2014 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Mock has Pittsburgh Steelers looking WR
By Matt Shetler
25. San Diego Chargers
Player Name: Jason Verrett
Position, School: CB, TCU
The Chargers need to upgrade the cornerback position badly as they simply cannot go into 2014 with Richard Marshall and Shareece Wright as its starters. Verrett isn’t the biggest cornerback on the board but he makes up for that with physical play against the run and in coverage. Verrett has the man-coverage skills teams are in love with, and he brings the hands and range to be a turnover machine at the cornerback position.
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) runs with the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)
Player Name: Odell Beckham
Position, School: WR, LSU
The Browns got their quarterback earlier, now they have to find a running back and wide receiver to pair with him. There is much more value at the WR spot here so I like the Browns going with the sure-handed Beckham. He has the speed to make plays after the catch and paired with Josh Gordon, the Browns could develop some weapons.
27. New Orleans Saints
Player Name: C.J. Mosely
Position, School: ILB, Alabama
The Saints have gone defense with their top pick the past six drafts and that number will reach seven with the selection of Mosely. The Saints biggest need is sped off the edge so Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier or Auburn’s Dee Ford could make more sense here, but the opportunity to add a linebacker the quality of Mosely will pay dividends down the road. Mosely is a great athlete, tackling machine and the best player left on the board.
28. Carolina Panthers
Player Name: Calvin Pryor
Position, School: S, Louisville
Carolina’s secondary could be decimated by free agency so targeting a safety like Pryor makes a lot of sense. Pryor’s fierce hitting style and aggressive coverage tendencies are perfect for the Carolina defense. More importantly he fills a huge need.
29. New England Patriots
Player Name: Jace Amaro
Position, School: TE, Texas Tech
With Aaron Hernandez sitting in prison and Rob Gronkowski coming off a serious knee injury, the once New England potent double tight end set is down to next to nothing. They can get back to that by selecting Amaro. He moves like a slot wide receiver but has the size and strength to make plays over the middle of the field. Amaro is exactly type of safety blanket that Tom Brady loves.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Player Name: Kelvin Benjamin
Position, School: WR, Florida State
The 49ers could use another talented wide receiver whether or not they re-sign Anquan Boldin or not. Benjamin is a steal here as a huge target that will make the San Francisco offense even more potent.
31. Denver Broncos
Player Name: Ryan Shazier
Position, School: LB, Ohio State
The Denver defense couldn’t get off the field during the Super Bowl so it as an obvious area to target. Shazier has one of the best first steps in college football and performed well as a stand-up rusher for the Buckeyes in the last three years. His quickness and eye for the ball will be a great addition for the Broncos’ defense.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Player Name: Ra’shede Hageman
Position, School: DT, Minnesota
The Super Bowl champs look like a team with very few needs, but with free agency coming up, there could be some holes created on the defensive line. They have a tendency to select the best available player on the board and fortunately Hageman also fills a need. He is versatile and can fit into any scheme. Hageman was a monster for Minnesota this past year and should fit in nicely to an already dominant Seattle defense.