2014 NFL Mock Draft

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Walter of WalterFootball has been WalterFootball'ing since 1999'. Older Content is being kept around here. Thanks for reading.

Last update: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013. Major changes in all 3 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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2020 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 2/11): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25)

ARCHIVED 2014 NFL MOCK DRAFT

@walterfootball

Jacksonville Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Many might say that the Jaguars have the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. They would all be wrong. Jacksonville has a franchise signal-caller. His name is Teddy Bridgewater.

Given how important the quarterback position is, Bridgewater will the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, barring injury or late-season collapse. There's really no discussion. Jadeveon Clowney wouldn't change the Jaguars' franchise. Bridgewater would.

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 updates.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
Nope, not Jadeveon Clowney. Again, a quarterback makes much more of an impact in today's NFL than a more-talented pass-rusher. Jadeveon Clowney might be the top defensive end to come along in years, but a potential franchise signal-caller will trump him in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Buccaneers will be searching for a quarterback if Mike Glennon doesn't pan out. Josh Freeman is done, so if Glennon stinks it up - he looked dreadful in his debut against Arizona - then the team will consider spending its first-round choice on a signal-caller.

Tajh Boyd is not just a runner; he completed 67.2 percent of his passes last year while maintaining a 9.1 YPA and a 36-to-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He was very impressive in the season opener versus Georgia, and he currently maintains a ridiculous 10.3 YPA through five games.
New York Giants: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
It was unthinkable a month ago that the Giants would be drafting high enough to land Jadeveon Clowney, but here we are. New York is 0-5 for many reasons, one of which happens to be a terrible pass rush. One of the Giants' strengths during their two Super Bowl runs was their ability to get to the quarterback. Jadeveon Clowney would allow that to happen again, as he would form an incredible tandem with Jason Pierre-Paul.

Some call Clowney the top defensive prospect to come along in years. Clowney has motivational problems, as Charlie Campbell reported before anyone else about two months ago. Clowney is having a mediocre season, but teams will overlook that in favor of his talent. There were similar concerns with Julius Peppers coming out of North Carolina in 2002, and he still went No. 2 overall.

Pick change; previously Louis Nix, NT
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
This is a pretty obvious selection. The Steelers have major issues on the offensive line. One of the problems has been left tackle Mike Adams, who hasn't been able to block anyone. Perhaps he'll be better on the right side once Pittsburgh finds a legitimate blind-side protector.

Pick change; previously Sammy Watkins, WR
Atlanta Falcons: Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLA
As with the Giants and Steelers, no one projected Atlanta to be choosing early enough to have a shot at landing a blue-chip prospect in one of the top draft classes to come along in a long time. Like New York, the Falcons can't get to the quarterback at all, as we all saw when Geno Smith had the game of his life on Monday night.

Anthony Barr is perfect for Atlanta's scheme. Mike Nolan likes to utilize a defensive end-outside linebacker hybrid. Kroy Biermann was manning that position this season before he got hurt. Barr would be an obvious upgrade.

A former running back, Barr played defense for the first time this past season and made an instant impact, recording 13 sacks. The sky's the limit for him, as he'll only get better at his new position.

Pick change; previously A.J. Johnson, ILB
St. Louis Rams: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Two consecutive drafts in which the Rams spend a first-round pick on a receiver? I think it's possible. Tavon Austin will eventually be great in the slot, but St. Louis needs a boost outside; its only competent wideout there is Chris Givens.

I had Mike Evans listed high in my 2015 NFL Mock Draft. I have to put him in here now after what he did to Alabama. Resembling Vincent Jackson, he dominated the Tide.
Minnesota Vikings: Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
The Vikings drafted Sharrif Floyd, but they'll need another defensive tackle with Kevin Williams being an impending free agent.

Stephon Tuitt gets most of the hype for the Notre Dame linemen, but Louis Nix has been much better this season. He can both stuff the run and get to the quarterback very effectively.

Pick change; previously Ra'shede Hageman, DT
Carolina Panthers: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
How much longer are the Panthers going to rely on Brandon LaFell as a starting receiver? They need more explosion on offense; not to mention a No. 1 receiver after Steve Smith retires. Cam Newton is struggling right now, so Carolina needs to give him more weapons.

Pick change; previously Cyrus Kouandjio, OT
Buffalo Bills: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington
It's not usual to see a tight end go this high, but Austin Seferian-Jenkins is an absolute stud. He'll be a matchup nightmare, much like Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham. E.J. Manuel, who prefers checking down, would love having a talent weapon like Seferian-Jenkins at his disposal.

It's worth noting that Seferian-Jenkins was arrested for a DUI on March 9, but that was just one incident. I don't think it'll have too much of an impact on his draft stock if he appears remorseful.

Pick change; previously Bradley Roby, CB
St. Louis Rams: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Rams signed Jake Long this offseason, but they still need tackle help because Rodger Saffold will be a free agent next spring. Besides, who knows how long their current left tackle will be able to hold up? Long looked helpless trying to block DeMarcus Ware two weeks ago.

Pick change; previously Jake Matthews, OT
Philadelphia Eagles: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Cary Williams had a great debut for the Eagles on Monday night, but has been putrid ever since. Bradley Fletcher, meanwhile, can't stay healthy. Cornerback is glaring need for Philadelphia.

Bradley Roby has tons of talent, but was torched against Wisconsin. He could just be rusty after serving a suspension. The Eagles are desperate for corner help, so they almost have to take a shot with Roby.

Pick change; previously Marqise Lee, WR
Oakland Raiders: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
It feels weird not having the Raiders drafting in the top three. It's all because of Terrelle Pryor, as well as offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who has done another tremendous job of coaching up a quarterback. Pryor is the real deal, so imagine how much better he'll be if he has a legitimate No. 1 receiver to throw to.

Pick change; previously Jadeveon Clowney, DE
San Diego Chargers: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
The Chargers' pathetic defense has made every single quarterback look like a Pro Bowler this year. They have a dreadful cornerback situation, which could be remedied with the use of a first-round pick in May's draft.

Pick change; previously Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
Houston Texans: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position.
Green Bay Packers: HaHa Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
The Packers have suffered through horrid safety play thus far this season. That'll need to improve considering the quarterbacks in their division. HaHa Clinton-Dix should be slotted around Nos. 15-22, so he fits the range.

Clinton-Dix has gotten into some trouble recently, but it shouldn't be a big deal because it was only for allegedly accepting money. No one cares, stupid NCAA.
Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Boom. The Browns once again send shock waves through the NFL with an unexpected move. It's a solid draft choice, however, given that Cleveland needs a franchise quarterback. Brian Hoyer played well thus far, but he unfortunately won't get a chance to prove himself because he's out for the year.

Johnny Manziel is a giant douche. Scouts told us that he looked like a first-rounder prior to his off-the-field antics. I dropped him into Day 2, but there's once again first-round buzz building for him in the wake of his performance against Alabama. Ultimately, he has too much talent not to go on Thursday.

Michael Lombardi won't care too much about Manziel's personality flaws. Remember, Lombardi was head over heels for Ryan Mallett despite his off-the-field issues.

Go to 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this 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

2015 NFL Mock Draft