fastest wide receiver at the combine. He also displayed great catching ability. The Chiefs get a sure handed weapon towards the end of round one.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – DT – Timmy Jernigan – Florida State
Jernigan brings versatility to the defensive tackle position. He can line up and play well wherever he is needed.
25. San Diego Chargers – CB – Bradley Roby – Ohio State
Roby also had an impressive combine. He showed that he is still a first round cornerback. He will have a long and successful career in the NFL.
26. Cleveland Browns (Via IND) – WR – Marqise Lee – USC
Marqise Lee along side Josh Gordon would give Teddy Bridgewater all he needs to be successful. Things are looking up for the Browns.
27. New Orleans Saints – DE – Dee Ford – Auburn
Dee Ford has had a decorated offseason. He was the Senior Bowl MVP after dominating on defense against some of the countries’ top players.
28. Carolina Panthers – WR – Kelvin Benjamin – Florida State
Benjamin is a big dude. If he can show he can be consistent and reliable in the passing game, he will be a steal at the 28 spot.
29. New England Patriots – DT – Ra’Shede Hageman – Minnesota
Hageman is a strong, versatile player. He has all the talent to be a force for Bill Belichick in New England.
30. San Francisco 49ers – DE – Kony Ealy – Missouri
Kony Ealy would be an incredible addition to one of the league’s best defenses. San Francisco knows how to mold their young talent and get the best out of them.
31. Denver Broncos – CB – Jason Verrett – TCU
Champ Bailey is old, and injuries and free agency have taken their toll on the other Denver defensive backs. The Broncos will be in trouble if they can’t find a replacement in the secondary.
32. Seattle Seahawks – OG – David Yankey – Stanford
Russell Wilson could be one of the league’s top quarterbacks if he had time to throw from the pocket. Yankey will make offenses more comfortable with him on the line.
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