This article is part of our NFL Draft series.
Thanks for checking out our third 2014 NFL Draft mock. This one features the first two rounds, including plenty of potential 2014 fantasy factors. You'll see 8 QBs, 5 RBs, 11 WRs and 5 TEs below.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter at @NFLDraft2K14 for a steady source of news, analysis and updates on RotoWire's draft coverage.
Trades:
-CLE trades No. 4, No. 35 and fourth-round pick to STL for No. 2 and No. 44
-SF trades No. 30 and No. 61 to KC for No. 23 and third-round pick.
-JAC trades No. 39 and 2014 third-round pick to NE for No. 29 and 2014 third-round pick.
Note: this article previously entertained a scenario where Tampa Bay trades the 69th pick and a 2015 third-round pick to Philadelphia for the 54th pick. The Buccaneers will lose the 69th pick to the Jets, however, if the Buccaneers have Darrelle Revis on their roster by the third day of the NFL league year. That would appear likely to occur. The Buccaneers technically owe their fourth-round pick until then, but we retracted the trade scenario since the Buccaneers shouldn't get rid of Revis.
1. Houston Texans – Teddy Bridgewater*, QB, Louisville (6-3, 205)
Bridgewater is the draft's best passer. If Bill O'Brien really prefers Blake Bortles, it would seem to be based on misguided reasoning.
2. Cleveland Browns (from WAS via STL) – Johnny Manziel*, QB, Texas A&M (6-0, 210)
We expect a consensus to emerge that ranks Bridgewater and Manziel as the draft's top two QBs. If that occurs, the Browns would have reason to trade ahead of Jacksonville and get one of the two.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jadeveon Clowney*, DE, South Carolina (6-5, 275)
Even if they miss out on Bridgewater and Manziel, getting Clowney as a consolation prize would still be quite a privilege for the Jaguars.
4. St. Louis Rams (from CLE) – Greg Robinson*, OT, Auburn (6-5, 320)
Jake Long's ACL tear from Dec. 22 has his 2014 viability up in the air, and Rodger Saffold is a free agent.
5. Oakland Raiders – Blake Bortles*, QB, UCF (6-3, 230)
The Raiders badly need a QB, so they'd presumably be glad to see Bortles fall to the fifth pick.
6. Atlanta Falcons – Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M (6-5, 305)
The Atlanta defense needs lots of work, but the team's success will still most closely correlate with the success of QB Matt Ryan. He'll need better blocking to get where the team needs him to be.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sammy Watkins*, WR, Clemson (6-1, 205)
With the physicality of Roddy White and the burning speed of Torrey Smith, Watkins is a clear candidate to emerge as one of the league's elite WRs early on in his career. Putting him opposite Vincent Jackson would make the Tampa offense surprisingly intimidating.
8. Minnesota Vikings – Anthony Barr, DE, UCLA (6-4, 250)
Everson Griffen and Jared Allen both could walk in free agency. As a clear top prospect on the edge, Barr would be tough to pass on here.
9. Buffalo Bills – Jace Amaro*, TE, Texas Tech (6-5, 260)
Amaro has the athleticism and receiving skills that might compare to those of a young Jeremy Shockey. Although the Bills have a promising crew of pass catchers at WR, none of them is particularly big.
10. Detroit Lions – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix*, S, Alabama (6-1, 210)
It's time for Detroit to move past the Louis Delmas experiment.
11. Tennessee Titans – Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo (6-3, 250)
Relying on Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley has not yielded an impressive pass rush for the Titans. Mack could turn things around for them.
12. New York Giants – David Yankey*, G/OT, Stanford (6-5, 315)
The Giants have a lot of money tied up in tackles Justin Pugh and William Beatty, but the interior offensive line is problematic to the point that it demands immediate investment.
13. St. Louis Rams – Kelvin Benjamin*, WR, Florida State (6-5, 235)
The Rams know that Sam Bradford's 2013 production wasn't good enough to make a playoff push, so adding a big target like Benjamin is the next logical pursuit as they continue attempting to set up Bradford for success.
14. Chicago Bears – Louis Nix*, DT, Notre Dame (6-2, 350)
Chicago's historically bad 2013 run defense would likely evaporate with the selection of Nix.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cyrus Kouandjio*, OT, Alabama (6-5, 310)
Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert just aren't good enough. Ben Roethlisberger went down 42 times in 2013, which was seventh most in the league.
16. Baltimore Ravens – Marqise Lee*, WR, USC (6-0, 195)
Mike Evans could be a target here for Baltimore, but Lee figures to run a fair amount better in timed workouts.
17. Dallas Cowboys – Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota (6-6, 310)
The extent to which Dallas lacks talent at defensive tackle can barely be overstated. Hageman is a standout athlete who should appeal to Dallas after posting 13 tackles for loss in 2013.
18. New York Jets – Eric Ebron*, TE, North Carolina (6-4, 245)
Geno Smith had a very rough rookie year for the Jets, but adding a target like Ebron on short and intermediate routes would likely reduce Smith's risk-taking impulses.
19. Miami Dolphins – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan (6-7, 310)
Ryan Tannehill was sacked a league-high 58 times in 2013. The Dolphins need to fix things immediately or they'll risk overtaxing their franchise QB.
20. Arizona Cardinals – Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State (6-3, 220)
Even if they don't necessarily see QB as a need coming off a 10-6 season with Carson Palmer as starter, the Cardinals would have a tough time passing on Carr here.
21. Green Bay Packers – C.J. Mosley, (3-4) ILB, Alabama (6-2, 235)
Although they'd probably prefer an impact OLB or safety, the Packers couldn't really pass on Mosley if he fell this far. He's skilled enough to be the team's second- or third-best defender right away.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Smith, (3-4) OLB, Louisville (6-3, 250)
Smith is under the radar right now, but we expect that to change in a big way. He posted 14.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss in 13 games for Louisville this year, and he sometimes looks DB-like when dropping into coverage.
23. San Francisco 49ers (from KC) – Mike Evans*, WR, Texas A&M (6-5, 225)
If Evans were to fall this far, the 49ers would have plenty of reason to use their stockpile of draft picks to move up and snag him. Anquan Boldin was very good this year, but at age 33 he's liable to see his effectiveness drop off a cliff with little or no notice. Evans would be the team's third WR in 2014 and the eventual starter opposite Michael Crabtree.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State (6-0, 200)
Terence Newman will be 36 in September, and it's fair to wonder whether Leon Hall will play again after suffering his second Achilles' tendon tear in October. Gilbert is one of the CBs who best project to man coverage in this draft.
25. San Diego Chargers – Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State (5-11, 200)
Dennard is almost unanimously projected to go much higher than this, but we're still skeptical that he has the man coverage skills that are generally demanded of a top-20 CB pick. San Diego would in any case have an obvious use for him here.
26. Cleveland Browns (from IND) – Odell Beckham*, WR, LSU (5-11, 195)
Beckham is an explosive, strong receiver well worth a pick sooner than this. The Browns would have an excellent to complement to Josh Gordon if Beckham fell this far.
27. New Orleans Saints – Kyle Van Noy, (3-4) ILB, BYU (6-3, 245)
Van Noy's lack of standout length might make him more of an ILB for Rob Ryan's 3-4 than an OLB, but he can contribute at both spots. An upgrade over David Hawthorne and a pass-rushing complement to Junior Galette would be useful.
28. Carolina Panthers – Jarvis Landry*, WR, LSU (6-0, 195)
Unlike current Panther and LSU product Brandon LaFell, Landry can actually provide a playmaking threat at receiver. The Panthers need to stop ignoring this position.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (from NE) – Brett Smith*, QB, Wyoming (6-2, 210)
If the Jaguars miss out on Johnny Manziel at the top of the draft, they could find a nice consolation prize later on with Smith. Like Manziel, Smith is a dual-threat QB who shows a lot of toughness and competitiveness.
30. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF) – Calvin Pryor*, S, Louisville (6-2, 210)
Eric Berry is locked in at one safety spot, but free agent Kendrick Lewis is worth upgrading at the other spot.
31. Denver Broncos – Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt (6-3, 205)
Matthews would be much cheaper than Eric Decker would be as a free agent, and he wouldn't necessarily be much less productive.
32. Seattle Seahawks – Timmy Jernigan*, DT, Florida State (6-2, 300)
The Seahawks don't really need a defensive tackle, but they've shown a willingness to stockpile talented players in the front seven. By Best Player Available logic, Jernigan is an obviously worthwhile pick here.
2nd Round
33. Houston Texans – Zack Martin, G/OT, Notre Dame (6-4, 310)
Martin would give Houston a potential option at right tackle and could replace Wade Smith at guard otherwise.
34. Washington Redskins – Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas
Swanson would be a significant upgrade over Will Montgomery, and Washington figures to have Center Envy after Dallas saw a strong rookie year from Travis Frederick.
35. St. Louis Rams (from CLE) – Bradley Roby*, CB, Ohio State (5-11, 190)
The Rams have shown a willingness to gamble on inconsistent but athletically talented defenders high in the draft, and corner is a need with Cortland Finnegan failing miserably in 2013.
36. Oakland Raiders – Austin Seferian-Jenkins*, TE, Washington (6-6, 275)
ASJ would give Bortles a valuable big target on a team that otherwise lacks one, and the big tight end could also aid the team's poor blocking from last year.
37. Atlanta Falcons – Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford (6-6, 260)
Murphy has the DE-OLB versatility that should appeal to a defensive coordinator like Mike Nolan, who isn't fully committed to one front or another.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kony Ealy*, DE, Missouri (6-5, 275)
The Buccaneers are just about done with Da'Quan Bowers, and starting Daniel Te'o-Nesheim three years in a row is beyond absurd.
39. New England Patriots (from JAC) – Troy Niklas*, TE, Notre Dame (6-6, 270)
Although some recruiting services identified Niklas as a tackle coming out of high school, the big tight end showed surprising big-play ability as Tyler Eifert's replacement this year. He caught 32 passes for 498 yards (15.6 YPC) and five scores in 2013.
40. Minnesota Vikings – Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU (6-5, 235)
As a huge quarterback with a cannon-like arm, Mettenberger is a sharp contrast to Christian Ponder. He'd likely miss at least the first six weeks due to a late-season ACL tear, but the Vikings could probably turn to him in the season's second half.
41. Buffalo Bills – Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State (6-1, 215)
This pick would likely be a possibility only if the Bills let Jairus Byrd walk in free agency. If Byrd does sign elsewhere, though, safety would become a top need for Buffalo.
42. Tennessee Titans – David Fales, QB, San Jose State (6-2, 220)
Fales tends to catch criticism due to his lack of arm strength and throwing velocity, but Kurt Warner was never known for either of those things. New coach Ken Whisenhunt probably remembers.
43. New York Giants – Ryan Shazier*, OLB, Ohio State (6-2, 230)
The Giants like rangy linebackers, and Shazier's speed would provide the team with more blitz and coverage flexibility.
44. Cleveland Browns (from STL) – Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (6-0, 195)
Fuller has the size to project as an outside CB in the NFL, which the Browns need to add in this draft or free agency, lest they rely on burn-prone Buster Skrine once again.
45. Detroit Lions – Allen Robinson*, WR, Penn State (6-3, 210)
The Lions can't count on an impact from Ryan Broyles, and Kris Durham isn't a serious solution. Robinson would give Detroit a good outside WR complement if they choose to keep using Nate Burleson in the slot.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State (5-11, 200)
Brooks was a very active defender for the Seminoles this year, so if he times well it's hard to see him falling out of the second round. The Steelers need to get rid of Will Allen, in any case.
47. Baltimore Ravens – C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa (6-6, 265)
Snagging Fiedorowicz would serve a few purposes. One is that it will improve the team's run blocking, which should be a top priority for the Ravens. Another is that it will leave Dennis Pitta free to run more routes, which is where he excels. The third is that it would provide Joe Flacco with a truly big target, which is something the Baltimore offense mostly lacks.
48. Dallas Cowboys – Brandin Cooks*, WR, Oregon State (5-10, 190)
It might look like a luxury pick for Dallas, but the team's use of three-WR sets actually leaves them in pretty serious need of a third wideout. Cooks' suddenness would be dangerous alongside the size and vertical skill sets of Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams.
49. New York Jets – Xavier Su'a-Filo*, G, UCLA (6-3, 305)
Brian Winters and Vladimir Ducasse were disasters at guard last year, and the Jets need to load up on help for Geno Smith if they aren't going to find his replacement.
50. Miami Dolphins – Tre Mason*, RB, Auburn (5-9, 205)
Lamar Miller might not be the answer for Miami, and Daniel Thomas definitely isn't it. Mason offers the between-the-tackle running Miller seems to lack as a speed back.
51. Chicago Bears – Jason Verrett, CB, TCU (5-10, 180)
Verrett's lack of size could push him down the draft order a bit, even behind corners he outplayed in college. Chicago needs to think about replacing Charles Tillman.
52. Arizona Cardinals – Devonta Freeman*, RB, Florida State (5-8, 205)
Rashard Mendenhall's average of 3.2 YPC from 2013 isn't acceptable. Freeman would give the Cardinals between-the-tackles toughness while Andre Ellington continues serving as a part-time big-play specialist.
53. Green Bay Packers – Stephon Tuitt*, (3-4) DE, Notre Dame (6-6, 310)
Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji are free agents, and young ends like Jerel Worthy and Datone Jones have disappointed.
54. Philadelphia Eagles - De'Anthony Thomas*, WR/RB, Oregon (5-9, 170)
The Eagles passing game tended to either throw very short passes or very long passes. Wideouts De'Sean Jackson and Riley Cooper are very good at the latter, but not so much on the former. Thomas would give the Eagles a legitimate YAC threat on shorter routes and sweep handoffs.
55. Cincinnati Bengals – Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State (6-0, 235)
Cutting BenJarvus Green-Ellis and splitting his touches between Gio Bernard and a talented rookie like Hyde would make the Cincinnati offense much more explosive.
56. San Francisco 49ers (from KC) – Will Sutton, (3-4) DL, Arizona State (6-0, 305)
Although he's not a traditional fit for a 3-4 team, Sutton has enough disruptiveness to him for coach Jim Harbaugh to find him a role.
57. San Diego Chargers – Brandon Coleman*, WR, Rutgers (6-5, 220)
The Chargers could use a deep threat to complement Keenan Allen's physical intermediate game. As one of the draft's biggest receivers, Coleman fits the tall wideout blueprint that seems to suit Philip Rivers well.
58. New Orleans Saints – Lache Seastrunk*, RB, Baylor (5-9, 210)
The Saints have for too long lacked a big-play threat from the traditional RB position. If Seastrunk demonstrates the ability to catch the ball in workouts, he'd be an enormous source of explosiveness for the Saints.
59. Indianapolis Colts – Ka'Deem Carey*, RB, Arizona (5-10, 210)
If the Colts let Donald Brown walk in free agency, snagging Carey here would be an excellent and cheap replacement. Carey's slippery running and ability to catch the ball would be a reassuring presence while the Colts cross their fingers and hope the light turns on for Trent Richardson.
60. Carolina Panthers – Davante Adams*, WR, Fresno State (6-2, 220)
A DB like Lamarcus Joyner would make a lot of sense here, but the Panthers have neglected WR for so long that picking two in a row for this draft is entirely appropriate.
61. San Francisco 49ers – Dominique Easley, (3-4) DL, Florida (6-2, 285)
Easley would be a potential top-15 pick if not for a late-September ACL tear. The 49ers have shown a willingness to take other redshirt players like Cornellius Carradine and Marcus Lattimore.
62. New England Patriots – Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh (6-0, 285)
Like Sutton and Easley, Donald is a short tackle who doesn't fit the prototype but was simply dominant in college. The New England interior line is a bit weak.
63. Denver Broncos – Lamarcus Joyner, DB, Florida State (5-8, 190)
Chris Harris' ACL tear and a general lack of depth at both corner and safety would make Joyner appealing to Denver. He can play both spots.
64. Seattle Seahawks – Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor (6-5, 340)
The Seahawks generally haven't seen good results from linemen not named Russell Okung or Max Unger. Richardson would provide a major anchor boost at guard.
