2014 NFL Mock Draft Update: 5th Round Pursuit
By Erik Lambert
Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Seantrel Henderson (77) walks in before the Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 NFL mock draft goes ever deeper into the fifth round. Which players come off the board this time?
To review the previous rounds, click below. Enjoy!
#141. Houston Texans – Marqueston Huff – FS – Wyoming
Another of those corner-safety hybrids that are growing in popularity is what Marqueston Huff brings Houston and their thin secondary.
#142. Washington Redskins – Jonathan Dowling – SS – Western Kentucky
Big, long, and speedy safety who showed he can make big plays in coverage and deliver strong hits on ball carriers.
#143. Chicago Bears (f/TB) – Charles Sims – RB – West Virginia
A one-cut, slashing running back with good receiving ability who mirrors the skill set of current Bears star Matt Forte.
#144. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jordan Zumwalt – OLB – UCLA
Versatile, fiery defender who brings an attitude and physicality to the defense. The bigger the game, the bigger he plays.
#145. Cleveland Browns – Max Bullough – ILB – Michigan State
Karlos Dansby is a nice short-term solution at inside linebacker. Max Bullough is a tough, physical leader who can learn under and then replace him.
#146. Seattle Seahawks (f/OAK) – James Gayle – DE – Virginia Tech
James Gayle isn’t known for his athleticism but he succeeded as a pass rusher regardless at Virginia Tech and should help replace Chris Clemons.
#147. Atlanta Falcons – Craig Loston – SS – LSU
He won’t make huge waves in coverage but Craig Loston is a physical hitter, tackles well and can fortify a defense with his standout leadership.
#148. Minnesota Vikings – DeAndre Coleman – DT – Cal
While not explosive; size, power and length will enable DeAndre Coleman to become a regular force against the run for Minnesota.
#149. Buffalo Bills – L’Damian Washington – WR – Missouri
Doug Marrone showed last season he wants speed in his receivers. L’Damian Washington has plenty of that. Never mind is 6’4″ frame.
#150. Detroit Lions – Kenny Ladler – FS – Vanderbilt
Detroit brings more competition to the safety position. Kenny Ladler has good athleticism and reaction skills that fit well with the Lions 4-3 scheme.
#151. Tennessee Titans – Walt Aikens – CB – Liberty
Walt Aikens is a small school prospect so is unproven but his size and fluidity show he could make a solid press corner for the Titans with some work.
#152. New York Giants – Khairi Fortt – OLB – Cal
Getting younger and faster at linebacker was a goal for New York. Khairi Fortt has plenty of the latter along with the agility to track ball carriers and play coverage.
#153. St. Louis Rams – Devonta Freeman – RB – Florida State
Adding some depth at running back is needed for the Rams. Devonta Freeman was a weapon at FloridaState and brings an element of receiving they don’t have.
#154. New York Jets – Dontae Johnson – CB – N.C. State
A big, versatile defensive back with experience at corner but has the body and awareness to make a successful switch to safety.
#155. Miami Dolphins – Josh Huff – WR – Oregon
Agile, athletic, balanced and good fluid speed make Josh Huff a great weapon. He can create after the catch and also works hard as a blocker in the run game.
#156. Chicago Bears – Mo Alexander – SS – Utah State
His polish isn’t there yet but UtahState safety Mo Alexander is a physical tackler with great size, range, and the ability to blitz. High upside.
#157. Pittsburgh Steelers – Michael Schofield – OT – Michigan
He performed well for Michigan at right tackle and also has played inside at guard. Great size and power to control defenders once he’s latched on.
#158. Dallas Cowboys – Ahmad Dixon – SS – Baylor
Physical talent isn’t the problem here. Ahmad Dixon showed plenty of it at Baylor. What he needs is a simple scheme with a good coach to hone his eyes. Hello Rod Marinelli.
#159. Jacksonville Jaguars (f/BAL) – Crockett Gilmore – TE – Colorado State
A big, strong tight end who made his name as a blocker but Crockett Gilmore has the hands and foot speed to find openings against coverages.
#160. Arizona Cardinals – Kain Colter – WR – Northwestern
He played both receiver and quarterback at Northwestern. His athleticism and big hands should make him a versatile weapon for Arizona.
#161. Green Bay Packers – Shaquille Richardson – CB – Arizona
Cornerbacks are the backbone of the 3-4 defense under Dom Capers. They continue to feed that system with the tall, athletic, rangy press cover man Shaquille Richardson.
#162. Philadelphia Eagles – Seantrel Henderson – OT – Miami (Fla.)
If anybody will be willing to gamble on the ridiculous physical promise of Seantrel Henderson, it is Chip Kelly of the Eagles.
#163. Kansas City Chiefs – Adrian Hubbard – OLB – Alabama
His pass rush hasn’t developed yet but Adrian Hubbard is so long and deceptively powerful that he can play a variety of positions for KC including defensive end and even nose tackle.
#164. Cincinnati Bengals – Jeff Mathews – QB – Cornell
Andy Dalton needs somebody to push him from behind. Jeff Mathews of Cornell has what he doesn’t: size (6’4″) and arm strength. Also noted to be a great leader in the huddle.
#165. San Diego Chargers – Prince Shembo – OLB – Notre Dame
Outside pass rush is needed in order to take the Chargers defense to the next level. What Prince Shembo lacks in athleticism he makes up for in strength and savvy.
#166. Indianapolis Colts – Jerick McKinnon – RB – Georgia Southern
A remarkable athlete who exploded at the combine, Jerick McKinnon offers great value at running back or a number of other positions depending the Colts’ whim.
#167. New Orleans Saints – Brandon Dixon – CB – NW Missouri St.
Depth at corner hurt the Saints last year. Adding Division II standout Brandon Dixon should avert that problem in the future.
#168. Carolina Panthers – Storm Johnson – RB – UCF
Running the ball is the bread and butter of the Carolina offense. Storm Johnson is another strong, nifty runner who can handle heavy loads of carries and produce.
#169. New Orleans Saints (f/PHI) – Russell Bodine – C – North Carolina
The Saints strike again, this time adding some much needed help to their center position with Russell Bodine, who also has the strength and size to play guard.
#170. San Francisco 49ers – Jonotthan Harrison – C – Florida
Speaking of centers, the 49ers need help there too. They may have gotten a steal here with the big and powerful Jonotthan Harrison who would fit their power running style.
#171. Denver Broncos – Chris Smith – OLB – Arkansas
Pass rush eluded the Broncos at the worst time last season. They must make sure that doesn’t happen again. So they load up another young athlete in Chris Smith.
#172. Seattle Seahawks – A.C. Leonard – TE – Ohio Valley
He doesn’t have the classic tight end size among others in this 2014 NFL mock draft but the size-speed combination A.C. Leonard does have might make him a great H-back option for the Seahawks offense.
#173. Pittsburgh Steelers (comp) – Beau Allen – DT – Wisconsin
At a robust 333 lbs, Beau Allen has the makeup of a classic nose tackle along with a surprise get off on the snap that could impact passing downs.
#174. New York Giants (comp) – Ross Cockrell – CB – Duke
More depth and youth are needed for the Giants at corner. Ross Cockrell is big, smart and plays with speed that allows him to create takeaways.
#175. Baltimore Ravens (comp) – Bennett Jackson – CB – Notre Dame
His combine showed that Bennett Jackson has the size-speed ratios desired in a press cover corner. As a former receiver he’s also a threat to steal the ball in the air.
#176. Green Bay Packers (comp) – James Hurst – OT – North Carolina
Offensive tackle has been in constant turmoil for Green Bay. James Hurst will bring good depth to that fluid position and eventual starter potential.