2014 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 - Picks 17-32

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Last update: Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. Round 5 added.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2014 NFL Mock Draft is based on my NFL Power Rankings.

    *** This 2014 NFL Mock Draft (5 rounds) was updated Feb. 28. This mock draft will be updated at least once per week (Tuesday afternoons and other times for important events.). Check out old versions of this 2014 NFL Mock Draft in the archived mock draft section. Follow @walterfootball for updates. ***

  1. Baltimore Ravens: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
    The Ravens had their eye on Dont'a Hightower as a possible replacement for Ray Lewis a couple of years ago. Perhaps they'll finally land an inside linebacker from Alabama. Baltimore took Arthur Brown in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but this position could still be addressed because Daryl Smith happens to be a free agent.

    Follow @walterfootball for updates.

  2. New York Jets: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
    The Jets need to add more play-makers to the roster because Geno Smith is surrounded by the worst supporting cast in the NFL. The top weapon who can be added to the roster is Marqise Lee, who didn't have a very good Combine and has consequently slipped a few picks in my mock draft. However, Lee still has a shot to go in the top 20, though there's a chance Odell Beckham could leap him in the receiver rankings. Regardless, the Jets are desperate for some help at wideout.

    Pick change; previously Eric Ebron, TE

  3. Miami Dolphins: Zack Martin, OT/G, Notre Dame
    Zack Martin had an outstanding Senior Bowl, and there's talk that despite his short arms, he could be used at left tackle. Worst-case scenario, he's a stud guard. Miami needs help at both positions in the wake of the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin incident.

    Also, here's something to keep in mind: As Charlie Campbell noted on our NFL Draft Rumors page, "Dennis Hickey has a huge inclination to go for high-character players. If a player is perceived to be a thug, gang-banger or have a drug issue, that could knock them off Miami's board. I could see Zack Martin being a fit."

  4. Arizona Cardinals: Ra'Shede Hageman, DE/DT, Minnesota
    Darnell Dockett, 33 in May, is due $5.75 million this upcoming season. He's no longer the pass-rusher he once was, and Arizona lacks a long-term replacement for him. That would change with the selection of Ra'Shede Hageman, who was a monster for Minnesota this past year. Even if the Cardinals keep Dockett at his high price, they could definitely use Hageman as a depth rotational player in 2014 before asking him to start in 2015 and beyond.



  5. Green Bay Packers: Louis Nix, NT, Notre Dame
    The Packers spent last year's first-round pick on a defensive lineman, but that doesn't mean that Ted Thompson won't double dip there. B.J. Raji happens to be a free agent, and his price tag is simply too high for Green Bay. Louis Nix is a steal here for the Packers.

  6. Philadelphia Eagles: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
    Philadelphia's defense was terrible for many reasons, one of which is the safety position. Nate Allen is an impending free agent, while Patrick Chung is absolutely terrible. The Eagles want to address this position in free agency, but they really need to make two upgrades here, and that could prove difficult to do.

    Pick change; previously HaHa Clinton-Dix, S

  7. Kansas City Chiefs: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU
    The Chiefs need another outside receiver to start across from Dwayne Bowe. They're very likely to attack this position early. I've been mocking Kelvin Benjamin to them, but Odell Beckham has jumped over Benjamin on my board.

    Pick change; previously Kelvin Benjamin, WR

  8. Cincinnati Bengals: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
    Mike Zimmer did a great job of getting the most out of Terence Newman and Pacman Jones, but he's moved on to be the head coach in Minnesota. The Bengals will have to compensate with some new corners. Darqueze Dennard happens to be one of the top players available, despite his underwhelming Combine performance.

    Pick change; previously Cyrus Kouandjio, OT



  9. San Diego Chargers: Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri
    The Chargers were so desperate for help at rush linebacker that they signed Dwight Freeney last offseason. The former Colt is obviously not a long-term solution for the team's pass-rushing woes. He wasn't even a short-term answer.

  10. Cleveland Browns: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
    Teams that spend early picks on quarterbacks usually take an offensive player to complement that signal-caller with their next selection. Think Matthew Stafford-Brandon Pettigrew, Sam Bradford-Rodger Saffold, Andrew Luck-Coby Fleener, etc. The Browns desperately need a No. 2 receiver to upgrade Greg "Mr. Dependable" Little.

    Pick change; previously Odell Beckham, WR

  11. New Orleans Saints: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
    The Saints have some issues at cornerback with Jabari Greer's status being uncertain. Greer, who tore his ACL in November, is due $4.4 million next season as a 32-year-old. Jason Verrett, who had a solid showing at the Combine, is a great fit for Rob Ryan's defense.

    Pick change; previously Calvin Pryor, S

  12. Carolina Panthers: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
    Ron Rivera talked at length about upgrading the receiver position during the Combine press conference. He even refused to say that Steve Smith will be back next year. The Panthers were already hurting at wideout with Smith; now they may need two upgrades.

    Pick change; previously Morgan Moses, OT



  13. New England Patriots: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
    With Aaron Hernandez gone forever and Rob Gronkowski coming off a serious knee injury, the Patriots may want to bring in another talented tight end. I considered Jace Amaro a steal here in earlier updates. Amaro didn't have a strong Combine, so the 29-40 range is probably where he should be going now.

  14. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
    San Francisco's group of cornerbacks isn't very strong, as Carlos Rogers has understandably declined at 32. He's due $6.25 million next year, so the team could cut ties with him. The 49ers extended Tramaine Brock, but they'll still need corner help.

    Pick change; previously Jason Verrett, CB

  15. Denver Broncos: Stephon Tuitt, DE/DT, Notre Dame
    The Broncos have some issues at defensive end. Shaun Phillips, 33 in May, surprised many by playing extremely well after struggling in San Diego the previous season. Unfortunately, his contract expires in March. Robert Ayers also happens to be a free agent.

  16. Seattle Seahawks: Dee Ford, DE/OLB, Auburn
    The Seahawks need another edge rusher. Cliff Avril will be a free agent after this upcoming season, and Seattle probably won't be able to afford him. Chris Clemons, meanwhile, could be released soon.



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