2014 NFL Top Ten Mock Draft: Bridgewater to Jacksonville?
Sep 14, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Louisville defeated Kentucky 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
It’s only week two, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun to look at potential mock draft situations. My colleague Erik Lambert took a look earlier on Tuesday at the top 10 worst teams in the NFL, so I’ll use his rankings for this posts purpose. No surprise at the team looking like they will pick first in 2014…
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
At this point, this seems like a foregone conclusion. The Jaguars are an absolute mess, and after two games are clearly the worst team in the NFL. Teddy Bridgewater would immediately make them intriguing, and could get much more out of their targets (Cecil Shorts, Justin Blackmon) than current starters Blaine Gabbert/Chad Henne.
The Jaguars at least ought to hope this works out. Bridgewater isn’t of Andrew Luck Caliber, but he may just be one step down.
2. Cleveland Browns: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
The Browns are going to have to start from scratch at QB, and getting a young guy like Brett Hundley would be a great start to rebuilding the franchise. He is only a redshirt sophomore this year, so he may not be available, but if he does declare I think he’ll be a lock for the top end of the first round.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
The Bucs cash in on other teams taking QBs and get the best pass rush prospect in the country, and perhaps the best defensive prospect to come along since Ndamukong Suh. Clowney could go first overall depending on who gets the pick.
4. Carolina Panthers: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Panthers need to upgrade their RT spot and Jake Matthews may just be the best offensive lineman in the entire class of 2014. He would be an instant upgrade up front for the Panthers, and could be a difference maker as a rookie.
5. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
Anthony Barr is quickly ascending right up there with Jadeveon Clowney as the most dominant defender in college football. He forced three fumbles in a game against Nebraska, and is much more instinctive than he was a year ago in his first season on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a freaky athlete who would play a Von Miller role for the Raiders’ defense.
6. Tennessee Titans: Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
If the Titans are picking this high, it’s probably time for a new quarterback. I am a believer in Jake L0cker, but I’m concerned about his development. If the Titans have a shot at Tajh Boyd, I think they’d take it.
7. New York Jets: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
The Jets need some playmakers on offense, and Marqise Lee is one of the best playmakers in college football. He’s a dynamic athlete who is one of the best receivers after the catch in the entire country. He’d be a great pickup by the Jets.
8. Philadelphia Eagles: Louis Nix, DL, Notre Dame
The Eagles might not be picking this high, but if they are, they take the dominant nose tackle out of Notre Dame to anchor the middle of their defense after picking up Lane Johnson to be the future anchor of the offensive line in Chip Kelly’s first draft.
9. San Diego Chargers: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The Chargers might be better than this, but if they are picking this high they have a chance to get one of the most dynamic players in college football. Sammy Watkins can make plays from the WR, RB, KR, or PR positions, and he is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. He’d be a great addition to their offense.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Mike Evans has seen a rapid ascension after a great 2012 season and a dominant performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide. His size would be huge for the Steelers, who have one of the most dire WR situations going right now.