Future Hall of Fame candidates will walk across the stage in Radio City Music Hall on May 8th. Some of these players may be chosen in the first round. Others will be chosen in the later rounds and will have more to prove.
The NFL Draft never ceases to surprise and excite fans all over the country. The recently released movie Draft Day, starring Kevin Costner, portrayed the exciting yet hectic process of the NFL Draft. The movie displays a storyline that pretty much says, "Expect the unexpected."
The unexpected will happen on May 8th. It is difficult to predict a perfect mock draft with all of the unforeseen picks and trades. Many professional and amateur writers attempt to call what is going to happen. The following mock draft is my take on what could unfold on draft day:
1. Atlanta Falcons (Mock Trade From Houston)
Pick: Jadeveon Clowney/ DE/ South Carolina
It is very possible for the Texans to trade the number one pick. Houston needs a quarterback, but Clowney's rare athleticism would make it hard not to select the defensive end. The Atlanta Falcons want Clowney and Clowney wants to play for them. What are the Falcons willing to trade to get Clowney? Future picks that can help first year coach Bill O'Brien rebuild the Texans into a championship caliber team. Houston can grab one of the best quarterbacks in the draft with the 6th overall pick, and Atlanta can get the guy they really want. It is a win-win situation for both organizations.
2. St. Louis Rams (From Washington)
Pick: Sammy Watkins/ WR/ Clemson
Sammy Watkins is the best wide receiver in this year's draft, and he is the type of player that is hard to pass up on. Watkins is a deep threat with blazing speed that will instantly contribute to the passing game. St. Louis already has a speedy wide receiver in Tavon Austin so adding Watkins to line-up would benefit quarterback Sam Bradford. The Rams could go a different direction and draft an offensive tackle like Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Khalil Mack/ LB/ Buffalo
Khalil Mack stepped into the spotlight after a tremendous senior season with Buffalo that included 100 tackles and 10.5 sacks. Mack played tremendously all four years at Buffalo, but his draft stock sky rocketed after an All-American season. The Jaguars have a tough decision to make on rather or not they should draft Mack or a quarterback. They have former Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne who started 15 games for the Jaguars last season. The smart pick would be to draft Khalil Mack, and possibly pick up a quarterback, such as Jimmy Garoppolo from Eastern Illinois, in the second round.
4. Cleveland Browns
Pick: Johnny Manziel/ QB/ Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel will be the first quarterback drafted. Although many question if he can be a franchise quarterback, Manziel makes things happen when he is on the field. The Browns have shown increased interest in the 2012 Heisman winner by conducting private workouts and meetings. Cleveland seems to get worse and worse every year, but Manziel could be the answer. If they decide that Johnny Football is not worth the risk, that should not stop them from drafting a quarterback. Current quarterback Brian Hoyer will not be the future of this organization.
5. San Francisco 49ers (Mock Trade From Oakland)
Pick: Mike Evans/ WR/ Texas A&M
The 49ers and Raiders making a trade may seem a little radical. The Texans would still get the 6th overall pick if they traded with the Falcons. The Raiders would be trading their 5th overall pick for the 30th overall pick. Media reports have suggested that the 49ers are looking to trade up to land Mike Evans. Oakland should consider the potential deal because they could benefit from the extra picks San Francisco is willing to give them. Evans is the most physical wide receiver the draft has to offer. If the 49ers want him, a trade is necessary. If Oakland does not trade, look for the Raiders to pursue Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson.
6. Houston Texans (Mock Trade From Atlanta)
Pick: Blake Bortles/ QB/ Central Florida
A huge trade with Atlanta would allow the Texans to get the quarterback they so desperately need. Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a possibility, but Blake Bortles is the best fit for Houston. Hypothetically speaking, Bortles is not as risky as Manziel or even Clowney. There are concerns with both Manziel and Clowney that must be taken into consideration. Owning the number one pick in the NFL Draft brings a lot of pressure, but if the Texans trade the pick and still get Bortles then Bill O'Brien and company will be the big winners of this year's draft.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Brandin Cooks/ WR/ Oregon State
The Buccaneers will draft Mike Evans if the Raiders/49ers trade is a no go. If the trade happens then Tampa Bay should go after Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Cooks is one of the most underrated receivers in the draft even if though he is projected to be a first rounder. He is not as physical as Mike Evans, but he has a quick first step and bring something new to the table. The 2013 Biletnikoff winner would be a great target for Josh McCown or Mike Glennon. Cooks can possibly be better than both Watkins and Evans in the NFL. Tampa Bay would be getting a steal.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Justin Gilbert/ DB/ Oklahoma State
The Vikings may pursue a quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater in the first round. It would be more beneficial if they picked up someone to help out the Vikings in the secondary. They make take a look at a linebacker like Anthony Barr or a safety like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, but Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State would be the best option at this point in the draft. Gilbert would make an immediate impact in the secondary. They still have Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel at quarterback so they have the option of picking up a quarterback in the second round.
9. Buffalo Bills
Pick: Greg Robinson/ OT/ Auburn
The Raiders/49ers trade would keep Greg Robinson on the board longer than expected unless the Rams draft him with the 2nd overall pick. Robinson is to the best offensive lineman in this year's draft so Buffalo would be getting a good deal on him with the 9th pick overall considering last year's best offensive lineman was the number one pick. The Bills would draft offensive tackle Jake Matthews if Robinson was not available.
10. Detroit Lions
Pick: Aaron Donald/ DT/ Pittsburgh
The Lions are looking to either draft a secondary player or a defensive lineman. Aaron Donald would likely be the first choice. Donald was recognized as one of the top defensive linemen in college football last season. His awards include: the Bendarik Award, Outland Trophy, Nagurski Trophy, and Lombardi Award. It is scary to think about Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh on the same defensive line. Detroit should quickly grab Donald if he is still available. They may think twice if Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert is still on the board.
11. Tennessee Titans
Pick: Anthony Barr/ LB/ UCLA
Anthony Barr was one of the best linebackers in the PAC-12 in 2013. Overall, he is one of the most athletic linebackers in the draft. Khalil Mack brings a little more to the table, but Barr's energy and enthusiasm makes him stand out. The Titans would not mind having Justin Gilbert because the need for more help in the secondary is clear. Some reports have suggested the Titans may draft a quarterback because Jake Locker is losing support so drafting Teddy Bridgewater is a possibility. Once again, the Titans can get a good quarterback in the second round, and save their pick for Anthony Barr or another defensive player.
12. New York Giants
Pick: Jake Matthews/ OT/ Texas A&M
The Giants can go many different ways with their pick. Aaron Donald is a possibility if he is still on the board. The Giants need help up front on the offensive line. Quarterback Eli Manning threw 27 interceptions and was sacked 39 times last season. Jake Matthews is one of the best offensive linemen in the draft. Even if Matthews get picked up before the Giants get him, do not be surprised to see New York draft Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan. Matthews can immediately contribute to a line that struggled to protect its quarterback.
13. St. Louis Rams
Pick: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix/ S/ Alabama
The Rams have the luxury of getting two picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. Picking up Sammy Watkins would be huge, but now St. Louis needs to turn its attention to defense. The Rams could go after a linebacker, cornerback, or safety. Even if players like Justin Gilbert or Aaron Donald are still on the board, do not be shocked if the Rams still go after Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Clinton-Dix is neck-and-neck with Louisville free safety Calvin Pryor for best safety in the draft. Clinton-Dix is very physical with excellent coverage skills. St. Louis would benefit from having both Clinton-Dix and current strong safety TJ McDonald.
14. Chicago Bears
Pick: Darqueze Dennard/ DB/ Michigan State
The Bears added players like Jared Allen and Willie Young in the off-season to the defensive line. Some say Chicago would go after a defensive lineman such as Aaron Donald, Timmy Jernigan, or Ra'shede Hageman, but they need get a defensive back. When looking at defensive backs at this point in the draft, two names sick out: Darqueze Dennard and Bradley Roby. Dennard won the 2013 Jim Thorpe award for best defensive back after a great senior season. Roby was recently arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired, an arrest that will hurt his draft stock.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: Eric Ebron/ TE/ North Carolina
The Steelers will really have to pick what positions they will tend to in the first and second rounds. Their secondary is an issue, but they could also use a tight end. If the Steelers choose to draft a defensive back, they could pick up Bradley Roby or Kyle Fuller from Virginia Tech. They should go after Eric Ebron or Austin Sefarian-Jenkins in the first round because they stand a great chance of getting someone like Fuller in the second round. Pittsburgh may also take a wide receiver even though they picked up Darrius Heyward-Bey and Lance Moore in the off-season.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Timmy Jernigan/ DT/ Florida State
The Cowboys need someone who can clog the middle, and Timmy Jernigan can do just that. Jernigan will bring immediate relief to the defensive line, and Dallas would be getting one of the best defensive linemen in the draft behind Aaron Donald. Jernigan is a little slow coming off the ball so they make look into drafting a safety like Calvin Pryor or even a wide receiver like Odell Beckham Jr. The focus should be on drafting a defensive lineman.
17. Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Zack Martin/ OT/ Notre Dame
The Ravens are in need of an offensive lineman. They may take offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, but a recent assault charge on Lewan should encourage the Ravens to pick up Zack Martin. Martin has excellent blocking ability on quick defenders and his off-season workouts raised his draft stock. Baltimore may decide to draft safety Calvin Pryor or wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Martin is not the biggest name in the draft, but the Ravens would be getting a good deal on him with the 17th overall pick.
18. New York Jets
Pick: Odell Beckham Jr/ WR/ LSU
The Jets need two things: a defensive back and a wide receiver. Last year, they picked up defensive back Dee Milliner in the first round. They added wide receiver Eric Decker in the off-season. So who do they get? They should go after a wide receiver. Head coach Rex Ryan can find a defensive back in a later round that he can develop. The problem in New York has been their offense. Quarterback Geno Smith needs more talent to throw to, and Odell Beckham is the best choice.
19. Miami Dolphins
Pick: CJ Mosley/ LB/ Alabama
The Dolphins would be getting one of the biggest steals of the draft if CJ Mosley is drafted with 19th pick overall. The 2013 Butkus Award winner can do almost anything on the field and can play any linebacker position. Miami also needs an offensive lineman so Taylor Lewan and Cyrus Kouandjio's name could come up. Media reports and more combine performances hurt Kouandjio's draft stock slightly while a recent Taylor Lewan arrest hurt his stock. There is less risk and more reward in draft Mosley.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Calvin Pryor/ S/ Louisville
Calvin Pryor may not be available this late in the draft. The Cardinals should scoop him up quickly if he is. Pryor is the best safety behind Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and would bring speed and athleticism to the Cardinals. Arizona also needs a quarterback. Teddy Bridgewater would be hard not to pick if he is still available, but the Cardinals could also pick up a quarterback like Zach Mettenberger in the second round. Calvin Pryor is a player that can immediately make an impact for the Cardinals.
21. Green Bay Packers
Pick: Ryan Shazier/ LB/ Ohio State
Ryan Shazier, like CJ Mosley, is the full package. He is a do-it-all linebacker that can cover and blitz. If Mosley, Clinton-Dix, and Pryor are gone than Shazier is the clear-cut choice for Green Bay. They may flirt with the idea of drafting Northern Illinois safety Jimmie Ward. Ryan Shazier is just to hard to pass on with the available options. The Packers would be getting a solid linebacker.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Kelvin Benjamin/ WR/ Florida State
Philadelphia really needs a secondary player like Kyle Fuller or Bradley Roby, but it would be hard picturing them not drafting a wide receiver with Desean Jackson gone. The receiver they choose is what is in question. If Brandin Cooks or Odell Beckham are available then the Eagles will go that direction. If they are not available, Kelvin Benjamin has the upper hand on USC wide receiver Marquise Lee. Benjamin is a big receiver that can catch almost anything that is thrown to him. A great choice for Chip Kelly and the Eagles.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Marqise Lee/ WR/ USC
The Chiefs need another wide receiver that quarterback Alex Smith can count on. Marqise Lee is the best wide receiver available at this point. Even if others are available, Kansas City may still give the nod to Lee. Lee stayed banged up at USC, but when he was lights out when he was healthy. There are a few risks to consider, but all players are considered "risks".
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: Bradley Roby/ DB/ Ohio State
Bradley Roby's draft stock may have taken a hit when he was arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired recently. Roby has maintained his innocence in the matter so he could be taken earlier than the 24th overall pick because of his blazing speed and coverage ability. The Bengals need someone to play in the secondary even if they have to draft Kyle Fuller or TCU cornerback Jason Verrett. Roby will be the option for Cincinnati if he is available to at this point in the draft.
25. San Diego Chargers
Pick: Louis Nix/ NT/ Notre Dame
Louis Nix is not a player that really stands out as far as talent goes. The Chargers are probably one of a few teams that are willing to draft him in the first round. He is big and will clog up holes, but he is slow and does not get in the backfield very often. San Diego does need a player like Nix so this will be a good pickup. Defensive back Kyle Fuller is someone they may decide to draft to be their number one cornerback.
26. Cleveland Browns (From Indianapolis)
Pick: Kyle Fuller/ DB/ Virginia Tech
Kyle Fuller will be looked at by many teams that have a pick ahead of Cleveland, but the Browns should draft him if he is still available. The Browns have Joe Haden as the number one corner, and adding Fuller as their number two corner would solidify their secondary. Landing both Johnny Manziel and Kyle Fuller would make Cleveland one of the big winners in this year's draft.
27. New Orleans Saints
Pick: Dee Ford/ DE/ Auburn
Dee Ford is a force to be reckoned with. He was one of the best performers at this year's Senior Bowl, and was Auburn's best pass rusher. The Saints need someone who can rush the edge, and Ford is the man for the job. He has been recognized by many members of the media, but Dee Ford does not receive the praise he deserves. It would be a great pickup for Rob Ryan and Sean Payton. Depending on who is available, the Saints could still go after a wide receiver.
28. Carolina Panthers
Pick: Cody Latimer/ WR/ Indiana
Carolina needs an offensive tackle to replace Jordan Gross, but the need for wide receivers is greater. There is really no way to predict which wide receivers will be left on the board this late in the draft. Regardless, Indiana wide receiver Cody Latimer increased his draft stock more than anyone in the off-season. He has a great burst of speed from the snap and is especially good at running shorter routes. The Panthers need a wide receiver and Latimer would be a great go to guy for Cam Newton.
29. New England Patriots
Pick: Ra'Shede Hageman/ DT/ Minnesota
The Patriots need an interior defensive lineman with superb pass rushing ability. Ra'Shede Hageman can do that for Bill Belichick. Hageman is a solid option even if someone like Timmy Jernigan is still available. The Patriots may go after an offensive lineman. At this point their best bet would be to take Hageman with the 29th overall pick.
30. Oakland Raiders (Mock Trade From San Francisco)
Pick: Morgan Moses/ OT/ Virginia
If the Raiders decide not to trade their 5th overall pick, they would be wise to take offensive tackle Greg Robinson. If they do decide to trade to San Francisco, the Raiders can still get an excellent offensive tackle with Morgan Moses. Moses has quickly climbed the ranks as one of the best offensive lineman in the draft. Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio is also a possibility.
31. Denver Broncos
Pick: Xavier Su'a-Filo/ OG/ UCLA
The Broncos need to address pass rushing issues in this draft, but picking up Demarcus Ware in the off-season should allow them to hold off that until the second round. The Broncos also need to draft guards. Xavier Su'a-Filo will help Denver's run game and allow Peyton Manning to break more passing records. Su'a-Filo is the best available guard at this point in the draft.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Jordan Matthews/ WR/ Vanderbilt
One of the biggest surprises of the draft would be Seattle taking Jordan Matthews with the last pick of the first round. Matthews is the SEC's all-time leader in receptions in receiving yards. The Seahawks do have an offensive line issue they would like to address, but first they should draft a Matthews to bring more strength to their wide receiver corps. Like it or not, Matthews is highly underrated and it will soon be known that he is a steal with the last pick.
