2014 NFL Mock Draft Update: 4th Round Hunt
By Erik Lambert
Nov 16, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray (11) scores a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers won 43-38. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
This 2014 NFL mock draft takes the mayhem into the 4th round. How do things shake out for the teams?
To review the previous rounds, click below. Enjoy!
#101 – Houston Texans – Jaylen Watkins – CB – Florida
Safety and cornerback are still in need of attention. The beauty of Jaylen Watkins is he has the versatility to play at either position.
#102 – Washington Redskins – Telvin Smith – OLB – Florida State
Linebackers is in a transition phase for the Washington Redskins. Despite his light weight, Telvin Smith is an athletic, speedy, instinctive playmaker.
#103 – Atlanta Falcons – C.J. Fiedorowicz – TE – Iowa
A great value pick at a position of need for the Atlanta Falcons. C.J. Fiedorowicz is a better blocker at the moment but he has clear upside as a pass catcher.
#104 – New York Jets (f/TB) – Paul Richardson – WR – Colorado
Eric Decker and Eric Ebron provide the size in the passing game. Now the New York Jets get themselves a deep threat with Colorado standout Paul Richardson.
#105 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Swanson – C – Arkansas
The offensive line continues to get help, this time on the interior. Travis Swanson has physical limitations but he’s very smart, quick and gets the most out of his abilities.
#106 – Cleveland Browns – Dion Bailey – FS – USC
Will he replace T.J. Ward? Probably not but there is potential with Dion Bailey. He’s built closer to a linebacker but has the speed, fluidity and instincts to play good coverage.
#107 – Oakland Raiders – Aaron Murray – QB – Georgia
Matt Schaub is the MFIC for the Oakland Raiders but this team needs to add to quarterback in this 2014 NFL mock draft. Aaron Murray is a great select-and-stash type.
#108 – Minnesota Vikings – Will Sutton – DT – Arizona State
Defensive tackle isn’t their primary issue but Will Sutton has first-to-second round potential. Getting him in the fourth is too good of value to pass on.
#109 – Buffalo Bills – Jordan Tripp – OLB – Montana
Kiko Alonso was a great pickup last year and the Buffalo Bills need to get him some help. Jordan Tripp is a fiery athlete with good versatility who fits their scheme well.
#110 – St. Louis Rams – Antone Exum – CB – Virginia Tech
Jeff Fisher loves physical defensive backs. Antone Exum does his best work at corner but has added value with experience playing safety. Very tough and athletic.
#111 – Detroit Lions – Craig Loston – SS – LSU
Losing Louis Delmas was tough for the Detroit Lions, especially from a leadership standpoint. Craig Loston can replace that given his reputation at LSU.
#112 – Tennessee Titans – Loucheiz Purifoy – CB – Florida
Bigger, more athletic corners are required to make a 3-4 defensive function. Loucheiz Purifoy needs a lot of work but he flashed loads of skill at Florida.
#113 – New York Giants – Christian Jones – LB – Florida State
Linebacker is an area still in need of work for the New York Giants. Christian Jones played inside at FSU but is such a good athlete that he can easily shift outside.
#114 – Jacksonville Jaguars (f/BAL) – Devin Street – WR – Pittsburgh
Johnny Manziel loves bigger receivers so the Jacksonville Jaguars oblige by bringing in the underrated Devin Street at 6’3″. Good speed and agility coupled with go-get-it style.
#115 – New York Jets – Marqueston Huff – FS – Wyoming
A Senior Bowl standout, coaches were very impressed with the many talents of Marqueston Huff. Has the toughness of a safety but the speed and fluidity of a corner.
#116 – Miami Dolphins – Ego Ferguson – DT – LSU
Major value here. In need of help at defensive tackle after losing Paul Soliai, the Miami Dolphins get a raw but physically talented kid in Ego Ferguson out of a proven program.
#117 – Chicago Bears – Walt Aikens – CB – Liberty
Again GM Phil Emery looks for value in a small school. Walt Aikens has some character concerns but his size (6’1″) and athleticism showed up a lot at the Senior Bowl.
#118 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Ed Stinson – DE – Alabama
Nix gets some company up front. Playing at Alabama makes it easy to miss certain good players. Ed Stinson is a great example. An tailor-made 3-4 defensive end, he has every trait required to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers for a long time.
#119 – Dallas Cowboys – Bruce Ellington – WR – South Carolina
Jerry Jones loves receivers so it’s only a matter of time before he takes one. Bruce Ellington was a two-sport athlete in college and has “playmaker” written all over him.
#120 – Arizona Cardinals – Dri Archer – WR – Kent State
Andre Roberts was a tough loss for the Arizona Cardinals and needs to be replaced. Dri Archer is undersized but he’s wicked fast and can create mismatches in the slot.
#121 – Green Bay Packers – Shayne Skov – ILB – Stanford
Inside linebacker hasn’t been settled for awhile on the Green Bay Packers roster. Shayne Skov is a great leader and explosive on the field.
#122 – Philadelphia Eagles – Nevin Lawson – CB – Utah State
If he weren’t 5’10” then there is no question Nevin Lawson would be getting more attention. He has the chops to play press coverage, and the Philadelphia Eagles need it.
#123 – Cincinnati Bengals – Travis Carrie – CB – Ohio
His lack of speed hurts his stock but in the right defense Travis Carrie can be a terror. He hits and tackles well and shows a nose for the ball. The Cincinnati Bengals will love him.
#124 – Kansas City Chiefs – Adrian Hubbard – OLB – Alabama
The defensive front took a hit for the Kansas City Chiefs after losing Tyson Jackson. Adrian Hubbard is a versatile player with the rare strength to play end or even nose.
#125 – San Diego Chargers – Kevin Norwood – WR – Alabama
Keenan Allen is the man now but the San Diego Chargers need a secondary option to compliment him. Kevin Norwood is smart, dependable and sneaky good.
#126 – New Orleans Saints – Preston Brown – ILB – Louisville
Inside linebacker was a real headache area for the New Orleans Saints last year. Preton Brown bring plenty of thumping power and savvy as a play caller on the field.
#127 – Cleveland Browns (f/IND) – Carl Bradford – OLB – Arizona State
A real Swiss Army Knife type of player in that Carl Bradford can do many things on the field. He can play inside, outside or even rush the passer. Very instinctive and physical.
#128 – Carolina Panthers – Jared Abbrederis – WR – Wisconsin
Brandin Cooks provides the deep threat for the Carolina Panthers. Jared Abbrederis is the route running magician who always gets open at the right time.
#129 – Chicago Bears (f/SF) – Max Bullough – ILB – Michigan State
Jon Bostic flamed out in the middle and D.J. Williams is a short-term answer at best. Max Bullough gets overlooked for his late-season suspension, but the MSU middle man is a born leader with good instincts, toughness and intelligence.
#130 – New England Patriots – Will Clarke – DE – West Virginia
Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones need help with the pass rush. Will Clarke has drawn comparisons to Jones in this 2014 NFL mock draft and has the tools to be a solid third end.
#131 – Denver Broncos – E.J. Gaines – CB – Missouri
Height concerns are the primary reason E.J. Gaines drifts down boards but he’s a good fit for the Denver Broncos given his toughness against the run and solid ability in coverage.
#132 – Seattle Seahawks – Kelcy Quarles – DT – South Carolina
A lot of bodies were lost up front for the Seattle Seahawks. Kelcy Quarles has day two ability and length with a knack for rushing the passer. Pete Carroll will like that.
#133 – Detroit Lions (comp) – Caraun Reid – DT – Princeton
A sleeper defensive tackle who projects as a good interior pass rusher. Another body to help replace the departed Nick Fairley.
#134 – Baltimore Ravens (comp) – Terrance West – RB – Towson
Ray Rice may start 2014 but the Ravens still need fresh bodies at the position. Terrance West carried the Towson program on his back and has very good versatility.
#135 – Houston Texans (comp) – T.J. Jones – WR – Notre Dame
Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins are the primary targets but the Texans could use a third option. T.J. Jones is not a premier athlete but he is a proven receiver who does everything well.
#136 – Detroit Lions (comp) – Devonta Freeman – RB – Florida State
His lack of size is a concern regarding his durability but in small doses Devonta Freeman can do some serious damage with his prowess as a runner and receiver.
#137 – New York Jets (comp) – Chris Davis – CB – Auburn
McGill will be their outside guy but the Jets still need bodies at corner. Chris Davis lacks height at 5’10” but his athleticism and burst could make him an ideal slot corner.
#138 – Baltimore Ravens (comp) – Justin Ellis – DT – Louisiana Tech
Haloti Ngata created some concern at nose tackle by refusing an extension. So Baltimore adds some insurance with the big, powerful plugger Justin Ellis.
#139 – Atlanta Falcons (comp) – Mo Alexander – SS – Utah State
He tested very well at the combine and has the size-speed potential that defensive coaches love. Mo Alexander is a great upside pick for the Atlanta Falcons.
#140 – New England Patriots (comp) – Storm Johnson – RB – UCF
LeGarrette Blount was a big part of the Patriots offense last year. His power will be missed. Storm Johnson is overlooked at UCF thanks to Blake Bortles but has the vision and toughness to handle heavy loads of carries.