2014 NFL Mock Draft Update: 2nd Round Begins
By Erik Lambert
Oct 26, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Ra
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 – Ra’Shede Hageman – DT – Minnesota
Ra’Shede Hageman played defensive tackle in college but multiple experts believe he would make an even better 3-4 defensive end. His athleticism for his imposing size is impossible to ignore and he could really help the Houston Texans run defense.
#34 – Washington Redskins – David Yankey – OG – Stanford
Robert Griffin III was hit a lot in 2013. That is unacceptable for the Washington Redskins. They have to improve their front line blocking. Adding a versatile All-American guard like David Yankey who can play tackle too would do wonders.
#35 – Cleveland Browns – Carlos Hyde – RB – Ohio State
Bridgewater got another giant receiver in the first round. Now the Cleveland Browns look to balance the offense around him by landing bell cow running back Carlos Hyde. Thick, powerful and shifty the OhioState runner is a load who finds holes and breaks tackles.
#36 – Oakland Raiders – Stephon Tuitt – DT – Notre Dame
Getting more disruptive and physical on the defensive line is a must for the Oakland Raiders. Stephon Tuitt comes out of a 3-4 at Notre Dame but his size, motor and speed will allow him to play multiple positions in any defense, creating confusion and havoc.
#37 – St. Louis Rams (from ATL) – Bishop Sankey – RB – Washington
Jeff Fisher believes in Zac Stacy but that doesn’t mean the St. Louis Rams are settled at running back. Bishop Sankey is a new millennium type who can run between the tackles with power but also is excellent receiving out of the backfield in the passing game.
#38 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Scott Crichton – DE – Oregon State
Lovie Smith needs a pass rusher for his Tampa 2 defense and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find a darn good one in Scott Crichton. Though not a premier athlete, the OregonState standout is big, strong, smart and relentless. He is a tone setter.
#39 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Donte Moncrief – WR – Ole Miss
Already a solid prospect before the combine, Ole Miss receiver Donte Moncrief turned in a solid workout that showed he has some good speed in addition to his documented size and route running ability. The Jacksonville Jaguars thus give him to Johnny Manziel.
#40 – Minnesota Vikings – A.J. McCarron – QB – Alabama
This pick might not be very popular at first among Minnesota Vikings fans but it’s a calculated and logical one. A.J. McCarron is a winner, intelligent, a leader and deceptively more talented than people think. He is also the efficient type of quarterback Mike Zimmer will want running his offense.
#41 – Buffalo Bills – Jace Amaro – TE – Texas Tech
E.J. Manuel gets another helpful piece added to his offense from the Buffalo Bills. Jace Amaro had a difficult scouting combine but the game tape doesn’t lie. He is a weapon in the passing game given his size, hands and ability to find openings in the defense.
#42 – Tennessee Titans – Morgan Moses – OT – Virginia
Dubbed a “dancing bear” by some experts, from a physical standpoint Morgan Moses is a man. The Virginia tackle is huge, long and surprisingly nimble feet. He still needs some work but the Tennessee Titans will be glad to have him protecting their quarterback.
#43 – New York Giants – Ryan Shazier – OLB – Ohio State
Adding faster athletes to the linebackers and secondary was something the New York Giants wanted to do. Ryan Shazier has plenty of length and speed coming out of OhioState. He’s a tackling machine who also has shown effectiveness blitzing.
#44 – St. Louis Rams – Allen Robinson – WR – Penn State
Sam Bradford got his speedy target last year in Tavon Austin. Now the St. Louis Rams grab a bigger one for him. Athletically, Allen Robinson isn’t a freak but the PennState star has great size at 6’3″ with explosive leaping ability and the strength to fight for the ball.
#45 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DET) – Austin Seferian-Jenkins – TE
Another area in need of attention for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tight end. They really have no legitimate pass-catching threat. Despite his foot injury, Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a massive but athletic target who doubles as a terrific blocker too.
#46 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Louis Nix – DT – Notre Dame
Talent-wise experts love the potential of Louis Nix but injury problems and lack of versatility land him in the second round, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are loving it. He should upgrade their run defense immediately.
#47 – Dallas Cowboys – Xavier Su’a-Filo – OG – UCLA
Everything starts in the trenches for the Dallas Cowboys. Having gone defense early, they next move to fortify the front for Tony Romo. Xavier Su’a-Filo test well at the combine, is experienced, smart and by all accounts stout and powerful at guard.
#48 – Baltimore Ravens – Antonio Richardson – OT – Tennessee
Both tackles for the Baltimore Ravens are free agents so it’s clear the team has to address the position sooner than later. Antonio Richardson has loads of size, strength, long arms and good quickness. He has experience on the left but the physical stature for a home on the right.
#49 – New York Jets – Kyle Fuller – CB – Virginia Tech
Rex Ryan won’t be able to resist going defense for long. Kyle Fuller is already lauded for his scrappiness and tackling ability. He needed to show he had speed at the combine and he succeeded. The New York Jets add him to bolster their secondary.
#50 – Miami Dolphins – Tre Mason – RB – Auburn
It wasn’t a surprise that the Miami Dolphins spoke to Tre Mason during the combine process. He is one of the most proven and versatile runners in this 2014 NFL mock draft. His landing with the team merely reinforces their bid to upgrade at running back.
#51 – Chicago Bears – Deone Bucannon – SS – Washington State
Phil Emery vowed to add physical playmakers to the Chicago Bears defense. Deone Bucannon has the length and range befitting a ball hawk safety but he’s equally good at charging into the box and delivering a good hit on ball carriers.
#52 – Arizona Cardinals – Jimmy Garoppolo – QB – Eastern Illinois
Carson Palmer may have a couple more years left but the Arizona Cardinals can’t ignore the need to had a developmental quarterback, especially in that division. Jimmy Garoppolo has a great release, accuracy, good size and mobility.
#53 – Green Bay Packers – Jimmie Ward – SS – Northern Illinois
They committed robbery in the first round by landing C.J. Mosley. Now the Green Bay Packers hope to add more playmakers to their secondary. Jimmie Ward is a tough strong safety out of Northern Illinois but retains the traits of a cornerback.
#54 – Philadelphia Eagles – Trent Murphy – OLB – Stanford
Mike Mayock said a guy doesn’t get 15 sacks in a season by accident. Trent Murphy knows how to rush the passer and the Philadelphia Eagles need somebody like that at outside linebacker. He’s not the best athlete, but Murphy is a good choice.
#55 – Cincinnati Bengals – Lamarcus Joyner – CB – Florida State
Smaller defensive backs have never frightened the Cincinnati Bengals given the defense they play. Lamarcus Joyner plays way bigger than his limited 5’8″ frame will suggest. He’s instinctive, tough, always around the ball and makes plays in coverage or tackling.
#56 – San Francisco 49ers (from KC) – Marcus Roberson – CB – Florida
Marcus Roberson is not the best tackler but the Florida corner may be one of the best coverage men in the 2014 class. The San Francisco 49ers have need for somebody like him to take better advantage of their outstanding front seven.
#57 – San Diego Chargers – Cyril Richardson – OG – Baylor
Philip Rivers did his best work with help from the running game, and the San Diego Chargers could use help with their interior blocking. Cyril Richardson is not only massive but very powerful. He should be able to open holes for the Bolts backs.
#58 – Indianapolis Colts – DaQuan Jones – DT – Penn State
Stopping the run was an adventure for the Indianapolis Colts last season. If they wish to correct that problem they have to get bigger on the defensive line. DaQuan Jones brings that size along with good quickness and strength out of PennState.
#59 – New Orleans Saints – Jeremiah Attaochu – OLB – Georgia Tech
Defensive coaches not only love talented players, they love ones that play with attitude. Rob Ryan is no different for the New Orleans Saints. Jeremiah Attaochu is a legitimate pass rusher out of Georgia Tech who is a real fire plug who gets in the face of teammates and opponents alike.
#60 – Carolina Panthers – Jack Mewhort – OT – Ohio State
Success for Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers is built on strong offensive lines. With free agency about to shake things up, they go get some needed insurance in Jack Mewhort. His size, power and length with limited athleticism make him a pure right tackle.
#61 – San Francisco 49ers – Marcus Martin – C – USC
Jonathan Goodwin is 35-years old and a free agent, leaving the center position in question for the San Francisco 49ers. While not as polished as others, Marcus Martin is a physical force out of USC who merely needs more experience playing the position.
#62 – New England Patriots – Carl Bradford – OLB – Arizona State
The linebackers took some serious hits for the New England Patriots in 2013 and with Brandon Spike a free agent they have to address the position. Carl Bradford is undersized but an explosive tackler who can pass rush and also drop in coverage.
#63 – Denver Broncos – Pierre Desir – CB – Lindenwood
The secondary could look vastly different for the Denver Broncos in 2014. They need more depth and talent at corner above all. Pierre Desir is raw out of a small school but his physical dimensions and potential speak to a possible shutdown corner once he’s been coached up.
#64 – Seattle Seahawks – Troy Niklas – TE – Notre Dame
Zach Miller is likely out as tight end for the Seattle Seahawks, so it leaves a hole for them to fill. Troy Niklas doesn’t have the production teams might like but his size and limited tape show he can be a serious pass target in the right offense.
For the first round of the 2014 NFL mock draft, click here.
For the third round of the 2014 NFL mock draft, click here.