DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2014 NFL Season NFL Draft 2014 Mock Drafts....continued

There were a couple WRs taken later on down the line-- Moncrief, Benjamin, Adams, etc. Would you prefer one of those over Robinson IF the WR position was the selection?

None of those 3... I might take Street over all of them. Adams I like the best of the bunch you mentioned but he drops too many passes for my liking.

I would be surprised if Skov really makes it that far. Too many teams needing ILBs and I can't think I'm alone in having him as one of the top 2 at that position.

j/c I just did this draft using the fanspeak simulator and big board. I decided to go against the common trend of going O heavy and decided to fix the D then focus on our offensive needs. please comment and discuss your thoughts. Id be pretty stoked if this is how it unfolded.


http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/draft.php?d=bukvxy


4
DE JADEVEON CLOWNEY
SOUTH CAROLINA
Talent, talent, talent. I think if he is there at 4 we would kick ourselves in the butt for years if we passed on him. IMO is an instant upgrade over both Bryant and Rubin. Not to mention would look great putting the rapist, Flacco, and Dalton into the ground multiple times each game.

26
CB DARQUEZE DENNARD
MICHIGAN STATE
Shutdown corner to put opposite Haden. With this pick our secondary would be one of the best in the NFL.

35
ILB C.J. MOSLEY
ALABAMA
This kid is going to be good, and would be a beast for us on the inside. surprised the simulator dropped him this far, but this would be a great pick IMO.

71
RB TRE MASON
AUBURN
Very good RB who could handle the job if/when Tate goes down, and offer a nice 1-2 punch when Tate is healthy.

83
QB AARON MURRAY
GEORGIA
Another player I have been high on.I still feel Murray is the best qb of this draft. and think we should get him. Before his injury he was lighting up the scoreboards and would have been in the discussions with the big 3.

106
C MARCUS MARTIN
USC
The thought with this pick is bump him over to guard for a few years. if/when Mack takes his ball and goes home we have a very tough solid center to plug in his spot.

127
CB LOUCHEIZ PURIFOY
FLORIDA
I have been pretty high on Purifoy for a while. I see him as an upgrade over skrine.

145
WR KEVIN NORWOOD
ALABAMA
Pretty solid wr, who has some pretty decent hands. needs to work on his routes but the talent is there.

180
S VINNIE SUNSERI
ALABAMA
I like this kids film, he plays with intensity and can be a special teams guy while he learns the position from wHitner.


218
QB TAJH BOYD
CLEMSON
fits the mobile qb lil shanny likes, and Farmer hinted about grooming for a year or two. has tons of talent but does need some work.

This is my new favorite from first pick. Mack won't fall that far (but if he doesn't maybe Evans or something does). After that I traded around and got guys I like at every spot.

Round 1 Pick 10 (DET): Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo (A)
Round 1 Pick 18 (NYJ): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville (A)
Round 2 Pick 3: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (A-)
Round 2 Pick 23 (CINN): Joel Bitonio, OG, Nevada (A)
Round 3 Pick 4 (ATL): Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State (A)
Round 3 Pick 8 (MINN): Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin (A-)
Round 6 Pick 4: Jerick McKinnon, RB, Georgia Southern (A)
Round 7 Pick 3: Dri Archer, WR, Kent State (A)

Rigged. You're a sucker.

Either FanSpeak knows something we don't, or they're crazy. I did two drafts myself yesterday and oddly enough Clowney fell to me both times as well....I'm pretty sure they are the only ones on Earth that think Clowney would fall to us. So either they are smarter than everyone else, of dumber than everyone else.

I think Bridewater saying that he struggles with a cold ball hurt his stock a lot. That's really what turned me off on him...and the fact that his pro day was terrible.

Who plays better with a cold ball?

Finished Round 1...

http://www.cornerblitz.com/2014/Mocks/Final/Default.aspx

1. Houston Texans
QBp Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
I'm not buying the assumption that Houston is entertaining anything other than a quarterback at number one. They lost last year not only because of poor quarterbacking, but poor leadership. The did not go 2-14 last year because of a lack of defensive playmakers. I would be shocked if Houston does anything but take a quarterback they feel is a strong leader for the team, and think they would regret that decision for years.

2. St. Louis Rams (from WAS)
WRf Sammy Watkins, Clemson
While most seem to think the Rams would go with an offensive tackle or Clowney, I think it's clear that a true dominating number one receiver is what's missing the most on this team. The Rams line was still OK after Jake Long went down last year and his career is not over. St. Louis will be fine at OT and they have too much money tied up in Jake Long to reboot the position. Watkinsis the clear number one receiver available in the draft. Jeff Fisher would like to drop down and still get Watkins, but he lost out on the player he really wanted when he moved down in the 2012 draft and likely won't try to get too cute again. A possibility of a trade up from Cleveland exists, but two firsts and a fourth is a price the Browns might flinch at to move up two spots.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars
QBp Derek Carr, Fresno State
Gus Bradley has been trying to mask his giddyness about Carr since the Senior Bowl. Carr worked alongside Jimmy Garoppolo and David Fales under Bradley's eye that week and he clearly outshined all the QBs at the game. The Jags' staff went so far as to feed the NFL Networks' sideline reporter what I believe to be a fake playcall of a deep pass, then had Carr throw a WR screen (which had been a point of criticism all week on the Senior Bowl coverage). If Cleveland trades ahead of Jacksonville to select Carr, I believe the Jags will nab Teddy Bridgewater at 3, but like I said above I believe Cleveland will balk at the Rams' asking price. Jacksonville would like to move down and take Carr, but Carr has been linked too much to both Cleveland and Oakland for them to consider it.

4. Cleveland Browns
QBm Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
While it may seem difficult for the Browns to take Teddy Bridgewater after his comments about having difficulty throwing a "cold ball", Bridgewater does display what GM Ray Farmer has said he values most in QBs, what they see and how they react in the five seconds leading up to the snap and what they see and how they react in the two and a half seconds after. While Carr and/or Manziel may be higher on their list, they are gone in this scenario. Bridgewater does fit the bill of a smart quarterback who can complete passes from the pocket and rolling out, a necessity for the reinstallation of a West Coast Offense in Cleveland. As the last top-tier QB available to start sooner rather than later, Cleveland plays it safe and snags Bridgewater despite Atlanta's offer to move up.

5. Oakland Raiders
RE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
Despite Oakland's needs at QB and WR, Clowney is just too good to pass up at this point. Justin Tuck hasn't been as effective in recent years and could even slide back inside to UT like his early days in New York, and LaMarr Woodley hasn't played defensive end since his days at Michigan. If Carr or Bridgewater were available, they may take one of them here, but reports are they are not interested in Blake Bortles and Watkins is already off the board.

6. Minnesota Vikings (from ATL)
QBp Blake Bortles, UCF
TRADE: MIN #8 and #72 for ATL #6 and ATL #147. Minnesota moves up to make sure they snag Blake Bortles ahead of Tampa Bay. They must come away with a new starting quarterback, and the idea of pounding teams with the combination of Bortles and Peterson is easy for football fans to get excited about. The Vikings have an extra third this year from Seattle, so it's easy for them to part with this pick to upgrade over Christian Ponder and Matt Cassell.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo
Tampa needs a bevy of wide receivers, but the opportunity to snag Mack with All-Pro Lavonte David and stalwart Mason Foster is too good for them to pass up. At this point, none of the receivers or quarterbacks seem worth the pick and Mack to many observers would be the best player available.

8. Atlanta Falcons (from MIN)
RT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
After losing out on Clowney, Atlanta moves back and grabs an extra third round pick while still snagging the best offensive tackle in the draft. Some might have Atlanta stay put and grab the next available pass rusher, but I think this move, collecting more ammo to move back up for a pass rusher, is the better play.

9. Buffalo Bills
RT Greg Robinson, Auburn
Buffalo would be ecstatic for Robinson to be available at nine. The power running game Buffalo could must with Robinson opposite Cordy Glenn would be devastating.

10. Detroit Lions
SLB Anthony Barr, UCLA
The Lions turn their weakest linebacking position into their strongest with the selection of Anthony Barr. Though Barr was primarily a penetrating edge defender at UCLA, he showed the ability to cover when needed. Barr will strengthen the Lions' run defense as well as add pass rush ability.

11. Tennessee Titans
ILB C.J. Mosley, Alabama
Tennessee is converting to a 3-4 defense this year under Ray Horton. Horton says he runs a multi-front defense, but his history shows he is a 3-4 coordinator. The Titans need an athletic coverage linebacker and Mosley fits that bill to a T. Seeking a trade-down here is tempting, as is cornerback with all of the options available, but Mosley is the best option to fill that particular spot in the draft by a wide margin and is a risk to be taken by the Giants and the Rams, who are the next two teams up.

12. New York Giants
TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
The Giants take the top TE in the draft, Eric Ebron, at 12. Ebron is a special receiver and athlete and will add a dimension to the Giants' offense they've been lacking since the end of Shockey's heyday.

13. Chicago Bears (from STL)
UT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
TRADE: CHI #14 and #117 to STL for #13. Chicago parts with a 4th round pick to stave off Dallas' attempt to move up for the player they covet. Aaron Donald is a monster in the middle and Chicago didn't want to lose both Donald AND Henry Melton to the Cowboys.

14. St. Louis Rams (from CHI)
FS Hasean Clinton-Dix, Alabama
The Rams drop one spot and still nab the player they covet. They've got the top free safety and the top wide receiver in the draft to this point and picked up additional trade ammunition in the process.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers
LT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
The Steelers feel like they hit the jackpot as they have their choice of the top left tackle, cornerback, or nose tackle in the draft. Ultimately, their struggles to fill out the left tackle spot sway the decision to go with Lewan, who would have been in consideration for the top overall pick last year.

16. Dallas Cowboys
NT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
After failing to land Aaron Donald, Dallas is relieved to have Timmy Jernigan available at 16. Melton and Jernigan are two strong terrors for the middle of their defense.

17. Baltimore Ravens
CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
Ozzie Newsome has always let the draft fall to him, and at this point Justin Gilbert is too much of an impact playmaker to let pass by. Gilbert has a lot of the same physical attributes that drew Ozzie's attention to Jimmy Smith, but better field awareness and more of a knack for the big play.

18. New York Jets
WRf Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
Brandin Cooks is an electric receiver with great run-after catch ability. His knack for creating separation is ideal for the Jets' west-coast based offense and will provide a target that will help boost the confidence of their young quarterback Geno Smith

19. Miami Dolphins
RT Zack Martin, Notre Dame
Miami's reconstruction of their offensive line continues as they snag Zach Martin. Martin can play guard or tackle depending on what falls later in the draft, and who better to help the Dolphins forget the ugliness of last season than a tackle named Martin?

20. Arizona Cardinals
SS Calvin Pryor, Louisville
The Cardinals are happy to have the hard-hitting Calvin Pryor fall into their lap at 20. Pryor probably doesn't have the range to play free safety in the NFL, but he can be major support in the run game that San Francisco and Seattle bring.

21. Green Bay Packers
WRf Marqise Lee, Southern California
With Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson's contracts expiring at the end of the season, it's unlikely they will be able to keep both of them. Picking up Lee would keep Aaron Rodgers flush with talent at wide receiver, which has been Green Bay's formula for success for years.

22. Philadelphia Eagles
NT Louis Nix, Notre Dame
There is no doubt that Philadelphia is looking to add a receiver or two in this draft, but with Nix still on the board, the Eagles may be facing their one crack at a viable starting nose tackle in their 3-4 alignment. ODB is tough pass up here, but there are a bunch of talented wide receivers in this draft.

23. Cleveland Browns (from KC)
CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
TRADE: CLE #26 and #127 for KC #23. The Browns have 10 selections in the draft and have already secured their quarterback. With a couple cornerback-needy teams betwen them and their pick, they move up and snag Fuller. Fuller is the top man cover corner and has great toughness and tackling ability.

24. Cincinnati Bengals
CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
The Bengals have been drafting corners for years but haven't quite hit on the right one yet. With the top safeties off the board and no centers worth a first round pick, Dennard is the pick here. Darqueze Dennard is considered by many to be the top corner in the draft.

25. San Francisco 49ers (from SD)
WRf Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
TRADE: SF #30 and #94 for SD #25. San Francisco sees an opening to move up and snag Odell Backham, Jr. and does it. Beckham, Jr. can play any receiver position and would provide a boost for a receiving group which could use an injection of new blood. With Boldin getting older and Crabtree's contract coming up, the 49ers need a receiver they can count on that won't cost them an arm and a leg.

26. Kansas City Chiefs (from IND)
WRp Mike Evans, Texas A&M
Mike Evans represents a big, strong complement to Dwayne Bowe. He is a freightening talent running after the catch and would pair well with the quick-hitting Alex Smith.

27. New Orleans Saints
OLB Dee Ford, Auburn
The Saints nab Dee Ford to build on their pass rush. Ford has the quickest first step in the draft and was a terror off the left edge during Auburn's run to the national championship game. He'll remain at LOLB opposite Junior Galette with the Saints.

28. Carolina Panthers
LT Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama
I don't know all the details of Cyrus Kouandjio's medical, but he was considered a top 10 pick for a long time. After a poor combine showing and bad news about his physical condition, his reputation has plummeted. Leading into last year's draft, his ex-teammate DJ Fluker had an awful combine and many dropped him out of the first round, yet he ended up having the finest rookie season of any of the tackles last year. Carolina is in desperate need of a left tackle after the abrupt retirment of Jordan Goss, so they should be happy to find Kouandjio at this spot.

29. New England Patriots
LE Kony Ealy, Missouri
New England adds Kony Ealy, a big, strong, and fast pass rusher with their first pick who will push Rob Ninkovich immediately.

30. San Diego Chargers (from SF)
OG Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA
San Diego would be heartbroken to see Dennard and Fuller go right in front of them, but they pick up an extra third and Su'a-Filo, possibly the most athletic guard in the draftright in front of their division rivals. Left guard is a serious sore spot for San Diego, and big Xavier might be the best candidate for the position in the draft.

31. Atlanta Falcons (from DEN)
OLB Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State
TRADE: ATL #37 and #112 for DEN #31 After earlier picking up Minnesota's 3rd round pick, Atlanta is happy to part ways with their 4th round selection to fill their greatest remaining need of a pass rusher. Demarcus Lawrence is a player with an excellent first step, good closing speed and long arms. The Falcons envision him rattling the QBs of the NFC South.

32. Seattle Seahawks
RT JaWuan James, Tennessee
Seattle nabs the highly-athletic Ja'Wuan James to man the right side of their line. James is a rare prospect who has left tackle athleticism but most of his experience comes from the right side. This should be a great fit for Seattle, as they move Bowie inside to guard.

If the Browns trade up for Fuller with Mike Evans on the board I would be bummed out. I would trade up and take Mike Evans instead. If Mike Evans makes it past pick 12 I would start trying to trade up personally. Mike Evans is going to be awesome. Him, Gordon and Cameron would be insane!

If we trade up, I think it's going to be from 35 to 32.

To get in front of Houston for a QB.

The MMQB Mock Draft: Who Teams Will Select
More than in years past, the teams in the 2014 NFL Draft have done a good job of hiding their intentions. Here's our fearless leader's attempt to solve the jigsaw puzzle, complete with a handful of trades and a relative surprise choice at No. 1

By
Peter King
· More from Peter·
6
Of all the years I haven’t known anything entering the draft, this is really the year I don’t know anything. I texted congratulations to a general manager with a top-10 pick Sunday, saying he deserved praise because no one around the league knew what he was doing at his pick.

“Ha!’’ this GM texted back. “Neither do we ”

There’s another team that is practicing intentional misdirection right now. By that I mean this team knows some of its coaches and front-office officials talk to people around the league, and some of the employees have been told it wouldn’t be such a terrible things if you left the impression we might take so-and-so, or this-and-that. Earnestly. That’s why it’s so dangerous to trust everything you hear at this time of year. You’re best to go with your gut feeling, judging by what teams need.

More than ever this year, my strategy is to get as many first-round picks as possible correct. I won’t have many direct hits—that’s a guarantee. But if I do well, say 27 or 28 first-round picks actually getting picked in the round, I’ll consider it a success.

Also, if you want to see what teams should do in the first round, colleague Greg Bedard has you covered.

Style notes: Teams that I have trading, either up or down, are listed in italics. And teams that want to trade but weren’t able to find a deal in my mock are listed with an asterisk.

1. *HOUSTON: KHALIL MACK, OLB, BUFFALO

While everyone talks about the immense athleticism of Jadeveon Clowney, let’s point this out: Mack’s 40 time at his Pro Day was 4.53 seconds. Clowney’s was 4.53 seconds. Mack vertical-jumped 40 inches, Clowney 37.5. GM Rick Smith must ignore the heat for bypassing Clowney.

2. ST. LOUIS: GREG ROBINSON, T, AUBURN

Biggest question for Jeff Fisher, obviously, is how he can not pick Jake Matthews, the son of a former great Oiler/Titan. But Bruce Matthews will understand. Robinson has the potential to be Orlando Pace II.

3. JACKSONVILLE: SAMMY WATKINS, WR, CLEMSON

All along I’ve thought it’d be Watkins or Mack here. One GM told me, “Take the safest guy here. David Caldwell will go safe.” Nobody truly is a safe pick in the NFL, but in the Watkins-versus-Clowney game, Watkins seems safer to me. And talk about a need pick.

4. ATLANTA: JADEVEON CLOWNEY, DE, S. CAROLINA

(Acquired from Cleveland for first- and third-round picks.)

I wouldn’t be surprised if Mack was higher-rated by the Falcons, but with Clowney still there at such a vital position of need, it’s worth the risk to jump up and ensure the Raiders don’t pick him.

5. OAKLAND: JAKE MATTHEWS, T, TEXAS A&M

Raiders get their Texas A&M offensive star, just not the one lots of Raiders fans wished it was. But offensive line is a huge need for Oakland, and GM Reggie McKenzie can dip into the deep pool of second-round quarterbacks with the 36th overall pick.

6. CLEVELAND: MIKE EVANS, WR, TEXAS A&M

(Acquired from Atlanta, with a third-round pick, in the trade-down from 4 to 6.)

Browns get their Texas A&M offensive star, just not the one lots of Browns fans wished it was. But how about a trio of Josh Gordon, Evans and Andrew Hawkins, the former Bengals waterbug, in the slot? Browns need a lot. This is good value for the spot. It would also give the Brown a ridiculous seven of the top 110 picks.

7. TAMPA BAY: JOHNNY MANZIEL, QB, TEXAS A&M

Wow. Three players in a row from A&M. Imagine that. If the Bucs do this, Manziel gets to learn for at least half the season behind Josh McCown (a very good player-coach), and the Bucs might be able to turn Mike Glennon into a late day-two pick.

8. MINNESOTA: AARON DONALD, DT, PITTSBURGH

Not buying the Blake Bortles buzz here, as much sense as it makes. The Vikings just have too many quarterbacks rated too closely, and they know they can get one with the 40th pick. Donald has some freakish athletic traits. Not quite John Randle, but the man is quick and can get to the passer.

9. *BUFFALO: TAYLOR LEWAN, T, MICHIGAN

Bills stunned that Lewan’s still hanging around, and they pass on tight end Eric Ebron, who could be a great security blanket for E.J. Manuel. Keep in mind that GM Doug Whaley is very much open for business here, and could trade down and still get another guy they love: Odell Beckham.

10. DETROIT: JUSTIN GILBERT, CB, OKLAHOMA STATE

I’ve heard just about every position possible here, and this could end up being Eric Ebron. But the Lions have to go corner. They just have to. Especially with the new defensive staff not seeing much talent to work with at the position.

11. TENNESSEE: ANTHONY BARR, OLB, UCLA

Ken Whisenhunt gulps hard when passing on a corner, and on Derek Carr. But the Titans need a pass-rusher badly. Barr has some limitations as a complete player, but he can get after the quarterback, and the Titans are going to need to threaten Andrew Luck to win the AFC South.

12. N.Y. GIANTS: ZACK MARTIN, T-G-C, NOTRE DAME

The offensive line is being overhauled and the Giants will pounce if Martin’s there. “Most versatile lineman I’ve seen come out in the draft in the last 10 years,’’ one assistant GM tell me.

13. *ST. LOUIS: DARQUEZE DENNARD, CB, MICH. ST.

Too bad Martin didn’t fall just one little slot here; if so, Rams GM Les Snead could have made a good trade for this pick with desperate Miami at 19. Dennard is a luxury pick who can challenge Trumaine Johnson at left corner in camp. I don’t have a good feel for the Rams’ pick here, but I am pretty sure it won’t be Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

14. CHICAGO: CALVIN PRYOR, SS, LOUISVILLE

My bet is GM Phil Emery would have liked Aaron Donald a lot here, and he’d be happy to move down if a greedy team threw him a day two pick. The Bears need some secondary reconstruction, and Pryor could start it.

15. PHILADELPHIA: ODELL BECKHAM, WR-KR, LSU

(Acquired from Pittsburgh for first- and second-round picks.)

A bit of a risky move, because the Eagles probably could have stayed at 22 and gotten Marqise Lee, another object of their affections. But the versatility of Beckham—who can play outside and slot and on returns—makes him a good replacement for DeSean Jackson. And cheaper.

16. DALLAS: TIMMY JERNIGAN, DT, FLORIDA STATE

Defensive coaches breathe a big sigh that Manziel’s off the board, because they know Jerry Jones was smitten with him. Jernigan will be day-one help for the league’s 30th-ranked run defense from last year. Not a giant, but a good run player because he plays with strong leverage.

17. BALTIMORE: ERIC EBRON, TE, NORTH CAROLINA

Party in the Ravens’ draft room. They love Ebron’s ability to be an instant force in the passing game and, combined with Dennis Pitta and perhaps Owen Daniels, the Ravens will have the best tight-end depth chart in football. Joe Flacco is very, very pleased.

18. N.Y. JETS: BRANDIN COOKS, WR, OREGON STATE

Still smarting from the Stephen Hill bust of a pick two years ago, the Jets get it right this time with a player who is every bit as good and explosive as last year’s top receiver picked—Tavon Austin. He’ll be exciting to watch. Finally the Jets can be competitive in offensive weaponry after being awful for the past few years.

19. MIAMI: CYRUS KOUANDJIO, T, ALABAMA

Not the tackle the Dolphins wanted, but at this point, beggars can’t be choosers. The Dolphins’ need is so big that new GM Dennis Hickey just had to do this. I expect Hickey to try to move up for Zack Martin, but I also expect he’ll find the price way too high.

20. ARIZONA: DEREK CARR, QB, FRESNO STATE

I just get the feeling that GM Steve Keim looks at his draft board here and thinks, “Well, Ted Thompson took Aaron Rodgers when it wasn’t a crying need—and maybe Carson Palmer will give us two more solid years. But Carr’s too good, and too high on our board, to pass up.”

21. GREEN BAY: C.J. MOSLEY, LB, ALABAMA

I wanted to put Ryan Shazier here, and that could well be Ted Thompson’s pick. But the Packers have to like Mosley’s nose for the ball, and Green Bay’s need at inside linebacker is big. This is a logical pick, and Thompson’s a logical man.

22. PITTSBURGH: KYLE FULLER, CB, VIRGINIA TECH

(Acquired from Philadelphia in the trade-down from 15 to 22.)

The Steelers are desperate to rebuild their cornerback depth chart, and this four-year starter in the ACC is a good way to begin. He’s physical too, the kind of player Mike Tomlin demands in the defensive backfield.

23. *KANSAS CITY: MARQISE LEE, WR, USC

Alex Smith, you’ve got a weapon. Dwayne Bowe, you’ve got a running mate. Though I think the Chiefs are hungry to get out of the pick—they don’t pick again till 87, having surrendered two second-rounders to San Francisco for Smith—I also think Andy Reid knows he needs help at receiver to upgrade his offensive attack.

24. CINCINNATI: HA HA CLINTON-DIX, S, ALABAMA

Safety’s not the biggest need for the Bengals, but this pick falls into the category of “I’ve got to find a spot for Ha Ha.” Cincinnati has replenished good positions in recent years, and that’s what this pick is about. The Bengals can use help in the back end.

25. SAN DIEGO: JASON VERRETT, CB, TCU

The Chargers gave up 259 passing yards a game last year, and they face the reality of having to beat Peyton Manning for at least the next two years if they want to win the AFC West. A corner upgrade is vital. Verrett might be the best slot corner in this draft, and he’s good value here.

26. CLEVELAND: BLAKE BORTLES, QB, CENTRAL FLA.

The crash-and-burn that was Bortles’ night in the draft green room ends as Ray Farmer wins his game of chicken with the rest of the league. Can this happen? I am dubious, but I do think a very good player or two will fall precipitously, and as I made my calls in the past few days, I couldn’t find a Bortles lover. One may be in hiding. We’ll see.

27. NEW ORLEANS: RYAN SHAZIER, OLB, OHIO STATE

GM Mickey Loomis has gotten some very good value picks over the years, and this would be right up with the better ones in that class. I still think Loomis could go Darqueze Dennard in this scenario and be happy; Champ Bailey will be 36 in June. But Shazier is Rob Ryan’s kind of guy: disruptive (30.5 tackles behind the line last year) and tough, tough, tough.

28. CAROLINA: JORDAN MATTHEWS, WR, VANDERBILT

Now we get into the not-so-cream of the receiver crop. GM Dave Gettleman likes college experience and production out of his picks, so here comes the SEC’s all-time leading receiver, coming off a 112-catch season. Doesn’t hurt that he’s 6-3 and runs below a 4.5.

29. *NEW ENGLAND: STEPHON TUITT, DL, NOTRE DAME

Everyone I’ve talked to said some version of, “Oh, New England’s trading out.” Which I buy. I also would buy tight end Jace Amaro here. I do not buy Ra’shede Hageman. Too boom-or-bust. Tuitt’s a very strong Patriot kind of versatile tackle and 3-4 end with the ability to play outside, a la Vince Wilfork.

30. *SAN FRANCISCO: CODY LATIMER, WR, INDIANA

The 49ers lack speed outside, and that’s why I think it’s more likely they vault way up using their treasure trove of picks (56, 61, 77, 94, to name the next four) than it is that they’d stay put. But if they don’t find a partner, Latimer and his 4.4 speed could be a good compliment to receiving-game staples Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis.

31. DENVER: RA’SHEDE HAGEMAN, DT, MINNESOTA

“John Fox loves Hageman,’’ one GM told me Monday, and putting him in a three-man combo platter with Sylvester Williams and Terrance Knighton would be big trouble for the offensive coordinators of the AFC West … if Hageman can be the kind of consistent player he wasn’t always at Minnesota.

32. CLEVELAND: XAVIER SU’A-FILO, G, UCLA

(Acquired in trade with Seattle for a second- and low fourth-round pick.)

The Browns have been trying to sneak into the lower first round, thinking they’d need to move ahead of Houston at 33 to get their quarterback. But if they get Bortles or Manziel, now they have the luxury of jumping up four spot to get the best guard in the draft, filling a big need.

web page

I hope Peter King is right! I would love this draft. Huge upgrade on offense with Evans, Bortles and Su’a-Filo.

im just ready to get this draft over with and onto the superbowl #brownsgoodkarma

I find it impossible to believe that we would acquire a 3rd first round pick, and use all 3 on offense. Not with a defensive head coach.

We'd then have 3rds to grab defensive players. I'd assume wed move back into the 2nd.

But I understand your point. However I think Pettine would be in favor of Oline types.

With a minor hole at G, and at least one, and more likely 2 gaping holes at CB that cost us games last year, if we don't take a CB in the 1st, then we really aren't serious about filling the most desperate needs this team has.

Sure, we could take a 3rd round CB .... but the drop off to that part of the draft is significant.

I'm not really overly enthused about a WR at 26 ...... but, at least that's a weapon.

If we pick let alone trade up for XSF, I'm sure I will break something in my vicinity

One of the most over-hyped prospects in the draft and the tape to hype ration is deep in the red on my list. It must be his fancy name and the fact that everyone loves a Hawai'an or Samo'an type at OG, but the negatvies from draftscout says it all about him in one sentence (and I swear, it's the first thing that jumped out at me while watching him "block". He simply lost every 2nd battle and his opponents slipped into the backfield time and again):

"Weaknesses: Has a tendency to lose leverage on contact. "

Great, let's draft an OL that loses leverage on contact. While we're at it, let's draft a QB that struggles to throw, or a RB who runs only straight ahead or a WR that drops balls. Sounds like a plan

Quote:

---

Great, let's draft an OL that loses leverage on contact. While we're at it, let's draft a QB that struggles to throw, or a RB who runs only straight ahead or a WR that drops balls. Sounds like a plan

---

Sadly, that sounds exactly like our plan over the last 10 years...

There is no player in this draft worth trading up from #4. We have so many needs, I hope we trade down to add more picks. My priorities:

OG (Martin)
QB (Mettenberger...assuming no substance issues or Thomas)
RB (Hyde)
CB ( Jean-Baptiste)
ILB (best available...possible Andrew Jackson)
WR (looking at lower rounds...maybe L'Damian Washington)

ESPN is having a Live Mock Draft with it's beat reporters from each team right now. With our first pick, Clowney, Robinson and Mack were all off the board, and we took Manziel. The Raiders happily took Watkins after that.

By the 26th pick, both receivers and corners were flying off the board ... yet Teddy and Carr were both still available. We ended up taking Cody Latimer because we had to take something other than a QB.

I want Manziel at #4 and a CB at #26

If Johnny is not available, I would try to trade down. If we are stuck there, then I would take K. Mack, S Watkins, or Clowney

I suppose that it depends on who the team sees as their ideal QB, and whether he could be there at 26 or not. (or even just lower in the top end of the draft if we could still get the guy we want)

If the team sees 3 QB as fairly even (Say, maybe, Manziel, Carr, or Bortles, and I have no idea if this is the case or not, but just a possibility) and all are on board when the 4 pick comes up, maybe we try to trade down a couple of spots. That would be my dream. Drop down a few spots, and pick up a late 2nd. or early 3rd round pick to add to our bounty.

I guess, then, that my ideal draft would have us trading down with the Falcons for their 3rd round pick along with #6. We would then grab our best remaining QB on the board.

However, sticking with where we are, my ideal would be taking our best option at QB at 4. Whichever QB the team feels most strongly about. At 26, maybe we get lucky and Mosley falls to us, and then double up on getting lucky and a guy like Verrett drops to us in the 2nd. Maybe we trade up into the bottom of the 1st for him if he is still there. To me, that would be a rather ideal top 3 picks.

I have this feeling that we are going to move around a bit in this draft.

Yes, if Manziel and Carr were both available and Atlanta called offering a 2 to get Clowney I'd be all over it.

j/k... well it appears the NFL has officially done it, in their quest for marketing, they have been searching for the saturation point.. I've reached mine. I'm so freakin' sick of discussing and reading about the NFL draft that I can't take it any more. I think I actually reached this point a week ago but it has taken until now for me to recognize the symptoms, like on the radio when they say "When we come back after the break we'll have on draft expert XXX to break down the QBs".. and by the time they come back, I've switched to music.. because I just don't want to hear the same crap over and over again.. or if I'm watching ESPNews to catch some scores and I see some draft topic making its way down the side bar and I switch to Big Bang Theory reruns that I've only seen once instead of draft debate that I've heard 30000 times in the last 2 months. Come Thursday afternoon I'm sure my excitement will ramp back up but for now, the way I feel right this minute, I don't even want to watch it.. just get it the hell over with.

I'm not there yet just because I'm intentionally stayed clear of this forum for the past month. I'm just now getting into it.

But yes, take a break until Thursday man. We'll all be ready.

Round 2 posted...

http://www.cornerblitz.com/2014/Mocks/Final/R2.aspx