2014 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Tuesday, March 11, 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 my NFL Power Rankings.

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2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/16): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5
Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/15) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
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(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

2014 NFL Mock Draft

archived mock draft

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Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
If the 2014 NFL Draft were held today, Jadeveon 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 will have three months to become smitten with Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel. One of those signal-callers will probably be the No. 1 pick, though from what I’m hearing, it won’t be the latter.

Bortles 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.

Bortles makes the most sense, as he has the characteristics of what Bill O’Brien looks for in a quarterback. Bridgewater is still an option though, as is Clowney, who could still be the pick if the Texans don’t fall in love with either of these signal-callers.

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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 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
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.

Khalil 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 at the LEO position.

Pick change; previously Johnny Manziel, QB
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
Reggie McKenzie apparently believes that free agency begins in June, so let’s hope he’s awake to make this selection. It’s unclear why McKenzie refused to place the franchise tag on Jared Veldheer, but it appears as though Oakland will be losing its talented left tackle.

Fortunately for the Raiders, they can grab a stud blind-side protector at No. 5, whether that’s Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews.

Pick change; previously Khalil Mack, DE
St. Louis Rams: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
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.

Jeff 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. Jake Matthews, once the consensus No. 1 tackle, could be good enough for Fisher to make an exception to his rule.
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.

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. Smith even said earlier in the offseason that Tampa will be looking for a new signal-caller.

Pick change; previously Jake Matthews, OT
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.

Pick change; previously Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Buffalo Bills: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Buffalo fans would have to be thrilled if Sammy Watkins made it to them at No. 9. That’s what I had happening in a previous version, but that’s no longer the case. However, the front office would still consider Mike Evans, who had a tremendous Combine.

This offseason has to be all about building around E.J. Manuel. The Bills have to find a potent weapon for the second-year quarterback. Stevie Johnson won’t be around much longer, so a new receiver is needed.
Detroit Lions: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
I’ve had the Lions picking a receiver for as long as I can remember, but they would certainly consider Justin Gilbert if he managed to fall to them at No. 10. Detroit has a big need for a top corner, and Gilbert, who was very impressive at the Combine, would definitely fit the front office’s “best player available” style of drafting. He separated himself from all of the other players at his position, and it’ll now be a huge upset if he’s drafted outside of the top 12.
Tennessee Titans: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Titans have lots of options here, including Taylor Lewan, Anthony Barr and C.J. Mosley. Lewan makes sense, but Tennessee went offensive line in the first round last April. Plus, Ken Whisenhunt is an offensive coach, so he’s more likely to pick a defensive player. That defensive player could be Mosley.

Tennessee is transitioning to the 3-4, so it needs linebackers. Its current group of inside linebackers is pathetic. The team clearly views this as a major need, as it tried to sign D’Qwell Jackson this week. Jackson signed with rival Indianapolis, so the Titans may have to address this area in the 2014 NFL Draft.
New York Giants: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Giants are in a great spot. There are 12 prospects in this class who are way above everyone else (three quarterbacks, Clowney, Mack, Mosley, three tackles, Gilbert, two receivers), so New York will probably be in position to take Justin Gilbert, Mike Evans or Taylor Lewan. It’s the latter in this scenario.

Protecting Eli Manning is paramount. The Giants didn’t shield him very well this past season (to put it nicely), and Manning consequently was on pace to break the single-season record for interceptions at one point. Obtaining Lewan, who was terrific at the Combine, would solve a big problem for New York.
St. Louis Rams: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
St. Louis doesn’t need a defensive tackle in the short term, but keep two things in mind with this pick. First, Aaron Donald is the best player available. He had a dominant 2013 campaign and has since strengthened his draft stock with strong showing at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Second, Kendall Langford will be due $6 million in a walk year in 2015, so this could be his final season as a Ram.

Pick change; previously Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S
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.

Pick change; previously Aaron Donald, DT
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.