#1. Houston Texans-DE Jadaveon Clowney, South Carolina
Jadaveon Clowney is probably one of, if not the greatest pure athlete the NFL has and will ever see. The last time the Texans had the #1 overall, they spent it on DE Mario Williams, of North Carolina State. Will another Texan DE come #1 from the Carolinas? I think so. The last time a defensive player went first, Houston took Williams. This is the third time they've had the #1 pick, the first time they picked David Carr, who turned out to be a huge bust. Carr's younger brother Derek is in the draft this year, and might be trying to distance himself from Dave.
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| This would be a nightmare for QB's in the AFC South |
The Rams should pick up Robinson if keeping former #1 overall QB Sam Bradford on his feet is any priority to them at all. Robinson is a shutdown passblocker at Left Tackle. He would be guarding right-handed Bradford's blindside, which is a must for any serious contender. Run blocking is definitely not a weak point for him either, as Lake (pictured below) would attest.
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| Robinson (White) |
Veteran linebacker Daryl Smith left the Jaguars for Baltimore before last season began. This left Jacksonville with no star or leader on their defense. Mack's no Clowney, but he is a monster on his own right, and a natural leader. He is the all time NCAA leader in forced fumbles and tied for career tackles for losses. Mack should help the Jaguars in their 'rebuilding' process. They must be building something big though, because its taken them about 5 years.
#4. Cleveland Browns- WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson
I'm fighting the urge to put Johnny Manziel here. Here's why they'll take Watkins. Cleveland picks again at 26 in the first round, and I only see two QB's being drafted in between them. (Manziel and Bortles) There are four major QB's this year, and they are Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville, Blake Bortles of UCF, and Derek Carr of Fresno State (his older brother David was the #1 overall pick by the Texans 12 years ago). Watkins has the best hands in college and the speed to burn anyone who gets in his way. Watkins is the way to go in Cleveland.
#5. Oakland Raiders- QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
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| After working on offense for years, Jacksonville will realize defense wins championships |
I'm fighting the urge to put Johnny Manziel here. Here's why they'll take Watkins. Cleveland picks again at 26 in the first round, and I only see two QB's being drafted in between them. (Manziel and Bortles) There are four major QB's this year, and they are Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville, Blake Bortles of UCF, and Derek Carr of Fresno State (his older brother David was the #1 overall pick by the Texans 12 years ago). Watkins has the best hands in college and the speed to burn anyone who gets in his way. Watkins is the way to go in Cleveland.
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| I'm not sold on him as the best receiver this year, but he's the safest pick for the Browns |
If Raiders fans actually exist, they should love the sound of this. An actual QB, a Heisman winner, the only Freshman to ever do so, will be coming to Oakland. Back in 2007 they had the number one overall pick, and selected QB Jamarcus Russell out of LSU. Some notable names they passed up on are Calvin Johnson, who went #2, Adrian Peterson at #7, Marshawn Lynch at #12 and Darelle Revis at #14. Johnson is the best receiver in the league, and right now the second greatest of all time, behind Jerry Rice. He might even surpass him one day. Adrian Peterson is on the Mount Rushmore of running backs, breaking Walter Payton's single game record for rushing yards in either Peterson's first or second career start. (I forget which.) Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL, and Lynch is a Super Bowl champion and arguably the second best back in the league currently. Jamarcus lasted three seasons. After leaving the league, his weight went from 265 to 300. He is reportedly making a comback at about 260. But back to this draft, I don't believe the negative hype around Manziel. He's a bit of a gamble, but he's got the firepower to make up for it. Arm strength? He's got it. Accuracy? Pin-point. Speed? He scrambles better than some running backs. The Raiders need to finally exorcise the demons of '07. Manziel can help them do this. (Sidenote, both Manziel and Russell wore #2 in college.) Manziel could slip to the Browns, but I would put my money on Bridgewater at #26.
#6. Atlanta Falcons- OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
#7. Tampa Buccaneers- WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M
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| Manziel would get payed very well in Oakland |
Johnny Football will be followed by his bodyguard, also known as Jake Matthews. Matthews was on the left, guarding Manziel's blindside. Like Robinson, a good cornerstone of every offense is the left tackle. Matthews here will protect an already scary Matt Ryan, and they will have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
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| If he or Robinson is still available, Atlanta needs to make them their top priority |
This hurts me to say it, but Mike Evans isn't headed to Baltimore. He will be the third consecutive Aggie picked, and well head to southern Florida for training camp this summer. Mike Evans is an absolute steal this late, and we're still in the top 10. I think he will actually prove to be the better pick than Watkins, leaving Cleveland to kick themselves again for missing out. Evans has drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson, who I've already mentioned is the best active receiver. Not bad company to be in. They should hope that Bridgewater, Bortles, or Carr is still available in the second round, where they pick sixth. They should be able to get Bridgewater or Carr, but Blake Bortles should be long gone. In fact, I believe Blake's next.
#8. Minnesota Vikings- QB Blake Bortles, UCF
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| Because two hands is too mainstream |
This was a tough call. The Vikings lost defensive end Jared Allen to the Chicago Bears. I think they should take defensive tackle Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh, who is said to be the best DT of the decade. That being said, Minnesota hasn't had a legitimate QB since Brett Favre had his short lived tenure. Adrian Peterson is now 29, with the running backs nightmare, the big 3-0, just 10 months away. The Vikings want to win, and Peterson's time is running out. They will jump at a chance to take Bortles.
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| He'll stop smiling when he realizes he has to throw to Minnesota's receiving core |
#9. Buffalo Bills- OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
The Bills may have finally found a quarterback in EJ Manuel. Keeping him upright and out of the ER is another question. EJ throws with his right, Lewan is naturally blocking the left. Perfect fit. As I've said before, every good offense starts with a left tackle. Lewan, even though the third picked tackle, is by no means a consolation prize.
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| Lewan is part of a very small club. One that can say they took Jadaveon Clowney to the ground (Yes, this is the same guy I have going #1) |
Justin Gilbert will round out the top ten in Detroit. The Lions have a scary pass rush in Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Their secondary is suspect however. Expect them till fill this gap with Gilbert, a very underrated corner. I believe that's saying something, as he is the obvious best corner in this draft. He should complement Detroit's playstyle nicely.
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| Gilbert (Orange) |
The Titans have long stood by a theory of drafting the best player, regardless of needs. Anthony Barr is that man. Barr started as a fullback on offense for UCLA, before eventually being switched to outside linebacker. There he showed his pass-rushing prowess. He is arguably the finest pass rusher in this year's class after Clowney. Tennessee would be ecstatic to have Barr fall their way.
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| Barr (Blue) |
Eli Manning. When talking about him, you either see the guy who beat the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl twice, or the guy who threw 27 interceptions last year. His brother Peyton threw 54, because the NFL found that his last one was incorrectly called on the field. So he'll have to settle for only beating Tom Brady by four td's. Back to the actual draft, and not the motives, the Giants can not pass up on Martin if he's available.
#13. St. Louis Rams- CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
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| He's already part giant at 6'4", 310 lbs |
I'm not sure on this one. It all depends on if I was right with Robinson at #2. If they go another way, Johnny Football will most likely be in St. Louis, and the rest of the board will be messy. I think they'll take Fuller as the safe pick here though, and start rebuilding what used to be a semi-respectable defense.
#17. Baltimore Ravens-SS Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
#19. Miami Dolphins- ILB C.J Mosley, Alabama
He is a ball hawk, something that the Rams haven't seen in years, except for when Adrian Wilson was prowling the deep fields in Arizona, who St. Louis plays twice a year.
#14. Chicago Bears- DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
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| Fuller could be Kaepernick's new Kryptonite |
As I said when I had the Vikings take Blake Bortles, it should be Aaron Donald at #8. However, I see them not being able to pass up Bortles. If this is how it plays out, Chicago will come out with the better deal. Aaron Donald has the potential to become the next big thing in the NFL. At the end of the 2012-13 season, middle linebacker Brian Urlacher retired, leaving Chicago with two large holes in their defense. One, physically in the middle, and another in the psychological aspect of leadership. Aaron Donald may not be able to step in as the leader Urc was, but he can sure as hell fill the gap with his 6'1" 285 lb. frame.
#15. Pittsburgh Steelers- CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
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| Donald (Navy/Gold) |
Time hasn't been kind to Pittsburgh. They're old. Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor are the best two DB's on the roster, and the wrong side of 30 has been in their rear view mirror for a long time. Dennard is a step into the future. He is a technically solid player, rarely getting flagged. He lacks in size and speed, but beats everyone mentally. His play recognition is at a level that very few pros have, and his maturity is much more than you would expect from a 22 year old college kid. Darqueze may be the heir to Pittsburgh's throne.
#16. Dallas Cowboys- FS Hashean "Ha-ha" Clinton-Dix, Alabama
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| He may also be taken at #10 by Detroit, they have a habit of taking homegrown players |
The Cowboys suck. At the end of last year they signed Tony Romo to a ludicrous $119.5 million contract. This year, they let their best player, DeMarcus Ware, walk. He's now going to be lining up for Denver. Ha-ha will be drafted to ease the pain of realizing that Jerry Jones is an idiot. If I were the Cowboys here, I would jump whichever QB I had ranked highest as available to give Tony Romo some competition. Right now, I would take Derek Carr of Fresno State. But Jerry Jones will draft a 'Bama Boy. Hashean, have fun wasting the first few years of your career.
#17. Baltimore Ravens-SS Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
The Ravens may trade back if Martin, Lewan, and Clinton-Dix are all off the board. But if they don't, expect them to be the first to jump into the lesser-known names. Jimmie Ward is a smaller guy, making any moves to corner unlikely. Still, he moves very fast and is known as a defensive playmaker. Undervalued players? That's Baltimore's trademark.
#18. New York Jets- TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
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| The return of Ed Reed? |
Eric Ebron and Odell Beckham Jr., a young receiver are the top two players on New York's draft board. Beckham may be the more appealing option, with big play capability, but the Jets should draft Ebron if they are serious about progressing with second year QB Geno Smith. Ebron has a large, tall frame and can catch just about anything you throw at him. He will be the signature security blanket for Geno, and will help him mature.
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| Then again, the Jets picked Mark Sanchez, too |
The Dolphins defense doesn't scream "weak" but it lacks an identity, or swagger. CJ Mosley will bring that to South Beach. Mosley was one of the Crimson Tide. Nick Saban, head coach at Alabama, spent two years as Miami's coach, and still maintains a good relationship with the management. Saban's players are coveted. Mosley's intensity, speed, and overall strength are all phenomenal. He is a born leader. The only knock on Mosley is his proneness to injuries. If he can get over that, Miami will have a steal at 19.
#20. Arizona Cardinals- QB Derek Carr, Fresno State
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| This play ended with Jefferson in a world of hurt |
It doesn't matter who they take. It's like putting a band-aid on a broken arm. Just not going to work.
Just kidding.
But really, Arizona's bad. Arizona has become the resting place for the careers of QB's who were actually pretty good at one point. Derek Carr will come in to try to change this. Derek's name is pretty well known. In fact, his older brother Dave was a number one pick as I mentioned on Clowney's pick. He should try to avoid connections to David Carr, who was a huge draft bust.
#21. Green Bay Packers- OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
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| Dave (left) and Derek |
#21. Green Bay Packers- OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
Green Bay means business. After picking up Julius Peppers in free agency, adding any more pass rushers into the Peppers/Clay Matthews duo could be overkill. That sounds like music to the Packers ears. Ryan is not a very big guy, but makes up for that by hitting as fast as he can. That made him one of the most feared tacklers in the NCAA last year, and he will bring that to terrorize backfields next year. The Packers would be smart to pick him up here.
#22. Philadelphia Eagles- WR Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
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| The Pack is out for blood this year |
Beckham's slide will come to an end in Philly. They recently parted with DeSean Jackson, one of the best receivers in the league. They will need all the help they can get to replace his production. Odell isn't the answer, but he is part of the solution.
Picks #23-32 will come tomorrow.
Alright, it is 10:20 am on the eve of the draft, so here are the last ten picks. Kansas City is on the clock.
#23. Kansas City Chiefs-WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
Kansas City has a star receiver already in Dwayne Bowe. What they don't have, is someone to take the pressure off of Bowe. Cooks will fit into Andy Reid's system of surrounding a solid qb with one star receiver and then multiple targets of decent caliber. Oregon's star will fit the bill nicely at #23.
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| Cooks should be able to step right in and produce for Andy Reid |
Size and strength are not what you think when you see Jason Verrett. What (should) stands out to Cincy are his intangibles. He may never be the lead corner at his size, but he more than makes up for it with speed and smarts. Pass interferences are rarely called on him, due to his ability to play the ball, not the man. He should be a good value at #24.
#25. San Diego Chargers- CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State
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| He could be the steal of the draft |
Roby may be a bit of a stretch with some off the field issues, but that has never stopped San Diego before (Shawn Merriman's steroid use and Manti Teo's imaginary girlfriend). He should be a decent corner for his speed, but he's undersized. The Chargers could be looking for someone to step in as a solid #2, and Roby could be the man for the job.
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| And there's no snow in SoCal |
My, how the mighty have fallen. If I could've heard myself saying this a few months ago, I would have self-committed to an asylum. Bridgewater spent a couple months straight of being connected with Houston at #1 overall. If he does fall this far, you can bet that Cleveland will snatch him up. Cleveland has been burned by every great college QB they draft. Tim Couch? #1 overall to Cleveland in '99, and played his last game in '03. Luke McCown ('04), Charlie Frye ('05), Brady Quinn ('07) and Brandon Weeden ('12) Bridgewater will hope his name doesn't get added to the list.
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| Be patient for the GIF to go full speed, this throw is worth it |
#27. New Orleans Saints- WR Marqise Lee, USC
New Orleans will have two receivers named Marqise tomorrow night, with Lee joining veteran Marques Colsten (both pronounced mark-eece) to give Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees nothing less than an arsenal to throw to. Tight Jimmy Graham is also reliable target, so these three will give the Saints multiple options.
#28. Carolina Panthers- OT Morgan Moses, Virginia
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| Lee (9) will be a welcome addition in Louisiana |
#28. Carolina Panthers- OT Morgan Moses, Virginia
If the Panthers brass have any IQ whatsoever, Moses needs to arrive in Charlotte. The Panthers have their QB in the 2011 #1 pick, Cam Newton and he's great. But Superman can only run so much before the Kryptonite catches up with him. Moses will be the next step in protecting Cam from defensive ends. Even Superman needs a sidekick.
#29. New England Patriots- DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame
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| Carolina may be another team looking for a cornerstone of their O-Line |
Even though the Patriots resigned fan favorite Vince Wilfork for three years, its time to look to the future. Wilfork originally asked to be cut. While the Pats should be glad to have him back, they need to look to the future. That future may be found in Louis Nix. Nix plays as a nose tackle, making him the center of the defensive line. If the patriots are serious about retooling their defense, this is the way to go.
#30. San Francisco 49ers- WR Cody Latimer, Indiana
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| The heir to the king-sized throne? |
#30. San Francisco 49ers- WR Cody Latimer, Indiana
Cody Latimer's slide is done. Probably one of the top 20 or so players in the draft overall, things will not line up for him. He's going to have a very anxious night until San Fran snatches him up with the third to last pick of the night. He will be stepping into a very balanced offense with an impressive young QB who started in the Super Bowl against Baltimore in Colin Kaepernick. I expect him to be a pleasent surprise in the Bay area.
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| Welcome to the Bay |
#31. Denver Broncos- OG Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA
The time left in Peyton Manning's Canton-caliber career is running low. Su'a-Filo will be there to make sure that time isn't spent with Peyton laying on his back looking up a the sky in a world of hurt. The Broncos have spent all offseason and a decent chunk of their cash on defensive stars Aqib Talib, Demarcus Ware, and TJ Ward. Simply put, Broncos GM and President of Football Operations in Denver knows Peyton needs to win now. I believe after this year, Peyton will escape the stigma of him not being a playoff performer. That's right, the Denver Broncos will be your 2014-15 Super Bowl champs, and Peyton will retire with 5 MVP's and 2 rings. Only one person didn't vote for him as MVP, keeping Tom Brady's 2010 MVP as the only Unanimous one ever. Which is total bull because every record Brady broke in '10 was shattered by Manning last year. This pick is more about Peyton than Xavier. But hey, you get to play with the GOAT. That should be consolation enough.
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| I never got why alternate jerseys are always so much better than the standards |
#32. Seattle Seahawks
The defending champs will most likely trade out of this for more picks. But where's the fun in that. I'm fairly confident that they won't draft here, but I don't know any trade partners. I believe the best player left overall is defensive end Stephen Tuitt of Notre Dame. Who will get him? Is he even first round caliber? I don't know. But I'd take him if I was Seattle. But then again, I'm not.
So there it is, Round 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft. The actual thing starts tomorrow night at 8pm ET.
Update: Draft Night- Picks Only
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| Sickest facemask in football |
Update: Draft Night- Picks Only
#1. Houston Texans- DE Jadaveon Clowney, Southern Carolina- 6'5", 256 lbs.
#2. St. Louis Rams- OT Greg Robinson, Auburn- 6'6", 332 lbs.
#3. Jacksonville Jaguars- QB Blake Bortles, UCF- 6'5", 232 lbs.
#4. Buffalo Bills- WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson- 6'1", 211 lbs.
(trade w/Cleveland, Buffalo gives up 9th overall this year, and 1st and 4th round next year)
#5. Oakland Raiders- LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo- 6'3", 251 lbs.
#6. Atlanta Falcons- OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M- 6'6", 308 lbs.
#7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M- 6'5", 231 lbs.
#8. Cleveland Browns- CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State- 6'0", 202 lbs.
(Trade w/ Minnesota, Cleveland gives up 9th overall and 5th round)
#9. Minnesota Vikings- LB Anthony Barr, UCLA- 6'5", 255 lbs.
(Trade w/Cleveland, Minnesota gives up 8th overall, receives 9th overall and 5th round)
#10. Detroit Lions- TE Eric Ebron, UNC- 6'4", 250 lbs.
(Pick was announced by Barry Sanders, former Detroit running back, arguably GOAT)
#11. Tennessee Titans- OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan- 6'7", 309 lbs.
#12. New York Giants- WR Odell Beckham, Jr., LSU- 5'11", 198 lbs.
#13. St. Louis Rams- DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh- 6'1", 285 lbs.
(Pick was announced by Shon Coleman, a leukemia survivor now playing for Auburn U)
#14. Chicago Bears- CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech- 6'0", 190 lbs.
#15. Pittsburgh Steelers- LB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State- 6'1", 237 lbs.
#16. Dallas Cowboys- OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame- 6'4", 308 lbs.
#17. Baltimore Ravens- LB CJ Mosley, Alabama- 6'2", 234 lbs.
#18. New York Jets- FS Calvin Pryor, Louisville- 5'11", 207 lbs.
#19. Miami Dolphins- OT Ja'Wuan James, Tennessee- 6'6", 311 lbs.
#20. New Orleans Saints- WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State- 5'10", 189 lbs.
#21. Green Bay Packers- FS Ha'sean "Ha-Ha" Clinton-Dix, Alabama- 6'1", 208 lbs.
#22. Cleveland Browns- QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M- 6'0", 207 lbs.
(Trade w/Philadelphia, give up 26th and 83rd overall)
Cleveland's past three first round QB picks (Quinn, '07) (Weeden, '12) (Manziel, '14) were all drafted 22nd overall
#23. Kansas City Chiefs- DE Dee Ford, Auburn- 6'2", 252 lbs.
#24. Cincinatti Bengals- CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State- 5'11", 199 lbs.
#25. San Diego Chargers- CB Jason Verrett, TCU- 5'9", 189 lbs.
#26. Philadelphia Eagles- DE Marcus Smith, Louisville- 6'3", 252 lbs.
#27. Arizona Cardinals- SS Deone Bucannon, Washington State- 6'1", 211 lbs.
#28. Carolina Panthers- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State- 6'5", 240 lbs.
#29. New England Patriots- DE Dominique Easley, Florida- 6'2", 288 lbs.
#30. San Francisco 49ers- SS Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois- 5'11", 183 lbs.
#31. Denver Broncos- CB Bradley Robey, Ohio State- 5'11", 192 lbs.
#32. Minnesota Vikings- QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville- 6'3", 200
(Trade w/ Seattle, give up 40th overall and 4th rounder)
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