2014 NFL Mock Draft: Projected Top 10 Picks – Clowney, Watkins and Mack Top 3 Picks: The 2014 NFL Draft is just a week away, and while there are always some question marks and surprises at the top of the draft will do, nothing seems to be set in stone this year. An excess of quarterback-needy teams combined with the lack of an obvious top quarterback prospect is a big part of the problem, and teams are going to have to choose between addressing their biggest needs and selecting the best available talent. With that in mind, I expect my mock drafts to change a bit between now and the start of the draft as more information becomes available. For now, here is how I see the first 10 picks shaking out.
1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina Gamecocks
The Texans don’t seem sold on any QB, and I just don’t see any team being willing to part with the picks it will take to pry the top pick away. With that in mind, taking Clowney seems like the most-probable scenario. He has a chance to be a game-changing pass-rusher, and teaming him with J.J. Watt could make Houston’s defense special.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Via Trade): Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson Tigers
Tampa Bay has to have a receiver after dumping Mike Williams in the offseason, and while there is a chance a guy like Mike Evans would still be available at No. 7, the Buccaneers can take the questions out of the equation by trading up and grabbing the unquestioned best receiver in this draft and one of the top-three prospects overall.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Khalil Mack, Outside Linebacker, Buffalo Bulls
Jacksonville desperately needs a quarterback, but a QB alone isn’t going to fix the Jaguars’ abysmal offense. In fact, throwing a young QB into the current situation could end up backfiring. Meanwhile, Gus Bradley is a defensive-minded coach, and Mack is one the two-best defensive prospects in this draft. He could be the potentially dynamic pass-rusher that the Jaguars need.
4. Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M Aggies
With two picks in the first, Cleveland could possibly wait until late in the first round to take the QB they desperately need. However, the Browns have tried that strategy in recent years with little success. The Browns have to try to find their franchise QB in this draft, and it makes more sense to reach with the No. 4 pick when every prospect is available than at the No. 26 pick when they will be reaching with fewer options available. With that in mind, I think Manziel’s explosiveness and swagger make him the pick.
5. Detroit Lions (Via Trade): Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M Aggies
Detroit’s front office hasn’t been shy about its willingness to move up in the draft or about its desire to upgrade the offense with a legit No. 2 receiving option across from Calvin Johnson. Trading all the way up to the No. 2 spot to select Sammy Watkins seems unlikely, but swapping pick with an Oakland team that appears to have fallen in love with offensive tackle Taylor Lewan is reasonable. It should also ensure that the Lions get to snag the big, physical Evans to complete their offensive attack.
6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M Aggies
I think the Falcons want Jadeveon Clowney, but I don’t see them willing to put together a package to pry away the top pick. However, Matthews isn’t a bad consolation prize. He is one of the safer picks in this draft, and he will instantly upgrade an average offensive line. His all-around polish in run and pass protection make him the better fit for Atlanta’s pass-friendly offense.
7. St. Louis Rams (Via Trade): Greg Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Auburn Tigers
The Rams instantly upgrade their offensive line with the player that has more upside than any other offensive tackle in this draft. Robinson is a physical beast, and while he develops the technique he needs to protect Sam Bradford’s blindside, he will open huge holes in the running game.
8. Minnesota Vikings: Blake Bortles, Quarterback, UCF Knights
Minnesota is in a bit of a tough spot because Adrian Peterson’s window is closing fast. Bortles may not be the most NFL-ready QB in this draft, but his combination of physical tools gives him a great chance to develop into the best QB in this draft. I think Bortles’ long-term upside makes him the pick.
9. Buffalo Bills: Eric Ebron, Tight End, North Carolina Tar Heels
I wouldn’t be surprised if Buffalo gets aggressive and tries to move up to snag either Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans, but in the end, I expect the Bills to stay put and still provide second-year QB E.J. Manuel with a new weapon to work with. Ebron is going to be a dynamic pass-catcher at the tight end position, and having him as a safety valve over the middle should speed up Manuel’s development.
10. Oakland Raiders (Via Trade): Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, Michigan Wolverines
Rumors continue to swirl that Oakland loves Lewan’s upside and his nasty attitude, and this scenario makes sense for a variety of reasons. For one, Oakland needs to upgrade its offensive line, especially after signing veteran QB Matt Schaub in the offseason. Meanwhile, Lewan should still be available at No. 10, and with the additional picks the Raiders acquire by moving back, they could conceivably move back up later in order to draft their QB of the future that can spend a year or two getting ready while Schaub runs the show.
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