2014 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers Select WR Mike Evans In Combine Aftermath
By Matt Shetler
17. Baltimore Ravens
Player Name: Taylor Lewan
Position, School: OT, Michigan
Starting tackles Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher are ticketed for free agency. Even if the Ravens manage to re-sign one, they’ll probably need to draft another to protect Joe Flacco. Lewin is a prototypical left tackle who has the strength and long arms needed to hold the edge and protect Flacco’s blindside.
Nov 9, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) before the game against the California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
18. New York Jets
Player Name: Marqise Lee
Position, School: WR, USC
I have a feeling the Jets would love Ebron to fall here, but they need to get a playmaker for Geno Smith regardless and Lee is the best one on the board right now. While Lee isn’t the biggest or most physical receiver, he has the ability to dominate. The junior is extremely fast and can burn defenses with speed that is too difficult to cover. He also is a very polished route runner and would be a great value pick here.
19. Miami Dolphins
Player Name: Zack Martin
Position, School: OL, Notre Dame
The Dolphins need to upgrade on the offensive line and Martin is a good fit coming off an outstanding Senior Bowl. He has short arms but could be used at left tackle, but even if not he could be a stud guard for years.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Player Name: Louis Nix III
Position, School: DT, Notre Dame
Bruce Arians’ Cardinals were a surprise last season and to build on that they could target the offensive or defensive line. Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio is a possibility, but I like the Cards to look on the defensive line here. Darnell Dockett is 33 and no longer the pass-rusher he once was, and Arizona lacks a long-term replacement for him. Nix is a steal this late.
21. Green Bay Packers
Player Name: Ra’shede Hageman
Position, School: DT, Minnesota
Hageman didn’t dominate while at Minnesota, but he has the physical tools to dominate at any level. The Packers must add strength in the trenches, andHageman’s potential makes him a worthy selection. The Packers spent last year’s first-round pick on a defensive lineman, but that doesn’t mean they won’t do so again, especially with the fact that B.J. Raji happens to be a free agent.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Player Name: Calvin Pryor
Position, School: S, Louisville
Philadelphia’s defense was terrible for many reasons, one of which is the safety position. Nate Allen is an impending free agent and Patrick Chung is terrible. Pryor’s fierce hitting style and aggressive coverage tendencies are perfect for the Philadelphia defense. More importantly he fills a huge need.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Player Name: Kelvin Benjamin
Position, School: WR, Florida State
The Chiefs need a weapon opposite Dwayne Bowe and get a steal here with the tall and fast Benjamin. The Florida State product is a huge target that could make Alex Smith and the Kansas City offense potent.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Player Name: : C.J. Mosely
Position, School: LB, Alabama
The Bengals have other more pressing needs, but they can afford to take the best player on the board here. 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.