2014 NFL Mock Draft
by DJ Boyer
04/29/2014
2014 Mock Draft 20.2
*Denotes Underclassman
** San Francisco currently has a 3rd round selection from Kansas City (Alex Smith) which escalates into a 2nd rounder.
1st Round
1. Houston Blake Bortles Quarterback Central Florida
Jadeveon Clowney remains a strong possibility here as a linebacker in the 3-4 set but Bortles gives the Texans the long term answer they are seeking at quarterback. There are questions about all of the top quarterbacks available but Bortles seems like the sure thing, had the best pro day and working out at the Combine helped his stock.
2. St. Louis (Wash) Jake Matthews Offensive Tackle Texas A&M
The Rams look like the most likely team to trade down and if Clowney is on the board the phones might be ringing off the hook. Greg Robinson may be the better run blocker but Matthews has the pedigree and the fact that Jeff Fisher coached his Hall of Fame father will help the push to land Matthews. Matthews is simply the best lineman available and maybe the most pro ready prospect at any position.
3. Jacksonville Jadaveon Clowney Defensive End South Carolina
Without question Clowney has more talent than any other prospect in this draft. No question the Jaguars need a quarterback but they their inability to get to the quarterback and get the defense off the field hurt them even more. When your team has the fewest quarterback sacks in the NFL over the last three seasons why not get the best rushing talent available.
4. Cleveland Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Yes, we know the Browns were one of the two teams not at Johnny Manziel’s Pro Day (along with the Bears), but they have been keeping their quarterback preferences very close to the vest. The Browns haven’t been seen at any quarterback Pro Days and seem to be making their decision based on the game film and private workouts. Manziel is the mobile quarterback that fits the system Kyle Shanahan will employ in Cleveland.
5. Oakland Sammy Watkins Wide Receiver Clemson
Johnny Manziel is getting a lot of attention in Oakland but he is off the board in this scenario. The Raiders have been without a legitimate #1 option at wide receiver since it seems like the days of Tim Brown. Matt Schaub is a band-aid and not the long term solution but he is serviceable and the Raiders are interested in winning now. The wild card here could be linebacker Khalil Mack who would bring a formidable presence off the edge.