2014 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Major changes in all 5 rounds.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2014 NFL Mock Draft is based on the full seven-round 2014 NFL Draft Order.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/20): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/15)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/26)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

2014 NFL Mock Draft

archived mock draft

@walterfootball

Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Anyone who says the Texans know what they’re doing for sure is lying. This front office doesn’t even know whether it wants to take Jadeveon Clowney or one of the one quarterbacks yet. If the 2014 NFL Draft were held today, Clowney would probably be the pick; Bob McNair stated that he was smitten with him, though that was likely an attempt to create a trade possibility. But this reminds me of the 2011 NFL Draft. Both Kiper and Todd McShay thought a defensive lineman would be the top choice (Kiper said Nick Fairley, while McShay suggested Da’Quan Bowers), yet the Panthers ultimately fell in love with Cam Newton.

With all major quarterbacks re-signed, the same thing will almost certainly happen to the Texans, who still have plenty of time to fall in love with one of the signal-callers. Blake Bortles, who has the characteristics of what Bill O’Brien looks for in a quarterback, has become the favorite out of the three quarterbacks. Multiple sources are now leaning toward Bortles, as you can see in our 2014 NFL Draft Team Rumors page. Charlie also reported that two teams in the top five prefer Bortles over Bridgewater and Manziel. Meanwhile, Tony Pauline said that Bortles is the consensus No. 1 quarterback, and that he has been impressive in the interviews.

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By the way, I’m doing this live because I thought it’d be fun to get instant feedback. I’m going to post my mock anyway, so why not do it this way? Follow @walterfootball for NFL Draft updates.
Atlanta Falcons: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
I had the Raiders moving up into the No. 2 slot for a quarterback a couple of weeks ago. I’ll predict a more conventional trade this time.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff, who has been aggressive this offseason, has a habit of moving up in the draft. Perhaps he’ll do so again for whom many believe to be the greatest pass-rushing prospect to come along in quite a long time. The Falcons could obviously use Jadeveon Clowney; their pass rush struggled this past season, which is a major reason they couldn’t beat Drew Brees or Cam Newton.

Atlanta has expressed interest in Khalil Mack, but there are two things to consider. First, Mack may not even make it to No. 6 with the Jaguars and Raiders possibly interested. Second, it could be smoke to make it seem like they’re not desperate to move up to No. 2.

For those worried that the Falcons will have to give up too many resources, the team won’t have to surrender as much as Washington did to trade up to the second selection for Robert Griffin. The Dolphins, after all, didn’t deal much when they went to No. 3 last year. This year’s second-rounder and a 2015 selection in Round 2 (plus some third-day choices) could suffice.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo
First of all, the Chris Clemons signing will not preclude the Jaguars from selecting Khalil Mack. Clemons is old (32) and has endured a torn ACL recently. The Jaguars could use Clemons as a situational pass-rusher (like Bruce Irvin in Seattle) with Mack starting at the LEO position.

Second, the Jaguars obviously need a franchise quarterback, so that probably means that general manager David Caldwell won’t select one. In the wake of the Chad Henne re-signing, it’s been speculated on our 2014 NFL Draft Team Rumors page that the Jaguars will pass on a signal-caller at No. 3 and choose one later in the draft. This clearly isn’t a good strategy, but Caldwell is a guy who spent a pick on a right tackle last year because an Internet article told him that Blaine Gabbert would be better with upgraded protection on the right side.

Mack had a great Combine and an even better Pro Day. Chris Mortensen reported afterward that many believe Mack is on Jadeveon Clowney’s level. That’s obviously debatable, but something that’s not is Mack’s great scheme fit in Gus Bradley’s defense.
Cleveland Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
It’s looking like the Browns want to either wait on Marcus Mariota next year – go here for the 2015 NFL Mock Draft – or use their second first-rounder on Derek Carr. I still wouldn’t count out a quarterback at No. 4, but it seems as though Cleveland will go in a different direction.

If that’s the case, the only player who really makes sense is Sammy Watkins. The Browns had tremendous problems at receiver this past season outside of Josh Gordon. Greg “Mr. Dependable” Little continued to struggle, while Davone Bess was even worse. Watkins, the clear-cut No. 1 skill player in this class, would give Clevland a tremendous duo at receiver.
Oakland Raiders: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
I gave the Raiders a Millen grade in my NFL Free Agents Grade page for Rodger Saffold, but that was nothing compared to the embarrassment Reggie McKenzie endured when his owner nullified the signing. Oakland has since met with Donald Penn, but the former Buccaneer is asking for too much money. I guess the good news is that McKenzie learned his lesson and is showing some financial restraint.

Besides, why would McKenzie overpay for Penn when he can grab Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews at No. 5 overall?
St. Louis Rams: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Rams will be more than happy to trade down to the fifth, sixth or even eighth pick. Not only will they acquire more selections; they’ll be able to nab Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews or Sammy Watkins with those choices. Or perhaps Taylor Lewan. Matthews and Lewan are closer than most people think, and I’m getting the sense that St. Louis prefers the latter. Lewan is a better fit for what Jeff Fisher wants to do.

Fisher usually isn’t one to take an offensive lineman early, but Jake Long’s return for the 2014 is questionable. That’s troubling, given that the Rams need to keep the fragile Sam Bradford healthy if they want to compete in the best division in football.

Pick change; previously Jake Matthews, OT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
It would’ve seemed inconceivable about a month ago that the Buccaneers would be able to land one of the top quarterbacks, but there are talks of Teddy Bridgewater and Johnny Manziel sliding. I suppose this isn’t too surprising, given that the dumb NFL teams are just being dumb yet again, but the Buccaneers will take it. They just signed Josh McCown, but he’s obviously not the long-term option. Mike Glennon is not viewed as one either.

Bridgewater makes more sense for what Tampa Bay is looking for, but Manziel would work as well. Either way, Lovie Smith is a defensive-minded guy who is calling the shots, so he’ll want a quarterback early so he won’t have to worry about the other side of the ball.

Bridgewater, by the way, had an awful Pro Day. While many are criticizing those who say Bridgewater’s stock will be damaged by this, the fact remains that Bridgewater’s stock was never high to begin with. We know of three teams in the top 10 that have had Blake Bortles over Bridgewater, and there’s a real chance Bridgewater will take a tumble on Draft Day. I’ll keep him here for now though.
Minnesota Vikings: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel isn’t the quarterback the Vikings want, but they’ll absolutely consider taking him if he happens to drop to No. 8. This would be the opposite of what this front office did with Christian Ponder; Rich Spielman reached for Ponder, whereas he’d be landing a semi-steal with Manziel, who was expected to go in the top three throughout most of the college season.
Buffalo Bills: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Bills filled some of their holes in free agency, but there are three glaring positions of need that still have to be addressed: wide receiver, tight end and right tackle. Buffalo will likely choose the top player available who can fix those needs. As it stands in this mock draft, the order would likely be Jake Matthews, Mike Evans and Eric Ebron.

Matthews is just too good to pass up. He’d start instantly and could eventually be moved to the left side if the Bills think Cordy Glenn would be better at right tackle.

Pick change; previously Mike Evans, WR
Detroit Lions: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
The Lions signed Golden Tate, but they were always in the market for two receivers. Tate simply won’t preclude them from selecting Mike Evans, whom they’ve shown a ton of interest in. Shoring up the wideout position would be huge, as Matthew Stafford struggled when Calvin Johnson was out of the lineup this past season. With Evans on the roster along with Tate, Stafford will be fine if Megatron has to miss a couple of games.

Pick change; previously Justin Gilbert, CB
Tennessee Titans: Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLA
The Titans addressed the right tackle position by signing Michael Oher. They also found a new inside linebacker (D’Qwell Jackson) and added some depth up front (Al Woods). Thus, the two positions that could be addressed here are rush linebacker and cornerback. It’s a close call between Anthony Barr and Justin Gilbert, but 2013 third-rounder Blidi Wreh-Wilson could be given a chance to start.

A former running back, Barr played defense for the first time in 2012 and made an instant impact, recording 13 sacks. He had 20 TFL and 10 sacks this past season. The sky’s the limit for him, as he’ll only get better at his new position.

Pick change; previously C.J. Mosley, ILB
New York Giants: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
These are the defensive tackles currently on the Giants’ depth chart: Cullen Jenkins, Johnathan Hankins and Markus Kuhn. Think the team needs an upgrade at the position after losing Linval Joseph to the Vikings?

Aaron Donald is the best player available who makes sense for New York. He had a dominant 2013 campaign and has since strengthened his draft stock with strong showing at the Senior Bowl and Combine.

Pick change; previously Taylor Lewan, OT
St. Louis Rams: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
I think this would be St. Louis’ dream scenario at No. 13. It’ll be tough for Justin Gilbert to make it here in the wake of his awesome Combine performance, but it could happen. If he does, St. Louis shouldn’t think twice about selecting him. Gilbert would fill a huge hole vacated by the anemic Cortland Finnegan, who was inexplicably given a big contract by the Dolphins. Ram fans had to be laughing at that one.

Pick change; previously Aaron Donald, DT
Chicago Bears: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
The Bears will be going with the top defensive player available who makes sense for them, and by my estimation, that’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Chicago has a huge void at the safety position; Major Wright is a free agent, while Chris Conte’s ineptitude was quite apparent in the win-and-in season finale versus the Packers. Clinton-Dix fits what the Bears look for in their draft prospects.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
The Steelers will never pass up the opportunity to grab a great offensive play-maker if one is available to them. I’ve been mocking a receiver to them for quite some time – and they will take Mike Evans if he falls to No. 15 – but it’s time for a positional change.

Eric Ebron could be considered the top prospect available who makes sense for Pittsburgh. He would serve as a great intermediate weapon for Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben currently loves throwing the ball to Heath Miller, but Miller appears to be on his last legs. Besides, the Steelers can have Miller and Ebron on the field at the same time in the short term.
Dallas Cowboys: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
Aaron Donald may have leapt in front of Timmy Jernigan as the top defensive tackle available, but Jernigan is still worth a top-16 selection. The Cowboys desperately need a defensive tackle, so they’ll definitely consider Jernigan. Then again, Jerry Jones is calling the shots, so the Cowboys will probably take some fourth-round prospect.

Go to 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this 2014 NFL Mock Draft into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwith.