Team 600’s 2014 Mock Draft – Which Players Will Go First

The NFL Draft is finally, FINALLY here and the trade rumors are swirling. Here’s the latest information and MIS-information regarding the top ten picks. In Houston, the phone lines are open and the Texans are taking to offers. St. Louis needs another offensive tackle and I’m not buying the rhetoric, no matter how loud it is, about the rumors that the Rams could possibly select Johnny Manziel. If--and it’s a big if--the Texans pass on Jadeveon Clowney, expect the phone lines to blow up in St. Louis. They won’t trade down too far, though, because they need to ensure that they will be able to pick one of the top three tackles. Oakland is looking to trade down as they lack picks in the fifth and sixth rounds and have multiple needs. In Atlanta there has been a lot of chatter involving Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and whether he will make a play for Clowney. The Vikings are also looking to add draft picks. Rumors have Minnesota looking at Pittsburgh defensive tackle Arnold Donald with their selection but I’m calling their bluff again as they have a good amount of money already tied into the position.

I have two quarterbacks going in the first round because I think teams will go for value over need in this draft. But do not be surprised if one or two of the top ten teams trade back into the late first round to grab one. There are seven offensive lineman and six wide receivers (record is 7 in 2004) in my mock along with a large run on defensive backs, with a total of five going in the first round. Sorry running backs, but your wait is going to be a long one on draft day.

Here’s my projection for all 32 first-round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft.

MOCK DRAFT:

1. Houston: Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina

He's the best talent in the draft. Texans could trade down and go for a QB or Khalil Mack.

2. St. Louis: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

A great bookend at right tackle who could eventually slide over to the left side.

3. Jacksonville: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

Watkins is a possibility but I believe the Jaguars bigger need is on defense.

4. Cleveland: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Hoyer, Tanney, Young, Thigpen…enough said. Welcome to the Dog Pound Johnny!

5. Oakland: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Too good of a prospect to pass up and another weapon for new QB Matt Schaub.

6. Atlanta: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Falcons would like to trade up for Clowney but if they can’t, Matthews makes a lot sense.

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

Vincent Jackson is 30-plus and quarterback Josh McCown needs weapons.

8. Minnesota: CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama

Vikings will address the defense before finding a possible solution at quarterback.

9. Buffalo: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Bills pick an offensive tackle instead of a tight end as they gave up 48 sacks last year.

10. Detroit: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

The Lions biggest need is at cornerback; Gilbert is also a dangerous kick returner.

11. Tennessee: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Alterraun Verner left via free agency creating a need at cornerback.

12. New York Giants: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

There are needs at defensive tackle but Ebron is electric and Eli needs help!

13. St. Louis: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

The wide receiver class is deep so the Rams will fill another priority need here at safety.

14. Chicago: Arnold Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

The Bears added Jared Allen and now Arnold Donald; NFC Central quarterbacks beware!

15. Pittsburgh: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Could use a wide receiver but the Steelers defensive backfield is ancient.

16. Dallas: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Cowboys need a fix at safety but a defensive backfield’s best friend is a pass rusher!

17. Baltimore: Zach Martin, OT/OG, Notre Dame

Ravens lost Michael Oher in free agency and this team needs to protect Joe Flacco.

18. New York Jets: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU

Jets are hestatic, as a certain former Jersey Shore member would say.

19. Miami: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

Back-to-back offensive lineman selections.

20. Arizona: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

A great value at pick 20 and can be groomed while backing up Carson Palmer.

21. Green Bay: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State

The Packers have had some success drafting Ohio State linebackers.

22. Philadelphia: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

Could bring the same kind of impact on defense that former Eagle Brian Dawkins did.

23. Kansas City: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Dwayne Bowe is fading and Cooks brings youth and blazing speed to the WR position.

24. Cincinnati: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

Injuries and age are decimating the Bengals corner position; Verrett helps fix that.

25. San Diego: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

Chargers ranked 29th in pass defense; Roby helps improve that in a pass-happy division.

26. Cleveland: Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

The Browns need to add some weapons for their new quarterback, Johnny Manziel.

27: New Orleans: Dee Ford, OLB/DE, Auburn

Dee Ford meet Rob Ryan…let the love-fest begin!

28. Carolina: Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada

Jordan Gross retired, which makes this pick an easy one.

29. New England: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

Their former tight end is incarcerated so Amaro being a free man helps the Patriots.

30: San Francisco: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Crabtree and Boldin are great but neither can stretch the field like Lee will.

31. Denver: Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA

Need help at linebacker but Su’a-Filo is the best value and helps keep Manning upright.

32. Seattle: Stephon Truitt, DT, Notre Dame

Seahawks lost three defensive linemen to free agency; time to start replacing them.