2014 NFL MOCK DRAFT-Post National Championship-player comps & trades added

The college season is over and the first week of the NFL playoffs is done. That means the first 24 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 . Given Texan owner Bob Mcnair just stated that the Texans are willing to trade the # 1 pick wea re going with that scenario for now . Now that both Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley are going back to school QB's are at even more of a premium.

* 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.

***TRADE*** The BROWNS trade both of their #1 picks(#4 and #26) for the TEXANS #1 overall pick***



1. BROWNS-(hou)TEDDY BRIDGEWATER-QB-NFL COMP-LOUISVILLE-AARON RODGERS-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 wisely trade up and take the best QB available. Bridgewater is a bona fide franchise QB . He has the high football IQ , accuracy ,  strong arm, quick eyes, pocket presence, poise ,clean background,  leadership,  and foot speed that every team craves at QB. He isn't ideal in the height or weight department but the weight at least can be rectified soon .My guess is after a couple of months at a pre-draft workout facility he shows up at the combine weighing close to 220 (just like RG3)  and standing 6"2" or better.  If this trade happens I expect the Browns to be a contender soon and maintain that level for a long time.

 

 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 or Manziel ) 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 means just Cleveland or Oakland) that would be a coup . In this scenario the Browns leapfrogged them. and the Texans got the extra picks.


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.HOUSTON-#*JOHNNY MANZIEL-QB-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-FRAN TARKENTON-(ret)-GB- yep... they lost twice to the jags...okay? Anyway, it helps them a ton . Their fans could have been happy as Teddy Bridgewater officially declared for the draft on new years day. However , instead of going for the clear  cut #1 QB in the draft and a guy who has what Matt Schaub doesn't, they are trading away certainty to fill 2 holes , but with a lot more risk .While he is a lot more of a risk than Bridgewater Johnny Football does provide something Teddy doesn't- Homer love! Keeping Johnny Football in the state and playing for the Texans is the best chance Houston has to close the gap in fan base with Dallas. 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. He will ignite the fan base and spearhead a quick turnaround for a talented team. If he stays out of trouble and stays healthy this gamble could pay off long term.


5.OAKLAND-ANTHONY BARR-DE/OLB-UCLA-NFL COMP-DeMARCUS WARE-DALL- 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. However in this scenario the only 2 QB's worth picking are gone so the raiders should sign a veteran to run things. The raiders finally have the cap room to make some positive off season moves  . Resigning DE Lamar Houston and Tackle Jared Veldheer should be their first priorities. Taking the best player available with the #5 pick should be next , although taking a QB in the second round could work. Either the versatile Anthony Barr or Khalil Mack could give their defense and pass rush a new dimension. I like Barr better and I am guessing the raiders will as well.
 


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 to 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-KHALIL MACK-OLB-BUFFALO-NFL COMP-BRIAN ORAPKO-WASH-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 Mack.  Since the bucs have gotten nothing but subpar to horrible play from their DE's this season a bulked up Mack would also fill a big need. 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.

8.VIKINGS-DARQUEZE DENNARD-CB-MICH.ST-NFL COMP-JOE HADEN-DENV--The Vikes need a QB badly but their isn't another one worth this pick right now. 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-#SAMMY WATKINS-WR-CLEM-NFL COMP-PIERRE GARCON-WASH- Back before the Lions finally found their long term #1 WR in Calvin Johnson in the 2007 draft they had already taken three other guys in first round with very little success. From 2003 #2 overall Charles Rogers, 2004 #7 Overall Roy Williams , and 2005 #10 overall Mike Williams they got the equivalent of 2 good seasons and a whole lot of pissed off fans. Although in addition to being the one guy who gave them 2 good seasons Roy Williams at least brought them a haul of draft picks when Jerry Jones foolishly gave them way too much for his disappointing talents. Since Calvin came along they have struggled to find a #2 wide receiver. Whether its through free agency or the draft no one has measured up for a myriad of reasons. Johnson has routinely been double/ triple teamed by anyone with a brain because no other Lions receiver has been successful enough to make them back off him. The lions new coach will see the same thing and this is the best way to remedy the situation. Watkins is also a true # 1 receiver ,who can also help in the return game ,and the chances of stopping them both is a really tall order.



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-*MARQUISE LEE-WR-USC-NFL COMP-TORRY HOLT-(retired)-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.Lee can give Eli a polished receiver he can depend on and 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-OSI UMENYIORA-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 . 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-GREG ROBINSON-OT-AUBURN-NFL COMP-JOE STALEY-SF-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 Robinson to Pouncey , Decastro , and Foster would also go a long way towards bringing the power running game to Steel town. Robinson is a mauler that will  help keep Big Ben upright and greatly improve their push in the run game. Robinson has had a great year ,but in a really run heavy offense ,and until recently he wasn't someone I saw as a threat to enter this years draft. After the rumors of him coming out this year started circulating I started doing my due diligence on him, but I only had 3 games of his still left on my Tivo plus the upcoming National championship game. The first game film of his that I broke down forced me to give him the nick name of "pancake". That's how brutal a finisher he can be  when run blocking, especially when he is collapsing down from the side or going up field.  He has played pretty well when I have seen him pass block ,but at less than 20 pass snaps a game I am not as confident about him starting out well in the NFL on the blind side . All of the guys I currently have ranked ahead of him would be better left tackles out of the gate to me . I wouldn't be surprised if he started out at right tackle, or at either guard spot in the NFL . After the national championship game I still feel the same ,although I am sure that NFL O-line coaches are lining up to man crush on a player that plays with his physicality , athleticism , and mean streak . I need to find the rest of his earlier game tape to fully flesh out more of his evaluation , but I am pretty comfortable that he will still be what I see now. Robinson is a elite athlete for his size that can anchor this O-line for a long time if he can fulfill his potential, but he is not all there yet . At the very least he will probably be a dominant run blocker at whatever position they put him at if he is blocking down , up field, or on the move.  Keep this in mind though -he was straight up overpowered heads up in-line blocking against Florida states Mario Edwards in the National championship game on  multiple occasions . Against stronger DE's he may struggle to get a push heads up.


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-TRAVIS SWANSON-C-ARK-NFL COMP-CHRIS MYERS-HOU-In 2013 Gino Gradkowski became the starter at center by default and played horrible. It had to look even worse to his teammates than it was , and that's saying something . After years of watching future HOFer Matt Birk previously man the pivot the comparison had to be even more striking. Swanson is a 4 year starter in the SEC who has improved every year . He is also an elite athlete for his size ,that pulls like a guard,  possesses a high football IQ, and is a better pass blocker than Birk was by the end of his career. Players like him almost always rise in the pre-draft process . If you are going to pay Flacco 20 million a year you better keep him clean ,and Swanson is far and away the best center in the draft,


18.NYJ-KELVIN BENJAMIN-WR-FLA ST-NFL COMP-CALVIN JOHNSON-DET-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. Benjamin is the ,big, strong ,fast, physical  receiver with good hands that can be a true # 1 in this offense . Adding his ability to win jump balls and be a red zone target might be just thing Geno needs to fulfill his potential. I admit he wasn't a guy I thought might be entering the draft this year until recently .Coming through in the clutch in the national championship game after a rocky start only makes it more likely Benjamin enters this draft in my opinion .


 19.MIAMI-TAYLOR LEWAN-OT-MICHIGAN-NFL COMP-JAKE LONG-RAMS-Miami was already getting subpar play from their OT's before the Richie Incognito scandal. Now they need a guard too. Lewan can anchor this O-line for a long time and he has a low floor. He may not have the upside of  a lot of the top OT's in this draft but he gets the job done better thann most of them right now.


 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 a great athlete on the O-line who's upside is only outshone by how raw he looks at times . However I believe in his long term potential as a left tackle .Either way 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.EAGLES-#LOUICHEIZ PURIFOY-CB-FLA-NFL COMP-CHARLES WOODSON-OAK -The eagles have switched to a 3-4 defense under Chip Kelly and Kelly likes to man up on the outside but he lacks the corners to pull it off . Purifoy is a big fast corner that can also help out in the return game, and even on offense if its needed.


 23.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. Although, as a #2 in a run first offense he is a good fit . Donnie Avery is injury prone and his best roll would be as a #3 in the slot. 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.


 24.BENGALS-RYAN SHAZIER-OLB-OHIO ST-NFL COMP-THOMAS DAVIS-CAR-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. Don't be surprised if the Bengals take a QB here. The Bengals have one of the 3 most talented rosters from top to bottom. They also have a top 5 O-line and a ton of talent at the skill positions. What they lack is a strong armed QB that can avoid turning the ball over too much. I truly believe if any of the other QB's in the playoffs were the Bengals starter they would have  own 13 or 14 games in the regular season and would be the AFC favorite to go the super bowl. They could also trade up for/sign a veteran QB to compete for the starting QB job , because Dalton does not make enough money to preclude them adding a more expensive QB. They could take the talented but unpolished Blake Bortles here. He is certainly more talented than Dalton. After watching his team get a big win against Baylor I have to say I was less impressed with his immediate prospects. He looks like a talented guy that needs to sit , learn, and improve his mechanics for awhile . First round QB's are generally pushed to start right away.


25.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.


26.HOU-(clev ,indy)-DAVID YANKEY-T/G-STANFORD-NFL COMP- MARSHALL YANDA-BALT-The texans have gotten poor play from both guys who have played right tackle this year. Left guard Wade Smith wasn't so hot either .That means an upgrade at either position would be welcome. Yankey can not only give them an upgrade at either position he can also 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. Before this season I saw him as a top 10 pick and if he is healthy and in shape by the combine there is a outside chance he goes a lot higher.

 

 29.CAROLINA-#MIKE EVANS-WR-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-VINCENT JACKSON-TB-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.  Evans is the  big ,tall ,strong receiver that is a mismatch for opposing defenses . Adding his ability to win jump balls and be a red zone target might be just thing Newton needs to make the jump into the group of truly elite QB's. The immaturity he showed in the bowl game this year does worry me and he needs work beating press coverage .However, If he grows up he can be an elite #1 WR. Worse case scenario he is an immediate threat around the end zone and in short yardage

 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 and see if he can hang on an island.