Even though it is still a long time until we turn our attention to the Radio City Music hall in May for the 2014 NFL draft, it‘s still worth looking at how the first round could turn out. As a result, I will be posting my midseason mock as a series of articles here on Last Word on Sports. I haven’t included any trades that have not yet happened, but will be commenting on teams that I believe to be candidates to swap picks or players if they have a similar position come the real thing.
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1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Teddy Bridgewater, QB
The Jaguars are a mess, and large part of this is their atrocious situation at quarterback- they need one as badly as Chris Brown needs anger management lessons. As a result this is one of the most obvious picks in the draft. Teddy Bridgewater is a fantastic, pro-ready quarterback who can get them most out of the Jags respectable receiving core. In fact some people are going as far as saying Louisville star is the second best QB prospect of the century, behind only Andrew Luck.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Marcus Mariota, QB
The Buccaneers are an embarrassment this season. They are in the bottom three in the league for YPG, PPG, pass completion percentage and rushing touchdowns per game. There are a lot of needs for the team in Tampa, including a new coach and improvements at DE, WR and TE. But it’s clear in their current situation their biggest need is QB.
Currently there isn’t a clear second best QB in this draft class. There are at least three who could make a strong case to this position, but I believe the best option is Marcus Mariota. The redshirt sophomore has been great this year (he is the only one of the FBS’ top 100 quarterbacks who hasn’t thrown an interception), and has a fantastic combination of physical tools and excellent technique.
3. Minnesota Vikings- Jadeveon Clowney, DE
After exceeding expectations last season, the Vikings have failed to meet expectations this year. To describe their passing offence as farcical would be an understatement. They also require help at and will need to find a replacement for soon-to-be free agent Jarred Allen at DE.
Although you can make a strong case for taking a QB here, there is an elephant in the room in the shape of a South Carolina pass rusher. Although more and more questions are being asked about Jadeveon Clowney, he is still an incredible player with an unbelievable physical skill set. Some people may prefer Anthony Barr, but I can’t see the Vikings passing on Clowney to be the perfect replacement to Jarred Allen.
4. New York Giants- Anthony Barr, DE
The Giants are another team that has a lot of needs and could do with upgrades at OT, LB, CB and DE. Although many people have the Giants taking a tackle at don’t can’t see it happening having drafted Justin Pugh last year and recently given Will Beatty a large new contract.
Of their other needs, defensive end is the biggest. In both of the years they won their last two Superbowls, the Giants were ranked in the top 3 for sacks per game. This season they are last. After Clowney, the next best pass rusher is UCLA’s Anthony Barr, who has the ability to wreak havoc on opposing offences at the next level.
5. Atlanta Falcons- Taylor Lewan, OT
This year has been a major disappointment for the Falcons, although a large portion of the blame can be given to injuries outside of their control. Their two main needs are at OT and OLB. As the two best pass rush prospects are off the board, I would expect the Falcons to get some much needed protection for Matt Ryan.
There are two strong candidates to be the first OT taken in the 2014 draft. Although some prefer Jake Mathews, I believe Taylor Lewan to be the perfect option for Atlanta. He has proven himself against the best in the country, and has both the technique and athleticism to be a starting LT as a pro.
6. Houston Texans- Brett Hundley, QB
The Texans are having a bizarre season. They rank in the top 15 for both passing and rushing YPG, and in the top five for yards per rush and passing yards allowed per game. Their biggest problems have been in the red zone and with turnovers. Some of the blame for this can go to the coaches, but the quarterback has something to do with it as well.
Matt Schaub has arguably underachieved with the talent around him, and was awful this year before getting injured week 5. To make the most out of their weapons, I expect the Texans to use this rare high draft pick to select a new franchise QB. Hundley has been great this year, and has a fantastic combination of height, speed and throwing ability.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers- Louis Nix III, NT
The Steelers are another team that are prime candidates for trading down if their first round pick is around this spot come draft day. They need help at receiver and on both sides of the trenches, and could easily take a top tackle like Jake Mathews here. But I think Pittsburgh will give new acquisition Levi Brown a chance to show what he can do when fit first.
Instead I expect them to upgrade their defensive line. They rank in the bottom five for both rushing yards per game allowed and sack percentage, which points to a lack of pressure up front. Luckily, this year’s class includes a fantastic nose tackle prospect in the form of Notre Dame’s Louis Nix. Although this may be a slight reach for the 340 pound wrecking ball, he provides a rare opportunity for the Steelers they can’t miss.
8. St Louis Rams (from Washington)- Johnny Manziel, QB
A lot of people may be shocked to see who I have the Rams taking, but hear me out. They have had two first round picks the last two years, yet are still looking no closer to their first positive season since 2003. As a result, I suggest the Rams front office continue their trend of taking gambles by completely switching things up.
First, get rid of Jeff Fischer (or let him toddle off to USC). Then bring in someone else who runs a more college-style spread system, and use the two first round (likely top 10) picks to get the right personnel. The first of these is a dynamic quarterback who has a strong, accurate arm yet is a force to be reckoned with. And who best fits this description out of the remaining signal callers? None other than Johnny Football.
For Part 2 and picks 9-16 of the Mock Draft, Click Here.
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