2014 NFL Mock Draft

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Last update: Wednesday, March 5, 2014. Major changes in all 5 rounds.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

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

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2014 NFL Mock Draft

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Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
If the 2014 NFL Draft were held today, Jadeveon Clowney would probably be the pick; Bob McNair stated that he was smitten with him, though that was likely an attempt to create a trade possibility. But this reminds me of the 2011 NFL Draft. Both Kiper and Todd McShay thought a defensive lineman would be the top choice (Kiper said Nick Fairley, while McShay suggested Da'Quan Bowers), yet the Panthers ultimately fell in love with Cam Newton.

With all major quarterbacks re-signed, the same thing will almost certainly happen to the Texans, who will have three months to become smitten with Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel. One of those signal-callers will probably be the No. 1 pick.

Bortles has become the favorite out of the three quarterbacks. Multiple sources are now leaning toward Bortles, as you can see in our 2014 NFL Draft Team Rumors page. Charlie also reported that two teams in the top five prefer Bortles over Bridgewater and Manziel. Meanwhile, Tony Pauline said that Bortles is the consensus No. 1 quarterback, and that he has been impressive in the interviews.

Bortles makes the most sense, as he has the characteristics of what Bill O'Brien looks for in a quarterback. Bridgewater is still an option though, as is Manziel, whom McNair seems to like.

By the way, I'm doing this live because I thought it'd be fun to get instant feedback. I'm going to post my mock anyway, so why not do it this way? Follow @walterfootball for NFL Draft updates.
Atlanta Falcons: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
I had the Raiders moving up into the No. 2 slot for a quarterback last week. I'll predict a more conventional trade this time.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff has a habit of moving up in the draft. Perhaps he'll do so again for whom many believe to be the greatest pass-rushing prospect to come along in quite a long time. The Falcons could obviously use Jadeveon Clowney; their pass rush struggled this past season, which is a major reason they couldn't beat Drew Brees or Cam Newton.

Atlanta has expressed interest in Khalil Mack, but there are two things to consider. First, Mack may not even make it to No. 6 with the Jaguars and Raiders possibly interested. Second, it could be smoke to make it seem like they're not desperate to move up to No. 2.

For those worried that the Falcons will have to give up too many resources, the team won't have to surrender as much as Washington did to trade up to the second selection for Robert Griffin. The Dolphins, after all, didn't deal much when they went to No. 3 last year. This year's second-rounder and a 2015 selection in Round 2 (plus some third-day choices) could suffice.

Pick change; previously Khalil Mack, DE (No. 6)
Jacksonville Jaguars: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
General manager David Caldwell told reporters last year that his plan was to build Blaine Gabbert. He even used advanced metrics last April when he spent the No. 2 overall pick on a right tackle because the numbers showed him that Gabbert played much better with strong protection on that side. That's not a good omen.

Jaguar fans better hope that this isn't a sign for the type of signal-caller Caldwell will choose this May because he's almost definitely taking one if Jadeveon Clowney is off the board (Khalil Mack would be the alternative).

As noted in the 2014 NFL Draft Team Rumors page, it's looking like Johnny Manziel won't make it to the Browns. Perhaps the Jaguars really want him.

Pick change; previously Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB
Cleveland Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
It's looking like the Browns want to either wait on Marcus Mariota next year - go here for the 2015 NFL Mock Draft - or use their second first-rounder on Derek Carr. I still wouldn't count out a quarterback at No. 4, but it seems as though Cleveland will go in a different direction.

If that's the case, the only player who really makes sense is Sammy Watkins. The Browns had tremendous problems at receiver this past season outside of Josh Gordon. Greg "Mr. Dependable" Little continued to struggle, while Davone Bess was even worse. Watkins, the clear-cut No. 1 skill player in this class, would give Clevland a tremendous duo at receiver.

Pick change; previously Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo
Khalil Mack, who just ran a 4.45 at his Pro Day, makes a ton of sense for the Raiders, who didn't franchise their best player, Lamarr Houston. Oakland could actually go in a number of directions - I considered Greg Robinson as well because Jared Veldheer curiously did not get tagged either - but one thing it appears as though the team won't do is draft a quarterback unless Blake Bortles falls. Check out the 2014 NFL Draft Team Rumors page for more.

The Raiders desperately need to improve their pass rush. Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers are standing in their way, so they'll need someone to apply heavy pressure on those quarterbacks if they want a chance to compete in the AFC West.

Pick change; previously Johnny Manziel, QB (No. 2)
St. Louis Rams: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
The Rams will be more than happy to trade down to the fifth, sixth or even eighth pick. Not only will they acquire more selections; they'll be able to nab Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews or Sammy Watkins with those choices.

Jeff Fisher usually isn't one to take an offensive lineman early, but Jake Long's return for the 2014 is questionable. That's troubling, given that the Rams need to keep the fragile Sam Bradford healthy if they want to compete in the best division in football. Greg Robinson had a terrific Combine - go here for my NFL Combine Stock Report - and has even drawn comparisons to Hall of Fame tackle Larry Allen. Given how tremendous of a prospect Robinson is, Fisher may make an exception to his rule.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Left tackle isn't a need right now, but it's sounding like the Buccaneers could cut ties with Donald Penn, as they haven't even approached him for a pay cut yet. Penn is due nearly $13 million over the next two seasons, which is way too much for a middling talent who will turn 31 shortly. There always seems to be some sort of weight-related drama with Penn, so Tampa can put an end to that. Besides, Jake Matthews is the best player available,
Minnesota Vikings: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Teddy Bridgewater isn't the quarterback the Vikings want, but they'll absolutely consider taking him if he happens to drop to No. 8. This would be the opposite of what this front office did with Christian Ponder; Rich Spielman reached for Ponder, whereas he'd be landing a semi-steal with Bridgewater, who was expected to go No. 1 overall throughout most of the college season.

Pick change; previously Justin Gilbert, CB
Buffalo Bills: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Buffalo fans would have to be thrilled if Sammy Watkins made it to them at No. 9. That's what I had happening in my previous version, but that's no longer the case. However, the front office would still consider Mike Evans, who had a tremendous Combine.

This offseason has to be all about building around E.J. Manuel. The Bills have to find a potent weapon for the second-year quarterback. Stevie Johnson won't be around much longer, so a new receiver is needed.

Pick change; previously Sammy Watkins, WR
Detroit Lions: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
I've had the Lions picking a receiver for as long as I can remember, but they would certainly consider Justin Gilbert if he managed to fall to them at No. 10. Detroit has a big need for a top corner, and Gilbert, who was very impressive at the Combine, would definitely fit the front office's "best player available" style of drafting. He separated himself from all of the other players at his position, and it'll now be a huge upset if he's drafted outside of the top 12.

Pick change; previously Mike Evans, WR
Tennessee Titans: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Titans have lots of options here, including Taylor Lewan, Anthony Barr and C.J. Mosley. Lewan makes sense, but Tennessee went offensive line in the first round last April. Plus, Ken Whisenhunt is an offensive coach, so he's more likely to pick a defensive player. That defensive player could be Mosley.

Tennessee is transitioning to the 3-4, so it needs linebackers. Its current group of inside linebackers is pathetic. The team clearly views this as a major need, as it tried to sign D'Qwell Jackson this week. Jackson has since visited other places, so the Titans may have to address this area in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Pick change; previously Anthony Barr, DE/OLB
New York Giants: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Giants are in a great spot. There are 12 prospects in this class who are way above everyone else (three quarterbacks, Clowney, Mack, Mosley, three tackles, Gilbert, two receivers), so New York will probably be in position to take Justin Gilbert, Mike Evans or Taylor Lewan. It's the latter in this scenario.

Protecting Eli Manning is paramount. The Giants didn't shield him very well this past season (to put it nicely), and Manning consequently was on pace to break the single-season record for interceptions at one point. Obtaining Lewan, who was terrific at the Combine, would solve a big problem for New York.
St. Louis Rams: HaHa Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
St. Louis' defense came on late in the season, but it struggled at times during the year for a couple of reasons. One was the play of safety Rodney McLeod. He wasn't terrible, but it's clear that the Rams need to find an upgrade next to T.J. McDonald. HaHa Clinton-Dix is arguably the top defensive player available who makes sense for St. Louis.
Chicago Bears: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Tony Pauline noted that the Bears are very interested in Aaron Donald on our NFL Combine Rumors and Notes page. He wrote this before Donald's workout last Monday, which was exceptional.

Donald will likely be chosen in the 13-16 range, so the Bears will very happy to snag him at No. 14. Not only is Donald one of the top prospects available; he also fills a huge need in the middle of the defensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
The Steelers will never pass up the opportunity to grab a great offensive play-maker if one is available to them. I've been mocking a receiver to them for quite some time - and they will take Mike Evans if he falls to No. 15 - but it's time for a positional change.

Eric Ebron could be considered the top prospect available who makes sense for Pittsburgh. He would serve as a great intermediate weapon for Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben currently loves throwing the ball to Heath Miller, but Miller appears to be on his last legs. Besides, the Steelers can have Miller and Ebron on the field at the same time in the short term.
Dallas Cowboys: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
Aaron Donald may have leapt in front of Timmy Jernigan as the top defensive tackle available, but Jernigan is still worth a top-16 selection. The Cowboys desperately need a defensive tackle, so they'll definitely consider Jernigan. Then again, Jerry Jones is calling the shots, so the Cowboys will probably take some fourth-round prospect.

Go to 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this 2014 NFL Mock Draft into two halves; I've received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwith.

Go to 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

Go to 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3

Go to 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Round 4

Go to 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Round 5

2015 NFL Mock Draft