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

Last update: Wednesday, April 16, 2014. Major changes in all 5 rounds.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


*** 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. ***

17. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
    The Ravens spent last year's first-round pick on a safety, but they'll strongly consider doubling up if they can get Calvin Pryor. Darian Stewart is currently favored to start next to Matt Elam, and he was a Rams' cast-off. That should tell you how dire the situation is.
    
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18. New York Jets: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU
    The Jets need to add more play-makers to the roster because Geno Smith was surrounded by the worst supporting cast in the NFL last year. Eric Decker was signed, but New York needs more receivers. The top weapon who can be added to the roster is Odell Beckham. It's a close call between Beckham and Brandin Cooks.
    
    Pick change; previously Brandin Cooks, WR
    
    
19. 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 or a right tackle. 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."
    
    
20. Arizona Cardinals: Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri
    Arizona needs a better pass-rusher across from Sam Acho. Its front line is pretty fierce, but the outside linebackers have been lackluster. That would certainly change with Kony Ealy, who might fit Arizona's "BPA" style of drafting.
    
    
    
    
    
21. Green Bay Packers: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
    The Packers could address the defensive end, linebacker or safety position at No. 21. Of those positions, C.J. Mosley is the best player available despite Charlie Campbell's report in the draft rumor mill that says Mosley is expected to go much later than most think. Green Bay just needs more speed in the middle of its defense to combat the scrambling quarterbacks it hasn't been able to stop.
    
    
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
    The Eagles will definitely be looking hard at the wide receiver position at this juncture now that DeSean Jackson has signed with the Redskins (click the link for that signing grade). Philadelphia will have to find a new starting wideout for 2015 and beyond, as Jeremy Maclin is signed on for just one more year.
    
    It's a close call between Marqise Lee and Brandin Cooks. The latter closely resembles what the Eagles lost with Jackson. Either way, Chip Kelly has shown a penchant for collecting Pac-12 players.
    
    Pick change; previously Odell Beckham, WR
    
    
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA
    The Chiefs would like to select a guard, but they can probably do so after trading down. They just signed Jeff Linkenbach, but I'm told that they view the former Colt as a backup. Right guard is a huge hole.
    
    
24. 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 is one of the top prospects available.
    
    Pick change; previously Bradley Roby, CB
    
    
    
    
    
25. San Diego Chargers: Louis Nix, NT, Notre Dame
    The Chargers currently lack a starting-caliber nose tackle, so they'll be thrilled if Louis Nix falls to them. This has a good chance of happening, as many teams won't be interested in Nix because he's not very good at rushing the passer. San Diego won't care though, as it needed an upgrade over Cam Thomas, who signed with the Steelers.
    
    
26. Cleveland Browns: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
    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. If Cleveland doesn't go with Sammy Watkins at No. 4 overall, Marqise Lee will definitely be in play at No. 26.
    
    Pick change; previously Johnny Manziel, QB
    
    
27. New Orleans Saints: Dee Ford, DE/OLB, Auburn
    Considering that New Orleans has to deal with Matt Ryan and Cam Newton twice per year, the team could stand to bolster its pass rush. The Saints can't count on Victor Butler, who is coming off a torn ACL. Butler will be a free agent following the 2014 season anyway.
    
    
28. Carolina Panthers: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
    The Panthers have to be disappointed that all of the tier-two receivers are off the board. They could go with Kelvin Benjamin, Cody Latimer or Allen Robinson, but there will be plenty of those types of wideouts available in Round 2. Instead, they could address another huge hole. There's a massive void at left tackle in the wake of Jordan Gross' retirement.
    
    Pick change; previously Marqise Lee, WR
    
    
    
    
    
29. New England Patriots: Ra'Shede Hageman, DE/DT, Minnesota
    There are only a limited amount of players available at this juncture who fit what Bill Belichick has traditionally looked for in prospects. One such individual is Ra'Shede Hageman, who would fill a big need in the interior of the defensive line. The Patriots don't have much of a pass rush in that area, but that would change with the addition of Hageman.
    
    
30. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
    Anquan Boldin was re-signed - go here for my Free Agent Grades - but he won't be around much longer. Also, Mario Manningham just signed with the Giants. San Francisco needs to add a deep threat at wideout, and Kelvin Benjamin certainly fits that. The 49ers like Benjamin, but they may trade up for Mike Evans or Justin Gilbert if the opportunity presents itself. They have the ammo to do so with two picks in each of the second and third rounds.
    
    
31. Denver Broncos: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
    Wesley Woodyard signed with the Titans, but he looked out of place trying to play middle linebacker. Paris Lenon is a disaster. This is an area Denver may want to upgrade to help improve its defense, which couldn't get off the field in the Super Bowl. Ryan Shazier ran a 4.36 at his Pro Day, and I know that one team in the 20s is very high on him, so the Broncos should be happy to land him at No. 31.
    
    
32. Seattle Seahawks: Joel Bitonio, OT/G/C, Nevada
    This pick may surprise some, but remember that the Seahawks chose Bruce Irvin in the middle of the first round a couple of springs ago even though most had Irvin as a Round 2-3 player. Joel Bitonio simply fits what Seattle looks for in a prospect, and he would fill a major void at right tackle. Bitonio can play any position up front, including center, so Seattle will love his versatility.
    
    
    
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