Mel Kiper Jr. 2014 NFL Mock Draft

If one can believe 1% of what come out of the mouths of coaches and FO's, QB is out of the question in round 1 for the Cards. His spiel is Palmer is his man...and I agree. I can see a QB in round 3. Everybody wants a speed rusher (but who doesn't).

 

Heard that on the radio a minute ago....ala Tebow in Jacksonville. That's his kiss of death for No. 1.

 

He is going to be the greatest QB in the history of the NFL. If you think differently, then you're just a stupid tard.

Dragonite

 

UPDATED DRAFT PICKS FROM Mel Kiper Jr.

1
Johnny Manziel *
Houston Texans (2-14)

COLLEGE: Texas A&M
AGE: 21
HT: 6-0
WT: 205
POS: QB


Analysis: My internal debate here was Mr. Football or Mr. Clowney. Thing is, I don't think that's too much different than the scenario going on with Houston right now -- just add a few players to the mix. In Manziel, you get a quarterback who in my opinion is ready to play NFL football and make plays, and is preparing with the goal of helping a team right away. In Jadeveon Clowney, you get the most talented player in the draft, a defensive force to pair somewhere along the line with J.J. Watt and create major problems for opposing offenses. Right now I'll stick with the early bet on Manziel, and the idea that coach Bill O'Brien becomes convinced this is his QB of the future.


2
Greg Robinson *
St. Louis Rams (7-9) (From WAS)

COLLEGE: Auburn
AGE: 21
HT: 6-5
WT: 320
POS: OT


Analysis: The Rams need a tackle -- in fact, they need more than one. And while Robinson doesn't have the same level of experience as the next two tackles on the board, I think once the combine is over, the consensus will be that he's the player with the highest ceiling at the position. An absolute mauler in the run game, he has plenty of length and athleticism to also become dominant in protection. While the Rams could certainly deal this pick, I can't reflect that here.


3
Jadeveon Clowney *
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)

COLLEGE: South Carolina
AGE: 20
HT: 6-5
WT: 274
POS: DE


Analysis: The owner in Jacksonville has made it pretty clear that the search for a quarterback is on, and the draft is a place they'll be looking. While I think they'd be a good fit for Manziel, in this scenario he's not around, and they instead go with the top pass-rusher in the draft. Make no mistake, QB is a huge need, but the Jags have been looking to improve the pass rush for years. If they love one of the other QB possibilities, that could certainly be the pick, but if the board breaks this way, I think Clowney proves irresistible.


4
Teddy Bridgewater *
Cleveland Browns (4-12)

COLLEGE: Louisville
AGE: 22
HT: 6-2
WT: 220
POS: QB


Analysis: I think it's fair to say that for the first time in a while, the Browns have the talent in place to really help a young quarterback succeed. The presence of Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron and the results those two were able to put up last season with pretty mixed levels of QB play should give the Browns' front office a reasonable level of confidence that a good decision-maker with a high level of accuracy has a chance to succeed early. And while Bridgewater still has areas where he needs to show growth, particularly in proving he can drive the ball down the field with accuracy on a consistent level, I think he also has a lot of traits that translate to early success. He reads defenses well before and after the snap, moves extremely well within the pocket, and delivers the ball on time, allowing pass-catchers to make plays. If Manziel is available here, he could certainly be the pick, but Bridgewater is no consolation prize on my board.


5
Sammy Watkins *
Oakland Raiders (4-12)

COLLEGE: Clemson
AGE: 20
HT: 6-1
WT: 205
POS: WR


Analysis: This is a pick that could go in a number of directions, and for a team with so many needs -- including what should be a priority to simply build greater roster depth -- that could also mean trading down to add picks. I think taking a QB is certainly in play here, but if the board breaks this way, the Raiders also could look to take the best wide receiver in the draft with Watkins, an electrifying talent who can make any QB look better with his blend of competitive pass-catching and exceptional running skills with the ball in his hands.


6
Anthony Barr
Atlanta Falcons (4-12)

COLLEGE: UCLA
AGE: 21
HT: 6-4
WT: 248
POS: OLB/DE


Analysis: There will be questions about the type of scheme Barr is best suited for, but we probably pay too much attention to that. In Atlanta, Barr could easily work in what we'd traditionally call a 4-3, standing up on the edge and using his exceptional quickness to create pressure, something the Falcons need to find. Last year, they looked to upgrade the secondary, but that group will be exposed if they can't find a more consistent rush. I also think Barr can add some muscle without losing that lightning first step.


7
Khalil Mack
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

COLLEGE: Buffalo
AGE: 22
HT: 6-3
WT: 245
POS: OLB


Analysis: I'm sticking with this pick from the previous mock, as Mack gives the Bucs a much-needed edge rusher with three-down capabilities because of his great leverage against the run and ability to drop into space and both cover and tackle. I expect big things from Mack at the combine. He'll face questions on his competition level, but I'm confident he'll prove he's as good an athlete as almost any defensive player in the draft.


8
Blake Bortles *
Minnesota Vikings (5-10-1)

COLLEGE: UCF
AGE: 21
HT: 6-4
WT: 230
POS: QB


Analysis: The Vikings lack any sense of certainty at the QB position. While I think Bortles will have a bit of a learning curve because he needs to gain much greater consistency with his ball placement, he has tremendous physical upside, with a big frame that can really move, which will provide an added dimension to help the offense move the ball as the passing aspect steadily improves. Can Bortles start right away for a team that wants to take a step forward? I think that's a question for the process.


9
Jake Matthews
Buffalo Bills (6-10)

COLLEGE: Texas A&M
AGE: 22
HT: 6-5
WT: 305
POS: OT


Analysis: The injuries to EJ Manuel last season would make you think pass-blocking has to be a priority, but where the Bills' offensive line was really bad was in creating any push in the run game. You don't just protect a young QB by creating a pretty pocket, it's also nice when he can hand the ball off with any reasonable sense of optimism. Matthews will help. I suspect he'd jump in right away at right tackle and succeed -- he can play left or right -- and his ability to finish as a run-blocker could pay early dividends.


10
Justin Gilbert
Detroit Lions (7-9)

COLLEGE: Oklahoma St.
AGE: 22
HT: 6-0
WT: 200
POS: CB


Analysis: Gilbert has some competition to be the first corner taken, but I expect him to put up some pretty impressive numbers at the combine. He should prove to be a pretty big draw in a league where big corners who can battle at the catch point but also have elite speed and quickness are coveted. Detroit should get some development at corner on the current roster, but also could face some turnover. They need to place a bet on another young corner or two.


11
Taylor Lewan
Tennessee Titans (7-9)

COLLEGE: Michigan
AGE: 22
HT: 6-7
WT: 315
POS: OT


Analysis: This is another pick I'm sticking with, as the Titans have some decisions to make at tackle both this offseason and next with current personnel, and Lewan could come in and provide immediate help, as well as a bridge to life after Michael Roos at left tackle. Lewan plays with a solid base and is particularly good as a run-blocker, but has the combination of power, length and good feet to handle both speed and power rushers. Going back to his junior season, he handled Jadeveon Clowney pretty well.


12
C.J. Mosley
New York Giants (7-9)

COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-2
WT: 232
POS: LB


Analysis: I await the inevitable critique that the Giants never take linebackers in the first round, but I'll stick with this pick. (I know the people who authored that philosophy, so consider me unafraid to be wrong here.) I just think Mosley is as close to a plug-and-perform linebacker as you can have in this draft because of his range and special ability to cover. The guy would really help against the offenses the G-Men see in the NFC East. The Giants were helped by the presence of Jon Beason last season, but this unit is a major question mark going forward, and they could use an impact talent, not just a Band-Aid.


13
Mike Evans *
St. Louis Rams (7-9)

COLLEGE: Texas A&M
AGE: 21
HT: 6-5
WT: 225
POS: WR


Analysis: We talk about receivers who are competitive at the catch point and can outmuscle defenders for the ball. Well, Evans isn't just good at the catch point; he makes the catch point out of reach for many defenders due to his long frame and basketball-borne air skills. He is a fluid runner, if not a quick-twitch athlete, but you don't draft Evans for his ability to separate from defenders. You draft him because it doesn't matter if he does. Just throw it high enough. Sam Bradford will love having that kind of option.


14
Timmy Jernigan *
Chicago Bears (8-8)

COLLEGE: Florida St.
AGE: 21
HT: 6-2
WT: 298
POS: DT


Analysis: Another pick I'm sticking with because of the hand-to-glove fit of talent and need. I'm a bigger fan of Jernigan in a 4-3 look, where he's using his power to go through a blocker and not trying to beat people off the snap and use quickness. He's not a blow-by rusher, but has the strength and quick feet to eat up a running play before it goes anywhere. The Bears were a mess on the inside of the D-line last season due to injuries.


15
Louis Nix III
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)

COLLEGE: Notre Dame
AGE: 22
HT: 6-3
WT: 345
POS: DT


Analysis: While I project Nix here because he's an obvious system fit working directly over the center or shading a little -- eating gaps and making everyone around him (particularly behind him) more effective -- he actually has decent quickness for such a mammoth human and could also work in a 4-3. To say Nix moves like a 300-pounder is a compliment, and Pittsburgh could use some help on the defensive line, particularly up the middle.


16
Eric Ebron *
Baltimore Ravens (8-8)^

COLLEGE: North Carolina
AGE: 20
HT: 6-4
WT: 231
POS: TE


Analysis: I wouldn't compare Anquan Boldin to Ebron, but I will say this: Quarterbacks love to have guys they can throw to with the confidence that their guy can win a contested catch. You could say Boldin lacked the quickness to get open, but he was a trusted target because of the way he could use his size and strength to win a physical contest to catch a pass. Ebron is the kind of new-breed tight end who can be split out, line up in the slot, or take a hit from a strongside linebacker and get into a route where he becomes a constant matchup threat and a likely winner for contested passes. Joe Flacco will like having him around.


17
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix *
Dallas Cowboys (8-8)^

COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-1
WT: 208
POS: S


Analysis: Defensive line could also be a pick here, as the team has some age concerns up front, but safety is a major area of need. The Cowboys could use a free safety with range, good instincts and experience who can come in and play right away. Clinton-Dix provides the added bonus of being able to help out closer to the line of scrimmage. While he's great in single high, you can bring him up and he won't shy away from contact.


18
Marqise Lee *
New York Jets (8-8)

COLLEGE: USC
AGE: 22
HT: 6-1
WT: 198
POS: WR


Analysis: Before the flood of junior wide receivers entered the draft class, I would have told you that Lee, with his experience and reputation for reliability catching the ball and explosiveness after the catch, would easily be among the top two or three wide receivers taken. But I think the Jets will be considering a wide range of options here at that position, and because of the depth of this class, they could also wait and take a receiver later. Still, I like the fit here -- a team in serious need of added production at that position gets a very good pass-catcher who can make big plays with the ball in his hands.


19
Zack Martin
Miami Dolphins (8-8)

COLLEGE: Notre Dame
AGE: 23
HT: 6-4
WT: 308
POS: OT


Analysis: The Dolphins are in need of a versatile offensive lineman or two, and what Martin lacks in ceiling, he brings in ready-to-play value. He's got plenty of experience at left tackle, and acquitted himself well there against Senior Bowl competition. However, I think he has the smarts and experience to handle right tackle right away, and he could also be really good if moved inside. Did I mention the Dolphins need to add some talent on the offensive line?


20
Cyrus Kouandjio *
Arizona Cardinals (10-6)

COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 20
HT: 6-6
WT: 315
POS: OT


Analysis: He has the frame you'd describe if you were talking about ideal physical traits for a left tackle, but Kouandjio battled inconsistency last season, and was particularly susceptible to extremely quick pass-rushers who could drive upfield and turn the corner on him, getting under his reach. But let's be clear about something: Kouandjio could be a total steal at this point, a long and powerful tackle who won't be 21 until after the draft. The upside of an All-Pro is here.


21
Calvin Pryor *
Green Bay Packers (8-7-1)

COLLEGE: Louisville
AGE: 21
HT: 6-2
WT: 208
POS: S


Analysis: People wonder how a prospect can have a lot of "momentum" after all of the games have been played and before the combine starts. What changed? Well, there's simply a lot of teams finally taking a closer look at prospects, and Pryor is a guy who flew under the radar earlier in the season, but closed out his career at Louisville extremely well, and teams are beginning to catch up now that it's evaluation season. Pryor is a downhill safety who will fly up to the line of scrimmage and make plays. While he's got work to do in coverage, he's instinctive and athletic enough to get better there. And he has momentum that could help him push past Clinton-Dix as the first safety taken.


22
Odell Beckham Jr. *
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

COLLEGE: LSU
AGE: 21
HT: 6-0
WT: 193
POS: WR


Analysis: He could show off elite straight-line speed at the combine, but he's particularly explosive out of breaks, creating separation and making him dangerous with the ball in his hands. His speed also translates to the return game. Beckham could be a good fit in Philly not just because he's a good receiver for a team that could use help in that department, but because he's versatile, and can work in the slot or on the edge.


23
Kelvin Benjamin *
Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)

COLLEGE: Florida St.
AGE: 22
HT: 6-4
WT: 232
POS: WR


Analysis: The Chiefs have Dwayne Bowe, and they like the development of former first-round pick A.J. Jenkins, but they also have a limited QB in Alex Smith, a player who needs receivers to be playmakers to make up for the fact that he's not exactly going to pick defenses apart. I thought Benjamin could use another year of seasoning at Florida State, but given his size, speed, catch radius and ability to beat defenders before the catch and run away from them after the catch, he could be a steal here. The Chiefs don't need him to be a hero in Week 1.


24
Darqueze Dennard
Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)

COLLEGE: Michigan St.
AGE: 22
HT: 5-11
WT: 197
POS: CB


Analysis: This is a pick I'm staying with, as I like both the fit and the fact that the Bengals have few major needs, but corner is certainly one. To quote the previous mock, "there are some concerns going forward at a couple of spots, with both age (Adam Jones and Terence Newman are north of 30) and health (Leon Hall ended the season on injured reserve), so the Bengals don't just need depth, they could use a player capable of starting." Dennard can start, and he brings a physical style and an ability to press combined with great awareness and the ability to defend like he's in your jersey without simply grabbing.


25
Marcus Roberson *
San Diego Chargers (9-7)

COLLEGE: Florida
AGE: 21
HT: 6-0
WT: 195
POS: CB




Analysis: The Chargers did a pretty good job of scheming their way around some holes at corner during the late-season run, but there's no question they could use another good cornerback (or two), particularly because I think that defensive line and pass rush could take another step forward next season. Roberson can get a little lackadaisical, but it can also look easy for him out there because he has good instincts and a sense of where routes are going. He has long arms and can get his hands on the ball. He simply needs to be more physical against the run and grab a little less in coverage.


26
Davante Adams *
Cleveland Browns (4-12) (From IND)

COLLEGE: Fresno St.
AGE: 21
HT: 6-2
WT: 214
POS: WR


Analysis: There's a decent chance the Browns will be working with an inexperienced quarterback taking the snaps in 2014, and while Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are enticing matchup threats, the Browns could really use a reliable third option, because beyond those two, drops and inconsistency were an issue. In Adams, you get a strong receiver who will make plays in traffic and beat defenders for the ball on contested throws. If the Browns go QB at No. 4, they could decide to add pass-catching help by the time they get to this slot. They'll have some good options, so fit will be key.


27
Antonio Richardson *
New Orleans Saints (11-5)

COLLEGE: Tennessee
AGE: 21
HT: 6-6
WT: 327
POS: OT


Analysis: He showed more holes in his game on tape than some tackles ahead of him here, and perhaps a few behind him, but this is a bet that Richardson will show off at the combine and move up on some boards when teams realize his ceiling. This is a 6-6, nearly 330-pound athlete, with a powerful lower half and long arms. And while I don't know if I trust him to protect Drew Brees' blindside in Week 1, some technical work could turn him into a special player. Richardson's problem is that he's so physically gifted he can be a little over-aggressive and look to dominate a matchup when sometimes he just needs to absorb a pass-rusher with his blend of size, power and quick feet. The Saints aren't settled at left tackle and need to bring in a player with the upside to fill the role.


28
Brandin Cooks *
Carolina Panthers (12-4)

COLLEGE: Oregon St.
AGE: 21
HT: 5-10
WT: 186
POS: WR


Analysis: I had Cooks going to Carolina in the first mock, and don't see (or hear) a reason to change at this point. The need at wide receiver is obvious, and you can help a young QB not just by providing a huge target who doesn't always need to get open to be effective but by bringing in a player who specializes in getting open all of the time. Cooks separates easily with change-of-direction explosiveness and he's a reliable hands-catcher.


29
Jace Amaro *
New England Patriots (12-4)

COLLEGE: Texas Tech
AGE: 21
HT: 6-5
WT: 260
POS: TE


Analysis: No change here, but I'll put in a backup plan. I do wonder if Amaro will drop this far. He's a special player with his blend of size, speed and pass-catching ability and he could be gone before this spot. If that's the case, I think another good tight end option could be Troy Niklas of Notre Dame, who has many of the same pass-catching attributes as Amaro and Ebron but is actually more proven as a blocker. Call it Gronk insurance.


30
Jarvis Landry *
San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

COLLEGE: LSU
AGE: 21
HT: 6-1
WT: 195
POS: WR


Analysis: Knowing how Jim Harbaugh has raved about the pass-catching ability ofMichael Crabtree, I think the coach will like what he sees of Landry when he rolls the tape. It's not Harbaugh's final call to make, but what they'd get in Landry is a really strong hands-catcher who is fluid in and out of his breaks and doesn't care about making catches in traffic. Landry is a competitor, and isn't afraid to throw a block. He's done a good job of building on the considerable base of talent he flashed coming out of high school.



31
Bradley Roby *
Denver Broncos (13-3)

COLLEGE: Ohio St.
AGE: 21
HT: 5-11
WT: 192
POS: CB


Analysis: It wasn't their undoing in the Super Bowl -- that would be Seattle's defense -- but the Broncos need to add talent and speed in particular to their defensive backfield. In terms of raw speed, you won't do much better than Roby in this draft, and he's physical despite being slightly less than ideally sized. Roby is a quick-twitch athlete with fluid hips, can press or play off and can recover on any separation to make plays on the ball. Denver needs help, even with Chris Harris coming back.



32
Allen Robinson *
Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

COLLEGE: Penn St.
AGE: 21
HT: 6-3
WT: 210
POS: WR


Analysis: The expectation is that Sidney Rice won't be back, and John Schneider and Co. also will have to decide what Golden Tate is worth, knowing they have a few other big checks to cut in the coming year-plus. So while guys like Jermaine Kearse have developed well here, I think adding size and starting potential at wide receiver is a pretty reasonable option. Robinson provides that, with an ability to make contested catches and a sneaky level of speed to win over the top or with the ball in his hands. Offensive line is obviously a possible play here, too. The Seahawks don't want to have to live on Russell Wilson's remarkable ability to escape forever.