2014 NFL Mock Draft: Community Edition (Day 2)
By Erik Lambert
Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) is hit by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Kony Ealy (47) while throwing during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Round one was explosive in terms of trades for the latest community 2014 NFL mock draft. Will Day 2 keep the frenzy going? Before we begin it should be noted a great deal of fun was had with this one especially in terms of the trades and the joking around that happened during the action. In order to get a full grasp of both, two sections have been laid out at the bottom of this article for you to get the full explanations. Reference them whenever you like.
Click this link to review the first round action. Remember that each team has three minutes to pick and can offer trades at any time. Your writers are Sayre Bedinger, Geoff Zlobinsky, MacKenzie Pantoja, Joe Wedra and Erik Lambert. Enjoy!
SECOND ROUND
33. Houston Texans: Jimmy Garoppollo, QB, Eastern Illinois
Erik Says: Having added a difference-making defender to team with J.J. Watt in the first round, I knew I would have to strike for a quarterback quickly in the second. Jimmy Garoppolo is the best on the board. Despite his limited experience against top competition, his size, accuracy and quick release show the makings of a future long-term starter.
34. Washington Redskins: Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Geoff Says: It really doesn’t matter where the Redskins start. Their secondary needs upgrades across the board. Jimmie Ward is a tad undersized but his range, instinct and physical play would be most welcome on the back end of that defense.
35. St. Louis Rams (f/CLE): Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Trade: Rams give 44th, 4th and 5th round picks to Browns for 35th pick
Erik Says: There is a lot more to this trade than just the fact that Kony Ealy is an outright steal in the 2nd round. That part will be explained later. Suffice to say his size and dynamic pass rush ability will be most welcome.
36. Oakland Raiders: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
Joe Says: It’s clear that a starting Tight End is needed in Oakland; Amaro can be a player that makes a difference. He has the potential to be Matt Schaub’s favorite weapon and having him fall here was perfect.
37. Atlanta Falcons: 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 Atlanta’s defense.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
MacKenzie Says: Roby is among the most talented corners in this draft class. He’s a bit inconsistent but his tackling and athleticism give him lots of potential, and the Buccaneers could use a replacement for Darrelle Revis.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU
Geoff Says: What was he thinking? I’m sure that’s what a lot of Jaguar fans will say. Remember the ownership said the team had plans to take two quarterbacks. By grabbing Bridgewater and Mettenberger in consecutive rounds they add a wealth of talent to the most important position. On top of that, they could easily develop both and flip whomever fails to get the starting job for extra picks down the road. Mettenberger is huge at 6’5″ with an absolute rifle for an arm as well as experience in a pro-style system. It’s a tad aggressive, but Jacksonville can afford it.
40. Minnesota Vikings: Keith McGill, CB, Utah
Geoff Says: Long corners are the wave of the future and few coaches are better at developing defensive backs than Mike Zimmer. Keith McGill is tall cover man at 6’3″ with surprising athleticism and acceleration that helps him in press coverage.
41. Buffalo Bills: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington
Joe Says: Austin Sefarian-Jenkins is a weapon not only in the passing game, but as a blocker as well. I felt the Buffalo offense could use an all-around weapon… “ASF” is that guy!
42. Tennessee Titans: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
MacKenzie Says: Mid second round, this is good value. Derrick Morgan can’t be in Tennessee’s long term plans if Horton plans to move to a 3-4, and, with his length, Hagemann could play 3-4 end at the NFL level.
43. New York Giants: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
Joe Says: The interior of the defensive line in New York could use some help. Jernigan at 43 is a total steal and I’d imagine he wouldn’t have lasted much longer. He’s going to be a starter on the front-7 immediately.
44. Cleveland Browns (f/STL): Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA
Joe Says: This may end up being the pick of the draft. Not only was I able to move back and gain some extra draft picks, I ended up with the guy I wanted all along. Su’a-Filo was a potential pick with #26. The fact that I was able to move back this far, pick up two extra picks, and still get my guy was incredible.
45. Detroit Lions: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Sayre Says: We love Riley Reiff’s potential at left tackle, but needed an upgrade on the right side. Moses is a dancing bear and has great upside for us as a starter in the middle of the 2nd round.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood
Erik Says: Mike Evans provides Big Ben with his big target. So I knew going into the second round I had to focus on the secondary with only a third round compensatory pick on Day 2 for Pittsburgh. Pierre Desir has steadily risen up 2014 NFL mock draft boards lately. Though still raw his length, athleticism and toughness show the makings of a cover corner of the highest order.
47. Dallas Cowboys: Lamarcus Joyner, CB, Florida State
MacKenzie Says: I already drafted a safety in the first round, but I traded Barry Church for a second round pick and Joyner is suddenly a good idea again. I’m a big Joyner fan because of his versatility and the substitution flexibility it allows.
48. Baltimore Ravens: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
Joe Says: This was a no-brainer. Robinson was dangerously close to falling outside of the top-50 and I couldn’t let that happen. Baltimore could use some more weapons for Joe Flacco. This pick finalized the receiving corps heading into 2014.
49. New York Jets: Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
Sayre Says: We love to ground and pound, so Hyde was an obvious choice here. He is arguably the best back in the draft and added to Eric Decker and DeSean Jackson, we’ve re-vamped our offensive weaponry.
50. Miami Dolphins: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
Sayre Says: With the trade of Mike Wallace, we needed to add another receiver. Matthews has been one of the most consistent receivers in the country the last couple of years and fits with us perfectly.
51. Chicago Bears: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State
Erik Says: Deone Bucannon is a mix of old and new school. He comes downhill and delivers some vicious hits like the classic safeties twenty or thirty years ago while also boasting the ideal size and range to be a serious factor in coverage forcing turnovers. Chicago will love having him on the back end.
52. Arizona Cardinals: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
MacKenzie Says: At this juncture, Richardson is really good value and fills a huge need for Arizona (yes they signed Veldheer, but they need a right tackle too). His talent is immense, and I feel like he could turn into a really good tackle if a team learns to conserve his stamina.
53. Green Bay Packers: Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State
MacKenzie Says: Bradford isn’t the most talented player, but the football purist inside of me loves him, with his outstanding strength and incredible polish at his age. At his size, he will have to play outside linebacker in the NFL, but he’s among the most fundamentally sound players in this draft.
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent Murphy, DE/LB, Stanford
Geoff Says: Getting the 2013 NCAA sack leader this far into the second round must be a steal. Trent Murphy isn’t the greatest athlete, but he knows how to get to the quarterback. That will be enough for Chip Kelly and the Eagles.
55. Cincinnati Bengals: Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State
MacKenzie Says: The Bengals need a defensive end after the departure of Michael Johnson. Margus Hunt is still years away from being a contributor, although he could become great. He’s a bit undersized, but his fundamentals are good enough that he’s a fairly low risk prospect.
56. San Francisco 49ers (f/KC): Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
Sayre Says: We wanted to get some speed at receiver with Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin already in the mix now with Jonathan Baldwin. Richardson is a deep threat and a playmaker that can make immediate contributions.
57. San Diego Chargers: Jeremiah Attaouchu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
Joe Says: Attaochu will be the much-needed pass-rusher that San Diego craves. I felt comfortable taking the Georgia Tech defensive playmaker here – he’s a heck of a talent!
58. Indianapolis Colts: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska
Geoff Says: Teams that run a 3-4 scheme on defense require big cornerbacks who can play tight man coverage. Stanley Jean-Baptiste is that kind of player at 6’3″. He can match up with any receiver and has good instincts in coverage to attack the football.
59. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida
Erik Says: Jairus Byrd fortified the safety position and Dee Ford will assist the outside pass rush. That just left finding depth at corner for the Saints. Marcus Roberson isn’t a big, physical type but his length, athleticism and solid technique make him one of the best cover men on the board.
60. Carolina Panthers: JaWuan James, OT, Tennessee
Sayre Says: The Panthers need to revamp the offensive line. After going with a receiver in the first round, getting James in the 2nd makes a lot of sense.
61. Chicago Bears (f/SF): Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
Erik Says: The defensive makeover continues and I felt fortunate to see Chris Borland still on the board. While the Wisconsin middle linebacker isn’t on the athletic level of Brian Urlacher in terms of speed or length, he is a quick, instinctive and relentless player who fits perfect in a zone scheme and makes tackles.
62. Dallas Cowboys (f/STL via NE): Dominique Easley, DL, Florida
Trade: Rams send 62nd pick to Cowboys for FS Barry Church
MacKenzie Says: I obtained this pick by trading Barry Church. I like Church, but I feel like he has already reached his ceiling and this is appropriate value for him. I love Easley. 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 with Warren Sapp potential.
63. Denver Broncos: Brandon Thomas, OL, Clemson
Trade: Broncos traded 2015 2nd round selection to Dolphins for DE Dion Jordan
Sayre Says: With Zane Beadles off to Jacksonville, we need an upgrade on the interior of our offensive line. Thomas gives us versatility as he can play tackle or guard, and allows us the flexibility to move Orlando Franklin to guard if we choose to do that as well.
64. Seattle Seahawks: Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss
Sayre Says: We get a big, physical receiver here who can help heal the wounds left by the departure of Golden Tate.
THIRD ROUND
65. Houston Texans: Stephon Tuitt, DL, Notre Dame
Erik Says: How Stephon Tuitt fell to the beginning of the third round was a question I asked when I looked at my board. No matter, adding him was easy. He doesn’t fill any needs but the chance to add one the biggest and best pass rushers in this 2014 NFL mock draft along with Khalil Mack and J.J. Watt sounded too good to pass up.
66. Washington Redskins: Gabe Jackson, OL, Mississippi State
Geoff Says: Make no mistake. This pick will turn out to be a steal. Gabe Jackson is a mauler at guard for Mississippi State. He drives open holes with power and attitude. On top of that he has enough nimbleness and quick feet to handle any job assigned to him in pass protection. Pro Bowl potential.
67. Oakland Raiders: Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
Joe Says: Jarvis Landry falling to Oakland in the third round seemed too good to be true. The Raiders need stability in their receiving corps and this more-than stabilizes it. Landry will be a weapon for years to come.
68. Atlanta Falcons: Kelcy Quarles, DL, South Carolina
MacKenzie Says: Corey Peters is coming off an injury, and Quarles is a fairly talented player, with underrated pass rushing production and ideal size for 4-3 defensive tackle.
69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State
MacKenzie Says: Will Sutton shouldn’t move as well as he does given that sloppy frame. He doesn’t have an athletic build, but he has surprising quickness and he gets ideal leverage. Solid overachiever.
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington
Geoff Says: Maurice Jones-Drew is gone. Jacksonville did bring in Toby Gerhart as a replacement but they still need more dynamic ability at the position. Bishop Sankey has it all: agility, speed, surprising power and soft hands to receive out of the backfield.
71. Cleveland Browns: Yawin Smallwood, LB, UConn
Joe Says: This seemed simple. I am very high on Smallwood and the Browns could use another very solid, young linebacker. Problem solved…
72. Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor
Geoff Says: Harrison Smith is in need of a wing man at the safety position for Minnesota. Ahmad Dixon often gets lost on draft boards because he played at Baylor, an offensive powerhouse. That belies how good he is from being able to hit and tackle to handling tough assignments in coverage. Very underrated player.
73. Buffalo Bills: Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Joe Says: Abberderis is a player I was hoping would fall here. Again, E.J Manuel’s offense needs more weapons. Grabbing the Wisconsin receiver gives the Bills a potential big-play threat that might end up being a Pro-bowler. Don’t sleep on this selection!
74. New York Giants: Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
Joe Says: Eli Manning lost Brandon Meyers, so he’ll need someone to block and catch passes in his offense. Niklas is a nice all-around option that can start right away. This is a great value in the 3rd round especially considering there’s no option on the current depth chart who can start.
75. St. Louis Rams: Tre Mason, RB, Auburn
Erik Says: The offense continues to get a makeover. Zac Stacy is the current starter but it’s not clear whether he’ll stay that way. Bringing in a talent like Tre Mason who can do so many things well should add competition and more skill to that roster.
76. Detroit Lions: Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson
Sayre Says: Big, speedy receiver to pair with Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. We still have high hopes for Ryan Broyles as well and feel like this gives us a great array of options.
77. San Francisco 49ers (f/TEN): Jaylen Watkins, DB, Florida
Sayre Says: Watkins is a versatile playmaker in the secondary that can play corner, nickel, safety–he can do it all. His physical presence will be a welcome addition to this unit.
78. Dallas Cowboys: Craig Loston, S, LSU
MacKenzie Says: Didn’t realize until just now that Loston is the third safety I drafted… Let’s just play Lamarcus Joyner in the nickel. 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.
79. Baltimore Ravens: Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State
Joe Says: Jack Mewhort will compete for the starting job at Right Tackle. The team seems to have a grasp on their offensive plans going forward; Mewhort might be the answer to replacing Michael Oher.
80. New York Jets: C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa
Sayre Says: We’re trying to get as potent offensively as we can, and Fiedorowicz is an ideal fit in our system. He’s huge, can block very well, and is a better than advertised receiver.
81. Miami Dolphins: Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU
Sayre Says: Hill is one of the most physical backs in the draft, and has deceptive speed for his size. He is too good of a value to pass up here, even after the addition of Knowshon Moreno.
82. Chicago Bears: Bashaud Breeland, CB, Clemson
Erik Says: Phil Emery stated that the toughness of a team can be gauged in their cornerbacks. Bashaud Breeland is as tough as they come. He’s got good length, plays physical in coverage and doesn’t shrink from his duties stopping the run.
83. Cleveland Browns (f/PIT): Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
Joe Says: Speed. Agility. Starting Slot Receiver. Need I say more?
84. Arizona Cardinals: 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.
85. Green Bay Packers: 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 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.
86. Miami Dolphins (f/STL): Terrence Brooks, DB, Florida State
Trade: Rams send Chris Long and 86th pick to Dolphins for Mike Wallace, 4th in ’14 and 2nd in ’15
Sayre Says: We want to continue to add depth to our secondary. Brooks is a physical player in the secondary that can also bring it on special teams.
87. Kansas City Chiefs: Dakota Dozier, OG, Furman
Erik Says: Losing Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah were tough blows for the Kansas City Chiefs and must be compensated for. Dakota Dozier comes out of tiny Furman but the kid is no joke. He has the size and strength to run block coupled with good athleticism to assist in pass protection.
88. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcus Martin, C, USC
MacKenzie Says: The Bengals need a center, and to find the best one in this draft class late in the third round would feel pretty nice for Bengals fans. Not a very difficult pick.
89. San Diego Chargers: Marcus Smith, DE, Louisville
Joe Says: Marcus Smith, someone who might go in the second round, is a great talent. The Louisville defender will have a positive impact on any team he’s on. Falling this far just seemed too good to be true.
90. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU
Geoff Says: The pass rush for Indianapolis went through Robert Mathis last year. That can’t happen again. The team needs to get more disruptive up front. Anthony Johnson is still raw but his ceiling is sky high as an interior pass rusher at defensive tackle.
91. New Orleans Saints: Billy Turner, OT, North Dakota State
Erik Says: Protecting Drew Brees remains a top priority for the Saints and their tackle position could use more attention. Billy Turner “turned” quite a few heads during the pre-draft process. Though coming from a small school he has the body and the skill set to develop into a solid backup and perhaps more.
92. Carolina Panthers: Joel Bitonio, OL, Nevada
Sayre Says: After adding JuWuan James in the 2nd, we add Bitonio here and get a very athletic player who can play guard or tackle. We feel he has starting potential in year one.
93. Arizona Cardinals (f/NE): Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor
MacKenzie Says: I traded Dan Williams for this pick, a free agent just next year. And Seastrunk is a really talented player. I love a running back whose legs are as fresh as his out of college, and he’s quite the athlete. Like Ray Rice except he’s a mediocre pass catcher.
94. Chicago Bears (f/SF): Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU
Erik Says: Aaron Donald was a great addition as an interior pass rusher but the Bears still need more young blood at that tackle position. Ego Ferguson is one of those rare types who has the size and strength to play nose tackle but still retains the quickness and burst to be a factor rushing the passer. He’s still raw, but with time can become a force, especially next to Donald.
95. Denver Broncos: Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina
Sayre Says: Ellington will eventually take over for Wes Welker in the slot spot. He is a dynamic playmaker who adds versatility to the offense. Love his physicality as well.
96. Minnesota Vikings (f/SEA): Trevor Reilly, DE/LB, Utah
Geoff Says: A team can never have enough pass rushers. Trevor Reilly may be tagged as more of an outside linebacker in a 3-4 but he’s athletic enough and has a good enough frame to handle defensive end. Zimmer will find a place for him.
97. Pittsburgh Steelers (comp): DaQuan Jones, DT, Penn State
Erik Says: Wide receiver and corner got priority early but the Pittsburgh Steelers need more of a presence against the run at nose tackle. DaQuan Jones has all the requirements from size and quickness to power. His instincts for sniffing out the run went up considerably last season. He has long-term promise in the middle.
98. Green Bay Packers (comp): Ed Reynolds, FS, Stanford
MacKenzie Says: The Packers are in need of a safety, and Reynolds’ instincts will at least stop the bleeding against the pass. He’s not a great athlete, but he plays hard and his ball skills are pretty good
99. Baltimore Ravens (comp): Dion Bailey, FS, USC
Joe Says: Bailey is a player I felt strong about from the beginning. He faced very solid competition during his college days and proved that he could hold up well. He’ll improve with NFL Coaching and will be in a true battle for a starting job in 2014.
100. San Francisco 49ers (comp): Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas
Sayre Says: Upgrade to the interior of our offensive line with one of the best college centers in the last couple of years. Great value here.
Trade Explanation Center:
Rams trade 62nd pick for Barry Church
Erik Says: I knew my move to get Ealy would cost me a shot at one of the top safeties, which is why I needed a backup plan. Trading for a 26-year old in Barry Church coming off a year in which he had 107 solo tackles, three forced fumbles, six pass deflections and an interception despite playing on the worst defense in the NFL felt like the right move.
Rams send Chris Long and 86th pick to Dolphins for Mike Wallace, 4th in ’14 and 2nd in ’15
Erik Says: This was without a doubt the most elaborate trade I’ve ever executed in these community drafts. I knew going into Day 2 I needed something more at the receiver position, a serious upgrade besides just Kelvin Benjamin. That is when I inquired about Mike Wallace. When it was said a 3rd round pick would do it, I was stunned. However, I also knew the salary cap issue was impossible, that is unless I could deal a close match in return. Chris Long was the only realistic name that came up. Obviously Rams fans would lynch me if I gave him up for Wallace. It would’ve left a gaping hole in the defensive line and guaranteed nothing on offense. That is why I made the early move up the boards to grab Kony Ealy. Only by getting him could I be ensured a suitable stand-in for Long across from Robert Quinn and have the piece in place to make the trade happen. Once I got him, I gave the green light. When the dust cleared I had Wallace on the roster to join Benjamin, Jared Cook and Tavon Austin in what could be the fastest and most diverse receiving group in the NFL. Throw in the Ealy pick and the trade for Barry Church to fill the safety need and I’d say it was a success. Also, don’t forget I currently have three picks in the first round and two in the second for 2015.
Broncos trade 2015 2nd round selection to Dolphins for DE Dion Jordan
The option to snag Dion Jordan was far too attractive for us to pass up. The Dolphins had dangled him, and we decided to take a flier at the price they were asking. We feel like Jordan can eventually be an every down starter for us and a rotational pass rusher to start off with. He gives us fantastic depth on the defensive front.
The Kyle Van Noy Story:
This was one of the funnier mock drafts we went through. One thing to note about our dear friend Joe is that he can be forgetful at times. Twice during the previous mock draft on the first round he was not aware that certain players were no longer on the board, having been picked earlier in the round. Naturally we ribbed him about it and had a good laugh. Well fast forward to this week and we all fully expected him to do it again with two rounds to go through. Low and behold we got a twist when our other dear friend, Geoff attempted to select BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy as the Philadelphia Eagles. What he didn’t know was that MacKenzie had already taken him as the Atlanta Falcons. This incident sparked a furious run of Van Noy jokes, guys every so often chiming in, “Just so everybody knows, Kyle Van Noy is STILL off the board.” At one point it got so bad that we began re-naming the chat room on Facebook to titles like “Kyle Van Not On the Board” or “Kyle Van Getting AnNOYed.” It was a blast and a really good laugh for all involved.