Who will go No. 1? How far will Johnny Manziel fall? Our latest @SN_NFL mock draft has the answers http://bit.ly/1grsjN0
2014 NFL Mock Draft: March 12th Update http://ow.ly/2EEgqn
1. Houston Texans - Blake Bortles, QB, UCF
What the Texans do in free agency at the quarterback spot will be interesting, particularly with their rumored interest and connection to the Patriots’ Ryan Mallett. However, until they answer the quarterback question mark, Bortles, who’s the best fit but not necessarily the best quarterback available, will remain the pick.
2. Atlanta Falcons (via STL) - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
If Jadeveon Clowney doesn’t go first overall to the Texans, I don’t think he leaves the top-three overall picks. With the Rams and Falcons GM having past ties, a trade up could be at a slight discount. The Falcons move up to get the best defensive player at their biggest need and the Rams get two mid-rounders in exchange for moving down just four spots.
What the Texans do in free agency at the quarterback spot will be interesting, particularly with their rumored interest and connection to the Patriots’ Ryan Mallett. However, until they answer the quarterback question mark, Bortles, who’s the best fit but not necessarily the best quarterback available, will remain the pick.
2. Atlanta Falcons (via STL) - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
If Jadeveon Clowney doesn’t go first overall to the Texans, I don’t think he leaves the top-three overall picks. With the Rams and Falcons GM having past ties, a trade up could be at a slight discount. The Falcons move up to get the best defensive player at their biggest need and the Rams get two mid-rounders in exchange for moving down just four spots.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
The Jaguars would really like to find their franchise quarterback in this draft, and they’ve had interest in Teddy Bridgewater since the middle of last season. If Bridgewater is here, barring unexpectedly poor workouts or interviews by Bridgewater or wowing ones by a different quarterback, it’d be a shock if he wasn’t the Jaguars pick.
The Jaguars would really like to find their franchise quarterback in this draft, and they’ve had interest in Teddy Bridgewater since the middle of last season. If Bridgewater is here, barring unexpectedly poor workouts or interviews by Bridgewater or wowing ones by a different quarterback, it’d be a shock if he wasn’t the Jaguars pick.
4. Cleveland Browns - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The Browns organization has been craving for a starting quarterback to build around for years, but the new regime, led by GM Ray Farmer, isn’t looking to reach for a quarterback. Adding Sammy Watkins to the Josh Gordon-led receiving corps would allow any quarterback now or in the future to have success.
The Browns organization has been craving for a starting quarterback to build around for years, but the new regime, led by GM Ray Farmer, isn’t looking to reach for a quarterback. Adding Sammy Watkins to the Josh Gordon-led receiving corps would allow any quarterback now or in the future to have success.
5. Oakland Raiders - Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
With the coaching staff on one-year deals and GM Reggie McKenzie starting to feel the heat on his job, look for the Raiders to focus their efforts on as many instant impact players as possible. With Jared Veldheer gone, one of the top offensive tackles is an option. But I’ve heard Mack and the Raiders linked for some time, and he could substantially help this pass rush.
With the coaching staff on one-year deals and GM Reggie McKenzie starting to feel the heat on his job, look for the Raiders to focus their efforts on as many instant impact players as possible. With Jared Veldheer gone, one of the top offensive tackles is an option. But I’ve heard Mack and the Raiders linked for some time, and he could substantially help this pass rush.
6. St. Louis Rams (via ATL) - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
The Rams are likely to consider Robinson at the #2 overall pick and may feel it necessary to stick there to secure him. However, it’s very possible Robinson slips to this spot. If so, he’s clearly the pick and gives this team a franchise left tackle. If not, look for them to consider one of the other top tackles or trade down once again.
The Rams are likely to consider Robinson at the #2 overall pick and may feel it necessary to stick there to secure him. However, it’s very possible Robinson slips to this spot. If so, he’s clearly the pick and gives this team a franchise left tackle. If not, look for them to consider one of the other top tackles or trade down once again.
7. Tampa Bay Bucs - Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
After quickly making a move for DE Michael Johnson in free agency and rumored to be locking up OT Anthony Collins as well, the Bucs clearly looked to address their biggest needs quickly. Since they likely will enter the draft with few gaping holes, looking at quarterback at #7 becomes even more likely. Carr and offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford have a past connection, so he gets the nod over Manziel.
After quickly making a move for DE Michael Johnson in free agency and rumored to be locking up OT Anthony Collins as well, the Bucs clearly looked to address their biggest needs quickly. Since they likely will enter the draft with few gaping holes, looking at quarterback at #7 becomes even more likely. Carr and offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford have a past connection, so he gets the nod over Manziel.
8. Minnesota Vikings - Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
After cutting Letroy Guion, the Vikings are completely void of a nose tackle for new head coach Mike Zimmer’s defense. Louis Nix has elite talent, and there aren’t many defensive linemen at his size that can make the impact he can at nose tackle. Johnny Manziel may be tempting, but it’s not a major need for Norv Turner’s offense.
After cutting Letroy Guion, the Vikings are completely void of a nose tackle for new head coach Mike Zimmer’s defense. Louis Nix has elite talent, and there aren’t many defensive linemen at his size that can make the impact he can at nose tackle. Johnny Manziel may be tempting, but it’s not a major need for Norv Turner’s offense.
9. Buffalo Bills - Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
If the Bills want to give EJ Manuel the chance to succeed in the NFL, they’ll need to keep providing him with weapons in the passing game. If Sammy Watkins is available, he’d be the pick. But right now, the Bills don’t have a high-impact mid-field pass catcher, and Ebron is a complete pass catcher that can be Manuel’s safety valve for years.
If the Bills want to give EJ Manuel the chance to succeed in the NFL, they’ll need to keep providing him with weapons in the passing game. If Sammy Watkins is available, he’d be the pick. But right now, the Bills don’t have a high-impact mid-field pass catcher, and Ebron is a complete pass catcher that can be Manuel’s safety valve for years.
10. Detroit Lions - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
Mike Evans has long been rumored for this pick, especially after his impressive combine workout, but I don’t think the Lions need to look receiver at the 10th overall pick thanks to the depth of this class. Clinton-Dix can immediately replace recently cut Louis Delmas and help this defense on the backend.
Mike Evans has long been rumored for this pick, especially after his impressive combine workout, but I don’t think the Lions need to look receiver at the 10th overall pick thanks to the depth of this class. Clinton-Dix can immediately replace recently cut Louis Delmas and help this defense on the backend.
11. Tennessee Titans - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
With Michael Roos and David Stewart, the Titans two current offensive tackles starters, in the final year of their contracts, it’s time to find their future replacement. Jake Matthews father, Bruce, was a Hall of Famer with Tennessee, so the connection is there to give Matthews the nod over Taylor Lewan.
With Michael Roos and David Stewart, the Titans two current offensive tackles starters, in the final year of their contracts, it’s time to find their future replacement. Jake Matthews father, Bruce, was a Hall of Famer with Tennessee, so the connection is there to give Matthews the nod over Taylor Lewan.
12. New York Giants - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
With David Diehl retired and William Beatty playing poorly all season, the Giants clearly need to upgrade their offensive line. Despite playing on a poor offensive line this season and having some character baggage, it’d be a surprise if the left tackle-capable Lewan fell past the Giants here.
With David Diehl retired and William Beatty playing poorly all season, the Giants clearly need to upgrade their offensive line. Despite playing on a poor offensive line this season and having some character baggage, it’d be a surprise if the left tackle-capable Lewan fell past the Giants here.
13. St. Louis Rams - Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
The Rams likely will consider a safety here (Calvin Pryor available) because it’s arguably their biggest need after offensive tackle, but getting an elite talent like Anthony Barr would be too tough to pass on. He could play situational defensive end along with developing as a SAM linebacker for the future.
The Rams likely will consider a safety here (Calvin Pryor available) because it’s arguably their biggest need after offensive tackle, but getting an elite talent like Anthony Barr would be too tough to pass on. He could play situational defensive end along with developing as a SAM linebacker for the future.
14. Chicago Bears - CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Brian Urlacher retired before this season, Lance Briggs is getting into his mid-30s and Jon Bostic wasn’t all that impressive last year. The Bears need to add to their defense early and often in this draft, and Mosley can fill the strong-side or inside linebacker spot immediately.
Brian Urlacher retired before this season, Lance Briggs is getting into his mid-30s and Jon Bostic wasn’t all that impressive last year. The Bears need to add to their defense early and often in this draft, and Mosley can fill the strong-side or inside linebacker spot immediately.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
The Steelers could consider a nose tackle or offensive lineman at this spot as well, but cornerback is their franchise’s biggest need. While Justin Gilbert is far from a finished product and has a bit of a “bust” factor, his length and upside are undeniable and likely will land in the top-20 picks.
The Steelers could consider a nose tackle or offensive lineman at this spot as well, but cornerback is their franchise’s biggest need. While Justin Gilbert is far from a finished product and has a bit of a “bust” factor, his length and upside are undeniable and likely will land in the top-20 picks.
16. Dallas Cowboys - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Aaron Donald may be undersized, but he’s done nothing but impress evaluators in the past seven months. After winning every major defensive award as a senior, he dominated at the Senior Bowl and put up remarkable numbers for a defensive tackle. The top-10 isn’t out of the question for Donald, so the Cowboys should pounce on the chance to bolster their interior pass rush.
Aaron Donald may be undersized, but he’s done nothing but impress evaluators in the past seven months. After winning every major defensive award as a senior, he dominated at the Senior Bowl and put up remarkable numbers for a defensive tackle. The top-10 isn’t out of the question for Donald, so the Cowboys should pounce on the chance to bolster their interior pass rush.
17. Baltimore Ravens - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
While I’m not a huge fan of Mike Evans (we have a second-round grade on him), he would be a perfect fit for the Ravens. He could rely on Torrey Smith and Dennis Pitta to take some of the pressure off of him to be an instant impact, can fill the void Anquan Boldin left when he was traded and has elite upside if he can develop further in the NFL.
While I’m not a huge fan of Mike Evans (we have a second-round grade on him), he would be a perfect fit for the Ravens. He could rely on Torrey Smith and Dennis Pitta to take some of the pressure off of him to be an instant impact, can fill the void Anquan Boldin left when he was traded and has elite upside if he can develop further in the NFL.
18. New York Jets - Odell Beckham, WR, LSU
The Jets are in need of offensive playmakers, especially with rumors that Santonio Holmes is on his way out. Barring the Jets get multiple receiving options during free agency, they’ll be targeting offensive help early and often on draft day. Beckham has one of the highest upsides of any receiver in this class and is a top-15 player on our board.
The Jets are in need of offensive playmakers, especially with rumors that Santonio Holmes is on his way out. Barring the Jets get multiple receiving options during free agency, they’ll be targeting offensive help early and often on draft day. Beckham has one of the highest upsides of any receiver in this class and is a top-15 player on our board.
19. Miami Dolphins - Zach Martin, OT, Notre Dame
Even after signing Brandon Albert, the Dolphins are still in desperate need of offensive line help. Martin can start immediately at right tackle and both guard spots, giving Ryan Tannehill the protection he needs to be successful in his 3rd season.
Even after signing Brandon Albert, the Dolphins are still in desperate need of offensive line help. Martin can start immediately at right tackle and both guard spots, giving Ryan Tannehill the protection he needs to be successful in his 3rd season.
20. Arizona Cardinals - Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
With Patrick Peterson being the foundation of the defense and Tyrann Mathieu emerging as a legitimate weapon in the secondary, adding a starter opposite Peterson to keep Mathieu productive would be wise in the loaded NFC West. Fuller provides an instant starter who finishes plays at the catch-point.
With Patrick Peterson being the foundation of the defense and Tyrann Mathieu emerging as a legitimate weapon in the secondary, adding a starter opposite Peterson to keep Mathieu productive would be wise in the loaded NFC West. Fuller provides an instant starter who finishes plays at the catch-point.
21. Green Bay Packers - Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
With Jermichael Finley gone, Andrew Quarless considering other options and James Jones receiving heavy interest from many teams, the Packers find themselves in need of some new pass catchers for the future. Jace Amaro can provide a Jimmy Graham-type player to this offense, giving Aaron Rodgers a new weapon to utilize.
With Jermichael Finley gone, Andrew Quarless considering other options and James Jones receiving heavy interest from many teams, the Packers find themselves in need of some new pass catchers for the future. Jace Amaro can provide a Jimmy Graham-type player to this offense, giving Aaron Rodgers a new weapon to utilize.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Calvin Pryor, SAF, Louisville
Even after adding Malcolm Jenkins in free agency, don’t overlook the Eagles looking to add another top safety onto the roster. Chip Kelly already toyed with three-safety looks last year and Pryor can provide help at both free and strong safety in this Eagles defense.
Even after adding Malcolm Jenkins in free agency, don’t overlook the Eagles looking to add another top safety onto the roster. Chip Kelly already toyed with three-safety looks last year and Pryor can provide help at both free and strong safety in this Eagles defense.
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Marqise Lee, WR, USC
The Chiefs have only one NFL starter-worthy receiver on the roster (Dwayne Bowe), making that one of, if not the, biggest need they need to fill. If they can’t do it in free agency, look for them to target one of the receivers in this class worthy of taking in round one. Marqise Lee was a part of a down season at USC this year, but his NFL-readiness and impressive play in the past make him a first-round talent.
The Chiefs have only one NFL starter-worthy receiver on the roster (Dwayne Bowe), making that one of, if not the, biggest need they need to fill. If they can’t do it in free agency, look for them to target one of the receivers in this class worthy of taking in round one. Marqise Lee was a part of a down season at USC this year, but his NFL-readiness and impressive play in the past make him a first-round talent.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
After losing Michael Johnson in free agency, the Bengals could use an influx of youth along their defensive line. Ealy isn’t a finished product, but he flashes often this past season at Missouri and provides versatility for the Bengals front four for the future.
After losing Michael Johnson in free agency, the Bengals could use an influx of youth along their defensive line. Ealy isn’t a finished product, but he flashes often this past season at Missouri and provides versatility for the Bengals front four for the future.
25. San Diego Chargers - Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn
After an impressive senior year and Senior Bowl, Ford’s stock was through the roof, with the top-15 not out of the question. However, after being pulled from the combine due to injury concerns (likely from a 2011 surgery to fix a lower back herniated disc), some teams may stay away in round one. Dwight Freeney and Jarrett Johnson aren’t the long-term answer, and Ford paired with Melvin Ingram can provide a nice duo for the future.
After an impressive senior year and Senior Bowl, Ford’s stock was through the roof, with the top-15 not out of the question. However, after being pulled from the combine due to injury concerns (likely from a 2011 surgery to fix a lower back herniated disc), some teams may stay away in round one. Dwight Freeney and Jarrett Johnson aren’t the long-term answer, and Ford paired with Melvin Ingram can provide a nice duo for the future.
26. Cleveland Browns (via IND) - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
I’m not sure where Johnny Manziel ends up on draft day, but based on all I’ve heard, he certainly could slip on draft day. As of now, I’ll say the Browns scoop him up if he’s still around at pick #26. They need a franchise quarterback, and while I’m not sold on Manziel as a first rounder, being picked in the bottom half of round one reduces the pressure he’ll face as a rookie.
I’m not sure where Johnny Manziel ends up on draft day, but based on all I’ve heard, he certainly could slip on draft day. As of now, I’ll say the Browns scoop him up if he’s still around at pick #26. They need a franchise quarterback, and while I’m not sold on Manziel as a first rounder, being picked in the bottom half of round one reduces the pressure he’ll face as a rookie.
27. New Orleans Saints - Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech
The Saints need pass rushers for Rob Ryan’s defense, and even if they can find one in free agency, getting Attaochu to develop would give this team a premium talent at the end of round one. Attaochu is a plus athlete and pass rusher who didn’t get the chance to thrive in a poor scheme fit the past two years.
The Saints need pass rushers for Rob Ryan’s defense, and even if they can find one in free agency, getting Attaochu to develop would give this team a premium talent at the end of round one. Attaochu is a plus athlete and pass rusher who didn’t get the chance to thrive in a poor scheme fit the past two years.
28. Carolina Panthers - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Dennad is a top-15 prospect in this class in my opinion, but he may fall due to teams generally waiting on cornerbacks early and Justin Gilbert/Kyle Fuller being high on many teams’ boards as well. With Captin Munnerlyn drawing strong interest from many teams, he may not return. Dennard is an instant starter for a team that needs to defend the Saints and Falcons offense.
Dennad is a top-15 prospect in this class in my opinion, but he may fall due to teams generally waiting on cornerbacks early and Justin Gilbert/Kyle Fuller being high on many teams’ boards as well. With Captin Munnerlyn drawing strong interest from many teams, he may not return. Dennard is an instant starter for a team that needs to defend the Saints and Falcons offense.
29. New England Patriots - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
If the Patriots can find Vince Wilfork’s heir apparent in this draft, it’d be ideal for a team still trying to get younger on defense. Jernigan has some question marks with his motor/conditioning, but New England may feel they can get the most out of him for the future. If so, he’s a steal at this point in the draft.
If the Patriots can find Vince Wilfork’s heir apparent in this draft, it’d be ideal for a team still trying to get younger on defense. Jernigan has some question marks with his motor/conditioning, but New England may feel they can get the most out of him for the future. If so, he’s a steal at this point in the draft.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
The 49ers have done a great job adding talent in the past two drafts, securing top-end players across their offense and defense and building for the future. Ra’Shede Hageman has some character concerns that teams need to get over, but he has Muhammed Wilkerson-like upside.
The 49ers have done a great job adding talent in the past two drafts, securing top-end players across their offense and defense and building for the future. Ra’Shede Hageman has some character concerns that teams need to get over, but he has Muhammed Wilkerson-like upside.
31. Denver Broncos - Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
With or without Champ Bailey, this team needed to upgrade their cornerback position if they hoped to return to the Super Bowl. Roby had a lackluster year after an impressive career at Ohio State, but his elite skill set and speed give him the tools to work with, and a team likely will bite in round one.
With or without Champ Bailey, this team needed to upgrade their cornerback position if they hoped to return to the Super Bowl. Roby had a lackluster year after an impressive career at Ohio State, but his elite skill set and speed give him the tools to work with, and a team likely will bite in round one.
32. Seattle Seahawks - Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
After some doctors at the NFL Combined failed him medically for having an arthritic knee, Kouandjio’s perceived draft stock plummeted him from his first round grade. However, some teams are okay with his condition and still view him as a 6-8 year NFL starter. The Seahawks need offensive line help, and Kouandjio fits the mauling nature of the Seahawks offense.
After some doctors at the NFL Combined failed him medically for having an arthritic knee, Kouandjio’s perceived draft stock plummeted him from his first round grade. However, some teams are okay with his condition and still view him as a 6-8 year NFL starter. The Seahawks need offensive line help, and Kouandjio fits the mauling nature of the Seahawks offense.
