Pre-Free Agency 2014 NFL Mock Draft
Is Teddy Bridgewater worthy of the number one overall selection? (Image: nepatriotsdraft.com
By: Matt Harmon
March 9th, 2014
Preamble: In general, mock drafts before free agency are rather silly. It also goes against my idea of team building. Which is that teams should fill needs with smart signings in free agency and then supplement with a close to best player available strategy in the draft.
By doing a mock draft before free agency, you’re essentially pigeonholing needs for teams that might fill them come draft time.
Nevertheless, we toil on.
Also note that this mock draft is done as if I were the general manager for each team. I’m not so much predicting what each team will do, but rather what I think they should do. That will be based on both my evaluation of the team’s needs and the players available to them.
Read, react, and reject.
March 9th, 2014
Preamble: In general, mock drafts before free agency are rather silly. It also goes against my idea of team building. Which is that teams should fill needs with smart signings in free agency and then supplement with a close to best player available strategy in the draft.
By doing a mock draft before free agency, you’re essentially pigeonholing needs for teams that might fill them come draft time.
Nevertheless, we toil on.
Also note that this mock draft is done as if I were the general manager for each team. I’m not so much predicting what each team will do, but rather what I think they should do. That will be based on both my evaluation of the team’s needs and the players available to them.
Read, react, and reject.
1. Houston Texans (2-14): QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
Teddy Bridgewater, to me, is the clear top quarterback in this draft class, and one of its best players. His accuracy, anticipation, and pocket manipulation are on an elite level. Bridgewater looked like an NFL veteran at times during his college career.
The concerns with his deep ball are real, but his size is not as big of a deal as some would like to make it. Bridgewater isn’t a guy who puts his body at risk.
If Houston passes on Teddy for Blake Bortles’ upside, or the “safety” of Jadeveon Clowney, they will live to regret the decision. The NFL is all about the quarterback, and Teddy Bridgewater will be the best one from this class. Houston must take him.
Teddy Bridgewater, to me, is the clear top quarterback in this draft class, and one of its best players. His accuracy, anticipation, and pocket manipulation are on an elite level. Bridgewater looked like an NFL veteran at times during his college career.
The concerns with his deep ball are real, but his size is not as big of a deal as some would like to make it. Bridgewater isn’t a guy who puts his body at risk.
If Houston passes on Teddy for Blake Bortles’ upside, or the “safety” of Jadeveon Clowney, they will live to regret the decision. The NFL is all about the quarterback, and Teddy Bridgewater will be the best one from this class. Houston must take him.
2. Atlanta Falcons via St. Louis Rams via Washington Redskins (3-13): EP Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
Some would argue that the Falcons making another move up the draft board would be unwise. They are not just one player away from being a contender. However, the allure of a player with Clowney’s talent is too great for them to pass up, especially when he is just what they need.
The Falcons badly need to remake their defensive line. Clowney gives them a star in which to do that around. He will constantly command double teams, and will make life easier on his fellow teammates. Clowney is the type of prospect you take and he instantly makes your entire defense better.
Some would argue that the Falcons making another move up the draft board would be unwise. They are not just one player away from being a contender. However, the allure of a player with Clowney’s talent is too great for them to pass up, especially when he is just what they need.
The Falcons badly need to remake their defensive line. Clowney gives them a star in which to do that around. He will constantly command double teams, and will make life easier on his fellow teammates. Clowney is the type of prospect you take and he instantly makes your entire defense better.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12): QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
Go be great, Jaguars. Go take Johnny Manziel. If Bridgewater and Clowney are both off the board, it really becomes the best option.
Manziel instantly makes the Jaguars fun and relevant for the first time in years. Of course, you don’t make the pick for this reason; you turn his name in because you believe he’ll be a great quarterback.
Manziel has his concerns and is far from a flawless prospect. However, he brings great instincts, a talented arm, and fearlessness to the table. There’s a certain intangible aspect with Manziel that leads you to believe he’ll stop at nothing to succeed. I’d bet on him turning into a great player in the NFL.
Go be great, Jaguars. Go take Johnny Manziel. If Bridgewater and Clowney are both off the board, it really becomes the best option.
Manziel instantly makes the Jaguars fun and relevant for the first time in years. Of course, you don’t make the pick for this reason; you turn his name in because you believe he’ll be a great quarterback.
Manziel has his concerns and is far from a flawless prospect. However, he brings great instincts, a talented arm, and fearlessness to the table. There’s a certain intangible aspect with Manziel that leads you to believe he’ll stop at nothing to succeed. I’d bet on him turning into a great player in the NFL.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida
Perhaps Cleveland tries to trade up to number two to secure Manziel, or Bridgewater if available, but in this scenario, they lose out. We’ve seen them not step up to the plate in trade negotiations before as well—see 2012 with RG3. Blake Bortles is a fine consolation prize.
Bortles brings the size, and upside that NFL teams drool over. His 2012 tape showed a passer who had a ton of zip on the ball as well. He is certainly worth a top five pick in this draft.
Cleveland could sit pat with Brian Hoyer for another year. But at best that will net them an 8-8 record and put them out of position for a quarterback next year. If Hoyer is still the guy we saw last year, that allows them to bring Bortles along slowly—to his benefit. The Browns cannot come away from this draft without a franchise quarterback.
Perhaps Cleveland tries to trade up to number two to secure Manziel, or Bridgewater if available, but in this scenario, they lose out. We’ve seen them not step up to the plate in trade negotiations before as well—see 2012 with RG3. Blake Bortles is a fine consolation prize.
Bortles brings the size, and upside that NFL teams drool over. His 2012 tape showed a passer who had a ton of zip on the ball as well. He is certainly worth a top five pick in this draft.
Cleveland could sit pat with Brian Hoyer for another year. But at best that will net them an 8-8 record and put them out of position for a quarterback next year. If Hoyer is still the guy we saw last year, that allows them to bring Bortles along slowly—to his benefit. The Browns cannot come away from this draft without a franchise quarterback.
5. Oakland Raiders (4-12): WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson
The Raiders are unlucky that neither Clowney, nor one of the big three quarterbacks are left. In this scenario, they would be wise to take the most explosive offensive player in this draft. Sammy Watkins would instantly improve the Raiders offense.
Watkins would become the featured player on that side of the ball for the Raiders. He is so much more than the screen/sweep threat he was in college. His presence would open things up for other talented receivers like Rod Steater, Denarius Moore, and Andre Holmes.
The Raiders are unlucky that neither Clowney, nor one of the big three quarterbacks are left. In this scenario, they would be wise to take the most explosive offensive player in this draft. Sammy Watkins would instantly improve the Raiders offense.
Watkins would become the featured player on that side of the ball for the Raiders. He is so much more than the screen/sweep threat he was in college. His presence would open things up for other talented receivers like Rod Steater, Denarius Moore, and Andre Holmes.
6. St. Louis Rams via Atlanta Falcons (4-12): OT Greg Robinson, Auburn
St. Louis once again adds picks through a draft day trade down, and still gets a great player. Greg Robinson is a potential generational type talent at tackle. He doesn’t have extensive experience as a pass blocker, but has the athleticism to compete in that area. No one dominates in the ground game quite like Robinson.
With Jake Long coming off an ACL injury, the Rams will need an early season option at left tackle. Robinson can come in and take that spot right away. Don’t rule out the idea that when Long comes back, the talented rookie will have permanently taken his spot. Having three solid offensive tackles—Robinson, Long, and Joe Barksdale—is a good problem for the Rams to have.
St. Louis once again adds picks through a draft day trade down, and still gets a great player. Greg Robinson is a potential generational type talent at tackle. He doesn’t have extensive experience as a pass blocker, but has the athleticism to compete in that area. No one dominates in the ground game quite like Robinson.
With Jake Long coming off an ACL injury, the Rams will need an early season option at left tackle. Robinson can come in and take that spot right away. Don’t rule out the idea that when Long comes back, the talented rookie will have permanently taken his spot. Having three solid offensive tackles—Robinson, Long, and Joe Barksdale—is a good problem for the Rams to have.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo
The Buccaneers desperately need a pass rush, and Khalil Mack can bring that right away. He’ll team with LaVonte David and Mason Foster to form a dynamic linebacker group on early downs, and drop to the defensive line in obvious passing situations.
Mack is the type of defender who can improve any defense the moment he walks in the door. Lovie Smith would surely like to have him.
The Buccaneers desperately need a pass rush, and Khalil Mack can bring that right away. He’ll team with LaVonte David and Mason Foster to form a dynamic linebacker group on early downs, and drop to the defensive line in obvious passing situations.
Mack is the type of defender who can improve any defense the moment he walks in the door. Lovie Smith would surely like to have him.
8. New York Giants via Minnesota Vikings (5-10-1): OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
The Giants, feeling the heat after missing the playoffs two years in a row, make a move up the board. Jerry Reese has come under fire recently, and is eager to move up for a talented, and relatively safe prospect. Jake Matthews can come in and be the rock of the Giants’ offensive line.
Matthews can protect Eli Manning’s blind side, and allow Justin Pugh to excel at guard or right tackle. As Manning gets older, it will only become more imperative for him to have great protection.
The Giants, feeling the heat after missing the playoffs two years in a row, make a move up the board. Jerry Reese has come under fire recently, and is eager to move up for a talented, and relatively safe prospect. Jake Matthews can come in and be the rock of the Giants’ offensive line.
Matthews can protect Eli Manning’s blind side, and allow Justin Pugh to excel at guard or right tackle. As Manning gets older, it will only become more imperative for him to have great protection.
9. Buffalo Bills (6-10): TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
Tight end is a perpetual need for the Bills, and Eric Ebron can finally solve the problem. Ebron is a gifted athlete with strong hands. He can be an immediate starter, and safety valve for E.J. Manuel.
With the Bills’ receivers being of the smaller, shiftier variety, bringing in Ebron would be extremely beneficial. Manuel showed a lot of hesitation in throwing to receivers who weren’t wide open last season. In Ebron, he will have a target he can trust at the catch point.
Tight end is a perpetual need for the Bills, and Eric Ebron can finally solve the problem. Ebron is a gifted athlete with strong hands. He can be an immediate starter, and safety valve for E.J. Manuel.
With the Bills’ receivers being of the smaller, shiftier variety, bringing in Ebron would be extremely beneficial. Manuel showed a lot of hesitation in throwing to receivers who weren’t wide open last season. In Ebron, he will have a target he can trust at the catch point.
10. Detroit Lions (7-9): WR Odell Beckham, LSU
This might be the highest you’ll see Odell Beckham Jr. mocked, and the selection probably will not happen. But if you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you will know that I believe ODB is the second best receiver in this draft, and will be a special player in the NFL.
Beckham, despite just average size, dominates at the catch point and can contort and extend his body to high-point passes. He is also elusive after the catch, and is an effortless mover in the open field.
In Beckham the Lions are finally getting the perfect compliment to Megatron. ODB would destroy number two corners in single coverage early in his career, and grow to take coverage away from Calvin Johnson. What a potent weapon he could be for the Lions’ offense.
This might be the highest you’ll see Odell Beckham Jr. mocked, and the selection probably will not happen. But if you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you will know that I believe ODB is the second best receiver in this draft, and will be a special player in the NFL.
Beckham, despite just average size, dominates at the catch point and can contort and extend his body to high-point passes. He is also elusive after the catch, and is an effortless mover in the open field.
In Beckham the Lions are finally getting the perfect compliment to Megatron. ODB would destroy number two corners in single coverage early in his career, and grow to take coverage away from Calvin Johnson. What a potent weapon he could be for the Lions’ offense.
Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the more underrated players in the draft class (Image: nola.com)
11. Tennessee Titans (7-9): LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama
The Titans don’t have any easy answers at this spot, but decide to go with a potentially great second level defender in C.J. Mosley. The Sean Lee comparisons are real, and Mosley would bring outstanding coverage and instincts to this defense.
The only concern with Mosley is his injury history, not unusual with an Alabama prospect. If Mosley checks out medically, he can be next on the growing list of great young NFL linebackers.
The Titans don’t have any easy answers at this spot, but decide to go with a potentially great second level defender in C.J. Mosley. The Sean Lee comparisons are real, and Mosley would bring outstanding coverage and instincts to this defense.
The only concern with Mosley is his injury history, not unusual with an Alabama prospect. If Mosley checks out medically, he can be next on the growing list of great young NFL linebackers.
12. Minnesota Vikings via New York Giants (7-9): QB Derek Carr, Fresno State
The Vikings pull off a similar move to that of the Bills last season. By trading down a few spots, they are able to take their quarterback with a little more acceptable value. Derek Carr’s stock and place in the first round is pretty debatable. However, he is a talented prospect, and the Vikings have a desperate need.
It’s easy to see how Carr would appeal to the Vikings. His wretched pocket presence not withstanding, Carr has the big arm that new offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, covets.
Turner will probably see Carr’s physical tools, and believe he can correct his flaws. Carr throwing off play action, with Peterson in the backfield, and incorporating Cordarrelle Patteson in the screen game is nice image.
The Vikings pull off a similar move to that of the Bills last season. By trading down a few spots, they are able to take their quarterback with a little more acceptable value. Derek Carr’s stock and place in the first round is pretty debatable. However, he is a talented prospect, and the Vikings have a desperate need.
It’s easy to see how Carr would appeal to the Vikings. His wretched pocket presence not withstanding, Carr has the big arm that new offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, covets.
Turner will probably see Carr’s physical tools, and believe he can correct his flaws. Carr throwing off play action, with Peterson in the backfield, and incorporating Cordarrelle Patteson in the screen game is nice image.
13. St. Louis Rams (7-9): WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M
The Rams already procured some offensive line help for Sam Bradford, and now they give him a dynamic weapon to work with. The Rams have plenty of intriguing talent at the receiver position, but nothing like Mike Evans.
Evans is a massive target who can stretch the field and dominate at the catch point. He can be the number one target St. Louis hasn’t had in years. With these two picks, the Rams would no doubt see great improvement from their capable young quarterback.
The Rams already procured some offensive line help for Sam Bradford, and now they give him a dynamic weapon to work with. The Rams have plenty of intriguing talent at the receiver position, but nothing like Mike Evans.
Evans is a massive target who can stretch the field and dominate at the catch point. He can be the number one target St. Louis hasn’t had in years. With these two picks, the Rams would no doubt see great improvement from their capable young quarterback.
14. Chicago Bears (8-8): S HaHa Clinton-Dix, Alabama
The Bears defensive line is a mess, but their safety situation is pretty rough too. Chris Conte is below average and soon to be free agent, Major Wright, is worse.
HaHa Clinton-Dix is one of the true centerfielders in this class, and can cover a ton of ground. His presence would make up for mistakes up front, and solidify a perennial problem position for the Bears.
The Bears defensive line is a mess, but their safety situation is pretty rough too. Chris Conte is below average and soon to be free agent, Major Wright, is worse.
HaHa Clinton-Dix is one of the true centerfielders in this class, and can cover a ton of ground. His presence would make up for mistakes up front, and solidify a perennial problem position for the Bears.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): OT Taylor Lewan, Michagan
Pittsburgh goes back to the well for another offensive tackle. This is a pretty good range for Taylor Lewan, who has been getting top-ten hype since a stellar combine. He is a solid athlete, but has some questionable moments on tape.
Drafting Lewan should finally give the Steelers the young left tackle they’ve failed to develop in Mike Adams or Marcus Gilbert. His skills as a run blocker would really help the Steelers continue to build around Le’Veon Bell.
Pittsburgh goes back to the well for another offensive tackle. This is a pretty good range for Taylor Lewan, who has been getting top-ten hype since a stellar combine. He is a solid athlete, but has some questionable moments on tape.
Drafting Lewan should finally give the Steelers the young left tackle they’ve failed to develop in Mike Adams or Marcus Gilbert. His skills as a run blocker would really help the Steelers continue to build around Le’Veon Bell.
16. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
If the Cowboys are forced to release DeMarcus Ware, their defensive line could be without any blue-chip players. Drafting Aaron Donald would change that. Donald is a small, but devastating pass rusher from the defensive tackle position.
Even if he starts off as a part time player, the interior push he brings would immediately help Dallas. He’s a natural fit as the three-technique in their 4-3 defense. Donald could turn into a true star under Rod Marinelli’s tutelage.
If the Cowboys are forced to release DeMarcus Ware, their defensive line could be without any blue-chip players. Drafting Aaron Donald would change that. Donald is a small, but devastating pass rusher from the defensive tackle position.
Even if he starts off as a part time player, the interior push he brings would immediately help Dallas. He’s a natural fit as the three-technique in their 4-3 defense. Donald could turn into a true star under Rod Marinelli’s tutelage.
17. Baltimore Ravens (8-8): OL Zack Martin, Notre Dame
Offensive line is by far the biggest need for the Ravens, and Zach Martin should be able to help somewhere. Perhaps he takes over for Michael Oher at right tackle, or maybe he slides into guard. Either way he makes this line better.
Hopefully the Ravens bring back Eugene Monroe, because it wouldn’t be wise to force Martin to play there. A starting line consisting of Monroe, Martin, Yanda, and Osemele—though they desperately need a center—looks pretty good. This player would go a long way to helping Baltimore rebuild its offense.
Offensive line is by far the biggest need for the Ravens, and Zach Martin should be able to help somewhere. Perhaps he takes over for Michael Oher at right tackle, or maybe he slides into guard. Either way he makes this line better.
Hopefully the Ravens bring back Eugene Monroe, because it wouldn’t be wise to force Martin to play there. A starting line consisting of Monroe, Martin, Yanda, and Osemele—though they desperately need a center—looks pretty good. This player would go a long way to helping Baltimore rebuild its offense.
18. New York Jets (8-8): LB Anthony Barr, UCLA
Anthony Barr is pretty much a pure projection at this point, so he falls to the mid-first round. Rex Ryan and the Jets become the beneficiaries. The Jets were solid on defense last year, but that was pretty much only thanks to their three-man line.
With Barr in tow, they have a real chance to improve their edge pass rush. Even if he is just a part time player early, Barr has such great athleticism he can excel with Wilkerson and company taking up blocks. He could have an Aldon Smith-like rookie year under Ryan’s watch.
Anthony Barr is pretty much a pure projection at this point, so he falls to the mid-first round. Rex Ryan and the Jets become the beneficiaries. The Jets were solid on defense last year, but that was pretty much only thanks to their three-man line.
With Barr in tow, they have a real chance to improve their edge pass rush. Even if he is just a part time player early, Barr has such great athleticism he can excel with Wilkerson and company taking up blocks. He could have an Aldon Smith-like rookie year under Ryan’s watch.
19. Miami Dolphins (8-8): DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame
The Dolphins need offensive lineman but the value isn’t here. It looks pretty likely that the team will lose both Randy Starks and Paul Soliai in free agency. Despite a down year in 2013, Louis Nix can help lessen that blow.
Nix was, rightly, drawing Vince Wilfork comparisons during Notre Dame’s 2012 run to the National Championship. He moves well for his size, and is a tough assignment for heavy-footed interior offensive lineman. Nix can play, and excel in any scheme. He could be a steal at this spot.
The Dolphins need offensive lineman but the value isn’t here. It looks pretty likely that the team will lose both Randy Starks and Paul Soliai in free agency. Despite a down year in 2013, Louis Nix can help lessen that blow.
Nix was, rightly, drawing Vince Wilfork comparisons during Notre Dame’s 2012 run to the National Championship. He moves well for his size, and is a tough assignment for heavy-footed interior offensive lineman. Nix can play, and excel in any scheme. He could be a steal at this spot.
20. Arizona Cardinals (10-6): EP Dee Ford, Auburn
The Cardinals have lacked a true edge rusher for years. They lucked out by getting stellar play from Jon Abraham last season, but a young guy is still needed. Who better to learn from Abraham than another undersized rusher?
Ford dominated the Senior Bowl, and the National Championship game. He is a true pass rusher that can bend the edge with ease. He’ll show up on this defense right away.
The Cardinals have lacked a true edge rusher for years. They lucked out by getting stellar play from Jon Abraham last season, but a young guy is still needed. Who better to learn from Abraham than another undersized rusher?
Ford dominated the Senior Bowl, and the National Championship game. He is a true pass rusher that can bend the edge with ease. He’ll show up on this defense right away.
21. Green Bay Packers (8-7-1): S Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
Another one of my favorites in this class, Jimmie Ward is still underrated. He can really do it all. He can fly downhill against the run, cover deep, and shut down slot receivers as a hybrid cornerback.
Ward would help the Packers cure their massive safety problem. His presence might even help Morgan Burnett return to form.
Another one of my favorites in this class, Jimmie Ward is still underrated. He can really do it all. He can fly downhill against the run, cover deep, and shut down slot receivers as a hybrid cornerback.
Ward would help the Packers cure their massive safety problem. His presence might even help Morgan Burnett return to form.
22. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6): CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State
Some think Roby is a second rounder after a down year, but he probably goes in the first. Corners with his speed, and ability in man coverage don’t grow on trees.
Roby can come in and take the starting job away from Cary Williams. He is a playmaker that could really do well behind the Eagles improving front seven.
Some think Roby is a second rounder after a down year, but he probably goes in the first. Corners with his speed, and ability in man coverage don’t grow on trees.
Roby can come in and take the starting job away from Cary Williams. He is a playmaker that could really do well behind the Eagles improving front seven.
23. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5): OG Xavier Su’a-Filo, UCLA
The Chiefs very well might lose their best two guards in Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asomoah to free agency. If that happens, they’ll need to find multiple options. One of those could be Xavier Su’a-Filo.
His oddly shaped figure aside, Su’a-Filo has a lot of potential as a guard at the next level. Despite a great year by Jamal Charles, the Chiefs weren’t that great of a run blocking team last season. This pick could change that right away.
The Chiefs very well might lose their best two guards in Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asomoah to free agency. If that happens, they’ll need to find multiple options. One of those could be Xavier Su’a-Filo.
His oddly shaped figure aside, Su’a-Filo has a lot of potential as a guard at the next level. Despite a great year by Jamal Charles, the Chiefs weren’t that great of a run blocking team last season. This pick could change that right away.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5): CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
The Bengals have a lot of names at cornerback, but plenty of concerns too. Leon Hall tore his Achilles again, and Terrance Newman and Adam Jones are aging. Kyle Fuller would be a nice addition.
Fuller is just now getting national recognition for his good play. It’s not outlandish to suggest he is the best cornerback in this draft. Fuller will be the latest in a long line of great Hokies’ defensive backs.
The Bengals have a lot of names at cornerback, but plenty of concerns too. Leon Hall tore his Achilles again, and Terrance Newman and Adam Jones are aging. Kyle Fuller would be a nice addition.
Fuller is just now getting national recognition for his good play. It’s not outlandish to suggest he is the best cornerback in this draft. Fuller will be the latest in a long line of great Hokies’ defensive backs.
You might not know about Kyle Fuller, but you certainly should (Image: atlanticcoastconvos.com)
25. San Diego Chargers (9-7): CB Jason Verrett, Texas Christian
Proficient technique, and an aggressive mindset, its all their for Jason Verrett—all but size. He is built like a nickel corner, but plays like a shutdown level defender. The Chargers should take the chance on finding out if he can be more of the latter.
San Diego parted ways with bust signing, Derek Cox, and have a desperate need at the position. Verrett will be yet another interesting case study in the size conundrum surrounding the NFL.
Proficient technique, and an aggressive mindset, its all their for Jason Verrett—all but size. He is built like a nickel corner, but plays like a shutdown level defender. The Chargers should take the chance on finding out if he can be more of the latter.
San Diego parted ways with bust signing, Derek Cox, and have a desperate need at the position. Verrett will be yet another interesting case study in the size conundrum surrounding the NFL.
26. Cleveland Browns via Indianapolis Colts (11-5): WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
It’s hard to say whether Brandin Cooks can ever be a true number one receiver, but he wouldn’t have to be in Cleveland. Cooks could take some pressure off of Josh Gordon, and give their new quarterback another option. Cooks has the speed that Cleveland has missed since Braylon Edwards’ implosion.
Kyle Shanahan’s scheme revolves around a lot of slants and crossers from the receivers. Cooks could get a ton of receptions in space, which would lead to big plays. Cleveland could now have the makings of an exciting offense.
It’s hard to say whether Brandin Cooks can ever be a true number one receiver, but he wouldn’t have to be in Cleveland. Cooks could take some pressure off of Josh Gordon, and give their new quarterback another option. Cooks has the speed that Cleveland has missed since Braylon Edwards’ implosion.
Kyle Shanahan’s scheme revolves around a lot of slants and crossers from the receivers. Cooks could get a ton of receptions in space, which would lead to big plays. Cleveland could now have the makings of an exciting offense.
27. New Orleans Saints (11-5): WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State
If you read my receiver rankings, you might be confused by this pick. Despite my reservations about Kelvin Benjamin, I’ve grown increasingly intrigued with his fit in New Orleans. Drew Brees and Sean Payton could be able to get the most of out him, and they badly need wide receivers.
Benjamin would bring the downfield ability no other Saints receiver has. He could even learn how to use his big frame from teammate Jimmy Graham. The Saints could also double-down and get some insurance by taking a safer wide receiver like Jarvis Landry in the third round.
If you read my receiver rankings, you might be confused by this pick. Despite my reservations about Kelvin Benjamin, I’ve grown increasingly intrigued with his fit in New Orleans. Drew Brees and Sean Payton could be able to get the most of out him, and they badly need wide receivers.
Benjamin would bring the downfield ability no other Saints receiver has. He could even learn how to use his big frame from teammate Jimmy Graham. The Saints could also double-down and get some insurance by taking a safer wide receiver like Jarvis Landry in the third round.
28. Carolina Panthers (11-5): TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
Another unsurprising pick if you have followed me on Twitter (@MattHarmon_BYB). If Evans and ODB are long gone there is no reason to force wide receiver at this pick. Instead, they take another avenue to improve the offense by taking Jace Amaro.
Amaro is a tight end, but they could split him out in the slot and give Cam a reliable big target. There is no reason the Panthers cannot incorporate a ton of two tight end sets to get Amaro and Greg olsen on the field together. Amaro can be Jimmy Graham-extra lite in this offense.
Check out my five first round scenarios for the Panthers at Draft Mecca
Another unsurprising pick if you have followed me on Twitter (@MattHarmon_BYB). If Evans and ODB are long gone there is no reason to force wide receiver at this pick. Instead, they take another avenue to improve the offense by taking Jace Amaro.
Amaro is a tight end, but they could split him out in the slot and give Cam a reliable big target. There is no reason the Panthers cannot incorporate a ton of two tight end sets to get Amaro and Greg olsen on the field together. Amaro can be Jimmy Graham-extra lite in this offense.
Check out my five first round scenarios for the Panthers at Draft Mecca
29. New England Patriots (12-4): DT Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota
The defensive lineman has drawn high praise from ESPN’s Todd McShay, and it’s easy to see why. Hageman shows flashes of dominance, but isn’t a consistent player yet. The Patriots are the perfect team to harness his ability.
There’s no doubt Bill Belichick will fall in love with Hageman’s frame, and potential versatility in his defense. The Patriots need an infusion of talent on the interior of their defensive line. Hageman could be this generation’s Richard Seymour.
The defensive lineman has drawn high praise from ESPN’s Todd McShay, and it’s easy to see why. Hageman shows flashes of dominance, but isn’t a consistent player yet. The Patriots are the perfect team to harness his ability.
There’s no doubt Bill Belichick will fall in love with Hageman’s frame, and potential versatility in his defense. The Patriots need an infusion of talent on the interior of their defensive line. Hageman could be this generation’s Richard Seymour.
30. San Francisco 49ers (12-4): DT Dominique Easley, Florida
Doesn’t this feel like a perfect 49ers’ pick? If it weren’t for the ACL injuries, Easley would be slotted much higher in the first round. He is a terror on the inside, and can put a ton of pressure on the passer.
The 49ers are coming to the end of an era as Justin Smith’s play begins to fall off. Easley would be a natural replacement to rotate in before taking over the role full time. He could do a number of “Justin Smith-like things” in the near future. The Niners took two players of this ilk in Marcus Lattimore and Tank Carradine just last year.
Doesn’t this feel like a perfect 49ers’ pick? If it weren’t for the ACL injuries, Easley would be slotted much higher in the first round. He is a terror on the inside, and can put a ton of pressure on the passer.
The 49ers are coming to the end of an era as Justin Smith’s play begins to fall off. Easley would be a natural replacement to rotate in before taking over the role full time. He could do a number of “Justin Smith-like things” in the near future. The Niners took two players of this ilk in Marcus Lattimore and Tank Carradine just last year.
31. Denver Broncos (13-3): CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
A player with immense upside, it seems highly unlikely Justin Gilbert falls out of the first round. The Broncos would be happy to snatch him up here. Gilbert could be the replacement for what Champ Bailey once was.
The Broncos have major cornerback issues. Champ is gone, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie might be soon to follow, and Chris Harris is returning from a major injury. Selecting Gilbert would be a nice first step to rebuilding this group.
A player with immense upside, it seems highly unlikely Justin Gilbert falls out of the first round. The Broncos would be happy to snatch him up here. Gilbert could be the replacement for what Champ Bailey once was.
The Broncos have major cornerback issues. Champ is gone, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie might be soon to follow, and Chris Harris is returning from a major injury. Selecting Gilbert would be a nice first step to rebuilding this group.
32. Seattle Seahawks (13-3): WR Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt
I am in the “Jordan Matthews believers” camp. He offers the most upside of any of the other second tier receivers. He has the catch radius, speed, and size to be very good. At the very least, he is going to be a solid number two receiver for years to come.
Seattle could use Matthews as a lengthy receiver to replace Sidney Rice on the roster. The Seahawks just don’t have someone of his size right now. This is the perfect situation for Matthews too. His struggles to separate against man coverage would be alleviated, and his strengths accentuated, with Russell Wilson at quarterback.
All team logos taken from sportslogos.net
I am in the “Jordan Matthews believers” camp. He offers the most upside of any of the other second tier receivers. He has the catch radius, speed, and size to be very good. At the very least, he is going to be a solid number two receiver for years to come.
Seattle could use Matthews as a lengthy receiver to replace Sidney Rice on the roster. The Seahawks just don’t have someone of his size right now. This is the perfect situation for Matthews too. His struggles to separate against man coverage would be alleviated, and his strengths accentuated, with Russell Wilson at quarterback.
All team logos taken from sportslogos.net
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