2014 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers select Kyle Fuller in final mock
By Matt Shetler
9. Buffalo Bills
Player Name: Jake Matthews
Position, School: OT, Texas A&M
The rise of Robinson and Lewan 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.
Dec 7, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darqueze Dennard (31) reacts after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Big 10 Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Michigan State defeats Ohio State 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
10. Detroit Lions
Player Name: Darqueze Dennard
Position, School: CB, Michigan State
The Lions could look at a wide receiver or tight end here, but cornerback and safety are the two biggest needs for Detroit right now.
That being said, they take the top corner on the board and get a good one in Dennard, who is very physical in run support and looked like a true shutdown corner at various points during the 2013 season.
He’s a pick that make sense and fills a huge need 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 decent in coverage, although he could stand to improve there some. The Titans can’t go wrong with this pick.
The temptation to take Bortles is here but I like the upside of Barr and he makes some sense for the Titans here.
12. New York Giants
Player Name: Eric Ebron
Position, School: TE, North Carolina
The Giants have a need on the defensive line but with Donald off the board, there is a huge drop off between him and the next best DT.
They also could beef up on the offensive line, but with the top three tackles already off the board, the G-Men elect to get Eli Manning a weapon.
New York could use a tight end and Ebron is an athletic guy 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. Ebron is a Vernon Davis clone who could do big things in the Big Apple.