2014 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Oklahoma State CB Justin Gilbert
By Matt Shetler
With the 2014 NFL Draft just a mere days away, it’s time to take a look at another one of my mock drafts.
Unlike some drafts in the past, this one really has a lot of unpredictability about it as from the first pick on down to the final pick, anything can happen as nothing appears to be set in stone.
Nov 16, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) leaves the field following their 19-14 win over the Florida Gators at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
With the depth in this draft I expect to see a lot of movement in the first round.
With that being said let’s get right into it as the Houston Texans are on the clock.
1. Houston Texans
Player Name: Jadeveon Clowney
Position, School: DE, South Carolina
The Texans need a franchise signal caller and in a draft that is top heavy at the position it makes sense for new head coach Bill O’Brien to target his quarterback of the future. However with none of the quarterbacks separating themselves and worthy of the No. 1 pick, I expect the Texans to take the best player on the board if they can’t move out of the spot.
That guy is Clowney.
Clowney that has the rare blend of speed, strength and potential rarely seen in a prospect will turn out to be a steal. It is not often that a Lawrence Taylor-type of prospect is on the board and Clowney is that rare type of player. If the Texans stay at No. 1, the pick is easy.
2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
Player Name: Greg Robinson
Position, School: OT, Auburn
If the Rams stay here they can go multiple directions, including Buffalo’s Khalil Mack. However I look for them to make the safe pick in Robinson.
Aside from perhaps Clowney, Robinson is the most physically impressive prospect in this class. His performance at the Combine was outstanding and his stock is way up. St. Louis needs to get more physical in the offensive trenches, and Robinson will certainly help with that. It doesn’t hurt that he possibly has more upside than anyone else in the draft.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Player Name: Sammy Watkins
Position, School: WR, Clemson
With Clowney off the board, the Jaguars could use a quarterback here or just take the best player on the board. To me the decision comes down to Mack or Watkins.
Jacksonville needs a playmaker in the worst way with Justin Blackmon’s troubles. I think they will take the best player at what is probably at a position of need, and I like the Watkins fit. Watkins gives them a dynamic talent, a player who really can help any quarterback. Given the uncertain future of Blackmon, they could use Watkins’ size and speed combination.
4. Cleveland Browns
Player Name: Johnny Manziel
Position, School: QB, Texas A&M
With Watkins off the board I think the Browns go quarterback here. If Watkins were still in play I could see them taking the playmaker and grabbing their quarterback later in the first round.
The pick comes down to Manziel or Derek Carr. At the minimum, Manziel will at least add a jolt of excitement to a franchise that hasn’t had any excitement to speak of in years. There were rave reviews about Manziel after his pro day, so he won’t likely make it past this spot.