2014 NFL MOCK DRAFT -PLAYER COMPARISONS included

The college regular season is over ,the bowl season is almost over  and  the NFL regular season is over. That means the first 20 picks ,except for a possible Baltimore/Dallas coin flip, are set now. Unlike last season the 2014 draft has the potential to be great . With anywhere from 1 to 5 potential franchise QB's , 2 possible top 10 OT's, and 2 pass rushers with top 5 ability, and a few possible # 1 WR's . Many 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. This is not a ranking of top picks though. This is how we see the draft going whether we agree with the picks or not. This draft is really deep at O-line  ,WR ,and CB . So if your team needs any of those there should be plenty of quality players throughout the top 2rounds at those positions.  Jacksonville did  everything it could to screw up their chance at the best possible franchise QB.  Jacksonville's double wuppin of Houston has cost themselves Bridgewater ,and the Texans are now in the driver seat. They should take him, but it is possible that Cleveland or some other QB needy team might overwhelm them with a trade package for the pick.

* Is for a player with possible injury issues now or in his past.

#Is for a player with possible character or maturity issues now or in his past.

1.HOUSTON-TEDDY BRIDGEWATER-QB-NFL COMP-LOUISVILLE-AARON RODGERS-GB- yep... they lost twice to the jags...okay? Anyway, it helps them a ton so their fans should be happy as Teddy officially declared for the draft on new years day. They are now getting the clear cut #1 QB in the draft and a guy who has what Matt Schaub doesn't . Schaub's guaranteed portion of his contract is about done. The Texans didn't win this season, and although they were kind enough to let him start the final after he had already lost his job, his time as a Texan is probably up . Bridgewater not only has the high football IQ and accuracy that Schaub showed in his prime, but he also has the strong arm, quick eyes, pocket presence, poise,  and foot speed that Schaub has always lacked. If this happens I expect the talented Texans to get healthy and make a quick turnaround like the Chiefs did this year. Bridgewater is younger and has a higher upside  than Alex Smith though. To be clear I see Teddy as a clear cut franchise QB that ANY team should be falling all over themselves to pick. If I was Houston and Cleveland offered me a big a trade package (similar to the one that brought RG3 to the Washington ) I would turn it down .This could be the pick that finally puts their franchise over the top.


2.RAMS-(wash)-JAKE MATHEWS-OT-TEX A&M-NFL COMP-DUANE BROWN-HOU-  Matthews can fill that void and he has the feet to move to LT if Jake Long isn't fully healed from his torn ACL by next season , and then slide over when Long is done. 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 every spot on the O-line considering the uncertainty of Longs health . With Sam Bradford knocked out for the season again it's about time protecting him became their top priority. Just in case Houston passes on Bridgewater, or if a team falls in love with Clowney, the rams have made it clear they are willing to move back and get even more picks. If they can pull it off and still get Mathews that would be a coup.


3.JACKSONVILLE-#*JADAVIAN CLOWNEY-DE/OLB-S.CAROLINA-NFL COMP-MARIO WILLIAMS-BUFF-I no longer have any faith in Blaine Gabbert to be a NFL starter. If  you brought in Tebow they would have at least won games and sold tickets. This year they had a golden chance at the #1 pick and the  franchise QB they needed, but they beat the Texans twice so my guess is they pass on a QB this high, and take the once a decade DE for coach Bradley's defense. With Jason Babin having a down year this season, turning 34 next year, and  having a 6 million dollar salary as well, this makes even more sense. For the record I think they should take Johnny football. but a defensive minded coach like Gus Bradley might think differently.



4.BROWNS-BLAKE BORTLES-QB-UCF-NFL COMP-STEVE McNAIR-retired--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 it didn't happen .. In this case they wait and take the best QB available. I admit I had never even heard of Blake until they played S. Carolina , and while he didn't exactly light up the world in that game, he flashed & impressed me enough to keep an eye on him . I have watched every game since. He is built like a LB and because of that you won't worry about him so much when he takes off running. In addition to his scrambling ability he also has a strong arm when he is set and was the main reason UCF beat  Bridgewater-lead Louisville. GM Mike Lombardi has made statements in the past about preferring tall strong armed QB's so that rules out Manziel , although I would take him if I were them.  He needs work in many areas (especially accuracy & mechanics )but after his teams big Baylor win his skill set could make him a top 5 pick if  does well in the pre-draft testing. There are rumors the browns are looking to hire Josh Mcdaniels as their new coach. In that case it's possible they sign Tim Tebow and have him compete with Brian Hoyer for the job. It wouldn't shock me if it happened . It also wouldn't shock me if Lombardi is just putting out smoke screens really early , because now they are being linked to Manziel . Personally I wouldn't use  a first round pick (let alone the # 4 pick in this draft )on any QB who's last name isn't Bridgewater or Manziel. If Brett Hundley enters the draft he would go here instead, although I like think Hundley should go back to school for at least one more year.



5.OAKLAND-#*JOHNNY MANZIEL-QB-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-FRAN TARKENTON-(ret)- Hopefully by now the raiders have realized Terrell Pryor is a great athlete that could be the next MEGATRON with some coaching, time, and effort. Love him or hate him (and I have found myself feeling both from time to time) Manziel makes big plays at the best times . "JOHNNY FOOTBALL" is a proven winner in big games in college, and he doesn't turn the ball over. His lack of height (reportedly (6 foot 1 or 6 feet ) and potential off the field troubles make it a certainty he goes behind the reliable Bridgewater . If he stays out of trouble his leadership, poise, almost supernatural ability to extend plays & avoid the rush make me think he could be a winner in the NFL too. That was before this seasons improvements. Already this year he has shown improved mechanics, an improved ability at reading defenses , and a stronger arm . Even more surprising is his new willingness to buy time with his feet, and then throw the ball, instead of just taking off running like last season. His outlaw attitude will ignite the Raider fan base as much as his play on the field will.


6.ATLANTA-(clev)-CEDRICK OGBUEHI-T-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-TRENT WILLIAMS-WASH-The Falcons were replacing the entire right side of their line at the start of the season . RT Tyson Clabo was their best lineman and he is one of the guys they let go. LT Sam Baker is inconsistent, injury prone, and after week 10 he was put on season ending IR. Baker's replacement Lamar Holmes was much worse. Add the fact that 2 rookie corners were counted on to be key players this year and the falcons weren't too good this year . Quite frankly, I was surprised that Matt Ryan survived the year without missing any serious time due to injury after watching that line .Cedrick is next up on the A&M OT carousel after Joeckel and Mathews. There is talk that the RT could follow in Matthews footsteps and return to play LT next year. However right now I think he has demonstrated that he is already a 1rst round pick and he would be a huge upgrade in the in ATL. While I prefer not to project a guy to LT in the top 10 if I haven't seen him play it, Cedric looked like a 1rst round guard in 2012 and had an even more dominant season this year at right tackle. Plus Cedric can start the season at right tackle if Sam Baker is healthy and switch over ito the left side if Bakers hurt or plays badly .This is a deep year on the O-line . The falcons badly need pass rush help ,multiple O-lineman, and a new TE. Don't be surprised if they trade back to gather more picks to fill those needs.


 7.TAMPA BAY-ANTHONY BARR-DE/OLB-UCLA-NFL COMP-DeMARCUS WARE-DALL-Tampa Bay internally imploded this season . Their talented roster and once promising season went gone down the drain .  Josh Freeman seems to have lost it and was let go. Rookie 3rd rounder Mike Glennon got a shot to star and actually played OK . Glennon has a strong arm , but he is also thin and immobile . Right now he may be better than Freeman but that's not saying a lot. He played a lot better than Freeman though. A new coach will be coming in so he could want his own QB.As of now we are betting that Glennon gets at least one shot at a full season as the QB. The best player available is Barr. Since the bucs have gotten nothing but subpar to horrible play from their DE's this season a bulked up Barr would also fill a big need. Or they could play him in a Von Miller role .

8.VIKINGS-DARQUEZE DENNARD-CB-MICH.ST-NFL COMP-JOE HADEN-CLEV-The Vikings entire secondary seemed to be hurt , playing bad, or playing hurt & bad this season  .At least 2013 first rounder Xavier Rhodes  started to come on late in the season. Dennard would give them a second young healthy physical corner to combat the packers and lions passing attacks.

9.BUFFALO-JACE AMARO-TE-TEXAS TECH -NFL COMP-JEREMY SHOCKEY-(ret)-Scott Chandlers return from injury hasn't looked as good as the bills would like. Amaro would give them an elite athlete that would be a mismatch for opposing defenses ,and also a young TE who shown the willingness to block in those rare snaps when he is lined up as an inline blocker. Sky's the limit for the kid if he wants it and EJ Manuel needs more weapons.



 10.LIONS-IKO EKPRE-OLOMU-CB-OREGON-NFL COMP-BRANDON FLOWERS-The lions have relied on Veterans Rashean Mathis and the overrated Chris Houston to play significant minutes this year. Mathis is already near the end and cheap , but Houston will be 30 next season and his salaries from his new contract are going to keep getting more expensive. The lions drafted a corner in the 3rd in 2012, and in the second round this year. Neither has played that well so far ,so maybe its time they got one in the first round. Iko is the best corner in the pass happy PAC-12 and his speed and swagger are needed in the Lions secondary. To win a division with Aaron Rodgers in it you can always use more talented corners.



11.TITANS-CJ MOSLEY-ILB-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-DERRICK JOHNSON-KC-  . Between often injured Colin McCarthy & subpar Moisee Fokou the titans have a gaping hole at ILB that CJ can fill. LB's that can cover or rush the passer are the only ones worth drafting in the 1rst round in todays pass happy NFL. 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. Although they are one of the teams that could pursue Jay Cutler if he isn't franchised.


12.NYG-#SAMMY WATKINS-WR-CLEM-NFL COMP-PIERRE GARCON-WASH-Hakeem Nicks seems to have checked out this season. Usually players playing for a contract blow up, but he has looked tentative. Considering what they are already paying Victor Cruz to man the slot it stands to reason that they would need a new #1 outside receiver. Watkins had the best season of the this years crop of receivers and he can also help in the return game.


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 little suspension for taking a short term loan will hurt him with NFL teams.


14.CHICAGO-KONY EALY-DE-MIZZOU-NFL COMP-OSIUMENYIORA-ATL-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, 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. Ealy not only has the size & speed to play end , he also can move inside on obvious passing downs and allow them to get another smaller/quick player in the game off the edge.


15.STEELERS-TAYLOR LEWAN-OT-MICHIGAN-NFL COMP-JAKE LONG-RAMS-
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 throwing with people draped all over him. . Adding Lewan to Pouncey , Decastro , and Bell would also go a long way towards bringing the power running game to Steel town. Lewan is a tough guy that will  help keep Big Ben upright and greatly improve their push in the run game.


16.*DALLAS-LOUIS NIX-NT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-VINCE WILFORK-NE-With the injury prone and bitter Jay Ratliff finally cut & free agent to be Jason Hatcher 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 , or a high level safety if one is worth this pick. DT/DE should be priorities because it's on the D-Line where the cowboys have had an unprecedented rash of injuries. Nix is a better fit as a 3-4 nose tackle but I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas goes back to the 3-4 after a hysterically bad defensive year in the 4-3. Even if Dallas sticks with the Tampa 2 Nix gets enough of a pass rush to play the one technique , and after watching Nick Hayden get pushed around in that spot all year, I am sure Dallas has a group of linebackers who would love a one technique who can hold his ground and keep them clean. If his knee is healed up and he is in shape for the combine he could go a lot higher.



 17.RAVENS-#MIKE EVANS-WR-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-VINCENT JACKSON-TB-It's obvious that the ravens offense really misses Anquan Boldin. Evans can give Flacco a new big possession WR that can win jump balls, move the chains, and team with deep threat Torrey Smith to spread out the defense.



18.NYJ-*MARQUISE LEE-WR-USC-NFL COMP-TORRY HOLT-(retired)-If you want Geno Smith to succeed it stands to reason that he will need better receivers. While young Stephen Hill is immensely talented,  he is still very raw . The only dependable receiver the Jets currently have is the injury prone, soon to be 30, high priced ,one more failed drug test away from a long suspension Santonio Holmes. Lee can give Geno a polished receiver he can depend on.



19.MIAMI-*CYRUS KOUANDJIO-OT-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-JASON PETERS-PHILLY- Miami was already getting subpar play from their OT's before the Richie Incognito scandal. Now they need a guard too. Cyrus can anchor this O-line for a long time if he can fulfill his potential .Kouandjio isn't as technically sound as Mathews or Lewan , but his upside is a little higher.



20.ARIZONA-CAMERON ERVING-OT-FLA.ST-NFL COMP-TYRON SMITH-DALL-While I expect the cardinals offense to be much improved with Carson Palmer and a improved O-line, the loss of DC Ray Horton & the lack of pressure I expect them to get on the QB means their defense should be a problem. 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 would be a playoff contender in every other division in my opinion. The cards finally gave up on former LT Levi Brown early in the year, and turned the blindside over to preseason waiver wire pickup Bradley Sowell. . That hasn't gone very well either.
This former D-lineman is an elite athlete on the O-line who's upside is only outshone by how raw he looks at times. He would still be a big upgrade over anyone the cards have right now.




21.PACKERS-ERIC EBRON-TE-N.CAR-NFL COMP-DWAYNE ALLEN-INDY- The pack needs an 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 . Throw in a possibly career threatening neck injury and we wonder if he plays anywhere next year. Ebron has the same type of ability but he looks like he's trying a lot harder than Finley.


22.CHARGERS-JUSTIN GILBERT-CB-OKLA.ST-NFL COMP-PATRICK PETERSEN-AZ-I believe the Chargers top 4 corners are the worst set in the league. Gilbert is a big strong physical corner and would give the Chargers the chance to have one corner play decent man to man against Denver. He's a playmaker that has played his best ball in the biggest games , is also an ace return man, and when his speed finally goes he has the toughness to move to safety.


23.EAGLES-KHALIL MACK-OLB-BUFFALO-NFL COMP-BRIAN ORAPKO-WASH-The eagles have switched to a 3-4 defense under Chip Kelly , but their linebacker core isn't a great fit for that defense. Khalil is an elite athlete who has the strength, frame, and agility to play in either 4-3 or 3-4. Mack also 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 in obvious passing downs. When a guy from a smaller school is the best player on the field against a powerhouse like Ohio St. everyone takes notice.


24.CHIEFS-ALLEN ROBINSON-WR-PENN ST-NFL COMP-DEZ BRYANT-DALLAS-
The best thing about Dwayne Bowe is his blocking. His hands are suspect ,he is getting slower by the year, and he just got arrested with weed this season. 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.  .Add that Andy Reid has shown a willingness to draft WR's high and this is a good fit .Robinson is like a more even tempered  Dez Bryant and that is scary to a defense. If he runs well he could go much higher.


 25.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 full time and Shazier could play outside. The affect on their pass defense alone would be tremendous.


26.CLEV-(indy)-DAVID YANKEY-T/G-STANFORD-NFL COMP- MARSHALL YANDA-BALT-The browns have gotten poor play from both right guards this year. That means an upgrade at  would be welcome. Yankey can play both tackle and guard to help keep their new QB upright.

27.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. Pass rush is the entire key to the Saints defensive scheme and Beasley is the kind of undersized pass rusher that translates best to a role as a 3-4 OLB.


28.PATRIOTS-STEPHON TUITT-DE/DT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-RICHARD SEYMOUR-(fa-Bill Belichick has always preferred to run a 3-4 defense but has lacked the personnel to do so for the last couple of years. Tuitt is that rare player that can set the edge against the double team, but still provide a pass rush. Tuitt also has the size , length, and experience. in a 3-4 that Belichick would covet.  Add can slide inside and do the job when they go to nickel in this pick is a no brainer if he's there when they are up. .

 29.CAROLINA-JORDAN MATTHEWS-WR-VANDY-NFL COMP-JORDY NELSON-GB-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.  Matthews is the ,big, strong , polished  receiver with good hands that can be a true # 1 in this offense


30.SAN FRANCISCO-BRANDIN COOKS-WR-ORE.ST-NFL COMP-PERCY HARVIN-SEA-
 Right now the best option the 49ers receiving core has to run by the defense is (30 years old next year) TE Vernon Davis. Boldin and Crabtree are more big bodied move the chains guys , and Boldin is a free agent after this season . Cooks would not only be lightning out of the slot, he could also open up their offense with reverses/end arounds, and give them a guy that can run right past the defense that it would be hard for even cannon-armed Kaeperneck to overthrow. With his explosive burst and jitterbug moves I would try to use him in the return game as well.

31.DENVER-TRENT MURPHY-DE/OLB-STAN-NFL COMP-PAUL KRUGER-CLEV-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 , and now Millers tore  up knee they have very little they can count on in this area. Will Miller be the same guy without the chemical help and coming off a major knee injury? Don't know but even if he is they need someone else that can rush the passer off the edge. Murphy is a well rounded player who is a better fit as a 4-3 end in the pros.


32.SEATTLE-ZACK MARTIN-T/G-N.DAME-NFL COMP-JORDAN GROSS-TB-Russell Wilson's mobility and pocket awareness save him from a lot of bad blocking. To really take their offense to the next level they are going to need to get better up front . As of now only Okung and Unger are above average blockers. The versatile Martin pulled off a amazing feat this week ; he actually won the MVP award of a bowl game! Thats right! An O-lineman was acknowledged as the main man of the new era pinstripe bowl ! Being a former O-lineman and coach of O-lineman myself I must admit Zach is now my favorite player in the draft. I saw him as more of a second rounder who might be a better fit at guard, but after this I say let him play tackle.