2014 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay Puts 5’8″ LaMarcus Joyner in First Round

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (20) during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Florida State was certain to have some big time prospects drafted in the first round of the next few drafts, but one guy I didn’t exactly peg as a first rounder was cornerback LaMarcus Joyner.

Joyner is a 5’8″ defensive back who had a big senior season for the Seminoles, establishing himself as one of the top playmakers on one of the best defenses in college football.

ESPN’s Todd McShay seems to think that Joyner proved not only worthy of a high draft pick, but a first round draft pick. He projected the diminutive FSU star to the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of his most recent mock draft, but he took it another step further.

“Joyner is one of the best defensive playmakers in this class (plus, he fits the Bengals’ M.O. of drafting big-name players from traditional powerhouse schools). Joyner lacks elite size but he is a quick, fast, instinctive defensive back who plays bigger than his size, and could play a Tyrann Mathieu role for this defense.”

Those are pretty lofty shoes to fill, but I definitely see the comparisons there. Despite the fact that Mathieu was out of football for a year, he still looked like a first round pick as a versatile defensive back before his suspension.

Joyner finished his senior season at Florida State with 69 tackles, two interceptions, seven tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His aggressive style of play would be a great fit for the Bengals’ defense.