2014 NFL Mock Draft Update: 2nd Round Commences
By Erik Lambert
Sep 7, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers defensive end Scott Crichton (95) pressures Hawaii Warriors quarterback Taylor Graham (8) at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-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.
#33 – Houston Texans – Aaron Donald – DT – Pitt
They didn’t pull the trigger on Clowney but the Houston Texans certainly wouldn’t mind adding more pass rush help next to J.J. Watt. Aaron Donald has the production and the game tape to back up his stance as one of the most disruptive rushers in the 2014 class.
#34 – Washington Redskins – David Yankey – OG – Stanford
Fixing the defense is all fine and good but it won’t matter if the Washington Redskins can’t keep Robert Griffin III upright. David Yankey is a smart, physical and experienced guard out of Stanford who is versatile enough to start anywhere from day one.
#35 – Cleveland Browns – Carlos Hyde – RB – Ohio State
There is only one more position on offense the Cleveland Browns need to address, which is finding a high quality running back. Carlos Hyde is a shifty, powerful and relentless workhorse out of OhioState who can carry the load every Sunday without fear of breaking down.
#36 – Oakland Raiders – Jordan Matthews – WR – Vanderbilt
Getting a quality receiver on offense tops the agenda for the Oakland Raiders and Jordan Matthews is among the best. Though not fast by definition, his size, great hands and expert route running make him extremely tough to cover even for the best corners.
#37 – Minnesota Vikings (from ATL) – Scott Crichton – DE – Oregon State
Trade yield: Falcons get MIN #40 and 5th round pick
With two of their top defensive ends on the even of leaving in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings must make sure they
#38 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Odell Beckham Jr. – WR – LSU
Once again robbed of that needed pass rusher, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers again look to the offense. This time they add a dynamic receiver in Odell Beckham Jr. His good speed, agility and acceleration make him dangerous with the ball in his hands, even on special teams.
#39 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Derek Carr – QB – Fresno State
Having wisely found a way to keep their second round pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars know how to cash it in when FresnoState quarterback Derek Carr falls to them. Tall, athletic, confidence and boasting a huge arm he will join their organization with a chip on his shoulder.
#40 – Atlanta Falcons (from MIN) – Morgan Moses – OT – Virginia
Again having taken advantage with a trade down, the Atlanta Falcons continue their trenches makeover by getting Matt Ryan some protection. Morgan Moses has loads of size and strength, not to mention underrated footwork in pass protection.
#41 – Buffalo Bills – Austin Seferian-Jenkins – TE – Washington
E.J. Manuel needs blocking and better receiver from his tight ends. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is one of those rare types who can provide both. An accomplished blocker out of Washington, he has the athleticism and size to create matchup problems in coverage.
#42 – Tennessee Titans – Jimmy Garoppolo – QB – Eastern Illinois
Ken Whisenhunt insists Jake Locker has a shot at the starting job for the Tennessee Titans, but that won’t stop him from adding some competition. Jimmy Garoppolo has the poise, height, accuracy and quick release of a future starter, or even more.
#43 – New York Giants – Cyril Richardson – OG – Baylor
Improving the interior blocking up front is a must for the New York Giants. Cyril Richardson is a mass of humanity with dominant strength. He blows open running lanes but retains the needed footwork to hold his ground in pass protection.
#44 – St. Louis Rams – Bradley Roby – CB – Ohio State
Needing more depth in the secondary with Corteland Finnegan getting older, the St. Louis Rams bring in the hyper-athletic and fast Bradley Roby out of OhioState. Though still needing more polish, his cover potential is extremely high under the right guidance.
#45 – Atlanta Falcons (from DET) – Bishop Sankey – RB – Washington
Signing Steven Jackson seemed like the right idea last season but it didn’t turn out that way. The Atlanta Falcons do their best work with a consistent ground attack. Bishop Sankey has the strength and toughness to run downhill but also the versatility to catch passes out of the backfield.
#46 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Allen Robinson – WR – Penn State
One thing missing from the offense for the Pittsburgh Steelers is the big wide receiver who can go up and get the football in contested situations. Allen Robinson, with his 6’3″ frame and explosive lower body did that all the time for PennState and did it well.
#47 – Dallas Cowboys – Xavier Su’a-Filo – OG – UCLA
Travis Frederick was a solid addition at center but the Dallas Cowboys are still having problems at guard. UCLA standout Xavier Su’a-Filo has the size and power for the position along with experience and polished technique that should allow him to start immediately.
#48 – Green Bay Packers (from BAL) – Ryan Shazier – OLB – Ohio State
Trade yield: Ravens get GB #53 and 5th round picks
One of the tasks ahead for the Green Bay Packers is getting more athletic and dynamic in their front seven. Ryan Shazier is a tackling machine at outside linebacker with the speed to track down ball carriers, play coverage or in the Packers’ case bring timely blitzes.
#49 – New York Jets – Kyle Fuller – CB – Virginia Tech
How long can Rex Ryan wait before going defense? Here’s the answer. In need of some addition help at corner, the New York Jets nab Kyle Fuller from Virginia Tech. A willing tackler and hitter, he’s got the natural athleticism and instincts to excel in coverage.
#50 – Miami Dolphins – Gabe Jackson – OG – Mississippi State
A move up in the first round got them a tackle, this time the Miami Dolphins pay off by being patient. Gabe Jackson is no joke at the guard position. He is big, beefy, strong and aggressive like crazy. He’s a top notch road grader when run blocking .
#51 – Chicago Bears – Dion Bailey – FS – USC
He’s not on a lot of radars at the moment but it’s only a matter of time before Dion Bailey starts to get noticed. The USC safety is a legit playmaker, showing the kind of range and instincts in the coverage that teams love, and something the Chicago Bears sorely lack.
#52 – Arizona Cardinals – Antonio Richardson – OT – Tennessee
He might not be quite agile enough for left tackle but Antonio Richardson has everything necessary to anchor the right side. He’s not only big but powerful with long arms and heavy hands. When he’s sound in his technique, he can block anybody.
#53 – Baltimore Ravens (from GB) – Jack Mewhort – OT – Ohio State
Michael Oher is on his way out and the Baltimore Ravens have some retooling to do up front. Having a desire to reignite their running game, they add Jack Mewhort from OhioState. Not overly athletic, he nonetheless is a powerhouse at right tackle who thrives when going forward.
#54 – Philadelphia Eagles – Trevor Reilly – OLB – Utah
Adding more speed and athleticism to their front seven is a priority for the Philadelphia Eagles. Trevor Reilly has the build and the agility to elude blockers when rushing the passer or chasing down ball carriers.
#55 – Cincinnati Bengals – Deone Bucannon – SS – Washington State
A bit old school for some, there is no question that Deone Bucannon is a hitter and physical tackler. His size and build are quite imposing, but that overshadows how good he actually is in coverage. Very similar to Seahawks star Kam Chancellor.
#56 – San Francisco 49ers (from KC) – Lamarcus Joyner – S/CB – Florida State
After watching the success Arizona had with Tyrann Mathieu, the San Francisco 49ers may look to add a similar playmaking defensive back in their secondary. That would be Lamarcus Joyner. Though shorter than ideal, he’s well built, tough and instinctive when it comes to finding the football.
#57 – San Diego Chargers – Trent Murphy – DE/OLB – Stanford
He may not be that premier athlete that everyone wants in this 2014 NFL mock draft but Trent Murphy still led the nation in sacks. He knows how to get to the quarterback. That is all the San Diego Chargers need to know when they take him.
#58 – Indianapolis Colts – DaQuan Jones – DT – Penn State
Adding size and quickness to the defensive line is a must for the Indianapolis Colts in order to improve their porous run defense. DaQuan Jones has plenty of bulk and strength to anchor in middle, not to mention the agility to close off lanes across the line of scrimmage.
#59 – New Orleans Saints – Loucheiz Purifoy – CB – Florida
Injuries really hurt the secondary for the New Orleans Saints late in the year, especially at corner. Loucheiz Purifoy is still somewhat raw but his length, athleticism and speed are all near the elite categories. Under the right coaching he could be a huge steal.
#60 – Carolina Panthers – Billy Turner – OT – North Dakota State
Offensive line is a favorite area for the Carolina Panthers front office, so with a number of free agents possibly leaving they are bound to address it sooner than later. Billy Turner is a late riser from a small school but his physical tools are clear as day on tape.
#61 – San Francisco 49ers – Martavis Bryant – WR – Clemson
If they are to challenge the Seahawks in 2014, the San Francisco 49ers have to counter the sizeable Seattle secondary. That comes with adding bigger receivers. Martavis Bryant gets overlooked because of Sammy Watkins but his 6’4″ frame and excellent hand-eye coordination are traits worth exploring.
#62 – New England Patriots – Carl Bradford – OLB – Arizona State
The fact Carl Bradford draws comparisons to Brandon Spikes is enough by itself to interest the New England Patriots, especially since Spikes is a free agent. What he may lack in athletic skill, Bradford makes up with instinct, tenacity and physical play.
#63 – Denver Broncos – Jimmie Ward – SS – Northern Illinois
The secondary took a serious beating in 2013 for the Denver Broncos and it could get worse after free agency. Jimmie Ward is a tad undersized for safety but he’s a great asset in coverage with the range and instincts to track the football like a corner.
#64 – Seattle Seahawks – Davante Adams – WR – Fresno State
Sidney Rice is likely gone and perhaps Golden Tate too. Percy Harvin is no guarantee to stay healthy either. The Seattle Seahawks need stability at receiver. Davante Adams has good size and speed along with a very reliable pair of hands.
To see the 2014 NFL Mock Draft first round action, click here.