2014 NFL MOCK DRAFT-Trades and Player Comparisons Included

Unlike last season the 2014 draft has the potential to be great . With anywhere from 4 to 8 potential franchise QB's , 3 possible top 10 OT's, and 2 pass rushers with top 5 ability, and at least one legit # 1 WR. All of those players would probably have been more worthy of the # 1 pick in the 2013 draft .NFL Player comparisons have been added .So next to each player is the NFL player we feel they will most resemble in their prime if they are a hit. The comp is for on the field play only ,and the higher they are ranked the more likely we think they will reach that comparison.



1.JACKSONVILLE-TEDDY BRIDGEWATER-QB-NFL COMP-LOUISVILLE-AARON RODGERS-GB-I no longer have any faith in Blaine Gabbert to be a NFL starter. If they brought in Tebow they would have at least won games and sold tickets. This year I doubt they do much of either.They even lost to the downtrodden raiders. Bridgewater has all the elite tools you can want ,he loves to throw the ball down field , he is a natural leader , he is mobile when neccessary, he makes his reads smoothly, and he is extremely poised in the pocket. All traits Gabbert lacks and that a franchise QB needs.



*** BROWNS TRADE both their own and the COLTS #1 picks to the RAIDERS for the 2nd pick in the draft.***


2.BROWNS-(oak)-BRETT HUNDLEY-QB-UCLA-NFL COMP-ROBERT GRIFFIN The 3rd-WASH-Norv Turner is one of the all time great O Coordinators and QB whisperers. So Brandon Weeden ( or even the out for the year Brian Hoyer)had to make it this year, but we doubt it. If Neither does Hundley has a higher upside than Bridgewater but lacks the same polish and experience right now. If Jacksonville wasn't so bad I would think the Browns trade of Trent Richardson to get extra picks ,and go after the top QB might have worked, but I don't see the Jags trading out if the top spot. Hundley is a heck of a consolation prize for moving up to 2nd. Brett is a slightly bigger & slower version of RG3 . Like RG3 Hundley has the tools and leadership to be the guy long term for the Browns.




3.NYG-JADAVIAN CLOWNEY-DE/OLB-S.CAROLINA-NFL COMP-MARIO WILLIAMS-BUFF-The Ginats pass rush has been the key to their success throughout the Tom Coughlin era ,and is the main reason they won 2 superbowls in that time period. Justin Tuck hasn't gotten to the QB much so far this year . JPP doesn't seem fully back from injury and Kiwanuka hasn't done much either. Clowney paired with a fully healed JPP would be a nightmare for opposing QB's for a long time.



4.BUFFALO-ANTHONY BARR-DE/OLB-UCLA-NFL COMP-DeMARCUS WARE-DALL-After spending a lot of money on Mario Williams to rush the passer he spent a injury plauged season being double teamed. The signing of Mark Anderson to play the other side was supposed to cut down on the double teams, but he was also hurt and has been cut. The recently acquired Jerry Hughes and Manny Lawson are more the situational pass rusher/ types. Barr is a freakish athlete that has already added 20 pounds since last year ,and would be the first defender off the board in almost any other non-Jadavian Clowney-year. He also has the versatility to play OLB in a 3-4 ,weakside DE ,or sam OLB in a 4-3. The loss of EJ Manuel makes it likely they have a high pick again .



5.TAMPA BAY-JOHNNY MANZIEL-QB-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-FRAN TARKENTON- (ret)-Tampa Bay is internally imploding now that all the pre-season positive vibes are done . Their talented roster and once promising season is about to go down the drain . Unless they right the ship and come together soon they could be picking even higher. Josh Freeman seems to have lost it and was let go. Now rookie 3rd rounder Mike Glennon is getting a shot to start. Glennon has a strong arm , but he is also thin and immoble . Right now he may be better than Freeman but thats not saying a lot. So lets just proceed as if they need a new QB ,and assume coach Schiano is going to be replaced, because "JOHNNY FOOTBALL" is not his type of guy.However,the electric Manziel will also help the Glazer family sell tickets.






6.STEELERS-JAKE MATHEWS-OT-TEX A&M-NFL COMP-DUANE BROWN-HOU-Left Tackle Mike Adams was so bad that the steelers actually traded for Levi Brown, and he was a bad LT for the cards. Even a giant like Big Ben has trouble thowing with people draped all over him.This son of a Hall of Famer was better than any of the tackles in last years draft in our opinion, and they went 1rst, 2nd and 4th in the overall. He would be an upgrade at either tackle spot and would help stabilize the line .




7.VIKINGS-TAJ BOYD-QB-CLEMSON-NFL COMP-DONOVAN McNABB-(ret)-Christian Ponders injury history and fragile psyche worries me. If he misses significant time, the Vikes have a bad record, or he doesn't play well I think Minnesota will be looking for a new QB. Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman will both get a shot at sometime this season, but I think they both fail too . However Boyd is also a more accurate passer than all of them , a proven winner in big games in college, and he doesn't turn the ball over. Boyd's lack of height (reportedly 6 foot 1 or 6 feet ) is the main reason we drop him down some, but he is as tough as they come. He's the leader this offense needs and if he was 6"3" he would probably go top 5.




8.RAMS(wash)-TAYLOR LEWAN-OT-MICHIGAN-NFL COMP-MICHAEL ROOS-TENN-Roger Saffold will be a free agent this off season. We are betting somebody else will pay him to play left tackle and he leaves the rams because of it. Taylor can fill that void and he definitely has the feet to move to LT if Jake Longs injury woes continue, and slide over when Jakes time on the blindside is done.

9.OAKLAND(clev)-NYJ-MARQUISE LEE-WR-USC-NFL COMP-TORRY HOLT-(ret)-Thanks to years of Al Davis mismanaging the team the raiders have the least talented roster in the NFL . New GM Reggie McKenzie finally got a chance to start rebuilding the roster in this draft , and even after a draft where young fresh bodies were provided we expect it's at least one more year until they are on the way up . However the raiders are so far behind in overall talent that they will probably just go best player available and hope Pryor keeps improving as a passer.The raiders lack any WR who profiles as a #1 receiver . Lee fits the bill and also helps out in the return game.

10.NYJ-KHALIL MACK-OLB-BUFFALO-NFL COMP-BRIAN ORAPKO-WASH-The jets need a updrade over Calvin Pace as an edge rusher. Mack has the athleticism to play a similar role to the one Von Miller does in Denver. He has the size and speed to play the strong-side in a 4-3 and move down as a DE io obvious passing downs. If they are in a odd front he can play either rush linebacker spot. When a guy from a smaller school is the best player on the field against a powerhouse like Ohio St. everyone takes notice.



11.CAROLINA-PANTHERS-SAMMY WATKINS-WR-CLEMSON-NFL COMP-TORREY SMITH-BALT- Like the Houston Texans before them the panthers seem destined to wait far too long to draft a top receiver. Steve Smith is past his prime & undersized, but he is still the best WR on this team . You would think they would want to do everything they can to help their young franchise QB succeed, but they sure are going about it in a weird way.




12.ARIZONA-ZACH METTENBURGER-QB-LSU-While I expected the cardinals offense to be much improved ,with Carson Palmer , a improved O-line, the loss of DC Ray Horton, and the lack of pressure I expect them to get on the QB means their defense should be a problem. However Palmer has underwhelmed so far and the defense has showed more flashes of excellence than the offense . Even then they are a solid team... but the NFC west is now the most talented division in football. The 49ers and Seahawks are legitimate super bowl contenders this season and the young and talented rams should be a playoff contender . The cards finally gave up on former LT Levi Brown this week, and turned the blindside over to preseson waiver wire pickup Bradley Sowell. Whether he works out or Palmer finds his way will probably decide this pick. QB is more important so we are going to give them a QB here. Metteneburgers improvement under new OC Cam Cameron has been staggering. He also plays in a pro system, in a tough conference, and has a cannon attached to his shoulder.




13.RAMS-HA'HA CLINTON DIX-S-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-HARRISON SMITH-S-MINN-In the last 2 years under Jeff Fisher the rams have made a large jump in talent thanks to the RG3 trade and a few free agent deals. The area they have neglected is safety with only the injured TJ McDonald being brought in through the draft. Why they cut Quintin Mikel is beyond me and this will probably be a need . Dix has been a great player, in a great conference, against top competition. We doubt his litte suspension for taking a short term loan will hurt him with NFL teams.




14.CHARGERS-CYRUS KOUANDJIO-OT-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-JASON PETERS-PHIL- King Dunlap probably isn't the long term answer at LT for the chargers . Drafting Cyrus to pair with 2013 1rst rounder (and former Alabama teammate )DJ Fluker as bookend offensive tackles makes a ton of sense though. This move would go a long way toward keeping a rejuvenated Phillip Rivers in his franchise QB form. Cyrus actually has the highest upside of the big 3 OT's.



15.EAGLES-LOUIS NIX-NT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-VINCE WILFORK-NE-The eagles have switched to a 3-4 defense under Chip Kelly , but they lack a nose tackle that can stay on the field on every play . The rarest species of player is the 3 down nose tackle , but Nix fits that bill . Louis is a special talent that could lead their line for years.




16.TITANS-CJ MOSLEY-ILB-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-DERRICK JOHNSON-KC- Mosley is an elite athletic 3 down LB with high level instincts. He is also a disruptive force all over the field that would probably be even better when protected in a 4-3 . Between often injured Colin McCarthy & subpar Moisee Fokou the titans have a gaping hole at ILB that CJ can fill.While I am not a big fan of Jake Locker as a QB, they were winning before Jake got hurt and that probably buys him another season.



17.HOUSTON-STEPHEN MORRIS-QB-MIA-NFL COMP-JAY CUTLER-BALT-Matt Schaub's guaranteed portion of his contract is about done. If the Texans don't win big this season I expected them to put some pressure on him by drafting a QB. After throwing a lot of crucially bad picks and getting hurt it doesn't look any better for him. Morris is mobile and has a strong arm. Both qualities that Schaub lacks.



18.LIONS-ANTONIO RICHARDSON-OT-TENNESEE-NFL COMP-ANDRE WHITWORTH-CINC-HOU-2012 first rounder Reilly Reiff is probably going to be the LT for the Lions this season . I now think Reiff can handle it but at RT Corey Hilliard looks more like a backup to me . Either way Matt Stafford's new contract means protecting him is the top priority and having good bookend offensive tackles is the best way to do that. Richardson is a mammoth man that is hard to get around . Pairing him with rookie stud Larry Warford on the right side could get a big push in the run game for a long time.



19.FALCONS-DAVID YANKEY-T/G-STANFORD-NFL COMP- MARSHALL YANDA -The Falcons are replacing the entire right side of their line . RT Tyson Clabo was their best lineman and he is one of the guys being replaced. LT Sam Baker is inconsistent and injury prone. Add the fact that 2 rookie corners are being counted on to be key players this year and I wouldn't be surprised if they actually missed the playoffs because of these 2 areas. If those players grow into their roles they may squeak in , but I don't see them as Superbowl threat at all this year. and wonder if Matt Ryan will survive the year .Yankey can play both tackle and guard to Matty upright.




20.MIAMI-BRADLEY ROBY-CB-OHIO ST-NFL COMP-LEON HALL-CINC-Vontae Davis was traded and Sean Smith is a chief. Throw in newly acquired Brent Grimes coming off a torn Achilles and a infusion is probably needed at corner. If Grimes is OK and resigns and Rookie Jamar Taylor plays well they would still need another young corner. Interior D-line is also a need with Paul Soliai and Randy Starks around 30 , and having big cap numbers.Despite a subpar game against Wisconsin Roby is possibly the fastest player in this draft and could go a lot higher.


21.PATRIOTS-MIKE EVANS-WR-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-VINCENT JACKSON-TB-Bill Belichicks ego has bitten him in the ass so far this season. His refusal to pay Wes Welker ( or even Brandon Llyod)and the injuries/ incarceration of his tight ends has left Tom Brady with an inexperienced receiving core. Now Aaron Dobson may fulfil his potential, undrafted FA's Kenbrell Tompkins/Zach Sudfeld may end up as keepers. ,Gronk. Amendola/Edelman may get and stay healthy. Thats a lot of mays, if's ,and, buts there. Evans is the big, reliable outside target Brady has lacked since Randy Moss went off the reservation.




22.CHICAGO-SCOTT CRICHTON-DE/OLB-ORE.ST-NFL COMP-RYAN KERRIGAN-WASH-Henry Melton was playing this year under the franchise tag before an ACL tear, and who knows if he will be brought back next year . Even if he is resigned they are still running the Tampa 2 ,and front four pass rush is crucial to that defense. Another pass rushing DT next to Melton is a huge need even if they do keep him, AND . If Jermon Bushrod bombs at left tackle , or Jay Cutler leaves those positions could also be in play . However, Julius Peppers will be in his mid 30's next season with a really high cap number. So a DE makes the most sense.



23.CHIEFS-DEVANTE PARKER-WR-LVILLE-NFL COMP-MICHAEL CRABTREE-SF-The best thing about Dwayne Bowe is his blocking. His hands are suspect and he is getting slower by the year. As a #2 in a run first offense he is a good fit though. Donnie Avery is injury prone and his best roll would be as a #3. Enter Parker who has the ability , size and hands to be a true # 1 in this offense .Add that Andy Reid has shown a willingness to draft WR's high and this is a good fit .



24.RAVENS-JORDAN MATTHEWS-WR-VANDY-NFL COMP-JORDY NELSON-GB-It's obvious that the ravens offense really misses Anquan Boldin. Matthews can give Flacco a new big possesion WR that can win jump balls and team with deep threat Torrey Smith.



25.DALLAS-TIMMY JERNIGAN-DT-FLA.ST-NFL COMP-JURELL CASEY-TENN-With the injury prone Jay Ratliff & free agent to be Jason Hatcher both over thirty ,and Dallas now running the Tampa 2 defense, DT is a huge need. Pressure from the front 4 is essential in this defense . A replacement for Anthony Spencer might also be a possibility if the recently injured Tyrone Crawford or the undersized Kyle Wilber aren't ready to take his place. If they need a guard again Jerry Jones should fire himself for the thousandth time.



26.SAN FRANCISCO-STEPHON TUITT-DE/DT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-RICHARD SEYMOUR-(fa)-Justin Smith and Ray Mcdonald have been great bookends in the 49er 3-4 for awhile, but age catches up to us all. With injuries to both in recent years a infusion of youth is needed at the 5 technique. Tuitt is that rare player that can set the edge against the double team, but still provide a pass rush.

 


27.RAIDERS(clev,indy)-JEREMY HILL-RB-LSU-NFL COMP-STEVEN JACKSON-ATL-The often injured and expensive Darren MCFadden is a free agent after this season. Hill is a bruiser with surprising wiggle and quicker feet than you would think .

28.PACKERS-ERIC EBRON-TE-N.CAR-NFL COMP-DWAYNE ALLEN-INDY-n elite athlete to replace the elite athleticism of Jermichael Finley. Finley is as talented as they come but his mental errors. inconsistent hands, injury history, and lack of will to help out blocking make him expendable . Someone will pay him for his upside but unless he puts it all together this season we doubt it's the packers. Ebron has the same type of ability but he looks like he's trying a lot harder than Finley.

29.SAINTS-VICTOR BEASLEY-DE/OLB-CLEMSON-NFL COMP-CHRIS CLEMMONS-SEA-The saints switched to a 3-4 this season and the out-for-the-year Victor Butler was their best fit as an OLB. Beasley is in the lead in sacks among all the major conferences . He has the type of movement skills that should help him in Rob Ryan's complicated scheme.

30.BENGALS-RYAN SHAZIER-OLB-OHIO ST-NFL COMP-LANCE BRIGGS-CHI-Rey Maualuga needs to be replaced. Drafting an elite playmaker like Shazier would help 2 positions. Vontaze Burfict could move to the middle and Hazier could play outside. The affect on their pass defense alone would be tremendous.




31.DENVER-CHRIS SMITH-DE-ARK-NFL COMP-TRENT COLE-PHIL-The 2 best pass rushers in Denver last season were Elvis Dumervill and Von Miller. Between Dumervill's agent making a mistake that cost him his spot in Denver and Von Miller's drug suspension they are sorely lacking in this area right now. Will Miller be the same guy without the chemical help? Don't know but even if he is they need someone else that can rush the passer off the edge.

32.SEATTLE-GABE JACKSON-G-MISSISSIPPI ST-NFL COMP-BRIAN WATERS-DALLAS-RG-Russell Wilson's mobilty and pocket awareness save him from alot of bad blocking. To really take their offense to the next level they are going to need to get beter up front . As of now only Okung and Unger are above average blockers. That means an uprade at both guard spots would be welcome.