2014 NFL Mock Draft: Community Style (Day 2 Frenzy)
By Erik Lambert
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles nose tackle Timmy Jernigan (8) celebrates late in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers for the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
If you fans thought the first round of the community-forged 2014 NFL mock draft was crazy, get ready for a few plot twists as we start the Day 2 action. Find out how your teams fared.
2nd ROUND
33. Houston Texans: Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame
Sayre Says: Big nose tackle prospect fits what the Texans are looking to do defensively and adds a disruptive force up front. Great value.
34. Cleveland Browns: Xavier Su’a Filo, OG, UCLA
Erik Says: The pre-draft process did him well. He demonstrated his polished technique and agility while game tape exhibits the excellent power base that made him a top choice.
35. Washington Redskins: Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State
Erik Says: The origin of this pick is somewhat wacky. One of our writers was scheduled to select for the Washington Redskins but he failed to show on time. So initially we were forced to bypass him, allowing Cleveland to select ahead of them. Finally we realized he wasn’t coming so we were forced to divide up his teams and pick for him. Gabe Jackson is a power road grader at guard with the technique and fluidity to anchor in pass protection. Real nasty too.
36. Oakland Raiders: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
Joe Says: Already having Blake Bortles, I knew the Raiders couldn’t do much without some offensive fire-power. It was disappointing to see the amount of receivers already off the board, but Robinson at 37 seemed to be a great fit. This won’t be the last offensive weapon taken in Oakland’s draft, I can guarantee you that.
37. Houston Texans (f/STL via ATL): Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
Trade: 1st round pick in ’15 to Rams for two 2nd rounders in ’14
Sayre Says: Elite receiver from the TE position who can stretch the field, and who can split out and play receiver if need be. Not the fastest straight line speed but a very productive player who can be a major weapon.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State
MacKenzie Says: The Bucs need a defensive end, and Crichton was the best one available, with little doubt. If the Bucs went Sammy Watkins and Crichton with their first two picks, they’d be happy. He’s very good laterally, and he is just tall enough to play in a 4-3.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
Joe Says: It was always a tossup whether the Jaguars would go for a quarterback in the first round. One thing that was clear was if they didn’t, then they certainly would in the second. Jimmy Garoppolo is a small school prospect but his physical attributes including good height, accuracy, a strong arm and lightning quick release hint he has the stuff of a starter in the pros.
40. Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU
MacKenzie Says: Not only is outside linebacker a need, but I’m a big Van Noy fan. He’s a solid athlete with outstanding instincts and versatility. He should be a great fit in Minnesota’s defense.
41. Buffalo Bills: Austin Seferian Jenkins, TE, Washington
Erik Says: I knew the broken foot would be a concern but this kid is way too talented to let fall any further. He is a huge target in the passing game and arguably just as good a blocker.
42. Tennessee Titans: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
Sayre Says: Simply had to end the fall of Jernigan here. Too good of a player to pass up on even though he doesn’t satisfy a top need.
43. New York Giants: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
Sayre Says: Shazier has the athletic ability, speed, and instincts to be an elite producer in this defense. Love what he brings to the table and think he can provide great value.
44. Houston Texans (f/STL): Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Sayre Says: Adding huge speed and potential in the defensive backfield. Roby had a first round grade for some and getting him in the middle of the second is a steal here.
45. Detroit Lions: LaMarcus Joyner, CB, Florida State
Joe Says: This wasn’t the pick I was expecting to make for the Lions, but looking back on the move, I’m happy I made it. Joyner should be able to step in right away and make an impact in the defensive backfield.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers: Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
Joe Says: Offensive fire-power is needed in Pittsburgh and the Adams seemed to be the right fit here. After this, there was a steady drop of talent at the receiver spot. Adams will be able to earn snaps right away with solid production.
47. Dallas Cowboys: Jimmie Ward, S, NIU
Sayre Says: Aggressive safety with great range who can be an immediate plug and play for the Cowboys’ defense.
48. New England Patriots (f/BAL): Dominique Easley, DL, Florida
Trade: 2nd, 3rd and 7th round picks to Ravens for 48th pick and 6th rounder
MacKenzie Says: I’m not a doctor, so I’m not going to address Easley’s injury issues. But his first step quickness is unreal. Just an outstanding player who could put up Warren Sapp like numbers with Vince Wilfork eating up blocks in the middle and Easley using his quickness to penetrate one on one as a 3 technique.
49. Miami Dolphins: Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington
Erik Says: Another team I took over for our M.I.A. colleague. The Miami Dolphins need more of a presence on the ground. Sankey is a do-it-all type who runs well inside, outside and also is a very good receiver out of the backfield.
50. New York Jets: Carl Bradford, OLB, Arizona State
MacKenzie Says: There weren’t many offensive players left that were high on my board, save Antonio Richardson, the one guy that the Jets didn’t need. So I went with Bradford. The football purist in me says he is the most underrated prospect in the draft with his strength, instincts, fundamentals, and all around toughness. The realist acknowledges his physical limitations, but I really like the way this kid plays the game.
51. Baltimore Ravens (f/CHI): Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Trade: 61st and 3rd round pick to Bears for 51st and 6th round pick
Joe Says: I was able to trade back here and still do what we wanted to. Moses is a player that should be able to start on the right side. Michael Oher probably won’t be back, so this is a big step in the right direction.
52. Arizona Cardinals: Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
Erik Says: I had originally planned to go after an edge rusher here but when I saw Carlos Hyde on the board I couldn’t pass him. The Ohio State power back is a load to bring down and will make a perfect complement to the speedy Andre Ellington.
53. Green Bay Packers: Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee
MacKenzie Says: Daniel McCullers is easily one of my favorite prospects in this draft. A one gap specialist that does everything you ask him to do with tremendous success and nothing more. Should be very good when on the field at the NFL level.
54. Seattle Seahawks (via PHI): Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
Joe Says: This team doesn’t need much, but Landry outside of the top 50 seemed too good to be true. Having two second round picks was incredible and this is a pick I was comfortable making at 32. What a steal!
55. Detroit Lions (via CIN): Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford
Joe Says: Moving up with the Bengals was perfect here as I was able to grab a nice value in Murphy. This wasn’t my ideal pick, but a draft of O’Dell Beckham Jr., Joyner, and Murphy was a pretty nice load through two rounds.
56. San Francisco 49ers (via KC): Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
Erik Says: Honestly, I couldn’t believe Stephon Tuitt was still on the board this late. Defensive line isn’t the first need for the Niners but a chance to get a tone-setting pass rusher with such size and versatility like him was impossible to pass on.
57. San Diego Chargers: Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood
Joe Says: The secondary talent was quickly dwindling here so grabbing Desir was about the only thing I could do. Desir showed that he is worthy of a top-75 pick and with the tremendous need in the secondary in San Diego, this was a pick that made sense.
58. Indianapolis Colts: Marcus Martin, C, USC
MacKenzie Says: Best center in this draft class, and the Colts really needed one. I was hoping to go corner or safety here, as I’m not ready to give up on Khaled Holmes, but I’m not a fan of any of the Florida corners or Terrence Brooks, so Martin was clearly the best available option.
59. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida
Joe Says: The old saying was you can never have enough pass rushers at the pro level. While still true, an addition to that saying is you can never have enough cover corners. Marcus Roberson is not the most physical defensive back but the Florida standout does his best work in coverage and can help out New Orleans in that area.
60. Carolina Panthers: Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State
Sayre Says: Tackle has quickly become a top need for the Panthers, who get a guy in Mewhort that is quickly rising up boards.
61. San Francisco 49ers: Keith McGill, CB, Utah
Erik Says: Improving the cornerback position is a key for San Francisco. Keith McGill is one of the new age types at 6’3″ who can cover the big targets with his length but still has the athleticism to mirror any receiver on the outside.
62. Chicago Bears (f/BAL via NE): Terrence Brooks, DB, Florida State
Erik Says: I originally had no intention of moving down with Chicago but when I saw a ton of offensive talent at the top of my board, I inquired about a deal. Baltimore offered an extra third round pick if I gave up one of my sixth rounders. It was a deal I felt was worth it. With Chris Conte needing competition, Terrence Brooks was the ideal pick. Though undersized he’s athletic, rangy, and instinctive for making plays on the ball.
63. Denver Broncos: Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina
Sayre Says: Big defensive end prospect with huge upside. Continuing the defensive remodel for the Broncos.
64. Seattle Seahawks: Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
Joe Says: Grabbing two receivers in this round was a tricky decision, but it might just be enough to help Seattle reach the Super Bowl again in 2014. This offense just got a ton better.
THIRD ROUND
65. Houston Texans: Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada
Sayre Says: Athletic tackle could be a rookie starter at right tackle for the Texans.
66. Washington Redskins: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State
Erik Says: Needing a serious presence at safety, the Redskins would do well to scoop up Deone Bucannon. The kid is old school, loving to deliver hard hits but with enough new school ballhawking in his blood to justify it.
67. Oakland Raiders: Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas
Joe Says: Jeffcoat here might seem like a reach, but Oakland needs desperate help with the pass rush. Jeffcoat will provide speed on the edge and help the Raiders defense immediately.
68. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Thomas, OL, Clemson
Sayre Says: Falcons need to get some youth on the offensive line. Thomas can play either tackle or guard.
69. New York Jets (via TB): Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
MacKenzie Says: I’m not a huge Troy Niklas fan, but I couldn’t say no here in the third rounder. I question if he has the quickness needed to block NFL defenders, and he isn’t an amazing pass catcher, but he has solid toughness and great size. Good value in the third round.
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona
Joe Says: The overall take on Ka’Deem Carey is mixed. Some don’t like him at the next level due to questions of toughness and durability. However, he showed in 2013 that he can carry the load for his team and do it really well. He’s also got upside as a pass catcher and improved as a blocker.
71. Cleveland Browns: Tre’ Mason, RB, Auburn
Erik Says: I couldn’t believe the Jaguars passed on Tre Mason for Carey but wasn’t complaining. The Browns needed a running back and this Auburn kid may be small but he can pack a punch in a variety of different ways.
72. Minnesota Vikings: Craig Loston, S, LSU
MacKenzie Says: The Vikings could use a safety opposite Harrison Smith, and Loston fits the bill. To me, Loston reminds me of Charles Woodson. No, not the Charles Woodson that won DPOY. Charles Woodson in his advanced age, no longer athletic enough for corner but still strong and instinctive enough to be a passable NFL starting safety.
73. Buffalo Bills: Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State
Erik Says: A lot of people have gotten on him about his weight problem but Will Sutton has the quickness, natural leverage and explosive burst off the snap to become a real pass rushing threat from the interior for Buffalo.
74. New York Giants: Billy Turner, OT, North Dakota St.
Sayre Says: Very intriguing small school prospect that offers versatility to the Giants’ offensive line.
75. Atlanta Falcons (via STL): Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska
Sayre Says: CB prospect with great length and playmaking potential.
76. Detroit Lions: Jeremiah Attaouchu, DE/LB, Georgia Tech
Joe Says: This was the steal of the draft. Attaouchu is top-50 talent and to get him 26 picks later was shocking. I went running up to the podium with this selection!
77. San Francisco 49ers (via TEN): Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss
Erik Says: I know I already got Jordan Matthews earlier but what can be better than one talented 6’3″ wide receiver than two. Donte Moncrief is not only big but fast and has a polished route tree under his belt. He could be a potential steal for the 49ers.
78. Dallas Cowboys: Marcus Smith, DE, Louisville
Sayre Says: Cowboys continue to remodel their defensive front. Smith put up huge numbers for the Cardinals this past season with 18.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.
79. Baltimore Ravens: Jawuan James, OT, Tennessee
Joe Says: The Ravens are desperate for offensive line help. Is this the safest selection? No, but this makes sense. It’s clear that James is going to transfer well at the next level. He might be the steal of the 3rd round.
80. New York Jets: Cody Hoffman, WR, BYU
MacKenzie Says: This is more a personal pick for me, because I know I can get Cody Hoffman in a later round, but I have this guy as the most underrated prospect in the draft. What can I say? I’m a sucker for 6’4 hands catchers with good bulk, body control in the air, soft hands, and good footwork in routes. I think Hoffman is the most underrated prospect of this draft.
81. Miami Dolphins: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
Erik Says: They may have gotten a blocker early but that Dolphins offensive line needs more than one to fix it. Antonio Richardson is too talented to pass on anyway. He’s huge, powerful and has the heavy hands required to wall off pass rushers once locked on.
82. Chicago Bears: Kelcy Quarles, DT, South Carolina
Erik Says: Phil Emery said his updated philosophy for defensive linemen was bigger and longer. Kelcy Quarles rates highly in both categories. His 9.5 sacks in 2013 also demonstrated how destructive he can be as an interior rusher.
83. Cleveland Browns (via PIT): Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
Erik Says: D’Qwell Jackson is gone so the Browns need to seek out a replacement at inside linebacker. Chris Borland is undersized but the kid is very intelligent and instinctive and shows athleticism in coverage and toughness defending the run. Very passionate player.
84. San Diego Chargers (f/ARZ): Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Trade: 89th and 91st picks to Cardinals for 84th pick
Joe Says: Trading up to take Abbrederis at 84 was another steal. I had to make a move and I couldn’t let the Wisconsin playmaker fall out of the top 90. This could be the Chargers best pick in 2014.
85. Chicago Bears (via GB): Bashaud Breeland, CB, Clemson
Erik Says: Charles Tillman could be on the way out, which means cornerback will require attention from the Bears. Bashaud Breeland is still raw in a lot of areas but his athleticism and toughness allow him to match with big receivers and also have a presence defending the run.
86. Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylen Watkins, CB, Florida
Erik Says: Many were concerned about his speed coming out of Florida, sparking the idea that Jaylen Watkins might shift to safety. He quickly dispelled that problem with a 4.41 at the scouting combine. The kid is long, fluid and brings an additional edge to the game as a willing hitter. The Eagles will love having him as a tone setter in their secondary.
87. Kansas City Chiefs: Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford
Sayre Says: Instinctive, productive safety who hopefully will pair with Eric Berry in the Chiefs’ talented secondary.
88. Cincinnati Bengals: Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU
MacKenzie Says: I’m not an Andy Dalton fan, who I feel like hasn’t really made any strides since his rookie season. I do like Mettenberger. He has a great arm and nice mechanics, and, frankly, I hardly care about the ACL. It’s not like he had any athleticism to lose, right?
89. Arizona Cardinals (f/SD): Trevor Reilly, LB, Utah
Erik Says: I was surprised when San Diego offered both their third rounders to move up but wasn’t about to complain. Arizona moved down and still I managed to get a player I would’ve taken anyway. Trevor Reilly is a lengthy, athletic kid from Utah with excellent potential as an outside pass rusher, something the Cardinals need.
90. Indianapolis Colts: E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri
MacKenzie Says: I’m a big Gaines fan. He’s the best run stopping corner in this draft class among guys who didn’t get 14.5 TFL’s and start a game vs. Georgia Tech at linebacker to improve the run defense during their sophomore year (are you kidding me Kyle Fuller?). Gaines is as tough as it gets and his tackling is outstanding. I love his instincts, reminds me a bit of Marcus Gilchrist, and I think a move to safety would bode well for him.
91. Arizona Cardinals (f/SD via NO): Dakota Dozier, OG, Furman
Erik Says: Jonathan Cooper is coming back but Arizona still could use more work up front. A late riser in 2014 NFL mock draft boards is Dakota Dozier. Not only a good pass protector but he has a solid power base to be a factor in the run as well.
92. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa
Sayre Says: Combined with Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen, CJF gives the Panthers another huge target to work with offensively and adds another red zone threat.
93. Chicago Bears (f/NE): A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
Erik Says: My initial hope when I took command of the Bears was to acquire enough mid round picks to justify taking an offensive player. Thankfully that came to pass. At the very least A.J. McCarron with his intelligence, leadership and work ethic is an ideal replacement at backup for Josh McCown behind Jay Cutler. Perhaps he might be more in the future, or he could turn into a valuable trade piece after some development under Marc Trestman.
94. San Francisco 49ers: Victor Hampton, CB, South Carolina
Erik Says: Another double up pick. While McGill handles the outside duties, San Francisco will love having Hampton at the nickel spot. He is gritty and athletic despite size limitations and also brings a toughness in defending the run.
95. Denver Broncos: Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU
Sayre Says: Broncos add some more depth on the defensive front with an interior pass rusher who has a pretty solid overall game. Had to end his slide here.
96. Kansas City Chiefs (via CLE): Travis Swanson, OL, Arkansas
Sayre Says: Swanson is one of the top interior line prospects in the draft, and is a good value for the Chiefs at the end of round #3.
To see the first round of the community style 2014 NFL mock draft, click here.