2014 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers Select WR Mike Evans In Combine Aftermath
By Matt Shetler
9. Buffalo Bills
Player Name: Jake Matthews
Position, School: OT, Texas A&M
The rise of Robinson is good news for the Bills as they get a tackle in Matthews that can start on either side right away. Matthews played right tackle for two seasons at Texas A&M while Luke Joeckel held down the blind side. It’s that versatility that makes this blue-chip prospect so intriguing as he could step in right away and play on either side.
Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) intercepts a pass and runs up the field during the game against the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
10. Detroit Lions
Player Name: Justin Gilbert
Position, School: CB, Oklahoma State
The Lions could look at a wide receiver here, but the need at corner is there also and Gilbert is too talented to pass on. He’s big at 6’0″ and 200 pounds but also plays with the closing speed to attack the ball. Gilbert could become a No.1 corner early in his career and is a safe pick here for the Lions.
11. Tennessee Titans
Player Name: Anthony Barr
Position, School: LB, UCLA
Barr is an outstanding athlete who will fit very nicely into new Titans’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt‘s 3-4 scheme. He played defense for the first time in 2012, after being a former running back, and made an instant impact, recording 13 sacks. He had 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks this past season. Barr has the speed and strength to come off the edge and is also very good in coverage. The Titans can’t go wrong with this pick.
12. New York Giants
Player Name: Eric Ebron
Position, School: TE, North Carolina
The Giants have other needs, most notably on the offensive and defensive lines, but the temptation to take Ebron here could be too great. Ebron is an athletic tight end who excels at working the hashes. He has the speed of a wide receiver in a tight end’s body, and showed improvement as a blocker and route-runner last season. The Giants need to get Eli Manning some weapons and he will love this one. Ebron is a Vernon Davis clone who could do big things in the Big Apple.
13. St. Louis Rams
Player Name: HaHa Clinton-Dix
Position, School: S, Alabama
Sure the Rams could use a wide receiver here, but there is also a big need at safety. Clinton-Dix has the size to be a hitter and the speed to play in coverage. He’s a dynamic three down player who has the talent to excel in any scheme right off the bat.
14. Chicago Bears
Player Name: Darqueze Dennard
Position, School: CB, Michigan State
With Clinton-Dix off the board, the Bears must target either the cornerback spot or the defensive line here. Chicago was able to re-sign Tim Jennings, but Charles Tillman‘s contract is expiring soon. The Bears have to deal with Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford twice per year, so targeting the secondary makes sense.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Player Name: Mike Evans
Position, School: WR, Texas A&M
With Clinton Dix, Gilbert and now Dennard off the board, the Steelers almost have to go wide receiver here, although targeting a nose tackle like Louis Nix is still an option. However if Evans somehow falls to them they really can’t pass on him.
Evans is the big body (6’5″, 225) who the Steelers are looking for and one that would probably flourish in single coverage against second-tier corners. He uses excellent size and ball skills to be a threat all over the field and the Steelers have indicated they will target a tall receiver early and have also indicated their interest in Evans. He will be a great fit for this Steelers offense.
For what it is worth, I have the Steelers taking Florida CB, Loucheiz Purifoy in the second round.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Player Name: Aaron Donald
Position, School: DT, Pitt
Donald had a dominant Senior Bowl and a very good Combine and although he undersized is a very good fit for a Cowboys’ defense that ranked last in the NFL a season ago. Donald might be the perfect addition to a line that’s charged with creating pressure without much blitz help in Dallas’ Tampa-2 scheme. Donald is skyrocketing up draft boards and his quickness and pass-rushing tools are exactly what the Cowboys lacked in 2013.