NFL Mock Draft-Sunday 05/04

Ok, so I'll be trying my best to update my Mock Draft with an edition every month or so until the NFL draft coming up this summer, beginning Thursday May 8, at 8:00pm. But this is my best attempt at trying to have a little fun and creating a mock draft that is a combination of what I think teams will and should do with trades included. Comment and let me know what you think of both your teams' moves and others you either agree or disagree with.

* (Proposed Trade)
*Oakland trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#5 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#36 Overall), 2015 1st Rounder, 2015 2nd Rounder
Houston Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#1 Overall)

#1: Oakland Raiders: DE-Jadeveon Clowney

The Raiders have been stuck in a rut of poor-to-at best, mediocre seasons over the past decade. Al Davis was famous and successful for making huge, bold moves like the one I'm proposing here. Giving up a future 1st, 2nd, and current 2nd Rounder to move up four spots seems ridiculous, but its exactly the kind of ransom Bill O'Brien will be seeking to watch Clowney suit up for any other NFL team than Houston. 

* (Proposed Trade)
*Detroit trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#10 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#45 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#111 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#136 Overall)
St. Louis Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#2 Overall), 2014 5th Rounder (#153 Overall), 2014 6th Rounder (#214 Overall)

#2: Detroit Lions: WR-Sammy Watkins

The Rams are sick and tired of wondering if Sam Bradford is the answer at quarterback, but have to take the bait when the Lions desperately pull off a move to try and appease both of the team's superstars: Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.After initially calling teams in the 6-9 range trying to move up to take Mike Evans and scoffing at the price, they decide they aren't content with just the tip (of the iceberg of course, nothing else) and push the whole stack in to pair Watkins with Megatron. The move also allows the Lions to place Tate in the slot and become their version of how Wes Welker is used for the Broncos, a role I believe he could flourish in.

#3: Jacksonville Jaguars: LB-Khalil Mack

Gus Bradley is a Seattle defensive coach in background who had repeatedly stated his desire to transform the Jags into "the Seattle of the South", and he knows better than anyone that starts with the defense. Mack has the potential and tools to become an immediate difference-maker on a Jaguars defense that has already taken many steps in the right direction on that side of the ball. Plus, a hidden agenda that they can't publicly state, but are truly smiling about: the Jaguars are bringing tanking to the NFL. Not addressing the offense this year basically ensures them a great chance at one of the top quarterbacks in next year's class (i.e. Winston, Mariota, or Petty)

#4: Cleveland Browns: QB-Johnny Manziel

The Browns do what they have done so many times over the last few years: over reach for a name, not quarterback and then immediately place him in a position to fail miserably. This year, the flop of a quarterback is the biggest enigma to be draft-eligible since Timmy Tebow. Like him or hate him, "Johnny Football" is at least exciting to watch. I personally have stated many times that I don't think his game will translate to the NFL; only time will tell if I'm right or his crazy antics will be widely accepted because of the pure magic he can create at times on the football field.

#5: Houston Texans: QB-Blake Bortles

 Jadeveon Clowney would have looked pretty formidable lining up on the opposite side of the defensive line of JJ Watt, but this is the kind of trade that can turn a under-performing franchise into a dominant one if they carefully craft their stockpile of draft pick selections accumulated from this deal. Bill O'Brien once coached under current UCF coach, George O'Leary, so he clearly has all means possible to get a trusted adviser's opinion on him as well as a complete scouting report. I think that line of familiarity combined with the fear of missing out on the big few quarterbacks in this draft lead the Texans to be extremely happy with their decision to move down 4 spots, pick up a wealth of future picks, and still come away with the guy they will tab as their quarterback of the future as Bortles has all of the intangibles teams look for in a leader.

#6: Atlanta Falcons: OT-Greg Robinson

The Falcons are clearly the winner and come out on top of all of the shocking movement early in the draft. They start off Thursday afternoon and early night arguing about whether to trade down or "settle" for Taylor Lewan or Jake Matthews. Instead, around 8:40pm, they look around, try to awkwardly hide their excitement and squeak in their voices around the "War Room" and turn in the pick for Robinson in record-setting time. Atlanta comes away with quite possibly the biggest impact player at a key position (and one of need for ATL no less) wrapped and topped with a very large-sized bow.

* (Proposed Trade)
*Tennessee trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#11 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#42 Overall)
Tampa Bay Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#7 Overall)

#7: Tennessee Titans: DT-Aaron Donald

Tennessee moves up and secures the crucial defensive line clogger they need to ensure the success of the defensive scheme transitioning to the 3-4 system. Donald not only will command double-teams and stuff the run, but his greatest asset is the pressure he creates and puts on opposing offenses and more specifically, quarterbacks. An underrated player coming off an incredible (yet somehow relatively quiet) season with Pittsburgh, Donald could very well end up being this class' version of Haloti Ngata when we look back in five or six years.

-Editor's Note: Now, being honest, this is more of what I would like to see the Bucs do than what I actually think so it very well could change as this week passes and the draft creeps closer and closer. As of right now, I would be inclined to agree with virtually every other analyst out there and predict the Bucs take Vincent Jackson's heir apparent in Mike Evans, but hey-I'm trying to spice things up.

* (Proposed Trade)
*New York (G) trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#12 Overall), 2014 3rd Rounder (#74 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#114 Overall)
Minnesota Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#8 Overall), 2014 5th Rounder (#148 Overall)

#8: New York Giants: WR-Mike Evans

The Giants are ready and willing to sit back and take the best player available out of the group of Eric Ebron, CJ Mosley, and Taylor Lewan or Jake Matthews. However, when they see new Buccaneers GM Jason Licht make what they think could be the mistake of the draft by passing on Evans; they feel they have to pounce and capitalize. Evans gives Eli the long-term replacement (and in my opinion, upgrade) to what the ghost of Hakeem Nicks gave them last year. The thinking here: defensive coordinators will be forced to choose bewteen doubling Victor Cruz or the physical specimen of the young Evans.

#9: Buffalo Bills: OT-Taylor Lewan

Buffalo fans surely won't be happy to see their team draft a tackle with so many exciting skill-position players left on the board, but they truly should be. Like it or not, the Bills gambled big last year on EJ Manuel and Doug Marrone's options are basically limited to admitting last year's draft was a complete and utter failure, or building for the future by adding a potential cornerstone left-tackle for the franchise while protecting Manuel and keeping him healthy enough to at least see if he has what it takes to be successful in this league. (He was injured three separate times last season each causing him to miss at least one start each).

#10: St. Louis Rams: OT-Jake Matthews

I don't think the Rams love trading down or anything; I just think they're willing and open to taking advantage of teams looking to make desperation deals. The Rams are still reaping the benefits of the Redskins trade for RGIII and will continue to add talent to a team that just may be as deep and as skilled as any in the league. St. Louis comes out of this deal smelling like roses as they still end up with a top three left tackle while exchanging a 5th and 6th rounder for an extra 2nd, and two 4th Rounder's. Matthews is the best player available and fills a need at a critical position. The Rams continue to draft incredibly well, something that goes largely unnoticed as they are stuck playing the toughest division in the NFL.

#11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE-Eric Ebron

After the trade of Mike Williams to Buffalo nearly everyone is assuming and slotting in Mike Evans to Tampa at #7 overall. I think the Bucs address the lack of playmakers for whomever emerges as the starting quarterback for them (Glennon or McCown) in both the first and second rounds, but choose to strategically focus on both quantity and quality as they pick up an extra 2nd Rounder by moving down 4 slots. Watching Jimmy Graham repeatedly burn your defense twice a year eventually leads to your team noticing the potential impact of an athletic tight-end and thats exactly what the Bucs see in Ebron here. He will partner with the newly signed Brandon Myers to give McCown (whom I predict will start) the best opportunity to win, and to win right away.

#12: Minnesota Vikings: LB-CJ Mosley

Minnesota knows that it is too early to take a middle linebacker in the traditional value chart in the NFL unwritten draft rules. However, it was too early when the Panthers took Luke Kuechly too. Basically, thats what they see with this pick; a potential game-changer on the defensive side of the ball that can become a Pro-Bowler as early as next season. Moving down allows them to take their name out of the first-round quarterback conversation after both Manziel and Bortles were off the board and anytime they can add extra picks in a deep draft they jump at the chance.

#13: St Louis Rams: S-Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

St. Louis decides to follow their NFC divisional rival (and Super-Bowl Champion) Seattle Seahawks mold of drafting a pairing of two talented, young, hard-hitting safeties to roam and create plays in the defensive backfield. TJ McDonald and and Clinton-Dix would add to what is already widely considered one of the best team defenses in the league. The Alabama connection and strong Nick Saban defensive back coaching is an added bonus.

* (Proposed Trade)
*New York (J) trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#18 Overall), 2014 3rd Rounder (#80 Overall)
Chicago Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#14 Overall)

#14: New York Jets: WR-Odell Beckham Jr.

The Jets are in the midst of a total revamping of their offensive unit. Adding Michael Vick, Chris Johnson, and Eric Decker already, its clear they have identified that side of the ball as their main area of improvement (the understatement of the world). When they have the chance to move up and get the top-rated player available at a position of need is exactly the reason they wanted to come into this draft with so many extra draft picks (12 picks total). Beckham pairs well with Decker as he becomes the physical presence and Decker doesn't draw quite as much attention across from him; drafting Beckham simply makes the Decker signing a much better investment.

#15: Pittsburgh Steelers: CB-Darqueze Denard

The Steelers' biggest need is definitely cornerback. Sometimes drafts just seem to work out for some franchises almost unbelievably. That's what I foresee this year as amazingly, the best cornerback of the draft somehow falls to #15 overall after the Steelers assuredly entertain the idea of trading up to get him only to see him eventually fall in their lap. The Michigan St native beat up on B1G competition all year so Steelers' fans will love this choice.

#16: Dallas Cowboys: DE/OLB-Anthony Barr

The first big surprise and reach of the draft has to go to somebody; Jerry Jones just kind of fits that bill, right? Jerry Jones seems to be a great stadium builder and owner. General Manager though, not so much. He seems to be continually grasping at straws in an effort to atone for mistakes he has made in the past. In my line of thinking here the path goes: 1-Sign DeMarcus Ware to too large of a contract, 2-Sign  other free agent players into too large of a contract in an effort to "Win now" and not care about potential long-term salary cap ramifications, 3-Release Ware (arguably the best Cowboy in the past ten years) to even get close to the salary cap, 4-Immediately try to replace him by drafting Barr and reaching too high. Possible? Yes. Wise? No. But then again, when do we usually put wise and Jerry Jones in the same sentence? (Other than that one which I just wrote-way ironic huh)

#17: Baltimore Ravens: OT-Zack Martin

The Ravens bid adieu to "The Blindside" this offseason in free agency and needed to find a replacement. After sitting out the free agent spending frenzy, they find themselves with the opportunity to draft an immediate starter at Right Tackle. Without ideal height or wingspan, right tackle projects better for him (if not guard) but movie or not, Zack Martin would represent an upgrade at right tackle for Baltimore.

#18: Chicago Bears: CB-Justin Gilbert

The Bears contemplated taking Gilbert at #14, but eventually decided to pick up the extra draft pick and choose best player over position of need as they feel strongly about their team's overall depth. However, the following three picks all choose to pass on Gilbert, a long and athletic corner who reminds me of Darrelle Revis (pre-surgery) on tape. Don't get me wrong, do I think he will be even half the player Revis was before tearing his ACL? No, probably not-but I do think he has the potential to be a lockdown number 1 corner in this league for a long time. 
 
* (Proposed Trade)
*Cleveland trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#26 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#35 Overall)
Miami Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#19 Overall), 2014 3rd Rounder (#81 Overall)

#19: Cleveland Browns: CB-Kyle Fuller

The Browns need to find a way to better utilize Joe Haden as he is one of the better defensive backs in the NFL. As it is, he doesn't see much of the ball as opposing offenses gameplan to focus on opposite side of the field. Although this is extremely beneficial to the Browns, they get aggressive here in moving up to potentially find the partner they are missing in Fuller for Haden. They don't lose any picks in the draft, only move dwon from the 2nd to the 3rd Round in order to move up 7 spots and secure the last cornerback they feel is worthy of making such a move as they know Arizona picking at 20 is looking for defensive back help. Verrett and Roby are seen as being on clear a notch below Fuller, Gilbert, and Denard in this draft.

#20: Arizona Cardinals: S-Calvin Pryor

The Cardinals were licking the chops after the Ravens selected Zack Martin. They knew they were going to be able to secure one of three defensive back difference makers still available after minor drops in the draft. Gilbert, Fuller, and Pryor were all among their top 15 players coming into this draft so knowing they were assured at least one of them without having to move up to obtain them was golden in their eyes. Many people see Derek Carr as a fit here, but I honestly think he'll be available at #52 when they pick again in the 2nd round if they so choose to go that route and secure Carson Palmer's successor.

#21: Green Bay Packers: LB/OLB-Ryan Shazier

The Packers will no doubt perform their due diligence on Eric Ebron and what it would take to move up to get him, but when Tampa takes him at #11 (higher and earlier than the Packers were thinking) they decide the bidding would be too rich for their taste. However, they feel comfortable settling in at #21 and filling out their linebacking corps with another Ohio state product here. After establishing a running game last season, the Pack will now look to infuse some youth and talent into the defense. If there were better offensive line options available to them, that's another direction Green Bay could lead.

#22: Philadelphia Eagles: WR-Brandin Cooks

Someone might need to monitor Chip Kelly's heart rate when he sees Cooks fall right into his lap at 22. Along with Robinson at #6, this would be the best value selection of the draft. Cooks has the potential to become a poor man's DeSean Jackson, and truthfully, more like middle-class man's version of him. Lightning speed, great hands, and explosive after the catch ability probably sound familiar to many Eagles fans. In a Chip Kelly offense, Cooks would be among the leading contenders for offensive rookie of the year.

#23: Kansas City Chiefs: WR-Marquise Lee

A string of wide receivers starts with the Eagles selecting Cooks, a treasure the Chiefs will surely try to move up and acquire. However, Marquise Lee is a pretty impressive consolation prize. Lee is explosive off the line, has strong hands, and is a playmaker in terms of both his precise route-running and speed and shiftiness after the catch. Slotting him across from Dwayne Bowe gives Alex Smith the complete trifecta of Speed, possession, and running/screen game with Jamaal Charles. Andy Reid will certainly be happy to add an offensive weapon to his arsenal for next year and beyond.

* (Proposed Trade)
*Miami trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#26 Overall)
Cincinnati Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#24 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#116 Overall)

#24: Miami Dolphins: WR-Kelvin Benjamin

The third straight wide receiver taken is actually taken by the Dolphins who elect to move back up after trading down to nab Benjamin and provide him with a downfield threat that will allow Mike Wallace to enjoy more space and freedom as well as clear up the picture for Ryan Tannehill's long term future with the club. He may not be upright this year, but they figure he will at least have legitimate jump-ball candidates to heave back-foot pressured throws to.

#25: San Diego Chargers: CB-Jason Verrett

The next two selections are tricky as each team has needs at both corner and wide receiver. As 5 of the last 7 selections have come from these positional groups they know they must address at least one of the needs and must decide what will be easier to acquire later in the draft. The Chargers play the board and select Verrett here as this draft offers one of the deepest wide receiver pools in recent memory.

#26: Cincinnati Bengals: DT/DE-Kony Early

The Bengals wanted Verrett and believe Roby is too much of a reach in the first round and ultimately elect to go another route completely. The void left by Michael Johnson's departure to Tampa Bay is looming and the Bengals tab Kony Early, the much lesser-known Missouri defensive lineman in this draft class although he carries major upside and potential.

#27: New Orleans Saints: OT-Morgan Moses

Drew Brees isn't getting any younger and still needs protection on both his blindside and coming from the right tackle. Moses isn't a world-class talent but will be a contributor from Day 1 and will bring the kind of toughness and attitude that Sean Payton and Drew Brees demand of their teammates. Big needs in the defensive backfield get pushed to the back-burner here for best player available as Moses slips below a lot of mock draft positions for him.

#28: Carolina Panthers: WR-Cody Latimer

Cam Newton is electric, but the Panthers no longer have any of his top three receiving threats from last season still on the roster so receiver is an incredibly big need moving forward. Latimer has the size and speed combination that have given him a strong late push up draft boards. His name will surprise many as he is a relative unknown, but it shouldn't be for long because he has big play potential every snap.

#29: New England Patriots: RB-Carlos Hyde

Bill Belichick likes to make headlines come draft day and selecting a running back in the first round would certainly do just that. Hyde probably is and should be a first-round selection if not for the magnitude of the decrease of the running back position in recent years. Seemingly teams are finding more and more "next guy up" candidates who are more than capable of sharing the load and workforce in both a more economical and healthy alternative to the traditional one-back systems that are seemingly being fazed out of the current NFL offensive landscape.

#30: San Francisco 49ers: WR-Jordan Matthews

Jim Harbaugh likes offense; its really a pretty simple concept. He built his team on defense with an amazing linebacking corps, athletic defensive line, and an aggressive defensive backfield that serves as the backbone of the team identity. Ever since, he has gotten to tweak the offense to his liking and add playmakers here and there whenever presented with the chance. Matthews is more than a playmaker, however. He is a rock-solid proven veteran of the SEC that a quarterback can count on. Boldin is the perfect veteran to pair with him as he can toughen Matthews up while teaching him the things that will take Matthews game and perfect its transition into the NFL.

#31: Denver Broncos: CB-Bradley Roby

The Broncos seemingly came out of the free agent season as the clear-cut "winners". Adding Demarcus Ware, TJ Ward, Aquib Talib, and Emmanuel Sanders seems unfair truly, but the Broncos now lack depth at a few key positional groups. Corner is indeed one and they find a guy, who although sometimes misguided (see OSU/Mich fight), has the physical tools and potential to become great. Playing opposite Talib gives him the added benefit from drawing teams second receivers as well. A good fit and a good opportunity lead to a good selection here for the Broncos.

#32: Seattle Seahawks: DT-Timmy Jernigan

The Seahawks are quickly becoming the model as to which every other NFL franchise attempts to emulate. their draft success is key and has been vital to their ascension to the upper echelon of the league. The Seahwaks draft a player here in Jernigan who is a proven winner, comes from a talent-rich program, and fills an area of need. At times, Jernigan is seen going as early as 12th in mock drafts so it certainly isn't a reach here, but instead more being great value. He replaces what Clinton McDonald gave them last year who left through free agency and adds another level of tenacity to the league's best defense.


Wow, that took a while. If you've made it all the way through this and haven't dies, or hate me yet, I'm extremely impressed. Please comment and let me know what you think both agreeing and disagreeing with some of the decisions here. And check back because I'll be updating it a little at a time and most likely (hopefully) adding a 2nd/3rd Round in before Thursday night.