2014 NFL Mock Draft (2.0)

This is the second and final edition of my mock draft for this NFL off-season. There is some big changes at the top, and Texas A&M alumni are picked back-to-back-to-back. As with every mock draft, probably five minutes into this thing there will be a big trade that messes this all to heck. If all teams do stay where they are though and do not move in the draft, this is what is going to happen.

1. Houston Texans — Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina

I still believe the Texans are a quarterback away from making a real run this year, but they will more then likely select that quarterback in the second round. In the end, Clowney wins out and is my top selection of this year's draft. Clowney can take over from Mario Williams as the premier pass rusher DE/OLB that they have been missing since he left.

2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) — Greg Robinson, OT Auburn

If Sam Bradford can stay healthy and off his back, this team has a legit shot at knocking out the 49ers or the defending Super Bowl champions in Seattle for top spot in this division. The first of their two first round picks will help do that. I am picking Robinson over Matthews this time around because I believe the Rams will want the potential higher-end player instead of the more polished player now.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars — Khalil Mack, OLB/DE Buffalo

Gus Bradley needs a premier player on his stellar defence and Mack is that guy. Great against the run, Mack is an incredible pass rusher and has the skills to drop back into coverage and not be lost out there. He will add that next level dimension to this Jaguars team and push them back from a cellar team to playoff contenders.

4. Cleveland Browns — Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

Sammy Watkins, Josh Gordon and Cameron Jordan. That is a scary bunch of weapons for any of the Browns'  quarterbacks. Add in the addition of Ben Tate this past off-season, the Browns, if they can get a quarterback at their second first round pick or early in the second round, can easily be in play to top the AFC North this year. Mark my words people. The Browns will be for real.

5. Oakland Raiders — Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M
Yes, they picked up Matt Schaub this off-season. But can you really rely on a man who took a much better team with better weapons and made them the first overall pick this off-season? I don't believe you can and that is why Johnny Football is going to the Raiders. Oakland will love the play-making ability Manziel can bring and make this Raider organization relevant again.

  

6. Atlanta Falcons — Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M

Atlanta needs to badly upgrade either their defensive line or offensive line in this draft and, with the top two pass rushers off the board, they make the wise choice and help protect Matt Ryan. Picking Matthews up with their sixth overall pick will help protect Ryan's backside for more than likely the rest of his career. Sam Baker can slide over to right tackle and help solidify their line. 

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M

Tampa is in need of another play making wide out across from Vincent Jackson in the worst kind of way. After the injury of Mike Williams last season the production from the wide receiver spot took a nose dive, and with the trading of Williams this off season Evans is the pick here. Similar to Jackson, their size will be a nightmare for cornerbacks and make Tampa have 2 big targets in the end zone.

8. Minnesota Vikings — Blake Bortles, QB UCF

The Vikings cannot afford to waste another season of Adrian Peterson. He is getting older and won't be around forever, so a quarterback must be the biggest priority for the Vikings. Bortles is a strong-armed quarterback who can get the ball to the talented wide outs and tight ends for the Vikings allowing Peterson to run into space and not have 9 man boxes to run into.

9. Buffalo Bills — Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina

Ebron is my pick for the Bills again. They need playmakers, even after the addition of Mike Williams from Tampa. By adding a freak of nature like Ebron to the Bills, it will open up the middle of the field and allow their solid, underrated wideouts to work in space and create plays for second-year quarterback EJ Manuel.

10. Detroit Lions — Justin Gilbert, CB Oklahoma State

The Lions have a solid defensive line so its time to help the back of their defence. Gilbert is an athletic cover corner who has the size and skills to match up with any wide receiver in the NFL. Having to practice against Calvin Johnson every week can't help but make Gilbert a better player. That will also help the Lions make it back to the playoffs.

Now, here are picks 11 through 32 of the first round:

11. Tennessee Titans — Anthony Barr, DE/OLB UCLA

12. New York Giants — Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan

13. St. Louis Rams — Ha Ha Clinton Dix, S Alabama

14. Chicago Bears — Aaron Donald, DT Pittsburgh

15. Pittsburgh Steelers — Darqueze Dennard, CB Michigan State

16. Dallas Cowboys — Calvin Pryor, S Louisville

17. Baltimore Ravens — Zack Martin, OT Notre Dame

18. New York Jets — Marquise Lee, WR USC

19. Miami Dolphins — Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG UCLA

20. Arizona Cardinals — Jimmie Ward, S Northern Illinois

21. Green Bay Packers — Joel Bitonio, OT/OG Nevada

22. Philadelphia Eagles — Jason Verrett, CB TCU

23. Kansas City Chiefs — Kelvin Benjamin, WR Florida State

24. Cincinnati Bengals — Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State

25. San Diego Chargers — Lance Nix, NT Notre Dame

26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts) — CJ Mosley, MLB Alabama

27. New Orleans Saints — Stephon Tuitt, DE/DT Notre Dame

28. Carolina Panthers — Odell Beckham Jr., WR LSU

29. New England Patriots — Timmy Jernigan, DT Florida State

30. San Francisco 49ers — Ra'Shede Hageman, DT Minnesota

31. Denver Broncos — Kony Ealy, DE Missouri

32. Seattle Seahawks — Brandon Cooks, WR Oregon State

There you have the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Be sure to follow @SportBySchmucks as I will be live-tweeting May 8.