2014 NFL Mock Draft: Teams Most Likely to Trade Up in the First Round

2014 NFL Mock Draft: Teams Most Likely to Trade Up in the First Round: With the 2014 NFL Draft just more than a month away, teams already have a pretty good idea of what their big boards are going to look like when the first round begins. However, that doesn’t mean general managers are going to be sitting around until May. Certain teams value certain players enough to sacrifice a little to have the chance to draft. Sure, it will come at the expense of some future picks, but when a team believes that a particular player can take them to the next level, a pick or two is small price to play. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the teams that are most likely to trade up in the first round or back into the first round in the 2014 NFL Draft.

1.      Atlanta Falcons (No. 6 Pick)

Despite a rough 2013 season, the Falcons already stand to improve a lot next season with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones returning at 100 percent. That being said, Atlanta desperately needs a dominant pass-rusher to compete in a division with quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Cam Newton. Jadeveon Clowney has a chance to be that game-changing pass-rusher, but he isn’t going to be around at the No. 6 pick. With an offensive core that is built to win now, the Falcons front office could be willing to mortgage the future a bit for a chance to put the defense over the hump. If Houston doesn’t take Clowney with the top pick, don’t be surprised if Atlanta works out a deal with St. Louis for the No. 2 pick.

2.      San Francisco 49ers (No. 30 Pick)

On the heels of a third straight trip to the NFC title game, the 49ers find themselves with 11 picks in the 2014 draft, including two in both the second and third rounds. Obviously, San Francisco doesn’t need 11 new players on its roster so the 49ers are going to be dealing during the draft. Considering how close the 49ers have been to winning a Super Bowl in recent years, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to them be aggressive and either trade up in the first round, trade back into the first round or both in order to snag the one or two players they believe will get them over the hump.

3.      Cleveland Browns (No. 26 Pick)

Cleveland is in a great spot, and the team owns both the No. 4 pick and Indianapolis’ No. 26 pick thanks to the Trent Richardson trade last year. As a result, the Browns have a ton of flexibility heading into the draft. If they decide to take a QB at No. 4 they can package the No. 26 pick in order to move up and address another need. If they opt to fill another need at the No. 4 spot, they can package the No. 26 pick in order to move up and snag another quarterback prospect such as Derek Carr or another player that they have their eye on.

4.      New York Jets (No. 18 Pick)

The Jets are in a strange spot. Coach Rex Ryan has built a good enough defense that the franchise hasn’t completely collapsed so the Jets have seemed hesitant to scrap everything and rebuild from the ground up. However, they also don’t have nearly enough offensive weapons to make the playoffs. Adding receiver Eric Decker was a start, but he really he isn’t a No. 1 target. Fortunately, there are several strong options in the draft, including receiver Mike Evans and tight end Eric Ebron. Unfortunately, both players are likely to be gone when the Jets pick. It will cost some picks, but look for New York to make a move for a much-needed offensive difference-maker.

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