2014 NFL Draft - First Round Mock Draft 1.0
Hey everyone, sorry for having no posts for about a week. School has been crazy.
Anyway, like I said a few weeks ago, my goal is to get at LEAST one post a week done, so today, I'm going to be sharing my first mock draft of the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. I know I'm a little late to the mock draft party, as every NFL analyst you see on ESPN or other sports media have already done at least one, but I wanted to be sure of my choices. The draft is now 36 days away. Without further ado, let's take a look.
1. Houston Texans - Blake Bortles, QB, UCF - The Texans are reportedly trying to trade the first pick of the draft. Pretty good idea if you ask me. They could pick up one or more great players and still be able to take a quarterback, which is what they need. There are plenty of quarterbacks in this draft that have the potential to be NFL starters, but I think Bortles is the best option. Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater are the only two QBs I could see going before Bortles, but both are huge question marks. Bortles is a pretty good-sized QB at 6'4", and from what I've seen, he could definitely be the starter for the Texans come Week 1 of the NFL season. It'll be interesting to see how the Texans use their pick.
2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn - It's probably a toss-up to decide who's the better offensive lineman in this draft between Robinson and Jake Matthews from Texas A&M. It's great news for the Rams, who nearly everyone has taking either Robinson or Matthews with the second pick of the draft. However, I think Robinson is the better fit for the Rams. He's a great run blocker, and the Rams are now a running offense with Zac Stacy as their starter. QB Sam Bradford is returning from a torn ACL, and to me, he still hasn't proven himself. The Rams will have to rely on the running game to compete in the best division in football, the NFC West. Drafting Robinson will be a huge boost to the offense.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville - Here's where it starts to get tricky. In my mock draft, Johnny Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney, Sammy Watkins, and Jake Matthews are all still available among others. These are all positions the Jaguars have to address, so deciding who they'll take has to be a head scratcher. However, after thinking about it, I say they take Bridgewater, simply because QB is the most important position. This draft is one of the deepest at many positions that we've had in years, so the safest bet for the Jags is to take Bridgewater here and pick up some weapons for him as the draft continues.
4. Cleveland Browns - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M - Another tricky decision. Again, plenty of players available at positions the Browns need to address. But once again, QB is the most important position. Manziel would be the best QB available at this point. He'll bring plenty of athleticism and excitement to a team that desperately needs it. The biggest concern for me is Manziel's size. At just under 6'0", Manziel would be playing in the AFC North against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals, all teams with great defenses that could tear any opposing QB apart. Manziel's quick, but he won't be able to run around like he did at A&M. Hopefully, for the Browns' sake, they've finally found their QB.
5. Oakland Raiders - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina - If the draft goes this way and Clowney drops to the number five spot, the Raiders have no choice but to take him, regardless of who else is available. According to many analysts, Clowney is the best player in the draft. Now, personally, I can't say who the best player is, but Clowney is definitely one of the best. The Raiders have been picking up many players in free agency, such as Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Antonio Smith. Imagine a defensive line with Tuck on one end and Clowney on the other. That looks like one tough defensive front. Grabbing Clowney would greatly help the Raiders in the tough AFC West against the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Diego Chargers (who, by the way, all made the playoffs last season).
6. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M - Like I said earlier, Matthews and Greg Robinson are the best two offensive linemen in this draft. Depending on who's taken first, the other will probably be drafted by Atlanta. Many people have the Falcons taking either one of these guys or linebacker Khalil Mack with this pick. I'll repeat myself: QB is the most important position, and for the Falcons to return to playoff form, they'll need to give that offensive line a makeover and protect QB Matt Ryan. Matthews is a great pass blocker, perfect for the Falcons offense.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo - The Bucs made a wise decision in hiring Lovie Smith as their new head coach. He should be able to turn this team around quick. He's already stated that newly acquired free agent QB Josh McCown will be the starter, so the Bucs may grab a QB later in the draft. But with Khalil Mack still available at this point, the Bucs would be foolish to pass up. Mack does a great job in both pass coverage and rushing the QB. Smith loves linebackers who can do this. If Mack is already taken at this point, look for the Bucs to take LB Anthony Barr out of UCLA.
8. Minnesota Vikings - Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State - With Bortles, Manziel and Bridgewater all taken at this point, the best QB option left is Derek Carr. Honestly, Carr is a bigger question mark than both Manziel and Bridgewater, but what choice do the Vikings have? Neither Christian Ponder nor Matt Cassel have proven they can be the starter, as we all remember the giant QB carousel the Vikings had last season with both these guys and Josh Freeman. Carr provides some stability at QB if he can prove himself. The Vikings HAVE to take some of the load off of Adrian Peterson if they want to get back to the playoffs. Peterson, as great of a running back he is, can't carry this offense by himself. They need a QB who can start each week so the offense doesn't have to work with a different QB every week. Maybe Carr will be that guy.
9. Buffalo Bills - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan - Another great offensive lineman, Lewan is the guy Buffalo needs to take if both Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews are taken at this point (and they probably will be). If QB E.J. Manuel can stay healthy this season, Lewan would be great in helping develop him, as he's not only got quick feet that can help guard the quick QB, but Lewan also became a leader his past two seasons at Michigan. A leader is what this Bills offense needs. Lewan would be the anchor of this offensive line. If Matthews or Robinson drop to number nine, however, the Bills will undoubtedly take the one who dropped.
10. Detroit Lions - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State - I initially thought the Lions would take a receiver at this spot (and Sammy Watkins is still available at this point), but with the signing of Golden Tate, I think the Lions will look at the other side of the ball now. Gilbert is an incredible athlete and the best corner in the draft. The Lions are fine offensively. If they want to take control of the NFC North, they've got to slow down Aaron Rodgers, and Gilbert would do a great job of that. The cornerback position is one that has been the Lions' weak point, and picking up Gilbert will greatly help out that defense.
11. Tennessee Titans - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson - Where to start with the Titans? A huge lack of talent on both sides of the ball has left them in mediocrity. Nearly everyone has them taking some defensive player such as LB Anthony Barr, but if Watkins is still available at number twelve (surprisingly he is with this mock draft), the Titans need to pick him. They've lost their best receiver, Kenny Britt. QB Jake Locker is still a question mark, but he needs receivers who can actually get open and make the passing game work if he wants to succeed. Watkins has been highly regarded as the best receiver in the draft. He'd be great in helping Locker become a starting QB... That is, if Locker can stay healthy.
12. New York Giants - Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina - The Giants hired former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo as their offensive coordinator back in January, a guy who will look to change this offense. McAdoo was also the Packers' tight ends coach, meaning that the Giants will probably take Eric Ebron in the first round. Eli Manning is coming off the worst year of his career, and the Giants lost one of their best receiving threats in Hakeem Nicks to free agency. Ebron is a guy who can come in and instantly be the starting tight end, as he's a great threat in the passing game and a very physical blocker. He'd be perfect in McAdoo's new system and a great asset for Eli Manning. Ebron is the best tight end in the draft, and the Giants need him. Ebron will be a great offensive addition wherever he goes.
13. St. Louis Rams - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M - The Rams definitely got the better end of the trade with the Washington Redskins that gave them the Redskins' first round pick for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 drafts. Their first pick, the second overall, would've been the Redskins. Now, with another early pick in the first round, the Ram should look to continue bolstering their offense by picking up Mike Evans. Evans would be a great option for Sam Bradford and help the Rams' running game as well, as his size (6'5") will greatly help when blocking downfield and bullying defenders in the passing game.
14. Chicago Bears - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh - When you think of the Chicago Bears, the first thing you think of is defense. The Bears lost a huge part of their defense in Julius Peppers, but Aaron Donald could replace him. Donald is probably the best defensive lineman in this draft not named Jadeveon Clowney. He is unbelievably quick off the snap and causes plenty of mayhem for opposing teams. Adding him to a line that already has Lamarr Houston and Willie Young would give Chicago one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, and help the Bears compete for the NFC North.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State - Let's be honest, the Steelers don't have the intimidating defense they used to have. It's gotten older and slower. Dennard would fit well into the Steelers defense, bringing much-needed youth to the aging Pittsburgh team. Not only is he great in man to man coverage, but he does well in run support. He's a very confident and physical defender. The Steelers defense is all about confidence and physicality. He also possesses great awareness. He'd be an instant boost to the secondary.
16. Dallas Cowboys - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State - The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league last season. Losing DeMarcus Ware only hurts them even more. It'd be shocking to see the Cowboys NOT take a defensive player with their first round pick. Luckily for them, at this point, there are still plenty of good impact players on defense. Jernigan would certainly help the Cowboys in terms of pass rushing, something they'll be worse at now that Ware is gone. However, with Jernigan and Henry Melton plugging the middle, the Cowboys defensive line will definitely improbe.
17. Baltimore Ravens - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama - The Ravens are planning on moving Matt Elam from free safety to strong safety. Picking up Clinton-Dix would give them a very tough safety tandem. He's a tough safety, explosive, athletic, has good awareness, physical and decisive. He reminds me of Earl Thomas, as his speed when closing in on the ball is incredible. He's arguably the best safety in the draft. The Ravens were also in need of weapons in the passing game, but the addition of Steve Smith and the re-signings of Jacoby Jones and Dennis Pitta will allow them to focus on defense in the first round.
18. New York Jets - Marqise Lee, WR, USC - The Jets have to pick up a receiver in the first round to help out Geno Smith. Luckily, this draft runs deep with receivers. Having Lee line up opposite of Eric Decker would give the Jets a pretty nice passing attack. Lee's very explosive after the catch and racks up a lot of YAC. That's something that the Jets desperately need, a guy who can make plays after the catch. Although underrated, Lee possesses great acceleration and agility and has the potential to be a number one receiver in a few years.
19. Miami Dolphins - Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame - The offensive line was without a doubt the biggest issue for the Dolphins in 2013, with the combination of injuries to the starters and of course the bullying scandal. There was no continuity. Bringing in Martin not only helps with that continuity, but it brings youth and talent to a line that desperately needs it. Martin is versatile, able to play both guard and tackle, meaning he'll fit well into any offense. Nearly everyone has the Phins taking Martin with this pick, so if they don't take him, it'll be a shock to me.
20. Arizona Cardinals - Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville - The Cardinals were one of the biggest surprise teams of 2013, and nearly made the playoffs. In order to make them this year, and continue to compete in the tough NFC West, they'll need to address their biggest weakness at safety by drafting Pryor. Pryor is a great safety who, like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, has great closing speed on the ball. He's got good vision and awareness and isn't afraid to sacrifice his body to make plays. He'd be a great fallback plan for the Cards if Tyrann Mathieu's rehab from knee injury takes a while. And once Mathieu comes back, Arizona would have a very intimidating secondary.
21. Green Bay Packers - Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State - Once again, the Packers were knocked out of the playoffs by Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers. In a league where the running QB is becoming more popular among teams, the Packers are going to need a young new linebacker that can not only get after the QB, but drop back into coverage just as well. Shazier is fast, strong, and has incredible range, able to cover both sidelines and be effective when blitzing, stopping the run, and dropping back into coverage. With A.J. Hawk and Clay Matthews both aging and constantly getting hurt, the Packers need a young guy like Shazier who can stay healthy.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU - The Eagles just lost their best receiver, Desean Jackson. There's been plenty of speculation as to why he was released after a career year, but whatever the reason may be, he's gone. I think because of this, Chip Kelly will look to take a receiver in the first round now. Beckham Jr. has that an explosiveness that reminds me of Jackson, and Kelly will likely be looking at that as he tries to get the Eagles back to the playoffs. A potential offensive Pro Bowler for the offensive mind of Kelly? Looks like a good pick.
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State - The Chiefs need to give Alex Smith another playmaker in order to help make him successful and get the team back to the playoffs. With so many receivers going ahead of them in this mock draft, the best one available would be Cooks. He's a little smaller at 5'10", but he's already drawn many comparisons to Steve Smith: small, but also tough and explosive. Not much of a question here, the Chiefs most likely take the best receiver available at this point.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri - A top five defense last season helped the Bengals win the AFC North. However, they lost their best pass rusher, Michael Johnson, in free agency. Ealy is a better pass rusher than he is run defender, but would easily fill the void left by Johnson at that position. He does a great job turning the corner and forcing the ball out. Even if unable to get to the QB, he's got long arms and times his jumps well to knock passes down at the line. He'd be a great asset to help the Bengals defend their AFC North crown.
25. San Diego Chargers - Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame - Another surprise team in 2013, the Chargers need help in the middle of the defensive line if they want to return to the playoffs. Nix is huge and great at his position. He shows good awareness and has nimble feet. Not only will he be able to stuff the run, but he'll help get pressure on the QB, a great skill to have when you face Peyton Manning twice a year. Surprisingly light on his feet for a guy his size, Nix is without question one of the best nose guards in the draft.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis) - Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State - With two picks in the first round, the first will most likely go to QB, so why not use the second one on a weapon for that QB? In this mock draft, the Browns take Johnny Manziel with their first pick, so it seems like a good idea to pick up a guy like Kelvin Benjamin with their second. Benjamin is huge for a wide receiver at 6'5", and has some of the best hands you'll see. He'd be great at helping Manziel develop, and lining up opposite of Josh Gordon looks like it would give the Browns quite the passing attack.
27. New Orleans Saints - C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama - The Saints need a good linebacker. The ones they have now have declined in production in such a way that will make it tough for them to play against the likes of Cam Newton and Matt Ryan four times a year. Mosley is a guy who can line up on both the inside and the outside, and has a very high football IQ, rarely making mental mistakes. He's very disciplined and would give both Newton and Ryan a tough time.
28. Carolina Panthers - Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama - What a tough offseason for the Panthers. They lose Steve Smith and Jordan Gross, two of the best players in team history, among plenty of other receivers and offensive linemen. Cam has to have weapons, but he also has to have guys to protect him, and I think that's the biggest priority at this point. Kouandjio would be the best offensive lineman left at this point in the mock draft, so the Panthers need to take him. His value is simply too high to pass on this late in the first round. Also consider that at this point, plenty of receivers have been taken, so Carolina will likely address receiver in later rounds. They're also in need of some players in the secondary, so if it's not an offensive linemen or receiver that they take in this round, it'll be a corner or safety.
29. New England Patriots - Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota - The Pats picked up both Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency, giving a huge boost to the secondary. But the defensive line needs help. They restructured Vince Wilfork's contract, but he's getting old. Having a defensive line with Wilfork and Hageman would greatly help this New England defense. He would be great to fill the void that Wilfork will undoubtedly leave once he retires. Hageman is huge at 6'6" and a brute in the middle. Imagine trying to run up the middle at him and Wilfork. Scary thought.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State - The best receiver left at this point in the mock draft. The Niners are in need of a young new receiver that will help Colin Kaepernick. They've got Anquan Boldin, who is 33, and Michael Crabtree, who can't seem to stay healthy. Robinson isn't the fastest receiver, but has good size and won't shy away from anyone. He was very productive at Penn State and would give Kaepernick a great target to grow with. He'd be a good number two receiver once Boldin retires, or even a number one if Crabtree can't stay healthy.
31. Denver Broncos - Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA - The Broncos did a good job addressing needs in free agency by picking up DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, which allows them to switch focus from defense to the offensive line. Losing Zane Beadles in free agency to the Jaguars was a huge loss. However, Su'a-Filo would easily fill that void. He's one of the most pro-ready prospects in the draft and without doubt the best guard. All of these linemen taken before him were tackles. Peyton Manning won't be getting hit with this guy blocking for him.
32. Seattle Seahawks - Stephon Tuitt, DT, Notre Dame - The defending champs have the most intimidating secondary in the league, but what about their defensive line? Losing Red Bryant, Chris Clemons and Clinton McDonald leaves them needing an anchor on the line to take some pressure off the secondary. Tuitt has a nice combination of speed and strength, and his 6'6" frame doesn't hurt either. If the Seahawks want to repeat as Super Bowl champs, they'll need someone like Tuitt on the line.
And that is my first mock draft of the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. I'm unsure of whether or not I'll do another, but if I do so, I'll let you guys know. This draft is one of the deepest in years, and I think I speak for every NFL fan when I say that I'm excited for May 8.
12. New York Giants - Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina - The Giants hired former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo as their offensive coordinator back in January, a guy who will look to change this offense. McAdoo was also the Packers' tight ends coach, meaning that the Giants will probably take Eric Ebron in the first round. Eli Manning is coming off the worst year of his career, and the Giants lost one of their best receiving threats in Hakeem Nicks to free agency. Ebron is a guy who can come in and instantly be the starting tight end, as he's a great threat in the passing game and a very physical blocker. He'd be perfect in McAdoo's new system and a great asset for Eli Manning. Ebron is the best tight end in the draft, and the Giants need him. Ebron will be a great offensive addition wherever he goes.
13. St. Louis Rams - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M - The Rams definitely got the better end of the trade with the Washington Redskins that gave them the Redskins' first round pick for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 drafts. Their first pick, the second overall, would've been the Redskins. Now, with another early pick in the first round, the Ram should look to continue bolstering their offense by picking up Mike Evans. Evans would be a great option for Sam Bradford and help the Rams' running game as well, as his size (6'5") will greatly help when blocking downfield and bullying defenders in the passing game.
14. Chicago Bears - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh - When you think of the Chicago Bears, the first thing you think of is defense. The Bears lost a huge part of their defense in Julius Peppers, but Aaron Donald could replace him. Donald is probably the best defensive lineman in this draft not named Jadeveon Clowney. He is unbelievably quick off the snap and causes plenty of mayhem for opposing teams. Adding him to a line that already has Lamarr Houston and Willie Young would give Chicago one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, and help the Bears compete for the NFC North.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State - Let's be honest, the Steelers don't have the intimidating defense they used to have. It's gotten older and slower. Dennard would fit well into the Steelers defense, bringing much-needed youth to the aging Pittsburgh team. Not only is he great in man to man coverage, but he does well in run support. He's a very confident and physical defender. The Steelers defense is all about confidence and physicality. He also possesses great awareness. He'd be an instant boost to the secondary.
16. Dallas Cowboys - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State - The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league last season. Losing DeMarcus Ware only hurts them even more. It'd be shocking to see the Cowboys NOT take a defensive player with their first round pick. Luckily for them, at this point, there are still plenty of good impact players on defense. Jernigan would certainly help the Cowboys in terms of pass rushing, something they'll be worse at now that Ware is gone. However, with Jernigan and Henry Melton plugging the middle, the Cowboys defensive line will definitely improbe.
17. Baltimore Ravens - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama - The Ravens are planning on moving Matt Elam from free safety to strong safety. Picking up Clinton-Dix would give them a very tough safety tandem. He's a tough safety, explosive, athletic, has good awareness, physical and decisive. He reminds me of Earl Thomas, as his speed when closing in on the ball is incredible. He's arguably the best safety in the draft. The Ravens were also in need of weapons in the passing game, but the addition of Steve Smith and the re-signings of Jacoby Jones and Dennis Pitta will allow them to focus on defense in the first round.
18. New York Jets - Marqise Lee, WR, USC - The Jets have to pick up a receiver in the first round to help out Geno Smith. Luckily, this draft runs deep with receivers. Having Lee line up opposite of Eric Decker would give the Jets a pretty nice passing attack. Lee's very explosive after the catch and racks up a lot of YAC. That's something that the Jets desperately need, a guy who can make plays after the catch. Although underrated, Lee possesses great acceleration and agility and has the potential to be a number one receiver in a few years.
19. Miami Dolphins - Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame - The offensive line was without a doubt the biggest issue for the Dolphins in 2013, with the combination of injuries to the starters and of course the bullying scandal. There was no continuity. Bringing in Martin not only helps with that continuity, but it brings youth and talent to a line that desperately needs it. Martin is versatile, able to play both guard and tackle, meaning he'll fit well into any offense. Nearly everyone has the Phins taking Martin with this pick, so if they don't take him, it'll be a shock to me.
20. Arizona Cardinals - Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville - The Cardinals were one of the biggest surprise teams of 2013, and nearly made the playoffs. In order to make them this year, and continue to compete in the tough NFC West, they'll need to address their biggest weakness at safety by drafting Pryor. Pryor is a great safety who, like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, has great closing speed on the ball. He's got good vision and awareness and isn't afraid to sacrifice his body to make plays. He'd be a great fallback plan for the Cards if Tyrann Mathieu's rehab from knee injury takes a while. And once Mathieu comes back, Arizona would have a very intimidating secondary.
21. Green Bay Packers - Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State - Once again, the Packers were knocked out of the playoffs by Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers. In a league where the running QB is becoming more popular among teams, the Packers are going to need a young new linebacker that can not only get after the QB, but drop back into coverage just as well. Shazier is fast, strong, and has incredible range, able to cover both sidelines and be effective when blitzing, stopping the run, and dropping back into coverage. With A.J. Hawk and Clay Matthews both aging and constantly getting hurt, the Packers need a young guy like Shazier who can stay healthy.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU - The Eagles just lost their best receiver, Desean Jackson. There's been plenty of speculation as to why he was released after a career year, but whatever the reason may be, he's gone. I think because of this, Chip Kelly will look to take a receiver in the first round now. Beckham Jr. has that an explosiveness that reminds me of Jackson, and Kelly will likely be looking at that as he tries to get the Eagles back to the playoffs. A potential offensive Pro Bowler for the offensive mind of Kelly? Looks like a good pick.
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State - The Chiefs need to give Alex Smith another playmaker in order to help make him successful and get the team back to the playoffs. With so many receivers going ahead of them in this mock draft, the best one available would be Cooks. He's a little smaller at 5'10", but he's already drawn many comparisons to Steve Smith: small, but also tough and explosive. Not much of a question here, the Chiefs most likely take the best receiver available at this point.
24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri - A top five defense last season helped the Bengals win the AFC North. However, they lost their best pass rusher, Michael Johnson, in free agency. Ealy is a better pass rusher than he is run defender, but would easily fill the void left by Johnson at that position. He does a great job turning the corner and forcing the ball out. Even if unable to get to the QB, he's got long arms and times his jumps well to knock passes down at the line. He'd be a great asset to help the Bengals defend their AFC North crown.
25. San Diego Chargers - Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame - Another surprise team in 2013, the Chargers need help in the middle of the defensive line if they want to return to the playoffs. Nix is huge and great at his position. He shows good awareness and has nimble feet. Not only will he be able to stuff the run, but he'll help get pressure on the QB, a great skill to have when you face Peyton Manning twice a year. Surprisingly light on his feet for a guy his size, Nix is without question one of the best nose guards in the draft.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis) - Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State - With two picks in the first round, the first will most likely go to QB, so why not use the second one on a weapon for that QB? In this mock draft, the Browns take Johnny Manziel with their first pick, so it seems like a good idea to pick up a guy like Kelvin Benjamin with their second. Benjamin is huge for a wide receiver at 6'5", and has some of the best hands you'll see. He'd be great at helping Manziel develop, and lining up opposite of Josh Gordon looks like it would give the Browns quite the passing attack.
27. New Orleans Saints - C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama - The Saints need a good linebacker. The ones they have now have declined in production in such a way that will make it tough for them to play against the likes of Cam Newton and Matt Ryan four times a year. Mosley is a guy who can line up on both the inside and the outside, and has a very high football IQ, rarely making mental mistakes. He's very disciplined and would give both Newton and Ryan a tough time.
28. Carolina Panthers - Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama - What a tough offseason for the Panthers. They lose Steve Smith and Jordan Gross, two of the best players in team history, among plenty of other receivers and offensive linemen. Cam has to have weapons, but he also has to have guys to protect him, and I think that's the biggest priority at this point. Kouandjio would be the best offensive lineman left at this point in the mock draft, so the Panthers need to take him. His value is simply too high to pass on this late in the first round. Also consider that at this point, plenty of receivers have been taken, so Carolina will likely address receiver in later rounds. They're also in need of some players in the secondary, so if it's not an offensive linemen or receiver that they take in this round, it'll be a corner or safety.
29. New England Patriots - Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota - The Pats picked up both Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency, giving a huge boost to the secondary. But the defensive line needs help. They restructured Vince Wilfork's contract, but he's getting old. Having a defensive line with Wilfork and Hageman would greatly help this New England defense. He would be great to fill the void that Wilfork will undoubtedly leave once he retires. Hageman is huge at 6'6" and a brute in the middle. Imagine trying to run up the middle at him and Wilfork. Scary thought.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State - The best receiver left at this point in the mock draft. The Niners are in need of a young new receiver that will help Colin Kaepernick. They've got Anquan Boldin, who is 33, and Michael Crabtree, who can't seem to stay healthy. Robinson isn't the fastest receiver, but has good size and won't shy away from anyone. He was very productive at Penn State and would give Kaepernick a great target to grow with. He'd be a good number two receiver once Boldin retires, or even a number one if Crabtree can't stay healthy.
31. Denver Broncos - Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA - The Broncos did a good job addressing needs in free agency by picking up DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, which allows them to switch focus from defense to the offensive line. Losing Zane Beadles in free agency to the Jaguars was a huge loss. However, Su'a-Filo would easily fill that void. He's one of the most pro-ready prospects in the draft and without doubt the best guard. All of these linemen taken before him were tackles. Peyton Manning won't be getting hit with this guy blocking for him.
32. Seattle Seahawks - Stephon Tuitt, DT, Notre Dame - The defending champs have the most intimidating secondary in the league, but what about their defensive line? Losing Red Bryant, Chris Clemons and Clinton McDonald leaves them needing an anchor on the line to take some pressure off the secondary. Tuitt has a nice combination of speed and strength, and his 6'6" frame doesn't hurt either. If the Seahawks want to repeat as Super Bowl champs, they'll need someone like Tuitt on the line.
And that is my first mock draft of the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. I'm unsure of whether or not I'll do another, but if I do so, I'll let you guys know. This draft is one of the deepest in years, and I think I speak for every NFL fan when I say that I'm excited for May 8.
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