2014 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Oklahoma State CB Justin Gilbert
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.
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
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.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)
Player Name: Marqise Lee
Position, School: WR, USC
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 Lee, who has the tools to be a star.
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.
Paired with Josh Gordon, the Browns could develop some weapons rather quickly.
27. New Orleans Saints
Player Name: Ryan Shazier
Position, School: LB, Ohio State
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.
Shazier is a disruptive defender capable of wreaking havoc off the edges as a pass rusher. He’s a guy that always seems to play faster than everyone else on the field and could be a nice fit in New Orleans.
28. Carolina Panthers
Player Name: Kelvin Benjamin
Position, School: WR, Florida State
The need for an offensive tackle is here, but the departure of Steve Smith leaves the Panthers in a spot needing to get Cam Newton another weapon.
The Florida State product is a huge target that could add another dimension for Newton and the Carolina offense.