2014 NFL Mock Draft Update: 2nd Round Race
By Erik Lambert
Sep 13, 2013; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (8) tackles Air Force Falcons quarterback Jaleel Awini (12) during the second half at Bronco Stadium. Boise State defeated the Air Force 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-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.
To review the first round, click below. Enjoy!
#33 – Houston Texans – Demarcus Lawrence – DE – Boise State
They got the quarterback. Now the Houston Texans look to solidify their defense. J.J. Watt needs help from the outside linebackers. Demarcus Lawrence had a tremendous pre-draft process and looks to have the pass rush prowess to fill that void.
#34 – Washington Redskins – Cyrus Kouandjio – OT – Alabama
This is a great value pickup for the Washington Redskins. Cyrus Kouandjio has questions about his consistency but he’s still very young and already among the most physically gifted linemen in the draft. He could find a home at right tackle to protect RGIII.
#35 – Cleveland Browns – Donte Moncrief – WR – Ole Miss
Opinions are mixed on the precise landing spot for Donte Moncrief but there is no arguing that the Ole Miss receiver has loads of talent. He’s big, nimble, faster than he looks and has a good pair of hands. He’ll make a great #2 to Josh Gordon.
#36 – Oakland Raiders – Jimmie Ward – S – NIU
Charles Woodson may be back but the Oakland Raiders remain unsettled at safety. They really could use a young player in that area. Jimmie Ward plays tough and aggressive like a safety but has the added speed and athleticism of a corner.
#37 – Houston Texans (from ATL) – Jason Verrett – CB – TCU
A terrific value pickup for the Texans. Corner is not bad but is in need of depth on their roster. Jason Verrett gets overlooked because of his size but the TCU standout is excellent in every facet of the game from coverage to run support and ball hawking.
#38 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jimmy Garoppolo – QB – EIU
Josh McCown is 34-years old and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t seem confident in Mike Glennon. That means they could be on the lookout for a quarterback early. Jimmy Garoppolo comes from a small school but has the accuracy, arm strength and release of a pro.
#39 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Kyle Van Noy – OLB – BYU
Linebacker is a position in turmoil for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kyle Van Noy can help settle it down. He has the athleticism and instinct to play in space coupled with the speed and burst to rush the quarterback. A good all-around player for that defense.
#40 – Minnesota Vikings – Tom Savage – QB – Pitt
Arguably the biggest sleeper in any 2014 NFL mock draft. The Minnesota Vikings hatch a surprise when they take Pitt quarterback Tom Savage. At first glance it looks like a reach, but at 6’5″ with a gun for an arm and good mobility Norv Turner will love him.
#41 – Buffalo Bills – Martavis Bryant – WR – Clemson
This is the quitissential pick for the Buffalo Bills. They love speed on offense but lack a certain degree of size at wide receiver. Martavis Bryant solves that problem at 6’4″ but also fulfills the speed requirement. A true downfield and red zone threat for E.J. Manuel.
#42 – Tennessee Titans – Carlos Hyde – RB – Ohio State
Replacing Chris Johnson is a must for the Tennessee Titans. Carlos Hyde is one of the best in the draft. He’s a downhill runner with good power and vision who doesn’t go down easy. On top of that he has deceptive hands when receiving.
#43 – New York Giants – Jace Amaro – TE – Texas Tech
Eli Manning is at his best for the New York Giants when he has a tight end to throw to. Last year he didn’t. So his team looks to correct that error. Jace Amaro is a prove receiving tight end out of Texas Tech with great size and speed to get open.
#44 – St. Louis Rams – Davante Adams – WR – Fresno State
More than anything else Sam Bradford needs a wide receiver he can count on for the St. Louis Rams. Davante Adams has decent height and speed but nothing special. His calling card is hands. He is a true master at making the tough catches.
#45 – New York Jets (f/DET) – Keith McGill – CB – Nevada
Trade: 49th and 156th (5th) picks to Lions for 45th pick
They didn’t move up in the first but this time the New York Jets do make a move up the boards. Their target is clearly a Rex Ryan choice. Keith McGill is a rangy 6’3″ corner with good athleticism and coverage ability who can help that 22nd ranked pass defense.
#46 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Louis Nix – DT – Notre Dame
The best nose tackle in the 2014 class and the Pittsburgh Steelers are able to get him in the second round. A tremendous steal here for them as Louis Nix should really help them shore up a bad run defense from last season.
#47 – Dallas Cowboys – Xavier Su’a-Filo – OG – UCLA
This is a huge steal for the Dallas Cowboys. Guard remains a position in need of attention for them and to get a strong, stout and technically-sound talent like Xavier Su’a-Filo this far into the second is a major boon.
#48 – Baltimore Ravens – Joel Bitonio – OT – Nevada
Offensive line continues to give the Baltimore Ravens problem. Michael Oher is now gone so they need to shore up that front. Joel Bitonio played left tackle at Nevada but he has the power and bend to switch to the right side or even kick inside to guard.
#49 – Detroit Lions (f/NYJ) – Timmy Jernigan – DT – Florida State
Fans didn’t have to wait long to get an answer about the Nick Fairley move. The Detroit Lions find a more than adequate replacement for the defensive tackle with Timmy Jernigan. Probably one of the best run blockers in the 2014 NFL mock draft, he will make a great compliment to Ndamukong Suh. Less of a headache too.
#50 – Miami Dolphins – Jeremy Hill – RB – LSU
A true three-down running back is high on the list for the Miami Dolphins. Jeremy Hill has some character concerns but the young man has the size, strength and vision to tote the rock like a true workhorse.
#51 – Chicago Bears – Deone Bucannon – SS – Washington State
The Bears are very fortunate that Deone Bucannon is still on the board. While his game is in need of refinement, his ability to hit and cover the run coupled with great upside in coverage offer excellent long-term potential.
#52 – Arizona Cardinals – Zach Mettenberger – QB – LSU
They didn’t go quarterback in the first but the Arizona Cardinals do pull the trigger in the second. Carson Palmer is aging quickly and Bruce Arians needs youth in the system. Zach Mettenberger has the size and cannon arm he loves in his quarterbacks.
#53 – Green Bay Packers – Troy Niklas – TE – Notre Dame
Jermichael Finley is gone and the Green Bay Packers have a problem at tight end. They need an athletic pass catch to help out Aaron Rodgers. Troy Niklas didn’t have much production at Notre Dame but the tape shows he has the ability once in the right offense.
#54 – Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Borland – ILB – Wisconsin
DeMeco Ryans did not have a lot of success at inside linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. That is a problem for this defense. Chris Borland on the other hand has good athleticism, toughness and exceptional instincts. A great leader as well.
#55 – Cincinnati Bengals – Scott Crichton – DE – Oregon State
Michael Johnson is gone so the depth at defensive end is a problem for the Cincinnati Bengals. Scott Crichton would make an ideal solution. He’s a perfect fit for their scheme, brings loads of energy and finds ways to the quarterback.
#56 – San Francisco 49ers (f/CHI) – Jeremiah Attaochu – OLB – Georgia Tech
Trade: 61st pick and RB LaMichael James to Bears for 56th pick
Again the San Francisco 49ers deal with Chicago to move up, except this time they give the Bears much needed help at running back. In exchange they land Jeremiah Attaochu, a sleeper outside linebacker who could offer a solution to the Aldon Smith Problem.
#57 – San Diego Chargers – Daniel McCullers – DT – Tennessee
Nobody is talking about nose tackle Daniel McCullers and that is surprising. He’s so big at 352 lbs but has so much quickness and strength that he is an ideal nose guard. The San Diego Chargers show they aren’t fooled by adding him to the middle of their defense.
#58 – Indianapolis Colts – Lamarcus Joyner – S/CB – Florida State
Cornerback and safety are two areas in need of attention for the Indianapolis Colts. Despite his size at 5’8″ Lamarcus Joyner makes so much sense because he showed at FloridaState he has the athleticism and instincts to play both.
#59 – New Orleans Saints – Jordan Matthews – WR – Vanderbilt
Adding some size to their wide receiving corps must be on the list for the New Orleans Saints. Jordan Matthews makes a ton of sense for them. He’s 6’3″ with good strength
#60 – Carolina Panthers – Morgan Moses – OT – Virginia
Huge need and stroke of good luck for the Carolina Panthers. Jordan Gross retired and their offensive line is in danger of faltering. Morgan Moses has the size and feet to play left tackle. If his technique can be cleaned up, he’s a great replacement for Gross.
#61 – Chicago Bears (f/SF) – Trent Murphy – DE – Stanford
Nobody ever said you have to be a great athlete to be a great football player. All anyone talks about is what Trent Murphy can’t do. What about what he can do? He sacks quarterbacks. His frame, skill set and demeanor should appeal to Chicago since they just signed a certain All-Pro named Jared Allen who is a very similar type of player.
#62 – New England Patriots – DaQuan Jones – DT – Penn State
Adding more youth and athleticism to their front line is something the New England Patriots know they can’t ignore forever. Having missed out on Hageman and Nix early, they make sure not to do so again. DaQuan Jones has plenty of size and power to go along with quickness.
#63 – Denver Broncos – Gabe Jackson – OG – Mississippi State
Zane Beadles was a big loss for the Denver Broncos. Interior blocking is critical to their running game and the protection of Peyton Manning. Landing Gabe Jackson in the second round with his great size and power would add some attitude to their front.
#64 – Seattle Seahawks – Jack Mewhort – OT – Ohio State
Breno Giacomini was a tough loss for the Seattle Seahawks offensive line and must be replaced if they hope to keep Russell Wilson protected. Jack Mewhort is their kind of guy. Big, strong, with long arms to protect and a nasty streak in the run game.