2014 NFL Draft Goals
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Posted May 3, 2014.
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What does every team need to accomplish in the 2014 NFL Draft? We'll look at each team's goals on this page, as well as possible selections for each squad. Also see how the goals are being addressed in the 2014 NFL Mock Draft (will be updated tomorrow).
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
What does every team need to accomplish in the 2014 NFL Draft? We'll look at each team's goals on this page, as well as possible selections for each squad. Also see how the goals are being addressed in the 2014 NFL Mock Draft (will be updated tomorrow).
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Houston Texans:
The Texans are starting over, so they obviously need a franchise quarterback. However, they're not taking one at No. 1 overall, and they may even pass on one at No. 33, per our NFL Draft Rumor Mill. They have a bunch of other needs to fill, including pass-rusher (Jadeveon Clowney), inside linebacker, nickel corner, safety and tight end.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB
33. C.J. Mosley, ILB
65. Tom Savage, QB
101. Reynolds, Rashaad CB
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
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St. Louis Rams:
The Rams have a loaded roster and would have a high chance of making the playoffs if they were in any other division. They need to add more talent around Sam Bradford, including a No. 1 receiver and protection up front. Many expect the Rams to address the latter in the first round, particularly at No. 2 overall via Greg Robinson, but Jeff Fisher's M.O. is to wait on linemen. Thus, St. Louis is in position to take the best player available with its two first-round choices to make its team even stronger.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
2. Khalil Mack, DE/OLB
13. Justin Gilbert, CB
44. James, JaWuan, OT
75. Bailey, Dion S
110. Turner, Trai G
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Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jaguars finished the 2013 season strong, but they still need to breathe some life into their morbid franchise. That can happen with a quarterback. Unfortunately, it appears as though general manager David Caldwell is going to wait until the second round to select Teddy Bridgewater or Jimmy Garoppolo. Caldwell also needs to strengthen his weak defense and find another play-maker for his new quarterback.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
3. Sammy Watkins, WR
39. Teddy Bridgewater, QB
70. Kyle Van Noy, DE/OLB
105. Caraun Reid, DT
114. Swanson, Travis C
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Cleveland Browns:
The Browns haven't made the playoffs since the 2002 season. They also haven't had a franchise quarterback since their franchise reentered the NFL in 1999. It's time for that to change. They have to find a signal-caller who can transform them into a perennial playoff contender. Otherwise, they need to find another offensive play-maker, upgrade the offensive line and bolster a couple of positions on the defense.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
4. Manziel, Johnny QB
26. Cooks, Brandin WR
35. Mosley, C.J. ILB
71. Mason, Tre RB
83. Mewhort, Jack OT
106. Watkins, Jaylen CB
127. Vereen, Brock S
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Oakland Raiders:
As with the Browns, the Raiders haven't been in the playoffs since the 2002 season when they lost to the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. They hit rock bottom earlier this spring when owner Mark Davis embarrassed Reggie McKenzie by vetoing the Rodger Saffold signing. Since then, McKenzie has made some moves to stay competitive, but the Raiders still barely have any depth. They need to improve that area, all while finding a long-term answer at quarterback. That could be a problem, however, considering that the front office needs to win now to stay employed.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
5. Evans, Mike WR
36. Jernigan, Timmy DT
67. Roberson, Marcus CB
107. Murray, Aaron QB
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Atlanta Falcons:
Many seem to forget that the Falcons were in the NFC Championship 16 months ago. They fought through a barrage of injuries this past season and were never able to recover because of their lacking depth. Atlanta essentially just needs to bolster its roster while taking care of a few needs, including rush linebacker, safety and right tackle.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
6. Robinson, Greg OT
37. Ford, Dee DE/OLB
68. Bucannon, Deone S
103. Sims, Charles RB
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
The Buccaneers have made a ton of acquisitions this offseason, but they're still weak in a few areas. They have to find a No. 2 receiving option, upgrade at linebacker and guard, and someone to help Gerald McCoy rush the passer on the interior of the defensive line. They'll also consider a franchise quarterback at No. 7 overall if they can get either Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
7. Manziel, Johnny QB
38. Matthews, Jordan WR
69. Easley, Dominique DT
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Minnesota Vikings:
The Vikings would love for either Blake Bortles or Khalil Mack to fall to them. There's no chance the latter will be available, but Bortles could be. If not, they'll probably have to decide between Anthony Barr and Derek Carr. An ideal situation would be for Minnesota to move down and snag Carr in the mid- or late-teens. After that, they'd have to find some upgrades for their lackluster back seven.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
8. Bortles, Blake QB
40. Lawrence, Demarcus DE/OLB
72. Roberson, Marcus CB
96. Loston, Craig S
108. Freeman, Devonta RB
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Buffalo Bills:
It appears as though the Bills have three prospects in mind at No. 9: Jake Matthews, Mike Evans and Eric Ebron. They'll almost certainly nab one of them, and they'll focus on the other two positions in later rounds. Buffalo has also met with a ton of cornerbacks and running backs, so the front office will probably address those two areas.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
9. Matthews, Jake, OT
41. Niklas, Troy TE
73. Breeland, Bashaud CB
109. Brown, Preston LB
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Detroit Lions:
The Lions added Golden Tate through free agency, but they still need to obtain a couple of weapons around Matthew Stafford. This can be done via Eric Ebron or Odell Beckham at No. 10 (or trading up for Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans). Detroit also needs to work on its secondary and finding depth for its defensive line. A pass-rushing linebacker is needed as well.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
10. Barr, Anthony DE/OLB
45. Latimer, Cody WR
76. Jean-Baptiste, Stanley CB
111. Dixon, Ahmad S
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Tennessee Titans:
It doesn't appear as though the Titans are interested in drafting a quarterback No. 11 overall. They'll give Jake Locker another year, which means they can focus on finding pieces for their new 3-4. A rush linebacker, five-technique, inside linebacker and cornerback are all needed. Finding a new running back and a left tackle of the future is something else Tennessee should focus on.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
11. Barr, Anthony DE/OLB
42. Hill, Jeremy RB
112. Mauro, Josh DE/DT
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New York Giants:
It's all about bolstering the trenches. Multiple upgrades should be obtained on both the offensive and defensive lines. The Giants can also look at the receiver, running back and safety positions, but all of that is secondary when it comes to improving the fronts. The Giants can nab a left tackle at No. 12 and then snag defensive ends and tackles a bit later.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
12. Martin, Zack OT/G
43. Lawrence, Demarcus DE/OLB
74. Ferguson, Ego DT
113. Freeman, Devonta RB
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Washington Redskins:
I know Washington's natural spot is No. 2, but I thought I'd place them here because the Rams are more associated with the second pick. The Redskins don't have a first-rounder, so they won't be able to upgrade their roster very much. What they can do is find some potential starters on the offensive line and front seven. Some help in the secondary is needed as well.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
34. Verrett, Jason CB
66. Richardson, Antonio OT
102. Dozier, Dakota G
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Chicago Bears:
Defense, defense, defense. The Bears have to bolster every single level of their stop unit with multiple upgrades. They may take a running back or tight end late in the draft, but they have to focus on fixing their pathetic defense.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
14. Clinton-Dix, Ha Ha S
51. Tuitt, Stephon, DE/DT
82. Roberson, Marcus CB
117. Uko, George DT
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Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers have lost two starting receivers in as many offseasons, so they'll need to find some help for Ben Roethlisberger. Mike Evans at No. 15 would be a wet dream. More realistically, Pittsburgh could find some help at cornerback and then focus on getting a new wideout a bit later. Getting an upgrade or two in the front seven is also a must.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
15. Gilbert, Justin CB
46. Tuitt, Stephon DE/DT
97. Moncrief, Donte WR
118. Gaines, Phillip CB
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Dallas Cowboys:
The Cowboys have a terrible defense with plenty of holes. Upgrades are needed all over. Some areas could be addressed on offense, including right tackle and receiver, but Dallas has to spend most of its energy improving the stop unit.
Ideal 2014 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
16. Donald, Aaron DT
47. Crichton, Scott DE
78. Bailey, Dion S
119. Richardson, Cyril G/OT
Go to 2014 NFL Draft Goals: 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 bandwidth.
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