2014 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers Select WR Mike Evans In Combine Aftermath
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) against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half 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: Dee Ford
Position, School: DE, Auburn
The Saints made the transition to a 3-4 defense quite successfully this past season under Rob Ryan, but rushing the passer was still a weakness. Ford has made a name for himself because of his quick burst off the snap along with his constant aggressiveness and high motor and had a great Senior Bowl. He is flexible enough to get low and beat offensive tackles, making him a great prospect at rush linebacker for the Saints in that 3-4 scheme.
28. Carolina Panthers
Player Name: Antonio Richardson
Position, School: OT, Tennessee
Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio would be the ideal pick here for the Panthers as protecting Cam Newton needs to be a priority. However there are concerns over a failed physical of Kouandjio at the Combine, which makes Richardson a safer pick. Jordan Gross is a free agent this season. He has said he’ll only play for Carolina, but he also discussed retirement. Even if he comes back, the Panthers will need to think about bringing in a long-term solution at left tackle. Richardson is one of the biggest linemen in the draft at at 6’6” and 336 pounds. While he’s a solid pass blocker, Richardson is an even more effective run blocker. He would be a nice fit with the Panthers.
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: Marcus Roberson
Position, School: CB, Florida
San Francisco’s group of cornerbacks isn’t very strong, as Carlos Rogers has declined at age 32. Roberson has nice size and length at 6’0” and 191 pounds. He has solid ball skills and is very aggressive. He’s not the fastest or biggest defensive back, but Roberson knows how to use his length to his advantage and can become a solid FL playmaker.
31. Denver Broncos
Player Name: Kony Ealy
Position, School: DE, Missouri
The Tigers have produced several stellar defensive linemen in recent years (Aldon Smith, Sheldon Richardson), and Ealy could be the next of the bunch. One of the Broncos biggest problems is their pass rush. Ealy has the length, power and speed and could wreak havoc on the AFC West for years to come.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Player Name: Timmy Jernigan
Position, School: DT, Florida State
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 Jernigan also fills a need. Jernigan’s play was inconsistent at times during the season, but his play in the national championship game has his stock rising and he could turn into a steal here for the Seahawks.