2014 NFL Mock Draft Update: 2nd Round Frenzy
By Erik Lambert
Dec 7, 2013; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks towards the crowd after the Bulldogs defeated the Utah State Aggies 24-17 at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The latest 2014 NFL mock draft continues into the second round as the trades keep flying and teams make some bold moves.
To see the 1st round action, click here.
#33 – Houston Texans – Jimmy Garoppolo – QB – Eastern Illinois
Most would agree if the Texans don’t go quarterback in round one, they will in round two. Jimmy Garoppolo is a major sleeper. He can throw the ball with zip and accuracy and displays the size and mobility required of starters in the pros.
#34 – Washington Redskins – Jimmie Ward – SS – Northern Illinois
Jason Hatcher and Brian Orakpo should rev up the pass rush, so Washington should make a point to add a playmaker on the back end of the defense. Jimmie Ward may be short but he’s got great range, instincts and tenacity.
#35 – Cleveland Browns – Xavier Su’a Filo – OG – UCLA
Johnny Manziel will have plenty of weapons in Cleveland but he still needs protection. The interior needs the most work for the Browns, so they add the powerful and polished Xavier Su’a-Filo.
#36 – Jacksonville Jaguars (f/OAK) – Odell Beckham Jr. – WR – LSU
Trade: 39th, 159th (5th) and 222nd (7th) picks to Raiders for 36th pick
Teddy Bridgewater is the man now and Jacksonville knows his success runs through how well they arm him. Moving up to grab a steal like Odell Beckham Jr. early in the second round is a great place to start.
#37 – St. Louis Rams (from ATL) – Martavis Bryant – WR – Clemson
Tavon Austin has a solid future as a slot receiver but St. Louis still needs a dynamic threat on the outside. Martavis Bryant not only boasts the size at 6’4″ but also outstanding sub-4.4/40 speed.
#38 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gabe Jackson – OG – Mississippi State
Lovie Smith will have learned from his time in Chicago that the offensive line is absolutely crucial to not just offensive success but team success. Putting powerhouse Gabe Jackson up front follows that credo perfectly.
#39 – Oakland Raiders (f/JAX) – Derek Carr – QB – Fresno State
A savvy move by Reggie McKenzie not only lands the Raiders some extra picks but also one of the most talented quarterbacks in this 2014 NFL mock draft. Derek Carr has an outstanding arm, mobility, height and intangibles. He’ll have a chance to learn behind Matt Schaub.
#40 – Minnesota Vikings – Ryan Shazier – OLB – Ohio State
Mike Zimmer loves athletic linebackers and none fill that definition better than Ryan Shazier. A classic vacuum tackler with outstanding speed, Shazier will cover a lot of ground and make a lot of plays for Minnesota.
#41 – Buffalo Bills – Jace Amaro – TE – Texas Tech
They shied away from Ebron in the first but the Buffalo Bills luck out on the tight end front in the second. Jace Amaro is a proven pass catcher with great size, soft hands and underrated speed to get down the field.
#42 – New York Jets (f/ TEN) – Donte Moncrief – WR – Ole Miss
Trade: 49th and 115th (4th) picks to Titans for 42nd pick
The aggressive mentality continues for the New York Jets. After nabbing a cover corner in the first, they jump up again, this time to grab a go-to receiver for Geno Smith. Donte Moncrief is surprisingly overlooked considering his size (6’3″) and excellent speed and leaping ability.
#43 – New York Giants – Austin Seferian-Jenkins – TE – Washington
Eli Manning has been at his best when he has a tight end he can depend on. New York hasn’t found one yet, so they grab him in the second round. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a major dual threat, able to block with his big, powerful frame but retaining the speed and hands to go get the football.
#44 – Chicago Bears (f/STL) – Stephon Tuitt – DT – Notre Dame
Trade: 51st and 154th (5th) and 6th in ’15 to Rams for 44th pick
Phil Emery has shown in the past he’s not afraid to go get a player he thinks is worth it. Stephon Tuitt certainly qualifies. The Notre Dame defensive lineman it big, strong, fast, dynamic and above all versatile enough to play almost any position.
#45 – Detroit Lions – Cyrus Kouandjio – OT – Alabama
The interior blocking was solid for Detroit last year but their tackles remain a work in progress. Cyrus Kouandjio was a first round lock not too long ago. His huge size and strength coupled with ideal length makes him a long-term gem.
#46 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Daniel McCullers – DT – Tennessee
This might be a tad early but make no mistake. Daniel McCullers is the second best nose tackle in this 2014 NFL mock draft. He has the ideal size and strength coupled with surprising quickness that the Steelers will embrace.
#47 – Dallas Cowboys – Scott Crichton – DE – Oregon
Rebuilding up front on defense continues for Dallas. After getting a quality interior player in Jernigan first, they add an underrated and needed pass rusher at defensive end in Scott Crichton. Very strong, big and relentless. He’ll be a tone-setter for the Cowboys.
#48 – Baltimore Ravens – Morgan Moses – OT – Virginia
Left tackle is settled with Eugene Monroe but Baltimore has a hole to fill on the right side now. Morgan Moses played on the left in college but he has the size, power and athleticism to make the shift successfully.
#49 – Tennessee Titans (f/NYJ) – Bishop Sankey – RB – Washington
The Chris Johnson era is over and the Tennessee Titans are quick to find a replacement. Bishop Sankey is a highly versatile runner who can handle heavy carry loads but also receiver out of the backfield and is deceptively good in pass protection.
#50 – Miami Dolphins – Kyle Van Noy – OLB – BYU
Talk about a value pick. Getting some youth at outside linebacker could really help the Miami Dolphins. Dion Jordan remains a mystery but Kyle Van Noy will bring more speed, instinct and playmaking potential.
#51 – St. Louis Rams (f/CHI) – Deone Bucannon – SS – Washington State
Watching Kam Chancellor dominate the Super Bowl certainly will draw some people to Washington State safety Deone Bucannon. He too is big, tough, a fierce hitter but also surprisingly good at creating turnovers in coverage.
#52 – Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiah Attaochu – OLB – Georgia Tech
Getting an edge rusher is the only hurdle left to clear for the Cardinals defense. They accomplish that mission here. Jeremiah Attaochu is a fireplug, bringing high energy and athletic skill to the outside linebacker position.
#53 – Green Bay Packers – Terrence Brooks – FS – Florida State
Safety remains a sore spot for Green Bay especially in coverage. Terrence Brooks is a tad undersized but his range and instincts show up frequently on tape. He can man center field for the Packers.
#54 – Philadelphia Eagles – Demarcus Lawrence – DE – Boise State
Loads of pass rush potential have caused Boise State product Demarcus Lawrence to rise up boards. He’s known best for his ability to get after the quarterback but he still has the fluidity and athletic skill to drop in coverage as a linebacker.
#55 – Cincinnati Bengals – Lamarcus Joyner – CB – Florida State
Somebody is going to take a chance on Lamarcus Joyner. He made too many plays for Florida State to be ignored. The Bengals can afford that risk since they don’t require huge defensive backs to function. Joyner can step in and play a variety of positions for them.
#56 – San Francisco 49ers (from KC) – Ed Stinson – DE – Alabama
Having a wealth of picks and a strong roster afford the 49ers to take unusual gambles. Ed Stinson is certainly one, but don’t short change this kid. He is a guy who does the dirty work. He’s long, powerful and can play anywhere up front in the 49ers 3-4 scheme.
#57 – San Diego Chargers – Davante Adams – WR – Fresno State
Keenan Allen could use somebody to take the heat off him for Philip Rivers. Davante Adams is a perfect #2 receiver. He’s not blazing but he has decent speed, good quickness and long arms to go get the football and soft hands to make the tough catches.
#58 – Indianapolis Colts – Jordan Matthews – WR – Vanderbilt
Reggie Wayne is in the twilight of his career. Indianapolis has T.Y. Hilton in place but the team needs a young possession receiver to compliment him. Jordan Matthews has the height but also the solid hands and strength to handle that role.
#59 – New Orleans Saints – Pierre Desir – CB – Lindenwood
If the only excuse for why a player shouldn’t be taken early is because he’s from a small school, it’s a weak excuse. Pierre Desir looks like an NFL corner and the New Orleans Saints need one with his man coverage ability.
#60 – Carolina Panthers – Ja’Wuan James – OT – Tennessee
Receiver and offensive tackle are clear needs for Carolina. Having gotten the former in the first, they look to replace Jordan Gross here. Ja’Wuan James is not only big and strong but he’s surprisingly nimble as well. Scouts see him having a serious future at left tackle.
#61 – San Francisco 49ers – Paul Richardson – WR – Colorado
They got their size guy in the first round. Now the 49ers look to add a dose of speed to their offense. Paul Richardson may be a tad thinner than preferred but the kid can absolutely fly and knows how to get himself open.
#62 – New England Patriots – Kareem Martin – DE – North Carolina
Consistency is often the main problem referenced with Kareem Martin. Nobody questions his physical talent which is exceptional. If anybody can smooth out of the rough edges of his game, it’s Bill Belichick.
#63 – Denver Broncos – Carlos Hyde – RB – Ohio State
Running back isn’t high on the priority list but then again a Carlos Hyde doesn’t always fall into ones lap. Denver saw what a player like Hyde can do when Marshawn Lynch helped Seattle win the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning will loving having this hammer in the backfield.
#64 – Seattle Seahawks – Troy Niklas – TE – Notre Dame
Re-signing Zach Miller was good for depth but the Seahawks still lack a difference-maker at tight end. Troy Niklas is still a little raw but his physical potential as a pass catcher and blocker make him an easy selection to end the second round.