2014 NFL Mock Draft Update: 2nd Round Revelations
By Erik Lambert
Nov 20, 2013; Toledo, OH, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies safety Jimmie Ward (15) warms up before the game against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-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 previous round, click below. Enjoy!
#33 – Houston Texans – Demarcus Lawrence – DE – Boise State
Outside linebacker has not provided the pass rush required for the Houston Texans. Finding that compliment to J.J. Watt is a must. Demarcus Lawrence has the speed, athleticism and bend to become that factor on the edge.
#34 – Washington Redskins – Morgan Moses – OT – Virginia
Jay Gruden can’t hope to unlock the true potential of his quarterback until he can assure RGIII is properly protected. That means adding beef to the offensive line. Morgan Moses is a big, strong and nimble blocker who can play opposite Trent Williams.
#35 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (f/CHI) – Teddy Bridgewater – QB – Louisville
Trade: 38th and 143rd (5th) pick to Bears for 35th pick
Their first round rumor proves a farce but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pounce on their opportunity to get a front line quarterback when Teddy Bridgewater falls into the second. He should be able to sit back and learn behind Josh McCown until he’s ready.
#36 – Buffalo Bills (f/OAK) – Eric Ebron – TE – North Carolina
Trade: 41st and 109th (4th) picks to Raiders for 36th pick
Perhaps the biggest stunner of the first round was the freefall of tight end Eric Ebron. Such things can happen as it did to Sharrif Floyd last year. The Buffalo Bills aren’t complaining as they move up to get E.J. Manuel a new toy.
#37 – Houston Texans (f/ATL) – Louis Nix – DT – Notre Dame
While Lawrence helps with the pass rush, the Texans add Louis Nix up front to help shut down the run, hopefully with the idea of putting Watt in more pass rush situations where he is most deadly. Nix is that kind of big but quick nose tackle who can occupy blocks.
#38 – Chicago Bears (f/TB) – Jimmie Ward – SS – NIU
After a series of moves back the Chicago Bears finally make a selection. Visions of that horrific breakdown against Green Bay will push them to fix the safety position. Jimmie Ward not only has outstanding coverage ability, but he’s a willing hitter too.
#39 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Kyle Van Noy – OLB – BYU
Linebacker is an area the Jacksonville Jaguars know they have to retool. The beauty of Kyle Van Noy is he has the range and athleticism to play the traditional role of tackling and coverage but also the speed to bring pressure off the edge.
#40 – Minnesota Vikings – Jimmy Garoppolo – QB – EIU
If they do pass on a quarterback early the Minnesota Vikings have to get one here. Jimmy Garoppolo is a small school standout but he has good size, mobility and has shown accuracy and the needed quick release to make it in the pros.
#41 – Oakland Raiders (f/BUF) – Tom Savage – QB – Pitt
Matt Schaub is the man under center for 2014 but the Oakland Raiders need to have a long-term solution in place. Tom Savage looks like the ideal solution for offensive coordinator Greg Olson. At 6’5″ he can run, reads defenses and displays a cannon arm.
#42 – Tennessee Titans – A.J. McCarron – QB – Alabama
Chance Warmack gets his wish. Ken Whisenhunt has made it clear Jake Locker is in make-or-break mode and this pick will add the insurance in case he fails. A.J. McCarron has the size, intelligence, and adequate arm strength to become a starter at the pro level.
#43 – New York Giants – Stephon Tuitt – DE – Notre Dame
The beauty of this pick for the New York Giants is that Stephon Tuitt is so versatile. He’s big and strong enough to play defensive tackle but also fast enough to play end. He can be moved around all over the line and expected to disrupt offenses.
#44 – St. Louis Rams – Deone Bucannon – SS – Washington
They passed on a safety in favor of Aaron Donald early so the St. Louis Rams need to make sure they fill that position here. Deone Bucannon is a Jeff Fisher type of guy. He’s big, hits hard and still has the speed and prowess to make plays in coverage.
#45 – Jacksonville Jaguars (f/DET) – Joel Bitonio – OT – Nevada
Rebuilding the offense doesn’t stop with a quarterback. The Jaguars need work everywhere, especially up front. Joel Bitonio is a strong, versatile blocker who can play outside at right tackle or shift inside to guard.
#46 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Jeremiah Attaochu – OLB – Georgia Tech
Jarvis Jones will get first crack but the Pittsburgh Steelers are driven by the success of their linebackers. Jeremiah Attaochu will remind them a lot of Joey Porter and James Harrison. He’s not only a gifted pass rusher but he’s fiery and isn’t afraid to talk.
#47 – Dallas Cowboys – Kony Ealy – DE – Missouri
This could turn into a major steal for the Dallas Cowboys. After adding Robert Geathers and Timmy Jernigan in the first, they give their defensive line another boost with the big and athletic Kony Ealy who is a perfect fit for their scheme and already a proven rusher.
#48 – Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Matthews – WR – Vanderbilt
Torrey Smith said his Baltimore Ravens need a possession receiver to help Joe Flacco and the offense. Jordan Matthews is their guy. He’s big at 6’3″, runs pristine routes and has outstanding hands which he showcased often in the SEC.
#49 – New York Jets – Jace Amaro – TE – Texas Tech
They skipped Ebron early to give their defense some help in the secondary but the New York Jets don’t let a second opportunity slip. Jace Amaro isn’t quite the athlete Ebron is but he’s a proven pass catcher with great size who knows how to get open.
#50 – Miami Dolphins – Austin Seferian-Jenkins – TE – Washington
Tight end is an area that needs attention for the Miami Dolphins as well. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a huge upside talent who has the speed to get open as a pass catcher but also the body and strength to block.
#51 – Chicago Bears – Kareem Martin – DE – North Carolina
Everything from size to burst and length check the boxes for Kareem Martin. He flashed constantly as a pass rusher at North Carolina but still needs to find consistency. Also athletic enough to move around and rush from different areas and stances. Big upside.
#52 – Arizona Cardinals – Keith McGill – CB – Utah
Patrick Peterson is entrenched at cornerback but the Arizona Cardinals need to find him a wingman. Keith McGill is one of those new “long corners” that are sweeping the league. At 6’3″ he has great size and boasts the athleticism to thrive in coverage.
#53 – Green Bay Packers – Troy Niklas – TE – Notre Dame
The tight end run continues as the Green Bay Packers look to overcome the loss of Jermichael Finley. Troy Niklas isn’t quite polished yet but he’s on the same athletic level as former teammate Tyler Eifert. Great potential as a pass catcher.
#54 – Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Smith – OLB – Louisville
Trent Cole isn’t getting any younger. The Philadelphia Eagles have to invest at the outside linebacker position in order to supplement their pass rush. Marcus Smith isn’t a nimble athletic but he has the dimensions and proved at Louisville he could get quarterbacks on the ground.
#55 – Cincinnati Bengals – Scott Crichton – DE – Oregon State
Losing Michael Johnson and trading Robert Geathers has left the defensive end spot weakened for the Cincinnati Bengals. So they decide to give it a needed boost. Scott Crichton bring length, power and motor out of OregonState. A real tone-setter.
#56 – San Francisco 49ers (from KC) – Allen Robinson – WR – Penn State
Adding size and strength at wide receiver is something the San Francisco 49ers know they have to do. Allen Robinson is a solid value pick here. He’s got a stout 6’3″ frame, great leaping ability and is a threat after the catch.
#57 – San Diego Chargers – Daniel McCullers – DT – Tennessee
The defense gets another boost for the San Diego Chargers. This time they look up front and grab a massive interior force in Daniel McCullers. He will help shut down the run, opening up chances for the team to make plays against the pass.
#58 – Indianapolis Colts – Lamarcus Joyner – S – Florida State
Lamarcus Joyner gets overlooked because of his size but the kid knows how to make plays. He’s athletic and fast enough for corner but also smart and tough enough for safety. The Indianapolis Colts can find a place for him.
#59 – New Orleans Saints – Chris Borland – ILB – Wisconsin
The talent on defense for the New Orleans Saints is assembled. Now they need a leader to bring it all together. Chris Borland is an instinctive, athletic inside linebacker who can deliver hits and elevate his teammates with his leadership.
#60 – Carolina Panthers – Ja’Wuan James – OT – Tennessee
Protecting Cam Newton was a big part of his success with the Carolina Panthers. Having added another weapon the team looks to shore up the loss of Jordan Gross. Ja’Wuan James has the size of a right tackle but underrated feet that make him a match for the left.
#61 – Chicago Bears (f/SF) – Bashaud Breeland – CB – Clemson
Phil Emery likes his corners to be athletic and tough. The beauty of Bashaud Breeland is he’s fulfills both requirements and has plenty of upside. He just needs to refine some technique issues. That’s no problem because he won’t start immediately anyway.
#62 – Houston Texans (f/NE) – Tre Mason – RB – Auburn
Trade: 65th (3rd) and 177th (6th) picks to Patriots for 62nd pick
Ben Tate is gone and Arian Foster is coming off surgery. The Houston Texans can’t afford to let the running back position fall into disrepair. Tre Mason dominated for Auburn and has a versatile skill set that they can put to good use.
#63 – Denver Broncos – Telvin Smith – OLB – Florida State
The only knock scouts seem to make on Telvin Smith is that he weighs just 218 lbs. Newsflash: so did Jack Lambert. The Florida State standout flies to the football, makes tackles, has great vision and is a fiery leader on the field. Denver can live with that.
#64 – Seattle Seahawks – Davante Adams – WR – Fresno State
Finding more stability at wide receiver following the loss of Golden Tate is something the Seattle Seahawks can’t ignore in this 2014 NFL mock draft. Davante Adams has good size, great hands and enough athleticism and speed to get himself open.